WIEDEMAN FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Services

PRAYERS | VERSESpage | 1 QUOTES | POEMS This booklet contains a listing of available prayers, verses, poems and quotes that you may select to personalize the funeral services of your loved one. They can be incorporat- ed onto the printed materials, utilized during the service, or placed on our website for a tribute or used in a eulogy.

It contains a wide variety of religious, military, and contem- porary poems. If you have a particular poem or verse that you would like included, but do not see it in this booklet, please feel free to let your funeral director know and we will be happy to accommodate you.

For poems/verses that are able to be personalized to include your loved one’s name, we are happy to accommodate and will include their name.

page 2 Table of Contents 1 Corinthians 2:9...... 5 Garden of Promise...... 9 A Little Prayer for You...... 5 Gentle Face...... 9 Afterglow...... 5 Glory Be...... 10 Amazing Grace...... 5 God Saw You Were Getting Tired...... 10 Angels into Paradise (Long)...... 5 God’s Garden...... 10 Anima Christi...... 5 Guardian Angel...... 10 Angels Into Paradise (Short)...... 5 Hail Mary...... 10 Appointed Time...... 6 Happy Prayer...... 10 As I Sit In Heaven...... 6 He is God...... 10 As You Walk Down...... 6 Hebrews 12:1-2...... 10 Ascension...... 6 High Flight...... 10 Child - Protestant...... 6 His Journeys Just Begun...... 11 Be Kind...... 6 Hope Is the Thing With Feathers...... 11 Because He Lives...... 6 I Am Always with You...... 11 The Sunset...... 6 I am Home in Heaven...... 11 Blessed Sacrament...... 7 I Did Not Die...... 11 Blessing the Lives of Others...... 7 If We Remember...... 11 Breathtaking...... 7 For You Today...... 11 Cancer...... 7 I’m Free...... 12 Cardinal Newman Prayer...... 7 If You Could See Me Now...... 12 Childhood Needlepoint...... 7 Instrument of Your Peace...... 12 Come to Me...... 7 Irish Blessing...... 12 Crossing the Bar...... 7 Just A Closer Walk with Thee...... 12 The Dash...... 8 Legend of the Sand Dollar...... 12 Do Not Stand...... 8 Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled...... 12 Don’t Think og Her As Gone Away...... 8 Let Us Pray...... 12 Ecclesiasties...... 8 Little Angels...... 13 End of Day...... 8 Lord’s Prayer (Long)...... 13 Faithful Departed...... 9 Lord’s Prayer (Catholic)...... 13 Firefighter’s Prayer...... 9 Lovely Lady...... 13 Fisherman’s Prayer...... 9 Man In The Areana...... 13 Footprints...... 9 Matthew 19:14...... 13 Friend of Mine...... 9 Meaning of True Love...... 13

page 3 Table of Contents

Memorare...... 14 Safely Home...... 19 Miss Me, But Let Me Go...... 14 Serenity Prayer...... 19 Mother...... 14 Sheaf of Wheat...... 19 Mother’s Farewell to Her Children...... 14 Soldier’s Prayer...... 19 My Daily Prayer...... 14 Spanish Bienaventurados...... 19 My Dear Mother...... 14 Spring Garden...... 19 My First Christmas In Heaven...... 15 Peace Prayer...... 20 My Mother’s Rosary...... 15 St. John Neuman...... 20 My Way...... 15 St. Matthew 5:14-15...... 20 Native American Prayer...... 15 Stars and Stripes...... 20 Novena Rose Prayer...... 15 Still Missing You...... 20 O Gentlest Heart...... 16 Success...... 20 O Take My Hand, Dear Father...... 16 Ties that Bind...... 20 Old Irish Blessing...... 16 To Those I Love...... 20 On Joy and Sorrow...... 16 Treasured Seasons...... 21 Peace My Heart...... 16 Trees...... 21 Peacesful Retreat...... 16 Twenty-Third Psalm (Spanish)...... 21 Philippians 4:13...... 16 Twenty-Third Psalm (English)...... 21 Poem to Christ Crucified...... 16 Two Smiling Eyes...... 21 Prayer of St. Francis...... 17 We Commend Our Departed...... 21 Promised Place...... 17 We Never Walk Alone...... 21 Prayer to St. Jude...... 17 We Remember...... 22 Psalm 121...... 17 We Remember Them...... 22 Psalm 37:5...... 17 We’ll Always Remember...... 22 Psalm XXIV...... 17 We Sat Beside Your Bedside...... 22 Revelations 21:4...... 17 What God Hath Promised...... 22 Remember...... 18 When I Come Home To Heaven...... 22 Remember Me...... 18 When I Leave You...... 23 Remember Me...... 18 When I’m Gone...... 23 Remembering Our Veterans...... 18 With The Spirit...... 23 Resurrection Prayer (Short)...... 18 You Can Shed A Tear...... 23 Resurrection Prayer (Long)...... 18 Romans 8:38,39...... 19

