Thank you for listening!
A few years ago, a friend gave me a hymn book. It was a book of lyrics, without the music, and he wondered if I could use it. He had no idea how much of a blessing it would be! I’m so glad there was no music, because I found myself loving the words and wanting to sing them… and making up new tunes rather than taking the time to go back to learn the old ones! When I prayed about making another album, what came to mind was to record some of these old—new hymns. I’ve tried to capture the heart of the old hymns, while trying to make the words easier to understand and giving them new life. As I prayed, I also felt the Lord’s leading to write some new songs of my own. So this album is a mixture of old and new!
I made this album in memory of my dear Grandma. After Grandma died, I was privileged to be able to record ‘I heard the voice of Jesus say’, to be played at her funeral. While I was practising the song, I found myself writing the beginnings of a new tune. There wasn’t time to use it then, but I always wanted to. And I knew I wanted that song, which has become ‘Come to Me’, to go on this album, in memory of Grandma.
With much love and thanks to the precious friends who have prayed, encouraged, given lifts, and helped out in many ways.
Most of all, my Beloved Lord, Who has been so wonderful through it all. Lord, this is for You.
And thank you, for taking the time to listen.
I pray that these songs will help you to encounter the One Who alone can forgive our sins, satisfy our thirsty souls, give us eternal hope, and bring us peace.
“You will find rest. Come to Me.”
The Father’s Love
How precious to discover the love of the Father, Who has been waiting here all along!
You’ve searched me out with Your love.
By One so great, I am known fully.
Pursuing around, above,
Your hand is laid over me
And, here in the place,
Endless love waits.
Your heart is yearning over me.
I’ve searched for so long,
Thirsting for home
And finally I begin to see
The Father’s love.
You’ve been waiting here for me.
The Father’s love.
Gave Your Son to wash me clean.
With arms wide open, You welcome me home
Surrendering now I come
To The Father I’ve longed for all along.
You spoke this world all awake:
Every bird’s bright song, nature’s joy-filled ways.
I was so tenderly made.
You care for me so faithfully
And, when I look up,
I find pure love,
Surprised by Your grace that aches for me.
I never dreamed
Of such mercy for me,
And thirsty I come now to receive.
The Father’s love
You’ve been waiting here for me..
The Father’s love,
Gave Your Son to wash me clean.
With arms wide open, You welcome me home.
Surrendering now I come
To The Father I’ve longed for all along.
And there on the cross,
Love took my place.
I broke Your heart,
But You gave Your best
And, by the blood of Your Beloved
Son, I come.
The barrier’s gone
The curtain’s been torn.
You offer forgiveness by the blood.
I turn back to home,
Ashamed and undone.
I look up to see my Father run.
The Father’s love.
You’ve been waiting here for me.
The Father’s love,
Gave Your Son to wash me clean
With arms wide open, You welcome me home,
Surrendering now, I come
To The Father I’ve longed for all along.
I’m yours now. Everything’s changed.
I’ve been born again, adopted, by love claimed.
And now I have been remade.
You’ve chosen me. You’ve called my name
And there’ll be a day,
This hope lights my way,
When I’ll meet my Saviour face to face.
Each tear wiped away,
Our Bridegroom will reign.
We will be caught up in Your embrace.
The Father’s love.
You are waiting there for me.
The Father’s love,
Gave Your Son to wash me clean.
With arms wide open, You’ll welcome me home.
At last I’ll be where I belong,
With the Father I’ve longed for all along.
The Father’s love.
You’ve been waiting here for me.
The Father’s love,
Gave Your Son to wash me clean.
With arms wide open, You welcome me home.
Surrendering now I come
To The Father I’ve longed for all along.
Here I’m home.
You’re the Father I’ve longed for all along.
Come to Me
In memory of my Grandma
Some lyrics adapted from ‘I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say’, Horatius Bonar (public domain).
I loved adapting the old lyrics, and tried to put together pieces of Scripture quotes from different places to try to express something of the Lord’s heart.
I heard the call of Jesus Christ:
“Come to Me and rest.”
He called me to come lay down
My head upon His breast.
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad.
I found in Him a resting place,
And He has made me glad.
The call of Jesus came to me.
He took my guilt and washed me clean.
I’m not searching now. I’ve found deep relief
Since Jesus set me free.
Come to Me…
I heard the call of Jesus Christ:
“Come to Me and drink.”
Offering me the living water so
My thirsty soul would live.
