4.8 Stars Out Of 5
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4.8 out Of 5
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Meets Expectations:
4.9 out Of 5
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Displaying items 1-5 of 10
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  1. debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    February 5, 2014
    debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences–from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.

    Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

    My Review:

    I found this to be an insightful collection of all my favorite hymns. The layout was very easy to read and follow along with; with the sheet music on the left, and the description and story on the right side. As a musician and a Christian, this compilation was particularly meaningful to me. Despite my refusal to crack a book's spine, this one is now well worn and loved so I could enjoy it to the fullest.

    Even to someone who isn't familiar with some of the hymns, it can be enjoyed by everyone simply for the hymn histories. There was twelve in depth hymn stories, and the rest were brief and concise commentary/stories on each hymn/writer/history. The Table of Contents is alphabetically listed, with the 12 biographies marked by an asterisk for easy reference. There is an Index of Authors and Sources, as well as an Index of First Lines. It was put together very well, and a valuable research for anyone interested in hymns and/or Christian history.

    This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
  2. Smoothie71
    Alabama
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    February 20, 2014
    Smoothie71
    Alabama
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    I've always loved music. Ever since I was a little girl my radio and I have been attached. So you can imagine that when I found a devotional that includes many different hymns and the stories behind them (eeek!), I was pretty stoked.

    There's a writer inside us all that dreams of amazing stories and this devotional has told many, many of them. From Fanny Crosby to John Newton to the anonymous people that wrote words that touch the soul at it's core, we find amazing stories of faith, fear, truth, and our Redeemer.

    I've been reading a page each day since I got this devotional and each day I am both challenged and encouraged by what I've read. It's amazing what happens when we surrender to the Lord (though I am not saying it's easy) and how He works through all of us broken ones.

    If you're still looking for a devotional, I would really recommend this one. If you know someone who likes stories and music this would be a great gift for them... and you. ;)

    *Note: I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of a review. All views expressed are mine.
  3. debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    February 5, 2014
    debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences–from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.

    Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

    My Review:

    I found this to be an insightful collection of all my favorite hymns. The layout was very easy to read and follow along with; with the sheet music on the left, and the description and story on the right side. As a musician and a Christian, this compilation was particularly meaningful to me. Despite my refusal to crack a book's spine, this one is now well worn and loved so I could enjoy it to the fullest.

    Even to someone who isn't familiar with some of the hymns, it can be enjoyed by everyone simply for the hymn histories. There was twelve in depth hymn stories, and the rest were brief and concise commentary/stories on each hymn/writer/history. The Table of Contents is alphabetically listed, with the 12 biographies marked by an asterisk for easy reference. There is an Index of Authors and Sources, as well as an Index of First Lines. It was put together very well, and a valuable research for anyone interested in hymns and/or Christian history.

    This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
  4. Jen Pen
    Midwest
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Absolutely beautiful and inspiring...
    February 3, 2014
    Jen Pen
    Midwest
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    SUMMARY:

    This collection of 175 of the most popular hymns teaches the stories behind the songs, shares the lives of several composers, explains the history of the time in which the hymn was written, provides the reasons some words were revised/ changed, reveals the inspirations within the songs as well as suggests the impact the hymns produce. Musical scores and lyrics are also included.

    A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:

    What an absolutely beautiful book! From the graceful cover, to the "aged" pages (color and texture), to the layout of the hymns on the left page and the explanations on the right, this book is gorgeous. Though presented as a devotional, it could also be used as a study guide, reference or given as a gift. I really appreciated the thorough knowledge with which this book was written as well as the reason..."In the very act of singing, we teach, admonish, comfort, counsel and guide". Having read this book, my worship/ singing will be forever enhanced. Thank-you!

    RATING:

    5 (out of 5) pennies

    *I received a complimentary copy of Be Still My Soul from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review*
  5. DanielOfAZ
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Nearly Perfect
    February 1, 2014
    DanielOfAZ
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    If you like hymns then you will love this book. One hundred seventy five hymns are printed on the left side of the page with music, and a one page 'backstory' about the hymn on the right side. Randy Petersen has done a great job of selecting songs for this book: some ancient, some modern; some familiar, some rare; traditional and non-traditional.

    My biggest beef is the binding. The paperback cover is flimsy and seems out of place on a book that deserves a permanent place in family libraries.

    There are a few other quibbles. He uses the modern alterations for "Come Thou Fount" (dropping the exquisite 'Ebenezer' and 'interposed') and doesn't even mention the author's alleged apostasy. Nor does he tell us whether Horatio Spafford really did go off the deep end late in life. Charles the First was executed, not exiled, and William Featherstone's "I'll love thee in death" verse gets the ax too. (If you're confused, sorry, you'll just have to read the book.)

    Nevertheless, Petersen delivers considerable knowledge of music, poetry, theology, and history in these pages. I thought I was well-read about hymns until I read this book. But he's not just a knowledgeable writer, he's also a good writer. He knows how to use words, not just music. While not quite as "devotional" in style as Guye Johnson's Treasury of Great Hymns, I still would rate Be Still My Soul as my favorite hymn history book.

    I received this book for free from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying items 1-5 of 10
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