The Well

I had the most interesting experience not fifteen minutes ago.  I was about to go to sleep, but I turned on a recording that I made of our band tonight to kind of lull me to sleep and quiet my mind.  As the soloist began to sing, it was almost as if I heard words which I knew where not our version of the song.  Instead, I heard the first verse of the next poem.  The rest of it came easily as I continued to sing the song to myself.

Now come ye to

The well and rest

It floweth free,

For you and me.

Come to the well,

And ye shall find,

The Master's touch,

Of sweetest kind.

His yoke is light;

He lendeth strength,

To carry on,

My anxious son.

Now let Him hold,

Your load of pain,

And ye shall rest,

From dark, cold rain.

You need to rest;

Find healing here.

Come, stay here long,

Where pain is gone.

Here at the well,

Where all are found,

And angels sing,

A heav'nly sound.

Come to the well,

Taste of His love,

It floweth free,

For you and me.

Come to the well,

Ye there shall find,

The Master's love...

Of sweetest kind.

June 30th, 2016

Unnamed Poem -- The Sacrifice

Monday, it seemed, was the day I learned about truly sacrificing your heart and life to God.  That day, I wrote this poem.

"Lord, here it is, my Father,"

I held up my sacrifice.

"It isn't much; I'm sorry...

But You said it would suffice.

"I know it's pretty broken...

We've been through lots of things.

But Father, You can have it...

Your grace can make it sing.

"It used to be quite pretty,

And was once completely whole,

But Father, it is tarnished...

Here, Lord, my heart and soul."

"This is just what I wanted,"

He said, smiling down at me.

"You've given Me your will, My child;

I needed that, you see.

"Don't think I cannot use you,

Because you are broken and poor.

I have a plan; you never know

What work I'll use you for."

He took my gift then from me,

And sat down upon the throne.

"I'm glad to see you come to Me,

And give Me all you own.

"For now I take My proper place

Inside this heart so new.  

I thank you for this gift today;

It was a sacrifice for you."

I looked then all around me,

And hardly recognized --

My heart was whole and new again!

I knew it had sufficed.

June 27th, 2016

The Shadow of the Cross

I have to admit, I love this one...I actually don't really remember writing it, only that I love the refuge I can find in the shadow of the Cross.

What pain to bear!

What joy is lost!

But e'en is heard the quietest prayer,

In the shadow of the Cross.

When light grows dim,

When all seems lost,

I'll hide from all the world's sin,

In the shadow of the Cross.

What joy is mine!

What hurt is lost!

For You my soul to refine,

In the shadow of the Cross.

When life is o'er,

When You call,

I'll come and rest evermore,

In the shadow of the Cross.

April 1, 2015

Unnamed Poem -- Grace

"I am here," He says, with gentle tone,

"Trust not in the devil, but Me alone.

Fear not, for I will uphold thee -

Dost thou not believe in Me?

I will send comfort to thy soul;

Know that o'er all I hold control.

In the night, when thou wast afraid,

I, by thy side, always stayed.

Never wast thou left alone,

When cold winds of trial by thee have blown.

Come to Me, lay thy burdens down,

And receive from Me a golden crown.

Do not be swayed by the world's snare,

But find joy in Me, for I am always there."

November 13th, 2014

Unnamed Poem -- The Throne

This little poem came from an experience I had in April, in which I vaguely saw myself kneeling at the foot of a magnificent Throne.

"Come, kneel at My Throne,"

Calls the Father above,

"For you are My own;

My child, you're loved."

"The pardon is free;

There is healing for you.

Find beauty in Me,

And charity, too."

So there did I kneel,

Begging grace and His touch.

With that He did heal,

And give me so much.

"Come, kneel at My Throne,"

Calls the Father above,

"For you are My own...

My child, you're loved."

May 29th, 2016

The Burden

I gave to Him my burden;

"Please take care of it, Lord," I said,

Knowing just how gently

I'd cradled and kept it fed.

He took it from my grasp then;

I reached out -- what else to do?

He smiled, looked down at me --

"I will hold it here for you."

