Poetry By: BARBARA VON BALTZER – All Rights Reserved – May not be reproduced by any means.
A MOTHER’S HAND – LIFE’S ROAD – MOTHERS LOVE – MY SAVIOR – MY SPECIAL PRAYER
AUTUMN – NO CHOICE – OUR GREY CHEVY WAGON – OUR GOD IS GOOD
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES – OUR SHEPHERD – REMEMBERING – SENIOR CONGRESS PARK
CLAREMONT GENERAL – SPRING – SUB SENIOR 40 THRU 50 – SUMMER COLDS
“FAREWELL NOTE” – THE BATTLE OF FAITH – THE GOLDEN YEARS – “THE LITTLE CAMPSITE”
FRIENDSHIP – THE PROMISE OF SPRINGTIME – THE TWINS – THE WEITKUNANT’S – THE WORD OF PROMISE
GOD’S GREAT MIRACLE – TO PRIEST BAUER AND FAMILY – TO PRIEST WEITKUNANT AND FAMILY
“GRAMMA BALTZER” – WELCOME BISHOP FENDT – WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS – SPIRIT OF MT. CHOCORUA
HAPPY DAYS – WHEN I WAS A CHILD – WHERE ARE MY CIGARETTES
HAVE FAITH IN GOD – WINTER – OUR GOD IS LOVING – THE POKE-A-LONG
HEARTACHES – WINTER STREET – THE 20TH CENTURY SENIOR’S
LET’S ASK DAD – YESTERDAY’S – UNCLE POTTY – TRUST AND OBEY
A MOTHER’S HAND
A MOTHER’S HANDS ARE A SYMBOL
OF TENDER CARE AND GENTLE LOVE
A PAT ON THE HEAD WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
TO PUT THINGS BACK WHERE THEY BELONG
TO PREPARE A MEAL THAT DAD REALLY LIKES
TO FIX A LUNCH WHEN THEY GO ON HIKES
TO PATCH THE HOLES IN THE KIDDIES JEANS
TO LIVE WITHIN THE FAMILY MEANS
THEY’RE USED TO COMB THE CHILDREN’S
HAIR
AND WHEN SHE BOW’S IN HUMBLE PRAYER
TO ASK GOD TO PROTECT HER LITTLE ONES
WHEN THEY ARE OUT AT PLAY AND HAVING
FUN
A MOTHER’S HANDS GROW WRINKLED AND
OLD
BUT THE LOVE IS STILL THERE IT’S NEVER
COLD
TIME SIFTS AWAY LIKE GRAINS OF SAND
STILL THERE’S THE LOVE OF A MOTHER’S
HAND
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
AUTUMN
THE GREEN LEAVES HAVE NOW TURNED TO
GOLD
AUTUMN’S HERE, AND IN FULL SWING
EACH DAY WE VIEW GOD’S HANDY WORK
WHILE WONDER WHAT EACH DAY WILL BRING
ALL SHADES OF RED, YELLOW, GREEN, AND
GOLD
DANCE IN THE INDIAN SUMMER LIGHT
WHEN SOON THE BRISTLING BREEZES BLOW
EACH LEAVES TAKES OFF IN SPECIAL FLIGHT
TUMBLING TO AND FRO THEY FALL
TO LAND IN PATTERNS ON THE GROUND
THE CHILDREN RUSH WITH RAKES IN HAND
EACH TRIES TO BUILD THE HIGHEST MOUND
THE HAPPY SHOUTS THE GAMES THEY PLAY
AS THEY TUMBLE THROUGH THEIR PILE OF
LEAVES
BRINGS BACK MEMORIES BRIGHT AND GAY
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
MANY YEARS AGO, AS A CHILD
I OFTEN ASKED, WHY?
AND THE QUESTIONS WERE OFT ANSWERED
WITH A “MAYBE”, OR BY AND BY
I OFTEN WONDERED WHY PARENTS,
HAD SO LITTLE TO SAY
MOST TIMES, IT WAS “JUST BE GOOD,”
OR “PLEASE GO OUT AND PLAY,
THEY WERE HARD YEARS,
YES, I REALIZE THAT NOW
MUCH SICKNESS AND SORROW
AND I DON’T SEE JUST HOW
THERE WERE EVER ENOUGH HOURS
IN A DAY TO DO
THE THINGS THAT MY PARENTS DID
THE WORK THEY PUT THROUGH
THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS T.V.
TIME FOR RADIO WAS SLIM
NO FREEZER FOR STORAGE
CANNING FOOD BY A DIM
KEROSENE LIGHT THAT WOULD FLICKER
OFT TIMES OUT OF OIL
WE HAD A SCRUB BOARD FOR THE CLOTHES
MOM WOULD PUT THEM TO BOIL
IN AN OLD COPPER BOILER
ON A WOOD STOVE AT THAT
IN WATER THAT HAD TO BE CARRIED
FROM A WELL ON THE FLAT
WEEKLY SHOPPING WAS UN HEARD OF
FOR IN MONEY THEY WERE POOR
BUT WE NEVER WENT HUNGRY
THERE WAS ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE
IF ONLY WE COULD REALIZE
HOW MUCH WE’D BEEN BLESSED
BEFORE ONE OR BOTH PARENTS
HAD BEEN LAID TO REST
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
CLAREMONT GENERAL
OF ALL THE HOSPITAL’S IN THE AREA
CLAREMONT GENERAL GET’S MY VOTE
THEY’VE CARTED ME, FIRST TO ONE, THEN
THE OTHER
IN MY BATHROBE, OR MY COAT
NO MATTER HOW GOOD THE SERVICE IS
THE TIME GOES BY SO SLOW
EACH DAY HAS THE SAME OLD MEANING
WHICH TEST? WE NEVER KNOW
THIS DAY IS SURE TO BE DIFFERENT
NO IT WON’T BE SO HARD TO BEAR
WHAT’S THAT I HEAR IN THE HALLWAY?
OH! NO, IT’S IRENE AND THAT OLD
WHEELCHAIR
YOU’VE GUESSED IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
THAT CHAIR JUST FIT’S MY BUTT
SO OFF I GO IN MY “MODEL A”
WHICH TEST? JUST BLOOD? OR WHAT?
