My Birthday

Birthdays (December 31, 1951)
Everybody has one, it was your first of many firsts.
The first gift from a loving God.
Each year we are reminded of that day. Some of us have parties with friends laughter and music.
While others sit in gloom and dwelling upon their fears of doom.
Now the way I see it, we have a choice how we view this day. We can either sit and stew over wrong that has come into our life, or we can celebrate the joys. Both already received and the ones to come. God has given us the power to choose how we view the years past. He has given us the power to overcome through him. This too is a gift from God.
I’ve had many birthdays, some good, some not so much. But I know that they were all gifts from him. And he was there with me in them all.
I choose to celebrate his first gift to me with joy giving him praise for that day. I wish no present except his love, which he gives freely each day of the year.
In my life I’ve seen miracles you could not believe. Not just in my own life, but in the lives of those who have come into my life as well. This also has been a gift from God.
There has not been one day that God has not blessed me in some way. He provides from me, protects me and leads me because he loves me. He even died for me. What greater gift could anyone receive? This gift from God.
So as I stand here before you there is something I want you to know. You treasured friends and family are a gift from God, a blessing to me and to each one you meet, for the love of God flows through you.
I think it only fitting that my birthday falls on the years end. The last day of the year, I can look back over the whole year and praise God for the many blessing he has given and remember the first he gave me, so long ago. It seems like the whole world is celebrating with me, on this my birthday. We give praise together for all his great gifts, for all true gifts come from God.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Welcome, we’ve all come together with joy and cheer,
To celebrate an anniversary and to start a new year.
We join here in the present, remembering the past,
Looking to the future with Gods love that will not pass.

I stand here looking out, I see my family, my friends.
Fellow travelers on the journey that has a glorious end.
We believers, can rejoice tonight in our love for Jesus,
For being with Him forever is His perfect plan for us.

Close your eyes, calm your minds, remember this year.
The times we laughed with joy, the times we share a tear.
We hurt, but our heavenly Father was there through it all.
He heard every plea, every cry, when in prayer we did call.

When we were too weak, He carried us along the way.
So it is just and right that we praise Him night and day.
Remembering the past we know what He has done.
In our lives this moment we see what He is doing.
And by His promise we know what His love will do.

If you become frightened, your eyes filled with tears,
Do not be discouraged, He is there through the years.
As we gather all of us are a family, more than friends,
And Christ celebrates with us as the new year begins.

So fill your hearts, your minds, and your life with him,
And celebrate a happy new year, every one of them.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 30 December 2007

The Team

Carl’s thoughts on ~ The Team
The owner puts together a team, a group of individuals, to achieve a common goal. When choosing his team he doesn’t always choose those who think they are best suited. But he chooses those he knows can be trained and molded into a strong part of his team.
He knows the team is stronger that any single member. If they work as a team their task will be considerably easier to achieve. Not all the members have the same duties but each members’ job is essential in obtaining the goal.
The owner sees the bigger picture and has a plan to accomplish the job at hand. The owner provides for his team. He equips his team, choosing leaders, coaches and trainers to insure they understand how to do what is expected of them.
As long as the individual is a member of the team it is his obligation to do everything in his power to strengthen the whole of the team. He is required to not only do his job, but also support and assist other members of the team. He is to encourage other team members who may be tried or having a rough time. He is also to recruit others to join the team and in so doing grow and strengthen the whole team.
No team exists without there being a reason for the team, no matter if it’s sports, in the workplace, in the military, at home or in the church.
In a team there are different areas of responsibilities. In sports there is the offence, the defense maybe even a special unit, but they are all members of the same team. The same areas apply to teams within the home, workplace and church. Each member strives to improve the team as a whole by thinking beyond their position.

As members of a church we are members of Gods’ team. He chose us, he provides for us everything we need, and equips us with his Holy Spirit as members of his team. At our baptism we have vowed to follow him, and we confirm this each day. And as members, each day it is our sworn duty to perform the task set before us.
Gods’ team is a unique team in that we can not fail as long as we strive to follow his instruction.
Who do you know that needs to be on this winning team?
Carl A. Gooch ~ 10 December 2007

Don't Quit

Don’t Quit

Some people turn this way and that,
But they don’t know just were it at.
You’ve got to go straight to the heart of it,
Grab on tight and don’t give in, don’t quit.

Some will say I’m stubborn as a mule,
Say I’ve lost my mind or just a fool.
But they haven’t seen what I’ve seen,
They don’t know what true love means.

When you find the truth, hold on tight,
It’ll guard you through the darkest night.
Storms will come with winds that blow,
But I know, come rain or shine, on I’ll go.

