Jetstreams and prepping

Lots happening here as usual...........

Working on Lucy but run out of creams and blue squares I need to make the fillers with and put around the Lucy blocks.........

So its cutting, gluing and prepping bags to sew.........

Talk about prepping I'm trying to up my walking in preparation for March Charge a Cancer Council fundraiser...........

I headed out the gate and looked up........OMG the sun was not up yet but a jet and its short jetstream were catching the rays.............

Here it is further away.........it was a stunning sight and thinking of my walking and working out distance goals to go to I decided to walk the loop to the sheep yards...........I know if I go down and back the same way it is 3kms but I was not sure if I did the loop..........it's just under 4kms so glad I did it now..........

Dust catching the sunlight about the 3km mark.......the sheep had just crossed my path heading to water at the dam..........

&&&&&&

NOW BACK to the MARCH CHARGE for cancer...........

I am walking.......I have registered to raise funds.........

I am walking for many people in my life...........

ones I have lost - my sister, my nan, my uncle, my aunty, mums cousin, dads cousin, my great aunt, one of my best friends, Mr Chookys grandad, friends mum

Survivors - BIL, cousins grandson, friends husband

Fighting now - FIL for the second time, 

many others to numerous to mention but these are closer ones

&&&&&

In blogland I know of friends who have battles to close to the heart

my friend who lost her husband to lymphoma

my friend who's son is currently battling melanoma

  my friends mum battling lung cancer

my friend who beat breast cancer

another friend almost clear on cancer

another friends who's husband battled cancer 

So WALK WITH ME

but most importantly 

sponsor me......

Crazily I said I would walk 93kms avg 3kms/day.

I usually walk 1-1.5kms sometimes 2km if I have time.......I walked 4km this morning and my knees are hurting (they are crap) but you know what my sore knees is nothing compared to cancer so I'll just live on panadol or nurofen if need be for the month........

Any amount of support you can give will all add up..........

if you have someone special tell me and I will walk for them too..........

I don't normally ask for anything like this but cancer affects way to many people and it is not just the person who gets it it is their whole world affected......family, friends etc....

Out here in the bush there are pretty much no services so you have to travel great distances just for treatment and Drs............

 

See what the Cancer Council does here

####  SPONSOR ME ####

please.........

leave me your email and I can email you a link if you can't find me online

Is anyone else doing this challenge?????

Catch you later.......

Chookyblue.....

Keeping the love of blogging alive

Free Birthday Images with Bible Verses

8 Free Birthday Images with Bible Verses

I created some birthday greeting images to send to friends through social media or email.  I got the images from different stock photo websites.  

You are welcome to use these images for non-commercial purposes (where the end product is not for sale).  Also, if you share them on a blog or website, please post a link back to this page.  Feel free to share them in emails or on social media to wish someone a Happy Birthday without any attribution.  Also, cards and gifts for personal use do not require attribution.  Please do not remove the watermark.  Enjoy!

To save the image, click on it to view the larger image.  Then, right-click on it and choose "Save Image As...".

Original photo from Unsplash.com by Aaron Burden

Original photo from stocksnap.io by Brooke Lark

Original photo from pexels.com by Adrianna Calvo

Original photo from pexels.com by Pok Rie

Original photo from unsplash.com by Tim Gouw

From Chiatra at CreativeConvex.com and PinkPot 

Original photo from pixabay.com by image4you

Original photo is my own

Also, check out my sympathy cards too.

My Favorite Hymns about God's Love

For Valentine's Day, I was going to do a hymn study on a hymn about God's love. God's love is the ultimate example of love.  His loving is giving, sacrificial, and gracious.  Our love can only hope to be a reflection of his agape love.

Since I was unable to choose just one hymn, I have decided to share some of my favorites instead.

And Can It Be? (Amazing Love)

by Charles Wesley, 1738

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior�s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain�

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be,

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be,

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

�Tis mystery all: th�Immortal dies:

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

To sound the depths of love divine.

�Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,

Let angel minds inquire no more.

�Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father�s throne above

So free, so infinite His grace�

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam�s helpless race:

�Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

�Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

Fast bound in sin and nature�s night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray�

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,

That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near,

That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th�eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Bold I approach th�eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

The Love of God

by Frederick Lehman, 1917

(Second verse based on the Jewish Poem "Haddamut" by Meir Ben Isaac Nehorai, 1050)

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints� and angels� song.

When years of time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men, who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call,

God�s love so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam�s race�

The saints� and angels� song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade,

To write the love of God above,

Would drain the ocean dry.

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

It Passeth Knowledge That Dear Love of Thine

by Mary Shekleton, 1863

Traditional Tune

Modern Tune

It passeth knowledge, that dear love of Thine,

O Jesus, Saviour; yet this soul of mine

Would of Thy love, in all its breadth and length,

Its height and depth and everlasting strength,

Know more and more.

It passeth telling, that dear love of Thine,

O Jesus, Saviour; yet these lips of mine

Would fain proclaim to sinners far and near

A love which can remove all guilty fear,

And love beget.

It passeth praises, that dear love of Thine,

O Jesus, Saviour; yet this heart of mine

Would sing a love so rich, so full, so free,

Which brought a rebel sinner, such as me,

Nigh unto God.

But though I cannot tell, or sing, or know

The fulness of Thy love while here below,

My tiny vessel I may freely bring --- 

O Thou, who art of love the living Spring,

My vessel fill!

O fill me, Jesus, Saviour, with Thy love;

Lead, lead me to the living Fount above!

Thither may I in simple faith draw nigh,

And never to another fountain fly,

But unto Thee.

Lord Jesus, when Thee face to face I see,

When on Thy lofty throne I sit with Thee,

Then of Thy love in all its breadth and length,

Its height and depth, its everlasting strength,

My soul shall sing.

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

by Stuart Townsend, 1995

Click here for my hymn study

How deep the Father�s love for us,

How vast beyond all measure,

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss -

The Father turns His face away,

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders;

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished;

His dying breath has brought me life -

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,

No gifts, no power, no wisdom;

But I will boast in Jesus Christ,

His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer;

But this I know with all my heart -

His wounds have paid my ransom.

O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

by S. Trevor Francis, 1875

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!

Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love

Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!

How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!

How He watches o�er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;

How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o�er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!

�Tis an ocean full of blessing, �tis a haven giving rest!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, �tis a heaven of heavens to me;

And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

I Stand Amazed in the Presence

by Charles H. Gabriel, 1905

I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,

A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Refrain

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!

Is my Savior�s love for me!

For me it was in the garden

He prayed: �Not My will, but Thine.�

He had no tears for His own griefs,

But sweat drops of blood for mine.

In pity angels beheld Him,

And came from the world of light

To comfort Him in the sorrows

He bore for my soul that night.

He took my sins and my sorrows,

He made them His very own;

He bore the burden to Calvary,

And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see,

�Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me.

What are some of your favorite hymns (or songs) about God's love?  Which of these are your favorites?  Would you like me to do a hymn study on one of these hymns?  I'd love to read your comments below!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

I love good hymns and I love good modern praise songs.  While I like the music of some more than others, what is important to me is the words and how well they are true to God's Word.  The music should reinforce those words.  For example, it is appropriate that Crown Him With Many Crowns sounds majestic, that Amazing Grace is reflective, and that How Firm A Foundation sounds strong and steady.  It would be odd for Onward Christian Soldiers to sound like a lullaby (even if that is the song my dad sang to us at bedtime when we were little - but, hey, he sang what he could).

That is why I love the modern hymn "How Deep The Father's Love For Us".  Yes, I would classify it as a hymn.  When most people think of hymns they are thinking of older church songs, but they are actually songs that are written in meter.  The meter is the number of syllables in a line.  How Deep The Father's Love For Us is written in 8.7.8.7.8.7.8.7 (which is the same as 8.7.8.7.D. or 8.7. - 8 lines).  In other words, the first line has eight syllables, the second has seven, the third has eight and so forth.

