POEMS
by John Roy Bohlen & JOHN 5:30
& Other Family Members
POETRY - John Roy Bohlen
AN INDEX OF JOHN’S POEMS, PLUS A FEW OTHERS
1. 33 ANNIVERSARY - KAREN
2. KARI’S 31ST BIRTHDAY
3. CELEBRATE THE BCL
4. MOTHER’S DAY - 1997 -
5. KAREN’S BD - 1997
6. A POEM FOR PETER
7. CREATOR OF THE STARS
8. A POEM FOR KAREN
9. COME AND LOOK !
10. 60TH BIRTHDAY - Joseph Peter Bohlen
11. POEM FOR DAWN JOY
12. EDDY
13. A POEM FOR HULDA
14. TEACHING SCHOOL
15. COME TO THE FEAST!
16. DEAR WELLS AND SANDY
17. A POEM TO MICHELLE
18. TO LOVER - KAREN
19. 25TH ANNIVERSARY - MOM & ED
20. A POEM FOR MICHELLE
21. JOLENE
22. GOOD-BYE JOLENE
23. A POEM FOR JOEY
24. KAREN - M.D. - 1998
25. TO MICK
26. KING KONG
27. WEDDING A.V. - 1999
28. DARLING DOWN COMFORTER
29. STEP BY STEP -JOSH
30. TO BE APPROVED
31. I LOVE YOU
32. GRATITUDE
33. CREDIT
34. PLEASING THEE!
35. SUSPICION!
36. MOTHER - JOHN’S
37. HIGH SCHOOL PRINCE
38. MOTHER, DEAR
39. A POEM FOR KARI
40. A POEM FOR JOSHUA
41. YOUR HEART - OUR HOME!
42. THE PROMISES
43. SECRET POEM
44. MAD AT GOD
45. SMILE OF PLEASURE
46. MY FRIEND, DAVID
47. YEARNING FOR YHWH
48. VALENTINE’S DAY - 97
49. OH HEAVENLY FATHER
50. FRIENDSHIP
51. TO BE A MANIFESTED
52. $ 4 THE KINGDOM
53. ACCEPTANCE
54. THE CIRCLE OF MY ARMS
55. TO KAREN FROM AFRICA
56. THANK YOU, LORD
57. BULLY OF THE YARD
58. MICHELLE FROM AFRICA
59. MICHELLE: A HERO!
60. MODULERE MOTEL
61. TIAWO
62. FORGE FORWARD VALIANTLY
63. ST. ANNIE
64. ANNIV: 2000
65. IT IS GOOD TO BE HOME
66. FOR LOVE’S DEAR SAKE
67. LOVING MORE DEARLY
68. LOVE THROUGH US!
69. TRUST
70. OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
71. BY JOSHUA: IN MY HEART
72. ALONE IN MY HOTEL
73. DAWN AND TIM’S WEDDING
74. KAREN’S B.D. - 2000
75. KARI’S B.D. - 1999
76. KARI'S B.D. - 1994
77. JOSHUA: "HELL"
78. JOSHUA: "YOUNG LASS!"
79. KAREN, MY BELOVED
80. NEVER GIVE UP! JOSHUA
81. 'SWEATHER
82. SOON!
83. I THINK OF YOU
84. THE LOVELY MEAL
85. AMAZING!
86. ABOUT JOEY, BY JOSHUA
87. THANKSGIVING BY D.J.
88. ENCOURAGEMENT!
89. THE HEART OF GOD
90. GOD'S HEARTBEAT
91. TO PAPA BY KARI
92. KAREN'S B.D. - 2001
93. TO A FRIEND
94. FOR MICHELL
95. DEAR DARLING YAHWEH
96. NORTHERN LIGHTS
97. EACH PAIN-FREE MOMENT
98. DEAR MOM, BY PHIL WOLD
99. GREAT GRATITUDE SONG
100. LIVE THROUGH US!
101. KAREN, MY BELOVED
102. WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
103. PERSISTENCE
104. DO YOU KNOW?
105. TIME!
106. I'M 67
107. THE TIME HAS COME - TO GO
108. 2 MINUTES
109. THANK YOU, LORD
110. PRIDE
111. CONFIDENCE!
112. FRIENDSHIP
113. STAR MAKER
114. IT'S NICE 4 U 2 MEET ME
115. SOMETHING ABOUT ME
116. "I LOVE YOU."
117. WHEN I SAY, "I LOVE YOU."
118. FOR EVERY LITTLE LIE
119. THE MOST THRILLINGEST THRILL!
120. WHEN CHRIST LIVES IN YOU
121. THE MOTHER'S WOMB
122. DAD
123. SMILES AND JOY
124. HEAVEN WILL TELL
125. WHAT GIFT CAN I BRING?
126. HEART BEAT
127. CONCERNING A FRIEND
128. I'M GETTING OLDER
129. GRUMBLE
130. BRILLIANT
131. JOHN'S 68TH BIRTHDAY (By Theresa Egge)
132. FIRE IN MY GUTS
133. DO YOU WAIT?
134. E T E R N I T Y
135. FACE IN THE MIRROR
136. JESUS IN A MANGER - IN YOU!
137. NEFARIOSITIES
138. I WILL PRAISER YOU
139. A PICTURE
140. PLEASURE!
141. KAREN: BIRTHDAY
142. A BREATH
143. MOTHER'S DAY - 2009
144. SIREN ASSEMBLY
145. JOEY BOHLEN FAMILY
146. SHERRILL AND RUSSELL: BIRTHDAY -2009
147. JOHN BOHLEN: BIRTHDAY - 2009
148. PASTOR JIM CARMON AND NORMA L.
149. TOUCH THE FACE OF GOD
150. KAREN: 69TH BIRTHDAY
151. LOVELY, KIND, AND GRACIOUS
152. THE NEAR EDGE OF ETERNITY
153. I LOVE YOU!
154. 71st BIRTHDAY!
155. Karen's 70th BIRTHDAY
* Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the poems in this collection were written by john roy bohlen, and John 5:30, an acknowledgement that God is the co-Author of these poems.
TO KARI, 26TH BIRTHDAY
by john and John
I HAVE A DARLING DAUGHTER,
YOUR NAME IS KARI RUTH.
I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF.
TO TELL THE SIMPLE TRUTH.
THOUGH YOU WERE BORN IN WINTER,
YOUR SMILE WOULD MELT THE SNOW.
YOUR FACE LIGHTS UP WITH JESUS' LOVE,
YOUR COUNTENANCE ALL AGLOW.
YOUR FRIENDSHIP, I DO TREASURE.
IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME.
YOUR APPROVAL BRINGS ME PLEASURE
GOD'S APPROVAL BRINGS ME GLEE.
I HOPE WE CAN ALWAYS BE BEST FRIENDS
NO MATTER, WHATEVER BEFALL.
THE BEST WAY - BOTH STAY IN GOD'S WILL,
UNTIL THE FINAL CALL.
WE'RE PRAYING FOR YOU, KARI.
EARNESTLY PRAYING FOR GOD'S WILL.
THE HE WILL FULLFILL ALL HIS WILL FOR YOU
GOD'S WAY IS THE GREATEST THRILL.
TO MY BELOVED DAUGHTER KARI RUTH BOHLEN ON JANUARY 27TH, 1994, YOUR 26TH BIRTHDAY
FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, TODAY, MY GIFT TO YOU WAS A GIFT OF SERVICE, AND GREAT LOVE POURED OUT IN SERVING AND SWEAT AND LABOUR, AND, MAYBE A LITTLE PAIN. AS A GIFT TO YOU, MY DARLING KARI, I:
WASHED POOKIE WASHED MONKEY WASHED THE DISHES WASHED THE KITCHEN FLOOR VACUUMED THE LIVINGROOM, DINING ROOM, FRONT ROOM AND DEN. SHOVELED THE SNOW SO THE WALKS WOULD BE CLEAR FOR YOUR PARTY;
TOOK YOU TO WORK
PICKED YOU UP FROM WORK
CALLED YOU AT WORK
UNLOADED AND HELPED WITH THE CARROTS, THE RADISHES, THE SALAD, THE MEAT, THE CELERY, THE LETTUCE, THE PEPPER, THE ONIONS.
MY TAKING YOU TO WORK IS A SIMPLE DEMONSTRATION OF MY LOVE FOR YOU. I HAVE NEVER LOVED YOU AS A BOYFRIEND OR HUSBAND, OF COURSE, BUT AS A FRIEND, A PAPA, A PASTOR, A COUNSELLOR, A BROTHER, A FRIEND. AND I LOVE AND RESPECT THE CHRIST, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE HEAVENLY FATHER WITHIN YOU.
I OFFER TO GET YOUR BREAKFAST AS AN EVIDENCE OF THIS LOVE.
I OFFER TO SEE YOU TO AND FROM YOUR CAR - BECAUSE OF LOVE.
I AM COMMITTED TO ALWAYS BE A BEST OF FRIENDS. I LOVE YOU KARI -
SIGNED, _______________________________ - YOUR PAPPA
$ 4 THE KINGDOM
by John Roy Bohlen
Take advantage while the opportunity is hot.
Get on the bandwagon before the chance is not.
Give money to God, give Him all you’ve got.
This is the sure path to the rainbow’s pot.
A one hundred-fold return is what you’ll get.
Spend more money on God, than you do your pet.
If you like to bet money, here’s the safest bet.
The best investment that you’ve ever found yet.
Give money to get money, is the Kingdom rule,
Then give money again, it’s the coolest cool.
If you don’t take advantage, you’re the biggest fool.
To be used by God, as His finest tool.
How to make money, hand over fist,
How to make lots and lots of money, if you get my jist.
Just give me two seconds to go through the list.
God will rain down money, like water through the mist.
If to whom you give is in God’s Own will,
It is greater medicine than the finest pill,
God’s greatest blessings on you will spill.
He will fill you to the fullest, to the fullest He will fill.
A Poem written by John about $ for the Kingdom.
Be a Kingdom Counselor
Ask for people’s money.
You can raise it faster than you can earn it.
Suppose that you devoted the same time trouble effort energy and expense
raising money, as you do trying to earn it. How much money would you raise?
Do you need more money? Here’s how to get the greatest possible return on your investment!
I believe that all that’s needed for the Great Commission to be fulfilled is money.
I believe that the reason that the Great Commission has not been fulfilled prior to this time is our unwillingness as Christians, to give.
I believe that the greatest need in the Body of Christ, presently is fund-raisers for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
”How can the preacher preach, except he be sent????????????????????”
Lord, why haven’t You sent us more money? Don’t You care? Don’t You care that millions are dying? I ask You for an unlimited amount of money. I ask You for Billions and trillions of dollars, for the work of the Kingdom of God and the fulfillment of the Great Commission, and the establishment of Your Kingdom on the earth
FUND-RAISING Vs INVESTMENT COUNSELOR
A major reason more money has not come in is because we have not asked for it, or have not asked the right people for it, or have not asked the right people for it in the right way.
Why are people unwilling to ask for money? Because it takes vision, understanding, a sense of mission, a vision of the Great Commission, and a passion for souls, and holy boldness to ask for money.
More money - for you? For me? For us? Heavens, no, we’re on salary. We make no more money if we get more money. We are on straight salary. Our needs are met. We cannot be bought. We are NOT asking for ourselves We are asking as God’s representatives, God’s ambassadors, God’s attorneys God’s money channelers. We are God’s appointed liaison, go-betweens, between people’s money and the Kingdom need.. We are merely “Recourse Handlers”. We are Financial Facilitators
POEM FROM AFRICA - To Karen:
MARCH 2001
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
As I think, out across the miles,
Away, beyond the sea,
I recall the laughter, and the smiles,
And all, that you are, to me.
I remember our quick embrace,
In the kitchen, or anyplace.
I can see me, holding hands with you,
Your smile, coming from a heart, that’s true.
Each time, I get to be with you,
Is better, each time, than ever!
Each time with you is refreshingly new.
Our love, no thing, can sever.
Please pray for me, across the way,
Out here, beyond the sea.
And, I pray for you, “God, speed the day
When your arms, and your lips, find me.”
Love, Hunzie...
Happy and glorious Valentine’s Day - 2001
Beloved Karen,
I love you! I miss you. I look forward to seeing you. Tomorrow, it will be 3 weeks since I saw you last. But my mental videos of you are clear in my mind, and, of course, I enjoy playing these videos in my mind - of you!
Do you have any videos of me? Are they pleasant? Mine of you are pleasant and wonderful, and exciting, and colorful and funny. I am well in every way, and happy.
It is gloriously fun, traveling with Rufus, and Bassi and Provost. We laugh and pray and minister and are strong friends. God has been meeting our needs.
I love you!
This letter and poem was written for Karen on Valentine’s Day - 2001
33rd ANNIVERSARY
by john and John
Oh 'Kate', (Karen) I love you maximum much,
I still thrill at your tender touch.
On this our 33rd anniversary,
I'm as happy with you as can be.
I want to sweetly reminisce,
To recall to mind our every kiss.
To think of them fills with bliss,
Heaven could not be much better than this.
The present time brings joy to contemplate.
For we have not come to this place too late.
You and I together down these days do stroll,
Together we are progressing towards God's goal.
We can wonder what the future brings,
But the meanwhile is filled with pleasant things,
The husband, and his lover to God sings,
And the songs are heard by queens and kings
Great glory ascends to the very King of kings.
Now, permit me to share special gratitude.
While I'm caught by love's poetic mood.
Yet my love stays bright, the time's test has stood.
Sweetheart, my life with you only has been good.
What remains to speak: only that I love you,
And that I am filled with joy clear through.
That God has seen to give me you.
To think on all of this, fills me with laughter.
There's nothing left to do,
Than to live happily ever after!
Written on our 33rd anniversary, by John Roy Bohlen
To be approved of God
by john and John
To be approved of God
To walk the paths You've trod.
To see Your smiling face,
Walk always in Your grace.
I want to please You, Lord.
And never be ignored.
Ever to do Your will.
All other tongues to still.
Show me that I am approved of You, Father.
More than any thing else, this, I'd rather.
Let the smile of Your approval shine through.
I always want to be pleasing unto You.
To be approved of You In every thing I do.
To hear You say, "Well done!"
See every victory won.
Is my desire
by John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
Poem and song written by John Roy Bohlen, April '97
TO BE APPROVED OF GOD
mi fa so la - la' la -- re mi fa so - so' so - -
To be approved of God. To walk the paths You've trod.
do re mi fa- fa' fa-- re mi fa so - so' so - -
To see Your smiling face, Walk always in Your grace.
do ti so do ti so - - do ti so do ti so - -
I want to please You, Lord. Please don't this prayer ignore.
do ti so do ti so - - do ti so do ti so - -
All other tongues to still Each moment do Your will. .
mi fa so la - la' la -- ti do re do - -
To be approved of You Is my desire
do ti so do ti so do ti so do ti
Show me that I am approved of You, Father.
do ti do ti so do ti so do ti
More than any thing else, this I'd rather.
do' ti' do ti so do ti so do ti - -
Let the smile of Your approval shine through.
do ti so do ti so do ti so do ti
I always want to be pleasing unto You.
mi fa so la - la' la - - re mi fa' so - so so
To be approved of You In every thing I do.
do re mi fa- fa' fa-- re mi fa so so' so - -
To hear You say, "Well done!" See every victory won.
ti do re do
Is my desire!
by john roy bohlen - 12 April 1997
BLUEJAY!
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
And, isn’t it great? How God made the Blue jay?
The skill, the balance as they flit and fly and play.
With beautiful blue and grey and white and black?
And a lovely tufted crest of beauty there’s no lack.
Can man make even one feather like this?
If you can, you from God will get a kiss.
Royalty, clad in blue,
a glorious hue,
just for you!
A bragging, flashing, checked black, blue, bright,
As they fly and eat and fight.
The black beard wrapt round
A face that’s almost white.
It hangs down from crest to chest, so trim and neat.
Then a lovely grey which fades to white
Above these tiny feet.
Lovely bully of the yard.
To write about thee, is not hard
God made thee, lovely blue jay bird,
A song to God, nice as any
You have ever heard.
Though it is no way required -
By you, I am, this day, inspired.
A Poem - by Joshua Paul Bohlen - 1997
In my heart is where it starts,
It starts to bubble in deepest parts.
It starts to stir, a chord is struck,
I'm held transfixed, the clock is stuck.
Time standing still, the Truth proclaimed,
Like an arrow released, well aimed.
I never realized before,
The Truth could open such a door
Inside my heart, didn't know was there,
Is my whole life to be laid bare?
There's no escaping tears by now,
I've got to find release, somehow.
Expressing in the aftermath
The will to follow in the Path
Of He Who's shared the hardest Road
And carried every heavy load.
But now I see There can but be
Just One Road now ahead of me.
The Road that leads to Heaven's Throne,
Built by the blood of saints unknown.
And those who suffered at the hands
Of men they loved, in foreign lands.
A path not many choose to take,
Because, this world, they must forsake,
And have but One Voice they obey -
The Maker of each brand new day;
Who's walked this Way, and knows the trail.
He Who is Perfect, cannot fail
And, so, I now, in sweeter frame
Of mind and heart, can fully claim
To be one who walks in the Light,
And hides no more from His eyesight.
I cannot hide, it's useless to,
For everything I've done, He knew.
And still forgives me for the wrong,
Rejoicing over me with song.
I have new power from my sin.
I have no more to hide within,
Except a peace so evident,
I feed upon for nourishment
I hoard it like a precious thing.
And yet, wear it like a lover's ring.
Reminding me of God, above,
Who now, I see, is full of love.
Who once, I thought, commanded me
With hot impetuosity.
But, now, I see, the Wrath is missing,
Instead of scolding frowns, there's kissing.
God's Spirit now in me bears witness
A poem for Josh W. by Joshua Bohlen -22-98
What's the scoop? By Joshua Paul Bohlen
on jay double - u
what's the news
may I trouble you?
for a thought from you for the day
or a chance for you to say--"Hey!
butt out, kid, it's none of your bizz"
If my pop has lost it's fizz
If my salt has lost it's flavor
If resolve began to waver
Ho! --No!
Not such flailings
cease the sobs, and quell the wailings
Look above, redemption calling
"Come up here, and cease your stalling!"
Now salvation, near, now grasp it!
Listen not to fear, the last but
not the least He crowns with vict'ry
Trumpets blast: The End of Hist'ry
Imminent, the throne of Justice
Oil we need for swords have rusted
Armor lost; we need to find it;
Ephesians 6 tells us to bind it
On each day; Josh, do your best,
To wake each morning counting blest
Your heart, your soul, your mind, your self.
Christ now in you! Not on the shelf.
Joshua Paul Bohlen
ACCEPTANCE
If I were really real today
I would show you a part of me,
That reaches out for acceptance and love.
To be treated tenderly.
Sometimes it seems I'm a little child,
Like his first day at a new school.
Wishing that maybe someone would care -
One who likes the Golden Rule.
Perhaps it's more mature to not give a bless,
To be tough, strong and independent.
To boldly shoulder my way through the mess,
Stand my ground and gruffly defend it.
But love seems to render me vulnerable,
In His Body be utterly dependent.
Even Jesus waited, His arms out-stretched,
Love - waiting for one to accept it.
Are we truly at each other's mercy?
Is there no protection for my back?
Can we force any other to respect or accept?
Is Christ's Body suffering from lack?
Or, is this a sick need for acceptance and love,
Do you think I should take a pill?
