The Divine Perspective (full length)

Proverbs 14:12, Mark 8:36

We all adopt philosophies
while passing through the years,
born either from successes
or adversities and fears.
Or possibly, tradition plays
a part—how we’ve been taught
through precept and example,
and advice which we have sought.
We may be right, we may be wrong;
we’ll live and die that way,
then stand before the Judge of all
in joy or in dismay.

Heredity, environment,
both surely play a part
but dare we make excuses? No,
the issue is our heart.
’Tis true, we lost our paradise
when our first parents sinned;
but we can get it back, you know;
through Christ it is regained.
To fit into that paradise,
where God is in control,
calls for a true, whole-hearted love
for Him within our soul.

And this, of course, requires change
in how we think and live.
It’s not within our will nor power;
this grace our God must give.
The choice is ours, we must decide
to take the gift of life,
and turn our backs upon this world
which seems a sacrifice.
But there is peace awaiting, as
we make Christ Jesus Lord,
and let Him have complete control,
submitting to His Word.

It is real peace of mind,
contentment at its best;
the Bible says that there remains
for us and inward rest.
So many voices call to us,
professing that they know
just what it is and how God will
this grace on us bestow.
But take the time to check God’s Word,
it’s precious as your breath;
avoid “the way that seemeth right
to man, but ends in death.”

What shall it profit, Jesus said
(sit down and count the cost),
if you should gain this whole, wide world
and then your soul be lost?
But that’s not all that matters, for
we have a life to live;
and for each moment of that life,
a strict account we’ll give.
Now we’re inclined to magnify
the present, here and now,
and take no thought of that great day,
when to the Lord we’ll bow.

We can invest our lives and claim
tremendous dividends
when we shall meet our Saviour
and our pilgrim journey ends.
Why live for pleasure, selfish gain,
and fame this world affords?
We’ll leave it all behind some day,
like old and rotten boards.
But we can send supplies ahead
which never shall decay,
if we’ll invest our lives for God
unselfishly today.

fpn/1975



Published as poem #50 in Contemporary Psalms. An abridged version was published later.

Picture: depositphotos.com #21171863, standard license

Thy Praise We Sing (Table Grace)

Thy praise we sing; our thanks we bring,
O God, Thou gracious Giver;
Thy mercies great we contemplate,
Almighty to deliver!

Let words be kind, grant peace of mind;
rule out all thoughts distressing;
to every good, and this our food,
we pray Thee, add Thy blessing!

Amen.

fpn/1972

This is available as a song. For a copy of the music, contact Joyce.



Picture: depositphotos.com #52074573, 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

Thrilled with the Goodness of God

Depth of mercy, oh where shall I start,
the dimensions of grace to impart?
Oh how blessed the peace,
and how sweet the release,
since Jesus came into my heart.

Where, oh where, shall my praises begin,
for the One who has saved me from sin?
Tongues of angels and men,
or the most graphic pen,
could not tell what I feel deep within!

Access into this grace, yes, ’tis true;
what I ask in His name, He will do.
If His will is my choice,
I shall hear His sweet voice,
speaking peace and assurance anew.

And the glorious prospect before:
I shall see Him, the one I adore;
with that jubilant throng,
join in praises and song,
where we’ll tell of His grace evermore!

I am thrilled with the goodness of God,
Yes, I’m thrilled with the goodness of God;
from sin’s slavery and loss
was redeemed at the cross,
where the innocent Lamb shed His blood.

Oh, the blessings of life that are mine
and eternity’s hope so sublime!
Overwhelmed by His love,
I have life from above.
I am thrilled with the goodness of God.

fpn/undated


Published as poem #53 in Contemporary Psalms
Picture: depositphotos.com #9376729, standard license

Reassurance

Now as I face the year ahead 
of nineteen seventy-five,
I might become discouraged
and perhaps afraid to live.
But since I know what Jesus said
and what He’s promised me,
I feel that I can move ahead
by faith—and cheerfully.

The year just past brought sorrows which
so crushed my heart with woe,
for unannounced bereavement struck—
I’m glad I didn’t know
ahead of time that it would come;
but this I’m glad to say,
that God was there with ample grace
to help me through each day.

“My peace,” He said, “I give to you;
come unto me and rest.
I am the gentle Shepherd,
and I always seek your best.
So follow closely in the paths
that lead to pastures green,
and by still waters that I know
where you have never been.

