He Lives!

Easter Banner I made for church. :)

We spent a beautiful, fun, but tiring (everything seems more tiring with an infant!) Easter weekend with Nate's family at his parents' farm.  It was a good weekend, coming off a rather "heavy" week of sorrow and hardship within our little church family.  We learned of several church friends experiencing physical and emotional hardships, and laid to rest a twelve-year old boy who was taken from this world rather suddenly.  It was a tough week for a lot of people in our little community, and made it hard to look forward to Easter with much joy.

We didn't sing this at church yesterday, but for some reason I woke up humming this rather "peppy" hymn this morning and all of a sudden I became a little more energized about starting a new week.  It is a hymn penned with confidence and assurance; a reminder that as long as we have Jesus, we have a reason for joy, even in the midst of sorrow.  So...I just thought I'd share the words.  If you have time look up a recording...if they play it quickly enough it kind of makes you want to march or gallop around the house and through the day.  Maybe Elijah and I will do some galloping around to it later...:)

HE LIVES
By Alfred H. Ackley, 1933

I serve a risen Savior, he's in the world today;

I know that he is living, whatever foes may say.

I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer,

and just the time I need him, he's always near.

He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives, he lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know he lives?  He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see his loving care,

and though my heart grow weary, I never will despair.

I know that he is leading though all the stormy blast;

the day of his appearing will come at last.

He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives, he lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know he lives?  He lives within my heart.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek him, the help of all who find;

none other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives, he lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know he lives?  He lives within my heart.

You ask me how I know he lives?  He lives within my heart. :)