MAYBE THEY’VE GOT THE NAMES MIXED UP
MAYBE THEY JUST DON’T SEE
BROTHER I FOUND OUT, AT THE END OF THE
TRIP
THAT TRIP WAS MADE FOR ME
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
“FAREWELL NOTE”
THIS NOTE IS A FAREWELL
AND ALSO A THANK YOU
TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL
THE WHOLE YEAR THROUGH
I’VE WORKED HARD AND TRIED
TO BE A GOOD PRESIDENT
AND I HAVE HAPPY MEMORIES
FOR THE TIME I’VE SPENT
THE GIFT AND THE PARTY
WAS A WONDERFUL SURPRISE
AND MOTHER’S OF TWINS
THERE’S A TEAR IN MY EYES
FOR I’LL MISS YOU MUCH
BUT I PRAY THIS NEXT YEAR
BRING THE MOTHER’S OF TWINS CLUB
MUCH JOY AND MUCH CHEER
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
FRIENDSHIP
WE’VE ALWAYS SHARED MUCH JOY THROUGH
THE YEARS
TOGETHER THROUGH SORROW, WE’VE
SHARED TEARS
REGARDLESS OF ANY RUMOR’S WE’VE HEARD
WE NEVER EXCHANGED AN UNKIND WORD
FROM HER THERE’S ALWAYS A KIND AND
HAPPY WORD
SHE SHARES WITH HER FRIENDS. AND EXPECTS
NO REWARD
THAT’S TRUE FRIENDSHIP AND IT’S STRAIGHT
FROM THE HEART
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE
TO BE APART
OF THE HEARTACHE AND SORROW THERE’S SO
MUCH OF TODAY
IF ONLY MORE FRIENDS WERE THAT HAPPY
AND GAY
NOW OUR WAY OF LIFE SHE’S SHARING TO
THAT TRUE FRIENDSHIP, I TELL YOU, YES,
FRIENDSHIP CLEAR THROUGH
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
GOD’S GREAT MIRACLE
WE WENT TO CHURCH THAT SUNDAY
IN OUR SMALL NEW ENGLAND TOWN
IT WAS A NEW APOSTOLIC SERVICE
THE FIRST FOR MILES AROUND
FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR’S, AND RELATIVES
CAME FROM FAR AND NEAR
TO HEAR GOD’S WORD AND FELLOWSHIP
TO US THIS DAY WAS DEAR
WE FOUND GUIDENCE, STRENGTH, AND PEACE
WE WANTED AND WE NEED
WE DIDN’T KNOW AT THIS TIME
HOW GREAT WAS SATIN’S GREED
OH! YES HE WAS SOON TO HAUNT US
OUR TEST WAS SOON TO START
HE TRYED TO TAKE OUR BABY
ONE SO DEAR TO OUR HEARTS
I PICKED HER UP IN THE STAIRWAY
SO TINY BROKEN AND STILL
THE PRINCE OF THE WORLD HAD DONE HIS
WORK
COULD ALL OF THIS BE GOD’S WILL?
THE DOCTOR’S DIDN’T HOLD MUCH HOPE
FOR LITTLE WENDY SUE
OUR RECTOR WAS CALLED, TRUE PRAYER’S
WERE SAID
THIS WAS ALL THAT WE COULD DO
THE LOVE OF GOD CAME SHINING DOWN
OUR BABY WAS SPARED TO US
A MIRACLE HAPPENED! GOD MADE HER WELL
HE STAVED OFF SATIN’S LUST
IN JUST TWO DAYS FROM THAT SAD DAY
SHE CAME BACK HOME TO STAY
WE THANK GOD FOR HIS GREAT LOVE
AND WILL FOLLOW HEM ALWAYS
GOD’S LOVE IS SO GREAT FOR EVERONE
THIS WE CAN SURELY TELL
TO THINK HE CHOSE OUR BABY
FOR THIS GREAT MIRACLE
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
“GRAMMA BALTZER”
I HAVE A STORY ABOUT A DEAR OLD LADY
I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO TELL
TO EVERYONE SHE WAS GRANDMA BALTZER
THEY ALL KNEW HER VERY WELL
I KNEW HER FOR SHE WAS MY MOTHER-IN-
LAW
BUT THAT, YOU’D NEVER EVEN GUESSED
TO HER WE WERE ALL HER CHILDREN
ALL ALIKE SHE WANTED US BLESSED
SHE WENT TO CHURCH AND SEARCHED THE
SCRIPTURES
JUST AS OFTEN AS SHE COULD
SHE MOVED AWAY, AND OH! WE MISSED HER
JUST AS WE ALL KNEW WE WOULD
BUT THEN, SHE MET A FRIEND WHO TOOK HER
TO CHURCH IN SCHENECTADY
SHE FOUND PEACE AND FOUND CONTENTMENT
NO MORE SERCHING, WHY SHOULD WE?
LAY EVERYTHING ELSE ASIDE SHE TOLD US
AND COME TO GOD WHILE THERE’S STILL
TIME
HE’LL COME, YOU KNOW, YOU WONT BE
READY
THIS SHOULD BE YOUR CHURCH AND MINE
WE LISTENED BUT WE DID NOT HEED HER
GRANDMA NOW HAS GONE TO REST
OUR LIVES WERE EMPTY WITHOUT GOD’S
BLESING’S
SOMETIMES I WONDER, IF WE TRIED OUR
BEST
GRANDMAS GONE BUT SHE LEFT US
WHAT SHE REALY WANTED TO
THE NEW APOSTOLIC FAITH, THAT’S HER
RELIGION
HER RELIGION, NOW OUR’S TOO
WE’LL SELL OUR HOME AND MOVE ON DOWN
THERE
AS FAST AS GOD WILL LET US GO
THIS IS OUR FAITH, IT’S OUR RELIGION
NOW WE REALIZE NOW WE KNOW
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
HAPPY DAY’S
LISTEN CLOSELY LITTLE ONES
FD LIKE TO SAY TO YOU
YOU’RE EVER WATCHFUL FRIEND IS NEAR
WHEN TROUBLE BOTHER’S YOU
WHEN YOU’RE AT PLAY, REMEMBER
HE LOVES YOU VERY MUCH
IF THING’S GO WRONG, DON’T ARGUE
AND BAD WORD’S, PLEASE DON’T TOUCH
JUST ASK THE LORD TO HELP YOU
AND TRY YOUR BEST ALWAY’S
THEN INSTEAD OF TROUBLE
YOU’LL HAVE HAPPY DAY’S
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
HAVE FAITH IN GOD, DON’T EVER DOUBT
THERE IS A GOD, NO ONES WITHOUT
HE GAVE HIS SON, SO THAT WE MIGHT LIVE
WORDLY PEOPLE, WHAT HAVE YOU TO GIVE
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
HAVE FAITH IN GOD, WHEN TROUBLE IS NEAR
PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD, YOU’RE CROSS
TO BARE
IS NOT AS GREAT, AS WAS THE SON OF GOD
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
HAVE FAITH IN GOD, AND YOU CAN BET
HE’LL SHOW THE WAY, IF YOU’LL ONLY LET
HIM IN YOU’RE HEARTS, DON’T HESITATE
CHRIST IS COMING, WE MUST NOT WAIT
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
HAVE FAITH IN GOD, DON’T WALK ALONE
HIS GUIDING HAND, WILL HELP US HOME
DON’T LET THE LORD, HAVE DIED IN VAIN
TO US GOD’S LOVE, SHOULD BE SO PLAIN
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
HAVE FAITH IN GOD, WHEN THINGS GO RIGHT
SING PRAISE TO HIM, FOR SHOWING YOU
LIGHT
WITH HIM FIRST IN OUR HEARTS, WE CAN’T GO
WRONG
FORGET WORDLY POWER, AND COME ALONQ
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
HEARTACHES
THERE IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF HEARTACHES
LIKE WHEN WE LOSE THE ONE WE LOVE
THERE IS THE HEARTACHE OF OUR LOVING
GOD
LOOKING DOWN FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
THERE IS A HEARTACHE OF A CHILD
IT HURTS DOWN OH SO DEEP
IT SOMETIMES BOTHERS HIM AT NIGHT
SO HE CAN HARDLY SLEEP
HIS LITTLE WORLD IS UPSIDE DOWN
HE PUTS UP A HARDEN SHIELD
HE STRIKES OUT HERE AND STRIKES OUT
THERE
HE DOES NOT WANT TO YIELD
DON’T MISTAKE THIS FOR BELLIGERENCE
THAT’S NOT THE CASE I’M SURE
FS TO COVER UP THE HURT DOWN DEEP NSIDE
SO THIS HE CAN ENDURE
I WISH THAT THERE WAS SOME WAY
WITH MY ARMS AND YES, MY HEART
THAT I COULD ABSORB SOME OF THE HURT
THAT KEEPS YOU FOLKS APART
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
LET’S ASK DAD
“LET’S ASK DAD “WAS THE VOICE I HEARD
THEY WERE OUT IN THE YARD WITH A BABY
BIRD
WHAT KIND IS IT? WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW
WILL IT ALWAYS LOOK LIKE THIS? HOW BIG
WILL IT GROW?
