Our Sunday School Teachers

Our Sunday school teachers
Are there most every week
They have scriptures for us all to read
And objectives we should seek
They try to start discussions
But often we don’t speak
I guess we will inherit the world
If it indeed goes to the meek

Our Sunday school teachers
Bring a true resolve
And lessons for our daily lives
And what that all involves
They even give us quizzes
Which often we don’t solve
I guess we’re all still learning
And trying to evolve

Our Sunday school teachers
Each time they take the floor
Have led us on a journey
That starts at Jordan’s shore
And leads us through the bible
Right to its very core
Our Sunday school teachers
Are that and even more

Mdailey
07/13/09
I wrote this to honor the Sunday School teachers at Ox Hill Baptist Church. It was our last Sunday at church before we move to NC. They also wrote us a couple of poems as going away tributes.

A Glimpse of Jesus

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

Michael Jackson/Farah Faucett Passing

With the passing of Farah Faucett and Michael Jackson, I thought I would share the following poem. It was based on a narrative by Henry Van Dyke - I did not add much, only a little rhythm and rhyme.


Dying

I am standing on the sea shore
A ship is setting sail
Out upon the big wide ocean
My cries to no avail
She’s is such a strength and beauty
As I watch her sailing past
On out to the horizon
Till she’s just a distant mast
And now she’s just a speck of light
Where sea and sky converge
Out where I can’t touch her
Though I still can feel the urge
Then someone at my side explains
“There, she’s gone at last”
“Gone? Gone where?” it comes to me
“Gone where?” is what I ask

Gone from my sight, and that is all
Just from my sight, not my recall

“She’s just as large in mast and hull
As when she left” I sighed
She’s able to still bear her load
On to the other side
Her diminished size is in me,
Not in her - I say
I can not see her anymore
Or any other day

But the moment that they cried out
“There, she’s gone at last”
Someone on the other side
Said “There, I see the mast”
There were other eyes out watching
Prepared to raise the shout
She’s coming, see, she’s coming
That’s what’s dying’s all about.

We lose sight of all our loved ones
But our loved ones do not change
As they sail out ore’ the horizon
A new journey’s been arranged
There are loved ones there to greet them
Father, Son and Holy Ghost
No need for final goodbyes
Just a simple “Adios”


Mdailey
06/30/08

Mary Can You Hear Me

I wrote this following a sermon at Ox Hill Baptist Church on Mary

Mary Can You Hear Me

Mary can you hear me
Can you understand?
I bring a special message
About a special man
Mary can you hear me
You know the chosen one
The prophets always speak about
Will soon be your own son

Mary can you hear me
Listen with your heart
I’ve got a Christmas story
And you play a big-big part
Mary can you hear me
If so, then simply nod
Mary you are now with child
This child, the son of God

Like Mary, will you listen?
Will you open up your heart?
He’s still sending out the message
And we all have a part
It’s a simple message
While on this earth we trod
Like Mary, we are all with child
This child, the son of God!

Mdailey
12/22/08

The Waters of Jordan

I want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
Like my Lord Jesus had done
I want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
And the new life that surely will come

I’ve lived a good life, not perfect but good
I’ve lived a life the best that I could
But I think there’s a better life waiting for me
A life that I can’t wait to see

I want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
Like my Lord Jesus had done
I want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
And the new life that surely will come

I’ve read the good book and have verses to quote
I’ve read the good book and believe what they wrote
Believe that the good book is my very best guide
And that all I must do is decide

I want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
Like my Lord Jesus had done
I want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
And the new life that surely will come

But the waters of Jordan are miles away
While the waters of Jesus are right here today
Yes- here is the water, so what’s keeping you
Come on you know what to do

You want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
Like our Lord Jesus had done
You want to be baptized in the waters of Jordan
But these waters are better than none


Mdailey
01/11/09

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

Gather Round Children

We have a new preacher at Ox Hill Baptist Church. She works with children and youth and has a children's sermon almost every week. I wrote this for her.


