Great is Thy Faithfulness – Hymn of the Year

Happy 2017 Friends!   I know 2016’s news and politics had a way of wearing us down – at least it did me!  But, I want to share a few of the moments that happened to me personally in 2016 that made me want to choose a Hymn of the Year, instead of a Word of the Year, for 2017.  And, that hymn is “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.

1.  Finding a place for my dad to live where he is safe, well cared for, and is happy.  This was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I’m so thankful to look back and see how God worked in this situation.  Dad is happy in his new home, and I know that he is being well cared for.
2. I have a heart for couples going through infertility because Mark and I were in that spot many years ago.  When you long for a baby, and it just isn’t happening; it’s heartbreaking and can be a real challenge to a marriage.  Tests, medications, procedures – month after month – it’s so hard.  I’ve been praying for a young couple that we know and was ecstatic to find out that they are expecting a new baby in 2017!  What Joy!  God is good!  I’m so thankful that this couple made it through by clinging to God and each other.
3. This past Friday, Mark and I were on our way to a family get together.  We were just a few miles from home, talking about who knows what, when the brakes of the tractor trailer in front of us started squealing and smoke from burning tires rose up in front of us.  Then, CRASH!  A car traveling in the opposite direction had driven into our lane of traffic and crashed head on, full speed, with the tractor trailer.  Mark saw the headlights of the car heading towards the truck and his quick instincts had him breaking as soon as the tractor trailer was breaking.  The truck slid many yards, and I suppose we did too.  We did end up hitting the truck, but we only had minor damage to our minivan and it could have been so much worse.  Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone right behind us and that prevented what would have surely been a huge pileup.  Mark put our emergency blinkers on and was out of the car immediately to go check on the driver of the car.  The driver’s side of the car was completely smashed.  There was a nurse two cars behind the driver who was also quick on the scene to check on the driver.  Unfortunately, she didn’t make it and was dead at the scene.  We were at the crash site for about two hours and it was something I will never forget.  If we had left just a minute sooner, we would have been the one hit.  If I had been driving, I don’t know if I would have gotten stopped.  I know God’s hand of protection was over us.  This was a HUGE wake up call for me!  I admit that I am not always paying close attention when I drive – especially locally.  I think I can scroll through Instagram while driving – I’m careful.  No more!!!  My phone will now be off when I drive!  Also, I’ve been slacking with wearing my seat belt on short trips to the post office or other local errands.  No more!  I’ll be wearing my seat belt now every time I get in the car!  So this is my PSA to everyone – wear your seatbelt and put the phone away when you drive!

Yesterday at church we sang an old hymn of the faith, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.  It hit me then and there – I want this to be my hymn of the year! The past few weeks I’ve been trying to pick a “word of the year” and nothing was really standing out.   So, friends, here’s something new  – “Hymn of the Year”!    I even have a few shop products in mind that will serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness to us.  For now, here’s my “Great is Thy Faithfulness” hymn print that I created years ago.  I had been selling it in my Etsy shop, but I’ve decided to give it to you as a free download to ring in the New Year. It prints as an 8 x 10″ that can be framed.  Or, you could have it enlarged.  This print is now available in my FREE Printable Library for email subscribers.

I also wanted to mention that I made a new set of printable calendar pages for 2017 with a Bible verse on each one that you can memorize for the month.  If you subscribe to my email already, you received the download for the calendar pages in today’s email.  If you aren’t an email subscriber, you can sign up below and get the printable calendar pages delivered to your inbox and then you’ll get my new posts in your email as well.   I am going to be offering more FREE printables that will be exclusive to my email subscribers throughout 2017.  Just a little “Thank You” for following along here at Hymns & Verses!

I have a lot planned for this year!  New spaces that I’ve never shared here on the blog and some room change ups as well! More DIY decor and tutorials.  More printables.    Some big plans for my shop that I hope you are going to love! And, more friendships made!  I love it when you leave a comment here, and I’m going to work harder to respond to each and every one! You are why I’m here!  I can’t do this without you, and I’m so thankful for you all!  Blessings to you in 2017!

Here are some more FREE printables you might like:

Penmanship Handwriting Wall Chart Printable

Pray Big Chalkboard Printable

Fall Feather Printable Wall Charts

P.S.  Don’t forget to sign up below to get your FREE 2017 printable calendar pages.  Tomorrow I’ll be sharing some other organizational printables that coordinate with the calendar pages!  Let’s get organized together in 2017!