LET’S ASK DAD
“LET’S ASK DAD” HOW THEY LEARN TO FLY
WHAT KEEPS THEM UP SO HIGH IN THE SKY?
AND WHEN IT RAINS SO HARD
HOW DO THEY STAY DRY?
LET’S ASK DAD
“LET’S ASK DAD” HOW DO THEY BUILD THEIR
NEST
DO THEY USE A PILLOW WHEN THEY LAY
DOWN TO REST
DOES THEIR MOMMY TUCK THEM IN AT
NIGHT?
AND COMFORT THEM WHEN THEY WAKE IN
FRIGHT?
LET’S ASK DAD
“LET’S ASK DAD” FOR I’M SURE HE’D KNOW
WHAT MAKES ALL OF THESE THINGS GROW
AND WHAT MAKES THE SUN AND THE STAR’S
SO BRIGHT
AND THE MOON THAT SHINES SO BIG EVERY
NIGHT
LET’S ASK DAD
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
LIFE’S ROAD
AT TIMES THE WAY SEEMS MIGHTY ROUGH
AS WE TRAVEL DOWN LIFE’S ROAD
THE WAY SEEMS SO MUCH NICER
WHEN EACH ONE SHARES THE LOAD
EACH ONE HAS HIS CROSS TO BEAR
AND EACH ONE TIME FOR FUN
EACH ONE SHOULD COUNT HIS BLESSINGS
YES, COUNT THEM ONE BY ONE
AND WHEN WE REACH LIFES CROSSROADS
AND DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO
JUST TURN TO GOD AND ASK HIM
WITH THIS, OUR FAITH WILL GROW
OUR PRAYER’S ARE ALWAYS ANSWERED
SOMETIMES “YES” AND SOMETIMES “NO”
JUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD, HE KNOWS BEST
HE’LL SHOW THE WAY TO GO
DON’T WALK ALONE, DON’T TRY IT
THERE IS NO NEED FOR THIS
PUT YOUR FAITH IN GOD, ALL THE WAY
OR TRUE HAPPINESS, YOU’LL MISS
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
MOTHERS LOVE
A MOTHERS SON SHE HOLDS SO DEAR
CARES FOR AND LOVES HIM, YEAR BY YEAR
AND TEACHES HIM RIGHT THINGS TO DO
TO BE A CHILD OF GOD THROUGH AND
THROUGH
HE NO MORE IS A PLAYFUL PUP
HE’S BECOME A MAN, YES, HE’S GROWN UP
HIS BELIEF AND FAITH ARE STILL THE SAME
A WIFE AND SEVEN CHILDREN SHARE HIS
NAME
HIS LOVE FOR GOD IS STRONGER NOW
IT’S TO GOD’S WILL THAT HE MUST BOW
HE RECEIVES THE WORD THAT HE MUST GO
AWAY FROM MOM, WHO LOVES HIM SO
SHE’S SAD, BUT OF ONE FACT SHE IS SURE
WITH GOD’S LOVE SO GREAT, SHE CAN
ENDURE
THE LONELY HOURS, OF NIGHT AND DAY
OF HER SON AND FAMILY WHO WILL MOVE
AWAY
SHE’S DONE HER WORK WELL WITHOUT
COMPLAIN
SOMETIME GOD’S WILL WE CAN’T EXPLAIN
GOD BLESS HER SO FOR THE GREAT TREASURE
FOR A MOTHER’S LOVE YOU CANNOT
MEASURE
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
MY SAVIOR
I HAVE A SAVIOR, KIND AND GOOD
HE’S MY COMPANION, DAY BY DAY
AND OFTEN TIMES, WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
HE’S ALWAYS THERE, TO SHOW THE WAY
IN HIM YOU’LL FIND PEACE AND REST
WHEN TROUBLE HAUNTS YOU, DAY BY DAY
HIS WAY OF LIFE IS ALWAYS BLESSED
AND SO, DEAR FRIEND, I’D LIKE TO SAY
MY SAVIOR, THAT HAS SEEN ME THROUGH
HIS WATCHFUL EYE IS ALWAYS THERE
THIS SAVIOR IS YOUR SAVIOR TOO
WHEN YOU BOW, IN HUMBLE PRAYER
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
MY SPECIAL PRAYER
DEAR GOD UP IN HEAVEN, PROTECT THOSE WE
LOVE
SEND ANGELS TO WATCH OVER THEM FROM
ABOVE
MAY THEIR JOURNEY BE BLESSED AND THEIR
JOYS HEAVEN SENT
BE JOINED WITH THEIR LOVED ONES, AND
FIND CONTENTMENT
WE PRAY AS THEY JOURNEY OVER MANY A
MILE
FOR THE LOVE AND THE PEACE, THAT THEY
RADIATE
MAYBE THEIR ABSENCE AND EMPTINESS, AND
WITH LOVE, WE’LL WAIT
AND PRAY THAT SOON, THEY’LL BE BACK TO
STAY
WE’LL PRAY THAT SOON, WHILE THEIR AWAY
DEAR GOD UP IN HEAVEN, GRANT US THIS
PLEA
BRING THEM HOME SAFELY, FOR YOU AND
FOR ME
MANY HOURS AWAY FROM FAMILY
TO DO GOD’S WORK WITH PRAYER
FROM OUR SHEPHERD STILL LOVE COMES
FORTH WITH TENDERNESS AND CARE
HE’S LISTENED WITH LOVE TO EVERYONE
WHEN EACH HAD TALES OF WOE
AND WHEN IN NEED GIVEN ADVICE
WHEN WE’RE BOTHERED BY FRIEND OR FOE
WE WOULD LIKE THIS OPPORTUNITY
TO SEND HIM THANKS TODAY
OUR SPECIAL PRAYERS GO OUT TO GOD
SOON BRING HIM BACK TO STAY
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
NO CHOICE
A LITTLE CHILD WAS MADE TO CHOOSE
WHO’S LOVE HE’D KEEP, WHOSE LOVE HE’D
LOSE
THIS MADE HIS LITTLE HEART SO SAD
FOR HE LOVE MOM AND HE LOVED DAD
HIS LITTLE MIND COULD NOT SEE HOW
WHY HE SHOULD CHOOSE, OH! NO NOT NOW
SO IN HIS PRAYER’S HE PRAYED THAT NIGHT
PLEASE GOD LET ME DO THIS RIGHT
I CAN’T LEAVE MOM, FOR SHE NEEDS ME
I’M HER LITTLE MAN, THAT YOU CAN SEE
AND DAD, I CAN’T LEAVE HIM JUST NOW
WITHOUT HIM, I’D NEVER LEARN HOW
TO DO THE THINGS I’VE SEEN HIM DO
LIKE FIXING THINGS TO LOOK LIKE NEW
I LOVE THEM BOTH SO VERY DEAR
PLEASE DEAR GOD MAKE THEM HEAR
NO, I CAN’T CHOOSE, SO THEY’LL HAVE TO
BUT I WISH THEY’D TALK THIS OVER FIRST
WITH YOU
YOU’D SET THEM STRAIGHT, AND MAKE THEM
SEE
I NEED THEM BOTH TO BE WITH ME
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
OUR GREY CHEVY WAGON
OUR GRAY CHEVY WAGON
A GIFT GIVEN WITH LOVE
WAS A PRAYER QUICKLY ANSWERED
FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
IT’S TUNED UP WITH FRIENDSHIP
IT’S “GREASED” WELL WITH PRAYER
IT RUNS PERFECT ON BLESSINGS
IT HAS LOVE FOR A “SPARE”
GIVEN IN TIME OF SORROW
FROM A WARM HEARTED SOUL
WHO, IN HER TIME OF NEED, THOUGHT OF
OTHERS
YES, THAT’S LOVE PURE AS GOLD…
