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

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

The Priceless Moment

What? More time than money?
Now don’t be too sure,
for money won’t purchase
the things that endure.
But time well invested
with wisdom, one day
will yield precious treasures
that never decay.

Your time and your money
can gain, on this earth,
possessions of value—
yes, gems of great worth.
But when life is over
and your body’s asleep,
what matters is who then
your soul gets to keep.

It takes but a moment
(but that moment must be),
to take God’s salvation
so glorious and free.
No, money won’t buy it—
your place in God’s home;
why not say, just this moment,
“Save me, Lord, I come!”

fpn/undated

Picture: depositphotos.com #28989053, standard license

Life’s Priorities

In the voyage of our lifetime,
through the valleys and o’er hills,
we may climb to lofty summits
and traverse the rocks and rills.
In the valleys there is profit
gathered from the fertile fields;
on the mountains we gain riches
time with God so richly yields.

In our deep preoccupation
with the mundane, day by day,
we do well to make provision
for a little time away
when we look to the horizon
and survey the distant goal,
then appraise the time and effort
spent on body, mind and soul.

“Thou shalt do thy work and pleasure
in six days,” but there’s one more
set aside for prayer and worship—
may that never be a chore.
Yes, in fact, may daily pleasures 
oft include a tryst with God
so that love and faith’s pure virtues
shall distill as dew on sod.

In our youth and in our manhood,
may we never count it loss
to reflect on what was purchased 
by our Saviour on the cross.
Since we’re part of the transaction
and to God we now belong,
may we walk in sweet communion
so that life is filled with song.

Sweet companionships and earth-ties
sanctified by trust and love
add dimension to our living—
bliss like that in heaven above.
Oh, to gain the right perspective—
not to shirk and yet to make
time for God and time for others
in this voyage that we take!

fpn 5/79



Picture: depositphotos.com #27740641, standard license

I Haven’t Quit

He said, “I haven’t quit the church
just ’cause I seldom go.
You see, I’ve got a lot to do,
which you perhaps don’t know.
My job is so demanding, 
with lots of overtime,
there’s hardly time to eat and sleep;
my wife thinks it’s a crime.

“I have to take her shopping
to buy the grub and such;
what’s left of what I earned all week
I’ll tell you—isn’t much!
There’s really nothing left for church,
I’ve got to fill my tank;
then there’s water, gas and lights,
and savings in the bank.

“I bought a boat, but it’s a shame
how seldom it gets out.
Sunday’s about the only day
there’s time for fishing trout.
Some Saturdays I’m just “give out;”
and I refuse to go,
I sink into my easy chair
and watch a late-night show.

“On Sunday morning things don’t move;
sometimes we just sleep in,
unless there’s company for lunch—
perhaps some kith’n’kin.
No, I—(it’s been six months, I guess)
won’t leave you in the lurch;
just any time now, I’ll be back,
’cause I’ve not quit the church!”

fpn/undated




Picture: depositphotos.com #53973807, standard license

First Things First

This world has a way of claiming my time
so often, I’d say, without reason or rhyme.
I do have some duties, but I’m not here long;
I’m preparing for heaven—that’s where I belong.

I know I must work a part of the day
and earn a fair living in an honorable way,
but why be a slave to things that must pass,
when I can invest in those that will last?

Now most of us have brief periods for ease
which we can apply any way that we please.
With time on our hands, why sit still and “nod” 
when I can have joy in communing with God?

Recreation is good and a hobby worthwhile,
but there is the danger that they will beguile;
causing me to neglect my family and work,
and yes, worse than that, my devotions I’ll shirk.

I have made up my mind to put first things first.
It’s for spiritual joys that I hunger and thirst.
I’ll abide in God’s word and worship in prayer,
then seek needy hearts with whom I can share.

fpn / 1996



Picture: depositphotos.com #30451477, standard license