Thursday, March 05, 2009

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Did you know this verse came to me in a dream? I was a new Christian, 17 or 18, and I remember rolling and tossing all night, hearing this verse in my head. I didn't really know what it meant at the time, but as I became older, it became my mantra of sorts. Life wasn't always easy, and whenever things would happen that I didn't understand, I would repeat this verse to myself. I had to have faith that there was a reason behind it, that God had a higher purpose. It's actually highlighted in every Bible I own. It's the first verse I look for when I purchase a new Bible.

Now that I'm writing this, I'm really hoping that my sleepless night so many years ago wasn't due to my prankster sister whispering that verse in my ear for kicks and giggles.

So why am I telling y'all this? Because that verse came roaring back to me as I began the very first meeting of Children's Choir at Ringel Heights. As I was teaching, I could literally feel everything that had happened in our (meaning Richie and me) life come to a head last night, like my whole last year and a half were leading up to this moment. It's quite a feeling, let me tell you.

My only regret? No pictures. Ah, well, maybe next time, right? Right!

I brought the refreshments, but parents and youth showed up to set up tables, serve, and help me with name tags--without being asked. We also implemented a boys-vs.-girls competition to see which table could be the quickest and cleanest during snack time. Whichever team wins at the end of the month will get a prize. I haven't decided on a prize yet.

Once we moved into the classroom, we went over procedures for starting class. We learned the come to attention song, and we also learned our choir Bible verse, and prayed. After praying, we learned the proper way to stand and sit while singing. We also sang "Father Abraham" and I got quite dizzy.

The kids were very receptive to the first two songs I introduced for their concert in May. I introduced "Joy" as the opening song, and "Forever" by Chris Tomlin as the finale. They really seemed to enjoy singing, and several kids (boys included!!) volunteered for solos! We finished up by singing "The Fast Food Song", and then we dismissed to go on to RAs and GAs.

Needless to say, when I got to the sanctuary for service, I was already about to burst. I absolutely could not wait to tell everyone what a wonderful time we had, and what a great group of kids they had in their fellowship.

Can't wait for next week!

Toodles!

1 comment:

Kim Eckhardt said...

So glad that you have something that makes your heart sing with joy. :)