Thursday, April 21, 2022

 

It is hard to believe that I have not blogged in two years.  It was at Christmas time in 2020 that we came down with Covid. Janie and I road it out at our house in Henderson.  At one point Janie became badly dehydrated and fell in the bathroom.  I went to her aide and picked her up off the floor and carried her in my arms back to bed.  I began to get her to drink.  I made her a smoothie of blueberries, strawberries, and almond milk.  She liked that the best and drank the whole glass.  After a few hours she was better.  She got up to go the the bathroom and I followed her there and then back to the bed.  She got within 4 feet of the bed and her legs gave out again and I had to grab her to keep her from falling.  I got her back into bed and kept working with her to get her hydrated again.  The next day she was back to normal.  COVID took my taste and smell away for a couple of weeks.  Over all we had a very light case.  I was able to preach by way of FaceBook live while our church services were discontinued for 2 weeks due to 11 families in our church having COVID.  I am glad that is now behind us.

 The mask mandates have been dropped for the most part.  Janie and I opted out of taking the vaccine seeing we have natural immunity to at least that strain of COVID.  I have been able to get off all prescription drugs since finding a new doctor.  This doctor focuses on fixing the problems instead of treating the symptoms.  I like his natural approach to treating maladies. Eating right and taking supplements is more expensive than taking prescription drugs but I believe it is better for my health overall. 

We are doing a major overhaul of the bathrooms at our house in Henderson and also at the parsonage in Hillsboro.  I am doing most of the work in Henderson myself with Janie's help of course.  It is a slow process.  Idle hands are the devils workshop so staying busy is a good thing.  Pastoring comes first and all other projects have to get in line.  

Much of the work on the parsonage is being done by others.  We will have the new shower stall put in by professionals and an excellent plumber will do all the plumbing work.  The church will pay for having the under slab tunneling done which will allow the plumber to replace the broken sewer lines.    

The picture is of Janie laying on the couch waiting for COVID to go away. It took 13 days for us both to get over it. 

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Spoiled

It has been said about the Great Depression of the 1930's that country people who lived on farms were not as impacted as those who were living and working in the cities.  The reason for this is simple.  Country people of the 1930's were self sufficient.  They grew most of what they ate.  They did not have luxury items like toilet paper.  They had fresh milk from a cow and fresh butter.  They made their own bread and canned vegetables.  They hunted and fished and killed hogs in the winter for their meat.  They had chickens for eggs and for meat.  In other words they were not spoiled.  They had no luxuries and worked hard for what they did have.  

This current pandemic of Covid-19 has been a real eye opener.  We could see a world wide depression again.  There are very few people in our country who will not suffer from this depression. Most people have indoor plumbing which costs money.  Most people keep only enough supplies on hand to make it a week or two. When shortages come and money is tight people suffer because they are spoiled.

To shield yourself from the pandemics, famines, and natural disasters which will increase in both intensity and in frequency you might consider adopting a more primitive way of life.  Those who live like they did back in the 1930's already know hardship and living with it every day they are use to it. A large percentage of the world's population do not use toilet paper.  A large percentage of the world's population rarely if ever eat at a fast food restaurant.  Get use to keeping chickens.  If you want fried chicken for supper go out to the yard and catch, kill, and butcher a chicken.  It's not an easy life compared to what you have now but once you get use to it you'll be just fine.

My youngest daughter has six children. She does not use disposable diapers and disposable wipes.  She is as of the time of this writing getting 20 eggs a day from her chickens. She bakes her own bread.  She loves a simple life.  Her husband plants a large garden every year and she preserves the surplus vegetables for use when growing season is over.  She home schools her children and has begun to teach the older ones how to cook and garden.  She and her family have handled this pandemic very well.

My suggestion then is this.  Recognize luxury for what it is and what it is not.  Know how to live without luxuries. Practice your skills of doing without luxuries.  Be content with what ever state you are in.  Thank God for what you have and count it all joy. 

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 -- I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

It seems like it has been a year since the last time I blogged. I suppose that is because in a week it will be one year ago.  It has been good to have Jason and his family living with us.  We missed 9 years of their company because they were in France.  Recently Jason and his boys had to dig a tunnel under the house to replace the sewer line.  We kept having to have the plumber out every week to unstop the line.  It was a big job and I am so thankful they were here to get it done.  We have replace the problem section but the next length of pipe also needs to be replace so that means the tunnel needs to be 8 more feet long.  That will put them half way under the house.  I should show them to movie "The Great Escape" maybe they could get some pointers on digging tunnels.

