I was lost in a tunnel of darkness;
The end was impossible to see.
Yet a voice softly beckoned me onward,
Saying, "Press on! You can trust Me."
Jesus, "How do I walk though the darkness?"
I said, "I can't see my way through."
He replied, "You must keep pressing onward.
Trust Me, I'll never forsake you."
One slow step at a time I moved forward;
In blind faith I followed His voice.
Then I came ?round the bend and saw Jesus;
Encouraged, my heart did rejoice.
The Pure Light at the end of the tunnel
Stood waiting with arms opened wide;
And He said, "With each step of your journey,
I was always right by your side."
Now at times the tunnel may seem endless;
Don't give up! Just keep pressing through.
Jesus is the Light at your tunnel's end;
In His love He waits there for you.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
IMMEASURABLY MORE
“Immeasurably more,” the wise man cried.
“Immeasurably more,” I say.
“Immeasurably more?” the young boy asked
As he passed him by that day.
“What do you mean—Immeasurably more?
For I don’t quite understand.
The man held out a measuring tape
And then placed it in his hand.
“Now take this tape and measure, my son,
Just as far as you can go;
Don’t stop until you have done your best,
Then come back and let me know.”
So the young boy measured far and wide,
And it took most of his day,
Then he returned to the wise old man
There to hear what he would say.
“I know you have done your very best,
And you’ve measured far I know.”
The wise man then began to explain
What the young boy longed to know.
“Now where you had measured far and wide
And you could no further go,
It is out beyond where you left off
That God’s love for you will go.
“Immeasurably more than you will ask,
Immeasurably more He’ll do;
Immeasurably more than what you dream
God desires to do for you.
“Now take this tape that you hold in hand
And everywhere you go
Just remember, son, how God loves you
Immeasurably more I know.”
So the young boy held the tape in hand
And went merr’ly on his way
Reminded how immeasurably more
God revealed His love that day.
(Ephesians 3:20-21)
©2005 Linda J. Stevenson
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
“Immeasurably more,” I say.
“Immeasurably more?” the young boy asked
As he passed him by that day.
“What do you mean—Immeasurably more?
For I don’t quite understand.
The man held out a measuring tape
And then placed it in his hand.
“Now take this tape and measure, my son,
Just as far as you can go;
Don’t stop until you have done your best,
Then come back and let me know.”
So the young boy measured far and wide,
And it took most of his day,
Then he returned to the wise old man
There to hear what he would say.
“I know you have done your very best,
And you’ve measured far I know.”
The wise man then began to explain
What the young boy longed to know.
“Now where you had measured far and wide
And you could no further go,
It is out beyond where you left off
That God’s love for you will go.
“Immeasurably more than you will ask,
Immeasurably more He’ll do;
Immeasurably more than what you dream
God desires to do for you.
“Now take this tape that you hold in hand
And everywhere you go
Just remember, son, how God loves you
Immeasurably more I know.”
So the young boy held the tape in hand
And went merr’ly on his way
Reminded how immeasurably more
God revealed His love that day.
(Ephesians 3:20-21)
©2005 Linda J. Stevenson
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD
Try to count all the stars in the sky
Or the endless grains of sand.
See if you can hold the vast oceans
In the palm of your own hand.
Try as you may it cannot be done.
It's impossible to do.
And you will never comprehend
The depth of My love for you.
You too often worry over things
I will always take care of.
I have promised to provide your needs
From My rich storehouse above.
Where I guide I will always provide
There is nothing you will lack.
I will always hear and answer prayer.
I will never turn My back.
Leave all of your worries and your cares
In My trust and you will see
That in My time I will handle them.
You must place your faith in Me.
Now I am your Heavenly Father;
I watch everything you do.
I've watched you crawl; now, get up, stand tall,
For I want to walk with you.
Release all your fear, my child, draw near
Take hope and let your doubts flee.
Hold tightly my hand, I have a plan
I will bless and prosper thee.
I send these thoughts with all My love.
My Name is signed in red.
Your every need I will exceed
By My grace unlimited.
