9 to 5

Here’s to another day
9 to 5 at work
6 to 10 at play

Time to sleep, close the lids
More time at work
Than spent with our kids

Our priorities are wrong
Neglect happens without knowing
First work, second home

Take time to make time
God, family, work
Which ladder do you climb?

Work your fingers to the bone
Slave and struggle throughout the day
Crash on the couch when you get home

We’re all mixed up
Life in reverse
Pouring out our legacy from a cup

Get it back now, get it back right
Where it should have been all along
Someday soon children take flight

Take Me Back

Take me back to the day
Back when love was young
And dresses were in bloom
Heels were in the kitchen
Or meeting you at the door

Take me back to black and white
The Rat Pack in Vegas
Martin and Lewis on the big screen
Dinner around the table
And holding hands in prayer

Take me back to the early days of color
Big band blasting on the radio
Style over aerodynamics
Bright red lipstick
Fedora on the brow

Take me back to the day
Back when love was cool
And polished wig tips
Paper in the morning
With breakfast on the table

Take me back to black and white
TV in the living room
Or gathered around the radio
A stool at the malt shop
With a cheery on top

Take me back to the early days of color
Wayne and the western
Bing at the microphone
Full service gas stations
When service meant something

Take me back to the day
Close my eyes and pretend
About a time I don’t remember
A time of beginnings
When life was black and white
And full of color

Reach For Him

Troubled times
We’ve all had our share
Endless cries
In times of despair
Loosing hope
Day after day
Try to cope
But you can’t find a way

You’ve done all that you can do
And you’re searching for a friend
Don’t give up, just carry on
And reach for Him

(Chorus)
Reach for Him
Go to Him in prayer
Reach for Him
When no one else cares
At your weakest He is strong
God has been there all along
You need a friend
Just reach for Him

You wear a face
A face of pretend
Out of place
You just don’t fit in
The time is now
To call on the Lord
Just reach out
You won’t be ignored

When I Lose My Way Home

At times I feel I’m rolling on a restless sea
Former life reminders reaching up for me
How I want to come down from this ride
If I leave it to myself I would never try

Sometimes I feel I’m walking down a one way street
Former life reminders are the things I meet
How I wish that I could turn around
If I leave it to myself reverse would not be found

(Chorus)
When I lose my way home
And the past takes me by the arm
God is there to lead me
And keep from the harm
When I lose my way home
And the path takes me down a dead end road
He is there to point me in the way I need to go
When I lose my way home

A million miles may always be my destiny
But it’s comforting to know that He is here with me
And I know that He will never let me down
I can always hear His voice and never hear a sound

Till We Meet Again

I know you’re walking with the Father
Holding His hand
Still it’s hard to think of you
Without crying again

I know that you’re in heaven
And I’ll miss you my friend
I know the day is coming
When I’ll see you again

(Chorus)
Till we meet again
I’ll hold my head up high
Till we meet again
In that by and by
It’s all part of God’s plan
That you would go before me
Watch for me my friend
Until we meet again

I can almost hear your laughter
And see your smiling face
What a joy to see the Father
He’s prepared for you a place

What Have You Given To Me?

I made the stars up in the sky
Made the birds, gave them wings to fly
Made the earth, everything you need
Did it all for you, what have you given to me?

I gave you a way, made a path for you
Gave you the truth, I wouldn’t lie to you
Gave you life, all the breath you need
I am who I am, what have you given to me?

(Chorus)
I made you flesh, in the image of me
Gave you the whole to rest at your feet
But you take for granted all that I’ve done
I even gave you my Son

I gave you my Son, shed His blood for you
Gave you my Son, it was hard to do
Gave you my Son, payment through agony
I’ve given you everything, what have you given to me?

Give Me The Box

Simple things
Give me the simple life
Simple things
Give me a happy life
Make tomorrow
Just like today
Give me the box
And let me play
You can have the toy
Give me the box
You keep the diamonds
Give me the rocks
You take the food
I’ll take the tray
Keep my life simple
Today, everyday
You can have the shoes
I’ll wear the socks
You keep the toy
I’ll keep the box

Imagine

Imagine, how You must have felt
Your Son, a crown of thorns

Imagine, how You must have felt
Your Son, a large wooden cross

Imagine, how You must have felt
Your Son, bleeding

Imagine, how You must have felt
Your Son, in agony

Imagine, how You must have hurt
Only begotten Son
Crown of thorns
Pounding hammer
Pain

Imagine, how much You love Your children
Sacrificial Lamb
Your only child
That we may live
Forever

Who Would Do This For You?