“I will not leave thee, nor forsake;
let nothing come between.
You’ll lose, not win, by worrying
o’er things that might have been.”
And so, for me, “To live is Christ,”
and yes, “to die is gain.”
By faith, I’ll take each step ahead
till He makes all things plain.

fpn/1974

Editor's note: This was written the year Frank and Eva's third child, Jack, died in a car collision. He was buried on his 26th birthday. A few months earlier, a newborn granddaughter lived only three days due to complications during her birth. Her father (oldest son, Charles) reflects, "What a sad time it was -- and still is as we bring it to mind. But now they are all in the Lord's presence -- in the realm of untold joy!"

Published as poem #56 in Contemporary Psalms
Picture: depositphotos.com #31799065, standard license

Concern or Worry?

Concern or worry, which is which?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
To shun responsibility
may spawn a living hell.
But care that leads us to despair,
till friends become distressed,
is never noble or divine;
of God cannot be blessed.

Behind a flippant attitude
so often there is grief;
the victim may be out of sight,
but pained beyond belief.
The world may laud the guilty one,
who seems so light of heart,
yet under burdens really his,
another one must smart.

Just take the drunkard—he has friends
(and what a time they have),
while one whom he has pledged to love
is a veritable slave.
The less he cares, the more she must,
for children and their needs;
while he steps out for merriment,
her heart in silence bleeds.

But let us take a look, my friend,
at others close around,
professing that they know the Lord,
yet are not free, but bound.
They lie awake at night and fret
o’er troubles sad and deep,
then spend their days complaining
that at night they cannot sleep.

We would not minimize their grief;
life deals some awful blows;
so often people suffer more
than anybody knows.
And we should seek, the Bible says,
Christ’s law to thus fulfill,
and bear another’s burden
who is struggling up some hill.

But in the self-same scripture
of Galatians, chapter six,
(and now I pray, dear friend of mine,
this message really sticks),
a following verse—it’s number five;
OUR burdens we must face;
we dare not shun or fail to lift
and carry them with grace.

Yes, “Every man shall bear his own,”
whate’er that burden be,
without resentment or complaint;
now notice, please, verse three:
If anyone some merit claim, 
thinks highly of himself,
when he is nothing but deceived,
he’ll soon be on the shelf.

The Lord’s supply of mercy and
of grace, as well, is long.
But these are not for coddling us;
they’re given to make us strong.
“Let every man prove his own work,”
true honors to receive;
awards in heaven will not be given
for deeds of make-believe.

A burdened heart, which seeks in prayer 
to bring men to the cross,
is different than the selfish heart 
that weeps o’er earthly loss.
Concern or worry? You will prove,
if you believe God’s Word;
your attitude shows the degree 
to which you trust the Lord.

fpn/undated
Published as Poem #46 in Contemporary Psalms


Picture: depositphotos.com #21813871, standard license

A Sequel to “Amazing Grace”

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that really changed my ways;
I now hate sin and love the Lord—
try pleasing God these days.

The devil fiercely hates me now,
since Jesus set me free;
but I am more than conqueror,
through Him who first loved me!

Heaven will be great, I do agree;
and I’ll be glad to go;
but I’ve got work cut out for me,
and I’ll get with it now.

This life of give-and-take soon ends—
some dark days I will face;
but since my Saviour wlaks with me,
I’ll enjoy it, by His grace!

fpn/98



Picture: depositphotos.com #49096837, standard license

Peace as a River

“O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments; then had thy peace been as a river and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18

“And on earth, peace…” our keen desire,
yes, “good will” everywhere;
there’s so much strife and cruelty,
yet some there are who care.

Peace talks? Of course; proposals too—
and promises so bold;
but homes break up and souls despair,
as hearts grow hard and cold.

to love our neighbor as ourselves;
how miserably we fail,
but when we seek God’s glory first,
His grace can then prevail.

True peace alone derives from God,
out from His gracious hand;
when we bring glory due His name,
great peace will bless our land.

fpn / 1995



Picture: depositphotos.com #10275873, standard license

Exchanging Places

If I were you and you were I,

which one would gain the most?

To each, no dobut, some things we prize

would sadly then be lost.

I’m sure that you have qualities

which I might well adopt;

and I have habits, I’ll admit,

which really should be dropped.

