Walk By Faith

Walk by faith, will be our test,
Our biggest trial, let's do our best.

Walk by faith, as you depart-
Trusting God will be my part.

Walk by faith, as we adjust,
Learning lessons, building trust.

Walk by faith, a desperate hour,
Aching hearts, the Saviors power.

Walk by faith and sacrifice,
Counsel given, sound advice.

Walk by faith, the lesson learned,
The story told, the pages turned.

Walk by faith will prove to be
Our challenge through eternity.

Christmas Stocking

Decembers here...
There's a chill in the air
And we look forward
With much anticipation
To the holiday season.

A fire in the fireplace
The smell of christmas cookies
Hot apple cider
Cinnamon sticks.
Christmas music softly playing
Warms our hearts
And brings a peaceful smile
To us all.

And yet,
There is an emptiness in our hearts.
There is a sadness we all feel.
This christmas is different.
Our missionary is out in the field
And we feel the void.

Christmas decorations.
Carefully I open the box of treasures.
Santas and reigndeer
Bells and garland
Wreaths that mean so much.
Then my heartstrings are tugged
The lump in my throat tightens.
I open the box with your christmas stocking.
A tear rolls down my cheek as I carefully unfold it.
I read your name on it
And memories flood in.
What a special child you are!
How I miss you!

Decembers here...
And with much love and care
And a tear or two
I hang your christmas stocking.

Words On A Paper

Your letter came.
I can read between the lines.
Although you try to cover up,
I know you're down.
And what do I write back?
What words of encouragement
Can I offer you?
To buoy you up,
Or to help you smile?

My words on a paper
Are the only thing
That I can give to you
At this time.
I cannot reach out to you
And touch your arm
Or embrace you
Or comfort you with a hug.
I cannot do all those things
Which, as a mother,
I am compelled to do.

You are in the mission field.
And I am here at home.
And words on a paper
Have become my link to you.
Words on a paper
Have become my contribution
To comfort you.
Words on a paper have become
The only means I have
With which to send my love to you.
Words of love.
Words of encouragement.
Words on a paper.

We're Hoping To Hear From You

What's new? What's new?
We haven't heard from you.
It's been one week, going on two...
We're hoping to hear from you!

Things at home are ordinary,
But tell us, how's our missionary?
We're lonesome, it's true!!
We're hoping to hear from you!

We're writing letters everyday.
"Hope you're feeling well!" we say.
"Are you busy? Are you ill?"
We're hoping to hear from you still!

I know that when we get your letter
We will all feel so much better!
We miss you...its true.
We're hoping to hear from you!

Becoming A Missionary page2(cont.)

You headed off to the mission field
So far away.
Your faith and your spirit,
Your enthusiasm for the work
Is what we hold onto
Here at home.
We're so proud of you.
To see you go through
All these experiences,
To see your spiritual growth,
To see the fire of your testimony,
To see you...
Becoming a missionary.

Becoming A Missionary page1

Now you're in the mission field.
I can't believe you're really there
Beginning the work
So far away.

It's different now.
In the M.T.C. you were so safe
So secure
Protected by so many caring souls
Who all had your welfare
First and foremost in their minds.

Your letters were cheerful.
We could practically see
Your wide eyed innocence and awe
As you entered this new world.
Your exitement and enthusiasm
Radiated from you
In each and every letter
That we read.

You studied, you learned,
You practiced, you prayed.
And you became...
A missionary.
The walls of the M.T.C.
Enveloped you with love.
The spirit within those walls
Wrapped around you
Like the comforting arms of a mother
Reassuring her child...
And you felt safe.

But the time passed quickly.
It wasn't long before your letters said,
"Can you believe it?
I'll soon be leaving here!"
There was apprehension,
Fear of the unknown.
You had gotten too secure.
There were more good-byes,
A separation from those
Whom you had come to love.
And with both sorrow and anticipation
You left the M.T.C.
A missionary...
Our missionary.

Destination: M.T.C.

Now that you're decisions made,
The work begins, you see.
All energy is focused towards
Destination: M.T.C.

Time is of the essence now.
This is reality.
So many things to plan and do
Destination: M.T.C.

The doctors poke and prod at you.
You get no sympathy.
"Oh no!', you say, "another shot?"
Destination: M.T.C.

The interviews, appointments too.
"Oh no, this just can't be!
I don't think I can handle this!"
Destination: M.T.C.

Stores and shopping, buying clothes,
There is no guarantee
That you'll have room to pack all this!
Destination: M.T.C.

The preparation was intense,
On that we all agree.
But you got it done, and you're on your way!
Destination: M.T.C.