Monday, September 20, 2010

Many Sweet Memories

I have a good friend who posted a picture of an old church and talked about the many sweet memories she had of it.  This is for Janet.


Many sweet memories we had in that place
Of family and friends and God’s holy grace
These are the things even time can’t erase

They built the foundation, put in a floor
Raised up the walls and opened the door
And that was way back in 1804

It was out in the sticks, Gates County, NC
The Middle Swamp Baptist Church came to be
And with it a part of my life’s history

My grandparents, their parents and countless before
Gathered to see what God had in store
And together they founded a lasting rapport

Then down through the years, as God had intended
My parents, my sisters and I have attended
And our love for this church has never ended

Many sweet memories we had in that place
Of family and friends and God’s holy grace
These are the things even time can’t erase

Mdailey 9/17/10









The Tree in the Shenandoah

Allen Pearson takes beautiful pictures and at times they inspire me to write a poem around them.  Here is one of them

The tree is young yet passed its prime
It’s fallen on some harder time
It set its roots in rocky soil
And rocks became this young tree’s toil
And so it is with man as well
A poor foundation soon will tell
His hold on life will soon grow dim
As he rots out from deep within
And thinking even deeper yet
Trees and man and faith are met
For as the roots support a tree
Faith for man will always be
So we must root our faith in God
Not sand, or rocky soil; but sod
And feed our roots on daily prayer
And bask within God’s love light there
So we can live a life that’s strong
In God’s backyard where we belong

Mdailey 9/18/10

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Worship

I received an e-mail from the Decons of the church we attended in VA.  It was just to announce the subject of an upcoming decon's meeting - Worship.  I wrote this poem and sent it back to them for use in the meeting.

What is the meaning of worship?
To idolize, honor, respect
To keep on one’s mind
Most all of the time
To remember – to never neglect

What is the sign of worship?
To get on your knees and pray
Or to reach out to your brother,
Father, sister and mother
And all others you meet in your day

What is the greatest of worship?
To give of your life to the lord
In all thoughts and deeds
And for all of your needs
He’ll ask no more than you can afford

What is the study of worship?
The study of God’s precious word
And how it applies
To your daily lives
And how from our sins we are cured

Mdailey 8/31/10

Friday, August 27, 2010

Spiritual Progress

I was looking through my collection of spiritual poems and discovered that I had met my initial goal of a poem for each week out of the year.  I have written close to 60 and have posted at least 36 of them on this blog.  I hope someone is getting some good out of them.
Mike

Keep Me Safe

This beautiful picture of clouds by Allen Pearson inspired me to write a poem and send it to him. 


I saw the storm clouds gathering
I prayed – Lord, keep me safe
With all your might and majesty
Protect this lowly waif
Not just from Mother Nature
From all evil stalking me
Part the clouds of doubt and sin
So your bright light I might see
For as the Bible tells us
You’re the light and you’re the way
Guide me and protect me
Keep me safe, I pray.

Mdailey 8/26/10

After the Storm

I have a friend that is a photographer.  His name is Allen Pearson.  He recently posted some pictures of clouds and inspired me to write some poems to go along with some of them.




After the storm has passed us
Red clouds dot the sky
Reflecting hell’s own fire storm
That somehow passed us by
Then all at once the clouds part
Bright rays come shining through
Reminding us that God’s still there
No matter what we do
So when your life is stormy
And red cloud’s all you see
Remember God’s still with you
And His light will set you free.

Mdailey 8/26/10

Friday, August 13, 2010

A Woodsy Stream

I wrote this a little over a year ago but never posted it.

