tag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:/blogs/11414?p=1Songs, Hymns & Spiritual Songs2023-05-03T12:33:52+12:002017 Teresa ThomasTeresa ThomasfalseTeresa Thomasthomasteam@mac.comtag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/72018602023-05-03T12:33:52+12:002023-10-17T03:45:24+13:00Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting<p><strong>Hello, Friend!</strong></p><p><strong>I recently spent time searching for a file on my computer, and stumbled across this recording I made </strong><i><strong>years ago</strong></i><strong> of the hymn I have always loved: </strong><i><strong> Jesus, I am Resting, Resting</strong></i><strong> by Jean Sophia Piggot. While I do love the original tune, I felt inspired to write this version, and was deeply honored to have the Groveman brothers accompany this arrangement on violin and cello. I hope you enjoy it. (I wonder what other songs I might have hiding in the shadows!)</strong></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="yx-R8bV0piQ" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yx-R8bV0piQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><p><strong>Oh! And to hear a wonderful story about how this song came about, click here:</strong></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6pQeYsfoiMM" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6pQeYsfoiMM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><p>May you find <i><strong>rest</strong></i> in the One who cares for your heart,</p><p>Teresa</p><p> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/71810312023-03-30T21:00:43+13:002023-03-30T21:53:51+13:00~Why Is This Man Different From Any Other Man? <p><br>It's said that when John the Baptist made his pronouncement of Jesus (John 1:29) , he didn't announce Him as the 'Creator of the Universe', ‘King of Kings’, or ‘Lord of Lords’, nor did he call Him ‘Your Majesty’. Instead, he proclaimed Him as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” There is no other name under heaven or on earth by which one can be saved! No other name can cause demons. or sickness, to flee! No other name is worthy of praise or to be praised! He is Jesus, Yeshua, the precious Lamb of God who takes away my sin, and yours. Thank you, Father, for giving your one and only Son for us, that we might have eternal life. I love that old song from Graham Kendrick, “my debt he paid and my death he dies, that I might live… Amazing Love, oh what sacrifice, the Son of God given for me!” <br><br>I was able to create a video for my song Passover Promise. Jesus, our Passover Lamb, sets us free from sin and sorrow! May it be a blessing to you this Passover & Easter season. </p><p>Shalom & Blessings,</p><p>Teresa</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="10EnrHJEPCg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/10EnrHJEPCg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/54860432018-10-26T07:57:16+13:002019-10-08T00:34:50+13:00Hope Deferred Maketh The Heart Sick - A Hymn by James G. Deck<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vbghp78Ad_A" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vbghp78Ad_A/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vbghp78Ad_A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">'HOPE DEFERRED MAKETH THE HEART SICK' - PROV. 13:2</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A HYMN BY JAMES G. DECK - MUSIC BY TERESA THOMAS</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>"I long to see His glory, I long to hear His voice, I long, without a shadow of darkness, to rejoice!"</em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Well, I bring you yet another gem from James G. Deck! I couldn't resist putting the beautiful words of this hymn to song, so that all that long-await Jesus' glorious return could enjoy its melancholoy with me! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I am recovering from a massive head cold, so I apologize for the occasional cracked voice and nasal tone. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Lyrics for this hymn are found on page 88 of the book: Hymns and Sacred Poems by James G. Deck, published by CHAPTER TWO, 13 Plum Lane, London SE18 3AF. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">One last thing - I'm dedicating this recording to my beloved Michael. Happy Birthday, my love! I so love being 'about our Father's business' with you! </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/51538772018-03-30T01:00:46+13:002019-10-08T00:35:41+13:00He Who Dwells (Inspired by Psalm 91)<p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy our photos of NZ in this video! They are either photos that we took, or taken by friends.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="PIrVOMpx6SY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/PIrVOMpx6SY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PIrVOMpx6SY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></h2>
<h2> </h2>
<h2>Psalm 91</h2>
<p><span class="font_regular">He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High <br>Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. <br>2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, <br>My God, in whom I trust!” <br>3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper <br>And from the deadly pestilence. <br>4 He will cover you with His pinions, <br>And under His wings you may seek refuge; <br>His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, <br>Or of the arrow that flies by day; <br>6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, <br>Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. <br>7 A thousand may fall at your side <br>And ten thousand at your right hand, <br>But it shall not approach you. <br>8 You will only look on with your eyes <br>And see the recompense of the wicked. <br>9 For you have made the Lord, my refuge, <br>Even the Most High, your dwelling place. <br>10 No evil will befall you, <br>Nor will any plague come near your tent. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, <br>To guard you in all your ways. <br>12 They will bear you up in their hands, <br>That you do not strike your foot against a stone. <br>13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra, <br>The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">14 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; <br>I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. <br>15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; <br>I will be with him in trouble; <br>I will rescue him and honor him. <br>16 “With a long life I will satisfy him <br>And let him see My Yeshua (salvation).</span></p>
<h2> </h2>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/49193962017-11-05T09:40:57+13:002019-10-08T00:36:57+13:00Cross of Christ - 'Approaching Violet' song<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Acy2dGZkeIQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Acy2dGZkeIQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Acy2dGZkeIQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cross of Christ by Teresa Thomas</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">[Click the photo to play the song]</p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Many years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of playing in a Christian rock band called "Approaching Violet"! We had such a wonderful time writing songs together. This is one of my songs from that time -- it was a treat finding the CD in a box while packing to move!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Approaching Violet: Terry Butler (drums); Len Sitnick (bass); Richard Day (guitar); me - piano/vocals</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><u>Cross of Christ</u></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Oh Cross of Christ,</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Love's sweetest face</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">For there my sin, He dared embrace</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">And there in death and agony</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">my Savior bled and died for me</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular">'Father, forgive'...Love's sweetest words</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Each dying breath such grace for me</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">O Love of God, how rich, how pure...</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Because of Calvary</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/49068772017-10-26T16:54:36+13:002019-10-08T00:39:51+13:00Spirit Of The Living God<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bandzoogle.com/tracks/109961/2036175924/1341159.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 1.4em;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/6f2ec545737f310d5a2f854fc7ce6bc9d2cad78e/medium/screen-shot-2017-10-25-at-10-53-48-pm.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span></a></p>
<p>Click on the photo to hear the song!</p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="font-size: 1.4em;">Many, many years ago I wrote a song called "Spirit Of The Living God". It was a desperate plea from a desperate heart! It meant a lot to me at the time -- a constant prayer to the God of my life. I remember playing it one Sunday at church with my worship team. It was such a treat having a whole band join in! And then...... I lost it! I lost the words, chords....everything! So many times over the years I wondered where in the world I put it, and dreaded the thought of never finding it again. I could only remember bits and pieces of it -- it was horrible not being able to remember! I </span><em style="font-size: 1.4em;">did</em><span style="font-size: 1.4em;"> remember we recorded it during rehearsal one evening, but I had no idea where that recording would be. It was so long ago that it could even have been recorded on a cassette!</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Well, lo and behold, guess what happened today? I FOUND IT! Yes, while going through boxes I'm putting into storage, I found a box full of "memorabelia" that I needed to sort. Tucked away inside a folder was my long, lost song. So, before I lost it <em>again</em>, I decided to record it and share it with you!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">It has literally been almost 20 years since I've sung this song. There are parts of it I don't even remember (as you'll quickly hear, as I'm fumbling around toward the end, hitting wrong notes and trying to eek something out that sounds remotely like the original melody!) I hope you enjoy this raw recording. You can find the "play" button at the bottom of this post, under the lyrics.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Though the song was written many years ago, it is still a prayer as earnest as ever: Spirit of the Living God, write Your name upon my heart; for there's no other way, I have no hope for change without your saving grace!</span></p>
<p>Blessings,</p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Teresa</span><br> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular">LYRICS:</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><font size="3">Spirit of the Living God<br>Write Your name upon my heart<br>For there's no other way,<br>I have no hope for change<br>Without Your saving Grace</font></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><font size="3">Spirit of my God, my Lord,<br>There's something about You I long for<br>I want to breathe You in,<br>Come fill my life again<br>May Your presence be my guide<br><br>Holy Spirit, Spirit of my God here I stand<br>Broken and in need, I am<br>Asking, I need You to touch me<br>How I feel it, <br>Deep down in the depths of my soul<br>There is no where else I can go<br>Desperate, I need you to fill me</font></span></p>
