SONGS OF MY HEART - I WILL SING HALLELUJAH

For all of my life I will praise the Lord, I will sing Hallelujah for He has supplied my every need. As I look around at the mountains and all the beauty that surround Bellingham, Wa I can't help but praise Him. As I kneel in prayer and thank Him for my family, of keeping them through the years, even through my idocy-I thank Him. As I review the past year, and see how He has kept me, provided for me, and comforted me through some VERY hard times, I can't help but praise Him. Even as I realize the joy He has put in my heart on a daily basis, it's a wondrous thought of His goodness. As I think about how He has made provisions in my life, even this past month,  I can't help but sing Hallelujah!

At this age I'm beginning to realize that what I don't have is maybe not quite the time, or I didn't need it as bad as I thought I did. Hindsight is profitable when its paid attention to and thought about. There are some things I asked the Lord for, and instead of giving me what I asked for, He gave me solutions. Solutions that involved other people, so they could see His working, and God gets the glory. There are things I asked the Lord for, that in the passage of time, I had to SHOUT "Thank YOU JESUS,"  You didn't give me that, or take me there. His faithfulness does not fail, and He knows just what we can and cannot bear.

Hills and valley's, level plains (same-o, same-o, the mundane, quiet times), we all will experience in our lifetimes. What will we do with them, through them? Food, clothing and shelter, He has given us. I will Thank Him for today, and thank Him for the name of Jesus, I will thank Him for the cross, and the blood He shed for me. Jesus, the source and supply of my life. I will praise and lift Him High.

Songs Of My Heart - HEAVEN IS THE PLACE I WANT TO BE

Gospel, spirituals, jazz, country, and blue grass; I thank God that He gave me songs. 2009 is gone on bye, and we've entered into a new adventure for 2010. Christmas Eve night my pastor, Baron Miller talked about the bitter and the sweet of the past year. So as I started writing my thoughts two weeks ago, I've been doing more reflecting and prayer about the past and future. I've spent a lot of time asking the LORD for stuff, even spiritual stuff. But what I've really wanted, and he has granted my request is to be used by Him. I want to live so that God can use me, I want to walk in His presence and feel His tender touch, and be guided by His Holy Spirit.

This year He allowed me setbacks in ministry (getting my pastoral license), which was a good thing. Not getting it when I first applied took me into further study of the Bible, my relationship with people and Christ, and His with me and His people. Not getting my license caused me to really think about the why's and the costs of my decision to pursue ministry, and follow His leading. I did get it on the second try. Failure lead to more growth.

2009 has been a year of acomplishment; I finished my second book, "Lord, Take Me Back." It's being edited. My third book (Poetry) is almost done, "Somebody Prayed For Me." He has allowed a very special friendship to form with Pastors Anthony and Christina Westbrook, who brought me back to an old love - teaching, doing workshops for women. With Christina, we've seen the The Bellingham Community Gospel Choir continue to grow, and the gospel be spread through music. This year, I've been able to minister with people from various churches throughout Washington, and from different countries (Canada, Africa and Japan).

2009 has not been without its devastating moments. Sickness struck my family in a big way; my mom, gramma, son, the deaths of folks at the nursing home who were there in 2001 when I first came out here, and the death of my best friend for over 50 years. Sickness in my own body, finances and financial opportunities have come and gone. Yet through it all, I have seen His love well up in the hearts of those who love and trust Him, and God has given me a song to sing and a sermon to teach in every situation.

I'm learning not to take this life for granted. I'm grateful for the people He has put in my life this year; men and women, young and old, acros the nation. Some of these people we've never met, but we are family just the same, who love the Lord, and they also are learning to grow in Him, trust Him more. I'm grateful for the relationships I have with non-believers, and always praying that one day they too will not only seek but receive Jesus who lives in me.

Whatever 2010 brings I know Jesus will be with me, I know I will have a song to sing, and I know that the end result of my praying, singing, teaching and preaching is to win souls for the Kingdom, to one day be gathered in Heaven, hearing Him say to each of us, "Well done my good and faithful servant." In 2010 I will say and sing with my whole heart, "Where He leads me I will follow."

