New Year Acrostic - a Poem for the New Year

While this is not a spiritual poem, here is an acrostic poem for the New Year.

New Year Acrostic - a Poem for the New Year

A poem in the acrostic form about the New Year

By Kathryn E. Darden  |  Published 12/27/2009

Jesus, our Foundation , was Laid in a Manger .

Jesus Christ , Son of God
He was born on Christmas day
The Saviour came to save the world
even from a hay filled manger, where the tiny baby, laid.

The sheep and cattle standing near
Yes, standing guard by the Savior's bed
As the angels sing in triumph Glory
What joy , these words , long ago might have been said:


Praise to the sweet , baby boy
who , one day , would become the Redeemer and the King
Oh what love began, even from that manger stall
as our Jesus, laid the foundation , for what Truth would bring.

That He would come from Bethlehem
The birth, a miracle to all who would see
The Holy child in Mary's arms
A Savior, Jesus , who became the Gift to all humanity.

For this Child, it was a humble birth
yes, the King was born that day
He came to pay the price for us all
Yes, Jesus our Lord, came to wash our sins away.

And so I sing to the One born that night
Praise God, my King came to set me free -
Jesus, I praise you now, and Love you SO!
Yes, You are the Savior, from Galilee.

This Christmas holds more meaning for me
His Love that brings such inner peace
As my heart sings songs of Adoration before my King
I'll bow down , and worship at my Jesus' feet.

Oh how I'll praise the newborn baby Child
whose bed was a lowly manger filled with hay
and though only a manger laid for a miraculous birth
It is Jesus , whose foundation was laid, for the world , today.

Mary's Choice

Certainly inconvenient,
Embarrassing no doubt,
That one so young a baby bore
Yet sought for no way out.

Most likely ridiculed,
By holy men condemned,
Yet Mary knew she'd heard from God,
On Him she could depend.

Unmarried, still a virgin,
She chose to this life spare,
And I for one am, oh, so glad
God planted His seed there.

She chose to carry this small babe,
He lived beneath her heart,
Because of her obedience
God could His love impart.

My future lay within her hands,
Her choice, but my salvation,
This life she carried willingly,
Christ Jesus, my foundation.

Every Ping

I can’t recall when first I felt
My spirit so respond.
When steel on steel produced the “ping”
That ever lingers on.

I cannot hear the ping of steel
And not be at the cross.
I cannot hear and fail to feel
When Satan’s chains were lost.

The ping reminds me, I was freed
When Jesus took the nails!
Every sin was hammered down
And Christ the Lamb prevailed.

Rejoice in every ping of steel
And grasp who loves you most.
A privilege beyond surreal,
That we may in Him boast.



By Tom Valles



Galatians 6:14 “But may it never be that I should boast,
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through
which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.” NASB

Oil of Joy

A joyous recompense awaits
All who seek thy holiness!
Cleave to love and evil hate,
Receive the oil of righteousness!

Sing anew, sing for joy,
Rejoice in Christ your King!
Bring Him worship, come enjoy
As angels rise and sing.

Cast your every care on Him
And flee all earthward lusts.
Know the joy that fills within
As He becomes your trust.



Psalm 45:7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Hear me, O Lord!

From my heart , to Father God's:

Shine down on me, Lord Jesus
with Joy and Peace so bright and fair
surround me with Your Glory , O Lord
Oh how I long to meet with You there.

Sing out Your song of blessings
Oh let me hear Your calling out to me
Lord, come sing songs of love and beauty
for its in You, that my song of praise has been set free

I will bring songs of Glory, Honor and Praise
yes,Lord, to the feet of Jesus , I will come
for its Adoration to the King of Kings
on bended knee, I offer , to Jesus, the Holy One!

From Father God, to me :

Yes, Sing to Me of your praises , Child
I love songs of your praise as you rejoice
I Love to sense your Adoration and love for Me
Oh how it brings such joy in knowing your tender voice.

Child, just sing to the Father, Holy Spirit and Son
let your heart rejoice as your lips sing out in praise
for its in the beauty of True Worship , you've come
where I know your heart, hands and voice will be forever raised!

A Plea To The Prodigal

You reach out to the prodigal,
Those who have once known You,
In love You plead for their return
To give them life anew...

"You've searched the wide world over,
Fulfillment You'll not find,
Replacing Me with idols,
You've left Me far behind.

For nothing, no one, can provide
The love that your heart needs,
But I, My child, created you,
Your dreams My love exceeds.

I have a perfect plan for you
Designed with you in mind.
But you can't walk away from Me
And satisfaction find.

For there is none more miserable
Than those who've once known Me,
A battle rages in your soul
That only I can free.

But if You choose to follow Me
My blessings I'll restore,
No longer need you search in vain
For what you're longing for.

Your life still has a purpose,
It is not lived in vain,
Return to Me, you cannot lose,
And everything you gain."

Jesus, my Power Source of Life

Lord we humble ourselves with grateful hearts
at the miracle of Your virgin birth
The love you shared when you died for all
Oh Lord, Your Love came down to touch this earth.

For Your life is like a light today
Shining brightly in the dark of night
Yet, filling the world with Your Presence so warm
for us , it's from Your Father’s Glorious light.

Lord, it's Your Love that I long to know
so Your light will be what others see
May the beautiful reflection of your Grace abound
Lord, let all that's seen be the Presence of your Glory and Majesty.

Lord, as Your spirit comes deeper in me
please shine wherever we are
your Glorious and wondrous Majesty awakes
Lord, in me, let Your beauty shine like a falling star.

Lord Jesus , a flame of passion , into me bring
I ask that You send Your Power so that it won't dim
Ignite in me, an offering of worship and praise , My God
let your Glory come forth, and shine brightly , within.

Yes, into me bring Your Power source of Light
may it shine bright wherever I go
and as the celebration of Your Holy birth draws near
Lord Jesus - receive my gift of Adoration , from here below.

To Jesus, All Glory shall Behold!

Picturing a sweet innocent child
with a perfect boy's tiny face.
And then to think of all Jesus gave
as our Savior poured out His Amazing Grace

Just as a bird sings out its song
the melody of Jesus birth , ringing in my ears
its because of the birth, and Love of a baby boy child
that the Christmas Story is told year, after year.

We play songs and carols to God on High
their melodies lift up our inner soul
and because of the manger and all that took place
our praise is given to the One whose Glory shall behold!

Jesus, this is my prayer - to see only You
not just now, at Christmas time
but when troubles come , and when life gets hard
Lord, may then my offer of praise be lifted to God divine.

Hear then my heart, as I sing this song:
Oh Lord, of Lords - You are the Savior of All
and with songs of praise, that come from my heart
Lord Jesus, in praise, to my knees, before the King I will fall..

Hallelujah to the Savior of Man
I bring gifts to Adore the Feet of the One who died
and from a baby born in a lowly manger stall
its because of Jesus - whose Love is fully supplied..

Oh what a Holy Night it must have been!

In the quiet of a star filled night
I can imagine angels who would sing
for a baby born in a manger stall
as there were no other room , that rest could bring.

Picturing a gentle voice, whispered low
to Joseph and Mary, saying " do not fear "
This is a place of quiet, soothing rest
as Jesus' birth comes , it is My peace that will draws near.

And so it was,a birth of a newborn child
who would become our Savior to walk upon this earth
from newborn babe, to simple carpenter by trade
yes, it was Jesus - a miracle of a sinless birth.

Oh , from this little baby, an Innocent Child
with Love , He came to offer , by nail scarred hands
From His humble beginning, in a lowly , manger one night
to His death and Victory, the fulfillment of Gods most Holy plan.

And so , Mary and Joseph , in that darkened night
cradled and nurtured the baby Jesus by their love
born in a stable for there was no room at the inn
we celebrate Jesus, as Love came down, from Heaven above.

I just wanted to share this poem, as it came to me a few minutes ago. My heart is humbled to know, and love , and be loved by such a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ..

A Cry For Love

The heart knows no greater hunger,
The need for love is strong,
Our flesh will do such crazy things
To feel that we belong.

We try to draw attention
To see if people care,
And still the heart unsatisfied
Feels only deep despair.

But, thank God, there's an answer,
We can be satisfied,
We've yearned for something more in life
That cannot be denied.

Such peace, contentment, can be ours,
Our yearnings will find rest,
In Jesus all we need is found,
Our need for love expressed.

No longer need we flounder,
The love for which we've yearned
Is freely given and received,
It never can be earned.

So when the soul cries out for love
We search the world in vain,
For only Jesus satisfies
And His love will remain.


"Oh, that men would praise (and confess to) the Lord His goodness and loving-kindness, and His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with good." Psalms 107:8-9 (Amplified)

The Song of Christmas

A newborn baby born one darkened night
swaddled in a blanket in a manger , warm and small
This child, one day, who would lay down His life
Was Jesus, who came to redeem the sin of one, and all.

