Stories Behind the Hymns That Inspire America

Stories Behind the Hymns That Inspire America
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2009-08-30
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310866855

From the moment the pilgrims landed on the shores of the New World, to the dark days following September 11, songs of faith have inspired, comforted, and rallied our beloved country. Stories Behind the Hymns That Inspire America describes the people, places, and events that have shaped the heart and soul of America. The stories behind these songs will fascinate you and bring new meaning and richness to special spiritual moments in the history of our nation. Discover how:§ “Faith of Our Fathers,” sung at Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s funeral, had its roots not with the pilgrims but with a Catholic fighting for the right to worship freely in Anglican England§ World events, from the downing of Flight 007 in Russian airspace to Desert Storm and September 11, propelled Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” § The author of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” lived the words “His truth is marching on” until the day she died§ Combining African rhythms and southern folk melodies, slaves brought Bible truths to life with songs such as “Roll, Jordan, Roll”The songs in this book have energized movements, illuminated dark paths, commemorated historic events, taken the message of freedom and faith across this nation and beyond, healed broken spirits, and righted wrongs. Their stories will make you proud of your heritage as you realize anew that in America, even one voice can make a lasting influence.

Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas

Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 181
Release: 2010-05-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310873886

Ever wonder where some of our unique and meaningful Christmas traditions come from? Why are red and green popular colors of the season? Why is exchanging gifts a family tradition? Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas reveals the people, places, and events that shaped the best-loved customs of this merriest of holidays and how they all point to Christ. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas includes insights about: Gift giving Christmas trees Caroling Nativity scenes Yule logs Stockings Advent wreaths Mistletoe Holly, and more! This is the perfect gift to infuse your celebration with spiritual insights, true-life tales, and captivating legends to intrigue you and your family. Bring new luster and depth to your modern traditions while you celebrate Jesus' birth. The traditions of Christmas lend beauty, awe, and hope to the holiday, causing people all over the world to anticipate it with joy. Warm your heart as you rediscover the true and eternal significance of Christmas.

Stories Behind the Hymns that Inspire America

Stories Behind the Hymns that Inspire America
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 164
Release: 2003
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310248795

Documents the inspirations and histories behind such classic American spirituals and songs of faith as "God Bless America," "It Is Well with My Soul," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "How Great Thou Art," and "We Shall Overcome."

Stories Behind the Greatest Hits of Christmas

Stories Behind the Greatest Hits of Christmas
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
Total Pages: 246
Release: 2010-11-29
Genre: Music
ISBN: 1458724573

You know these songs by heart. They're the ''greatest hits'' of Christmas. But do you know the fascinating, inspirational stories behind them - who wrote them and how they came to be? In his latest book, Ace Collins reveals the stories behind the greatest hits of Christmas - all the songs you have enjoyed for generations. For example, as the story goes, jazz great Mel Torme wrote ''The Christmas Song'' after visiting a friend in California, who, longing to escape California's heat for the cold winters of his New England, doodled these now-famous phrases on his spiral pad: ''Chestnuts roasting Jack Frost nipping Yuletide carols '' Torme saw those words and one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time, first recorded by Nat King Cole, was born. Within these pages, you'll discover the origins of such famous Christmas songs as ''Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, '' ''Winter Wonderland, '' ''White Christmas, '' ''Little Drummer Boy, '' ''Feliz Navidad, '' ''O Holy Night, '' and two dozen others. Although not yet as famous as the Christmas songs of which he writes (he's working on that), Collins's many books have sold tens of thousands of copies and have become treasured family classics, read and enjoyed by young and old alike. His new book is a treasure-trove of the kind of magic that makes Christmas the beloved holiday it is. This is Ace Collins at his storytelling best which means it's sure to become a ''greatest hit'' with your family

Songs Sung Red, White, and Blue

Songs Sung Red, White, and Blue
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2009-01-09
Genre: History
ISBN: 0061977160

