KidTunz

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History Behind the Hymn: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

The great hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” depicts a rich understanding of God forged through times of loss and loneliness. The hymn’s lyricist was a native of Dublin, Ireland, a man named Joseph Scriven (1820-1886). This is part of his story.

After graduating from Trinity College, he greatly anticipated the day that he and his long-time love would be married. She was his childhood sweetheart, and all of the wedding preparations were made. The day before the wedding, however, tragedy struck. While riding to meet him, the young woman’s horse was startled by something, throwing the her into the river nearby. The impact knocked her unconscious and she drowned shortly before Joseph arrived to meet her.

After this tragic loss, Joseph was troubled by the sight of his home in Ireland, and soon left for Ontario, Canada where he spent the rest of his days in Port Hope. He devoted himself to good works and to caring for others in the village, being known as someone that never turned away those in need that could not repay him.

Eventually, he began tutoring the children of a man in town, and in the process, fell in love with the man’s niece, Eliza. The two planned to be married in 1854, but shortly before, Eliza fell sick with pneumonia, passing away at the age of 23. Once again tragedy invaded Joseph Scriven’s life, as the hoped-for marriage day never came.

Throughout the struggles and loss of his life, Scriven continued to find solace in the nearness of God, whom he described as his closest friend. It is unclear as to when the lyrics he penned were put to music, as he initially sent them in a letter to his mother, intending that they be seen only by her.

His words remind us that though life is challenging and often painful, we have someone with us that is a dearer friend than any human ever could be, sustaining us and remaining close to us through it all.

Remembering his story can give us and the children in our lives faith to persevere and to serve others in need in every season.

Lyrics

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

 

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

 

 

Child Development Guide PDF – Kids 3-11 Years Old

A few weeks ago, I was at a five-day conference, working with the children aged six months to 3 years old. As the parents were in sessions, my colleagues and I would spend time with the six or so children, finding activities and games for them to play throughout the day and evening.  By the fourth day, the children had grown accustomed to the room and toys, and in order to keep things fresh, I began thinking of new games for us to play together.

My experience with children was largely just with elementary-aged kids, which are more developmentally advanced than the toddlers, and so I wasn’t quite sure where the children would be in regards to what games they could play. I quickly learned a difference between the two age groups after gathering them together for a round of the classic game, Duck-Duck-Goose.

I got some blank stares while explaining the rules to the three-year-olds and quickly decided to demonstrate instead of just tell. After showing them a couple of examples, I realized that even demonstrating did not connect the dots, as one three-year-old kind of patted a couple of heads and then began running circles, around and around, as quickly as he could.

“Okay,” I said to them and to myself. “Back to blocks.”

Kids’ ability and our expectations

Perhaps at some point you have encountered a moment where your expectations of kids’ ability was different than what was actually the case. Maybe you chose an activity that was too easy or a game that was just too hard (whoops). The consequences might not be as obvious, but choosing music that does not match a child’s developmental abilities prevents them from really understanding what they are singing, though they might be able to recite the words.

Maybe you’ve had the common experience of hearing a kid sing a song with inappropriate words and upon asking them what the song means, they reply that they really don’t know–they just like it.

The same scenario can occur when you are seeking to teach kids songs with words you do want them to take to heart, such as songs about Jesus or lessons from the Bible. Reciting the words is different from understanding, and knowing where the kids you care about are in terms of mental development can go a long ways in discipling them on their level.

It can be hard to keep track of each age group, so I created a quick reference guide for you to download and use as you plan lessons and music for Sunday School or just hanging at home. It includes key characteristics of each age group, so you can tailor your lessons to speak right to where the kids are.

Download the free child development quick-reference guide here: KidTunz_Quick_Reference

Have you ever planned a lesson that just didn’t hit home with the kids you were teaching? How did you respond?

Not sure where to go from here? We created albums specific to each age group to get you started!

Meet a KidTunz Composer: Sarah Moore

Picture of Sarah Moore, KidTunz Composer

 

Sarah Moore is a producer, composer and vocalist based out of Orlando, Florida. She has written over 500 songs, composing for companies such as Music Precedent, Strang Communications/Charisma Life Publishers, Integrity Music, The American Bible Society, Gospel Publishing House, and Radiant Music.  She’s worked as the vocal contractor and director for Walt Disney World and as the children’s choir director for the PBS show, “Dooley and Pals”.

This week we checked in with Sarah and loved hearing about her composing, breaking into song with her sons, and what she’s been working on lately.

 

How did you first begin writing songs?

I guess I was always writing songs in my head, but I didn’t start writing them down until I was in college.  My first songs were about breakups and relationships. Then, I wrote Contemporary Christian songs that I sang for the church.   I didn’t start writing for children until after I had kids.

 

How do you think your songwriting has changed over the years?

This is an interesting and thought-provoking question.  Specifically dealing with children’s music, many things stay the same…but I have noticed a trend towards more intricate rhythms which I love.  When children around the world can sing the music from Disney movies word for word, with all the notes and difficult rhythms spot on…we need to up our game and give them something that excites them, even if there is also challenge involved.

“We need to up our game and give them something that excites them, even if there is also challenge involved.” – Sarah Moore

 

What is a creative way for a family or ministry to incorporate music into their day/service?

I made up tons of songs to sing with my boys.  We had a song to teach them their address, and a song we sang whenever we were going someplace in the car that incorporated our destination or who we were going to see.  We still break into that one every once in a while just for grins.

 

If you could give those who work with children one thing, what would it be?

Don’t underestimate what you have to offer the children.  You may not be a professional singer, but they just need to see that you enjoy singing.  If it seems like fun for you, they will be drawn in. (Click to Tweet) 

 

What is a project you’ve been working on these days?

I’m creating a Spanish version of 5 Christian children’s songs I produced in English for a client last year. He put the songs on Youtube and has had so much international attention that he decided to have the songs translated and go back into the studio.

 

 

We’re so thankful that Sarah has chosen to invest her musical ability and creativity into building up the next generation. Can’t wait to see what she’ll create next. For now, though,  here are some of Sarah’s greatest KidTunz songs!

 

“Firm Believers”

“Firm believers, standing strong on faith.
Firm believers, exercise is what it takes
To build up those muscles of spirituality.
Firm believers, that’s what we wanna be.”

 

“Construction Zone” 

“Welcome to a work in progress. You’ve enterd a construction zone.
We’re building on a firm foundation, but not with brick and stone.
Jesus is the model of perfection. His plans for us are divine.
So, welcome to a work in progress; building character in our lives…in our lives.”

 

“Treasures of the Nile” 

“See God’s plan through history. Everything we do He sees.
He empowers, acts and saves. He’s involved in our lives everyday.

Come join the caravan. Travel to an ancient land.
Explore Egyptian style, treasures of the Nile.”

 

“Espíritu Santo”

“Santo Espíritu, bello regalo de Dios
Guiado por tu luz, serviré al Señor
Ven a mí y lléname,
Yo quiero el poder qu s”lo Tú me das,
Santa Espíritu
Si pido hoy, Tú me das, si yo busco, hallaré
Y si golpeo, se rá abierto,
Tu Espíritu llenará me alma.”

“The Fruit of the Spirit Grows in Me”

“I wanna show God’s love, joy and peace,
Patience, kindness, I want more of these.
Goodness, faithfulness, that’s my goal. I’ll have gentleness and self-control.”

 

See her complete list of KidTunz songs here!

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