Some don’t know where they are at,
Their minds all cloudy and blind as a bat.
You’ve got to go straight to the heart of it,
Grab on tight and don’t give in, don’t quit.

Now listen close so you won’t be a fool,
A child of God’s, follows the golden rule.
If you listen to wise words you will see,
Just what he intended for us to be.

Follow his word and do what’s right,
That others may know of his Holy light.
You’ve got to go straight to the heart of it,
Grab on tight and don’t give in, don’t quit.
With both hands hang on tight,
Keep on going, don’t ever quit.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 09 December 2007

Let's celebrate together

This time of year is special. A time when we celebrate the coming of our Lord, the end of the old year and the coming of the new. And yes of course my birthday on the 31st of the month. As I view this upcoming event, this is what I'm thinking about.


Birthdays (December 31, 1951)
Everybody has one, it was your first of many firsts.
The first gift from a loving God.
Each year we are reminded of that day. Some of us have parties with friends laughter and music.
While others sit in gloom and dwelling upon their fears of doom.
Now the way I see it, we have a choice how we view this day. We can either sit and stew over wrong that has come into our life, or we can celebrate the joys. Both already received and the ones to come. God has given us the power to choose how we view the years past. He has given us the power to overcome through him. This too is a gift from God.
I’ve had many birthdays, some good, some not so much. But I know that they were all gifts from him. And he was there with me in them all.
I choose to celebrate his first gift to me with joy giving him praise for that day. I wish no present except his love, which he gives freely each day of the year.
In my life I’ve seen miracles you could not believe. Not just in my own life, but in the lives of those who have come into my life as well. This also has been a gift from God.
There has not been one day that God has not blessed me in some way. He provides from me, protects me and leads me because he loves me. He even died for me. What greater gift could anyone receive? This gift from God.
So as I stand here before you there is something I want you to know. You treasured friends and family are a gift from God, a blessing to me and to each one you meet, for the love of God flows through you.
I think it only fitting that my birthday falls on the years end. The last day of the year, I can look back over the whole year and praise God for the many blessing he has given and remember the first he gave me, so long ago. It seems like the whole world is celebrating with me, on this my birthday. We give praise together for all his great gifts, for all true gifts come from God.

How Long

How Long

How long? Lord, how long,
Must I keep traveling along?
How long, yes, how long,
Must I struggle to carry on?

For the blessings I thank you.
And I know your love is true.
This world is filled with wrong,
I am waiting, Lord, how long?

My foes keep attacking me,
And your face I long to see.
I’m old and no longer strong,
So I cry out, Lord, how long.

How long? Lord, how long,
Must I keep traveling along?
How long, yes, how long,
Must I struggle to carry on?

Lord, you know about my life,
All my pain, trails and strife.
Yet it keeps carrying on.
So tell me Lord, how long?

I know that you died for me,
And from my sin I am free.
But my struggles are so strong,
So tell me Lord, just how long.

How long? Lord, how long,
Must I keep traveling along?
How long, yes, how long,
Must I struggle to carry on?

Lost And Found

Lost and Found

I once was lost in a forest deep,
All alone, into my mind fear did creep.
The darkness thick was closing in,
Blind to where I was going or been.

The night was fully surrounding me,
Every sound I heard a threat to me.
Frightened, lost and alone I cried out,
Save me! I would scream and shout.

I lifted my eyes to the heavens above,
My heart was filled with peace and love.
A Calming voice spoke to my very soul,
My hand will lead you through, take hold.

A bright star appeared in the dark night,
Following it I knew everything was alright.
By its light I found the path that lead home,
I heard my fathers call, no more alone.

Walking along soon bright lights did appear,
Then I heard, he is safe! Then a great cheer.
My father came and wrapped me in his arms,
And I knew then I was safe from all harms.

I had wandered off the path and lost my way,
But now I was found and no more to stray.
Tears of great joy did streaked my face,
For I was freed from that horrid place.

The Father Listens

Our loving King does not rule from afar,
it is His desire to walk with us and be near.

The Father Listens

The dew droplet upon yond leaf glistens.
The birds are singing sweetly as I listen.
As a warm gentle breeze caress me still,
Refreshed now am I from early morn chill.

Those heavy chains of slumber now break,
The new day fills me with each breath I take.
At this top of the morn, the best of the day,
I pledge to my Lord that I’ll walk in His way.

As I struggle to rise, He helps me to stand.
Today I follow Him guided by His loving hand.
Before me now lay, what it is that may come,
I know at days end, His work will been done.

When the day is through, and I’ve done my best,
He will bid to me, come, my weary son take rest.
And another droplet forms on the leaf to glisten,
And a prayer is spoken, and the Father listens.

The Grave

Everyone that has been born will face the grave.
It is only by Christ that we can be saved.

