O God, Be Merciful to Me!

The words of this hymn brought tears to my eyes in

our morning worship service yesterday.

How Precious the LORD Jesus Christ is!

How Great is HIS Salvation!

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

~ John 6:37 ~

~ O God, Be Merciful ~

With broken heart and contrite sigh,

A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry;

Thy pardoning grace is rich and free:

O God, be merciful to me.

I smite upon my troubled breast,

With deep and conscious guilt oppressed,

Christ and His cross my only plea:

O God, be merciful to me.

Far off I stand with tearful eyes,

Nor dare uplift them to the skies;

But Thou dost all my anguish see:

O God, be merciful to me.

Nor alms, nor deeds that I have done,

Can for a single sin atone;

To Calvary alone I flee:

O God, be merciful to me.

And when, redeemed from sin and hell,

With all the ransomed throng I dwell,

My raptured song shall ever be,

"God has been merciful to me."

Cornelius Elven ~ 1852

Many Blessings to you each one!

In HIS Love,

Camille

Darkest Before the Dawn

The disciples of the LORD likely were
confused and greatly discouraged.

The LORD Jesus Christ was dead.

They had witnessed it all.
HE was buried.

How dark a time that
must have been for them.
How they must have felt!
All hope seemed to be gone.

But, it was not Truth.

The LORD promised HE would rise again.
HE would be victorious over the grave.
Death could not hold HIM.

Early on the third day,
the first day of the week, which is Sunday,
the LORD Jesus Christ rose from the dead!

"And the angel answered
and said unto the women,
Fear not ye:
for I know that ye seek Jesus,
which was crucified.
He is not here:
for he is risen,
as he said."
~ Matthew 28:5-6 ~

How wonderful it is!

We serve a RISEN LORD!

Is HE your LORD?

How amazing it would be if
you would trust HIM with your
never-dying soul this Easter.

HE alone is worthy of all our praise.

~ Arise, My Soul, Arise ~

Arise my soul, arise;
Shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears:
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands;
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above,
For me to intercede;
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood to plead;
His blood for sin did once atone,
His blood for sin did once atone,
And now it pleads before the Throne.

Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary,
They pour effectual prayers,
They strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
The presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

I now am reconciled;
God's pardoning voice I hear,
He owns me as His child,
I can no longer fear;
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And, "Father, Abba, Father," cry.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)


May the LORD bless
you each one this Easter!

In HIS Love,
Camille

Take Time to Worship!

Have you taken the time to ponder the
Greatness of the LORD this day?
HE alone is worthy of all our praise!
I'd like to share with you a favourite hymn of mine.
The words are so powerful and full of Truth!

May the LORD bless each of you this weekend,
kind friends, as you celebrate HIM and HIS goodness!

** Photo credit ~ Calvin

I lay my sins on Jesus,
The Spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us
From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
To wash my crimson stains
White in His blood most precious,
Till not a spot remains.

I lay my wants on Jesus,
All fullness dwells in Him;
He heals all my diseases,
He doth my soul redeem.
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
My burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases,
He all my sorrow shares.

I rest my soul on Jesus,
This weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces,
I on His breast recline.
I love the Name of Jesus,
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes
His name abroad is poured.

I long to be like Jesus,
Meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
The Father's Holy Child.
I long to be with Jesus,
Amid the heavenly throng,
To sing with saints His praises,
To learn the angels' song.

Horatius Bonar, 1808-89

The Solid Rock

I have been singing/humming this around the house today.
The LORD Jesus Christ really is everything.
HE is my everything.
No one can possibly replace HIM.
How precious it is to belong to HIM!

Whatever it is you face...
Whatever trials you find yourself in...
Whatever disappointments you have known...
HE alone is Worthy of all your praise and trust.

HE is able to save you utterly
and cast away your sin forever.

Come to HIM as you are,
find your ALL in HIM,
and these words will be true for you too!

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
~ John 6:37 ~


~ The Solid Rock ~

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

~ Refrain ~

His oath, His covenant, his blood,
Support me in the 'whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

~ Refrain ~

Edward Mote (1797-1874)

A Sovereign Protector

A Sovereign Protector I have,
Unseen, yet forever at hand,
Unchangeably faithful to save,
Almighty to rule and command.

He smiles and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend,
And walls of Salvation surround
The souls He delights to defend.