By such an exchange, we’d assume

all traits—both good and bad;

would one of us come out ahead,

the other, sad or mad?

Our friends just see what seems to be,

whene’er we chance to meet;

we place our best foot forward so

they’ll think we’re really neat.

Just empty speculation, which 

I thought could never be;

for there’s no human being who 

would care to trade with me.

But then I was reminded of 

a man who did one day!

Gave up His life, assuming mine

and bore my guilt away.

How could this God-Man, virgin born, 

such grace on me bestow?

It isn’t mine to question,

but to believe and know!

fpn/1986

Picture: Undercover Boss, accessed June 25, 2017

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

On Being Cheerful

It isn’t hard in times like these—
the world is so distressed—
to hold a gloomy attitude
and a spirit much depressed.

God’s grace is ample for each need;
let’s just apply for more.
Self-pity, like a grouchy dog,
will drive friends from your door.

If friends you’d have, then be a friend;
go lift another’s load.
Perhaps his lot is harder still,
more difficult his road.

He may be struggling, oh, so hard,
in battles he must win;
to see you with a frown or scowl
won’t help him lift his chin.

It may just make the difference
that will spell success or loss;
determine now how you will leave
some friend whose path you cross.

How will complaining ease your load
or other friends inspire?
Can you not see some stepping stones
protruding from the mire?

Not always easy? I’ll agree!
The world’s in such a mess;
but as you walk with God each day
some others you can bless.

God’s Word holds many promises;
they’re meant for you and me.
Let’s demonstrate how true they are
by living cheerfully!

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #72580893, standard license

The Divine Perspective (Abridged)

Proverbs 14:12, Mark 8:36

We all adopt philosophies
while passing through the years,
born either from successes
or adversities and fears.
Or possibly, tradition plays
a part—how we’ve been taught
through precept and example,
and advice which we have sought.
We may be right, we may be wrong;
we’ll live and die that way
then stand before the Judge of all
in joy or in dismay.

Heredity, environment
both surely play a part
but dare we make excuses? No,
the issue is our heart.
‘Tis true, we lost our paradise
when our first parents sinned;
but we can get it back, you know;
through Christ it is regained.
To fit into that paradise,
where God is in control,
calls for a true, whole-hearted love
for Him within our soul.

And this, of course, requires change
in how we think and live.
It’s not within our will nor power;
this grace our God must give.
The choice is ours, we must decide
to take the gift of life,
and turn our backs upon this world
which seems a sacrifice.
But there is peace awaiting, as
we make Christ Jesus Lord,
and let Him have complete control,
submitting to His Word.

fpn/1975


This is an abridged version. The full poem was published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 50
Picture: depositphotos.com #21171863, standard license

Dying Grace

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil. 1:21

We sing about the joys of heaven
and how we long to go;
and understandably, we add,
“Some day—but not just now!”

We’ll spend our utmost, Satan said,
to live—yes, so it seems,
and heaven can wait, which we confess,
exceeds our wildest dreams! 

Within the providence of God
there comes a time to die;
why then should we, who know the Lord, 
so reluctantly comply?

We testify that Jesus is
our best friend, true and tried;
but mesmerized by this world’s charms,
forget we are His bride!

“O grave, where is thy victory?
O death, where is thy sting?”
Is this to us mere rhetoric—
words with a hollow ring?

“But I’m still needed in this world!”
Perhaps—to ease some woe,
but when our Lord says, “That’s enough,”
we should be glad to go.

And thanks to God, life can be good;
His grace we may employ;
if we commune with Him each day,
we’ll know His peace and joy.

“My times are in Thy hand,” dear Lord—
alike, in joy or pain;
and so, “For me to live is Christ—
to die—eternal gain!”

fpn /1995


Picture: depositphotos.com #15816415, standard license

Bowing Out Gracefully

It will never be easy for me, nor for you,
to give up the routine of things that we do.
To feel we’re not needed—in fact, in the way;
our advice, not requested; even spurned in that day.

How different from “old times,” when our word was the law,
being right in the middle of needs that we saw!
Then to stand back uneasy, while less skillful hands
turn out work that is shoddy—deaf to our reprimands.

There we stand, without comment; we’ve been shunted aside;
Never thought it’d be this hard—can’t just take it in stride.
But there’s no need to panic—turn bitter or sour;
Our hope is in Jesus; He has grace for this hour.

