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