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Garden of His Will

Walking in this place of time That draws by its power If into it I can go As a strong and mighty tower I know this place I read before Of One who went before Who through this place of time Went first to open the door Safely I can enter in To follow where He did go The Love that took Him there By His Spirit I can know I’ll kneel in this place of time And lay my head upon That precious gift my God gave The life of His Holy Son Eternal life I will find His Peace I shall know And continue on the same as In the Garden of His Will I go

Gathering Words

It seemed to be such a simple task To pick the flowers from this place That would say what should be said To remove doubt beyond a trace But yet as I strolled thru this garden Each flower yet so beautiful I couldn’t find the right one for To express what I felt bountiful To tell the Lord just how I feel Would seem to be so easy But when I searched this garden over Each flower taken with wind so breezy This garden growing in my heart From here I can surely find The flowers that could speak for me And give me peace of mind And then before my eyes a rose The number of flowers one two Three four that spoke these words What I wanted to say Lord I Love You

Gift on a Tree

I will climb aboard this tree I pass by With its limbs spread wide I think I’ll fly Climb until I reach its top so high And guide its wings into the sky Up, up birds all sing encouragement Pushing me up the place I’m sent Even on the limbs time has bent Truly this journey for me was meant Surely I feel like the king of time For this is part my life to bring rhyme Climbing higher thought not a crime There is no other for me to mime Then I saw footprints on this tree Is there one that climbed before me I thought this journey was mine to be Then with open light I started to see The future of this tree in plan To be a cross for the Son of Man For what to be done, not done again And to know, to know, I surely can I found new life hid in this tree To understand what He did for me This thing He did, He did for free To His Gift of Love I must agree

God Gave Me the Best
	Grandparents Parents Uncles and Aunts Cousins Children Grandchildren Spouse In-laws Friends Church Job Automobile Barber Home Body Mind Heart Spirit Savior Blood Of All He Has

God Makes Beautiful Things

I know not why I turned the corner Seemed completely out of my way I had so many other things to do Than on this street to stay It was such an empty street With oh so little in sight But I won't forget what I saw and heard On an empty street that night I happened upon a scene unfold As cautiously I drew near Upon such a touching time Those things I was able to hear The lady was all bent and gray Her clothes tattered and torn Her face all sad with the burdens of life Against the day she was born A child was laughing and talking to her And lifting a camera up high But the lady kept turning her head As the child continued to try Why would you want a picture of me? Surely there's not much to behold I am a street person wherever I go And that's all of me that is told Oh no! You're wrong the little child said As her voice began now to sing For all upon this wonderful earth You see God makes beautiful things There's love in all that God does To the very hairs on your head It matters not at all to Him Where a person may make their bed As I looked real close to gather the scene The lady turned to look at me In her eyes came a twinkle of youth And a smile that was plain to see As now I wander back to the time When I purchased a jewel in life Thank God I was able to hear those things And share them with my wife For she said that rose bush is dead Let's take it and throw it away I smiled and said that's not really true Let's wait for another day We'll cut it and water it with tender care And see what tomorrow may bring For no matter what life has in store God makes beautiful things.

God Sets My Appointments

Why did I pass this way? And why at a time like this? For in this need I came upon Another time I would miss Yet this thing has crossed my path As not by accident A matter that is just for me Of this I’m confident For surely God did set this time That His name be glorified As to how it all came about I am not mystified Yes our steps are ordered by God To do what things need to be There’s a time and place for each of us God sets our appointments you see

God Taught Dad Taught Me 1

“How is it that it always happens this way? Why do I have to say over and over and over again the same things? Don’t you remember what I told you about that?” I really couldn’t say much in reply, because it was what I had been told to do and how to do it. Boy, I’ll be lucky if I don’t get a whipping. But I had tried so hard and felt like I had made great improvements in my performance. “Well, maybe you’ll do better next time.” I guess he saw the look on my face and felt sorry for me; or maybe he loved me and was being patient. That’s what I liked about my dad. I guess he learned that from God. He says Jesus has done a lot in his life and I’m glad patience is one of them. He says his Father is teaching him to be my dad.

God Taught Dad Taught Me 2

“Dad can I talk with you about a problem I’m having at school?” “Sure let me finish with this paper. It will only take a few seconds. Can you wait? “Yes, that’s fine.” The only way is just come out and tell him. I don’t want him to think I’m a chicken. “Okay I’m ready”, he said, interrupting my thoughts. “Well, there’s this boy at school, a bully, he keeps taking my lunch money and I don’t know what to do about it. I was going to talk to my teachers, but decided I’d talk to you first.” “Is he taking it because he’s hungry or just mean?” “Hungry I suppose. Everybody talks about him behind his back. His clothes are pretty ragged and not clean most of the time. Kids say his parents drink a lot and they make too much money for him to get free lunches.” “Well I have an idea. We’re going to solve this problem together. Tomorrow I am going to give you enough money to pay for both lunches. You tell him we are going to buy his lunch everyday. And while you’re at it, why don’t you invite him to go with us this weekend to the church cookout.” Well, needless to say it worked. A funny way to make friends. God sure taught my dad some good stuff.

