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”.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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!
Thank you! Love the song.
Thanks so much, Patricia! Happy New Year!
Praise God that you and your husband are well and safe! I love your faithfulness to Our Lord and Savior and delight in your free printables. Wishing you many blessings in 2017!
Thanks so much, Fran! Happy New Year!
Thank you Doreen for the printable. Sometimes we neglect seeing how God keeps us under his care. You were surely under that care with the accident happening. Now pay attention,buckleup and turn off the phone.I am ninety years old and have never given up the Mothering act..I apologize. Hove a wonderful safe New Year. Jere
Thanks, Jere! It was surely a wake up call for me!!! Happy New Year!
Great Is Thy Faithfulness is one of my favorite hymns. I’ll never forget trying to sing that through tears the first Sunday after 9-11. Even though tragedy strikes we know that God is always in control and He is ever faithful.
Amen! Happy New Year, Nancy!
Thank you for this lovely hymn today.
Hymn of the year, I ❤ it! And its one of my favorites too. Can’t wait for all your new projects. Thank God you were not hurt. Blessings🙏🏻
Thanks for the Great Is Thy Faithfulness printable, I love it and will be framing it for my home! I painted a canvas for a friend with those words on it for Christmas. I should have taken a picture of it! I’ll have to have my friend do that for me.
So glad you were protected from the accident! My husband and I were in a similar situation a few years ago and barely missed being involved in the crash, and also so thankful to the Lord for His protection!
Happy New Year,
Brenda
So thankful to hear that you and your husband are okay, Doreen. What a close call! I am always so thankful for God’s hand of protection and I’m reminded of the many times when He has protected me “unawares”! This hymn has always been important to me…when we sing it at church I can barely get through the last verse without a lump in my throat or tears in my eyes. Blessings to you and yours, Doreen! Looking forward to future blogs.
I’m so thankful that the Lord protected you and your husband. I’m praying for the family who lost their loved one during the holidays. Thank you for sharing the print of the wonderful hymn.
Thank you Doreen for sharing in your post and thankful all is well. This hymn is indeed a favorite and I am thankful for the beautiful free printable!
Thanks so much, Jackie! Happy New Year!
Hi Doreen I am just starting to follow you blog. I read you article in last years Christmas Country Sampler and decided to check out your web site. It is so refreshing to be able to share with another child of God. Thank you for the printable and I intend on printing them tomorrow. I’m glad that the Lord protected you and your husband and I look forward to reading your blog.
Awe – thanks so much, Bev! I’m so glad you found me through Country Sampler! They were such a pleasure to work with! So glad to have you here!
Thank you for the reminder to look back at God’s faithfulness, because when troubles comes I need to remember.
We all do, Diane! Thanks for following along here!
Love seeing this, Doreen. I think this is probably my most favorite hymn! Happy New Year!
It’s definitely one of my favorites too! Happy New Year, Suzy!!!
I love this Doreen and I love your heart for the Lord! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Michelle! So glad to have you following along here!
Dear Doreen, So Thankful to know that you and your husband are fine…The Holy Spirit was truly with you. I will pray for the family who lost their loved one too. Blessings on your day!
Yes, God was truly with us! Thank you for your prayers! Blessings to you in the New Year!
Happy New Year! Thank you for the beautiful download, I will be using it. Thanking God for your safety.
Blessings, Candy
Thank you for the beautiful printable. It’s one of my favorite hymns. During some rough years it helped to see me through.
Hello Doreen! I just found your website. Great is Thy Faithfulness is one of my favorite hymns. I loved reading how the Lord is working in your life (and the young expectant couple), what blessings! He is ever so faithful! If this printable is still available, I would love to download it but am having trouble. Thank you for pointing to the Lord and seeking Him 🙂
Hi, Sharon! I’ll send it to your email.
Hi Doreen,
I’ve tried signing up for your emails so I can access your free printable library but I haven’t received the confirmation email. Can you please help me get access to your library. I LOVE this printable you designed and would love to hang it in my home this Thanksgiving season.
Thank you,
Stacie