I came to Jesus and I drank
From that life-giving stream
I’m not thirsty now. I drink from the well
And now I live in Him.
The call of Jesus came to me.
He took my guilt and washed me clean.
I’m not searching now. I’ve found deep relief
Since Jesus set me free.
Come to Me…
I heard the call of Jesus Christ.
He is this dark world’s light.
When I looked to Him, the day dawned.
The darkness became bright.
Yes, I looked to Jesus and I found
In Him my star my sun.
And now His love will light my way
To His glorious home.
The call of Jesus came to me.
He took my guilt and washed me clean.
I’m not searching now. I’ve found deep relief
Since Jesus set me free.
I heard the call of Jesus Christ.
His Father’s house above
Has many mansions. There’s a place
Prepared for me in love.
I trust in Jesus’ promise that
There’s a home for me.
Bought by His blood,
My soul will live
With Him eternally
The call of Jesus came to me.
He took my guilt and washed me clean.
I’m not searching now. I’ve found deep relief
Since Jesus set me free.
So come all you who are thirsty.
Come to Me. Turn. Come.
And you will find rest for your souls.
He who is thirsty, let him come.
Come to Me. Come to Me.
Look to Me. Return to Me.
Take the water of life freely.
You will find rest. Come to Me.
Come to Me. Come to Me.
Look to Me. Return to Me.
Take the water of life freely.
You will find rest. Come to Me.
(I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus)
Some lyrics adapted from Frances Ridley Havergal (public domain)
I am trusting You Lord Jesus,
Trusting only Thee,
Trusting You for full salvation,
Great and free.
I am trusting You for pardon
At Your feet I bow
For Your grace and tender mercy,
Trusting now.
All of Your promises are true.
My heart can rest secure in You.
I choose to say I believe,
Help my unbelief.
Jesus, I trust You.
I am trusting You to wash me
In the crimson flood,
Trusting You to make me holy
By Your blood.
I am trusting You to guide me
You alone shall lead.
Every day and hour You give me
All I need.
All of Your promises are true.
My heart can rest secure in You.
Your mercy has set me free.
You have made me clean.
Jesus I trust You.
Holy and pure,
Steadfast and sure,
All of Your words are true.
Your truth is my light,
My unfailing guide.
Jesus, I trust You.
I am trusting You to bring me
Safe to Glory’s shore,
Where You’ll be our great Bridegroom,
Our joy forevermore.
I am trusting You, Lord Jesus.
Never let me fall.
I am trusting You forever
And for all.
All of Your promises are true.
My heart can rest secure in You.
There may be a price to pay
But I choose to say
“Jesus, I trust You.”
You’re faithful in every way
So I choose to say,
“Jesus, I trust You.”
How precious to come away from this weary world and meet with Him!
Lord, You are our heart’s desire.
We thirst to eat and drink with You,
To meet with You and hear Your voice.
Your presence gives us deepest joy.
You are the One Who satisfies.
You meet us with Your words of grace.
We thirst until You come to us.
We come again to seek Your Face.
Jesus our treasure,
Jesus our prize,
We are thirsting, aching. You’re our meaning,
Our joy and our delight.
Jesus our righteousness,
Jesus our life.
All the other wells of this world run dry.
Only Jesus satisfies.
We’re bruised and weary from this world.
We carry tears and battle scars.
We come for comfort to Your arms
Where love is waiting all around
And from our guilt You give release.
The blood of Calvary makes us clean
And every burden You receive
And, Lord, in You we find our peace.
Jesus our treasure,
Jesus our prize.
We are thirsting, aching. You’re our meaning,
You’re our joy and our delight.
Jesus our righteousness,
Jesus our life.
Through the pain and longing of our lives,
Only Jesus satisfies.
Bridge
Haste the day we’ll see You.
Heaven will fill with praise.
You’ll be our heavenly Bridegroom.
You’ll wipe our tears away
When morning finally breaks through
And night turns to day.
Quickly come, Lord Jesus.
We long to meet You face to face.
Jesus our treasure,
Jesus our prize.
We are thirsting, aching. You’re our meaning,
Our joy and our delight.
Jesus our righteousness,
Jesus our life.
Oh, Lord Jesus, come. Take us as Your bride.
Only Jesus satisfies.
And when we meet with You again, we find
Only Jesus satisfies.
There’s Nothing Like Knowing You
Some lyrics adapted from ‘When I Survey Life’s Varied Scene’,
Anne Steele (public domain).
