A Hymn for Easter : 'Bells Are Ringing!'

Bells are Ringing!   878 10

Bells are ringing, people singing,

Glorious news on Easter day!

Jesus Christ, our blessed Saviour,

Is the life, is the Life, the Truth, the Way.

Bells are ringing, people singing,

Telling of Christ’s victory.

How He brings us true forgiveness;

How He comes, how He comes to set us free.

Bells are ringing, people singing,

Loudly now their voices raise.

Telling of this great salvation;

Singing out, singing out their songs of praise.

Bells are ringing, people singing,

Hear with joy the things they say;

Jesus Christ, our blessed Saviour,

Is alive, is  alive this Easter day!

© 2007 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh

Christ is Risen, Hallelujah!

CHRIST IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH!

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Because Jesus Christ overcame death and the grave I, and the billions more who have accepted Him as their Saviour and Lord down through the ages since that black day al those centuries ago, have the hope of eternal life spent in His presence, according to His word.

The promise that Jesus made to return for the believers is firm and true because we know that God, and hence Christ, cannot lie.

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PRAISE THE LORD!

The perfect hideaway for the Easter holiday!

 Looking for the perfect hideaway to take the one you love this Easter. Well, here's a few suggestions for you!

Happy Easter, 2013

 May God bless every one of you this Easter as you celebrate the resurrection of the first fruit of heaven.

Dallas CAIR leader proclaims: “We are above the law of the land”

WND EXCLUSIVE

'WE ARE ABOVE THE LAW OF THE LAND'

Muslim leader's stunning claim at Texas rally for Islam

by JOHN GRIFFING

Muslims living in America should not be bound by U.S. law, according to a leader of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who delivered the controversial message to a crowd at a Muslim rally in Austin, Texas.

“If we are practicing Muslims, we are above the law of the land,” said Mustafa Carroll, executive director of the Dallas-Fort Worth CAIR branch.

The rally in Austin was part of a nationwide effort to hold “Muslim Capitol Day” events.

According to the event website, Muslims from around Texas went to the capitol to “promote civic and political activism throughout the wider Muslim community.”

The organizers said one major issue discussed “was the recent House and Senate bill proposals involving the implementation of ‘anti-Shariah’ legislation, where the First Amendment rights and freedoms of Muslims would ultimately be hindered.”

Critics argue Shariah prohibits other faiths from free exercise of religion when enforced, giving freedom only to Muslims.

Carroll’s statement was similar to a statement allegedly made by CAIR co-founder and former chairman Omar M. Ahmad. He was paraphrased by a reporter saying, “Islam isn’t in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant” and the Quran “should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth.”

Carroll began joking about the widespread concern about Shariah, the religious code that governs Muslim civil and political life.

“We tried to downplay Shariah, because we didn’t want to give the other side any excitement for being here,” he said.

He dismissed critics who express concern about Shariah, calling them “anti-foreign.”

“When you even say the word Shariah, people get nervous. We are not advocating for Shariah. We are not trying to make Shariah the law of the land,” he said.

Carroll claimed Muslims only want the “right to practice our faith.”

But he also said, “If you understand Shariah, the foundation of our faith … how we treat our neighbor, how we treat our parents … how we participate in society, all of that is part of Shariah.”

Carroll is on record defending Hamas, classified by the U.S. as a terrorist group.

“I think you can only blame Hamas for so long. It takes two to tango. And I think, you know, that what we’ve heard for a number of years is this terrorist, terrorist, terrorist, terrorist, Hamas, Hamas, Hamas, was not just Hamas,” he’s said.

At CAIR’s Dallas banquet in 2007, Carroll denied the Quran is the source of terrorism.

“Look at the true cause of the terrorism. It’s not somebody is reading a book, reading a Quran, and then go out and say, ‘Well, the Quran told me to blow this up. I’m gonna blow it up.’ The cause, the root cause of terrorism is oppression. The root cause of terrorism is oppression.”


Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/03/we-are-above-the-law-of-the-land/#7QLzhvWduD4lHW6I.99

A New Hymn for Today: "Alleluia!"

