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A Hymn for ThatA Hymn for EarthquakesSend us a textIn this episode, we take an encouraging look at a hymn (and a psalm) that helps us focus on biblical truth – even when disaster strikes and lives are lost. We also review the Hymn of the Month for September and take a look at back at hymn studies that are available inside Plus membership and will soon be available for purchase ala carte.Links & Resources:See all of Charles Wesley's hymns on the subject of earthquakes here.Our Hymn of the Month for September is "Co...2023-09-1822 minA Hymn for ThatA Hymn for Heat WavesSend us a textIn this short episode, we take a look at a hymn for heat waves and then review an important reminder from our Hymn of the Month.Links Mentioned in This Episode:Learn all about the Hymn of the Month here: The DoxologyJoin Hymns Illustrated to get everything you need to study a new hymn every month. Here's the link: HymnsIllustrated.com/joinSupport the show2023-08-2211 minA Hymn for ThatA Hymn for Back to SchoolSend us a textIn this episode, Kristen Iaffaldano shares several hymn stories related to the hymns "Trusting Jesus," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and then finally, a hymn for back to school: The Doxology (also our Hymn of the Month."Enjoy!Links Mentioned in This Episode:A Hymn for Back to School is also our Hymn of the Month for August. See the resource page here: The DoxologyJoin Hymns Illustrated to get everything you need to study a new hymn every month. Here's the link: HymnsIllustrated...2023-08-1514 minA Hymn for ThatA Hymn for Watering PlantsSend us a textNot too long ago I walked into Walmart and noticed a couple of pallets of plants at the front of the store. One plant, in particular, had large floppy, yet sturdy leaves, with beautiful markings on the front of each leaf and then a deep purple coloring under each leaf. It was called a Calathea and for me anyway, it was love at first sight. It wasn't long before God taught me some lessons from this plant and yes, there's a "hymn for that" and I share it i...2023-07-2611 minA Hymn for That#38: A Hymn for Midsummer (Plus, a New Podcast Name and the Why Behind It)Send us a textAh, summer! It's such a good time to soak in all our favorite things: the sunshine, the vacation, the family reunions, the lake, the fireworks, the barbecues and, well, you get it. We want to do it all!But James 4:13-15 and Psalm 31:15 both remind us that our times are ultimately in God's hand and it's good to remember that. Hymn writer William Freeman Lloyd had Psalm 31:15 in mind when he wrote the hymn, "My Times Are In Thy Hand."Listen in to learn more about the h...2023-07-1214 minA Hymn for That#37: The Joy Factor: Unpacking Joy vs. Happiness and What to Do When We Don't Feel Like Singing HymnsSend us a textOur theme for today’s episode is a little word: Joy. But there’s a lot to cover in that little word. We’re going to talk about joy vs. happiness and how it relates to the songs we sing when we worship, and then also, what should we do when it’s time to worship God joyfully in song and we don’t feel like it? And then finally we’ll acquaint ourselves a bit more with two hymn writers especially known for their hymns of joy.I also shar...2023-06-1323 minA Hymn for That#36: Hymn Story: Until Then by Stuart HamblenSend us a textListen to the hymn story behind Stuart Hamblen's gospel hymn, Until Then.More short hymn story episodes like this to come. Miss the longer format? Those are still coming, too. A little variety helps makes things interesting!Mentioned in this episode:Get your hymn recommendation for the day at HymnsIllustrated.com/quiz. Support the show2023-03-2806 minA Hymn for That#35: The Heartbeat Behind Hymns Illustrated (Plus + HOM for March & Special Announcement)Send us a textIn this episode, we take a closer look at the mission or the heartbeat Hymns Illustrated: Colossians 3:16!Will you join our mission and apply Colossians 3:16 into YOUR everyday life, teaching and admonishing your brothers and sisters in the Lord using Scripture AND psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to do so?We also review our Hymn of the Month: All Glory Laud and Honor and share what our Hymn of the Month for April will be! You're going to love it.I close by sharing with you how o...2023-03-1721 minA Hymn for That#34: What Christmas Hope Looks Like (Plus, Some Plans for 2023)Send us a textIn this episode, we take a closer look at our Hymn of the Month: Charles Wesley's "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus."We also remember what true hope looks like at Christmas time and beyond and we look ahead to see what 2023 has in store for Hymns Illustrated.Until next time, keep your hymnal open!