Has Your Daddy Gone Away?

  

Little girl why are you crying? 

Has your Daddy gone away?

I know he is a soldier,

Was he sent to fight that day?

Don’t think he doesn’t love you

For he didn’t want to go

But his country really needed him

He is brave and strong you know.

When you grow up you’ll understand

Bad things happen round the world

Then the brave and strong are called upon

To free people who are hurt.

Your Mummy wants to hold you

And together you’ll be strong

For your Daddy, since he loves you

And to each other you belong.

Wyn Barratt Sept 11^th 2012

Darkness?

  

Is there darkness all around you

Silence that is hard to bear?

Then reach out your hand in faith, child

I am there, yes, I am there.

Testings come all shapes and sizes

Faith is one size that fits all

Only faith will be the key now

That opens up the darkened hall.

Don’t imagine you’re a failure

Just because you cannot see

I have treasures hid in darkness

And I want you close to me.

I am the Way, I know you read it

I am the Truth; I’ll lead you through

It’s not your way, so give Me credit

I have the greatest plans for you.

Look up, I’m watching, waiting, loving

Look down, your feet are on the Rock

Look round, tell others I am coming

Don’t listen to the ones that mock.

Wyn Barratt  Sept 2012.

Empty Pews

  

Well, here is Sunday morning and the trillions in the world

Are in deep consideration; is it God’s turn to be heard?

From day to day and week to week He’s never in their thoughts

Unless they see some lightning and thunder runs its course

The thought will cross their mind at once to cry ‘Oh God help me’

Don’t let the lightning strike me, remember I’m Your child you see’.

It is the same should terror strike and fear wraps round their heart

That they are not immortal and I’m not in their heart.

Will anybody come to church to hear a word from Me?

Leave out the Ten Commandments we are modern here you see.

It’s now the ten suggestions; we have a free will choice

It’s better if we did not kill but I hear the world rejoice.

The bad guy’s gone the good will win; well, who is good or bad?

You all took up the cruel nails and yet the choice was Mine I had.

I chose to die that you might live, to give My life for yours

If you check the Ten Commandments you’ll not find in there a clause.

I gave my life up freely; your only path to God;

It took the life of your Creator to buy you back for God.

So remember that it’s Sunday and while empty pews abound

Don’t turn off your cell phone, a better message may come down.

Some one will say buy this, do that, your life will be a whizz;

But will it take you home to heaven when your breath ends with a fizz?

Have you forgotten, stone cold heart, that I loved you to death?

And as I hung upon the cross I said with My last breath,

“Father forgive them for they really don’t know what they do.

Then let My life become the bridge they walk across to You’’.

In church upon an empty pew; at home down on your knees;

At any place at any time Your God is one Who hears.

He watches out, He listens too, for every whispered prayer

If you should say you love Him, and mean it, every word,

Then you will just have made His day and everything’s worthwhile

For love returned though never earned is enough to make God smile.

Wyn Barratt 2012

How Long Will It Take?

  

How long will it take to change me?

Lord, why do I let You down?

I just want to show I love You

Not seeking a victor’s crown.

I’d like to be quiet and obedient

And yet I holler and fret

While You stand there beside me

Do You ask, “Are you finished, yet?”

My questions keep on increasing

My failures are doing that too

Yet I want to show that I love You

What am I doing to you?

Friends, I cannot give an answer

To the questions that bother me so

For though I’ve had years of practice

I still have a long way to go.

I hope that you love my Saviour

And don’t holler and fuss like me

Then your lessons in life will be shortened

If you realise God set you free

From questions that have no answers

Like the why, oh why is this so?

If you cut to the chase and show your faith

You won’t have a long way to go.

Wyn Barratt  Sept 2012.

This is the Way. Is 30.21

This is the way, walk in it

Now, child, while you still have breath

Hear My simple instruction

Why do you worry and fret?

I’ll close the doors that you opened

If I don’t want you to go through

I’ll engineer circumstances

To keep your heart pure and true.

So don’t plan ahead, just listen

And pray, and pray, and pray

Then I can guide your decisions

You will not be led astray.

Keep your eyes to the Bible

Your heart to my heart is bound

I will control your survival

Till you in Heaven are found.

This is the way, walk ye in it

You are travelling with Me

You are one with the Father and Spirit

And the Son has set you free.

You will do what I’m urging

Your yearnings have come from the throne

Each day a new beginning

Each night a step nearer Home.

Wyn Barratt  Sep 2012.

There Will Never Be A Time.

  

There will never be a time when You don’t love me

There will never be a time when You don’t care

You washed my sins away and You forgot them from that day

There will never be a time You won’t be there.

There will never be a time that I forget You

For You have done so much for me

Lord, I vow to You this day I will never walk away

For You vowed that You’d never  leave me.

One day You’ll call me Home; we’ll be together

I’ll be held by all my loved ones once again

This long and lonely road will disappear      

In a world of love and joy with no more pain.

There will never be a time when You don’t love me

And Lord I say AMEN!AMEN to that!

Wyn Barratt  Sep 2012

The Old.

Did you see that old lady walk slowly this way?

Did she lean on an old bent cane?

She once went to London with an Athletic Team

Before her 14th birthday came.

