Introduction

The poems and other writings on this site came into being over time from February 19, 1974 to the present. They were written in a wide variety of places and under many circumstances, and a number of them were born through the personal life and ministerial experiences of the author.

It has never been the author's intention to be merely entertaining but rather to produce a work that will minister to others. It is the author's earnest hope that what is presented here will draw others closer to God. It is to challenge, comfort, and exhort and in every way possible, help people to appreciate life more and love God with all their hearts.

We have a short span of life on this planet, and we must learn to invest that time given to us wisely for ourselves and all we come in contact with in our sphere of life.

Dedicatory

This site is dedicated, with gratitude, to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who alone delivered me from sin, death and eternal misery.

It is also dedicated to my wonderful lifetime companion who shines bright before the Lord and humanity as a tremendous example of what a wife and mother should be - Beverly Ann - God's greatest gift to me apart from his wonderful salvation!

Further, this site is dedicated to my exceptionally blessed children who loved me enough t o put up with all my whims and shortcomings in raising t hem. To Sam, Chris, Richard, Kristine, Abigail, David and Sarah; seven very special gifts bestowed by a loving heavenly Father.

Finally, this site is dedicated to anyone who has influenced my life in any manner, whether negative or positive because every precious experience contributed to my growth and character building, and helped make me a better man.

To all the above, I say, "Thank you from the innermost depths of my being!"

Rick - aka - C R Lord,

Minister and Author

This little poem expresses my motivation in presenting these gifts from God to you, the reader. To God alone be all the glory, honor and praise!

Praise

Should praise be given for a gift that God alone can give?

Yes, but t o God be all the praise as long as we shall live.

For He is worthy of our praise; our God and him alone,

So friend direct your praise to Him, for of it I'll have none.

He made my mind and heart to see when they were blind by sin,

He gave the love that teaches me to have deep peace within.

So, if what's written here can bless your life when things look dim,

Just lift a thankful heart above and give the thanks to Him.

C R Lord © 2007