The
struggles of the journey often sting and bite,
No time for rest or ease -- we must get to the fight.
We grow weary and tired and the wounds take their toll,
But ever clearly defined before us: the goal.
That for which we do all the things in life we do,
That which gives us the power to be ever true,
And which allows us the path of least resistance
To forgo -- and propels us on to the distance.
Our eyes ever set firmly on the crown of life
That is given to men who endure all the strife.
But we need not believe that it shall be given
While still in this world --No, not till we reach Heaven.
So the struggles of the journey that sting and bite
May make it harder for us to fight the good fight,
But the prospect of receiving the grand reward
That is offered us by the grace of our Dear Lord
Makes the hardships and pains of this life seem so small,
Yes, the Lord from these things shall deliver us all.
H. L. Gradowith
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Gradowith Poems: Message #3
Date: Mar 18 2000 09:58:50 EST
Subject: Be Careful
BE CAREFUL
When and where and how and why?
We may not know -- but still we die.
Be careful lest
You miss that rest
The call to glory pass you by.
Make sure you do what needs be done
While still you dwell beneath the sun:
Should troubles sore
Knock at your door
Then stand and fight and never run!
The place of rest is over there
'Til life is done we must beware:
We never stop
On to the top
Until through death Gods life we share!
H.L.Gradowith
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Gradowith Poems: Message #4
Date: Mar 19 2000 16:19:46 EST
Subject: True Happiness
True Happiness
Why is it now
I know not how
To find true happiness?
Where could it be?
Oh, could I see?
Then I'd be truly blessed!
If I could know,
I'd surely go,
I'd leave my mortal nest:
I'd bid adieu
To you, and you...
To find true happiness!
H. L. Gradowith
March 6, 1997.
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Gradowith Poems: Message #5
Date: Mar 21 2000 06:58:49 EST
Subject: Time Of Praise
Time of Praise
'Tis Sunday morning, fair and bright,
The time of praise draws near:
We praise His power, strength and might,
His mercy we hold dear.
To see the saints all filing in,
Their Masters' praise to sing;
For some the journey to begin:
Their lives to Jesus bring.
The service starts, and some grow weak:
Their heads begin to nod;
Before too long they're fast asleep --
They have no time for God.
The singers sing, the prayers pray,
The preacher starts to preach;
The heart who sleeps is far away:
God's blessings he'll not reach.
To him whose eyes are closed in sleep,
Who knows not Christ as Lord:
His heart shall bow, his eyes shall weep,
So says He in His Word.
To those whose hearts are wide awake,
Whose thoughts on Jesus dwell;
On Calvary their place to take:
Christ rescued them from hell.
To arms, to arms, up to the fight,
Sleep not! Awake today!
The battle join for Good and Right,
He'll wash your sins away.
But you must come, you must obey,
To Him will you give heed?
He holds the key, He'll light your way:
In Him your soul is freed.
As on the way you go along,
Will you take time each day:
Through Him to pray, exalt in song?
Your fears He will allay.
Now come to Him Who died for you,
Seek mercy at His hand;
The tempter He at Calv'ry slew --
Awaits now: Heaven's Land.
H. L. Gradowith
March 9, 1997
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Gradowith Poems: Message #6
Date: Mar 22 2000 17:49:02 EST
Subject: The Fool
The Fool
"They" say I'm a fool,
To follow the Rule
Of Gold, as taught from a child;
It just might be so,
It's so hard to know...
It's tough to be meek and mild.
While "others" begin
With whiskey and gin
To unwind from life's long day;
I sip on my tea,
My mind clear and free:
Able to find my own way.
"They" sneak like a mouse
To cheat on their spouse
And break the vow they once made;
I'm true to my love --
Both here and above --
Commitment that will not fade.
"They" fear not to cheat
Their life's goal to meet
If that's what it takes to win;
The right way I choose,
E'en though I may lose --
There's no self-respect in sin.
"They" live to rebel,
And while raising hell
"They" claim to have all the fun,
But when "they" lie cold,
"Depart" they'll be told:
Then mine shall have just begun!!!
H. L. Gradowith
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