God's Special Treasure

God's special treasure is not a pot of gold
His special treasure is not made of riches so bold
He created all the heavens and earth
And all things He created are of great worth
But there is one treasure He will place above all others
One treasure he will place above all brothers
And that is for one who has a contrite and obedient heart
Obey His voice and keep His promises, then you His special treasure will be set a part!

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Oh, New Year

I gaze 'cross the field of untrodden tomorrows,
And pray for its yield, for its joy and its sorrow,
As softly, without warning the old year slips away,
Like mist in the morning at the dawn of the day

Oh New Year unbroken, you are a mystery,
But as each day is spoken it too becomes history,
A shadow, a flicker, a soft, fleeting breath,
This life, but a vapor ere it rests 'neath the earth

I gaze 'cross the field, still perfect, unscarred,
Like a sparkling shield of snow, still unmarred,
No footprints, no dances, no echo of voices
On this unpainted canvas, awaiting my choices

Oh, New Year untarnished, your hope gleams before me,
The old year has vanished, its fame and its glory,
It rests in the urn of all by-gone years
Where none can return to its laughter or tears

So I gaze at this field, unbroken, untrodden,
Soon too its fair yield will lie silent, forgotten,
But the seeds that I scatter in my joy and my strife
Will bear fruit that I'll gather at the end of my life

Jan Bagwell 

God Bless

A New Years Prayer

Today is the day for all things New.
Just like each morning brings the fresh dew.
Today is the day the new year begins.
We make resolutions we gather with friends.

We make many promises we'll never keep.
These are the words we often speech.
I'll go to the gym, I'm going to lose weight.
I'll give up smoking, I'll find a new date.

But there is one who truly gives a fresh start.
He does more than that he transforms hearts.
He forgives our mistakes, he washes them away.
He hung on a cross, so we wouldn't have to pay.

He gives forgiveness and wants nothing in return.
His friendship is a gift, it can not be earned.
So make this year be different, begin it with Him.
His name is Jesus, welcome him in.

Into your life Jesus brings cheer.
A new creation you will be this year.
For family & friend who don't know him this day.
I lift you up, this is what I pray.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless 

Dishes

Dishes

Dishes
They had a set of dishes
Given them when they wed ,
With luck and happiness and wishes
By loved ones ,who to them said
They wished they’d always be happy
As the moment when,”I will,”
Was said with so much rapture
That their hearts were standing still.

The dishes tell a lovely story
Of the lives they were to live _
How they shone in all their glory
When the very first forgive
Was whispered, and I love you truly ,
Which made things right again ,
For it was just as surely said ,
As sun comes after rain

Time as long since passed ,
Since they were first together ,
When he’d sit and ask her
If she loved him as no other –
And she was just content
With the answer in her heart ,
For she knew that it was meant
That they should never part ..

Although their lives had many scars
Like cracks upon the china ,
Their love outshone the mars ,
For it was only minor ,
If the one who’d done the wrong
Down in his heart had sorrow ,
For they never let the sun go down
Without a ,” Bright Tomorrow ,”

She’s an old lady now ,
And he is seventy-two ,
The cups and saucers wonder
What the other one will do ,
Until they both are able ,
To sit at God’s own perfect table ,
Be fed by His own hand
Jan Bagwell
God Bless !
I wrote this poem about twenty years ago , I had just lost my dad . My mother was morning herself to dealt . My family was at it lowest . I sat at my computer ,an begin praying for answers . This poem was the answer that was given to me . This help my mother get through it . My mother  is 94 years old . A few years ago my brother died ,and again I cry out to My Lord . That when I start writing this blog . This has been God answer to me . It has been a blessing to me . So many times people email me or met me in person and has told me , that they were about to take their own life .And something I wrote change their minds . I guess what I trying to say is . That I pray before I write these poems ,or short stories not on my own but I believe God is giving them to me . He is saying to each and everyone of us ,I LOVE YOU and I know what you are going through .I am not a smart man or a great writer. I just love God with all my heart . If anyone need me just feel free to call on me . It  another Christmas my mother died this year  . Soon  it will be my  turn  to meet my Jesus .