page 4 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 ANGELS INTO PARADISE (LONG) “No eye has seen,nor ear has heard, and no mind has May the angels lead you into Paradise, may the Martyrs imagined the things that God has prepared for those receive you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem, who love Him.” the holy city. May the choirs of the Angels receive you, and may you with the once poor Lazarus, have rest A LITTLE PRAYER FOR YOU everlasting. When you’re alone with Jesus And He sweetly smiles Amen. on thee, Will you gently whisper to Him, A little prayer for me? And when I’m alone with Jesus, And all else Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph! May I breath forth my soul in peace is hid from view, I’ll gently drop into His Heart A little with you. Jesus, Mary and Joseph! I give you my heart prayer for you. and soul. AFTERGLOW I’d like the memory of me To be a happy one. I’d like To leave an Afterglow of Smiles when day is done. I’d like to leave an echo… Whispering softly down the Ways of happy times and Laughing times and bright And sunny days. I’d like The tears of those who Grieve to dry before the Sun of happy memories That I leave behind when Day is done. AMAZING GRACE Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see ANIMA CHRISTI Twas grace that taught my heart to fear Soul of Christ, sanctify me. And grace my fears relieved Body of Christ, save me. Oh how precious did that grace appear Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound O good Jesus, hear me. The hour I first believed That saved a wretch like me Within Thy wounds hide me. I once was lost but now am found Permit me not to be separated from Thee. Was blind but now I see From the malignant enemy, defend me. Shall I be wafted to the skies In the hour of my death, call me And bid me come to Thee. While others strive to win the prize That with Thy saints I may praise Thee. On flowery beds of ease And sail on bloody seas Forever and ever, Amen. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me ANGELS INTO PARADISE (SHORT) I once was lost but now am found May the angels lead you into Paradise, may the Martyrs Was blind but now I see. receive you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem, the holy city. May the choirs of the Angels receive you, and may you with the once poor Lazarus, have rest everlasting. Amen

page 5 (Roman Ritual) you need me, just Whisper my name in Your heart, I May the Souls of all the faithful departed, through the will be there. mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. CHILD – PROTESTANT APPOINTED TIME God on His throne in heaven There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born And then sought a blossom on earth and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot. ToLooked add to round those at He His had flowers there so fair A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to be silent To be part of such heavenly Company and a time to speak. There is nothing better than to be The bloom must be pure and sweet glad and to do well during life. And the little bud that was chosen Was the child who had played at our feet. Sorrow is great at the loss of our child AS I SIT IN HEAVEN At the parting with one we love As I sit in heaven But the parting was made And watch you every day that our child might go I try to let you know with signs To brighten the heavens above. I never went away I hear you when you’re laughing BE KIND And watch you as you sleep Be the loving expression Of God’s kindness; Kindness I even place my arms around you in your eyes, Kindness in your face, Kindness in your To calm you as you weep smile, Kindness in your warm greetings. We are all I see you wish the days away but His instruments Who do our little bit and pass by. Begging to have me home I believe that the way in which An act of kindness is So I try to send you signs done, Is as important as the action itself. So you know you are not alone ~ Mother Theresa Don’t feel guilty that you have Life that was denied to me BECAUSE HE LIVES Heaven is truly beautiful Because He lives I can face tomorrow, Because He lives Just you wait and see all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future. So live your life, laugh again And life is worth the living just because He lives. Enjoy yourself, be free Then I know with every breath you take THE SUNSET You’ll be taking one for me. Beyond the sunset, o blissful morning, when with our Savior heav’n is begun. Earth’s toiling ended, O AS YOU WALK DOWN glorious dawning; beyond the sunset, when the day As you walk down the fairway of life … You must stop is done. Beyond the sunset no clouds will gather, no and smell the roses, For you only get to play one round. storms will threaten, no fears annoy: O day of gladness, O day unending, beyond the sunset, eternal joy! ASCENSION Beyond the sunset a hand will guide me to God, the Ascension, and if I go, while you’re still here Know that Father, whom I adore: His glorious presence, His words I live on, Vibrating to a different Measure behind a thin of welcome, will be my portion on that fair shore. Veil you cannot see Through. You will not see Me, so Beyond the sunset, o glad reunion, with our dear loved you must have Faith. I wait for the time When we can ones who’ve gone before; in that fair homeland we’ll soar Together again, both aware of each know no parting, beyond the sunset forever more! Other. Until then, live your Life to it’s fullest. And When

page 6 BLESSED SACRAMENT CHILDHOOD NEEDLEPOINT O Gentlest Heart of Jesus ever present in the Blessed A great gray elephant A Little yellow bee Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the A tiny purple violet A tall green tree poor captive souls in purgatory have mercy on the soul A red and white sailboat On a blue sea of Thy departed servant. All these things You gave to me When you made My eyes to see Thank you God Be not severe in Thy Judgment but let some drops of COME TO ME do Thou O merciful Saviors send Thy angels to conduct God saw you were getting tired Thy departedPrecious Bloodservant fall to upon a place the of devouring refreshment, flames light, and And a cure was not to be, and peace. Amen So he put his arms around you And whispered, “Come to me.” BLESSING THE LIVES OF OTHERS With tearful eyes we watched you, Blessing the lives of others, In beauty and in grace; And saw you pass away. Those who saw her knew that God Had kissed her tiny Although we loved you dearly, face. Our baby left us with a memory, We could not make you stay. For all the world to see, She gave herself so others A golden heart stopped beating, know Just how precious life can be. Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, BREATHTAKING He only takes the best. Life is not measured By the number of breaths we take But by the moments CROSSING THE BAR Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! That take our breath away And may there be no moaning of the bar CANCER When I put out to sea Cancer is so limited… It cannot cripple love, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, It cannot corrode faith, Too full for sound or foam, It cannot eat away peace, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. It cannot shut out memories, It cannot silence courage, Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! It cannot invadedestroy the confidence, soul, It cannot kill friendship, And may there be so sadness of farewell It cannot reduce eternal life, It cannot quench the Spirit, It cannot lessen the power Of the Resurrection. When I embark For though from out our bourne of

CARDINAL NEWMAN PRAYER I hope to see my pilot face to face When I have crossed May God protect you all the day long till the shadows thetime bar and -Alfred place. Tennyson The flood may bear me far lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and your work is done. Then in His mercy may He grant you a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at last -Amen

page 7 THE DASH tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of no days and years. Think how she must be wishing that a friend. He referred to the dates on his Tombstone we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the came the date of his birth and spoke of the following hearts of those she touched… for nothing loved is ever date- from with the tears,beginning but he - to said the that end. what He noted mattered that most first of lost and she was loved so much. all was the dash between the years. ~ Ellen Brenneman