Don’t despise the old people that pass slowly by

They have stories of when they were young

They were fit then, and active, the world at their feet

Yet now to history belong.

We all have our youth but it will never last

Our lives but a passage in time

But the old have a history whether written or not

They remember when life seemed sublime.

So now as they wander the doorsteps of Heaven

And wait to be called up Home

Please remember old folk with a kind thought or two

For they once had lives like your own.

Wyn Barratt. Sept 2012.

In The Shadows.

  

Waiting in the shadows, watching life go by

Others flying high now, free and in the sky

Wondering why I’m earth bound, what have I to give?

Shadows hold my secrets, another life to live.

Dreaming of a future but maybe I’m too late

Hoping no one notices, yet hoping I’d be great

At helping broken hearted ones, I’ve had mine broken too

Curing all diseases and making bodies new.

Holding hurting children, pouring out the love

That lies unused, unwanted, though given from above

Running at Your call, Lord, what would You have me do?

Your mission and Your power Lord will surely see me through.

Waiting in the shadows, silence all around

Listening for Your voice Lord, and longing to be found

Here I am so needy yet wanting to be used

Lord why did you make me? I need to be of use.

Wyn Barratt  Sept 2012.

Follow The Master.

  

My life has been marked by my wandering

Roaming tween this thing and that

Trying my hand at each new kind of deal

If I ripped you off, that was that.

I thought of myself as important

I said it was my way or none

Then I met a dark eyed stranger

And I knew right away I was gone!

His glance bore into my spirit

My conscience? I didn’t have one

I felt restless, frustrated, and plain sorrowful

For the life I had led was near gone.

He turned and somehow I followed

He led me the way of the Cross

I saw all my sins there before me

My heart bled with guilt and with loss.

Then the stranger put His hand on my shoulder

And said, “Friend, choose life this day

I died so you’d live for ever

Turn round and start living My way”.

Now I am following the Master

By the strings of my heart I am bound

It is His way or no way I’m after

I’m standing on Holy ground.

Chorus?

Come with me I’ll show you the Master

With the strings of your heart you’ll be bound

Let your life be marked by His glory

Look! You’re standing on Holy ground.

Wyn Barratt  Aug 2012.

So Many Questions.

  

What is the river that flows through heaven?

Can I step into it now?

Where is the beginning? Where does it end?

Who can tell me right now?

Will it carry me when You call me home?

Will I glide through the streets of gold?

Will the tree of life give me shelter?

Will I really never be old?

So many questions to answer

They won’t matter once I am there

But oh dear Lord do please hurry

I’m ready to shed all my cares.

I am thankful for earthly lessons

But I don’t think I passed all the tests

Though I’m ready, so ready to come to You

For my eternal rest.

Wyn Barratt Aug 2012.

I Cannot Tell The Times.

  

I cannot tell the times You came to hold me

When on my knees I wept in bitter pain

For all my sins had piled up right around me

I thought the sun would never shine again.

And yet You came and put Your arms around me

You whispered love, forgiveness, to my heart

You turned me round to face a new day’s dawning

Holding me close, I knew we’d never part.

No-one can tell the pain Your Father’s parting

Left in Your soul that day upon the cross

He could not look at sin and You, the carrier

That we, the guilty, might never know that loss.

I cannot find the words enough, or worthy

To tell the debt I owe, the love I feel

Emotions surge, then fade, and I unworthy

Can only pledge my life as now I kneel.

Wyn Barratt  August 2012

Thinking

I am thinking of beautiful things to write

To tell about God, though He’s out of sight

How I feel His warmth when I whisper His name

How He’s always near, every day He’s the same.

I am thinking of wonderful songs to sing

To tell about God, like the birds on the wing

If you look up as they sing their songs

They are looking to God where their love belongs.

I am thinking of thoughtful things I could do

To show you my Lord and how He loves you too

You only need look at John 3.16

Then you will know just what I mean.

Please stop and think how God brought you to life

It’s His breath in your body when He gave you life

So worship the Father, give your life to the Son

Receive then the Spirit, you and God may be one.

Wyn Barratt  August 2012.

Who Are You To Argue?

If God thinks you are perfect, who are you to argue?

You’re perfect in his eyes, don’t you see?

He looks at you through Jesus Who shed His blood to save us

And so we are forgiven perfectly.

If God says He chose you, who are you to argue?

He chose you before your birth, you see

So you’re signed up already, take His hand be steady

You are captured by His love and yet you’re free.

God’s said he’ll never leave you, so who are you to argue?

He is holding out His arms, don’t you see?

You are on your way to glory, making your life story

With Jesus it will end in victory.

Wyn Barratt. Aug 2012.

Worship

  

Lord, we come to worship

For You have made us whole

Standing in the aura

With which You surround our soul.

Standing in our given place

Listening for Your call

Asking for Your perfect will

Offering our all.

We do not hope for grand designs

As You lead us through life

Just the knowledge that we can

Live in love, not strife.

We are coming home, Lord

Please change us on the way

We’re kneeling at Your Throne Lord

For that’s not far away.

Prepared and ready, our lamp is bright

Do You hear our worship song?

We are heading Home, Lord

It’s with You that we belong.

Wyn  Barratt   Aug 2012

Love Over All.

  

Lord, make me loving, gentle and kind

All the things that You had in mind

When You called me out of the crowd.

I was young, then, fiery and loud.

Fighting all injustices

In distress about all distress

Stern, judgmental, critical

Drawn into all that’s political.

Change the world!  That was my task

That’s how I saw myself while life did last

But then You put Your gaze on me

That’s when I saw You on the tree

A meek and gentle Holy Man

Sacrificed there as God’s own Lamb.

Now I am old yet still cannot change

Too much of ‘ME’ still roaming the range.

Lord, tear ‘ME’ apart, though I fear to say

Let no more of ‘ME’ remain this day

Help me die yet act my age

Holy Spirit please turn the page

May all my tomorrows shine with You

You are my God and I want to be true

Yet should I slip or even fall

I know Your love is over all.

Wyn Barratt  August 2012.

Last Poem?

  

Will this be the last poem that you see?

How often that thought has come to me

When no ideas burn in my head

It comes with sorrow and a little dread.

For I know it won’t be that I am rushed

Or my arm is broken or my fingers crushed.

It will be because my mind is empty

No thoughts of God that I found tempting

Enough to sit and share my heart

As I ponder on Christ and do my part

To lift your eyes to the God above

Who gave up His Son to shed His blood.

I tried to show my human weakness

And how God forgave me in all His sweetness

How my humanity is just like yours

We could love Him together for we have just cause.

I always hoped that you would think on Him

And kneel to ask forgiveness of sins.

To know His angels watched over you

His Spirit guided and helped you through

I longed to know that you’d be in Heaven

And not in Hell for that I was dreading

I wanted the best for all of you

But I’m no preacher, that’s what I can’t do.

So if tomorrow I run out of time

Or my brain is empty and I can’t write a line

I’ll continue to pray for you seventy times seven

For I long to know you are coming to Heaven

I’ll wait at the gates to welcome you through

And you’ll take my hand as I hope you will do.

We’ll push through the crowds to the Saviour’s feet

And Jesus will smile and say “Isn’t that neat!

I’m so happy that you read the notes that I sent

From Wyn’s computer for her to ‘send’

For I longed to know you were coming to Heaven

So I left Wyn on earth till I knew you were ready."

Wyn Barratt  August 2012.

Only Forever

You are still faithful Lord, though we may fear.

What shall we do? Are You really near?

How we must hurt You when doubts rule the way

What have we done? What did we say?

Yes, You are with us Your Word tells us so

So why do we fear to trust You and let go?

All You have done for us was through Your love

We love You too little Lord as we yearn for above.

Today and down here we are ordained to be

Yet we keep calling out, "What about me?"

May our love grow much deeper and be bound up in trust

You are our leader and surrender we must.

So here Lord we yield to You both mind and heart

Knowing You love us and we’ll never part

Only forever, is time, in Your sight

Whether on earth or in Heaven so bright.

Wyn Barratt August 2012.

You Understood.

You understood my silence that day

When my beloved had passed away

We both knew his sickness could no longer be born

Yet I prayed for a miracle though weary and worn.

‘Put the clock back’ was my frantic prayer

To the days when my partner was fully aware

Days free of pain free of weakness and loss

Movement then normal and smiles were not lost.

Did he hear then the music of Heaven?

Was he aware of the love he’d been given?

Did he long for the call Home just as I do now

Yet I have no sickness but what old age endows?

You understand why I’m not silent now

Counting the days that I am allowed

Looking ahead, but no further than You

I can’t imagine the things I might do.

Lord how I need You, how small is my part

In working, though worship has hold of my heart

You understand my changing needs

My lack of ability to do things at speed.

My mind is still full of the things I must write

Before I forget whether morning or night

I see time is slipping slowly away

I forget lots of things but I remember to pray.

Wyn Barratt July 2012.

Set Me Free.

Set free the thoughts my hungry heart would speak of

Release the words that cling to silent lips

Let not regrets now pave my way to Heaven

Doing what I shouldn’t and letting good deeds slip.

Free as a bird is what I seek in my life

Choices made by God; mistakes never made

Earnestly my prayers fly up, did they reach You?

Too soon my life is over; will You weep at my grave?

Will the gates of Heaven be opened when I leave this earth?

Will You say ‘Well done my child’ when I arrive?

I did so want to be a profitable servant

I’m at Your disposal while I am alive.

Please set free the thoughts my hungry heart would speak on

Release the words that cling to silent lips

You will set my spirit free to be all You’d have me be

Hold my hand, don’t let me fall or slip.

Wyn Barratt July 2012.

What Can We Ask Of You, Lord?

What can we ask of You Lord, something bigger than our dreams?

What can we do for You Lord, if our talents are not what they seem?

You gave Your all for us Lord, what can we bring to You?

Fields of souls are waiting for someone to help them through.

Nothing too hard for You Lord; anything we could do

Leaping a wall is possible when Your power is coming through

Praying down many blessings when we kneel at the Master’s feet

Winning lost souls for Jesus, for their lives are incomplete.

Feeding the poor and the hungry, lifting their eyes to You

Showing Your love to our neighbour, proving we’re straight and true

Too many lives are shattered by evil, grief and pain

Only our Savour matters and He saves again and again.

What can we ask of You Lord, something bigger than our dreams?

You know the answer to that, Lord Your power will always exceed

Whatever we ask or think and whatever we hope or plan

Yours is the power and glory since ever the world began.

Wyn Barratt July 2012.

Renew My Mind.

Renew my mind, it always lets me down

I yearn for You. I do not seek a crown

My strength is but a fantasy of mine

I think I stand but then step out of line.

Renew my heart; I listen but do not hear

You are my hope as I long for timeless spheres

What is Your plan to lift me from this mire?

I cannot reach the heights that I aspire.

I’ll just let go. Your Word is in my heart

Keep whispering that we will never part

I love You, Lord yet I’m not satisfied

That I’ll be holy or ever be Your bride.

Perfection still a dream that’s lost to me

Even as I weep at the foot of Calvary’s tree

Renew my mind, my actions then will change

I need Your power; be never out of range.

Wyn Barratt July 2012.

If I Could Close My Eyes

If I could close my eyes and feel You right beside me

If I opened up my heart to let You in

If I never took a step without You told me

If I knew I had no unforgiven sin

Then I would know that I am Yours and Yours for ever

For I know You died to save me and take me in

To Your heart, Your Home, Your family up in Heaven

Where there is love that’s pure and holy, free from sin.

If I could reach the folk that are both lost and lonely

And spread the Word as You have asked us to

If I could hold out arms of love with such compassion

Just the way You did for me to come to You.

Then I would know that I could be Your faithful servant

And fight the fight against evil’s cruel reign

For the day is coming sooner than we realise

When Our Saviour will come to earth once again.

So I will close my eyes and feel You right beside me

Since I opened up my heart to let You in

I will never take a step without You tell me

Lord, please forgive any unforgiven sin.

Wyn Barratt July 2012

When The Lord Comes Back

There will be such shouting when the Lord comes back

Will you be on the front row while you shout and clap?

Will the tears run down your happy face

As you stand beside me with the human race?

There will be such praising when the Lord comes back

‘Amen’s’ and ‘Hallelujahs’ while we sing and tap

To the music of angels and instruments on earth

Will you join me when we praise the Lord for all we’re worth?

There will be no weeping when the Lord comes back

Our loved ones beside us; yes we’ll have them back

It will seem as if they never went away

And they won’t leave us, not for one little day.

I will stand beside you when the Lord comes back

I did not forget you when we have lost track

Jesus arms are long enough to wrap round us all

And He was so happy that we came when He called.

Wyn Barratt July 2012.

How Can I Tell You?

How can I tell You I love You

When I fail to obey all Your Word?

Surrender has no conditions

If I’m Yours You deserve to be heard.

I’m far from deserving Your pardon

My life not reflecting Your love

Let me die at Your feet in surrender

That honours Your death and Your love.

I am there everywhere that I run to

There is no getting rid of me

Please take me and hide me inside You

I would see everything as You see.

Take my love and pass it to others

Take my heart it is open to You

My praise cannot add to Your glory

But Your glory has made me anew.

Wyn Barratt June 2012.

Tomorrows and Yesterdays

Your tomorrows are hidden in mists and in clouds
Your yesterdays lost behind worries and doubts
You have a Saviour who is Lord over all
So rest in green pastures; He has led you before.

You know that God cares and has plans for your life
You may not perceive them; you just sense worry and strife
But He knows the path that he wants you to take
Life is a maze but the Lord knows the way.

You are seeking His will, and ponder and pause
Is it this way, or that, the Lord plans your course?
Just take hold of His hand and His peace will enfold
He will open the doors to wonders untold.

Treasures of darkness; wisdom coming to light
Shafts of moonlight will pierce the darkest of nights
Clouds rolling by but blue skies will come
Everything changes; God is here in your room.

Wyn Barratt June 2012.

No 'Yippee' !

It’s dark and cold and wet today
And that’s just how I feel
There’s no “Yippee!” inside of me
Yet this is life. It’s real.

Not everything will go my way
Or problems disappear
But I am not alone, my friend
My Lord is always near.

I have a roof above my head
No leaks appear as yet
There’s food inside my cupboard
Bills in the mail, I’ll bet.

And in all this I hear a song
That comes down from my Lord
You’ll find it in John 3.16
God’s love in blood outpoured.


Wyn Barratt June 2012.

This Is The Way.

Come nearer, Lord, come near to me
I’m still too blind, I cannot see
I feel my need; I yearn for You
Hold out Your hands and help me through.

Day after day I wander around
Still not so sure I’m on holy ground
But I still know my need of You
Hold out Your arms Lord, and see me though.

I travelled in darkness through faults of my own
Never too sure which way was my Home
But above all else one thing I knew
That I was still lost and I needed You.

Come nearer, Lord, come near to me
You showed Your love, now Your face I see
You opened my eyes to the lost and the blind
I am here now dear Saviour take my heart and my mind.

I’m coming nearer, nearer to You
I’ll be Your servant I’ll be faithful and true
I’m ready and waiting whenever You say
“Come now dear pilgrim, this is the way.”

Wyn Barratt June 2012.

Could It Be Love?