This tiny baby , yes a miracle of birth
but His story of Hope He would one day , tell
His birth, in that lowly straw filled stable , that night
came to give the world, Jesus, our " Immanuel "

Yes Immanuel, the King of Kings
from baby to Redeemer , the Holy One
from colors of purple and gold, and crimson and white
It is Jesus the Savior, whose story I'll share with everyone

Yes, Christmas time will always be
about the babe born for the redemption of one , and all
and as we sing songs of Joy and Peace of a tiny baby born
its songs of Glory that I'll sing to the Babe born in that manger stall.

This tiny baby , yes a miracle of birth
but His story of Hope He would one day , tell
His birth, in that lowly straw filled stable , that night
came to give the world, Jesus, our " Immanuel "

Yes Immanuel, the King of Kings
from baby to Redeemer , the Holy One
from colors of purple and gold, and crimson and white
It is Jesus the Savior, whose story I'll share with everyone.

Humility Perfected

The Great “I AM” that could not stand
Yet held the fate of man in hand.
Jehovah Jireh laid to rest
Upon the milk of Mary’s breast.
The Prince of Peace of priests despised
Would heal the lame and open eyes.
Infant, holy radiant infant
When God became a babe.
Through Christ, a way to God had come
And hope’s foundation laid.
Who scarce can ascertain the depth
And wonder of His birth.
Humility perfected,
When Jehovah came to earth.

Philippians 2:8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

A Revelation Of God's Love

Do you question God's great love,
That He wants to speak to you,
That an intimate relationship
He has in store for you?

Do you feel it's just mere words,
That God is distant, doesn't care?
Though creation He may order
But of you He's unaware?

Have you pondered, have you wondered,
Why to earth God sent His Son?
Why the privileges of heaven
Would be left and God's will done?

Only love could be the reason,
For this only Jesus came,
If we needed proof from heaven
This alone should love proclaim.

How better to communicate
Then God to come as man,
No other means could He have used
That would the chasm span.

Became a man to man reveal
The depth of love God feels,
This man, God's sacrificial Lamb,
To whom we all shall kneel.


"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again." John 3:16-17 (The Message)

From Manger, to Throne, our Gift was Laid

A baby born in a manger stall
when there was no room any other place
such a special little baby boy Child
His birth transcending all time and space.

Oh yes, its a birth to celebrate
we sing happy birthday to the King
such a tiny child, born in a manger stall
we celebrate with praises lifted as we sing.

Its your birthday,Jesus, as a little baby boy
but its also for a King who came to Reign
we sing Holy, Holy to the newborn King
for Your birth will always be the same.

It is His birth so awesome to describe
and new life that came from His deep abiding love
it's the cross in which a boy , turned Savior was placed
but it's Jesus the King, that Rose to the Throne above.

Oh yes, we sing Holy, Holy, Holy
to Jesus, who laid in a manger filled with hay
from this little boy born in a manger one night
to become the Hope for the world today..

It's Your birthday,Jesus,as a little boy child
but its also for You, a King who came to reign
we sing Glory Hallelujah, to the King of Kings
for Your birth assures us that our lives will never again, be the same.

CHRISTMAS

Here we are awaiting Christmas
Storing up our gifts and food
Spending lots of lovely money
Don't forget, we must include
Auntie Betty, Uncle Norman
Cards for all upon our list
Daren't forget a single person
Can't upset the one that's missed.

Whilst were stuffing all the turkey
Christmas pud helped down with wine
Slumping down in front of tele
Snoring through the pantomime
This is usual for the masses
Greed and gluttony abound
Whilst, outside, the homeless passes
Searching pavements for a pound.

Jesus Christ was born at Christmas
Sent to earth to save us all
Lived to serve all those around Him
Always perfect, standing tall
Helped the leper, healed the cripple
Underdog and down and out
Suffered greatly for His mercy
Hated by the men with clout.

So we must be all like Jesus
Following His every way
Showing love to all who need it
Living in His humble way
For He loves a cheerful giver
One who relegates himself
To the role of peoples servant
That is how we earn our wealth.

Christmas in Iraq

I wrote this poem in 2005 for a soldier I sponsored in Iraq, and thought I would share it again this year for all our military men and women away from home -- wherever they may be...

Christmas in Iraq

'Twas the night before Christmas in an Iraqi town;
And our brave U.S. forces had all just hunkered down.
Not a Humvee was moving, not a Jeep stirred the sand
As troops dreamed of their homes, each and every man.
Some longed for their sweethearts, other men missed their moms,
Others missed sons and daughters not seen for so long.
Sugarplums would be nice, but much nicer to be
At home with their loved ones 'neath their own Christmas tree.

When what to their wondering ears should be heard,
But the faint sounds of carols, music and joyful words.
At first heard so faintly, then the sound grew and grew --
The sound of your loved ones singing carols for you.
For you are not forgotten, you are not alone;
You are missed by the people you keep safe at home,
And we remember you as the Christmas bells ring,
As you're watched by the Christ Child whose carols we sing.

For no matter how far from your home you may be,
There once was a Babe born for you and for me.
So hark to the carols as their music draws nigh,
And look to the stars in the Iraqi sky.
Remember the star which on Bethlehem shone,
The star that still guides those who yearn to be Home.
So as Christmas Day dawns over here, over there --
Merry Christmas to you, with our love, thanks, and prayers.

© by Kathryn E. Darden

The First Christmas Present

Plans in the making...
A wedding there'd be!
Yes, Joseph and Mary
(And baby) make three!

But wait just a moment...
Let's start at the start...
Or lo and behold,
We'll miss the best part!

Before they were married,
Before they were "one",
Young Mary discovered
She'd have God's dear Son.

No breaking headlines,
No "Special Reports",
No TVs, no faxes,
No phones of all sorts!

To Mary, young Mary,
Alone, perhaps praying,
An angel appeared and...
What was he saying?

"By God's Holy Spirit
A mother she'd be,
She'd bear God's own Son!"
Was the angel's decree.

The first Christmas present...
No package, no tree,
With no Christmas wish lists
And no shopping spree.

This first Christmas present,
A gift to us all,
When God though so big
Would become, oh, so small.

Almighty God chose
To show us His love,
So He sent us His Son as
A babe from above.

A model for living
His Son would become,
Our sin, yes, the sin
Of the world overcome.

Through His birth and His death
All men would be blessed,
For God cared enough
To send us His best!

This babe grew to manhood
And took on our sin,
Then rose from the dead
Off'ring life to all men.

For God doesn't do things
The way we expect,
But He's always precise
And He's always direct!

Good Old American Pride

We need a resurgence of patriotism,
Of good old American pride,
To stand for our God-given values
For which all our ancestors died.

We've lived on their blood and their merits,
Forgetting to take our own stand,
And now we're in danger of losing
The freedom we offer all man.

America! Wake up! Time is wasting!
God gives us the answer to win!
Freedom is costly, it comes with a price
And He paid it once for all men.

Our country is blessed, we can't lose it!
An offering we too now must make,
New commitments avow, on our knees humbly bow
And our sins in repentance forsake.

For our troops and their blood we're so thankful,
What a price their families have paid,
Our prayers we must offer to God on the altar,
The enemy's hand must be stayed.


"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble
themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their
wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive
their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Thanksgiving Praise

As we come and enter the gates with praise and thanksgiving
Lord, we come to worship with hands lifted in the air
Oh Lord, surround us in this place of Worship
Lord, it's to the Throne, we've come to meet with You there

You are Holy, Holy, Holy
Oh God - of all earth, sky and sea
The Awesome King of Glory
Lord God, You came to Love and Redeem

You came so to cover us in Your mercy
Lord, we're covered in Your grace
As Your presence comes to fill us , Holy Spirit
Oh come and surround us in this Holy Place

Yes , we sing praise as we come before You
we come to Worship You, Jesus the King of Kings
We sing praise to the One who sits on the Throne of Glory
O yes, with our voice we come to Jesus, to sing :

Thou art Holy, Holy Holy
Oh God of the Earth, sky and sea
You are the One who Reigns in Glory
Yes, it's God, who sits on the Throne of Majesty

Fear Of The Future

I know not what the future holds,
Tomorrow may not come,
But for today I trust in Him
And I can overcome.

I need not fear the future,
He holds me in His hands,
If what I dread should come to be
Still I can trust His plans.

Assured that I am loved by God
I need not fear or quake,
The universe is in His hands,
He maketh no mistake.

He only wants what's best for me
Though I don't understand,
But this I know, I have no foe
That He cannot withstand.

And if the worst should happen,
That too I can accept,
For nothing comes into my life
That God can't intercept.

So when my world appears to shake,
When I have lost control,
I could not be in better hands,
On Him my fears I roll.

He knows my heart's desires,
But still He knows what's best,
And so I choose to trust in Him
And now my soul can rest.

Away Thanksgiving Day

For every parent who’s away
And can’t come home Thanksgiving,
Know deep reflections fill the day
And hope abounds for blessings.
Though absent, they are always near
They’re in our hearts and always dear.

For brothers, sisters, far away
Who can’t come home Thanksgiving,
Know family ties will not give way
They’ll bind us evermore.
Though absent, they are always near
They’re in our hearts and always dear.

For every child who’s away
And can’t come home Thanksgiving,
Know that prayers are yours today
And aching hearts are pining.
Though absent, they are always near
They’re in our hearts and always dear.

