Reborn~

Like living fireworks, God's magnificent spring display mirrors the picture of resurrection. Twigs flower, bulbs bloom, He lives!

A Mighty Fortress...

Recently, my daughter and I have had fun remembering some of the old songs we sang at church many years ago--several silly children's songs with not-so-silly messages ("Lord's Army" anyone) and some packed with powerful  principle ("A Mighty Fortress") but a little challenging to interpret. 

What began as the creation of a "let's teach these forgotten oldies-but-goodies to her little ones," list, turned into a trip down melody memory lane that in some ways has felt reminiscent of an, "I'm going down to the creek just to stick my toes in the water," day, that ended with the discovery of gold in the stream!

I'd love to hear about special songs you remember or plan to teach your children or grandchildren, particularly if you'd be willing to share why the song is important to you.

Here are a few I've rediscovered, but I'm still mining-- so if you have ideas, do share them:

God is so Good

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Nothing but the Blood

Have Thine Own Way Lord

O How He Loves You and Me

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Jesus Loves the Little Children

I Surrender All

Wherever He Leads I'll Go

Blessed Assurance

Lord I Want to Be a Christian

The Joy of the Lord (will be my strength)

Savior, Like a Shepherd

The purpose of this post isn't to begin a dialog or start a debate on the merits or necessity of singing old hymns in modern church services, it's merely to point out that since we don't typically sing them, we have a great opportunity to introduce the children in our lives to melodies with messages that are timeless even if the style is no longer considered current.  Hopefully, when they are old(er) like their Nana~ these truths, like gleaming nuggets of gold, will serve to remind them of a faithful Father, who, "like a shepherd leads" all who place their trust in Him alone for salvation.  so...Praise Him, praise Him...all ye little children...

Relentless for Eli

One day not all that long ago, a young family that I attend church with had their world rocked when their little boy, Eli, was diagnosed with Leukemia.  In the days that have followed, I've grown to admire the Rowe family not just for their unshakeable faith, but for their determination to allow God to turn what has been such a difficult situation into an opportunity to educate and advocate in support of other families who are enduring similar trials.

I have the blessing and privilege of mentoring one of Eli's mom's best friends--Johnna Watson.  Truth be told, Johnna is often more of a mentor to me than I will ever be to her.  She has the deepest desire to serve and give of just about anyone I've met, and she doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk.  So when Eli got sick, Johnna got busy.

Today, Johnna is a candidate for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year.  This means she is working really hard to raise money for life-saving research that will eventually lead to a cure for blood cancers, but the campaign time frame is very short--she only has until May 4th! 

May I ask you to do something huge for Johnna and for Eli and his family? Will you watch this short video, pray for Eli and others who are battling these diseases (and their families) and support Johnna's campaign? Eli's Journey, Johnna's Challenge--Video

I cannot imagine a better way to spend a few minutes of your day-- and there are few more worthy ways to invest a dollar than by giving to a cause that may potentially save a life.  Even if you can only contribute the amount you'd spend on a latte at Starbucks your gift will be priceless to the mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, sister, brother, loved-one of a cancer patient.  Thank you.

Campaign Information

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With deepest gratitude and love,
~Sandy