Sunday, April 4, 2021

THREE TITLES TO CELEBRATE FAITH: "BE STILL MY SOUL"--"COUNTRY FAITH"--"THEN SINGS MY SOUL"--each provides an illuminating look at the people and stories behind some of the world's most popular hymns and their favorite Bible passages (see my reviews)

Be Still, My Soul: The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns


"Be Still, My Soul" is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences--from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, "Be Still, My Soul" includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers. Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

MY REVIEW: With its beautifully textured and toned parchment, "Be Still, My Soul: The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns" immediately gives the reader a feeling of coming home to something wonderfully familiar. Author Randy Petersen has put together a richly rewarding hymnal and historical, offering an in-depth look at twelve composers and purveyors of inspirational music, and encompassing a wealth of information on how these hymns became popularized. As you read the text, and run your fingers over the lyrics and musical scores, you most likely will find yourself humming the tunes or singing out loud. This is a historical reference, songbook, and a source of inspiration for singers and soul-searchers. Many songs in popular culture, including holiday carols and more, have their roots in secular music. "The Index of First Lines" is a helpful resource at identifying songs for which you know the tune, but not the title. Even if you can't play a note or carry a tune, you will enjoy this entertaining and enlightening work from author Randy Petersen.

Book Copy Gratis Tyndale Blog Network


Once-A-Day Country Faith: 56 Reflections from Today's Leading Country Music Stars
 

Pour yourself a fresh, cold glass of sweet tea and ease into your favorite chair with a copy of the Once-A-Day Country Faith. You'll enjoy a front row seat to an intimate look at your favorite country stars as they discuss the personal significance of their favorite Bible passage. With contributions from 56 of today's top country artists, the Once-A-Day Country Faith includes the Bible passage that tops each of their charts as well as the reasons why this part of scripture is so valuable to them. After reading Country Faith, you'll be inspired to identify the Bible passage that's most meaningful to you. You'll also listen to your favorite country artists in a whole new way.

MY REVIEW: "Once-A-Day Country Faith: 56 Reflections from Today's Leading Country Music Stars", by Deborah Evans Price, is a slim, beautifully-photographed volume of inspirational thoughts from a generation-crossing group of country music stars. Each of the featured artists has selected their favorite Bible passage, and in a brief, but insightful article, they explain why that verse has so much personal meaning. One of my favorite entertainers, Trisha Yearwood, has placed a Bible verse in the liner notes of every one of her albums since she began her recording career in 1991. It's one of the ways she expresses her faith and gratitude. Singer Billy Dean, another artist whose work I enjoy, chose one of my own favorite verses from CORINTHIANS. Country music favorites like Alan Jackson, Wynonna, Barbara Mandrell, Billy Ray Cyrus, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Daniels, Miranda Lambert, and many others also offer enlightening and thoughtful reflections. The book concludes by featuring THE GOSPEL OF MARK, a detailed accounting of the amazing ministry of JESUS--including the wisdom of his parables, the miracles he made possible, and the profound legacy of his death and resurrection. "Once-A-Day Country Faith" is a beautiful reminder of living faith and of how each of us experiences our own moments of spiritual inspiration in our everyday lives.

Book Copy Gratis Zondervan Press via Booksneeze


Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories
 

Rob Morgan's inimitable style will help people reacquaint themselves with the hymns of the faithful. His goal is to keep these traditional hymns vital and meaningful to all generations.
Don't look for a dry recounting of boring stories. These devotional-style stories show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history -- the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to your soul and add depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

FEATURES:
  • Includes words and music to each hymn
  • Special softcover, french flap cover design
  • Ivory paper with brown ink
  • Jagged-edge paper, giving it a classic feel
  • Complete with hymn index
  • Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers

MY REVIEW: "Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories #2", is a fascinating, faith-filled volume of music, lyrics, and the stories of the creators and popularizers of familiar inspirational songs. My mother was quite musical, and for many years she was the organist in the little country church attended by my family. Upon reading this history of hymns by author Robert J. Morgan, my mother and I realized that our favorites, "Take My Hand Precious Lord" (hers), and "Peace in the Valley" (mine), were both written by Thomas A. Dorsey. This is a wonderful, heart-stirring hymnal, full of history and sentiment. The ivory pages and sepia ink along with the rustic look and texture of the paper give it a homey feel. Very enjoyable and most certainly worth your time. A delight for the devout and for those still seeking, and a treasure for those whose trace their musical roots to their house of worship. "Then Sings My Soul" will stir your soul indeed.

 

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