Here is my choice of hymn for today. I hope you enjoy singing it. Please feel free to share it with your friends, download it for use in your worship service or just sing along at home. Use in your service needs to be reported to CCLI, and you may copy it and print off as many copies as you need.

Alleluia! 8787
TUNE: All for Jesus 

Alleluia! Praise and glory,
Give to Jesus Christ the Lord.
His the everlasting story,
Saviour in a dying world.

He has come to show God’s mercy,
To an unbelieving world;
He has come to grant forgiveness,
He is Jesus Christ, the Lord.

He will guide you on life’s pathway,
Keep you on the narrow way;
He is ever walking with you,
Leading you both night and day.

Alleluia! Sing His praises!
Worship Him, the Saviour King.
Give Him glory, for He’s worthy,
To His feet your tributes bring!
© 2006 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh

Poem: "On Snow"

On Snow
Snow is falling softly o'er the ground,
covering the world for miles around.
There's a quiet peace in the air
as it drifts from up above us,
like a great white mantle;
spreading over field and roof
majestically superior, and aloof.
Tomorrow, maybe, we'll see the hollow
print of man and beast,
and more to follow;
after the midday feast there'll be
yet another covering
over every tree.
So stealthily it comes
when darkness falls.
Last year it covered all our walls;
and yet, like a dream, it fades away,
only to come another day,
just like a memory in our minds.
© Colin Gordon-Farleigh

I woke up to find that it was still snowing, and the snow cleared away yesterday has been replaced with yet more. When I was a child I saw the fun in it all, and wanted to go out and play in it, making snowmen and throwing snowballs; riding on a home-made sledge and getting warm from the sheer exuberance of all the exercise and enjoyment. Now that I am older I look at it, see the beauty of the undisturbed scenery, then worry that I shall fall if I go out in it.
How age changes your perceptions!
The above poem comes from my very first published collection of poetry, 'Memories' which was published in 1966, although it is now long out of print.

God is Never Blind to Your Tears

Pearls of wisdom to hold close to your heart, but also to share with your friends.

An Easter Worship Song

Here is a worship song for Easter with a great tune, easily learned. Why not use it in your forthcoming Easter Worship Services. Download it, copy it, project it --- just report its use to CCLI in the usual way.

Have You Heard? 8787
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Have you heard the news of Jesus,
How He came the lost to save;
Dying on the tree of vict’ry,
Overcoming death and grave?

Now we celebrate that victory
On this glorious Easter Day!
Praising Christ, the blessed Saviour,
He’s the Truth, the Life, the Way.

Praise Him now, in celebration
Of His vict’ry over sin;
He has overcome the darkness,
Letting light come flooding in.

Lift your voices now in worship
On this sacred Day of Days:
Glorify our blesséd Saviour,
Sing in everlasting praise!
© 2007 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh

FREE SPEECH Resolution

Visit our News page Freedom of Speech Day Free Speech Resolution September 25, 2013, is the 224th anniversary of the passage of the Bill  of Rights by Congress. On that day, ACT! for America is going to remind America and the world  that free speech is something we cherish and will defend. We’ve declared September 25, 2013, to be “Freedom of Speech Day.”  It’s part of our “Americans United to Defend Free Speech” campaign. YOU can be part of “Freedom of Speech Day” by hosting a “Freedom of  Speech Day” event that day. To find out how you can be part of this  historic event click on the image below.  When a poll finds that six in ten Muslims in America believe criticism   of Islam should be banned…  …when American Muslim leaders pressure our Department of Justice  to find a way to criminalize speech critical of Islam… …when our State Department is assisting the Organization of Islamic   Cooperation (OIC) in its goal to criminalize free speech… …We need to stand up NOW and wake up America!!! Please also sign our open letter to Congress and the 50 state legislatures,  urging them to introduce and pass resolutions opposing implementation  of UN Resolution 16/18.  The OIC’s goal is to use UN Resolution 16/18 to pressure countries to   criminalize speech deemed “offensive” to Islam. (See this article in  the Saudi Gazette.)  Ten days ago legislation we supported in South Dakota, the Free  Speech Defense Act, was signed into law. As you can see, we’re making progress!! Now is the time to ACT! Let’s send a loud and clear message to our  friends and neighbors, to elected officials, and to Muslim organizations   intent on destroying our freedom of speech, that we will not stand by  and let this happen!  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make sure you receive all of your messages from ACT for America. Add actforamerica@donationnet.net to your address book as an approved email sender. If you found this message in your "Bulk" or "Spam" folder, please click the "Not Spam" button to notify your provider that these are emails you want to receive. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACT for America P.O. Box 12765 Pensacola, FL 32591 www.actforamerica.org ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam.

