Que Sera, Sera

So I have lots of back pain
And it’s hard to move around
But I could be homeless
Sleeping on the ground!
I’ve had lots of good times
A pretty easy life
And to cap my blessings
I have my darling wife.
Who knows what’s round the corner?
Which way the worm will turn?
There is no use in moaning
Or to sit around and girn!
Whatever is to come for me
I have no way of knowing
So I can not anticipate
Which way the wind is blowing.
All I know for certain is
That there will always be
One above who through it all
Will guide and comfort me.

Remembrance Sunday at St Mary’s

Each year by St Mary’s, at the War Memorial there
A service of remembrance is held by those who care.
The Royal British Legion turns up in full force
And it is with great dignity the service takes it’s course.
The flag atop the bell tower is lowered to half mast
As we remember those who died for country in the past.
A profusion of red poppies, made with loving care,
Pours out from the church wall beside the doorway there.
The Last Post leads the silence until Reveille’s sound
As each remembers heroes no longer above ground.
It has a solemn grandeur. A beauty of its own.
As people we remember those, to us, who were unknown.
They listen to a sermon out there on the green,
Then they sing Amazing Grace and God save the Queen.
When it is all finished the church is opened wide
And all who wish to enter are welcomed there inside.
It is a tradition I am proud to share
And as long as God is willing I’ll keep going there.

Amazing Grace

I went on a pilgrimage to Olney yesterday

To celebrate John Newton in a very special way.

It was two-forty years since his hymnal first appeared,

“Amazing Grace”its special song on which all were reared.

Newton was a slaver, until he saw the light

Then fought for abolition with all his worldly might.

Leaving dreadful past behind he then became a priest 

Serving those in Olney from the greatest to the least.

He and William Cowper each wrote songs of praise

Collected in the hymnal over many days.

Since this work was published “Amazing Grace” has been

The greatest hymn for singing the world has ever seen.

Sung in every language and over all the world

Leading all to heavenly grace. Christ’s standard thus unfurled.

I thank my Lord for Newton and for this wondrous song

Which through each generation we can sing along!

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me”

The words record the victory that Christ has won for me!

Why am I a Christian? 

Part 1

Why am I a Christian when some may think it odd?

Since I was a youngster I have believed in God.

When I was a baby the attending doctors feared

That, in my condition, I could not be reared!

With lots of dedication and tender loving care

I survived and then I thrived. An answer to mum's prayer!

Brought up in a family where love was all around

The only noise that came from me was a wheezy sound.

We went to church each Sunday as well as Sunday school

And in the solemn service could not speak or play the fool!

I loved to hear the singing it filled my heart with joy.

But I couldn't sing a note. Not this wheezy boy!

I prayed that I could have a voice to join in with the crowd.

And in His tender mercy that's what God allowed!

I may not have had the sweetest voice but it was clear and strong

And in glorious harmony I could sing along.

I heard the bible stories with reverence and awe

And I tried to follow the tenets of God's law.

I knew that God could do all things as He had nurtured me

And I knew he sent His son to set all people free.

Of course I often left His path as all are prone to do

But I knew, despite my faults, that He was ever true.

 Part 2

Why am I a Christian when I fall so short?

When I am so seldom doing what I ought?

Throughout all my teenage years I gambled, smoked and drank

If I didn't go too wrong I have my God to thank.

The girl that I longed to date desired me as a friend

Of course I played along with that. She'd love me in the end!

That was not to happen she fancied my best mate

And, when I accepted that, it was far too late!

My teenage sexual urges were therefore held in thrall

And I ranted at my God presiding over all!

I did my bible studies and played a lot of sports

At rugby, cricket, badminton and on the tennis courts.

My schoolwork came too easy for a lazy boy like me

I needed no revision to pass quite easily.

So I went off to Uni with no desire to work

All that I was good at was knowing how to shirk!

I had no real ambition for a career that I desired

Nor any inclination for the work that was required.

Of course I failed in second year and was asked to go

What my next move ought to be I didn't even know!

I prayed that I might find a job that really suited me

Without a single idea of what the job might be.

I wrote my applications for management positions

For they seemed to offer fair pay and conditions!

After stringent interviews I received two offers

Both of which had promise to fill a poor man's coffers!