Incarnation

Eternal became time-bound

Lying in a trough.
Almighty became human
To show us His great love.

He who formed the universe,
Who stretched out all the skies,
He who sprinkled stars in space
Now, helpless, there He lies.

Once enthroned in the heavens,
The earth His footstool then,
He cannot take a single step,
Who once walked on the wind.

The everlasting Word of God,
Speechless as a babe;
The God who filled up all of space,
Confined now in a cave.

Who formed the hairs on every head
Suddenly can bleed.
The God by Whom all things were made
Now suffers want and need.

He blew life into every man;
Now He takes His first breath.
Immortal God, the Timeless One
Can now feel pain and death.

Oh, how much He loves us!
How much He condescends
To come down from His lofty throne
To be my Savior and my Friend.

.Jan Bagwell

God Bless

The Lamb of God

In the stillness of a winter night

The earth received God's Holy Light
An infant born to a young virgin girl
One tiny baby who would change the world

Birthed in a lowly barnyard stable
The King of kings who would enable
Born amid the cattle and sheep
The Lamb of God lay fast asleep

Wise men and kings traveled from afar
Led to this baby by the beautiful star
Shepherds were alerted by angels on high
The Savior is come; time to draw nigh

Angels filled the skies in glorious songs
Singing praises to Him all night long
Peace on earth and mercy mild
Came down to us in the form of a child

What a miracle for the world to see
Yet, many don't believe He is our Savior to be
Many think the infant born in the stable
Is someone's version of a long ago fable

Even those who walked with Him on earth
Doubted this man of the virgin birth
His wondrous miracles, compassion, and endless love 
Were not proof enough for them that He came from above

This precious Christmas story is your saving grace
God's gift of love to take sin's place
He sent to this world His only begotten Son
This tiny Lamb of God; the Father's will be done

Jan Bagwell 

God Bless

Jesus, The Greatest Christmas Light

This Light came down from heaven, while His beam surrounded all of those who had witness His appearing.
The Light who told all people about the Kingdom of God, while knowing many of them were not hearing.

This Light has always been, just as the Father of lights had no beginning.
The Light of heaven came down to save all of mankind, for all of mankind was sinning.

This Light was also hung on a tree for the entire world to see,
The Light that came so freely, so that He could save you and me.

This Light was put out for three days, while people thought it would never shine again.
The Light had an inner power, a power greater than any other power, a power with no end.

This Light shines brighter now than ever before, and it will never go dim again.
The Light that came so freely, to save you and me from our sins.

This Light is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who has no end.
The Light that shines before all mankind, while convicting them of their sin.

This Light will shine through all people, all people who allow Him to come into their hearts.
The Light, who is waiting for His Father to say to Him, today, Your journey for Your bride starts.

This Light will leave heaven to come get us, so He can take us to heaven for all eternity.
The Light that died to save us all, while setting us all completely free.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

"The Main Event"

It's not about a Christmas tree
Or lights that shimmer so…
It's all about the Main Event
That happened long ago!

It's not about Black Friday
Or the dollars that we save…
It's all about a Baby Boy
The gift to us God gave!

It's not about the presents
That give our spirits a lift…
It's all about the Father
Who sent the perfect gift!!!

It's not about receiving things
With monetary worth…
It's all about an infant
Who brings hope to all the Earth!

It's not about St. Nicholas
Or the good deeds that we do…
It's all about The Promised One
Who came to Earth anew!

It's not about adorning trees
With trinkets on each limb…
It's all about His strong desire
For us to worship Him!

It's not about the carolers
Or the melodies that they sing...
It's all about the One who saves,
Who's Christ the Lord and King!

It's not about long Shopping lines
Or filling up our carts…
It's all about us asking Him
To live within our hearts!

It's not about December
Or "Secret Santa" with a friend…
It's all about the Holy One
Who to Heaven did ascend!

It's not about the credit cards
Or bills that we incur…
It's all about the debt He paid
Our salvation to ensure!

It's not about the parties
Or fancy clothes and shoes…
It's all about an Angel
Who brought to us, Good News!!!