God Taught Dad Taught Me 3

“Come on now son, help me with these bags,” dad said. Gracious me I thought. Where are we going with all these groceries? “The Taylor’s have set on hard times and I’m sure they’ll need these, especially since Jim was laid off.” The Taylor’s!!!, I thought to myself. The same Taylor’s that caused so much trouble. The same Taylor’s who cussed you out. The same Taylor’s whose dogs run wild and tore moms’ sheets off the clothesline. The same Taylor’s who stole everything that wasn’t nailed down. The same Taylor’s that stay drunk and play loud music until four in the morning. The same Taylor’s who nobody else will have anything to do with. Sometimes I think my dad is crazy. I thought for sure they’d run us off, but when they didn’t I was almost afraid to go into the house. Oh Lord they’ll get us in here and kill us. And when dad read some scripture and prayed I hoped that was the end; but no, he invited them to church. Well that was almost a year ago and to be sitting here now on the church pew with seven Taylor’s sitting behind us is just as amazing as what dad did then. I guess some things just take time.

God Taught Dad Taught Me 4

“Hey dad! The lady at the store gave me $20 too much change. I can use that toward my new bike. “Well, let’s think about that. First, it really is not your money. It does not belong to the cashier, so it must be the store’s money. See we know who the money belongs to and it is our responsibility to take it back. If you lost $20 and the person who found it knew it was yours, you would want them to return it. Right? “Yes," I admitted reluctantly. The manager was very appreciative of my dad and I returning the money. He said the cashier would have had to pay the money back, because that was store policy. He also said it would have been difficult for her because she was a single mother with two young children and was going through some hard times. I guess being dishonest affects everybody in ways we just don’t know sometimes. I really felt good that the cashier could keep her $20 for her kids. I’m glad God taught Dad taught me.

God Taught Dad Taught Me 5

Dad woke me up early Saturday morning and after a good breakfast loaded up ma and a buffet of paint, brushes, rollers, thinner and god knows what all. Whereupon he informed me we were going to paint widow Murphy’s home. Yes, I thought, a chance to earn some money for the upcoming school trip to Florida. She seemed to be surprised to see two other men and us from the church, which met us there. Strange I thought. We all started unloading while dad talked with her. Talking over final details about paying I guess. Boy! We scraped and wiped and painted. I was mostly a scraper and errand boy. Windowsills are tough work. Widow Murphy had kept us in tea and sandwiches all day; and cookies. It did seem strange not seeing Mr. Murphy walking about in the yard with her. He passed away about three months ago. They said he went to sleep and didn’t wake up. I remember he was always fixing things for the kids in the neighborhood. Well, a good day’s work I thought when we finally finished. I was glad it was a small house. Then dad said it. “ We did this for what you’ve meant to us over the years. We are laying up treasures in Heaven. The feeling of being able to help in a time of need is enough. And for that there is no amount of money can be paid. Just remember us in your prayers. You know, now as I think back, he was right about that feeling. I’m glad God taught dad taught me.

God Taught Dad Taught Me 6

Oh Lord he’s going to stop and help those people, I thought as I felt the car slow down. I‘ll be late for the game! The pickup truck was stopped in the left lane with two-by-fours and plywood strewn behind it; a man and woman trying desperately to get it loaded back on the truck. This is going to take some time II was thinking as dad eased out of the right lane and onto the shoulder of the road. I knew it wouldn’t do any good to say anything, so, I just got out and followed him across the road. Traffic was light, thank God. I wondered if the reason some people didn’t stop was the man was black and the lady white. I hear people think funny things about life. Two other cars pulled over after a few minutes and two men got out ( one a white man and the other Native American). With their help all the lumber was loaded in a matter of minutes. I couldn’t help but think what dad always said about people working together to get things done; especially today. I felt good after everybody said their quick thank-yous. None of us knew the other one’s names, nobody asked because it wasn’t important. By the way I got to the game on time. I’m glad God taught dad taught me.

God Taught Dad Taught Me 7

“Hey dad, Larry hasn’t been over for awhile. I wonder what’s going on.” “I’m not sure. Jim hasn’t been around. Matter of fact he hasn’t even called. Maybe we should drive over and see how things are going.” Well with that we jumped in the car and went to see my dad’s friend Jim and his son Larry. When we arrived, Larry was gone with his mother, so the three of us sat on the porch for a little while and talked. Jim began to explain the reason they hadn’t been by was because he had been unable to get ahead financially enough to pay my dad back the $20 he had borrowed. Dad looked at Jim and said,” Listen I want you to accept that money as a gift. Your friendship is worth much more than money and if you still need help, don’t hesitate to ask.” I noticed dad and Jim closer than ever before after that. I’m glad God taught dad taught me.