Songs Of My Heart - WHAT GOD HAS FOR ME, IT IS FOR ME

A simple song with a powerful message. Don't sweat the small stuff, God has got me covered and whatever His plans are for me, will come to me. Some of you know I have been job searching. Well I interviewed last month for the perfect job, that would allow me to combine all the talents (art, writing, singing, etc), administrative gifts, and the ministry all together. Wow, what an opportunity. As it came down I was in the top two for over two weeks - tight. But toward the end of last week, the Lord took all my anxiousness about this away, and this song has been in my heart, even as I awake in the morning, "What God has for me, it is for me."

For the last two years, I've been on another journey of trusting the Lord. As I went into retirement, I felt I would be alright financially, and I really needed the time to spend in the Word, and doing my community responsibilities as a pastor. Things have become real tight with the money, and my frustration level began to rise at not finding a position. Plus, all my drawing, painting, beadworking, cooking skills appeared to be going to waste - What's up with that God? Last week He gave me such a sense of peace about where I was, and where He was leading me. I knew in my heart I didn't have the job, but what He has been doing, and the ministers He has brought into my life over this past month has been phenomenal. All of them, unrelated to each other, with the same encouraging message of God's working in my life, and will use these gifts as He has placed me to minister.

There are still times in my life where I try to reason out what my next step should be, instead of allowing the Lord to order my steps. As much as I tell others, wait on the Lord; trust Him to lead you, there are times I need to preach this same message right back to me. When we put our trust in God's plans for us, and really learn to rest in Him, we don't have to worry, fret or cry, or become jealous of others for getting what we think we deserve. He said, He has a plan and a purpose for us. I don't know about y'all, but learning to lean ain't always easy.

Yesterday I learned I didn't have the job, and I was so peaceful. Working it, would have placed me back to 40 hours, cutting back on ministry duties. But, the manager went on to tell me they have another position coming open, that would be part-time. When they said, "Would you be interested in this,"My heart cried out, "What God Has For Me, It Is For Me."

Songs Of My Heart - SATISFIED WITH JESUS

Satisfied with Jesus link would not come up. Go to You Tube, Dr. James H. Tucker, Satisfied with Jesus. It will bless your soul.

Sometimes I just have to go back home.

Sometimes, I have to refresh the memories of my heart, of the old folks who encouraged me on with their simple songs like these two, "Satisfied With Jesus" or "I Thank You Jesus."

Sometimes, like this morning I just have to stop and say, Thank You Jesus, my soul is satisfied. Thank You Jesus, You're here today. Whatever happens on today, the world and all of its trials cannot make me doubt You, I know too much about You, and my soul is satisfied with You. They sang with the conviction of years of leaning and depending on Jesus. They sang with the knowledge that there is only one who saves, only one they can call on and know He will answer, only one who can do them like no other. They would throw back their head or sometimes even, bend their heads in their laps and sing like nobody was there but Jesus. The old folks would add in

I thank You, thank You Jesus
I thank You, than You Jesus
I thank You, thank You Jesus in my soul

I thank You, thank You Jesus
I thank You, thank You Jesus
I thank You, thank You Jesus in my soul

I feel the fire burnin'
I feel the fire burnin'
I feel the fire burnin' in my soul

I feel the fire burnin'
I feel the fire burnin'
I feel the fire burnin' in my soul

It burns like the love of Jesus
It burns like the love of Jesus
It burns like the love of Jesus in my soul
Oh, it burns like the love of Jesus
It burns like the love of Jesus
It burns like the love of Jesus in my soul

The tune would catch and somebodyelse would add something else to it, and before you knew it the song turned into a history of livin' - Ya Lord!!

This morning before I left for work I just couldn't let go. I sang these two songs getting ready for work, driving to and in between jobs. My car was filled with worship as these songs penetrated my heart. It's so good to feel the fire of His presence, and be assured in His love - Ya LORD!!!!

