Learning to sing, singing to learn

It's no secret, especially to those in the music education world, that using music to teach concepts is one of the best memory aids for young kids. This is why we teach our kids the ABC's to a tune, and why kids can memorize lyrics to any given song much faster than adults. This week, we have had an excellent demonstration of how to teach activities and concepts with a simple tune.

Exhibit A: whenever we put lotion on Aria, we sing the "Dove song" (for lack of a better title) which is really just "Dry Bones" with doo's and dah's. Aria has always thought it's hilarious and giggles her way through it, but just recently she started singing with us. After a while, we noticed she would ask for "doo-be-dah" whenever we changed her diaper. We didn't really put the two together until one day, when I was putting lotion on my legs after a shower. Aria walked up to me, started rubbing my legs and saying in a sing-song voice, "doo-be-dah, doo-be-dah." Now, it's one of her favorite things to get her nightly lotion on while we sing to her, and it's one of my favorite things to hear her say.

This is just one of many potential everyday examples about how putting words (unfortunately, "doo-be-dah" is not an actual word) or concepts into music can imprint ideas into even a young child's head. This is why it's so important that you know what your kids are listening to, not just on the radio in the car, but even on TV. A commercial ditty can stay with a kid for YEARS. I still remember ditties for random toys or theme songs from shows I only saw a few times as a child to this day.

Adults have a habit of mindlessly singing through songs they've heard a thousand times, but to a kid, that may be the time he learns the words and tries to figure out the concepts behind those new words. (This is another excellent, important reason for churches to take a good look at the theology behind their favorite hymns, but that's another rant for another day.) With a young child, the words aren't the only things that will get stuck in their heads. The words they learn and philosophies they are subconsciously being taught frequently start out with the music that is in your home. What are you listening to?

(Stock Photo)

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

This song has been on my mind since it was released a couple months ago. I have never heard a song that more aptly describes and diagnoses the problem with modern Christianity - we have lost the love that Jesus had for the world He came to die for. Our little bubbles of Christianity at church, school and online have made us forget that Jesus came because we are all sinners, guilty of death; that every single one of us is as bad as the next. Yet despite our horrible condition and disgusting rejection of God's grace, He still loved us enough to die. This Love calls for our Love in return, not our rules or our fear. No relationship can be based on fear and rules; a true, real and healthy relationship with anyone - husband, children, friend and esp. God - must be built on love and trust.

I hope this song is as great of an encouragement and yet rebuke to you as it has been to me.

Jesus, Friend of sinners, we have strayed so far awayWe cut down people in your name, but the sword was never ours toswing.Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see;The world is on their way to You, but they're tripping over me.Always looking around but never looking up, I'm so double minded.A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided.
Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners,Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers.Let our hearts be led by mercy,Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours.
Jesus, friend of sinners, the One whose writing in the sandMakes the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands.Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves;Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees.
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when wejudge the wounded.What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved likeYou did?

Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners,Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers.Let our hearts be led by mercy,Help us reach with open hearts and open doors.Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours.
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast,For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came.Lord, I was that lost cause, and I was the outcast,But You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet.
'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures foreverYou are good, You are good, and Your love endures forever.You are good, You are good, and Your love endures forever.You are good, You are good, and Your love endures forever.