Life is like a woodsy stream that constantly is flowing
You’re just a bubble in that stream not knowing where you’re going
Twists and turns come suddenly and catch you unaware
But you ride upon the current; the twists and turns your fare
When rocks and logs get in the way, you somehow flow around them
You don’t let yourself get bogged down with the drama that surrounds them
The stream’s sometimes so quiet; you can almost hear things think
Then all at once it gets so loud your eyes begin to blink
And then it changes once again for no un-Godly reason
And this goes on for years and years and season after season
And there are bigger things my friends that come upon the stream
Disrupting how the water flows; disturbing all your dreams
Then in a fleeting moment you look and they are gone
And just like that you realize that you too have moved on
Sure you’ll come upon some rapids and perhaps a waterfall
Just bask in the excitement; don’t freeze in fear and stall
At times you’ll find a quiet pond and stay right there awhile
But the winds will change and in a bit you’ll have gone another mile
My stream’s down to a trickle but I know it’s not the end
The winds will change and pretty soon I’ll be off around the bend
I don’t know where it will take me, but I won’t be denied
I can’t wait to see what’s next; I’ve so enjoyed this ride

Mdailey - 7/3/09

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Ten Dollar Bill

I heard this story in a sermon and decided to put it to rhyme.  I hope you enjoy my version.
He held up a ten dollar bill
All heads turned; the room got still
Who would like this brand new bill?
All hands were in the air
He crumpled up that brand new bill
And asked if they would like it still
This crumpled up but still good bill
All hands were in the air
He threw the bill upon the ground
Stepped on it and ground it down
Who wants this bill all bent and brown?
All hands were in the air
But this ten dollar bill is not crisp and clean
It’s crumpled and dirty and no longer green
Who would still want this, it is almost obscene
All hands were in the air

My friends, many times in our lives I have found
We are down and we’re crumpled like dirt on the ground
But even at that our value is sound
Our lives are worth living still
So consider this lesson whenever you meet
The crumpled, the fallen, the man on the street
His worth is not less it is merely discrete
Like this crumpled up ten dollar bill

  Mdailey     02/19/09

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

His Hand on My Shoulder

I wrote this awhile back but never got around to posting it.  Let me know if it does anything for you.

As a youth I was a Christian
Knowing not what I believe
Heard the words but I just didn’t listen
It was more than my mind could conceive

Then all at once He touched my shoulder
Turning me now to His path
Showing me how to be bolder
By leaning much more on his staff

In the Army in my first real battle
Pinned down by the enemy fire
Kneeling so my knees wouldn’t rattle
Praying to God my desire

Then all at once He touched my shoulder
Turning me back to His path
And the heat of the battle turned colder
As I leaned on my Lord and his staff

Down through the years I’ve been trying
To constantly follow His leads
And I know there is no denying
He’s been there through all of my needs

Then all at once He touched my shoulder
Leading me now on His path
Knowing I won’t get much older
I’m leaning much more on his staff

Mdailey     4/21/08

Friday, July 16, 2010

The Man That I AM

I have opened the door that no one can close
I have given you choices – which ones have you chose
I have done what I came for – done all that I can
I have shown that I’m more than the man that I am


I’ve walked through each country – blessed all that I could
I’ve taught you the good news and how to be good
I’ve cured deafness and blindness – you know that I can
I have shown that I’m more than the man that I am


I’ve talked of the mission that I’ve given to you
I’ve sent you the spirit to help you get through
You know why I came here and done all that I can
Can’t you see that I’m more than the man that I am


And what did it get me – what was the cost
You cursed me and beat me – hung me up on a cross
I didn’t repay you in kind – though I can
But then I wouldn’t be more than the man that I am

Mdailey   2/19/08

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Blameless on the Cross

I wrote this a few years ago.  I had heard the phrase "blameless on the cross" and wanted to see where that took me in verse.  Here it is.



You were there hanging blameless on the cross
You were there all alone as if your cause were lost
I could not see the path you laid before me
For I did not understand
You were blameless on the cross
For all the sins of man


I’ve heard about your preaching – some said you are the one
But you’re hanging up there on the cross as if it’s said and done
And me, I’m just a simple man hanging out here on the edge
Waiting for a simple sign that shows God kept his pledge
And even you – if you are the one – cried out as if forsaken
And those along the edge with me our faith was surely shaken


For we all had such high hopes for the one to lead the way
To show the world we are the chosen ones to rule the day
But you – you seem a simple man so frail and so slim
The only fire you ever show is the fire that burns within
You tell us to forgive our debtors and to turn the other cheek
For the world will be given to the gentle and meek
But for those on the edge we’re feeling lonely and lost
For you’re hanging blamelessly up there on the cross