– KristenLinks & Resources:Go to our HOM resource page here.Start your Hymns Illustrated membership here. (It's my version of...2022-12-0923 minA Hymn for That#33: A Hymn for Urgent Needs, A Hymn Connection to Coffee and some NewsSend us a textIn this episode, I share a hymn that's a model for bold prayer and fitting for those times we or someone we love is facing an urgent need. Listen in to also review our Hymn of the Month, learn about our very first Merry Thanksgiving countdown and catch the scoop on something exciting that's on the way for members.Catch all the show notes here. Until next time, keep your hymnal open!– KristenLinks & Resources:Join the Merry Thanksgiving Cou...2022-11-1417 minA Hymn for That#32: Jesus, Our Light in an Extremely Dark WorldSend us a textIn this episode, we take a first look at our Hymn of the Month and explore biblical themes in Philip P. Bliss's hymn, "The Light of the World Is Jesus."I also share a little known hymn and two book recommendations related to biblical prophecy (which helps draw us to the Light in dark times) and sharing our faith with others (which helps us be lights in a dark world.)Until next time, keep your hymnal open!– KristenLinks & Resources:Go to...2022-10-0628 minA Hymn for That#31: A Consecrated Life Looks Like This (Hymn of the Month Review)Send us a textIn this episode, we explore biblical themes in Frances Ridley Havergal's hymn, "Take My Life and Let It Be." This is our Hymn of the Month for September and we'll first review the background behind the hymn and then take an encouraging devotional look at each stanza.Most everything we review can be found at our Hymn of the Month resource page right here. At the end of the episode, I share an update about new resources available at HymnsIllustrated.com and also share some greatly...2022-09-1620 minA Hymn for That#30: Exploring Biblical Themes in the Hymn, "Anywhere with Jesus"Send us a textIn this episode, we take a deeper look at our Hymn of the Month, reviewing its doctrinal themes and intriguing hymn background. We also look at another hymn that teaches many of the same biblical truths. Enjoy! - KristenLinks & Resources:Learn how to share a hymn testimonial on the podcast here.Go to our HOM resource page here.Start your Hymns Illustrated membership here.Get your 2022-07-1223 minA Hymn for That#29: Head to Heart | The Role That Hymns Play in Our Spiritual GrowthSend us a textIn this episode, we take a look at three ways hymns play a role in our spiritual growth.We also review the Hymn of the Month by looking at a connection between "The Ninety and Nine" and Horatius Bonar's "I Was a Wandering Sheep."Stay tuned to the end for a little hymn humor which some might say is a bit "corny!"Enjoy! - KristenLinks & Resources:Learn how to share a hymn testimonial on the podcast here.2022-06-2426 minA Hymn for That#28: The Ninety and Nine (Our Hymn of the Month)Send us a textIn this episode, we take a first look at our Hymn of the Month, Elizabeth C. Clephane's hymn, "The Ninety and Nine."This hymn teaches us all about our seeking, saving and rejoicing Shepherd and is especially relatable to children. To learn all about this hymn's background, hear the text and discover why it's worth our attention, keep listening.Go to this hymns' resource page here.Links & Resources:Learn how to share a hymn testimonial on the...2022-06-0815 minA Hymn for That#27: "Then sings my soul." A closer look at why we sing.Send us a textIn this episode, we look at a powerful Scripture passage and related hymn to comfort our hearts in times of tragedy.We also enjoy several responses to a recent Facebook question, "What favorite hymns of yours have a special memory associated with them and what is that memory?"Heads up: One includes an encounter with a bear!And then we close with the topic in our title: A closer look at three reasons why our souls sing, or, you could say, God's purposes for our songs. 2022-05-2629 minA Hymn for That#26: "Unload the Wagons!" (Introducing Our Hymn of the Month for May)Send us a textIn this episode, we enjoy the background story to our Hymn of the Month and take a birds-eye view of the overall meaning and theme of "Blest Be the Tie that Binds." We see what God's plan looks like for our relationships in church and how that plan is rooted in our divine hope of His coming. Links & Resources:Learn how to share a hymn testimonial on the podcast here.Join Hymns for LifeGe...2022-05-1015 minA Hymn for That#25: Because He is trustworthy (a final look at "Thine Be the Glory")Send us a textIn this episode, we look at stanza three, the last stanza of "Thine Be the Glory" (our HOM) and explore three reasons why Christ is worthy of all our trust.Links & Resources:Learn how to share a hymn testimonial on the podcast here.Join Hymns for LifeGet your free devotional guide for the hymn, "How Firm a Foundation."