"Lord, I shouldn't have done that --

I'll care for it on my own."

But I knew just how much

That pain had made me moan.

"No, My sweet child, I've got it.

Go rest in My peace alone.

You are very weak now,

But I have called you My own."

I turned and smiled at Him;

"You'll take care of it, Lord," I said,

As His hands closed around it,

Beautiful and scarred and red.

March, 2016

Zion Is Coming!

Zion is coming!

Are you ready, then?

For it will come soon, 

But no one knows when.

Zion is coming!

Will He find you there,

The Kingdom to see,

His glory to share?

Zion is coming!

And is your lamp lit?

And have you been washed?

Are you Kingdom-fit?

Zion is coming --

O, hurry, prepare!

Do not be shut out;

Let Him find you there.

June 19th, 2016

"There Is A Work"

Last week, during the Reunion, I felt an intense...feeling.  I don't know how to describe it except that I was assured of a thing I will do in my life.  It started out as a small love for something that I have always loved.  Monday morning I woke up very early, to have this come to mind.  My love for that thing grew and matured as the week went on, and even though I'm not sure how the Lord will accomplish this task it seems He will hand me someday, I'm kind of excited about it.  :)  Anyways, this is the poem that came early Monday morning.

There is a work you must follow;

Do so for Me today.

Know that I'll give you strength for tomorrow;

Know that I'll lead you ev'ry step of the way.

You will give all for the Master;

What is too dear for Me?

Do not stand idle in white, ripened pastures;

You cannot fear and from your duty flee.

Stand strong in My strength, O child of Mine,

I will give all you need.

Know that I'll love you to the end of time --

And know that I love you and will always lead.

June 13th, 2016

Unnamed Poem -- The Trial

O, Father, I am tired;

I have walked a weary mile,

And I feel I've lost my only strength,

And I have lost my smile.

"O, child, I've been with you;

You stand in My strength alone,

For I have called you to this last day,

And you are now My own."

But Father, I am weary --

I've gone on my strength too long --

"Now don't you fret, O thou child of Mine,

For in Me thou art strong.

"O, My child, I have loved you,

And I will not leave you now.

For, My child, in your weakest moment,

Defeat I'll not allow."

June 13th, 2016

Unnamed Poem -- The Storm

Last week, I was quite (that's for you, Megan!) blessed to attend a Church Reunion.  I got to meet up with friends I see all the time and friends I see only once or twice a year.  We met together with the understanding of seeking the Lord to grow closer to Him.  Many of us found roadblocks that we needed to get rid of in order to grow closer to Him.  I know I certainly did.
    I've been struggling with a health problem that takes a good toll on my energy reserves, and before last week I was nervous about the Reunion because of this.  I didn't want to get going for the first half of the week and crash for the second half, especially since I had a lot to do the second half of the week.
   This came to me on Friday.

I looked at the storm as the waves crashed high;

Fear entered my heart; I let out a cry:

"Father, send forth Your Spirit!  I need you now!

O, Lord, grant me courage -- where art Thou?"

The water was rising, coming so fast;

I wanted a shelter, a strength that would last.

I needed hope; my faith was gone,

And then I turned, and there stood the Son.

He beckoned and called to me -- "Child, come here,

For where is My Spirit, then I am near...

You were never alone, My child so dear,

So take heart My child; never thou fear."

I stepped on the water; at first I stood...

I kept my eyes on Jesus, so good,

But soon I had turned, and I started to sink.

He reached out His hand, just on the brink.  

"O, thou of small faith," the Father cried out,

"For here where I am, fear is not allowed.

Take courage, My child, and know that I stand,

Only and ever on God's holy right hand."

June 17th, 2016

The Pathway

     I often find that when I can't sleep at night, it's because there's something I must do.  Sometimes I will pray, and sometimes for a specific person or a need.  Other times it has been because of a poem that needed to be written.  

    I didn't know why I couldn't sleep the Sunday night I wrote this.  But I began to pray, and as I prayed, this formed in my mind.  I posted it to Facebook, and my youth group leader asked me to share it with a congregation we would be ministering to the next Sunday.  I don't know what kind of an effect it had on them, or whether it meant anything at all, but I do know that it has been something I have looked back on.  

