1 ANGELS OF GOD SHIELDING THEE The joy of God be in thy face, Joy to all who see thee, The circle of God around thy neck, Angels of God shielding thee, Angels of God shielding thee. Words are a traditional Celtic Prayer, reprinted in Angels on Earth magazine; music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

2 WRAPPED IN OUR PRAYERS 1 You are wrapped in our prayers, a warm blanket of care. May you feel God’s love and our love surround you throughout your day. And, may knowing that you’re lifted up in prayer help bring you peace of mind ... as you rest, safe and secure in the palm of our Lord’s hand. 2 You are wrapped in our prayers, a warm blanket of care May God’s joy and strength flow freely into you from above. And, may knowing that you’re lifted up in prayer help bring you peace of mind ... as you rest, safe and secure in the palm of our Lord’s hand. 3 You are wrapped in our prayers, a warm blanket of care May new hope and purpose fill and sustain you now and always. And, may knowing that you’re lifted up in prayer help bring you peace of mind ... as you rest, safe and secure in the palm of our Lord’s hand. Words and music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams With sincere thanks to Tom Perry for the inspiration for the song. Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

3 PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give unto you. Let my peace flow into your troubled hearts; let my peace wash over your fear and pain. John 14:27; first 2 lines are word-for-word; the last 2 lines are very much paraphrased by Linda K. Williams Music © 1999 by Linda K. Williams Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

4 THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD FILLS THE EARTH The spirit of the Lord fills the Earth; God’s presence gives consistency to the Universe. (Sung as a 2-part round) Words adapted by Linda K. Williams from The Wisdom of Solomon 1:7 (in the Apocrypha) Music © 1999 by Linda K. Williams Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

5 WE BREATHE IN YOUR SPIRIT REFRAIN We breathe in Your spirit... We breathe out all care... We breathe in Your presence... We breathe out all fear... VERSE Oh, help us center our thoughts upon You, our Lord, and quiet our minds to listen to Your voice. And help us still our beings to drink inYour grace, and release all our worries to You, oh Lord. REFRAIN BRIDGE We thank You for the inmost calm that no storm can shake as long as our lives are centered in You, oh, Lord. REFRAIN , Amen © 1999 by Linda K. Williams With thanks to Rev. Jeff Glass for inspiring this song with his prayer (“We breathe in Your spirit”), and to Pastor Vernon Mitchell who helped us appreciate the value of corporate breathing to help a group center in as a whole. The bridge paraphrases the refrain from “My Life Flows On” by Robert Lowry (1869): “No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.” Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

6 YOU CAN’T FULFILL A DREAM YOU’VE NEVER HAD REFRAIN: You can’t fulfill a dream you’ve never had; you cannot reach a goal you’ve never claimed. The limits of your dreaming are all that limit you; you can’t fulfill a dream you’ve never had. 1 So dream your dreams, oh precious ones; make them worthy of your best! Wrap them in your arms and nourish them, for life will surely put them to the test. 2 And set your sights high, oh precious ones; keep your eyes on the prize! Be ready to labor and struggle; for then, your dreams you’ll realize. REFRAIN 3 So conceive it and believe it, oh precious ones. Create a vision in your minds of your success; and through perseverance and dedication, you’ll achieve your dreams, nothing less. 4 Let’s dream of peace on earth, oh precious ones. Let’s dream of food and shelter for all; let’s dream of drug-free cities and nations; and may our dreams help us answer the call! REFRAIN 5 And ask for God’s help, oh precious ones; strength and hope will flow through you. Keep on seeking, keep on knocking; the Lord’s blessings will carry you through. BRIDGE: Oh, yes, the dreamers of today are the achievers of tomorrow--- So dream your dreams and follow through; the best in life will come to you! LAST REFRAIN: You can’t fulfill a dream you’ve never had; you cannot reach a goal you’ve never claimed. The limits of your dreaming are all that limit you; you can’t fulfill a dream you’ve never had, so DREAM....yes, DREAM! Words and Music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams; Song inspired by the title saying, shared by Dr. Bertha Pendleton. Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

7 THROUGH THE SACRAMENT OF SPOKEN WORDS CHORUS: Through the sacrament of spoken words, we can bless and help heal. Lord, help us always use the power of words Your presence to reveal. BRIDGE: Bless us as we choose our words today... REPEAT CHORUS VERSE: Our words can sting and cut down our Sister or Brother, causing harm and saddening the Holy Spirit But speaking Truth in a spirit of love for each other. Uplifts, encourages, inspires, and nurtures us all. FINAL CHORUS REPEAT: Your presence to reveal. Words and Music © 1998 by Linda K. Williams. Words inspired by Ephesians 4:15, and 29-30; thanks to Audrey Shaw for sharing how her grandmother used Eph. 4:30 Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

