I'll Praise My Maker (Isaac Watts, 1791), AO's February Hymn

I'll Praise My Maker, by Isaac Watts, is the hymn my family is studying for the month of March (yes, we got a little bit mixed up!).  It is very meaningful to me, as I have watched several loved ones pass through death's doors over the past few years.  I look forward to learning this hymn well over the next few weeks, and maybe, one day, drawing on the comfort of its words for myself. 

Thanks again to Cyber Hymnal for their midi file and printable PDF.  Since the PDF doesn't have the words this month, I printed the words out separately as a poem and placed them side by side in our family worship binder. 

This You Tube video is the closest I've found to the original tune & words of this hymn.  It is a choral anthem.  It's not a very popular hymn, so it's difficult to find good recordings.  There are plenty of recordings out there if you are looking for a different, or a modified, tune. 

Again, here is the link to my recording:  https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bzn5JnBFIS3TeGRoZHdIUjdURjJkYW9sYjZRc0NtZw


Note:  I do claim copyright for my voice on the recording.  Please do not use or distribute it outside of the following non-profit uses:  private enjoyment, education, or church/worship use.  Please link to my blog if you would like to share it with others, and contact me if you have an inquiry about any commercial (for-profit) use.  Thanks! 

Hepatica - before it blooms

Hepatica buds, downy soft, were hiding under dead leaves

 Today we discovered Hepatica in the woods on a hillside above a creek (and, lower down, lots of skunk cabbage!).  We had to step off the path a few feet to reach this patch.  It's hard not to step on them because they're so hard to see! 

Back side of a hepatica leaf is purple with tiny hairs

Close-up of tiny hairs which cover hepatica

 We'll have to return next week so we can see the blossoms! 

Hepatica leaves blend in with dead leaf cover

Close-up of the top of a hepatica