For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive ECCLESIASTES on earth - and now, only those who loved him know For everything there is a season what that little line is worth. For it matters not how and a time for every matter under heaven: much we own, the cars - the house - the cash. What A time to be born, and a time to die; matters is how we live and love and how we spend our A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; dash. A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; So think about this long and hard – are there things A time to weep, and a time to laugh; you’d like to change? For you never know how much A time to mourn, and a time to dance; time is left, that can still be rearranged. If we could just A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones slow down enough to consider what’s true and real – together; and always try to understand the way other people A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from feel. And be less quick to anger and show appreciation embracing; more – and love the people in our lives, like we’ve A time to seek, and a time to lose, never loved before. If we treat each other with respect A time to keep, and a time to cast away; and more often wear a smile, remembering that this A time to rend, and a time to sew; special dash might only last a little while. A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate, So when your eulogy is read, with your life actions to A time for war, and a time for peace. rehash Would you be proud of the things they say – about how you spent your dash. END OF DAY The best part of my day DO NOT STAND Is the very end don’t you see? It’s the time that I save Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do Just for my Savior and me. It’s a time to embrace Him. not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken thankThank Him Him for for forgiveness, the sacrifice made. in the mornings hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush WhichTo thank in HimHis wisdom for the benefit He forgets. just for loving Him, To He has promised healing but we don’t know when. shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. So I wait on Christ to have that perfect day again. Iof am quiet not birds there, in I circleddid not flight.die. I am the soft stars that Until then I’ll be still and know that He is God. And what a perfect thought to end on, DON’T THINK OF HER AS GONE AWAY At the ending of my day. Don’t think of her as gone away - her journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the

page 8 FAITHFUL DEPARTED He noticed many times along the path of his life there O, God, The Creator and Redeemer Of All the Faithful, was only one set of footprints, and realized that they Grant to the Souls Of Thy Servants departed The came at the hardest and saddest times of his life. remission of all their sins; That through pious Bothered about this; he questioned the Lord saying, supplications They may obtain the pardon Which they “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d have always desired Who livest and reignest World walk with me all the way. without end. Amen But I have noticed that during the most burdensome FIREFIGHTER’S PRAYER times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. When I am called to duty, God, I don’t understand why that when I needed you the most you would leave me.” Give me strength to save some life, WhateverWhenever be flames its age. may rage, The Lord replied, “My dear child, I love you and I Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, would never leave you. During your times of trial and Or save an older person suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it From the horror of that fate. was then that I carried you.” Author Unknown Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, FRIEND OF MINE Take my hand and walk with me Across the sands of time. Hand in hand and heart to heart Together, friend and quickly and efficiently, of mine. We will share the solitude And walk in quiet Andto put to the give fire the out. best in me, peace For my heart hears what your heart says; It ToI want guard to myfill myevery calling, neighbor and protect his property. listens when yours speaks. The years have brought us And if, according to my fate, to this place Across the sands of Time and we will walk I am to lose my life, here til the end Together, friend of mine. Please bless with ~ Allison Chambers Coxsey Your protecting hand My family, friends and spouse. GARDEN OF PROMISE FISHERMAN’S PRAYER There is a place, I have been told, Beyond an open gate All have been invited where friends and loved ones wait It holds eternal promise of everlasting peace humblyGod grant pray, that When I may nestled live to fishin your For landinganother net shining As I lay No pain or sorrow ever comes And teardrops there peacefullyday, But when asleep, my You’llfinal cast smile is madeat me Iand then judge most That I’m have ceased Abundant life is evident Constant, fresh “good enough to keep.” and new a garden of provision With eternity in view The promise is awaiting A place we can abide FOOTPRINTS One night a man had a dream. In it he was walking GENTLEFulfilled for FACE all who answer The call to come inside. scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets Your gentle face and patient smile, With sadness ofalong footprints a beach in with the thesand, Lord. one Across belonging the skyto him, flashed and we recall, you had a kindly word for each And died beloved by all. the sand.other to the Lord. When the final scene of his life The voice is mute and stilled the heart That love us flashed before him, he looked back, at the footprints in well and true, Ah, bitter was the trial to part From one

page 9 so good as you. You are not forgotten loved one Nor HAPPY PRAYER will you ever be as long as life and memory last We will I’d like the memory of me to be a Happy one remember thee. We miss you now, our hearts are sore, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is As time goes by, we miss you more, Your loving smile, done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering your gentle face, no one can take your vacant place. softly down the ways. Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears GLORY BE of those who grieve to dry before the sun, of happy Glory be to the Father, And to the Son, memories that I leave when life is done. And to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen. HE IS GOD When I fall, he lifts me up! When I fail, he forgives! GOD SAW YOU WERE GETTING TIRED When I am weak, he is strong! God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So When I am lost, he is the way! he put his arms around you and whispered “come to When I am afraid, he is my courage! ME”. With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you When I stumble, he steadies me! pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not When I am hurt, he heals me! make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard When I am broken, he mends me! working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove When I am blind, he leads me! to us, He only takes the best. When I am hungry, he feeds me! GOD’S GARDEN When I face trials, he is with me! When I face persecurtion, he shields me! God looked around His garden, And found an empty When I face problems, he comforts me! place. He then looked down upon the earth, And saw When I face loss, he provides for me! your tired face. He put His arms around you, And lifted When I face death, he carries me home! you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, He HEBREWS 12:1-2 knew that you were in pain, He knew that you would Since we have such a huge crowd watching us from never Get well on earth again. He saw the road was heaven, let us run the race that God has set before us getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb, So He with perseverance…Keep your eyes on Jesus, our coach closed your weary eyelids, And whispered, “Peace be and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his alone, for part of us went with you, The day God called afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by you home. the throne of God. GUARDIAN ANGEL Guardian Angel From heaven so bright, Watching HIGH FLIGHT beside me To lead me aright, Fold thy wings round me, Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and guard me with love, softly sing songs to me of And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; heaven above. Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth HAIL MARY Of sun-split clouds---and done a hundred things You Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed have not dreamed of-wheeled art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence: womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God Pray for us Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along sinners, Now and at the hour of our death, Amen. Up, the long delirious, burning blue I’veand toppedflung My the eager windswept craft through heights footless halls of air.

