God's Amazing Grace

 
In church on Sunday, we sang Chris Tomlin's version of "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone." But we sang the original lyrics, which I didn't realize he had changed in his version of the song. 

Of course the first few verses most of us know:
Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found.
Was blind, but now, I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
 
Then the original lyrics are:
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
(I love this!! There have been many dangers in my life and especially in my son's life this past week. Someone had broken into his apartment and stole some of his roommates things. Nothing of his was taken and he was not at home. He also had a couple of accidents, one at work and one at home, that weren't serious, but could have been. Through all these situations, God brought my son "safe thus far", just as this verse says. I am so very thankful for His care and protection!)

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first be- gun

I also love this verse, which Tomlin changes in his version. I think of heaven and no time limits and pure sun! My favorite time of year is summer and I love it when the sun is shining, so this gives me great comfort.

I like the lyrics that Tomlin wrote, especially the chorus. . .
 My chains are gone, I've been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood, His mercy rains.
Unending love, amazing grace.
 
But I wish he had kept the original verses. They have such true meaning and depth for me. 

As we go through the week and many of us celebrate the independence of our nation, may we remember His wonderful grace upon us!! Where would we be without it?
 
Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at   "Multitude on Mondays".
1,391 - An awesome day with my best friend from college days.
1,392 - My ladies Bible study group. Such lovely, fun women!
1,393 - Some very gloomy, rainy weather for several days.
1,394 - A few rough days, but the Lord got me through.
1,395 - Attending a 2-day Christian music festival.
 1,396 - Being blessed by musicians, like Kari Jobe and TobyMac.
1,397 - Fresh strawberries that made a delicious shortcake.
1,398 -  Catching a 16 inch bass off of our pier!
1,399 -  A nice, relaxing weekend.  
1,400 - God, protecting my son from any great harm this past week.
1,401 - A great sermon on the subject of grace at church this past Sunday.

Comments

  1. GLENDA CHILDERSJuly 2, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    I love the beautiful patriotic picture.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    ReplyDelete
  2. Janis CoxJuly 2, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    Always love reading your list of gifts and the pictures you share. I am following you today at The Weekend Brew.
    Blessings,
    Janis www.janiscox.com Author of Tadeo Turtle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cairncottageJuly 2, 2013 at 8:57 PM

      Thanks, Janis. Same here...you also have a sweet list on your blog! Thanks for stopping by, friend!

      Delete
  3. CeilJuly 3, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    I was not aware of all the lyric changes, it is amazing how much it changes what you get out of the song.

    Happy 4th of July!

    Peace in Christ,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cairncottageJuly 4, 2013 at 7:10 PM

      I know, Ceil! The newer verses are good, but the older ones are pretty awesome, too! Hope you have a blessed weekend, too!

      Delete
  4. Joan Davis (Jo)July 7, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    You may not realize this, Ann, but you inspire me and I'm sure you inspire many, many others who visit your blogs! I love reading over your blessings and seeing your heart come through and your great attitude. Thank you for always being encouraging! I have been thinking about your journey to living on the lake (and how your dream became a reality) and wanted to share that we have a dream, too. I may be posting things now and then on my blog about it, but have first started a board on Pinterest with some of our ideas. (It's called Still Waters). Anyway, I just wanted to share that your blogs always bring a smile to my face and encourage me!

    Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cairncottageJuly 8, 2013 at 3:14 PM

      Oh,my!! I want to just cry here and now! You are so kind, Joan, and I am so glad we have gotten to know each other through blogging! I stopped over at you Pinterest board and can see all that you, too, are dreaming about! Don't give up on your dreams! I would have never thought I would be living on a lake 5 or 10 years ago. It took lots or trials and patience, but it paid off big time! I consider you a true friend and sister in Christ! God bless you richly!

      Delete
    2. Joan Davis (Jo)July 8, 2013 at 4:51 PM

      Thank YOU, Ann! :-)

      Delete

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