If I Knew

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd see you fall asleep,
I'd tuck you in more tightly,
And pray your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd see you walk out the door,
I'd hug you and kiss you--and call you
Back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
We'd spare a minute or two,
I'd stop and say "I love you,"
Instead of assuming you know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd be there to share your day,
I wouldn't wait until tomorrow,
Letting time with you slip away.

For surely there is a tomorrow
To make up for an oversight,
And we'll always get a second chance
To make everything all right.

There will always be another chance
To say our "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
To say our "What I can dos."

But just in case I might be wrong,
And today is all I get,
I'd like to say I love you,
And hope you never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
Young or old alike,
And today might be your last chance
To hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
Why not do it all today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
You will surely regret the day

You didn't take the extra time
For a smile or hug or kiss.
And you surely aren't too busy to grant
What may be their last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
And whisper in their ear;
Tell them how much you love them,
And that you'll always hold them dear.

Take the time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Forgive me," or "It's okay,"
And if tomorrow never comes,
You'll have no regrets about today

Author Unknown

If Tomorrow Starts Without Me

If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss some tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day is the same way,
There's no longing for the past.

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart "

Author Unknown

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I've found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembering joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now; He set me free.

Author Unknown

Is Hell A Joke?

I went into my classroom
Ready for another year at school.
I didn't want the work,
Just wanted to hang and be cool.

I had on new clothes,
New sneaks on my feet.
I was there for class on time,
Went to the back and took my seat.

Yeah, I'm moving up.
I'm already grown.
Soon I'll be graduating,
And out on my own.

I talked to some of my friends,
We were all having fun.
Said some things I shouldn't have said,
Did stuff I shouldn't have done.

I knew I was different.
I felt God touch my heart.
I knew I should set a standard,
But then I'd be set apart.

Walking to the bus,
I was not looking for gate,
I heard the car tires screeching,
But now it's too late.

I'm standing in this room,
And I can see the heavenly gate.
Oh no! I never prayed.
I thought I had time to get it straight.

An angel walked towards me,
He had a book in his hand.
I knew it was the Book of Life.
When would this dream end?

I told him my name
And he began to look.
Then he looked at me sadly and said,
Your name is not in this book.

Angel, this is a dream.
No, I can't be dead!
He closed the book and turned away,
He whispered -- You cannot proceed ahead.

No... no this can't be real.
Angel, you can't turn me away.
Let me talk to God,
Maybe He'll let me stay.

He led me to the gate.
Jesus came to see me,
He did not let me in but said,
Beloved what is your need?

Jesus, I cried, please,
Don't cast me away from you.
Tears ran down His face as He said,
You knew what you needed to do.

Lord, please, I'm young.
I never thought I would die.
I thought I'd have plenty of time.
Death caught me by surprise.

Lord, I went to church.
Please Jesus, I believe.
He said you would not accept me.
My salvation you would not receive.

Lord, there were too many hypocrites.
They weren't being true.
He took a step back and asked,
What does that have to do with you?

Lord, my family claimed to be saved,
They weren't real. 'Ya know?
He said, I died for you,
Now I have to go.

I fell to my knees crying to Him.
Lord, I planned to be real tomorrow.
I couldn't, make Him understand.
I had never felt such sorrow.

Then it hit me hard, I said
Lord, where will I go?
He looked into my eyes and said,
My child you already know.

Please Jesus, I begged,
The place is so hot.
It seemed to trouble and grieve Him,
As He said, DEPART FROM ME, I KNOW YOU NOT.

Lord, you're supposed to be love.
How can you send me to damnation?
He replied, with your mouth you said you loved me,
But you continued to rejected my salvation.

With that in an instant,
Day turned into night.
I never knew such torture could be.
Now too late, I know the Bible is right.

If I can tell you anything,
Hell has no age.
It is a place of torture,
Separated from God and full of rage.

You know I thought it was funny -- a joke,
But this one thing is true.
If you never accept Jesus Christ,
HELL IS WAITING FOR YOU!

Author Unknown

Lighting the Way

If I was one thing, I'd be a candle
Lighting the way so you can handle
Your life easier without woes
Not having to fight with your foes.

I'd help keep you from stumbling over
Things blocking your path to an open door.
If I light your path, life is easier,
Even strong winds, my light will not deter.

