This post is not intended to offend any Christian that enjoys "Christian Praise Music".

I am not a big fan of the new Christian music, especially Christian praise music...the kind of music where you sing one line over and over and over. Like all music there is some that is okay, but you can call me old fashioned if you like. I find myself yearning to hear the old hymns. Not only because of nostalgic reasons, but because of the prose. Even if you don't know the music and read the lines there is depth and meaning to the poetry. I will give you an example. I don't know the music to this one. It is titled "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" and was written by John Newton most most likely in the 1700's:

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear!
It soothes the sorrows, heals the wounds
And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest.

Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I'll praise Thee as I ought.

Till then, I would Thy love proclaim
With ev'ry fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name
Refresh my soul in death.

If the term thee, thou, and thy bother you...just put in the modern words...you or your.

If I am old fashioned...that is okay. Words such as those make me think about my own Christian walk. Oh that I should proclaim His love even with my last fleeting breath...Yep...that is how I want it to be.

As a side note: Papa John is still with us. His days are winding down. He is still going to dialysis 3 times a week. He is growing weaker by the day...and getting confused sometimes. Mom deserves a medal...she is a real soldier. We truly appreciate all the prayers.

Papa John is still hanging in for now. He has accepted Hospice to come by and check in from time to time. I know this will be a big help for my mother. Papa John does not want any heroic measures and wishes to pass away at home. I know this is going to be very hard on my mother even though she will support him with this decision. Each day is precious. He is getting weaker and his appetite is almost nill. He said that he is ready to go home and is tired. He has told all of us that he loves us...and he has told me to tell O Jr. I can't type anymore right now. Keep us in prayer.

Today we found out that Papa John's cancer has spread and treatment is no longer an option. Please pray for him and our family. God has been so good and Papa John has been so brave. I admire his desire to live and his fighting spirit. I pray that whatever God has in mind for him we will be ready. I hope God will be gracious and if it be His will to heal him that it will be soon. If it is time for Papa John to go home then I hope he doesn't have to do a lot of suffering. I know God's plan is perfect and I trust Him with all my heart, but today has been a sad day.