One was based in my home town t'other across the sea

And my inner voice decides which one it should be.

With fear and trepidation I decided to leave home 

That's when God's peace came over me as I prepared to roam!

Part 3

Why am I a Christian when I left my church behind?

On Sunday's I played cricket so I didn't mind.

I settled down in Birmingham a young man on his own

And to my annoyance wild oats were never sown!

Still played my sport whenever I had time to spare

And drank and sang with people I encountered there.

Work was not a problem, I enjoyed it too

In between my leisure it was something I could do!

Then a voice just told me that I had met my wife

Someone I'd be happy to care for all my life.

Remember, I'd been single, never had a girl.

Now all of a sudden my head was in a whirl!

Sue didn't even like me! So what was I to do?

My voice just said to trust Him, He would guide me through.

I made sure Sue noticed me and tried to ask her out.

That she didn't want to come she left me in no doubt.

I continued asking, went for a lunchtime drink.

She found our chat enjoyable, which gave her cause to think!

She agreed to have a date. The rest is history.

I thank my Saviour every day for giving her to me.

We very soon got married and had four years on our own

But our desire for children had gradually been grown.

Just as we got pregnant another crisis came

My job called me to Manchester. Life wouldn't be the same!

Part 4

Why am I a Christian while I am so weak?

It is for the solace that I can always seek.

The worries of the birthing time seem to disappear

When you know your Saviour is always somewhere near!

I greeted both my children with copious tears of joy

For they were a part of me. A proud, delirious boy!

We found a church for christening and of course we stayed

It was like my childhood for my kids to be replayed,

They learned of Jesus' love for them at home and Sunday school

They were delightful children, as a general rule!

Life was full of challenges with spasms in Sue's back

And two lively toddlers to try and keep on track!

We prayed and worked together and somehow we got through

With your Saviour's backing that's all you have to do.

Meanwhile my work was going well for training was my bent

And within the training school happy hours were spent.

Though we were quite settled and happy with our lot

Our eternal Father quickly changed the plot!

I had gained promotion and suddenly that means

We had to pack our suitcases and move to Milton Keynes!

Part 5

Why am I a Christian with no need for any proof?

Who knows his precious Saviour will never stand aloof?

Turning up in Milton Keynes with family in tow

No people, friends or family. Nobody we would know.

It did not take us many weeks to find a local church

For we knew that Jesus would not leave us in the lurch.

We turned up at St Mary's where children's work was good

That we'd found the right place we fully understood!

It's over thirty years since we first went through the the door

And as far as I'm concerned we'll be there evermore!

We made good friends, the schools were fine. Life was just a ball.

And for several years we found we couldn't moan at all.

In management development I built on my career

And gained a new promotion. I had no cause to fear.

Sue had started teaching, the girls were a delight

And I was really thinking everything's all right.

Have you ever noticed, when things are going well,

That is the time that someone should ring a warning bell!

BT changed its structure and I was under stress.

Working for a bully my life became a mess!

I tried with everything I knew to meet his crass demands

Anyone who's been depressed really understands.

No matter what I tried to do I could not succeed

In doing the impossible that this man decreed.

Of course the Lord was with me but I could not hear his voice 

You have to choose to listen. He always gives a choice!

Part 6

Why am I a Christian when I don't hear His voice?

Shouldn't He shout louder so I have no choice?

I went off for a sailing trip on a Christian boat

To take my mind off troubles while I was afloat!

We got stuck upon a mud bank long before low tide

It would be several hours before the rotten boat would glide.

Most of the crew were moaning that they had come to sail

Not sit upon a sand bar like some unfortunate beached whale!

The weather it was sunny and my mood was light

I knew I only had to wait and I would be all right.

This was when I heard His voice becalming all my rages,

"Finally you listen. I've been telling you for ages!"

At once I knew what I should do. Just wait in perfect peace!

And within a week or two I would find release!

A package was now offered to those who'd like to leave

I accepted with alacrity I'm sure you can believe!

Now starts a new adventure working for myself

The fact I am no salesman put me on the shelf.

Part 7

Why am I a Christian when I don't understand 

That I was meant to listen and act at God's command?

I tried my hand at many things but none would really work

And I began to think myself a pretty feeble jerk!

I went to evening worship one Sunday on my own

I sat in a secluded spot to have a silent moan.

