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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.

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.  

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.  

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