It seems Christ in me waits for recognition,
In me, is He waiting still?
by John Roy Bohlen - May 27, 1997
The Circle of God’s Arms
(An invitation to greater intimacy with God)
by john roy bohlen & John 5:30
My child, I stand here
With My arms open wide,
Saying, “Precious, come near,
And sit by My side.”
You don’t need to wait, dear,
Till after you’ve died. J
This place on My throne
Is reserved just for you .
I always have known
Where we have intimacy true
Reign with Me on high
Far above every foe,
Come here and draw nigh
With all else far below.
Come here, feel My whiskers,
With your ear, hear My whispers.
Draw near to My chest,
It is here you’ll find rest!
With your ear hear My heart beat.
Come near, take your own seat.
I'm glad that I found you,
Not sad that I crowned you.
You can live ‘neath My wings.
Over you My heart sings,
Gone are all life’s alarms
In the circle of My arms.
(Key of G, speed = slower than 1 beat per second, play the e note.)
WEDDING SONG FOR DAWN JOY AND TIMOTHY
by John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
Dear Devoted Delightful Darling Daughter Dawn Joy, - - -
And Sir Sweet Saint Timothy, We celebrate this Day! - - -
For this is the time, * Fully ordained in the perfect plan of God - - -
While we are watching the Lord God wonderfully have His way!
We give you both to God and
Know that there will be many exciting adventures - - -
Great fruitfulness to God, strong health, and many precious treasures.
Much laughter, smiles, and joy, abounding without measure - - -,
Glorious blessing, love, peace, and most exquisite pleasure. - -
We know that Father God is watching over you, [(softly)]
Tenderly, all the time, everywhere. - - -
No matter what befalls, you are in His loving kindness,
In His gentle care!
Seated on God’s lap,
Beneath His wings, [(slow, increase volume)]
Under His feathers,
Listening to His heart-beat. -
Because Christ is your Life,
There will be no strife,
And you will live happily ever after,
And all of your days will be merry * and bright! - - -
(breathe)
25 TH ANNIVERSARY
Beloved Brother Ed, we love you;
Sweetly, Mother, ours, we love you, too.
What a joyful jubilee.
What a glorious Anniversary!
Haven't we had the greatest times?!
Clang the bells and ring the chimes!
Blow up the balloons and light the candles!
Disturb the neighbors; create scandals.
9,125 nights of love!
Sweetly blessed by God above!
9,125 days of glory!
What a most wonderful story!
Thank you, Eddie, for loving Mother.
Thank you, Mom, for loving Brother.
We thank God for keeping you;
For every day He's brought you through.
Look at all the songs you've sung;
Rejoice in all that God has done!
The miles you've traveled, the folks you've blessed.
Through you God has many, caressed.
(Even through the removal of your breast!)
This line by Dear Darling Daughter Dawn Joy.
Let's believe to be Manifested Sons!
Let's expect to be Glorified Ones!
In this life to put on immortality!
To be Shining Ones now, and through eternity!
Written by Son, John.
FROM THIS MOMENT (author unknown)
From this moment, life has begun;
From this moment, you are the one;
Right beside you is where I belong;
From this moment on...
From this moment, I have been blessed;
I live only for your happiness;
and for your love I’d give my last breath;
from this moment on...
Chorus:
I give my hand to you with all my heart;
Can’t wait to live my life with you, can’t wait to start;
You and I will never be apart;
My dreams came true because of you;
From this moment as long as I live;
I will love you; I promise you this:
There is nothing, I wouldn’t give;
From this moment on;
ho woah
You’re the reason I believe in love
And you’re the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live I will love you
I promise you this: there is nothing, I wouldn’t give
From this moment,
I will love you, I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on... (on)
hmmmmmmmmmmm
GRATITUDE!
by John Roy Bohlen, May 31, 1997
What is the very best attitude?
Attitude of Gratitude!
Jesus stands every day with His Arms outstretched.
Or are you angry with the Father,
'Cause He doesn't give what you’d rather,
You want God to be your slave that carried and fetched.
It's up to you to praise the Lord,
Or by you, He'll be ignored.
Like a grumpy, ungrateful child who should be spanked.
You can thank God, or you don't,
But, if not, well then, you won't.
Then God Himself will wait and not be thanked
The ten lepers all received
Healing, almost unbelieved!
Then Jesus calmly waited for result.
One came back and thanked Him sweetly,
But God pondered this one deeply
Ingratitude in spoiled children, but - adult?
Time, trouble, effort, energy -
Look at all that Jesus does for thee,
If you praise from dawn till dusk, you've just begun
I have decided to be most grateful,
And not to be so hateful,
But be thankful to the Father, Who sent His Son.
My hands I'll raise, with heart ablaze,
Others amaze, "He's a craze!"
It doesn't faze, on You I'll gaze.
I will praise You all my days, all my ways. Amen
A Poem written by John re: Grama moving up' the farm entitled
"Come and Look!"
Hulda, this was written the day Jim and Elsie and Phil and Karen first talked to you about coming up to the farm. You agreed. This poem was written as a loving invitation from us to you, and was written from your vantage point, your perspective. You are the one who is talking throughout, though I have written the poem, and I have put these words in your mouth. Try to see the poem through your eyes. Respectfully, John.
How would you like to be able to see the stars at night?
How would you like to have your own mail box in the country - down at the end of your country lane?
How would you like to watch the birdies fly, and the flowers grow in the country?
How would you like to be guaranteed that no hooligans will be running across your back patio area?
How would you like to give your worries about your Minneapolis house to someone else?
Would you like to enjoy bragging to your friends about your place in the country?
How would you like to have John and Karen and Joshua be your full-time cooks, drivers, care givers, nurses, and friends.
All of these things were presented to you in May, 1997 and you agreed.
We love you.
The Bible commands us to rejoice always, and to be content in whatsoever state we are in. The choice is yours, you can rejoice and be content, or you can be unhappy.
We love you!!!
“COME AND LOOK!”
“Hey, Pete! Come and look at the birdies there!"
"Hey, Friends! Come smell these flowers, rare."
“Taste these apples! Breathe fresh air!"
"Let the Lord take each care.
We live in the country, now."
“And, look! My tomatoes are growing tall!"
"It's so glorious, spring, summer and fall!"
So mysterious, the lovelies of nature, all.
Clear to us, how the country does call."
We live in Wisconsin, now."
Come, and visit us - out on the farm.
Fresh sights and sounds - will do you no harm.
City noise and crime there - no more alarm.
A care-free life - I'm a Country Marm!"
We live 'Up-the-cabin' now!
To these sights and sounds, What do you say?
No more tears or frowns - Come out and play!
No dumps get you down - Not night or day.
Great joys abound - come what may.
Want to come around? Come out and stay!
We're living happily ever after, now."
Written for Hulda and Pete, from Hulda's new perspective.
GOOD TO BE HOME
by John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
It is good to be home
After being gone so long.
I do not want to soon roam
If home is where I belong.
To see the face of each dear loved one.
This glad hope fills me with cheer.
To be with them will be much fun.
To fellowship and hold them near.
Written on the plane on the way home from Nigeria, March, 2003.
Pm j&mng
TO JOEY & MICHELLE & FAMILY
From Nigeria, Feb.15, 2002
We brag on you.
Yes, we do!
We are so proud,
We tell the crowd!
We sing and shout,
Day in, day out.
Thank you for being so great!
We forcibly declare, we boldly state!
60th BIRTHDAY
For Papa John by Joseph Peter Bohlen
This is the story of my dear old Dad.
So far, 60 years you’ve had.
You’ve lived them well, you’ve lived them strong,
And, in your heart God’s sung His song.
Barefoot, down on the Iowa farm.
Sonnie and Roy making sure you’re safe and warm.
Whopped your butt when ‘twas needed,
‘Till it was to God’s call you heeded.
You found yourself a fine young lass.
You thought she had a sexy sass.
Soon it was four kids that followed,
And that was all that God allowed.
And, that was plenty, your hands were full.
Making good and sure they didn’t give you any bull.
Lots of love and hugs and affection,
Providing us with plenty of protection,
And we sure needed it on 34th and Park,
Rocks in a sock we’d carry after dark.
Traipsin’ all around the U.S.A..
Teaching us the guitar to play.
Broken down busses in the heat of the day,
Teaching us how in faith to pray.
Trusting God through every mile,
Making sure we all had a smile
Whether we wanted to or not,
(Some times taking Mom a while).
Training us up in the way we should go,
The fear of the Lord always to follow.
Jesus, You’ve loved him so,
Full of fire, full of passion,
Holy desire, a man of action,
Butt-kickers, Eastwood, L’Amour, Bruce Lee,
Licorice, cayenne pepper, sun-flower seeds,
Loved by friends far and near,
Surrounded now by friends so dear,
A Daughter-in-law, full of fire,
And four grandkids for you to acquire.
(Now we have 10, with 5 gone to God.)
Well, here we are at your celebration,
And here’s our little presentation,
A gift we got is a riding mower,
And when you’re done, you can “shake a tower”.
So, here you go Dad, with love to you.
From all your friends and family, too!
POEM BY JOSHUA ON HELL
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 strength.
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 to 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 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 love 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. You 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, He whispered, "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 each day you 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!
Ho there young lass!
Why faces glum put?
It's high time for dances
So do not drag foot.
Come now, smile,
It's better already.
The sky light is growing
So hold your course steady!
Look up and be freshened
The Hero is smiling
On downcast complexions
Of those now compiling
Sad sorrowful silliness
Quite amazing
That those who hold Jesus's
Hand could quit gazing
At glorious glory
Around His dear face
And view this world's folly
Instead of His Grace.
His majesty's splendor
Can fill up your eyes
your Heart and mind too.
Would it not be wise
To forget this world's brevity,
Looking to Him,
who authors our faith,
and reigns from within?
Now my friend Ruth. Come now to His table
Come feast all day long On Christ who is able
He beckons you, "Come, Come, taste of my love
I long to be with you and bring you above."
Written by Josh B.
many books, they have been written.
Many hours they keep you sittin'
trying to figure out their meanin'
Karen’s Birthday - 2000
by john and John
Karen, I respect you, honour, admire you.
I tenderly love and desire you.
I think of you above all others,
You are as noble as the noblest of mothers.
You have been my closest friend,
Ours has been the choicest blend.
The loveliest woman, God did send.
On our God we did utterly depend.
I pray that we will share many more years,
I face the future without any fears.
It is only because of joy, I have had tears.
We walk together, as God’s glory appears.
Baby, I love you!
Thank you for all the fun.
I thank you all the day through,
From rising sun till rising sun.
Thank you Karen for being my bride.
You have been the greatest wife, undenied.
And every day, may you always live God’s way.
God’s blessings on you, always!
HalleluYahweh!
. KAREN'S BIRTHDAY - 1997 by john and John
Though I am married to you, you are still in my dreams,
And though I have known you for ever, it seems,
Yet you are new and our friendship is fresh,
Though I know you, heart, mind and flesh.
God has enabled me to remain pure to you,
His promise of victory ever stays true.
I praise Him for victory in my thought life
You are always my focus and there's joy without strife.
I'm so pleased with you, Darling, for the wife you have been,
God is pleased with you, also, and His prize you will win.
I could gaze in your eyes 'till God rolls up the skies,
Hand in hand gaze on Him, until He replies.
I praise you, salute you, and in deep respect bow,
Will love you as much as God will allow.
The blessings mount up, it is hard to ignore.
Look at all the adventures that God has in store!
Together we've moved over 25 times!
From high praises to God to nursery rhymes,
From honeymoon cabin to home in the wilderness,
From pre-marriage bliss to present time happiness.
So, Darling, I'm blessing you for being my friend,
So happy that we are a godly glorious blend,
Thank you for walking with me down life's happy pathway.
Without you, I could not pray you a Happy Birthday!!!
Happy 57th Birthday Lover, Friend, Fellow Pilgrim -
Karen’s Birthday - 2000
Prov 31:10 “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax, and works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor; and she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 ‘Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.’ 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, (Yahweh) she shall be praised. 31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” (NAS)
POEM FOR KARI
expressions of fatherly love. 26 B.d. 94
TO MY BELOVED DAUGHTER KARI RUTH BOHLEN
ON JANUARY 27TH, 1994, YOUR 26TH BIRTHDAY.
I HAVE A DARLING DAUGHTER,
YOUR NAME IS KARI RUTH.
I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF
TO TELL THE SIMPLE TRUTH.
THOUGH YOU WERE BORN IN WINTER,
YOUR SMILE WOULD MELT THE SNOW.
YOUR FACE LIGHTS UP WITH JESUS' LOVE,
YOUR COUNTENANCE ALL AGLOW.
YOUR FRIENDSHIP I DO TREASURE.
IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME.
YOUR APPROVAL BRINGS ME PLEASURE
GOD'S APPROVAL BRINGS ME GLEE.
I HOPE WE CAN ALWAYS BE BEST FRIENDS
NO MATTER WHATEVER BEFALL.
THE BEST WAY - BOTH STAY IN GOD'S WILL,
UNTIL THE FINAL CALL.
WE'RE PRAYING FOR YOU, KARI.
EARNESTLY PRAYING FOR GOD'S WILL.
THE HE WILL FULLFILL ALL HIS WILL FOR YOU
GOD'S WAY IS THE GREATEST THRILL.
FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, TODAY, MY GIFT TO YOU WAS A GIFT OF SERVICE, AND GREAT LOVE POURED OUT IN SERVING AND SWEAT AND LABOUR, AND, MAYBE A LITTLE PAIN. AS A GIFT TO YOU, MY DARLING KARI, I:
WASHED POOKIE
WASHED MONKEY
WASHED THE DISHES
WASHED THE KITCHEN FLOOR
VACUUMED THE LIVINGROOM, DINING ROOM, FRONT ROOM AND DEN
SHOVELED THE SNOW SO THE WALKS WOULD BE CLEAR FOR THE PARTY
TOOK YOU TO WORK
PICKED YOU UP FROM WORK
CALLED YOU AT WORK
UNLOADED AND HELPED THE CARROTS, THE RADISHES, THE SALAD, THE MEAT, THE CELERY, THE LETTUCE, THE PEPPER, THE ONIONS,
MY TAKING YOU TO WORK IS A SIMPLE DEMONSTRATION OF MY LOVE FOR YOU. I HAVE NEVER LOVED YOU AS A BOYFRIEND OR HUSBAND, OF COURSE, BUT AS A FRIEND, A PAPA, A PASTOR, A COUNSELOR, A BROTHER, A FRIEND. AND I LOVE AND RESPECT THE CHRIST, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE HEAVENLY FATHER WITHIN YOU.
I OFFER TO GET YOUR BREAKFAST AS AN EVIDENCE OF THIS LOVE.
I OFFER TO SEE YOU TO AND FROM YOUR CAR - BECAUSE OF LOVE.
I AM COMMITTED TO ALWAYS BE A BEST OF FRIENDS. I LOVE YOU KARI -
SIGNED, _______________________________ - YOUR PAPA
Kari’s 31st Birthday,
January 27th,- 1999
The sweetness of relationship.
The wonder of God’s love
Is nothing short of glorious,
Flowing from His throne above.
You are this kind of sweetness
Because Jesus lives in you!
You exude this kind of glorious,
His Life within makes all things new.
I love you, special friend of mine.
You shine with God’s Own Light
With a love that is God’s Love Divine -
With a power that is God’s Own Might.
So, shine! My darling: shine! Shine! SHINE!
And never decrease, no, never.
Go, ever live by Divine Design.
Always intimate with Christ - forever!
A poem written for Karen on MOM'S day 1997 by John.
MOTHER'S DAY - 1997
Darling Karen, let me see if I can start,
To get down deep into your soul.
I want to speak, heart to heart,
Sincerely convince, this is my goal.
It was a miracle of God, the day we met.
Every day with you since, much better yet.
You are the only one for me, on this I have never wavered,
Life with you has been glorious, the best I could have savoured.
Our first year honey-moon,
Enough to make a strong man swoon.
The second year when we had Joey.
Enough to fill a man with glory.
And, by the time Kari came along
You were such a great Mom who could do no wrong.
She was a super baby, the apple of Mom's eye,
Always glad and happy, as sweet as pudding and pie.
And then there was Dear Darling Dawn,
Cuter than a deer - spotted fawn.
When she got ran over, God perfectly healed.
Angels and we were so happy - all heaven's bells pealed.
Joshua is from heaven sent.
We are still filled with wonderment.
Now Michelle and the grandchildren three. (four)
I wonder what other blessings will be (are at the door).!
These days have been glorious
Our God has made us victorious.
I wonder, blessings, how much more.
Out poured on us, from heaven's store.
Twelve thousand magic nights of love,
Twelve trillion blessings from above.
May God give us twelve thousand more,
Together we our Lord adore.
Three thousand, twelve thousand, what are numbers?
The now is what counts, The Now with His wonders.
May God bless you to the supernatural maximum.
As much joy to you as could possibly come.
All Creation is praying we'll be glorified,
If it did not happen, they'll be horrified.
But glorified we'll be, this side of eternity,
With radiant splendifferosity, you'll see.
With God as our Life, it will get better and better,
Redeemed from all strife, released from each fetter.
Our lives spent together, through all kinds of weather
I love you my Darling, hence this loving letter.
My wife, I salute you as the best,
Magnificently, God has blest.
Yahweh will take us all the way,
May all your life be Happy Mother's Day!!!
I love you Babe. Happy Mother's Day - Always.
Written for Karen, Mother's Day - 1997 - by John Roy Bohlen
KAREN - MOTHER’S DAY - 1998
by John Roy Bohlen
How can grace appear so clearly?
How can love shine forth so dearly?
When I consider Lady, mine,
Mixed with her human soul - divine.
How can God take clay and make
A life so fine - without mistake?
And make a Mother like no other?
I’m filled with awe -can scarce recover!
Love, wisdom, justice, grace -
She makes this life a sweeter place.
Our God through her is gentle, kind.
We could no better Mother find.
Oh, Princess, I deeply thank my Lord
For all your life in love outpoured.
These blessings must not be ignored.
God grant all homes like this be restored.
I know not how many years together.
But do rejoice in each endeavor
As we through life do gaily go,
Grand adventuring in God to know.
Thus, Wife of mine, I thee salute,
No one can these facts refute.
Respect for you must always be.
You and I still friends, eternally.
A Poem written by John re: the Burnett Co. Library title: Celebrate the "BCL"!
CELEBRATE THE "BCL"!
Want a great experience?
When the wind blows furious?
If your body you would carry
All-the-way-to the library.
Up in Webster town,
You can sit you down.
Read to your heart's content,
It can be time well spent.
And, if you see friend, Brownie
It will make it worth your journey,
'Cause she's a life that is well done,
To talk to her is really fun.
Great is Lady Peterson, there.
She's got knowledge really rare.
Library smarts unlimited,
You can be as unrestricted.
Doors open to another world,
Great secrets open wide, unfurled.
Burnett Community Library,
Horizons unlimited, you'll see.
This super resource, celebrate.
This library is really great.
Eight thousand volumes within reach.
The blessings of this place we'll preach!
Letter to the editor: January 21, 1997
Dear Editor:
One of the most fun, but neglected resources in our community is the Burnett Community Library, in Webster! With over 8,000 volumes, and an excellent selection of videos and tapes, Brownie and Maxine are really great personalities, as well.
Here is a little poem I have written to honor these great librarians and to celebrate this great resource!
Respectfully,
John Roy Bohlen, local author of: How To Rule the World; How To Raise 'Purfect' Kids;
The Sexual Ministry; The Cult Of Cannibals; The King's Greatest Secret!