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
OUR GOD IS GOOD
OUR GOD IS GOOD
HE LENDS A HELPING HAND
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
AND WE CAN’T UNDERSTAND
DON’T THINK OUR CROSS
IS OURS ALONE TO BARE
JUST BEND YOUR KNEE
IN HONEST HUMBLE PRAYER
POUR OUT YOUR HEART
WHERE GOD ALONE CAN HEAR
THIS EVER WATCHFUL FRIEND
IS ALWAYS NEAR
IN TIMES PAST WITH US
SATAN’S HAD HIS FUN
WHEN WE THINK HE’S THROUGH
WE FIND HE’S JUST BEGUN
WE’VE FOUND THAT SATAN
JUST DOESN’T REST AT ALL
WITH US HE’S TRIED
SO HARD TO MAKE US FALL
HE WORKS ON THOSE WHO
ARE DEAREST TO YOUR HEART
OH! YES MY FRIEND
THAT SATAN SURE IS SMART
BUT WE HAVE MADE
A FIRM AND HONEST STAND
FOR WITH GOD’S HELP
HE’LL NOT GET THE UPPER HAND
FOR WHEN YOU CHOOSE
THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW WAY
AND LIVE FOR GOD
IN FAITH DAY AFTER DAY
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
OUR GOD IS LOVING
OUR GOD IS LOVING
TO SAVE US FROM SIN
HE GAVE US JESUS
AND INVITED US IN
HIS LOVE HAS EXTENDED
OVER MANY MANY YEARS
HE’S WATCHED OVER US ALWAYS
AND SHED MANY TEARS
HE GAVE US A BONUS
THAT WAS HEAVEN SENT
ONE WHOM WE ALL LOVE
OUR BELOVED APOSTLE FENDT
WHO PRAYS FOR US DAILY
SEEN US THROUGH MANY TEARS
AND GUIDED AND LOVED US
THROUGH OUT ALL OUR FEARS
HE’S CALLING THE LOST ONES
TO THAT HEAVENLY GOAL
EACH DAY WHEN HE PRAYS
NOT TO LOSE EVEN ONE SOUL
SO BROTHERS AND SISTERS LETS HASTEN
DO NOT GIVE UP TRYING
LET’S FOLLOW OUR APOSTLE
WHEN HE CLIMBS MT. ZION
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
OUR SHEPHERD
WE HAVE A SHEPHERD, SENT BY GOD
HE TENDS HIS FLOCK WITH LOVE
A KIND AND UNDERSTANDING HEART
THAT’S BLESSED FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
AT TIMES THE SHEEP SEEM TO SCATTER
AND GO THEIR MERRY WAY
HIS LOVE AND FAITH SOON BRING THEM BACK
HIS PRAYERS GUARD THEM DAY BY DAY
WHEN IN GODS LOVE HE SENDS A WORD
THAT ADMONISHES US WITH CARE
HURT FEELINGS SOMETIMES GUILT CROP UP
THAT LEAVES A HEART SO BARE
FOR SATANS GREED HE LOOKS
FOR THIS IF ALL COULD ONLY SEE
THE WORD IS MEANT FOR EVERYONE
FOR YOU AND ALSO ME
MANY HOURS AWAY FROM FAMILY
TO DO GODS WORK WITH PRAYER
BUT FROM OUR SHEPHERD STILL LOVE COMES
FORTH
WITH TENDERNESS AND CARE
HE’S LISTENED WITH LOVE TO EVERYONE
WHEN EACH HAD TALES OF WOE
AND WHEN IN NEED GIVEN ADVICE
WHEN WE’RE BOTHERED BY FRIEND OR FOE
WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY
TO SEND HIM THANKS TODAY
OUR SPECIAL PRAYERS GO OUT TO GOD
SOON BRING HIM BACK TO STAY
BARBRA VON BALTZER
Contents
REMEMBERING
TODAY WHILE I SAT THINKING
BACK TO THE DAYS WHEN I WAS A KID
THINKING OF THEN AS MY KIDS DO NOW
OF THE FUN AND THE THINGS WE DID
WE USED TO LIVE ON AN OLD BIG FARM
BACK ON AN OLD DIRT ROAD
WONDER NOW, HOW MY FOLKS DID THEN
SHOULDER SUCH A HEAVY LOAD
MY DAD WORKED HARD ALL DAY LONG
AND GOSH, MY MOM DID TOO
THE DAYS WEREN’T NEARLY LONG ENOUGH
FOR THE THINGS THEY HAD TO DO
DAD WORKED THE FARM, AND TENDED STOCK
MOM COOKED, “TOOK IN” WASHING’S TOO,
AND CARING FOR SEVEN “MISCHIEF MAKER’S”
ISN’T THAT ENOUGH TO DO?
BUT WAIT WE STILL HAD PICNIC’S
AND TRIP’S TO THE OLD SWIMMING PLACE
IN THE WINTER, SLIDING PARTIES
WITH SNOW BLOWING IN OUR FACE
WE HAD SOME FUN I’LL TELL YOU
MOM, DAD THE KID’S AND ME
NOW I HAVE SIX KID’S AND A HUSBAND
YES, MY OWN BIG FAMILY
AND WHEN THEY GET INTO MISCHIEF
MOM GET’S IN A WORD OR TWO
“I REMEMBER BACK WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG
SOME OF THE THING’S YOU’D DO
I’D BETTER STOP AND COUNT THE BLESSING’S
YES, COUNT THEM ONE BY ONE
WHEN THE CASH IS SLIM AND THE GOING
ROUGH
I JUST THINK OF MY DAD AND MOM
GOD SAW THEM THROUGH, WHY SHOULDN’T
HE ME?
AREN’T I FROM THE “SAME RUGGED STUFF”?
I’LL HAVE FUN WITH THE KID’S WHILE
THERE’S FUN TO BE HAD
LIKE THE FOLK’S, FOR ME THAT’S ENOUGH
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
SENIOR CONGRESS PARK
AT SENIOR CONGRESS PARK WHERE FRIENDS
AND NEIGHBORS DWELL
IT HAS A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE AS ANYONE
CAN TELL
THERE ARE CARD GAMES AND BINGO AND
THERE’S A POOL ROOM TOO
MOVIES SHOWN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AND
MANY OTHER THINGS TO DO
THE DINNING ROOM IS OPEN WEEKDAYS,
THERE’S ARTS AND CRAFTS TO DO
A LIBRARY FOR YOUR CONVIENCE, A LAUNDRY
AND BEAUTY SHOP TOO
EACH APARTMENT IS SUNNY AND CHEERFUL-
WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE
WE ALSO HAVE A SHUTTLE BUS THAT MEETS
US OUTSIDE THE DOOR
MOST OF US HAVE SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS
SO REMEMBER WHAT YOU LEARNED IN
SCHOOL
BE CONSIDERATE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS, AND
REMEMBER THE “GOLDEN RULE”
WE MUST EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US OF OUR
NEIGHBORS, THOUGHTFUL BE
BE VERY CAREFUL VERY LATE AT NIGHT TO
TURN DOWN STEREO OR T.V.