Songs Of My Heart - IN THE NAME OF JESUS

I love this song. Today it brings to mind how we have, throughout history, used this phrase "In the name of Jesus." Wars have been fought, much blood loss, lives destroyed, people burned at the stake, victories won, addictions broken, families restored, and many have willingly surrendered their lives in their refusal to reject - The name of Jesus.

So today I was thinking (hmmm), What do I do in the name of Jesus, how do I want my life to be projected in the name of Jesus, but more importantly, how does He see me living in His name?

I cannot live just to represent myself, but I must always be me. There are and have been times in my life where I have supposedly given up some of the relevant stuff to follow after Him and His will. Going to Mississippi from Seattle was one of those times. I had accomplished much, and was secure in me. People in my field of work, in several different states, knew who I was, I was full of me. When I got to Mississippi, the question became, "Jay who?" Humbling it was. But it became another beginning, another level of learning who "me" is, and to trust the Lord.

I had again started anew in Mississippi, and over 13 years I was no longer a stranger. The Lord allowed me to accomplish a few things there, then in 2001 BAM!!! I'm in Bellingham, Washington. What was the Lord going to do with a woman of 56 years, who had only received her ministerial license one year before, and there was no Full Gospel Baptist Chuch here - what was He going to do with me? And I didn't even have a job! Again, I'm in unknown territory, except to God. A little scared, yet I knew, this time I was really I traveling in the name of Jesus, and walking by faith that He knew what He was doing with me.

I'm a Midwest lady.
In Iowa, Kansas & Minnesota He healed me and moved me (He keeps doing that).
In Seattle, He showed me He loved me, and chose me, and cleaned me up.
In Mississippi, He broke addictions, and taught me how to trust and depend on Him in a land of strangers.
In Bellingham, Wa He taught me how to know Him as Father (Abba= Daddy), and seeing myself as a well loved daughter. Through the precious blood of Jesus I live to carry His name.

The Lord led me to SALT ON THE STREET. SALT is a ministry to the homeless. The word delivered, that Jesus Loves you is constant; in saying and in doing. The healing message and response of the SALT volunteers is an answer to the cry of many:
Is there anyone who loves me or cares about me?
Is there anyone who wants to be with me when I'm not in control?
Is there anyone who is not afraid to touch my tears?
We are servants in the name of Jesus. There have been times over the years where I've had to check myself from not serving just out of Habit. I must serve out of love for the person and the name of Jesus. The results are long lasting, and in some case life saving.

I see our Lord as majestic, awesome and Holy, but also as familiar, loving and close to me. I want to be a vessel that He chooses to use in His name, for His purpose. I don't heal, I don't open blind eyes, I don't break addictions, I don't free the captive soul - Jesus does!

I pray He sees me as surrendered to Him and His will. I pray He sees me as loving to His people. I am His daughter who knows His voice, His touch, and trusts Him to supply my every need. He asks, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep, feed my lambs." I shall, In The Name Of JESUS.

Songs Of My Heart - I LOVE YOU

I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU

I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU

I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU, Jesus I love YOU
I love YOU, I love YOU, I love YOU

About a month ago, I attended a Sunday morning service where two different denominations came together to worship our Savior and Head of the church, Jesus (House of Wisdom Non-Denominational Church and Hope In Christ Christian Reform Church). It was a beautiful exchange and interaction of the body of Christ. Pastor Westbrook, The minister who preached started by talking about the need to have a love song for Jesus. That stayed with me. And the words above are my love song to Jesus. Sing a simple song...

I write much; stories, poetry, and even a few songs, but I will always remember why I sing this. Sometimes I just get so filled up, that all I can say is "I love YOU." So why am I writing this today? I read an article this morning, in Tracie Armstrong's SPIRIT Magazine about a child who was praying. It's so beautiful to hear a child pray. I'm awed to my bones as I listen to my grandchildren talk to the Lord. Okay Jay, get back on track... the article talked about a child praying, and the words "I love You" slipped out. Not I love God or I love Jesus, but I love You. So personal, so precious, so cool that our heart cry can be so audible throughout Heaven and the universe in "I LOVE YOU JESUS."

