O Christmas

This is my most complete song so far. The beauty of this song is in its internal message. (Clue: something to do with the bold verbs) The melody of the song is puposely written not to be melancholic but to be very solemn and reflective. Christmas is not only a time to be merry but also a time to be silent as we remember the purpose of the blessed event.

Christmas, O Christmas
A time to care for the people around
A time to hope in the newborn Son
A time to remember of what has been done
Christmas, O Christmas

Christmas, O Christmas
A time to invite someone to the Lord
A time to spread the good news everywhere
A time for thanksgiving and kneeling in pray’r
Christmas, O Christmas

Christmas, O Christmas
A time to make joyful music to Him
A time to allow for God’s work to begin
A time to surrender and turn from our sin!
Christmas, O Christmas

Invitation for Christmas

Completed December 15, 2006

This poem is written primarily to remind us the essense of the celebration of Christmas. We may be engrossed by so many other things like "parties, presents, profits" that we lose sight of the celebrant. May we keep the meaning alive in our hearts and share this to other people. As we celebrate Christmas, may our hearts choose to say, "Thank you for being born!".

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Why do we celebrate an event called Christmas?
Why should we yearly wait even make it a must?

I have to tell you this: it is not about us;
It’s time to reminisce the birthday of Jesus!

It’s not about presents that we receive or bring.
It’s all about events of the birth of the King!

It’s not a time for sprees or for shopping galore.
It’s time for bending knees and for you to implore.

It’s not just a season of merriment and joy.
He is the true reason we rejoice and enjoy.

It’s a time we gather not only to unite.
We come jointly rather to remember that night.

How a baby was born in a humble manger
For people so forlorn to save them from danger.

Now, we adorn our house with bright lights and colors,
But the warmth, please don’t douse like the cold rain that pours.

Instead, relight a fire that brightens a dark space.
Instill a new desire to seek God’s warm embrace.

This is why we rejoice, that’s why there is Christmas.
I leave you with a choice: stay or delight with us!

Reflections...

Completed November 30, 2006

This poem actually plays with the word "reflection." - from reflecting on one's own life (being in the dark and how God has saved me) to being used by God to reflect His image (His goodness, kindness, compassion,etc.) Another thing that could be seen in the poem is the symbolism of the room depicting the person. We are unworthy of being saved by God but God does not look at the outward appearance; He looks at the heart. No matter what our background or status in life may be, we all need a Savior to cling on to.

In this little and unattractive room,
I find blissful peace and consolation.
It does not matter if it’s somewhat old,
It’s just the perfect place for reflection.

It’s the kind of place that’s chilly outside,
Yet you could feel the sheer warmth from within.
It’s like a dusty book left on the shelf
Only to find superb stories within.

Well, in here you’ll find mere simplicity
Not like the fancy lodges and hotels.
It does not have all those trappings and trimmings
Nor does it have decorations like bells.

It’s an old room with just one basic bed,
A table, cabinet and two small chairs.
Yet in this kind of quiet atmosphere
I find myself saying heartfelt prayers.

I come into this place very lowly
For I’m a person with plenty of sins.
And as I confess my sins and wrongdoing
That is the time my Savior’s work begins!

I sing a song of praise and thanks to Him
For He has pulled me out of the dark pit.
I’ll believe and depend in His guidance.
Under His laws, I’m willing to submit.

As I do this everyday of my life,
I see changes in the way I do things –
From being childish to being mature,
From selfish to being a true blessing.

My only prayer now is to go on,
Carrying on what has been well begun.
I pray that my life be a reflection
Of how it is to be living in the Son!

The Wise Master and the Tiny Servant

Completed November 6, 2006

This is my first time to write something like this. It is like a narration with conversation, but the conversation is in poem form.

The servant in the poem is very complacent and mediocre in what he does. He makes up excuses to avoid bigger tasks. You can say he had a comfort zone and was afraid to leave that area. The Master knew this so he decided to teach him a lesson. In the end, we are reminded to strive for excellence just as in the Bible: be faithful in the small things - all of these in preparation for something bigger where more responsiblity and accountability is needed.

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Narrator:
This is a tale of a tiny servant
Who served daily in his Master’s mansion.
He had the habit of saying “I can’t”
Which drew about the Master’s attention.

Narrator:
This is a narration of their conversation…

Master:
Servant, why do you belittle yourself?
Have you no sense of spirit or passion?
You’re not a worn-out book left on the shelf.
You should have more positive reactions.