Many years have come and gone and still some wonder
Were you a man or truly God own son
Me – I’ve got a faith no man can put asunder
I know deep in my heart you are the ONE
You were hanging blameless on the cross
Not alone, your cause had not been lost
All the sins of man were hanging too
Paid for by your love we were made anew

Mdailey    2/19/08

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Hope: A Path to Fulfillment

There is suffering down here on Earth
Since long before Biblical times
But it’s not an inditement on what we are worth
It is part of the grander designs
We suffer because we are human
We give in to corruption and greed
Admit it – you do it too, man
You always want more than you need
But God’s promised a brighter tomorrow
As only our God could conceive
A path of fulfillment – not sorrow
Hope – for those that believe

Mdailey - 05/18/09

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I Saw an Angel

With the passing of a friend, I thought of this poem I wrote a while back as a comfort to a co-worker who had lost his wife.  I thought I would share it with all of you.

 And then at once, I saw an angel
Sitting there as if at rest
I thought my lord, where have you gone
I loved you so, you loved me best
 The stone was rolled back from the tomb front
There in your place, an angel sat
He said don’t fear, he has arisen
If you’ll recall, he told you that


Thus did the Bible tell the story
Of our lord’s defeat of death
Twas truth back then as is today
Still takes away my very breath


And so today I think about him
And the love that we all share
As I sit here close by your bedside
Holding hands in silent prayer


You lived a life but now it’s ending
There’s still so much I’d like to say
But in silence I’ll just stay here
Close my eyes, I kneel and pray


And then at once, I saw an angel
Sitting there as if at rest
I thought my lord, where have you gone
I loved you so, God loved you best

Mdailey   05/14/08

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

A Teacher

A good friend passed away last week and we attended her memorial on the 23rd.  That morning as I sat in bed, I wrote my own little memorial to her.


The angels said “A teacher
A teacher’s what we need
Someone to guide the others
Someone to take the lead
Someone with that special skill
Someone who’s always done His will
Someone who will do it still
A teacher’s what we need”


So God looked down upon this earth
To find someone of special worth
He found so few – then picked the best
Who clearly out shown all the rest
Each time He put her to the test
A teacher – yes indeed

A loving mother, loving wife
Who dedicated her whole life
Who gave herself unselfishly
To church, to school, to family
To those in need that she did see
A teacher – yes indeed


She was so loved, she will be missed
By all of those whose lives she kissed
Her earthly strings He has untied
So we can use her as our guide
And she’ll fit nicely at his side
A teacher – yes indeed

Mdailey 4/23/10

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Remembering a friend

We had a good friend pass away last week.  She was only 59 years old and appeared to be in good health and then all of a sudden she was gone.  Talking to my wife and thinking about our friend, I tried to capture my thoughts in a couple of poems.  The first was written from the persceptive of our friend, the second from the perspective of the one she left behind.

You’re Grieving



I know that you are grieving
Don’t think of me as leaving
Think of me as somewhere down the road
Ahead of you, preparing
That life that we’ll be sharing
Once we leave our earth abode
I know that there’ll be crying
With my far too soon goodbying
But I really don’t want you to be sad
You’ll always have my love and
I’ll be watching from above and
Remembering the good times that we had
So grieve, then go on living
Loving and forgiving
Knowing that our true love will not die
And I will be here waiting
Greatly anticipating
Until we’re back together by and by

Mdailey 4/18/10

Mountain in the Road



How can I bear the load
There’s a mountain in the road
A mountain that appeared when you were gone
And it makes the road I travel
All my life plans to unravel
And makes me wonder how I can go on


Oh, I know I’ll take it step by step
In spite of all the tears I wept
I’ll find a way to make it ore’ the mound
And I’ll take it all in stride
Till I’m on the other side
And finally living back on level ground


And someday looking back
Along my life long track
I’ll realize my life did not implode
But you’re leaving is so haunting
And to go on is so daunting
You see, you left a mountain in the road

Mdailey 4/18/10

Monday, March 29, 2010

I Remember Easter

I Remember – Easter  -  I am not sure this qualifies as a spiritual poem or not but it shows that I have mixed memories of Easter - some of them very secular and some more mundane.  Some from early childhood and some from a more grown up perspective.  What is it you remember about Easter?

