The Prodigal was a restless man
Who turned aside from God’s best plan
To walk the road of fleshly pleasure
Squandering his inherited treasure.
He spent freely on all his friends
Until his money came to an end.
By following plans of his own design
He found himself a herder of swine.
Dirty, dusty, hungry and hot,
He realized now that he was not
Living the truths his father taught
But a victim of Satan’s devious plot.
“My father’s servants live better than me.
I will go home a servant to be.
I will seek my father’s favor;
Then as a servant, faithfully labor.
The father in love watched from afar
For His son who followed the wandering star.
He ran to meet him with warm embrace
Extending his love and healing grace.
If you have been down the Egyptian Road
Heed the truth the Scripture has told.
Come bow your head and bend your knee
To the only One who can set you free.
Remember the faithfulness of your God;
Forsake this path upon which you trod.
Return to the One whose love is true;
He will restore the joy you once knew.
Come to the altar of surrender
Admit you are a spiritual pretender.
Today if you hear the Spirit call
Come kneel before God; give Him your all.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Special Memories of My Son
On the Occasion of his 29th birthday
I’ll never forget the day you arrived, a happy and jovial lad.
How it warmed my heart inside to hear you call me “dad.”
You climbed up on the top-most bunk and laid your head to rest.
In the night I heard a ker plunk: you had fallen from your nest.
I picked you up and held you tight; your fear soon went away.
You were anxious for morning to come, so you could get up and play.
Because it was your birthday week, we had a party one night.
I still remember your joyful shriek when you saw your brand new bike.
I remember the day we prayed, when Jesus came into your heart;
Knowing with joy He had come to stay, to set your life apart.
I also remember the daily bike ride pedaling through city streets
Picking up bottles cast aside with stops at McDonald’s for treats?
I will never forget the time when you were in third grade.
That was when this son of mine embarked on a homework crusade.
You dramatically changed your ways; your work went from “C’s” to “A’s”
Earning your father-teacher’s praise; good grades had arrived to stay.
Learning to drive was a really big chore as you struggled to brake and shift.
I thought perhaps our life was o’er as you backed us off the cliff.
I will always remember the special day when Regina became your bride.
She is the one for whom we had prayed to be your helpmate and pride.
And now there is news that brings me joy, which sets my heart aflame.
Soon a new baby girl or boy will carry our family name.
There are memories in heart and mind, too numerous for me to write,
But I want to tell you one more time: You are your father’s delight.
Happy Birthday, Son.
I’ll never forget the day you arrived, a happy and jovial lad.
How it warmed my heart inside to hear you call me “dad.”
You climbed up on the top-most bunk and laid your head to rest.
In the night I heard a ker plunk: you had fallen from your nest.
I picked you up and held you tight; your fear soon went away.
You were anxious for morning to come, so you could get up and play.
Because it was your birthday week, we had a party one night.
I still remember your joyful shriek when you saw your brand new bike.
I remember the day we prayed, when Jesus came into your heart;
Knowing with joy He had come to stay, to set your life apart.
I also remember the daily bike ride pedaling through city streets
Picking up bottles cast aside with stops at McDonald’s for treats?
I will never forget the time when you were in third grade.
That was when this son of mine embarked on a homework crusade.
You dramatically changed your ways; your work went from “C’s” to “A’s”
Earning your father-teacher’s praise; good grades had arrived to stay.
Learning to drive was a really big chore as you struggled to brake and shift.
I thought perhaps our life was o’er as you backed us off the cliff.
I will always remember the special day when Regina became your bride.
She is the one for whom we had prayed to be your helpmate and pride.
And now there is news that brings me joy, which sets my heart aflame.
Soon a new baby girl or boy will carry our family name.
There are memories in heart and mind, too numerous for me to write,
But I want to tell you one more time: You are your father’s delight.
Happy Birthday, Son.
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Valentine's Also My Mate
It’s better we married late in life,
For I was not worthy of you.
I was in need of God’s pruning knife
My selfish will to subdue.
But with the passing years of time
Through pain in body and soul,
I learned to say, “Not my will but Thine”
And yielded to His control.
God gave you grace in refining fire
Through heartache and loss so cruel.
Knowing not what next would transpire
Into His arms you flew.
You immersed yourself in God’s Holy Word
Growing in wisdom and might.
Knowing our Lord would use what occurred
To bring others into the light.
Then one day with my heart on the mend
And my stubborn will now resolved,
You became my very best friend;
My loneliness simply dissolved.
I knew I had found the one I loved
Whose heart I will ever cherish.
Knowing it was given from God above
Never to fade or perish.
This is my 18th valentine, dear,
Since our very first date.
I want to shout out for all to hear,
“My valentine’s also my mate.”
For I was not worthy of you.
I was in need of God’s pruning knife
My selfish will to subdue.
