5 Ways (+ a bonus) to Make a Joyful Noise

In Sunday school when I was four, we sang “Do You Know the Muffin Man?”–the first song I remember learning. I still know it.

When I turned ten, I joined the choir for grades 5-9 at my church. Rehearsals every Saturday morning. Two- and three-part harmony. Robed for the processional into the service every Sunday. I’ve written about this wonderful experience here.

Fast forward. As a mom with two young daughters, I bought a little record player. We didn’t play a lot of Christian music–I’m not sure there was much for children in the early 1980s. We did have a “Little Marcy” album–anyone remember her?

Children’s musicals became popular, and both my girls participated in several. One year my husband was Herbie, a very slow and patient caterpillar. (This was classic typecasting!!) For quite a while after that, when any of us had to wait for anything, someone was sure to start singing the chorus, “Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry. When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too, and think … of all the times when others had … to … wait … on … you!”

Music gets into our minds (and our hearts) and stays there. Singing with kids–especially songs with Scripture lyrics–is one of the smartest things we can do if we want them to know the Word.

And singing blesses God, the original music maker.

For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise (Psalm 47:7).

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

Here are five resources that might help you and your children sing, learn the Word, and praise God with a joyful noise together.

20 Bible Verses Every Child Should Know. This book and CD combination offers original stories and songs focused on 20 memory verses that help children discover who God is, desire a relationship with him, and decide to live for him. A Retailer’s Choice Award winner.

Stephen Elkins and his Wonder Workshop have been helping children and families sing praises for many years. The Jesus Book, with a CD, is one of his newer titles.

I just discovered Yancy (that’s her first name) this week, in a tweet by a children’s minister. Little Praise Party is her newest album. Visit her site and listen!

Seeds Family Worship offers an enticing selection of CDs, and their website provides resources and activities for families too. On the Media page you can listen and watch videos.

Not all praises need to be loud! When it’s time to settle down, children AND adults enjoy these verses set to beautiful, calming melodies from Scripture Lullabies.

Now, I know Christmas is months away, but I can’t resist sharing this video of a song my grandson has loved since he was two. Our entire family sings this song now, and Solomon is ALWAYS going to remember how loved crashed into the world. Enjoy!

Scripture: NIV

DIANE

Visit Diane at www.abibleplace.com

Comments

5 Ways (+ a bonus) to Make a Joyful Noise — 8 Comments

Linda McQuinn Carlblom on April 27, 2012 at 9:29 pm said:

These look like terrific resources. I loved singing with my kids when they were little, too. They learned a lot of Bible verses that way!

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- Diane Stortz on April 28, 2012 at 10:14 am said:
  
  Thanks, Linda. Maybe you’ll find something here to help families you minister to.
  
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denise on April 28, 2012 at 10:09 am said:

LOVE the Baby love video! I will have to wait until late Nov/ Dec. 2012 to share this with my gkids! Thanks for pointing it out!

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- Diane Stortz on April 28, 2012 at 10:13 am said:
  
  It’s special, isn’t it! Daughter of a friend was involved in writing/singing it. A large church here puts on an amazing Christmas event each year, and this is from the start of it. (Crossroads Church, the show is “Awaited.”)
  
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denise on April 28, 2012 at 10:14 am said:

Hidden In My Heart II is out, too! These are so helpful for anyone, any age in need of God’s Word to minister deeply to one’s heart. I play them both often and our kids on home leave played them as they drove all over the U.S. to speak to their supporting churches – it helped keep tired kids in car seats peaceful for hours. (as well as the parents!) I’ve shared it with friends facing cancer treatments, loss of parents, etc.

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- Diane Stortz on April 28, 2012 at 10:27 am said:
  
  I’m glad you mentioned that, Denise! I have the first CD on my Kindle.
  
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Janice D. Green on April 28, 2012 at 12:43 pm said:

I bought several “Kids Praise” cassette tapes for my daughter when she was young, and I bought many more worship and praise cassettes for myself as well. They helped me keep my head on straight through many crises then and the memory of the songs and scriptures still come to me today at opportune and helpful times.

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- Diane Stortz on April 29, 2012 at 2:58 pm said:
  
  So true, Janice. Have you ever prayed and then soon after a song popped into your head, that you haven’t thought about in years, that speaks to your prayer? Has happened to me a few times. Amazing.
  
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