When I sing to Jesus burdens are lifted, the joy of living is rejuvenated, the cares of the day seem so small, and I know that whatever I'm doing today, or will face in this day - Jesus is there with me. He said I will never leave or forsake you, I am with you always, and I am more than the world against you, and as the Father has love Me, so I love you.

I LOVE YOU JESUS!!

Songs Of My Heart - I WANT TO WALK AND TALK WITH JESUS

I'm still on the "I Wants." Shortly after I woke up this morning this old song came to me. I'm so grateful for YOU TUBE and Web Searches, that I can find the words and hear so many of the old hymns and gospel songs that are not sung that much today. I grew up with the Barrett Sisters. If you are into Gospel music, check them out. Their ministry was tremendous.

Verse 1
I want to walk and talk with Jesus each and every day
I want my life to be an example for Him in every way
I want to treat my brothers the way that Jesus wants me to
Because He said 'Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you'

Verse 2
I want Him to lead me and guide me in everything I say and do
In His service I want Him to choose me and use me I do not choose
What a wonderful Counselor, Mighty Prince of Peace is He
And all I want each day is just a closer walk with thee

Chorus
I want Him to shower me with His blessings from up above
And rock me, rock me, rock me in the cradle of Your love


I was reading a meditation selection today. It was talking about how we as pastors sometimes put more emphasis on scripture than we do on the active role of HOLY SPIRIT in our day to day lives. It struck me as true in mine also. There are those days when I fully, and often throughout the day ask His direction. Then there are those days when I speak to Him in the morning, and the rest of the day is my own. Am I alone in this? Let me know how you're doing in this area. That's what brought about the song. I hope you listen to the words. For me this is where I want to be, walking and talking with Jesus each and everyday. I want my life to be an example for Him in every way...

Jesus told His disciples that when He left He would be leaving the Holy Spirit which would help them live victoriously for Him. "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:25-27). So this is my prayer today, "Teach me, Lead me, Use me to have a closer walk with You - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As I go out, let Your love through me reach out today.

Songs Of My Heart - LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE

MY TESTIMONY: An old song that expresses daily the love and power of the Lord.

Many of you have prayed for and with me over the weekend about my back. The testimony of the healing was so long I couldn't put it on the Facebook page, so I'm back to the blog. Not only in my life, but as the Lord works in, works out, heals and touches we must tell it.

About five years ago I fell over one of the cement parking thing-a-ma-jigs downtown and a lower disc in my back was moved out of place. I was preparing to have surgery on my shoulder and didn't want surgery on my back, so I went into physical therepy for it. Well it only bothers me about once a year and sometimes not that, but when it does, it's pure pain, and I'm laid up for about a week. This weekend it happened again. I didn't go to church Sunday, stayed home and nursed it real good (ice, pills, etc).

There was a minister coming to Pastor Anthony Westbrook's, House of Wisdom Non- Denominational Church, and I was planning on going. The minister is Kevin Ford, and he was going to speak on healing. Just where I should'a been right? I stayed home. Well, I got through Sunday, and went to work Monday, gingerly working and moving so as not to be in too much pain. Monday night I did go to the service. I tell others that there is healing in our praise, but I wasn't practicing what I preach. I was on the praise team, singing, moving a little bit, but to be truthful I wasn't giving Jesus my all, my mind was on my back.

I had met Pastor Kevin and his wife once before like introduction, hello, welcome to Bellingham. So I really didn't know much about him, and until I saw him again Monday, his name didn't phase me. After we sang and he got up to give his message, he talked about how the Lord healed him from various addictions, brought him out of homelessness (living in a box, delivered him from a lot of "ism's = I, Self and Me" to using him in His service, restoring his life, and giving him another family, while restoring past relationships with his previous family - The Lord Heals.