Servant:
How can I be of use to you my Lord?
I am but a mere servant of your house.
I could not fight nor wield a heavy sword.
I am just like a coward little mouse.

Servant:
I cannot think and speak like the scholars.
Nor can I buy and sell as the merchants.
I can only clean all your shirt’s collars
And water and care for the mansion’s plants.

Master:
You must have heard of the tiny spider
And how it persevered throughout the rain.
From branches to branches like a glider,
Spinning its web again without complain.

Master:
Or the story of the little flowers
And how they endured the winds of the storm.
They call this rain but mere tickly showers –
Just something needed for them to transform.

Servant:
But Master, I am but a small weakling!
I am not perfect, nor is what I do.
I’m not fit to serve someone like a King.
I’m just of no use to someone like You!

Master:
Have you forgotten that I brought you here?
Have you failed to recognize my own acts?
It was my own will that wanted you near.
Maybe you should try to think and relax.

Narrator:
After thinking awhile, the servant could not smile.
Not because of hatred, but of the truth that’s been said.

Servant:
Indeed, you have been very good to me.
Yet I repaid you with pangs and heartaches.
I ask for your pardon – this is my plea.
I promise not to make the same mistakes.

Servant:
If I had fixed my ugly attitude,
Master, none of these should have had happened.
I want to give to you my gratitude
As I try hard not to hurt or offend.

Narrator:
This servant grew not only in his faith,
His Master also gave him bigger tasks.
When His Master would ask him to do work,
His new reply would be “No need to ask!”

A Lifetime’s Value

Completed October 25, 2006
This poem talks about the uncertainties of life. People die, others have had their share of pains, physically and emotionally. But the reality is that there is a spiritual dimension in this life. Make every time an opportunity to share the wonderful love of Jesus - before it's too late!

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In an hour, every single minute’s precious.
For in this short moment in time that has just passed,
Some people have died – the die for them is cast.

In a day, every hour is so important.
For in this one whole day that has just elapsed,
Many people have experienced pain – collapsed.

In a week, every day is just as priceless.
For in this time period that has just passed by,
People have felt so lost and have asked God “Why?”

In a month, every week must be well valued.
For in this month-long journey that has ended,
Many people’s hearts and souls can’t be mended.

In a year, every month should be accounted.
Because as a person grows a year older,
Some hearts grow with warmth; while others grow colder,

Every minute, hour, day, week, month, year – a chance!
Therefore, we should view life as to be cherished.
Share God’s love now lest lives forever perish.

Of Places

Completed October 19, 2006

This poem is about daydreaming - something done when the work's catching up on you or when you don't have anything to do. Oh, how I wished I were in some other place, enjoying what I'm doing, being happy and all. You'll catch a glimpse of some places that I wanted to go and experience, but I am reminded once again not to confuse dreams with reality. But it doesn't hurt to think about them for the purpose of not being so ignorant about them, right?

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I wanted to go somewhere very far –
Far from the routines and habits of life.
Where I could find peace, joy and happiness
And live and enjoy life to its fullness.

Imagine a small cottage by the woods
Filled with the sound of nature’s surrounding.
From the hoot of owls to the buzz of bugs,
All’s enjoyable – no need for earplugs!

Picture out staying in a snowy lodge
Where temperature is all the time low.
You’ll soon discover the soft, white splendor
While trying all the winter games outdoor.

Visualize the ocean in front of you
As waves splash upon your body and feet.
Building sand castles, smelling ocean breeze –
Take a break from life’s stress with style and ease.

Somewhere below the cool and vast valley
Runs the clear water of a flowing stream.
Living life with what you pick-up or catch –
This kind of life is a sure ideal match!

It’s not bad to dream of special places
but it mustn’t hide truth from reality.
Just to experience a deeper knowledge
Of what it's like to live over the hedge.

Name of Jesus

Completed October 16, 2006

This poem focuses on the mighty name of Jesus. The precious name and blood of Jesus washed away my sins at Calvary. The saving name of Jesus rescued me from death after I believed, accepted, and received Him. His life-changing name transformed me into a new being who now and forever wants to worship and glorify that same magnificent and majestic name - the name of Jesus!

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There is something about that name
That simply leaves me not the same.

Jesus showed me life’s not a game
By taking the road not to fame.

He told me of my own dark shame
And yet there is no need to blame
Since He already overcame.

“Believe in His name!” I now claim
And then into my life He came.
His son right away I became.

