New Year's Song

New Year’s Song – My Grandmother died in October 1985. I wrote this to sing at our singles’ New Year’s Eve party. I just wanted to be sure no one went away without understanding the brevity of life here and the importance of trusting Christ and leading others to trust him.


If this were to be my final night upon the earth,
I know that I’d have confidence that I’ve received new birth.
I know that I would be with You, Lord,
the moment that I died;
and yet to think that I could die tonight
my eyes fill up and cry...
Because there’s so much here to do.
I have some friends and family who still do not know You.
And even though I say with Paul. "for me to die is gain;"
for then I’d be with Jesus Christ, and I would have no pain;
I must also say with Paul, "for me to live is Christ."
So if I’m given one more day please let me live my life
in praise to You, dear Lord,
telling others what You do through Your word
making sure that all my friends have heard
bearing witness to the world about Your love.

If this were to be Your final night upon the earth,
would you have the confidence that you’ve received new birth?
Do you know you’d go to heaven if you died tonight?
If not, I pray you’ll open up your heart to Jesus Christ...
Because there’s so much love right here.
You could have a brand new life to start a brand new year.
There are people here who’d love to show you how to start.
Just come to one of us if God is speaking to you heart.
Then we will show you in His word how you can know him too.
Believe me when I tell you it’s the best thing you can do
to give your life to Christ, to allow Him to come in
and change your life so that you can know for sure tonight
that you will see heaven’s light because of love.

If this were to be your final night upon the earth,
do you have the confidence that you’ve received new birth?

Christmas Poem by a Soldier's Mom

I sent this poem in with my son's Christmas card when he was serving in Iraq. Praise the Lord, he's home now; but I put it here to remind us all to pray for those sons and daughters still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan this Christmas.


Peace on earth, good will toward men,
Tidings of comfort and joy…
These words seem trite in the Christmas cards
To send to Iraq to my boy.
But I know that the peace we have in this world
Is a peace that settles within
When we trust in our heavenly Father
And the power that comes from Him.
And the Lord has sent us His good will
In His ambassador, His Son,
Who from the cross cried “It is finished!”
His mission on earth was done.
Tidings of comfort God brings to me
As I pray for my only boy.
God’s only Son was sent on a mission,
So I can share tidings of joy.
He’s no longer the Babe in the manger…
He’s my rock, my fortress, my defense;
And knowing my son is in His loving hands
Overcomes fears most immense.
Peace on earth, good will toward men,
Tidings of comfort and joy…
I no longer hesitate to send that card
To Iraq to my only boy.

Incarnation Contemplation

A long time ago in Bethlehem
a tiny Babe was born,
the King of kings and Lord of lords
on earth in mortal form.
What did it mean for Christ to come
to walk on earth as man?
And what is the significance
of this part of God’s plan?
I’ve often thought it interesting
that Christ came as a child,
a little, tiny baby,
helpless, meek, and mild.
But since He came in just that way,
I know He understands
every small frustration
of living as a man.
He understands the growing pains
of our own little ones;
although when He was 12 years old,
He knew he was God’s Son.
He knows just how it feels
to go through difficult teen years.
He knows the loss of friends through death.
He knew pain, and He cried tears.
My Jesus knew temptation
and yet remained sin-free.
He was the perfect sacrifice
who died for you and me.
And so we celebrate each year
the coming of our King.
Because He came with love for us,
His praises we will sing.


February 10, 1983

Hectic Holiday

Things have been a big crazy around here trying to prepare for last Saturday night's family Christmas celebration and to get ready for surgery this Thurs, Dec. 18th. Therefore, I haven't tried to send out Christmas cards this year. I'll try to post a few more Christmas poems in the next 2 days, and then I'll probably be offline for at least a week as I recouperate.

Everyone, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Remember that Christ came to change lives, and allow Him to work in you and through you to His glory!

Christmas Lists

As a child I wanted Teddy bears and trains,
a stocking filled with oranges, nuts, and candy canes;
but as I grew up the things I wished grew harder to obtain.

I found the things I wanted most (back then as well as now),
that seemed the hardest to obtain, intangible somehow,
are found in Jesus Christ our Lord when we before Him bow.

Christmas Touch

A simple touch
can mean so much
in time of human need.
I want to thank
each one of you
for times that you’ve touched me.
For isn’t that
what God has done
in sending us His Son?
At Christmas
He reached down His hand
and touched us, every one.

A Christmas Prayer

Dear Father,

It’s Christmas time again, and there is so much to distract me.
there’s a rehearsal, a musical, or a party almost every night.
There are presents that need to be purchased,
and, of course, they’ll need to be wrapped.
And with all this hustle and bustle,
I long for that “long winter’s nap.”
It’s Christmas time again, and I’m feeling just exactly
like I need to sprout some wings and fly so that I might
keep up with the schedule before me
and make it to each thing on time.
I covet just ten precious minutes
to sit and have peace of mind.

Slow me down.
Help me be still
and to know that You are Lord.
Help me make
the time each day
to meditate on Your word.
Focus me
Your will to see
and draw me near to You.
Be my guide
close by my side
In all that I say and do.

Christmas Melodies

Christmas is full of melodies
that strike the chord of memory
reminding us of Jesus Christ
who came to give for us, His life.

Philippians 2:6-8