The Redeemed!

There are two versions of this: the original and the one that we rendered during the P&W night. As a background, I actually thought of the words during one night as I was thinking on a cheer that is connected to the song "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)". God truly inspired me and I hope He is glorified. Only by His grace are we redeemed. So we must share this and declare to all nations we are redeemed by God!

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The original version: (rhyming)
Redeemed, Redeemed, God sent His Son.
Redeemed, Redeemed, my chains are gone!
Redeemed, Redeemed, purchased by God.
Redeemed, Redeemed, bought by His blood!
Redeemed, Redeemed, took my disgrace.
Redeemed, Redeemed, saved by His grace!
Redeemed, Redeemed, we are redeemed!
Redeemed, Redeemed, forever redeemed!

The rendition version: (has a flow)
Redeemed, Redeemed, God sent His Son.
Redeemed, Redeemed, bought by His blood!
Redeemed, Redeemed, my chains are gone!
Redeemed, Redeemed, saved by His grace!
Redeemed, Redeemed, we are redeemed!
Redeemed, Redeemed, forever redeemed!

There's actually a third version which is an improvement of the first two. It started out as a challenge to present salvation in your own way. And being the poetic me, I took upon it as a signal for me to write again. Hope it helps you!

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The long version: (more rhymes)
Redeemed, Redeemed, God sent His Son to our world to save.
Redeemed, Redeemed, my chains are gone; I'm no more a slave.
Redeemed, Redeemed, He took my disgrace and died on the cross.
Redeemed, Redeemed, I'm saved by his grace; his death not a loss.
Redeemed, Redeemed, only if you believe can you be redeemed!
Redeemed, Redeemed, if Christ you receive, you'll forever be redeemed!

Total Thanksgiving

Completed January 11,2007

This is my way of thanking God for all that he has blessed me with and I mean everything! From blessings to trials to new mercies to the Ultimate Sacrifice - all are worth thanking for this start of the new year. You'll see here the merism figure of speech which denotes the totality of what I'm thanking for. By this poem, I am once again reminded of my littleness and God's greatness... Truly He's incomparable!

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Thank you for the times that were happy
And also for the times sad and gloomy.

Thank you for the days that were busy;
For the rest when life’s topsy-turvy.

Thank you for the moments of laughter
And for the peace and silence after.

Thank you for being there – listening…
Even when at times I’m just grumbling.

Thank you for the companions and friends
And for times when I’m just with my pen.

Thank you for the family you’ve blessed –
Home, work, church – all Thy hands wondrous crest!

Thank you for sending Jesus to die
And rising after up to the sky.

Thank you Lord for seeing the sunshine
And letting me feel your love divine.

Thank you for Your new mercies daily
And for bestowing grace so freely.

Thank you for Your enduring guidance;
For giving again another chance.

Thank you God for all that has happened
And for the doors this year You’ll open.

Thank you again for what you have done –
For being comparable to none!

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!

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.

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.