If you have two songs with the same meter, you may be able to switch the tunes.  The songs will require the same type of poetic foot (iambic, trochaic, ionic...) as well, but that's a lesson for another time.  For example, you could sing this hymn to Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee, Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, or I Have A Friend O Such A Friend (the last one fits this modern hymn best with both the foot and the tone).

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

by Stuart Townend

Verse 1:
How deep the Father�s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,

Ephesians 3:17-19 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.

Jesus said in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

How great the pain of searing loss -
The Father turns His face away,

Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

1 Peter 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Hebrew 2:9-10 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.

Verse 2:
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;

1 Peter 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.

Luke 23:35-37 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One." The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" 

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

John 19:30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Verse 3:
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the LORD.

But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.

Paul says in Galatians 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;

Psalm 103:10-13 He [God] has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

But this I know with all my heart -
His wounds have paid my ransom.

Matthew 20:28 "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance was written by Fanny Crosby in 1873.  Fanny Crosby was a prolific hymn writer who also happened to be blind.  Apparently, Fanny's friend and tune writer, Phoebe P. Knapp, played a tune for Fanny and asked her what the tune said to her.  Fanny listened and replied, "It says, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine."  The rest of the words for this hymn just flowed from her.   

I love how the first verse talks about our position in Christ, knowing that what we have now is only a foretaste of what is to come.  The second verse is more of an emotional response.  I don't personally believe that her reference to the rapture means any eschatological event, but rather intense joy (a more common definition of rapture).  This matches with the "perfect delight" that she just mentioned.  It is even more inspiring when you envision this blind author having "visions of rapture burst on [her] sight."  The third verse anchors her emotional response with more scriptural truths (being at rest in Christ's finished work, being blessed in Christ, watching and waiting for His return...).

It's easy to see why this hymn is a classic and a favorite.

Blessed Assurance

by Fanny Crosby, 1873

Verse 1:

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

1 Thessalonians 1:5  for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Hebrews 10:22-23 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Romans 8:23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Hebrews 1:14 Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them [believers] who shall be heirs of salvation?

Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

1 John 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Refrain:

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Psalm 35:28 And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long.

Verse 2:

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Psalm 40:8 "I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.�

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

1 Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Speaking of angels in Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Verse 3:

Perfect submission, all is at rest

Hebrews 4:3,10 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "As I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter my rest," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. ... For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Ephesians 3:19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Welcome To Our World

Welcome To Our World

by Chris Rice

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting

Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Of Anna in Luke 2:38 "At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long awaited Holy Stranger
Make yourself at home
Please make yourself at home

Luke 2:7 "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Mary said in Luke 1:53 "He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent away the rich empty-handed."

John 1:1,14  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

The angels told the shepherds in Luke 2:11 "for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

1 Peter 1:18-19 "knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ."

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

1 John 4:2  "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;"

Hebrews 10:10 "By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Luke 1:35 "The angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.'"

Old Testament/New Testament Game

I love games that involve physical activity.  Here is a game I found on Ministry-To-Children.com that helps kids practice which books of the Bible are from the Old or New Testament:

Have the children stand in the center of the room.  Label one side of the room "Old Testament" and the other "New Testament".  Call out books of the Bible and have the children move to the correct side of the room.  If you want to make it more challenging, call out names that aren't books of the Bible and have them do something else (like freeze, drop to the floor, or go to the center of the room).

Click here for some more activities for learning the Books of the Bible.  

A Guide to The Meter of Hymns

If you ever went to a Christian camp, you probably know that you can sing "Amazing Grace" to a lot of different tunes:

Young Life/Camp Version

Gilligan's Island Version

Joy To The World Version

House of the Rising Sun Version

O Danny Boy (Londonderry Air) Version

So, why does "Amazing Grace" fit in all of those tunes (and tons more)?  It all comes down to meter. So what is meter?

Meter

Meter is a notation indicating the number of syllables in each line of a song.  For example, in the lyrics to "Amazing Grace" below, I underlined every other syllable.  

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me.I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.

Counting the syllables in each line, you get 8.6.8.6.  The periods between numbers just indicate line breaks.

