Another Year

 At the closing of each year, we take time to reflect, and give thanks for the blessings we've received, and for the freedoms we enjoy. We also look to the coming year, and all of the possibilities that it holds. We gather in prayer and praise, and rejoice in the hope that awaits us in eternity.

© Deborah Bolack
Arrangement & Pianio Apryl (Penner) Jennings
 Grafted In
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another year has come and gone,

and we pause now to reflect,

and give thanks for every day,

and the many ways you've blessed.

For our family, home and friends,

our church and for your word.

Lord, we thank you for salvation,

and the freedom here to serve.
~

As we pray another year in,

may our praise surround your throne.

Perhaps another year will find us

gathered to our heavenly home.
~

Another year will soon begin,

and we look to days ahead.

May we give more of ourselves;

seek for ways to serve you best.

May we read more of your word, Lord,

and take more time to pray.

May we share the love of Jesus,

with each soul you bring our way.
~

As we pray another year in,

may our praise surround your throne.

Perhaps another year will find us

gathered to our heavenly home.
~

As we pray another year in,

as we pray another year in,

may our praise surround your throne!
~~~~~~~~~

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

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Come Lord Jesus

 I was listening to a Gospel singing show featuring Christmas music, and my mind wandered....I started thinking of Christmas morning. Our living room window faces the east, and if you've read about my Traditions song, then you know that I'm always the first one up Christmas morning. I turn on just the Christmas lights, and have Christmas carols playing softly. As I wait for my family to wake up, I have a cup of coffee and watch the sun come up. So, as my mind wandered, I then began to think of the Lord's return.....and soon I was grabbing a piece of paper and scribbling down my thoughts!

Traditions

   I came from a big family, and we didn’t have a lot of money, but Mom and Dad always made sure we had lots of gifts at Christmas. With our own kids, presents are still a big part of our celebrations, and each year we have done different things in preparation for the Christmas season, such as baking cookies to give away, decorating gingerbread houses for center pieces, and some years we have given out the story of how the candy cane represents Jesus and salvation.

  But the most important thing to us is to instill in our children the true meaning of Christmas. We have done this by keeping certain traditions each year. Early in December we begin playing Christmas carols. The center of our decorations has always been a manger scene, depicting the birth of Christ. The one thing that has never changed is all of us sitting together, reading from the Bible, the account of Jesus’ birth.

This song is written from my perspective, but since it was young people who recorded it, they changed it to the kids perspective. The 'Mom' who was always first to wake is me! Every year I get up before all the kids; I get the Christmas lights turned on and play some soft music. I'm usually sitting with my cup of coffee by the time they wander out. My husband laughs at me, and says I'm the biggest kid! The Dad who always reads the Christmas story is, my husband (not my dad!)

(pease wait for song to load)

©Deborah Bolack 2005
Arrangement & Piano Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Grafted In
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hanging up the sparkling lights around our manger scene,
to show the birth of Jesus is what Christmas truly means,
was our tradition every year, to give God all the glory.
Songs of Jesus coming retold the Christmas story.

~
Gingerbread and candy canes,

cookies baked to give away,
singing carols, Christmas plays,

gifts and going to Grandma’s place;
while some traditions come and go, others we hold dear.
We cherish all the memories we’ve created through the years.
~
Mom was always first to wake, but soon the kids would rouse.
We’d snuggle under blankets, as we gathered all around.
This one tradition never changed, for every Christmas morning,
Dad would take his Bible, and read the Christmas story.

~

Gingerbread and candy canes,

cookies baked to give away,
singing carols, Christmas plays,

gifts and going to Grandma’s place;
while some traditions come and go, others we hold dear.
We cherish all the memories we’ve created through the years.
~
while some traditions come and go, others we hold dear.