No matter what, I'm here for you
To cheer you up when you are blue.
Do not fret when times get tough,
If things look down or kind of rough.

Just remember, I'm always here,
In your heart, close and near.
I will help you out in every way,
Happiness and love in your heart will stay.

Don't blow me out, that's one request
Unless it's me you do detest.
I do not try to hurt anyone
That isn't good or any fun.

But one day you may leave me behind
You may no longer need my light to shine.
If that day comes, go on your way
And I will hope to see you again one day.

If one day, I don't appear,
Do not worry, do not fear
I may be gone, but in your heart
The light I gave you did not depart.

It will be there forever and a day
To always bring happiness and light your way.
Farewell for now, I'm needed elsewhere
If your path grows dark, in your heart, I'm there.

So I'm really not gone, just not seen,
I would not leave, I'm not that mean.
Only one simple request that I must say,
Please, never forget those who lit your way.

Author Unknown

My First Christmas in Heaven

I've had my first Christmas in Heaven
A Glorious, wonderful day,
I stood with the saints of the ages
Who found christ the Truth and the Way.
I sang with the heavenly choir,
Just think, I joined in to sing.
And oh, what celestial music
We brought to our Savior and King.

We sang the glad songs of redemption,
How Jesus to Bethlehem cam.
And how they called his name "Jesus,"
That all might be saved through His name.
We sang once again with the angels
The message they sang that glad morn,
When shepherds first head the glad story,
That Jesus, the Savior was born.

Oh dear ones, I wish you had been there.
No Christmas on earth could compare,
With all of its rapture and glory
We witnessed in heaven so fair.
You know how I always loved Christmas
It seemed such a wonderful day.
With all of my loved ones around me
The children so happy and gay.

Yes, now I can see why I loved it.
And oh, what a joy it will be
When you and my loved ones are with me
To share all the glories I see.
So dear ones on earth, here's my greeting,
Look up, till the day dawn appears,
Oh, what a Christmas awaits!
Beyond our parting tears.

Author Unknown

Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus’ arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows,
Pray to trust our Father’s Will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth–
You shall rest in Jesus’ land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come! 

Author Unknown

The Dash ("-")

I knew a man who spoke in a solemn tone
At the funeral of a very dear friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning... to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke the following dates with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years. (1965-1999)

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on this earth...
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we use our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could all slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's action's to rehash...
Would you be proud of what they say
About how you used your dash?

Author Unknown

Was it worth it?

Amid the depths of darkness, these tragic sounds were heard,
T'were voices raised In anguish, uttering horribly sad words,
Outcries there were many, much suffering indeed for all,
They wailed amongst themselves, "Why didn't I heed the call?"

I had so many chances, the words He spoke were always clear...
"Repent my child, come unto me, The end is oh so very near!"
With nail scarred hands, He reached for me, with tears in his eyes...
"I've done all this for you my child, why can't you recognize?"

"Don't turn away, please believe, My promises hold true!
No need to pay the debt you owe, I've paid it all for you,
You've heard my WORD repeatedly, ye know all that I've taught...
The torment I endured for you, don't let it be for naught!"

"The Crown of Thorns, placed on my head, I didn't have to wear,
That Roman spear thrust in my side, I didn't have to bear,
Their mocking taunts, spitting tongues, I could've stopped it all
But instead, I thought of you, and prayed you'd heed my call."

Of course I heard His pleading words, He spoke them faithfully,
He'd say them quite a bit, you know, I knew He did love me,
He also said His Grace would end, and sin would be no more,
He had to stop the hate, the filth, and the ravages of War.

But Alas! I did NOT hear! I was busy having too much fun!
I just didn't have time for Him, I had things to get done!
No time to stop and think of all that He endured for me,
I had to work to buy nice things, more money was the key!

There were parties to attend, and fancy clothes to wear!
Fast cars to drive, new fads to try, and gossip to share!
I wanted to be popular, I always figured that he'd wait,
I kept thinking to myself "It couldn't be that late!"

I was so wrong, He'd had enough, it all came to an end!
Much earlier than I thought it would, then my agony began,
I got what I wanted though, I did reach my earthly goal,
But now, I have to ask myself, WAS IT REALLY WORTH MY SOUL?

Revelations 18:14 "And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all."

Author Unknown