God's Love

How can I write about that that I cannot fully comprehend For the words that I know cannot explain it I feel as though I have it many times and can show it But yet then I find it is so much larger than I I know that it works for I have tried it many times I could not explain it, yet it always explains itself Its actions were much more than any words I know Yet we use words that we try to represent this I say for myself it is not sufficient for this great thing But let me say as best I can this wonderful thing God’s Love

Going Home Christmas

The car ride wasn’t as long as remembered But I was so much younger then I knew I longed for a time return The thing was only a matter of when City limit sign passed many times before Now not with the same expectation Yes changing times had moved lives Going home now with shaded anticipation I wish that before days were here again When youth surrounded us all with love Whether storm or rain showed up for dawn We saw only sunny skies above I can but remember those days now And the smile of hope still bring Though family and friends part in ways Those old Christmas carols still sing In this thing my soul shall rest Though some have gone their love will remain Giving me the peace now in my memories I’ll enjoy my going home Christmas again

Going to the House

I thought it funny at the time as I gave a quick chuckle. I had told grandpa I was “ going to the house’, and he had replied that yes it was time. It took me back to over the years, no matter where you were with grandpa (the peanut field, the watermelon patch, or just sitting around talking) when he was finished he’d say I’m going to the house and away he’d go. I loved hanging out with him, listening to him talk about God. He said it didn’t matter how dark the night or the clouds, if you were looking for some light, it was always there to be seen. If you said anything bad about somebody, grandpa would say that the special thing about God was that everybody was special to Him. I could go on and on about the good things grandpa had to say about God and his love for Jesus and that I will do. I guess I am the one to do that since grandpa has “ gone to the House” to stay.

Gone But Kept

It still remains to this very day Though at times it fades to dim Daily through my life I walk Always with memory of him Maybe not a hero to man A great author of history No one of great renown But these things he was to me He told of a Love from God He said to change I could do All because of a life once given To make all men’s lives anew A careful hand placed on my back Yet firm upon my heart Hear these words from me he’d say And from you never depart In my youth I still recall As a babe in your arms I slept Guiding me on through my years Your memories gone but kept

Good Feelings

During my lifetime I’ve known some things I could say were good feelings. Some of the ones I remember are hearing my child say daddy, watching my father kiss my mother; and yes, my grandchild calling me papaw in that voice of innocence. I can say that is the good feelings that make life itself rewarding, if we just allow those little things be the most important in our life. These are not like once in a lifetime happenings, for if we look close around us, these good feelings are there to be enjoyed. The list is endless when we know what love and life are all about. A baby falling asleep in your arms, or just knowing that you have helped someone. I know the best good feeling was when I accepted Christ, and though that only happens once…it still feels good.

Good Things
	Words are said and this a good thing Because then I can say I love you There is none words greater than these So more often then I should do   You are a friend as one can be For this also is a good thing No not even the rains of life can touch The smile my thought of you bring   Years may pass quickly but times remain The good things in friends to know Never far away from a place in my heart A rainbow of the love you can show   I'll shall in darkest of days in my life Say yes to the good things we knew May not too many but just enough These memories I have  of you   So friend I say to you now in prayer For all the things that you do Whether will be in sunshine or rain May God send good things to you
Good to See You Again
	Well it seems it’s been awhile I should not stay away so long For when I stay away My life seems to go all wrong Is like I walk a darkness path On which is not much light And stumbling onward in my life How long does seem the night Are shattered dreams in this way As for others walked before Lend myself sometimes to pray And open Your Love’s Door Then to find the rest I need And shelter from storm’s rain Open Your Precious Word to say Good to see You again Yes I’ve missed you I resound For from reading I did refrain But now with joy I proclaim Good to see You again

Grandpa's Apple Tree

It seems it's been dead for years My grandpa's apple tree He planted it so long ago It's beauty all could see It gave it's fruit to all who came To look upon the tree It struggled hard for years and years To be all that it could be As the years went slowly by The tree it got so old It had stood all it's tests The rain, the wind, the cold And now the tree is old and gray It's flowers no longer bloom But inside this old tree The birds have built a room The tree had freely gave to all In life of all it's best And even tho it looked so sad It still gave a place to rest I am so thankful for that tree And many others too It is a lesson for us all Of what a tree can be Is the tree a sign to all of us To be all that we can be I'm glad that he planted it My grandpa's apple tree

Green

Green, I think I like that color There are leaves that sre green Yes. and I've seen green waters It took the blue and changed it Must somehow be the sunlight I saw And sometimes the mountains look green But have any been in any other color Ah, we can talk about frogs and lizards Perhaps mention made of a snake But now the feathers will bring us back Again we shall think of beauty I don't think the sky has been green I try to remember in a rainbow Mold upon bread wherein good was found Yes I like that color green Pretty are the eyes that look through green Truly God created it For us to know that green is beautiful