Your people suggested that I include my phone number, if you have any questions: 715-866-4060
Burnett Co. Sentinel at Webster: ph: 463-2341 fax: 463-5138
Inter Co Ldr - Gary King Ph:349-2560 fax:349-7442
BCLibrary Webster: 866-7697
Mother Michelle
Happy Birthday!!!!
Here, 5 A.M. Abeokuta, Nigeria, West Africa. I think of you, and your dear ones.
Crowing roosters - a cacophony!
Crickets stirring - a symphony.
On door they’ll tap. “Teacher, we would see!”
A little nap, then it’s teaching time for me.
Michelle, you are a hero! A lovely hero. You have always been a hero to me. I am so deeply thankful to God for adding and giving you to Joey, and Joey to you, and your children, to both of you.
So very many here are praying for you. They feel like they are your friend. They admire you.
Love,
Papa John
A HERO! MICHELLE!
A Hero, tall and strong and tender.
A smile - bright, white. Face of splendor!
She walks with grace, as a princess should.
A soul that’s kind - A heart that’s good.
So proud, my heart, the father of my son.
You are one part, the adventure has been fun.
A work of art, Like you, there is none.
Your life - a start, You’ve only just begun!
You are my friend. I thank God for you.
To the “Never End”, Bless God in all you do.
On God depend, Mountains of Joy, not few.
Joseph’s perfect blend, the children, too!
My great respect, it ever grows.
Noble, circumspect, Yahweh knows.
Thus, I reflect, poetry flows.
More joy expect! You with Christ arose!
For Michelle’s Birthday - 2001
by John Roy Bohlen, from West Africa
To Mick - By John Bohlen, 24 Apr 1999
I am reaching out a hand to you,
I am willing to be your friend.
If you ever need some one to pray for you,
I’ll stick with you through to the end.
You can call any time of the night or day.
I will listen carefully, what you have to say.
I will ask nothing from you in return,
But, from each other there are things we could learn
Are your lands, your things, that you own, in my mind?
For your sake, only the will of God to find.
If you please the Lord, I am immensely pleased,
Pleasing God, all your neighbours will be appeased.
God has shown that His call is on you.
Called to please Him in good things that you do.
I respect you, large and gentle sir.
That much great good through your life shall occur.
A friendship with God is what this is about.
Of these facts, there can be no doubt.
God stands every day with His arms out-stretched.
This thought makes me want to shout.
Your friendship is what I am asking you for,
But all this, and more, you are free to ignore,
I will still pray for you from a distant shore.
You are free to refuse this wide open door.
I will even go so far as to say, “I love you, Mick.”
You are free any response to pick,
I will pray for you, and your family,
Whether or not you accept, or you disagree.
We here will continue to walk with the Lord.
We will be here, at the end of the road.
Looking down our lane, as you go to and fro.
Hoping that our friendship will grow and grow.
MODULERE MOTEL
Modulere Motel is quite a place!
It is clean and quiet, plenty of space.
The staff is efficient, gracious and kind.
Modulere is the spot where the nerves unwind.
The food is great, the beds are wide.
If you want to rest, it is the place to abide.
The location is fine, the noise is nil.
The traffic is down, things are gentle and still.
So, quiet your soul, there’s no need to hurry.
Relax and enjoy, there’s no need to worry.
Modulere welcomes you! It’s a lovely place to stay.
We extend a bow of welcome, to you, night or day!
Written by Chief Rev. Dr. John Roy Bohlen, U.S.A.
To Chief and Lady Akinbobola, Owners of Modulere
March - 2001
This couple has been kind to me. In 2002, they paid for my breakfast, each day. In 2003, they hosted me for free for 1 week, a gift to me, of between $200 to $300! Thank You, Lord God.
NEVER GIVE UP
by Joshua Paul Bohlen
NEVER GIVE UP MY FRIEND NO NEVER.
IT JUST AIN'T WORTH IT FOR YOU TO SEVER,
THE THING THAT YOU GOT GOIN' WITH THE LORD,
'CAUSE THERE'S JUST ONE THING THAT YOU CAN'T AFFORD
TO PUT DOWN YOUR WEAPONS
AND THROW UP YOUR HANDS,
AND BOWIN' AND GIVE-IN TO THE DEVIL'S DEMANDS.
DON'T YOU KNOW, OR HAVEN'T YOU HEARD,
THAT THE DEVIL'S JUST A LOSER?...WORD!
(THAT THE DEVIL'S JUST A BIG FAT JUICY NERD?)
HE WAS DEFEATED AT CALVARY'S CROSS,
WHEN HE LOST ALL HIS POWER, HE WAS AT A LOSS
FOR WORDS. WITH HIS MOUTH GAPIN' OPEN,
JESUS CAME ALIVE AND THE DEVIL STARTED GROPIN',
FOR PLACES THAT HE COULD GO TO RUN AND HIDE,
AND HE SHIVERED 'CAUSE HE FELT DEEP DOWN INSIDE-
FEAR, LIKE HE NEVER KNEW BEFORE.
GOD HAD DECIDED THAT HE WAS GONNA POUR
HIS SPIRIT UPON ALL OF MANKIND.
AND IF YOU GOT THE SPIRIT, THEN YOU WILL FIND,
THAT YOU ARE THE WINNER BEFORE TIME IS UP.
JUST STICK TO YOUR GUNS, MY FRIENDS, AND NEVER GIVE UP!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
THERE ONCE WAS THIS MAN, HIS NAME WAS ELEAZAR.
HE USED A SWORD LIKE HE WAS CUTTIN' WITH A RAZOR.
IN ISRAEL'S ARMY, ELIE WAS A CHAMP.
ONE DAY THEY WENT UP TO THE PHILISTINES CAMP,
WHO WERE GODLESS AND UGLY AS SIN.
THE ISRAELITES WENT UP TO FIGHT THEM AGAIN
THE PHILISTINES WERE LOOKIN' MEAN
AND ISRAEL WAS FEELIN' LEAN
AND IF THEY DIDN'T GO
THEY WOULD BE SMOKED UP JUST LIKE NICOTINE.
THEY FORGOT THE LORD AND JUST RAN AWAY.
BUT ONE MAN AROSE AND DECIDED TO STAY.
WHAT WAS HIS NAME? YOU GUESSED IT MY FRIEND.
HE WENT UP ALONE FOR TO FIGHT 'TIL THE END.
WHEN IT WAS OVER, YOU KNOW WHO WON.
MY MAN ELEAZAR WAS STILL HAVIN' FUN.
HE GOT BACK FROM THE BATTLE, EARNED HIS REWARD.
AND WHEN THEY SAW HIS HAND,
YOU KNOW IT FROZE TO THE SWORD.
SO IF IN THE BATTLE YOU THINK YOU'RE GONNA DROP,
JUST REMEMBER ELEAZAR, MY FRIENDS,
AND NEVER GIVE UP!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ARE YOU PRAYING FOR SALVATION FOR ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS?
ARE YOU DOWN ON YOUR KNEES,
DID YOU KNOW IT DEPENDS
ON YOU—TO PRAY FOR YOUR FELLOWS?
ARE THERE PRAYERS GOING UP
BETWEEN YOUR "GOOD BYE'S" AND YOUR "HELLO'S"?
WHEN THEY CUSS, DO YOUR HOPES THEY RUIN?
OR ARE YOU SITTIN' THERE JUST GETTIN' WEARY IN WELL DOIN'?
DON'T WORRY MY FRIENDS. YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK.
BURN YOUR BRIDGES BEHIND YOU AND DON'T LOOK BACK.
PICK UP THE SHIELD OF FAITH, THE SWORD WHICH IS YOUR BIBLE.
GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND START A'PRAYIN' FOR REVIVAL.
REMEMBER THAT THE DEVIL HAS LOST ALL OF HIS POWER.
SO WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE TEMPTATION HOUR,
RECITE THOSE VIC'TRY VERSES RIGHT IN HIS EAR.
BUT YOU BETTER DO IT LOUDLY, SO HE CAN HEAR:
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME."
AND IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT,
YOU'RE JUST A CHRISTIAN "WANNA-BE".
IF YOU THINK THAT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE,
YOU'RE CALLIN' GOD A LIAR!
WELL YOU BETTER CHANGE YOUR WAYS
BECAUSE YOU'RE HEADIN' FOR THE FIRE!
JESUS PAID THE PRICE THE WAY TO WIN WAS PAVED,
AND HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED.
WITH TEMPTATION, HE'S MADE YOUR ESCAPE.
SET YOUR FACE LIKE A FLINT OR BE CRUSHED LIKE A GRAPE.
WILL YOU DIE DOWN OR WILL YOU LIVE UP?
BUT MY PRAYER FOR YOU, MY FRIENDS
IS THAT YOU'D NEVER GIVE UP!
MOTHER DEAR
Written New Year's - 1997, by John Roy Bohlen
I thank You, Lord, for Mother dear,
And how she's meant so much.
Thank You, Lord for all the cheer,
The joy, each gentle touch.
Words can not tell, nor phrase describe,
The blessings You have been through her.
She's been the great mother of our tribe.
More grace through her, God did offer.
Mother dear, I love you,
All you say, all you do.
You've been my mom, my whole life through.
Most blessed Mom I ever knew.
No greater fun, we're never sad,
We smile so much we never mad.
Look at all the fun we've had,
I get so tickled that I'm glad.
A happier tale cannot be told.
We do not care that days grow old.
The times we've had are solid gold
Great memories clear, they stand out bold.
“Encouragement", that's the word!
We shan't deny the blessing.
More happy memories have occurred,
God through you, our lives caressing.
Thank you mother, for all of the ways,
Through you, God encouraged us, all of our days!!!
New Years - 1997
Dear Mother and Ed,
We are sitting smack dab in the middle of a happy winter wonderland of beauty and serenity.
The boys, Joshua and Joey are "down to the cities", helping some of the city folk remove ice dams and snow from their roofs, Hulda and Pete, neighbors, etc. They are making some money. As you have encouraged me to do,
I have enrolled as a substitute school teacher with the public school system here at Grantsburg, Siren and Webster. I'll be starting this week. I am happy and excited about the idea. Perhaps we can do some good for the Lord's Kingdom over this way. The state is granting 3 year licenses for all college grads.
We continue to receive positive comments and expressions of gratitude for our books, and keep receiving requests for more of them. This is even more the case in other countries. We also have an invitation to minister in Malawi, in August, and we are looking positively at the idea, working through the logistics. Joey and Michelle, their three little ones, and Dawn Joy all just returned from the East, having ministered out there, before Christmas. Last night, the boys ministered at a church in St Paul. They also got to minister for about 45 minutes at our Wood River Tabernacle New Year's service. I will also take the liberty to include a poem that the family asked me to read, that I wrote New Year's Eve Day, about being hungry for God, and yearning
for Him.
Brother Ed, Karen and I and the family want to sincerely thank you and mother, for sharing of your finances for the ministry. We often minister, as I am sure you do also, in many situations, where there is no money given, and we never minister or send books with money as a condition, so, it is encouraging to receive money from sources where ministry has not been a condition. This all comes from being on the Lord's payroll, regardless of the natural means by which Heavenly Father supplies our need. Soooooooo, we are rejoicing greatly for your love and friendship and giving hearts and encouragement. Thank you. And, thank You Dear Heavenly Father, for our dearly beloved Ed and Mother!!! We ask You, Papa Yahweh, to bless these, to the supernatural maximum! Amen.
Well, duty calls. I think I'll go feed and water the wild birds in the front and back yards. As you know, we love to sit on the sun porch and watch them come to the yard and eat, one foot from the window. I have also had the chickadees and the pine siskins eat from my hand. Dawn is trying out our snowshoes for the first time. They are a lovely and beautiful work of art, skillfully made. They are a gift to our family from Mary Kamrud.
Thank you again for your lovely friendship. It means much to us. Isn't it amazing how "Encouragement is encouraging!!!!!!!"
100 x back to you, all the blessings that you have been to us!
John, and for Karen and the family!
MOTHER
Written New Year's - 1997, by John Roy Bohlen
I thank You, Lord, for Mother dear,
And how she's meant so much.
Thank You, dear Lord for all the cheer,
The joy, each gentle touch.
Words can not tell, nor phrase describe,
The blessings You have been through her.
She's been the great mother of our tribe.
More grace through her, God did offer.
Mother dear, I love you,
All you say, all you do.
You've been my mom, my whole life through.
Most blessed Mom I ever knew.
No greater fun, we're never sad,
We smile so much we never mad.
Look at all the fun we've had,
I get so tickled that I'm glad.
A happier tale cannot be told.
We do not care that days grow old.
The times we've had are solid gold
Great memories clear, they stand out bold.
“Encouragement", that's the word!
We shan't deny the blessing.
More happy memories have occurred,
God through you, our lives caressing.
Thank you mother, for all of the ways,
Through you, God encouraged us, all of our days!!!
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
PLEASING THEE!
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 -11/18/2023
Pleasing Thee, is what it is all about.
Making You happy, of this there is no doubt.
The very thought of Your approving smile
Makes me want to dance, to shout..
Of all Life’s highest goals,
From equator to the poles.
Much greater than a three minute mile.
(Greater than gold, the largest pile!)
Pleasing God, This our Lord extols.
I care not anything, for more than this-
The center of God’s will, I would not miss.
There is nothing better, there’s no denial.
To do Thy will, gives total bliss.
THE PROMISES
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
I met God in the bloom of youth,
When all the world seemed bright,
His promises all seemed within my sight.
Before the coming of night.
But then the days grew long
Fulfillment seemed far away.
I fasted and hoped and cried and waited.
‘Till I no longer knew how to pray.
I huddled in a corner,
I hunkered and sucked my thumb,
I felt sorry for myself 'till the cows came home,
I despaired of even a crumb.
The Heavenly Father suddenly came to me,
He reached down His long loving strong arms.
He filled me full of the Life of Christ,
He sheltered me from all of life's harms.
But the promises still delayed,
I was tempted to be dismayed.
I wanted God's glory to be displayed,
Yahweh told me to not be afraid.
So I stayed in His loving arms,
I remained seated upon His lap.
He kept holding me next to His chest,
When I worried, He told me to rest.
I kept believing the promises were true.
I kept hoping all the long night through.
I didn't know what else to do.
"Papa Yahweh, I kept believing in You."
These signs follow those who will believe!"
"Keep believing and you will receive!"
Bright youth turned into middle age.
I said, "Lord, I know that You wouldn't deceive."
God showed me how easy it would be
For Him to give much power and money.
But difficult to find, someone who will stay kind,
To have fame and power, yet walk very humbly.
Passage of time is part of the test.
Believing still strong is really the best.
Aggressively press in, yet staying in rest,
Those who live by faith, will be the most blest.
Don't be bitter at God, nor sad
Or you'll regret what you could have had.
Keep believing, and you will be glad.
God will pour blessings you cannot contain,
On His lap, in His Throne-Room remain.
'Neath His feathers, His presence sustain.
All His blessings, His glories obtain.
I go forth valiantly, I venture onward confidently,
I persevere faithfully, gratefully, joyfully,
I love You, trust You completely, unreservedly,
Continually, increasingly, worshipfully. AMEN!
MICHELLE - MOTHER’S DAY 2003
Wow! What a mother!
Effervescent, like no other.
We honour you, through and through,
God’s blessings, great on all you do.
May you be greatly encouraged.
Always by God be nourished.
We think lovingly of you, today.
We bless you, precious Michelle Rene.
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
King Kong
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
We love you gobs and bunches.
Of this there are more than hunches.
Our love for you is strong.
It is larger than King Kong.
Do we love you?
Yes we do!
We will still be loving you
Eternity through!
‘Sweather
by John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
Yo, The snow - Here is lovely and white.
The country around is really a sight!
These diamond flakes drift down and light on my nos’.
I’m filled with delight from my head to my toes.
You may ask me why?
Because God and I
Are looking at this together!!!
Thi sweather!
SOON!
Soon, we will stand before Him,
We will give a solemn account.
Displayed will be, what we've been, within.
Be examined for our fruit's amount.
To be scrutinized for the deeds we have done,
Accountable for each idle word.
For the total amount of the souls we have won.
When God spoke, did we obey
What we heard?
Will we get many stripes or very few?
Our attitude, it depends on me, on you.
Will we hear the Master say, "Well done!"?
Be rewarded for victories won?
Let's live with Eternity's values in view.
Let us have an entrance, victorious.
Let us always have a right heart attitude.
Please our God, maximum glorious!
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 18 September 2003
SUSPICION!
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
In the Body of Christ, there is a special "gift",
It is known as: "The Gift of Suspicion"!
It is one of the gifts of the Evil spirit.
Fueled by hate and ugly superstition.
It was this trait, Jesus faced in the crowd,
This "talent" led to His crucifixion.
This thing stops Love's flow in the Bride of Christ,
This powerful "Gift" - Suspicion.
Some folks think this gift is to be admired,
To be carefully sought and greatly desired.
They think God is mightily moving through them,
Think it's right to suspect, point out fault and condemn.
Perception, Awareness, Revelation, Knowing,
Inspiration, Discernment, Wisdom, God showing,
These are of God, but suspicion is of satan.
Even God, faced with this, experiences frustration.
Would you like it if do others be suspicious of you?
Criticize your best intentions, and distrust your motivations?
Love thinks the best of every person,
Accepts the best of the loveliest version,
But suspicion rejects before love has ere begun,
Was impossible for acceptance for even God's Son.
What do you do if they're suspicious of you?
Let Jesus be your Life, all life through!
Overcome evil with good, each minute, every hour.
Love them in return, praise God with might and power!
CREATOR OF THE STARS
John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
G C C C C C G A B C C C
Creator of the stars, You live in me. (Hallelujah!)
C D D D D D A B C D D D
Maker of moon and Mars, please live through me. (Praise the Lord!)
CHORUS:
C B C G G D A A A
And I worship You, I worship You
D C B C D C B C D C B C C C
I worship You, I worship You, I worship You - -
2: You invented every star I see,
Four hundred billion stars in the Andromeda Galaxy
CHORUS:
3: Maker of Orion,
You are the Mighty Lion,
CHORUS:
C B C G G D A A A
And I worship You, I worship You
D C B C D C B C D C B C C C
I worship You, I worship You, I worship You - -
‘Sweather
by John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
Yo, The snow - Here is lovely and white.
The country around is really a sight!
These diamond flakes drift down and light on my nos’.
I’m filled with delight from my head to my toess.
You may ask me why?
Because God and I
Are looking at this together!!!
Thi - sweather!
TAIWO
We have a friend named Taiwo,
To her a verse do I owe.
She’s cuter than any flower,
She’s filled to the full with God’s power.
She made a vow to God,
In God’s will to always trod.
She’s kept God’s holy fire.
One can only stand and admire.
Her laughter is like a melody,
Like a stream that’s flowing freely.
The sparkle that’s in her eye,
On her God, she does totally rely.
The glow upon her face,
Only sin could ever erase.
On God’s lap she keeps her place,
She abounds in God’s own grace.
Oh, we love you, Precious Tai,
We don’t even need to try.
Everyone respects you, so do I.
Most highly treasured, none can deny.
Birthday - 2001 by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
I THINK OF YOU
by john roy bohlen and John 5:30
Written to Karen, from Africa, early in 2002
Amidst the hustle bustle
Of this hurly burly world.
Or, through the rangle dangle,
Jangled nerves can come unfurled.
Yet, through the noise and din of throng
My thoughts of you are very strong.
Amidst the horns and chatter,
I meditate on things that matter.
You are in my mind, so clearly,
My thoughts of you, so dearly.
It seems that you are near.
Scenes of you bring cheer.
The warm clasp of your hand
Across time and space has spanned.