Happy St Patrick's Day

I wish all of my Irish readers a very happy St Patrick's Day today!

Shariah Law in American Courts?

Did you know that in the past several years there have been over 50 court cases in America where sharia law was applied?

Most Americans don’t know this—including those in politics, the media and academia.

Consider the words of Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Fiqh Council of North America, exhorting his followers to be politically active:

We must not forget that Allah’s rules must be established  in all lands, and all our efforts should lead to that direction.  (Pakistan Link, 10/18/1996)

Or the words of CAIR co-founder Omar Ahmad:
	Islam isn’t in America to be equal to  any other faith, but to become dominant. The Qur’an should be the highest  authority in America. (San Ramon Valley Herald, 7/4/1998)

Wouldn’t you agree that we should take Muslim leaders like Siddiqi and Ahmad at their word? That we should take this threat seriously?

Jerzy F. Przybylski planning UK and Asia Tours.

I'm planning a UK tour for the talented Pianist/singer/composer Jerzy F. Przybylski Ascap and I'm looking for churches who would like to host a concert for him in October this year. Jerzy has released 3 albums on the SJM label over the past two years, adding to the several albums previously released, which have been received with critical acclaim.
If your church would like to be included on the Tour then please get in touch with me by emailing me at colin@sheerjoymusic.com
There is also an Asian Tour planned, and you are invited to email me regarding either of the tours.

A new 'Hymn for Today' : "Oh, the Wonder!"

Oh, the Wonder!  8787

TUNE: Blaenwern

Saviour, now I hear you calling

Me to serve You here below;

Blessed Jesus, I will follow,

Where You lead me I will go.

Oh, the wonder!  Oh, the rapture!

Precious Saviour, I am free!

Oh, the wonder!  Oh, the rapture!

Purest joy of serving Thee.

In my waking and my sleeping,

At the morn or eventide,

Holy Spirit in this temple,

As my Comforter and Guide.

Oh, the wonder!  Oh, the rapture! . . .

Knowing You are always near me,

Walking always by my side,

Ever safely watching o’er me,

Blessed Saviour, friend and guide.

Oh, the wonder!  Oh, the rapture!  . . .

I acknowledge You as Saviour,

Who hung there upon the tree,

Worship You, my blest Redeemer,

Son of God who died for me.

Oh, the wonder!  Oh, the rapture!  . . .

© Colin Gordon-Farleigh, 2006

You have a choice of two tunes for this hymn. The first is a new tune composed by Linda M Price and the second is the familiar Welsh tune "Blaenwern."

Rev Colin's "Hymn for Today" : 'Won't You Come?'

Won’t You Come?   8787

TUNE: Sanctum

I can hear the Saviour calling,

Calling gently, far and near;

I can hear the words so clearly,

“Won’t you come and shelter here?”

On my heart the words are falling,

Speaking gently to my soul;

Like the lambs, I hear my Shepherd,

“Won’t you come and be made whole?”

I will come to you, Lord Jesus,

To the shelter of your arm;

Where You go then I will follow,

Knowing that I’m safe from harm.

I can hear the words He’s saying,

Hear them clearly in my heart;

I am listening, I am listening,

Jesus loved me from the start.

© 2011 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh

"Memories" : a poem from my earliest days.

Yesterday I commented on my Facebook page about my very first published booklet of poetry, titled "Memories" and quoted a poem from the it. I thought that today I would share the title poem with you. I was seventeen when I wrote this. I hope you like it. Please feel free to copy and share it with your friends.

Memories 

Hidden in the forest
Where the trees grow thick and strong,
There's a cottage, small and humble, 
Where I lived when I was young.

There's a yellow roof of thatch,
And a rough red chimney there,
With diamond latticed windows
Letting in the cool fresh air.