It's not about the snow machines
Or holiday flags unfurled…
It's all about a child who came
To save a troubled world!!!

It's not about vacations
Or the twinkling lights above…
It's all about the Father
And His Agape love!

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

The Greatest Birth Announcement

As shepherds watched their flocks one night
Abiding in a field near Bethlehem,
There appeared to them an awesome sight.
A great and mighty fear fell on them.

The Angel of the Lord appeared to them.
"To you good tidings I bring!" said He
"A Savior is born unto you in Bethlehem,
Who is Christ, the Lord, you shall see."

"And this shall be a sign unto thee;
In a manger, the Babe ye will find,
Wrapped in swaddling clothes, He'll be.
He is born, the Savior of all mankind."

Then many angels came, praising God then.
"Glory to God in the highest!" said they,
"And peace on earth good will toward men!"
When they were finished, they went away.

Jan Bagwell 

God Bless 

Nothing's Too Hard For God

Sometimes I get so befuddled,
That I don't know where to turn.
Cares of this life weigh me down
With the troubles they concern.

I must always remind myself
I have access to a higher power.
I don't need to worry and fret.
God is with me every hour.

God is with me in the sunshine
And when the dark shadows fall.
I am His blood-bought child,
And upon Him I can always call.

He can solve all my problems.
For Him, nothing is too hard.
God always knows what I need.
He is never caught off guard.

Yes, when I feel downhearted
With some trifling, worldly care,
I must take this burden to God,
And then I must leave it there.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Topsy-Turvy

Everything feels topsy-turvy:
Mankind seems to have gone mad!
Wickedness is the new normal -
Evil's good and good is bad.

Raging wars and rumors thereof -
Lies, deception, gore and greed;
Earthquakes, famine, floods and fire
Escalating: gaining speed.

These are evil times we live in
But the worst is still to come;
What seems certain now is that the
Time of sorrows has begun.

Do not fear what must soon happen,
What will presently take place:
Just stay close to God's Son, Jesus -
Persevere and run the race.

Trust in Him and you won't falter;
Get down on your knees and pray.
Shine His light while you are able
'Till He snatches us away.

Jan Bagwell 

God Bless 

The Prize

I’m thankful for his grace and love

And all the many blessings shared.
There’s just one thing I’m thinking of
While scanning all this food prepared.

I’m thankful for the turkey, ham,
The stuffing, rolls, and casserole,
Potatoes mashed, and sweetened yam;
But thoughts remain on blessed goal.

I dip a spoonful on my plate
As I begin to fill my dish.
The tempting treat will need to wait
But I’ll maintain a hopeful wish.

I mustn’t fill my tummy full
For yonder sweetness has my eye.
With yummy food so bountiful,
I’m thankful most for pumpkin pie.

This mirrors life in many ways,
With gifts and blessings plentiful.
We’re stuffed with treasure many days,
No room for glories wonderful.

We must look past this earthly spread
To sights unseen by human eyes.
By trusting all the words he said,
We’ll reach the goal and claim the prize.

Surrounded by these blessings--good,
With mighty cravings to supply,
Let’s keep our focus where we should
And not forget the pumpkin pie.

Jan Bagwell

God bless

Bridging the Gap

In Old testament days, God was so close by
Yet, seemed so very far, as hard as man did try
God was right there leading His people throughout the land
Try as they may; man just could not stay on God's plan

After years and years, and king after king
And all the laws of which man did cling
Clearly, man could never fully follow the laws of God
For he couldn't keep from straying off every path he trod

So God in His infinite love, mercy, and grace
Came up with a plan that could save the human race
A plan laid out many years in advance
And relayed to the prophets so that man may have a chance

Foretold for many years that the Son would come to earth
That He would be born of a miraculous virgin birth
He would be called Mighty God, the Prince of Peace,
Wonderful, Counselor, the one who gives sweet release

God sent His only begotten Son to earth
Exactly as the prophets had described His birth
Wise men and shepherds came from afar
Bearing gifts, they traveled led by the star