I get up each morning I’m cold and alone
For there’s nobody else that lives in my home
I started my car and went out for a ride
And passed the old dog’s home; there was barking inside.
Well I pulled up right there and thought they sounded lonely
So I looked in each cage and saw just one dog only.
They must be kept separate in case they should fight
But it s lonely in a cage when there’s nothing to bite.

I got to the end of the rows of the dogs
There were cats in the next ones; they were looking for frogs
They looked up at me like I didn’t count much
They were more interested in finding their lunch.
I walked slowly back towards my old car
When this huge grey dog brushed up to my arm
He whimpered and shook like something was wrong
But he licked me as his tail wagged, ‘saying please take me home.’

Well we just kinda looked at each other that day
As I tried to decide if I should take him away
The keeper said sadly, shaking his head
He hasn’t much time left, he’s old; soon be dead.
That dog wriggled and wiggled and licked me again
Could it be love ? I wondered in vain.
How great it would be to open my door
And find a grey horse sprawled on my floor

He’s as big as a horse and would eat twice as much
But he loves my attention, my strokes and my touch
You see he is deaf so unless he can look
He’d have no idea what I said when I spoke.
He’d know that I loved him because I was kind
And he would just love me even if I were blind
For dogs can look straight into a man’s heart
And tell what’s inside you for they are so smart!.

Now my mornings I welcome when my feet touch the floor
My dog will be standing just outside the door
His mouth will be holding a slipper or shoe
As if he were saying, “I am ready for you.”
So we walk and I talk and he pays great attention
To things he can sniff that I don’t like to mention
But we’re friends now forever and we’ll never part
For as I look in his eyes he sees in my heart.

Wyn Barratt May 2012.

Does It Matter?

What does it matter if I am on my knees
Or spread across the ground to hold Your feet?
As long as my heart and my head are as one
And I’m worshipping my Lord the Holy One.

The bush may be burning or there is silence and cold
A storm may be raging; I may be young or maybe old
As long as my head and my heart are as one
As long as I reached Your feet before my Saviour’s gone.

What was I doing when I heard You call?
Did I turn my back; not look at You at all?
But as soon as the trials had reached my door
You knew that I’d be calling for You once more.

What was I doing when You died for me?
Where did I stand there at Calvary’s tree?
Did I wave a palm, did I weep a Psalm
Did my head and my heart kiss Your bleeding palms?

What am I doing at the opened grave?
Calling to the Romans, Jesus came to save!
As long as my head and my heart are as one
I will witness to my Saviour and my Holy One.

Wyn Barratt
May 2012.

I Want To Write A Love Song

I want to write a love song to the lover of my life
The tears I shed of gratitude seem so weak and lacking life
Yet You my Lord gave everything to save a wretch like me
And here I sit in sorrow for what You’ve done for me.

I should be standing joyfully my arms outstretched in praise
Calling out to others ‘Come see, our Lord is raised.’
He took my guilt on His own back yet I still hold it too
I’m holding to a shadow that satan will use on you.

My guilt is gone the price is paid yet satan waves the bill
‘Look what you did’ he whispers ‘and you’re still going downhill
Your every sin and blunder just proves that I am right
So give up now; fulfil each whim; come with me to Hell’s dark night.’

But listen to the love song to the lover of my life
My Saviour died and rose again I’m His in death or life
His power is my triumph over satans evil plans
My trials are just nothing, held in His gentle hands.


Wyn Barratt May 2012.

Nowhere In The World.

Nowhere in the world is a love like Yours
Nowhere in this world is there such love
It has been there forever and it came from God
And never will that love fly back above.

You planned to buy us back from the enemies’ bank
You died to make sure the debt was paid
No trick or trial from the depths of hell
Will work against the blood that was laid.

Even just a spot was drawn with agony
Pain You felt for Your own Mother’s heart
No short cut no negotiated plans were made
You paid the price with pain in every part.

But now where are You standing, my Saviour dear?
The gates of Paradise are open wide
I see the crowded streets and all the Saints of old
Packed together just to welcome us inside.

Amen!


Wyn Barratt May 2012.

Snags?

Dear Creator did You run into snags
When You came to make our world?
Did everything fit perfectly
From the first time planets whirled?

I’m having such an awful time
Making my computer run
As smoothly as I know it should
The way the salesman’s done.

I know I lack in patience
And understanding too
It’s torture just to read the ‘Help’ page
And the bits the dog has chewed.

My brain is slow my eyes are dim
My wits went out the door
And the price these things are costing
No- one will think I’m poor.

There is a large instruction book
In all languages on earth
But even the tiny English bit
Makes it all look worse.

I cannot understand the words
I’ll close the whole thing down
My homework is much easier
It doesn’t make Dad frown.

Wyn Barratt May 2012

Give Me A Song From Heaven

Give me a song from Heaven Lord
A sweet and simple tune
Yet one that carries the clouds along
As angels dance round the moon.

You have a name for every star
You breathed them into life
And even then Your Word has said
I’d had a longer life.

You chose me before You made the stars
You named me but I still don’t know
I’d love to know the name You gave
A mystery one day I’ll know.

Who taught the Angels to play the tunes
The musicians, who were they?
If I sat down at a piano
Would I be able to play?

Your every wondrous Creation fills
My widened eyes with tears
I have no skill but oh the thrill
Of watching them unawares.

