"The Hand Song" by Nickel Creek

I once heard someone say that people's perception of God are often created from their relationship with their parents.  As I think back on my own life, that seems to be true.  That certainly puts the importance of good parenting in perspective.  Parents quite literally act in place of God during those formative years of raising, nurturing and teaching their children.  Rather than getting angry at a child for a careless mistake they have made, instead wouldn't God choose to use that moment to teach the child and set their moral compass to point true north.

As the old adage goes, children certainly do learn what they live; and no matter how astray they may go in life, I believe they never forget those lessons they learn on their parents' knee.  There is no greater, more important job in this world than faithful mothers and fathers who teach their children of love and duty and sacrifice.  Those children grow up to be our great, principled leaders that strive to make this world a better place for everyone.  Those parents could never receive all of the thanks they deserve for their quiet, unobserved, daily efforts.

"The Hand Song" by Nickel Creek

The boy only wanted to give Mother something
And all of her roses had bloomed
Looking at her as he came rushing in with them
Knowing her roses were doomed
All she could see were some thorns buried deep
And the tears that he cried as she tended his wounds

And she knew it was love
It was one she could understand
He was showing his love
And that's how he hurt his hands

He still remembers that night as child
On his mother's knee
She held him close and she opened her bible
And quietly started to read
And seeing a picture of Jesus he cried out
"Momma, he's got some scars just like me."

And he knew it was love
It was one he could understand
He was showing his love
And that's how he hurt his hands

Now the boy's grown and moved out on his own
When Uncle Sam comes along
A foreign affair, but our young men were there
And luck had his number drawn
It wasn't that long till our hero was gone
He gave to a friend what he learned from the cross

But they knew it was love
It was one they could understand
He was showing his love
And that's how he hurt his hands

"From God's Arms, To My Arms, To Yours" by Michael McLean

This last Sunday two ladies from a local pregnant teen counseling and adoption center spoke to us at church.  As they talked about the young teenage mothers who come into their office feeling alone and scared of the great decisions that they had to make shortly, my heart went out to them.  They told us that when an individual comes in with an unwanted pregnancy (or their parents, siblings, friends, etc.) they always sit them down and in a calm, caring manner discuss their options: 1) Marrying the father and raising the child together, 2) Raising the child as a single parent, 3) Adopting the child out to a family that wants them, or 4) Aborting the child.  Realizing that it is often impossible for the birth mother to get married or be a single mom, my wife and I agreed that we had great respect for the women who carried the baby to full term and then adopted them to a family.

As those ladies told us of the great heartache those pregnant girls initially have and the great peace they found in doing the right thing and adopting their baby, it reminded me of a song I had heard many years ago.  Songwriter Michael McLean was approached by a girl with an unwanted pregnancy about writing a song for her to give to the family she was adopting her child to.  From her journal entries, McLean wrote this unique song that has given hope and encouragement to many many girls in the same situation.  (Listen to his explanation here. )

"From God's Arms, To My Arms, To Yours" by Michael McLean

So many wrong decisions in my past, I'm not quite sure
If I can ever hope to trust my judgement anymore.
But lately I've been thinking,
'Cause it's all I've had to do.
And in my heart I feel that I
Should give this child to you.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,
When you love him so, that he's been loved before,
By someone, who delivered your son,
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

If you choose to tell him,
If he wants to know,
How the one who gave him life
Could bear to let him go.
Just tell him there were sleepless nights,
I prayed and paced the floors,
And knew the only peace I'd find,
Was if this child was yours.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,
When you love him so, that he's been loved before,
By someone, who delivered your son,
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

This may not be the answer,
For another girl like me.
But I'm not on a soapbox,
Saying how we all should be.
I'm just trusting in my feelings,
And I'm trusting God above,
And I'm trusting you can give this baby
Both his mothers' love.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,
When you love him so, that he's been loved before,
By someone, who delivered your son,
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

Resources for Unwanted Pregnancies:

It's About Love
Pregnant? You Have Options
About Abortion

"Leader of the Band" by Dan Folgelberg

Few would deny that our parents have a big impact on who we become in life.  For good or for bad, their parenting and example leave an indelible imprint on us that is then later passed down onto our own children, creating a legacy of thought patterns and behavior.   The best thing that a parent could do to ensure the success of their children and grandchildren is to make themselves the best they can be and do their best to teach their children to do likewise.