Janie and I took a course in gun safety.  To pass the course you had to score 175 or higher.  This is a picture of her target. She had fired a total of 5 shots with her hand gun before taking the course. She really did not want to take the course but after it was over she was very glad she did.  As you can see she scored a 229 and a perfect score is 250.  I on the other hand scored a 226.  I was very proud of her and I would not have it any other way than for her to beat me at shooting.  We received our carry permits in the mail today.  We don't plan to carry a gun in public but if the need should arise we can.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Give Me Two Wings

I woke up at 3:00 AM Sunday morning in Hillsboro Texas on my wife’s birthday February 24, 2019. I could not go back to sleep so I began to pray.  I had much on my mind and many things that I needed to ask God for so I rushed through the opening part of the praying to get to my requests.  I follow the model prayer usually and often I rush to get to the “Thy will be done” and “Give us this day our daily bread” part of the prayer.  But this time the Holy Spirit said “Not so fast.”  “We are not doing it that way this morning.”  Now lest you be concerned for my mental health let me assure you that I did not hear a voice.  The Holy Spirit speaks to my heart.  So having been rebuked I shut up.  This is the first time ever that I have been in a prayer and I was not doing the talking.  I mean prayer is me doing the talking is it not? But in this prayer the Holy Spirit did the talking.  My mind was suddenly filled with scriptures.  This is how I know it was the Holy Spirit for the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.  Isaiah chapter six came to my mind and I could not move past it.  So I pictured myself in Isaiah’s place standing before the throne of God in Heaven.  Strangely I could not look at God.  I could not make myself look at God.  I could not picture me looking at God.  I am a man of unclean lips!  So I began to look for something else to focus on.  Then I saw the Seraphim.  Just like Isaiah saw them.  They each has six wings.  With two they covered their face with two they covered their feet and with two they did fly.  I pictured the one crying to the other “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of hosts! The whole earth is full of His glory!”  I pictured the shaking of the Temple at the sound of the voice.  Then it came to me that I wanted to be like those Seraphim.  I wanted to be close to God with such boldness as these Seraphim.  I wanted to see what they saw.  Why are they hiding their faces from me?  Why are they hiding their feet from me?  Then it came to me what I should ask for!  I said “Lord give me two wings that I may cover my face so that those who see me will see only Your grace.”  Then I asked “Lord give me two wings to cover my feet so that those who hear will not consider the messenger but only Your message that I bare.”  I then asked the Lord for two more wings so that I could soar.  I want to see like the Seraphim do that the whole earth is full of His Glory!  I then asked God to show me His glory.  What followed surprised me completely.  I thought He might show me some grand scene but instead as clear as could be I saw in my mind my mother-in-law lying in bed.  This is a place where I have spent many many hours with my wife.  We feed her, clean her, care for her hours on end.  I don’t get it.  What is this?  I ask to see God’s glory and He shows me this?  Then my mind was flooded again with scripture.  The man born blind, Judas betraying Jesus, Peter’s death…. So many things which bring glory to God that don’t seem to our eyes to be glorious.  Then I understood.  He gave me two wings so I could soar and see that the whole earth is full of God’s glory. 

I rose from bed and went and wrote a poem.  I then worked up the sermon that God wanted me to preach that morning from Isaiah chapter six.  I entitled the poem and the sermon “Give Me Two Wings.”  When I got to the pulpit that Sunday Morning He gave me two wings to cover my face and He gave me two wings to cover my feet and for the rest of my life I will use two wings to soar above the fray and to see in everything God’s awesome Glory.


Friday, January 18, 2019

Scribblings

Dr. Marshall's notes translated into Spanish by Scott Maness
The Doctor's scribblings have been a blessing too many.  I have shared this with a lot of people and now it is being shared with people in Argentina.  My son-in-law who is a missionary there translated these scribblings and shared them with a friend.  It is not hard to eat right once you have had an attitude change.  I thank God for His working on me for it was God who changed me and He gets all the glory.

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Waiting For The Bus

Sometimes while you are waiting for the bus to arrive visitors stop by for a visit.  Little Joe talked none stop for the longest time to his Great Grandmother.  She is waiting for the bus and to pass the time she sleeps and eats.  There is little that she can do on her own so she must be served by others.  When company comes it brightens her day and helps the hours go by a little faster.  We never know when the bus will arrive.  We don't know when it will arrive for us or someone we love.  Till it gets here we will busy ourselves serving one another and  helping each other through the days of our lives.  

Monday, December 31, 2018

Poems by Paul Clark


A collection of Poems written by Bro. Paul 
************************************
Selfishness
by PEC
When we're serving others selflessly 
it pleases God to the highest degree
Demanding to be served selfishly
Makes God sad and mad as can be
But all the things we do unselfishly 
God rewards these as sure as can be
So don't be selfish acting ugly
but put others first and you will have joy



C. C. C. C.
By PEC

Community, Crowd,Congregation, and Core
All are a part of what churches are for.
Community reached not part but the whole
that should be every church's main goal.
The Crowd gathered Sunday by this simple outreach
should feel very welcome and greeted by each.
by this simple action the Congregation will grow
souls will be saved, Christ Jesus to know.
Then as young converts learn their new chore
They become disciples and part of the Core.
Commitment to Christ is what grows up a church.
The Community for genuine joy it does search.
The Crowd gathered Sunday joy should express.
The Congregation so loving will have great success.
The Core will delight to see others join in

For its all about Jesus lost sinners to win.


The Backpacker's Prayer
by PEC

The backpacker prays to God without fail
Its just you and me out here on the trail”
He's often alone with just nature and stuff
needing God's presence for lonely is tough
If my life's in my hands” to God he does cry
I'd be in big trouble this can't be denied”
On Thee God I've learned to trust and depend
with you beside me I will get to the end”
I carry some things in this backpack of mine
having just what I need I should be just fine
But Lord if your not in this journey I take
For to do Your will my heart it does ache”
I'll turn right around and go to that place
where I may please you, seek your sweet face
Send me a sign then or send me a bear
To chase me away, get me from there
May I learn way out here one lesson indeed
It's always been you that's the one thing I need
Walking by faith, it pleases you Lord
praying and reading the Spirit's sharp sword
These I need more than this pack on my back
With You Bread of Heaven nothing I'll lack
One day I will hike with Your angels dear God
my body left here to nourish the sod
In heaven no backpack will be needed by me
Nought of this world will be there you see
Hiking on New Earth a trail of pure gold
by a river of water so pure and so cold
The trail leads to Jesus upon His great throne
at the end of the trail I have finally reached home

Rumors
by PEC

Rumors can be very false or they can be so true.
A rumor can make us happy or it can make us blue.
What we do with rumors is up to me and you.

One who is a talebearer according to God's word,
Wounds his fellow man, a practice most absurd.
He often hides his sources blaming a little bird.

So when you hear a rumor whether good or bad,
Keep it to yourself then no one will get mad.
Such discretion pleases God, never makes Him sad.
  
On our 44th Anniversary
At Five Foot Six, weighing one ten, wearing a dress size four;
In her skinny jeans, her curves can be seen, a lady she is to the core.
Her hair silver gray her eyes a light blue such beauty I've not seen before.
Like Sarah of old her age is not told surely she's not sixty four?
Beauty's skin deep but ugly it's said reaches down to ones core;
She is twice blessed for she's both sides blessed behind and also before.
She's been spoken for and thank you dear Lord that our years are now forty four.
Of all things I'm blessed and my wife is the best I love her down to my core.
Thank you my beloved for such joy and such love that I had never known before!







Back To School

They use to think it very cool
the young ones going back to school
buying all those school supplies
would put a gleam in each ones eyes.
The smell of a freshly sharpened pencil
notebooks shining new like tinsel
filled them each with anticipation
of making friends and new relations.
But as the year progresses on
the new wears off and they dread the dawn.
Tests, and homework, endless reading
snuffs out the cool and starts the pleadings.
But very soon the days they pass
no more work and no more class.
One day they learn there is no end
education is your one true friend.
Never stop as long as you live
learning, joy will to you give.
So never stop thinking that its cool
when you find you have to go back to school.



WATER
by PEC
When water is sweat it keeps a man cool.
When water is drank its a thirst quenching tool.
When water is poured it puts out a fire.
And water as tears  wets the face of the cryer.
When water is hard it causes to fall.
When water is steam it burns one and all.
When water dissolves things disappear.
When water is sweet or if salty its still clear.
 All other elements known unto man
When frozen they will never expand
But water is different your pipes it will bust
On a cold winters day protect them you must.
God in great wisdom made water unique.
Without life giving water our world would be bleak.
Praise God for the water that quenches your thirst.
Thirst of the body is not that which is worse.
Jesus will give you the water you need

If for his forgiveness with Him you will pleed. 


One Should Be Careful
by PEC

One should be careful of those God sees
As Rebellious, Contentious, those at ease
Woes are pronounced on such as these
One should be careful of those God knows
as hateful and hurtful down to their toes
Woes are pronounced on such as those
One should be careful of all God deems
to be wrong and wicked and evil schemes
for with these each man's nature teems
One should be careful of those God sends
His angels they are indeed His friends 
to help your life as it begins and ends
One should be careful of those God keeps
as a shepherd who cares for all his sheeps
for that which one sows he also reeps
One should be careful of those God owns
who love Him and worship in reverent tones
for in His kingdom they sit upon thrones



Eli Cartoon by Paul Clark

God's Grace 

by PEC 3/6/2017


God's grace is greater than all other we know

This grace He expects us to others to show


God's mercy it reaches the lowest in sin

This mercy He demands we show others again


God's long suffering nature surpasses our best

From such a nature we should never take rest


God's patient and kind above all it is true

Demanding this patients and kindness of you 


God's love is supreme surpassing that of men

This love he requires and not just of our kin


God's forgiveness amazes both bad and good

To be forgiven forgive others you should


God's holy more holy than men can conceive 

We are to be holy helping others believe


God's glory is radiant out shinning the Sun

Give glory to the Father, the Spirit, the Son


God's power is exceeded by not even one

Our power is His He permits us to run


God knows every thing His knowledge is vast

our knowledge to His is a humbling contrast


God You are great and we want to please you

Come quickly oh Lord make each of us new




Don't Walk In Fear
by PEC

Don't walk in fear of tomorrow

Today has plenty of its own sorrow

No need of even more to borrow


Know that life is but a vapor

As your life begins to taper

You'll have eternity with the Savior


Awake one day in His likeness

Loving His glory and His brightness

Glad we game to light from darkness

Winter is Coming

by PEC



Winter is coming an occurrence not freak

Spring and Summer and Fall at their peak

Each had their turn now winter must speak

In each of these seasons we all should be meek

For God our creator helps each one to seek

His glory divine with much more than a peek

Shout out His praises not just let the news leak

The transition from one season to another is sleek

So praise God this winter as it roses your cheek

As you come to His house the first day of each week

Don't let any thing stop you not even high creek

And always yes always let not your faith become weak




A brother beloved
by PEC

A brother beloved by a brother behaving
will be told what he needs his soul to be saving.
A brother belittled by a brother bemoaning
will be lost without someone for him atoning.
A brother beset by a brother besmirching
will be lost to that brother; make him go searching.
A brother befuddled by a brother berating
will be forced to retreat; his brother be hating.
Belove each brother and to each be sweet
be happy, be joyful, have beautiful feet.
Before you speak be loving be kind
be true, be honest, when speaking your mind.
Be like Christ in what you be on each day
before Him you will stand and He'll have the last say.



Acts 2:47

by PEC



In Acts two and forty seven

we learn a lesson straight from heaven.

Tis the Lord that should get all the glory

for tis He that made salvation's story.

This verse speaks of favor with all men

such favor starts by a change within.

Tis the Lord who gives the increase

tis He who adds and will not cease.

For daily He seeks the lost to save

and bids His church to be so brave.

He gave His church a great commission

to make disciples is its mission.

The church its job is to sow the seed

help the perishing to see their need.

And if to this end we are faithful

the Lord will add and we'll be grateful.

To grow a church is God's desire

to keep the lost from eternal fire.

When our Lord does the addition

the church will then be in good condition.

The saved that our Lord adds to His church

must be sought so let's each search.

To some lost soul lead me I pray

and add to your church this very day.




NEW!
By PEC

A new heaven and earth there soon will be.
The saints of God they all shall see.
They both are promised to be glorious.
And over sin victorious.

First the heaven above this earth made new,
Pure and clean an amazing view!
The stars above may shine ever so bright.
But in that place there is no night.
God's glory no star or moon will out shine.
Every day there, will be just fine!
Each season there perfect and each will rhyme 
There'l be no need of tracking time.

Next the earth below our glorious feet
Will have no thorns, won't that be neat!
No sea will divide nor hinder our walk.
A feature bout which we will talk.
From pole to pole even from east to west
Everything there will be the best.
A tree of life and a river so pure
Will be enjoyed, of that I'm sure.

There will be but one city in that place
only one group of Adam's race.

Just those who trust in Jesus, repenting

will through those gates be entering.






February's Fourteenth Day

by PEC

(1/8/2016)

On February's fourteenth day

Men and women take time to say

I love you” to their special one

Who fills their days with joy and fun.

Gifts of chocolate and flowers sweet

each help to make this day complete.



On February's fourteenth day

homage to love we each will pay

be it to the love of our life

to a husband or to a wife

to just a friend it may also be

we pay it oh so generously.



On February's fourteenth day

we go to God to Him we pray

Thanking Him for His love divine

which made the light in darkness shine

as first to us He showed His love

one that can come but from above.



On February's fourteenth day

let us to hatred all say nay

for love it is that shows to all

we are God's upon Him we call

to show the world love is the best

Come to God He will give you rest!


Christmas, Merry

by PEC



My Christmas, Merry!

And the child of Mary

causes it to be so!

A chocolate covered cherry

is not necessary

nor is Santa's ho ho!

Tom, Dick, or Harry

nor some mythical ferry

can cause my joy to go!

The weather need not be scary

nothing to make me wary

nor do I need the snow!

Money is temporary

needful it is not very.

Merry, it needs no dough!

Go to God's sanctuary

There you will find merry

When God's love you know.

Jesus my sins did carry

He saved me and did not tarry

He did it alone, solo.

My Christmas, twill be merry

with a sad thought nary.

While I wait here below.

One day up where it's airy

and I'm no longer contrary

I will His praises show!




Jack

by PEC



He sits at the back

A young man named Jack

A beautiful child of the King.

Full of joy is his sack

And of grins there's no lack

contagious is his smiling.

His character doth smack

of love not attack

a flea he would never be hurting.

If your days all seem black

and your heart has a crack

From Jack you need to be learning.

He'll teach you a hack

how not to be slack

but accept everyone with no hating.

Rewards, up you can rack

a mansion not a shack

for you up in heaven is waiting.

Let's all learn from young Jack

love everyone back

and our God we all will be pleasing!





KNOWING WHAT THEY MEAN

Bringing in the sheaves,
climbing up palm trees,
the Bible is full of these.

Knowing what they mean,
is oft not easy seen,
it takes an eye that's keen.

By them be not deterred,
their lessons must be heard,
they come from God's Holy Word. 

Such phrases not understood,
can do no one any good,
can't help them live as they should.

God is infinitely wise,
His word suits every size,
that His children might grow and rise.

To get an understanding,
of these phrases oh so puzzling,
requires rightly dividing.

So don't worry about being rudy,
go to church and join in study,
so that your mind will not be muddy.

Before Fall”
by Paul Clark 4/20/2015

Two before fall
perfect in all
would have dwelt
just as they felt
happy and free
loving the Three.
There was a test
Satan did best
woman deceived
husband received
sin overcame
man filled with shame.
Bondage of sin
for all their kin
death and a curse
it couldn't be worse
what will man do
with out help through
hopeless is he
then came a tree.
Calvary's mount
there flows a fount
it can make clean
those who have seen
it takes faith in
the Savior of men
one that's hell bent
they must repent
plunged in its flow
crimson now snow
repenting of sin
a victory win.
One upon high
will split the sky
saints one and all 
back before fall.

“On the 75th Psalm”
by Paul Clark

To you o God our thanks we give,
the thanks of those who fear.
Your wondrous works say that you live,
the one we hold so dear.

And on thee we patiently wait,
For time is in your hand.
Righteous judgment will not be late,
When you restore the land.

"How can we sink or trip and fall,
Held by eternal God,
Who bears the earth's huge pillars all,
And spreads the heavens abroad."

Know that the fall the boast precedes,
A fall will surely come.
Oh wicked one beware your deeds
Or like the sheep be dumb.

Not east or west nor from the south,
Does true reward appear.
But from the one above’s own mouth,
Will come those words so dear.

Into a cup God pours His wrath,
The wicked they shall drink.
For what one sows is what he hath,
When at the harvest’s brink.

Life for me goes on forever,
And my song shall always be.
The highest praise yes and never,
Of any one but Thee.

God is the one by whom I wish,
To be a sainted one.
And drink not from that fearful dish,
But hear Him say well done.
  


New Years Resolutions
by Paul Clark

To my problems there are solutions,
though problems there will always be
This next year all my resolutions,
will target cause not symptom, see

I eat to much and am overweight
I'm so self-centered and prone to hate
I sleep too much and waste my days
I hold a grudge, give little praise
I pray too little, relying on me
Inconsiderate, talk critically
Inhospitable, covetous too
Always wanting for me not you

These problems are symptoms not the source
Wake up the mind to see the right course
God's Word softens the heart that's hard
The mind and heart they must be jarred
I will set my sight on things above
Obey God's commands to show my love
I'll be attentive to the Spirit's tug
and keep my knees on that prayer rug
To do these things I am resolute
and with God's help I'll be astute

 ************************************
The following poem I wrote 
as lyrics to Leonard Cohen's
song "Hallelujah"

Easter Hallelujah 
by Paul Clark 4/20/2014

I watched the three hang from a tree
absolute perfect agony
To do thy will you made me, glory to you

it's always yours and never mine
to rescue thee would be just fine
Armed with thy might I'm ready I'll do it for you
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah!

But like a lamb you silent stayed
with greatest love you were arrayed
All that is left to say is hallelujah.

Forgive them all was your request
you have always done what was best
And even now their lives they owe all to you!
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah!

Amazing grace how can it be
That thou would suffer brutally
such undeserving souls what are they to you?

It is finished aloud you cried
You breathed your last and then you died.
More full of glory I have never seen you!
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah!

Men think you smitten of our God
They think your treatment was not odd.
For blasphemy is all they could see in you.

In a few days with a great thrust.
I'll show all men you are not dust
And then they'll know and bring great glory to you!
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah!

Now three have past it's time at last
To earth I came like lightning fast
The grave, the watch, the Devil could not hold you.

I sit and watch them run away
I wait a bit for sheep astray
As they come to anoint the body of you.
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah!

The message oh so loud and clear
That all men of the earth need hear
He is alive and always is there for you.

The victory's won Redemption done
One day the world will see the son
The Lord will sit upon His throne of Glory!!
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah!

**************************** 

Cartoon I composed for our church bulletin







-->
I Lost an Hours Sleep
by Paul Clark

I lost an hours sleep last night as I went to bed.
Lost to me, it will be, until savings time is dead.
I'd rather lose an hours sleep than any other thing.
T'is far better than to lose my precious wedding ring.
One less hour sleep is better than one less with my Lord.
I want to spend each waking hour with the Spirit's sword.
Should I fall to sleep today awake me if you please.
For this a day the Lord hath made its blessings I will seize. 

Eli Cartoon by Paul Clark for WSBC bulletin

"THE BIBLE" 
It is good for every nation.
It has no need of emendation.
Though written by the hands of men,
Its words are those of God in Heaven.
God uses it, with men to talk,
That they might know the way to walk.
If you read it you will agree
That God loves sinners, you and me.
So read four chapters every day
And hear what God has to say.
You owe that much and more to Him.
Your cup of joy will reach the brim. 

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Nine Months Before Christmas
by Paul Clark (Christmas cantata 2011)

Nine Months Before Christmas and all throughout Heaven
The Angels were singing, seventy times seven.
God the Son, the creator, sat on His white throne
And up in heaven His saints add to the tone
There up in heaven all is glorious and bright
People of earth have never seen such a sight.
On this day nine months before the time of his birth
He readies himself to face the darkness of earth.
His Father had planned this long long ago
That His Son should be born God's love for to show.
Then He, amid the songs and the praises galore
Stood up from His throne and did silence the roar.
It is time for the lamb the Father did say
to go to the earth man's sin debt to pay.
Then the Son left the splendor and the glorious din
to live in the darkness caused by our sin.
First nine months with no light and then a bed made of straw.
He would live perfectly never breaking God's law.
A man of sorrows would be his fate
Spat on despised Him they would hate.
Giving His life He would hang on a tree
Shedding His blood for you and for me.
His story does not end on that old rugged cross
For His death is a victory and not a loss.
He rose from the dead but that is another cantata
He is now back in Heaven sitting where he oughta.
All of this happened long long ago
He is coming again and it will not be slow
With the sound of a trumpet and with a great shout
Jesus will call His children all to come out
And into the air the redeemed will all fly
Meeting our Lord in the clouds of the sky
For that wonderful day Oh how we do wait
but for now let us all His birth celebrate.



"A Smile" 
A smile, it costs you nothing
For your face tis good.
For when you are a smiling,
doing as you should,
Encouraging another
Bringing joy and cheer.
And with each smile my brother,
And my sister dear,
You a ray of sunshine bring
On ones cloudy day,
For Jesus wants us to sing
Share His joy for aye.  



He and His 
-->
His name I love.
He lives above.
His grace is oh so free.
He is our King.
His reign, supreme.
He gives to us mercy.
His coming, fast.
He firsts the last.
His face we soon shall see.



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Mother 
by Paul Clark

Likened unto her there is no other.
Patient and kind I call her my mother.
She teaches and preaches tells me the truth.
Behave and be good and always be couth.”

She kept me from danger when I was young.
She bid me to always bridle my tongue.
She took me to church and Sunday School time
Taught me bout sin, and a savior sublime.

Though I am grown now she still makes a fuss.
She straitens my hair and gives me a buss.
Her love does not fade though now she is old.
To her I will always better than gold.

For all of the good things she's done for me,
I thank her and praise her for now I see.
I, Having raised children now of my own,
love her the more all the way to the bone. 

Because she loved Jesus and my lost soul,
to lead me to Christ that was her main goal.
In heaven we'll sing some wonderful day,
Till then I honor her this mother's day.

(buss is old English for a kiss)



Where I should be
by Paul Clark (2/18/2011)

"Where I should be" is a wonderful place.
There is no guilt there but plenty of grace.
It is almost like Heaven, "where I should be."
There's no shame, no fear, no cursing you see.
No punishment, pouting, and no regret.
You'd never leave it except you forget. 
True joy, sweet fellowship with God divine
Those who dwell there are doing just fine.
Singing and praising are always found there.
When you arrive, oh you have not a care.
Peace and contentment can only be known
When you are there you are never alone.

Like Joseph in prison sometimes it does seem.
“Where I should be” is all in God's scheme.
It is almost like heaven here on the earth
When your heart's there you are filled with great mirth
Ask Paul and Silas about this great place.
Tis where God wants Adam's beloved race.
We might all have lived there if he had not sinned.
But now we just sojourn being burdened. 
“Where I'm Suppose to be” Sometimes it is called.”
there Children by she bears never are mauled.
“In God's Perfect Will” a name that fits well.
People who love it will not go to Hell.

How to find this place of which I do speak
is easy and quick for those who are meek.
Repentance and trust and always obey
you will find the path is a narrow way.
For many, God's will they care not at all
The broad way they tread leads to a great fall.
Study the Bible and rightly divide
“Where I should be” God, from you does not hide.
We will all face God in judgment and then,
“Where I should be” He will determine
One day on His left or on His right hand
He will call men and force them to stand.
Where will you be on that glorious day
“Where I should be” I hope you can say.


Charles Tekell

Let me tell you bout Charles Tekell
His mother did raise him very well.
He has a good wife she's sweet you see,
He loves his beautiful kind Becky.
Everyone knows of his love to farm.
Rebekah Hill has been his right arm.
His love of the Lord is clear to all.
He is a deacon and serves in the hall.
His children number from one to five.
At Christmas his house, a bee hive.
Sandra and Kenneth and Tim and Scott,
I left out Kathi, I forgot.
The Lord has been so good to him.
He rises early when it's dim.
He plows and plants and grows sweet corn.
The tractor he drives is well worn.
Amount of friends show wealth so well.
There's none as rich as Charles Tekell.


FOOD 
Food for the body, Food for the soul
Food is for strength, it keepeth thee whole.
Food on the plate and, Food in the pot,
Food on the outside availeth you not.
Food in God's house, Food in God's Word,
Food not in the heart weakness incurred.
Food for the body, Food for the soul
Food taken in like a hot buttered roll
Food gives you health, you need every day
Food we have here if you will but stay
Food for the soul, so listen with care.
Food for the body, we all will share.

