Funeral

It was a time of laughter, love, and tears.
Certainly, we grieve for our loss
For the sake of love, we rejoice.
Even in death, there is life in Christ.
No longer captured by our fears
When we count everything except Christ as loss
Our life will be full, overflowing as we rejoice.
It is the way of life for those found in Christ.

Have you ever seen grace?
Not invisible grace sustaining life,
But in human form
In flesh and blood before your very eyes
The strength to stand by God’s grace
He does this so that He may change life
From the dreary human form
To the one who sees with His eyes.

Joy in sorrow dries up our tears,
Fills the void that was our loss
Sends us to our knees as we rejoice
Renewing our pledge obediently following Christ
By His strength and mercy, drives out our fears.
By this power, we count gain in Christ not loss
With the angels in heaven, we rejoice.
We are all one in Jesus Christ.


As God Speaks
Patrick Levi Whiteley
March 20, 2010

Strengthen Through Struggle

Who am I that you would even care?
Demonstrate your love for me every day!
What rights have I to presume you care?
I am unable to follow what you have to say.

My life is yours; I know this to be true.
Yet, most often, it does not reflect you at all.
I am constantly after proof that you are true.
You have already given me your all.

Hear my cry answer my plea!
Come quickly, Lord, help me heed your call.
For it is to your side I must constantly flee.
I hear your voice catch me as I fall.

So easily defeated by the frailty of life
My struggle continues as long as there is breath.
Yet, you, O Lord, have given me life.
You the giver of life sustain my breath.

Strengthen me so that my cause may be yours.
As I follow, light my path.
There is no other way except yours.
Let your Spirit lead us down your path.


As God Speaks
Patrick Levi Whiteley
March 30, 2010