Betrayed by a friend
With a kiss on my check
Denied by another
Three time in the street
Beaten and laughed at
Slapped in the face
Sentenced to die
By the human race

Forced into wearing
Thorns on my brow
Expected to carry
A cross through town
Nails driven deeply
In my hands and feet
My naked body
Exposed on a tree

Looking down on you
See my mother cry
Imagine your own children
Crucified
Up here for you
I have paid the price
Who would do this for you?
Jesus the Christ

How Bout Today

Praying hard on bended knee
Stretching out to eternity
Shielding eyes from misty rain
Looking up and out again

Dreaming of the day to be
24/7 destiny
Working for the one above
Giving all to the one you love

Hiding from the jealous pain
At the station and missed the train
Waving bye to what should have been
Hand to fist and eyes of sin

Happy for the one who has
Angry at the one who has
Running from the inner feeling
Never changing season to season

Searching for the open door
Banging loudly, bang some more
Hear me screaming to the air
Wondering if you really care

Selfishness, it keeps me warm
Burning heart in thunder storm
Trying madly to break free
From the chains that’s binding me

Praying, praying and pray again
Begging, begging, beg again
Hands are sore
Can’t bang no more

Waiting for the train to stop
Standing at the loading dock
Someday soon I hope and pray
Ticket master, how bout today?

My Angel

I don’t know where she’s heard it, but she says it over and over.
She’s probably hear it countless times; I just never gave it any thought.
So I look at her, just look and believe, it is, in fact, the truth.
To be in the presence of an angel, to think, I just thought she was my little girl.
Straight from heaven, a blessing from God, my very own angel.
The sound of her voice, no sweeter sound, music to my ears.
The sparkle in her eyes, they shine as if she’s seen God face to face.
Her smile, such a beautiful smile. How it fills my heart with joy.
Her touch, so smooth. The touch of silk could never compare.
She holds my heart in the palm of her hand and I will never complain.
How could I be so lucky? What did I ever do to deserve such a beautiful gift?
I have no idea.

How will I make it as a father? After all, my little girl is an angel.
God, help me to hold her little hand whenever she feels scared.
Help me to be as strong as she makes me feel.
Help me to love her with all my might and chase away the monsters.
Calm my fears and steady my heart. When I see her, I see you.
If you’re looking for a missing angel somewhere in the walls of heaven,
Please let her stay with me down here. I promise I’ll take care of her.
And I’ll always ask for your help. I’ll raise her the best that I can
and with your help, I know we’ll be just fine.
Lord, I never thought a little girl could be an angel.
I know now I was wrong, I have my very own.

2000

One Area Of The World

God looked down on one area of the world,
And smiled.
Two people crying out for love,
Reaching towards heaven,
Reaching for some belief in fulfillment.
A time when tears spoke louder than words,
From saddened eyes drifting off to dream.
How could He help but not hear?

Two hearts beating as one,
But miles apart on different roads.
Roads that had yet to join together.
The cry for love,
Heard louder than to cry of a new born.
The feeling that something was meant to be,
But the time had not yet begun.
How could He help but not hear?

Then by the light of a stage,
The light of the stars,
The chill of the cool night air,
Hearts meet,
Souls touch,
And crying eyes were dry.
Tears replaced by the misty rain.
God looked down on one area of the world,
And smiled.

The Last Supper

This is my flesh
This is my blood
Dine of me
Sup of me
Remember me

Eat of this bread
Drink of this wine
Eat of my flesh
Drink of my blood
Remember me

Take, eat, this is my body
My blood for the remission of sins
Consume of the Son
Imbibe of the Son
Remember me

My body which is given for you
My cup, my blood which is shed for you
Accept what is given
Accept what is shed
Just remember me

Thank You

Thank you for eternal life
And for your son Jesus Christ
I lay my burdens at your feet
And pray my soul you’ll keep

On a darkened hill called Calvary
You gave it all for all and me
Blood was shed to forgive our sins
Life given so life could begin

Thank you for this life so sweet
Thank you for the food we eat
By bread alone we cannot live
Only by the words you give

Be with me throughout my days
Fill me with the food of your ways
All the words that fill my soul
Love, knowledge and self control

Thank you for your guiding light
Thank for your love so bright
Fill me with your light of love
Raining down from up above

Lift me up and carry me
Away from sin and misery
Thank you for the love you bring
Thank you Lord for everything

Words

If I could only describe the way I feel
Then my mind could speak for my heart
Are there words I could say,
that would mean as much?

