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Lyrics to
Heartfelt
the Soul
Settle
Nursery Rhymes
that Nurture
by Sohailla Digsby

Dedicated to those who have suffered developmental trauma and their caretakers.

words are powerful, but it’s not enough to just compliment
Encouraging
here and there. Building them up and shaping their identity takes
kids
a mom of two boisterous biological boys and one determined diva we
As
from China, it's easy to overuse words. Due to the high energy
adopted
and strong-willed nature of three out of three of the young worldchangers
level
in my home, words of correction have been a big part of my
I deeply desire words that nurture a heart-to-heart
vocabulary.
with my children to flow just as freely, and to be the ones
connection
more intentionality.
that go deep.

book is a simple tool that will help you say the words your kids need
This
hear accompanied by light-hearted, familiar tunes your family already
to
and loves! Each page will prompt you to give voice to your warm
knows
with meaningful words you may otherwise forget to speak.
thoughts
of all ages need to be told they are special and wanted. They need
Kids
hear words that assure them they are worthy of love and pursuit, even
to
their most difficult days. Children need confidence that there is a
on
selfless adult in reach as they navigate the unknown.
consistent,

stretches me to the end of myself. I have learned that I must
Parenting
on the Lord in a way I never could have imagined before becoming a
rely
of my wonderfully challenging children 16 years ago. I am reminded
mom
God’s persistent pursuit of me especially as I parent my youngest --
of
feisty, but fragile daughter who came into our home from the extreme
my
of her orphanage.
neglect

you’ve heard before that “kids are resilient.” It’s amazingly true
Perhaps
most children. However, adopted kids, foster kids or children coming
for
homes where their needs are met less than 30% of the time may not
from
the same capability to bounce back.
have
fact, if their most basic needs weren’t consistently met in their first
In
or two of life, they may not have a steady foundation from which to
year
once in a secure home, children from hard places may require
Even
reassurance for years to come as they work through the effects
regular
developmental trauma and neglect. They need daily reminders that
of
are valuable, unconditionally loved, and that their needs will be met.
they
spring in the first place.

your little one is joyfully demanding from your lap that you read
Whether
1 more book and sing 1 more song at the final hour of the day, or if
her
is not yet sure if your embrace is a safe place, let rhythm come to the
she
Pairing encouragement with music will make your heartfelt words
rescue.
short book contains nursery rhymes and simple songs you have
This
known. However, I’ve updated these household tunes with
always
words, relevant to the reality of the little ones in your life.
meaningful
you share these repetitive, rhythmic words regularly, they will
When
deeply into the freshly-forming identity of your child. Music is a
penetrate
way to train the brain, build memories, and nurture trust along
fabulous
come alive.
the way.

you are valued and special
Identity:
needs will be met
Your
to do with hard feelings like anger, sadness, fear, irritability
What
are pursued and worthy of affection
You
are unconditionally loved
You
are uniquely made with a purpose
You
Topics covered in this book:

hope is that these fun ditties, in combination with the truths shared
My
scripture, are life-changing. I pray they give you the words to
from
your heart for the children in your care -- even at that last hour
express
the night when you may be losing your grace (as my Mom would say).
of
trusting that these nurturing lyrics will settle into the soul of each little
I’m
so they are certain of how very valuable they are, carrying that
one
into a fulfilling life marked by deep security in who their
assurance
Maker meant them to be.
sovereign

Lord above created you
The
gave me you to care for
He
are mine
Y-O-U
are mine
Y-O-U
are mine
Y-O-U
the Lord - He said so!
Because
Y-O-U are Mine
To the tune of B-I-N-G-O

For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted
me my petition which I asked of him.
1 Samuel 1:27 NKJV

Little Girl (or My Boy)
My
To the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb
The Lord made my little girl
Little girl, little girl
The Lord made my little girl
Her heart is pure as gold.
Everywhere my little girl goes,
Little girl goes, little girl goes
Everywhere my little girl goes
Jesus is sure to go.