Here is another example using "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God":

A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow'r are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Counting these syllables, we get 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.7.

Named Meters

Some meters are used more frequently, so they have been given names.  For example:

• Common Meter (C.M.) is 8.6.8.6.  ("Amazing Grace" has this meter.)
• Short Meter (S.M.) is 6.6.8.6.
• Long Meter (L.M.) is 8.8.8.8.

Notice that all of those named meters are quatrains (four lines).  Some hymns have one stanza that is equivalent to two of these verses.  These can be noted with a D for double.

• C.M.D. is 8.6.8.6.8.6.8.6.
• S.M.D. is 6.6.8.6.6.6.8.6.
• L.M.D. is 8.8.8.8.8.8.8.8.

Sometimes, the term Irregular Meter is used.  This means that the meter can vary from verse to verse (like "The First Noel").  The notes that are sometimes slurred with one syllable instead of two are usually tied (joined with a swooping line).  









At times, Irregular Meter means that some verses are missing the pickup or lead-in note (the note before the first downbeat) such as in "O Come All Ye Faithful".

Peculiar Meter (P.M.) is not a specific meter, but rather any meter that is "peculiar" or different. Sometimes this can mean the same thing as "Irregular Meter."  Other times, P.M. is used to mean that this meter is just different from other songs (at least in the hymnal using the notation) so you are not likely to find other songs like it.  

Basically, tunes that are labeled P.M. are Irregular Meter are NOT interchangeable with other tunes with the same label.

Variations in Representation

There are several types of notation for meter.  All involve numbers and periods. However, some use the D in meters such as 7.6.7.6.D. and others don't, using 7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6.  Others will even write "7.6. 8 lines" (meaning there are eight total lines in the 7.6. pattern).

Some will write out the meter for a refrain while others will use the notation "7.8.7.8. with Refrain".  Unfortunately, this doesn't tell you the meter of the refrain.  While the verses will be able to be sung to either tune, the refrains may not be compatible depending on their meter.  For example, "Jesus Loves Me" and "Who Is He in Yonder Stall" are both 7.7.7.7. with refrain, but their refrains are not compatible.

Also, some hymnals will write the meter with periods at the end of each line, while others use the periods for the end of a couplet or section.  For example, a meter can be written as 76.76.D. or 87.87.66.667.

Poetic Foot

One would think that you could sing any song to another tune of the same meter, but unfortunately it is not that simple.  While it often works, some hymns have a different poetic foot.  A poetic foot is a pattern of which syllables are emphasized.  While there are many patterns possible in a poetic foot, only the most common ones used in hymns are covered here.




Iambic
Going back to "Amazing Grace", the pattern of emphasis is weak-strong-weak-strong the whole way through.  Each pair of weak-strong is known as an iamb (the b is silent).  So, this pattern is called iambic.  Many people have learned about iambic pentameter in a high school literature class.  Shakespeare wrote in this pattern where each line consisted of five iambs (ten total syllables in the weak-strong pattern).  Iambic tends to have a skipping type feel when read.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me.I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.

Another iambic hymn is "What Child is This?":

What Child is this, who laid to rest,On Mary's lap is sleeping?Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,While shepherds watch are keeping?

Some more examples of iambic hymns are:

• "Sweet Hour of Prayer"
• "O God Our Help In Ages Past"
• "From Every Stormy Wind That Blows"

Almost all C.M., S.M., and L.M. hymns are iambic.

Trochaic 
The opposite pattern of emphasis is strong-weak.  A good example of this is Onward Christian Soldiers.  Each pair of strong-weak is called a trochee and the tern for this pattern is trochaic.  "Onward Christian Soldiers" is 6.5.6.5.D. with Refrain in trochaic pattern (In fact, most 6.5.6.5. hymns are trochaic).  It is ironic that "Onward Christian Soldiers" is in trochaic because, to me, trochaic sounds more like marching.

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see His banner go!