The Grave

Blinded by my sin, I was headed for the grave,
You came from heaven above my soul to save.
You took my sins to the cross, your all you gave,
And it was my place within the dark of the grave.

It is by His holy grace I have come to know
All the wondrous things He has done for me.
Lifting the scales from my eyes so I could see,
That’s His love that helps me in Him to grow.

Blinded by my sin, I was headed for the grave,
You came from heaven above my soul to save.
You took my sins to the cross, your all you gave,
And it was my place within the dark of the grave.

With His mercy He watches over me here below,
Looking down from the cross of dark Calvary.
On a tree He suffered and died to set me free,
Where His blood washed me whiter than snow.

Blinded by my sin, I was headed for the grave,
You came from heaven above my soul to save.
You took my sins to the cross, your all you gave,
And it was my place within the dark of the grave.

Now there is no question for in my heart I know,
Jesus is my savior the only one there is can be.
His love is true, He has proved it to you and me.
His precious blood washed us whiter than snow.

He Came from heaven above our souls to save.
And took our place within that cold dark grave

A Fall Morning

A Fall Morning

Struck mute, I stood in awe, at what lay before me.
My soul deeply stirred by the artist hand.
Over every hill as far as my eyes could see,
His canvas spreads through out the land.

Amber, scarlet and gold burst in color on a field of forest green.
A morning dew sparkles, as the rising sun plays upon the scene.
Crisp and alive, this dawns clear damp air that revives and energizes.
Filled with placid peace and beauty grand it greets my waking eyes.

Playfully the colors dance upon the gently breeze, flittering and flickering.
Sweetly the song birds sing in the branches as a squirrel runs snickering.
A gift to all, these our days of reward, quiet, still, free of commotion.
Hearts again renewed from within by unseen caresses of warm emotion.
This my treasured time I spend alone with my friend in heavenly devotion.

Saved My Soul

Saved My Soul

He was there in my night,
When I was in great sorrow.
When no one did know,
He proved he loved me so.

I sang out my praise to him,
In his blood washed and purified.
Forgiven of my sins on the cross,
For me he bled and died.

When in despair to me he came,
I will forever praise his holy name.
Send me lord, I’m waiting to go,
so that everyone may know.

He opened my eyes so I could see.
That I was sick and he healed me.
When no one else seemed to care,
He was the answer to my prayer.

When it is time for me to go home,
He’ll be there, I’ll not walk alone.
And then with the angels I’ll sing,
Praising and thanking my King.

When I come before his throne,
There He will see me as his own.
For he has forever set me free,
He has saved my soul you see.

With My Friend

With My Friend

I may be down, hurting and totally without.
But I’m a rich man blessed there’s no doubt.
That is why I can smile when I could frown,
And I’m up when you think I should be down.
With my friend who is here by me to the end.

He guides me, when I’m blind as what to do.
I can always trust him for he has proven true.
In a time when I was wandering lost and alone,
He showed mercy and called me for his own.
Yes, my friend walks with me to the very end.

If I stray from him, he’s there to lead me back.
His words of love he puts me on the right track.
When hard times come, and I know they will,
He speaks to me and my troubled soul be still.
My friend is there when I feel like just giving in.

His protection covers me from my head to toes
Those that do come against me he does oppose.
Both day and night he keeps me from all harms,
I know I am always safe and warm in his arms.
He guards me by his mighty hand to the end.

The world may think I should moan and wail,
But his victory has been won and I can not fail.
He has proven true for my sin his life he gave.
his mercy forgave, from the cross to the grave.
Walk I will in heaven someday with my friend.

24-7

24-7

Yesterday when I was young and strong
The day sped quickly along
Not a thought that I could be wrong
My eye blink then it was gone

Everyday in everyway keep on going
Don’t you see the one inside showing
Can’t stop cause the clock strikes eleven
Stand your guard 24-7

Now the days I face are hard and long
I get up before the crack of dawn
Fill my soul put my game face on
Face the day full of right and wrong

Everyday in everyway keep on going
Don’t you see the one inside showing
Can’t stop cause the clock strikes eleven
Stand your guard 24-7

What’s not to stand going strong
Like a song it plays then it’s gone
Now my crutch with me I carry along
To relieve the long day as it goes on

Everyday in everyway keep on going
Don’t you see the one inside showing
Can’t stop cause the clock strikes eleven
Stand your guard 24-7

Announcing conquests loud and strong
With each success I’d bang my gong
I never saw when it all went wrong
Hurrying to find end of the day so long

Everyday in everyway keep on going
Don’t you see the one inside showing
Can’t stop cause the clock strikes eleven
Stand your guard 24-7

What I've Seen

What I’ve Seen

What I’ve seen and what I know,
Is how God has helped me grow.
I have seen him heal the sick.
And I’ve seen him raise the dead.
He is the one who died in my stead.