I have heard this gem of a song referred to great husbands, fathers and grandfathers who gently but firmly led their families while sharing with them the priceless gift of music.  I even heard this song's lyrics quoted over the pulpit as a sermon for what Christ did for us.  Surely the need for good fathers is greater than it has ever been.  As the great prophet said, the hearts of the fathers must be turned to the welfare of the children, and the hearts of the children must be turned in gratitude to their fathers or our society will continue to experience greater calamities due to teenage mothers, separated parents, broken homes and abused children.  Every father must step up and take their leading role, along side the mother, in teaching and nurturing their children, and thereby improving our society as a whole.

"Leader of the Band" by Dan Folgelberg

An only child alone and wild
A cabinet maker's son
His hands were meant for different work
And his heart was known to none
He left his home and went his lone and solitary way
And he gave to me a gift
I know I never can repay

A quiet man of music
Denied a simpler fate
He tried to be a soldier once
But his music wouldn't wait
He earned his love thru' discipline
A thundering velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand

The leader of the band
Is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs thru' my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

My brother's lives were different
For they heard another call
One went to Chicago and the other to St. Paul
And I'm in Colorado
When I'm not in some hotel
Living out this life I've chose
And come to know so well

I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And papa I don't think I said
"I love you" near enough

The leader of the band
Is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs thru' my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

I am the living legacy
To the leader of the band

"With Arms Wide Open" by Creed

If you sit back and think about it, it's mind-boggling that humans have the power within them to create life.  All of our scientists working for centuries in their billion-dollar laboratories have not been able to animate a single lifeless piece of matter, and yet mothers and fathers have been creating life as long as humans have existed.

There is an aura of magic, divinity around the birth of a child.  A fresh, innocent new soul entering into our presence.  A man and woman who has thus far only concerned themselves with themselves and each other now dedicate their means and energy to raising this bright but helpless little human.  To give them the nourishment and training they need to become strong and eventually self-sufficient.  The best of humanity is there when parents welcome a new child onto earth "with arms wide open."

"With Arms Wide Open" by Creed

Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I closed my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
With arms wide open

Well I don't know if I'm ready
To be the man I have to be
I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side
We stand in awe, we've created life

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
Now everything has changed
I'll show you love
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open

If I had just one wish
Only one demand
I hope he's not like me
I hope he understands
That he can take this life
And hold it by the hand
And he can greet the world
With arms wide open...

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
Now everything has changed
I'll show you love
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open

"Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle

I've never had a daughter yet, but I'm pretty sure there is a special kind of love that only fathers and daughters can share. A father can be such an important influence in their little girl's life, teaching her what true manhood is and what to look for in their future husband. Then, as she comes of age, the father steps back as the "man" in his daughter's life for another worthy male to take his place for the rest of her life. With all that a father would do and sacrifice for his little girl, is there any other better example of true love?

"Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle

There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven, and she's Daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life, oh but most of all...

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk beside the pony Daddy, it's my first ride
I know the cake looks funny Daddy, but I sure tried
Oh with all that I've done wrong, I must of done something right
To deserve a hug every morning, and butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet sixteen today
She's looking like her Mama, a little more everyday.
One part woman, the other part girl
To perfume and makeup, from ribbons and curls.
Trying her wings out in a great big world, but I remember...

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
You know how much I love you Daddy, but if you don't mind
I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time.
With all that I've done wrong, I must of done something right
To deserve her love every morning, and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time, oh, like the wind the years go by.
Precious butterfly, spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today, she'll make a promise, and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bridegroom just staring at her
She asks me what I'm thinking, and I said I'm not sure.
I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl, and she leaned over...

Gave me butterfly kisses with her Mama there
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
Walk me down the aisle Daddy, it's just about time.
Does my wedding gown look pretty Daddy? Daddy, don't cry.
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must of done something right.

To deserve her love every morning, and butterfly kisses,
I couldn't ask God for more, than this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember...
Every hug in the morning, and butterfly kisses.