An Uplifting Song A Day

Jesus is all the world to me, My life, my joy, my all;  He is my strength from day to day,  Without Him I would fall.  When I am sad, to Him I go,  No other one can cheer me so;  When I am sad, He makes me glad,  He's my friend. Jesus is all the world to me, my friend in trials sore;  I go to Him for blessings and  He gives them ov'r and o'er.  He sends the sunshine and the rain,  He sends the harvest's golden grain;  Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,  He's my friend. Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I'll be;  O how could I this friend deny,  when He's so true to me?  Following Him I know I am right,  He watches o'er me day and night;  Following Him, by day and night,  He's my friend. Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better friend;  I trust Him now, I'll trust Him when  Life's fleeting days shall end.  Beautiful life with such a friend;  beautiful life that has no end;  Eternal life, eternal joy,  He's my friend. Words: Will L. Thompson, 1904.  Music 'Jesus Is All the World To Me' Will L. Thompson, 1904. Copyright: public domain. This score is a part of the Open Hymnal Project, 2015 Revision.

Hi I'm Dee your host and welcome to another episode of An Uplifting Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus Away) Lyrics: Edward Mote, ca.1834 copyright status is Public Domain Subjects: Assurance, Refuge Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27 Music: William B. Bradbury, 1863 My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name. Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.(Refrain) His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.(Refrain) When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found. Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.(Refrain) Public Domain

Artist: Tommy Walker Lord I surrender all To Your strong and faithful hand In everything I will give thanks to You I'll just trust Your perfect plan When I don't know what to do I'll lift my hands When I don't know what to say I'll speak Your praise When I don't know where to go I'll run to Your throne When I don't know what to think I'll stand on Your truth When I don't know what to do Lord I surrender all Though I'll never understand All the mysteries around me I'll just trust Your perfect plan When I don't know what to do I'll lift my hands When I don't know what to say I'll speak Your praise When I don't know where to go I'll run to Your throne When I don't know what to think I'll stand on Your truth When I don't know what to do As I bow my knee Send Your perfect peace Send Your perfect peace Lord As I lift my hands Let Your healing come Let Your healing come to me

Hello and welcome to another episode of A Song A Day Keeps Coronavirus Away! Can you believe it? This is episode 35! Much thanks to those joining me for the first time or those re-joining me once again. I appreciate you all! I'll tell you a little secret. While I followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to put something out here to help people cope with the drastic changes in their lives. It has also helped me. As a bipolar person, sudden changes do not sit well with me. At first, it was a welcome rest because I go hard in " normal everyday life" But then as the time kept stretching out and I began to realize it wasn't just a month. Panic began to set in. No hugs? No lunches with friends? What? Thank God for His word and the wonderful gift of music. Feel free to reach out to me at upliftingsongaday@gmail.com if you have a testimony you'd like to share, a question you wish to ask, or a comment. Category: Longings Subcategory: For Growth in Christ Lyrics: Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926) Music: Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932) I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”   Lord, lift me up, and let me stand By faith on Canaan’s tableland; A higher plane than I have found,   Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Though some may dwell where these abound, My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. I want to live above the world, Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground. I want to scale the utmost height And catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found, “Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

John H. Sammis, 1887 copyright status is Public Domain Subjects: Trust, Obedience Scripture: Psalm 84:11-12; Isaiah 50:10 Daniel B. Towner, 1887 copyright status is Public Domain When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey. But we never can prove the delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.

Hello and thanks again for joining me for another episode of An Uplifting Song A Day (Keeps Coronavirus Away) Today's song was one of my mom's favorite, I feel closer to her when I sing it. See author information, scripture references and the lyrics below: Joseph M. Scriven, 1855 copyright status is Public Domain Subjects: Friendship, Comfort, Prayer Scripture: Exodus 33:11; John 15:13; 16:23-24 What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear; May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer. Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer— Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there.

Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896 copyright status is Public Domain Subject: Consecration Scripture: Luke 14:33; Matthew 19:27 Winfield S. Weeden, 1896 copyright status is Public Domain Lyrics: I Surrender All All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow; Worldly pleasures all forsaken, Take me, Jesus, take me now. All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel the Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame; Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to His Name!