For every soldier who’s away
And can’t come home Thanksgiving,
Know every loved one yearns today
To see you safely home.
Though absent, they are always near
They’re in our hearts and always dear.

By TSV

Psalm 86:12I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever.

Through Me

Whatever you are going through
I am always here for you
In the height and in the depth
I am with you every step
Any crisis big or small
I am bigger than them all
There is nothing I can't do
satan bows his knee to you
Through me.

I have loved you on the cross
Took the rap for all your loss
Past and present, future too
I have covered them for you
So you need not ever fear
Call My name and I am near
Hand your problems straight to Me
You will see the darkness flee
Through Me.

Come on child, it's time to trust
Shake off all that clogging dust
It is time to seek My face
Put Me in My proper place
At the head of all you are
Drop your mask and we'll go far
Die to self and live again
You will never be the same
Through Me.

Unending Pain

It's not so difficult to bear pain for an hour,
But pain unending takes a heavy toll,
But God in grace brings comfort in these hours
And peace I find for agony of soul.

I trust my God who with me my pain suffers,
He's made it clear this path is His design,
Through pain I've learned His love cannot be measured
For I have learned contentment in the Vine.

For through the pain He's opened heaven's windows,
I've gained far more than I have truly lost,
For lives have changed--my own and those of others,
New paths have opened due to pain's slight cost.

Were I to choose, still I would walk pain's highway,
For hand in hand My Savior walks with me,
I would not choose the smoothest path without Him
For in this pain His blessing now I see.

The Answer is Jesus

Jesus, You are the Answer to my life
the One that gives me reason to go on
You are the one that leads in Truth
Lord, You are my morning , and evening song

You teach me how to walk in faith
though , steps might seem to waver , now and then
yet, You are my answer to when life goes awry
Lord, You are my Redeemer , from a life of sin

So I will thank you Lord, for all You've done
for giving me hope to carry on in a world so bleak
and as I see Your ways, instead of my own
Lord, its Your Path , that I will always seek

Yes, I will seek and praise You , yes, my Lord
My heart is filled with songs of praise
and as I follow You , with Your Praise in hand
Lord, its to You, my thanks will be forever raised..

The Sacrifice Of Praise

Though winter breathes its icy blast
And flowers are no more,
When all around me there is strife,
No sunshine as before...

Though my whole world is shaking,
I don't know what to do,
Still I will kneel before Your throne
And give my praise to You.

For praise can be a sacrifice
When my heart knows no peace,
When I am shaken to the core
And troubles never cease.

But this I know--You are in charge,
In You I safely dwell,
And so this sacrifice I bring
When I would rather yell.

From even evil You bring good
For all who bear Your name,
Your love for us will never end
And we protection claim.

Though praise feels like a sacrifice
On faith we thus put feet,
For praise declares our faith in You
When all appears defeat.

The Marriage Of The Lamb

I thank You, Father, for this one
That You have given Me,
I pledge to her My faith and love
For all eternity.

I've chosen her, she is now Mine,
I give her all My love,
And nothing can divide us now
For it is sealed above.

I died for her, her sins are gone,
You see her clothed in Me,
For I have paid the price that she
From guilt may now be free.

I take this loved one as My own,
A Husband I will be,
Protection and provision vow,
All power is given Me.

All that I am, all that I own,
Is now My bride's to share,
And one day she will dwell with Me,
Her home I now prepare.

A marriage feast we'll celebrate,
The marriage of the Lamb,
My church, My bride, My righteousness
Will see Me as I am.

Get Up, Go Forward

It's true you have fallen,
You slipped and you fell,
You made the wrong choices,
Fell under sin's spell.

Yet you need not lay there,
Your face in the dust,
Your life is not over
When in Him you trust.

From your view it's ended,
From His it's begun,
If you've learned you need Him
Sin's pleasure to shun.

It does not come cheaply,
Forgiveness and grace,
It's bought by Christ Jesus
Who stood in your place.

It's your debt He carried,
It's your shame He bore,
Each time that you fall down
You're hurting Him more.

It's time for commitment,
Stop pleasing yourself,
Put your plans, desires,
On His divine shelf.

Fulfillment, contentment,
Will be your reward,
His love and compassion
On you will be poured.

So get up, go forward,
Forgetting the past,
A new life is waiting,
His mercy is vast.

A Love Song

With grace and mercy, and nail- scarred hands
Jesus, you've come to pick up the scattered pieces of my sin
You listen for me in the quietness of night
and I've heard You whisper , "Come Child, and enter in "

As you come into the presence of My Holiness
you'll soak up the beauty of My glorious Throne
with forgiveness and peace that I've extended to you
it's on the cross - that my Victory stands alone

Yes, freedom comes as you enter in
as you come , and leave praises here at My feet
and with all that you bring, in storms , or in not
it's your praise - that I find so awesome and sweet

So sing to Me, my beautiful Bride
Come and sing your songs of great delight
for I love your heart expressed in every manner of praise
and it's now, that I'll sing over you with my own Love Song, tonight

The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Jesus, my Constant Thread of Hope

Hope , in Jesus , a constant Thread
Like His love, it never will run dry.
All hope drawn from God's deepest well,
its to Jesus , we know that we can cry.

And as we walk, and trust in God
our faith grows like a sprouting seed.
And as His love flows from heart to heart,
He pours out grace to meet our every need.

Yes, Gods peace comes to all who ask
even when our trust needs to be renewed.
Jesus comes to sustain us in our quest for hope
Praising God , its us, who Jesus has pursued.

Yes, it's His foundation laid for when we come,
Jesus knows what we will need today to endure.
But our hope is constant in our world of change
With Jesus, we know in Him, we are secure.

Oh for my life, I know I can trust
even when things are not in clear view,
and peace drawn from God's deepest well
Father, just let Your healing come pouring through

In Our Weaknesses

We see our limitations
As things to overcome...
The handicaps that hold us back,
That seem so troublesome.

If we could be delivered,
The weaknesses depart,
There'd be much more that we could do,
More work to have a part.

And yet it's in our weakness
That His sure strength shines through,
It's in the pain, the grief, the tears
We find His grace is true.

We learn that in our weakness
We can on Him depend,
And often through those weaknesses
His love to others send.

We cannot hope to comfort
If we have known no pain,
It's through the shadows of our lives
That we have truly gained.

Our hearts have learned to focus,
To soak in His dear love,
To trust Him in the darkest night
And see the light above.

It's often in our weaknesses
God's power can thus shine through,
Our strengths are often hindrances
To what our God can do.

My Life Is God's Production

How long, oh Lord, must this go on,
It is so hard to wait,
My life is Your production,
A play that You create.

Depression hovers in the wings
And wants to come on stage,
But by Your Holy Spirit
You guide me through each page.

Discouragement's to play no role,
The cast You pre-select,
And though life's trials play a part,
The ending You direct.

My lines are but to trust You,
To watch and persevere,
The script is held within Your hands
Though shadows linger near.

So, Lord, I choose to trust You
For You this play produce,
And this is but one act, one scene
You'll put to some good use.

I will not trust my senses,
I'll follow, Lord, Your script,
For each scene has a purpose,
No act can thus be skipped.

Dark shadows still may linger
Beyond the gleam of lights,
But when the curtain closes
I'll rise to holy heights.

A Morning like this... in God's Presence

As far as any eye could see
the cross stood at the center of Calvary
and though two thieves were also hanging there
it was Jesus - whose death claimed Victory

For He rose again, after three days
from the grave that held his body there
and yet, His Power shown as He came back to life
and the earth soon experienced His Glory in the air

With a shout of Glory Hallelujah!
Our God rose to sit on the Glory Throne
and those that come to trust and believe in Him
will know He'll never leave us alone

For those that Honor and Worship God
with songs of praise from hearts and offered hands
it is there on the cross that remains strong and true
Is our God, as his Majesty still forever, stands

My Savior's Love, Divine

To live the life that Gods says to live
even in struggles great or small,
He shows His Love by His extended Grace
as He comes to forgive one and all.

And then from mountain peaks of worship and praise
it's as if the view of the Throne is truly mine
but knowing He died to save each one of us
its there, where we'll all find our Savior's Love, divine

Yes, Your love, King Jesus - so divine
Yes, Love rich in mercy and unfailing grace
and as we come to the highest mountain of praise
Oh Lord, its at the Throne , where I know we'll see You face to face

So as I come before You , Lord of All
and bring my praise to empty at Your feet
it's in that place of true humbleness , Lord
That in Your Presence , I know I've come to be

All Is Well

All is well for it's in God's hands,
There's nothing that I need to fear,
And though I can't fathom
The way that He takes,
The good in my life will appear.

It isn't my job to make gold of my life,
I only must learn to accept,
And willingly walk through
The path He ordains,
He's promised by His hand I'm kept.

I need never question His methods,
He knows me and knows what it takes,
To make me a vessel
For His divine use
Though it may include some heartaches.

And still His Spirit is with me,
He never, no never, forsakes,
This is but a moment
And I have His word--
All is well for His hand undertakes.

The Sea of Mercy

There is a Sea of Grace, and Mercy
which flows from God’s Glorious Throne.
It's depth - a mystery , like the sea
And it's boundaries - deep, vast and unknown.

