HEART - TREE



Every Wednesday afternoon I drive past this tree 
on my way to another site 
where I do a hymn sing with our residents.  
 It's always the highlight of my week!!! 
The residents here all share 
the diagnosis of dementia -
 there are many different types of this condition 
as I'm sure you are aware. 
The residents are different ages - 
over 50 yrs. though, several different cultures, 
and all have other health needs. 
One thing I know is that
their spirit responds wonderfully 
to the love of God shown to them 
by their family, friends 
and our amazing care staff!  
They LOVE the hymn sing 
and are so grateful 
when my volunteer pianist, Joy, 
joins me in leading this weekly program. 
Their favorite hymn? 
Hands down - Jesus loves me this I know, 
for the Bible tells me so! 
One resident had been unresponsive 
during hymn sing for weeks.  
When we sang this hymn, 
she piped up, 
"I used to sing that in Sunday School!" 
She looked forward to this hymn every week! 
Yes, we've probably sung it in Sunday School, 
taught it to our children, 
and now to our grandchildren! 
What a deep, powerful, yet simple message 
for people of all ages.  
You can see why this tree, 
which to me looks like a puffy heart,
is like a message from my Creator
to spread the news of His love everywhere!

Jesus loves me this I know!

Jesus knows me, this I love!
Oh, the joy that God above
Loves this sinful heart - it's true!
Come to Him - He loves you too!

Comments

pam said…
Oh how worship draws us to life. I've been thinking about and praying for you guys!!! Joy to you today!
August 6, 2012 at 9:57 AM
Mari said…
Our residents love hymn sings too. It's amazing how someone who is usually very confused cant brighten up and sing all the words to those old songs!
August 6, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Terra said…
Your hymn singing had such a great effect, rousing the person to speak, and I am sure they all benefit from the hymns program.
August 6, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Ruth Hiebert said…
This is an ageless song. I recall some of the seniors in the home my Dad was in who loved to sing the old songs as well. I like that tree.Hope your day is going well.
August 6, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Unknown said…
As always a beautiful inspiring post. I find those long ago learned songs and prayers will bring out a demented mind many times. Blessings to you in your work and life.
QMM
August 6, 2012 at 12:23 PM
ellen b. said…
That is so sweet that they love this song and what a sweet ministry...
August 6, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Anonymous said…
It is wonderful to see your post pop up on my reader, Karin. My mom developed dementia at the end of her life. It is so heartbreaking to watch this disease progress. I am so happy that through your hymns and Joy's piano that these residents are given joy and comfort. Yes, the heart shaped tree is a reminder of the miracles God works every day!
August 6, 2012 at 1:41 PM
Linda said…
Karin...that tree does look like a heart! That is so great that the residents enjoy the hymn singing. I love singing hymns myself.

Sometimes when I go over to my girlfriend's house we sing hymns and pray together. It justs makes us forget all of our worries and troubles and brings us peace!

Hope you will have a good week ahead.

God bless you!

Linda
August 6, 2012 at 8:59 PM
Lady Dorothy said…
There's a little grove of trees on the side of a couple of little hills that we pass by often that look like a perfect heart. It makes me happy every time I see it! Yes, Jesus loves me!
August 6, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Aritha V. said…
Great post. I like to read about this tree and your thoughts. I like old hymns.
August 7, 2012 at 4:59 AM
Deb McKay said…
That is one of my favorites. We have a book I read to my little'n that has several (6 or 7) different verses for Jesus Loves Me and he knows them off by heart. They are very cute, because it is a child's book, but at the same time the words are great.
This one always makes me smile -
Jesus loves me as I dress
And I try to do my best
Upside down and inside out
Sometimes clothes can make me pout

Thanks for sharing, Deb
August 7, 2012 at 7:30 AM
Hootin Anni said…
....hymns, in my mother's words, they're a godsend. [In so many ways]
August 8, 2012 at 5:29 AM
Anneliese said…
so neat to see that the most simple song still speaks loud and clear.
I've never heard that "new" verse .... I wonder who wrote it? =)
August 9, 2012 at 11:04 PM
George said…
I'm always amazed at how much power these simple worship songs have for us. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us.
August 13, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Karen said…
Knowing Jesus! When all is said and done. Thank you for sharing this and for all you to to bless others.
August 19, 2012 at 9:57 AM
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