Come To_gether

From Phillipians 3:13-14, also some from Phillipians 4. Kind of an anthem style song.

Phillipians 3-13-14

I wrote this tune for the Jazz Vespers service that I do at the Westminister Presbyterian Church. This is a more electronic version. The tune was inspired by a poem of Maya Angelou's.

Amazing Peace

Inspired by Julia's writing.

Sunbeam
She stood on the platform, dressed in a grey uniform with a yellow sash that displayed her badges as she recited her pledge: “I promise that I will try to love God, to be obedient, to be loving and kind to all, to be true to the Sunbeam Declaration.” She felt proud and loved as she looked at her momma who was smiling at her. She now recited her declaration. “I understand that as a Sunbeam I should: pray morning and evening, speak the truth, be kind to animals, never steal, swear, gamble, touch harmful drugs or strong drinks.” The congregation clapped.
A moment in time, that would be treasured a lifespan. Away from the evil monster, in the safety of loved ones and in the presence of the Holy Spirit life seemed different. She smiled a rare occurrence for her. The piano started playing and she gladly joined in with the other girls singing, “Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, to shine for Him each day; in every way try to please Him, At home, at school, at play. A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam; a sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.
After the service they had a Mother and Daughter Tea and her momma stayed to partake with her. The sunbeams presented each of their mother’s with a rose. Again her mother smiled at her as she accepted the lovely rose and kissed her on her cheek. The softness of the kiss, the gentleness of her touch and the sweet smell of lilac all offered comfort to the child.
Franny, the Sunbeam leader called her to the front to receive her badges. Her m0mma patted her on her back as she headed to where Franny was. The touch of the pat made her heart smile for it was one of pride. She knew her momma was proud of her and for her she longed so much to please her momma. Franny explained that at camp this summer, the child had earned her Personal Safety/Safety First; Adventurer; First Aider; Flower Study and Play Acting Badges. Everyone clapped as she went back to sit next to her momma. Her momma looked at each badge and smiled once again at her daughter. “You have done well. I am proud of you.” The child did not know why she was crying for she was not sad. She would hold these memories in her soul forever.
At the end of the program the momma and the child gathered their things to leave. The momma thanked Franny for all she did for the children and they headed out the door. Instead of turning right at the bottom of the steps the momma turned left. The child looked to her mom. She smiled and reached out to her daughter, gently cupping her face. “I thought I might treat us to some ice-cream.” The child held her momma’s hand and gladly walked beside her.

-Julia Hoffman 2016 Gentle Steps to Healing

I Like the Pretty Lights Out

Steve Hoffman

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