DON’T WORRY IF YOU HEAR FOOTSTEPS
THAT’S EXPECTED WHERE PEOPLE LIVE
JUST BE THANKFUL WHEN EVERYTHING’S O.K.
AND A FRIENDLY SMILE TO GIVE
IF THERE’S TIME ON YOUR HANDS YOU’RE
NEEDED, GIVE A LONESOME SOUL A CALL
THE THING TO REALLY WORRY ABOUT IS
WHEN THERE IS NO SOUND AT ALL
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
SPIRIT OF MT. CHOCORUA
THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN LOOKS MAJESTICALLY
HE’S MASTER OF ALL HE SURVEYS,
OF MT. CHOCORUA, AND THE VALLEY BELOW
THE SPECIAL PLACE OF BYGONE DAYS
YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAMS OF MANY YEARS PAST
AND THOSE THAT YOU SHARED WITH US
OF YOUR YOUTH THAT WAS SPENT IN CONWAY
TO CLIMB YOUR MOUNTAIN OR BUST.
NOW DAD, WHEN WE LOOK AT THAT MOUNTAIN
THE ONE WITH THE OLD MAN’S FACE
WE REALIZE NOW, IT’S YOUR PROFILE
ALL THE YEARS WE WERE WITH YOU WERE GRACE.
OH SPIRIT OF MT. CHOCORUA
WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE FALL
WHEN THE LEAVES TURN TO AUTUMN COLORS
AND THE MOUNTAIN WINDS GIVE THEIR FAMILIAR CALL.
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
SPRING
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
AND IT SEEMS TO BE
A WARM INVITATION
SENT TO YOU AND ME.
THE AIR IS FILLED WITH SONG
OF MANY BIRDS IN THEIR FLIGHT
AND THE SPRING PEEPERS PEEPING
IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT.
EACH DAY BRINGS NEW PROMISS
WITH THE WARM RAYS OF SUN
BRINGS NEW LIFE TO THE DAFFODIL
TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN.
THEY’VE BEEN SLEEPING ALL WINTER
NEATH A BLANKET OF SNOW,
NOD THEIR YELLOW HEADS BRIGHTLY
WHEN THE WARM BREEZES BLOW.
YES, THE PROMISS OF SPRINGTIME
IS A WONDERFUL SURPRISE.
WHEN GODS HANDIWORK UNFOLDS
BEFORE OUR VERY EYES.
SO WE MUST COUNT OUR BLESSINGS
FROM GOD UP ABOVE
CAUSE THE PROMISS OF SPRINGTIME
IS A GIFT OF LOVE.
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
SUB SENIOR 40 THRU 50
CONGRATULATIONS- YOU’VE REACHED
YOU’RE “SUB SENIOR” YEARS
YOU’VE COUNTED YOUR BLESSINGS
YOU’VE SHED MANY TEARS
WHEN THE CHILDREN ARE SMALL
IT’S JUST A CHOCOLATE BAR,
BRACE YOURSELF, BRUCE
IT WILL BE THE KEYS TO THE CAR
THERE’S LOTS OF PREPARING
THAT HAS TO BE DONE
IN YOUR SUB SENIOR YEARS
JUST THINK OF THE FUN
THE DAYS GO BY QUICKLY
WHEN YOU’RE “OVER THE HILL”
THAT NICKLE AND DIME STUFF
JUST DON’T PAY THE BILL
THE YEARS 40 THRU 50
WITH MORE ACHES AND MORE PAIN
YOU’LL MOVE MORE FREELY
IF YOU STAY OUT OF THE RAIN
IT’S HARD TO REMEMBER
AND HARD TRYING TO STAND
YOU’RE OUT OF BREATH GETTING READY
OR HOLD A BOOK IN LAME HANDS
BUT DON’T WORRY BRUCE
IT WON’T LAST THAT LONG
SOON YOU’LL BE A SENIOR
AND SINGING A NEW SONG
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
SUMMER COLDS
THESE SUMMER COLD’S SURE GET YOU DOWN
AND YOUR FACE WRINKLE’S IN A FROWN
WHEN YOU HAVE WHAT’S CALLED, “”POST-
NASEL-DRIP”
YOU SURE HAVE CAUGHT YOURSELF A “PIP”
YOU COUGH AND SNEEZE, AND THE NOSE
GET’S BLOWED
YOUR EYES WATER UP LIKE A WEEPING TOAD
THE FOOD YOU EAT, ALL TASTES LIKE MEAL
THIS COLD YOU GOT, SURE IS FOR REAL
IT’S ASPIRIN, JUICES AND PLENTY OF REST
WHICH YOU DON’T GET, BUT YOU TRY YOUR
BEST
SO YOU PUT ON VICKS LIKE A GREASED UP PIG
AND BACK FOR MORE KLEENEX YOU DIG
I GUESS IT HAS TO RUN IT’S COURSE
IT DOESN’T GET BETTER, BUT IT GET’S WORSE
THEY DON’T SAY HOW LONG IT’S COURSE
WILL BE
BUT I’VE HAD ENOUGH AND IF YOU ASK ME
I’LL TAKE MY COFFEE ANYDAY
WITHOUT A KLEENEX IN THE WAY
I HOPE A REMEDY, THEY’LL SOON FIND
WILL EASE THIS STUFFED-UP STATE OF MIND
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE 20TH CENTURY SENIOR’S
THE SENIORS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
HAVE OH! SO MUCH TO GIVE
THEY HAVE ACCUMULATED MANY SKILLS
IT’S A DIFFERENT WAY THEY LIVE
YEARS AGO, MOST HAD TO WORK
TILL THE DAY GOD CALLED THEM HOME
NOW THEY LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL SENIOR
CENTERS
AND HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO ROAM
THERE’S CHARTED TOURS TO ALL POINTS
WHETHER NORTH, SOUTH, EAST OR WEST
OPPORTUNITIES ARE LIMITED
AND MOST ALL TRY THEIR BEST
IN SOME TOWNS, THERE’S “RENT A
GRANDMA”
AND THERE’S OLD GRANDPA TOO
THEY WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THEIR
KNOWLEDGE
AND IDEAS, EXCHANGE A FEW
JUST BECAUSE WE’RE IN SENIOR HOMES
DOESN’T MEAN WE’VE GIVEN UP
NO SIR, NOT US, BUT IT GIVES US TIME
TO RAISE THAT COFFEE CUP
AND “TOAST” FOR MANY YEARS TO COME
AND MANY MORE THINGS TO DO
THERE’S PLENTY OF PLACES WE HAVEN’T
BEEN
AND WE’LL FIND THEM, ME AND YOU
REMEMBER RETIREMENT IS NOT A HANDICAP
IT JUST SLOWS YOU DOWN, THAT’S TRUE
IT’S ONWARD MARCH FOR SENIORS
FOR THE OLD RED, WHITE AND BLUE
MANY WORK IN PUBLIC OFFICES
LOOK AT OUR PRESIDENT
THE ACCUMPLISHMENTS ARE MANY
MOST OF THE TIME WELL SPENT
SOME HAVE DONE BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS
OR MAYBE A HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER
MANY WORK AT ARTS AND CRAFTS
OR CARE FOR A NEIGHBOR NEAR
SO WHEN THE YOUNGER GENERATION
GETS TIRED, I HOPE THEY KNOW
TO CATCH UP TO THE 20TH CENTURY SENIORS
THEY HAVE A LONG WAY YET TO GO
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE BATTLE OF FAITH
WHEN I WAS A CHILD
ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY
WERE THE ONES GOD HAD PUT THERE
WAY UP EVER SO HIGH
NOW MANY YEARS PAST
MAN HAS TAMPERED WITH GOD
TRIED TO MAKE HIMSELF MASTER
OF THE EARTH JESUS TROD
STARTED WARS AND CORRUPTION
DEATH AND SIN RAN AMUCK
WITH HIS DRINKING AND GAMBLING
DEPENDING ON “LADY LUCK”
HE DON’T KNOW WHAT HE’S DOING
OH! WHY CAN’T HE JUST SEE
GOD MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH PEACEFUL
FOR YOU AND ME
LIFE COULD BE SO NICE
IF HE’D DO ‘ABOUT FACE’
AND TRY TO MAKE GOD PROUD
HE’D MADE HUMAN RACE
BUT THANK GOD THERE’S A PROMISE
FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD
YES, WE KNOW WHOSE THE MASTER
WHO’S THE MAKER OF EARTH’S SOD
BUT WE ALL MUST TAKE CARE
SATAN’S WORK IS NEVER DONE
WE MUST LIVE FOR GOD’S PROMISE
TILL FAITH’S BATTLE IS WON
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE GOLDEN YEARS
DID YOU EVER GET UP IN THE MORNING
AND FEEL YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN BED?
