We see the sight of clothes as placed
On hangers in the store.
There, uniform in eyes behold,
Looking equal on the floor.
When these same articles of cloth
Come home and hang on us,
On bodies-just the way they are.
We wonder, what’s the fuss?
We’re each a hanger in ourself,
Displaying clothes our way.
Don’t be surprised that clothes so hung,
Don’t hang as in store’s way.
(Opposite of “Silent Night”)
Very loud light
Terrible fright.
He’s not well –
Nothing’s right.
Round yon version of truth is deceit.
One day he’ll cry out and fall at God’s feet.
Wakes to eternal doom
In hells own turbulent room
There’s the God of the universe and the God of history,
but the God that matters most in life is the God who came to me.
In a baby form, He cradled me from a life of sin and shame.
God gave the gift of heaven’s joy. It was wrapped in Jesus’ name.
This Immanuel – Our God with us, is a tabernacle view.
Take a closer look in the manger scene: there’s a gift inside for you.
Written for the children of Living Springs Wesleyan
REFRAIN:
We’re sparkling jewels for Jesus — we shine for all to see.
Look close — a crown is forming in Christ’s eternity.
Each gem is brightly colored, with the richness from God’s throne.
There each one of us is wanted; our God saved us for His own.
1st VERSE:
These children show the smile that our Savior gladly wears,
since other children walked at Galilee and saw how much He cares.
God has given us these jewels — precious gems within this place.
They bring joy into the House of God and form a smile across our face.
REFRAIN:
We’re sparkling jewels for Jesus — we shine for all to see.
Look close — a crown is forming in Christ’s eternity.
Each gem is brightly colored, with the richness from God’s throne.
There each one of us is wanted; our God saved us for His own.
2nd VERSE:
Their tender hearts and rising voices replay the Savior’s creed:
Come right now to Jesus Christ, for He is all you need.
They know that Jesus loves them, and they sing His anthem song.
The crown of heaven sparkles with these jewels who do belong.
REFRAIN:
We’re sparkling jewels for Jesus — we shine for all to see.
Look close — a crown is forming in Christ’s eternity.
Each gem is brightly colored, with the richness from God’s throne.
There each one of us is wanted; our God saved us for His own.
Leaves that softly breeze along a seeming peaceful scene.
The folks that walk within the gate may mask it so serene.
Yet tucked into the folds of dirt the loved one restful lies.
While visitors may wander long, with hazed looks in their eyes.
It’s hard to go – I cannot bare to leave them deep and dead.
Imperative to keep in mind – they left you first instead.
Together they sat in silence
As they heard this cold, hard fact:
That the cancer, which they thought was gone,
May still be coming back.
Together they sat there crying,
So stunned by life’s surprise,
With their minds continuing the journey
Of a race toward the prize.
Together they sit and listen
To the Master’s hallowed words,
While the One who holds their heartstrings
Knows the heartbreak they have heard.
Together they sit and worship
The God who knows it all.
They take the time to bow down
And yield unto His call.
Together they chart a God course,
Of the will the Master gave,
And they know He will be faithful
To a life that He has saved.
The key word is “Together”,
For our precious Janet dear,
And we know that John and others
Join us as we gather here.
So, together, we’ll lift her upward,
This gal we call our own,
And we’re proud to put her name in prayer
Before God’s solemn throne.
Consider this – no matter on which side you choose to wait.
The bus on time is not the one that’s coming – yours is late.
You learn to tell the time a lot, as hands tick, tick, away.
You’re very sure you’ll miss the schedule you have planned
That day.
Why is it that you watch the bus go by
While others get their ride?
Is it a cosmic joke on you? You’re not laughing inside.
The seasons change. The years do pass.
Of this we must agree.
The bus may come for you and yours,
But it will not stop for me.
Burnt orange hovers above the veranda,
As doors open invitation wide.
Outlined by man’s industry forming,
Silhouetted on each side.
Horizon’s color melts onto
A peaceful shade of blue.
Where the canvas of the sky
Blends softness of each hue.
A furnace reflects upon the night sky,
Imploring us, please see my form.
An original, genuine, n’er repeated.
Its canopy making us warm.
As we gather here today to put wreaths in the ground for mom, dad, Ollie and Jim, let us be persuaded that this plot of ground is not so much a grave as it is buried treasure.
When a ship sinks, like the Titanic did on her maiden voyage (coincidentally, this occurred on dad’s birthday), her contents take on an endless quality, no matter their original value or use. Whether it was John Jacob Astor’s riches aboard or the lower class person’s daily cookware, they all freeze in time. Death is the great equalizer.
Just like mom and dad or our other loved ones, we probably remember them before any illnesses, and in one specific time of their life. Death stops the time clock. This reminds me of when the Alfred Murrah Building was blown up in Oklahoma City, OK almost ten years ago. I recall seeing a clock which stopped at 9:01 or 9:02 a.m., whichever was the exact time of the bomb.
So below us we have treasure; treasure in our hearts and treasure in heaven. The Bible, in Matthew 6 speaks about “lay up for yourself treasure in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt.” The true treasure is a soul redeemed, paid for by the blood of Christ. We are not just honoring memory, for they are actually alive, just like when the disciples saw the resurrected Christ.
But today we honor the place where we last saw them – albeit they were incased in a casket. The word “casket”, by the way, means a “chest”. I like to think of the casket as a hope chest, like when a bride has a dowry and puts all of her valuables in it. Mom, dad, and all who will be a part of the Bride of Christ and will experience the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, are in this precious chest and are considered eternal treasure.
There’s a verse in the hymn “O Word of God Incarnate” that says: “The church from her dear Master received the gift divine. And still that light that lifteth o’er all the earth to shine. It is the golden casket, where gems of truth are stored. It is the heav’n -drawn picture of Christ, the living Word.”
We thank the Lord today for this buried treasure.
In joyful remembrance of Bud Franzen
A bud in floral presence is a hope of coming spring.
Its visual presentation shows where flowers do begin.
The bud gives earth a message, that great beauty lay ahead.
When surveying all life’s gardens, remember what the buds all said.
Your Bud spoke of God’s great garden, by his words and gracious life.
He exuded that same sweetness when he spoke of his dear wife.
Now your Bud is in full bloom himself at the house God calls His throne.
Oh how sweet that for a time down here you had a Bud to call your own.