<p><br><span class="font_regular"><font size="3">Spirit of my God, my King<br>Take this broken offering<br>Burn it with Your fire, <br>Become my one desire<br>Be the air I breathe<br><br>Holy Spirit, Spirit of my God here I stand<br>Broken and in need, I am<br>Asking, I need You to touch me<br>How I feel it,<br>Deep down int he depths of my soul<br>There is no where else I can go<br>Desperate, I need you to fill me<br>Restore me, protect me<br>and hold me, Lord, heal me....<br><br>Holy Spirit, Spirit of my body, my soul<br>There is no where else I can go<br>How I need you to fill me<br>Spirit of my Living God</font></span></p>4:34Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/48405562017-09-08T04:10:53+12:002019-10-08T00:40:40+13:00Jesus Is Coming Back! (Yeah, right.)<p><span class="font_xl"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry8Bkkm8biw&t=15s" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/fa9219a6f580973231ed92c1eb72cab385cee725/large/screen-shot-2017-09-07-at-11-58-33-am.png?1504800549" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Click to Hear the Musical Devotion " /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents='Click to hear the Musical Devotion "Teshuvah"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry8Bkkm8biw&t=15s" target="_blank">Click to hear the Musical Devotion "Teshuvah"</a></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">We've all heard it before; Jesus is coming again! And then you hear the mockers: "Yeah, right. Yada yada yada. We've been hearing that for 2000 years." </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">But, <em>it's true. </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">But, that's not the focus of this devotion. What is the focus is what we're supposed to do beforehand: <strong>Repent</strong>! The Hebrew month of Elul is a time of "Teshuvah", or "Repentance" (Hebrew: literally "return", pronounced "tshuva" or "teshuva". (It's actually similar to the Christian season of "Lent", except there is no abstinence from chocolate or coffee, praise God.) It is a 40-day period God himself put on His calendar (His calendar is my calendar) - a time for us to search our hearts. And, where our heart, mind, soul or strength has failed: <strong>Teshuvah</strong>. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Why did He call us to "Teshuvah" during Elul? What follows Elul? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Immediately following Elul is what's known as the <strong>Feast of Trumpets</strong>! This is also known as "Rosh Hashana" - but, the biblical name is Yom Teruah (The "Day of Blowing"). When Jesus came the first time, He fulfilled the first four "Spring" Jewish Feasts. These celebrations went from 'thousands of years of rehearsals' to an actual fulfillment -- a <em>reality</em>. <strong>He became</strong> our <strong>Passover Lamb</strong> and <strong>Unleavened Bread</strong>; He rose from the dead on <strong>First Fruits</strong>; He issued forth His Holy Spirit on <strong>Shavuot</strong> (which the Church knows as <strong>Pentecost</strong>). </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The "Fall" Feasts have <em>yet</em> to be fulfilled, but will soon be! The first of the Fall Feasts happens to be Yom Teruah - the <strong>Feast of Trumpets</strong>. <strong><em>We know Jesus fulfills these Feasts in order,</em></strong> so the next Feast to be fulfilled - become a reality - will be the this feast. Here are a couple of interesting facts about the Feast of Trumpets that you might not know: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em><strong>No Man Knows The Day Or Hour It Begins.</strong></em> The feast begins when two witnesses site the New Moon, in Israel, and it lasts for two days. (I can't help but wonder if the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation will be the two who site the new moon in the year this Feast is fulfilled!) All the Feasts began at sundown with a Full Moon, except this one - the only one which begins with a New Moon - which is completely dark. The Feast "announcement" changes every year - thus it was known in Jesus day by the phrase “no man can know the day or hour”. So, when Jesus tells us "no man knows the day or hour", He is actually <em>telling</em> us a clue to when it occurs. (Flashback to my son watching Blue's Clues - a clue, a clue!) We don't know the year or day, but we can know to look for it when "no man knows the day or hour" - Yom Teruah! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em><strong>The Last Trump</strong></em>: This Feast consists of the shofar (trumpet) being blown a total of 100 times, with the last blast known as "The Last Trump". Paul, in speaking of the gathering together of the Body of Christ, says: 1 Cor. 15:51-52: Listen! I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. Thess. 4:16-17: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord.” Where these events fall on the <em>Timeline</em> is not the point. The point is: Yom Teruah is very clearly the next feast to be fulfilled, <strong><em>when we will be with the Lord</em></strong>. There is much debate on the timing of the these events. I'm not getting into that here because I want to focus on the reason why God might have placed this time of Teshuvah where He did on His calendar. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em><strong>Which brings me back to my devotion! </strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Let's assume this is the year that the Archangel sounds the heavenly shofar on Yom Teruah and gathers the saints of God! Where is your heart? Are you ready? Would you really want to stand before His Majesty, not having done everything you could to love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength up to the very moment of His appearing? Is there anything in your life that you [do, go, listen to, watch] that not only needs to be confessed as sin, but is also something you must<em> turn away</em> from, and <strong><em>return</em></strong> to Him?! The Hebrew month of Elul is a gift! We still have time. The Last Trump has yet to sound, <em><strong>but might, soon</strong></em>! He is at the door! Will you be ready? <strong><em>Teshuvah</em></strong>! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em><font size="3">[In our world, Rosh Hashanah/Yom Teruah celebration begins world-wide at Sundown on on a specific date each year, to make it possible for Jews worldwide to celebrate at the same time. (It was difficult before cell phones and internet to get the word out that the moon had been cited!) The date for that corporate celebration this year is scheduled to begin at sundown on Sept. 20. However, as mentioned above, it does not "technically" begin until two witnesses in Israel actually site the New Moon.]</font></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">(This song was recorded during a worship service for Yom Teruah back in 2013. Hope you enjoy it!) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">-Teresa</span></p>
<p> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/47860472017-07-21T03:24:23+12:002017-07-21T04:21:14+12:00Musical Devotion: "Who Do You Say I Am?" <p><span class="font_regular"><strong><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bandzoogle.com/tracks/109961/177862392/1281200.html" style=""><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/9d61a49b43f0669546738541641566815cd0552e/medium/screen-shot-2017-07-20-at-11-26-38-am.png?1500564430" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><strong>Click the photo to hear today's Musical Devotion song, "You Are Lord"</strong></span></p>
<p><br><span class="font_xl">Matthew 16</span><span class="font_large"> opens with the Pharisees and Sadducees demanding a sign from Jesus. In other words, they are saying, “Who are you?! Give us a sign telling us who you are! If you are <em>really</em> the Messiah…PROVE IT.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">They didn’t want to know who He was out of admiration for Him, or a heart of worship toward Him. They had hearts of stone, and despised Him. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jesus, knowing their hearts (as He knows ours) responds saying: </span><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">An evil and adulterous generation<br>seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the <strong>sign of Jonah</strong>.”<br>So he left them and departed."</span>Matthew 16:4 (ESV Strong's) </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_xl">The Sign of Jonah </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Of course, when we hear the phrase, "the sign of Jonah", I immediately think of all the sermons I’ve heard over the years connecting the “similarities” of Jonah being "in the belly of a whale for three days", and Jesus being "in the belly of the earth" for three days. But, I think there is more to this! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Next, the gospel records that the disciples and Jesus “reach the other side”. Jesus is still thinking over what just happened previously, and warns the disciples to “beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees”. (There is greater detail of this encounter in Luke's gospel.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">And then we move on - in Matthew 16:13 Jesus is now asking his disciples, “Who do people say that I am”…..and the famous question…. “Who do YOU say I am?” The Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to know if He was Messiah -- what did <em>they</em> think?</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">And of course, we all know the famous answer from Peter, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But, don't miss what Jesus says here: </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">"Blessed are you, Simon Peter…<strong>SON OF JONAH</strong>….<br>for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you…..” </span><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_xl">Why does this matter? </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">John 1:42 (ESV Strong's) He brought him [Peter] to Jesus.<br>Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the <em><strong>son of John</strong></em>.<br>You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">John 21:15 (ESV Strong's) When they had finished breakfast,<br>Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, <em><strong>son of John</strong></em>, do you love me more than these?”<br>He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">John 21:17 (ESV Strong's) He said to him the third time,<br>“Simon, <em><strong>son of John</strong></em>, do you love me?”<br>Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time,<br>“Do you love me?” and he said to him,<br>“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”<br>Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Peter’s father’s name was John, not Jonah. Jesus is obviously and clearly connecting what Peter just said to the sign that the Pharisees and Sadducees were looking for — that He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The commentaries don’t reference the fact that Peter’s father’s name changed in this verse - I’ve checked. One commentary tried to connect the Hebrew word for Jonah (Yoneh) to be a form of the name John (Yochanan) in Hebrew. Nice try. There are ZERO examples of where the name Jonah is used interchangeably with the name John, in Hebrew, or English. There is nothing in Jewish history that connects the name Jonah to John. They are completely different names. Jonah means “dove” in Hebrew, and Yochanan means “Yahweh is Gracious”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Peter didn’t need a sign. He knew who Jesus was because of his <em>relationship</em> with Jesus. He loved him, ate with him, watched Him heal the sick and feed the poor. He adored Him. He didn't need a sign to know Who Jesus was. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Could<em> that</em> be the sign of Jonah? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Not needing Jesus to prove Himself just to appease petty unbelief? Knowing <em>Who</em> He is because you have walked with Him, talked with Him...heard His still small voice? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">I don't need a sign. Do you?</span><br><br><span class="font_xl"><strong>Who do I say He is?</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_large">~Click the photo to hear the song "You Are Lord" by Teresa Thomas~</span></strong></p>
