A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Music

Wondrous Love

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Oh, I haven’t sung this song enough to have it memorized completely, but enough that I know Wondrous Love fairly well.  Interestingly enough it was harder than expected to find videos since a number that I found had different words to it.  Also known as What Wondrous Love.

wondrous love

Lyrics

What wondrous Love is this, oh my soul, oh my soul
What wondrous Love is this, oh my soul
What wondrous Love is this that caused the Lord of Bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down
When I was sinking down, sinking down
When I was seeking down beneath God’s righteous frown
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing
To God and the the Lamb, who is the great I AM
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on
And through eternity I’ll sing on

Who wrote is a bit of a mystery, there is no definitive answer.  It is known to be an traditional American folk though. 

Comments

Ah, to remember what Christ did for us eh?   It’s definitely a reason to sing.  I was mentioning on a fellow FMF writers blog today that I find it easier to sing a pray than to say a prayer.   This song just reminds me of that truism. 

What would you sing to the Lord in prayer?

Mansion over the Hilltop

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I am almost finished going through this little hymnbook that I have here.  It’s an old Singspiration folk Hymnal.  Anyways, I’m hoping to finish up soon so I can either give it to my lady who likes the old songbooks I have, or put it back on our hymnal shelf.   It’s a rather nice song with a forward looking theme. 

Mansion over the hilltop
I’m satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that’s silver lined
 
Refrain
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold
 
Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely
I’m not discouraged I’m heaven bound
I’m but a pilgrim in search of the city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown
 
Refrain
 
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold
 
Refrain

Written by Ira F. Stanphill in 1949.   He also wrote Happiness is the Lord.  Born in New Mexico, he spent most of his formative years in Kansas.   He became a pastor within the Assemblies of God.  Later on he gave up pastoring to focus on evangelistic meeting and concerting. 

According this Wiki Article I found, he was known to “Occasionally as part of his crusades, he would ask members of the congregation to suggest titles for songs. Selecting one title from the suggestions, he would write words and music for a song during the service.”  Doesn’t that show talent?

Comments

I Found it interesting when I was looking for videos to share how often the songs would start the same, but then they would vary from the tune I had in my head.  It’s a bit disconcerting to start singing along and then oops… that’s not how they are singing it!  Slight changes matter!

I love the forward looking of this old gospel tune.  Knowing what we have here, and what we have to look forward to.  Do you ever consider that?   Does it make a difference in your contentment levels to know that here is temporary.  Might be a life of struggle (or not) but either way we have something to look forward to, and that (at least for me) makes the going easier. 

Enjoy Learning Music?

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Did you know that my lad and I used to practice songs together?  We’d memorize hymns such as Rock of Ages or Silent Night.  We picked up playing the keyboard and have learned some flute.  I love music though I admittedly have lost my good singing voice. Introducing this love of music has been a goal of mine for the past 14 years.  🙂   I don’t know how successful I have been, but my lad has signed up to learn guitar this coming year.  Could it be true that my lad might enjoy learning music?

enjoy learning music

Resources

So let’s imagine that you, like me, have this desire to help your children enjoy learning music.  How might you do so?  I’ve collected some resources that may prove useful for you.

  • Classics for Kids. I LOVE this website.  My lad and I used it throughout his elementary years.  Listening to classical music, learning about the composers behind it.  Wonderful site!
  • Harmony Fine Arts has a music appreciation course that you might like. 
  • If you are learning music and want to learn some theory to go with it, Teoria and Music Theory might be sites you want to check out. 
  • Music in our Homeschool is a facebook group for folks wanting to bring music… into their homeschool!   🙂  I’ve been a member since it started I think.  It’s a pretty good group of people. 
  • Grab a song, whether it’s a hymn, folk, country, jazz or whatever. Learn songs of your choice.  Learn about the person who wrote it. Music draws people together.  Memorizing songs serves you well in your older age if you have it memorized and you can’t read the words!  🙂  (No no, not speaking from experience!) Give that gift to your children and sing together.
  • you could even head to youtube to listen to various genres of music.  See what you like and what you don’t. 