Gather Round Children

Gather round children
I’ll tell you a story
About our Lord Jesus
And all of His glory
A story that starts
With miraculous birth
And ends with Lord Jesus
Ascending from earth
The stories of how
He went town to town
Fighting the devil
Till the devil was down
Telling all who would listen
About the Good News
And given us choices
From which we can choose
A story of turning
The water to wine
And all the great things
That He did in kind
You’ll hear how he healed
The sick and the lame
And did everything
In His Father’s name
How he taught us to live out
Our lives every day
And how we should set out
Some time just to pray
How he gave us hope
When all hope was lost
How he died for our sins
Up there on the cross

Yes, gather round children
Together we’ll pray
And thank the good Lord
For another great day
And when we are done
All God’s children did say
AMEN

Mdailey
05/01/09

Memorial Day

My father sacrificed his life
In the war when I was young
He was in his early 30s
And his life had just begun
But he saw the bigger picture
And what that sacrifice would mean
A better life on down the road
For even those as yet unseen

God understood this sacrifice
For he gave His only Son
Who sacrificed His life for us
When he was just that young
For He saw the biggest picture
What that sacrifice would do
Bring everlasting life to us
So He had to see it through

Mdailey – 05/25/09

Graduation Sneeze

With graduation exercises coming up, I want to relay this story I read about but do it up in rhyme.

The Sneeze

They walked in the room in tandem
92 students in all
Their rich maroon gowns all flowing
All standing so proud and so tall
They were there for their graduation
Smiles and tears to be shed
But nary a prayer would be uttered
A court ruling had ruled that thought dead
The principle speakers were careful
To stay within ruling guidelines
The challenge and inspiring speeches
Were spoken with those thoughts in mind
No one mentioned Devine inspiration
Or called for a blessing for all
When a student walked up on the dais
And all noise stopped in the hall
He stood still and silent a moment
And then 92 students all sneezed
He said “God Bless You” to those in attendance
And walked off as calm as you please
The audience exploded in clapping
This class had found a good way
To invoke our Lord’s special blessing
In spite of what court rulings say

Mdailey
03/06/09

They say this is a true story and it happened at the University of Maryland. I cannot confirm that as fact. It is also said that the story was based on a graduation ceremony in Peoria, Illinois when a student-led prayer was going to be allowed at the graduation but a lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the senior valedictorian. On virtually the eve of graduation, they won a court injunction that banned any prayer at the event. It was the first time in the school's 80 year history that a prayer would not be offered and the majority of the students did not agree with the ruling. Whether true or not, the message is a great one

Sunday School Lesson

My Sunday School Teacher is an ametuer poet and I have shared some of my poems with him. I usually share after the fact but this week, I looked ahead in the lesson book and wrote one for the upcoming Sunday.

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

The Road to Destruction

I wrote this following a sermon at Ox Hill Baptist Church - it was something on the road we take in life.


I was on the road to destruction
A road so wide and clear
I didn’t need instructions
A voice then did I hear

He said My road’s less traveled
But I’ll gladly lead the way
Its not paved or graveled
But you’ll not regret this day

I heard but did not follow
I saw but did not see
His story’s hard to swallow
At least for one like me

But he did now stray far from my sight
And he called to me each day
He talked about what’s wrong and right
And how He’s the truth and way

You know I lived a sordid life
A life that’s filled with sin
Then somewhere on this road of life
I turned and followed Him

And sure His road is narrow
With many twists and turns
But His love’s deep in my marrow
And my trust each day He earns

Though I stumble and I falter
And sometimes drift away
He speaks – I hear and alter
My course to go his way

So if your life lacks faith and trust
And you’re lost as you can be
Listen to Lord Jesus
When He calls “come follow me”.

Mdailey
1/27/08

I Saw an Angel

i wrote this one on hearing about the death of a co-worker's wife. It was my way of saying that all is not exactly as we see it and that God is working with us and will see that we get through whatever life throws our way.

I saw an Angel

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, you loved me best

Mdailey
05/14/08

I heard the term "hanging blamelessly on the cross" on the radio one day on the way to work and started composing this poem as I drove to work.

Blameless on the Cross

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 is 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


This is another poem written in response to a sermon at Ox Hill Baptist Church.

When it all comes down
Will you wear a crown
And a heavenly gown
From your Lord Jesus

When it all comes down
I will wear that crown
For I know I’ve found
My Lord Jesus

Every day in every life you come to that fork in the road
Turn left or turn right it all depends on the weight of your load
Take the one more traveled in case you 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’re going, 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 all 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



I wrote this for my wife and her sisters at the passing of their mother. I had seen a sympathy card with a picture of three doves and wrote what I thought the doves meant.

