And Sabbath blessings we received! A quick recap ... being in town with Frani and Liam, the hours leading up to Sabbath were more than I could have wished for. Thank you for your prayers.
With Frani feeling puny, we were quiet and reflective. With the schedule of events for SS, church and the Sabbath afternoon funeral, it was a must that the music be in place, so a quiet practice ensued. Frani joined me in her living room and began singing with me. We sang and sang and then we cried ... we reviewed songs of her childhood and sang them. Then we worked on some new ones she could sing with me for special music for church sometime in the future. At one point, she burst into tears and cried full throttle. The Holy Spirit was in this place. The gratitude sitting in a mother's heart was simply overwhelming. Thank you, Eternal Father, for Your Spirit!
Do you know the song, "Then Jesus Came"? My younger brother and I grew up in church singing it as a duet from age 10 (me) and 8 (him). He was like my twin born two years apart. Frani has always known the song - so we sang it. Again, tears were flowing as never before - the words piercing the heart! Such a moving experience we have not had as mother and daughter in years. It was a joyful yet heart-wrenching way to bring in the Sabbath. It appeared as if she had a tiny glimpse of her need. I know it was true for me.
Then on Sabbath, my little primary group sat spell-bound at Peter's thrice denial of Jesus ... and the pastor preached Romans 7 of all things - we have that ongoing conversation here. He was spot on! Glad to hear it and we were blest. Then we had communion.
After church, choir practice was one of willing hearts, ready and able to lift their incredible voices to the praise of One. What a blessing. There was not a blip on the radar screen.
Then the funeral of one of our dear members at two in the afternoon. The sanctuary was packed with state legislators, the secular community, his friends and extended family. The state of the dead was presented so beautifully in its correct light. His favorite song was "Amazing Grace" and the congregation sang every verse with feeling and a seeming connection. That song alone has the power from above to convert the heart.
The service ended with "The Love of God" sang by one old woman whose heart was so full of a Friday evening experience with her daughter and the Holy Spirit that she wasn't even nervous. How grateful I am for the love of God - how RICH and PURE - how MEASURELESS and STRONG! It shall forevermore endure - the saints' and angels' song! Amen and amen!
[This message has been edited by Sybil (edited 03-11-2007).]