Inspirer and hearer of prayer,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,
My all to thy covenant care,
I sleeping and waking resign.

If Thou art my shield and my Sun,
The night is no darkness to me;
And, fast as the moments roll on,
They bring me but nearer to Thee.

Augustus Toplady (1774)

I Lay My Sins on Jesus

I lay my sins on Jesus,
The Spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us
From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
To wash my crimson stains
White in His blood most precious,
Till not a spot remains.

I lay my wants on Jesus,
All fullness dwells in Him;
He heals all my diseases,
He doth my soul redeem.
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
My burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases,
He all my sorrow shares.

I rest my soul on Jesus,
This weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces,
I on His breast recline.
I love the Name of Jesus,
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes
His name abroad is poured.

I long to be like Jesus,
Meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
The Father's Holy Child.
I long to be with Jesus,
Amid the heavenly throng,
To sing with saints His praises,
To learn the angels' song.

Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

How Great Thou Art

**Rocky Mountains ~ photo by Camille 2009**

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed,

Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;

~ Refrain ~

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in:
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin;

~ Refrain ~

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

~ Refrain ~

Stuart K. Hine (1899-1989)

A Wonderful Hymn!

A Sovereign Protector I have,
Unseen, yet forever at hand,
Unchangeably faithful to save,
Almighty to rule and command.

He smiles and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend,
And walls of Salvation surround
The souls He delights to defend.

Inspirer and hearer of prayer,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,
My all to thy covenant care,
I sleeping and waking resign.

If Thou art my shield and my Sun,
The night is no darkness to me;
And, fast as the moments roll on,
They bring me but nearer to Thee.

Kind Author, and ground of my hope,
Thee, Thee, for my God I avow;
My glad Ebenezer set up,
And own Thou hast helped me till now.

I muse on the years that are past,
Wherein my defense Thou hast proved;
Nor wilt Thou relinquish at last
A sinner so signally loved!

Augustus Toplady (1740-1778)

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

**My Dad (Camille's) is an artist ~
he used pencil to draw these praying hands while a Bible School student in 1964 ~

It was a gift to us from my Dad a few years ago and it is very precious to us both.

This is one of my favourite hymns ~
might it be a blessing to your heart as it is to mine!


What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness:
Take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge ~
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Joseph Scriven (1819-1886)

Christ, The Lord, Is Risen Today!

Christ the Lord, is risen today;
Halelujah!
Sons of men and angels say
Halelujah!
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
Halelujah!
Sing, ye heavens and earth reply:
Halelujah!

Love's redeeming work is done;
Halelujah!
Fought the fight, the battle won.
Halelujah!
Death in vain forbids Him rise;
Halelujah!
Christ hath opened Paradise.
Halelujah!

Lives again our glorious King;
Halelujah!
"Where, O death, is now thy sting?"
Halelujah!
Once He died our souls to save:
Halelujah!
Where's thy victory, O grave?
Halelujah!

Soar we now where Christ hath led,
Halelujah!
Following our exhalted Head;
Halelujah!
Made in Him, like Him we rise;
Halelujah!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
Halelujah!

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

O sacred Head, now wounded,
With grief and shame weighed down;
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory,
What bliss 'til now was Thine;
Yet though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine!

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered
Was all for sinners' gain;
'Twas mine the dread transgression,
But Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Saviour,
'Tis I deserve Thy place;
Oh, look on me with favour;
Vouchsafe to me Thy grace.


Be near when I am dying,
Oh, show Thy cross to me;
And for my succor flying,
Come, Lord, to set me free:
These eyes new faith receiving.
From Thee shall not remove,
For he who dies believing
Dies safely through Thy love.

What language shall I borrow
To thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
Oh, make me Thine forever;
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
Outlive my love to Thee.

Attributed to ~
Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153)

English Translation by ~
James W. Alexander (1804-1859)

Count Your Blessings

Count Your Blessings


When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.


Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

~ Refrain ~

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in Heaven, nor your home on high.

~ Refrain ~

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blesings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

~ Refrain ~


Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1922)

He Giveth More Grace

This beautiful hymn was running through my head the other day ~
May it be a blessing to your heart as it has been to mine.

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

~ Refrain ~

His love has no limit,
His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

~ Refrain ~

His love has no limit,
His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

Annie J. Flint (1866-1932)

At Calvary

**Photo taken between Tsawassen and Victoria ~ on the Ferry Trip**

This hymn has been playing through my head lately and it is so beautiful.
There is so much Truth here...
May it be a blessing to your heart today!