My Lord today is the same as of old.
He’s the same one of which was told.
Why do you look at me so strange?
How can I believe his love is true?
Because of what I have seen him do.

You say no miracles are to be found,
But open your eyes and look around.
Each day I have seen walking miracles,
The wonders he reveals to you and me.
And my heart now knows for I can see.

I will proclaim to everyone what I know,
Because my very being knows it’s so.
It is no accident that causes what I see,
It is so I will always know of God above,
Of his mighty power and unending love.

I have spoken now straight and true,
That you will know his love for you.
Yes, I have seen him heal the sick.
And I’ve seen him raise the dead.
He’s the one who died in our stead.

The Promise

The Promise

The air fresh, crisp and alive.
From slumber now revived.
I gaze upon the field of frost,
And I think of the great cost.

I used to struggle to survive,
Now each day I’m more alive.
For my Lord has paid the cost,
Of deaths sting upon the cross.

Each morn my soul he revives,
He give me purpose to be alive.
He found me when I was lost.
Now in life he is my only boss.

I can not fail, but will survive,
As in my life for him I strive.
Telling what he did on the cross,
To save a poor sinner so lost.

What joy it is for me to believe,
But greater still for me to receive.
Mercy, grace and a love so true,
He offers both for me and you.

Even though my body may fail,
His loving promise will prevail.
When this world I no more roam,
I’ll walk with him in my heavenly home.

The Place

When the cold cruel winds start to blow,
There is a quiet place that I always go.
And it is time for my steps to retrace,
And to go back to that peaceful place.

Back to the very basics of what I know,
Why God sent his only Son here below.
He came to offer his mercy and grace,
To suffer paying the price in my place.

And soon my face does begins to glow,
Because the love of the Lord I do know.
Tears of joy are streaming down my face,
As I rejoice singing praises in this place.

And because the lord above love us so,
He wants each and everyone to know.
He went to prepare you a special place,
That you may forever share in his grace.

So when this old world turns too cold,
Turn to him, he’ll show you which way to go.
He’s waiting with his mercy and grace,
In His loving arms are such a serene place.

The Passing

After some consideration and much prayer and meditation I've desided I should post this poem.
It was placed on my heart after the resent passing of my Mother-in-law.
I pray this will be soothing to some as it has been for me.

The Passing

The ones that have come and gone,
In our memory they’ll always live on.
They did touched our hearts and life,
Helping through our struggles and strife

Although they have now gone home,
They are with us and we are not alone.
We remember always the fun we had.
We think of the good and forget the bad.

We’ll miss the time we spent together,
While they were making our life better.
When we think of them and their love,
We can smile and thank our God above.

With their words and actions confessing,
To them we were a treasured blessing.
A precious gift from God they called us,
That God had placed with them in trust.

In their love they showed us how to give,
With their words they taught us how to live.
They worked hard to protect us from the bad,
Sacrificing their wants to give us what we had.

Now as we remember them with our love,
We know that they walk with God above.
Our Lord of mercy has forgiven our sin,
To be with him and see them once again.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 02 November 2007

Not Alone

Jesus spoke and said,
You know what is wrong and right.
I can hear your cries
sitting there in the dark of night.
And I feel your pain,
When I see you tremble in fright.
But you are not alone.
No, you are not alone.
For I am with you,
And I will guide you on.
When you were lost,
It was I that came and found you.
When you were rejected,
To you I proved my love was true.
When you had nothing,
For your sins my life I gave for you.
But you are not alone.
No, you are not alone.
For I am with you,
And I will guide you home.
Tears of joy flowed,
My heart rejoiced and opened wide.
I knew it was true,
From me his love he did not hide.
As I walk with him,
I know his grace and mercy will abide.
Because I am not alone.
He is with me where I go.
Yes, my Lord is with me,
And I am not alone.

A Beautiful Flower

It is not only sunshine that brings flowers to show,
But also the moisture of the rain makes them grow.
When we walk down the path remember as we go,
These are the lessons we learn, so that we may know.

We do not have to stumble blindly along our way,
We have a resource to lead us, all we need do is pray.
If we follow His lead He will never lead us astray.
And He is always there for us each and every day.

Yes, there will be those day when dark clouds form.
But He will be right there to keep us safe and warm.
When we feel like we’re caught up in a bee swarm,
He will come to us through our darkest storm.

Whatever come against us, in our darkest hour,
Remember this, He is our strength and our power.
He will bring His loving mercy like a spring shower,
Because He wants us to bloom like a beautiful flower.