Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

f r om Don J oh n s on , K i r b y P i n e s Chap l a i n Chaplain’s COrner The Pinecone | June 2021 • 9 • June Vesper Services • 6:30 pm • Performing Arts Center June 10th Rev David Bowen Senior Adult Ministry Second Presbyterian Church June 17th Pastor Chuck Neugebauer Christ the King Lutheran Church June 24th The Geeslin Brothers Gospel Music and Inspiration June 3rd Jim Elder, Staff Elder Hickman Ewing, Elder First Evangelical Church Audrey Meier, widely known for her talents as a musician and songwriter, living and ministering out of Los Angeles, California, wrote a short but very powerful song titled “His Name Is Wonderful.” Her lyrics stated briefly but pointedly a unique quality of God. She wrote: His Name is Wonderful, His Name is Wonderful, His Name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord. He is the Mighty King, Master of Everything, His Name is Wonderful Jesus, my Lord. He’s the Great Shepherd, The Rock of all ages, Almighty God is He. Bow down before Him, Love and adore Him, His Name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord. In 1970 at a Christian Booksellers Convention in Philadelphia this song’s writer was featured at a publishing booth. A senior lady nearly 80 years of age pushed into the Convention just before it opened. She was not a bookstore owner nor did she have any business to transact, but asked to be taken to Audrey’s booth. The lady stood before songwriter Meier and told her story. She and her husband spent much of their lives singing together at nursing homes, hospitals and retirement centers. He would sing melody and she would add her alto part. Her husband had become ill and was hospitalized, waiting for exploratory surgery. The situation was critical. The lady was called to the hospital at her husband’s request. He wanted to sing one more song with her since his time was His Name IsWonderful short. Their favorite song was the one written by Audrey in 1959, “His Name Is Wonderful.” They sweetly sang together. When they reached the line “Bow down before Him” she realized she was singing alone. He had slipped away to the One about Whom he was singing. The elderlywomanwantedAudrey to knowwhat had happened and wished to thank her for writing such a meaningful song. Often we do not know the impact of something we have done has on others. Those who have found value in even the littlest of our actions or accomplishments may tell us long after the blessing has come. Sometimes we may never know. But the One for Whom we live will tell us, even on the other side. It is expressed in Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” And never forget the encouragement of I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, Always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Till next time, Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain