The Poems on this site are protected by copyright.

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Choices

Thoughts can be as thistles

or as the budding rose.

Our hearts can soar as eagles

or sink with bitter woes.

Just as wings of eagles

can rise where storm clouds blow.

So our LORD can carry us

above the seeds we sow.

Have faith in our REDEEMER

rest upon HIS LOVE.

And in HIS hands HE'LL carry us

when dark clouds swirl above.

Edward J. Kleinschmidt

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ALONG THE HEAVENS RIM

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Old Church

There were two little boys
Walking down a dusty lane.
They came upon this old white house
With broken window panes.

The paint was faded, the shine was gone ...
The grass had grown so high.
Still they made their little feet go ..
To see what was inside.

They opened up the squeaky door ..
And then it came to light.
This must have been an old church house ...
Once upon a time.

Dirty, dusty wooden pews ..
A pulpit that still stood
A Bible laid upon it ..
Though the pages weren't too good

An offering plate and song books too ..
Were lying on the floor.
They must have left this old church fast ..
The day they closed these doors.

And over in the corner .
A piano was still there ..
It must have played a pretty tune ..
But I guess nobody cared.

So little Bill looked up at Tommy
And Tommy looked at Bill.
'Why don't we clean this old church up,
And get these old pews filled?'

They took a rag and wiped the dust,
To try and make things shine ...
And then they took the offering plate ...
And put in it their last dime.

They took a broom and swept the floor .
And picked up broken glass ..
They got it all so nice and neat
And then they mowed the grass.

They lifted up the old church sign ..
And stood it by a tree.
Right down by that old dirt road.
Where everyone could see.

They ran back home, to find Daddy gone
But their Momma was inside ..
Just to find her hurt again
When Daddy had made her cry.

Don't cry Momma, wipe those tears,
Little Bill and Tommy smiled..
'Cause we have a big surprise for you ...
Just down the road a mile.'

Hand in hand they tugged at her ..
Until they made her run ...
'What Is it Bill, Oh Tommy,
Just what have you two kids done?'

And then they came upon the house.
Once hidden by the weeds.
And there it stood, a country church.
Just like it used to be.

But what is it, Mother? What's with your tears?
We thought this would bring you joy.'
'Yes, but hush kids now and listen close.
My two sweet precious boys.'

They both got quiet and stood real still.
For the words they heard so true ...
Was Daddy praying in the church ..
With his head bowed on the pew.

'Forgive me Lord! Forgive me Lord!
Though I'm not worthy of Your love
Shine down on this sinner man.
Sweet Salvation from above'

For I've been out in the world, You know ..
Living my life all wrong ...
Until I came upon this church;
The place where I belong.'

'I never noticed it before .
All those times I passed it up ..
I guess I wasn't looking, Lord
Or maybe I was drunk.'

'Bless oh Lord, yes, bless oh Lord,
The one who made me see ...
This little church that used to hide ...
Behind all those tall weeds.'

And then he raised his head and stood
With his hands high in the air.
To find two, dirty, tear-faced boys
With Momma standing there.

They ran up to him, hugged him tight .
As their tears fell on the floor...
'Don't worry kids, I'm not the Dad,
The one you've known before.'

Things are different for us now.
So keep on those pretty smiles ...
And let's go gather people in .
To walk down these church aisles.'

Then Bill looked up at Tommy
And Tommy looked at Bill ..
'Come on brother, let's get to work.
To get these old pews filled.'

'For we need no special blessing
For cleaning up this church ....
Cause, God gave us back our Daddy ...
And that's more than gold is worth.'

Sunday morning, pews all filled.
And smiles on every face
Especially two little country boys ..
The ones who found this place.

Though it was hid back in the weeds.
And so far out of sight
Nothing's ever hard to find ...
If you're walking toward God's light.

Author unknown

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No sign of Baby Jesus

T'was the night before Christmas,

and all through the town;

Not a sign of Baby Jesus,

was anywhere to be found.

The people were all busy,

with Christmas-time chores;

Like decorating, and baking,

and shopping in stores.!

No one sang "Away in a manger,

no crib for a bed";

Instead, they sang of Santa,

dressed-up in bright red.

Mama watched Martha Stewart,

Papa drank beer from a tap;

As hour upon hour,

the presents they'd wrap

When what from the TV,

did they suddenly hear?

'Cept an ad.. which told,

of a big sale at Sears.

So away to the mall,

they all flew like a flash;

Buying things on credit,

and others with cash!

And, as they made their way home,

From their trip to the mall;

Did they think about Jesus?

Oh, no... not at all.

Their lives were so busy,

with their Christmas-time things;

No time to remember,

Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap,

and cookies to bake;

How could they stop and remember,

who died for their sake?

To pray to the Savior,

they had no time to stop;

Because they needed more time,

to "Shop til they dropped!"

On Wal-mart! On K-mart!

On Target! On Penney's!

On Hallmark! On Zales!

A quick lunch at Denny's.

From the big stores downtown,

to the stores at the mall;

They would dash away, dash away,

and visit them all!

And up on the roof,

there arose such a clatter;

As grandpa hung icicle lights,

up on his brand new step ladder.

He hung lights that would flash,

He hung lights that would twirl;

Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...

Light of the World.

Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!

Christ's Spirit... how merry!

Christ's love... how enormous!

All our burdens... He'll carry!

So instead of being busy,

overworked, and uptight;

Let's put Christ back in Christmas,

and be blessed day and night!

Unknown Author

Edward J. Kleinschmidt