You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:3 NIV

Temper Little Teapot
To the tune of I'm a Little Teapot
You’re a little teapot
Beautiful throughout
God fills you up with love
So you can pour it out.
When you get all steamed up
Please don’t shout
Just ask for my help
I’m here without a doubt.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of
the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s
people in accordance with the will of God.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with
And we know that in all my things ways. God works for the good
of those who love Psalm him, who 139: have 3 NIV been called according
to his purpose.
Romans 8:27-28 NIV

Every Single Day
To the tune of Wheels on the Bus
The covers on my bed get
Tucked in tight
Tucked in tight
Tucked in tight
The covers on my bed get
Tucked in tight
Every single day.

The hairs on my head get
Combed, combed, combed
Combed, combed, combed
Combed, combed, combed
The hairs on my head get
Combed, combed, combed
Every single day.

The dirt on my face gets
Washed, washed, washed
Washed, washed, washed
Washed, washed, washed
The dirt on my face gets
Washed, washed, washed
Every single day.

The teeth in my mouth get
Brushed, brushed, brushed
Brushed, brushed, brushed
Brushed, brushed, brushed
The teeth in my mouth get
Brushed, brushed, brushed
Every single day.

The clothes on my body are
Cozy and warm
Cozy and warm
Cozy and warm
The clothes on my body are
Cozy and warm
Every single day.

The food on my table is
Yum, yum, yum
Yum, yum, yum
Yum, yum, yum
The food on my table is
Yum, yum, yum
Every single day.

The tears on my face get
Kissed away
Kissed away
Kissed away
The tears on my face get
Kissed away
Every single day.

At bed time I get a
Night-night hug
Night-night hug
Night-night hug
At bed time I get a
Night-night hug
Every single day.

And my God will supply every need of yours according
to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 ESV

My Big God
To the tune of This Old Man
My big God
He chose me
He loves me no matter what
With a knick-knack paddy whack
He is on the throne
Jesus calls my heart His home.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for his own possession, that you may
proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of
darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV

The Incy Wincy Devil
To the tune of The Itsy Bitsy Spider
The Incy Wincy devil
Will whisper in your ear
Don’t believe his stories
There’s nothing to fear
Out comes the Truth
And dries up all the lies
And the Incy Wincy devil says,
“Nevermind, goodbye.”

Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 NIV

I Love You the Way You Are
To the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Little
___
(child’s name) you’re a star
I love you the way you are
Hair that’s
And your
Skin so
___
___
___
___
(describe)
(color) eyes
you are my prize!
Little
(name) you’re a star.
I love you the way you are.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me
together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made
in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Psalm 139:13-16 ESV

If You’re Sad and You Know it
To the tune of If You’re Happy and You Know it
If you’re sad and you know it
Give me a squeeze (squeeze, squeeze)
If you’re sad and you know it
Give me a squeeze (squeeze, squeeze)
If you’re sad and you know it
It might be tough to show it
If you’re sad and you know it
Give me a squeeze (squeeze, squeeze).

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all
comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we
ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

Did Your Grumpies Fall Out?
To the tune of Do Your Ears Hang Low?
Do your grumpies fall out
When I bounce you upside down?
Do they roll across the floor,
Far away not to be found?
Do you start to laugh and giggle
As you wiggle them right out?
Did your grumpies fall out?

The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Psalm 139:3 NIV

A Hundred Hugs a Day
To the tune of The Farmer and the Dell
A hundred hugs a day
A hundred hugs a day
Hi-ho the derry-O
A hundred hugs day
Hugs and now a kiss
Hugs and now a kiss
Hi-ho the derry-O
Hugs and now a kiss

...while he was still a long way off,
his father saw him and felt compassion,
and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20 ESV

the Author
About
Sohailla Digsby
Sohailla is a mom, entreprenuer, and speaker.
She and her husband direct a busy household of
three young world-changers in Evans, Georgia.
Sohailla's ultimate desire is to point people to
Jesus, the source of her peace despite the
challenges of life as a mom and business owner.