If you could only look deep into my eyes
Or feel it when I place my hand in yours
Is there more than a look, a touch,
that could mean as much?

There’s no way my mind can speak my heart
Or the look in my eyes and touch the of my hand
None can express how I feel
But the words I love you
They mean so much

Searching

Searching for a reason
Looking for a sign
Pride is way too stubborn
Selfishness too blind

Crying help me Jesus
Needing a cure for life
Sickened by my feelings
Unworthy of sacrifice

Down on bended knee
Looking up to You
Longing for relief
Running from the truth

Suppressing all the answers
Hiding from the blood
Thanking you sweet Jesus
For Your never ending love

Cracks In The Moon

A crack in the mirror
Runs through my face
My vision getting clearer
A look of disgrace

No point in pretending
A fool without a plea
His grace never ending
Still is given to me

(chorus)
Ohh, cracks in the moon
Ohh, cracks in the moon

I'm wrapped in a blanket
Caught up in sin
Cracks in the mirror
I'm seeing again

Pointing my finger
At my scarlet stain
And wiping the mirror
But the sin still remains

(chorus)
Ohh, there's a crack in the moon
Ohh, there's a crack in the moon

A crack in the mirror
Runs through my face
My vision getting clearer
A look of disgrace

No point in pretending
I'm foolish with no plea
God's grace is never ending
And still is given to me

I'm Losing

I’m losing
One step forward and two steps back
I’ve robbed my offspring
Trying to stay in the game
Now I’m cornered on the checker board of life
I see no way out, any way to win
I’m calling God to be my lifesaver
Throw me the ring so I can stay afloat
The numbers are racing around in my head
Everyday, racing, poking, prodding
I’m losing
I’m a failure at being a provider
Unable to give what I do not have
I’d sell the shirt from my back
But no one would buy it
I’d give it away but no one would take it
I’m a joke
A laughing stock to my inner self
A poor excuse for a man
I slump; I hide my head in shame
The debt of the devil hovers over me
Unable to get free from this quick sand
Sinking deeper and deeper
God, please lend me your hand
I’m reaching with all of my might
I’m screaming inside
Can’t you hear me?
I’m losing

Pleasures

Granted, for granted the sound of your voice
Blends well with your sweet perfume
Sound and fragrance fills the air
Pleasures to my senses

Soft, silky smooth bronzed skin
Blends well with your radiant brown hair
Mollifying and lustrous to my touch
Pleasures to my senses

Beauty, seductive to the tasteful eye
Blends well with your brilliant smile
Elegance, elegance fills my sight
Pleasures, pleasing to my senses

Who Will Tell Her About Jesus?

She sits in a darkened room
Holding tight to a tattered teddy bear
Tears falling down her rosy checks
She closes her eyes tightly
What has she done wrong?
Is it her fault that mommy and daddy fight?
She’s not old enough to ask questions
She assumes the worst
It must be me!
Daddy’s never home
Mommy’s always sleeping
And she fills alone
She tries to pretend she’s someone else
Maybe a playmate at school
Better yet, a princess in a magic castle
A land where no one fights or ever leaves
But blaring screams of anger
Overpower her imagination
The tears began once more
She gives her love unconditionally
She’s just a fragile little girl
But what kind of love will be offered?
What kind of love will be shown?
She longs for someone to show her
One who will always be there
Someone to take her away
Away to that magic castle
Where no one fights or ever leaves
Someone like Jesus
He will never leave her
Nor forsake her
But who will tell her?
Who will tell her about Jesus?

I Want To Be Like

I want to be like you my Father
To be a reflection of your humanity
Like a child with unanswered questions
Teach me Your wisdom my Father

I read the letter You wrote my Father
Searching for Your guidance in every line
Praying You will lead me in Your direction
And embrace me in loving arms my Father

I receive Your blessings daily my Father
Forgive me of my haste and blind eyes
Teach me to slow my step and restore my sight
And hold my shaking hand my Father

I can never be like you my Father
I will always fall short of Your glory
Struggling to walk in Your footsteps
I’ve fallen, please carry me my Father