8 WHATEVER, LORD Whatever, Lord--- Whoever You put in, or take out of my life... Whatever, Lord--- However You want things to end up...only You see the big picture. Whatever, Lord--- As much as I can take, Lord...You know me best Whatever, Lord--- Time is nothing to You...help me be patient. Whatever, Lord--- Everything is in Your hands...help me let go. Whatever, Lord--- Victory comes with You as my Guide. Whatever, Lord--- Eternity with You will be worth it all! Whatever, Lord--- Resotration is mine through You. Music © 1998 by Linda K. Williams Words by Barbara Johnson, © 1992, used by permission; found on page 263 of The Best of Barbara Johnson, which includes Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!, Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life, and Pack Up Your Gloomees in a Great Big Box, then Sit on the Lid and Laugh! Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

9 GOD ONLY KNOWS! REFRAIN: God only knows! But me? I haven’t got a clue... God only knows how I’m gonna make it through. God only knows what on earth I should do! God only knows ... and hasn’t filled me in yet. 1. All things work together for the good of us who love you, Lord---but how? Grant me patience, Lord, as I wait for that good---and I want that patience right now! 2. Well, since God’s the only one who knows, and sees all from above, I’ll just keep on keepin’ on and prayerfully wait ... wrapped in God’s blanket of love. REFRAIN 3. I don’t want pat answers to my pain, just the strength to hope again; And, rather than endlessly asking “Why?!”... help me ask “To what end?” 4. I’ll make my way through the heavy fog of my despair to the light and safety of God’s love ... and be restored there. REFRAIN 5. I’ve heard you never get over it; you just get on with it, so... I pray that hope and faith refuse to die in me ... and will, in fact, grow. 6. Well, Lord, I’ll work as if everything depends upon me, but realize that everything truly depends upon You. REFRAIN 7. I’ve faith that time is my most trusted friend; these trials all will pass--- And, when joy comes in the morning, I may even look back and laugh. 8. I know that, with God, instead of a hopeless end, I’m looking at endless hope, so when the road ahead looks rocky, I’ll just find the stepping stones. FINAL REFRAIN: So, though still God only knows, and I still haven’t got a clue, I do have faith that I’m gonna make it through. I trust the Lord will guide me to what’s best for me to do, though I may never on earth understand, and God still hasn’t filled me in yet! 9. I know I can’t control the wind, but I can adjust my sails; and yes, blessed are the flexible; they won’t get too bent out of shape. 10. And since God’s the only one who knows what’s in the Master Plan, I’ll just keep on keepin’ on and prayerfully wait....snuggled in my lovin’ Lord’s hand! Words and music © 1998 by Linda K. Williams Words by and/or inspired by Barbara Johnson, in The Best of Barbara Johnson; words used by permission Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

10 THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY! CHORUS: Thank You for this beautiful day, my Lord! Thank You for this beautiful day! Thank You for this beautiful day, my Lord! Thank You for this beautiful day! 1 I woke up this morning with God’s blessings on my mind. Thank You for this beautiful day! I know today will be great, come rain or shine! Thank You for this beautiful day! (CHORUS, OPTIONAL) 2 God, You’ve given me another day to do Your will. Thank You for this beautiful day! You’ll be with me to empower me, great works to fulfill. Thank You for this beautiful day! 3 I know You’re right here with me, Lord, come what may... Thank You for this beautiful day! ...to help me learn each day to walk better in Your Way. Thank You for this beautiful day! CHORUS 4 Though I don’t know what tomorrow will bring... Thank You for this beautiful day! I’ll trust in You, Lord, and Your praises I’ll sing! Thank You for this beautiful day! CHORUS Thank You for this beautiful day, my Lord! Thank You for this beautiful day! Thank You for this beautiful day, my Lord! Thank You for this beautiful day! Oh, thank You, Lord, for this beautiful day! Words and music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams Dedicated to the memory of Carl Hildreth, who inspired us all with his “attitude of gratitude” Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

