Keep Thou My Feet

A Sunday morning of pondering.

I woke up early and couldn't calm my mind.

So I went for a walk in the dawn.  It was beautiful and calming.  But coming home my mind was still unsettled.

And I keep thinking of this song.

So I'll share it with you.  I have always loved this song.

"Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see the distant scene, one step enough for me."

I DO want to see the distant scene.  But for now I will trust in the NEXT right thing.

I have many friends whose hearts are hurting right now.  My heart is unsettled.  Trying to find my way in this life that is turning out different than I imagined.

I have to remind myself that different doesn't equal bad.

And to trust is My God.


 

Lyrics

1. 1. Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom;
   Lead thou me on!
   The night is dark, and I am far from home;
   Lead thou me on!
   Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
   The distant scene--one step enough for me.
2. 2. I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that thou
   Shouldst lead me on.
   I loved to choose and see my path; but now,
   Lead thou me on!
   I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
   Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years.
3. 3. So long thy pow'r hath blest me, sure it still
   Will lead me on
   O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
   The night is gone.
   And with the morn those angel faces smile,
   Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
4. Text: John Henry Newman, 1801-1890
   Music: John B. Dykes, 1823-1876

Be Still

Sometimes prayers are answered in different ways.
I love music.  I forget that sometimes.  I have always loved Hilary Weeks.  One of my personal scriptures has is Psalms 46:10 "...Be still and know that I am God."  The first verse in this chapter reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." In Doctrine and Covenants it is repeated, "...all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God."

Likewise the hymn "Be Still My Soul" speaks to me every time.  I often hum or sing it when I'm discouraged.  The lyrics are simply beautiful.

1. 1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
   With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
   Leave to thy God to order and provide;
   In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
   Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
   Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. 2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
   To guide the future as he has the past.
   Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
   All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
   Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
   His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. 3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
   When we shall be forever with the Lord,
   When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
   Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
   Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
   All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
4. Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697;
   trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
   
   

This is a beautiful version by Alex Boye. 

Today I actually cracked open my scriptures and began reading in the New Testament (by far my favorite).  Christ's Sermon on the Mount where he gave the beatitudes left me wondering which verse he was talking to ME in today.  We can all change.  Some days we are meek. Others we are merciful. Often in this process of discovery and hurt and healing,  I am among those that mourn, and I shall be comforted.  What a blessing. I'm still looking for the strength to get through each day.  But I am learning to take things One. Day. At. A. Time.  I'm not very good at it yet.  But here's to today and beautiful music.