In the Spirit, there is no distance,
Surrounded by the Cloud of Witness.
I do not want to be too strange.
It’s simply that recollections range.
They bring you close, they draw you nigh.
Whether close or far, we will reign on high.
2 July 2003
Beloved Princess Tara and Brother Joshua,
Karen and I are taking this opportunity to say a sincere and heart-felt “thank you!” for the sweet privilege of having a lovely meal with you in your home. It was a lovely time, and the meal was superb!
Tara, I don’t mind telling you what special gift you are to all of us. Thank you for the hugs, the smiles and the up-fronting. Thank you for being teachable and talk-with-able. Amen.
We look forward eagerly to seeing you both again, in God’s timing.
THE LOVELY MEAL TOGETHER!
For Joshua and Tara, by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Adequate words, I’m not able,
To describe your lovely table.
And the food that thereon did sit.
For it is such an honor,
All the meal you placed upon her.
Folks, it’s as good as it can get.
But the fellowship was better.
Each face is God’s Own letter,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit live within.
God has done it, for He grew you,
Shines His lovely love light through you.
By His Presence, you can always, only win.
So, we thank you for your caring,
You both were lovingly sharing.
Ah, what more can I say besides.
Isn’t it lovely with God to walk?
Isn’t it nice, with God’s Own to talk.
Best of all, God in us resides! Amen.
Thank you again, Joshua and Tara!
Love, and great gratitude, from John and Karen
FORGE FORWARD VALIANTLY!!!
By John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 14 Nov. ‘98
Forge forward valiantly! Rise up in God’s power.
Get out of boat boldly. Know that now is the hour.
Go, dance on the water, shouts of praise lift on high.
Face the storm with loud laughter, raise strong victory cry.
Tempted to whine, tempted to worry?
There is not enough time, There’s a firestorm fury.
God’s will must be done! The harvest we reap.
Many souls must be won, saints awakened from sleep.
Repent from depression, here’s fullness of peace!
We must tell every nation, from darkness release.
Right now is the time, there must be no delay.
Don’t worry or whine. Boldly enter the fray!
Forge forward valiantly. Be encouraged instead.
March onward courageously! Let us always be led.
When things look bleak, “Rejoice ever more!”
God’s perfect will seek, there’s glory in store.
Or, will you hang back, turn away from the plow?
It is time to attack, God’s time is now.
Perfect promise of victory, God’s presence brings bliss.
We shall fulfill our destiny, from God get a kiss.
Forge forward valiantly, God is waiting for you.
Reside with Him pleasantly, all eternity through.
We never need strife. Have God’s point of view!
His Life can be your life, in all that you do.
Forge forward valiantly!
DEAR WELLS AND SANDY
21 February 1998 by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Your friendship is so very meaningful, so very precious to me.
We thank God for you both, for your family.
This friendship is truly a great gift to us.
We treasure you, and our friendship - all plus!
I remember the best things of our trip West,
Our trip East, our trip South, our trip North
When God brought us together, it was the best!
Like a cornucopia of blessings, poured forth.
Even when our friendship has been "iron on iron".
We were just trying to find our way toward Zion.
Look at all the meals that we've had together!
We've walked side by side through all kinds of weather.
I told you early on,
"I would rather die than wrongly hurt you."
Though there has been hurt,
God has brought us through.
Isn't it lovely, our friendship today?
Let's always be best friends, in God's best way.
For God's Own glory, through us let Him be praised,
Let's walk in His glory, with hearts and spirits raised.
Let's forge ahead joyfully, let's do God's sweet will,
More adventures together, His plans to fulfill.
So, thank you Wells, Sandy, for your kind friendship,
For your sweet kindnesses, for this close kinship,
For the happy adventures, for your true words and ways,
May these continue increasingly, unto heavenly days.
WELLS AND SANDY
Here are some lovely things that I remember about our friendship
Our first meeting, the sweet fellowship that we had in the restaurant.
Your offer of money, your willingness to check with Sandy as to the amount.
Your willingness to come to church with us,
Your willingness to be ministered to, our ministry to Sandy.
The meal afterward.
Your willingness to see us through the transition,
when we both really needed acceptance and friendship and love.
The exquisite beauty of your home in Edina.
The decorations, the candles, the antiques, the tea, the sweets, music, the
gracious hostessing.
The backyard picnicking.
Restaurant meals.
The walks around Lake Harriet.
Our early praising and singing together.
Your advice to me about body stewardship.
Your willingness to be a first signer, along with David and me, on our
incorporation papers.
Each one of your money contributions to us and our ministry.
Mama Peoples.
Your willingness to commend and introduce us to your family and friends.
Your presence and encouragement in my gall bladder difficulty.
Helping me push the car out of the snow bank on the way to the hospital.
Helping us move to the country, all of the hard work that you did.
Helping us get firewood in out of the woods.
Your willingness to be Karen's best friend.
Your courage to volunteer to be KJC administrator, by faith.
Your taking us to Compassion.
Our time at Voyager Village.
Your willingness to be part of the church at our home.
Your playing the ukulele.
Your worship, praise, sharing and prayers.
Our trip together to Tulsa, bringing "Rowdy" back.
Your ordination in Iowa.
Our trip to Vermont. Our trip to California.
Our duets together.
Your enthusiasm for the Exchanged Life of Christ.
Your sense of humor.
Your appreciation for garage sales.
Your times of repentance, sweetness, tenderness of heart, teachableness,
transparency.
Your Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, love gifts, gifts and cards.
The formal meals we had, with silver, china, linen, candlelight and food.
Your lovely place in Crystal.
Your willingness for me and us to stay in your home, from time to time.
Your willingness to be parents to Taiwo.
Your willingness to consider my "iron on iron".
Your willingness to be "iron" to me, your suggestions, loving criticisms.
Your enthusiasm for life.
The exotic teas.
Your kind looks, sweet smiles, encouragements.
Your willingness for our children to be friends.
Your willingness to come and spend time with us.
Your willingness for us to store some "pick-up" garage sale stuff in your
garage, temporarily.
Your willingness to help us with garage sales.
Your appreciation of us.
Your friendship.
Your love.
Your walk with God.
Your uncompromising willingness to do the will of God, courageously.
YOUR HEART - OUR HOME!
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 - February. 1998
I love You Papa Yahweh, with all my heart.
With all my soul, with every part.
My heart pours out strong love for Thee
My thanks pours out, eternally.
Your flow of grace enables me,
To follow strongly after Thee.
To yearn for Thee quite earnestly.
I'm basking in Your Presence now,
This sweet tranquility makes me bow.
We live far over everything,
We reign serene here with our King.
This is our home, we need not leave,
But ever close, to Thee we cleave.
Not, "Help us live", but, "Be our Life!"
Oh, live through us, there is no strife.
Speak through our lips, bless through our hands.
Walk through our feet, through many lands.
We're listening to Your heart beat,
Upon Your lap we take our seat.
Never to leave here, never to roam
Snuggling close, Your arms are our home.
Beneath Your wings I take my place,
Beneath Your feathers, I find grace.
Within Your Shadow, You Most High,
We never need to say "Good bye."
A poem to the Father by John. Title: Your Heart - Our Home!
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - 1999
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Anniversaries may come and go,
But ours are richer and better.
Ours is a life that lets everyone know
That I’ve always been blest that I met her.
What a lovely miracle our marriage has been!
What a lovely romance we have had.
I cannot remember ever or when,
That our love has been other than glad.
This marriage is from God, He has given us a kiss
A friendship that is steeped
In the Lord’s Own bliss,
A love that is from Him, glorious, this.
This love is from Him,
His will we did not miss.
I love you, Darling Karen,
With soul and strength and heart.
How could I have the slightest care when,
I know that we will never part.
So, let’s journey on, joined hand in hand,
God’s love will keep from all fear,
‘Till, before God’s Throne, together we stand.
We’ll give thanks for our friendship, so dear.
By John Roy Bohlen, in celebration of their 35th Wedding Anniversary.
AMAZING!
by john roy bohlen & John 5:30
November 18, 2004
An amazing thing,
Makes my heart sing!
Christ living in me.
To God I cling.
Let joy bells ring.
God is living in me.
I’m saved from Hell.
Emmanuel.
Creator of All.
Saved from the Fall.
He knows my name.
Within He came.
I’m filled with bliss.
God gives a kiss.
Abundant Life.
There’s no more strife.
No more fears.
God lives between my ears.
Creator of All,
I stand in awe.
I can’t but win.
God, inside my skin.
All sin erase.
He took my place
God behind my face.
Amazing grace!
ANNIE
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30, April - 2001
We have a Dear Friend named Annie,
She’s sweeter than pudding or candy.
She’s loving and kind,
Dearer friend you can’t find.
Worth more than all wealth that’s been mined.
We found her one day,
This blessed nurse came our way,
Tender-hearted compassion is what she lives.
Kind-hearted love is what she gives.
God Himself, in this shape of clay.
Thank you Dear One, for your loving smile.
Thank You Lord, for this Christ-like life-style.
We deeeeeeearly appreciate your life of love.
Deeeeeeply thank our God above,
That you have been our friend this while.
This life is God’s love poured out.
Praise to Him we want to shout.
God’s Own presence is clearly here.
The Life of God is more than near.
The Lord’s Own power is round about.
Our family here - you are a part.
This friendship dear, only a start.
Great adventures are in store.
Opportunities - these, we won’t ignore
You are a friend, from God’s Own heart!
ANNIVERSARY - 2000
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Our anniversary is over, but my love for you is not.
My love for you is fire and it couldn’t be more hot.
Strong reverence, deep appreciation, more than a lot.
My respect and honor of you - is what you’ve got.
It was a lovely time, both times by Lake Chetek.
In these 36 short years, my love has diminished
Not one speck.
But through joy and tears, love has only grown and grown,
By God’s grace, my love for you is greater
Than for my own.
Thank you for adventuring with me, each day our love is new.
Thank you for loving me, even more than you love you.
Thank you for working hard, for serving all day through.
Thank you for being my Sweetheart, my Lover, true.
A short poem re: a Down Quilt Comforter
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
THE DARLING DOWN COMFORTER
My wife gave a gift That was meant to uplift,
To herself and each of the offspring,
Gently gathered from under bird's wing
A large fluffy blanket for weather,
Fully filled with many a fine feather,
Can you imagine the feeling, peeking up at the ceiling,
Cold outside, but in bed, covered nose to toes?
Snuggled down 'neath the down of a goose that God chose.
POEM ABOUT JOEY
by Joshua Paul Bohlen
WHEN I WAS GROWIN' UP
YOU ALWAYS WERE RIGHT THERE
YOU ALWAYS TOL’ ME WHAT TO DO
YOU TAUGHT ME WHAT WAS COOL
AND HOW TO COMB MY HAIR
YOU EVEN SHOWED ME WHAT KIND OF
CLOTHES WERE COOL TO WEAR
I HAD IT WELL IN MIND. I HAD IT ALL LAID OUT -
THE THING THAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO
IT WOULD BE VERY COOL
I WOULD BE NO ONE'S FOOL
IF I COULD ONLY BE LIKE YOU
OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER
HOW SWEET YOUR LOVE IS TO ME
I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE
CHERISH THE TIMES WE'VE SHARED
IN SWEET COMRODERIE
WELL, EVERY WHERE YOU WENT
I HAD TO GO THERE, TOO.
YOU WERE MY IDOL THEN, YOU SEE.
YOU'D TAKE ME TO THE MALL.
WE'D ALWAYS HAVE A BALL.
WE WOULD EVEN TAKE OUR BIKES AND JAM ON 2 TO C.
BUT ONE DAY YOU LOADED UP, THE CHEVY CAPRICE.
WE SAID “GOOD-BYE”, AS WE WAVED TO YOU.
IT WAS A VERY SAD DAY
WHEN YOU DROVE AWAY,
AND WENT TO COLLEGE AT O-R-U.
CHORUS
WELL, NOT LONG AFTER THAT
YOU VISITED BACK HOME,
AND YOU WENT OUT TO THE MOVIES WITH ME.
THEN, AT THE POPCORN STAND
YOU SAW THIS LOVELY...AND
DECIDED YOU WOULD START YOUR OWN LITTLE FAMILY TREE
AND THEN ONE DAY YOU LOADED UP THAT BIG BLUE VAN
YOU AND MICHELLE WERE GOIN' ON YOUR OWN
FOLLOWIN' GOD'S PLAN
I SURE DID MISS YOU, MAN
BUT I COULD TELL YOU ON THE PHONE
CHORUS
WELL HERE YOU ARE MY FRIEND
I GUESS I COULD PRETEND
LIKE EVERY THING IS NO BIG DEAL .
BUT I WANTCHA TO KNOW
THAT I LOVE YOU SO
AND I'LL TELL YOU HOW I FEEL
WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN OR
ONE OF US SHOULD FIND THE OTHER
GONE TO THE LORD ABOVE
I WALK WITH PEACE INSIDE
THE KIND THAT'S DEEP AND WIDE
OUR JESUS KEEPS US IN HIS LOVE
NOT MANY FRIENDS I KNOW
ARE LIKE MY GOOD FRIEND JOE
I WANT TO TELL YOU SO
THAT I LOVE YOU BRO
IT'S WORKIN' OUT ALL RIGHT
I'LL SING ON THROUGH THE NIGHT
I'M HAVIN' SO MUCH FUN
YOU ARE MY FATHER'S SON
WE WALKIN IN THE LIGHT
IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT
WE LIVE IN HARMONY
IT'S LIKE A SHADY TREE....
CREDIT
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30, in response to his 60th birthday party
If there is anything about me that is good or fine,
All the glory goes to God, so divine.
If I ever say a word that’s an encouraging line,
All the credit goes to God, this King of mine.
Only God is good.
It is only that God could
Be anything lovely, at any time,
So give Christ all the glory.
So let this always be my story:
It is God - It is Christ - and none of mine.
Give to me a crown.
I will cast it down,
At the feet of Papa Yahweh so sublime.
The human heart can not muster,
Only God can give the luster.
Give the credit not to me, But to God, divine.
November 28, 1998 Thanksgiving Poem
by Dawn Joy Bohlen
The last week of November, what a lovely time of year,
When we can gather ‘round for some Thanksgiving cheer.
A nice time for fellowship, singing, and laughter,
Good food to eat, and Josh swinging from the rafter.
But what is Thanksgiving? A prelude to Christmas?
A kickoff to holidays and making our lists es?
Ah but a time to really give thanks,
Though we should all year round, not save it in our banks.
Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord! Thank You!!!
For You, for family, for good times, and Hallelu’s!
For blessings abounding and Your goodness resounding,
I thank You, Lord, for your love so astounding!
And Thank You for this day, when long ago pilgrims gathered,
When being able to praise You freely was what really mattered.
So have some more lefse, and Happy Thanksgiving,
And let’s continue to give thanks to Jesus, eternally living!
JOSHUA PAUL BOHLEN
a poem
Step by step and day by day.
He leads me in amazing ways.
I plan a goal to take a trip
But God decides to delay de ship.
I thought I'd take a little rest;
God wants me now in Budapest. (Not really :)
It's hard sometimes to get it straight,
But with my God at any rate...
"Need to know" basis is how it is,
I don't know it all ‘cause the glory's His.
So if you want to know my friend,
Just how it all is going to end
You better sit back and enjoy the ride
Cause He's commin' back for a ready Bride!
Is there room in the Inn of your heart for Christ?
Does the light from above shine down through your life?
Are people convinced when you speak in Christ’s Name
Are the people drawn to the warm lights glow;
And does the love of Jesus show?
The Creator King of everything born in a humble place.
A poem to Michelle on Mother's Day '96
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Written for Michelle Rene Pritchett Bohlen
Out from the woods, so timidly,
Silently whispers, "Respect me!"
Lovely, frightened, O so much.
Not trusting just any touch.
Beaten down by many a storm
Alone, afraid, - forlorn.
Tos't to and fro, the wind, a leaf.
Like the Master, knowing grief.
Yet, called to leap from peak to peak,
Chosen, mighty phrases speak.
A hand outstretched, the way is clear,
But frightened, timid as a deer.
Love, without chains, she has not known,
She's had to walk this way alone.
Yet, now the way of safety lies -
It must be love, without ties.
Love reaches out a hand,
Afraid, she does not understand.
The Voice - Love's own inflection,
She's headed in the right direction!
A fire filled filly war horse
Forging forward, no remorse
A friend, friend of hand stretched out,
Doing Sabaoth's will, with no doubt.
Love extended, without condition.
Now at last, a recognition,
Of all that's best in life and laughter,
Living happily ever after...
Happy Mother's Day - 1996
Great Mom Michelle Rene
A poem by John. To Lover - Karen. Written V-Day 1996.
TO LOVER - KAREN
Pat Robertson, he praised Shirley,
E. B. Hill - his wife, too.
I praise you, my darling,
For consistently seeing me through.
They encouraged, well, their husbands,
Like you've been encouraging me.
They stood by their man through thick and thin.
You'll be rewarded - eternally.
I love you, Darling, with all my heart.
I love every thing - all about you.
I appreciate, I respect, I admire you.
I 'm grateful for all that you do.
Thank you for being a friend I can trust.
You've been patient consistently.
Thank you for being a great lover.
We'll be friends eternally.
Valentine's Day - 1996
By husband, John Roy Bohlen
ENCOURAGEMENT
by john roy bohlen & John 5:30
November 22, 2004
Encouragement is encouraging,
This is what I say.
And, it seems like I need encouragement,
Right now, right here, today.
Reassurance is reassuring.
Isn’t this a lovely thought?
To not be assured can be frustrating,
But, reassurance cannot be bought.
We must be led by the Spirit
When to know to reassure.
When the candle of courage is to be lit.
When encouragement is to occur.
If there’s a need to edify,
We should not be idly standing by.
We should not be negatively confessing.
But, speak up and be a blessing.
We should always seek to edify.
And not another crucify.
Christ can help a pilgrim go through it.
We have only the need to do it.
Words of life can bring life.
Negative words can bring death.
Encouragement can bring release from strife.
Bring strength, and hope and new breath.
You brought hope to me today.
It was a lovely, uplifting occurrence.
You encouraged me along life’s way.
God, through you, brought fresh reassurance.
COME TO THE FEAST!
by John Roy Bohlen and John 530
Let's have a party, Come to the Feast
It's already starting, The anointing is released.
There will be no parting, God will be well-pleased.
We'll celebrate it early, God will bless us surely.
In all kinds of weather, nothing could be better
Celebrate His Glory, Let God pour all o're me
We'll stay 8 days or more! Let's see what God has in store.
We'll have joy galore, Behold His glory o're and o're.
Read Zechariah 14, We will make a fine team.
Look for His out-pouring, Look for His great restoring.
It's already started, “Bad Guy” will be out-smarted.
We can meet in the barn loft, We will praise God oft' and oft'.
Come up to the Bohlen Farm, This will be no false alarm,
We will lean on God's strong Arm, We can do the devil harm.
Climb with us God's holy hill, Let us hear His "Peace, be still!"
We will do His holy will, Let's be healed from every ill.
8 days upon the Mount, 8 days with God will count.
We will seek God's lovely Face, He will bless us by His grace.
We'll sing and dance, shout and pray, we'll worship Him in every way.
He will take our cares away, We will praise God, come what may.
We love You, Lord. Your love out-poured.
Oh Lord, You mean so much to me. Oh Father, You're our Victory!
It is very plain to see, We need view Your great majesty.
Let Your love now pour o're me.
We'll greatly spread Your grand story Let's have a par-ty.
Come to this Feast of Glory!