They came to worship the King on bended knee
Our perfect Savior, our sacrifice to be
The tiny infant who grew to be a sinless man
The Lamb of God; the fruition of God's plan

Compassionate and loving here on earth
Teaching others the things of great worth
This sinless, blameless man willingly died upon the cross
Humiliated and suffering so that man is not forever lost

God bridged the gap for all of mankind
With His perfect well laid design 
Man could never overcome His sinful desires
Only through His perfect Son's sacrifice could that transpire

So as you prepare to celebrate this Christmas
Take time to thank God for His Son Jesus
Remember that this is His birthday celebration
And He deserves our humble, undivided adoration

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

A Christmas Charity Choice

Ann was no stranger to wealth.
She even owned a Rolls-Royce.
Every Christmas, Ann had to make
The Christmas charity choice.

Ann discussed it with Sam, her hubby
A month before Christmas was here.
"Sam, I really want to do something
Unusual for our charity this year."

"Exactly what do you mean?" he asked.
"Choose some worthy cause," my Dear.
"Sam, I prayed and made a decision
To help some homeless ones this year."

"I will act like a homeless person
And hang out with them somewhere,
And maybe I'll find special needs
Among some homeless people there."

Sam began to grin and laugh aloud.
Then he began to shake his head.
"That's too dngerous, Ann, you know.
You could very well end up dead."

Ann found some faded old clothes.
Then she tried to dress like a bum.
She prayed and found a homeless group,
Who were sharing a bottle of rum.

They shunned her as she appoached.
She was not part of their clan,
But she stayed with them anyway
And observed each woman and man.

Soon an old truck rolled to a stop.
There exited a lady and a man.
They handed a sandwich to everyone.
"God bless you," said Betty and Dan.

When they left, Ann found a letter.
It fell from the truck to the ground.
It was an eviction notice. Said Ann,
"My charity choice I have found!"

Ann wasted no time that very day,
For such speedy plans she laid.
She found them and wrote a check.
"With a sandwich, your bills are paid!"

Betty and Dan were not homeless yet,
But because they did God's will,
God honored this with Ann's gift.
They are helping the homeless still.

JIan Bagwell

God Bless

Disappointment Doesn't Equal Discouragement

Everybody lives with disappointments that come their way
But you choose your own reactions each and every day
Discouragement can easily take a hold on you
Or you can rise to the challenge, knowing God will see you through

Faced with the knowledge of a horrible fate for his country
Instead of anger and hurt, Habbakuk held on to His faith in the Almighty
He wrote a hymn of worship and rejoiced in His Lord above
Rejoiced in God's strength and the knowledge of His love

God supports all of us in exactly the same way
He is always with us; And He's exactly the same God today
Don't let burdens and challenges consume your life
Trust in God and continually praise Him in through your struggles and strife

Jan Bagwell

God Bless 

A Great Big Heart

Here sitting on an old park bench,

I watched the folks walk by.
They scurried here and scurried there
for something else to buy.

Surrounded by bright colored lights
were reindeer and a sleigh.
I saw a girl searching 'round
and this I heard her say,

"I can't find Jesus anywhere.
The stable's not in view.
The shepherds should be somewhere here.
The wise men should be too.

"Where is Christmas? Where is Christmas?"
she came to me and asked.
To answer her great question seemed
a hopeless, futile task.

I thought awhile before reply.
I hoped it would suffice.
I felt so dumb and speechless but
I offered this advice.

"You know, Christmas isn't Santa,
nor presents under tree.
It isn't fancy colored lights
nor anything we see.

"You can't find Christmas in the mall
or here along the street.
And Christmas isn't green or red.
All that is just deceit.

"Impressed, I am, how smart you are.
You question everything.
I'm glad you know of Jesus' birth
and why the church bells ring.

"No, Christmas isn't what they think
and these folks must admit -
if Christmas isn't in their hearts,
they'll simply never find it."

She stood there quiet for a bit,
then turned and walked away.
She walked in thought quite slowly, so
I prayed she was okay.

I hoped I didn't puzzle her
or tear her dreams apart...
But then she turned, called back to me,
"I have a great big heart!"