And like Gods Sea of Holiness,
It’s filled by the outpouring of Jesus' blood.
It reaches deep into every heart that asks
Its depth - flows constant with God's awesome love.

Oh come, Lord Jesus, may You pour
Your blessings of peace into my waiting cup
and as Your Presence reaches deep inside
Lord, Praise God! -
For Your Sea of Mercy has come to fill me up.

When All Is Lost

In the stillness of the moment
When it seems that all is lost,
Just remember that God's with you
And His love you can't exhaust.

When the weight you bear is heavy,
When you see that you have failed,
When the path you've chosen crumbles
And your heart with grief's assailed...

When you see the way you've chosen
Does not fulfillment make,
When regret and disillusion
Cause you nothing but heartache...

When it seems your life is ended,
When you want to fly away,
Just remember He is waiting,
He can turn your night to day.

When you're too far down to hear Him,
When you feel you go unheard,
Just remember He's been waiting
And He hears your every word.

All He asks is that you seek Him,
He will come and change within,
For He knows what you've been doing
And He knows just where you've been.

There's no need to go on hiding
For He sees a sparrow fall,
Just remember He's been waiting
List'ning for your slightest call.

Christmas Is Coming

Coming to a place near you
The Christmas show is on it's way
Complete with all the thrills and spills
Of trying to keep your debt at bay
No one must be cast adrift
For this is when you prove yourself
To be the loving, caring soul
Who likes to share your meagre wealth.

You have a list of all the names
Of friends and relatives you know
Because they're sure to buy for you
The strain of keeping up does show
Perhaps they're happy with the thought
That some one cares enough to send
Glad tidings of The Saviours birth
The One on who we all depend.

So let us radiate the truth
Of what this time is all about
A baby born of meagre means
Who lived to serve the down and out
With all the money that we waste
The greed and gluttony portrayed
Brings shame upon The Son of man
His life and work we have betrayed.

He Lost A Child Too

He lost a child too,
God knows the grief and pain,
He also knows what we do not...
This death is not in vain.

There always is a purpose,
Though this we may not see,
And through the anger and the tears
For faith the heart must plea.

For trust is badly shaken
When He allows such grief,
How could He rudely tear from us
Our treasure like a thief?

And though we plead for answers
And in silence turn away,
Still God is faithful and He waits
Though we our faith betray.

He sees our heart's confusion,
Our anger understands,
And still He waits with arms outstretched
And never reprimands.

"Lord, help us as we question,
Show us You still are love,
But, most of all, we need Your help
These doubts to rise above."

He longs to comfort and sustain
Though we don't understand,
In faith we trust when we can't see,
This too is in His hand.

He whispers in our sorrow,
"My child, I see your tears,
My comfort will sustain the one
Whose faith still perseveres."

Rich in Mercy..is our Lord

You are Rich in Mercy , Lord
Your life, full of tender grace
Out of Your wonderful love you give
its by your Love, someday we will see you face to face

You've brought hope into the night,
You've touched me with your forgiving hand
Through Your love , left on the cross
Father, its by your grace that I can stand

I've been made alive in Christ,
and sin no longer mine to keep
by Your gift of eternal life
Lord, in my heart, you've settled in so deep

You've changed my heart deep within
and have cleansed me with Your blood
I've been cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb
Lord, I am covered by Your redeeming Love

Father, in the grace, You've shown to me
A love, like none other than I will ever see
and , because of Grace , You've raised me up
Jesus, when Your blood was shed , on Calvary.

Lighten Up

Don't take it all so seriously,
There'll be another day,
Don't place so much importance
On stubble, wood, and hay.

For what He thinks important
The strength He will provide,
But we too often add much more,
Our work we've amplified.

It's not in our best interests
Nor helpful to the King,
If we by burdens are weighed down
And have no song to sing.

In gratitude, with eyes on Him,
We ward off any meltdown,
And perfect peace will be our lot
When we don't have a breakdown.

With confidence let's go to Him
And lay our burdens down,
We can relax within His arms
When we at last slow down.

Don't take it all so seriously,
There'll be another day,
Don't place so much importance
On stubble, wood, and hay.

Touch of Grace

I need to be lost in Your presence, Lord
just to be drawn into Your love
As Your peace comes to surround me here
Lord, it's by your grace, that I've been touched

Yes, Your grace is enough to know
even when things are hidden deep inside
but as I feel your spirit drawing close
Lord, its in Your truth, that I long to always abide

Father, hear my heart as I cry out to You
hear me as I lift Your name in praise
when the world seems to leave me weary and worn
Lord, its to You , my prayers I know I can always raise

Yes Your grace is enough for me
it's because of grace, I can look above
and through tears of deep gratitude
Lord, its by your grace, I can know your ever present love

Yes, I am overcome by Your love, my Lord
I'm surrounded by Your mercy and grace
Just to be in the presence of your Holiness
Lord, its where I find comfort in your sweet embrace

Yes , Your grace is enough for me
it brings me humbly to stand before you , face to face
and when hope is found with peace attached
I know new life comes because of Your Touch of Grace

The Valley Of Bones

I'm in need of Your refreshment,
This valley is so dry,
You know how long I've walked through this,
You've heard my every sigh.

And if I still must travel
This valley filled with bones,
In order that Your glory can
To others thus be shown...

Then I'll surrender to Your will,
I only ask for this...
Your presence close beside me,
Direction I can't miss.

Alone I'd stumble and fall down
Beneath these bones so dry,
Alone I'd falter in despair
And all my hope would die.

But, Lord, it's in Your power
To speak and life restore,
Until then I will walk through this,
Your strength in me now pour.

Heaven Declares the Wonders..of the Lord

Praises to the Holy One,
who opened heaven up to me.
Lifting me with spirit wings,
Praise God - by His redemption, I am free!


Yes Heaven declares His Wondrous Love
oh how Jesus came to show the way -
from death to life, abundant and clear
Praise God , my Jesus arose from the grave

With mountains declaring the beauty
Oh the Lord, how magnificent is He!
Yes, in all of heavens Glory on high
it was Jesus whose Love was displayed on Calvary!

The Treasure that I Seek

Lord, You are the treasure that I seek
the precious gem that is so rare
You are the peace that I am searching for
Lord, in quiet or darkness, I know that You are there

There are many things that You have done
from bringing comfort , to healing of sin and shame
I've come today, to sit before Thy Throne
Lord, I know I will leave, not to be the same

Father, You hear my prayers, even whispered soft
And You see me kneeling before the Throne
You listen to me when I come to confess my sin
and Lord, it's then where Your mercy will be made known

You've seen me weak and weary , Lord
but You give me strength to persevere
Your love and healing brings hope today
Lord, your Presence felt as Your spirit draws near

Oh I am blessed to know You, Father God
when Your mercy whispers, " peace be still "
the grace You've given , Lord , to those who sin
Your arms extended, because Your Love came to fulfill

Yes, Lord, you are the Treasure that I Seek
I stand and rejoice towards Heaven up above
its in Your Awesome presence that joy is found
I come , Lord , to praise You for your Arms of Love

God's Love

More gentle than a mother's touch,
Stronger than father's arms,
More intimate than love's caress,
God's love all fear disarms.

This love contains all wisdom,
This love desires your best,
Your circumstances He controls,
You need not fear, just rest.

You need not earn approval,
You only need receive,
His gift of love is free to those
Who in His Son believe.

You are engraved upon His palms,
He chose you for His own,
Selected by the King of Kings,
You're never now alone.

His love's forever faithful
Regardless of your deeds,
Consistent and available
For all that your soul needs.

Isaiah 49:16

Kingdom Tyres

Kingdom tyres, the place to go
When your treads are wearing low
On that narrow road you’ll slide
With the world, you will collide
Get a grip, digest The Word
Then you’ll fly, just like a bird.

If your battery sadly dies
Then your charge will soon subside
You will fail to to glow and spark
Keeping people in the dark
Get a new one, set ablaze
The harvest field, in these last days.

Steering, brakes and shocks they do
Everything to comfort you
On the path you’ll dodge the flak
Stop in time to thwart attack
And you’ll have an easier ride
With Kingdom Tyres, your perfect guide.

Betrayal

Betrayal by a loved one,
The greatest test of all,
And nothing hurts more on this earth
Or builds a higher wall.

For having thus been wounded
By someone that we love,
The searing pain cuts deep within
More than we're conscious of.

For trust has now been broken,
No longer safe we fear,
And something that we once held dear
No longer we revere.

A caution then develops,
We fear that we shall tread
On scarcely hidden land mines,
And so we live in dread.

With loved ones we're so vulnerable,
Cross words can leave such scars,
They echo in our heads for years
And closeness then it mars.

O Lord, help us to watch our tongues
For they can cause such pain,
Grant grace that we can soon forgive,
No bitterness retain.

Strong and Mighty Warrior..of Grace

I am a sinner , Lord
though I am saved by Your abundant grace
As I walk in faith , with trusting steps ahead
Lord, it's You, I want to see, face to face.

