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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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

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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 
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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!