There's a Pathway, long and narrow;

A Kingdom at the end.

The road is hard and painful,

But God is our King and Friend.

Few are traveling this Pathway --

Few are brave enough to dare --

But the few who take this journey

Will e'er be with Him there.

The angels walk this Pathway;

And the Nazarene, so sweet.

He calls us to come to Him --

To be His hands and feet.

There are distractions near this Pathway;

The World ever calls,

But we, with faith so rooted,

Will walk the heav'nly halls.

There's a Pathway, long and narrow;

A Kingdom waits us, fair;

A Kingdom serene and peaceful --

Will you be with Him there?

~ H. Paige Edwards

February 9th, 2015

Dedicated to all who walk the Pathway♥

The Master Now Is Calling

Last week I was invited to come to an evening service at a nearby Reunion.  I went, thinking just as I left the house that I needed to grab my notebook, so I did.  Just after the scripture reading and before the sermon, I penned this poem...and it turned out to be a sermon on service.  Go figure.  :)

The Master now is calling,

"Will you go for Me today?

Is there someone who will answer,

Who will walk the narrow way?

"Come now and labor quickly,

For My field is ripe and white.

Many there are in the darkness;

Please, will someone take My light?

"You must love as I have loved,

You must give your all for Me.

My forgiveness is so near them,

And My love is poured out free.

"My Spirit will be with you;

I shall bless you from on high.

My counsel is at ready;

In Me thy blessings lie."

The Master now is calling,

"Who will go for Me today?

Who will show My love to others,

And help them walk the narrow way?"

~ H. Paige Edwards

June 2nd, 2016

Little Angel

In late September almost two years ago, my cousin had her first child.  Her younger sister, who is just a couple of months younger than me, was pretty excited about having a new nephew.  I could definitely understand her excitement, and so a few days later, I wrote this poem for the little boy.  I heard that when my cousin went to meet her new nephew, she read him the poem.  :)

Stay pure, dear little angel,

Stay pure for Him today.

Stay pure, oh little angel,

And He shall guide thy way.

Stay joyful, little angel,

Stay joyful all the time.  

Stay joyful, little angel,

For He is ever so kind.  

Stay hopeful, little angel,

The dawn will always come.

Stay hopeful, little angel,

For you God gave His Son.

Stay faithful, little angel, 

For God loves you, you know.

Stay faithful, little angel,

For yes, He loves you so.

Praise Him, little angel,

Praise Him all day long.

Praise Him, little angel,

Praise Him with happy song.

~ H. Paige Edwards

September 28th, 2014

To I.L., one of the cutest little boys I've ever met.  :)

My Zion Is Soon Coming

My Zion is soon coming;

Prepare for it today.

Listen to this My order --

Do not your plans delay.

My Zion is soon coming;

And it will not be long.

Hurry now, get ready --

Repent and right your wrongs.

My Zion is soon coming;

Look for it every day.

Prepare, and get in order,

And don't forget to pray.

My Zion is soon coming;

Who will My people be?

Will you be there among them?

Will you live there with Me?

~ Given to H. Paige Edwards

September 21st, 2015

Unnamed Poem -- The Storm

The weather is stormy, 

But be of good cheer;

For where our God is,

You don't need to fear.

The sky darkens over,

The waves crash so high,

But don't fear, my child, 

For our God is nigh.

"Come, walk on the water,"

Calls Jesus, His hand

Outstretched in a call

To you on the land.

He knows you may worry --

Try not to, my dear,

For where our God is,

There can be no tears.

"Believe in Me for all,"

Says the Master, above,

"For you cannot fall,

If you live in My love."

~ H. Paige Edwards

October 9th, 2015

To K.D., Friend, Leader, Mother.  ♥

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.  And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain, apart, to pray.  And when the even was come, he was there, alone.  But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with the waves; for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on water.  And he said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and, beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?  And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.  Then they that were in the ship, came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth, thou art the Son of God."  ~ Matthew 14:19-28

Lost No Longer

"Father, I'm lost," the child cried.

