O Lord Jesus, how can it be?
We treat you so wrong
Yet, you still show mercy.

Your grace is outstanding.
Your power is might.
You fill our days.
You protect our nights.

I keep my eyes on me
instead of on you
while the world is lost
and needs to be renewed.

Take away my selfish pride
stop me from running away
I know I can't hide.

You know me better
than I know myself
and, yet, you love me anyway.
You freed me from bondage,
you broke the chains-
you're the one love i've hoped for
and I push you away.

You fill me with tears
so that I can be cleansed
you correct my mistakes
and erase all my sins.

Show me your plan
and cause me to obey
for satan keeps lying
telling me to do things myway.

I am weak, Lord, and you are strong
put your words on my lips
and, in my heart, put your song.
amen
5-14-85

1985

Help me to draw closer
closer, through your word
show me the meaning of life
with you as my Lord

you give me life
you are my strength
you supply me with answers
when i'm too weak to think

show me how to include others
in the joy you bring to me
instead of building prideful walls
too high for others to see

your lost children are here
waiting to be shown
by my actions, words and life
that a God who loves them is near

i get so caught up in pride
that i tend to brag a lot
i want my life to be open
showing them who you are
and what you are not

you are love, joy and peace
full of freedom that is true
not rules and regulations
not just "don'ts" but plenty of "do's"

so shine through me, Jesus
make my light brand new
when people look at me
i want them to see you

take this hand of mine
and i'll take yours
let our hearts entwine
and let love be ours

i think i finally understand
through the writing of this poem
the way to you is love
not works, acts or "morals"
the victory is yours
itis not me but you
who will show them.
1985

May 14 1985

my God, my God
what have i done?
have i pushed you so far away
that i can't find the words to say
how much i love you and need you?

i can't even cry for my God
my God who weeps for me
Father, you love me as i am
foolish and full of pride
you're every problems answer
you're every life inside

the heart you gave me was pure
and in time got ruined by the world
my Lord i want to know you
and see the world through you
you promise everlasting life
i want to seek you with all my might

my Lord Jesus while you were crucified
here i've been sitting
pondering what goes on inside

you've shown me how simple
it can really be
if i'll just rest in you
and let you lead me

o God restore me to that state
when we were alone and i was free
i knew only you
yet i was happy

you say you're my father
even tho i ignore you
you cling to me
when i search for others

o Lord have mercy on my soul
give me your heart
make me whole
let me see the world
through your view
teach me your ways
and make me new
1985

January 6, 1985

You look upon us and you cry
for years now, you've heard our lies,
"Yes, we'll serve Him", andwe don't.
It's our hearts and lives you want.

Jesus, you rose from the dead.
You gave your life for us to live.
Dear Jesus, you are so kind,
Why can't man see this, is he blind?

You give out love and eternal life,
to every child, husband and wife.
All we need to do is pray
and in trust, your foundations are laid.

Please be with us our Lord, O God.
Please be with us to catch our fall.
I want to make you proud of me,
I'll work hard so others may see
the peace and joy you've given me.

Before I go, please hear my prayer
and accept my thanks for being near.
Lord I love you and, what a start!
I gave you my life when you entered my heart.

You saved me by your grace alone
and in faith, I wrote this poem:

FOR THE LORD I HAVE COME
I WANT TO KNOW
WHEN YOU'LL BE DONE
SINNING AND WASTING YOUR LIFE AWAY
WHEN YOU CAN WALK WITH HIM EACH DAY
ALL HE WANTS IS FOR YOU TO BELIEVE
IF YOU ASK HIM YOU WILL RECEIVE.
ACCEPT HIM NOW AND FOLLOW ALONG
THAT PATH OF HIS LOVING AND STRONG.
LISTEN MAN, I SAY TO YOU
(because I love Him as I do)
REACH OUT AND TAKE HIS HAND
AND EXPERIENCE BEING BORN AGAIN.

I wrote the part in all caps when I was 12 years old and the rest came after I recommitted my life to Christ 9 years later. Not a great masterpiece but something from the heart.