Eternally,
Your Heavenly Father
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
Or the endless grains of sand.
See if you can hold the vast oceans
In the palm of your own hand.
Try as you may it cannot be done.
It's impossible to do.
And you will never comprehend
The depth of My love for you.
You too often worry over things
I will always take care of.
I have promised to provide your needs
From My rich storehouse above.
Where I guide I will always provide
There is nothing you will lack.
I will always hear and answer prayer.
I will never turn My back.
Leave all of your worries and your cares
In My trust and you will see
That in My time I will handle them.
You must place your faith in Me.
Now I am your Heavenly Father;
I watch everything you do.
I've watched you crawl; now, get up, stand tall,
For I want to walk with you.
Release all your fear, my child, draw near
Take hope and let your doubts flee.
Hold tightly my hand, I have a plan
I will bless and prosper thee.
I send these thoughts with all My love.
My Name is signed in red.
Your every need I will exceed
By My grace unlimited.
Eternally,
Your Heavenly Father
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
A BASKET FULL OF BLESSINGS - Birthday Poem
May God's faithfulness surround you,
His peace infill your soul;
May His joy replace your sorrow,
His healing Word console.
May God's presence always shield you,
His footprints lead your way;
May His promises sustain you,
His light brighten your day.
May God's strong arms lift your burdens,
His grace remove sin's stain,
May His Spirit never leave you,
His love in you remain.
Here's a basket full of blessings
To comfort and to cheer
Rich treasures from the Father
To bless throughout the year.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
His peace infill your soul;
May His joy replace your sorrow,
His healing Word console.
May God's presence always shield you,
His footprints lead your way;
May His promises sustain you,
His light brighten your day.
May God's strong arms lift your burdens,
His grace remove sin's stain,
May His Spirit never leave you,
His love in you remain.
Here's a basket full of blessings
To comfort and to cheer
Rich treasures from the Father
To bless throughout the year.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
WE CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAY - Birthday Poem
We have but one day of the year
To celebrate your birth,
The day that you were sent by God
To bless us here on earth.
And I join along with others
Who want to say to you
That I hope your birthday's special
And filled with blessings, too.
Not just this day but everyday
Throughout the coming year
I pray God grants your hopes and dreams
And answers ev'ry prayer.
I pray God gives you health and strength
And joy for each new day,
That He places rainbows in your sky
When storm clouds come your way.
Your life has been a gift to me,
And I would like to say,
"I wish you joy and happiness
On this your special day."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
To celebrate your birth,
The day that you were sent by God
To bless us here on earth.
And I join along with others
Who want to say to you
That I hope your birthday's special
And filled with blessings, too.
Not just this day but everyday
Throughout the coming year
I pray God grants your hopes and dreams
And answers ev'ry prayer.
I pray God gives you health and strength
And joy for each new day,
That He places rainbows in your sky
When storm clouds come your way.
Your life has been a gift to me,
And I would like to say,
"I wish you joy and happiness
On this your special day."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
A BROKEN VESSEL
You may break this earthen vessel
And set all the contents free;
Lord, do whatever you must do
Just to bless someone through me.
I will not gain if I stay whole
And just passively exist,
If selfish gain my whole contain,
That's of all my life consists.
I would rather, Lord, be shattered,
Crushed and spilled out just for Thee,
If others will find your healing
And encouragement through me.
Don't spare me pain to live in vain,
Miss the opportunity
To lift someone who has fallen,
Lord, A soul in need of Thee.
Now, You've made this earthen vessel;
I relinquish it to Thee.
Release the healing fragrance, Lord;
Bless a hurting soul through me.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
And set all the contents free;
Lord, do whatever you must do
Just to bless someone through me.
I will not gain if I stay whole
And just passively exist,
If selfish gain my whole contain,
That's of all my life consists.
I would rather, Lord, be shattered,
Crushed and spilled out just for Thee,
If others will find your healing
And encouragement through me.
Don't spare me pain to live in vain,
Miss the opportunity
To lift someone who has fallen,
Lord, A soul in need of Thee.