She was weary, tempest-tossed, and worn.

"Where is hope I've had inside?

Where have you been midst the days of hate and scorn?"

The tears fell fast; the child cried;

The Father who held her was gentle and kind.

"Where are you, Father?  Whose am I?"

"I am here, sweet child.  You are Mine."

The child was lost no longer -- hope had returned!

The Father had claimed her as His own.

She felt free as within her His Spirit burned --

"I," said she, "was never alone."

Yes, the child was no longer lost --

No longer faced trials of fear and dread,

No longer felt worn and tempest-tossed.

She felt hope  at last burn within instead.

~ H. Paige Edwards

November 30th, 2014

Zion Calling

Can you hear Zion calling?

It's calling you today.

Can you hear Zion calling?

Go now, and light the way.

You, My dear, are chosen --

You must light the way.

Yes, you, My dear, are chosen --

Go forth for Me today.

Can you see Zion coming --

Coming with wings unfurled?

Prepare, for Zion's coming --

And the devil's darts are hurled.  

You must pray for Zion --

You must share My love.

I can and will come, My child,

With Zion from above.

Do you hear Zion calling?

It's calling you today.

Do you hear Zion calling?

Go now -- and light the way!

~ H. Paige Edwards

August 2nd, 2015

The Resurrection Song

I turned and looked up Calvary's hill,

To where You hung, serene and still,

And as You hung there in my stead,

I heard the soldiers say, "He's dead."

O, God, what caused You to die for me?

That I could live, could be set free?

Your redeeming love, Worthy Lamb!

The blood of God, the Great I AM.

They took You then unto the grave,

And laid You rest, death's sleeping slave.

You were gone from our world then,

And the devil had won, it seemed, again.

Three days passed by in fearful strife,

As we remembered You and Your life.

We mourned, we cried, "O, Father, why?"

He heard our tears, our silent sighs.

The angels came on the third morn,

When we came to see You, our spirits torn.

And as the soldiers from the tomb were driven,

The angels cried, "Behold, He's risen!"

And so our God has won at last!

His strength is great; His love is fast.

And we know our God is King --

Go and let His praises ring!

~ H. Paige Edwards

Unnamed Poem -- Comfort

Whenever I am lonely, 

I turn to Thee, my God,

For Thou art always with me,

Whichever path I trod.

Whenever I am happy,

I can tell my joys to Thee --

Thou art always waiting,

To share my thrills with me.

No matter what my glories,

I can in Thee confide;

No matter what my trials,

Thy peace does e'er abide.

And, Lord, when I have burdens,

I place them at Thy feet,

For even in my sorrow,

I can my Father meet.

~H. Paige Edwards

January 13th, 2016

Unnamed Poem -- Surrender

If I lost my lifelong visions,

If You took it all away,

I know You'd still be with me,

At the ending of the day.

Here I stand and I surrender,

My life, my will, to You,

Knowing that in all my days

You'll be there to see me through.

Here I lay my heavy burdens,

Here I place them at Your feet.

My God, I know You'll guide me,

And the ending will be sweet.

And if I live a hard life,

Full of pain and strife and tears,

You'll still be there to guide me,

And hold me through the years.

~ H. Paige Edwards :)

     I remember writing this one, but I don't remember when or why.  :P

To Live a Life As Jesus Did

To live a life as Jesus did;

This is my mission's strife --

To sacrifice my everything;

To live a thoughtful life.

From day to day to give of me,

To be the world's light.

To tell others about Jesus;

To share with all my might.

To spread a smile to others,

To spread some love around,

That others might glimpse heaven,

Where peace and joy abound.

This, I believe, my calling,

My command, my Father's bid;

To sacrifice my everything,

To live as Jesus did.

~ H. Paige Edwards

April 8th, 2015

Dedicated to J.T., who inspired this poem and strives to live a life as Jesus did.  ♥ Love you, sis.