But with the passing years of time
Through pain in body and soul,
I learned to say, “Not my will but Thine”
And yielded to His control.
God gave you grace in refining fire
Through heartache and loss so cruel.
Knowing not what next would transpire
Into His arms you flew.
You immersed yourself in God’s Holy Word
Growing in wisdom and might.
Knowing our Lord would use what occurred
To bring others into the light.
Then one day with my heart on the mend
And my stubborn will now resolved,
You became my very best friend;
My loneliness simply dissolved.
I knew I had found the one I loved
Whose heart I will ever cherish.
Knowing it was given from God above
Never to fade or perish.
This is my 18th valentine, dear,
Since our very first date.
I want to shout out for all to hear,
“My valentine’s also my mate.”
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Minnesota Thanksgiving Memories
We would wake up early Thanksgiving morn to special kitchen sounds.
Mom was preparing to roast the stuffed turkey until it was golden brown.
The kitchen looked like a surgical suite with knives and utensils galore.
There were potatoes to peel, pies to be cut and cranberries from the store.
“It’s cereal for you my boys,” she said, “and then you can play outdoors.
But first get dressed and help your dad finish the morning chores.
Gather the eggs and feed the chickens; dress warm; its cold out today.
After breakfast there will be time to go outside and play.”
We had a big barn with hay stored up top to feed our livestock cattle.
We played war in hay-bale mountains winning many a battle.
After the hay was cleared on one end, we created a basketball court.
Minnesota boys playing in the barn enjoying a winter sport.
The weather may be chilling outside but the livestock kept the barn warm.
Inside the lighted basketball hoop; outside a white winter storm.
Grandpa and Grandma arrived before noon to join the celebration.
Aunts and uncles and cousins would come to stay for the day’s duration.
Uncle Jack would play basketball with the older girls and boys.
The basketball court up in the barn was filled with joyful noise.
Dad and Grandpa and Uncle Bob would watch the Macy’s parade,
While Mom and Lois, Eldora and Grandma prepared a feast homemade.
Pretty soon we would hear the call that it was time to enjoy the feast.
Grandpa would pray thanking the Lord for blessings that had increased.
Then we would eat an incredible meal of turkey, potatoes and gravy,
Yams, green beans and cranberry sauce with flavor tart and savory.
The parents would talk about the pies and decide to serve it later.
All the cousins would go outside to show their skill as skaters.
Home-made ice rinks are easy to make in a cold Minnesota clime.
Ice skates and hockey are a great way to enjoy the winter time.
After some skating the tables were cleared and games set out to play.
Many a fierce Monopoly game took place on Thanksgiving Day.
Some played dominos, the girls played Rummy, and some would read a book,
But my favorite game (and it’s not for dummies) is a game called Rook.
Somewhere in the middle of all this wonderful family activity
The moms would serve the various pies, which only enhanced the festivity.
Pie and turkey and left over feast were laid out for the taking.
We would eat and indulge ourselves until our stomach was aching.
Grandpa and Grandma, Mom and Dad, Aunt Lois and Uncle Jack,
Bob and Eldora, Cherrie and Bobbie and Sheila coming last,
Brian and Greg and Bradley Todd, my infant baby brother,
What a blessing to have a family that loves and enjoys each other!
The years have passed and were far apart but our memories are alive.
Each year we recall them affectionately when the holidays arrive.
So here’s a greeting to all my kin with love from the depths of my heart.
I remember you warmly with love today even though we’re miles apart.
Mom was preparing to roast the stuffed turkey until it was golden brown.
The kitchen looked like a surgical suite with knives and utensils galore.
There were potatoes to peel, pies to be cut and cranberries from the store.
“It’s cereal for you my boys,” she said, “and then you can play outdoors.
But first get dressed and help your dad finish the morning chores.
Gather the eggs and feed the chickens; dress warm; its cold out today.
After breakfast there will be time to go outside and play.”
We had a big barn with hay stored up top to feed our livestock cattle.
We played war in hay-bale mountains winning many a battle.
After the hay was cleared on one end, we created a basketball court.
Minnesota boys playing in the barn enjoying a winter sport.
The weather may be chilling outside but the livestock kept the barn warm.
Inside the lighted basketball hoop; outside a white winter storm.
Grandpa and Grandma arrived before noon to join the celebration.
Aunts and uncles and cousins would come to stay for the day’s duration.
Uncle Jack would play basketball with the older girls and boys.
The basketball court up in the barn was filled with joyful noise.
Dad and Grandpa and Uncle Bob would watch the Macy’s parade,
While Mom and Lois, Eldora and Grandma prepared a feast homemade.
Pretty soon we would hear the call that it was time to enjoy the feast.
Grandpa would pray thanking the Lord for blessings that had increased.