Hello and welcome to a Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus away) Well it is 6 PM EST. but 24 hours later. So sorry for the lateness but I pray that you find the wait was worth it. That being said, iin this episode is my very first guest, one of the Church Mothers from my church. She always blesses us when she sings. I pray that you experience the same blessing. I hope that you all had a blessed day moms and dads who are doing double duty! Blessings, Dee Also, if you wish to listen to an expanded edition, check out the 12 minute Mother's Day podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heres-to-mothers-everywhere/id1510162487?i=1000474195519 If you would like to comment and or review this 5 minute Mother's Day version, you may do so here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-uplifting-song-a-day/id1508198045?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Both podcasts could use some review and rating love. Thanks in advance

Hello everyone and welcome!  This is just a snippet advising that I'm still working on a special Mother's Day episode. I hoped to have it ready at midnight but missed my own deadline. It will be up by 6 PM EST today. So if you're not already a subscriber and you don't want to miss it, subscribe via the listening app of your choice. You won't  be sorry! Dee

Hi Folks, Welcome to another episode of A Song a Day Keeps Coronavirus away! Thanks so much for tuning in despite my absence. I had some voice issues and personal issues. Thank God they are both better now, however, I will be going back to work full-time as of Monday, May 12th so I will most likely only be able to manage 1 or 2 episodes a week. But who knows? It takes me awhile now because I have to go through so many steps to make it sound as clean as possible. I purchased a mini podcasting kit to see if it would make a difference or not in quality as well as cutting the time. Pray for me that it does. I also hope you liked my new intro/outro beat made especially for me by a wonderful young man who goes by [ sweetness ]. If you do, please take 60 seconds to call in at https://anchor.fm/diane-stafford/message and let me know! HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Public Domain) Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty Early in the morning Our song shall rise to Thee Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty God in three persons Blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see Only Thou art holy There is none beside Thee Perfect in power, in love and purity

Hi everyone, Welcome to another episode of A Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus away).Excuse the tinny sound of the background music. I decided to try something new this weekend. Singing with myself. By the time I recorded the top harmony, it was over! Let me know what you think anyway! As you can see, today's song is "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Pow'r" I chose it because ever since this pandemic began my mind has been drawn to the story of the Israelites as God worked on their release from Egypt. The final sign to Pharaoh that he really needed to say yes involved the blood of a sacrifice being posted over the doorways of their houses to ensure that the lives of their firstborn sons were preserved. I wonder what would happen now if we plead the blood over our doorposts in 2020 and declare that COVID-19 must pass over our household? Just a thought.

I Trust in God written by William C. Martin (1864-1914)  It's amazing how the wonderful gift of lyrics and the music that accompanies it can bless us. 1. I trust in God wherever I may be, Upon the land or on the rolling sea, For, come what may, from day to day, My heav'nly Father watches over me. Chorus I trust in God, I know He cares for me, On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea; Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul, My heavn'ly Father watches over me. 2. He makes the rose an object of His care, He guides the eagle thru the pathless air, And surely He remembers me, My heav'nly Father watches over me. Chorus 3. I trust in God, for in the the lion's den, On battlefield, or in the prison pen, Thru praise or blame, thru flood or flame, My heav'nly Father watches over me. Chorus 4. The valley may be dark, the shadows deep But O, The Shepherd guards His lonely sheep; And thru the gloom, He'll lead me home My heav'nly Father watches over me. Chorus Words by W.C. Martin, Lyrics by Charles Gabriel.

Hello Again, This is a snippet of the upcoming premiere of "What Song Are You Feeling" where I discuss the power of music to change emotions. http://deeswrites.com