****Intro and outro music: Josh Snodgrass (used with permission)2022-04-2814 minA Hymn for That#24: Because He is praiseworthy (HOM Week 3, plus a layperson's perspective on hymns)Send us a textIn this episode, we look at stanza two of "Thine Be the Glory" (our HOM) and put ourselves in the shoes of the disciples as Jesus met and greeted them after His resurrection. Our theme for the month is "Endless is the victory" and our theme for this week is "Christ is Praiseworthy."Join us next week for a closer look at Stanza Three, our final look at "Thine Be the Glory."Links & Resources:Learn how to share a hymn testimonial on...2022-04-2118 minA Hymn for That#23: Because He is glory-worthy (HOM Week 2, plus Good Friday and Easter Sunday hymn recommendations)Send us a textIn this episode, we look at hymn texts to help us celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday and we take a closer look at stanza two of "Thine Be the Glory," our Hymn of the Month (HOM).Our theme for the month is "Endless is the victory" and our theme for this week is "Christ is Glory Worthy."Join us next week for a closer look at Stanza Two of "Thine Be the Glory."Links & Resources:Learn how to share a hymn...2022-04-1517 minA Hymn for That#22: Endless is the victory (a first look at April's HOM)Send us a textIn this episode, we take an aerial view of our new hymn of the month, "Thine Be the Glory" and consider the phrase "Endless is the victory." We also enjoy a listener's hymn testimonial and the hymn text of a lesser-known Resurrection hymn, "Jesus Lives and So Shall I." If you would like to participate more in our Hymn of the Month studies, you have two options:1. Go to our hymn of the month resource page here and learn the background of our hymn there and listen in...2022-04-0716 minA Hymn for That#21: What exactly is a hymn? (Plus, a final look at our HOM for March)Send us a textIn this episode, I enjoyed answering a listener's question, "What is the definition of a hymn?" We also take a closer look at stanzas five and six from our Hymn of the Month, "How Firm a Foundation" and enjoy a listener testimonial about a hymn that points out God's heart of love and peace. Links & ResourcesGet your free devotional guide for the hymn, "How Firm a Foundation."Listen to the flute rendition of "O God of Love, O...2022-03-2419 minA Hymn for That#20: Deep waters and blessed trials (a third look at our HOM)Send us a textToday we look closer at stanzas three and four our Hymn of the Month for March, "How Firm a Foundation" and I also talk about the role hymns play in church and how they can positvely influence young people with their transparency.You're also invited to share a hymn testimonial by voice recording or email -- although audio testimonies are a bit more personal -- I'm happy to read your testimonies in the podcast as well. See directions.Mentioned and Related ResourcesJoin the waitlist to ...2022-03-1922 minA Hymn for That#19: Graciously upheld (A second look at our HOM)Send us a textToday we look closer at stanza two our Hymn of the Month for March, "How Firm a Foundation" and how it poetically renders Isaiah 41:10, reminding us never to fear or be discouraged because God is on our side.You're also invited to share a hymn testimonial by voice recording or email -- although audio testimonies are a bit more personal -- I'm happy to read your testimonies in the podcast as well. See directions.Enjoy the episode!- KristenMentioned and Related Res...2022-03-1117 minA Hymn for That#18: What more can He say? (Introducing our HOM for March)Send us a textYou’re listening to the Hymns Illustrated Podcast where hymns are explored, appreciated and illustrated through stories, testimonies and conversation.Today we look closer at our Hymn of the Month for March, "How Firm a Foundation."You're also invited to share a hymn testimonial by voice recording or email -- although audio testimonies are a bit more personal -- I'm happy to read your testimonies in the podcast as well. See directions.Enjoy the episode!