Three Doves

Three doves - the fourth has left them
Three doves fly on alone
Three doves with paths uncertain
The fourth dove has flown home

Home to see the Master who has called her to his door
Home to see her loved ones who have traveled on before
Home to live forever beside that heavenly shore
Home to bathe in His great love for ever more

Three doves will not forget her
Three doves – a family
Three doves will fly together
Until called home to thee

Home to see you Master when called to your front door
Home to be with loved ones who have traveled on before
Home to live forever beside that heavenly shore
Home to bathe in your great love for ever more.

Mdailey
2/10/08

I wrote this following a sermon at Ox Hill Baptist Church. I often take something from the sermon and try to put it into my own words.

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


I wrote this for a Sunday School lesson.

God Said to Noah

God said to old Noah – “No sweat
Gather two of all creatures you’ve met
Cram them all in a boat
And keep it afloat
All others will get mighty wet”

So old Noah he built him a boat
And for 40 days kept it afloat
Though the details are few
It’s the tale of the crew
That makes this of Biblical note

For God had this grandiose plan
And with water he covered this land
When the boat came aground
Wickedness had been drowned
“Cept the family of this righteous man

So what is the moral of the story?
Though the world may be cold and gory
When it’s all said and done
It will be righteous ones
That will bask in God’s greater glory

Mdailey
12/16/07


Here is an unfinished poem. I don't remember where I was going with this and hope to get back to it at some time. If anyone has any ideas, i would love to hear them.

Walking With Jesus

Walking with Jesus, walking the long and narrow road
Walking with Jesus, letting Him carry your heavy load
Walking with Jesus, letting Him safely lead the way
Walking with Jesus, let me keep up Lord I pray


I jotted this down on a New Mexico visit to Pat's sister.

Let the Angels Gather

I’ve lived in the land of enchantment
With enchantment I’ve had my share
When Gabriel comes a calling
I’ll tell him I’m already there

Listen to the music that the choir sings
When angels gather with the souls they bring

Let the angels gather to welcome her back home
On that day when Gabriel’s horn has blown
Hear the choir singing out that she is not alone

Let the angels gather to bring her soul on through
Lord, when her final time on earth is due
Hear the choir singing out her praises Lord to you.

Let the angels gather to guide her on the way
Lord, when you see her on her final day
Hear the choir singing out the moment that we pray

I’ve lived in the land of enchantment
With enchantment I’ve had my share
When Gabriel comes a calling
I’ll tell him I’m already there

Blacksburg

This week marked the second anniversary of the shootings in Virginia Tech. I wrote a couple of poems back then that are still appropriate for today.

IT’S Blacksburg in Virginia

It’s Blacksburg in Virginia in April of 07
And 32 new angles were welcomed into heaven
When heroines and heroes join victims newly born
In Blacksburg, in Virginia on the fateful April morn

Blacksburg in Virginia as the sun begins to rise
He walks across the campus – a death look in his eyes
Two shots ring out – 2 students fall – the shooter walks away
To think about what he has done and will do so yet today
He finishes the filming – mails the package to TV
By 10 o’clock a records set – the total 33

It’s Blacksburg in Virginia – Ambler Johnson Hall
The shooter walks from room to room saying nothing as they fall
He’s calm and quite collected – while students are all shocked
He knows he has a lot of time as all the doors are locked
He’s firing and reloading until the outside doors break down
Then calmly turns the gun on him – the 33rd goes down

There were heroes and heroines on this fateful day
Some blocked the doors – gave up their lives so others got away
It’s Blacksburg in Virginia in April of 07
And 32 new angles were welcomed into heaven

Mdailey
01/03/08

MY LITTLE GIRL’S IN BLACKSBURG

My little girl’s in Blacksburg
Through Momma’s many tears
We dropped her off a freshman
She’s been there now 3 years

My little girl’s in Blacksburg
She called most every week
To tells us all about her dreams
In the French she’s learned to speak

My little girl’s in Blacksburg
She loved that little town
She studied hard most every day
Just to wear that cap and gown

My little girl’s in Blacksburg
Through Momma’s many tears
I could barely hear her name called out
I could not believe my ears

My little girl’s in Blacksburg
She will graduate they say
In a special class of 32
Selected just today

MDAILEY
08/19/07

Holocaust - Days of Remembrance

Public law 96-388 established "Days of Remembrance" to commemorate the Holocaust, the state-sponsored systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jews by Nazi Germany. The week of 19-26 April has been set aside as our Days of Remembrance. Please take some time to participate in events in your area and say a prayer that we never forget.

