..........Her Silver Hair..........

           Her loving smile, her tender way,
                 Her voice so warm and kind;
           Like gentle breezes cool the day
                 She lives on in our mind.

           This world she left -- she had to go,
                 Her body filled with pain;
           In mem'ry now her love we know,
                 She lives in mem'ries lane.

           We visit oft when troubles come,
                 We look back o'er the years;
           We see beyond the troublesome,
                 Painful dying tears.

           We see her strength, her wisdom true,
                 We see her silver hair;
           The old front door we're passing through,
                 We see her sitting there.

           Up to her feet -- a warm hello,
                 Her love so full and free;
           A hug like none e'er known below,
                 A precious memory.

           She wants to know -- "What's going on?
                 How have my babies been?
           What have you seen? What have you done?
                 Please, won't you come again?"

           We part refreshed, we're made to know,
                 She loves us now as then;
           And as through life we onward go,
                 We'll often come again.

           For in her arms, so kind and true,
                 Her smile, her voice, her way:
           A greater love one never knew,
                 Her love still lights our way.

           ..........H. L. Gradowith..........

           3-10-97

           This was written in memory of Beatrice Smith, my grandmother.  She passed
           away several years ago, and obviously I miss her and often think of the
           impact she had on my life. My grandmother and I shared the same birthday,
           and when I decided to preach (or attempt to preach) she had a long and
           encouraging talk with me that I will never forget. I hope this brings
           precious memories (her favorite song) to you, and if you can, call your
           mother or grandmother this weekend and let them know how much you love and
           appreciate them.  Tim

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Archive for Gradowith Poems: Message #32
Date: May 16 2000 07:41:29 EDT
Subject: No Fear

           .........No Fear..........

           As I think of the past and the troubles I've known,
           I now see that they grew from the seeds I had sown;
           All the heartaches and strife
           I have known in this life
           Count for nothing if Jesus my name then shall own.

           Often I set out knowing the pathway was wrong,
           And often I stumbled on the journey, so long;
           I was too blind to see
           That I'd never be free
           Until singing with Jesus salvation's song.

           How I struggled and fought with temptations so sore,
           Seeking relief from one -- I would only find more;
           Then my lesson I learned
           And to Jesus I turned
           Now in vict'ry I'm sailing toward Heaven's Shore!

           Many men think they have all the answers they need,
           Knowing nothing of their sin, how can they be freed?
           Here they press on their way
           And with each passing day
           Judgment nears -- and yet to His Word they give no heed.

           Think of Calvary and of the price He there paid,
           And then get on the Straight Way that the Savior made;
           If for Him you'll here live
           All your sins He'll forgive
           Then you can face the Judgment and not be afraid.

           ..........H. L. Gradowith..........

           5-16-2000

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Archive for Gradowith Poems: Message #33
Date: May 18 2000 07:10:23 EDT
Subject: The Winding Road

           ..........The Winding Road..........

           I once walked a winding road
           Carrying a heavy load
           Seeking a peaceful abode
           But no rest was there for me.
           There was no way to be free,
           No moment's relief to see,
           Just trouble at ev'ry turn,
           Yet for peace did I still yearn,
           But I never seemed to learn:
           For each chance I longed to take
           Hoping the right choice to make
           Praying my spirit not break
           Knowing my days were but few
           Endeavoring to be true
           Desiring to start anew
           But knowing there was no way
           To live again the day
           I hoped to somehow delay
           What was quickly rushing on
           As sure as the setting sun
           For then I knew would be done
           This walk on the winding road,
           I'd lay down my heavy load
           But still, no peaceful abode...
           I know I must make my peace,
           I know death does not release,
           My troubles will not then cease;
           For the winding course is so
           That, as I walk here below
           I'm given a chance to show
           How much I love Christ the Lord
           Who's worthy to be adored:
           A time to follow His Word.
           To follow in times of mirth,
           In joy or sadness from birth,
           To prove or disprove my worth:
           Though difficult it may be
           Still in order to be free
           And from all my troubles flee
           The walking is up to me.

           ..........H. L. Gradowith..........

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