OH HEAVENLY FATHER
Oooh, Dear Heavenly Father,
I am crying out to You.
At times life gets so confusing that
I don’t know what to do.
When the finances are short -
When there comes a bad report -
When the enemy makes sport -
When the best of plans abort -
When the problems I can’t sort -
When I need a strong support -
Oh, Dear Heavenly Father - - - -.
I will praise You at such a time.
When there seems no reason nor rhyme.
On my Heavenly Daddy’s lap I will climb.
Rest my ear on Your chest sublime,
There is nothing that I know to do
But to trustingly look up to You.
Chose to trust that Your promise is true.
Try to see from Your point of view
Cleave close to You all the day through
Rejoice that each moment is new.
There’s an agony deep in my soul,
Showing Your glory, this is my goal,
Tell Your story from pole to pole,
Helping Thee, help Your Bride be made whole.
Daddy, , Oh Daddy, Daddy.
Papa, . Oh Papa Dear.
Abba, , Oh Abba Yahweh,
Pleeeeeeeeeease, let Your Glory appear.
I would not flee away into sleep.
My yearning’s so strong, I could weep.
The need in my heart is so deep,
Sometimes the road seems soooo steep.
I’m trusting Your promise You’ll keep.
Now, into Your Throne-Room I’ll creep.
Into Your long strong arms I will leap,
I am trusting You, trusting You, trusting You, trrrr-
I am praising You, praising You, praising You, prrrr-
I am cleaving, clinging, clapping, cuddlinnng,
I am singing, shouting, trusting, snugglinnnng -
by john roy bohlen & John 5:30 - September 1, 1999
February 9,2001
( Dear Joshua, please forward this right away! Thanks. I love you. )
Dear Darling Daughter Dawn,
AKURE, NIGERIA.
I am thinking about you girl! I'm having the time of my life! The
bowing, carrying of my bag... I polish their shoes. They love me. They
respect me. Sometimes I ride in cars that are older. Sometimes in a
chief's $50,000 Land Rover.
People ask me important questions... " Is it OK to take a second wife?" I
did not volunteer you... Oh we have a great time! These 1st 2 weeks I've
been major healthy! Swollen feet, but not a bother. God and I are close.
I'm always talking about listening to His heartbeat.
The Heart of God
John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Oh My child, My dear one,
My love for you is hotter than the sun.
My Heart longs for you.
I've been loving you all your life long through.
I delight over you with a joy that is great
I enjoy your fellowship, whether early or late.
I will solve your problems, make the crooked straight.
I will bless you deeply, as on Me you wait.
Oh, I love you with a perfect love.
It's a love that can only come from God above.
Come and sit upon My lap, lean, and listen to My heart.
Come and stay beneath My feathers from the finish
to the start.
My love is as large as My heart is great.
Great adventures we together - this is our fate.
When you worship Me, your greatest good is My intent.
Bless you to the uttermost - the highest possible extent.
So come into
February 9,2001
( Dear Joshua, please forward this right away! Thanks. I love you. )
Dear Darling Daughter Dawn,
AKURE, NIGERIA.
I am thinking about you girl! I'm having the time of my life! The
bowing, carrying of my bag... I polish their shoes. They love me. They
respect me. Sometimes I ride in cars that are older. Sometimes in a
chief's $50,000 Land Rover.
People ask me important questions... " Is it OK to take a second wife?" I
did not volunteer you... Oh we have a great time! These 1st 2 weeks I've
been major healthy! Swollen feet, but not a bother. God and I are close.
I'm always talking about listening to His heartbeat.
GOD’S HEARTBEAT
John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
Oh my dear
Do not fear
Come very near
Place your ear
So you can hear
So very clear
My heartbeat .
With glory glistering
Live life listening
To My whispering
Words of encouragement
Praise and endearment
The sweetest nourishment
My heartbeat
And you will know
My glory's glow
My secrets show
To those below
I will bestow
Whiter than snow
Anointing flow
Fellowship sweet
Oh how my heart was filled with pain
With regret for making man
My Creation it seemed was all in vain
So I made another plan
I tried again and tried again
Sent My Son to die for man
Then He rose anew to reign
And did all time
And distance span
Stay within the circle of my arm
All joy! There is no alarm
Or harm
To the greatest ,
You are blest
With His best
Never oppressed
Love expressed
Best invest
Highest crest
Sin can't molest
Greatest quest
Under His vest
God’s zest
Forgiven east - west
Cleans whatever messed
To Him pressed
God’s Chest
Your nest
God’s best Sweet rest Pass the test
By God caressed
The Throne addressed
Victory confessed
In Glory dressed
No jest
The happiest.
In Your arms, here is great happiness.
Love on!
Papa John.
Written by johnroy bohlen and John 5:30
Probably, by Joey
Just thought I'd tell you about some of the goings on...
I don't know if I've ever written a letter this long...
I think it's time I broke into song...
I think I'll quit while I'm ahead
I think I'll quit and go to bed
Have I been reading too much Seuss?
Or is it too much happy juice?
Help me God up above,
I must now end this and say, “All our Love!”
Written, probably, by Joey . . .
A poem written by Josh about crisis and commitment
In my heart is where it starts;
It starts to bubble in deepest parts;
It starts to stir, a chord is struck.
I'm held transfixed the clock k is stuck.
Time standing still, the truth proclaimed;
Like an arrow released--well aimed.
I never realized before;
The truth could open such a door;
Inside my heart didn't know was there.
Is my whole life to be laid bare?
There's no escaping tears by now;
I've got to find release somehow;
Expressing in the aftermath;
The will to follow in the path;
Of He who's shared the hardest road;
And carried every heavy load.
But now I see there can but be;
Just one road now ahead of me.
The road that leads to heaven's throne;
Built by the blood of saints unknown;
And those who suffered at the hands;
Of men they loved in foreign lands.
A path not many choose to take;
Because this world they must forsake;
And have but one voice they obey:
The maker of each brand new day;
Who's walked this way and knows the trail.
He who is perfect cannot fail.
And so I now in sweeter frame;
Of mind and heart can fully claim;
To be one who walks in the light;
And hides no more from His eye sight;
I cannot hide. It's useless to.
For everything I've done, He knew.
And still forgives me for the wrong;
Rejoicing over me with song.
I have new poser from my sin.
I have no more to hide within;
Except a peace so evident;
I feed upon for nourishment.
I hoard it like a precious thing;
And yet wear it like a lover's ring.
Reminding me of God above;
Who now I see is full of love;
Who once I thought commanded me;
With hot impetuosity.
But now I see the wrath is missing;
Instead of scolding frowns there's kissing!
FATHER’S DAY - 2003
Poem to Papa by Kari Ruth Bohlen
I’m not very good with poems, like you,
But the sentiments expressed are more than few.
I appreciate our times together
In all different kinds of weather.
From watching birds of a feather
to “butt-kicker” videos together.
I have to finish this rhyme in a hurry
Since we’ll have dinner at Adventures or Pour House
And a movie(2 Fast, 2 Furious) in a hurry.
Hopefully this isn’t too blurry.
With God, be encouraged and blessed beyond all measure.
Cause you are special and know that you are treasured
I love you, respect you, honor you and pray for you,
So, enjoy today and always -
It’s an honor and privilege spending time with you, too!
Dad, I love you. Kari J
Karen’s Birthday, 2001
Beloved Karen,
Here’s what I am giving you for your birthday:
1. Faithful service to your Mother. This includes: Potty, ice water, juice, all nights, change her underwear, poop, foods, the vigil, etc. These, I do, out of love for you, for her, for God.
2. I bring you the fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, temperance, longsuffering, faith, goodness.
3. I bring you a pure thought life, integrity, righteousness.
I refuse to look upon other women with lust or covetousness.
4. I bring you a life of servanting: My sweeping and washing of the floors, etc., these are, each one, a gift to you - a gift of love.
5. A willingness to not be fooling when you would rather not, and to keep a right spirit about it, each of these willingnesses are a gift to you. Your pleasure, your fun, makes me so very happy.
6. I bring you the gift of a sense of humour. I try to be funny. I try to make you laugh.
7. As a gift to you, I do not insist on sleeping in the same bed, because I want you to get a quality night’s sleep, without being tormented by my snoring. I value you.
8. I bring you the gift of respect. I desire you. I respect you, your space, your privacy, your freedom to shop and sale, and handle the money, just about any way you like.
9. I bring you the gift of freedom: I refuse to dominate you, torment you, belittle you, pester you, intimidate you, be resentful or bitter toward you. Instead, as I said, I give you permission to do nearly anything you want, or to not do just about anything you do not want to do. I am willing to not be with you or to be with you, as you decide. When you want a vacation from me, I am willing to schedule a ministry trip to some other place without you.
10. I give you the gift of love. I care for you. I admire you. I choose only you. I desire no other. I choose to love you. I do love you. I have no other desire for any other, no intentions, interests, sexually or romantically.
11. I give you a poem. I admit that these poems are of questionable worth. But they are of value to me, like a dandelion that an excited child would bring.
12. I give you the gift of romance. To tell you, to show you, by touching, by playing, by being wanting to be with you and rejoicing to be with you, wherever, by wanting to walk with you, ride with you, eat with you, make love with you.
13. I give you a gift of the latest Michael W. Smith tape.
14. I give you the gift of me, and of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit within me. I try to keep myself shaven, clean smelling, and strong. (I would like to say “sleek”, but I am trying.)
15. I give you the gift of listening. I am willing and eager to listen to you.
16. I am totally committed to do the will of God, and to be led by His Holy Spirit. This may be the best gift that I can give to you, because I and we will be blest - the extent to which we are in the will of God, and cursed - the extent to which we are not.
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Karen’s Birthday Poem - 2001
Though I have composed many a rhyme,
Have written a poem many a tyme
I know these are of questionable worth,
Perhaps no more precious than earth.
Yet, my heart flows with strong love toward thee,
And loving, I know not what else to be.
My goal, to always treat you tenderly.
To see you the way the Lord does see.
I respect you my Darling, more than respect.
I expect no more than God does expect.
The greatest of service I want not neglect.
Every fault or lack I want to correct.
My desire for you is greater than ever.
My romance with you I want not to sever.
Be less than the best? Never no never.
Be funny and happy and tender and clever.
I prophecy even happier days ahead,
More money, more time off, more laughter instead.
To always and ever by God’s Spirit be led.
Forever and always God’s bounty be fed.
I now take courage to tell you the truth.
With you, I rejoice with the wife of my youth.
To be always enjoying your chest and the rest.
When God gave me you, He gave me the best!
My Dear One, I want always, your pleasure.
Your joy, your contentment, my treasure.
If you are rejoicing, I rejoice with you.
I pray your rejoicing, eternity through.
Happy Birthday, Karen, Kate, my Love, by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
KAREN’S BIRTHDAY - 2002
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
I love you more than ever,
Now, this is really true.
Nothing our love can sever.
I will love you all life through.
I bless you for your hard work.
Not a lazy bone you’ve got.
Like the lovely wife in Prov. 31.
You have no wrinkle or spot.
Your beauty grows with each passing day,
Your loveliness without, within.
More lovely to me in every way,
Each day, I love, with you, to begin.
I write a poem for these special seasons,
A verse will out-last a flower.
To praise you, I have many reasons.
Your life inspires word power.
I love to be near you, to hold your hand.
To serve you gently, meet love’s every demand.
God’s love has been with us, the years has spanned.
To fulfill all that His love has planned.
Let’s live these years in tranquility,
But with fire and with God’s Own ability.
To finish the race, to increase our pace,
To fulfill God’s call, then at His feet, fall.
Let’s snuggle together, ‘'neath God’s every chest feather.
Know ever more pleasure, Enjoy God’s every treasure,
Know all fullness of joy, which no time can destroy,
Be friends ever more, Wow! Just think what’s in store!
I know not what the future holds,
But I know that each step of the way,
The Lord of all Life is accompanying us,
The Creator of All, Yahweh.
For Love’s Dear Sake Alone
“Look good! and smell sweet!.”
Was the Word He gave to me
As a flower, I was growing
On the mountains, wild and free.
Tucked away where no one trod,
No one saw face turned to God.
Where I was, no one came,
Like a lonely, flickering flame.
Serving Christ “For Love’s Dear Sake Alone”!
Fully focused on naught but God’s throne.
But, is your flower beautiful? Oh, yes!
But what if only to God this flower does bless?
You may have a lovely voice
That only God does hear.
You may have a lovely talent,
God knows¾but not those far, or near.
God values you for what you are to Him.
Is this enough? Or, must you follow every whim?
Must someone know each time you win?
Is your life sustained by crowds’ loud din?
Well known by men¾does it matter?
What makes you live? Crowd’s loud clatter?
Is God’s bright smile enough for you?
Are you compelled for all to know each good you do?
Are you willing each step to patiently plod?
A journey, a life, known only to God?
A sweet fragrance that only God knows?
Like a far off tiny star that only for God glows?
Some men survive on fickle adulation.
Others thrive on humanly elevation.
Perhaps, you will only be by God approved
To always, only, be by His Spirit moved.
Upon a far-off hillside blooms a lone-ly, lovely flower,
Contrasted by the fact of nuclear power.
This flower smells sweet, is glorious, by God is known..
This flower blooms for God alone.
Could this be enough for you?
That you delight the heart of God, eternity through?
Written in the morning, in the Barn
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30. October 30, 1998
MAD AT GOD
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 - 1999
Father, why should I be mad at You,
When You’ve done so much for me?
Why should I be so blue,
When You saved me eternally?
You saved me, ransomed Me
At the cost of Your Own Blood.
You gave me seeing eyes to see,
Raised me from a swamp of mud.
Why should I be petulant?
Why should I be other than expectant?
What in self-pity holds enticement?
Or in praise time be reluctant?
Or why should I be arrogant,
Stand and give You argument?
You were stripped of every garment
To clothe me with Your armament.
You failed to meet my expectation
Which led to sore vexation
A greatly swelled frustration
I ran away from God on vacation.
But You stood with Your arms spread wide,
From Your love I could no longer hide.
You filled me with love inside.
Invited me on Your lap to reside.
Beckoned me on Your Throne to abide
In an anguish of depression I cried’
In my anger at You, hope died,
Deeper toward hell I did slide.
I’d punish God and all with my suicide
I’d refused to be edified
I’d refuse Thy Blood to be applied
Resist the Holy Spirit as guide.
Yet, You loved me from the start.
You made room in Your great heart,
Would I give up my moaning and groaning?
Maintaining a sustaining complaining?
I refuse to be discouraged or depressed,
My stupid raging at God is confessed
I choose to be evermore blessed
In Your arms, caressed, pressed to Your chest.
In Your righteousness dressed
Beneath Your feathers to nest,
Never more to be oppressed,
Pleasing Thee, my quest,
In Your love to rest.
Passing every test.
By Your love obsessed.
By Your Life possessed.
Amen.
POEM FOR DAWN JOY
John 5:30 & john roy bohlen
Christmas - 1996
You'll always be my little girl,
Always be God's precious pearl.
Christ's Life in you is really grand,
Enabling you - just what He planned.
I heard you pray, God heard you, too.
He knows your heart, loves you clear through.
He lifts you up to heights unknown,
Holds you secure, won't let you down.
Just hold steady,
Just stand ready.
Stay prepared.
Don't be scared.
He's your Life!
Calm for strife.
Every problem?
God can solve them!
He wants to - Hold you close.
His chest feathers tickle your nos'.
His great blessing, such a dose,
Make you tingle to your toes.
As you love Him faithfully,
You'll be filled with glee, you'll see!
You'll see smiles turn to laughter,
Lead you happily ever after!
EDDY
Written for Ed Hussman, by John Bohlen, New Year - 1997
Ever since the olden days,
Ed, you've been our friend.
Though, at our past we fondly gaze.
Our friend 'til future's end.
You did our children baby sit.
You cleaned our house as well.
When we'd return, we'd find things fit,
Encouragement - clear as a bell.
We sing and laugh together
until the early morn.
We laugh at stormy weather.
All thought of evil scorn.
“Keep looking down", is what you say,
"Seated in Christ", the only way!
“Christ lives in me", both night and day.
"Living in Him", at work and play.
Ed Hussman, we thank God for you.
A greater blessing than you knew.
God smiles at us in all you do.
When you pray, God shines through.
A faithful servant to our mother,
You've been our friend, like no other,
In Jesus, closer than a brother.
Thank You for Hussman, Heavenly Father.
Thank you Ed, for being our friend. We deeeeeeply appreciate you.
FRIENDSHIP
Friendship - now that's a beautiful word.
It sounds kind of friendly - in a way.
It brings warmth and encouragement un-ignored
It can bring strength all through the day.
Not many people have many friends,
That is, those who could be called "good friends".
Friends who'll stick with you through difficult days.
From now 'till the journey ends
by John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
TO A FRIEND
Words can’t express
How you do bless
So deeply, in your giving.
With heart-felt praise
Our hands, heads raise.
To do more fruitful living.
What can we say?
It helped to pray.
Our God, within you lives.
Hence we all win some
For God’s great Kingdom.
To God, great glory gives.
To Bob Hanson, September 7, 1983
By john roy bohlen
Poem by John. Title: To be a Manifested Son.
TO BE A MANIFESTED SON
I'm crying out to You Lord, to be a "Manifested Son",
Crying out to You, Lord, to be a "Glorified One."
To be a "Joel's Army Man", Sharp as can be,
Give people living today, a glimpse of eternity.
To travel through space in a moment of time, (like Phillip).
Put new arms and legs on bodies, by Divine design.
To heal the sick, to raise the dead,
Raise people up from all of sin's dread.
To walk on water, to speak and still storms,
To rebuke the dead, and raise lifeless forms.
I claim Your great Promise of the Greater Works, and then,
To do greater works than those, all over again!
I pray that You'll be glorified
To the supernatural maximum,
That You'll be lifted up, & admired,
By newly healed deaf and dumb.
Now is the time, I know that it is near.
I know that the Day of Your Power is truly here.
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 - 1997
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 "You've wiped a lot of noses..."
A POEM FOR HULDA
by John Roy Bohlen, Son-in-law
Christmas - 1996
You've wiped a lot of noses,
You deserve a load of roses.
You have cooked good food galore,
Great rewards must be in store..
You've written lots of poetry,
Great poems, all do agree.
You've written poems by the ton,
But don't you think you've just begun?
Keep writing verse in Glory Land,
We'll hear them there - won't that be grand?
But before then, quick write more!
Let us hear just what's in store.
Thank you, my friend, for being loving.
Thank you for all the overcoming.
Thank you for your own darling daughter,
Thank God for all that you have taught her.
So, let's stay friends until the end,
And, then, be friends, all over again!
The Lord will soon say, "Ver sa go!"
His supper, prepared for us, below.
I've really enjoyed these years with you.
I greatly respect how God shines through.
The longer I've known you, the deeper my love,
I know that always with you is God
Our Heavenly Father above.
A poem by John for Michelle X-mas 96.
A POEM FOR MICHELLE
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Christmas - 1996
She walks with grace, barely touching the ground.
A beauty so rare, no where else could be found.
Loving Jesus, loving family, with all of her being,
A delight of the Lord, walking always well pleasing.
A great wife and mother, like no other,
God is great in her, closer than a brother.
Singing like a pretty bell, dancing like a lithe gazelle,
And, truth to tell, pleasing God really well.
There is great appreciation, for this, God's creation.
We're so glad salvation, this "Dalmatian" from damnation.
A trophy of great power, saved for just this hour.
She's not one to cower, God is her strong tower.
I always want to be her friend,
Stay her friend until the end.
Called to be strong prophetess,
Filled with grace and righteousness.