11 NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD CHORUS: Nothing can separate us from the love of God; no, nothing can separate us from the love of God! Not a single one of life’s trials, nor even death itself; no, nothing can separate us from the love of God! VERSE: If I go up to the Heavens, Lord, You are there with me. If I make my bed in the depths, Lord, You are there with me. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast! CHORUS: Nothing can separate us from the love of God; no, nothing can separate us from the love of God! Not a single one of life’s trials, nor even death itself; no, nothing can separate us from the love of God! VERSE: Says the Lord, our Creator, “Do not fear; I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; yes, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they won’t overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” CHORUS: Nothing can separate us from the love of God; no, nothing can separate us from the love of God! Not a single one of life’s trials, nor even death itself; no, nothing can separate us from the love of God! SPANISH: CORO: Nada puede separarnos del amor de Dios; No, nada puede separarnos del amor de Dios. Ni una de las affliciones de la vida, ni hasta la muerte misma No, nada puede separarnos del amor de Dios. No, nothing can separate us from the love of God! Words and Music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams Lyrics inspired by Psalms 139:7-10, Isaiah 43:1-2, Romans 8: 35, 38-39. Dedicated to Katie Laughlin, whom God loves dearly and holds fast in His right hand, and to Tom Perry, who has truly been called by name and redeemed by God. Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

12 THE GOOD NEWS IS...! 1 The good news is...Jesus, God’s son, came to earth! The good news is...Love and joy came down at His birth! The good news is...God’s love shows us our true worth! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 2 The good news is...Jesus came our lives to heal! The good news is...The joy I feel is real! The good news is...Just too great to conceal! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 3 The good news is...Prayer does change things! The good news is...What peace prayer can bring! The good news is...Now my heart sings! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 4 The good news is...God grants peace of mind! The good news is...Serenity I can find! The good news is...Through surrender, joy is mine! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 5 The good news is...This smile on my face! The good news is...Amazing grace! The good news is...It’s there for the whole human race! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 6 The good news is...God gives us power over addictions! The good news is...God gives us strength and conviction! The good news is...Prayer keeps us heading in the right direction! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 7 The good news is...My life has purpose and meaning! The good news is...On the everlasting arms I am leaning! The good news is...God’s love is so redeeming! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 8 The good news is...Sunday helps me get through the week! The good news is...I receive even more than I seek! The good news is...I feel satisfied and complete! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. 9 The good news is...I’ve got a church family! The good news is...They care about me! The good news is...I’m supported by community! Got good news to spare---gonna get out and share the good news of God’s love. Got good news to spare (got good news to spare)--- gonna get out and share (gonna get out and share)---the good news of God’s love! Words and music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

13 KEEP THE FAITH! (“The Galatians 6:9 Rhumba”) 1 Let us not lose heart in doing good, Let us not lose heart in doing good, Let us not lose heart in doing good; keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will. Refrain: Oh, yeah, keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! 2 We’ll hang on in there and never give up, yes, we’ll hang on in there and never give up, oh, we’ll hang on in there and never give up; keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will. Refrain: Oh, yeah, keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! 3 And we’ll reap a harvest in God’s time, Yes, we’ll reap a harvest in God’s time, oh, we’ll reap a harvest in God’s time when we keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will. Refrain: Oh, yeah, keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep on keepin’ on doing God’s will! Words (inspired by Gal. 6:9) and music © 1999 by Linda K. Williams Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

14 WHEN I DON’T KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN 1 When I don’t know which way to turn, I ask God for directions! When I’m standing at the crossroads, and I just can’t decide, I call on the Lord to be my guide. I pray for discernment to follow God’s will I trust God to guide me, with that blessed peace fill! 2 Hey, when you don’t know which way to turn, try asking God for directions! When you’re standing at the crossroads, and you just can’t decide, try calling on the Lord to be your guide. When we pray for discernment to follow God’s will, we can trust God to guide us, with that blessed peace fill! 3 Yeah, when we don’t know which way to turn, let’s ask God for directions--- yes, ask God for directions! Words and Music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

15 I’M TELLIN’ YOU, GOD REFRAIN: I’m tellin’ You, God, I’m ready right now to hand you the steering wheel of my life! 1 I want Your joy in my heart right from the start, and that peace that passes understanding---please pass some on to me! 2 With decisions and temptations everywhere I turn, I know a closer walk with You will help me know what to do! REFRAIN 3 As I learn to love You more, more blessings You will pour into my life each day---oh, keep me in Your way! 4 My sense of purpose and direction comes from my connection to Your will for my life---oh, help me get it right! REFRAIN 5 I’ve got a deep-down, lasting happiness that money just can’t buy, when my friends ask how I keep smilin’, I’m glad to tell them why! 6 I’m learnin’ more of Your word, ‘cause it lights up my path and helps me keep on keepin’ on through good times, and the bad. REFRAIN BRIDGE God, if You’re not Lord of all---Lord of all parts of my life--- then You’re not my Lord at all.... My life is under new management; I’m answering the call! ENDING: So, I’m tellin’ You, God---and I know You’re listenin’ to me!-- I’m ready right now---I feel Your love flowin’ through me!--- to let You do the steering in my life! Amen! Words and music © 1998 by Linda K. Williams Dedicated to our dynamic Youth Group at the San Diego First Church of the Brethren! Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

