Wednesday Worship: An All-Star Tribute to James Cleveland

I haven't posted much because I'm working on a single website that will incorporate both this blog and my books blog.  Bringing the many sides of me together in one place.

But I had to post this.  You didn't go to church in the 1970s and 80s and not here at least one James Cleveland song each Sunday morning, whether it was the choir marching into the church on "We've Come This Far By Faith", singing "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus" while marching around to put your offering in the basket, or the altar call selection of "Peace Be Still".

Enjoy this all-star tribute to the songwriting talents of James Cleveland that was performed at this year's Celebration of Gospel:

Note the other videos from the show are beneath this one, and I think the program automatically walks you through them.  So if you like, hang out and enjoy the praise party.

Praise Him!

Peace & Blessings,

Patricia

Wednesday Worship: Speak Lord

There are times when you need the Lord to speak directly into your Spirit--to give direction, to encourage, to remind, even to chastise.

If you find yourself in one of these moments, still yourself and hear His voice.

Speak, Lord!

Worship: I Will Make The Darkness LIght and When Jesus Comes

In 1977, I was 14 years old when a certain album was released.   I wore the grooves off that LP!

I loved the sound, the quality of the singer's voice.  Her range amazed me.  But the words of her songs ministered to my pubescent heart, on the cusp of young womanhood and desperately longing for a real relationship with Jesus.

One of her songs, I Will Make The Darkness Light, popped into my head yesterday as I walked home from my bus.  I could hear every note, every riff, every run, but I couldn't remember her name.

I Googled the song on my phone but kept finding a newer rendition entitled The High Place by LaShun Pace.  Nuh-uh.  I enjoy Ms. Pace, but that's not what my soul longed to hear.

Called my old friend and running buddy, now my sister-in-law.  She remembered the song, but not the rendition I sought.

When I got home, Hubby started Googling.  This thing was going to bother me until I found it.  No luck, but then, minutes before I ran off to an exercise class, I sat down and, using the Google Advanced Search, I found what I sought.

The incomparable Sara Jordan Powell singing I Will Make The Darkness Light:

Here's a second song that I also adored, When Jesus Comes:

These songs encourage me.  They remind me of who Jesus is, what He's capable of, and what He's promised to do.

Enjoy!

Peace & Blessings,

Patricia

Wednesday Worship: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

From the Piano Guys.  Melodically, one of my favorite Christmas hymns.  Hauntingly beautiful.

O come, O come, Emmanuel 

And ransom captive Israel 
That mourns in lonely exile here 
Until the Son of God appear 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

I must confess I have never considered the lyrics as an adult, although I've known them since childhood.  In this day, they seem very political as well as spiritual.  More thought required. I hope you enjoyed.

Peace & Blessings,

Patricia

Wednesday Worship: This Christmas

And this Christmas will be
a very special Christmas for me.

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs, usually the Donnie Hathaway version but I like this one too.

I love the Christmas season. How about you?

Peace & Blessings,

Patricia

Wednesday Worship: God Knows Best

So with everything within me,
I say, "Yes" to thee, O Lord
Even though my faith gets weak,
I'm standing on Your word.
So forgive me, Lord, for doubting You
When Your way I cannot see
Now I rest assured that You know what is best for me.

So let the faint of heart take courage,
Let the weak one say, "I'm strong."
God will exchange gloom for gladness
And your sadness for a song.
Do not cast away your confidence
God will always see you through
He knows just what to do and He knows what is best for you.

I've found great comfort in this song since I first heard it over 20 years ago.  Miller's voice, combined with the lyrics, provides a balm that soothes the deepest of wounds.  And now, when I'm not feeling particularly wounded but simply need a word of encouragement, the words are uplifting and remind me how great God art.

I pray that all the peoples of this earth--in the end, after the fighting, bickering, judging, doubting, denying, hurting, accusing, lying, mistrusting, torturing...after all the horrible things we do to one another--put their faith in God, realizing that He knows best for us all.

Does God know best for you?

Have a safe, happy, healthy, blessed Thanksgiving.

Peace & Blessings,

Patricia

Wednesday Worship: Keep Living

Are you living, really living?

I know that some friends have left have you high and dry
And meeting challenges have left you petrified,
But as long as you still have life and breath
You still have something to do for the Savior.
Keep living because after this is the victory!

Keep living
Through your troubles.
Keep living
Through your pain.
Keep living
Through your worries.
Yes, keep living
God will sustain you.

A number of folks have passed away.  Bills remain.  Dreams are dashed.  Day-to-day is a struggle.  Health is a challenge. 

Maybe you simply don't believe in yourself or you doubt God's love and grace in your life or His ability/willingness to bless you as He has blessed others.

KEEP LIVING!

Peace & Blessings,

Patricia