Lord, as I come before Your throne
I come , wanting to worship at Your feet
Renewing my soul with newness of peace
Lord, I come to stand before Your Mercy Seat

I need to know more of You, Lord
Much more than I do right now
longing for Your presence to be made known
Before your Throne ,Lord , I come and bow.

Here I've come before You - as an offering
Lord Jesus , praise and glory lifted to Your Holy Name
Please take me just as I am
even in times when I need your cleansing rain

Please , O God, come tonight to fill me up
cleanse me with the Holy Spirit of truth
take me to the quiet place of rest
Oh Lord, tonight I need only You.

Father God, here I come before You , now
Humbly, I come with all my worship and praise
And , as I come into Your Dwelling Place, O Lord
it's there, I know I'm surrounded by Your saving Grace..

Painful Relationships

It takes a lot of polishing
To smooth the roughest stone,
And God will use those close to us
To be our grinding stone.

Our edges are so jagged
We often inflict pain,
And when our roughened edges meet
The sparks increase the strain.

God knew what He was doing
Though we have had our doubts,
He knew the friction it would take
To smooth rough edges out.

The smoothest pebbles bear His mark,
With roughness worn away,
It is the smoothest pebbles
That make the most headway.

Enter In..To His Dwelling Place

There is a Dwelling Place
Where God's Word says that I can come
It's found in the courts of Praise
Yes, it's found In Psalm 91

It was when I heard a still small voice
so soft and tender, and low
it was my God,this morning, who said to me
it's to my Dwelling Place, that you can a;ways go

Oh in the presence of my Holy God
His closeness makes me feel at home
and even in the darkness of life
I know hope is found in His Dwelling place, alone

Yes, it's in this place, you are right now
where My peace comes to bathe you in My love
the place where life is more than lived
it's in the dwelling of my love, that you'll find comfort from above

Oh yes, to live in God's Dwelling Place
a place of hope for all to see
Come to me, My child, and rest awhile
for its here, in my Dwelling Place, I long for you to be

Yes, Lord, in Your Dwelling Place
Your peace oh may it come and fill me anew
it's there in the Glory of your Holy Place
that Your Presence comes to fill me through and though

My morning prayer today, based on Psalms 84, and 91

My Psalm of His Dwelling Place

O Jesus, lead me to Thy Dwelling Place,
where shame and sorrow will not abound
Lead me to the place of rest, O Lord
Your Spirit of Truth to fully surround.

The truth to be who You say we are
the truth to stand tall in the Power of Your Might
Oh Lord, in the dwelling of your Beauty here,
Please come and hear my cry of Praise, to You, tonight.

Oh Jesus...In the Courts of Your Dwelling Place
To Your Majesty, I will raise my hands above .
The Dwelling of the Holy Spirit is near,
Oh Lord, we find rest in the Dwelling of Your Awesome Love.

Inspired by Psalm 84

CEMENT

Cement is very handy, It does all kinds of jobs
Solidifies your buildings and other bits and bobs
It gives a firmer footing , a wall around your place
Cement is truly wonderful, a Godly given brace.

Only if you mix with sand, and gravel for some strength
You get a strong consistency so it will last the length
By joining it with water, the process is complete
Ingredients in harmony, a team that’s hard to beat.

Foundations are important, they have to hold the weight
And God has got the muscles, to hold the building straight
A stream of living water, will make the mixture cure
Hold you upright in the winds, your life will be secure.

So give yourself to Jesus, the mix that is so tough
He has the way to keep you firm, when you are in the rough
The pressures may be mounting, buffeted by the gales
He will keep your building strong, you’ll live to tell the tale.

How Beautiful

How beautiful are the feet of those
who walk into God's Perfect Light
His Spirit of joy transformed by His Mighty Hand
Oh how His beauty is such a Heavenly sight!



Yes, He is Christ, the Holy One
His Love leads us from sin to redeeming Grace
Following His Word, and Perfect steps
His Peace shines down upon our Face.


So when our faith comes in hearing His Truth
of just what we mean to Him alone
We are beautifully transformed by His Mighty Power
as His Love reigns on high from the Glorious Throne

Hallelujah to the King of Kings
we lift our hearts and voice in Praise
All Glory and Majesty to the Holy One
Oh yes, our voices in song we raise!

A Mirror of His Love

Only God creates a union,
A love that can endure,
Love that can ride the stormy clouds,
Commitment still ensure.

It's God that caused the two to meet,
Love's arrow He let fly,
And when the two are joined in Him
Their love will fill the sky.

It's God who holds their future,
In Him all needs are met,
With Him as their foundation
Tomorrow is no threat.

For marriage is God's pattern,
A mirror of His love,
For all that's lovely, all that's true
Is given from above.

My Ever Present Praise

Jesus is my ever present Helper,
He is my ever present Joy
He is my ever present Father
In the King's Service, I am gratefully , employed

I look to Him for life's answers
and I look to Him for things that I might need
I look to the Father so I can praise Him
because He came for me, to love, and redeem

Yes, Jesus is my ever present Father
Whose heart is giving and secure
He comes to surround me with His Presence
and gives me Strength and Hope to endure

I will praise You in the Morning
Oh my Savior, You are near
I lift my hands in Honor of Your Greatness
Oh King Jesus, let my praise be all that You hear!

My Father's Whispered Promise

My God gives me strength and courage
when the path ahead grows steep and rough
and because He is my Loving Father
He knows when I've had quite enough

He gives grace to walk through each valley
yes, my God gives grace to carry on
He gives a thread of hope to always cling to
as He sings this Fathers gentle song :

My Child, I know that you are weary
and I know your strength has finally been worn out
Just lean not in your own understanding
For that's not what faith is all about

For I will :
Give you strength to stand in the darkness
Oh yes, My hope I give to see beyond the fear
Look to me - ahead in this journey
For its there, the Holy Spirit will draw near

His truth spoken in a whispered promise
that He'll never leaves us as He holds us tight
and just as a child is held closer to its Mother
Our Heavenly Father will hold us closer in the night

He gently leans to where my face is
as my Father looks me in the eyes
He holds out his arms to one who needs His Loving
as He gently sings this Fathers lullaby:

My child , I know that you are weary
and I know your strength has finally been worn out
Just lean not in your own understanding
For that's not what faith is all about

Just lean on me, your Heavenly Father
the One that loves you deeper than the ocean sea
feel My comfort as I surround you in your journeys
Child, my peace I give to you, wherever you might be.

Mask

Beneath the mask you’re wearing,
There lies a crumpled heap,
A mass of contradictions,
That you're desperate to keep,
If only people knew you,
A heap of sin and shame,
They would surely shun you,
They wouldn't be to blame.


As you keep on sinking,
Into this pit of guilt,
The devil has the victory,
With all the lies he's built,
God doesn't want to know you,
He wouldn't waste His time,
So carry on your life of fear,
Slide deeper in the slime.


God loves you very deeply,
He wants to hold you near,
To bring light to your darkness,
And banish all your fear,
Through Jesus you have power,
To change your sense of worth,
And be just as He wants you,
His child of joy and mirth.

Here I Am to Worship.. Here I am to Praise

Lord, here I am to love You
here I am to praise -
Lord, here I am to bring Honor
O God, here are my hands to You , I raise

Speak Your Words of Truth , Lord
O Lord, open my heart to hear
Yes, here I am to Worship
Lord, in me, may the Holy Spirit draw near

I bring You all my praise , Lord
I humbly lift my eyes to the Throne
even in the darkness - O Lord
I know Your Glory is forever , shown

For Holy is Your Name , O Lord
Yes, the Name of Jesus to be lifted high
I come to praise You, the King of Kings
yes, I'll Praise You - until all time passes by

The Architect

The architecture of my life
Is one designed by Him,
The joy I feel in His design
Has filled me to the brim.

Inside my heart is altered
Though it's still incomplete,
And yet I see the change in me
And I will not retreat.

Fear's been replaced by His love,
A peace that comforts me,
A shelter built within His arms
To which I often flee.

New tenderness for others,
Compassion for the lost,
A patience that I find in Him
Which I cannot exhaust.

I find I can show mercy,
For I His grace have known,
How can I criticize their wrongs
When He's erased my own?

God's given me new purpose,
Fulfillment deep inside,
When through my life He's others touched,
My soul is satisfied.

I welcome His attentions,
His work in my behalf,
I want His handiwork displayed
Signed with His autograph.

So help me, Lord, to trust You
As You reshape inside,
To make within my heart Your home,
A place You can reside.

Two Beams..One Mercy.. One Grace

Standing on a hill were two beams called Mercy and Grace
Yes, an old rugged cross that ordained the sky
It is on that hill where Jesus asks us to come
To the Cross - where He died for you , and I.

It was there that our sin nailed Jesus to the Cross
His body , held by nails to those wooden beams
Crowned, " King of Jews ", as his head was adorned
But it was Jesus, the Savior , who came to Redeem

His body - yes broken , on that old wooden cross
Yet He went, even knowing our sin , the reason why
As He gave His life as a sacrifice for us all
The cross - Praise God, only a means for his body to die

For when His breath was taken one last time
and His body no longer living as a man
it was there on the Cross - on that lonely hill
that Jesus Christ became the " Great I Am "!