Teaching the unteachable,
Reaching the unreachable.
With great compassion for the lost,
Giving them God's Pentecost.
A sense of humour, really strong,
Yet serious enough to sing God's song.
Dancing with us on the water.
Gently serving Heavenly Father.
A poem by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 to Jolene 3-12-97
JOLENE
Jolene, you are our friend,
This, no one can deny.
But, better yet, Christ is your friend,
Your every need to supply.
We appreciate you, Sister.
For this, our God, we bless.
We thank the Good Lord for you.
You've brought us happiness.
We appreciate your stories,
From the present to days of yore.
Pomp, circumstance and glories,
And practical things, by the score.
We love you as you used to be.
We love you as you are.
We also love what you'll become
From here to the utmost, by far.
And if you think this is blarney,
Know, I've never worked in a "carney".
I'm only saying it to you straight,
We are only in an appreciative state.
Once again, we say, "I love you."
'Cause Love is the only way.
We'll walk with Him down Life's Avenue,
With Dear Darling Daddy Yahweh.
Psalm 91 shows wings and feathers,
A shelter where we can hide.
Sitting here on Heavenly Daddy's lap.
Hear His heartbeat, near His whispers, reside.
Written by brother John, March 12, 1997
GOOD-BYE JOLENE
When I heard the news, at 7:45.
That Jolene was no longer alive.
But, yes she is! She's with the Lord.
This fact cannot be ignored.
She's with her heavenly Father,
And, with her earthly father, too.
The great cloud of witnesses, there,
Out there, beyond the blue.
Roy, her earthly father, went before.
I believe that there's sweet fellowship in store.
The thought of this makes me with joy to laugh,
To think of the Good Shepherd's Rod and Staff.
In heav'n all sin and suffering cease,
No pain, no heart-ache, no disease.
But joy unspeakable, Wonders unbelievable,
Think about this, if you please.
Love of learning, cranked to the max!
Great discerning, learning new facts.
Remember how, discovering, excited.
Seeing new places, now really delighted.
Do you think God will show her the stars?
Give her a tour, of Pluto and Mars?
Do you think angels will show a good time,
That she, on Heavenly Father's lap climb?
Farewell, Sister Jolene, we'll see you in a while,
Of this fact, there can be no denial
So, we know that Jolene is in a better place
We envy her getting to see Yahshua's face.
Thank You, Lord, for the life of dear Jolene.
Thank You that You've made her now serene.
Thank You for hearts that are pure and clean.
On Your chest, near Your heart, we also lean.
Yet we must do here below, all that God for us has planned.
We must go forth boldly, and possess God's Promised Land.
Though the Great Cloud of Witnesses around us do stand.
We are seated in Christ, at the Father's right hand,
In the Heavenly Places, that's where we live.
Because of our love, our all to Thee give.
For Sister to see You, Lord, she could not with us stay
But in spite of this all, we thank Thee today. Amen.
Written in the morning, upon hearing of his sister Jolene's death. May 10, 1977
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
A POEM FOR JOEY
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Christmas - 1996
What shall we do with a man tall as he,
Wide as a Tinkerbell, yet tall as a tree.
He's 31 this year, much older, yet wiser,
With wisdom from on high, to be a king's advisor.
Called to be a great apostle,
Christ in you is just colossal
The light is set upon your hill,
Many enabled to do God's will.
With mighty signs and wonders
Flowing from your fingers,
A humble spirit always yours,
And loving, that will open doors!
With glory shining from your face,
The glory of the Lord of grace.
End-time armies shall you lead,
This destiny, yours, has been decreed.
A prophet strong, reap rewards long,
To sing God's song, to many a throng.
To smile, to laugh, to dance, to pray,
To lead strong armies in this, God's Day.
Purity, integrity, everyone will clearly see,
The Christ in thee, God's majesty.
Doing His decree, uncompromisingly,
Great joy, great glee, throughout eternity.
A POEM FOR JOSHUA
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
CHRISTMAS - 1996,
A prophet called to be, and true,
A soldier of the Cross.
A man of Yahweh, tried clear through,
Not just gleam or gloss.
A man prepared for any thing
His Lord might ask him to,
Prepared to venture anywhere
His God will take him through.
He knows, with Jesus as his Life,
There's naught too hard to face.
Yes, poised, through peace or strife
Glory shining from the Throne of grace.
A heart for God, happily ere after
Earnestly earnest, filled with laughter.
Focused on Yahweh, yet, at ease,
Always seeking Christ to please.
Was there ever a child like this?
Yes, Yahshua, Named the same, before,
That same Life, receives a kiss,
From this young man, Christ to adore.
The heavenly books will tell the story,
How this man brought God glory.
The heavenly days with joy abound,
High praises ever will resound,
Thank you, sir, for being faithful,
Thank you, friend, God made you able.
He's the Source of all your joy,
Stands tall in you, my little boy.
A POEM FOR KARI
by Papa John
Christmas - 1996
Yesterday morn, with many a curl
You were my tender little girl.
And now, you are fully 28
But, baby, you are just as great!
Loving Jesus with all of your heart,
You and Him need never part.
Yet fun loving, with a spirit that's free
Sit laughing on Heavenly Papa's knee.
Seated with Him in heavenly places,
A great combination of heavenly graces.
A lovely mix of sweetness and spice,
A combination of all that's nice.
Sincere and honest, a saint without guile.
A mischievous grin, behind a lovely smile.
A gorgeous knock-out with a great sense of humor.
Single men are insane who neglect to woo her.
We love you immensely, our dear special
Just the thought of you brings us a proud thrill.
We rejoice in the Lord for what you've become,
Rejoice even more at the depths God will plumb.
A prophetess great, God has called you to be,
You're to work signs and wonders, wait and see!
A singer of psalms, a mother in Israel.
Mighty woman of God, time will surely tell.
A POEM FOR KAREN
y John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 - Christmas - 1996
Oh, my Darling Karen,
What God has given,
To me, and to my darling children.
If it would not have been so,
Life would have been woe.
But, as it is, I'm filled with a rosy glow.
You and I have been romantic
For many, many years.
If we had not been love-sick
We'd not have children with eyes or ears.
You've stuck with me the decades through-out
Or none of this would have come about.
Three thousand magic nights of love,
Let's do three thousand more, my dove.
I somehow believe the best yet to come.
Somehow believe God has the magic plumb
That our greatest days are yet ahead,
If it weren't for that we'd be dead.
Of all the women living today.
Of them all, I would still choose you.
Of all the gorgeous ones on display.
With you I want to walk life through.
I love you, respect you, deeply honor you, my friend.
The End
A letter to S & E and a Poem to Sonnie from John New Year's 97
Dear Mother and Ed,
We are sitting smack dab in the middle of a happy winter wonderland of beauty and serenity. The boys, Joshua and Joey are "down to the cities", helping some of the city folk remove ice dams and snow from their roofs, Hulda and Pete, neighbors, etc. They are making some money. As you have encouraged me to do, I have enrolled as a substitute school teacher with the public school system here at Grantsburg, Siren and Webster. I'll be starting this week. I am happy and excited about the idea. Perhaps we can do some good for the Lord's Kingdom over this way. The state is granting 3 year licenses for all college grads.
We continue to receive positive comments and expressions of gratitude for our books, and keep receiving requests for more of them. This is even more the case in other countries. We also have an invitation to minister in Malawi, in August, and we are looking positively at the idea, working through the logistics. Joey and Michelle, their three little ones, and Dawn Joy all just returned from the East, having ministered out there, before Christmas. Last night, the boys ministered at a church in St Paul. They also got to minister for about 45 minutes at our Wood River Tabernacle New Year's service. I will also take the liberty to include a poem that the family asked me to read, that I wrote New Year's Eve Day, about being hungry for God, and yearning for Him.
Brother Ed, Karen and I and the family want to sincerely thank you and mother, for sharing of your finances for the ministry. We often minister, as I am sure you do also, in many situations, where there is no money given, and we never minister or send books with money as a condition, so, it is encouraging to receive money from sources where ministry has not been a condition. This all comes from being on the Lord's payroll, regardless of the natural means by which Heavenly Father supplies our need. Soooooooo, we are rejoicing greatly for your love and friendship and giving hearts and encouragement. Thank you. And, thank You Dear Heavenly Father, for our dearly beloved Ed and Mother!!! We ask You, Papa Yahweh, to bless these, to the supernatural maximum! Amen.
Well, duty calls. I think I'll go feed and water the wild birds in the front and back yards. As you know, we love to sit on the sun porch and watch them come to the yard and eat, one foot from the window. I have also had the chickadees and the pine siskins eat from my hand. Dawn is trying out our snowshoes for the first time. They are a lovely and beautiful work of art, skillfully made. They are a gift to our family from Mary Kamrud.
Thank you again for your lovely friendship. It means much to us. Isn't it amazing how "Encouragement is encouraging!!!!!!!"
100 x back to you, all the blessings that you have been to us!
John, and for Karen and the family!
MOTHER
Written New Year's - 1997, by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
I thank You, Lord, for Mother dear,
And how she's meant so much.
Thank You, dear Lord for all the cheer,
The joy, each gentle touch.
Words can not tell, nor phrase describe,
The blessings You have been through her.
She's been the great mother of our tribe.
More grace through her, God did offer.
Mother dear, I love you,
All you say, all you do.
You've been my mom, my whole life through.
Most blessed Mom I ever knew.
No greater fun, we're never sad,
We smile so much we never mad.
Look at all the fun we've had,
I get so tickled that I'm glad.
A happier tale cannot be told.
We do not care that days grow old.
The times we've had are solid gold
Great memories clear, they stand out bold.
"Encouragement", that's the word!
We shan't deny the blessing.
More happy memories have occurred,
God through you, our lives caressing.
Thank you mother, for all of the ways,
Through you, God encouraged us, all of our days!!!
A short poem to Sonnie from John.
MOTHER, DEAR
Oh Mother, Dear, in this new year,
I want to say, "I love you!"
In as every way that's possible,
Tell you that I love you, So, I do!
This is Good Friday.
Your 82nd birthday.
The day before we come out there,
To minister, work and play!
A POEM FOR PETER WOLD
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Christmas - 1996
My children used to call you, "Pom-Pom Pete".
Now the great grand children really know you're sweet.
My wife used to crawl up on her daddy's knee
And now it is up to the great grand children, three.
Karen used to ask you for some gum.
She'd go through all your pockets, it was really fun!
Was it Wrigley's Spearmint, or was it Juicy Fruit?
A moment of affection, then off to play she'd scoot.
You worked very hard for many. many years.
You worked in stormy weather, worked through smiles and tears.
You worked very faithfully, you were quite a man!
You did your best to follow God's special plan.
I have loved you dearly, precious Peter Wold
Respected you, looked up to you, you are solid gold!
I have loved your sense of humor, the twinkle in your eye,
You've been quite a friend to me, sweet as pumpkin pie.
Thank you for every moment, for every thing you've done,
For working hard with both hands, from dawn 'til setting sun.
I love you precious Papa Pete, deeply appreciate.
Look at this great family, God helped you to create.
You have been a great man, husband and dad.
When you stand before the Lord, He will make you glad.
When you get to heaven, receive your reward,
That will be a happy day, you will see the Lord.
TEACHING SCHOOL
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Teaching school is quite a deal.
To meet new dear ones, has appeal.
To make new friends, by the score,
Three hundred faces through the door.
Spanish, German, Zoology,
Science, stars, Biology.
Attendance records must be kept.
Lectures given, no students slept.
(Well, maybe one or two, did you?)
Learning names as possible,
Learn them all - colossal
I learn more than the students do.
My head is spinning, before the day is through.
It's a stretching experience, that's for sure.
Quicker than a wink, zany stuff will occur.
Not a baby-sitting job, but something better.
Guiding lives and minds, by life and letter.
Each life is a Universe,
Important as can be.
Every life a treasure verse,
Valued infinitely.
The potential - unbelievable
Possibilities - inconceivable
Life's goals are retrievable
Great glories they are reachable!
What a lovely privilege!
What a way to build a bridge!
'Tis a cause to celebrate,
Teaching school is really great!
A poem/letter to Bro. David Turnidge.
MY FRIEND, DAVID
God led me to write a book one day.
I determined to write it, come what may.
If I had to peel my own skin,
With my own blood, write the words in,
To get some folks to read it, I would pay.
I once had a bushel-basket manuscript,
A lovely pile of un-neatness non-descript
I was really in a quandary
Like ''neath a pile of laundry
Asking God to tell me what to do with my script.
I could not pay for paper,
From Mrs. Poor, could not escape her.
And though forgiven, not pay for ribbon,
So to write my book, would take forever.
I took courage,
Called my old friend David Turnidge,
He was a recommender
That I use the word processor
I said, "fondest dream",
It would seem.
Then from heaven came God's grace,
Dave said, "Here's the keys to my place"
He owned computers by the score,
Here from God's an open door,
Me, my friend was really there for.
Dave sat down at the computer,
Typed and spewed my words into her,
Then Dave handed me the paper telling how,
To type the keys,
It came with ease,
Then 'til now.
Now I have my own set up,
The flow of words, just does not let up
Five books in all have since been written,
And the evil one, sore has been smitten.
David and family are still our friends,
This great adventure never ends,
I now know how to type,
And the time is really ripe.
The Kingdom Gospel thus God sends
So, I bless you Brother Dave,
For all the blessings that God gave,
Since that day when we talked on the phone.
My prayers were not ignored,
Through you God's love was poured,
Now, many thousands have been blest clear to the bone.
Because of our friendship,
God does receive worship,
It is through our kinship,
It has lifted up God's Lordship
God will receive praise,
All of our days,
His Name we raise,
On Him we gaze,
His glory amaze,
Only His ways,
His face ablaze,
Splendor displays.
Thank you, David, for your kindness.
For the blessings that you've been.
Thank You Lord for Your sweetness,
For it's the Turnidges that You dwell in.
Written January 22, 1997, by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Valentine's Day poem for Mom from Dad. 1997
VALENTINE'S DAY - 1997
Karen, my darling, I love you,
This Valentine's Day, and eternity through.
Thank you for all the hard work you do.
I thank you for all the play times too.
Once again I say you're the only one for me,
Again I declare we're best friends eternally.
This Valentine poem I sincerely bring to you.
I'm grateful to God for all you say and do.
I have never regretted the day we were married,
So thankful to God, for every child you carried.
Isn't it a miracle, each child we've received!
And sweeter grandchildren, it can't be believed.
Isn't it fine that we are each other's friend!
Like the colors of the rainbow, personalities blend.
Thank you for loving me each and every day,
We walk hand in hand down life's rosy pathway.
I love you Kate, my darling.
I love you, Karen my friend.
The Christ lives largely within you.
The Trinity in us - perfect blend.
Although we have known the best times,
The best times are yet ahead.
Because God has called us to greatness,
The glories of His Kingdom to spread.
Written for Karen by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
YEARNING FOR YAHWEH
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
There's a deep, deep yearning in my heart for Thee,
And a cry that does not cease.
The longing for deep, deep intimacy.
Nothing else seems to bring release.
The hunger that I have for Your fellowship
Is not satisfied by food or things.
Not satisfied by anything that I can recall,
Just the joy that Your Presence brings.
It's not a longing for silver or for gold
Not a need for acceptance or fame.
But a wish in Your arms, You would me enfold.
My yearn for You is like a flame.
I know many Scriptures that could be told
Many verses say that You are near.
Yet, I 'm like a baby that a mother must hold
Like a child, reassured that You are here.
The longing that I have, is so very, very great
That nothing else can satisfy.
But a meeting close with You in my present state
Face to face, like two friends, eye to eye
There are seasons in my life, when I'm free from cares or strife
And it seems that not a thing can go wrong.
I do not find within, an awareness of sin -
But need intimacy with You, for Whom I long.
Homesick for You, that's what I am.
Yearning for You. Like a bursting water dam.
Papa Daddy Yahweh, please reassure.
Hold me close, Hold me secure.
Please talk to me, Papa Yahweh, soul to soul,
Sweet intimacy with You, this is my goal.
I wish, across from me, You would take Your place.
I wish I could talk with You face to face.
Would You be willing to talk to me like a dear close friend?
Would You answer my deep heart cry
Before this year's end?
Would You comfort my soul with it's deep deep need?
If it yearns any more, perhaps my heart will bleed.
It's not a longing any thing, any one can satisfy.
It a longing so deep that I'm unable to cry.
So, if You can mercifully meet my need.
For you I am yearning, seeking, longing -
Lord, I earnestly plead.
SMILE OF PLEASURE
There's a yearning in my heart for You, Father,
There is nothing I can think of that I'd rather
I'm so hungry for You, Lord, this feeling must not be ignored
'Neath Your wings, 'Neath Your feathers,
Me, You gather.
Just to sit upon Your lap,
To be awake, or take a nap,
For Your heart-beat I will listen,
With Your glory I will glisten.
Your whispers of endearment, fine,
Your nod of approval, mine.
A gentle hug from you, and then,
To get another hug from You again!
Wouldn't that be great, to think as You think?
To do Your will, quick as a wink?
To know Your heart, to please You well,
To speak Your Word, Your message tell.
To go through the land,
Keep Your every command,
To say what You've planned,
Do Love's every demand.
Oh Father, Your approval, is what I desire,
To think of pleasing you, fills me with fire.
To measure up to Your stern measure,
Your smile of pleasure, this I treasure.
Oh gracious Daddy, Let me please Thee, ever and eternally.
Amen.
John Roy Bohlen - January 21, 1997
I LOVE YOU!
Dear Darling Daddy Yahweh, I love You!
And, Precious Holy Spirit, I love You, too!
Lovely Mighty Jesus, You are my Friend,
God, You're in me! What a perfect blend!
I can look into the mirror, and what do I see?
I can see Yahshua, looking back at me?
Because I am so great? Not on your life!
God has filled me full of Him, now there's no more strife.
You see, if you invite Jesus, to come and live within,
He will save you from Hell-fire, He will take away all sin.
Ask Him to be your Life. Ask Him to be your Lord.
Your humblest prayer, you will not be ignored.
But if you will not ask Him in, He will surely stay out,
He won't impose Himself on you. Of this there is no doubt.
You must give your whole life to Him, all that you posses.
And Christ will give His All to you, your whole life He will bless.
So let Him be His Own Self in you,
Let Him walk around in your shoes.
Let Christ bless through your hands,
Let Him speak through your lips,
Through you, let Him spread the Good News.
The whole of the Christian Life can be summed
Everything can be told, think it true:
Sweetly rest your whole life in the Arms of the Father,
And let Christ live His whole Life, through you!"
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30 - 1997
NORTHERN LIGHTS
7 October 2002 by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
Wow! How! Pow! Now!
Blam! Slam. Bam. Zam.
Flutter, sputter, mutter. Another.
Flicker, Flitter, Thither, Hither.
Shoot, flume, poof, roof.
Zoom, boom, bloom, flume.
Zing, ping, fling, sing.
There, glare, Flare, stare.
Astounding, rebounding, resounding, pounding.
Blinding, winding, finding, twining.
Down, up, over, around,
High up in the sky,
Low, down to the ground.
Fade, appear, far, then near,
Shooting, surprising, rising, singing,
Whispering. Skittering, sputtering, fluttering,
Flowing. Glowing, blowing, knowing,
Impressive, recessive, aggressive, a prayer give.
EACH PAIN-FREE MOMENT!
john roy bohlen & John 5:30, Feb.13, 2005
Pain hurts! And, the lack of pain is nice.
No pain: I will tell you twice.
A pain-free moment, from God, it is a blessing.