We cherish all the memories we've created through the years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2 Thessalonians 2:15 “Therefore, brethren stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Luke 2:1-19

Thank you for visiting Lyric Devotions. A free pdf of the sheet music is available for most songs. Requests can be made through the contact form on the sidebar. 

Good Tidings

Look beyond the Christmas glitter, past a lowly manger scene...

He's The King

He's the King that they are seeking.

All will bow on bended knee.

He's the precious Lamb of God,

and in him alone is peace.

Ponder These Things

  
  I call this song my response to "Mary Did You Know," which is a beautiful song, but always leaves me saying, Yes, Mary knew! I don't believe that she knew that Jesus would walk on water, or other little details, but she knew who her son was! After all, she had an angel come and tell her that she had been chosen for a special purpose. That's kind of hard to forget!

 I'm sure if Mary ever had doubts, she would just look back to that day, and know in her heart that Jesus was special, that he had come to earth for a purpose. Just as she had on the day of his birth, I think there were many times that Mary pondered these things and kept them in her heart. I know that the Bible doesn't specifically say that she prayed, but I have to believe that given her circumstances she kept in very close touch with the Father of her child.

  I really can't fathom what it must have been like to be Mary, and to have the knowledge that her child was the Son of God. On the one hand she must have felt that it was such an honor, but at the same time, as a mother, there must have been times she wished her son didn't have to be the one!

  So with all those thoughts, and many more, that is how I came to write this song.

 

© Deborah Bolack
 Arrangement & Piano Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Grafted In
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christ, the babe was born,

and in a lowly manger lay.

The angels sang, the shepherds praised,

but Mary pondered these things and prayed.

Christ the Lord healed men,

and in their hearts he sought for faith.

The people cheered, the leaders raged,

but Mary pondered these things and prayed.

For Mary knew the Son she bore

had come to earth to do much more.

She did not know just what would be,

but in her heart she kept these things.

Though so hard to understand,

she knew his Father had a plan.

One day Jesus would be King,

and to that hope her soul would cling.

Christ was crucified,

and in a cold dark tomb he lay.

The women wept, his small flock strayed,

but Mary pondered these things and prayed.

Christ the Lord arose,

and in his hands, his wounds displayed.

The men gave praise; they were amazed,

but Mary pondered these things and prayed.

For Mary knew the Son she bore,

had come to earth to do much more.

She did not know just what would be,

but in her heart she kept these things.

Though so hard to understand,

she knew his Father had a plan.

One day Jesus would be King,

and to that hope her soul would cling.

Christ was taken up,

and in the clouds he went away.

The heavens rang, men stood and gazed,

but Mary pondered these things and prayed.

Christ is calling you,

and in your heart he'll come to stay.

The Spirit draws, the Saviour waits.

Oh, won't you ponder these things and pray,

and make him your King today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luke 2: 1-20

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 13: 11-17
Luke 23:46-56
John 20:10-20
Acts 1:9-11

Thank you for visiting Lyric Devotions. A free pdf of the sheet music is available for most songs. Requests can be made through the contact form on the sidebar. 

Country School Concert

  I grew up during the days of one room schoolhouses, where each year we would put on a Christmas concert. Along with the skits and songs, we always performed the nativity. The year I played the angel announcing the birth of Jesus has always stood out in my mind, as that is the first time I remember hearing about Jesus. I’m sure that for many people my age, who didn’t attend church or Sunday school, a public school Christmas concert was where they learned to sing all of the old carols and learned about a baby born in Bethlehem. It saddens me to think that because it is no longer politically correct to talk about Jesus in public schools, many children will no longer have that opportunity.

The Arizona Hall where we had our concerts.

The school building had been turned into a house,

and unfortunately, right after I wrote this song, it burned down!
~~~~~~~~

©Deborah Bolack
 Arrangement & Piano Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Grafted In