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<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bandzoogle.com/tracks/109961/177862392/1281200.html"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/f00389c259f953550652da4396edb381ba997a60/medium/screen-shot-2017-07-20-at-10-50-03-am.png?1500562251" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Bright Morning Star of heaven, Shine<br>as we behold Your glory!<br>Angelic Host declare Your Name<br>The Worlds bow down before Thee<br><br>And every tongue shall now confess<br>That You are Lord, our righteousness<br>Oh Jesus, my salvation<br>You are Lord<br><br>Every mystery revealed<br>Your face I now can savour<br>For your blood that flowed for me<br>Is still a fount of endless favour<br><br>And every tongue shall now confess<br>You are Lord, our righteousness<br>Oh Jesus, my salvation<br>You are Lord<br><br>You are <br>You are my Saviour<br>You are my Lord<br>Prince of Peace<br>Wonderful Savior<br>Everlasting Father<br>You are God<br><br>Oh Jesus, my salvation<br>You are Lord</span><br><br> </p>
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<hr><p><span class="font_large">Today's Musical Devotion is a song I wrote and recorded several years ago called "You Are Lord" and is available as a download for a donation of any amount. It is featured on my friend Chris Monahan's CD, "Simply I Come". I was so delighted to have Pastor Zach Jones sing with me on this song -- I hope you enjoyed it!</span></p>
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<p> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/47665602017-07-06T13:20:14+12:002018-02-26T20:14:19+13:00New Music, Beloved Hymn: Jesus, I am Resting Resting<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qfg1kJBK-FU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qfg1kJBK-FU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qfg1kJBK-FU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="280" width="420" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Greetings, Friends!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Today's Musical Devotion is a recording of an old and treasured hymn written by Jean Sophia Piggot, who was born almost 175 years ago! It is one of my favorites, and while I thoroughly enjoy the <a contents="traditional tune " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/j/i/a/jiamrest.htm" target="_blank">tune</a> that has traditionally accompanied it, I was feeling creative one day and wrote the musical arrangement for this version. There is very little written or known about Jean Piggot. She was born on Sept. 8th, 1845 at Ryevale House, Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland (where she also died and was laid to rest), and it's recorded that she wrote a total of three hymns in her lifetime! There is no record of whether she married or had children - nothing. And sadly, her brother Thomas, who served in Missionary service with Hudson Taylor in China, was tragically murdered in the <a contents="1901 Boxer Rebellion" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion">1901 Boxer Rebellion</a>. It is also said that "Jesus, I Am Resting Resting" was one of Hudson Taylor's favorite hymns. In my research I also learned there is a 4th verse! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Ever lift Thy face upon me <br>As I work and wait for Thee; <br>Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, <br>Earth’s dark shadows flee. <br>Brightness of my Father’s glory, <br>Sunshine of my Father’s face, <br>Keep me ever trusting, resting, <br>Fill me with Thy grace!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Several years ago, my friend Tom Ruhling recorded this version for me in his home studio and invited a few guest artists to play along. Two brothers, Judah & <a contents="Israel Groveman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://inamorata.idgfilm.com" target="_blank">Israel Groveman</a>, added their incredible string arrangements to this piece. Israel now has his own <a contents="film scoring company." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://inamorata.idgfilm.com" target="_blank">film scoring company</a> and I encourage you to take a listen to his recent projects! I do hope you enjoy their strings on this song as much as I do. I look forward to your comments, below!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_xl">HAVE YOU HEARD MY NEWS?!!</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><font size="3">For those of you who have not heard my news, I am so excited to share with you that I've been accepted with <a contents="Celebrate Messiah, NZ " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.celebratemessiah.co.nz" target="_blank">Celebrate Messiah, NZ </a>(sister organization of Chosen People Global Ministries) in <strong>Missionary service</strong> where I'll serve as their <strong>Worship and Prayer Coordinator! </strong> This means I'll be sharing songs of Worship in <strong>New Zealand!</strong> In addition to providing worship, I'll also be their first woman staff member, facilitating bible studies, prayer meetings, etc. My family is praying the Lord opens the doors for us to GO in November! I'm so excited at this opportunity, but ...I can't do this work alone. Like all Missionaries, I'm required to raise the support needed for my work in NZ. This is such a blessing, because it means *you* get to be a part of what the Lord is doing! <strong>And He is doing so very much! </strong> Several years ago, CBN reported on our Backpacker Ministry BBQs that we host in Wanaka, where </font></span><span class="font_large"><font size="3">we team together with local mininitries and have the opportunity <em>every week</em> to share the good news of Jesus with between 25 and 50 Nations:</font></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Click the video to watch the CBN Video!</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><font size="3"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cbn.com/tv/1378333990001?mobile=false" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/fa25e78f8b18491d0683fe9bdc21d389d5c1e2df/original/cbn-backpacker-ministry-video-photo.jpg?1499779714" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></font></span><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.celebratemessiah.co.nz" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/88ffbbe04b4808b49ac4c4f9038c063bac10ea79/medium/logo-horizontal-880x350-jpg-for-print.jpg?1497921580" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>WOULD YOU PRAY AND CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH ME?!</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I'm wondering... would you pray and consider partnering with me in this ministry with a donation of $15 or $25 a month?!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong><font size="3">My Visa Requires Me To Raise $2,500 of Support Per Month</font></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><font size="3">What Does that Look Like? <br>$10/month - 250 partners<br> $20/month -125 partners<br>$25/month - 100 partners<br>$50/month - 50 partners</font></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...might you be one of these?!</p>
<p><span class="font_large">I know you pray about where you give -- if investing in my ministry fits into your giving goals, I would be honored to have you partner with me with any amount by <a contents="clicking here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://celebratemessiah.co.nz/donate-start/" target="_blank">clicking here.</a> (Just choose your Country, then put "Teresa Thomas" in the special designation box.) I truly thank you! You will also receive my monthly newsletter via post-mail, updating you on my work with CMNZ. Your prayers and financial gifts are so very appreciated - thank you from the bottom of my heart!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Blessings,</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Teresa</span></p>
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<p> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/47609952017-06-29T18:18:57+12:002017-06-30T04:25:59+12:00A Song for Franco.<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/3739338975ad22b6957fa6e01450de1cf973c544/small/franco-me-1976.jpg?1498716882" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></span><span class="font_large"><strong>A Song for Franco....</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">When I was 13, my cousin Franco was the first to greet my grandmother and I on my first trip to Italy. I have such wonderful memories of that trip with her. Franco passed away yesterday -- he was too young. And he suffered for too long. I wish I could be with my family in Martina Franca. And I wish I could hear his laugh just one more time. This is my song for him.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7c7MV4s8n7M" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7c7MV4s8n7M/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7c7MV4s8n7M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/46716572017-04-15T09:47:05+12:002018-07-30T21:45:26+12:00A Sacred Lament: Psalm 22 - A Song for Good Friday<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGVSCbk3QsM" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/829a51d89c821cc8e12e7477556dd7e451ce8751/original/screen-shot-2017-04-14-at-5-36-25-pm.png?1492205843" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br> <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="font_large">My God, my God, <br>why have you abandoned me?<br>Why are you so far from helping me?<br><br>I cry day and night <br>But You do not answer<br>And I find no rest<br><br>Yet, You're enthroned on the praises of Israel<br>Our Fathers trusted You....and You rescued them!<br><br>They cried out to You<br>They trusted in You<br>And You saved them....<br><br>So God, my God...why have You abandoned me?<br>Yet, I'm a worm<br>I'm scorned for all humanity<br><br>They pierce my hands, my feet<br>I can count all my bones<br>My heart melts like wax...<br><br>(Mi kamocha Ba'elim Adonai?<br>Mi kamocha e'dar hakodesh<br>Nora tehillot, oseh pheleh, oseh pheleh...) <br><br>My God, My God, why have you abandoned Me?<br>Do not be far away, Lord<br>O, my strength, come rescue my soul from the sword<br>Save me from the Lions<br><br>For You have answered me...<br><br><br>Teresa Thomas Music</span><br> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/46664732017-04-12T02:26:40+12:002017-04-12T03:09:07+12:00Jesus, Our Passover Promise<div style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR-Z8v-w8WM" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/d213ac51dc2908ad8a44ca12fbec0d8f3b06a1d3/large/screen-shot-2017-04-11-at-11-05-05-am.png?1491923142" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></div>
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<span class="font_regular">Click on video to hear Passover Promise by Teresa Thomas</span><br><br> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">Why is this man different from any other man?</span></div><br><br><span class="font_xl">Greetings, Friends!</span><br><br><span class="font_large">We are in the midst of a Sacred week on the Christian and Jewish calendar -- Palm Sunday, Passover, the Counting of the Omer (counting up to Shavuot/Pentecost), First Fruits, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday! As I stared up to the glorious Passover full-moon last evening, I was reminded I was gazing upon the exact same moon our beloved Messiah gazed upon the night he anguished in the Garden of Gethsemane. My prayer is that this week you are renewed with a sense of awe and wonder at what He gladly suffered and sacrificed on our behalf, that we might have eternal hope, joy and life. <br><br>Glory to the Lamb!</span><br><br><span class="font_xl">Teresa<br><br>Passover Promise Lyrics:</span><br><span class="font_large">Why is this night different from any other night?<br>What of it's mystery?<br>Do you not know why we gather together<br>and remember how our people were set free?<br><br>For long was our oppression<br>Enslaved, and without hope<br>Till He came with a promise, sent by God<br>And He challenged our oppressor<br>For the Firstborn Son would die<br>And in His death He promised us new life</span>
