Names of Jesus: Architect of the Ages
Hymn Story: The Bright Forever
Fanny Crosby wrote “The Bright Forever.” Sometimes it’s referred to by the beginning line “Breaking through the clouds that gather.” Crosby met many distinguished figures in American history, including Henry Clay. She wrote of one encounter with the politician. “When Mr. Clay came to the institution during his last visit to New York, I was selected to welcome him with […]
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Hymn Story: I Am the Resurrection and the Life
“I Am the Resurrection and the Life” comes from John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” The hymn was written by Norman J. Clayton. He was born on January 22, 1903 in Brooklyn, New York. By the age of twelve, he became church organist–a […]
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Book Review: Darwin Finds Freedom
Darwin Finds Freedom Author: Nicole Lisa Schrader Illustrator: H. C. Ward Genre: Children’s book Forced to flee for his life, Darwin searches for the Free Mice from Grandfather’s stories. But will they accept a scaredy-mouse like him? Darwin’s journey to find the Free Mice from Grandfather’s stories introduces him to mountain animals who teach him about the King of all Creatures […]
Read moreHymn Story: Out of the Depths I Cry to You
Out of the Depths I Cry to You is inspired by Psalm 130. The hymn was written by reformer Martin Luther. Luther was born in 1483, became an Augustinian monk in 1505 and ordained priest in 1507. He published his 95 Theses in 1517, attended the Diet of Worms in 1521 and translated the Bible into German from 1521-1534. He […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Immanuel
Hymn Story: Praise, Praise His Name
Praise, Praise His Name was written by Fanny Crosby. The hymn is often referred to by its first line “On the desert mountain straying.” Crosby became blind at a very young age but became a prolific hymnwriter. After finishing her education, she became a teacher at the New York Institution for the Blind in 1847. She taught English grammar, rhetoric, […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Door to the Sheep
Song Story: It took a Miracle
John W. Peterson wrote the hymn “It Took a Miracle” in 1948. Peterson was born on November 1, 1921 and died on September 20, 2006. He wrote over 1,000 songs and thirty-five cantatas throughout the course of his career. Some of this best-known hymns include “Heaven Came Down,” “Jesus is Coming Again,” and “Over the Sunset Mountains.” Performers such as […]
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Song Story: My God and I
George Beverly Shea released “My God and I” in 1959 on the album “In the Garden.” I’ve been unable to find any additional information about who the composer of this song is.
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Song Story: If You Know the Lord
George Beverly Shea performed the song “If You Know the Lord.” He released the song in 1954. The song was written by Bickley Reichner (1905-1989). I’ve been able to find no additional information on the composer. Shea served as the vocalists for specials at the Billy Graham Crusades. He died in 2013 at the age of 104.
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Hymn Story: All That Thrills My Soul is Jesus
“All that Thrills My Soul is Jesus” was written by Thoro Harris. Harris was born on March 31, 1874 in Washington, D.C. He produced is first hymnal in 1902 while living in Boston, MA. Throughout his life he composed and compiled numerous works and became known for walking around Chicago (where he’d moved) to sell books from canvas bags he […]
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Book Review: In This Moment
Gabrielle Meyer has another hit with her newest release “In This Moment.” If you enjoyed “When the Day Comes” you’ll love this book. Maggie lives three separate lives. In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy […]
Read moreHymn Story: Rise Up, O Men of God
William Pierson Merrill wrote “Rise up, O Men of God!” in 1911. Merrill was born on January 10, 1867 in Orange, New Jersey. He was ordained in 1890 and attended seminary working his way up to a Doctor of Divinity in 1904. Throughout this time he served several churches and met his wife at one of them. He married Clara […]
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