I’ll give Him all praise and acclaim
For I view life with a new frame.

To glorify Him is my aim.
His name forever I’ll proclaim.

Someone Precious

This is a chant song that talks about finding what's truly precious in life. From the fellowship today based on Luke's parable of the rich fool, I am once again reminded that pursuing my dreams is not bad. The bad thing is when I only focus my time and energy on my dreams and believe that that's all there is to life. There's someone more precious than material things - it's my Jesus!

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Verse 1:
People walking down the road
To a place where there is “Gold?”
I don’t know if this is true,
But I want to know, how about you?

Chorus 1:
It’s true, it’s true.
I have found someone precious.
It’s true, it’s true.
I have found my Jesus.

Verse 2:
People asking: "What’s the matter?"
"What’s the noise and all the chatter?"
I tell them that this I know
If you want to see then you must go.

Chorus 2:
It’s free, it’s free.
I received someone precious.
It’s free, it’s free.
I received my Jesus.

Verse 3:
Now I live with peace within.
‘Cause I’m free from all my sin.
All because of God’s great love,
Through Jesus, the Son, sent from above.

Chorus 3:
It’s marvelous.
I now know what’s most precious.
It’s marvelous.
I love you, my Jesus.

Collapse

Completed September 20, 2006

A true account just happened here in the office and I saw the person on the floor already. This experience motivated me to write this poem. It made me think of "What if I saw her while she was collapsing, what would I do?" Hope you'll really consider the question too.

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My friend, I want to ask you a simple question, just something out of the blue.
"If you saw a person just collapsing in front of your eyes, what would you do?"

Honestly speaking, would you have helped that person yourself and just dive right through?
Or would you rather order some people to help maybe someone from your crew?

Would you be the one to call an ambulance even though you don’t have a clue?
Or would you be the first to leave and say to that person, “Bye-bye and adieu!”

Would you disperse the growing crowd and dare say to them a big “Go away! Shoo!”
Or would you call other people, even stay there to see an intriguing view?

Would you be the one to hold that person’s hand to encourage, comfort and coo?
Or would you still act and behave like that person is someone you never knew?

Would you go with that person to the hospital – something done by just a few?
Or would you continue what you’re doing because you’re afraid it’d go past due?

Would you go to the extent of praying for that person – a concern that’s true!
Or would you rather do things awaiting something in return or a thank you?

"If you saw a person just collapsing in front of your eyes, what would you do?"
My friend, please consider another question, “What if all these happen to you?”

Your Love

This was inspired by these two passages.

"The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. the Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works." (Psalm 145:8-9)

"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." (Psalm 36:5)

It talks about the vastness of God's love, faithfulness and mercy coupled with God's attributes. It has a catchy tune to it and hopefully will be perfected once I get help from other people.

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Chorus:
Your Love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens.
Your faithfulness stretches through the skies.
Your tender mercy fills up all the earth.
Your Love, O Lord, unfolds before my eyes.

Verse 1:
You’re a gracious God, O Lord.
You took our place in death,
Rose again from the grave,
Overcame all of my sins -
All of these just to save!

Verse 2:
You’re compassionate, O Lord.
You gave us promises.
Comfort from your staff and rod
follows me all of my days.
I’ll declare you’re my God!

Verse 3:
You are slow to anger, Lord.
You always give us chance.
You give meaning to my life
and you guide all of my ways
I will praise all my life!

Bridge:
Oh Lord, My God.
You are full of love,
with faithfulness,
Compassion and grace from above!

Savior and King

I wrote this song with the contrast of the two sides of power in mind. One depicts temporary power in the hands of people, while the other depicts power in its ultimate form - God. The chorus reflects our disposition in that, in the end, all that we can do is to reach out to God for our salvation. It also tackles issue like receiving God as both Savior and Lord.

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Verse 1:
In this world, I’ve felt that I’d always win –
that I could even runaway from my sin.
Because I thought, I have the power from deep within.
And yet one thing I could not do is to save my own skin.

Chorus:
I need you Lord, to save me.
I want you Lord in my life.
‘Cause You’re my God; I am Yours.
Lord over me, My Savior and King.

Verse 2:
In the past, I thought that I was a king
who had command over all surroundings.
It was as if I had the power to do anything.
And yet one thing I hadn’t seen is the weakness my pride brings.

Verse 3:
In my life, I have many transgressions.
How can I have my own honor?
But don’t you know He has the power to forgive your sins.