Another trochaic hymn is Our Great Savior:

Jesus! what a friend for sinners!Jesus! Lover of my soul;Friends may fail me, foes assail me,He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Here are a few more trochaic hymns:

• "In the Cross of Christ I Glory"
• "May the Grace of Christ Our Savior"
• "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
• "Christ the Lord is Ris'n Today"

There are many different types of poetic feet, the two above are both disyllables (having two syllables in each foot).  There are more types of poetic feet having more than two syllables.  While there are many trisyllables and tetrasyllables, I will mention the most common ones in hymns.

Dactylic and Anapaestic
In hymns, trisyllables are mostly either dactylic or anapaestic.  A dactyl foot is strong-weak-weak (DUM-da-da) and an anapaest foot is weak-weak-strong (da-da-DUM).  

A good example of a dactylic hymn is "Be Thou My Vision":

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart-
Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night-
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.

Anapaestic poems have an upbeat sing-songy feel.  They have been used in "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and by Dr. Seuss in "O the Places You'll Go."

A good example of an anapaestic pattern is in the verses of "Sweet By and By":

There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar,
For the Father waits over the wayTo prepare us a dwelling place there.

Some hymns such as "Immortal, Invisible" are difficult to classify because the have the feel of trisyllables, but with an upbeat.

Immortal, Invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious - Thy great name we praise.

Here are some more dactylic hymns (including ones with an upbeat note):

• "Oh! What a Savior is Jesus the Lord"
• "How Good is the God We Adore"
• "We'll Sing of the Shepherd That Died"
• "Thy Name We Bless, Lord Jesus"

No Pattern or Irregular Patterns
Some texts have no pattern or it is irregular.  The first line may be trochaic and the second iambic. Some anapaestic lines may begin with an iamb or a trochee is at the end of a dactylic line.  This is often done so that the accent can fall on the final syllable of the line.

Switching songs with poetic feet
When you switch tunes for hymns with different poetic feet the result is usually awkward.  Try singing the trochaic "Our Great Savior" to the iambic "What Child is This?" or vice versa.  It definitely doesn't feel right.  Or sing the dactylic "Be Thou My Vision" to the iambic "Abide With Me".

Mood or Tone

One last thing to consider when choosing which tune to sing with a song is the mood or tone.  For example, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" and "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" are both in the meter 7.6.7.6.D.  However, the first text is somber and the latter is a call to battle.  While it is possible to sing each song to the other's tune, that doesn't mean that the result will be appropriate for the text.  Ideally, a tune should enhance the feeling of a text.  The style of music should not only match, but also intensify the feeling behind the words of a song.

"O My Savior, Crucified!" and "O My Savior, Glorified!" in Hymns of Grace and Truth are both written in 7.7.7.7.  However, even just from their titles, it is obvious that the first should probably be written in a minor key and the second should be in a major key.  It feels wrong to singing "Gazing with adoring eye, on Thy dying agony" to a triumphant feel.  Though we glory in the cross (Galatians 6:14), it is the victory of sin that we celebrate and not his agony. 

Last Thoughts

• Ephesians 5:19 "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;"
• Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
• 1 Corinthians 14:26 "What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification."

While there are ideals in hymns and their music, the important part of worshipping with music is the attitude of our hearts and the edification of the church body.  If someone chooses the wrong tune (by meter or style), grace should be shown.  Don't ruin the beautiful melody of someone's heartfelt worship with your attitude of judgment on musical skills and ideals.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Words by Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

James 1:17  Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from theFather of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Malachi 3:6  "For I, the LORD , do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed."

Lamentations 3:22  The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.

Psalm 90:2  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;

Lamentations 3:22-23

The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided�
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Philippians 4:19  And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Jeremiah 31:35  Thus says the LORD , Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name:

Psalm 74:16-17  Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; You have prepared the light and the sun. You have established all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter.

Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Psalm 19:1  The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

God said in Jeremiah 33:8  'I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned against Me and by which they have transgressed against Me.'

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Psalm 73:23-24  Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.  With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Titus 2:13  looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Ephesians 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

There are many renditions of Great is Thy Faithfulness.  

Search for your favorite one below.

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