with easy grace where never lark, or even eagle flew

page 10 and, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, untrespassed sanctity of space, Safely home in heaven at last. Put out my hand and touched the face of God. There is work still waiting for you. So you must not idly HIS JOURNEY’S JUST BEGUN stand; do it now, while life remaineth - You shall rest Don’t think of him as gone away - his journey’s just in God’s own land. When that work is all completed, begun, Life holds so many facets this earth is only one. He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the meeting. Oh, the joy to see you come! tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. I DID NOT DIE Do not stand at my grave and weep, Think how he must be wishing that we could know I am not there, I do not sleep. today how nothing but our sadness can really pass I am a thousand winds that blow; away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those I am the diamond glints on the snow. he touched… for nothing loved is ever lost and he was I am the sunlight on ripened grain; loved so much. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS I am the swift uplifting rush Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops I am the soft star that shines at night. at all. DoOf quiet not stand birds at in my circled grave flight. and cry. I am not there; I did not die. I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many IF WE REMEMBER things to see and do. If we remember to You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too Take deep breaths, many tears But be thankful we had so many good And allow the sorrow, years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How Anquish and uncertainty to wash over us, much you’ve given me in happiness. We will get to the place I thank you for the love that you have shown But now it Where the waves quiet, is time I traveled on alone. Where the swettness of memories So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must Then let Buoys us up your grief be comforted by trust. That it is only for a And serenity returns once more. while that we must part So treasure the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away for life goes on And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you In the knowledge that can’t see or touch me I will be near And if you listen YouMay are you loved find safeand harborcared about. with your heart you’ll hear All my love around you soft and clear And then, when FOR YOU TODAY you come this way along I said a prayer for you today I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home.” And know God must have heard- I felt the answer in my heart Although He spoke no word. I AM HOME IN HEAVEN I did not ask for wealth or fame, I knew you would not I am home in heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and mind. I ask Him to send treasures Of a far more lasting so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this kind. I ask that He’d be near you at the start of each everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every new day, to grant you health and blessings And friends

page 11 to share your way. I ask for happiness for you In all O, Divine Master, grant that I May not so much seek to things great and small, But it was for his loving care I be consoled as to console; to be understood as to prayed the most of all. understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are I’M FREE pardoned; and its in dying that we are born to eternal Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, life. I’m following the path God has laid for me. I took His hand when I heard His call, IRISH BLESSING I turned my back and left it all. May the road rise to meet you I could not stay another day, May the wind be always at your back May the sun To laugh, to love, to work or play. shine warm upon your face May the rains fall soft upon Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found the peace at the close of the day. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. If my parting has left a void, your fields And until we meet again JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, I am week, but Thou art strong; OhThen yes, fill these it with things remembered I too, will joys- miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Just a closer walk I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. withJesus, Thee, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long My life’s been full, I savored much, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. who cares? Lift up your heart, and share with me, Who with me my burden shares? God wanted me now, He set me free. None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. When my feeble life is o’er, IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW Time for me will be no more; Guide me gently, safely o’er The healing that had been delayed Has now been To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. realizedOur prayers no one’s have inall a been hurry, answered there’s no I finally schedule arrived to keep We’re all enjoying Jesus Just sitting at His feet LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR If you could see me now I’m walking streets of gold If There’s a lovely little legend you could see me now I’m standing tall and whole If that I would like to tell, you could see me now You’d know I’d seen His face If of the birth and death of Jesus, found in this lowly shell. you could see me now You’d know the pain is erased If you examine closely, You wouldn’t want me To ever leave this place If you could see me now My light and temporary trials Have worked out for my good To know it brought Him Glory you’llmade seeby a that Roman’s you find spear. here, When I misunderstood fourOn one nail side holes the and Easter a fifth lily, one, its center is the star, INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE that appeared unto the shepherds Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where and led them from afar. there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, The Christmas Poinsettia pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is etched on the other side, despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where reminds us of His birthday, there is sadness, joy. our happy Christmastide. Now break the center open,

page 12 and here you will release, LORD’S PRAYER (LONG) Our Father, Who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name, to spread Good Will and Peace. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in theThis five simple white little doves symbol, awaiting, heaven. Christ left for you and me, to help us spread His Gospel, through all Eternity. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are believe also in me. In my Father’s house yours, now and forever. are many mansions; if it were not so, Amen. I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that LORD’S PRAYER (CATHOLIC) where I am, there ye may be also. John 14: 1-3 Our Father, Who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in LET US PRAY heaven. Almighty God, through the death of your Son on the cross, you have overcome death for us. Through his Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our burial and resurrection from the dead you have made trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. the grave a holy place and restored to us eternal life. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from We pray for those who died believing in Jesus and are evil. Amen. buried with him in the hope of rising again. God of the living and the dead, may those who faithfully believed LOVELY LADY in you on earth praise you forever I the joy of heaven. Lovely lady dressed in blue – Teach me how to pray! We ask this through Christ our Lord. God was just your little Boy, Tell me what to say! Did you lift Him up, sometimes, Gently on your knee? LITTLE ANGELS Did you sing to Him the way Mother does to me? When God calls little children to dwell with Him above. Did you hold His hand at night? Did you ever try We mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love. Telling stories of the world? O! And did He cry? For no heartache companies with the death of one Do you really think He cares If I tell Him things – small child who does so much to make our world seem Little things that happen? And Do the Angels’ wings wonderful and mild. Make a noise? And can He hear me if I speak low? Does He understand me now? Perhaps God time of calling the aged to His fold, Tell me – for you know! Lovely lady dressed in blue, So He picks a rosebud before it can grow old. Teach me how to pray! God knows how much we need them, and so He takes God was just your little Boy, And you know the way. but few to make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view. MAN IN THE ARENA “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and The saddest word mankind knows will always be blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short “Goodbye,”Believing this So iswhen difficult a little still child somehow departs, we we must who try. are again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, left behind Must realize God loves children. Angels are the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high hard to find.