A snippet of the first song I've ever written as an adult. To hear this backstory/testimony listen on An Uplifting Song a Week - Love Anyway or on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-uplifting-song-each-week/id1510162487) The lyrics were born way before any music was added. I don't know about anyone else but my creative juices begin flowing when I'm in angst and boy was that an angst ridden time. My only child was away at college in another state, I was in business for myself and my booming profits had begun to take a hit due to competition that decided to set itself up right beside me, my mom who lived with me at the time was just beginning to exhibits signs of Alzheimer's. The strong kick butt woman with whom I lived, began to become an uncertain shadow of herself, right before my eyes. I remember going out to my usual corner, setting up my book-stand and waiting and waiting for my customers to show up. A few did and actually bought a few items but at the end of 5 hours I only had $50 to show for time spent out in the cold. Loathe to arrive home early and worry my mom, I packed up my van and drove to a place I could always count on for comfort...the library. Wouldn't you know it...it was closed for renovations. So I sat in my van with the rain pouring down on the windshield and I fussed at God. I reminded Him that I was now in my church's Bible college. I was studying and learning more about Him than ever before, that now that I was right-er than I'd ever been in my life, everything was falling apart. I felt betrayed somehow. I thought that since I was doing His will, answering the call and all...that I was protected. So as was always my habit, when things bother me...I write it down.  And what came out of me was a series of poems from God to me or to anyone else who was or ever will be in the place that I am. I Know...Love I know...trust I know...forgive I know sometimes it's hard to love...but do it anyway I know sometimes it's hard to forgive...but do it anyway I know sometimes it's hard to trust...but do it anyway God needed me to love enough to forgive others who had hurt me, who had proven they were not trustworthy because He himself lived with someone for three years that He knew was going to betray Him. But He didn't treat him any differently than the other disciples, He loved him and shared his time with him giving him every opportunity to make a different choice. I had to learn that hard lesson and that it rains on the just and the unjust and if Jesus went through hard times so would I. I would love to say that I bounced back the next day after having that awesome experience with God, but it was a process.  As I let go of mistrust for men caused by the abuse of my father, relationships and began to forgive people and myself for our imperfections. I began to awaken to who God had originally created me to be. A happier person, one not so closed off from people. Lyrics/Vocals: Diane Stafford Background Track: Ainsley Harris (c) 2006 

A snippet of the first song I've ever written as an adult. To hear this backstory/testimony listen on An Uplifting Song a Week - Love Anyway or on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-uplifting-song-each-week/id1510162487) The lyrics were born way before any music was added. I don't know about anyone else but my creative juices begin flowing when I'm in angst and boy was that an angst ridden time. My only child was away at college in another state, I was in business for myself and my booming profits had begun to take a hit due to competition that decided to set itself up right beside me, my mom who lived with me at the time was just beginning to exhibits signs of Alzheimer's. The strong kick butt woman with whom I lived, began to become an uncertain shadow of herself, right before my eyes. I remember going out to my usual corner, setting up my book-stand and waiting and waiting for my customers to show up. A few did and actually bought a few items but at the end of 5 hours I only had $50 to show for time spent out in the cold. Loathe to arrive home early and worry my mom, I packed up my van and drove to a place I could always count on for comfort...the library. Wouldn't you know it...it was closed for renovations. So I sat in my van with the rain pouring down on the windshield and I fussed at God. I reminded Him that I was now in my church's Bible college. I was studying and learning more about Him than ever before, that now that I was right-er than I'd ever been in my life, everything was falling apart. I felt betrayed somehow. I thought that since I was doing His will, answering the call and all...that I was protected. So as was always my habit, when things bother me...I write it down.  And what came out of me was a series of poems from God to me or to anyone else who was or ever will be in the place that I am. I Know...Love I know...trust I know...forgive I know sometimes it's hard to love...but do it anyway I know sometimes it's hard to forgive...but do it anyway I know sometimes it's hard to trust...but do it anyway God needed me to love enough to forgive others who had hurt me, who had proven they were not trustworthy because He himself lived with someone for three years that He knew was going to betray Him. But He didn't treat him any differently than the other disciples, He loved him and shared his time with him giving him every opportunity to make a different choice. I had to learn that hard lesson and that it rains on the just and the unjust and if Jesus went through hard times so would I. I would love to say that I bounced back the next day after having that awesome experience with God, but it was a process.  As I let go of mistrust for men caused by the abuse of my father, relationships and began to forgive people and myself for our imperfections. I began to awaken to who God had originally created me to be. A happier person, one not so closed off from people. Lyrics/Vocals: Diane Stafford Background Track: Ainsley Harris (c) 2006 