I Labor In Dung And Dirt

My creative juices have become stagnant
I labor in muck and mud
Struggling, fighting to stay afloat
I’m waiting for my ship to come in
To pull me away to safety
Someone please change the bulb
The lighthouse grows ever so dim
I feel as if I can’t breath
This sludge weighs heavy on my chest
The labor intensifies and I am tense
In pursuit of nothing but boredom
A choice I make but regret making
There’s no turning back
I think my ship passed me by
I go under
The thickness of labor is too strong
I grow weaker and weaker
I can’t survive without moving
This metal roof holds the heat
Beams above me, concrete below me
Mired in paper and computer screens
I scream!
There’s got to be something better
Fresh flowing water, water, water
My mind is drifting
I can’t stay focused anymore
I’ve lost my hair and my dreams
My creative juices have become motionless
I labor in dung and dirt
Struggling, fighting

Just For You

I know they’re only words
And words are all I have
But it’s something you can believe
No lies, just the truth, just for you

I’ve made a commitment
That will never be broken
And it’s something you can believe
Before God, to no one else, just for you

If I should die tomorrow
And never take another breath
This is something you can forever believe
It was love, so much love, just for you

And The Wind Blows

It’s raining outside, dark and depressing
I’m looking out my stained glass window
I see the dampened world that I live in
And the wind blows

I witness a brilliant flash of light
I hear the thriving thunderous roll
I’m shielded and warm on the inside
While the wind blows

April showers bring springtime flowers
Budding with new growth
God’s water tin or clouded tears
And still, the wind blows

New life likely from a seed
Kind of a birth I suppose
Offspring of Mother Nature
Grips tightly as the wind blows

It’s raining outside as the unborn are unborn
Is it rain drops or tear drops?
Where’s the thunder of another heart beating?
Did the wind stop? Yes, the wind stopped

Babbling Little Babies

My haven’t we become the selfish one
A bunch of babbling little babies

If I can’t have it then why should you
Mines never good enough compared to yours

More, more, more give me all you got
Sorry but I’ve none to share

Nip and tuck, where has my youth gone?
My wallets not fat enough

Let me look just one more time
I must see what you see and more

I’m tired but I must keep going
My family needs my time but I have none

Big man in a little world
God help us act our age

Forgiveness Is Here

His body aches
Unable to move His hands and feet
The world resting on nails
Nails the world drove into flesh

Smiling faces
Pain from our pleasure
His mother cried
Friends deserted

Thirsty
He refused
Gambled for a souvenir
Looking down in sadness

Muscles give way
Pain is unbearable
Father, take me, it is finished
A king on a cross

Carrier of sins
Sacrificial lamb
An offering of life
Greatest example of love

He died for you
Still here, still alive
Put down your hammer and nails
Forgiveness is here

Uneducated Junk

Pick me a part limb by limb
Throw your hatred in my face
Show your childhood
Hide behind your manhood

I'm unable to see you, but that's ok
I can tell what you look like
Pretty as a picture?
I don't think so!

I can't spell; my grammar’s not so good
That makes you better than me?
Can I touch you?
Maybe some of that Mr. Know-it-all will rub off

Never mind
I'd rather be me
And write my uneducated junk
So we little people can have something to read

Dust

I am but a speck of dust
But I’m here
I didn’t choose to be
But I’m glad to be

Many have come before me
And many will come after
But as for me
I’m here at the moment

Many will never arrive
Many will never have the fate as I
To exist and expire
Laugh and cry

Small things taken for granted
An infant’s mortality assumed
It’s woeful to some
Oblivion to others

I can’t imagine not being here
Can you? Or can you?
Pro life, pro choice
No life, no choice

I am but a speck of dust
A living breathing speck
I didn’t choose to be
But I’m glad some chose for me

Just Around The Corner

The summer sun baking down on the earth
It’s not long until another fall takes over
Colored leaves float to meet the ground
The winter snow is just around the corner

Do we take the changing seasons for granted?
Just as carelessly do we take another day dawning?
Do we think of our Lord and savior the same?
Knowing He is with us every step of the way

Spring time, spring time, wake up new life
New life, do we take life for granted?
Do we gaze upon our brother and sister?
Pray, pray daily for them, have they repented?

Ethical decline, do we have morals anymore?
Did the departed take the beliefs to the grave?
My God, my God how we need you now
Don’t let our children grow up a slave to the decay

The Son looks tearfully upon creation, the earth
It’s not long before this season is over
We will be called up to meet the Father
Perhaps it’s just round the corner.