Yes, a Royal Crown was made for our King
adorned in jewels bright and rare
for it was made for the Holiest of All
Yes, it was made for my Redeemer to wear

Healing

I was not seeking healing
For You had given peace,
I was content to live with pain
Until You brought release.

Through pain You've drawn me closer,
I've learned to seek Your face,
For through the troubles of my life
I've felt Your sweet embrace.

But then one night You told me
My healing is Your will,
Now I'm content to watch and wait
Until this You fulfill.

I know there's people You have touched
Whose healing is complete,
One touch from You and they were well,
Rejoicing at Your feet.

To others, Lord, You whisper,
A healing word reveal,
And though the healing's incomplete
The promise still is real.

Dear Lord, You've shown You love me,
I trust You in my pain,
And I'm content to wait for health
If through this others gain.

Help me to be a candle,
In pain let me burn bright,
And may the fire not destroy
But love for You ignite.

There is Healing

There is Healing for the tattered soul
a body , broken over time by the enemy's plan
And only God alone can bring true rest
and that's by the touch of His grace - filled ,hand

Resting in Him is the only way to find hope
as you come to lay down with the Lamb, and close your eyes
for that's when His Presence comes softly to cover all pain
and He sings over you , His soft and tender lullaby's

Yes, Jesus, bring me rest
Laying down at Your feet to be made complete , and whole
and because of the gentle soothing of a Father's Love today
I know Your complete healing will be for each tattered soul.

When I am Weak.. He is Strong

Father God -
Here I come to You at Your throne
it is there that I realize I am not my own
Lord, help me stand strong, true and sure
Oh Lord, remove all fear, and help me to endure

Bring me to the place of rest
Lord, make me bold to stand for You
To sense Your deep peace as it has come
Lord, this I trust, because of all that You will do.

The world , O God, so ripe with sin
as the enemy keeps trying to break God's children down
but You alone are God and King
Lord, Your Holiness shown, by Your Robe and Crown

So this is what I choose to believe
Father , You are my Lord and King
and though times might be rough and fearful, Lord
All my Praise, and Honor to You, I bring.

The Blossoming

He did not plant us on this earth
To manage on our own,
To let the weeds crop up and choke
The seed in us He's sown.

The blossom that He's promised
Does not come overnight,
It takes abiding in the Vine,
His nourishment invite.

The blossom is not given,
The fruit from it is grown,
The love, the peace, the patience
Within our hearts is sown.

Our ministry, our outreach,
Is not our main concern,
It's intimate attachment
Our spirits first must learn.

For we can't give to others
What we have never known,
It's in connection to the Vine
These seeds of fruit are sown.

The life-blood of the vineyard is
The love that comes from Him,
And when we're nourished by His love
The blossoming begins.

I Cannot Win God's Love

It's not based on attainments,
It's not for what I do,
God loves me just the way I am
Not based on some review.

He loves me in the process,
Not waiting in disgust
For me to get my act in gear
Or leave me in the dust.

He sees my heart's intention,
The way I've tried and failed,
He sees the heights that I have climbed,
The walls that I have scaled.

I do not have to pass some test
To win His love and grace,
It's mine, a gift, and not a loan
Performance can erase.

Right here, right now, just as I am,
His love is always mine,
In gratitude I live for Him
No need to "toe the line".

Just Rest..

With the Spirit and the power
To God, this is my prayer that I bring
all my thoughts I lift to the heavens
Yes I've come before the Redeemer and King

Through times of trial, and or weakness
We know our Savior is always waiting there
bringing peace in the times of our darkness
surrounding us with His gentle love and care

He will come to meet you when your "quiet"
softening the heavy spirit you wear of the day
Our God will lift you up into the arms of His bosom
because our Abba hears the words of others who have prayed

So just come and rest in the presence of our Father
just soak in the Holy Spirit, and all He can do
even resting . in the heaviness of your spirit
because God is your Strength as He carries you through.

A Mother's Prayer

I do not pray for wealth untold
Or beauty that will fade,
But for my children, gifts from You,
Who in my arms have laid.

Each one a special treasure,
Each one Your work of art,
Each one a rose not fully formed
Yet lovely from the start.

Strengthen by Your Spirit
And plant them in Your love,
Protect them from the enemy,
Reveal Your truth in love.

And as they blossom by Your hand
May Your grace be revealed,
So others, Lord, are drawn to You,
A harvest through them yield.

My God Reigns

From these mountain peaks to the lakes bottom floor
From the dense forest to hillside's open plains
Heavens above where clouds roll on by
I am reminded that this is the mystery of how God reigns

From the quiet sounds outside of a birds lonely cry
each sound a reminder of all that I've gained
from each battle fought this week, both day and night
Yes, I am reminded of the mystery of why God reigns

From what I left behind , to the thread of hope I have
from the cleansing of sin to redemption I have gained
From walking out of sin - heading to His state of Grace
Yes, I am reminded of the mystery of how my God reigns

Yes, my hope is in the One whose Thread remains
His Thread of Hope toughened me when in fear and pain
and bound with gratitude of all that He's done
I know I am reminded that my God will always Reign

If

If you understood the ceaseless love
I have in My heart for you
Love that forgives so many things
Through Jesus that I view
Then you would know that I chose you
With all the faults you carry
You are the one whom I adore
With you I want to tarry.

Perhaps you are afraid of Me
You think that I am stern
Look at Jesus, He is Me
My anger doesn't burn
I want to spend My time with you
Come quickly to My throne
I am your Father, you're My child
I can't leave you alone.

Emotional Boundaries

There's necessary boundaries
When with the other sex,
Restricting deepest feelings
In marriage God directs.

Relating feelings paves the way
For tender, sweet communion,
And sharing with the other sex
Can break the marriage union.

For we are truly intimate
When we ourselves disclose,
And flesh too often walks the path
That intimacy sows.

True wisdom builds a fence around
An aching, lonely heart,
For from this tiny stepping stone
An avalanche can start.

Emotions are the basis
For two becoming one,
And when we open up our hearts
All others we must shun.

For God has joined together
In body, mind and soul,
We dare not open up the gate
Another to console.

God's Word ..My Strength

Beneath the cross of Jesus
Every knee of man will fall
With honor and praise I bring to you
Lord, its the Name of Jesus , whom I call

Lord, teach me to be just as You are
let me be gentle in word or deed
let me see those who are seeking You , Lord
even one , whose faith is as small as a mustard seed

Lord, with my mouth I want to Honor You
I raise my hands to offer You my humble praise
I come to look up to Christ alone
Oh God, you deserve my offering both night or day

Let me trust and remember , O Lord
Your Word - forever, strong and true
keep me surrounded in the heat of battle, O Lord
for it's there , I know I'll find my strength in only You.
Amen

Don't Give Me What I Ask For

Don't give me what I ask for,
Just give me what I need,
All wisdom rests within Your hands
In You, Lord, I'll succeed.

You see the whole, I see in part,
You always know what's best.
So do whatever You must do
To answer my request.

For often as I pray, dear Lord,
Mere words cannot express,
The longings deep within my heart
This tongue cannot address.

WHY

Why did you bother asking Me
To come into your life
Why did you bother asking Me
To help you with your strife
You let Me in your creaking door
And left Me in the hall
While all you did was shun My help
And built another wall

Do you want to honour Me
By opening your doors
Trusting in My healing hands
To soothe your weeping sores
Or do you want to be the ones
The world can call it’s own
Following the path to death
You reap what you have sown.

Manna From Heaven

Our struggles last a lifetime,
Each life encounters rain,
No matter what the stress or trial,
No one's exempt from pain.

But strength is given for each day,
God's manna for our need,
Sufficient for the day alone,
This day's is guaranteed.

Tomorrow's nourishment's not found,
Just manna for today,
For all we need He will provide
As we walk in His way.

The future is not ours to fear,
This day we look to Him,
And precious manna He provides,
Our needs, not every whim.

The secret to successful lives--
Our hands must open wide,
And heav'nly manna for each day
He'll graciously provide.

Passion in God's Eyes

Lord, in the fires of Your Holiness
May Thy Spirit come and surround in battle heat
May Your flames of love envelop me , O Lord
And, in You , may there be a strong and safe retreat

As I come humbled in Your Presence , Lord
please surround me with mercy and Your grace
I come , Lord Jesus - with this prayer of humbled offerings
My deepest desire, O Lord - to see Your Holy face

Draw me nearer , O God, in Your Presence
as I come to sit at the table of Your Feast
You - my Redeemer , and my Savior - who welcomes us
even those who feel they are the " least of the least ".

But your passion over all the earth to pursue me
over every road the enemy has taken me down
Lord , oh how faithful Your Love for me
yes, Your Passionate Love , for me, I have found.

Eternity Awaits

They're only fleeting shadows,
These days of pain and stress,
And I can face for this short time
These moments of distress.

My hope is in the future,
Eternity awaits,
Though for a time the load I bear
Seems like such heavy weights.

God's given me perspective
To help me to endure,
Though trials enter for a time
To help me to mature.

For in my weakest moments
His strength will carry me,
And one sweet day I'll reign with Him
From weights I will be free.

