Hymns I Love: How Great Thou Art

Hello Blessed People

Hope your week has been blessed so far?

As for me I am tracing my steps back to my master. Enjoying every moment I spend with Him. Embracing Him in a new way and experiencing His presence like never before. These days I just want to burst out singing praises and worshipping Him. I thank God for His love.

Well in the spirit of my last post which you can read here I was taken back to this Hymn I love so much. It's a wonder how I don't know the full lyrics by heart considering the fact that I sing/listen to this song (well not the whole hymn) almost everyday. And thanks to CeCe Winans' rendition my love for it has grown deeper.

Why do I love this Hymn?

It is deep. Very deep. The Hymn writer tried to put in words the awesomeness and greatness of God by showcasing his creation( verse 1 and 2), the depth of his love for us by sending his son Jesus (verse 3) and also tried to create a picture of how majestic the second coming would be (verse 4). The hymn reminds me that God's awesomeness supersedes our wildest imaginations. Imagine what this God can do for you? Yes EVERYTHING!!!!!

Brief History:

The Hymn is actually based on a Swedish poem written by Carl Gustav Boberg.

'Carl Boberg and some friends were returning home to Mönsterås from Kronobäck, where they had participated in an afternoon service. Nature was at its peak that radiant afternoon. Presently a thundercloud appeared on the horizon, and soon sharp lightning flashed across the sky. Strong winds swept over the meadows and billowing fields of grain. The thunder pealed in loud claps. Then rain came in cool fresh showers. In a little while the storm was over, and a rainbow appeared.

When Boberg arrived home, he opened the window and saw the bay of Mönsterås like a mirror before him… From the woods on the other side of the bay, he heard the song of a thrush…the church bells were tolling in the quiet evening. It was this series of sights, sounds, and experiences that inspired the writing of the song'

It is believed that inspiration was also drawn from Psalm 8.

Here are the wonderful Lyrics:

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty 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 he 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!

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!

That's it people. If you are a lover of hymns like I am please share your favourite hymn(s) with me as well.

Enjoy the rest of the week and don't forget How Great our God is...

VirtuousKelly
xxx

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Great_Thou_Art_(hymn)
http://www.pietisten.org/winter0203/howgreat.html

Album Review: CeCe Winans Throne Room

Hello People,

How did your weekend go? Mine was full of cooking and wedding planning: Not for me but for my friend True Glam. Don't worry when it's my turn y'all would know(*big grin*)

As part of my new agenda for this blog I would be letting you all in on albums that have blessed me. From the oldies to the newbies (to tell you the truth I know more oldies than newbies. It's like I'm still stuck in the early 90's and the beginning of the new Millenium)

Today's post will be the first of such posts and our Album for today is CeCe Winans Throne Room

I first listened to this album in 2004/2005 although the album was released in September 2003. Prior to this I had listened to the Winans family since I was a kid. I also loved to listen to her and her brother BeBe. However there was something about this particular album that changed my attitude to worship.

Taken from her original biography this is what CeCe had to say:

'Worship is probably my favorite kind of music. For some time, I’ve really felt like God was telling me to record a very special project that would encourage people to worship. As I was completing the new record deal with Epic, I told them, ‘I’ve got to do this worship album before I can do anything else.’ It may make no natural sense to do this record right now in my career, but for the past two years I have had confirmation after confirmation that this is absolutely the right time. I know it’s all in God’s timing, and it’s what He wants me to do right now. If you are a worshipper this project will take you there, and if you’re not it will certainly give you peace.'

I can not begin to tell you how true her words are with regards to encouraging others to worship because this album totally changed my outlook to worship. I have a new found respect/awe for moments whereby I just put the CD in my player or listen to it on my phone anywhere either at home or on the bus or on the train. Wherever I am it feels like I am translated into a purified atmosphere and I am blocked out of the whole drama of life. Trust me I am not exaggerating you need to try it.

For a long time I only had this album on my iPhone but recently I went on a hunt for the CD on Amazon and got it for a good price.

Songs on the album include:

Hallelujah To The King (Intro),Jesus, You're Beautiful(One of my favourites),Throne Room,How Great Thou Art(I heart this hymn),You're So Holy(First few times I heard this track I always used to tear up as in God is truly Holy),Oh Thou Most High (One of the hymns I love. CeCe should be my best friend),By Thy Blood (Worthy is the Lamb),Hallelujah to the King,Thirst For You,Come Fill My Heart (I love this song. It reminds me that I am nothing without God and with Him dwelling on the inside of me I can do anything and be everything He wants me to be),Mercy Said No (Dedicated to Ronald Winans),All In Your Name,No One Else,Hallelujah Praise,Just Like You Jesus and
A Heart Like Yours

16 tracks make up this wonderful album and I am so sure it will bless you. If you are looking to update your gospel collection and you don't have this yet please make this your next purchase. I am sure it will bless you too.

P.S. Don't forget to drop your comments on your experience here.

Enjoy
VirtuousKelly

References:

CeCe Winans official Biography