One of the things I love about my worship-leader-sisters is the way they lead us in hymns. I like that they like the same hymns as me--the ones with intricate yet simple melodies and profound yet never-changing lyrics. And I really like that they know how to change a chord here, or a time-signature there, so that these hymns can be brought to life... once again.

I'm a "chorus girl," really. The old songs that are basic to my childhood will ever be dear; songs like I Love You, Lord and The Steadfast Love will never be forgotten or grow old. Some of my favorites are the many choruses written by Matt Redman; I listen to what he writes and I know that he loves Jesus and that he loves the Word. In addition, I'll take a smattering of this and a sprinkling of that, with a little of this and a little of that--and even a teeny bit of this, as well.

But there's something about those hymns, so moving, so inspiring, and so true.

I appreciate that my worship-leader-sisters are also bloggers, because it's good to begin some mornings reading what they write and being led in worship. Like today, when I read her stuff and found that I was singing and contemplating the following hymn the rest of the day.

Thanks, Wease.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.