I told God I was useless and several things like that

When people came beside me to have a little chat!

'Thanks God! I wanted solitude, could you not allow

For me to have a quiet time? What was wrong with now?'

Then as if to make His point another friend came by

So I started chatting with an inward sigh!

Later in the service this friend began to cry

And I sat and listened as she told me why.

Her husband worked away from home returning at weekends

She started snapping at him as if they were not friends!

The tension built throughout the day, and just before he left, 

That was when she snapped at him because she felt bereft!

I listened and I cheered her up and even made her laugh

And she went home quite happy to her well loved better half.

That's when I heard a chuckle deep within my brain

"I thought you said you're useless?" The Masters voice again!

All that I could do was laugh for clearly God could tell

That, though I had some weaknesses, I had my strengths as well!

Part 8

Why am I a Christian who's never had conversion

Though I've renewed baptismal vows by my full immersion?

No cataclysmic moment, no falling to the ground 

No dramatic answer to some mighty trumpet sound!

With charismatic preachers pushing such a line

I began to wonder if my depth of faith was fine?

I talked to my friend, a curate, about such a clarion call

And, in my position, had I missed it all.

True my faith was solid. Jesus has my vote, 

But without conversion had I missed the boat?

He laughed at me and told me that God worked in many ways

Some needed the spectacular to set them in a daze.

Paul was convinced, within his mind, that he was doing right

He needed knocking off his horse so he would see the light.

My walk with God was gentle, my faith was always strong

And I revelled in God's handiwork as I went along.

This gave me reassurance, that God knows what's in my heart

And that He always has done from the very start.

That's why I'm a Christian, not for what I've done

But as one of the reasons that God sent His only Son!

The Lifeboat

The church should be a lifeboat there to brave the sea

Not a cosy cruise ship for the likes of you and me!

It should reflect society not just the middle classes

It should enfold the desperate and those who scratch their asses!

It should go out and rescue, not form a holy huddle.

It should welcome everyone whose life is in a muddle.

We must stand here ready to answer duty's call,

When the maroon is fired, to rescue one and all.

Lots of folk are drowning whom it is our role to save

And, like every lifeboat crew, we must all be brave.

We must have the wherewithal to take on this task

And have the strength and confidence to do what God will ask.

Our lifeboat is unsinkable with Jesus at the helm

And we will all be safe at last in His heavenly realm!

Bluebells

Walking in the sunlight through the bluebells in the wood
Talking with my family and really feeling good.
The purple of the bluebells glowing in the sun
Reflecting how God’s love and peace is there for everyone.
The breeze among the tree tops give us dappled light
Which certainly enhances this wondrous springtime sight.
I thank God for nature  and all that we can see
There among the bluebells which mean so much to me.

 Thoughts on the Cross

When I think about Good Friday and the crosses on a hill 
The horror of Christ's torment and death affects me still.
He knew that He would die like that before the deed was done
But chose to undertake it as God's obedient son.
We know that He was praying there might be another way
But yet He was prepared to die on that dreadful day.
They stripped Him and they flogged Him until his back was raw
And yet the mob just mocked Him and laughed at what they saw!
Deserted by His followers, abandoned by His friends.
He had to suffer agony in the grisliest of ends.
Carrying His heavy cross, they marched Him to that hill
And for extra burden our sins were with Him still!
Tortured and derided, nailed unto a tree
Christ undertook this nightmare for the sake of you and me!
He shared his fate with others. They'd watch each other die.
And one of them reacted just like you or I!
He mocked Christ, full of bitterness at his cruel fate.
His words were so sarcastic and also full of hate.
He wanted to be rescued so that he could live!
The other showed Christ deference and asked him to forgive!
The sky was dark as night-time and Christ was in despair.
Did He not feel God's presence, while He was dying there?
Taken down and buried in a rocky cave, 
Rejected and forgotten by the world He came to save.
Of course we know the outcome on that memorable third day
That He rose in victory and death did not hold sway.
He redeemed us from our sin and we can all rejoice
But don't forget the agony of His painful choice.
His was the pain and suffering, which we should not forget
And despite our failings He will save us yet!
So you can have your Easter Eggs and eat your Easter Dinner
But remember Christ was tortured so you could be a winner!

Suicide Bombing

The carnage in Sri Lanka on an Easter Sunday morn
Has left me and half the world feeling all forlorn.
What hatred so deep seated against the human race
Can sanction random killing in a peaceful place?
What misguided cleric can persuade a simpleton
That, by such wanton slaughter, salvation can be won?
Of course they wanted anger and retaliation 
And that we should persecute the whole Islamic nation.
That creates new martyrs and could start a holy war
And in their twisted thinking that's what they're looking for.
I pray for the injured and those who weep and mourn
And with other Christians my conscious mind is torn.
I long that those responsible be found and put away 
And that they'll never ever see the light of day!
But then I ask what Christ would say and what would be his plea
And I kneel and ask my God on humble blended knee:-
"Father please forgive them for they know not what they do
And in Your loving kindness bring them all to you."

Sat Nav

When going on a journey I plan before I go

The good old map will indicate what I want to know.

But when I am driving I cannot recall 

All the little details of the journey overall!

So I use my Sat Nav to tell me where to go

It tells me all the twists and turns that I need to know!

Life is like a journey, the bible shows the way

But for all the twists and turns I really have to pray.

God will keep me safely on the correct road

And will be my companion there to share my load.

He is like my Sat Nav to keep me on the track

And I always trust Him to get me there and back.

The Cross Stands Out

'Midst all the painful images that came from Notre Dame
There was one which hit me and made me feel more calm.
In the midst of the destruction, blackened beams, et al
There was a cross which stood supreme bright and very tall!
No matter what has happened Christ died for our mistakes
And, for a reminder, an empty cross is all it takes!
That Jesus died and rose again fills my heart with peace
And from whatever bothers me I find it a release.
The cross stands out o'er all the earth a symbol to revere
A reminder to those everywhere they should be of good cheer!

Notre Dame

I could not believe it when I saw it on the screen.
Notre Dame a beauty, which all the world has seen.
Flames were pouring from its roof and then it's falling spire
Such historic beauty caught in tragic fire.
The cause is not yet known of this conflagration
In a tragedy that touches those of every nation.
Our hearts go out to all the French on this dreadful day
And to restore this glory, I hope there is a way.

Recollections

I do not have a diary to record the things I do
Though my faulty memory will not see me through.
I remember lots of things in the distant past 
But memories of yesterday do not seem to last!
Of course when I was younger my memory was good
I remembered clearly everything I should.
I didn't need to write it down for it was in my brain
And my writing is so bad it can't be read again!
In the time of Jesus most could not read or write
So it was important that their memories were bright.
Most of Christ's disciples would lack an education
Together with the multitudes in the Jewish nation.
Matthew was the only one to have acquired the skill
And it is very fortunate we have his writings still.
Everything would be written from his point of view
But of all he saw and heard we have a valued clue.
All the other Gospels were at best second hand
So minor inconsistencies we can understand.
For the main points of the story: the road to Calvary,
And how Jesus died and rose again to set all people free,
All are quite consistent and so we can conclude
That we have the truth of it as they understood.
I thank my God for Jesus and the faith that I possess 
And with my failing memory I ask for nothing less!

Walking

Walking with good company round Woughton on the Green
Through soaring lines of poplars. That's where I have been.
The sun was shining brightly in a clear blue sky.
And we'd get cheery greetings from the people passing by.
We had to dodge the bicycles as they went on their way
But it didn't spoil enjoyment of this glorious day.
Of course it went quite chilly when we were in the shade
But it didn't spoil enjoyment of the day the Lord had made.
We stopped and had a coffee in the little parish church,
Which opened with refreshments, not to leave us in the lurch.
All were relaxed and talking in this lovely spring time sun
The conversation flowing from the time the walk begun.
I enjoyed our time together on our early morning walk
Delighting in the scenery and enjoying friendly talk.
It must have been like this for Christ with his mates in tow.
What the following week would bring they were not to know!

Sunrise

I love to see the sunrise early in the morning
And don’t believe the redness is a shepherd’s warning!
The beauty of the dawn is there to share with all the world
As if there’s angels in the sky with banners all unfurled.
The chorus of the birds, at dawn, fills my soul with wonder.
Their joyous calling fills my ears like a clap of thunder.
There is no greater pleasure than to rise up with the lark
And witness all this glory in heavens own theme park!
It banishes all bitterness, it overcomes all sorrow
And it will do the same again when it arrives tomorrow!