I didn't see her after that
but knew she'd be okay.
This bench and I hold memories
as others run astray.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless 

The Stone-mason's Yard. Jeremiah Ch. 2 v. 13

The yard was full of chippings,
and the air rang out with blows.
Enormous blocks of sandstone,
freshly quarried, stood in rows.

The masons, with their muscles
rippling tight like coils of rope,
Carved mighty troughs, great cisterns,
every blow being in the hope
The rock lay true and free from
flaws, their fear each time they hit
Was seeing weeks of patient
work just fall apart and split.

A gloomy bearded man turned up,
and gave a rock a prod,
Then had a gloomy thought which he
was certain came from God.

"My people, I once carved you out
with skill from chosen stone
To be My chosen vessels,
to be used by Me alone.
I drew on living water, and
I filled you to the brink,
So any one with thirst for God
could come to you and drink.

But you ignored My workmanship,
and thought you'd try your own.
Carved troughs with human sweat, not grace,
from unselected stone.

And now the place is full of troughs
that leak through cracks and holes.
They need My workmanship, not your's,
My world of thirsty souls."

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

The Seamless Shirt

Strong fingers grabbed His garments
As they laid aside their whips.
Men greedy for civilian cloth
Though blood oozed through in drips.

Their victim nearly naked, when
They stopped and gazed in awe,
For, woven to perfection like
They'd never seen before,
His under-shirt was seamless, a
Refinement in design.
And as they put it up for lots
Each thought, "I hope it's mine."

A Seamless Shirt, some weaver's art,
Had seamlessly embraced
In one, the Son of God and Man;
A shirt? A Robe? encased
The seamless incarnation of
The Mind of God in one
With humble human form and flesh,
A virgin woman's Son.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Designed To Shine

Designed to shine,
to be the light
made to make
the world bright.

Made to illuminate,
Jesus’ reflection
designed to be
hope’s projection.

Designed to filter,
light from above
made to expose
to all God’s love

Made to transmit,
God’s mercy and favor
designed to broadcast
the way to the Savior.

Designed to reveal,
dark evil places
made to reveal
God’s saving graces.

Made to shine,
just like the sun
designed to radiate . . .
the light of God’s Son!

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Matthew 5:14

“Ye are the light of the world.
A city that is set on an hill
cannot be hid.”

King James Version
Public Domain

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:2 KJV

The Joy of Salvation

Our spirits will radiate the joy of salvation
In all that we think and do
And we won't get tired of doing God's will
For the Word of the Lord is true

Our relationship with God through prayer
Has a limitless supply of love
The majesty and power of the one who is king
Will be given to us from above

He gave us freedom to give our fears
And our worries and problems to Him
That the chance of ever losing our faith
Through the Spirit of Love is slim

So, find a word that comes from God
And stand for His words are true
He says we should ask through prayer
When we don't know what to do

If our faith in God's love is consistent
He'll catch us if we fall
He'll provide solutions to all our problems
No matter how big or small

So rejoice in the Lord our father
And put a smile upon your face
For we'll soak ourselves in God's great glory
And bask within His grace.

Jan Bagwell 

God Bless 

Surrender

Life is a blessing given to us
From the day of our own birth
And through the hands of God Himself
He gives us all self-worth.

We all have the choice to choose what's right
'Cause he gave us all free will
For if you choose the things of this world
You will surely roll down hill.

You will land in a hole that you can't get out
No matter how hard you try
And no one will be able to help you out
No matter how loud you cry.

There is only one way out of this hole
On a path that is very thin
You must surrender your life to Jesus Christ
Then He'll forgive you for all your sin.

He will set your feet on solid ground
He will help you walk up hill
He will show you how to choose what's right
Then He'll show you His own will.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus
God's only begotten Son
Everything comes in second
For the Lord is number one.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

A Joyful, Thankful Heart

Lord, a joyful, thankful heart,
I bring to Thanksgiving's table
a soul that is forever grateful
for all that, You are able.

You make my plate complete,
when from Your Word I reap
the full bounty of Your grace
and in Your kindness I do steep.

