taken in his time

A eulogy for our friend, Harlan Kooima, who died in farm accident while loading cattle…

______________

A farmer is a man with simple needs
who learns to follow weather in the skies
he watches corn grow tall from kerneled seeds
enjoys his morning coffee with the guys.

His wife beside him, faithful thru the years
she was his only chosen, youthful bride
and tho’ their troubles sometimes caused her tears
she listened to his stories, saved his pride.

They raised two lovely daughters, three strong sons
took them to church and taught them of God’s love
life on the farm made hard work seem like fun
grown green with rain and sunshine from above.

This farmer’s sudden passing came too soon
we’ll miss his presence here, his smiling eyes
he now whistles some bright celestial tune…
we trust God’s grace to keep us all our lives.

standing on the promises

promises made to be broken?

passion’s romantic love turns cold

marriage vows end in divorce

friendships sometimes betrayed

how good is your word?

gossip gives slight exaggeration

everyone tells little white lies

who can be trusted?

God’s promises have always 

proven faithful and true.

______________________

What a blessing to hear my grand daughter, Anna, spontaneously sing the classic hymn, “Standing on the Promiseswhile playing at my house…of course, I joined in!

Linked to dVerse poets’ quadrilles prompt hosted by Lillian.

Can’t account for the unusual format…thanks to WordPress 🙂

an invitation…for crying out loud!

A voice crying in the wilderness, make straight a highway for our God! 

What shall I cry?
Come all you faithful:
young and old
rich and poor,
black and white
Come, let us adore him
on this holy night.

Prophets cry:
Woe to sinners
everywhere; our
guilty hearts despair.
But do not fear, for
heaven’s hope draws near!

The virgin cries
with urgent pain,
birthing firstborn
on straw’s bloodstain;
Do not be afraid,
love’s sacrifice is paid!

Host of angels cry:
God’s good will
on earth to men!
Fear not, they say,
Prince of our peace
brings shalom today!

Shepherds cry:
choose good news!
Messiah’s here,
in swaddling bound.
Worship, unafraid,
spread joy around!

God’s star shines fierce
searchlight to pierce
through darkest times
O Holy night
advent of Light,
we celebrate this night divine!


I had the privilege of writing and reading this for our Christmas Eve candlelight worship. May God bless us, every one…Merry Christmas to all!

 

Happy Father’s Day!

 

A faith-full fatherIMG_8893 - Version 2

protects,

provides,

corrects,

encourages,

prays,

works,

plays,

stays,

and

points to

our Father in heaven.


Dedicated to my Dad who has done all of the above…and more 🙂