16 INCREASE THE PEACE---LET VIOLENCE CEASE! 1 Increase the peace--- Let violence cease! Increase the peace--- Let violence cease! Why can’t everybody just treat others like they want to be treated? I’ll root out the violence in my own life and do what I can to Bring God’s love to a hurting world to increase the peace! Bring God’s love to a hurting world to increase the peace! (For other verses, replace violence with...) 2 Hatred 3 Prejudice 4 Injustice 5 Repeat “violence” verse ENDING: Increase the peace-----Amen! Words and Music © 1999 by Linda K. Williams dedicated to the victims and survivors of Kosovo and Littleton Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

17 WHEN WE LOVE OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS 1 Oh, when we love our sons and daughters more than we hate any enemy, Then wars will cease---yes, wars will cease. Oh, when we love our sons and daughters more than we hate any enemy, Then wars will cease---Lord, may that day come soon! 2 Lord, help us truly love our children and release us from hating enemies so that Your peace will shine in a war-torn world. Lord, help us truly love our children and release us from hating enemies so that Your peace will shine---Lord, may that day come soon! 3 Oh, let our love grow ever stronger, hate and fear become compassion So that wars will cease, yes, wars will cease. Oh, let our love grow ever stronger, hate and fear become compassion So that wars will cease---Lord, may that day come soon! 4 Jesus said, “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. Oh, blessed by the Lord are you who make peace.” Jesus said, “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.” Lord, bless us as we work for peace. Amen. Words and Music: © 1995 by Linda K. Williams Can also be sung to the tune of: “They That Wait Upon the Lord” (by Stuart Hamblen, © 1953, renewed 1981; Hamblen Music Co.; p. 583, in HYMNAL: a Worship Book) Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

18 SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY Self-fulfilling prophecy---self-fulfilling prophecy; Are we in an upward spiral? Or is that spiral going down? Well, the answer’s got a lot to do with your perspective and your point of view. Your words and deeds help your predictions come true; like hangin’ in for one more try, or givin’ up and lettin’ it slide--- ‘Cause, whether you think you can or think you can’t--- you’re right; Oh yes, it’s true, whether you think you can or think you can’t---you’re right! And the mighty hand of God can smash the “im” out of “impossible” when we let the Lord participate fully in our lives. Don’t try to put limits on what God can do; the Lord’s always ready to see us through, and help us do more that we thought we could do. So reach up and grasp the Lord’s hand; hold on...hold on, and you’ll feel the strength of the Lord fill you anew. (On cassette, entire song is repeated.) Related CONCEPTS (not currently recorded; 6-99) Once, two teachers with classes of the usual mixture were deceived by lies they believed. One teacher was told her class was full of potential and gifts, and by hanging in for one more try, they shone. The other teacher was told “Don’t expect much, Dear!”so she didn’t. What would be the use of one more try? By the end of the year the difference was clear, where there had been no difference at all. People tend to turn into reality the image they have of themselves yes, we tend to turn into reality the image we have of ourselves. When senior citizens in comparable health were all asked to rate their state of health, some looked on the bright side and gave a positive review, others focussed on the negative and stated that as their truth. Well, the positive thinkers’ descriptions played out as true---and the negative thinkers’ descriptions did, too. People tend to turn into reality the image they have of themselves yes, we tend to turn into reality the image we have of ourselves. Quote by Henry Ford; Other words & and all Music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams With thanks to Phyllis who described a drawing she’d received from Madge Carlisle, showing the fist of God smashing down on the “im” in the word “impossible.” Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com

19 I CLAIM AND AFFIRM I claim and affirm God’s love for me; I claim my place in eternity; Lord, help me to be all I can be so others will see your love through me; so others your love will see. “Zipper” replacements for underlined words: joy peace hope grace strength (On cassette, “love” verse is repeated;others can be added!) Words and Music © 1997 by Linda K. Williams Linda.BetterWorld@gmail.com BetterWorld-Resources.com