How Do I Know

words and melody by Eva Mae Withaus, harmony by Frank P. Nickel

How do I know that the Father above 
watches o’er me with His tenderest love?
He sees the fall of each little bird,
I read it in God’s Holy Word. 

How do I know that He’ll answer my prayer 
when I am sad and there’s no one to care?
Somehow I know my cry will be heard,
I read it in God’s Holy Word.

Just like the shepherd He leads us;
He seeks for the sheep gone astray;
He carries the lambs in His bosom,
and keeps them from danger always.

How do I know that He died in my place,
giving me life through His marvelous grace?
Sweetest of stories ever heard,
I read it in God’s Holy Word.

©1965, Radiant Light Enterprises.
Published as song #12 in Sing and Give Thanks , and recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice, side one, by the Junior Trio: John, Steve, and Paul. Video design by Joyce Rempel on animoto.com using the recorded song and photos from the family collection.

The Pain of Betrayal

Had it been but a casual acquaintaince
or an enemy over the years,
then I could have born all the trauma,
though it called for some suffering and tears.

But it was a man, quite my equal,
in whom I had placed utmost trust;
his pledges and input were binding,
and sharing his friendship, a must.

We walked in sweet counsel together;
we entered God’s house side by side.
No need to retain reservations,
we were sure that such trust would abide.

But suddenly—it’s still so unreal!
Like a dream—might I not yet awake?
And find that it never did happen
and in further exchanges partake?

The cause and the cure for that heartache 
may be hidden from view while I live;
but there’s comfort and healing in Jesus,
through Him, I can truly forgive.

Would taking revenge solve the problem?
Would apologies be understood?
It’s doubtful—the path that I travel
in essence, is forward, with God.

There’s forgiveness and healing in Jesus.
Future joy may eclipse those that were;
we’ve no cause or time then for worry;
He’s the cushion for jolts that occur.

fpn/1974



Picture: depositphotos.com #48689365, standard license

True Faith

True faith is more than make-believe,
or what we want to feel.
The issue is too grave to clutch
what’s fiction and not real.

It takes a living Christ to speak
sweet comfort to the heart.
If we’re not sure He rose again
we’re following Satan’s art.

And that means consternation
in the final hour of death;
but living faith builds confidence 
and praise with our last breath.

“By grace, through faith,” the Bible says,
in God’s eternal Son.
To know His resurrection power
spells peace when day is done.

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #52881593, standard license

Hilltops and Valleys

by Paul and Ruth Hudson
Third stanza by Frank P. Nickel

I walk on the hilltops—
I walk through the valleys;
wherever my footsteps,
my Saviour is there.
On the hilltops with Jesus
I sense heaven’s spendor,
in the valleys I know
His compassionate care.

Should life be all hilltops
of beauty and glory,
should there be no heartaches
to mar my sweet bliss,
should there be no sorrows
to share with my Saviour?
Then His tenderest touch
I forever would miss.

By faith I will follow
my Lord every moment,
o’er hilltops and valleys
we’ll walk side by side.
His love is so precious,
His mercies so tender,
and I will not question
whatever betide.

(Refrain)
As summer and winter
both come in their season,
so hilltops and valleys,
alike, must be trod.
Each one has its purpose
and each has its lesson;
and I will not falter,
for I walk with God!

Published as Poem #3 in Contemporary Psalms and Song #16 in "Sing and Give Thanks"
Song recorded by the Nickel Family Singers on side two of LP365 My Sheep Know My Voice




Picture: depositphotos.com #31617345, standard license

He Came for All

Some seem convinced that Christ is just
for women and the kids
and so they don’t expose themselves
to the good that Jesus bids.

“Peace on earth—good will to men,”
that takes in everyone;
but now as then some miss the joy
of knowing Christ the Son.

The merriment at Christmas is
so hollow at the core.
For some it spells much tragedy—
to rich as well as poor.

Could they but know the peace of mind
and comfort to the soul
available to those who trust,
and let Him have control.

Oh, “taste and see—the Lord is good;”
just face reality!
He offers resurrection life,
from chains of sin be free.

So many then received Him not
and nothing much has changed,
but those who do—oh, what a thrill!
Their lives are rearranged.

A babe, two thousand years ago;
today, the King of Kings.
In His domain, there’s peace and joy
not found in earthly things.

fpn/December 1984

(Alternate Title: The Supreme Good)

Our Rest in God

"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure..." Psalm 16:9

Oh, love of God mysterious,
sustaining in our loss,
our spirits and our souls so wrenched 
when we recall the cross.

When hopes are dashed and comforts flee
we rush into the arms
of Love omniscient, strong and pure
for refuge from alarms.

We need not understand it all
just now, but we are sure
one day we will, and until then
God’s grace will yet endure.

Now we may share the tears of those
who paths of grief have trod;
since we have hope beyond the grave,
we find our rest in God!

fpn / December 1980

My Bible and My Hymnbook

My Bible and my hymnbook grow dearer ev’ry day.
They comfort and they guide me along life’s toilsome way.
’Tis through God’s word, the Bible, His tender voice I hear
and as I sing and worship, I feel His presence near.

Some people treat the Bible as ‘twere a lucky charm.
It’s not the book, but message, that saves us from all harm.
Such folks don’t use their hymnbook for superstitious hearts,
can never sing with liberty the songs which grace imparts.

Oh, Brother, read your Bible and use your hymnbook, too;
for life at best by ev’ry test, no other book will do.
Your Bible and your hymnbook, oh, hide them in your heart;
you’ll have an anchor for your soul. God’s truth they will impart.

fpn / 1967
Recorded on LP467, side one; published as Poem #9 in Contemporary Psalms, and as Song #11 in “Sing and Give Thanks." If you would like a copy of the music, contact Joyce.

Photo: depositphotos.com #36662225, standard license