Yes, my sister was in hospice care a few years back and the chaplain came in while I was there. He chatted a bit then asked if we wanted to pray. We said yes and he said we could pray with our eyes open looking at each other. He said that was "ok" :) The pray had so much more meaning and a terrific memory from our final days together. Afterward, he asked my sister, "what do you want most?" and she said "Joy". From that time on our family had a very clear path. We worked the best we could to surround Dorothy with joy. Music from Josh Groban, playing games, and one of the signs that we created said; The Joy of the Lord is my Strength. Dorothy wanted joy for us then and now as we miss her. I'm so thankful for the chaplain that facilitated this memory.
Generosity. I just read the book "I like Giving" by Brad Formsma. This book has challenged me to keep an eye out for giving opportunities and watch the stories and relationships unfold. There are so many different ways of being generous. And sometimes we even need to practice generosity by joyfully accepting gifts too. I'm so thankful for our generous God that teaches us to give to others.
I love how God inspires us with encouraging words and melodies throughout our day. So many songs come to mind, but for this day in God's perfect timing "Moving Forward" by Integrity's Hosanna! Music is my song.
I'm not going back I'm moving ahead Here to declare to You my past is over in You
all things are made new Surrendered my life to Christ I'm moving, moving forward
It amazes me how God will provide a song in my day to day walk. When my heart is sad - He is there, when I'm full of joy - He is there and when it is just another day - He is there. Many of these songs come to me when I'm alone. Some from my most recent worship experience and many come flowing back from my childhood. Some of my favorites are rich with comfort and reassurance of God's love, repeating the same phrase over and over to create a form of meditation to our Lord and Saviour.
We really can not go wrong with any Christ-centered songs that reinforce the Word of God. Having a connection to the school year theme or bible verse for the day is always nice. I think it is fun to mix it up. It's great to have the fun jumping around the room praising God songs and a time for quiet peaceful meditation.
Jesus loves me
My God is so great, so strong and so mighty
He is Lord
Sing Alleluia to the Lord
Doxology
The books of the Bible songs
Be still and know
My Friends, May You Grow in Grace
The B I B L E
Clap your hands all you people
I could go on and on with favorite songs. But what I'm really thankful for are the Sunday school teachers and choir directors in my life that taught me and gave me a life long blessing of singing God praises.
So great to hear, congratulations Mark!! God's peace and guidance be with you as you humbly obey God's call for your life and encourage all of us to love and include ALL God's children.
Posted in: Has Your Life Been Touched by a Chaplain?
Yes, my sister was in hospice care a few years back and the chaplain came in while I was there. He chatted a bit then asked if we wanted to pray. We said yes and he said we could pray with our eyes open looking at each other. He said that was "ok" :) The pray had so much more meaning and a terrific memory from our final days together. Afterward, he asked my sister, "what do you want most?" and she said "Joy". From that time on our family had a very clear path. We worked the best we could to surround Dorothy with joy. Music from Josh Groban, playing games, and one of the signs that we created said; The Joy of the Lord is my Strength. Dorothy wanted joy for us then and now as we miss her. I'm so thankful for the chaplain that facilitated this memory.
Posted in: Stop Standing up for Jesus
Thank you very much, Corey, for your wise piece here. Much appreciated and helpful for me.
Posted in: What Is One Way You Hope to Grow Spiritually This Lent?
Thank you, Staci, for bringing this up.
Generosity. I just read the book "I like Giving" by Brad Formsma. This book has challenged me to keep an eye out for giving opportunities and watch the stories and relationships unfold. There are so many different ways of being generous. And sometimes we even need to practice generosity by joyfully accepting gifts too. I'm so thankful for our generous God that teaches us to give to others.
Posted in: What Comes to Mind When You Think of the Reformation?
Grace
Posted in: How Our Church Uses Planning Center Online Services
I've used PCO also as a volunteer at my church. I really enjoyed having the option to review the sheet music or listen to the music at home.
Posted in: Praying With Our Eyes Open in Martin, MI
I love this, thank you for sharing. So much power in prayer.
Posted in: Suffering With Purpose: Learning From Bekki's Joy
Love this article!! Thank you Bekki for sharing with us.
Posted in: What Song Inspires Your Mission?
I love how God inspires us with encouraging words and melodies throughout our day. So many songs come to mind, but for this day in God's perfect timing "Moving Forward" by Integrity's Hosanna! Music is my song.
I'm not going back
I'm moving ahead
Here to declare to You my past is over in You
all things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ
I'm moving, moving forward
Posted in: Excellence vs. Community?
Thank you, John for posting this. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in this article.
Posted in: Top 10 Children's Worship Songs? Top 20? Current, Catchy, or Compelling?
It amazes me how God will provide a song in my day to day walk. When my heart is sad - He is there, when I'm full of joy - He is there and when it is just another day - He is there. Many of these songs come to me when I'm alone. Some from my most recent worship experience and many come flowing back from my childhood. Some of my favorites are rich with comfort and reassurance of God's love, repeating the same phrase over and over to create a form of meditation to our Lord and Saviour.
We really can not go wrong with any Christ-centered songs that reinforce the Word of God. Having a connection to the school year theme or bible verse for the day is always nice. I think it is fun to mix it up. It's great to have the fun jumping around the room praising God songs and a time for quiet peaceful meditation.
I could go on and on with favorite songs. But what I'm really thankful for are the Sunday school teachers and choir directors in my life that taught me and gave me a life long blessing of singing God praises.
Posted in: Mark Stephenson Recognized for Network Blogs
So great to hear, congratulations Mark!! God's peace and guidance be with you as you humbly obey God's call for your life and encourage all of us to love and include ALL God's children.
Posted in: Kent Brinkley's Song
I love this story. Thank you for sharing.