You fill me with such peace,
and Your tender mercies overflow
Your love fills me to the brim
and Your compassion for me I know.

You supply all my needs,
and bless me with even more
You fulfill my every dream
with promises of life - evermore.

Lord, a joyful, thankful heart,
I bring to You - not just for today
a soul full of hope and gratitude 
for all You've done along the way!

Jan bagwell 

God Bless

Colossians 3:15

"And let the peace of God rule in your
hearts, to the which also ye are called 
in one body; and be ye thankful."

A Plate of Grace

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
there will be no turkey with dressing
there will only be a plate of gratitude
served with God's many blessings.

As a substitute for candied yams,
we are going to feast on His kindness
and taste the sweetness of His favor
as we reflect on His loving guidance.

There will be no rolls and butter,
instead, we'll eat of the Bread of Life
and with gratitude we'll give our thanks
that we no longer live in hopeless strife.

In the place of creamy mashed potatoes,
there will be praise piled just as high
and we will sing to Him our adoration
instead of eating pumpkin pie.

The only beverage we will drink,
will be from the one True Vine
and with sanctification on our lips
Jesus' sacrifice will be as sweet as wine.

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
I'm not making a traditional dinner
I'll only be serving the grace of God . . .
to those I know ~ who are still a sinner!

2 Corinthians 12:9
King James Version

"And he said unto me, My grace is 
sufficient for thee: for my strength is 
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly 
therefore will I rather glory in my 
infirmities, that the power of Christ 
may rest upon me."

Jan Bagwell

God Bless 

Our Golden Years Prayer Warriors

We all have saints in our churches,
Who have reached their golden years.
They have grown old while serving God
Through blessings as well as tears.

Many are so physically disabled,
That they seem so frail and so weak.
We don't expect them to do any work,
Though little tasks they may seek.

Many dear precious saints of God
Are great prayer warriors of care.
They can't do the work they once did,
But they can spend time in prayer.

"I can't visit for Jesus anymore,"
I heard one senior saint say,
"But I think about the ones who do,
And for these Christians, I pray."

Prayer warriors make a difference
As they pray for a special need.
They are so valuable in our midst.
They are precious to us indeed.

Jan Bagwell 

God Bless rayer Warriors

He Can!

He can charm the dew off the honeysuckle
Speak and flower blossoms grow.
Cause fruit to appear on a dried up twig
My child, oh did you not know?

He can hold the world in the palm of his hand
Form the seasons and the times
Hang a rainbow of color out in the sky
Promising no more rain of this kind.

He can change the sparrow's flight into an eagle's
At the whisper of his mighty voice
He can cause the tree of palm to dance
With one angelic choice.

He can cause galaxies to rise and sing
Call each star by its given name
Hang worlds unknown out into space
Where they shall forevermore remain.

He can hold back the ocean with a touch of his hand
Speak and stars fall to the ground
Mention his name and a hurricane stops
And does not whisper another sound.

He can speak life into a barren soul
Cause it to be fruitful and to grow
At the sound of his gentle heartbeat
Oceans quiet their raging flow.

He can send life into a wilted flower
Send rain upon the land
My God can do all of these things
He is the God who can!

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Sleep With Peace of Mind

As I bowed down on my knees, I put my head upon my bed,
I talked with the Lord, and these are the words I said.

"Father, I put my trust in You as I prepare to go to bed and sleep,
While rejoicing in knowing that through the night, my soul You will safely keep."

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, while having no fears of any kind,
Since Your always being with me, always brings me great peace of mind."

"Thank You for the Holy Spirit within me, which You sent from heaven above,
Because He surrounds me with His holy presence and His great protective shield of love."

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Clouds of Grace

The seconds seem to march on by
as I lay in my bed.
The still, dark room surrounds me as
life's chaos fills my head.

I sought God's great forgiveness here
and prayed His 'will' be done.
I sought His endless blessings too -
His each and every one.

Awakened in the dead of night
brings pain and misery.
Those pins and needles sting me like
a million honey bee.