<p><span class="font_large">Why is this night different from any other night? <br>What of it's mystery? <br>Do you not know why we gather together <br>and remember how our people were set free?<br><br>So we gathered together as they raised the Sacrificed Lamb<br>For his blood is our refuge from death<br>And then they took our Affikomen, <br>and wrapped in Linen, they hid Him away<br>And with his Blood the father redeems our lives from sin<br><br>Why is this man different from any other man?<br>What of this mystery?<br>Do you not know why we gather together<br>And remember how our people were set free?<br>And remember<br>Yeshua sets us free</span><br><br> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/44153392016-10-12T18:42:56+13:002018-09-19T22:26:14+12:00Musical Devotion: 'Create In Me a Clean Heart' - Ps. 51<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="IctxUKB7lE4" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/IctxUKB7lE4/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IctxUKB7lE4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span class="font_large">Create in Me a Clean Heart </span><br>A Musical Devotion Inspired by "Psalm 51"<br><br><br><span class="font_regular">David. There are just so many things about him that I love...and so many things <em>not</em> to love. Bathsheba? What was he thinking? Of course, the obvious answer is...he wasn't thinking, which was his first problem. It was bad enough that he coveted another man's wife, but to have her husband killed to "get her" was another thing altogether...and let's not forget about her unwanted pregnancy. Compared to David, most of us would say we're "pretty good people" -- we haven't killed anyone or done anything THAT bad in our lives. <br><br>Well, I must confess: I'm David. If Nathan were here today, he'd look at me and say, "you're the woman." I covet my neighbor's "fill-in-the-blank". I've killed so many people - with my tongue. I've committed adultery - in my heart. And I proceed with my life as if all is right with the world. "I'm not THAT bad." <br><br>Today is Yom Kippur. In Jewish history, it's the day the High Priest would enter into the Holy of Holies and ask for atonement for himself and for the nation of Israel. Yom Kippur is the most precious of days. It's a day we can come before God with all our sin exposed, repent, plead for restoration, and thank Him dearly for providing for us a High Priest whose blood brings us forgiveness, and who to this day still pleads on our behalf before the Throne. Yes, we should repent daily, but there is a sweet aroma that lifts to the heavens when the body gathers together in corporate repentance. And, this is the day God has given us to do just that. </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 24px;"><span class="font_regular">Today, I will fast, I will repent, and I will pray with the many brethren who deem this day Holy, because God calls it Holy. I'm so grateful that atonement has been made for my sin! That like David, I too, can say "Father, create in me a clean heart, renew a right spirit within me...cast me not away from Your presence, and restore my soul."<br><br>Chag Sameach, beloved friends. </span> <br><br>Teresa</span><br><br><br><br> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/43730562016-09-15T16:50:05+12:002016-10-21T07:31:28+13:00A Devastating Loss<span class="font_large"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="d731cQrQX90" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/d731cQrQX90/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d731cQrQX90?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> <br>I was doing homework in the library at the University tonight, when I got a message that a former musician friend has passed away from cancer. Friends - he only found out he had it... in JULY! And now, he's gone. I didn't even know he was sick. I'm not on Facebook that often, so I didn't see he had been ill. It is such a shock. </span><br><br><span class="font_xl">But,</span><span class="font_large"> we have this hope, you see: He is now in the shelter of the Most High God. He is no longer suffering. The plague of cancer will *never* touch him, again. In fact, death no longer has a grip on him -- he is with the Almighty, in the shadow of His wings! My heart is *breaking* for his wife and children, tonight. <br><br>Well, I was so distracted after I got the word that I couldn't study. I packed up my books and went to the practice rooms in the Music Dept. I no sooner opened my bible to Psalm 91 that a student was knocking on my door saying they were 'closing in 10 minutes at 10pm'. So, I had 10 minutes to write <em>something</em> for Dave. It's very short, but I have confidence he is no longer suffering, and in the Presence of our God. </span><br><br> <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="font_large">Lord, be with Karin and the children, tonight - give them comfort and peace. <br>Even when our hearts are breaking, we will <strong>still</strong> trust You, Lord. </span><br><br> </div><br><br><br> Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/43442292016-08-27T13:10:56+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00Musical Devotion: Adon Olam (a Hymn)<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwIt83Dw6DU" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/2a2e274fc4041a22b6675bb7ea3da361840f9003/medium/screen-shot-2016-08-26-at-9-11-33-pm.png?1472260349" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO HEAR THE DEVOTION</p>
<p><span class="font_large">Who would know? It was his master's wife, but no one was around. He could get away with it. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But, he chose to honor God, instead. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">7 And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge.9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” 10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” <strong>But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. </strong>Genesis 39:7-12 </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_xl"><strong>Lord of the Universe, I have no King but You... </strong></span></em></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Everyone was doing it. Even some Jews. What was the big deal? Bow, and you live. Refuse, and you die. Seems a simple choice to me. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But, they chose to honor God, instead. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">10 Your Majesty has issued an order that as soon as the music starts, everyone is to bow down and worship the gold statue, 11 and that anyone who does not bow down and worship it is to be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 There are some Jews whom you put in charge of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who are disobeying Your Majesty's orders. They do not worship your god or bow down to the statue you set up.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">13 At that, the king flew into a rage and ordered the three men to be brought before him. 14 He said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you refuse to worship my god and to bow down to the gold statue I have set up?15 Now then, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, oboes, lyres, zithers, harps, and all the other instruments, bow down and worship the statue. If you do not, you will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. Do you think there is any god who can save you?” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, “Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. 17 If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then he will.[a] 18 <strong>But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up.”</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span class="font_xl">Lord of the Universe, I have no King but You... </span></em></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Three simple words. "I will convert". After all, our lives will be spared. The world will understand. These men are savages -- all we need to do is renounce our faith in Jesus, and in His God - our God, Yahweh. We don't even need to actually believe in Allah -- just proclaim it, and we are free.<br><br>But, they chose to honor God, instead.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/9feb42f84a50c06b4299c49ef9b7ad89f0d4aaf3/small/screen-shot-2016-08-26-at-8-42-18-pm.png?1472258971" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></span><br><span class="font_xl"><em><strong>Lord of the Universe, we have no King but You....</strong></em></span><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">This prayer, Adon Olam, is centuries old. For thousands of years it has been a proclamation that our God is our Redeemer, our Refuge, our Rock, our Banner, our Supplier, our King. It is my prayer that this song becomes dear to your heart, and may the last words upon our lips ever be...</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><em><strong>Lord of the Universe, we have no King but You....<br><br>Blessings & Shabbat Shalom,<br><br>Teresa</strong></em></span></p>
<p><br> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/43337662016-08-20T13:54:17+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00Spurgeon Song: "Evermore" - Morning & Evening Aug 19<p><span class="font_xl"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/03fa355b78e361d4366abfa50bf84a413d316e23/small/morning-evening.jpg?1471657952" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" /><br>Five of the songs on my CD "Upon Your Shore" are inspired by one of my favorite devotionals, "Morning & Evening" by Charles Spurgeon. Today's devotion inspired the song "Evermore" -- I hope you enjoy it! <br><br><a contents="Click Here to hear the song!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://teresathomasmusic.com/track/561448/evermore-spurgeon-song-morning-evening-aug-19?autostart=true" target="_blank">Click Here to hear the song!</a><br><br>'Morning & Evening' by CH Spurgeon <br>Public Domain <br>August 19, Evening </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">"Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength." <br>Psalm 31:4 </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Our spiritual foes are of the serpent's brood, and seek to ensnare us by subtlety. The prayer before us supposes the possibility of the believer being caught like a bird. So deftly does the fowler do his work, that simple ones are soon surrounded by the net. The text asks that even out of Satan's meshes the captive one may be delivered; this is a proper petition, and one which can be granted: from between the jaws of the lion, and out of the belly of hell, can eternal love rescue the saint. It may need a sharp pull to save a soul from the net of temptations, and a mighty pull to extricate a man from the snares of malicious cunning, but the Lord is equal to every emergency, and the most skilfully placed nets of the hunter shall never be able to hold his chosen ones. Woe unto those who are so clever at net laying; they who tempt others shall be destroyed themselves. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">"For thou art my strength." What an inexpressible sweetness is to be found in these few words! How joyfully may we encounter toils, and how cheerfully may we endure sufferings, when we can lay hold upon celestial strength. Divine power will rend asunder all the toils of our enemies, confound their politics, and frustrate their knavish tricks; he is a happy man who has such matchless might engaged upon his side. Our own strength would be of little service when embarrassed in the nets of base cunning, but the Lord's strength is ever available; we have but to invoke it, and we shall find it near at hand. If by faith we are depending alone upon the strength of the mighty God of Israel, we may use our holy reliance as a plea in supplication. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">"Lord, evermore thy face we seek: <br>Tempted we are, and poor, and weak; <br>Keep us with lowly hearts, and meek. <br>Let us not fall. Let us not fall." </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">LYRICS </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Lord, evermore thy face we seek <br>Thy face we seek <br>Lord, evermore thy face we seek, <br>Thy face we seek <br>Tempted we are, and poor, and weak; <br>Keep us with lowly hearts, and meek. <br>Let us not fall... <br>Our foes are seeking to ensnare us <br>So deftly does the fowler work <br>That simple ones are soon surrounded <br>In the jaws of the lion <br>in the belly of hell </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Our own strength is of little service <br>When we are trapped within the nets <br>But in the mighty God of Israel <br>With a mighty pull <br>In celestial strength <br>He will rend our enemies </span></p>