From God, a hug, a kiss, the Lord's caressing.
The lack of pain, in one sense, is good.
But dead nerves are bad Am I understood?
If there's no feeling, one can hurt a member.
One needs to feel, from October to September.
Oh, how exciting, to save a soul from Hell,
To thus be used of God, is a life lived well.
Can you imagine, from Hell be spared of torment?
Oh the horror, feel Hell for just one moment!
Are you thankful you're not hurting.
With damnation, some are flirting!
Pain free moments, they're so fine.
This kind of bliss, simply Divine.
Each P.F.M., a gift from Yahweh.
I have no pain, today.
Each moment spent like this,
Is like from God, a kiss.
DEAR MOM
We're gathered here today, Dear Mom, to celebrate your life,
As a mother, grandma, auntie, and a wife.
From humble surroundings on a Wisconsin farm,
To Minneapolis and falling victim to Pete's charm.
He played his guitar and sang you a love song,
Then marriage followed and it lasted very long.
There were children born, a total of four,
But you also helped raise and love some 35 more.
Quickly you earned the title of "Garage Sale Queen,"
Because whenever there was one, you were sure to be seen.
Coffee pots, toasters, and lots of other stuff,
The shelves were lined, but there never was enough.
You befriended so many of all ages, color and creeds,
But you refused to accept recognition for all your good deeds.
You attended Ebenezer Church faithfully throughout the years,
Because when the Pastor preached, you were all ears.
As a devout Christian, you deeply loved the Lord,
But listen! I believe I hear a sweet musical chord!
Yes, it's Dad with his guitar, ready to sing,
It's a song for you, in the presence of the King.
You've left us and gone to your heavenly home,
We leave you, then, with this short poem.
You're reunited with Dad, your mind now at ease,
We love you so much, Dear Mom, may you rest in peace!
By Phil Wold, in memory of Hulda C. Wold.
Sept 4, 1909 - Nov 5, 2001
SECRET POEM
If I were to tell the most important story,
'Twould be "Christ In You, the Hope of Glory"!
What does this mean? This seems almost strange.
This is Truth's gleam - Love's brightest page.
If you were to ask, "What is the most important thing?"
The Light would flash, the bell would ring.
“God comes, lives in you, at your request,
Makes Himself known, helps pass the Test."
Creator of Everything, Lord of this Earth,
Cosmos King, He gives all, birth.
He is Friend to all who see His worth.
Out of sadness, He brings mirth.
When He died there on the Cross,
He saved you from all loss.
He took your sins and sicknesses,
Took your whole life and lifelessness.
When He went there, He took you.
Every weakness, He took, too.
Inadequacy, inferiority, inability.
Incapacity, insecurity, instability.
So, now the time has come to live,
So let Christ live His Life through you!
He will bestow all He can give.
Be Friend and Provider, all life through!
To have You live through us, Oh what delight!
To shine with Your Glory, Oh what a sight!
To move in Your power, channels of Your might!
Everyone who is willing, You lovingly invite.
To have You bless through our hands,
You walk through our feet.
To have You speak through our lips
to all that we meet.
Residing in You, our life is complete.
Abiding in You, nothing could be more sweet.
Enjoying Your greatness, in all that we do.
Enjoying Your sweetness, all our lives through.
Our home is Your Presence, this is so true.
Not a stitch of the old life, every thing new.
The Throne-Room perspective - Wow! What a view!
Whew! More fun than the zoo!
All who are willing, to Your bosom drew.
God’s arms are out stretched, there’s room for you, too.
by John Roy Bohlen, Good Friday, his mother's birthday, 1997
the day before they left on their Spring ministry trip.
C C C C D D
Lov-ing you more dear - ly
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1234 1234
E E E E F F
Lov-ing you more clear - ly
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1234 1234
I will give you rest
1234 1234 1234 1234 1234123412341234
A A A B C
2 2 2 2 1
1 = sixteenth note
12 = eighth note
1234 = quarter note
12341234 = half note
1234123412341234 = whole note
A = below middle C
On Saturday morning, April 21, 2001, I had a dream in which I happened to turn on the radio, and heard my mother singing. As I was listening to her sing, I awakened, and this is as much of the song that I remember. I do not honestly know if this is an original song, or not. Perhaps the Lord will enable me to get (or remember) the rest.
But this experience causes the following desires and determinations:
1. I want to go visit my mother
2. I want to hear her sing, again.
3. I want to record a tape of me singing in time for her to hear it before she dies. I will endeavor to do this today.
4. I want to call her and see how she is doing.
Amen.
GREAT GRATITUDE
by John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
(Each phrase is to be preceded by a heavy beat - boom)
My heart is filled with great gra-ti-tude.
G C D E F G-G F E DDDD DDDD C
My soul is filled with great love for You.
G C D E F G-G F E DDDD DDDD C
I want to be Your friend.
A A A A G GGG
Best friends until the end of E - ter - ni - ty -
F F F F E EE E D CC DD EEEE EEEE E
Throughout E - ter - ni - ty.
E E D CC DD CCCC CCCC C
LIVE THROUGH US! *
by john roy bohlen and John 5:30
To have You live through us, Oh what delight!
To shine with Your Glory, Oh what a sight!
To move in Your power, channels of Your might!
Everyone who is willing, You lovingly invite.
To have You bless through our hands,
You walk through our feet.
To have You speak through our lips to all that we meet.
Residing in You, our life is complete.
Abiding in You, nothing could be more sweet.
Enjoying Your greatness, in all that we do.
Enjoying Your sweetness, all our lives through.
Our home is Your Presence, this is so true.
Not a stitch of the old life, every thing new.
The Throne-Room perspective - Wow! What a view!
Whew! More fun than the zoo!
All who are willing, to Your bosom drew.
God’s arms are out stretched, there’s room for you, too.
(See the poem “Secret Poem”)
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord, for skies of blue.
Thank You Lord, for all things new.
Thank You Lord, for all You do.
Thank You Lord, for You.
Thank You Lord, for sunshine bright.
Thank You Lord, for darkest night.
Thank You Lord, for my eyesight.
Thank You Lord, for You.
Thank You Lord, for my nose.
Thank You Lord, for my clothes.
Thank You Lord, that I have toes.
Thank You Lord, for You.
Thank You Lord, for this joy.
Thank You Lord, for every toy.
Thank You Lord, You did not me destroy.
Thank You Lord, for You.
Thank You Lord, that I can sing.
Thank You Lord, for birds on wing.
Thank You Lord, for everything.
Thank You, Lord, for You.
By Yah’n roy bohlen and John 5:30
Thank You, Lord, for such as these.
To think of them fills our hearts with ease.
Through them, Your love liberates and frees.
Their goal is our God to please.
JUST TRUST (praise)
When you don’t know what to do,
Just trust. (praise)
When you are tempted to be blue,
Just trust. (praise)
When the money is all gone,
There’s One you can lean on.
From the dusk until the dawn,
You can trust. (praise)
His Name is Father, Papa Yahweh.
You can run to Him night and day.
On His chest you can rest.
If you do, you will be blest
When you don’t know what to do,
You can trust. (praise)
Ex-tre-per-os-i-ties, God will allow,
Keep your hands upon the plow.
He’s your Helper, help comes now!
No murmuring, simply bow.
Give your all to Him and then,
Simply trust. (praise)
Oh, will you gently trust the Lord?
His Love, on you will be out poured.
Trust (praise) must not be long ignored
Just trust. (praise)
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30, pre Nigeria, Jan. 2001
WEDDING SONG
by John Roy Bohlen to Karen,
as she is coming down the isle, June 20, 1964
Karen, my Beloved, come now unto me,
Let us now be joined for the glory of God.
Come now unto me, let us be joined as one,
Forever in His ways to trod.
Thou made thyself ready to become my bride
Thou art chosen as the Lord’s Own anointed
We are prepared for this moment by the Spirit of God,
Brought together just as He hath said.
The Lord says that I have sought a good thing,
And that a wondrous thing I have found.
We will serve our God together, in gladness of heart,
Forever with His praise resound.
Come serve the Lord God of Hosts with me,
Let us exalt His holy Name together.
Come serve the Lord with me in Spirit and in truth
Endued with His holy power.
by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
Outside my window at breaking of morn,
The squirrels take their fill of pine cones and corn.
The blue jays flit round, and boss all they can.
They strut and they flutter, impressed by wing’s span.
Orioles chirp and play shy, lightning orange as they fly,
Florescent so bright, it’s a glorious sight.
Indigo blue bunting, for you I’ve been hunting,
Been wanting to see you, from dawn until night.
The bees flit so busy from blossom to flower,
For nothing, for no one, too focused to cower.
The tulips, the roses, the lilies of the valley,
12 apple trees glorious! (In the city, we had an alley.)
The daffodil, the bluebell, the johnny jump ups.
The peppermint, the parsley, roses on water in cups.
Lilacs abounding, perfume so astounding,
Morel mushrooms announcing, great moments recounting.
Tomatoes on the deck - hanging flowers,
Pine cones by the peck - May showers,
Oh, listen to the little gold finch.
Delightful melody in a pinch - for hours.
Oh God, hear my heart, before the day’s start.
I love You, I love You with all of my heart.
Thank You, thank You for bird, for tree and for flower,
The sunrise and all of this, display Your great power.
On this Mother’s Day, this special day, two thousand and one.
Spirits higher and higher with the ascending sun.
A crow just flew by, on gentle wings they fly,
Starkly outlined against an azure blue sky.
Our troubles are far below,
Though at times the wind may blow.
Father, thank You for this, these moments bring bliss,
These times I would not miss, from You, these are a kiss,
You’ve caused me to know -
These glories, You did bestow.
Sunrise blaze aglow.
Thanks Lord - for my window.
Written by John Roy Bohlen & John 5:30, Mother’s Day - 2001
KAREN, MY BELOVED
by john roy - 20 June 2006
Dear Darling Karen, I love you!
I love you so much,
I don't know what to do.
I love your sweet touch.
It makes me feel brand new.
Fifteen thousand, three hundred forty,
Married days I've had love for thee.
Forty two years of fun and laughter,
Living happily ever after.
But if we count the days before,
A thousand seven days we can't ignore,
When we enjoyed each other's lives
But not like any husbands and wives.
Days in school, and in the same school rooms,
Days as friends, the number balloons!
Four hundred eighty eight days we dated,
Until, at last, we never separated.
Karen, you've been a perfect wife to me,
I am as happy as I can be.
You've continually filled my life with glee.
The Lord and you, we three - so free!
With the four children, a most happy family!
Now their spouses, such a blessing!
The grandchildren - God confessing.
I love you. I love you. I love you. I do.
I love you. I love you. Eternity through.
Thank you, Karen. I honour you.
I bless and respect you for all that you do.
What a glorious adventure
We've had, all these years.
So lovely, so pure,
Great joy, but few tears.
Thank you, my Darling for all the sweet times.
Thank you, Pure One, I give you these rhymes.
In our time that's remaining,
Fervent love we're retaining.
Without stress or small straining.
No limitations, or restraining.
God's hand is sustaining.
His "Well done!", we'll be gaining.
I love you. I thank you.
I bless you. True.
Happy anniversary! Forty two!
WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
When you don't know what to do, rejoice!
When you are feeling blue - give voice!
Give thanks, and dance and sing.
Run and hide beneath God's wing.
Choose to let the joy bells ring - rejoice.
When you are confused or sad - rejoice.
When things are going bad - make a choice!
Choose to jump and laugh and shout.
Decide that you will never doubt.
Make up your mind that you won't pout - rejoice!
Do you want to take a pill?
Worry, anxiety can kill.
You can choose with your own will.
Don't fall down like Jack and Jill.
Let your heart and soul be still.
Think how God Himself does fill.
With His fullness, He does thrill.
Rejoice!
John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
DO YOU KNOW?
For Karen, from John Roy
Written to Karen from Africa, early 2006
Do you know how much I love you?
Are you aware? It is a lot!
Do you know my depth of care?
All I've got!
I could not list all reasons why.
My love for you is higher than the sky.
I could not all the words supply.
I can not this deeeeeep love deny.
I'm deeply moved that you should love me.
This rapturous thought fills me with glee!
Wonderingly, I ponder "How can this be?!."
God whispers, "This is all because of Me!"
Do you know the multitude of times that you are on my mind?
My contemplation, knowing that you have been so kind.
A sweeter love, any other place, I could not find.
Do you know, God? You and I, combined!
Yes, you know, for I have shown you.
You have let God flood you through and through.
Every day, our love is new.
All this you know. You know. You DO!
TIME!
28 August 2006
The time is urgent! Hastening on.
The years remaining, almost gone.
These days so swiftly fly away.
Light turns to dark - Then - night to day.
I don't know where the years do go.
I cannot seem to stop time's flow.
I once was young, but now I'm old.
What little time remains, is gold.
Despite my efforts - moments flee.
How many years are left to me?
Each heartbeat is a gift from God.
I try to stay awake - then nod.
"Redeem the time!" the Scriptures say.
The clock says "Yes!", while I say, "Nay!"
I'm loath to turn calendar's page.
Vainly protest increasing age.
The time has gone so swiftly by.
Friends our age - older! No lie!
What about the time remaining?
Feeble effort - life sustaining.
It's hard to be - not complaining.
How can I more time be gaining?
I cry to God - I'm very truthful.
I want each moment to be fruitful.
I'm older than I used to be.
What opportunities still wait for me?
Lord, help me to make my time count.
So fear and panic do not mount.
I lay my burden at the foot of the Cross,
And lose my fear concerning loss.
Do you at all share my concern?
Make the most out of life - Do you yearn?
From this verse, can any learn?
"Redeem the time!", for this do you burn?
Lord, help me make each moment matter.
Please keep my voice from worthless chatter.
Make the most of the time left to me.
Make each moment count for Eternity.
Lord, live Your life through me, each day.
I trust in You, come what may.
Gloriously rejoice as time passes away.
All glory to you - what I pray.
Glory to the Supernatural Maximum.
Be pleased with me in the Time to come.
Here am I, Lord, do what You can.
Let me fully fulfill, Your life's plan.
Maximize potential in this life's span.
In Africa, they call me, an "Old man".
But it doesn't 't seem that I am old.
Yet I close my eyes, my hands I fold.
We look to Thee, Lord, trustingly.
Trust our lives to You, Eternally
Modulere Motel - Akure, Early A.M.
August 28, 2006
John Roy Bohlen and John 5:30
I'M 70!
john roy bohlen & John 5:30
I am 70. But I have so many things undone.
Ideas mighty - Many things I've just begun.
So little time. Ifranticallyaspire.
Potential actualize - with mighty fire!
Age one to twenty: The years went slowly by.
Then, to forty, Those two decades did fly!
On to sixty. Thattimespedtwiceasfast.
But now, - how time is speeding - I'm aghast!
I take a moment to hold my wife's hand.
Time stands still. All intrusions banned.
I smell her hair - I listen to her breathing.
All is serene - I hear my own heart beat-ing.
But then, I hear her thinking.
"There are so many things to do!"
Eyes open - blinking.
All too soon - The Day is nearly through!
I take time to see and listen to the birds.
This moment is free - There is no need for words.
I watch and listen to the rustling of the trees.
Thousands of stars - God made all of these!
My bald hair is white.
To me, it's quite a sight!
I smile, as I look into the glass.
Amazed, how fast my life did pass.
Against this rushing wind of time I brace.
I know that I must finish this race.
Before I go to Glory,
I must finish Life's short story.
But I am astounded.
I am confounded.
I am 70!
Am I rea-dy?
THE TIME HAS COME - TO GO!
(I did not get a special revelation that I am going to die,
But this poem came, none-the-less, while in Nigeria.
~ johnroy 2006).
"The Time has come to go!" He said to me,
"For us to step beyond Time, into Eternity."
"I'm loath to go." "I have so much to do!"
"Come with Me."
"Your Time on Earth is through."
I thought of each dear Loved One.
The Dear Ones standing 'round.
I thought of all the fun.
With Dear Friends I had found.
Of all the things begun - - -
Of victories yet needing to be won.
My death: What a Catastrophe!
He simply spoke, "Come with Me."
Hezekiah wept when his Time came.
His Time was simply over - None to blame.
I worked so hard to be what I am - It's a shame.
I've piled on fuel, now, the fire's a flickering flame.
So many plans - alllll the potential.
I've been so strong - so very influential.
All that I've tried - Is it very consequential?
The Judgement Seat of Christ -
All will be evidential.
The Bible says, "It's better to depart."
But I am not too sure, with my divided heart.
I think that I would rather choose to remain.
If I'd the power, my heartbeat I'd sustain.
"Too busy to die!" My soul's reply.
I can't deny: My death I would defy.
I want to cry! On my stubbornness rely.
"Final Call!" "Time to fly!"
On my Journey to the Sky.
I had too many things to do!
So many things intended - all Life through.
The years so quickly sped - Time flew!
It's ghastly! All the opportunities I knew.
Well, Whew!!!
Before I go - At least, at last,
Let me say again, anew:
"I love you!"
"The Time has come - to go - - - - "
TWO MINUTES!
"Come with me for two minutes!"
I say to her.
"Even, just a little longer,
I would prefer."
But she is busy, going full speed.
I lovingly entreat. At last, I succeed.
I put my arm gently around.
Gentle breathing. No other sound.
Except the ticking of the Clock!
Two minutes! Moments stalk.
Curled up behind, I smell her hair.
I want to snuggle. Clock's face does stare!
Sometimes I win. We fall asleep.
Then, with a start! From bed, a leap!
"More than two minutes are gone!"
` She gives a shout!
But those Two minutes were precious, there's no doubt.
"Spend Two minutes with Me." whispers the Lord.
Will God, by me, be ignored?
Two minutes with God, I can ill afford.
Or, will He by me, be adored?
I love to cuddle with my wife.
I want to snuggle, free from strife.
And God with Joy, over us does sing!
He invites us to stay, beneath His wing.
Here, in Him, in this Secret Place.
Away from the wild rambunctious race.
Live within the Circle of His Arms
Away from the clatter of Life's alarms.
Snuggle and cuddle for Two Forevers.
Or, struggle and 'sluggle' with Life's endeavours.
It can begin with Two Minute's time.
Before Two Moments - the hour's chime.
Ohhhh, how sublime, to kisssss, to be together.
Let's make this blissss, last Forever.
Two minutes?
John Roy Bohlen, Modulere Motel, Akure, Nigeria
Misssssing Karen
THANK YOU, LORD!
Thank You, Lord, for taking care of me.
From my Conception, from my time, until Eternity.
In things LARGE, and infinitely small.
You have orchestrated it all.
In things seemingly insignificant
Coincidence amazing! What a LORD!
You've enabled me to be triumphant.
On me and us, Your love You have outpoured.
Your timing has been amazing!
All these adventures: Hot to blazing!
You've kept me from all sicknesses.
Omnipotence, shining through my weaknesses.
Daddy Yahweh, You have been so kind.
A better Shepherd - No other could find.
Above. Beneath. Front. And behind.
Within. Throughout. All to You I have resigned.
Amazed, I shake my head.
Me, with Your bounty, You have fed.
Like a sheep, a child, You have led.
To every fiber of my being Your love spread.
Yahweh. God. You're so glorious!
You have made me to be victorious.
I am, in You, greatly contented.
You are, by me, most greatly complimented.
Greatest Lord of the Microcosm.
Mightiest God, of the Macrocosm.
Creator King of Everything.
Unto You, I dance and sing.
Oh, Wow! And HalleluYahweh
In You, adventure - Every day!
I love to snuggle 'neath Your Wing.