page 13 achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while MOTHER daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with She’s sweeter than the fragrances those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” A joy she is above the joys ~ Theodore Roosevelt That allfill thethe yearsdell in can spring, bring. She’s dearer than the dearest friend MATTHEW 19:14 That I will ever know, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do Her prayers ever guide me on not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to No matter where I go such as these.” Her face is furrowed deep with cares, Her hair is streaked with gray, MEANING OF TRUE LOVE And rosary beads slip through the hands It is sharing and caring, Giving and forgiving, Loving and being loved, Walking hand in hand, Talking heart And though the years have dimmed those eyes to heart, seeing through each other’s eyes, Laughing ThatThe first were joined so lustrous mine to fair, pray. together, weeping together, Praying together, And ‘Tis death alone can take away always trusting And believing And thanking God For The love-light shining there. each other…For love that is shared Is a beautiful thing At night when kneeling down to pray – It enriches the soul And makes the heart sing! I thank our Lord above ~ Helen Steiner Rice Who was so good to give me MEMORARE My Mother’s deathless love. Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary that never MOTHER’S FAREWELL TO HER CHILDREN implored Thy help, and sought Thy intersession was When I must leave you for a little while, Please do not was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, grieve and shed wild tears Thee, O Virgin of virgins, My Mother! To Thee I come; And hug your sorrow to you through the years, But left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh Mother of start out bravely with a gallant smile; the Word incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but, in And for my sake and in my name Thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen MISS ME…BUT LET ME GO Live on and do all things the same, When I come to the end of the road and the sun has waking hour in useful ways, ReachFeed not out your your loneliness hand in comfort on empty and days, in cheer But fillAnd each I in cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long turn will comfort you and hold you near; And never, andset for not me, with I want your no head rites bowed in a gloom low. Remember filled room. the Why love never be afraid to die, that we once shared; Miss me, but let me go. For this For I am waiting for you in the sky! is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Master’s plan; a step on the MY DAILY PRAYER road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Heavenly Father, walk with me today, and grant that I go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in may hear your footsteps and gladly follow where they doing good deeds. Miss, Me, But Let Me Go. lead. Talk with me today and grant that I may hear your tender voice, and quicken to its counsel. Stay with me today, and grant that I may feel Your gentle presence in all I do, say and think. Be my strength

page 14 when I weaken, my courage when I fear. Help me to And be glad I’m spending Christmas know that it is Your hand holding mine through with Jesus Christ this year. all the hours of the day and when night falls, grant that I sent you each a special gift, I may know I rest in Your Sacred Heart. from my heavenly home above. I sent you each a memory MY DEAR MOTHER of my undying love. God created Mothers and daughters, and bound them After all, love is a gift more precious together for life. From the days of my youth, than pure gold. looking up at you standing oh so tall, you were was always most important my refuge from life’s storms. You were my anchor the stories Jesus told. holding me steady against life’s raging storms. Always Please love and keep each other, showering me with your love and understanding, my Father said to do. your greatest gift to me. Your warmth and compassion, I can’t count the blessing or love has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and today,filled my you heart still standand soul, oh so allowing tall. When me toI think proceed of your Wipe away that tear gentlein life with manner self-confidence and unwavering and inner love for security. family Even and all Remember, I am spending Christmas with mankind, my heart swells with gratitude. Praise be to Jesus Christ this year. God, for his wonderful creations; creating Mothers and daughters like you and I. MY MOTHER’S ROSARY MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN Your beads I found, dear mother mine, In the cushion I see the countless of the chair, You must have been just saying them The Christmas trees last time you sat there – The beads are old and shiny around the world below now, The cross shines, lovely, too How happy were With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, these beads of love With each caress from you. Your life was like a rosary, Mom Each day lived like a The sight is so spectacular, prayer, The sorrowful and the glorious And the joyful pleasereflecting wipe on away the snow the tear we all shared – So as we travel on the through life Send For I am spending Christmas with God’s blessing down to guide us, We’ll be faithful to our Jesus Christ this year. rosary As a family chain that binds us. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear MY WAY But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here. curtain. My friend, I’ll say it clear, I’ll state my case, I have no words to tell you, ofAnd which now, I’m the certain end is near;I’ve lived And aso life I face that’s the full. final I’ve the joy their voices bring, traveled each and every highway; And more, much For it is beyond description, more than this, I did it my way. to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER I see the pain inside your heart. I give you this one thought to keep- I am with you still But I am not so far away, – I do not sleep, I am a thousand winds that blow, I We really aren’t apart. am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on So be happy for me, dear ones, ripened grain. I am the gentle Autumn rain. When you You know I hold you dear. awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting

rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars

page 15 that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone – I am ON JOY AND SORROW with you still in each new dawn. Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame NOVENA ROSE PRAYER well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes O Little Theresa of the child Jesus, please pick for me a The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a morefilled withjoy can your contain. tears. IsAnd not how the elsecup canthat it holds be? your message of love. O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the hands… St. Theresa, help me to always believe as you very wood that was hollowed with knives? When you did,to grant in God’s the favors great loveI now for place me, sowith that confidence I might imitate in your your “Little Way” each day. -Amen. it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving O GENTLEST HEART youare joyous,joy. When look you deep are into sorrowful your heart look and again you in shallyour find O GENTLEST Heart of Jesus ever present in the Blessed heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the for that which has been your delight. poor captive souls in Purgatory have mercy on the From the book “The Prophet” Author, Kahlil Gibran soul of Thy departed servant. Be not severe in Thy judgment but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall PEACE MY HEART Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet. Savior send Thy angles to conduct Thy departed Let it not be a death but completeness. Let love uponservant the to devouring a place of flames,refreshment, and do light Thou and O Mercifulpeace. O TAKE MY HAND, DEAR FATHER through the sky end in the folding of the wings over themelt nest. into Letmemory the last and touch pain of into your songs. hands Let be the gentle flight like O take my hand, dear Father, and lead Thou me, Till at my journey’s ending I dwell with Thee. a moment, and say your last words in silence. Alone I cannot wander one single day, Ithe bow flower to you of andthe night.hold up Stand my lamp still, Oto Beautiful light you End,on your for So do Thou guide my footsteps on life’s rough way. O way. cover with Thy mercy my poor, weak heart, Lest I in joy or sorrow from Thee depart. Permit Thy PEACEFUL RETREAT child to linger here at Thy feet, Down a narrow hidden path Sought out by Wisdom’s Thy goodness blindly trusting with faith complete. eye a peaceful place of refuge calls To come rest awhile Though oft Thy power but faintly may stir my soul, beside Listen to the waters falling over mountains With Thee, my Light in darkness, I reach the goal. Take then my hand, dear Father, and lead Thou me, Till at eternity’s retreat and on the far horizon my journey’s ending I dwell with Thee. Ofsteep the To never gently setting flow sunfor endlessthe harvest days of Through the whitened OLD IRISH BLESSING wheat Is very nearly done as work on earth comes to a close Peace will be complete Surrounded by the beauty May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be Of eternity’s retreat. always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And rains fall PHILIPPIANS 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me And until we meet again.. strength. Onsoft Eagle’s upon your Wings fields... And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His hand.

page 16 POEM TO CHRIST CRUCIFIED PRAYER TO ST. JUDE St. JUDE, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend God grant that I could love Him as I really know I of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be should.There He I draw hangs a –little pale closer figure to pinned share againstthat love the Divine wood. forgotten by many, but the true Church invokes you and almost hear Him whisper, “Ah Foolish Child of universally as the Patron of things despaired of; pray Mine! If I Should Now Embrace You, My Hands Would Stain You Red. And If I Leaned To Whisper The may receive the consolations and the succor of Heaven Thorns Would Pierce Your Head.” And then I knew in infor all me, my who necessities, am so miserable; tribulations pray and for sufferings, me, that finally I silence that, Love demands a price ‘Twas then I learned particularly (here make your request), and that I may that suffering is but the kiss of Christ. bless God with the Elect throughout Eternity. - Amen St. Jude, Apostle, martyr and relative of our Lord Jesus PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS Christ, of Mary and of Joseph, intercede for us. Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me show love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is PSALM 121 despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may cometh my help. not so much seek to be consoled as to console: to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love; My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that and earth. we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth born to eternal life. thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. PROMISED PLACE The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon they I know if it was up to you right hand. I’d still be here today, The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by And I certainly will miss you all. night. But I’m better off this way. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. So instead of spending your time grieving The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming Wishing I was near, in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Without the sorrow and tears. PSALM 37:5 Think only of my final peace Commit thy way unto the Lord; Trust also in Him; I would’ve liked to say, “Goodbye” And He shall bring it to pass. But it’s true: Our God knows best. It’s up to us to do our part PSALM XXIV And let Him handle the rest. The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. So please, don’t focus on the scene before you, But lift your hands in prayer For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established And remember all the good times we had That go beyond compare. Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the And when you feel like crying He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath Because the realization of my absence stings, not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Just close your eyes and picture He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and Me standing beside Him with wings. righteousness for the God of his salvation.

page 17 REMEMBER Better and safer because of their valiant duty. Remember those who we love remain with us, In We praise You for all veterans the whisper of the wind, the soft rain that falls from Who have gone before us in eternal rest. Heaven, In every sunrise, in every star that shines In We especially pray for those veterans who the night sky and in every memory we hold within our hearts. Defending our country. BlessMade theirthe ultimate families sacrifice and comfort while them with the thankful prayers of a grateful nation. REMEMBER ME Almighty God, You gave us Your only Son, Jesus. Remember me in quiet days, while raindrops whisper Allow us to follow in His example and on your pane. But in your memories have no grief, let Work to create a more loving world. the joy we knew remain. Remember me when evening Let us not perpetrate war but safeguard peace and stars, look down on you with steadfast eyes. preserve Remember me if once you wake, to catch a glimpse of Your gifts of equality and freedom. red sunrise. And when your thoughts do turn to me, Through the efforts of our veterans, know that I would not have you cry, But live for me, Help us continue to and laugh for me, when you are happy so am I. Promote justice in all nations. Remember an old joke we shared, remember me when We thank You for our veterans, Spring walks by, think once of me when you are glad, Past and present, and for the knowledge and while you live, I shall not die. That You are with us in all things. REMEMBER ME Amen. To the living, I am gone, To the sorrowful, RESURRECTION PRAYER (SHORT) I will never return, I am the resurrection and the Life; To the angry, I was cheated, he who believes in Me even if he dies, shall live: But to the happy, I am at peace, And to the faithful, I and whoever lives and believes in Me, shall never die. have never left. I cannot speak, but I can listen. RESURRECTION PRAYER (LONG) I cannot be seen, but I can be heard. So as you stand Most merciful Father, we commend our departed into upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea- departed will rise again on the Last Day with all who Remember me. haveyour hands.died in WeChrist. are filledWe thank with you the forsure all hope the good that our RememberAs you look me upon in youra flower heart: and admire its simplicity- things you have given during our departed’s earthly Your thoughts, and your memories, Of the times we life. O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayer loved, the times we cried, The times we fought, The that the Gates of Paradise may be opened for your times we laughed. For if you always think of me, I will servant. In our turn, may we too be comforted by the never have gone. words of faith until we greet Christ in glory and are united with you and our departed. Through Christ our REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS Lord, Amen. Heavenly Father, Thank You for America’s heroes REVELATION 21:4 Who have served our country so faithfully. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: We honor our veterans And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the And for their courage and integrity. former things are passed away. MayFor their every sacrifice citizen realizeto our countrythat our country is

