In loving memory of Joel P. McKanna, April 23,1979 - May 25,2011

When in the Maddening Maze of Things

by John G. Whittier, 1807-1892



When in the maddening maze of things,

When tossed by storm and flood,

To one fixed hope my spirit clings,

I know that God is good.

I know not what the future hath

Of marvel or surprise,

Assured alone that life and death

His mercy underlies.

And if my heart and flesh are weak

To bear an untried pain,

the bruised reed He will not break

But strengthen and sustain.

And so beside the silent sea

I wait the muffled oar;

No harm from Him can come to me

On ocean or on shore.

I know not where His islands lift

Their fronded palms in air;

I only know I cannot drift

Beyond His love and care.

"...The Lord is gracious and full of compassion." Psalm 111:4

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28

 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

                            

Treasures

Bask in the risen Son's great light,
   Warm and fair and true,
Walk not in paths of darkness;
   The dark is not for you.
Stand not in world-bound wonder,
   At enticements and fleeting pleasure
For folly is in the heart of fools
   Clutching their earth-bound treasure.
                         By Grant Sullivan  (excert of
                                     poem written upon the dedication of
                                     Paige Sullivan to his Lord)

Life's Goal

So let me work on Life's patchwork quilt
   Through the rainy days and the sun--
Trusting that when I have finished my block
   The Master may say: "Well done."
                            Elizabeth Ryan DeCoursey