<p> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/43116832016-08-14T09:39:25+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00Musical Devotion: How HaTikvah Gives Christians Hope<span class="font_xl"><iframe class="justify_center" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FLk9h5eE54U" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/FLk9h5eE54U/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FLk9h5eE54U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>I'm a lover of haunting melodies. (That's haunt-ING -- not haunt-ED!) My eldest son and I will often send Spotify links to each other to share the joy of any new-found musical treasures with one another. (One of the benefits of home schooling was influencing his musical tastes from an early age. "Oh, wow - he likes the same music <em>I like</em>!" Hee hee.) For the most part, these beloved melodies are a variety of movie scores. <br><br>...But, there has always been one melody that has left its imprint on my soul, long before I ever knew what it was. <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLk9h5eE54U" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/24f75be314d88df8badf4a39ddc5aef60fd97b06/medium/screen-shot-2016-08-06-at-1-28-46-pm.png?1470505789" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a><br> <br>I'm not sure how old I was when I first heart HaTikvah, the now known "Israeli National Anthem". However, I immediately noticed the tune exuded a deep, deep longing - an aching my heart didn't understand. It made me want to cry. Why, for what, I did not know. It simply was "stunningly beautiful", and that was all I knew. <br><br>And, then, years later I made a decision to walk with Jesus. And, for the first time, I realized that Jesus...is Jewish! I had always assumed he was Catholic. Definitely not Protestant -- that was his cousin John, the Baptist. Oh, my ignorance! <br><br>Well.. along with my new walk, I had a new-found love for His brothers! And, I became aware of something that never mattered to me before: "Israel" had always existed as a country in <em><strong>my</strong></em> lifetime, and I hadn't really ever known Israel to <strong>NOT</strong> be "there"! It had never occurred to me that her existence as "the nation Israel" had occurred only <em>in recent history</em>. That a mere 25 years before my birth, passages in the bible about Israel were about a place that <strong><em>no longer existed as a sovereign nation....</em> y<em>et!!</em></strong> God resurrected the nation of Israel almost overnight. But for thousands of years prior to this resurrection, the Jewish people longed, ached, cried, agonized - for home. And the song HaTikva was the anthem for this longing.</span><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong>And in 1948, it happened! God restored the nation of Israel!</strong></span></div><br><span class="font_xl">Once again, God's prophetic promises to Israel were fulfilled, as He had done so many times before. So, when we read scriptures speaking of Jesus returning on a cloud to the Mount of Olives, reigning for a millennia from Jerusalem as King -- it can now happen. After all - He couldn't come back as the 'Holy One of Israel'.....if there was no Israel! <br><br>HaTikvah (Hebrew for "The Hope") was penned originally by Naphtali Herz Imber (1856-1909). Imber moved to The Land<em> </em>in 1882, and in 1886 published in Jerusalem his first book of poems entitled "Morning Star". Within its pages was "Tikvatenu" (Our Hope). It was a <a contents="9-stanza poem" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Tikvatenu" target="_blank">10-stanza poem</a> that expressed his insatiable longing as Jew for <em>The Land to be restored to Israel.</em> The <strong>music</strong> for HaTikvah has it's origins in (...drumroll please!) Italia! In 1616, Composer Giuseppino Del Biado penned the tune <a contents='"La Mantovanna",' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y2pDA4bw4U" target="_blank">"La Mantovanna",</a> which evolved into the haunting melody we know as HaTikvah today. While the song was widely recognized throughout Israel after her resurrection in 1948, it wasn't actually until <em>November of 2004</em> that it became the country's official national anthem. <br><br>As I mentioned above - even as a child, I knew the song exuded a desperate longing. For the Jewish people, this was The Hope that one day God <a contents="make reality his promises in Ezekiel 37:1-14. " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2037:1-14" target="_blank">makes reality His promises in Ezekiel 37:1-14. </a> That one day, He would once again restore their sovereign nation. And... He did!</span><br> <div>
<span class="font_xl">So, what promises are yet to be fulfilled? What do you long for as a Christian? What is your heart's 'Tikvah' (Hope)? What longing so completely fills your heart that it brings you to tears? </span><br> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span class="font_xl">For me, there is no greater longing than to see the face of Yeshua -- to see His return, to see His Kingdom restored with Him reigning as King, to see His people know Him -- to just BE with Him. I cannot even type these words without tears in my eyes. </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br><span class="font_xl"><strong>How does HaTikvah give Christians Hope? </strong></span>
</div><br><span class="font_xl">The Jewish people, for thousands of years since their dispersion, yearned for Him to <em>restore them to their<strong> </strong>Land.</em> HaTikvah captured that longing with its melancholy. And behold: <em>One day, it happened!</em> Their Land was restored! We as Christians, along with Jewish believers in the Jewish Messiah - together we are longing, aching, desperately waiting for Him to <em>restore His Kingdom on earth</em>, returning to His people as the Holy One of Israel, <em>to the <strong>now-a-reality</strong> nation of Israel</em>, and reign from Jerusalem. And behold: one day, <em>IT WILL HAPPEN</em>! <br><br>This is the Hope of HaTikvah. It is an anthem of the faithfulness of God. When I hear HaTikvah, I am reminded of His faithfulness, and our desperate longing for His return <strong>is not in vain</strong>!<br><br>So, in closing - how is it that a Christian like me would attempt to write an arrangement for this Jewish song? <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/b7f1bb5ec2e02860ecbfe3eebfc032cf921242a6/small/screen-shot-2016-08-06-at-1-51-56-pm.png?1470505976" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><span style="font-size: 2em;">Sorrow. </span>It was August 15, 2005, and the Israeli disengagement from Gaza had begun. 8000 Jews were forced to leave their homes in Gush Katif. (Eleven years later, we all know how well that has turned out.) As a Gentile who longs to see God restore ALL His originally promised Land to Israel (<a contents="here is the map" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://chosenpeople.com/main/index.php/israel-articles/545-taking-it-literally-the-biblical-boundaries-of-israel" target="_blank">here is the map</a>), it was heartbreaking to see people forced from their homes, but worse -- see Israel forfeiting her rightful Land. <br><br>I was so grieved. My heart ached. This should not be. One night, I got up and went to my keyboard, and turned to the song of desperation I had admired from a distance for so many years. As I wrote, my hope was that my arrangement captured the deep sorrow I was experiencing, and still experience when I think of <em>that day.</em> <br><br><em>That day,</em> by the way - August 15, 2005 on the Roman calendar, was also known on the Hebrew calendar as <a contents="Tish B'Av. " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tisha_B%27Av" target="_blank">Tish B'Av. </a> (Please read its history!) Tish B'Av began this very evening (Saturday August 13) at sundown. So, pray for the peace and safety of Jerusalem!<br><br>Satan sought to eliminate the Jewish people for centuries in hopes of preventing the Messiah's birth. His handiwork was evident in the slaughter of children 2 years of age and under in an effort to kill Jesus as a baby. He has read Revelation and knows <a contents="his fate" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20&version=NKJV" target="_blank">his fate</a>: he continues to seek to interfere with Jesus' 2nd coming. His goal is to see that there are no Jews left to call upon Yeshua, or worse yet <a contents="no Israel for Him to return to" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/irans-rafsanjani-reiterates-israel-will-be-wiped-off-the-map/2015/07/07/" target="_blank">no Israel for Him to return to</a>. He will continue to try to achieve this. We know he will ultimately fail, but many will lose their lives in his war. One day, I could lose my life - I love the Jewish Messiah and the Jewish people! But, that's okay, because I have HaTikvah -- The Hope - Jesus, the Holy One of Israel, the Prince of Peace, the Son of David, our bright Morning Star!<br><br>I hope you enjoy my version of HaTikva!<br> </span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="font_xl">[Many thanks to my friend Jennifer Allen! Jennifer has lived in Israel for almost 10 years and has shared her beautiful photos of The Land with us for this video!]<br><br><iframe class="justify_center" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FLk9h5eE54U" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/FLk9h5eE54U/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FLk9h5eE54U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span><br><br> <hr>
<span class="font_xl">Update: Sept. 16, 2016<br><br>I just found this wonderful documentary on the History of the song 'HaTikvah" on Youtube! It is so fantastic -- I had to share it with you!<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VxbMQauPihs" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/VxbMQauPihs/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VxbMQauPihs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span><br><br><br> </div><br><br><br><br><br><span class="font_xl"> <br><br><br> </span><br><br> <p> </p><br><br><br> Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/42859112016-07-20T11:32:59+12:002016-08-20T15:51:35+12:00 In Case You Missed It!<p><span class="font_xl">Greetings, Friends! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This week's Musical Devotion is a song written by Eric Grover called "In My Heart"! I shared a <a contents="little bit&nbsp;of detail in my prior&nbsp;email" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://teresathomasmusic.com/musical-devotions/blog/musical-devotion-in-my-heart-by-eric-grover--2" target="_blank">little bit of detail in my prior email</a> on the "history" of the song, but if you're busy and you'd just like to "hear" it, click on the black box below and it will take you to the song video on YouTube.</span><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BIGO5Iy73Ig" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/BIGO5Iy73Ig/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIGO5Iy73Ig?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><span class="font_regular">Musical Devotion: "In My Heart" by Eric Grover! <br>Music arrangement by Teresa Thomas</span><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I hope these songs of devotion/prayer are a blessing to you! I'm so grateful you have joined my Musical Devotion family of subscribers. Please drop me a line and let me know how you are doing, and if there are any special devotions or prayers that have inspired you -- perhaps one day I can put it to song!<br><br><a contents="(For my "what's happening in my life" personal update, click HERE!)&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://teresathomasmusic.com/welcome/blog/it-s-hot-in-central-va" target="_blank">(For my "what's happening in my life" personal update, click HERE!) </a></span><br><br><span class="font_large">Blessings & Shalom,<br><br>Teresa</span></p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/42802782016-07-16T04:12:56+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00Musical Devotion: "In My Heart" by Eric Grover<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIGO5Iy73Ig" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/4148bc30d2f774a13f4ea41fce48c1cf22c65af8/medium/in-my-heart.png?1468598013" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a><span class="font_xl">Musical Devotion: "In My Heart" by Eric Grover</span><br><span class="font_large">Music arrangement by Teresa Thomas</span><br><a contents="(For my "what's happening in my life" personal update, click HERE!)