THE PAYCHECK DON’T STRETCH AT THE END
OF THE WEEK,
AND YOU NEVER SEEM TO GET AHEAD.
WELL, IF THAT’S ALL THAT’S BOTHERING
YOU YOU’RE A LUCKY “SON OF A GUN”,
‘CAUSE RETIREMENTS JUST AHEAD OF YOU,
AND BELIEVE ME, IT’S NOT ALL FUN.
YOU DON’T WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU,
IT’S A GOOD THING YOU CAN’T SEE AHEAD,
“CAUSE YOUR BACK GET’S WEEK, AND
MUSCLES SORE,
IT’S THE GOLDEN AGE WE DREAD.
DOES ALL THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
DO YOU GET A TWINGE OR TWO?
IF YOU DON’T WRITE THINGS DOWN, DO YOU
SOON FORGET
AND SOMETIME FEEL DOWN AND BLUE?
YEP! YOU BET YOUR BOOTS I’VE GUESSED IT,
I’VE SEEN IT COMMING FAST-
DON’T WORRY, KEEP YOUR CHIN UP
THIS AGE TO WILL PASS.
YOU’D BETTER CHECK YOUR OPTIONS,
IF IN SENIOR HOMES YOU’RE TAKING PART
EVERY DAY THERES AN ORGAN CONCERT,
IT’S OH MY LIVER, KIDNEYS, OR HEART.
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST,
ENJOY IT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE
AND DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT ACHES AND
PAINS,
THINK OF THE ALTERNATIVE.
BARBARA VON BALTZER 3/26/2001
Contents
“THE LITTLE CAMPSITE”
I’D LIKE TO SHOW OUR SPECIAL THANKS
FOR THE KINDNESS AND THE LOVE
THAT WAS SHOWN TO US, ON THE LITTLE
CAMPSITE
AND THE GUIDENCE FROM UP ABOVE
AND WHEN WE WERE BOTHERED BY SATANS
WORK
WE KNEW WHERE WE COULD FIND
A REASURING HUMBLE PRAYER
AND ALSO FIND PEACE OF MIND
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE POKE-A-LONG
WE’VE KNOWN MANY A HAPPY SONG
SINCE WE’VE MET OUR FRIENDS AT THE POKE-
A-LONG
THERE’S JOY THAT FOLLOWS WHERE EVER
THEY GO UNTIL YOU MET THEM, YOU’LL NEVER KNOW
JUST HOW MUCH LIFE CAN REALLY MEAN
THIS WAY OF LIFE HAS TURNED A DREAM
INTO REALITY, NOW WE’RE APART
WE SEND MUCH LOVE FROM HAPPY HEARTS
FOR THIS SUMMER HAS BROUGHT MANY
HAPPY DAYS
WE’VE LEARNED LIFE HOLDS MUCH BETTER
WAYS
TO THE BENTLEY’S, OUR HEARTS GO OUT IN
SONG
FOR THE DAYS WE SHARED AT THE POKE-A-
LONG
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE PROMISE OF SPRINGTIME
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
AND IT SEEMS TO BE
A WARM INVITATION
SENT TO YOU AND TO ME
THE AIR IS FILLED WITH SONG
OF MANY BIRDS IN THEIR FLIGHT
AND THE SPRING PEEPERS PEEPING
IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT
EACH DAY BRINGS NEW PROMISES
WITH THE WARM RAYS OF SUN
BRINGS NEW LIFE TO THE DAFFODIL
TO JOIN IN THE FUN
THEY’VE BEEN SLEEPING ALL WINTER
NEATH A BLANKET OF SNOW
NOD THEIR YELLOW HEADS LIGHTLY
WHEN THE WARM BREEZES BLOW
YES! THE PROMISE OF SPRINGTIME
IS A WONDERFUL SURPRISE
WHEN IT’S BEAUTY UNFOLDS
BEFORE OUR VERY EYES
SO WE MUST COUNT OUR BLESSINGS
FROM OUR GOD UP ABOVE
‘CAUSE THE PROMISE OF SPRINGTIME
IS A GIFT, GIVEN WITH LOVE
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE TWINS
I KNOW SOME TWINS OF WHO I AM FOND
ONE IS BRUNETTE, AND ONE OF THEM BLOND
THERE IS MISCHIEF IN THEIR EYES AND IT
SHINES THROUGH
BUT THEY HAVE QUIETER MOMENTS TOO
THEY RADIATE LOVE IN THEIR OWN SPECIAL
WAY
AND THIER NOISY AS CAN BE WHEN THEY’RE
AT PLAY
WHEN THEIR MOMMY TUCK’S THEM IN AT
NIGHT
IT’S PLEASE GET ME SOME WATER OR TURN
ON THE LITE
THEY SOON GO TO SLEEP IN THEIR OWN
LITTLE BED
AFTER LOT’S OF LOVE AND THEIR PRAYER’S
ARE SAID
YOU WONDER WHERE ALL THE NOISE WENT
MOMMY’S SO TIRED AND HER ENERGY’S SPENT
THEN SOON MORNING COMES AND THEY
WAKE WITH A START
THEIR “GOOD MORNING MOMMY ” GLADDENS
YOUR HEART
IT’S OUT OF BED EARLY EVERY MORNING TOO
CAUSE THE WORLD’S FULL OF MAGIC AND
MOST OF IT’S NEW
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE WEITKUNAT’S
I KNOW A WARM AND LOVING SPOT
THAT HOME IS CALLED “THE WEITKUNAT’S”
WHERE WE’VE SPENT MANY A HAPPY DAY
THROUGH LOVE, THEY’VE HELPED TO SHOW
THE WAY
TO THEIR FAITH THAT’S GOOD AND RIGHT
TO GOD’S OWN PATH WHO SHOW’S YOU LIGHT
WITH FAITHFUL HEART’S THI IS THE WAY
IT’S THROUGH HIS SON THAT YOU MUST PRAY
MANY HAVE SEARCHED BUT NOT YET FOUND
TO EARTHLY WAYS, THAT THEY ARE BOUND
I HOPE THAT SOON THEY’LL FIND THE NEED
TO LIVE AND BELIEVE THE APOSTLE’S CREED
IT’S THROUGH THIS WAY AND THIS WAY
ALONE
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL HELP US HOME
THAT’S WHTI HAVE THIS LOVING THOUGH
FOR OUR FAMILY, YES, “THE WEITKUNAT’S”
NEW BROTHER’S AND SISTER’S OF FAITH WE