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the Manitoba prairie, you will find a little place;

a one room schoolhouse from my own childhood days.
And though many years have passed

since I spent my school days there,
the memories still linger of a special time each year.
Many snowy winter mornings, we would hurry to the hall,
and warm up by the stove, until the teacher called.
Soon our practice would begin, as we memorized our lines,
preparing for the concert, celebrating Christmas time.
Our country school concert was the highlight for us all,
when friends and neighbours met at Arizona Hall.
Our parents proudly watched as we all performed on stage,
and sang familiar carols of that baby born one day.
It was through those Christmas concerts

that I learned of Jesus birth,
by donning angel’s wings, and singing peace on earth.
And though many years would pass

before Jesus saved my soul,
how fondly I remember Christmas concerts in that hall.
Yes, our country school concerts hold precious memories,
as I recall those pageants, Christmas songs and manger scenes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Thank you for visiting Lyric Devotions. A free pdf of the sheet music is available for most songs. Requests can be made through the contact form on the sidebar. 

Happy Birthday Dear Jesus

Happy birthday, to Jesus be all honor and praise!

©Deborah Bolack
Arrangement & Piano Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Grafted In
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wise men sought the newborn Christ,

guided by a shining star.

They brought gifts fit for a King;

precious treasures from afar.

Is there any special gift I can bring my Lord today?

He gave all when he left heaven to be born a little babe.

Happy birthday, dear Jesus,

thank you for your shining light.

happy birthday, dear Jesus,

thank you for eternal life.

Happy birthday, dear Jesus,

thank you for your love and grace.

Happy birthday to Jesus be all honor and praise!

Though I have no frankincense,

gold or myrrh to bring to you,

Lord you've blessed me with some gifts,

now I offer them to you.

May I use all that you give to bring glory to your name.

Lord I pray that I will always seek your light to guide my way.

Happy birthday, dear Jesus,

thank you for your shining light.

Happy birthday, dear Jesus,

thank you for eternal life.

Happy birthday dear Jesus,

thank you for your love and grace.

Happy birthday, to Jesus be all honour and praise!

Happy birthday, dear Jesus.

Glory to your Holy name!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Thank you for visiting Lyric Devotions. A free pdf of the sheet music is available for most songs. Requests can be made through the contact form on the sidebar. 

The Gift My Father Sent

The reason for the season,

the light that shines so bright,

the only gift worth receiving

can still be yours tonight.

Such Awesome Love

  It's so hard to understand the love that Christ has for us; that He would leave the glories of heaven to come down and take on human flesh, to live among us, and then, knowing how wretched we are, He still chose to die for us. Such awesome love!

In The Stillness

 

  If you've never walked down a country road on a winter night, when the moon is full and casting a pale blue light that reflects off the brilliant white snowdrifts, then you may not be able to fully appreciate this song.

 We used to live just down the road from my parents, and often I would walk over for a visit in the evening. The sun goes down very early in the winter, so I was usually walking home in the dark. But one night as I walked home, the moon was particularly bright. Being out in the country, there were no other neighbours, so the only other light was the one in the distance, that my husband had left on for me. And there wasn't a sound other than the snow crunching under my feet....no cars, no animals, and no voices...except the voice of my Lord speaking to my heart. Everything around me was covered by glistening white snow, and any dirt or imperfections that would have been obvious during the day were invisible to my eye; everything appeared pristine in the pale moonlight.

 As I looked up at the sky and praised the Lord for his wondrous creation, my heart was filled with awe, and I marvelled that this God who had created all cared about me. In the stillness of that winter night I pondered God's love for me.

© Deborah Bolack 2000
Arrangement & Piano Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Grafted In
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the stillness of a winter night,

my path illumined by pale moonlight,

I walk alone in the crisp cold air,

and sense my Saviour's presence there.

A pure white blanket covers the ground.

God's wondrous creation all a round.

In the vast expanse of stars I see

a glimpse of his glory and majesty.
~

In the stillness of that starry night,

my path ahead appears clear and bright.

I walk along in silent prayer,

and know a peace beyond compare.

In the stillness I hear God's voice resound,

proclaiming his presence all around.

How could any mortal fail to see

the wonders my Lord has revealed to me?
~

In the stillness I ponder God's love for me.

The creator of all came to set me free.

