Heard Singing

An old favorite hymn!  I think the words and music were written by Ira Stamphill, circa 1800's or 1900's.

Words by William O. Cushing, 1823-1902. Music by George F. Root, 1820-1895.

There are at least two tunes for All Things Bright and Beautiful. This is the tune my mother taught me from my early childhood. Words by Cecil F. Alexander. If you know the composer of the tune, please send me a message.

Original words by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894); words modified by Judith K. Spencer (1949-2014). Music by Judith K. Spencer.

The stars shine over the mountains, the stars shine over the sea, the stars look up to the mighty God, the stars look down on me. The stars may last for ten thousand years, ten thousand years and a day, but God and I will live and love when the stars have passed away.

Original words and music by Judith K. Spencer (1949-2014). Written circa 1980's for a Vacation Bible School with the theme being the life of Joshua.  The original words for the two lines in brackets have sadly been forgotten over time.  I had to make up new words for these two lines to finish the 3rd verse. 

1. Joshua, remember, when Amalek attacked,

God gave your sword the victory through prayer that never slacked.

So pray! Don’t turn away! Before you fight, ask God for light!

He’ll give you wisdom, strength, and might!

2. Joshua, have courage! Be brave and take the land!

The walls of Jericho will fall. He’ll put it in your hand!

So trust! Don’t be afraid! Let courage cheer your heart tonight!

Be brave and do the thing that’s right!

3. Joshua, be strong in the strength of the Lord!

There are many battles yet to fight, so practice with your sword.

So work! [Divide the land! The coastal plains, the mountains’ height!

God’s word never fails! Keep Him in sight!]

4. Joshua, keep reading the book of the Lord.

God’s word is your true battle plan. That’s where the truths are stored.

So read! Keep studying! By day and night, seek holy light!

God’s word will teach you how to fight!

Words and music by Judith K. Spencer (1949-2014), written circa 1908's for a Valentine's Day Mother-Daughter banquet.

A valentine for Jesus is what I'd like to be, to send His love to you, His love can shine through me! He died for all your sins, no greater love could be! So trust Him, and He'll save you for eternity! Valentines! All my heart for Him, His great love within, He cleanses me from sin! Sending love, all His heart for you, won't you stop and thank Him for His love so true?

Words and music by Judith K. Spencer (1949-2014). Written for a Vacation Bible School (with the theme being the life of the Apostle John), circa 1980's.

John walked with Jesus everywhere, throughout the Land of Promise. He left his father Zebedee and all the sea's abundance. No longer would he cast for fish in boats on Galilee, but help his Master seek the lost, and follow willingly.  His fiery temper had to go; he learned to think of others. Instead of striving for first place, he saved it for his brothers. He watched the Master still the storm, and heal the sick and lame. The dead were raised to life again! He learned why Jesus came.  Then later, after Calvary, when Christ went back to Heaven, John spent his life in service true, as one of the eleven! His books we read so much today display our Savior's fame! Through John, we know how Jesus lived, and magnify His name!

Words and music by Judith K. Spencer (1949-2014).  Written for a children's Christmas program circa 1980's.

God spoke by the prophets to Israel of old, His tender love pleading, return to My fold! His warnings of furious judgments so bold! And a wonderful promise He also foretold.  These messengers warned them as God had decreed, but Israel scorned them and paid them no heed. God's wrath must soon fall, but His love sought to find a Savior to suffer, and show love divine. The prophets all spoke of Messiah to come, 'twas promised His birthplace would be Bethlehem! This Jesus bore God's wrath on dark Calvary; He suffered and died there for you and for me.

Words and music by Judith K. Spencer (1949-2014). Written circa 1980's for a children's ministry.

God our great Creator made our galaxy! Blazing stars in space still shout His glory! This great God Himself came to earth to die for me! Now He lives again, and soon His face we'll see.  All the marvels of space can't compare to God's grace! Let us gladly tell the story, all our lives for God's glory!

Words and music by Judith K. Spencer (1949-2014). Written circa 1980's for a Vacation Bible School with a theme of the life of the prophet Daniel.

Daniel in the lions' den, knew that God would care for him. God shut tight the lions' hungry mouths, for Daniel trusted Him!  Daniel's God is the living God! I must worship and obey. God will help me not to be afraid, for God loves me today!