I remember
Mom’s big hat
Where we sat
At Easter
I remember
New church shoes
Old church pews
At Easter
I remember
Moms and sisters
New shoe blisters
At Easter
I remember
Pure white dresses
Summer tresses
At Easter
I remember
Festive bonnet
Flowers upon it
At Easter
I remember

Flowered purses
Bible verses
At Easter
I remember
Choirs sang
Church bells rang
At Easter
I remember
Peter Rabbit
Nuns in habit
At Easter
I remember
Fake green grass
Latin Mass
At Easter
I remember
Dressing up
The wine and cup
At Easter
I remember
World and heaven
Bread unleavened
At Easter
I remember
Hidden treasure
Love unmeasured
At Easter
I remember
Flowers bloom
The empty tomb
At Easter
I remember
Candy sweet
Satan’s defeat
At Easter
I remember
Spiral ham
The great I AM
At Easter
I remember
Our Lord Jesus
How he freed us
At Easter

Mdailey 3/22/10

Thursday, March 18, 2010

FAITH

This was another poem composed while driving.  I think the rhythm of the road gets my mind to working on poetry better than just sitting at my desk.  I hope this means something to someone out there.  I would love to hear any comments you might have.    Mike

Faith, you gotta show it
If not, you simply blow it
Inaction – and your faith just isn’t real
For eternal satisfaction
You have to take some action
You have to show the world just how you feel

Examples? Look through Bible pages
Throughout history; all the ages
Men and women took their chances
And found eternal life enhances

Faith can move mountains
But YOU have to push
Get off of your knees
Get off of your tush
Get out in the world
Wear your faith on your sleeve
So that others can see
What you truly believe


Help your father, help your mother
Help your sister, help your brother
And do it just because you know it’s right
Even better, help a stranger
Be a modern day “Lone Ranger”
Do it even when you’re out of sight


As Nike says – Just do it
There’s really not much to it
If you believe, you act on that belief
For faith is love in action
And heaven’s great attraction
And that is this week’s spiritual in brief

Mdailey 3/12/10

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

God Hears

I wrote this on the drive from Wilmington, NC down to our place in Ocean Ridge - about an hour's drive.  I like to compose poems in my head while I drive but sometimes I get a little nrevous about remembering all the words in my head when I finally get to my destination and write them down.  Today was no exception.  I hope this poem inspires you to say a prayer for someone you love - you never realize just how much that helps.

When I get to the pearly gate
I’ll simply tell Saint Peter
That I’m sorry that I’m late


But I had loved ones praying
Hard for me each day
And I am simply living proof
God hears us when we pray


When I was young I drank some
Much more than my fair share
If I heard there would be drinking
I’d try to be right there


But I had loved ones praying
That I would change some day
And I am simply living proof
God hears us when we pray


When I was just out driving
I knew I drove too fast
And when I hit that slick spot
Thought my end had come at last


But I had loved ones praying
That I would be OK
And I am simply living proof
God hears us when we pray


And if I ever doubted
God was in my life
I only had to think about
The day I met my wife


For I had loved ones praying
That she’d show me the way
And I am simply living proof
God hears us when we pray

Mdailey            3/10/10

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Garden Gate

I was unable to write a new poem for this week. I have a theme and some thoughts rattling around in my head for a new poem but the words just are not coming. So this week I am sending you one I wrote a while back. It was originally part of a longer one but I split it into two poems as the two parts did not mesh all that well I only had to tweak it a little to stand alone. I don’t recall circulating this one before. It is short and to the point without my usual ramblings. If you like it pass it on to someone else.