 Quiet

I love peace and quiet which may come as a shock,
Though it can be broken by the ticking of a clock!
When I am in company I like to have a chat
And those who've ever met me are not surprised at that!
It is also noted that my voice is rather loud
And I'm sometimes noticed in any sort of crowd!
None the less, I revel in a little quiet time
Simply meditating or writing a new rhyme.
I get inspiration from the silence and the peace
And I have to tell you, it gives my soul release.
I'm not the greatest listener the world has ever seen!
But listening in silence I hear how crass I've been.
No one has to tell me. My conscience says it all
And I can truly listen for God's over-riding call.
Christ may have been faultless but he had time on his own
To listen to instructions from His father's heavenly throne.
That is why he went in silence through this time of Lent
To be sure he had the answer to what God truly meant.

Relationships

"No man is an island", or so the poets say
We live in our relationships each, and every day.
Sometimes they are loving and we feel so blessed
For that loving feeling just has to be the best.
Sometimes they are lukewarm and hardly worth a thought
But we can make them closer and surely then we ought.
Sometimes they are stormy and can be a strain
But with lots of effort they can be restored again.
Sometimes they are broken quite beyond repair
And can often lead to heartache and even to despair.
That is when we need a friend to lift our spirit high
But there may not be an ally who is living nigh.
Thankfully we have a God who longs to be our friend
And He is always with us right until the end!

Integrity

I play golf quite regularly and I’m pleased to say
All my playing partners know the way to play.
I don’t mean they’ve got the skills, I mean they play it fair.
I couldn’t find more honest men if I looked everywhere.
It’s a matter of integrity counting up your score
Even when no one can see that you’ve taken more.
I saw some great examples in the game we played today
And it’s not surprising for that’s the way we play.
Sometimes it’s an air shot that no one else can see
Or hitting in your practice swing. How annoying that can be!
Helping others find their balls and applauding their good shots
Encouraging each other and always laughing lots!
Of course we are competitive and so we like to win,
But able to take losing with a friendly grin.
Integrity through our daily life will also be the same
We can treat the ups and downs as just another game.

 Overcoming Adversity

I was at a funeral earlier today
And I was most impressed with what they had to say.
The man had lost his mother and was brought up in care
And paralysed with polio too. Life just wasn't fair.
From a very early age he had learned to fight
Against a stack of nasty odds he would reach the light!
From being almost paralysed he always had a limp.
No one could accuse him of acting like a wimp!
He was conscripted to the forces but invalided out
When they had discovered his health was not so stout!
He drifted on from job to job and always paid his way
But what was his vocation? Nobody could say.
He had received no training,no exams and no degree
Where the stars would take him he would have to see!
He had a love of drama and music filled his soul
And as if by miracle he found his perfect role!
He tried his hand in school one day teaching in the arts
And he taught his pupils to perform in many parts.
He inspired a generation of students with his love
For drama and for music from the spheres above.
He retired so many years ago but still his pupils came
To testify to all his skills and his claims to fame.
He had determination to rise above his start
And to overcome adversity he had the strongest heart!

Appreciation

Isn't it nice when someone unexpected shows they care?
She just came up and greeted me while I was sitting there!
I hadn't seen her face to face for six or seven years
But the friendly hug she gave nearly caused me tears.
I've always tried to be a friend to the youngsters that I know
And try to keep in touch with them to see how well they go.
To know that they appreciate the friendship you have shown
Is one of the nicest feelings that I have ever known.
She has grown and married and has a lovely family
And how her daughters will turn out, I cannot wait to see!
Parenthood is awesome a privilege to share
Though at times the kids can make you want to tear your hair!
If they're half as nice as her they'll be lovely too
And she's there to guide them in all the things they do.

Tomorrow

Yesterday is history, today is where we are!
Tomorrow we can follow another bright new star.
No matter where we have been, or where we are today,
Tomorrow can be better for it is another day!
We should be ever hopeful and learn from our misdeeds
And eagerly await the outcome of where tomorrow leads.
All our downward spirals can be looked upon as springs.
Think of the opportunities that tomorrow brings!
There is no point in worrying about what’s in the past
Look forward to the good things that will come at last.
To be pessimistic is a waste of time for me
And can only spoil the future, which I want to see.
So abandon all your baggage you know that you can cope
And journey to tomorrow full of joy and hope!