Now, You've made this earthen vessel;
I relinquish it to Thee.
Release the healing fragrance, Lord;
Bless a hurting soul through me.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
A BROKEN HEART
It wasn't from the bitter blows
Repeatedly sustained.
It wasn't from embedded thorns
So painfully ingrained.
It wasn't from the brutal nails
That pierced His hands and feet.
Nor was it from the stabbing sword
That made His death complete.
Nothing less than a broken heart
Made Jesus fin'lly die.
It was our sin that tore His heart
And made our Savior cry.
For when the soldiers pierced His side,
The blood and water flowed.
The crushing weight from all our sins
Made Jesus' heart explode.
Jesus died from a broken heart,
'Twas sin that grieved Him sore.
With bowed head He said, "It's finished!"
When He could stand no more.
Now all of us must bear the blame;
Not one is guilty free.
Jesus died of a broken heart
From sins of you and me.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
Repeatedly sustained.
It wasn't from embedded thorns
So painfully ingrained.
It wasn't from the brutal nails
That pierced His hands and feet.
Nor was it from the stabbing sword
That made His death complete.
Nothing less than a broken heart
Made Jesus fin'lly die.
It was our sin that tore His heart
And made our Savior cry.
For when the soldiers pierced His side,
The blood and water flowed.
The crushing weight from all our sins
Made Jesus' heart explode.
Jesus died from a broken heart,
'Twas sin that grieved Him sore.
With bowed head He said, "It's finished!"
When He could stand no more.
Now all of us must bear the blame;
Not one is guilty free.
Jesus died of a broken heart
From sins of you and me.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
FROM HEAVEN'S POINT OF VIEW
If you could only see right now
From Heaven’s point of view,
You’d witness mighty miracles
From what you say and do.
Jesus said, “You’d hear the prayers
That fall upon My ear.
You would see souls daily growing
As My Word from you they hear.”
“The gift that I have given you
Will forev’r change man’s heart
And help him grow deep in his faith
As Truth you will impart.”
“Each man and woman, boy and girl
To whom you’ve shown the way
Will stand up for you in Heaven
With thankful hearts one day.”
“They’ll tell you how they came to know
The Truth that set them free,
Because you took the time to teach
And tell them about Me.”
So thank you for your faithfulness.
One day you’ll fin’ly see,
From the fruit of all your labor,
Great your reward will be.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
From Heaven’s point of view,
You’d witness mighty miracles
From what you say and do.
Jesus said, “You’d hear the prayers
That fall upon My ear.
You would see souls daily growing
As My Word from you they hear.”
“The gift that I have given you
Will forev’r change man’s heart
And help him grow deep in his faith
As Truth you will impart.”
“Each man and woman, boy and girl
To whom you’ve shown the way
Will stand up for you in Heaven
With thankful hearts one day.”
“They’ll tell you how they came to know
The Truth that set them free,
Because you took the time to teach
And tell them about Me.”
So thank you for your faithfulness.
One day you’ll fin’ly see,
From the fruit of all your labor,
Great your reward will be.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
YOU'VE MADE A DIFFERENCE
Thank you for the time you give
To each child who looks to you;
You truly make a difference
By all you say and do.
For as you touch each tender heart,
You leave your imprint there;
And always they'll remember you--
How much you really cared.
Keep on loving, keep on caring,
Sharing Christ as you do,
For one day they'll return to say,
“Teacher, I do thank you.”
“You've made a difference in my life.
I'm who I am today,
Because you gave your time to teach
And show to me God’s Way.”
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
To each child who looks to you;
You truly make a difference
By all you say and do.
For as you touch each tender heart,
You leave your imprint there;
And always they'll remember you--
How much you really cared.
Keep on loving, keep on caring,
Sharing Christ as you do,
For one day they'll return to say,
“Teacher, I do thank you.”
“You've made a difference in my life.
I'm who I am today,
Because you gave your time to teach
And show to me God’s Way.”
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
INNUMERABLE BLESSINGS
Sitting alone at Grandpa's feet
The little boy played one day,
Listening as his grandpa sang
And to the words he would pray.