When I look at this life on earth,
The best and hardest days,
I know my Father’s loving hand
Covers the path I take.
Father, please keep me always close.
Help me drink deep from You.
And, even in this desert place, from
Heaven I’ll be renewed.
Cos I want to be nearer to You,
Like Enoch to walk close by Your side.
For You are my God and nothing is better
Father, there’s nothing like knowing You.
And oh whatever earthly joys
Your loving hand denies,
Accepted at the throne of grace,
Lord, let my prayer arise.
Give me a calm, a thankful heart.
Help me to not complain
The blessings of Your grace pour out
And, Father, let me bless Your Name.
Cos I want to be nearer to You,
Like Enoch to walk close by Your side,
For You are my God and nothing is better.
Father, there’s nothing like knowing You.
Let the sweet hope that You are mine
Light up my path through life,
Your presence through my journey shine
And crown Glory’s sunrise.
Then I’ll meet my Saviour face to face.
You’re the One I’ve longed for.
You’ll wipe our every tear away.
You’ll satisfy forevermore.
Cos I want to be nearer to You,
Like Enoch to walk close by Your side.
For You are my God and nothing is better
Father, there’s nothing like knowing You.
Bridge
Give me the peace of surrender,
The joy of childlike trust.
There is nothing more important
Than the glory of my God.
Through the pain, there is victory.
Eternity awaits.
Oh Lord Jesus, come quickly.
It will be worth it all to see Your face.
Cos I want to be nearer to You,
Like Enoch to walk close by Your side.
For You are my God and nothing is better.
Father, there’s nothing like knowing You.
I have found that there’s nothing like meeting with the Lord and communing with Him!
Here and now I come.
Lord, I know I need You.
Bringing all my failure,
At the cross, wash me again.
Surrounded by Your love,
I hear Your still small whisper:
“Rise up My beloved
one and come away.”
Can I be like Adam was:
Walking with You, God,
In the cool of the day?
Cos You are my Father.
Your love is Enough.
You are the water
I’ve been thirsting for.
You are my First love
And, here in Your arms, I’m home.
Father, please hold me close.
Lord I come to talk.
Here is where my peace is.
Abba Father, I’m weighed down.
Your arms are my relief.
I bring my cares to You.
Father, take my burdens.
You hold me and You comfort
As You pour out Your love.
Light shone from Moses’ face,
From that holy place where
He met with God.
Cos You are my Father.
Your love is Enough,
You are the water
I’ve been thirsting for.
You are my First love
And, here in Your arms, I’m home.
Father, please hold me close
You’re waiting for me.
You watch over me.
Even when I can’t see,
You’re here loving me.
Brought near by the blood,
Held close by my God.
All around, above
Is my Father’s love.
Can I be like Enoch was,
Walking with You God,
Each and every day?
Cos You are my Father.
Your love is Enough.
You are the water
I’ve been thirsting for.
You are my First love
And, here in Your arms, I’m home.
The LORD is Peace
I find that the Lord’s promises are so precious in times of fear and anxiety!
Here in my fear,
Father, You’re with me.
In darkness deep,
You’re speaking peace
And, even when I fail,
In Jesus there’s forgiveness.
Shalom. The LORD is peace.
And you say, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed.”
Father, You’re right here with me.
Your touch strengthens me. You are here to help me.
Shalom. The LORD is peace.
Your love lights the way.
Through darkness, the light breaks.
Your love drives fear away.
Your love brings relief.
All along this narrow way,
You carry me so tenderly.
Shalom. The LORD is peace.
And you say, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed.”
Father, You’re right here with me.
Your touch strengthens me. You are here to help me.
Shalom. The LORD is peace.
Peace I leave with you.
My peace I give to you.
Peace be to you.
The LORD is peace.
There is life for me:
Bright hope for eternity.
Beyond all these tears,
Sweetest intimacy
With the One Who waits for me.
And forevermore Your bride we’ll be.
Shalom. The LORD is peace.
And you say, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed.”
Father, You’re right here with me.
Your touch strengthens me. You are here to help me.
Shalom. The LORD is peace.
I have found that no-one satisfies like the Lord!
Father, Creator of all,
The sky shouts loud of Your glory so bright:
So powerful, so holy,
You reign in radiant light
And I know that You knit me together.
By Your Spirit, You gave me life.
You love me so tenderly.
In You I am satisfied.
Yes, my heart is satisfied.
Jesus, You hung on a cross,
Your blood poured out for guilt that was mine.