Wyn Barratt May 2012.

Are You In A Quiet Place?

Are you in a quiet place? Do you hear the Angels wings
The blades of grass are whispering and its Jesus name they sing
The trees can’t keep a secret, they have always been like that
Since Zacheus climbed the Sycamore still wearing his bright hat.

It doesn’t really matter how quiet you try to be
Our Jesus sees and hears us and whispers ‘Listen now to Me”.
‘My Word is full of secrets. They are hidden in the dark
Just read and think about them one day they’ll wake you with the lark.’

And you will hear My message and understand My love
The reason that I died for you and why I came from above
You’ll learn the love of Father and the Holy Spirit’s work
We are Trinity yet family and here to do one work.

This Trinity is bonded with untold strength and love
We’re all for one and one for all headed for a home above
Its all good news you have to tell there’s nothing bad in this
That I’ve built your home in heaven and you’re welcomed with a kiss.


Wyn Barratt May 2012.

Moments Of Glory.

              

Moments of glory are not the norm

Flashes of lightning on a stormy morn

The normal is the steady step each ordinary day

As we walk toward heaven, God leading our way.

Danger, excitement, with visible war

Would keep us at the ready ; hearing lions roar

But the soldier that reaches the finishing line

Is the one that steps onward, time after time.

Just simple duties, putting God first,

Starting each day with praise, and love’s burst

I try to imagine what life would be

If God and my Saviour were nothing to me.

Wyn Barratt May 2012.

Old Age

The world is changing as I age and strange things are going on.

I take more pills than sandwiches. My shoes aren’t fitting on.

The clothes that slipped on easily have turned a different shape

But that may be because I left the dryer on all day.

The side effects of all my pills have changed my looks somewhat

Especially if I take too many water pills from the pot.

One set of pills can make me stick my tongue at passers by

I almost caught one on the mouth when I let my long tongue fly.

There is another pill I hate for loss of hair’s a cause

If taken too many days a year, and I am on year four.

It occurred to me the other day that if I took not one more pill

I could be jumping skipping hopping, pretend I’m in Brazil.

Here’s another side to that coin for as some friend pointed out

I might be in a wheelchair snorting in and out.

My tongue might not be working, my food might not go down,

I might be slobbering and dribbling from one end, till I drown.

I’ve thought things over carefully and thrown all my mirrors out

If I can’t see what I look like, I won’t get such a fright

I’ll get dressed with my eyes shut and hold a little book

Then folk will think I’m studious and not take another look.

Wyn Barratt April 2012.

I Guess You Noticed?

I guess You noticed I’d been quiet since the time I have been ill?
I can’t begin to understand why I should go downhill.
I always thought that it would be a slow and slippery slide
Each day a little less would move or bump instead of glide.

But do You realise, my Lord, how scary it can be
To hold a cup that shakes and spills, or fall down on my knees?
I speak now with a great respect because I know you’re God
But You died at only thirty three , not eighty three, my God.

The things that don’t move never hurt but, my, the things that do
Just stab me with a thousand knives or maybe even two
It takes some concentration to sit up in my bed
While neighbours and their children race round, their faces red.

I still have my ‘to do ‘list that grows longer everyday
Because I just can’t do the things the horrid list will say
No don’t you join the list of folk who say, “Get someone in”
“The work will be done in no time. Just let your debts’ begin.”

‘We know your Pension will not cover the workmen’s hourly rate
But the rooms that they have fixed up will be really looking great
Then as your Pension dissipates you open the front door
And only let the callers see a little piece of floor’.


Wyn Barratt April 2012.

The Autumn Sky.

The autumn sky, a gentle blue,
Has been waiting round for me and you
No harshness of the summer heat
Just soft and tender clouds that meet
And slip by tenderly, not leave a bruise,
A gap, a tear that hints abuse.

Such tenderness is born of God
When Christ His Son our journey trod
Oh Lord may I forever step
With careful measured gentleness
To point the way from star to star
To God Creator, our blessed Father.

Wyn Barratt. April 2012.

Rushin' Round.

I’m standing on a roundabout
Traffic rushing all around
I see a space in this mad race
Shall I jump and hit the ground?
Which way is right, which way is wrong
Dare I chance this game at all?
I could stand right here and never move
Till I’m pushed or perhaps I fall.

I can see that this is not the way
That I should live my life
For God has made a plan for me
That includes none of this strife.
So as I kneel down here in traffic’s roar
And give my life to Him
I see a sign down a narrow lane
That says ‘Take this way in.’

Wyn Barratt
April 2012.

Why Am I Here?

There was a time, not long ago that I succumbed to doubt
Why was I here? What use was I? I couldn’t work it out.
My age advanced, my health not strong , more burden than much use
Yet God had still not called me home although I begged Him to.

More people seemed to pray for me than I need to pray for them
My health declined so rapidly and my usefulness did then
I volunteered for active roles; a worker I would be
Until I slipped into a grave and no one noticed me.

I’d barely turned a spade or two and planted out some land
When evil inward wriggling things brought that plan to an end
A hospital opened up its doors to treat Pneumonia
While angels flew round without wings and Heaven seemed nearer.