Every day in every life you come to that fork in the road
Turn left or turn right it all depends upon the weight of your load
Take the one more traveled; in case you may break down
If you doubt your mode of travel - if your faith is not that sound
Or take the road less traveled, its narrow but it’s straight
It leads to where you want to go, straight to the garden gate


The Bible is your guide book with key turns pointed out
From the Garden to the desert and wanderings all about
With the simplest of guidelines – just listen to the Lord
He ask no more of any man than what he can afford
Love each man as your brother; let there be none you hate
And you will find your savior waiting at the garden gate

Mdailey 2/19/08

Thursday, February 25, 2010

If you want to sign on as a follower of this blog, just click on the colorful box there on the left that says "follow".  It lets me know who is reading my poems which gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling that all writers love.  I have been stuck at 5 followers for quite some time now and would love to see the number grow.
Mike

What Do You Want

Do you remember when you were young and you asked someone in authority (your parents or teacher) just what it was that you were supposed to do knowing full well what was expected of you but hoping they would give you something easier?  Do you think that maybe sometimes we do that with God?


When Jesus of Nazareth came into town
He spoke of the devil and what’s going down
And when he was through some guy came around
“What do you want me to do?”


So He told of a rich man and basically why
A camel would easier pass through an eye
And after the story, a guy would come by
“What do you want me to do?”


So He gave them the sermon from up on the mount
And listed the things that really did count
But not all who listened knew what’s paramount
“What do you want me to do?”


And then there on the cross when He died for our sin
A thief asked forgiveness and He took him in
Yet after all that, we still ask of Him
“What do you want me to do?”


Repent; ask forgiveness at the end of the day
Remember that Jesus’s the light and the way
Follow his lead and you won’t have to say
“What do you want me to do?”

Mdailey 2/19/10

I was not sure I liked this at first.  The question just popped into my head and I could not get it out without composing a poem of some kind.  I kept repeating it in my head to see if I could come up with something better but I was stuck with what I had.  Let me know if you like this or not.  You can add a comment to this blog if you want.  You can even sign in as annomomous if you want.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Believe in Miracles

Do you believe in miracles?
Not just those the Book defines
The turning water into wine
The feeding thousands at one time
But the extra-ordinary kind

The sunrise each and every morning
The sunshine sometimes when it’s storming
The gentleness of bees when swarming
Do you believe in miracles?

The sunset each and every evening
The smile you find when you’re done grieving
The grace with faith that you’re receiving
Do you believe in miracles?

That no two snowflakes are the same
That even down to earth He came
The warmth you feel speaking His name
Do you believe in miracles?

That missionaries are so driven
Any and all sins forgiven
That though He died, He has arisen
Do you believe in miracles?

That you believe – not understand
That you are part of God’s grand plan
That Jesus was The Great I AM
Do you believe in miracles?

Then maybe you sometime today
Can take a minute out to pray
Or bow your head and simply say
I do believe in miracles.

Mdailey 2/13/10

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Walking on Water

Try walking on water
When you need a place to go
It’s just doing what you oughta’
Doing what you know
You don’t have to be a preacher
Or thump the Good Book so
Just listen to the teacher
Take the path that he will show

Try walking on water
When the Lord calls you out
Keep your eyes on the savior
And not what’s all about
He won’t disappoint you
He won’t let you fall
Let the Spirit anoint you
When the Lord comes to call

Try walking on water
Let your faith be your guide
In the footsteps of Jesus
Let your spirit abide
The road won’t be easy
But would surely be harder
Without faith in the Lord
Try walking on water

Mdailey   2/19/08

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Glimpse of Jesus

Sometimes you do not see what is directly in front of you.  And sometimes you think you see something becausse you are wanting to see it.


I caught a glimpse of Jesus
On the face of my child asleep
I wasn't looking for Jesus
But I saw something I'd like to keep

I caught a glimpse of Jesus
When my wife looked at me just so
I wasn't looking for Jesus
But Jesus was there I know


I caught a glimpse of Jesus
In the eyes of a stranger down town
I wasn't looking for Jesus
But he appears to be always around

I caught a glimpse of Jesus
Today when I looked in the mirror
I wasn't looking for Jesus
But the image of Jesus was clear


I caught a glimpse of Jesus
I thought "how can this be"
I wasn't looking for Jesus
But Jesus was looking for me


The moral of this story
And I swear this one is true
In all his grace and glory
Jesus is looking for you

Mdailey   02/12/09

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

That Old Rugged Cross

The first line of this poem popped into my head the other evening.  I don't know if I heard it on the radio or TV or overheard someone's conversation - it was just there and I had to see where it would take me. This is one of a very few that took more than one sitting to write and I am not really sure that I got to where I thought I was going with it.

