When I was in my teens, I had the opportunity to go on two Christian youth retreats.  It was a beautiful experience, and memories of those times continue to warm my heart.  In my mind’s eye I still see the faces of those young people, filled with the glow of faith and hope for the future.  Most of them were from other parts of the state, and I never saw them again.  I lost contact with those from my own community many years ago. Very few remain among the land of the  living.  I pray that the Lord blessed them with happy and fruitful lives.

During our assemblies there was a little song that all of us enjoyed.  I still like to sing it sometimes in a church fellowship or at a family reunion.

Tell me why the stars do shine.

Tell me why the ivy twines.

Tell me why the ocean’s blue,

and I will tell you

just why I love you.

Because God made the stars to shine,

Because made the ivy twine,

Because God made the ocean’s blue,

Because God made you,

that’s why I love you.

I still love you – all of you.