Today will soon be over,
My future He creates,
No pain, no sorrow, no more tears,
Eternity awaits.

Hello God

Hello God,it's me again
I've learnt another way
To come into Your courts of praise
Each and every day
I've dropped all the pretending
My shopping list of greed
I aim to come, just as I am
A hopeless case, in need.

It's You I want, not just Your help
I've always missed the truth
I joined Your top insurance scheme
And then stood back, aloof
But now I know it's not enough
To hang around Your gate
I've got to get to know You Lord
Before it is too late.

The Miracle of Faith

A miracle to calm the sea,
From water to make wine,
To raise the dead, restore to life,
Surely a work divine.

But faith becomes a miracle
When suffering we face,
When we accept it from God's hand
Though good we cannot trace.

But in the shadows yet unseen
We know He's still at work,
And so we walk in perfect peace,
Faith's tools do not shirk.

To say, "I'll drink this cup of pain
It's from my Father's hand,
For only beauty He creates,
One day I'll understand."

This miracle of faith is wrought
As we rest in God's hand,
Whatever tools He allows
Great beauty He has planned.

The highest form of faith is then
Acceptance of God's will,
Convinced He will transform all pain
We can at last be still.

The Sweet Exchange (written for H.O.)

In ostentatious grace,
My Lord hath set me free.
My bondage He replaced
With sugared liberty!

Set free from Satan’s chains,
My Lord sent sweet relief.
Forever I’ll proclaim:
My joy beyond belief!

He set this captive free,
This mourner now can sing.
He changed my chains of steel,
To cotton candy strings.

In His magnificence,
His saving was replete.
He spun deliverance:
Turned bitter into sweet.

My chains are cotton now
That has no hold on me.
Burdens are forgotten;
I taste His liberty!

By Tom Valles

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Turning over a New Leaf

Lord, I am like...
A leaf blowing in the wind
Scattered here and there, never to return.
Never to leave.. Hanging tight to the familiar
The everyday pattern of existence.
Free to be who You say I am...
To sail across the sky, both far and near high or low.
Cool, crisp, sharp. Ready to meet Your day, Lord
Beginning its descent into my faith
Finding new horizons to settle upon
Finding new things to grasp onto. To let go of.
Leaves, crumbling, crumbled, crushed.
Many areas of uncertainty.
Broken pieces unknown to any other person.
Pain, hurt, frustration.
Turmoil turning to new growth.
New joy.. New ideas… New life… Jesus
Soft beauty, full of gold wanderlust
Yellow, brightness. Orange! Fulfillment!
Has it arrived yet for me to see and experience?
Has it sparkled with age, with indescribable beauty?
Has change turned to knowledge, pouring forth into?
Peace and love brought about to your sight?
New goals, new dreams. Could this be the new leaf?
Continuing to scatter here and there
But with new hope, new thoughts, new times ahead?
Old times of brokenness inside
Never to return, never to cause new pain.
A leaf never to be the same…

The Leaves of October

This poem was submitted to another site. I invite you to read it at:

The Leaves of October

MONEY

Money is a powerful drug
It tends to rule our life
Always handy when it's there
Absence causes strife
People live and die for it
There's never quite enough
What's the answer to it's lure
The power of the stuff.

All our needs have been provided
By His action on the cross
Perfect love will drive out fear
We only need to have One boss
Hand your money back to Him
With guidance learn to give
Then you'll surely have enough
To live a life you love to live.

Jesus says..

Jesus says,
I see the tears run down your face
Is there something I can do for you ?
I want to come and take your pain
For I know just how much you're going through.

But I can't take the pain away
unless you open up , and let me know
All I ask is you give it to Me now
and trust I'll be here wherever you go

I'm like the rain that brings fresh air
and after a storm, like a birds whistling that you hear
but you need to come to the foot of the Cross
for that is where you'll see Me standing near

Just remember Child that I love you so much
and in time you will begin to know and understand
that the pain you feel right now , is not from me
but your healing is what you'll know I have planned

I know its hard to carry on
your heart is heavy once again
but Child, its not you that holds this shame
for you are freed from your old life of darkened sin

Remember, My blood has washed you clean and pure
Oh how my heart rejoices in the love I have for you
So rise up with faith of an eagle that soars
and know My strength is here to always carry you.

BEHOLD YOUR GOD

Who meted out the heavens,
Counted the stars in space,
The solar system's whose design?
Who set the moon in place?

Who laid the earth's foundation?
Where does the dark reside?
Who sends the lightning on its way?
Who orders out the tide?

Who sees the smallest sparrow fall?
Causes the rose to bloom?
Who counts the hairs upon your head?
Who formed you in the womb?

And yet you cannot trust Me?
I know not what to do?
I can control the universe
But not what troubles you?

Do you not know, have you not heard,
My love for you is great?
And I am God Almighty,
I make the crooked straight.

Walk

And find in life a better way,
a fresh gait on narrow path
that leads to gold.
And see before and not behind,
and touch the delicate waft of heaven
beyond the smell of ash.
And hunger, while the gluttons smirk,
for the wine of eternity.

GOD'S LOVE SURROUNDS IT ALL

Even though I know not why
This path You have allowed,
Still this I know, it comes with love
For love for me You've vowed.

In all that comes into my life
Your love's behind, before,
And I am comforted, content,
Though trials on me pour.

For good is Your intention,
I am Your work of art,
And this is but another stage,
Your hand is in each part.

For You the great Creator
Can only beauty make,
And though I may not understand
This too is no mistake.

Your love surrounds each circumstance
Anxiety can cease,
The hand that now allows the pain
Creates the masterpiece.

SURRENDER

Remember when the world was good
We fully took a part
And we could manage on our own
Without a change of heart
We were strong, embracing all
The joys that life portrayed
As long as we enjoyed our lot
Then this is where we stayed.

Thankfully, we saw the light
And altered our direction
We realised that all our gods
Were lacking real perfection
We learnt that far from being strong
The human mind is weak
And had to relegate ourselves
To someone less unique.

So in our weakness, we are strong
A vessel needing change
Which comes from God, The only source
Who loves to rearrange
The sinful, weak and hopeless soul
Who trips on every stone
We cannot do it by ourselves
We need His help, alone.

The Rock.. Sweeter than any honeycomb

Come and stand in the Cleft of the Rock
where there is more than your eyes can see
there is something sweeter than a honeycomb
and He came to heal both you and me

His soothing balm comes to cover you
his love, like a diamond smooth and rare
He comes to revive the weary one in pain
Yes, our Father's peace, is always there

Oh to the bosom of the Rock we'll go
to the One who trades our pain for life anew
He who pour's out His fragrance upon our heads
yes, its Jesus , who will heal us , through and through

May He pour His love on you, like a covering of joy
and may His fragrance fall like a refreshing rain
Just come and rest in the " Comforter " who is our Rock
Yes, He is there waiting to bring joy in the midst of your pain

Yes, Love pours from the sturdy Rock
His provision of life given to all who believe
As you offer your pain, your sorrow, your joys to Him
Sister, in the healing - its His love today, you will receive..

Thoughts From The Backyard Swing

beneath the peaceful towering oak
we sleepishly glide through the breeze of twilight
breathing in the last of cool summer air:
quiet thoughts replenish my weary soul
echoing come, sit, rest with me,
untangle from the chaos of the day.
the two of us, together, in moon-made silence
watch evening settle over dusty distant fields;
earth's parched dirt, rises up, crumbles
the rose petal's fragrance dissipates with season's end;
sounds of today whirl around me.
I pause, listen, head bowed
a child's sleepy whisper of prayer
drifts through the solemn hush of neighboring yard;
praise His name,
His word endures forever

MEADOWS OR BRIARS

My child, it makes no difference
What you are walking through,
In the meadows or the briars
God is walking there with you.

He'll bring you through them safely,
You never need to fear,
The briars though they're painful
Will cause you to draw near.

If you only crossed broad meadows
You would then be unaware
Of God's goodness and His comfort
In life's perplexing snares.

If you had known no heartache
And experienced no pain,
Your spirit would be poorer
For no growth would you attain.

Though briars leave their mark on you,
They painfully succeed
In driving you to seek the One
Who'll heal you when you bleed.

In every life there's briars,
Though the meadows we prefer,
For we learn we are dependent
When the painful we incur.

SOFT SCOOP

I'm wrestling with the ice cream
Inside this soft scoop box
My spoon is bent,my patience spent
I'm trying to outfox
The barrier before me
To get my just dessert
I'll hack at that unyielding mass
No matter what the hurt.

But hey,where is my patience
Why don't I let it melt
Surely it will taste the same
If time and me both dwelt
Perhaps this is my problem
Too hasty in my ways
A Martha living in my skin
To be a Mary pays.

So if I wait upon The Lord
Instead of rushing it
And let us melt together
In a fusion,we will knit
A tasty time of bonding
And one that satisfies
Oh Lord,please give me patience
To delight in Your surprise.

An Offering of Prayer

Resting in God's grace and mercy.
Holy Spirit , come flood through my soul
Soaking in what You have done for me
Father God, Your Love has made me whole

I come before You with my praise
knowing the blood of Jesus has washed me clean
walking daily in the Word of God
Lord, I sing songs to the One who came to Redeem

Hear me Father, just as I am
O God, my heart of praise meant just for You
I stand before the Throne above
Oh Lord - Come fill me as only You can do.