Let us shift our attention to the things of true worth,
and remain strong in spirit a few more days on earth.
This world—here when we came, spins on when we’re gone.
May our small contribution help those carrying on!

fpn/86



Picture: depositphotos.com #29189919, standard license

Sing and Give Thanks

Sing and give thanks

all ye saints of God Most High,

partakers of His holiness

and destined for the sky.

His glorious banner be unfurled;

lift high and let it wave!

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

with wondrous power to save!

Then sing to your mighty Lord!

Oh, sing of His precious Word!

Yes, sing until all have heard

of His saving power. Give thanks and sing!

fpn / undated
These lyrics are set to music, as song #1 in the songbook titled “Sing and Give Thanks.”
Contact Joyce for a copy.



Photo Credit: First Alliance Church Choir, Calgary AB Canada, photo by Barry Pendergast

Christian Service Hazards

This poem was written during the last summer of family touring before Frank accepted a call to pastor a church.










What are the implications
for serving Christ the Lord?
And are there any hazards
where life is thus out-poured?

We often speak of blessings
and benefits we reap
but shall we bypass sorrows
and ne’er have cause to weep?

We’re speaking now of valor
and for a job well done
while witnessing for Jesus,
whom this world seeks to shun.

We read of men in old times
who hazarded their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus
(through such, the church still thrives).

They counted it an honor
to suffer for His name;
for in that name was power
to heal the sick and lame.

And in that name, authority 
to break the chains of sin
and liberate the prisoners—
their souls for heaven to win.

And no intimidation
could quench their ardent zeal.
No threatening could daunt them,
no charge their lips could seal.

The pain of being hated,
by some they sought to win,
brought tears—but of compassion
for those deceived by sin.

What then is the criterion
for usefulness to God—
prosperity and praises
or a life-style that is “mod”?

No! Understand the signals:
the world but loves its own;
to those of heavenly calling,
few courtesies are shown.

But Christ, our conquering captain
leads on with power and grace.
Through Him we walk serenely,
though serious threats we face.

Oh, may His love propel us
to follow His command
and though we face great hazards,
have power and grace to stand.

fpn / Summer 1977



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #5808940, standard license

Blessed Paradox

Great confusion
by intrusion
of this Christ, divinely given.
Hostile faction
soon took action—
He was nailed; His side was riven.

What a story,
wondrous glory;
hear the strains of “Peace on earth.”
Contradiction?
Was it fiction?
Wars and more wars since His birth.

Did He fail?
Was betrayal
indication He was wrong?
Rest your fears,
dry your tears—
now, as then, he gives a song!

Earthly tyrants
are but migrants,
briefly clutching selfish gain.
The King Jesus,
by grace frees us—
His is the eternal reign.

fpn/’85



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #19082455, standard license

God is Good

Original text by E.C. Magaret, translated from German by F.P. Nickel

Original music arranged by H.A. Henry; alternate musical arrangement by F.P. Nickel

God is good—by grace He saved us—
He our hope has oft renewed.
Lighting up our pilgrim pathway,
God is love and God is good!

All our needs and more supplying—
sunshine, rain and pleasant food,
joys of fellowship and service.
God is love and God is good!

In our toil and in our suffering
He imparts the joyful mood,
lifting us above our sorrows.
God is love and God is good!

In each season of abundance,
in our loss and solitude,
His design is for our profit.
God is love and God is good!

Though the nations rage in conflict,
restless throngs rebel and feud,
He alone stands firm and final;
God is love and God is good!

By His love and care surrounded,
with His grace and power endued,
we may rest in Jesus' keeping.
God is love and God is good!

Lyrics published 1975 in Contemporary Psalms, p. 2.
Recorded on LP771, "God is Good" side one
Sheet music available from Joyce.



Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com 2847514, Standard License

As We Forgive

"As we forgive," and would you know
the peace of mind which God will then bestow;
can you, my friend, afford to lose
this peace of mind, if you refuse?

"As we forgive" - there is some wrong
we cannot right by force so strong.
When opening doors, 'tis best by far
to use the keys, not wrecking bar.

"As we forgive," you see his sin;
are you concerned his soul to win?
Your sins as well must be forgiven
for entrance to that place called heaven.

"As we forgive, as we forgive!"
'Tis then that we begin to live.
"As we forgive," there flows so free
God's pardoning grace from Calvary!

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #11977974, standard license