Kevin asked if anyone was having back pain, I was one of several who raised our hands. He came over to me and asked permission to take my hands, then he knelt down in front of me. He asked if I had one leg longer than the other, I told him, "Not that I was aware of." He took my shoes off (I was glad I had done my toenails), and then as we looked at my legs I saw that one was longer than the other. He assured me he was not going to yank or twist, but that the Lord would heal. He asked the congregation to come and see, they did. He just gently held both my legs over him arm.

As he held my legs, Pastor Kevin talked of healing, he talked of the love that Christ has for us, he talked about the Word, and the power in speaking the Word of God - he didn't pray, preach or beg for God to heal. At times he would say something funny, making us all laugh a little. As he held my legs, to our amazement - the shorter one became longer until it was even with the other. NEVER IN MY LIFE, had I EVER seen anything like that or experienced this. He asked me to stand, and then asked me about my pain level. I told him it was about a 7 when I came in, and that right now it was about a 3. He asked me to bend over and touch my toes. I used to do Modern Dance, so I was used to being able to put the palm of my hand on the floor with my legs straight. Now at 63 years old, it has been many a year since I could even come close to doing this, but I did. Not once or twice, but about 20-30 times, all the way up and all the way down. LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAD DONE - HE HEALED MY BODY.

Not only did he heal my back, but my shoulders were without pain, and my knees were bending like they had not in years. HE HEALED MY BODY, HE TOUCHED MY MIND, HE SAVED ME IT WAS JUST IN TIME - I'M GONNA' PRAISE HIS NAME, HE'S EVERMORE THE SAME, I'M GONNA PRAISE HIM, LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE.

When the praise team (including me) returned to sing, I was able to dance, dance, dance. Those who know me know I don't do a lot of bouncing around, but Jesus touched my body and gave me a dance. Today is Wednesday and I am without back pain, even the morning pains I usually wake up with. I spent a lot of years ignoring the Lord and doing my own thing with the energy He gave me. I know He is giving it back, and I will expend much energy in serving, praising, worshipping Him. My Father God loves us so very much, and He makes His presence known in our lives everyday. LOOK AROUND AT WHAT THE LORD IS DOING!

Songs Of My Heart - ALL IN HIS HANDS

Interview, Exam Day: Jesus knows just what's best, so I will leave this day, my cares and concerns in His hands. Is that a cop out for what the result may be - NO! This day he has been preparing me for, I have used the talents and gifts He has blessed me with. If I am not up to par for the course I'm seeking to take, the fault lies in my preparation, not His plan for me, and not Him. If I fall I will not quit, but will get back up, and keep on going.

I am so grateful for the opportunities of this day. In his hands is where I always want to be.

The Lord is My light and My Salvation, Whom Shall I Fear?
Psalm 27
So many versions of this Psalm in song, but they all assure us that with the Lord we have nothing to fear. In these days of craziness, we have nothing to fear. The Lord tells us to occupy until He comes. NOTHING that has happened in my life is a surprise to the Lord, and He has had me in His hands.

I was talking with my daughter this morning; she lives in Tennessee - I'm in Washington state, but we were talking about many of the situations the Lord has seen us through over the years. Again that keyword - THROUGH. Today she is celebrating, but we have been on our knees together in tears, not knowing what was going to happen to us. Sometimes all we can do is wait. When we've done all we can, prayed the prayers, cried the teas, and taken all the action we could have - there sometimes comes a time to WAIT. The song and the scripture say to WAIT on the Lord, and be of GOOD COURAGE. He has/will give us strength and courage to make it. The Lord has a way of turning things that are messes, in our lives, into messages of faith to others.

Let the LORD be your LIGHT when all seems dark, and know that He is your SALVATION.

Songs Of My Heart - THANK YOU JESUS

My phone rang today at 5:10 AM, usually no one calls at that time of day unless there is a death or sickness. But it was my mom. She said she had been troubled during yesterday, and had a dream last night and she knew she had to help me. There was a situation in my life, and the Lord showed her what to do. Last night driving home from work, I was crying and singing, "Guide me oh Thou great Jehovah, pilgram through this barren land, I am weak but Thou' art mighty, hold me with Thy powerful hand." Tho' I had prayed and done all I could, it wasn't enough to make things right, so I was still seeking direction. So I sang a prayer. The Lord hears His children, and even though I didn't know how this situation would end, He was already working it out through my mom.