Praise wells up deep within,

for the one who died to take my sin.

Toward the heavens I life my face,

giving thanks for God's amazing grace!
~

In the stillness I ponder God's love for me.

In the stillness I ponder God's love for me.

In the stillness I ponder God's love for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 8: 3-4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Thank you for visiting Lyric Devotions. A free pdf of the sheet music is available for most songs. Requests can be made through the contact form on the sidebar. 

He'll Give Rest, Isaiah 14:3

  Recently our pastor taught a series on sharing the gospel, and the importance of being prepared to do so. He went through a few 'plans', such as The Roman Road, The New Testament Road, and The Six Step Plan. The last plan was taken completely from the book of Isaiah. It's beautiful to see how God has woven the gospel throughout the Bible, and specifically in the book of Isaiah.

Sunrise Surrender

 Recently, a visiting missionary repeated something he had heard someone else say,  "Just get up every morning, and do what you have to do." Pretty simple, right?  It really is a very simple statement, but when you think about it, it truly is the essence of living the Christian life, and it was something I needed to hear.

God's Hand, Psalm 37:24

  As a child, our daughter, Nicole, used to trace her hand on paper, and then draw pictures below it. She said it was God’s hand reaching down from heaven. I wanted to write a song about that picture, but the song took it’s own direction, and became a more personal story of how God had reached out to me, not at salvation, but at a crossroads in my life.

I Want That Faith, Mark 9:23-24

  In Mark 9 we read the account of the man whose son had a dumb spirit. Even the disciples failed to help this man and his son. It occurred to me that if this man had been like many people, he would have used that as an excuse to turn away from Jesus, but no, he still sought out the Lord. As I reread the different accounts in the gospels, I couldn’t help but think what great faith that man had. Then I realized that this is also where Jesus spoke to his disciples about having faith that can move a mountain. I thought, “Lord, I want that faith that moves mountains!”

 

 I decided to look for other examples of that kind of faith. I read about the woman with the issue of blood. She had been to all the doctors, and had spent all of her money trying to find someone who could heal her. Even after twelve years she still held out hope. When she heard about Jesus she knew that if she could just get close enough to touch but his clothes, she would be made whole. That is mountain moving faith! Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief!

  As much as I believe God’s word to be true, there are still situations when I have to say, “Help thou mine unbelief.” Will I ever come to the point of believing that through faith I can move a mountain? Oh how I want that faith!

©Deborah Bolack 2007
Pianist Mrs. Susan Carlson
Soloist Cindy Towle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For years he had watched his son in pain;
torn and tormented and pining away.
He had searched for help, time and again;
holding out hope that his son could be saved.
Even when the disciples failed this man,
he still sought Jesus healing hand.
And through tears he cried out,
“Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief.”
~
Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief,
I want that faith that moves mountains.
Lord, I want to believe.
You’re my only hope and strength,
dear Lord, help thou mine unbelief.
~
Twelve years she had suffered and endured;
plagued by an illness without any cure.
She had sought for help; spent all she had,
holding out hope for a healing hand.
When she reached out and touched the Master’s clothes,
she knew Jesus could make her whole.
Jesus said unto her, “Go now in peace.”
She was healed because she believed.
~
Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief,
I want that faith that moves mountains.
Lord, I want to believe.
You’re my only hope and strength,
dear Lord, help thou mine unbelief.
~
Lord, I want that faith; mountain moving faith.
You’re strong when I am weak. Lord, I believe.
~~~~~~~~~

Mark 9:17,18,23,24 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Matthew 17:18-20 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you.

Mark 5:25-29,34 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of physicians, and spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her plague. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Thank you for visiting Lyric Devotions. A free pdf of the sheet music is available for most songs. Requests can be made through the contact form on the sidebar. 

What Goes Around Comes Around

Some wisdom from my dad.

The Greatest Sin

A powerful thought...paraphrased from a message preached by Evangelist, Jim Van Gelderen, at our special meetings.