Evangelize

Evangelize !
Give us a watchword for the hour ,
A thrilling word , a word of prayer ;
A battle-cry , a flaming breath ,
That calls to conquest or to death;

A word to rouse the church from rest ,
To heed her Master’s high behest ,
The call is given: Ye hosts arise ,
Our watchword is Evangelize !

The glad evangel now proclaim
Through all the earth in Jesus’ name ;
This word is ringing through the skies ,
Evangelize ! Evangelize !

To dying men , a fallen race ,
Make known the gift of gospel grace ;
The world that now in darkness lies ,
Evangelize ! Evangelize !

Jan Bagwell
God Bless !

The Lord's Test

THE LORD'S TEST
I woke up this morning and knew today,
The sun would not be shining
and the clouds would be gray.

As I stepped outside,
Rain fell upon my head.
My car wouldn't start
so I walked to school instead.

I forgot all of my assignments
I failed all of my tests.
I dropped my head in disgust
and asked the Lord for one request.

"Lord, why is it
things won't go my way?'"
He gently replied,
"Dear child it is because
you didn't thank me yesterday.

I woke you up and enabled
you to see the sun again.
I gave you shelter,
protected your family and even let
you make a new friend.

I blessed you far
greater than I ever had before.
But you were too busy
to thank me once more.

You didn't feel sick
because I maintained your health.
You had money in your pocket
because I maintained your wealth.

You had shoes on you feet
and clothes to wear, too.
You had plenty of food to eat,
and what did you do?

You ignored me and went
about your tasks.
But when you wanted something
you never hesitated to ask.
I was there when you needed me
and this wasn't too long ago.
But when things started going your way,
it was me you did not know.

As if this weren't enough,
I provided your favorite luxuries.
This was something I didn't ha ve
to do-they weren't even necessities.

And when it was time to get on your
knees and show your gratitude,
You decided after such a
fulfilling day, you weren't in the mood.

So I decided to
give you just a little test.
To show you how it would feel
to stop being blessed."

I began to realize what
the Lord was saying.
And when I got home, I fell
to my knees and started praying.

He said, "My child, you have
learned and you know I do forgive.
But remember this day
as long as you shall live.

I love filling your life with joy,
and your pain I'll alleviate it.
But just a simple thank you
would show how much you
appreciate it."

Jan Bagwell
This was send to me by Sherri Grant , Thanks and I hope everybody enjoyed it, as much as I did .

My Secret Stairway

My Secret Stairway
I have a secret stairway
That means so much to me ,
For always at the head of it
Jesus waits for me

No matter what the day brings ,
I know that He will share
My burdens or my blessings ,
For He always there .

“Tis wonderful , this stairway ,
Refreshing as the dew ,
For when I’d be discouraged
My spirit He renews .

This stairway can belong to you ,
Just as it does to me ,
Make room for it within your heart
And then His face you’ll see .
Jan Bagwell
God Bless and keep you !

Reminisce

Reminisce
There could’nt be a better time
To pause and reminisce ,
Not about the big things ,
But little things I miss .

The cardinal who built her nest
Just outside my windowpane ,
The smell of fresh-turned garden earth
And the feel of warm Spring rain…

A field of bright yellow buttercups
Grace fully nodding in the breeze ,
The whistles which were made for me
From the bark of a willow tree …

The scent of flowering honeysuckle
Mingled with fresh-baked bread ,
The sounds of a sudden thunderstorm
And the warmth of a featherbed….

Though big things may escape me ,
It’s the little things I miss ,
Which bring back joyful memories
When I pause to reminisce .
Jan Bagwell
God Bless , have a blessed day !

In the valley I grow

In The Valleys I Grow
======================

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe.
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountaintop
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountaintops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day,
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know,
The mountaintops are glorious,
But it's in the valleys I grow!

Jan Bagwell