FROM HERE THROUGH OUT ETERNITY
UNTIL THE DAY THE LORD WILL COME
TO TAKE HIS FAITHFUL FAMILY HOME
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
THE WORD OF PROMISE
THIS WORLD OF SIN AND DARKNESS
AND TROUBLE EVERYWHERE
I KNOW THAT SOON THE LORD WILL COME
FOR THIS WE ASK IN PRAYER
OUR GOD HAS PROMISED TO FAITHFUL SOULS
HIS SON WILL COME AGAIN
TO TAKE HIS BRIDE BACK HOME WITH HIM
OF THIS HE’S MADE IT PLAIN
NO MATTER HOW WE TRY SOMETIMES
THERE’S SATAN TO INTERFERE
EVEN THOUGH THE WAY GETS ROUGH
OUR GOD IS ALWAYS NEAR
OUR PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS ANSWERED
WITH A YES AND SOMETIMES NO
BUT OUR GOD KNOWS WHATS RIGHT FOR US
SO WE’LL EXPECT THE WORD AND THOUGH
IT MIGHT NOT BE JUST AS WE THOUGHT
THE ANSWER OUGHT TO BE
WE KNOW THE WORD IS RIGHT FOR US
FOR YOU AND ALSO ME
IF FIRST WE PRAY TO GOD ABOVE
THEN ASK OUR SHEPARD NEAR
AND CARRY THROUGH THE WORD THAT’S SAID
WE HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO FEAR
OH! GOD, PLEASE MAKE US WORTHY
AND LET OUR HEARTS BE RIGHT
SO WE MAY EXCEPT THE WORD
PLEASE SEND THY SON TONIGHT
DON’T LEAVE US IN THIS WORLD OF SIN
OUR HEARTS YEARN TO BE WITH THEE
AND THE HEAVENLY LIGHT, SHINNING DOWN
FROM ABOVE
PLEASE GOD, GRANT US THIS PLEA
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
TO PRIEST BAUER AND FAMILY
TO PREIST BAUER AND FAMILY
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS GO
IF ONLY THERE WERE SOME WAY
THAT I COULD LET YOU KNOW
HOW VERY THANKFUL I HAVE BEEN
THROUGH TROUBLE, AND THROUGH TEARS
I KNOW I WOULD UNBURDON
MY DOUBT’S, AND YES MY FEARS
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND
LOVE
THAT YOU HAVE SENT TO US
WE’VE LEARNED THROUGH PRAYERS
THIS WAY OF LIFE, WE ALL MUST
LIVE A CLEAN AND DECENT LIFE
AS GOD WOULD WANT US TO
AND TO OUR CHILDREN, BE A GOOD EXAMPLE
FOR THE THINGS THAT THEY SHOULD DO
AND SO, THIS SUNDAY, THANK GOD FOR THIS
ANOTHER PRAYER TURNS REAL
WE’LL MEET OUR DEAR APOSTLE, AND
OUR FAMILY WILL BE SEALED
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
TO PRIEST WEITKUNAT AND FAMILY
THERE IS A PRIEST KIND AND GOOD
OUR SHEPHERDS RIGHT HAND MAN
HE TENDS THE FLOCK BOTH DAY AND NIGHT
AND WORKS HARD FOR GOD’S PLAN
HE GET’S ALONG ON LITTLE SLEEP
HE’S FOREVER ON THE GO
HOW HE WORKS THIS MANY HOURS
THIS I’LL NEVER KNOW
IT SEEMS WHENEVER OUR SHEPHERDS GONE
HIS PHONE RINGS DAY AND NIGHT
OFTEN MANY HOURS GO PAST
BEFORE HIS BED’S IN SIGHT
JUST WHEN HE THINKS HOW SOFT IT IS
AND SETTLES DOWN TO SLEEP
AN EMERGENCY SHOWS, A CAR STOPS
AND THE PHONE STARTS IN TO BEEP
BEFORE YOU KNOW THE DAY IS GONE
AND SLEEP WILL HAVE TO WAIT
HE HURRIES OFF, ANOTHER NIGHT OF WORK
BEFORE HE IS TO LATE
HE’S NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN, I KNOW
TO US, THIS MAN’S A GEM
HIS FAMILY MEANS SO MUCH TO US
EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM
THERE IS LOVE AND CLOSENESS IN THEIR
HOME
THEY’RE ALWAYS GLAD TO SHARE
AND OFTEN TIMES I BOW MY HEAD
AND THANK MY GOD IN PRAYER
FOR THIS, MY SECOND FAMILY
I PRAY TO GOD ABOVE
TO KEEP THEM SAFETLY, DAY BY DAY
AND SHOWER THEM WITH LOVE
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
TRUST AND OBEY
PRAY TRUST THEN OBEYYTHE WORD THAT
GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
YOU’LL FIND THAT THERE’S NO OTHER WAY
UNLESS YOU REALY FOLLOW THROUGH
WE PRAY TO GOD TO HELP US FIND
THE PATHWAY FOR HIS” WAY OF LIFE”
TO GIVE US STRENGTH, AND PEACE OF MIND
TO HELP US IN OUR TIME OF STRIFE
GOD LISTENS AND TRIES TO CALM ALL FEAR
BY GIVING US A TIMELY WORD
WE KNOW THAT HE IS ALWAYS NEAR
IF WE LIVE WITH HIM IN ONE ACCORD
SO LISTEN EACH AND EVERYONE
TO WHAT GOD HAS TO SAY TO YOU
AND WHEN OUR EARTHLY TASK IS DONE
YOU’LL FIND HIS WORD IS ALWAYS TRUE
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
UNCLE POTTY
UNCLE POTTY’S GOT A BIRTHDAY
SAID HEIDI HO! ONE DAY
OLD AGE IS CREEPING UP ON HIM
HE’S GETTING OLD AND GREY
THE OLD PORCH IS STILL A LEAKIN
THE BARNS A FALLIN DOWN
BUT ALL POTTY’S KEEPS A THINKIN OF
IS COFFEE GOLDEN BROWN
POTTY’S BACK IS STILL A CREAKIN
AND HES FEELIN MIGHTY LOW
AS HARD AS HE’S A WORKIN
HE STILL AIN’T GOT NO DOUGH
THE FINANCE MAN IS AFTER HIM
FOR THAT ONE DURN PAYMENT YOU SEE
HE DON’T EVEN HAVE THE STRENGTH HE
WANTS
FOR ALL OF HIS “NO T.V.”