He observed a calculator
That his grandpa held in hand,
So he thought, "What's Grandpa counting?"
For he did not understand.
He heard him sing a song he'd learned
Sitting at his grandpa's knee,
A song he'd sung so many times
From his heart so joyfully.
'Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done."
Grandpa said, "This calculator
Only counts for us so high,
So it can't count all God's blessings
For they reach beyond the sky.
"For as we try to count them all,
When God's blessed abundantly,
We find that they by far exceed
All the stars our eyes can see.
"Grace and mercy He's showered us
From Heaven above to show
Rich blessings so innumerable
In our lives do overflow.
"So take this calculator, Son,
And remember as you go
Just to stop and count your blessings
From our God who loves you so.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Eph. 1:3).
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
The little boy played one day,
Listening as his grandpa sang
And to the words he would pray.
He observed a calculator
That his grandpa held in hand,
So he thought, "What's Grandpa counting?"
For he did not understand.
He heard him sing a song he'd learned
Sitting at his grandpa's knee,
A song he'd sung so many times
From his heart so joyfully.
'Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done."
Grandpa said, "This calculator
Only counts for us so high,
So it can't count all God's blessings
For they reach beyond the sky.
"For as we try to count them all,
When God's blessed abundantly,
We find that they by far exceed
All the stars our eyes can see.
"Grace and mercy He's showered us
From Heaven above to show
Rich blessings so innumerable
In our lives do overflow.
"So take this calculator, Son,
And remember as you go
Just to stop and count your blessings
From our God who loves you so.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Eph. 1:3).
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
SHAKING OFF THE CHAINS
God will sometimes send an earthquake
To release the prison chains
That have locked us up in bondage,
Missing blessings He ordains.
The trials that come to shake our lives
That inflict on us great stress
Are intended to unshackle us
So that God can truly bless.
In all things God works for our good
To each one who bears His Name.
Our trials provide us blessings
We alone can rightly claim.
Imprisoned by complacency,
God will shake us to our core
To release the chains of apathy
So that we might serve Him more.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
To release the prison chains
That have locked us up in bondage,
Missing blessings He ordains.
The trials that come to shake our lives
That inflict on us great stress
Are intended to unshackle us
So that God can truly bless.
In all things God works for our good
To each one who bears His Name.
Our trials provide us blessings
We alone can rightly claim.
Imprisoned by complacency,
God will shake us to our core
To release the chains of apathy
So that we might serve Him more.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
RIDING THE WAVES
Waves of adversity crashed over me,
A sound I had heard oft before,
Pounding relentlessly stealing my peace,
Threatening to drown me once more.
"Don't fight," spoke the Lord. "Ride them safely to shore.
Don't resist. Persist to just rest.
Relinquish your doubts and soon you'll find out
That riding the waves you'll be blessed."
"For when you rest when the waves crash around,
Aware that I'm close by your side,
You'll rise high above, secure in My love,
And ride safely in with the tide."
"So when waves of adversity threaten
To drown you in seas of despair,
Rest upon Me and then you will see
How you'll ride the waves by your prayer."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
A sound I had heard oft before,
Pounding relentlessly stealing my peace,
Threatening to drown me once more.
"Don't fight," spoke the Lord. "Ride them safely to shore.
Don't resist. Persist to just rest.
Relinquish your doubts and soon you'll find out
That riding the waves you'll be blessed."
"For when you rest when the waves crash around,
Aware that I'm close by your side,
You'll rise high above, secure in My love,
And ride safely in with the tide."
"So when waves of adversity threaten
To drown you in seas of despair,
Rest upon Me and then you will see
How you'll ride the waves by your prayer."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
PRESS ON
The mountain loomed before me,
Its cloud-covered peak obscure,
Although I dreamed of reaching top,
I felt so insecure.
How could I in my puny strength
Think I could reach the crown
When I had only walked the paths
That kept my feet earthbound.
Some days God led by bright sunlight,
While others through dark of night,
Reminding me that I must walk
By faith and not by sight.
