Hello again, world! =D

Hi! I haven't been around here on this blog for almost a year. It's been a long year full of  ups and downs, but God has been good in helping me get back on my feet. I didn't really think anyone visited this blog to be honest. I was very surprised to see many visitors, so I'll be working on some new material to share with you. Thanks for visiting!

Gifts for Christian Musicians!

One of my side hobbies is creating designs and photos that I enjoy placing on items. As I created some fun music designs and products for myself, friends, and students with instruments and Bible verses, I thought you would enjoy them, also. I think they would be great gifts for the Christian musicians in your life. You may take a look at my Christian music Cafe Press page at Joyful Inspiration Gallery to see all of the designs and items.

Find these and many more @ Joyful Inspiration Gallery !

Sola Christo ~ In Christ Alone

 "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." ~ Galatians 2:20

God gave the beautiful gift of music to all people. He has given composers creative talents and has inspired them to write the most amazing words and music for Him! One song that touches the deepest parts inside of me is "In Christ Alone" by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. As a daily reminder to myself and to those who may pass by this small page, I wanted to share this music with you. I pray that Christ may touch you as you listen to the songs with your heart. (Just click below to enjoy the video.)

"In Christ Alone" Worship Video & Lyrics


"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand"

Getty & Townend wanted to create a piece of music where the words were grounded in the Word, and presented in a way that would be memorable not only for worshipers on  Sunday mornings, but for believers on any day, any time, in any place.

In Townend's words, “The lyric [of this song] excites me because it places our hope, our assurance, our eternal destiny in the right place—on the solid foundation of Christ. I know in my own life I need reminding continually not to live by my feelings or my circumstances, but by the unchanging truth of the gospel.” ~ Quoted from Song Story: "In Christ Alone" by Debra Akins

 Another song in praise of Christ is this version by Michael English
~ "In Christ Alone" ~
"In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope
Is Christ alone."

Some Scripture to Consider:
"To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." ~ Jude 1:25


"And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith." ~ Philippians 3:9


"And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." ~ Hebrews 10:10

"But now the righteousness of God apart form the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe." ` Romans 3:21,22

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of he glory of God." ~ Romans 5:1,2

"Knowing that a man in not justified by the works of the law by by faith in Jesus Christ even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified." ~ Galatians 2:16

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." ~ Galatians 2:20


Christian Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty
Christian Music by Stuart Townend
Christian Music by Michael English

soli Deo gloria ~ Done for the glory of God

Can music alter physical and mental health?

 What do you think? Since I haven't posted in two months due to health difficulties, I've thought about many things. So, here are some of my thoughts!

Can music alter physical and mental health?

Sacred Hymns ~ Music, Lyrics, & History

I find that if I know more about a piece of music that I appreciate it more. That is certainly very important with hymns and praise songs! I'm sad to admit that sometimes I sing along on the hymns, but don't really stop to think about what I am singing. When we think about the lyrics, the Scriptures that they come from, the stories and feelings behind the composers who felt moved to create them, we will understand more about our Maker and can truly use the songs to worship Him as we should! To help myself to do that more (and anyone else who may be interested), I have collected some websites which contain lyrics, sheet music, MP3's, composer information, Scripture references, and other little treasures! I hope they will be helpful to you! 

Sacred Hymns & Their History  from Invitation to Christ

Charles Wesley's Hymns ~ "Great Hymnwriter and Co-Founder of Methodism": Information regarding the hymns of Mr. Wesley.

Church Music ~ Search for sheet music for several hymns, children's resources including videos of ASL, and Learning Materials.

Great Christian Hymns ~ Hymn lyrics listed in several categories for easy searching.

Hymnary ~ Wow, this site has alot of stuff! I was a little confused at first, but once I made my way around, I liked what I saw. Search music by name, composer, lyrics, Bible reference to find sheet music, midi files, lyrics, and important related information. CCEH is a related site - I think it is their older version, but it had some cool stuff, too.

Hymn at Wikipedia ~ research the definition and history of hymns.

Hymn Lyrics ~ Well, Hymn Lyrics! It looks like it some a relationship with Rhapsody in some way, but I didn't read the details. It looks like it has interesting things, but some are by paid membership, others are free.

Hymnal Net ~ This site has the hymns in the categories of classic hymns, new tunes, new songs, children's songs, Scripture songs, and favorites. A midi track, lyrics, and guitar / piano leadsheets are available for free.

HymnSite ~ Find tons of hymns to download: lyrics, midi files, and sheet music; online hymn crossword puzzles, search indexes, and links to numerous other hymn sites.

Lutheran Hymnal ~ free MP3 recordings, lyrics, and more.

NetHymnal (Also known as Cyber Hymnal) ~ "Over 10,000 Christ­ian hymns, Author Bios, Composer Biographies, Hymn Histories and Gos­pel songs from ma­ny de­nom­in­a­tions. You’ll find lyr­ics, scores, MI­DI files, pic­tures, his­to­ry, & more. Search­a­ble, ad­vanced Au­to­play fea­ture, free down­loads. New en­tries ev­ery week. Us­er friend­ly. This wor­ship & teach­ing re­source is pro­vid­ed as a pub­lic ser­vice."

Popular Hymns ~ Lyrics and stories of 100 popular hymns.
I have to admit I don't understand all the copyright laws as far as what is public domain and what is not, but I don't want to steal something that perhaps in a copyright infringement as I'm sure you don't either. Please view each site with careful judgement as to how you understand the rules. I am not trying to place judgement, I just know in the music world that it can be confusing at times even within a well meaning ministry. With that is mind, here are some others. ??

Gary LeBlanc Music Ministry ~ sheet music and midi files.