Lord of all to thee we raise, these our hymns of grateful praise

I haven't given up on my challenge, so stay tuned!  I've got some down-time from work coming up, which means I'll have some extra time during my evenings to fiddle around.  :oD

On this Thanksgiving's eve, I was VERY excited to participate in the music ministry at St. Thomas/Holy Spirit Lutheran Church for their Thanksgiving worship.  A majority of the music for this service is comprised of traditional tunes (Celtic, old hymns and old-time), to which someone added religious text.  It sounds great, and I have the opportunity to get together with several musicians that I don't get to see on a very regular basis.  I definitely look forward to this evening each year.  This year seemed to be particularly special.  Having not taken my fiddle out of its case since practically June (horrible, I know!), I was so thankful for the opportunity to get to play and share this musical experience. 

I always enjoy playing music in Church.  I thank God for my talent for music, and I believe it is only right that I share this wonderful gift.  ...and what better place to share it than in Church?  The congregation was so welcoming and appreciative - while I already enjoy playing music, it makes it that much better to know that it is appreciated! 

We had a great evening, and I reconnected with some friends whom I hope to get together with every couple of weeks to play some tunes, going forward.  For some reason I've felt very hesitant toward playing music lately (maybe I'm just lazy?), and this service was just the right kick in the pants to get me playing again! 

Below is one of my favorite hymns, which I think is very appropriate for this holiday weekend!

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
Pleasures pure and undefiled,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.
For each perfect gift of thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of heaven,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For thy Church which evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.


Happy Thanksgiving!!