I dieted on mounds of pills till I was sent on home
The house I never thought to see was quiet, still; grass grown
I realised then that I still had important work to do
For God my Saviour sent me back to finish what was due.

One of His special faithful band was deep on a battleground
Attacked on all sides by enemy hordes desperate to keep her down
While I have breath to whisper a plea for a Holy God
He’ll send His praying warriors to fight for this child of God.

However many days may pass each one will do its work
For I am here to pray and pray for God’s family here on earth
The breath to whisper Jesus name is all the strength I’ll need
For God Himself knows all my heart and answers prayer at speed.


Wyn Barratt April 2012.

This is Our Easter.

This is your Easter and it’s mine. We nailed Christ to the Cross
A Holy living sacrifice; God accepted his Son’s loss
My life, my death not good enough to pay the price of sin
The highest and the purest Life it took to let me in
To Heavens glorious spotless halls, to see the face of God
Yet God said “Yes!” and Christ said “Yes!” to the path that must be trod.

I look around at all God made, a mirror shows my shame
That I a vision of all that’s poor should carry a name He gave
What have I ever said or done worthy of a thought
Let alone a tortured cruel death to lift me up from nought?
Were I to live a thousand years in a pure and holy life
I never could deserve the blood as Jesus gave His life

The Father gave His only Son a mother her firstborn
And all accepted this, their fate, since the day that Christ was born.
How can I then fret or complain when trials follow me?
I have my life, my hope, my God and all things meant to be.
The blessings He bestows on me far more than I deserve
The prayerful love of family and friends without reserve

And yet if only one deep prayer I’ve sent on their behalf
Were to come true, and all through You, how it would bless my heart
So from my heart, oh Lord, my God, I thank you here and now
For answers to my whispered prayers though they don’t come here and now
The life of God was given in love and answered prayers the same
Whatever forms those answers take they’ll come in Jesus name.


Wyn Baratt April 2012

Against The Wall.

If you ever sat behind a wall you’ll know how safe you feel
And the dangers on the other side will never seem too real
Well that is how we feel when the Lord God has our back
He is a Rock, a Guide, our Shepherd, and the Leader of the pack.

We can be strong Lord, when You are guarding us no matter where we are
On a busy city highway or just gazing at a star
You are not a thousand light years away from us at all
You are beside us and within us and Almighty over all.

So praise to You our Father and praise to Christ the Son
Praise to the Spirit, Comforter a glorious three in one
You are anywhere we need You between here and a star
Before we speak You answer for you know what’s in our heart.

Praise the Lord; thank You Jesus; there are no words to convey
Just what our heart is holding and the words of love we’d say
But since You know us through and through it will be no surprise
That on the day that You call us we’ll want to gaze into Your eyes.

Wyn Barratt Feb 2012

A Sinner Who’s A Winner.

The shadows lengthen, a new day has gone
Just history in a life that went wrong
My good intentions were only hot air
Whatever I touched I could not see You there.

‘You should’ and ‘you shouldn’t’ was all that I heard
How I wished that I ‘wasn’t’ and not standing there
But You had a plan, Lord, and I was Your man
Now I see You before me; Yes I am Your man.

New mornings are dawning, new chances for me
To learn of the Christ who had died on the tree
I can walk now in triumph; He rose from the grave
I’m a sinner, who’s a winner, with the Jesus Who saves.

Wyn Barratt Feb 2012.

What Am I Doing Here?

What am I doing here?
Where should I be?
Who should I belong to?
Am I bound or free?

Days fly by far too fast
Yet nights never end.
Are you a Christ born soul?
I’m looking for a friend.

Coming or going
Doors open wide
What is beyond them?
I cannot decide.

I’m waiting to feel my hand
Taken in yours
Friendship, love and purpose
With God’s guidance of course.

Who should I belong to?
Am I bound or free?
I’m looking for a Christ born soul
To travel with me.

Wyn Barratt Feb 2012.

I Remember

I remember how You hid me in a corner of Your heart
How I felt Your arms around me when my heart was split apart
I remember that sweet night when You rocked me back to sleep
After old and bitter memories swamped my thoughts; no hope to keep.

I remember all the mercy that You in loving-kindness showed
When with all my faults and failings I had wandered from the road
I remember too the words of love I found inside Your Word
When in times of dark depression, I despaired, in this hard world.

I never will forget the times too numerous to list
That You, Dear Lord and Saviour, touched my soul and stooped to lift
My knees felt bruised and battered from falling at Your feet
And when You raised me once again I knew our eyes could meet.

I always will remember just how much You mean to me
How You took the road to Calvary, and the day You set me free
I’ll remember till my dying day Your precious healing blood
That marks my steps to Heaven even though I’m not so good.

I’ll remember all Your Mercy and Your Faithfulness to me
Though I’ll never understand why You should give Your life for me
But for what it’s worth dear Saviour I know we’ll never part
For I remember You have hidden me in a corner of Your heart.


Wyn Barratt Feb 2012.

No Valentine?

Would that cloud in the sky hide your tear drops?
If you could fly right into it to hide
Or would the moisture it holds cause your tears to roll
Even faster and down to earth they’d slide?

Will the sun ever come out to warm you?
Will the rain and your tears ever dry?
Will the flowers catch the drops for their nectar
To feed the bees that are buzzing nearby?

