New Directions and Favorite Hymns

After reading an agent's blog post about blogging, I prayerfully considered how my blogging affects my writing career. Most of my blogging showcases other writers. That's not a bad thing. My blogging grew out of my love of reading, so it's not a surprise most of my blogs feature books by others. Blogging twice a month at Christian Children's Authors definitely is a step in the right direction, but those posts are geared more toward adults than the little ones who read my books.

I've been involved in the Christian education of young people for more than twenty years. I'm the author of two children's books. Surely, I must have something to offer to youngsters and their families. Starting today, this blog is going to take a new direction, even if it is used to discuss my books from time to time. I hope to use my experience to share ideas and resources with others. I might talk about my Sunday School lesson plans. Maybe a craft or two will work its way into the mix.

One of the best parts of being involved with my church is that we have a wonderful worship team. I look forward to spending the first half hour of our service dedicated to praise and worship. It gets me into the right frame of mind to teach our children. As a new weekly feature, I will be discussing some of my favorite hymns. LYRICS

This is my desire
To honor You Lord,
with all my heart
I worship You
All I have within me
I give You praise
All that I adore
Is in You

CHORUS:
Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for You alone

Every breath that I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your way in me

To me, hymns are another form of prayer. It's time spent with my Lord, considering my life and His plans for me, that also allows me to do something I truly enjoy--sing. As with all prayers, focusing on what is being said, allows me to grow as a Christian.

When I sing this song, I realize the importance of grace. Though my deep desire is to live a life that honors Him, I often fall short. It's only by knowing His amazing grace is there for me that I am able to ask for forgiveness and pray for His strength and guidance when I fall.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this wonderful day. As always, I seek to live a life that honors you. Please help me not to fall short of that desire. Please surround me with your amazing grace if I stumble. Please make me your humble servant and open my heart to do You will.

I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus.

Amen.