Though faced by beasts of the forest
And thorny paths uphill,
God renewed my strength and courage,
My journey to fulfill.
At times I thought, "I'll just give up,
I'm tired and can't go on."
But then I heard God softly speak,
"Press on, my child, press on.
Just one more turn around the bend
Will lead you to the top,
So don't quit now, keep pressing on.
Don't quit, no, don't you stop!"
"Press on, holdfast and persevere,
Don't think of giving in,
For soon you'll reach the mountaintop,
Your victory to win.
Press on, don't quit, and you will see
What faith in God will do.
Imagine all the dreams fulfilled,
What I will do through you."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
Its cloud-covered peak obscure,
Although I dreamed of reaching top,
I felt so insecure.
How could I in my puny strength
Think I could reach the crown
When I had only walked the paths
That kept my feet earthbound.
Some days God led by bright sunlight,
While others through dark of night,
Reminding me that I must walk
By faith and not by sight.
Though faced by beasts of the forest
And thorny paths uphill,
God renewed my strength and courage,
My journey to fulfill.
At times I thought, "I'll just give up,
I'm tired and can't go on."
But then I heard God softly speak,
"Press on, my child, press on.
Just one more turn around the bend
Will lead you to the top,
So don't quit now, keep pressing on.
Don't quit, no, don't you stop!"
"Press on, holdfast and persevere,
Don't think of giving in,
For soon you'll reach the mountaintop,
Your victory to win.
Press on, don't quit, and you will see
What faith in God will do.
Imagine all the dreams fulfilled,
What I will do through you."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
PEACE ON STORMY SEA
I sailed upon a tranquil sea
Where all was peace and calm;
I felt my life serene and blessed,
I knew not storm or qualm.
Then clouds of doubt began to form,
The wind did stir and blow;
My tranquil sea did heave and toss,
I felt my anguish grow.
I cried, "Dear Lord, are you out there?
You see my ship storm-tossed?
Why do you leave me here alone?
I fear I may be lost."
God smiled and spoke these simple words,
"Peace my child, just be still;
I'm the God of the raging sea,
The waves obey my will."
Hook your anchor onto "The Rock"
That holds your vessel sure.
No evil can alarm you child,
I'll keep your life secure.
No harm will touch you if you trust
And place your faith in me;
Your storm-tossed ship will once again
Sail on a tranquil sea.
So do not fear the storms of life
That oft assail your soul;
I am the Master of the Sea,
I'm always in control.
The storms will surely strengthen you
When on rough seas you sail,
For you will know the victory
That comes when you prevail.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
Where all was peace and calm;
I felt my life serene and blessed,
I knew not storm or qualm.
Then clouds of doubt began to form,
The wind did stir and blow;
My tranquil sea did heave and toss,
I felt my anguish grow.
I cried, "Dear Lord, are you out there?
You see my ship storm-tossed?
Why do you leave me here alone?
I fear I may be lost."
God smiled and spoke these simple words,
"Peace my child, just be still;
I'm the God of the raging sea,
The waves obey my will."
Hook your anchor onto "The Rock"
That holds your vessel sure.
No evil can alarm you child,
I'll keep your life secure.
No harm will touch you if you trust
And place your faith in me;
Your storm-tossed ship will once again
Sail on a tranquil sea.
So do not fear the storms of life
That oft assail your soul;
I am the Master of the Sea,
I'm always in control.
The storms will surely strengthen you
When on rough seas you sail,
For you will know the victory
That comes when you prevail.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
PEACE IN THE EYE OF THE STORM
Suddenly from turbulent seas
Storm winds blew quickly o'er
Destroying my security
Till I could stand no more.
They reached the inland of my heart
To rob me of my peace.
Pounding winds of adversity
Seemed like they'd never cease.
In the midst of the blasting winds
I felt a calm within,
A tranquilizing inner peace,
As the storm's Eye moved in.
There in the center of the storm
God brought tranquility;
Protected by His arms of love,
The storm could not harm me.
God said, "I'm the Eye in ev'ry storm
That you will ever face.