Be Ye Ready

This was one I just stumbled across a few minutes ago.  I wrote it just over a year ago, during a prayer service.  This particular prayer service was one in which we were preparing to go to Reunion.  I distinctly remember being in the service and having to grab my notebook and scribble down the words, which came quite quickly.  :)

The Lord is always waiting:

Will you answer to His call?

Hear the question pressing --

Will you give to Him your all?

"Draw apart, and be ye ready,"

He pleads, coming ever near,

"Always be accepting,

Of My words, which you shall hear."

"Here the door stands open --

Take the chance, My child, dear."

Are you coming, ready,

Your Father's words to hear?

~ H. Paige Edwards

June 7th, 2015

Dedicated to all who are going to camps and reunions this summer...be ye ready!

Keep Your Lanterns Trimmed and Burning

In just a couple of days, I'm leaving for a church Reunion up in Iowa.  It's something my friends and I look forward to from one June to the next, and we talk about it constantly.  So, needless to say, we're all really excited to be getting away from the world for a few days.  :)  The theme for Reunion 2016 is Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning.  It's based off of the parable of the ten virgins, five of which had oil, and five of which had none.  The five who had oil were allowed into the wedding feast, and the five who had no oil were sent back, and not allowed in.
    In late March of this year, a friend sent me a request, asking that I write a poem on the theme of this year's Reunion.  I normally don't do requests -- it doesn't work that way -- but I agreed to pray about it.
    I sat down at my desk and started praying.  In just a few short minutes, a poem was on the page.  This is what came:

Will you be ready at His coming,

At the closing of this day?

Keep your lanterns trimmed and burning;

Let your faith thus light the way.

Will you go then out to meet Him

When He comes to call on you?

With your lanterns trimmed and burning,

Will you be with Him, too?

When our Father comes in glory,

Will you stand at His right hand,

While the story of the Gospel

Sheds His light throughout the land?

Keep your lanterns trimmed and burning!

Are they ready now, my son?

For the coming of the Bridegroom

Is when Zion has begun.

~ H. Paige Edwards

March 25th, 2016

Unnamed Poem -- Love

I don't even remember the story behind this one.

Wide as the ocean's depth

Is my Father's endless love,

And as long as I have breath,

I will praise He who reigns above.

As majestic as the eagle

When on flowing wing

Is my Jehovah's Throne of Grace

And His praise I'll sing.

As beautiful as spring time's flowers

Was my Savior's sacrifice;

And in that solemn, darkened hour

His blood, for all, sufficed.

As wondrous as the sunrise

When born in morning's care

Is my Father's joyous welcome,

And no feeling can compare.

~ H. Paige Edwards

May 3rd, 2015

The Gift

This little poem spawned off of a conversation with my grandmother about God wanting us -- all of us.  He doesn't just want the things we want to give Him; He doesn't just want the good stuff, our kindness, charity, humility...He wants our sins, our tarnished souls in need of forgiveness.  He wants to make us whole again.

I held out my hand to the Master;

"I did this for You," I said,

Hiding from Him behind me

My sins of remorse and dread.

He took my gift of richness,

And smiled at my prize.

Then, putting it with the others,

He looked me in the eyes.

"Your work is greatly needed,"

He said, with smiling face,

"But dear, there is more you have done;

Come, freely accept My grace."

"But Lord, that work is dirty!

See it stained with grime and dust.

And Lord, You in Your glory,

Are gracious and good and just."

I looked to the things I'd hidden...

What else could He see in there?

Faltering, I took my sin,

And gave Him every care.

He smiled and took my pain --

He'd known it all along.

And in my very weakness,

He took me and made me strong.  

And then He took my garment,

And rinsed it in His blood.

And now I stand unashamed,

Washed in the cleansing flood.

~ H. Paige Edwards,

February 9th, 2016

Look Unto Me

One night at a prayer service, I remember that the man who was presiding told us to consider the phrase, "Look unto Me."  I thought about that, and what it meant.  A few days later, I was studying some of the pictures and things on the wall in our dining room.  One of the pictures is Jesus with hands outstretched, and at the top it reads, "Come unto Me."  I went to the office and sat down, and these words poured out.

