Showing posts with label poem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poem. Show all posts

Friday, December 14, 2018

Celebrate Christmas? (Repost)


Though Christmas is abused,
I do not advocate
that we, by some accused,
do wrong to celebrate.

What is it all about—
green trees—gifts stacked or piled?
It’s not a time to pout—
glad birthday of a Child!

The underlying cause
is there—and we can choose
to worship as we pause,
and serve God as we muse.

There’s nothing, far and wide,
which God ordained for man,
that Satan hasn’t tried
to desecrate or ban.

The traffic jams will show
it’s more than just a fad;
more folks are on the go—
the good, and yes, the bad!

No other time of year
marks such a spending spree,
and wishes of good cheer,
of sharing and of glee.

Yet loneliness abounds,
for some will feel left out.
And, with or without grounds,
of friends will stand in doubt.

And some will whoop it up;
at wild parties play;
with drinks out of the cup,
try floating cares away.

The aftermath, of course,
for decent folks or vile,
will force some, sick and hoarse,
to recuperate a while.

A time for song and verse,
God’s love for everyone;
Christ came to break sin’s curse;
let’s honor Him—God’s Son!

All those who know the Lord,
from sin now find release;
for them, God’s gifts outpoured,
bring life and hope and peace.

fpn/undated

Monday, December 10, 2018

Overcome at Christmas (Repost)



Loaded with packages on a cold afternoon,
fingering money gone all too soon!
Fighting the traffic, finally get home
simply exhausted, “plumb overcome!”

Hurrying the supper, stacking so high
dishes, which later we’ll wash—maybe dry.
Prodding the children, force them to bed,
packaging gifts, numb hands, weary head!

Finally to bed at a quarter past twelve;
can’t do the dishes, they’ll wait on the shelf.
Oh, what excitement, just why do we give?
“Christmas,” they’re saying. I’ll know, if I live!

Weary and nervous, unable to sleep.
Trying to drop off and counting the sheep.
Suddenly shepherds appear in my mind:
angels, a stable, a mother so kind.

A Son has been given, a babe has been born.
Jesus, they named Him; to save the forlorn.
God’s gift so precious, for souls in sin’s night;
Birthday? Yes, His—why, of course, that is right!

Was all of it needful, to rush around so?
I ponder the question; my answer is, “No!”
Forget about Christmas, if, as many do,
the One to be honored, I leave Him out too!

Lord, give me wisdom to put first things first;
oh, Gift of true substance; oh, Quencher of thirst!
Oh, Love so transcending, my heart be Thy home;
I drop off to slumber, in peace, “overcome!”

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #44255237, standard license

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Your Soul


Your soul, oh friend of mine,
most surely wants to live;
God offers you just that--
eternal life He'll give.

Your soul --to gain the world--
the top, through craft or toil!
What happens, when they've placed
your body 'neath the soil?

Your soul, (don't tune me out)
was meant for better things,
than temporary gain
and all this short life brings.

Your soul, --your faculties;
emotions, will and mind,
these live beyond the grave;
your body stays behind.

Your soul, --consider well;
there's much to win or lose;
it all depends upon 
how presently you choose.

Your soul's security
was purchased by our Lord;
He offers LIFE to you,
by trusting in His Word.

Your soul, --He says to come,
if you would have the best--
deliverance from sin,
and sweet abiding rest!

fpn/ May 1982



Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash


Thursday, November 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving


On this day in 2002, Frank Nickel was "promoted to glory." Today, we look at some of the songs and poems he wrote throughout his life, expressing gratitude for God, family, friends, earthly blessings and anything else God might choose to send. (Click the titles to read the lyrics.)

Citizenship in Heaven is based on Psalm 103:2 and reminds us to "forget not" all God's benefits.
My Thanks asks how he can express gratitude for and to his friends.
Psalm 100 is a paraphrase about entering the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving.
Genuine Thanksgiving, True Freedom mulls questions about the survival of both faith and country.
Childlike Faith expresses gratitude for "whatever" God sends.
Sing and Give Thanks based on Psalm 30:4, was the cover song for Frank's songbook.
Thank You Lord For Loving Me is a less familiar song, but worthy of inclusion here.
Thanksgiving Rehearsal is for the day after Thanksgiving.

May your celebrations today be filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences God has granted in your life. Take time to express that personal thanks to each person who has been significant in your life!

Happy Thanksgiving!



Picture: depositphotos.com #13924026, standard license

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Celebrate Christmas?


Though Christmas is abused,
I do not advocate
that we, by some accused,
do wrong to celebrate.

What is it all about—
green trees—gifts stacked or piled?
It’s not a time to pout—
glad birthday of a Child!

The underlying cause
is there—and we can choose
to worship as we pause,
and serve God as we muse.

There’s nothing, far and wide,
which God ordained for man,
that Satan hasn’t tried
to desecrate or ban.

The traffic jams will show
it’s more than just a fad;
more folks are on the go—
the good, and yes, the bad!

No other time of year
marks such a spending spree,
and wishes of good cheer,
of sharing and of glee.

Yet loneliness abounds,
for some will feel left out.
And, with or without grounds,
of friends will stand in doubt.

And some will whoop it up;
at wild parties play;
with drinks out of the cup,
try floating cares away.

The aftermath, of course,
for decent folks or vile,
will force some, sick and hoarse,
to recuperate a while.

A time for song and verse,
God’s love for everyone;
Christ came to break sin’s curse;
let’s honor Him—God’s Son!

All those who know the Lord,
from sin now find release;
for them, God’s gifts outpoured,
bring life and hope and peace.

fpn/undated

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Overcome at Christmas



Loaded with packages on a cold afternoon,
fingering money gone all too soon!
Fighting the traffic, finally get home
simply exhausted, “plumb overcome!”

Hurrying the supper, stacking so high
dishes, which later we’ll wash—maybe dry.
Prodding the children, force them to bed,
packaging gifts, numb hands, weary head!

Finally to bed at a quarter past twelve;
can’t do the dishes, they’ll wait on the shelf.
Oh, what excitement, just why do we give?
“Christmas,” they’re saying. I’ll know, if I live!

Weary and nervous, unable to sleep.
Trying to drop off and counting the sheep.
Suddenly shepherds appear in my mind:
angels, a stable, a mother so kind.

A Son has been given, a babe has been born.
Jesus, they named Him; to save the forlorn.
God’s gift so precious, for souls in sin’s night;
Birthday? Yes, His—why, of course, that is right!

Was all of it needful, to rush around so?
I ponder the question; my answer is, “No!”
Forget about Christmas, if, as many do,
the One to be honored, I leave Him out too!

Lord, give me wisdom to put first things first;
oh, Gift of true substance; oh, Quencher of thirst!
Oh, Love so transcending, my heart be Thy home;
I drop off to slumber, in peace, “overcome!”

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #44255237, standard license