You are protected and secure
Surrounded by My grace."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
Storm winds blew quickly o'er
Destroying my security
Till I could stand no more.
They reached the inland of my heart
To rob me of my peace.
Pounding winds of adversity
Seemed like they'd never cease.
In the midst of the blasting winds
I felt a calm within,
A tranquilizing inner peace,
As the storm's Eye moved in.
There in the center of the storm
God brought tranquility;
Protected by His arms of love,
The storm could not harm me.
God said, "I'm the Eye in ev'ry storm
That you will ever face.
You are protected and secure
Surrounded by My grace."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
PATIENT PERSEVERANCE
Did Joseph ever comprehend
What God had planned to do
When he went through painful trials,
How his life God would work through?
Rejected by his brothers when
They had plotted his demise,
Could he see His Father had a plan
As He heard his deep heart cries?
When bound and sent to foreign soil
And his heart cried out in pain,
Could he foresee the blessings then
That his life would soon contain?
When thrown into the dungeon deep
For the right that he had done,
Could he see God was completing
The good work He had begun?
So often when we face dark times
We're blind and can't perceive
Or trace the loving hand of God
From the trials we receive.
Like Joseph we must keep our faith
When we do not understand.
We must sustain a grateful heart
For all that our God has planned
With our patient perseverance
Just like Joseph we will see
How God will create a blessing
From what seems a tragedy.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
What God had planned to do
When he went through painful trials,
How his life God would work through?
Rejected by his brothers when
They had plotted his demise,
Could he see His Father had a plan
As He heard his deep heart cries?
When bound and sent to foreign soil
And his heart cried out in pain,
Could he foresee the blessings then
That his life would soon contain?
When thrown into the dungeon deep
For the right that he had done,
Could he see God was completing
The good work He had begun?
So often when we face dark times
We're blind and can't perceive
Or trace the loving hand of God
From the trials we receive.
Like Joseph we must keep our faith
When we do not understand.
We must sustain a grateful heart
For all that our God has planned
With our patient perseverance
Just like Joseph we will see
How God will create a blessing
From what seems a tragedy.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
NEVER! NO, NEVER LOSE HOPE!
When darkness surrounds and the way is not clear,
And the presence of God does not feel near;
When the storms of life paralyze you with fear.
Never! No, never lose hope!
When the body is rife with sickness and pain;
Your life has no sunshine, only just rain;
The doctor's uncertain your health you'll regain.
Never! No, never lose hope!
When the load upon you is heavy to bear,
And you're alone and feel God is not there,
The ceiling above seems to block ev'ry prayer,
Never! No, never lose hope!
When the road you're traveling seems always uphill.
You seek God's wisdom, His peace to instill.
You want to move forward, but only stand still.
Never! No, never lose hope!
God will not forsake you; I know it is true.
His Word has promised He'll stay close by you.
So pray without ceasing, and whate'er you do,
Never! No, never lose hope!
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
And the presence of God does not feel near;
When the storms of life paralyze you with fear.
Never! No, never lose hope!
When the body is rife with sickness and pain;
Your life has no sunshine, only just rain;
The doctor's uncertain your health you'll regain.
Never! No, never lose hope!
When the load upon you is heavy to bear,
And you're alone and feel God is not there,
The ceiling above seems to block ev'ry prayer,
Never! No, never lose hope!
When the road you're traveling seems always uphill.
You seek God's wisdom, His peace to instill.
You want to move forward, but only stand still.
Never! No, never lose hope!
God will not forsake you; I know it is true.
His Word has promised He'll stay close by you.
So pray without ceasing, and whate'er you do,
Never! No, never lose hope!
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
LORD, I CAN'T SWIM
LORD, I CAN'T SWIM
by Linda J. Stevenson
The Lord said, "Push out into the water."
I replied, "I can't swim!"
But He said, "Push out into the water;
That's where your faith begins."
I said,"Lord, You didn't hear me.
If I go, I'll surely drown."
He said, "No, you didn't hear me,
I will not let you go down."
And so I took a giant step
Into the rising flood;
I plunged into the waters deep,
Above the mire and mud.
I felt a hand beneath me
Majestically appear;
Although the waters raged about,
His presence was so near.
He wrapped His arms around me,
My head was held up high,
While tempest swelled beneath me,
I heard my Savior cry,
"Dry ground is always safer;
But then you'd never know,
You'd never reach, You'd never stretch,
Your faith would never grow.
I lead you through deep waters
To prove my love for you;
And where I send I, too, will go,
I'll never forsake you.
Push out into the water,
Step out in faith, you'll see,
That only then will you know
The joy of trusting me.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
by Linda J. Stevenson
The Lord said, "Push out into the water."
I replied, "I can't swim!"
But He said, "Push out into the water;
That's where your faith begins."
I said,"Lord, You didn't hear me.
If I go, I'll surely drown."
He said, "No, you didn't hear me,
I will not let you go down."
And so I took a giant step
Into the rising flood;
I plunged into the waters deep,
Above the mire and mud.
I felt a hand beneath me
Majestically appear;
Although the waters raged about,
His presence was so near.
He wrapped His arms around me,
My head was held up high,
While tempest swelled beneath me,
I heard my Savior cry,
"Dry ground is always safer;
But then you'd never know,
You'd never reach, You'd never stretch,
Your faith would never grow.
I lead you through deep waters
To prove my love for you;
And where I send I, too, will go,
I'll never forsake you.
Push out into the water,
Step out in faith, you'll see,
That only then will you know
The joy of trusting me.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
IN GOD I TRUST
IN GOD I CAN TRUST
by Linda J. Stevenson
There are trials in this life I don't understand,
There are times when my heart often fails;
But I know that my Father shall hear my heart cries,
There's no doubt that His love still prevails.
He will carry me through each fierce storm that will come,
He'll hide me in the palm of His hand,
And then when all the winds of strong doubt fiercely blow,
In His shelter protected I'll stand.
His faithful Word declares that in God I can trust
And no matter what e'er lies ahead,
No foe can break through or ever harm me; it's true!
And His path then I never shall dread.
So then when my own understandings deceive me,
And I can't see or find my way through,
When I acknowledge my sole trust and surrender,
Somehow God does what I cannot do.
So I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart,
Lean not on my own understanding,
I will acknowledge Him in each step that I take;
His plans are beyond comprehending.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
by Linda J. Stevenson
There are trials in this life I don't understand,
There are times when my heart often fails;
But I know that my Father shall hear my heart cries,
There's no doubt that His love still prevails.
He will carry me through each fierce storm that will come,
He'll hide me in the palm of His hand,
And then when all the winds of strong doubt fiercely blow,
In His shelter protected I'll stand.
His faithful Word declares that in God I can trust
And no matter what e'er lies ahead,
No foe can break through or ever harm me; it's true!
And His path then I never shall dread.
So then when my own understandings deceive me,
And I can't see or find my way through,
When I acknowledge my sole trust and surrender,
Somehow God does what I cannot do.
So I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart,
Lean not on my own understanding,
I will acknowledge Him in each step that I take;
His plans are beyond comprehending.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
GOD'S ROPE OF HOPE
God's Rope of Hope
by Linda J. Stevenson
If you're drowning in a sea of madness,
Grief's waves engulf and pull you down,
When you feel you're about to go under,
Keep treading--take a look around.
Dangling down from heaven's watchful guardhouse,
God's rope of hope extends to reach
And lift you up out of troubled waters
To restore rest on peaceful beach.
Often we venture to water's deep depths
To find we're way out o'er our heads;
And just as we think we're going under,
We grasp God's rope of hope instead.
He will not let you drown-He has promised;
He'll rescue, restore peace again.
When life's engulfing seas overwhelm us,
That is when God's mercy begins.
Look up, for God awaits to redeem you;
His love will buoy and engird.
He will never leave you, nor forsake you;
Cling to the promise of His word.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
by Linda J. Stevenson
If you're drowning in a sea of madness,
Grief's waves engulf and pull you down,
When you feel you're about to go under,
Keep treading--take a look around.