Holocaust – Day of Remembrance

They rounded us up one day in the rain
Herded us into a cattle-car train
We were just Jews, it was simple and plain
The pain – we must always remember

When the train stopped there were so many dead
Ushered into two groups, tears were all shed
Weak ones culled out and away they were led
That said – we must always remember

None of this ever has made any sense
Staying alive in good health our defense
We'd spend every day praying out by the fence
The suspense – we must always remember

At night we would gather and in silence we pray
Pray that we make it through one more day
What tomorrow would bring – no one could say
Today – we must always remember

Each morning we’d line up; they’d walk down the rows
Deciding who lives; deciding who goes
Each morning we’d pray that we weren’t one of those
God knows – we must always remember

And the stench in the camp from the ovens by noon
Reminded us all of our impending doom
Relief from this hell-hole could not come too soon
Repugn – we must always remember

There were thousands of us left back in the damp
In our bunks, in the ovens, or the cattle-car ramps
And surviving this ordeal left its own stamps
The camps – we must always remember

So each year we gather on Remembrance Day
To honor the loved ones who have passed away
And the horrible price that they had to pay
We pray – we will always remember

Mdailey
04/15/09

Holiday Grace

I wrote this for work but it works for any gathering.

Holiday Blessing

Dear heavenly Father,
We are gathered here today
To bow our heads in thanks to you,
Respectfully we pray
Thankful for the blessings
You have given to us here
Thankful for the friends and family
That supports us year to year
Thankful for the folks at work
We couldn’t do without
Thankful for the soldiers
Who defend us without doubt
And bless this food before us
And all we do today
We bow our heads in thanks to you
In silence now we pray

---Pause---

Amen

Mdailey
12/22/08

Ephesians 2

Last week's sermon at Ox Hill Baptist Church touched on Ephesians 2 - I wrote this to better remember the lesson it gave.

Ephesians 2

We haven’t earned all the love that you’ve shown
We all have been sinners as you’ve always known
But you stand by our side so that we’re not alone
Lord we thank you for that

Left on our own our lives go adrift
The serpent comes in and widens the rift
But you gave us Jesus, the greatest of gifts
Lord we thank you for that

We were spiritually dead because of our sins
Followed earthly desires at the smallest of whims
But you sent us Jesus, you sacrificed him
Lord we thank you for that

We deserve anger not your loving grace
For all our dishonor and all our disgrace
But you’ve taken us back to your loving place
Lord we thank you for that


Mdailey
04/02/09

To Touch a Fallen Comrade

I started this weeks ago but just finished it yesterday evening.

To Touch a Fallen Comrade

To touch a fallen comrade and find his life line strong
Will form a lasting bond that lingers on and on
You’ll find your heart is beating as if it’s lost in song
To touch a fallen comrade and find his life line strong
But
To touch a fallen comrade and find his life is gone
To be there as he passes into the great beyond
You’ll find your heart is beating but something feels all wrong
To touch a fallen comrade and find his life is gone
So
Let’s say a prayer for soldiers so they can all hold on
And maybe prayers will help them when everything goes wrong
You’ll find your heart is beating and keeping spirits strong
Let’s say a prayer for soldiers before they all are gone

Lord keep your eyes on soldiers
Wherever they might be
Fighting for their country
Setting people free
Guide their hands and hearts Lord
So they can follow thee
Keep your eyes on soldiers
Wherever they might be

Mdailey
04/27/09

His Hand on My Shoulder

While I have another blog, I did not feel right putting these more reflective poems intermixed with the sometimes non-PC poems I post on that site so I have started this new blog just for the change of pace. I will start with the older poems and work my way forward. I will attempt to add another poem each week - maybe two on a good week. Please feel free to comment and to share these with anyone you please.

His Hand On My Shoulder

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’ve got my hand tight on His staff

MDailey
4/21/08