Thankful for hymns of faith that touch my heart, soul, and mind, And those of God's people

And I love that old cross Where the dearest and best, For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown.

I saw Marilyn’s response and felt that God was reaching something inside her, so I sang the next song, “How Great Thou Art.”

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the works Thy hand hath made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed;

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Marylyn was enjoying the singing, so I sang one more song with her current health in mind, “Abide with Me.”

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.

When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.

Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

On Monday, October 18, I received a phone call from Peggy Mulligan, who is the daughter of Marilyn. Peggy lives outside, and the Pioneer home had called Peggy to tell her that her mom was not doing well. She asked if I could visit. I was pleased to be able to share with Peggy about my visit with her mom on Friday. I plan to get by again and visit some more.

There is something heart-moving about the great hymns of God’s church. The words of these hymns speak the truth of God’s Scripture to our lives. The tunes touch not only our heads, but also our heart and soul. No wonder there is an apocryphal saying from Martin Luther, “He who sings, prays twice.”

When a child of God hears the great and familiar hymns of faith, and when their faith is strengthened, and that faith gives them comfort as they face eternity, such faith and comfort is a blessing for these children of God. Such faith and comfort is also a blessing to those around them.