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Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. 
~Hans Christian Andersen~


“Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot 

be rudely handled, but must open naturally… "

~ Louisa May Alcott ~

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav'n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!

Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God's own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

The author of this beautiful hymn, Henry Van Dyke, was moved 
by the majestic beauty of the Berkshire hills, in Western Massachusetts.

 Henry Van Dyke was a Presbyterian minister. Most of his career (1899-1922) was spent as a professor of English literature at Princeton University. He also served in civil posts, including his appointment to the Netherlands and Luxembourg by President Woodrow Wilson, a personal friend, and was a lieutenant-commander in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps during World War I.

"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, 
too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity." Henry Van Dyke

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