Dangling down from heaven's watchful guardhouse,
God's rope of hope extends to reach
And lift you up out of troubled waters
To restore rest on peaceful beach.
Often we venture to water's deep depths
To find we're way out o'er our heads;
And just as we think we're going under,
We grasp God's rope of hope instead.
He will not let you drown-He has promised;
He'll rescue, restore peace again.
When life's engulfing seas overwhelm us,
That is when God's mercy begins.
Look up, for God awaits to redeem you;
His love will buoy and engird.
He will never leave you, nor forsake you;
Cling to the promise of His word.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
GOD IS ENOUGH
When we walk life's road all alone,
And tomorrow's future is unknown,
The trials we face become full-blown,
We find-God is enough.
When sickness leaves us fully drained,
And our bed pillows are all tear-stained,
Questions of "Why?" are unexplained,
We find-God is enough.
No job and bills are piling high,
No sun overhead, just cloudy sky,
When life's heartaches then multiply,
We find-God is enough.
When death robs us of loved ones dear,
And we long for joyful songs to hear,
It's difficult to persevere,
We find-God is enough.
Our all-sufficient God supplies,
And our deepest need He satisfies,
Amazing grace He there applies,
We find-God is enough.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
And tomorrow's future is unknown,
The trials we face become full-blown,
We find-God is enough.
When sickness leaves us fully drained,
And our bed pillows are all tear-stained,
Questions of "Why?" are unexplained,
We find-God is enough.
No job and bills are piling high,
No sun overhead, just cloudy sky,
When life's heartaches then multiply,
We find-God is enough.
When death robs us of loved ones dear,
And we long for joyful songs to hear,
It's difficult to persevere,
We find-God is enough.
Our all-sufficient God supplies,
And our deepest need He satisfies,
Amazing grace He there applies,
We find-God is enough.
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
ADVERSITY ROAD
The young man stood at the crossroad
Not knowing which way to turn,
So there he bowed his head and prayed,
For he sought God's will to learn.
"Turn right onto Adversity,"
He heard the Lord clearly say.
"Though the road looks dark and dismal,
You must follow and obey."
"Lord, the road ahead called Good Times
Seems to me a better way.
Are You sure You said, 'Turn right here
Down Adversity Road today'?"
The Lord said, "You must trust Me, son.
I will never let you roam.
This road that you must travel down
Will soon safely lead you home.
"I will never let you linger
On Adversity Road too long.
Soon you'll turn onto Joyful Road
With a heart that's filled with song.
"Just trust Me, though the way seems dark;
I will walk along with you.
For you will see that My way is best
When you've fin'ly made it through."
The young man said, "I trust You, Lord,
For I know You know what's best.
I know that at my journey's end
I will find I'm truly blessed.
"As long as You will walk with me,
Whatever road I must trod,
I know I'll safely reach my home
When led by Your hand, O God."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
Not knowing which way to turn,
So there he bowed his head and prayed,
For he sought God's will to learn.
"Turn right onto Adversity,"
He heard the Lord clearly say.
"Though the road looks dark and dismal,
You must follow and obey."
"Lord, the road ahead called Good Times
Seems to me a better way.
Are You sure You said, 'Turn right here
Down Adversity Road today'?"
The Lord said, "You must trust Me, son.
I will never let you roam.
This road that you must travel down
Will soon safely lead you home.
"I will never let you linger
On Adversity Road too long.
Soon you'll turn onto Joyful Road
With a heart that's filled with song.
"Just trust Me, though the way seems dark;
I will walk along with you.
For you will see that My way is best
When you've fin'ly made it through."
The young man said, "I trust You, Lord,
For I know You know what's best.
I know that at my journey's end
I will find I'm truly blessed.
"As long as You will walk with me,
Whatever road I must trod,
I know I'll safely reach my home
When led by Your hand, O God."
Copyrighted by Linda J. Stevenson.
For permission to use, please contact: Ljstevenson1@juno.com
FAMILY MUSIC RESOURCES: www.MaryRiceHopkins.com
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