The Frog Prince

Mum told my kids a story of how I'd been a frog
Croaking very mournfully sitting on a log.
Then their mother had turned up and given me a kiss
So I became a handsome prince and so we lived in bliss!
Of course they asked the question as they liked to know
Which wicked witch had cast a spell so it turned out so?
Then I was mischievous and said it was their gran
For she didn't want me to marry in her clan.
The problems this would cause me I never did expect.
I never thought that they would think that it was correct!
They took it up with granny the next time that they met
And it weren't surprising that she got upset!
It took a very long time before to me she spoke
Before I could persuade her that it was a joke.
If you're telling fairy tales make sure they're not believed
Or it creates more trouble than you have conceived.

Expect the Unexpected

The nation is divided almost down the middle

How we can extract ourselves is a major riddle!

The politicians can't agree on a course to set

And we haven't got a clue what we're going to get!

Everyone should act their age and stop their silly quibblings 

And treat each other decently as if they were all siblings.

Then we might all chart a course for the common good

And we could work together as a nation should.

Don't play petty politics. Find a compromise

And we'd find an outcome that would be a surprise!

I pray for good solutions which unite the nation.

At the moment that must be beyond our expectation!

Our Saviour really taught us to expect the unexpected 

Think about the shock to us when he was resurrected!

Disagreement

Surely we can disagree while still remaining friends?
And if I have upset you I want to make amends.
I can think you are mistaken and that I am right
But that is not a reason why we should start a fight!
Be sure I do not disagree just to be a pain
I just think that you are wrong and ought to think again.
We could talk of something else and agree to disagree
I do not expect the whole wide world to agree with me. 
There might be a compromise, which we could accept
Even though that’s something at which I’m not adept!
We can both be adults and still talk to each other
And in my estimation you are still my brother.
This is hypothetical but I know it can be true
But nothing in this world should come twixt me and you! 

No Means No

When you were an infant you tried with all your might
To get the things you wanted whether they were wrong or right.
However, if 'twere bad for you your parent would say "no!"
And as a naughty toddler you'd have another go!
No matter if you asked and asked the answer stayed the same
And if you carried on like that you learned it weren't a game!
"No means no!" your loving mum would, very likely, say
And you knew it was not sensible for you to disobey!
Why then do people think that God will likely change His mind?
We know He knows what's best for us and He is not unkind.
He knows what you wanted before you had to ask
And it matters not how many are given the praying task!
He hears the silent prayers you make as well as if you shout
And surely lists of wants or needs are not what prayer's about.
Ok we share with others the cares we have to bear
A burden shared divides the load between the folk who care.
But surely prayer should be about finding out God's will
And we can better do this when all is quiet and still.
I don't begrudge for others how they want to pray
But please allow me time and space to do it my own way!

Mothers

It's a special day for mothers and we make a lot of fuss
And they do deserve it for looking after us.
They fed us and they cherished us when we were very small
And sometimes they chastised us when we weren't good at all!
Through our early childhood and then into our teens
They nurtured and slaved for us as if we're kings and queens!
They always took an interest in everything we do
And they always will do for our whole life through.
We are not always good to them yet they love us still
And just the thought of seeing us gives them such a thrill.
Appreciate your mother for she loves you so
And as you love her dearly you should let her know!

Fair

Many times I've heard it said that something isn't fair.
As if they have been given something they can't bear.
Sometimes we are faced with things that we do not like
And wish that we had got the chance to get upon our bike!
When I was young my mother gave me this advice:
"Life is not a picnic. Not everything is nice.
You have to meet each challenge as it is presented
Sometimes there are nasty things that cannot be prevented.
There is no use in moaning, get on with your task
And, if you need some help from God, you only have to ask.
You'll still have the challenge but you have a friend
Who is always with you till you reach the end."
Life has got its ups and downs. Take it as it comes.
And we all should listen to lessons from our mums!