"Look unto Me," calls the Master,

"Look up and love Me today.

Trust in Me always for all things,

Know that I will guide your way."

"Come unto Me," calls the Master,

"Come and lay down at My feet.

There you'll find rested assurance,

There My sweet Spirit you'll meet."

"Pray unto Me," calls the Master,

"Pray for the things that you need.

Pray, and delight in My Presence,

Knowing I always will lead."

"Look unto Me," calls the Master,

"Know that I died for your sins.

I hung on a cross for you, dear,

And clean you can be once again."

The Narrow Pathway

I wrote this one night during a service, after a few friends and I had been talking about the narrow way and how the Lord will walk beside us.

I walked down a narrow pathway,

Strewn with rocks and many stones.

He grabbed my hand and led me

Just the two of us alone.

People came and went around us --

Some stayed and talked awhile,

As down the path He led me,

Cheered by their happy smile.

Then one day it started raining,

As I tripped o'er rocks and things.

He grasped my hand still tighter,

As I heard an angel sing.

And sometimes I took a detour,

And I wandered far away.

Just when I thought He'd left me,

Then He came to save the day.

There were times the rain came stronger,

And we hid in shelter there.

He held me still, so safely, 

When at last the sun shone fair.

There were hills and there were valleys,

And many mountains to climb,

Until we topped the last one --

Oh, the view!  It was sublime!

Then I looked back on my pathway,

And saw many walk the same,

And the Savior walked beside them,

As through life's trials they came.

~ H. Paige Edwards

May 2016

The Lesson

I'm an avid believer in that God gives us trials for our benefit, and when I'm faced with a new one, I always try to look for the lesson to be learned.  In February of 2016, I was told that I had some health problems.  I was administered to (which, if you've never heard of this, is generally two elders pouring consecrated oil on you, placing their hands on your head, and praying over you) in April.  I felt better after that administration than I had in a very long time...but in early June, my problems started coming back.  I'm not as bad as I was, but I'm still kind of fighting some things.

    Anyways, I'm heading to my favorite week of the year next week.  It's our Church Reunion.  We'll be in Iowa, having fun, learning about God, and growing closer to Him and each other.
    Well, I was kind of nervous about this, because even here at home I don't have the strength I normally would.  And if I don't have the strength here, how am I supposed to have the strength I need at a camp?!
    I was sitting in church tonight contemplating this, when the following words popped into my head.  I guess you could say that this is the lesson I have learned so far from this particular trial.

I waited for a blessing;

Who knew what Thou could give?

I thought that Thou would heal me --

Then in my strength I could live.

Thou, too, had waited for me,

And for my sacrifice.

While I had asked for healing,

Only giving would suffice.

And now, I need Thy blessing --

I know what Thou can give.

Here, take my broken body...

In Thy strength, I would live.

~ H. Paige Edwards

June 8th, 2016

My Child

     Last summer, I was going through some tough stuff.  I had a dream that I really, really wanted, and I had prayed about it a ton.  I really thought it was what God wanted.  And then I started listening to the terrible lies of Satan.  He definitely succeeded in confusing me for a time.  The dream I had cradled so carefully for so long was shattered.  I was heartbroken.

    I went to sleep that night, and woke up the next morning.  When I woke up, warm, golden sunlight was streaming in through the window, and I praised God for the beauty around me.  And then I remembered...my dream, my beautiful, hand-carved dream that I had made for myself, was shattered.  I fell to my knees, and tears came to my eyes as I asked God to remove the pain I felt He had inflicted me.

    This is what came.

Dry your tears, My child;

Your days are not yet o’er.

Come to Me, My child,

For I am waiting at your door.

Give to Me, My child,

Your burdens and your fears.

I will wipe away

All your hurtings and your tears.

I am here, My child,

To give you rest alone.

I am here, My child;

I have claimed you as My own.

Worry not, My child,

For I will guide your days.

Give it all to Me,

And I will light your way.

~ H. Paige Edwards

July 20th, 2015