Swan Songs

There is a touching, ancient fable

Of mute swans who are unable
To make a sound throughout their lives;
Then, at last, as death arrives -
A melody; a haunting cry;
A farewell song; a final sigh.

What a glorious way to die;
To enter the sweet by and by -
Instead of struggling, holding on
They fill their last moments with song;
Giving their all, their very best
Before they finally find rest.

Although this tale is hardly true
A lesson's here for me and you:
Death isn't something we need fear,
But should embrace when it draws near -
Let's pray that when our time has come
We'll sing our swan songs to God's Son.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

In Sight

God can take the worst of humanity and make them fishers of men,
Yes, the very same ones that we've belittled, time and time again.
Some have been robbers and thieves and hopeless beyond our doubt,
But God sees them differently, as He reaches down to lift them out.

God sees things in people, that to us, are completely out of sight,
For He knows just what they can do once Jesus becomes their Light.
Their potential may only need this special attention to bring it out,
For man to serve with his best, first God needs to remove all doubt.

God sees the good in a person that we have labeled a hopeless case,
For He looks into their heart, when all that we'll see is the face.
We are not at all good at judging, therefore we are told to judge not,
Because we miss so many of those true qualities that a person's got.

God's loving eyes don't see the raged clothes a person's wearing,
Instead He sees saved souls coming from the truths they're sharing.
If we'll put more love in our sight, I believe we'll see more clearly,
Just remember, that we're always in God's sight and He loves us dearly.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

The Road To Calvary

The Bible is an atlas

and the verses are a map
that shows each person
exactly where they're at.
Don't take a detour,
no telling where they'll lead
for there aren't any detours
on the road to Calvary.

Jesus is the bridge
that connects us to our God
and He walked the trail
that you and I have trod.
He paved the way for us
by dying for our sin.
How we don't have to go
exactly where He's been.

He walked the road to Calvary
and took a trip to hell
and preached to the sinners
that had already fell.
He showed them the scars
that upon His back He bore
and those that came back with Him,
a robe and crown they wore.

Listen very carefully
for now it's time to go.
Jesus loves you more 
than you will ever know.
Follow the map 
that He left for you and me,
for there aren't any detours
on the road to Calvary.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

L-O-V-E

L is for the loyalty you have for Father above
And it stands for the legacy of His amazing love
O is for the only Savior who can make a Saul into a Paul
And it stands for His omnipotence; The Lord over us all
V is for the vindication He gives through Jesus on the cross
And it stands for victory for we all will not be lost
E is for the earthly form in Jesus Christ His son
And it stands for everlasting; the Father's will be done

Put all the letters together to spell love
Sent straight to us from our Father above
Love others as we love ourselves is the greatest command
Just as Jesus loved us as part of the Master's plan
Love is the greatest of faith, hope, love, and charity
Love is the very basis of Christianity

You can't be a Christian with no love to impart
Not when God, the very essence of love, lives right within your heart!

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Going Home Will Be So Sweet

Each heartache I have along life's way
Makes me long for that wonderful day
When trials and tears will all be o'er,
And I am safe on that golden shore.

I long to see my great Savior's face.
I'll thank Him for His amazing grace.
When in this world, no more I'll roam,
Then I'll be safe in my Heavenly home.

I'll see those friends who've gone before
And loved ones dear on that bright shore.
All of my sorrows and woes will be passed
When I am home with my Savior at last.

I know going home will be so sweet,
For then, Jesus, my Savior, I will meet
Face to face in that wonderful place,
When I have finished life's last race.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

I Marvel at His Grace

May the light of Jesus,
turn you away from sin
may it shine in your heart
so not to let darkness in.

May His tender mercies,
touch you where you are
may His gentle compassion
shine like the Morning Star.

May His grace cover you,
with His endless peace
may His free gift of love
bring to your soul release.

May His favor fill you,
with salvation's forgiving balm
may His goodwill seal you
with a sense of unending calm.

May you marvel at His mercy,
and the bounty of His grace
may the light of Christ Jesus
in your heart and soul embrace.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless

Ephesians 2:8
King James Version 

"For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it 
is the gift of God:"

When A Big Church Becomes Small

Have you ever pondered why?

The small church stayed the same?
Yet when calamity struck us down
It was the Big Church that came!

But what of the Big Church?
Well, it surely is wondrous
Hands lifted up by the hundreds
Music boisterous and thunderous!

Oh, they will come running
When they hear the Father call
The Big Church stoops down
To pick up those who fall.

For it matters not the size
In times such as these
We are Kingdom people—His
Together we pray on bended knees.

Have you ever pondered why?
A church remains so small?
The Big Church is the Small Church
We are Kingdom people—One and All.

Jan Bagwell

God Bless