Take me Lord, and move in me
strip me naked of things that seem to bind
I know your grace has come to mercy me
O Lord, there is no other healing that I will find

Yes, I will come before my Holy God
I come and stand before the King of Kings
as I come to settle in the Spirit's peace
O God, receive today my song of Praise I humbly bring

THIS WON'T LAST FOREVER

This won't last forever,
This too shall pass away,
These clouds of doubt, discouragement,
That hover o'er my day.

This won't last forever,
Emotions come and go,
And though it seems there is no end
This too will pass I know.

Far too much time is wasted
In anxiety and fear,
Consumed by what may be ahead
That never does appear.

These fears consume my peace of mind
And eat away my joy,
Another day is wasted,
A day I should enjoy.

Remind me, Lord, that You are here
To walk me through each day,
There's nothing that's too hard for You
And by my side You'll stay.

Each day's a precious gift from You,
No credit, no return,
So help me as each day unfolds
The beauty to discern.

WHERE IS THE PEACE

Where is the peace
That you know I'll provide
Why from My presence
Do you want to hide
Have you decided
To go it alone
Into the danger
Of journeys unknown
Surely you're safer
With Me by your side
Keeping a watch
As you pause to decide
It's me or the devil
For that is the choice
Be careful My loved one
Take heed of My voice.

The Purpose of the Valley

The purpose of the valley
Cannot be glimpsed below,
But only on the mountain's height
God's plan we'll fully know.

Though rocky be the pathway,
Agility is born,
And perseverance paves the way
To climb the Matterhorn.

Endurance is the product
Of walking through the mire,
It's preparation for the climb
Our souls need to acquire.

The valley is not punishment,
It's just a training ground,
It's simply basic training,
A path to higher ground.

For once we reach the mountain height
The view will be so clear,
The difficulties that we faced
Will tend to disappear.

We'll gain a new perspective,
What once caused us deep pain
Was used as tiny stepping stones
To everything we gain.

The Color of God's Beauty

Lord, I see Your face in every sunrise
I see it in the depths of the deepest sea
I see it in the mountains of Your Holiness
Lord, I've seen it, on the Cross of Calvary

Even as I look into the deepest shadows
O Lord, Your face, it's always in full view
even in the darkest hours of a moonlit night
it's Your Peace that flows between me, and You

So as I look up to the stars in Heaven
where Your Majesty is on full display
the color of each sunrise showing off His wondrous beauty
Oh Lord, there are no words to adequately say

But I'll come to lift my hands in worship
to the One I love so very much
I'll bask in the beauty of God's Awesome Glory
as it falls down on me, with a gentle , filling touch

Yes, just come O Lord Jesus
with the deep filling of Your Spirit , deep inside
Come and surround me with all Your Glory
Oh God, in Your Presence I want to always hide

So with every new sunrise that comes to greet me
and the colors of the morning extends over time, earth and space
It's in that awesome display of my Savior and Redeemer
that we will see the Color of God's Beauty , face to face

National Poetry Day (U.K.)

Today (Oct. 8, 2009) is National Poetry Day in the UK.

Eternal Life

I've got this insurance, it just cannot fail
It's certainly foolproof and pays on the nail
It covers the seasons of plenty and strife
It's backed by the promise of eternal life.

The eternal salesman will knock at your door
By letting Him enter, your prospects will soar
He'll leave a memento, a guide to your plan
By quoting you happy, he'll do all He can.

The catch is quite simple, you follow His rules
To keep you apart from a world full of fools
The payout is treasure, put by up above
Safe from destruction, invested in love.

Heavenly Intercession

I am your Intercessor,
I have My Father's ear,
And constantly I plead for you,
In love I persevere.

I see the paths you travel,
The roadblocks in your way,
My purposes will be fulfilled,
For your success I pray.

My prayers are ALWAYS answered,
For you I intercede,
So, child, keep your eyes on Me
And follow where I lead.

You put such stock in others' prayers
But fail to understand,
That I'm the author of your faith,
I sit at God's right hand.

I fashioned you in pure delight,
Created you unique,
Who better, then, can plead for you,
Your good I always seek.

So, child, don't be fearful,
Just fix your eyes on Me,
Abundant life I have for you,
This is My guarantee.

It's I who have the power,
So trust Me and obey,
For I know how to care for you,
And for you always pray.

A Name Above All Names

Oh Lord, I come humbly before the All sufficient Savior
He who is Wonderful, Counselor, Faithful Friend of mine
You are the Prince of Peace, and Savior
Son of God - no one Greater that we can find

You are the Christ, and the Messiah
Everlasting Father, yes, the Son of Man
You hung on the Cross as my Victor and Redeemer
Praise God, You are the Great I Am!

I will raise my hands up to praise You
because Jesus You are the Only Way, through the open Door
You are the the Truth and the Life , the Hope of Glory
Yes, You are King of Kings forevermore.

Oh Light of the World who came to save sinners
the Morning Star from which we find new birth
You are the source of our salvation O Lord
and Praise God, You are Ruler of Gods Created earth

so with my prayers lifted to the Master
I come to He who became the Sacrifice for my sin
You are Alpha, and Omega -
Oh Lord, the Beginning, and the End
Amen

His Love Worth more than Silver and Gold

Oh how I know the Lord is with me
I feel His Presence standing near
He listens to my joys and my laughter
and He brings comfort in every falling tear

Yes, it's our Father we'll find in the darkness
His Love worth more than all silver and gold
He is Someone who'll never leave us or abandon
Yes, its Jesus, the Greatest Love story, ever told.

He is Redeemer, Lord and Savior
By His blood, He's washed our sins away
His Love came to heal the broken hearted
and has these words He longs to say:

I've come to save those lost in sin and darkness
with wounds that have kept you walking all alone
with my Grace and Mercy freely given
Oh yes, My Love, the greatest ever known

For I am Jesus , the King of Glory
I come to give New Life to one , and all
I'm here to bring forgiveness, and My healing
When on My Name, you will call.

Then you will know I will be with you always and forever
as you sense My Presence standing always near
Child, just come to Me for I am waiting
In Me, you'll find there is nothing more to fear.

Yes, it's my peace you'll find even in the walking
as you come boldly before the Throne
You will find resting in the newness
For I am Jesus - and I have claimed you for my own

So just lift your eyes to me , the Savior
and leave your sin and shame here with me
for then you'll find my Word standing faithful
because in your presence, its you where my love will always be.

From Mountain HIgh ...to Valley low

Sometimes there are obstacles in the way
and times , that life's journey is hard and rough
but as God promises, He gives added strength
when He knows we need His powerful touch

And so with that, He leads me on with solid steps
when life's boulder's get in the way
step by step, my Lord leads me o'er
whether its dark of night , or light of day

Yes - one by one He'll lead my way
over rocks and hills, together we will go
preparing for me a safe journey ahead
Yes, its God , whose peace that I will always know

So because of that there is nothing more to fear
knowing Jesus is walking hand in hand with me
It's His Presence that comes to surround from all sides
Oh yes, its in His Shelter, that I will always be

No Greater Love

Lord, it was You who set the boundaries of earth
in the creation of summer rains, and winter snow
it was You that created both life , and breath
Yes, it's been You ,that follows me wherever I go

And in everything that has been created of Your hand
whether created for reason , or maybe , just for fun
We know , O God, You're the One who Reigns above
For on the Cross, the Victory has been won

Oh Great is Your Love, that has been given to me
Love , more Powerful than raging winds, or stormy seas
O Lord, as I lift my eyes to where You sit on the Throne
I am humbled ,that Your Love , has reached even me..

Reading Psalms 8:3-4 , today, was the inspiration behind this prayer poem .

My Jesus

He is my body and my bread,
My sustenance and smile.
My ever-present Savior;
My hope through every trial.
Sustained beneath His watchful eye
Forever here, forever nigh.

He is my soul and sweetness,
My purpose and my peace.
My ever-living Savior;
My solace and my priest.
Sustained beneath His watchful sight
Forever here, forever right.

He is my spirit and my song,
My glory and my guide.
My ever-giving Savior;
My praise and greatest pride.
Sustained beneath His watchful gaze
Forever here, forever raised.

By Tom Valles

Psalm 71:6By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; My praise is continually of You.

Jesus is the Great I Am..

When the day is dark and lonely
and I have Jesus to walk by my side
I know I can always snuggle up to Him
because in His love, I can abide.

Its when I feel this weak and weary
in doing all that I seem to need to do
but I will rise up with the Strength You give
because I know I am held closer, Lord, to You

You have reached down with your peace, O Lord
and come closer, as You touch me, this I know
Its when You take each heavy burden away
that I know You have always loved me so..

Even when I feel that I have no Power, Lord
and I don't think I have strength to stand
Its then when you remind me of Your Truth
that you are my God, and " The Great I Am"..

So I will once again, reach out to You
and ask for help in all things I can't control
for I know You are the King of Kings
and to You, Lord, all my praise, I will extol.