The Change of Age

A few years back, folks noticed me,
smiled and wished my friends to be;
now where I go, it seems today
they sometimes look the other way.

Yes, my friend, I am growing old;
I don’t want a lot of gold—
specially the earthly kind.
I’ve got heaven on my mind.

There we’ll walk on streets of gold, 
in the Bible we are told.
Everything so nice and clean—
no more litter will be seen.

No drunk drivers on the street,
where true saints of God shall meet;
billboards won’t be telling lies,
smog won’t irritate your eyes.

Bags of garbage won’t disgrace
mansion lawns in yonder place;
we’ll not need a walking cane—
no arthritis—no more pain!

Folks will all be friendly there;
everyone will join in prayer.
Here, the atheists sport their craze;
there, we’ll all be singing praise!

We won’t need the trees for shade
where the roses never fade;
luscious fruit all year—much more—
all be rich and no one poor.

Life down here is not for long,
so I’ll sing my happy song
when I’m present in the fold,
no one there will call me old.

fpn/1985



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More to Follow

If this world is all there’s to it
and there’s nothing more to come,
then I say, “It just ain’t worth it.”
Most folks don’t have that much fun!

Oh, a few may seem to prosper
and they seldom lose a day;
things go well and they make money,
but there’s lots more work than play!

Some have plans when they retire
but by unexpected quirk,
things go wrong with one or the other 
and their plans so seldom work.

Friend of mine, there’s more to follow
if you want it—oh, please do!
Rich rewards and life eternal,  
God is offering me and you!

fpn/undated



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God’s Orders

I choose to take God’s orders,
and do so cheerfully;
for Satan might have claimed me,
but Christ has set me free.

How could I be presumptuous
and cater to my whim,
when Jesus died to save me?
I owe my life to Him.

I choose to take God’s orders,
which lead to long-range good,
though sometimes I may question
and not see how they could.

My temporary losses—
quite often, they are not;
but in disguise, a blessing.
Why hoard the things that rot?

I choose to take God’s orders;
what gain they prove to be,
not only for the present,
but for eternity.

Resigned to be made gracious
so I may then invest,
for God, in lives of others
and move with holy zest.

I choose to take God’s orders—
or better said, His call.
How precious is our friendship.
Yes, He deserves my all!

fpn / December 1982



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The Lordship of Jesus (The Clear Choice)

We all now have the option
of being saved from hell
and making sure of heaven,
where saints in glory dwell.
For Christ came to this planet
sin’s penalty to pay,
and when our hearts receive Him,
He’ll own us on that day.

How can some vainly reason
that heaven’s their reward,
while choosing to regard Christ
as Saviour, but not Lord?
Will heaven have two classes
of sinners, saved by grace—
the one, ascribing Lordship,
the other, second place?

Consider well, my neighbor,
that heaven begins right now.
But only if sincerely
in penitence we bow.
’Tis total trust in Jesus,
confessing Him as Lord,
that makes us fit for heaven,
according to God’s Word!

fpn/1992



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Real Life Insurance

by Frank P. Nickel

They call it “life” insurance
and I don’t want to fuss
but it’s really a misnomer
affecting all of us.

You can insure my money,
but life, my greatest wealth,
has boundaries and limits;
and this is true of health.

Yes, some would pay a fortune
for just a few more years,
but who would dare to bargain
with a dying man in tears?

Don’t think me idiotic;
you might respond with “Wow!”
but I’ve got life insurance 
for a thousand years from now.

Returns are so fantastic
just now, with more to come
for body, soul and spirit—
of bliss, the total sum.

First, peace with God is granted
on being justified;
all needs, with deep contentment,
are guaranteed beside.

And then, there’s glory waiting
beyond this vale of tears
in a land of sweet contentment
where they count not time by years.

To claim this mighty contract,
your money will not do.
God’s wonderful salvation
is free of charge to you.

Your part is just accepting
that Jesus shed His blood;
receiving as your Saviour
the risen Son of God.

Published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 4
(c) 1975 by Radiant Light Enterprises



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Facing the Final Day (Planning Your Funeral)

Have you thought about your funeral?
Have you plans for that great day?
To the ones you leave behind you, 
is there something you would say?

Seems to me you’ve got an option
which you can’t afford to miss;
mingling with the tears of loved ones,
feelings of eternal bliss.

When you know where you are going,
and aware of what you’ll find,
making plans for your own funeral
won’t disturb your peace of mind.

There are different kinds of funerals,
most of them are not too long.
Surely you could make suggestions
as to sermon and a song.

If you’ve lived a life with purpose,
surely some advice you’d give
to the ones who still are traveling,
as to how it pays to live.

There will come that golden moment,
you can really make it count,
if you dearly love your Savior
and you’ve been to Calvary’s mount.