That old rugged cross never meant much to me
Just a hymn in a book from all I could see
But I sang along to appease family
Though that old rugged cross meant nothing to me

Church to me was always the views
Of all the cute girls out there in the pews
I paid little attention to all the Good News
Or the consequences of the things that I’d choose


When I came of age I left churches behind
They were just not my thing- a complete waste of time
It was not the Savior I was looking to find
And the old rugged cross never entered my mind


Then as I grew older with kids of my own
There was nothing inside me and I felt so alone
I looked back at my life and I should have known
And that old rugged cross was calling me home


To that old rugged cross that just had to be
A symbol of that man who died there for me
On that old rugged cross so that I would be free
To follow my savior for all eternity


He died for the sins of this unworthy man
Died for that’s central to God’s holy plan
And He rose once again as only He can
From that old rugged cross to the greatest “I AM”

Mdailey 01/24/10

Monday, January 11, 2010

Isaiah 43:1

Sometimes when I listen to a sermon, I get to thinking about how I feel about the topic or the objective of the sermon and start composing a poem to capture my thoughts.  I think of these as my own little prayers and I would love to share them with all of you.  Let me know what you think of them.

Isaiah 43:1  (I have called you by name – you are mine)

I have a name
Not that given at birth
That means more to me
Than all things here on earth
A Michael or John
I mean – what is that worth
He has called me by name
I am His


Yes, I’ve had a name
Since I met the Lord
And now He and I
Are of one accord
That following Him
Is the greatest reward
He has called me by name
I am His


His – as an example
Not just a façade
His – as a beacon
His own dowsing rod
His – as in brother
Together in God
He has called me by name
I am His


Christian’s the name
Of which I am proud
It separates me
From the worldly crowd
So just call me Christian
And say it out loud
He has called me by name
I am His

Mdailey 01/10/10

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

TAKE MY HAND JESUS

I was asked the other day if somone could use one of my poems in a sermon.  Without hesitation I agreed.  These spiritual poems I write are sort of my way of praying and the greatest pleasure I get with the poems is when someone wants to share something I wrote (or something I prayed) with someone else.  As long as you do not claim the poem for yourself, anyone reading this blog can share the poems with friends, family and even group gatherings with my blessing.

I wrote this poem while in New Mexico several years ago.  I would go for a walk in the foothills of Farmington NM and every day I would compose another verse.  I did not write any of them down for weeks but just kept repeating them to myself until I knew them by heart.

Take my hand Jesus; it’s you I think of
Since I’ve heard all the stories of your precious love
Take my hand Jesus, and I’ll follow above
Take my hand Jesus, I pray

Take my hand Jesus; I’ve heard them all say
You are the truth, and the light and the way
Take my hand Jesus, and I’ll follow today
Take my hand Jesus, I pray

Take my hand Jesus, that’s all you need do
You are the only way I’ll make it through
Take my hand Jesus, and I’ll follow you
Take my hand Jesus, I pray

Take my hand Jesus, for you are the treasure
Besides you no earthly wealth ever could measure
Take my hand Jesus, and I’ll follow with pleasure
Take my hand Jesus, I pray

Take my hand Jesus, take all that is mine
For you are the Shepard, so gentle and kind
Take my hand Jesus, and I’ll follow behind
Take my hand Jesus, I pray

Take my hand Jesus, it’s yours all alone
You are the greatest thing I’ve ever known
Take my hand Jesus, and I’ll follow you Home
Take my hand Jesus, I pray

Take my hand Jesus, and let us begin
Your death on the cross paid for all of my sin
Take my hand Jesus, and I’ll follow you in
Take my hand Jesus, I pray

Mdailey