At Calvary

Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.

Refrain:
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary.

By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.

~ Refrain ~

Now I've given to Jesus everything;
Now I gladly own Him as my King;
Now my ransomed soul can only sing
Of Calvary.

~ Refrain ~

Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary.

~ Refrain ~

William R. Newell (1868-1956)

Merry Christmas!

May the Lord richly bless each of you this CHRISTmas and throughout the coming year. My prayer is that every one of you would KNOW the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and that HE would be very real and precious in your lives.

I would like to share a lovely hymn...I think it beautifully sums up the real reason for CHRISTmas!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With th'angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the Everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the virgin's womb:
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th'Incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Come, desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman's conqu'ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent's head.
Adam's likeness now efface, Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

It Is Well With My Soul

**Photo by Camille ~ Ferry trip between Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia**

This hymn was born out of deep grief. Its composer had received word that his four daughters were tragically drowned at sea while his wife alone was saved. While travelling to join her he penned this wonderful hymn. Such an amazing testimony of the Grace of God in the life of His child! Under such circumstances would I have had such a faith? How awesome our Great God is ~ He is able to do exceedingly above what we ask or think!

It is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

"It is well, it is well with my soul."

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

My sin ~ oh, the bliss of this glorious thought ~

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend!

Even so ~ it is well with my soul!

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well

With my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford (1828-1888)

The Old Rugged Cross

This is a favourite hymn from long ago. When I was only about 5 years old my Dad was a pastor and we went once a month to the senior's home in the area to conduct a service. It was my job to hand out the hymn books. I remember dearly loving to sing this hymn in that place. I suppose that is where my fondness for it began.

Since having babies of my own it has become more precious as I shared it with them while tucking them into bed for the night. It focuses our attention on the One that really matters...why we live!

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so Divine,

A wonderful beauty I see;

For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died

To pardon and sanctify me.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I'll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

George Bennard (1873-1960)

How Firm a Foundation

These bookmarks are very precious ~ The pictures are "clickable" so you can see the lovely printing of the sweet little girl who wrote them out for us. The story behind them is precious too...I'm sure you guessed that! I would have to say that I didn't pay much attention to this hymn before Howie and I were given these bookmarks, that is, until our little niece (only eight years old at the time) was so thoughtful to share.

Why? Here is the reason...

When our first born was only six weeks old he was diagnosed with a very large VSD...which in layman's terms is a hole in the heart. It was so large that there was virtually no septum between the lower two chambers of his heart. He was nearly nine pounds at birth, but failed to thrive...he wasn't gaining weight like he should. A series of doctor's appointments led to an x-ray which revealed the potential problem. I was told the news over the phone.

BUT God is so good and He never leaves us...we, as His children, are constantly in His perfect and loving care.

Fast forward nearly one year.

Austin was prayed for, by people we didn't even know (and many that we did), all through that year. We believe he was sustained by the Mighty Hand of God. He "should have" required surgery by about four months old, but it wasn't necessary until the age of one. God is so wonderful and gently leads us along. We live in a sin-cursed world, one with sickness and pain and death, but God is Faithful and is Always in control!

Open heart surgery was scheduled for a week after his first birthday. It was a frightening time, but I can testify that through it all God was there. Not once did He give us more than we could bear...With Him! I could go on and on about every minute detail of those days, but suffice it to say that the Grace of God was there for us When we needed it. All was supplied by our Loving Heavenly Father.

Fears really were assuaged. God carried us through. He also mercifully carried Austin through.

In the days preceeding surgery, our niece was impressed with the fact that this was the hymn we needed for this difficult time. She took it upon herself to make bookmarks for both of us. As you can see they are still treasured and kept safely in our Bibles. Here is the hymn...so precious to my heart!

~ How Firm a Foundation ~

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"In every condition ~ in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home or abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
For I will be with thee, thy trials to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through firey trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

Rippon's "Selection of Hymns", 1787

Day by Day

**Taken from our front porch a few mornings ago...click to enlarge**


Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Power.
The protection of his child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy Holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting;
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the Promised Land.

Carolina V. Sandell-Berg (1832-1903)

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds withing the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the 'whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Edward Mote (1797-1874)