How Great Thou Art!

HEAVEN AT LAST

The words so touching...on the floral arrangement placed by my father's casket. My church knew the perfect words for him at this time.

The piano player, our Pastor's daughter played his favorite song with blurry eyes.

"HOW GREAT THOU ART"

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!

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!

Each time I hear this song...I too want to shout!

HOW GREAT THOU ART!!

Oh, the riches of his grace...for all he has done.
Not for me alone or my dad...but for all mankind!

Can you grasp the depth of His love
His mercy and his forbearance
to die for sinners...
and patiently wait for them
to receive his wondrous salvation!

It took years for my father to receive Christ as his Saviour.
But, he did. He took that step of faith and humbled himself;
cast off pride and unbelief to take the promise of GOD.

For by grace are saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God...
Ephesians 2:8

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed,
ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:13


As we listened to my Pastor speak of my dad's changed life and the joy he brought to so many in that change. Hearts were encouraged and full of thankfulness.

Remembering the beginning...

A daughter's hope...and desire

A step of faith...patient in the work of God

Strength of prayer...and the Truth

A yielded heart...one's own choice

A calm assurance and peace...

Salvation.

This was on my heart. HOW GREAT THOU ART!

As we drove to the National Cemetery to honor my dad for his military service as well; I looked in the rear view mirror...

TWENTY EIGHT cars following behind us....

My husband and children listened as I recalled his arrival a few years prior...

an old car...a box with few belongings...no hope...without God

NOW...friends honoring his life of faith and hope. Friends bringing their hearts of joy and loss to share with us...his family...the peace of God's promises fulfilled.

As the taps played and I was given his flag, the final prayer said...

I was so very thankful to be

HIS LITTLE PRINCESS

Missionaries...my dad and me

My dad and I now embarked on a new journey together.

Missionaries to the souls of men at the V.A. Hospital!

He needed to have radiation treatments to ward of the cancer returning again, he did not want chemo.

We made weekly trips....and while my father was in with the doctor: I sat in the waiting room amidst many war veterans. Some experiencing the same disease as my father, some other health issues. All men...who needed hope!

As I sat in the waiting room..I'd pass out tracts, readily received! What joy filled my heart at this reception. Even if I didn't get to say a word..THE WORD was given and they could read it.

I recall one elderly man in particular whom I had the privilege of striking up a conversation..which then led to a witness of God's saving grace. This sweet man listened so intently and as my father came in to leave, the gentleman shook his hand and expressed his happiness at meeting me and our comforting chat.

I don't know if this man got saved...God does. Just the opportunity to share God's love and amazing grace was my joy! Perhaps..I hope..one day to see him again and know that this time was his to receive Christ as his Saviour.

My dad got a kick out of my "mission" while he was with the doctor..and so from that time on we called these our "missionary journey's" together. It made the dreadful trip for the treatment worth it all!

My father and me...doing a work for the Lord...together.

And it all began...with a simple letter of HOPE.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

I love to tell the story...

Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word,
Tell me the story most precious.
Sweetest that ever was heard.
1820-1915


I love to tell the story, tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, For some have never heard,
The message of salvation, From God's own holy Word.
1834-1911


Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave,
Remember I'm the sinner, whom Jesus came to save.
Tell me the story always, If you would really be,
In any time of trouble. A comforter to me.
Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story.
Tell me the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
1834-1911


There's a sweet and blessed story
Of the Christ who came from glory
Just to rescue me in mercy full and free
With His loving kindness sought me,
And from sin and shame he bought me,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.

Hallelujah what a Saviour Who can take a poor lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set him free!

I will ever tell the story..Shouting glory, glory, glory..
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
1849-1919


All songs giving glory to the LORD...for the work done in the hearts of man. I too, could write a song of praise for the work God has not only done in my own heart; but in the hearts of those I have prayed for and the wonderful privilege of seeing the salvation of converted souls.

What would my words contain...

Praise be to the LORD...my God and my Saviour
My eyes behold, The wonders of his hand,
My heart is lifted up in joy
His truths and promises still stand!

Praise be to the LORD...my God and my Saviour
My prayers, he's heard
My pleas have come before Him
My hearts desire....found in his precious Word!

Praise be to the LORD...my God and my Saviour
My confidence shall never be shattered
My steadfast hope...will always be true
Forever His praises...my lips shall scatter!

Praise be to the LORD...MY GOD AND MY SAVIOUR!

written by HOPE
December 2, 2008

As I write "this story" about my earthly father and my Heavenly Father; I truly rejoice in this work of God's mercy, grace and truth.

I read also today in my daily devotional reading... Mark chpt. 5:1-20 (awe the number of Grace!) the story ends with this verse..

And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:20

I myself marvel at this story and that of my earthly father. Freed from the cords of sin and finding peace with God.

I love to tell the story!!