Will the Angels come out to attend you?
Will they lift up your despondent heart?
Will they find a soul mate to befriend you?
Someone faithful and true from the start?

Do you cry for the moon and ask something
That no one could ever fulfil
Or is it just faintly possible
That your hopes might one day be filled?

As you look to the sky for a miracle
Don’t ponder on what might have been
Just walk on with hope for tomorrow
For tomorrow may bring a new scene.

Wyn Barratt
Feb 2012.

Hide Me.

Hide me; the shadows are falling beside me
The long day is ending and I’ll be
Waiting for dawn once again
Guide me; the moon is not shining above me
Stars hidden by clouds and I can’t see
Darkness is deep once again.

My eyes close; I don’t need to see, for You’re leading
It doesn’t seem long since Your bleeding
When You won my heart, there and then
Your hand is warm; the scars from the nails are disturbing
I’d forgotten how much You were hurting
When You died both for me and all men.

I am Yours now; I know that You’ll never leave me
One day You will come and retrieve me
I watch for the dawn of that day
The skies will light up with all of Your glory
Your saints will sing the old story
As we praise that we followed, ‘The Way’.


Wyn Barratt
Feb 2012.

Is Anyone There?

Are you bowing your head in a moment of prayer?
Sometimes do you wonder if anyone’s there?
The tears sting your eyes with the pain that you feel
Yes, God is there; He is close, and He’s real.

So hold on my friend, and feel all the warmth
That flows down from God as you enter the storm
The Saviour Who poured out His life for your soul
Is standing beside you, let your faith make you whole.

Hold on, hold tightly your Lord’s at your side
He’ll never leave you and there’s more beside
His blood is the balm that will soothe all your wounds
He loves you forever and He’s returning real soon.

Some days are easy and we sail along
Some days are so hard; where do we belong?
We belong at the feet of our Saviour and friend
He belongs to the Father whose reign has no end.

Wyn Barratt
Feb 2012

My Number One.

Today I felt Your Peace Lord. I had asked for it before
But in a casual sort of way not desperate for more
Of You and all You have and are; the Source of all my life
But now as I grow older I want to end all strife.

I ask you Lord to give me Peace that only You can give
The peace that calms the storms of life and whispers ‘Peace, be still’
There was a time when I enjoyed a knock down, ding dong fight
But now that I am old and frail I think I’ve seen the light.

Just give me peace; a tender heart that sees no mote or beam
That offers all a second chance in spite of how things seem
For I have had that second chance and many, many more
All gifts of Your Mercy, Lord, when I with tears, implored.

I begged forgiveness, promised too, that I would never fail
And then like Peter turned aside; it was another nail
To pierce the hands outstretched in love and I, Your chosen one
Had failed again to raise Your name, as the Alpha, my number One.


Wyn Barratt Jan 2012.

As Long As You're Holding Me

As long as You’re holding me
My faith is strong
As long as You’re holding me
Where I belong

As long as I cling to You
Surrender all
As long as I cling to You
You are my all

As long as I’m faithful, Lord
Your Peace will reign
As long as I yield to You
Your joy remains

Your power will drive away
All of my fear
As long as I yield to You
You’re always near.

Wyn Barratt
Jan 2012

Ponderings: The Perrys-Almost Morning With Lyrics

Ponderings: The Perrys-Almost Morning With Lyrics

I Got My Wings.

Drifting in and out of clouds I’m hovering around
I’ve got my angels wings and my feet don’t touch the ground
I’m too high up to see the mess that I left in my room
And if I land on earth tomorrow it will be much too soon.

My poor dog Buster’s down on earth he’s barking quite a lot
I can hear the neighbours shouting “will you shut up your dog”.
I am grinning right from ear to ear because they don’t see me
I could yell a cheeky answer but my Mom would hear and see.

Well, it is a well known fact that Mom’s have eyes all round their head
She sees me pull my tongue out and I’m sent early up to bed
I slip my homework out of sight under her favourite chair
But the bloomin’ paper crackles and I run right out of there.

I’m not so sure I earned my wings; I guess this is a dream
When I wake up in the morning things won’t be all they seemed
I didn’t do my homework and I’m sorry as can be
For my teacher is my Mother and she heading right for me!


Wyn Barratt Jan 2012.

I’ve Said Enough

If I never write another word I think I’ve said enough
To let you know what Jesus means to me
The only other thing I wish that would bring me such great joy
Would be to know that you love Him as well, you see?

Our life flies by so quickly and our pleasures come and go
Our emotions trick and mess round with our heart
But there’s one Who never falters; Who is faithful to the end
Who stands besides us and has promised not to part.

It is Jesus, yes it’s Jesus, a Saviour and a Friend
How often have I told just why He died?
If you look inside your own heart and compare it to the Lord’s
You’ll understand the sin that lies inside.

You know that God’s been calling you and following you around
He’s been there on every corner you have turned
Do mystic hunger and the mysteries of life still abound?
And the times you thought of Him, has your heart burned?

Come while there’s time, don’t stand in line; get down to the Mercy Seat
Don’t tell me that our Saviour died in vain
It was your name that was on His lips as the nails were driven home
Don’t walk away as He calls your name again.


WynBarratt
Jan 2012