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://teresathomasmusic.com/welcome/blog/it-s-hot-in-central-va" target="_blank"><span class="font_large">(</span></a><span class="font_large"><a contents="To read up on what's new with me, click HERE...." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://teresathomasmusic.com/welcome/blog/it-s-hot-in-central-va" target="_blank">For my "what's happening in my life" personal update, click HERE!)</a></span><br><br><span class="font_large">Greetings, Friends! <br><br>Today's Musical Devotion is a song written by Eric Grover called "In My Heart"! Before you worry and think I'm stealing someone else's song, I must tell you my arrangement's story! Several years ago, Bob Kauflin of <a contents="WorshipMatters.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.worshipmatters.com" target="_blank">WorshipMatters.com</a> had a contest. Contestants were to choose a previously published SGM Music song (we had a list of songs to choose from) and we were to write a new arrangement for our song pick. The one caveat -- we had to keep the same melody for the song within the new arrangement! I thought it sounded like a fun challenge, so I decided to enter the competition! I chose the song "In My Heart", by Eric Grover. It's a song that I find deeply personal, and have used it as a prayer on many occasions.<br><br>But, before I share my arrangement with you, I would love for you to hear Eric's <a contents='professionally recorded and original arrangement of the song, "In My Heart".' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://sovereigngracemusic.org/Songs/In_My_Heart/21" target="_blank">originally recorded arrangement* of the song: "In My Heart".</a></span><span class="font_xl"> </span><span class="font_large"> I have always loved this arrangement, as well as its celtic influence! (Click on the "play button" underneath the title of the song at the top of the page to hear the original recording!)<br><br>My arrangement is somewhat different. I felt the song is deeply contemplative, so I strove to write an arrangement that captured the heart of the lyrics. I hope you enjoy both arrangements!<br><br>OH -- I can't remember at all what I placed in the contest, but I <em>think</em> I placed in the Top 5! (I absolutely hate contests - I did this for the challenge - not to win!) Here is my version of the song, and probably one the greatest blessings was receiving a very nice compliment of my arrangement by Eric himself in the Youtube comments. <br><br>So I present to you my arrangement of "In My Heart", by Eric Grover. I hope you enjoy it! <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BIGO5Iy73Ig" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/BIGO5Iy73Ig/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIGO5Iy73Ig?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span>
<hr><span class="font_xl">If you have enjoyed my song and would like to subscribe to my Musical Devotion mailing, <a contents="click here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/bWDPbP" target="_blank">click here</a>!</span><br><br><br> Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/41603672016-04-30T17:15:54+12:002016-07-15T23:03:32+12:00Musical Devotion: Scripture Songs: "Romans 13: 11, 12"<span class="font_xl">Hello Friends!</span><br><span class="font_large"><iframe class="justify_left" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aRnavoWmN_w" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/aRnavoWmN_w/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aRnavoWmN_w?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> *</span><span class="font_xl">Click Here To See My Musical Devotion!</span><br><br><span class="font_large">This is my Musical Devotion for this week, inspired by Romans 13:11,12 and a beautiful Steinway Grand piano I had the most wonderful opportunity to play on Thursday night. It was such a treat -- I hope you enjoy hearing it as much as I enjoyed playing it! <br><br>I love Elliott's commentary which notes "The time during which the Messiah is absent from His people is compared to Night. He is the sun, whose coming converts it to Day.” It's with this thought that this verse means so much to me. We are so very close to the Lord's return, and this whole passage in Romans pleads with us to love one another and live in purity as we await His return. Beloved, our redemption draweth nigh! <br><br>(This song is a little different in that I added some harmonies. Truthfully, there is a full orchestra and choir, as well…I just can't figure out a way to share it with you inside my head!) This song is a free download on my Music page. If you haven't subscribed to my Musical Devotions, I'd love to invite you! Thanks for supporting me and for all your wonderful and kind comments -- they are greatly appreciated!</span><br> <p>Romans 13:11, 12 by Teresa Thomas</p><br>This is a Free Song Download at: www.TeresaThomasMusic.com<br><br> Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/41502372016-04-23T15:55:08+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00Musical Devotion: Messianic Musings - "Passover Promise"<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://teresathomasmusic.com/track/561453/passover-promise?feature_id=75581" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/3bf5b064926a4f371d87ed67c51ca1a583a2ecea/medium/screen-shot-2016-04-09-at-10-46-19-pm.png?0" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a><span class="font_large">Greetings, friends!<br><br>Tonight I’m sharing with you my first “Messianic Musing”! (And of course there is a free song to share!) As I type this, the splendor of the full Passover moon beams in the sky! Passover, you say? What’s the big deal? I’m a Christian! We don’t celebrate Passover! Well…I must confess – the things that were a big deal to Jesus have stolen my heart. Was Passover a big deal to Jesus?! <br><br>“And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover <br>with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until <br> it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22: 15, 16 <br><br>Luke’s account reveals to us one of the treasures of scripture! We often read about what Jesus <em>did</em>. It’s not often in scripture that we read what Jesus <em>felt</em>. This wasn’t just any Passover – it was the Passover the heavens had long awaited, sitting on the edge of angelic seats, daring not blink for fear of missing this moment! For centuries the Jewish people went through this ritual of why <em>this night was different than all other nights</em>. But on <em>this </em>night, we find out why <em>this man is different from all other men</em>! For centuries, four cups of wine had shared the story of the four wonders of that very first Passover: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The 1st Cup: how God brought them out of slavery; <br>The 2nd Cup: how God freed them from their oppressor; <br>The 3rd cup (the cup Jesus lifted and said, “This is the New Covenant in my blood…): this cup told of how God would redeem them; <br>And the 4th cup – how God would take them to Himself. <br> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">You can imagine that they were probably a bit bored with this ritual, year after year after year….why would God require them to do this? Why?! Because of <em>this </em>night! It finally arrived! All other nights were simply a rehearsal for this one. The disciples were completely unaware of what was taking place before them. They had no idea that this Passover was the Star Performance – the ONE. Opening Night. It was here. The Passover Jesus <em>earnestly desired</em> to eat with them! Because on this night these four cups of wine transformed into the story of this one man, Yeshua...Jesus – </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">That with His cup God would bring us out of the slavery of sin and death; <br>That with His cup He would free us from our oppressor; <br>That with His cup He becomes our Passover Lamb, and would redeem us with His own blood, <br>(And this is where my heart cries out)…<br>“Jesus – I EARNESTLY desire to drink the 4th cup of Passover with You when You take us to Your Kingdom!” </span><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">It's true - you might not celebrate Passover now....but you will! If you want to share in that 4th Cup with Jesus, you will! Yes, I am a Christian. And I <em>earnestly </em>celebrate God’s feasts and festivals not because I <em>have </em>to, but because I <em>get </em>to! He invited me! And He invites you! The disciples continued to celebrate these feasts after Jesus’ resurrection, starting with celebrating the feast of First Fruits (Resurrection Sunday) and then Shavuot in Jerusalem. (You probably know it as Pentecost....but, they were gathered there for the Feast.) These feasts and festivals were given by God for those that belong to Him to sing the song of salvation throughout all generations! Let me say that again, but this time ending in Hebrew: These feasts and festivals were given by God for those that belong to Him to sing the song of <em>Yeshua</em></span><span class="font_large">! Ok, let’s now say it in English: These feasts and festivals were given by God for those that belong to Him to sing the song of... JESUS!! Do you have ears to hear and eyes to see? Dearest friends - this is a very, very big deal! Don’t miss out on this song!! <br><br>And don’t miss out on <em>MY </em>song – “Passover Promise”! <a contents="It’s a free download, because I earnestly desire to share in the joy of Passover with you! And, so does Jesus! " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://teresathomasmusic.com/track/561453/passover-promise?feature_id=75581" target="_blank"><strong> It’s a free download</strong>, because I <em>earnestly desire to share in the joy of Passover with you</em>! And, so does Jesus! </a><br><br>Chag Sameach! (Happy Festival!) <br><br>Teresa <br>PS - Get thyself to a Seder!</span><br> </p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/41341982016-04-14T04:37:17+12:002016-07-20T14:09:47+12:00Musical Devotion: Psalm Songs - "Wings" (Ps. 55 & 91)<span class="font_xl">Greetings!</span><br><br><span class="font_large">Today's <em>Musical Devotion </em>is part of my 'Psalm Songs' series. Last week, I shared that I love to put music to unknown hymns, and I love to write music for the Psalms as well. Today's song is inspired from Psalm 55, written by King David, and Psalm 91 (which I highly suspect was written by David, though we don't know for sure.) I do find it rather amusing that the fierce, courageous, bold little David that took on Goliath is the same David that writes the words, "If I had wings like a dove, I would fly away and find rest"! <br><br>The Psalms are full with instruction, history, prophecy, praise and encouragement. I have held onto them in my darkest moments, and shouted them with the loudest praises. I hope you will find them to be as much a blessing as I have.<br><br>This is a live performance recording -- I did not have the ability to adjust volume of instruments, etc. It's available as a Free Download on my Music page. Enjoy!</span><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="9Mp6KcPxpBQ" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/9Mp6KcPxpBQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Mp6KcPxpBQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/41184532016-04-04T03:54:35+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00Musical Devotion: Hymns By Her - 'Rest in Jesus' by James G Deck<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/8bbe1763c15c4f8e90103a7fc8e1fb4ab0a039b2/small/me-straight-hair.jpg?0" class="size_s justify_left border_" />Greetings, Friends!<br><br>I'm sorry I haven't posted to my website for quite a while -- my website has actually been "down" for several months, but is now back. And so am I. :-) Since I last posted, our family has moved twice -- we relocated from the hustle and bustle of the Washington, DC area to the beautiful, peaceful mountains and valleys of Central Virginia. Our two oldest kids are now attending Liberty University, and Michael and I are working there full-time. We really love it -- and we love being near the kids, though we don't get to see them very often because they live on campus and are always busy!