Then we would eat an incredible meal of turkey, potatoes and gravy,
Yams, green beans and cranberry sauce with flavor tart and savory.
The parents would talk about the pies and decide to serve it later.
All the cousins would go outside to show their skill as skaters.
Home-made ice rinks are easy to make in a cold Minnesota clime.
Ice skates and hockey are a great way to enjoy the winter time.
After some skating the tables were cleared and games set out to play.
Many a fierce Monopoly game took place on Thanksgiving Day.
Some played dominos, the girls played Rummy, and some would read a book,
But my favorite game (and it’s not for dummies) is a game called Rook.
Somewhere in the middle of all this wonderful family activity
The moms would serve the various pies, which only enhanced the festivity.
Pie and turkey and left over feast were laid out for the taking.
We would eat and indulge ourselves until our stomach was aching.
Grandpa and Grandma, Mom and Dad, Aunt Lois and Uncle Jack,
Bob and Eldora, Cherrie and Bobbie and Sheila coming last,
Brian and Greg and Bradley Todd, my infant baby brother,
What a blessing to have a family that loves and enjoys each other!
The years have passed and were far apart but our memories are alive.
Each year we recall them affectionately when the holidays arrive.
So here’s a greeting to all my kin with love from the depths of my heart.
I remember you warmly with love today even though we’re miles apart.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Power of Common Sense
Proverbs 19
O what a blessing is common sense as you walk your path each day.
Here are some proverbs Solomon gave to keep you from going astray.
1 Passion and zeal are important cogs in the wheel of success, but
Without knowledge as the top dog, zeal creates a mess.
3 Many a man has ruined his life because of his own foolish deeds.
Then he blames God for hardship and strife in his time of need.
4 If you are rich or rule from the throne, you will have many friends,
But if you are poor; going it alone, their desire for friendship ends.
8 He who loves wisdom loves his own soul. He enjoys peace within.
He who is foolish and out of control will look back on life with chagrin.
9 Nobody likes a liar, my friend. Your friendship brings only pain.
So bring your lying to a quick end if friendships you would sustain.
11 A man of discretion with self control is a very rare man indeed.
He is mature enough to forgive a soul for their foolish misdeed.
13 A son for a fool is a father’s ruin as is a quarrelsome wife.
Parents and child are not in tune with God who could change their life.
15 Lazy people sleep very well especially when they are younger.
Unless this bad habit they dispel, they will certainly suffer hunger.
17 He who has pity on the poor is one who lends to the Lord.
God will repay what he has given and add a generous reward.
19 Hot-tempered people must pay the price. You must make them face the facts.
If you rescue once, you will rescue twice because of their foolish acts.
26 Woe to the man who robs his father; encumbers his mother with debt.
With failure and trouble throughout his life, he is forever beset.
27 Learn to listen to wise instruction. From wisdom do not depart.
This is the way to preserve your life, bring peace and joy to your heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
O what a blessing is common sense as you walk your path each day.
Here are some proverbs Solomon gave to keep you from going astray.
1 Passion and zeal are important cogs in the wheel of success, but
Without knowledge as the top dog, zeal creates a mess.
3 Many a man has ruined his life because of his own foolish deeds.
Then he blames God for hardship and strife in his time of need.
4 If you are rich or rule from the throne, you will have many friends,
But if you are poor; going it alone, their desire for friendship ends.
8 He who loves wisdom loves his own soul. He enjoys peace within.
He who is foolish and out of control will look back on life with chagrin.
9 Nobody likes a liar, my friend. Your friendship brings only pain.
So bring your lying to a quick end if friendships you would sustain.
11 A man of discretion with self control is a very rare man indeed.
He is mature enough to forgive a soul for their foolish misdeed.
13 A son for a fool is a father’s ruin as is a quarrelsome wife.
Parents and child are not in tune with God who could change their life.
15 Lazy people sleep very well especially when they are younger.
Unless this bad habit they dispel, they will certainly suffer hunger.
17 He who has pity on the poor is one who lends to the Lord.
God will repay what he has given and add a generous reward.
19 Hot-tempered people must pay the price. You must make them face the facts.
If you rescue once, you will rescue twice because of their foolish acts.
26 Woe to the man who robs his father; encumbers his mother with debt.
With failure and trouble throughout his life, he is forever beset.
27 Learn to listen to wise instruction. From wisdom do not depart.
This is the way to preserve your life, bring peace and joy to your heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Prescriptions for Success or Failure
Proverbs 18
1 An unfriendly fellow does his own thing ignoring common sense.
The space between his two deaf ears is empty and immense.
2 Fools don’t see the other man’s thought; they love to talk and opine.
They fail to see the things they ought, for the eyes of their heart are blind.
4 Wise words are scarce; in deep waters buried, difficult to find,
So cherish the wisdom that flows forth from the wise man’s mind.