- KristenMentioned and Related Resou...2022-03-0416 minA Hymn for That#17: Ponder anew what the Almighty can do (a final look at this month's hymn)Send us a textToday, we stop and consider what the Almighty can do (stanza 3 from our Hymn of the Month: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty).Is there a hymn that's especially meaningful to you? Why not share that with other listeners of the podcast? Here's how you can share an audio recording of you sharing your favorite hymn and why it's meaningful to you. See directions.Enjoy the episode!- KristenMentioned and Related ResourcesSign up for the Hymn of th...2022-02-2515 minA Hymn for That#16: Our reigning, sustaining, desire ordaining God (a closer look at our HOM, stanza two)Send us a textToday, we stop and consider what it means for God to grant our deepest desires.Is there a hymn that's especially meaningful to you? Why not share that with other listeners of the podcast? Here's how you can share an audio recording of you sharing your favorite hymn and why it's meaningful to you. See directions.Enjoy the episode!- KristenMentioned and Related ResourcesSign up for the Hymn of the Month Newsletter here.Share an au...2022-02-1714 minA Hymn for That#15: The 5 Rs of hymn study | introducing (Hymn)eneuticsSend us a textGood news! I've created a hymn study devotional guide and it’s yours for free right now.And in it, you’ll find a methodical approach to hymn study that I’m calling (Hymn)eneutics which is a nod to the term hermeneutics -- another way of referring to methods of Bible interpretation. The 5 Rs of (Hymn)eneutics are READ, RELATE, REFLECT, RESPOND, and REMEMBER.In this bonus episode, I'll share more about this new hymn study guide and walk you through those 5 R's. Download your free...2022-02-1609 minA Hymn for That#14: He is your health and salvation (a closer look at February's HOM)Send us a textToday, we stop and consider what it means when we sing to the Lord that He is our health.Is there a hymn that's especially meaningful to you? Why not share that with other listeners of the podcast? Here's how you can share an audio recording of you sharing your favorite hymn and why it's meaningful to you. See directions.Enjoy the episode!- KristenMentioned and Related ResourcesSign up for the Hymn of the Month Newsletter here.2022-02-1112 minA Hymn for That#13: Of Neanderthals and hymn writers (introducing our Hymn of the Month)Send us a textToday, we’re going to take a birds-eye view of our new hymn of the month -- Joachim Neander's "Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty" -- so we get a good idea of what to expect in our month-long study. We’ll also talk about how being familiar with the attributes of God helps us trust Him more. And, among our usual items, I’ll also share a bit about some new resources coming down the road to help you incorporate hymns into your daily devotions. And last but not least...2022-02-0311 minA Hymn for That#12: Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me. A final look at our HOM.Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll take a final look at our Hymn of the Month (HOM) and rejoice in our salvation along with the hymn writer, Robert McCheyne.I also share more about a new segment in which you can participate! I'm looking for hymn testimonials from listeners - short audio clips I can use for the show. The goal is to help us all see the bigger picture of how God uses hymns in the lives of believers, as He moves and directs and grows and sa...2022-01-2716 minA Hymn for That#11: When grace awakens (plus a new segment featuring YOU!).Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll look closer at the Holy Spirit's work of conviction that Robert McCheyne wrote about in stanza four of our hymn of the month.our hymn of the month. I also announce a new segment in which you can participate! I'm looking for hymn testimonials from listeners - short audio clips I can use for the show. The goal is to help us all see the bigger picture of how God uses hymns in the lives of believers, as He moves and directs a...2022-01-2016 minA Hymn for That#10: Danger? What danger? A closer look at our HOM: Robert McCheyne's "I Once Was a Stranger."Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll look closer at our hymn of the month (HOM) for January and explore what it looks like to know about your danger and to feel your load the way Robert McCheyne, the writer behind our Hymn of the Month (HOM) did before he came to a saving knowledge of Christ. Enjoy!- KristenMentioned and Related ResourcesSign up for the Hymn of the Month Newsletter here.Support the podcast by shopping Hymns Illustrated Reso...2022-01-1312 minA Hymn for That#9: A singable testimony that really makes you think (introducing our HOM for January).Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll look closer at our hymn of the month (HOM) for January and discover a little-known hymn that's perfect for the new year.Hymn of the Month: Robert Mc'Cheyne's, "I Once Was a Stranger" Enjoy!- KristenMentioned and Related ResourcesReferenced articles in the "take it with you" segment: The Truths of Salvation (Article Link List)What Does It Mean that God Draws Us to Salvation?Theology of Sal...2022-01-0613 minA Hymn for That#8: Antiphons, rejoicing shepherds and exulting oxen (William Billings and our HOM)Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll look closer at our hymn of the month (HOM), enjoy some lyrical Christmas contemplations from Isaac Watts and William Billings,.For our "take it with you" segment, be sure to download the Week Long Advent Guide that takes you through the antiphons of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." (Link below) - KristenMentioned and Related Resources:Free Advent GuideNames of Christ Ornament Book (Dayspring.com)Sign up for the Hymn of the...2021-12-1712 minA Hymn for That#7: Why we need some Christmas hymns to be in a minor key (plus, a closer look at our HOM)Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll look closer at our hymn of the month (HOM) and why we need at least some of our Christmas hymns to be in a minor key. We'll think more about the meaning of Emmanuel (God with us), and discover a little-known Christmas hymn that the Gettys and Ricky Skaggs recently recorded. In our "Take It With You" segment, I share something you can do alone or with children in the week leading up to Christmas Day to remember the names and person of Christ. - K...2021-12-0811 minA Hymn for That#6: "One little word shall fell him." But what is it?Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll finish looking closer at "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" -- our November Hymn of the Month -- and explore possible interpretations of that "one little word" referred to in stanzas three and four -- the word that Luther says will fell Satan. - KristenMentioned Resources:Sign up for the Hymn of the Month Newsletter here.Support the podcast by shopping Hymns Illustrated Resources.***Intro and outro music: Josh Snodgrass (used with per...2021-11-3011 minA Hymn for That#5: Our striving would be losing (plus, a hymn-centered Thanksgiving acronym)Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll dive deeper into our Hymn of the Month and reflect a bit on stanza one of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress."- KristenMentioned Resources:Sign up for the Hymn of the Month Newsletter here.Watch/Listen: When All Thy Mercies, O My God by Fernando OrtegaSupport the podcast by shopping Hymns Illustrated Resources.***Intro and outro music: Josh Snodgrass (used with permission)Support the show2021-11-2313 minA Hymn for That#4: A bulwark never failing (a closer look at our HOM, stanza one)Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, we'll dive deeper into our Hymn of the Month and reflect a bit on stanza one of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress."- KristenMentioned Resources:Sign up for the Hymn of the Month Newsletter here.Support the podcast by shopping Hymns Illustrated Resources.***Intro and outro music: Josh Snodgrass (used with permission)Support the show (https://www.hymnsillustrated.com/resources)Support the show2021-11-0907 minA Hymn for That#3: Five more reasons why hymns are so important to God's people (plus, the "rest of the story" for our Hymn of the Month))Send us a textYou’re listening to the Hymns Illustrated Podcast where hymns are explored, appreciated and illustrated through stories, testimonies and conversation.In this episode of Hymns Illustrated, you’ll hear five more reasons why hymns are so important to God's people, continuing last week's topic. Also, our Hymn of the Month for November is A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and I share not just the hymn story with you but the "rest of the story."- KristenMentioned Resources:Sign up for...2021-11-0214 minA Hymn for That#2: Five reasons why hymns are so important to God's people (plus, a hidden gem)Send us a textIn this episode of Hymns Illustrated, you’ll hear five reasons why hymns are so important to God's people. And then next week, we'll cover five more reasons.Some of these may already be familiar to you but there may be a few that haven't quite hit your radar yet. Also, at the end of the episode, listen to a new segment I'm excited to bring to you. - KristenMentioned Resources:Sign up for the Hymn of the Month Ne...2021-10-2613 min