THE SECRET OF JOY

How vain man searches for a way

Through earthly toys that soon decay

And thinks these things bring happiness

Yet find, it leads to emptiness.

In every life a God-shaped void

Is built within the heart of man

So he can know down deep inside

Redeeming grace that will abide.

But joy is not made up of things

That bid one soar on eagle wings

The answer found is knowing Him

And helping free those bound by sin.

The fruit of joy one can express

Is helping widows in distress

Or helping orphans find a home

Where they no longer need to roam.

So as you seek help from above

Let Jesus fill you with His love

Then through the service you impart

Real joy will overflow your heart.

--B. Pent

JUST WAIT A MOMENT!

A MOMENT IS A STRETCH IN TIME

IT IS LIFE'S GIFT IN WHICH TO SHINE

WE OFTEN LIVE LIKE TIME WON'T END

AND CANNOT SEE BEYOND THE BEND.

YOUTH HAVE THEIR MOMENTS IN THE SUN

EACH CROWDED DAY IS FILLED WITH FUN

WITH TEXTING, STYLES AND DRAMA PLAYS

THERE'S LITTLE TIME TO CHECK THEIR WAYS.

THE FAMILY SEEKS TO FIND A HOME

WHERE CHILDREN HAVE A PLACE TO ROAM

YET SOON THE NEST IS EMPTY SPACE

AS TIME MOVES QUICKLY THROUGH LIFE'S RACE.

THE AGED NOTE THE FALLING LEAVES

AMID THE WINTER'S CHILLING BREEZE

THE CLOCK OF TIME BEGINS TO SHOW

HOW SOON LIFE ENDS BEFORE WE KNOW.

THEN COMES THE TIME IN LIFE WE FEAR

WHEN LOVED ONES GATHER WITH A TEAR

AND SAY GOODBY WITH HEAVY HEART

THIS LIFE SO QUICKLY TORN APART.

SO WHILE WE HAVE THIS MOMENT HERE

BEFORE ETERNITY DRAWS NEAR

MAY ALL OUR THOUGHTS AND DEEDS BRING PRAISE

TO CHRIST OUR LORD THROUGH ALL OUR DAYS.

--B. Pent