Games and More

  • SFSkids has a flash player game to learn about the orchestra.  Then go to Carnegie Hall and play an orchestra related game. Both require flash player to work. 
  • Another way to add enjoyment to your music lessons is to make your own instruments.  This can be as simple as beating a plastic bowl, taping elastics to a box, or blowing on a piece of grass held between your palms.  There are kits to build your own ukulele.  
  • Two years ago we got a subscription to the K-W Symphony.  Just a two ticket package for six different shows.  The lad and Dad went a couple times on their own, and I and Dad and then twice we bought an extra ticket so we could all go.  It was a TOTAL hoot! The lad loved it and got to listen to many different styles of music.  He developed a love of classical and plays it while he does his school work.   We would LOVE to do this again sometime.  🙂   If you can… do it!

Reviews I’ve Done

  • Maestro Classics is a fun way to learn music.  CD’s telling a story about music and composers.  It’s a great listen. 
  • Learning piano or organ?  You might want to check out this free music site called Simply Music.  This is my review. 

In Conclusion

I hope you have found something to help your students enjoy learning music.  Adding music into your life will add depth and enjoyment to your life. Music is a good thing!  🙂

This post is my last in the write 31 days challenge.  I know some I was very strict and stuck to the five minute rule and others I just included it as part of another post.  It’s okay to do that you know, sometimes you have to bend the rules to make a challenge work.  🙂  

enjoy

Better is One Day

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I have SEARCHED for hymns with the word better in it. And even though cyber hymnal had some suggestions, I didn’t know a one of them, wasn’t crazy about the words, and couldn’t find them on youtube either.   Feeling dissatisfied I turned to a couple of musical friends.  One person suggested Better is One Day by Matt Redman. 

Better is one day

Lyrics

How lovely is Your dwelling place
O Lord Almighty
My soul longs and even faints for You
For here my heart is satisfied
Within Your presence
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

One thing I ask, and I would seek
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells
Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

A Matt Redman song, I don’t know if this song was inspired by Psalm 84 or not by the words are there: Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.   (NIV)

I chose this song to go with the Write 31 days challenge. There’s a few of us in this challenge, everyone with a different approach, it’s rather neat to read through them.  You can meet all the writers!

Isn’t it good though?  To consider the goodness of being in God’s presence and how it supercedes all other possibilities?  Even if only for one day.   It’s better the other options.

I have to admit, sometimes I struggle with that idea.  Struggle to understand the majesty and beauty of God.  But the scriptures would have us know this, otherwise why would God let the Psalmist write such words?  Worth considering eh?

I have decided to follow Jesus

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This morning in church we sang a song that normally you sing with littles, it brought to mind this other song that normally we sing with littles. I have decided to follow Jesus has an unexpected story behind it!   I thought I would TELL you about it (the write 31 days challenge word).

Lyrics

  1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
    I have decided to follow Jesus;
    I have decided to follow Jesus;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
    The world behind me, the cross before me;
    The world behind me, the cross before me;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
    Though none go with me, still I will follow;
    Though none go with me, still I will follow;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
    My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
    My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
    No turning back, no turning back.
  5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
    Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
    Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
    No turning back, no turning back.

Author/History

I have decided to Follow Jesus is a folk melody from India. 

A revival happened in Wales.  The result of that revival is Welsh missionaries heading off to India to convert the masses.    One man headed off to Assam, India.  Conversion of one native man occurred, resulting in the conversion of others.   This led to a fair amount of resentment and anger on the part of the local village chief.

Learn the rest of the story below, then listen to a quiet rendition of this lovely, simple song. 

Looking Deeper

When I discovered the story behind this song, my heart stopped for a moment.  Considering… what would I have done in this situation?  If I could save the life of my son, would I recant the Lord?  What would I do?