There's something in my eyes that runs
right down my wrinkled cheeks.
The seconds turn to minutes and
then hours into weeks.

The weeks turn into months and years
as I lay on my bed.
I hear the ticking of the clock
as life hangs by a thread.

A thread that is so fragile and
holds every thought that comes -
and pounds into my painful ears
like noisy, marching drums.

I try to shut my eyes and sleep,
but through the pain and flack -
my tears still win the battle, though
I've tried to hold them back.

My head begins exploding with
anxiety attack,
but so as not to live regret
I yank my muscles back.

This horrid pain has hit me like
a ton or two of brick -
that brings more torture to my ears
with every single 'tick'.

I sought God's will through faithful hope
but must accept this quest -
that when my fragile thread does snap,
I find that God has blessed.

Not maybe how I thought He would -
because this world harms.
But when that fragile thread does snap -
I'll find I'm in His arms.

For Christ endured this torture too.
He knows just how I feel.
So faithfully He carries me
and brings my heart to heal.

He holds me up, takes tension off
that single fragile thread,
so I can float on clouds of grace
that quell my pain instead.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Election

We listen to claims in their heated debates,
Searching for hope in the embers.
We’re fearful their platforms are sealing our fates;
Jargon that no one remembers.

The promises made do not calm or relieve;
Knowing it’s votes they’re pursuing.
With media’s hype, don’t know what to believe;
Hoping it’s not our undoing.

We’ve traveled so far from the path, now we’re lost;
Chasing our purpose and pleasure!
Corruption and greed; do we notice the cost?
Not when we’re guarding our treasure.

So change is our goal as we cast our one vote,
Hoping we’ll make the right choices.
We pray for their chances, however remote;
Grasping for change with our voices.

Regardless of outcome when votes have been cast;
Feelings of joy or complaining.
Our hope is eternal, his rule is so vast;
Ever our Jesus is reigning.

The King of all kings and the Lord of all lords;
Sovereign purpose revealing.
He’s ruling the nations as His will accords;
All in the end will be kneeling.

So make your selections with wisdom and prayer,
Finally end all this dueling.
Be anxious for nothing by casting your care;
Trusting that Jesus is ruling.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless 

No Delays

The conditions are always favorable for those who're heaven bound,

No matter if there's lots of fog or piles of snow covering the ground.
There will be smooth sailing, that is after the final call is made,
Then tickets won't be necessary because the fare's already been paid.

Preparations for this journey are different from those taken in the past,
For the ones who are making it, know it'll be their best and their last.
They'll not worry about leaving things behind whenever they depart,
After all, they only take the truths they have stored in their heart.

This journey's available and affordable to all people, there's no fee,
It has been paid for by a Sinless Man Who died upon Calvary's Tree.
He was The Son of God, Who came to save sinners from a sea of sin,
The blood He shed will open heaven's doors, allowing them to go in.

Many saints have already taken this journey in those times gone by,
Safely in Jesus' arms and never again having to face Satan's lie.
If they could send us a message, I believe it'd be something like this,
To all who will listen, heaven's the one place you cant afford to miss.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

He Paints The Autumn Leaves

The feel of autumn's in the air.
We'll now don our long sleeves.
We'll ride up through the mountains
To view the pretty autumn leaves.

They call their land "God's country."
There are beautiful sights to view.
White houses dot the hill sides.
We see majestic church steeples too.

The pretty foliage brightens up
This lovely mountain scene.
Bright red, yellow, and orange leaves
Replace all the summer green.

We behold all the majestic beauty
Of our great, holy Artist's hand.
Only God can paint this picture
And spread His mural o'er the land.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless 

Cleansed!

Forgiveness divine,

repent and receive
the beauty of grace
when you believe.

Bathe in His mercy,
pardoning and free
healing and restoring
until all of eternity.

Washed of your sin,
released from shame
when you trust Jesus
nothing is the same.

Healing compassion,
immersion of love
blood of the Son
a gift from above.

Forgiveness divine,
today is the day
mercy and grace
is just a prayer away!

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

1 John 1:9

King James Version

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to 
cleanse us from all unrighteousness."