Throughout our nation's history, patriotic songs have lifted our spirits during hard times and brought us closer to our heritage and to each other. Behind these "songs sung red, white, and blue" are unforgettable stories that will enrich your appreciation of their unique power. It's hard to imagine a single American who hasn't been touched deeply at one time or another by the songs in these pages. From the soaring chorus of "God Bless America" to the quiet poetry of "America the Beautiful," historian Ace Collins takes you inside the creation of thirty-two classic songs spanning two centuries. Military anthems like "The Marine's Hymn" and "Anchors Aweigh" share pages with other songs of war, such as the War of 1812's "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the Civil War's "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Popular tunes dating back to the earliest days of our nation, such as "Yankee Doodle," are included alongside contemporary hits like "God Bless the U.S.A." Other favorites like "This Land Is Your Land" and "This Is My Country" reflect on our nation in times of peace. You'll meet a surprising and diverse cast of behind-the-scenes characters, which includes both everyday Americans -- teachers, preachers, and soldiers -- as well as celebrated songwriters like Irving Berlin and George M. Cohan. Here are songs that are as close to our hearts as any ever written -- songs that form a rousing soundtrack to America's story.

Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter

Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
Total Pages: 160
Release: 2009-05-26
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 031054226X

The treasured traditions of Easter—little bunnies, parades, new Easter outfits, sunrise services, passion plays, and more—infuse our celebration of the season with meaning and glowing memories. And in ways you may not realize, they point us to the resurrection of Christ and our hope of life beyond the grave. Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter reveals the events and backgrounds that shaped the best-loved customs and songs of Easter, introducing you to stories you’ve never heard and a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s familiar hallmarks.

More Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas

More Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 201
Release: 2009-08-30
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310863074

Ace Collins has dug deep to uncover the true stories behind your favorite Christmas songs. Explore how these songs came into being, and discover a deeper appreciation for these melodic messages of peace, hope, and joy that celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Then Sings My Soul Special Edition

Then Sings My Soul Special Edition
Author: Robert J. Morgan
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2022-09-13
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1400336406

In this special seasonal edition, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind traditional holiday hymns of faith, including Christmas, Easter, and more. Is there a festive season of the year that is complete without one of your favorite hymns? Not only do hymns connect you to great memories, but they also reveal the faith of those who lived throughout history. As Robert Morgan explored the stories behind some of the best-loved hymns, he found fascinating accounts of tribulations, triumphs, struggles, and hope—ordinary people who connected with God in amazing ways, sharing their experiences through song. Included inside this special edition are: 150 devotional-style stories with the words and music to each hymn Includes hymns for holidays including Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and more Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel Includes a complete hymn index by title, first line, and songwriter Perfect for use as a daily devotional, teaching illustration, or for song leaders and music ministers Discover the inspiration behind your favorite hymns. Find new favorites as you relate to the people whose walk of faith led them to write these classic songs of praise. Share these stories with your family, friends, and church, and find more depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

Stories Behind Men of Faith

Stories Behind Men of Faith
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 244
Release: 2009
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0310263174

Master storyteller Ace Collins offers deeply personal narratives of sixteen men whose living faith has made a vital difference in the world. Stories Behind Men of Faith uncovers the influences, the turning points, and the surprising twists that have created icons of faith, past and present, who continue to inspire us to live better Christian lives and to witness to others. Contemporary men such as Bono, Branch Rickey, Jim Valvano, and Fred Rogers and historical figures such as William Carey, John Newton, Albert Schweitzer, George Washington Carver, and Nicholas of Myra have inspired millions. They have led countless souls to follow in their steps and created legacies that have helped bring so much light into a dark world simply by courageously living their faith. Stories Behind Men of Faith will remind readers that with faith in God, anything is possible.

Stories Behind Women of Extraordinary Faith

Stories Behind Women of Extraordinary Faith
Author: Ace Collins
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
Total Pages: 244
Release: 2009-08-30
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310864208

Twenty women whose faith has reshaped the world.Ace Collins employs all his storytelling skill to uncover the deeply personal stories of women whose faith shines for us today. Explore twenty different tales of unparalleled inspiration. Learn how each woman’s prayers were heard and answered, and discover how each story can light the way on your own journey of faith.