WORK
by Paul Clark
Work it is good
when done when should
The Lord's day not!
Oh I forgot.
Rest on that day
and sing and pray
Our God did rest
and He's the best
So follow Him
And don't be grim.
What He says do
It's best for you.




New Years Day
by Paul Clark

Lo New Years Day is upon us,
A day to begin anew.
The possibilities, endless,
of the good things God can do.
Let us give each day to Jesus,
and hold back none for our own.
His love for us it is boundless,
He is our savior alone.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Twas the night before Christmas,
two thousand and ten,
at the church house where people
are known to amen,
that they sang of Christ Jesus,
a sweet baby boy,
who was born in a stable,
to men brought great joy.
There was reading and singing
and dim candlelight,
as they worshiped before Him
and sang “Silent Night.”
For it is a tradition
with these who amen
to gather in the church house. 
So come and join in.


Poetry is Pleasing
by Paul Clark

Poetry is pleasing to my ears,
like those found in the Psalms.
I can remember them for years.
My mind the psalter calms.

Announcements ought to rhyme you see,
That way I'll always know,
Where, when, and what I need to be.
My mind sometimes is slow. 





Knick Knacks

by Paul Clark

Knick Knacks upon a windowsill
bring memories to our minds.
They beautify the space they fill
in many shapes and kinds.

Some were bought as a souvenir
from places far away.
Some were given by friends so dear
and brighten up our day.
Both serve to remind one and all
of God's abiding grace.
Both to count our blessings call
and seek our Father's face.

Such knick Knacks bid us to His throne
and true thanksgiving ply.
They bid us seek His will alone
without complaint or sigh.

So dust those Knick Knacks with great care
they do so much for thee.
The joy they bring beyond compare
is all from God you see.


Where Did They Go?
By Paul Clark

Where did they go one asked of me.
Those crucified on Calvary.

One has gone to a place called Hell.
The anguish there no tongue can tell.
He suffers all alone you see;
He suffers there so needlessly.
He could have been oh so redeemed;
Repentance was for fools it seemed.
But now in Hell he does regret;
His mocking he will not forget.
In torments he will always be
For it is Jesus who has the key.

One has gone to a place of rest
A place of comfort its the best
They call this place a paradise
The joy up there is very nice
They praise the Lord without a care
There is no loneliness up there
For mercy this one, he did plead
For his salvation Christ did bleed.
He will rejoice eternally
For he believed on Calvary

One has gone to the throne on high
He's coming again you can't deny
He wants to save us all from sin
If you believe he'll come within.
Your heart he wants to clean, make new
Salvation comes to such a few
So when you're gone what will I say
What answer can I give today?

********************************************

My Morning

To the tune of “Untitled Hymn” by Chris Rice
words by Paul Clark


When I woke this morning,
the Holy Spirit came.
He told me "son your life is not a game." 
You need Jesus,
You need Jesus,
You need Jesus, to live.

We went before the throne,
He waited at my side.
I praised the Lord, for me it was He died.
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus, I live.

For some things I asked Him,
I confessed my guilt of sin.
I felt so undeserving deep within.
I love you Jesus
Love you Jesus
Love you Jesus, You live.

I lingered just a moment,
When amen I'd said.
I got upon my feet and rose from bed.
I'll live for Jesus
live for Jesus
live for Jesus, He lives.

Thankful for my breakfast.
Thankful for my wife.
Thankful God has given eternal life.
Now go serve Jesus
go serve Jesus
go serve Jesus, and live. 

When this life is over
And my work is done
Having been redeemed by God's Dear Son
I'll praise you Jesus
Praise You Jesus

Praise You Jesus, and live!

*********************************** 

What if I worked for the Lord?
by Bro. Paul

If for the Lord I worked, and labored every day;
If all my needs were met, and he my debts did pay;
Would I complain and moan, or criticizes His care?
So many do you know, and think Him so unfair.

If for the Lord I worked, and that is true indeed,
His yoke is not that bad, success is guaranteed.
His burden is so light, for strength He gives to me.
Since I work for Jesus, my days are worry free!

Now if its not for Him, you work and toil in life
If only for yourself, you work enduring strife;
Needs will cause you worry, your debts may pile up high;
Burdens will be heavy, on that you can rely.

Brother work for Jesus, Sister make Jesus boss.
Work each day for Jesus, you will not know of loss.
Jesus will reward you, when your labor is done;
Jesus is your savior, He is the only one!