Hello Folks and welcome to another episode of A Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus Away) Before I go any further,  I would just like to take a moment to say thanks. Thanks for listening the first time and thanks for returning. I checked my stats and there's one particular person who has listened to every episode and I'm quite honored. I've still got quite a few songs left in me and my voice is finally starting to come back to normal. If there's a particular song of which you'd like to hear a snippet, leave me a voice message with the info. If at all possible I will oblige. https://anchor.fm/diane-stafford/message Now for today's song: Close to Thee  (Gaither Live Gathering, lovely rendition) Thou my everlasting portion More than friend or life to me All alone my pilgrim journey Saviour let me walk with Thee Close to Thee, close to Thee Close to Thee, close to Thee All alone my pilgrim journey Saviour let me walk with Thee Not for easy wordly pleasure Nor for fame my prayer shall be Gladly will I toil and suffer Only let me walk with Thee Close to Thee, close to Thee Close to Thee, close to Thee Gladly will I toil and suffer Only let me walk with Thee Lead me through the veil of shadows Bear me o'er life's fitful sea Then the gate of life eternal May I enter Lord with Thee Close to Thee, close to Thee Close to Thee, close to Thee Then the gate of life eternal May I enter Lord with Thee... Then the gate of life eternal May I enter Lord with Thee... Songwriters: Fanny J. Crosby / Silas Jones Vail

Day 31 of A Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus away). I cannot believe that I have been doing this for thirty-one days already. That being said, the title of this song and the sentiment are quite apropos. If anyone would have told me that an averred loner like myself is ready to assault someone just to get a hug, I would have said, nope, that's not me. It's amazing what we can learn about ourselves. That sense of self-sufficiency needed to crumble (and I did) so that I could be reminded afresh of just how much I need God for the difficult as well as the simple and mundane things in life. Lyrics: Annie Hawks Music:  I need thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like thine Can peace afford I need thee oh I need thee Every hour I need thee Oh bless me now my savior I come to thee I need thee every hour Stay thou near by Temptations loose their power When thou art nigh I need thee oh I need thee Every hour I need thee Oh bless me now my savior I come to thee I need thee every hour Most holy one Oh make me thine indeed Thou blessed son I need thee oh I need thee Every hour I need thee Oh bless me now my savior I come to thee Oh I need thee I need thee Oh bless me now my savior I come to thee

Day 26 of A Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus away) Sorry for the extended absence folks. The week after Easter is always full of exhaustion for me. It's that way every year and I keep forgetting...every year. Due to the downtime by COVID, I have been able to let the creative juices flow a bit. To that end, this episode is a snippet of a song I wrote today.  Verse 1 of my original creation for Calypso extempo challenge encouraging people to stay safe I know COVID been here awhile And she messing up we life She get familiar like she our friend Taking liberties now and then. I tell ya She doh make joke She acting worse than stroke! But even though I have The Great Hope Bam! Ah staying home! Lyrics: Diane (Divine) Stafford 2020 Music: Eclipse Productions 2020

Day 26 of A Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus away) Sorry for the extended absence folks. The week after Easter is always full of exhaustion for me. It's that way every year and I keep forgetting...every year. Due to the downtime by COVID, I have been able to let the creative juices flow a bit. To that end, this episode is a snippet of a song I wrote today.  Verse 1 of my original creation for Calypso extempo challenge encouraging people to stay safe I know COVID been here awhile And she messing up we life She get familiar like she our friend Taking liberties now and then. I tell ya She doh make joke She acting worse than stroke! But even though I have The Great Hope Bam! Ah staying home! Lyrics: Diane (Divine) Stafford 2020 Music: Eclipse Productions 2020

Hello and welcome to another episode of An Uplifting Song a Day (Keeps Coronavirus Away) Today's song encourages us to consider putting aside some time daily to spend with God. The outcome of time spent with God is that He is able to take away what troubles us because He invites us to share our desires with Him. Sweet Hour of Prayer by William W. Walford (1772–1850) Public Domain   Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! the joys I feel, the bliss I share of those whose anxious spirits burn with strong desires for thy return! With such I hasten to the place where God my Savior shows his face, and gladly take my station there, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! thy wings shall my petition bear to him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace, I'll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!