Writing about the life of the Savior for children was an incredible experience for me. As the project began to take shape I was concerned about how to deal with the end of His life - the suffering in Gethsemane and Calvary.

​

One day we were up in the mountains writing and as we were driving home the words came into my mind, "Gethsemane, Jesus loves me." - so simple and powerful. I realized that children could and needed to understand that Jesus suffered for them because He loves them.

​

It was His gift of love that began in Gethsemane, continued on Calvary and gloriously culminated at the empty tomb. The rest of the song came quickly. It was a gift, as was the whole experience of writing "Stories of Jesus," and I will always be grateful for the privilege of receiving it. -- Melanie