Then another song that we sung in church this morning that spoke to how we need to become like a shadow of the Lord.  Doing what he does, following him everywhere, serving as he serves, loving as he loves.  Being his direct shadow.   

Again my heart stops and I find myself stopping to ask.  What is my first love?  If I have to stop and ask the question doesn’t that call into question what is truly my first love?  A first love shouldn’t need to be questioned or wondered on.

How about for you?  What would you do in the situation?  Would your actions, as a result of your love for the Lord God, be words that could inspire a song, inspiring others for generations?

Reach Out Thine Hand

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Today’s Write 31 Day Challenge word is Reach.  I found this song entitled Reach Out Thine Hand.  To reach implies action, either on your part and/or on the part of another.  When you reach the desire to grab on to something.  Hold that thought while you read the words of this hymn.

reach

Lyrics

Reach out Thine hand, my Savior dear,
I long to feel Thy presence near;
When Thou art near, my soul is blest,
In Thee I find sweet peace and rest.

Refrain

O Savior dear, reach out Thine hand,
And by Thy side, O let me stand,
Till Thou shalt say, Enough, My child,
No longer face the tempest wild.

Reach out Thine hand and take me in,
And let me now Thy favors win;
I’m sorely tossed upon the sea,
I long to hide myself in Thee.

Refrain

How oft I’m tempted on the way,
And foes surround me every day;
O Savior dear, reach out Thine hand,
And lead me to the Beulah land.

Refrain

Reach out Thine hand, and hold me fast,
Until the tempests all are past;
Then I shall mount on wings of love,
And reach the promised land above.

Refrain

reach out thine hand

Comments

There are no youtube videos for this song.  Not a single one. I did manage to find the sheet music for it though. 

Holland L Boyd is actually a fairly recent hymnist.  This American started releasing his music in 1915, and wrote about 40 songs.  This particular one he dedicated to Miss Elgil Bradford of Alabama.  Other than that we don’t know a whole lot about him.  

But did you read the words?  Isn’t this a lovely plea?  Calling out to the Lord to hang on tight, while temptations and storms surround.  Oh… lovely words.  I wonder why it’s not sung any more?

Look, Ye Saints! The Sight Is Glorious

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I will freely admit that I am not familiar with this hymn at all, but the Write 31 day challenge word for the day is Notice.  I couldn’t find a hymn with the word notice in it, but a synonym of notice is look!   Look, Ye Saints!  The Sight is Glorious points us toward the Lord, commanding us to notice him. 

Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious

Lyrics

Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious:
See the Man of Sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crowns become the Victor’s brow,
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.

Crown the Savior! angels, crown Him;
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
In the seat of power enthrone Him,
While the vault of heaven rings;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown the Savior King of kings,
Crown the Savior King of kings.

Sinners in derision scorned Him,
Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him,
Own His title, praise His name;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame,
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame.

Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark, those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
King of kings and Lord of lords!
King of kings and Lord of lords!

History

Thomas Kelly is the author of Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious.  Kelly is an Irishman who originally planned to be a lawyer.  Then he came to know the Lord and his focus shifted to ministry. 

Originally an Anglican priest he eventually became one of the dissenters.  Over the course of his lifetime he wrote some 760 hymns.   He lived was born in 1769 and died 1855.  He was known to be a friend of good men, as a excellent biblical critic, and for his piety.  

Comments

I read the words to hymn and I have to ask myself… do I really take the time too look and notice the Lord?  Have I really noticed what happened when he died? 

But then see it… See how Jesus wasn’t left on his own.  He was alone, but yet he wasn’t alone.  Notice how the angels were gathered round.  We know they were at the tomb.  I know, I know… it’s a bit fanciful.  We aren’t told in scripture that as the soldiers scorned and mocked that the angels were there to be mindful of the Lord Jesus. 

Do we really notice the station that Jesus holds?  His is no longer lonely human, suffering with man on earth, but instead is full of kingly, heavenly glory.  NOTICE him!  See him there.  This is the Jesus that we worship!

notice = look