Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

There is something strikingly beautiful about an old traditional hymn. The serenity of the still church filled with the faithful when suddenly the majestic strains of the pipe organ fills the sanctuary with its thundering voice. The congregation rises as the procession signals the beginning of the Holy Liturgy, and the rest is heaven on earth. Envision the incense, the candles, the vestments (all of which were mandated by God; Exodus).

Holy God, we praise Thy Name
Lord of all, we bow before Thee
All on earth, Thy scepter claim
All in heaven above adore Thee
Infinite Thy vast domain
Everlasting is Thy reign

Music: Vienna c.1774
Text: Ignaz Franz 1719-1790
Translator: Clarence Walworth 1820-1900

Remember who you are

...and where you come from. The past may be gone but it has shaped our present and should forge the way for the future. I grew up in a small Texas town. My family income was below average. We were not in the local social society and not expected to ever succeed. Deo Gratia (thank God). Because of my family's humble beginnings, I turned to God and His Church. Lucky for me, God didn't give me what I asked for; but what I needed to sustain myself till my earthly trials are at an end. Don't freak out, I am not a religious fanatic. I work hard each day to remain faithful and not stray. People often seem to think that I have answers to religious questions. Wrong! I question what I don't know and search for what I think I need; and the only wisdom that I have (if we can call it that) is what the Lord sees fit to grants me.

It is my hope that together we may find answers to some of life's questions. Let us find inspiration in the bible to daily carry our cross. God blesses us with crosses that we each must and can bear; but, remember this; when we stumble under the weight of the wood (sin), He is there to carry our burdens. (What a friend I have in Jesus...)

I am a church musician inspired by my past, and compelled to praise Him with my simple music. I feel it is the single greatest gift that I have been given. How many more of us are out there with this same longing to sing and praise. May the Lord always keep you and me in His sung service.