Sometimes I can’t help but wonder
why some Christians seem to shun
any reference to their funeral,
when they know it’s going to come.

Some have gained a modest fortune
by their diligence, but still,
when the Reaper comes to claim them,
haven’t even made a will.

That’s not being realistic,
for your life’s a sacred trust;
God has made of you His steward,
careful planning is a must.

Those who share abundant living
as they dwell upon this sod
love to think about the future
and the glories of our God.

If you’ve lived a life with purpose
surely some advice you’d give
to the ones who still are traveling
as to how it pays to live.

If you’re really bound for heaven
and you’ve laid up treasures there,
you’ll rejoice to go and claim them
as you leave this world of care.

While you’re here, you have the privilege
to decide a thing or two;
as you plan for your own funeral,
make sure Christ is seen in you.

fpn/undated

Published as poem #42 in Contemporary Psalms.

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The Hope of Rising Again

The Hope of Rising Again
John 14:19

The hope of rising again
gives meaning and purpose to life;
for sorrow and heartache untold
are widespread in this world of strife.

Life seems like a tunnel at times;
it appears we will never get out.
We’re depressed—our hearts fill with fear;
it’s hard not to worry or doubt.

The one thought that helps us endure
is knowing that this too shall pass;
but that’s not enough—we need hope
that a new day will soon dawn at last.

There is no denying that death
now poses an unwelcome fate;
so final—and mysteries abound
past the veil of our present estate.

True facts about what lies ahead
are discovered alone in God’s word;
yet many prefer in its stead
speculation so wild and absurd.

This life is much more than a game;
there are destinies we will achieve,
and there need be no losers at all—
the condition is that we believe.

By faith, we can claim for ourselves
a future of glory and peace;
Christ lives and yes, “we too shall live”
in His kingdom which never shall cease.

fpn 3/86

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I Walked Today

I walked today where Jesus walked;
He told me where to go.
It meant that I would soil my hands;
that suffering I would know.
I traveled down a rocky road
where there was sin and hate.
I tried to mend a broken heart;
my own work had to wait.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

abuse had edged my way.

He told me humbly to forgive

and for that one to pray.

I met a lassie and a lad

and told them of God's love.

Their precious smiles were my reward;

I thanked the Lord above.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

some may not understand.

I sensed again His love for me;

I felt his nail-pierced hand.

I shared His burden for the lost;

I read His precious word.

My hope was raised, my strength restored;

I prayed and knew He heard.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

I didn't cross the sea

but He was just as real to me

as those in Galilee.

These eyes of mine, so limited

shall one day clearly see

The smiling face of Him I love

Throughout eternity.

fpn/85

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The Resurrection Day

Christ arose, no more to die

and His own to justify

in the dawning of that great

and glorious day;

when an angel from on high –

swift as lightening from the sky –

overwhelmed the guards

and rolled the stone away.

He arose, our blessed Lord,

in fulfillment of His word;

wondrous message, let us

evermore proclaim!

Where, oh death, is now thy sting,

and oh grave, thy victory?

We shall rise, for Christ arose,

Oh, praise His name!

On that resurrection day

when the shadows flee away

and the trumpet of the Lord

shall pierce the air,

what rejoicing there will be

when our Saviour we shall see

and with loved ones,

His eternal glory share!

Sweetest message, wondrous grace,

to the sons of Adam’s race;

“He is risen; come and see

where Jesus lay.”

Though death hovered o’er your head,

you are justified instead

from the guilt and debt

which none could ever pay.

There is life for you and me

by a look at Calvary;

there is pardon, peace

and cleansing through His blood.

Yes, we claim an empty tomb

and the future holds no gloom;

we shall rise, for Christ arose,

the Son of God!

On that resurrection day

when the shadows flee away

and the trumpet of the Lord

shall pierce the air,

what rejoicing there will be

when our Saviour we shall see

and with loved ones,

His eternal glory share!

fpn / undated

Published as poem #14 in Contemporary Psalms and as song #10 in Sing and Give Thanks
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy of the sheet music.

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An Ode to Friends (Whom we love in the Lord)

There come some times in life when we
are forced to make a choice;
And though it hurts and spells much loss
our feelings cannot voice.

It may well seem that we've betrayed
our friends and gone insane.
Yes, this is why it's doubly hard;
we hate to cause them pain.

But there is One who sanctifies
for us both gain and loss,
if we but follow where He leads
and gladly bear our cross.

Let's praise the Lord for what we've gained
through fellowship we've shared,
and plan ahead when we'll resume
in mansions now prepared.

God works in a mysterious way;
His benefits are sweet.
Let's do our best so we may place
some trophies at His feet!

This life is but a transient scene,
like vapor fades away.
Let's make investments we can claim
on that eternal day.

fpn 2/77