page 18 ROMANS 8:38, 39 SOLDIER’S PRAYER “For I am convinced, that neither death, nor life Not I asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was angels or principalities, or powers, not things present made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked or things to come, Not height, not depth, for health, that I might do

Not any other creature, shall be able to Separate us better things….I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise…. from the love of God, Which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do I asked for power, that I might have the praise In all these things we are more than conquerors of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the the Through Him that loves us.” need of God….I asked for all things, that I might enjoy Romans 8:38,39 life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things….I got nothing that I asked for – but everything that I had SAFELY HOME hoped for, almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and were answered. so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this I am, among all men, most richly blessed. everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, SPANISH BIENAVENTURADOS Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder why I Bienaventurados los que sufren Porgue ellos seran so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! But Jesus’ consolados. love illumined Every dark and fearful glade. And He San Meto V-5 Jesus ten piedad del alma de O Piadoso came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread: Corazon de Jesus, siempre presente en el Sagrado Sacramento, siempre And with Jesus’ arm to lean on Could I have one doubt lleno de amor ardiente hacia las pobres alma cautivas or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love en el Purgatorio, ten piedad del alma de tu siervo, you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, que ha fallecido. No seas muy severo al juzgarle, mas Pray to trust our Father’s Will. There is work still deja que alqunas gotas de tu Preciosa Sangre caigan waiting for you, So you must not idly stand: sobre las llamas devoradoras y envia tus Angeles, Oh Do it now, while life remaineth - You shall rest in Jesus’ Salvador Misericordioso, para que lo conduzcan a un land. When that work is all completed, He will gently lugar de descanso y paz eternal call you Home: Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come! SPRING GARDEN

I was looking at God For they bloomed in His sun and SERENITY PRAYER So when I looked at those flowers, God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot from above” that whispered a message of Kindness and change, the courage to change the things I can and the grewLove forin His I feel sod in and my heart,each lovely and I flowerknow you was do, a “voice too, that wisdom to know the difference. God speaks to us all through the kind things we do And

SHEAF OF WHEAT that they brought heaven nearer and made God so real. The seeds of faith are sown in the human personality when I looked at those flowers I couldn’t help but feel and grow into the mature faith of the Christian man or woman. The sown seed must lose its life in order that it may develop and grow and multiply. . . .So, symbolically, a sheaf of wheat is used by Christians to mark the passing of a fellow Christian. Death is not the end but the beginning of life eternal. The mature grain in the sheaf is the direct symbol of the Resurrection . . The life beyond the grave, the fulfillment of the Promises of Jesus Christ.

page 19 PEACE PRAYER We want to tell you something Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace; Where So there won’t be any doubt, there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, You’re so wonderful to think of pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is But so hard to be without. despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine master, grant that We cannot bring the old days back, I may not So much seek to be consoled, as to console; When we were all together To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to The family chain is broken now, love; But memories live forever. For it is in giving that we receive It is in pardoning that we are pardoned Author Unknown And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. ST. JOHN NEWMAN SUCCESS – RALPH WALDO EMERSON May He support us all the day long, till the shades To laugh often and much lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world To win the respect of intelligent people and the is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is affection of children, done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure and a Holy rest and peace at the betrayal of false friends, last. – Cardinal Newman To appreciate beauty, ST. MATTHEW 5:14-15 To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy Ye are the light of the world. Tochild, find a thegarden best patch, in others, A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do or a redeemed social condition, men light a candle, To know even one life has breathed easier because you and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: have lived and it giveth light unto all that are in house. This is to have succeeded. Taps STARS AND STRIPES Day is done, gone the sun from the lake, from the hill, from the sky. heart. He was loyal to his nation and bravely did his All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Thanks and praise Thepart. Stars Always and thinking Stripes, ofthey his flew brother forever ever always in his mind,in his for our days ‘neath the sun, ‘neath the stars, ‘neath the He stood for love of country and most of all, mankind. sky. Now gazing down with his Master through a light and As we go, this we know. God is nigh. heavenly cloud, he’s still looking out for all of us of whom he is so proud. TIES THAT BIND How blessed is the tie that binds Our hearts in lasting STILL MISSING YOU love, the comradeship of kindred minds Is like to that They say there is a reason above. So when at last we have to part In sorrow and They say that time will heal in pain, we know we still are joined in heart Until we But neither time nor reason meet again. Will change the way we feel. TO THOSE I LOVE For no one knows the heartache When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many That lies behind our smiles, things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me No one know how many time with tears, We have broken down and cried. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me