And yet we only accept Him as our Savior not our king.

Life In God Is Beautiful

Completed July 25, 2006

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Have ever you said to yourself “Life’s beautiful”?
Do you desire to see the sun’s brightness every morning?
Or do you cramp in your bed feeling so dreadful
of the events that may happen this day without warning?

Many times I have felt so dull and depressing
especially when I see pails of rain dropping from clouds.
Somehow these things remind me of teardrops falling
out of the eyes of a familiar person in the crowds.

I tell you this person’s tale was ordinary
‘cause everybody will go to this point in their own lives
but the time when it occurs may mostly vary.
Here is a personal anecdote of how it arrives:

"It was as if shadows swept over my body –
capturing it to do the things that I don’t want to do.
I desperately shouted, ‘Help! Help! Somebody…’
as my hopes and yearnings were starting to lose its weak hue.

I was lost, alone, without any trace of hope.
Suddenly, a pierced hand reached in front of my eyes and face.
He helped me get up and said that I mustn’t mope.
He dressed me up and called me His own sealed with His embrace."

When I look back now and picture my former shape,
I see a person who didn’t know where he was going,
I make out a person who can briefly escape,
but in the end, is caught up in all what he was doing.

When I recount how I was saved from my dark past,
I am so grateful and blessed to be living in the Light.
He gave me power so darkness can be surpassed,
so I can conquer temptations and tests to win the fight.

But it is so hard to stay away from darkness
when you have been living in it for all you can recall.
Sometimes it’s easier to give in to dimness
rather than battling the evil that continues to crawl.

Whenever doubts start to set in, I think of Him –
how He carried me through the storms and pitfalls of my time,
how He gave blessings overflowing my cup’s brim –
then I realize that living in His world is sublime.

Life is a mixture of different blends of taste –
sometimes salty, at times sour and bitter, other times sweet.
These life experiences cannot just be replaced
for these are the same experiences that make me complete.

But without His tender mercy and loving grace,
Life wouldn’t be as beautiful as it could ever be.
All that I do can vanish without any trace.
Only what’s done for Him will last that I can guarantee.

He promised that He would be with me till the end,
that He’ll never let anyone snatch me out of His hand.
Now and forever He will be my loyal friend.
In Him I put my trust; With Him I continue to stand.

Life is truly beautiful when it is in God
because He Himself is Life, the Giver of Existence.
The only thing I should do is follow His rod
and He’ll be my Provider, Protector and Subsistence.

Have you ever noticed how life is beautiful
and that everyday seems to be more and more exciting?
I won’t be afraid since I know He’ll be faithful
in making my life more meaningful and interesting.

A True Friend

Completed July 14, 2006
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In the midst of all my tests and trials,
I have found a loyal and faithful friend.
He fills my life with joy and hearty smiles –
encouragement, hope and love without end.

An Encourager and Listener

He’s a person who sticks through thick and thin.
Whenever you need Him, He’s always there –
never closing doors, always letting in,
lending His ears to problems you can’t bear.

At times when I feel so down and weary,
He pats my shoulders and says, “It’s okay.”
He tells that life is not always dreary
that tomorrow is another new day.

It’s so sweet to know He is by my side –
the one who I can truly depend on.
All my secrets to Him I can confide.
It’s only He I can rely upon!

A Mentor and Coach

He is my honest counselor and coach –
always supporting my undertakings.
When I need advice to Him I approach
‘cause I know He’ll give His inner feelings.

He is not silent to all my errors,
in fact, criticizing to build me up.
He has the quality of most mentors
in that He always gives a follow-up.

In my victories, He also partakes –
instructing me to run with goal in mind.
He tells me to never make the mistakes
of one whose gloomy past has him confined.

A Buddy and Brother

He’s a person who knows all about me -
yet still loves me for who I really am.
Although on some things we may disagree,
We still stick together like bread and jam.

We’ve become more than friends as years elapse
through daily conversations and actions.
Somehow we’ve grown to be closer, perhaps
more like brothers in many situations.

Whether it be a helping hand nearby
or a secret gesture from far away -
the strands of friendship that forever tie
will keep us bound together everyday.

Jesus, our True Friend

In the end, all these things are just ideal,
for we know that one way or another,
we are afraid as humans to reveal
our vulnerable part to each other.

“Jesus is the only one capable
of being our true, real and faithful friend.”
The Bible attests that He is able.
In this promise I shall always depend.