I've composed my first hymn! I became inspired to think up a little ditty that would help our congregation, especially the children, to focus on preparing for Jesus (as opposed to preparing for Christmas) during the weeks of Advent. We sang each verse as we lit a candle on the Advent wreath. I also wrote a corresponding tune, but I don't know how to copyright it yet (and don't know if it even deserves it). Here are the verses:
Come, Lord Jesus, bring us peace;
And from fear and sin release
All the children you have made.
Jesus, bring us peace.
Come, Lord Jesus, bring us love:
Perfect blessing from above.
Turn our hearts to seek your grace.
Jesus, bring us love.
Come, Lord Jesus, bring us joy.
Every little girl and boy
Longs to hear your gentle voice.
Jesus, bring us joy.
Come, Lord Jesus, hope to bring.
Let the whole creation sing:
"You are Peace! And Love! And Joy!
Jesus, hope you bring!"
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Say It Another Way
Say It Another Way
My wife and I decided that we would put a price limit on our wedding presents to each other: we weren't allowed to spend anything. After I agreed to this stipulation I realized how difficult it was going to be because it was going to force me to be ultra-thoughtful.
I ended up writing her this sonnet (which more or less follows the scheme for a Shakespearean sonnet). The hardest part was getting every line in iambic pentameter:
October 15, 2005
My sermons come in fits and starts yet still
I know I can rely on Spirit's pow'r
To help me utter forth each Sunday hour
The words that comfort, chide, inspire, or thrill;
And Scripture's verse is, too, a steady hand
In molding what a preacher needs to say.
It never fails: the message finds its way
If mapped out word for word, or if unplanned;
But preaching love for you is when I find
I am no bard. Expression hits a wall.
The words come feebly if they come at all.
What needs be said stays trapped inside my mind.
Now, thanks to vows which make us one from two
My life, not words, declares my love for you.
My wife and I decided that we would put a price limit on our wedding presents to each other: we weren't allowed to spend anything. After I agreed to this stipulation I realized how difficult it was going to be because it was going to force me to be ultra-thoughtful.
I ended up writing her this sonnet (which more or less follows the scheme for a Shakespearean sonnet). The hardest part was getting every line in iambic pentameter:
October 15, 2005
My sermons come in fits and starts yet still
I know I can rely on Spirit's pow'r
To help me utter forth each Sunday hour
The words that comfort, chide, inspire, or thrill;
And Scripture's verse is, too, a steady hand
In molding what a preacher needs to say.
It never fails: the message finds its way
If mapped out word for word, or if unplanned;
But preaching love for you is when I find
I am no bard. Expression hits a wall.
The words come feebly if they come at all.
What needs be said stays trapped inside my mind.
Now, thanks to vows which make us one from two
My life, not words, declares my love for you.
Say It Another Way
This is a test. I haven't blogged in so long that I can't remember how to post anything here.
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