page 20 in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have TWENTY-THIRD PSALM shown, But now it’s time I traveled on alone. So grieve The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh a while for me, if grieve you must, Then let your grief me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me be comforted by trust. It’s only for a little while that we beside the still waters: must part. So bless the memories within your heart. I He restoreth my soul: won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, name’s sake ... I’ll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you’ll Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of hear All of my love around you soft and clear. And then, death, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and a smile and “welcome home.” Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of TREASURED SEASONS mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my For everything there is an appointed season, And a cup runneth over ... time for everything under heaven- Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days A time for sowing, a time for reaping; A time for of my life: sharing, a time for caring. A time for loving, a time for And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever ... giving; A time for remembering, a time for parting. TWO SMILING EYES You have made everything beautiful in its time Two smiling eyes are sleeping, two busy hands are still. For everything You do remains forever. The one we love so deeply is resting at God’s will. May she always walk in sunshine, God’s love around her TREES glow. For all the happiness she gave us, only a few will I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. ever know. It broke our hearts to lose her but she did A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the sweet not go alone. For part of us went with her the day God called her home. And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in earth’ssummer flowing wear A breast; nest of A robins tree that in her looks hair; at UponGod all whose day, WE COMMEND OUR DEPARTED bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Most merciful Father, we commend our departed into Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. departed will rise again on the Last Day with all who ~ Joyce Kilmer yourhave hands.died in WeChrist. are filledWe thank with you the forsure all hope the good that our things you have given during our departed’s earthly TWENTY THIRD PSALM (SPANISH) life. Jehová es mi pastor; nada me faltará. En lugares de delicados pastos me hará descansar; junto a aquas de O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayers that reposo me pastoreará. Confortará mi alma; me guiará the Gates of Paradise may be opened for your servant. por sendas de justicia por amor de su nombre. Aunque In our turn, may we too be comforted by the words of ande en valle de sombra de muerte, no temeré mal faith until we greet Christ in glory and are united with alguno, por que tú estarás conmigo; tu vara y tu cayado you and our departed. me infundirán aliento. Aderezas mesa delante de mi en Through Christ our Lord, Amen. presencia de mis angustiadores: unges mi cabeza con aceite; mi copa está rebosando. Ciertamente el bien y WE NEVER WALK ALONE la misericordia me seguirán todos los dias de mi vida, y The time comes when those whom we have loved en la casa de Jehová moraré por largos dias. the longest and the best will travel far ahead into a place of joy and rest… And we must walk a lonely path through shadows for a while without a certain kindred voice, a dear, familiar smile--

page 21 Yet each day brings us nearer to horizons yet unknown There’ll never be any one and even when they way is dark, we never walk alone, To replace you in our hearts. For memories travel with us toward the happy And the love we will always have for you. destination where we will join our loved ones in eternal celebration. WE SAT BESIDE YOUR BEDSIDE We sat beside your bedside, WE REMEMBER Our hearts were crushed and sore; Remember...remember those who we love remain with We did our best to the end, us, in the whisper of the wind, Til we could do no more. The soft rain that falls from Heaven, In tears we watched you sinking, In every sunrise, in every star that shines We watched you fade away; In the night sky and in every memory we hold within And though our hearts were breaking, our hearts. We knew you could not stay. You left behind some aching hearts- WE REMEMBER THEM That loved you most sincere; In the rising of the sun and its going down, We never shall and never will We Remember Them. Forget you Mother dear. In the bowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, We Remember Them. In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring. WHAT GOD HATH PROMISED We Remember Them. God hath not promised In the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Skies always blue, summer, Flower-strewn pathways We Remember Them. All our lives through; In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of God hath not promised autumn. Sun without rain, We Remember Them. Joy without sorrow, In the beginning of the year and when it ends, Peace without pain We Remember Them. But God hath promised When we are weary and in need of strength, Strength for the day, We Remember Them. Rest for the labor, When we are lost and sick of heart, Light for the way. We Remember Them. Grace for the trials, When we have joys and special celebrations we yearn Help from above, to share, Unfailing sympathy, We Remember Them. Undying love… So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are part of us. WHEN I COME HOME TO HEAVEN We Remember Them. When I come home to Heaven ~From the Jewish Book Of Prayer~ How joyful it will be! For on that day at last WE’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER My risen Lord I’ll see. That special smile That caring heart That warm embrace You always gave us. No greater happiness than We’ll always remember You being there. To see Him face to face, For dad(mom) and us. Through good and bad times No To see the love in His eyes matter what. And feel His warm embrace. We’ll always remember You dad (mom) because

page 22 I’ve done nothing to deserve WITH THE SPIRIT That perfect home above. With the Spirit of the Righteous made perfect, give rest It was given freely through to the soul of Thy servant, O Savior, preserving it in the The grace of Jesus’ love. blessed life, with Thee, who loved mankind. In the place of Thy rest, O Lord, where all of Thy saints Then why should earthly cares repose, give rest also to the soul of Thy servant for Weigh down upon me so? Thou alone are immortal They’ll be a distant memory May Christ, Our Immortal King and our God, grant to When home at last I go. the soul of the departed, the Kingdom of heaven and the remission of sins Memory Eternal! WHEN I LEAVE YOU When I must leave you, for a little while YOU CAN SHED A TEAR Please do not grieve and shed wild tears You can shed a tear that he is gone And hug your sorrow to you through the years, But Or you can smile because he has lived. start out bravely with a gallant smile; You can close your eyes and pray he’ll come back Or And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all you can open your eyes and see all he’s left. Your heart things the same. can be empty because you can’t see him Or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on waking hour in useful ways, tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for FeedReach not out your your loneliness hand in comfort on empty and days, in cheer But fillAnd each I in tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember turn will comfort you and hold you near; And never, him and only that he’s gone Or you can cherish his never be afraid to die, memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your For I am waiting for you in the sky! mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what ~ Helen Steiner Rice he’d want: open your yes, smile, love, and go on.

WHEN I’M GONE When I’m gone, remember I’m with Jesus. Do not grieve because I’ve passed away. Life holds so many grief’s and disappointments, And will you weep because I did not stay? Tis only for a spell we must be parted. Not many years on earth to us are given, And when my Saviour tells me you are coming I’ll go with Him and welcome you to heaven. Weep not because I walk no longer with you. Remember I am walking streets of gold. Weep for yourselves that you awhile must tarry Before the blessed Lord you may behold. Author Unknown

page 23 page 24 rev. 12.12.18