<br><br>SO, we have purchased an off-grid cabin, tucked away in the forests of Goode, VA. The cabin is 950 sq ft, runs off solar panels for electricity, is heated with our wood stove, and we get our water twice a week from a friend's well until Michael finishes the water system (unless we move to NZ first…which has been my dream since 2008!) I have a 1920's 'Magic Chef' oven/stove, which I absolutely love, and we inherited with the house the former owner's <a contents="Maremma" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://g.co/kgs/cvNDL" target="_blank">Maremma</a> sheepdog "Maccabee". He's about 150 lbs and adores me!<br><br>Because it's nearly impossible to regulate temperature (and because there is just NO room), I had to leave my piano with wonderful friends, temporarily. But, all is not lost! To continue writing, I will occasionally sneak away into the University's Music Department "practice rooms". (The rooms run on my time -- they're open till 1am!) It's there that I lay bare my soul before my God, and let Him wash me with His word and Spirit. And I spend hours…and hours…lost in worshiping Him.<br><br>Well, yet again someone asked me recently if I have any "new songs". The answer is always yes -- but I don't really know how to share them with you. It was in these practice rooms last week that I decided I would just bring you with me there…and make "raw recordings" of whatever I'm working on when I'm 'with my God' and a piano'. So, I pulled out my not-so-smart phone, and pressed "record". <br><br>Please note -- these are RAW recordings. The audio is not going to be great. I sing off -pitch occasionally. I hit wrong notes on the piano. I forget the words sometimes. It's live performance, but it's also live worship….I am hoping the imperfections will not become a distraction. :-)<br><br>This is a free download on my "Music" page if you want this on your iPod! Please feel free to share it with your church's worship pastor/choir director. I am hoping to return to NZ in November to lead worship again for the annual Celebrate Messiah, NZ Simcha conference, and if I'm able to pull it off, I'd love to host a "Hymn Sing" in Motueka where James G. Deck is buried, where we would have a time of worship and I'll sing the arrangements for his hymns that I've written. So, keep that in prayer -- that I can work that out!<p><span class="font_large">So, now I bring to you my new segment, "'Hymns By Her' -- Rest in Jesus, by James G. Deck; Music and arrangement by me! I hope you are blessed by his hymn as much as I am. Please be sure to leave me comments below, and thank you for supporting my music! </span><br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LzciMDQiQvY" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/LzciMDQiQvY/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LzciMDQiQvY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p><br> Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/31517052014-08-24T03:12:26+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00Elijah Streams Top 20!<div class="captioned justify_left"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/3f069d68e434c8ce4f66ff56c5ccdab219d3a154/large/screen-shot-2014-08-23-at-11-06-19-am.png?1408806472" class="size_orig justify_left border_" /><p class="caption">'Within The Shadow' in Elijah Streams Top 20!</p></div><br><span class="font_large">Thank you so much, friends - 'Within The Shadow' has made the 'Elijah Streams Top 20 Songs' list. I had no idea this list existed -- what surprise to find it accidentally this morning! The station is also featuring 'Road To Jerusalem'. Thank you for your listener support -- I appreciate it! </span>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/30949342014-07-24T13:56:23+12:002017-01-15T06:01:47+13:00My Music on Elijah Streams Radio!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/d879e83ab91a258d126b7c389da3a5d367b20bbb/original/screen-shot-2014-07-23-at-9-53-36-pm.png?1406166851" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_large">I'm so excited to announce that <a contents="Elijah Streams radio " data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.elijahstreams.com/" target="_blank">Elijah Streams Radio </a>is now featuring 'Within the Shadow' and "Road to Jerusalem' in their station line-up. What an honor -- thank you so much -- I'm so grateful for your support! Elijah Streams is a listener supported radio station -- during the remainder of July and through the month of August, I'm donating all proceeds from downloads of Within the Shadow and Road to Jerusalem to their station. I hope you check them out -- you will be blessed!</span>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/29487002014-05-16T02:05:38+12:002017-11-06T05:00:17+13:00My Music on Chavah Messianic Radio!<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://blog.messianicradio.com/2014/05/new-music-teresa-thomas-upon-your-shore.html" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/42f73b654f39d573f6a32f7a1570389802b6836f/medium/screen-shot-2014-05-15-at-9-56-40-am.png?1400162251" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a><span class="font_large">I'm excited to announce that "Upon Your Shore" is now featured on Chava Messianic Radio! I'm so excited to be a part of this wonderful station. I never thought I'd actually have the opportunity to be a part of it -- what a blessing! Thank you to <a contents="Judah Himango" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="https://plus.google.com/+JudahHimango/posts" target="_blank">Judah Himango</a> for adding me. You will also want to check out Judah's <a contents="blog" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://judahgabriel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and his <a contents="Etzmitzvot" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://etzmitzvot.com/">Etzmitzvot</a> project. The Lord has really gifted Judah, and I'm delighted to be a part of Chavah Messianic Radio. </span>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/29251062014-05-07T15:36:51+12:002017-01-15T06:01:46+13:00Hope of Israel Messianic Women's Retreat, Myrtle Beach SC<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/f04ff02e11de435db8f37e78d3d40064f97b1721/original/screen-shot-2014-05-07-at-12-01-48-am.png?1399435452" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>What an awesome time of worship, teaching and fellowship we had this past weekend in Myrtle Beach, SC. Women from congregations throughout the South attended, and our conference theme was 'Transformed By His Glory". Many thanks to all the women who supported my music -- I cannot wait to be with you again next year!<br><br>TeresaTeresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/23491552014-01-09T07:08:32+13:002017-01-15T06:01:46+13:00Upon Your Shore now on iTunes!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/3f969d4c4f0e9f4daec08aa56b2bba7e719635a1/small/cd-rough-shore-hr-1b.jpg?1383753767" class="size_s justify_left border_thick" alt="" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px;" /><br><span style="font-size: 12px;">Upon Your Shore is now available on </span><a contents="iTunes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/upon-your-shore/id791224905" style="font-size: 12px;" target="_blank">iTunes</a><span style="font-size: 12px;">! Click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/upon-your-shore/id791224905">here</a> to visit the album page!</span>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/22829272013-12-25T04:03:56+13:002013-12-25T04:31:15+13:00Away In A MangerClick here to hear <a contents="&nbsp;'Away In a Manger'" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.teresathomasmusic.com/track/561454/away-in-a-manger?feature_id=75581" target="_blank"> 'Away In a Manger'</a>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">(Luke 2:6-16) </span><span class="s1">Away in a manger, no crib for a bed</span><br>A tiny new baby lay down His sweet head.<br>The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,<br><span class="s1">The little Lord Jesus </span><span class="s3">(Matt. 1:21)</span><span class="s1"> …asleep on the hay</span><br>…Away in a manger</p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">The cattle are lowing, the child awakes,</span><br><span class="s1">The Offspring of David </span><span class="s3">(Jer. 23:5, Matt. 1:6, Rev. 22:16)</span><span class="s1">, no crying He makes;</span><br><span class="s1">Who would have thought that the Ancient of Days </span><span class="s3">(Dan. 7:9-11/ Rev. 1:13-16)</span><br>could be found as a baby… asleep on the hay<br>…Away in a manger</p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s4">The Hope of all Israel </span><span class="s1">(Gen. 17:19, Num. 24:17, Jer. 17:13, Matt. 1:2)</span><span class="s4"> <br>…Her crowned Prince of Peace </span><span class="s1">(Isaiah 9:6)</span><br><span class="s1">Her Passover Lamb </span><span class="s3">(Luke 22:19,20, I Cor. 5:7, John 19:14)</span><span class="s1"> <br>…Her Eternal High Priest</span><span class="s5"> (Heb 3:1, Heb. 4:14-16, 7:1)</span><br><span class="s1">Was born in a stable one Bethlehem </span><span class="s3">(</span><span class="s6">Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-7) </span><span class="s1">day</span><br><span class="s4">Yeshua </span><span class="s1">(Matt. 1:21),</span><span class="s4"> Messiah </span><span class="s1">(</span><span class="s6">Dan. 9:25; Jn. 1:41; 4:25)</span><span class="s4">… The Life </span><span class="s1">(I John 1:2, John 14:6)</span><span class="s4">, Truth </span><span class="s1">(John 17:17, John 1:1, 14)</span><span class="s4">…The Way… </span><span class="s1">(John 14:6)</span></p>
<p class="p2">…The Way in a manger…<br>Away in a manger<br>The Way in a Manger<br>Away in a Manger...<br><br>A tiny new baby, asleep on the hay....</p>Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/22522902013-12-19T05:37:00+13:002017-01-15T06:01:46+13:00CD Is Being Mastered!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/3f969d4c4f0e9f4daec08aa56b2bba7e719635a1/small/cd-rough-shore-hr-1b.jpg?1383753767" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br>Just a quick note to say as of yesterday the CD was off to be mastered. Sangwook (Sunny) Nam, of Jacob's Well Mastering is located in New Hampshire. So, the songs have made their way back to the East Coast and closer to home! :-) Pray for Sunny, that the Lord will bless him in his work at Jacob's Well, and in the New Year! We're are so close -- thanks for your patience!!<br><br>Please stop by my 'Store' to listen to a montage of songs from the new CD. Also, please don't forget to sign my guestbook. <br><br>Blessings!! <br>TeresaTeresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/22070982013-12-11T17:12:40+13:002017-01-15T06:01:46+13:00Home!Well, what a welcome back to the East Coast after spending 3 weeks in New Zealand! I managed to return to an ice and snow storm that has shut down schools for two days, and almost delayed me getting back entirely. But, I'm back with my family and despite the fact that I desperately miss the warmth of the South Island of NZ, I'm so so happy to be reunited with my darling husband and children!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/61d25985ab15bfbf041f90c81b8362d713b0ae51/small/dscn1754.jpg?1386731995" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><br><br>While In New Zealand, I first had the opportunity to minister at the home church of my dear friends Pam & Ray Watson. Pastor Ray has been such an incredible encouragement to me for so many years, and his Auckland congregation is *such* a blessing! <br><br>I sang at both the morning service, and then returned for the evening service where the entire evening was devoted to praise and worship. <br> <hr><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/861e2a9806e7ef8df5d1cd29f6c6d3da155b9b64/small/screen-shot-2013-11-06-at-12-18-11-pm.png?1383758336" class="size_s justify_right border_" /><br>I also had the opportunity to lead worship for the Simcha Conferences in Auckland & Christchurch, NZ, hosted by Celebrate Messiah, New Zealand. The conferences were such a delight. I lead all the music sets, and our guest speaker was the renowned author and teacher Jesma O'Hara. Jesma, along with her husband John, runs the wonderful ministry <a contents="Neighbours Aid Community Stores" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://neighboursaid.com.au/">Neighbours Aid Community Stores</a> on the Gold Coast of Australia. Jesma gave us such wonderful teaching on discipleship, and our long-time friend and director of Celebrate Messiah, NZ, Scott Brown, lead our group discussions. <br><br>After the conferences, Scott, Jesma and I facilitated a Concert of Prayer which incorporated worship and corporate prayer specifically for Messianic ministries within New Zealand, and also for the Messianic body of believers within Israel. It was a wonderful time of prayer and worship and we can't wait to host another one! My heart so connected with all the wonderful foks on both the North and South Island of New Zealand, and Scott has given me an open invitation to join the staff of Celebrate Messiah, NZ which I am seriously considering!