Paul Long's Ramblings

Just a reflex response to US's 4th July and thinking of the BERSIH 2.0 Rally in Malaysia ... New Zealand's national anthem God of nations! at Thy feet   In the bonds of love we meet,   Hear our voices, we entreat,   God defend our Free Land.   Guard Pacific's triple star,   From the shafts of strife and war,   Make her praises heard afar,   God defend New Zealand   Men of ev'ry creed and race   Gather here before Thy face,   Asking Thee to bless this place,   God defend our Free Land.   From dissension, envy, hate,   And corruption guard our State,   Make our country good and great,   God defend New Zealand.   Peace, not war, shall be our boast,   But, should foes assail our coast,   Make us then a mighty host,   God defend our Free Land.   Lord of battles in thy might,   Put our enemies to flight,   Let our cause be just and right,   God defend N...

Just one Life (Part 2) - Geoffrey Woo Lyrics of this song by my old friend Geo came to my mind this morning Show me Lord   The way to please You Lord   How can I show You Lord my love for You?   Touch me now   And consecrate me now   And let me feel the warmth of Your embrace   Take away my sins   The Spirit to replace   Fill my heart with overflowing praise   Just one life   I have but just one life   I dedicate this life to only You   Take my life and make it worthy of your love   All that's past is worthless   Like the grass that withers   Laid my head in sin's death-bed   Jesus came and raised me with His flame   Created within me a brand new heart   His love surrounds me now   And makes my fears depart   In His plan I have a special part   Just one life   I have but just one life   I dedicate this life to only You   Take my life an...

This has been a quiet morning ... and so far, a quiet afternoon as well and I am thankful to God for this. It has enabled me to spend time correcting and working on my carol sheet chords as I am the sole guitarist for our carolling team (tonight and tomorrow afternoon / night). As I think of Christmas and our purpose for going carolling (to share the Christmas story via Scripture and song) to different groups on non Christians, I found myself wishing that we could add this carol onto our carol sheet. But it's not exactly a crowd favourite ... Anyway this carol, " I heard the bells on Christmas Day " is fast becoming my favourite Christmas carol. The tune and lyrics have never failed to move me since I first took the time to sit down and listen to it (surprisingly only last year!). Last Sunday I closed my Advent sermon with this youtube clip of the song (below). Not my favourite version of the song as I like the traditional version but I liked the video adaption (images) H...