Clear Blue Sky

I awoke this morning to a lovely clear blue sky.
Playing golf beneath it had me on a high!
My golf may not be wonderful but I was full of joy.
Out in glorious days like this I am a lucky boy!
The greens were very fast today, I couldn’t sink a putt.
In fact I just was playing like the old proverbial mutt!
One of our number was on fire, we all just watched in awe.
We were rapt with wonder with the putting that we saw!
Ok, I lost the money but it couldn’t spoil my day.
The way that I was playing I’d have lost it anyway?
I gloried in the weather and just enjoyed the walk 
For while we’re together we can always talk.
It’s not a religion. Golf is just a game.
And it was never going to be how I made my name!!!

Sleep

When we were small the thought of sleep appalled. 

We wouldn’t go to bed when we were called!

Out of bed we’d often try to creep.

Our mums would threaten, “Not another peep!”

Of course we were bad  tempered when we tired

But still to stay awake we all aspired.

In our teens we slouched within our beds

Lots of lazy thoughts inside our heads!

As young lovers sleep was over rated 

We’d wait until our appetites were sated!

As adults we were often kept awake

Pondering upon some grievous big mistake.

As parents we just needed lots of rest

With well loved kids who were sometimes a pest!

Then the worries for their lives began!

Would they find the perfect girl or man?

A brief time followed when they left the nest

When we could have some nights of peaceful rest!

Now we’re really getting on a bit

We long for dreamless sleep within our pit

But somehow every niggling ache and pain 

Means we cannot get to sleep again!

We toss and turn but never quite get right

So we read a bit with bedside light.

When we are tired we’ll surely fall asleep

And we will finally enter slumbers deep?

No chance! The bathroom beckons us

And we have to go without a fuss!

Now the all night waltzing has begun

We toss and turn until the rising sun!

We just want a jolly good night’s sleep.

Every other pleasure you can keep!

Clearing out the Rubbish

We seem to have been hoarding for years and years, and years.
We could get rid of most of it without a need for tears!
Accumulated paperwork no longer any use
For leaving it unsorted, we don't have an excuse!
Clothes hang in our wardrobes that we no longer wear
And shoes no longer useful because of wear and tear!
Then there is the bric-a-brac that crams into each space
It makes the place seem cluttered. In fact it's a disgrace!
Part of our spring cleaning should be to clear it out
A little bit of discipline is what it's all about!
It's the same with attitudes that we have kept in mind
Just how many of them are the redundant kind?
We should search our conscience and get rid of prejudice. 
Could it be that time in Lent should be used for this?

The Bells

I hear the bells each Sunday as I look up at the tower
Calling us to worship at the eleventh hour.
The sound is very joyful and lifts my spirits high
And as I wander in the door I give a thankful sigh.
It is a reminder of the way things used to be
And that our loving Saviour forgives our sin for free!
Of course it wasn't free for Him he suffered on the cross
And His faithful followers could not bear the loss.
But then he died and rose again on that victorious day
A beacon sent from heaven to give a glorious ray.
That light has lasted up till now o'er all the powers of hell.
And I get goose pimples every time I hear a bell.
So keep those church bells chiming it is a wondrous sound,
Which gives a boost to all of us listening on the ground.

Gifting

I have got a gifting and use it when I can.

Hopefully I use it to uplift my fellow man!

I find it pretty easy to express myself in rhyme

To write a little poem doesn't take a lot of time.

When inspiration grabs me it all seems to flow

And once I write a single line the next is on the go.

I have written with emotion, which causes me to cry.

I think they are my best ones, but that is by the by!

When I see in nature some beauty so divine

My heart just soars recording it in poetic line.

A tragedy will cause me to express in verse

My feelings of compassion or even, something worse!

I rhyme my meditations on subjects grave and deep

And if they're controversial I don't lose any sleep.

I write verses to remember those who've passed away

And others are for friends of mine on their special day.

All  show my affection for the person that I know

And if it causes laughter, they would want it so!

God gave me this gifting so I can tell a story.

If it is good, or popular, His must be the glory!

Duty

I understand my duty is something I must do.

If I agree to do a task, I must see it through!

I may crack my sinews and strain each aching joint.

It may not be a pleasure but that’s beside the point.

I should do it willingly and with a beaming smile And given opportunity should walk that extra mile.

I should sing and whistle while I’m on my way

And greet all others cheerfully on every single day!

Then I’ve done my duty to spread a little joy.

If I have given some happiness 

To any girl or boy!