“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Colossians 3:16

Years ago, I felt the Lord prompt me to find a simple song for our family, one that would encompass our values and remind us what is important. At that time Lawrence and I had 3 little girls, aged 1, 4, and 7. For those ages (for any age, really) singing is an amazing teaching tool. It helps children remember important lessons and the songs will stick with them for the rest of their lives. There are songs I learned as a little girl that still come to mind when I am stressed or hurting. These songs remind me who I am and who God is. They comfort my heart and set me firmly back on the path of life.

The songs you sing, the songs you listen to, are powerful life influencers. I wanted our family song to be one that would stick with my family forever, one that would become a core part of their genetic makeup.  I knew that in future times of stress and overwhelming circumstances like we’ve experienced the last two years, they would remember who they are and who they trust because of the songs they learned when they were little. Songs stay with you. Music is powerful. (Just ask David!)

Amazingly, we discovered a song that encompassed our heart, one that encourages us to become a sanctuary for the Lord.

What does it mean to become a sanctuary for the Lord?

It means that we become a safe place for the dove to rest. We become like Christ, pure and undefiled, always increasing in kindness and love. It means that we become rich places of sacrifice and joy and depth that brings God glory and proclaims the good news of salvation. Essentially, it means that we become people the Lord wants to be with. If there is anything I wanted my children to become, it was (and is!) that.

Lord prepare me 
To be a sanctuary, 
Pure and Holy, 
Tried and True, 
With Thanksgiving 
I’ll be a living….. Sanctuary, for You. 

Singing a song like this is a very simple but powerful way to get the family on the same page in just a few minutes. Starting or ending your day for a time with the same song can bring security to the little ones and unifies the whole family. We felt drawn to this song because it was so focused on becoming a living sanctuary to the Lord. And ever since we learned it, we have sung it frequently together holding hands to remind each other of what is important. Maybe this is a season to go after a song or scripture together as a family and be unified in a new way. I pray you will find your “family song” and sing, sing, sing to the Lord. I know it will bless you.

This Thanksgiving, we released a new book inspired by this song that we adopted as our own so long ago. With incredible artwork by Madi Bowman, Sanctuary will inspire you to open the door to your heart and your home to all that God has in store. Each beautiful page serves as a guide to making your home a safe haven.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed writing it.

With Love,

Tamara