There are times when nothing else is appropriate to say except THANK YOU JESUS. THANK YOU to the Lord, and THANK YOU to people He has put in our path to help us on our way. From the core of my soul I know that had it not been for the Lord, I would not have come through yesterday unscathed, and made it to today whole. This is one of those days that I cry,"Thank You Jesus, for You brought me from a mighty long way."

The song says,"You've been my mother, You've been my father, You've been my sista'. my brother too...You've been my doctor, my lawyer, my bread and water too."
His Word assures us over and over again that He'll be there for us; Seek Him first, trust Him to never leave us alone, and don't forget to say, THANK YOU JESUS!!

Songs Of My Heart - I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED

Jennifer Holliday singing.

Here is a great poem: author unknown

I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why:
I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team.
He is all-wise and powerful. Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same.
My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end;
His presence is my comfort; He is my dearest Friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go.
When circumstances threaten to rob me of my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease.
When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul.
The great "I AM" is with me. My life is in His hand.
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope. It's in His strength I stand.
I refuse to be defeated. My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me, As through this life I trod.
I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God I'm resting in His love.
I give God thanks in everything. My eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory mine; He'll help me win the race.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!!!
Pass it on!


"Vision is not seeing things as they are, but as they will be..."
-Unknown

Songs Of My Heart - I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

Oh for the joy that awaits us when we cross from this temporary life of joy and pain, loss and gladness, to our forever home with Jesus. In our forever home with Jesus there will be no more tears, sadness, sickness, meaness, pain, treachery, or jealousy. There's a song that says, “I can only imagine.” But my vision and my imagination are so polluted, my mind and my heart are so full not knowing what perfection really looks like, I think my imagination cannot even imagine the totality of What God has planned for us - when we get home.

Just the thought of seeing Jesus is too wondrous for thought (I'm crying now). The Bible says there will be no marriages in heaven, but we will know all those who have gone on to glory before us. As we pray and intercede for loved ones, friends and all those we don't know personally right now, in Heaven there will be no strangers.

In my 63 years I've never seen such violence, and lack of morality, or absense of love for human life. The evil that assails us is not about racial or cultural differences. Men and women all over the world are doing horrendous violence to people they supposedly love. The love of God is waning and waxing cold. Yet, this is not new. History always repeats itself.

As I get old I find myself wanting to depart this life and be with Christ. Yet, I know there is much salvation work to be done. The harvest is plentiful, as people are searching for answers to their pain and loneliness. People are searching for peace while they are still alive. People are looking for a savior, an so need to be presented and introduced to The Savior.

I thank you LORD that You make yourself known to us. Your presence fill and surrounds me like a strong but gentle hug where I feel safe in Your arms. The reality of You leaves me humble and ever grateful to be called Your child, Your daughter. Thank You for being Abba, being Daddy to me. I can only imagine the joy of coming into Your presence forever.

Songs Of My Heart - SOMETHING ABOUT THE NAME JESUS

Philipians 2:8-11

This is one of my ALL TIME favorites. When I think about the name of Jesus, and all that His name means and has come to mean in my life, I have to praise Him. When I hear this song, I know that in Jesus my life is secure and I am loved. I know that In Jesus whatever pain my body may be in, I am not alone. When I hear this song, and meditate on Jesus, and prais Him instead of complaining and allowing myself wallowing time, my hurt actually subsides. When I hear this song I know that my time here on this earth is temporary, and my home is eternal with my Lord.

The name of Jesus brings peace. I don't know if y'all ever had demons (human or spiritual) in your life. I have. I know that just the mention of His name drives off every evil that tries to bring down one of His followers. I know who I belong to, but there have been times in my life where I've played the harlot (just being honest), and went looking for something other than what my Lord had to offer. For the minute, sin was fun and I thought I had it made. But Ohhhhh, oh, oh the long lasting affect brought me to my knees. Through it all, Jesus was there all the time, ready and waiting, and able to fight my battle. Just calling His name from my heart to my mouth is POWER.

