Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Hymns for a Kid's Heart

As part of our school day, the kids and I have been learning hymns, reading about their authors, and practicing reading music while a cd plays in the background. This has been such a fun activity for everyone including Margot who even dances and "sings" along. Whenever things are spiraling out of control, I push play and everyone piles in the big leather chair for a hymn! In fact, I think our favorite memories from this past Christmas were all centered around the Christmas hymns that we sang. The series of books we are using is called Hymns for a Kid's Heart. Our favorites right now are "A Mighty Fortress is our God" and "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." The boys especially loved learning that Charles Wesley was one of nineteen children and was homeschooled.

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.