My slate washed clean, forgiven,
Because of Jesus Christ.
And I know that You are my salvation.
With Your blood, You saved my life.
Jesus, You are everything:
My Saviour Who satisfies,
Yes, my heart is satisfied.
Chorus
And in Jesus Christ is my life.
My hope is in You.
My joy is in You.
And in Jesus Christ is my life
And my heart is satisfied.
All I am is Yours now:
Your Kingdom first. I’ve been bought with a price.
Lord, this is my surrender.
For me to live is Christ.
And I know that I am Yours. You’ve called me
To reach out; to lay down my life:
To tell the lost of Jesus:
To tell them of hope in Christ,
And Your Name will be glorified.
You’re there to help me through.
You carry me through storms; through the fire.
You lead me through the valley. You’re always by my side.
And I know that You are mine forever:
My one Hope, my Treasure, my Prize.
You’ll be my joy in Heaven:
My Saviour Who satisfies.
Eternally satisfied.
Jesus is our Shepherd
With ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’, Francis Rous, W. Whittington, tune Crimond, Jessie Seymour Irvine (public domain). Some lyrics adapted from Hugh Stowell (public domain).
The Lord’s my Shepherd. I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie.
In pastures green, He leadeth me,
The quiet waters by.
Wiping every tear.
Held close to His heartbeat,
We don’t need to fear
Only let us follow
Wherever He leads:
Through the thirsty desert
Or by the quiet streams.
Yes the Lord is our Shepherd:
Our delight, our joy,
And, in His love, He is leading us
To our home forevermore.
Jesus is our Shepherd.
For the sheep He bled.
Every lamb is sprinkled
With the blood He shed.
Then on each He places
His own secret sign.
Those who have His Spirit,
They belong to Christ.
Yes the Lord is our Shepherd:
Our delight, our joy,
And, in His love, He is leading us
To our home forevermore.
Bridge
The Lord is my Shepherd. I’ll not want.
He makes me lie in pastures green.
With oil He anoints my head
And meets my every need.
And, when I walk through valleys dark,
Lord, You stay so close to me.
I don’t need to fear
For You are here with me.
Yes the Lord is our Shepherd:
Our delight, our joy,
And, in His love, He is leading us
To our home forevermore.
Jesus is our Shepherd.
He will lead the way
Through each tear and trial,
Help us through each day.
And, chasing us with mercy,
He will lead us on
To joy forever after
In His glorious Home.
Bridge
The Lord is my Shepherd. I’ll not want.
He makes me lie in pastures green.
With oil He anoints my head
And meets my every need.
And, when I walk through valleys dark,
Lord, You stay so close to me.
I don’t need to fear
For You are here with me.
Yes the Lord is our Shepherd:
Our delight, our joy,
And, in His love, He is leading us
To our home forevermore.
The Christian life can be hard sometimes, but the Lord encourages me that His light will shine all along the road to Glory.
It is a narrow road
And it is sometimes paved with tears.
There are some painful parts,
Maybe some broken years.
But I never need to give up my hope, following Jesus
I never need to give up my hope.
In Jesus there’s light that shines all along this road.
In Jesus there’s hope that grows all the way Home.
Jesus will meet with me.
His arms will be around me.
Jesus will walk with me
All the way home.
And yes, there are some trials.
There is a price to pay.
But He works all things for my good.
He’ll wipe my tears away.
So I never need to give up my hope (following Jesus)
No, I never need to give up my hope.
In Jesus there’s light that shines all along this road.
In Jesus there’s hope that grows all the way Home.
Jesus will meet with me.
His arms will be around me.
Jesus will walk with me
All the way home.
Your faithfulness will bless my days
You will always be my hiding place
Your tenderness will hold me close
In Your great, amazing grace
And when the Dawn of Heaven breaks
And I see my Beloved’s face,
I’ll sing of the loving way
You led me all the way home
So I never need to give up my hope (following Jesus).
No, I never need to give up my hope.
In Jesus there’s light that shines all along this road.
In Jesus there’s hope that grows all the way Home.
Jesus will meet with me.
His arms will be around me.
Jesus will walk with me
All the way home.
Lord, You will meet with me.
Your arms will be around me.
Lord, You will walk with me
All the way home.
Songs written by Caroline Abblitt
Produced by Andy and Wendy Green for Cornerhouse Productions
Scripture quotations and allusions, where significant, are taken from public domain versions.
Caroline Abblitt 