<br> <hr><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/782fe89981b7db015170838a27704648fd431421/medium/dscn2269.jpg?1386733491" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /><br>A highlight of the trip for me was a visit to Invercargill, NZ where I was able to lead worship at a private Shabbat/Hannukah dinner celebration! Many of the guests could not make the drive up to Christchurch to participate in the conference, so I brought the Concert of Prayer to them and we were able to participate in prayer and worship together. I met so many new friends in Invercargill, as well as take some excellent photos of Burt Monroe's motorcycle from the film, "The World's Fastest Indian"!<br><br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/ffa7d870e0148563fdd22da0bd8b8aeb341e4bfd/medium/dscn2214.jpg?1386734144" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /><br>And speaking of Hannukah, well...how about..<br><br>Thanksgivikuh?! We had a wonderful celebration at Dansey's Pass Holiday Park. The hosts got a 16 lb. turkey on sale for $80!! Our feast included a roast wild boar, and a meat loaf as well. An American who lives in Waimeti was able to join us, as well as three Israelis who showed up to the camp for the night. They enjoyed the food, as well as lighting the Hannukah candles! <br><br>In addition to my ministry events, I also had the most wonderful opportunity to see dear friends in Wellington and Christchurch, and meeting face-to-face friends I have only had the opportunity to know via email for so long. <br><br>The trip concluded with my staying three days in California with my wonderful producer and friend, Wendy Waldman. We were able to listen to final tracks for my upcoming CD, and make final changes. The highlight of the trip was my opportunity to join her for her house concert, where she sang to 100 wonderful fans and stole their hearts. She is such a wonderful song writer. It is such a privelage to know her and have my record produced by her!! Hoping that by the end of this week, the CD will be off to be mastered! Pray!<br><br>Thank you so much to you all for your support -- you're the best!Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/20313502013-11-12T20:07:05+13:002017-01-15T06:01:46+13:00NZ Bound!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/601f3306c6d8e8d32f0c1ea343d873fc2a4ffe05/original/screen-shot-2013-11-12-at-2-01-12-am.png?1384239727" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>I'm so excited to be sharing in song with Pastors Ray and Pam Watson of <a contents="Pursuit Church in Auckland, NZ " data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.secretplaceministries.org/pages/aboutus/pursuit-church.html" target="_blank">Pursuit Church in Auckland, NZ </a>on Sunday morning! I had the most wonderful opportunity of meeting Ray many years ago via "MP3.com"! At the time, I never imagined I'd ever make it to New Zealand and have the opportunity to meet him in person! But, the Lord sure does incredible things. A little under 10 years later, Michael and I found ourselves in the Auckland airport on a journey with our friend and pastor who was seeking a home on the South Island. (He asked us to consider moving to NZ with him, and so we were on a mission there to pray and seek the Lord as to whether or not that is something he would have for our future. It's now 6 years later, and we are still seeking the Lord about it!) <br><br>Well, when Ray heard we would be in Auckland, he drove to the airport to meet us in person -- at 5am! Michael and I were overjoyed to have that meeting with him face-to-face after having only known him through emails for so many years. We also had the wonderful opportunity of seeing him again back in 2010, when the kids were with us, and Pam, Ray and kids had the opportunity to visit us here in the DC area as well. Such wonderful reunions!<br><br>I can imagine our reunion with our beautiful Savior will be only that much more incredible when we join with him after so many years of knowing each other through prayer, worship and The Word! So, please pray for me as I travel on Wednesday to the 'land of the long white cloud', and as I share in song this Sunday morning with Ray and Pam's wonderful congregation. I so look forward to seeing them all again! <br><br>A week later, I will be leading worship for the <a contents="Auckland and Christchurch Simcha Conferences" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.celebratemessiah.co.nz/">Auckland and Christchurch Simcha Conferences</a>. More on those, later!<br><br>Teresa<br> Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/19986062013-11-07T03:59:26+13:002020-03-25T23:14:10+13:00Announcing.......the name of my new CD!<br><a contents="" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/6fbf683f449a2ae771b4288e0b49e6205ede8f20/small/screen-shot-2013-11-06-at-10-48-51-am.png?1383753000" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></a>
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<br>Friends, the secret is OUT!! <br><br>I'm excited to share with you the name of my new CD, as well as share with you that I'm offering special 'Pre-Order Pre-Release Digital Download Pricing' which includes an advance download of the song, 'Away in A Manger'! </div><br>So....what's it called??!<br><br>To learn the name of my new CD, visit my <a contents="Music Page" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music" target="_blank">Music Page</a>.....and don't forget to also visit my <a contents="Guest Book" data-link-label="Guestbook" data-link-type="page" href="/guestbook" target="_blank">Guest Book</a> and say hello!<br><br>Blessings & Shalom,<br><br>TeresaTeresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/18848222013-10-20T05:30:57+13:002017-01-15T06:01:46+13:00Songs for a Blustery Day! (Sneak Peek of the CD!)<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/5a9ec86adc3d729a05aaf37dc929b60dc01a38ae/original/100.jpg?1361845450" class="size_l justify_center border_" />So many of you are asking when my CD will be released, and the answer is SOON!! Final mixes should be sent soon to then have mastered and packaged, BUT.....I've put together a mini-montage of a few songs from album for you to preview in the player, below!! (Just click on the orange 'play' button.) I truly hope you enjoy it!<br><br>In other news, I'm still playing a set from 11am-1pm at <a contents="David's Tent" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.davidstentdc.org" target="_blank">David's Tent</a> every Wednesday until Nov. 6th, so please come join me in worshiping the Lord on the Ellipse in Washington, DC! I'm also beginning planning for my upcoming mission trip to New Zealand, where I'll be leading worship for <a contents="Celebrate Messiah NZ'" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.celebratemessiah.co.nz">Celebrate Messiah NZ'</a>s two conferences in Auckland and Christchurch, partnering with Scott Brown (our former pastor and current director of CMNZ) in leading concerts of prayer, singing for Pastor Ray Watson's wonderful congregation at <a contents="Pursuit Church" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.secretplaceministries.org/pages/aboutus/pursuit-church.html" target="_blank">Pursuit Church</a> in Auckland, revisiting the beatiful women from the Daughters of Zion Fellowship in Auckland, worshiping at in Invercargill at the Herud's home fellowship outreach to Israelis back-packing in NZ, and cooking for Thanksgiving with my friend Margie Brown! When I return from NZ, I will be having a 2-day stop-over in Los Angeles visiting my producer, <a contents="Wendy Waldman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="" href="http://www.wendywaldman.com" target="_blank">Wendy Waldman</a>, before I head back to the East Coast. I appreciate your prayers that the Lord leads me to the right songs for these conferences and events, for safe travels, and that my family will be well while I'm away. Thank you so much!!<br><br>If you have any comments or questions on the songs, feel free to post them below. <br><br>Blessings & Shalom,<br><br>Teresa<br> ???Teresa Thomastag:teresathomasmusic.com,2005:Post/13882182013-08-13T09:00:00+12:002017-01-15T06:01:46+13:00My First Blog Post!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/83efe344b95170aba173c450801760f843958dad/thumb/2013-07-16-01.23.16.jpg?1375414024" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="75" width="125" /><br>
Greetings to All!<br><br>
Wow, what a few weeks it has been. I can hardly believe it's the middle of August, and school will be starting soon. It was so much work getting the website off the ground and getting the Indiegogo Fundraising campaign off the ground, but I've done it and am officially exhausted! <br><br>
SONG SNEAK-PEEK! Please be sure to click my 1-minute podcast, which features a sneak-peek (or is it sneak-hear?) snippet of one of the songs on the upcoming cd! The song is called "Stand Still", and was inspired by the July 24 devotional from Charles Spurgeon in his Morning & Evening devotional. <br><br>
If you don't get a chance to listen, then please let me just say here how much I so appreciate all of you who have contributed to my Indiegogo campaign! I'm so blessed by the amazing outpouring of support and encouragement you have all given me. We are a little over half-way to our goal of $5,000 by September 1st!! If you are able to help in even the smallest way, I am so grateful! All donations are tax-deductible, and there are three ways to donate:<br><br>
1. Click this link <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/teresa-thomas-music-a-c-t-intl/x/4234526" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/847f518d7717f985632ed2132fbe403191c5a8ee/thumb/Screen-Shot-2013-07-31-at-2.00.47-PM.png?1375325796" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="22" width="125" /></a>and it will take you to Indiegogo, where you can donate directly!<br><br>
2. Click this link to be taken to my ACT, Intl. ministry page and then click the "donate" link in the lower right corner.<a href="https://actinternational.org/donate_to_ministry.aspx?min_id=256" target="_new"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109961/85c9832dab02c4954c6043f5e74836963a53a28c/thumb/Screen-Shot-2013-08-03-at-9.55.07-PM.png?1375721346" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="52" width="125" /></a><br>
There is also an option to donate via <b><a href="https://actinternational.org/donate_to_ministry.aspx?min_id=256" target="_new">PayPal</a></b> on that page.<br><br>
3. Mail a check to: Teresa Thomas/A.C.T. Intl, PO Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 27024.<br><br><br>
I would appreciate your prayers! I am going to put together a band for the CD release party, an upcoming Holiday party (yes, the holidays are almost upon us) prepare for the upcoming school year for the kids, and prepare for my missions trip to New Zealand in November where I'll be leading worship for Celebrate Messiah, NZ's Simcha conferences in Auckland and Christchurch!<br><br>
I am so excited for you to hear the music -- can't wait till it's ready! In the meantime, I look forward to reading your comments below. Please remember to sign my <a href="./guestbook.cfm" target="_new">Guest Book</a>, and sign up for my <a href="./guestbook.cfm" target="_new">Newsletter</a>!!<br><br>
Blessings & Shalom,<br><br>
Teresa<br><br><br><br><br>Teresa Thomas