5 You can’t be partial to the transgressor and punish the righteous man.
Let’s see you try to explain it to God. I’d like to see if you can.
7 The mouth of a fool is his undoing, his lips a snare to his soul.
8 Each morsel of gossip he is reviewing eradicates self control.
9 The lazy employee slothful in toil is brother to one who tears down.
For failing to till his spiritual soil, he forfeits heaven’s crown.
10 The name of the Lord is my strong tower. Through Him I am secure.
Though demons attack with spiritual power, in Him I am safe and sure.
12 Before I was humbled I was proud, for I was a special guy.
Then I stumbled and with head bowed, I wished that I could die.
Humility always precedes honor; the humble get God’s attention.
In my pride I was a goner, but now I have comprehension.
13 To speak before knowing all the facts will make one look like a fool.
Once you talk or too quickly act, there is nothing you can do.
19 An offended brother is hard to win back. He puts up walls of defense.
So bring a halt to your wordy attack and return to common sense.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, of healing or corruption.
Those who love it will it will eat its fruit, for blessing or destruction.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
1 An unfriendly fellow does his own thing ignoring common sense.
The space between his two deaf ears is empty and immense.
2 Fools don’t see the other man’s thought; they love to talk and opine.
They fail to see the things they ought, for the eyes of their heart are blind.
4 Wise words are scarce; in deep waters buried, difficult to find,
So cherish the wisdom that flows forth from the wise man’s mind.
5 You can’t be partial to the transgressor and punish the righteous man.
Let’s see you try to explain it to God. I’d like to see if you can.
7 The mouth of a fool is his undoing, his lips a snare to his soul.
8 Each morsel of gossip he is reviewing eradicates self control.
9 The lazy employee slothful in toil is brother to one who tears down.
For failing to till his spiritual soil, he forfeits heaven’s crown.
10 The name of the Lord is my strong tower. Through Him I am secure.
Though demons attack with spiritual power, in Him I am safe and sure.
12 Before I was humbled I was proud, for I was a special guy.
Then I stumbled and with head bowed, I wished that I could die.
Humility always precedes honor; the humble get God’s attention.
In my pride I was a goner, but now I have comprehension.
13 To speak before knowing all the facts will make one look like a fool.
Once you talk or too quickly act, there is nothing you can do.
19 An offended brother is hard to win back. He puts up walls of defense.
So bring a halt to your wordy attack and return to common sense.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, of healing or corruption.
Those who love it will it will eat its fruit, for blessing or destruction.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Proverbs 17--Wise Words to Live By
Proverbs 17
1 Better dry bread all the days of your life
Than eating your fill in a house of strife.
2 He who is wise and serves his boss well
Will rule over all the employed personnel.
5 To insult the poor is to mock their Creator
Who settles the score sooner or later.
6 Grandkids bring joy to doting grandparents
When generational pride is readily apparent.
9 Love shines forth when forgiveness is there,
But simmering anger divides a pair.
10 Well-spoken reproofs to the wise as a rule
Works better than beating the back of a fool.
13 If you want to live in fear and dread
Repay good deeds with evil instead.
14 To pick a fight is to open the gate,
So stop your wrangling before it’s too late.
15 If you put the innocent to the sword,
Prepare to face the wrath of the Lord.
17 A friend is loyal in word and deed,
A brother who helps in time of need.
22 A cheerful spirit like medicine’s strong dose
Prevents me from living sad and morose
27 A truly wise person employs few words.
He stops to think before he is heard.
28 Even a fool is thought to be smart
If he keeps his thoughts and his mouth apart.
What wisdom Solomon has to impart
For the humble and wise to take to heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
1 Better dry bread all the days of your life
Than eating your fill in a house of strife.
2 He who is wise and serves his boss well
Will rule over all the employed personnel.
5 To insult the poor is to mock their Creator
Who settles the score sooner or later.
6 Grandkids bring joy to doting grandparents
When generational pride is readily apparent.
9 Love shines forth when forgiveness is there,
But simmering anger divides a pair.
10 Well-spoken reproofs to the wise as a rule
Works better than beating the back of a fool.
13 If you want to live in fear and dread
Repay good deeds with evil instead.
14 To pick a fight is to open the gate,
So stop your wrangling before it’s too late.
15 If you put the innocent to the sword,
Prepare to face the wrath of the Lord.
17 A friend is loyal in word and deed,
A brother who helps in time of need.
22 A cheerful spirit like medicine’s strong dose
Prevents me from living sad and morose
27 A truly wise person employs few words.
He stops to think before he is heard.
28 Even a fool is thought to be smart
If he keeps his thoughts and his mouth apart.
What wisdom Solomon has to impart
For the humble and wise to take to heart.
© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)