When work was finished for the day
In peace I hurried home;
Through the trees so thick and handsome,
Where as a child I'd roam.

A smiling face would greet me;
Hot dinner on the grate:
But one day all was lonely,
'Twas so early, yet so late.

No smoke came from the chimney,
No whispers filled the air;
But the memories still haunt me
Of my mother smiling there.

Now many years have crept along,
I sadly realise
That never shall I see again
The love-light in her eyes.

Till I walk down the cobbled path,
And lift that rusty latch;
Till memory brings back once more
My home with the yellow thatch.
© Colin Gordon-Farleigh 

A bit of Country Gospel from Chuck Longmayne

Nashville's Chuck Longmayne sings Country Gospel from the capital of Country Music. I love his voice, and these songs do it justice. I hope that you enjoy them. You can download them from all major download sites.

Slim Whitman sings 'Blues, Stay Away From Me'

Here is another great song from the master yodeler, the legendary Slim Whitman.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant, Yr Emyn Cymraig a Siobhan Owen

Close enough to St David's Day, and in celebration of my young friend Siobhan Owen's debut appearance in the USA, here is a new hymn of praise to sing in your worship service. Please feel free to download and copy it for use in your service, but please report your use of it to CCLI.

Gogoniant fo I’r  Uchel Iôr CM    
Tôn: Abridge 

Llawenydd ein calonnau clyw
Pob llais a llaw sy fri;
Angylion ganant uchel glod,
Wrth rhoddi  mawl i ti.
Gogoniant fo i’r uchel Iôr,
I Iesu, Fab y Nef;
Gogoniant fo i’r Ysbryd Glân,
I’r Drindod, codwn lef.

Mewn cân addolwn Grist y Mab,
Ag anthem lawen gref;
Mae côr y nef yn chwyddo’r gân
O foliant iddo Ef.
Gogoniant fo i’r uchel Iôr,
I Iesu, Fab y Nef;
Gogoniant fo i’r Ysbryd Glân,
I’r Drindod, codwn lef.
© 2010 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh
Cyf. © 2011 : Eirlys Gruffydd 

All Glory to Our God Above CM
TUNE: Abridge

The joy within our heart rings out,
Voices and hands we raise;
The angels up in heaven sing loud,
In glory and with praise.
All glory to our God above,
And to Jesus, the Son,
All glory to the Holy Ghost,
Worship the Three-in-One.

In song we worship Christ the Son,
Anthems of joy now raise;
The heav’nly choir has now begun
Their worship songs of praise.
All glory to our God above,
And to Jesus, the Son,
All glory to the Holy Ghost,
Worship the Three-in-One.
© 2010 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh

"Jesus, my Lord" : A new Hymn for Today

Jesus, My Lord    CM

TUNE: St Thomas

He is so beautiful,

And He’s so wonderful;

He is the mighty Lord of Hosts,

He’s Jesus Christ, my Lord.

My fate is in His hands,

My life is His to use;

He is the ageless Lord of all,

He’s Jesus Christ, my Lord.

He is the mighty King,

He is the Prince of Peace;

The Son of the Almighty God,

He’s Jesus Christ, my Lord.

© 2011 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh

Please feel free to download and use this hymn in your worship service, but please report its use to CCLI.

Happy St David's Day!

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant Hapus!

Happy St David's Day!

A hymn for Easter: "Have You Heard?"

Have You Heard?  8787

Have you heard the news of Jesus,

How He came the lost to save;

Dying on the tree of vict’ry,

Overcoming death and grave?

Now we celebrate that victory

On this glorious Easter Day!

Praising Christ, the blessed Saviour,

He’s the Truth, the Life, the Way.

Praise Him now, in celebration

Of His vict’ry over sin;

He has overcome the darkness,

Letting light come flooding in.

Lift your voices now in worship

On this sacred Day of Days:

Glorify our blesséd Saviour,

Sing in everlasting praise!

© 2007 : Colin Gordon-Farleigh

Here is a great worship song for your Easter Service, with music from Andrew Millinchip, Director of Music at Hartford College, Cheshire, UK. Please feel free to use it, but please report its use to CCLI.