Something 'bout the name JESUS is the sweetest name I know. I wish for everyone to know the name, and experience the power and love He has to offer.

Songs Of My Heart - AT THE CROSS

John 11: 25,26 ...I am the Resurrection, and the life; he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Believe you this?

Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spir­it­u­al Songs, 1707; Ralph E. Hud­son wrote the re­frain in 1885.

Watts’ fa­ther was Non­con­form­ist im­pris­oned twice for his re­li­gious views. Isaac learned Greek, Latin, and He­brew un­der Mr. Pin­horn, Rec­tor of All Saints, and head­mas­ter of the Gram­mar School in South­amp­ton. Isaac’s taste for verse showed it­self in ear­ly child­hood, and his prom­ise caused a lo­cal doc­tor and other friends to of­fer him a un­i­ver­si­ty ed­u­ca­tion, as­sum­ing he would be or­dained in the Church of Eng­land. How­ev­er, Isaac de­clined and in­stead en­tered a Non­con­for­mist Acad­e­my at Stoke New­ing­ton in 1690, un­der the care of Thom­as Rowe, pas­tor of the In­de­pen­dent cong­re­ga­tion at Gir­dlers’ Hall; Isaac joined this con­gre­ga­tion in 1693.

Watts left the Acad­e­my at age 20 and spent two years at home; it was dur­ing this per­i­od that he wrote the bulk of his Hymns and Spir­it­u­al Songs. They were sung from man­uscripts in the South­amp­ton Cha­pel, and pub­lished 1707-1709.

The next six years of his life were again spent at Stoke New­ing­ton, work­ing as tu­tor to the son of em­i­nent Pur­i­tan John Har­topp. The in­tense stu­dy of these years is re­flect­ed in the the­o­log­ic­al and phil­o­soph­ic­al ma­ter­i­al he sub­se­quent­ly pub­lished.

Watts preached his first ser­mon at age 24. In the next three years, he preached fre­quent­ly, and in 1702 was or­dained as pas­tor of the In­de­pen­dent con­gre­ga­tion in Mark Lane. At that time he moved in­to the house of a Mr. Hollis in the Mi­nor­ies. His health be­gan to fail the next year, and Sam­u­el Price was ap­point­ed as his as­sist­ant in the min­is­try. In 1712, a fe­ver shat­tered his con­sti­tu­tion, and Price be­came co-pas­tor of the con­gre­ga­tion, which had moved to a new cha­pel in Bu­ry Street. It was at this time that Isaac be­came the guest of Sir Thom­as Ab­ney. He lived with Ab­ney (and lat­er Abney’s wi­dow) the rest of his life, main­ly at The­o­balds in Hert­ford­shire, then for 13 years at Stoke New­ing­ton.

THIS SONG has got to be in my top 10 songs of when I think about the Lord, it makes me want to SHOUT!! Knowing what a worm (yes, I said it) I was, and could be again if Jesus Christ were not in my life, brings tears to my eyes. That God loves us all so much that He sacrificed His son for us, for me. The crimes that I have done, the raunchiness of my actions, He paid for with His life. He died/I lived. His Father, my God, Our creator looked at Him and pronounced - GUILTY; God looked at me and said COME, I am forgiven, I am loved and precious in the sight of God through the shed blood of Jesus.

"But drops of grief can ne'er repay the debt of love I owe." No amount of sorrow for my actions can repay for the love that christ showed for me. I am so for real when I tell you Jesus is alive and well, and talks with us each day.

My first book, 'Meet Me At The Cross, One Woman's Testimony' (http://www.lulu.com/content/1911953) tells about going to the cross to meet the Savior. If you make the trip He will surely meet you there. You don't have to prepare, clean up, get straight - Just go with an open heart to recieve. NEVER, NEVER can I go back and take on all the burdens of my life before Christ. Whatever happens good or bad, losses or gains I know I can make it because of Christ.

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I.

Refrain

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
___________

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.