BUT POTTY’S GOING TO MAKE IT THO
HE’LL COME THROUGH I GUESS
HE’LL PAY HIS BILLS AND HE’LL WORK HARD
AND GET OUT OF THIS GOL DARN MESS
HE KEEPS RIGHT ON A THINKIN
HE’LL HAVE THE STRENGH TO STREIGHTEN UP
SOME DAY HE CAN GET HIS “NO T.V.”
AND RAISE HIS COFFEE CUP
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
WELCOME BISHOP FENDT
WELCOME TO CLAREMONT,
OUR DEAR BISHOP FENDT
THERE ARE SOULS FOR ADOPTION
TO THE FAITH HEAVEN SENT
NOW PLEASE DEAR BISHOP PRAY THAT THESE
SOULS
WILL LIVE UP TO
THEIR HEAVENLY GOAL
IT’S OUR WISH TO BE
A CHILD OF A KING
WE’VE SEEN THE LOVE AND CONTENTMENT
THAT THIS WILL BRING
WE WELCOME YOU INTO
OUR HOMES AND OUR HEARTS
AND PRAY FROM THIS FAITH
WE NEVER WILL PART
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
WHEN I WAS A CHILD
M4NY YEARS AGO, AS A CHILD
I OFTEN ASKED WHY?
AND THE QUESTIONS OFTEN ANSWERED
WITH A “MAYBE”, OR BY AND BY
I OFTEN WONDERED WHY PARENT’S
HAD SO LITTLE TO SAY
MOST TIMES, IT WAS “JUST BE GOOD”
OR PLEASE GO OUT AND PLAY
THEY WERE HARD YEARS
YES, I REALIZE THAT NOW
MUCH SICKNESS AND SORROW
AND I DON’T SEE JUST HOW
THERE WERE ENOUGH HOURS
IN A DAY TO DO
THE THINGS THAT MY PARENTS DID
THE WORK THEY PUT THROUGH
THERE WERE NO SUCH THING AS T.V.
TIME FOR RADIO WAS SLIM
NO FREEZER FOR STORAGE
CANNING FOOD BY A DIM
KEROSENE LIGHT THAT WOULD FLICKER
OFTEN TIMES OUT OF OIL
WE HAD A SCRUB BOARD FOR THE CLOTHES
MOM WOULD PUT THEM TO BOIL
IN A OLD COPPER BOILER
ON A WOOD STOVE AT THAT TIME
IN WATER THAT HAD TO BE CARRIED
FROM A WELL ON THE FLAT
WEEKLY SHOPPING WAS UNHEARD OF
FOR IN MONEY THEY WERE POOR
BUT WE NEVER WENT HUNGRY
THERE WAS ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE
IF ONLY WE COULD REALIZE
HOW MUCH WE’D BEEN BLESSED
BEFORE ONE OR BOTH PARENT’S
WERE LAID TO REST
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
WHERE ARE MY CIGARETT’S
I’VE HUNTED HIGH, AND HUNTED LOW
WHERE THEY ARE, I DO NOT KNOW
I’LL KEEP ON HUNTING, AND YOU CAN BET
SOMEWHERE I’LL FIND MY CIGARETTS
SOMEONE MISSPLACED THEM, AND YOU CAN
SEE
JUST HOW NERVOUS IT MAKES ME
I HOPE SOMEDAY THAT I CAN QUIT
WOW! I’VE FOUND THEM, NOW IT’S LIT
IT DOESN’T TASTE NEAR AS GOOD
AS I REALLY THOUGHT IT WOULD
IT’S A NASTY HABIT AND SOME FINE DAY
I’LL THROW THOSE CIGARETTS AWAY
I DON’T KNOW WHY I STARTED THESE
MONEY JUST DON’T GROW ON TREES
WITHOUT THEM YOU’RE MUCH BETTER OFF
AND YOU HAVE NO NASTY CIGARETTE COUGH…
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
WINTER
THE SUMMER LEAVES HAVE TURNED TO GOLD
AND AUTUMN’S HERE, IN FULL SWING
BEFORE THE FIRESIDE, STORIES ARE TOLD
OF WINTER’S DAYS, AND WHAT IT WILL BRING
SOME SAY THE LENGTH OF GOLDEN ROD
WILL TELL THE DEPTH’S OF THE SNOW TO
COME
WHICH WAY IT SWAYS, OR HOW IT NODS.
THEN, THERE’S ALSO STORIES FROM,
THE FURRY CATERPILLAR, BROWN AND BLACK
TO TELL HOW LONG WINTER WILL BE
THE WIDTH OF BROWN STRIPE IN IT’S BACK
I’VE LOOKED MANY TIMES BUT IT’S NEVER
TOLD ME
THE SNOW WILL SOON COME SIFTING DOWN
AS JACK FROST PAINTS HIS WINTRY SCENES
IT’LL BLANKET WHITE OUR LITTLE TOWN
THEN WE’LL KNOW WHAT WINTER MEANS
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
WINTER STREET
OUR LIVES NOW SEEM MUCH MORE
COMPLETE
SINCE WE’VE MOVED INTO OUR HOUSE ON
WINTER STREET
WE’VE WORKED SO HARD TO TRY TO FIND
THE THINGS WE NEED MOST, ARE THEY LEFT
BEHIND?
WE’VE STRAIGHTENED AND CLEANED MOST
OF THE BEDROOMS
IT LOOKS MUCH MORE CHEERFUL, WE’VE
LIFTED THE GLOOM
IN OUR LIVING AND DINNING ROOM, WE’VE
FOUND THE FLOOR
WHEN WERE THROUGH THE KITCHEN, OUR
BACKS WILL BE SORE
‘CAUSE THE BOXES WE HAVE THERE, STILL
ARE PILED HIGH
THE THINGS THAT WERE RUINED, MAKES YOU
WANT TO CRY
BUT DON’T WORRY, I’LL MAKE IT, AND IT
WON’T TAKE LONG
BECAUSE GODS ON MY SIDE AND I CAN’T GO
WRONG
NEXT WEEK YOU WON’T KNOW THIS IS THE
SAME PLACE
I’LL ANSWERE THE DOOR WITH A SMILE ON
MY FACE
AND WELCOME YOU INTO A WELL ARANGED
HOME
WITH JOY OVERFLOWING, WON’T YOU COME
IN AND SHARE SOME?
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
YESTERDAY’S
IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY WHEN THE STILL
OF THE NIGHT
WAS BROKEN BY A BABY’S CRY
TO COMFORT THEM WHEN THEY WAKE IN
FRIGHT
ONLY YESTERDAY
WAS IT YESTERDAY WHEN TINY FEET
SENT YOU CHASING
NOW YESTERDAY’S GONE AND IN IT’S PLACE
A LONLY TIRED AND WRINKLED FACE
REMEMBERING ALL THE PROMICES MADE
LOOK AT AN OLD AND WRINKLED HAND
TIME SIFT’S AWAY LIKE THE GRAINS OF SAND
STILL THERE’S THE LOVE OF A MOTHER’S
HAND
BARBARA VON BALTZER
Contents
WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS
The fragrance of the evergreen,
And candles all aglow,
Christmas season is here once more
With softly falling snow
The houses now are brightly lit,
With red, blue yellow, and green,
You wonder just how many know
What Christmas really means.
The birth of the Christ child
Was born upon this day,
In the little town of Bethlehem
In a manger where he lay
He was born to do the will
Of his father up above,
To show the people here on earth
How deeply was his love
Now in you’re celebration,
Of the season we all share
Don’t forget to thank our God
In an honest, humble prayer
By Barbara Von Baltzer
Contents