Under Your feathers, I will cling.
To Your Shadow - let me others bring.
Almighty. Friend. The Greatest King.
PRIDE
Have I secretly kissed my own hand? (Job 31:27)
Allowed arrogance my chest to expand?
Taken credit for that only which God has planned?
Admiration, attention, from others, did I demand?
Did I forget to remind that only God is good?
Take credit to myself that only God should?
When only God must have the credit,
Did I believe that I would?
When God must have the glory,
Did I think that I could?
Those naughty Herods, God did kill them not.
But God killed King Herod on the spot,
When he took credit for the speech he brought.
He got eaten up with worms or maggot.
God wants the center stage, the spotlight - not me.
God, the Hero of this age, other's delight - completely!
Can I take credit for good - ANY glory?
When any would congratulate,
adulate,
prostrate,
Great respect demonstrate,
Let ALLLLLLLL the credit go to Thee!!!.
Johnroy: September - 2006: Weekend in Bismarck, N.D.
CONFIDENCE!
johnroy and John 5:30
I have confidence in God, not in me.
This is the way it is supposed to be.
I have faith that God will do what He has said.
Otherwise, we all are dead.
God has promised that He will heal.
This should be as normal as sitting down to a meal
God has promised miracles many.
This promise is for any.
Part of the test, if you will continue to believe.
He'll do the rest, He intends not - to deceive.
It will be best, if you confidently receive.
You will be blest, in His will - dare to conceive!
I realize that you stepped out in hope.
It seemed that you were left to grope.
I know that you have tried before.
It seemed like God, you He did ignore.
Will you lie there, whimper and moan?
Will you cry, curl up and groan?
Or will you suck your thumb?
Instead of rejoicing, will you remain dumb?
But delay is part of the test.
Will you keep on with zest?
Oh, will you give up and quit?
Or will you in the devil's eye - spit?
Be bold! Take courage! That's it!
Shout for joy! That's the spirit!
Don't have self pity. Faith is the Evidence.
Stand up! Take courage! Have confidence!
FRIENDSHIP
john roy bohlen and John 5:30
Friendship is a friendly word.
As friendly as you ever heard.
How many friends are like you?
Thick and thin, tried and true.
We love you guys.
You are wise.
What a sweet privilege!
You have built God's bridge.
Jesus prayed that we would be one.
To love as The Father loves the Son.
Members each one, of the other.
Close as any sister or brother.
Is this intimacy too great?
Would you rather tolerate?
Fervently love, not just to love.
Not less than Love from above.
Kingdom Friendship.
What a kin-ship!
Not a hardship.
I will worship.
Precious friends to the End.
Thank you - for being our friend.
do re mi fa sol la ti DO
STAR MAKER!
johnroy and John 5:30
5 a.m., Nov.18, 2006
Star Maker, living in me.
la sol mi re do re mi
4 1 234 1 2 & 3 41234
Wow! How can this be?
mi re do re mi
1 2 3 4 & 1234
Nothing was cre-a-ted, but through Thee,
Mi mi mi mi re do re do re mi
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 123
Christ in me, the Hope of Glo - ry.
fa sol la la ti sol DO DO
4 & 1 2 & 3 4 1 23
Think of these implications,
Contemplate these applications.
These mind boggling significations.
Great faith and hope - amplifications.
Mighty Truth foundations at this thought?
Great potential actualizations, as it ought.
With such contemplations, worry fraught?
Glorious joyful magnifications caught.
Will you worry?
Is there hurry?
Why the flury?
Convince the jury!
Or will you murmur and whine?
We with God do dine.
Now's the time to shine!
With Christ's Life Divine.
Vast reaches of the Universe -
Unimaginable distances transverse.
Through infinite space disperse.
Variety unending, diverse.
Omniscience, within my head.
Omnipotence, with my weakness wed.
Divinity, living in me, instead.
By Abba Father, I am led.
God's Lamb's Own blood, for me He bled.
Before the Throne of God, for me He pled.
By Papa Yahweh I am fully fed.
His wings and feathers, me He overspread.
How can this be?
I'm filled with glee!
I am maximum happy.
I'm joyful unbelievably.
Father, Son and Spirit - in my humanity.
In my very body - Holy Trinity!
In this very torso - Your Divinity.
Maker of the stars, You live in me!
IT'S NICE FOR YOU TO MEET ME!
johnroy and John 5:30
5 a.m., Nov.18, 2006
What a privilege for you to meet me!
It is nice that you can greet me.
Would you like to know the reason why?
Here's a truth you can't deny. I won't lie.
It's because God made me.
It's because God bought me.
It's because God saved me from my sin.
It's because God now lives within.
Wouldn't it be lovely?
For God to come again to Earth!
The Almighty God now lives in me.
I now posses unimaginable worth!
But wait one moment, Sister!
An even greater privilege, Mister.
If God lives within you, Friend,
He did with your very nature - blend.
It is even nicer, for me to meet you.
Because God fraught your nature through
With His glory and His Almighty power.
He within your body, now a mighty tower!
Aren't you glad I told this story?
Very God in you, the Hope of Glory.
God in you, my special friend.
Almighty God, in you, Eternally, without end
SOMETHING ABOUT ME
johnroy - Thanksgiving - 2006
There is something about me that impresses me.
When you find out, you will agree.
When I look at myself, I am amazed.
When into the mirror I have gazed.
When I think of myself I'm so very glad.
Gives me the greatest joy I ever had.
It makes me want to hold myself proud.
Makes me want to shout out loud.
I'm impressed with the Christ Who lives in me.
The Maker of more stars than I can see.
God lives within me, He has set me free.
He gives to me and is - my Victory.
He took away all inferiority.
Removed my insufficiency.
Released me from inadequacy.
From my old nature - gave liberty.
God's beauty and glory shines from my face.
Upon the Cross, He took my place.
His glory shines, all by His grace.
Since He's my Life - there's no disgrace.
Can you imagine? Christ living in you?
Maker of Everything beyond the blue.
He can live His Life through and through.
What I am saying to you is true.
Let Him beeeeeee your Life.
You will not experience strife.
Let God think His thoughts through your brain,
When He does it in you, there's no strain.
God walking within your shoes.
How could there be any blues.
Will you shout your Hallelu's?!
Isn't this the greatest of good news?!.
Creator King of Everything
Over you He does now sing.
All praise to Him you can now bring.
Living under the Shadow of His wing.
God, Living within your chest.
Giving you complete rest.
Helping you pass every test.
How could anyone be more blest?!
God can live between your ears.
Behind your eyes - no sad tears.
From hair follicle to bone marrow.
God's joy in you - there's no sorrow.
There's something about you that impresses me.
It's the greatest thing that could ever be.
Christ living in you - His complete victory.
Gloriously victorious - eternally.
I LOVE YOU
The evening before Thanksgiving, 2006,
as we were sitting together in our front room,
Karen said to me, quietly, "I love you." ~ johnroy
"I love you.", she said to me.
"I love you." the words - came - softly.
Time - stood - still. . .
Eternity did that moment fill.
Was there something I did miss?
What had preceded this?
Not even a kiss.
Forty fiveand1/2 years of wedded bliss!
I was filled with vast contentment
I would not have missed this moment.
"I love you." She calmly spoke.
It seemed that from a dream, I awoke.
I looked at her. She was still there.
I was alive. I was aware.
I could not but stop and stare.
For me, she still did care.
She loves me! My heart does sing!
My wife loves me! This does joy bring.
Karen loves me! I am not ignored.
Yes, she loves me. Thank You, Lord.
WHEN I SAY 'I LOVE YOU'
johnroy 112406
When I say, "I love you."
Let me tell you what I mean.
Then I am speaking true -
You, I highly esteem.
God is in me, loving you.
This love flows deeply deeply through.
It is not shallow or pretend.
It's love that lasts, past the End.
If you have pain, then I have pain.
This kind of love does not wane.
If you have joy, then I'm aglow.
Nothing can stop this love's flow.
I would lay down my life for you.
If skies are gray or you are blue.
On Christ's Own terms, I will relate.
I will love you, what e're your state.
I love you not because I'm sanguine.
But, like Father God, it's genuine.
From God through me, it is sincere.
It's deep. It's strong. Have no fear.
I'm not touchy-feely.
It's not washy-wishy.
It is not something fishy.
Nor is it something ishy.
I am willing to listen to your story.
I will introduce you to God's glory.
I will show I really care.
I am willing to pray a prayer.
Bible commands, "Fervently love!"
Only this love comes from above.
This loving God, now loves through me.
Practical love - eternally.
So, in me, God is living through.
I sincerely am speaking true.
And God is also speaking, too.
These I intend, when I say, "I love you."
do re mi fa sol la ti do
FOR EVERY LITTLE LIE
johnroy bohlen 11/27/06
For ev - ery lit - le lie you tell ( repeat)
4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
sol do mi re sol do mi re
You will spend one hun - dred years in Hell. \J/
4 & 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
mi fa sol do mi do re ti do
But, if you turn to Christ from sin. ( repeat)
4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
sol do mi re sol do mi re
And if, as Lord and Life, you invite Him in,
For - give - ness and Christ's Life you'll win. ( repeat)
4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
mi fa sol do mi do re ti do
For every little lie you tell,
You will spend one hundred years in Hell.
But, if to Christ you turn from sin,
And if, as Lord and Life, you invite Him in,
And you do God's will from now 'til then, *
God's smile and eternal life you'll win!
* Mt.7:21
(Lines 3, 4, & 5, repeat melody line.)
THE MOST THRILINGEST THRILL!
johnroy bohlen
The most thrillingest thrill of all,
Is adventuring with God in His call
To walk with Him every day,
To hear Him speak - then you say.
The word "adventure" has an adventurous sound.
In God, excitement does abound.
My shouts of joy resound.
I want to soar from the ground.
What ting-el-ee feelings I feel!
My soul is filled with great zeal.
Walking with God has such an appeal.
God in me - such a good deal.
The Creator King of Everything
Invites you to live under His wing.
He rejoices over you and does sing.
Invites you close to Him to cling.
Whew! What a glorious thrill!
Or your spirit did the devil kill?
Or will you do God's will with your will?
Your life with God's life He will fill.
Give your whole life to God today.
Choose to do God's will and way.
Never dare to say Him "Nay".
Through you He'll His glory display.
What great, grand, glorious adventuring!!!
WHEN CHRIST LIVES IN YOU!
Written, as a gift to Karen - Christmas, 2006
Thank you for allowing Christ to live through you.
Your life is exciting, for He still makes all things new.
So very many attributes of Christ come shining through.
Kindness, gentleness, patience, love in all you do.
How encouraging to be with someone like this!
To be with someone Christ lives in brings great bliss.
It is easy to love you from the depths of my heart.
Because Jesus lives within you, joy need never depart.
Baby Jesus was laid in a manger. Mary carried within her.
But now Christ, the Spirit and the Father.
Splendiferous glory, shines through, over you does hover.
God shines through you, and can through any other.
I wanted you to know how much I appreciate,
You, allowing God in you, to be incarnate.
We worship God in Heaven, but, here, He lives in you.
I stand in awe of Him, Loves comes shining through.
Thank you, for inviting and allowing Christ to live within.
This makes me want to sing, smile, laugh and grin.
Why are you so kind? And, why are you so wise?
It is because Christ is looking through your eyes!
Christ in you, my hope of Glory.
Tells anew, another Christmas story. \J/
THE MOTHER'S WOMB
To Kari and Michael: Christmas, 2006
John the Baptist was filled, from his mother's womb,
With God's Holy Spirit, when Mary entered the room.
"God is no respecter of persons", the Scriptures declare.
You, too, are entitled! Are you fully aware?
The babe in your womb may also be filled,
With God's Holy Spirit, at this we are thrilled.
You also have invited Jesus to live within you.
Because of this, Love can always be shining through.
God living in you father, God living in you, mother.
"Invite Me in!", Christ says to any other.
God living in your very blood, and in your every cell.
This makes our tears to well, and our hearts to swell.
Thank you for patiently loving each other.
Thank you for being a father and mother.
Just think, God coming to live in a stall.
Creator King of Everything, now living in you all.
The glory shone round about, farmers were sore afraid.
But now King Jesus lives in you, His glory displayed.
What a miraclulous astoundingments! God living in you.
Holy Spirit in your baby. This is what God can do.
Holy Spirit is now filling.
His glory over everything is spilling.
All we need to be is willing.
This could not be more thrilling! \J/
Shout the good news, ring the joy bell.
Start a happy song! This good news tell.
Thank you for letting Christ live within you.
We are guaranteed a joy filled life, eternity through!
DAD
by Dear Darling Daughter Dawn Joy
You're a wonderful Dad, I'm proud to say,
I loved fishing with you the other day!
You cast one time and what do you know?
That Northern took a bite and wouldn't let go.
Soon, in one month,
We'll be walking down the isle,
And you'll give me away,
I hope, with a smile. J
I treasure you, Dad,
And I want you to know,
This daughter loves and appreciates you,
Even if I had to row! J
Happy Father's Day!
Love,
Your Darling Daughter Dawn Joy
SMILES AND JOY
Smiles and Joy, happiness and laughter.
Living happily ever after.
Remembering, I can see
Each of you, laughing joyfully.
Your sense of humour is so great
Let's make excuse to celebrate
I can hear your laughter, I can see you smile
Like Spring rain's patter, Grins larger than a mile.
At His right hand are pleasures evermore.
Let's relax in God - see what He has in store.
In His sweet presence is fullness of joy.
Full abounding joy that nothing will destroy.
By John Roy Bohlen , 20 March 2001
Porto Novo, Republique of Benin
From a letter 28 February, 2001 from Oron, Nigeria
"Oh what bliss!
What joy!
God's kiss.
Boy o' boy!"
HEAVEN WILL TELL
johnroy bohlen and John 5:30
8 February 2007
Heaven will tell. And, so will Hell,
The good or bad we have done.
At God's Judgement Seat. Angels will repeat
The rewards or punishments won.
Because God is noting, Words we speak, He'll be quoting.
All that He was ever hearing.
Let's live our lives, Open with our eyes,
On that Great Day, soon appearing.
For every little lie you tell,
You will spend one hundred years in Hell. \J/
But, if to Christ you turn from sin,
And if, as Lord and Life, you invite Him in,
And you do God's will from now 'til then, *
God's smile and eternal life you'll win!
* Mt.7:21
From an old notebook, by John:
Thank you for allowing Christ to live through you.
Your life is exciting, for He still makes all things new.
Many attributes of Christ come shining through,
Kindness, gentleness, patience, love, in all you do.
How encouraging to be with someone like this.
To be with someone Christ lives in, brings great bliss.
WHAT GIFT CAN I BRING?
johnroybohlen & John 5:30
Upon his return from Africa, March, 2007
"What gift can I spring?" I said.
This morning, as I lay upon my bed.
"What, to them, can I bring?" My thoughts sped.
"Can I tell them stories?"
"Tell them of great glories?"
"A beautiful song, can I sing?"
You can bring them Me! God living within.
Inside of thee, in your very skin.
Eternity - Now is when.
God for them to see - Begin!
In you lives His glory! Imagine!
God in a Manger,
Christ in a stall,
The Lord as a Stranger,
Very God, in you all.
Are you, am I even fazing?
Oh, this fact, to me, it is amazing!
Is it upon God, in you, that I'm gazing?
Holy Spirit - in you - hot to blazing.
I want to bring you a present.
God must in me be evident.
At His ascent, they wondered where He went.
What He meant - Within your body, Himself is sent.
God within you. "Hope of Glory!"
God, through and through, And, this gift is free.
What more can I do? This wondrous mystery.
My gift to you. Ever new! Christ in you, within me.
This is true! Giftest gift in history!
(Jn.17:21-23; 1 Cor.3:18; Gal.2:20; Eph.3:19; Col.1:27; 3:3; 1 Jn.5:17b; Rev.3:20)
HEART BEAT
by johnroy Bohlen & John 5:30
My heart is beat - ing!
Isn't that won der ful?!
Standing, lying or seating.
Isn't that pow er ful?!
But, it skips a beat.
Then, it does repeat.
Head to my feet.
Isn't that sweet?!
Boom, boom, skip, skip.
Ain't this a trip?
Pause, pause, sound, sound.
Silence, then another round.
I think, as I listen to it.
"Was that one the last?"
The doctor says that I'm fit.
But, is my time on earth, past?
Then I turn my thoughts to other things.
Next thing you know, my voice sings.
I don't consider my inferiorities.
I'm too focused on priorities.
Each heart beat is a gift from Yahweh.
Through thick and thin, Come what may.
I refuse to have dismay.
I've decided to rejoice, work and play.
Father, Thank You for each heart beat.
Again. There! Another repeat!
If it wasn't for You, Lord, where would I be?
But, we have each other, for Eternity.
CONCERNING A FRIEND
by john roy bohlen & John 5:30
I heard some bad news today,
Concerning a fallen friend.
At first, I thought he had fallen.
Worse, nearly to hell, he did descend.
I wept when I heard the news.
We had sat by each other in pews.
Now, he had fallen away.
The news filled me with deep dismay.
When we sin, we hurt God's heart.
When we sin, it is not smart.
God has feelings that are negative,
We want Him to feel quite positive.
My friend's friends are deeply ashamed.
Yet, only my friend can be blamed.
They're embarrassed and are hurting.
With sin, my friend had been flirting.
What can be done in such a case?
And, who can take my friend's place?
We feel like covering our face.
The trophy case has an empty space.
God is a God of restoration.
Like a forest fire - reforestation.
Deep repentance, repair - reformation.
Renewal, like David, and reclamation.
On that Day, all this will be clear.
God is calming all of our fear.
God Himself has drawn quite near.
The Son rise will bring God's cheer.
God shall wipe away every tear.
I AM GETTING OLDER
14 May, 2007
I am getting older, it seems.
With all of my important dreams.
Theswiftpassingofthedays,
Is this my life's last phase?
Ohhh, the time is swiftly passing by.
Is it nearly time to fly?
Or is there to be
More time allotted to me?
There are soooooo many things undone.
Are soooo many victories, waiting to be won.
What should I do?
Could it be my time on earth is nearly through?
I'm now 70.
What is left to me?
Before I step into Eternity.
And stand before Thee?
(Yet Moses' life began at 80!)
Father, here I am,
Do what You can.
Fulfill Your plan.
Here I stand.
Like the loaves and the little fishes.
Through me, God, fulfill Your wishes.
Though I am getting a little older,
Please, carry me on Your shoulder.
Live Your Life through me!
Within, fulfill Your destiny.
Show mightily forth Your glo - ry.
Take pleasure, from now throughout Eternity.
I yield my self to You completely
All, alllll for Thee. Amen.
GRUMBLE
by johnroy bohlen & John 5:30
I started to grumble,
I began to mumble,
In this to stumble,
But, then I became humble?
Isn't that good?!
Did you think I should?
Do you believe I could?
Can you believe I would?
I deserve only Hell.
Have earned brimstone's smell.
Merited the devil's spell.
But I've better news to tell!
Were you taught to mumble by another?
Prodigal Son's Older Brother?
Were you taught to grumble by your mother?
Can we place blame on any other?
Will I gripe, or will I praise?
Shake my fist, or hands to raise?
Nights of rage, or thanks amaze?
Eyes clenched tight, or on glory gaze?
Murmuring is oppressing.
Attitudes can be messing.
Self pity - - obsessing
Demons of resentment - possessing.
It's me I'm addressing.
Count every blessing!
Begin confessing.
Don't be second guessing!
Agree with God, be 'Yes-ing'.
Count every blessing.
Count every blessing.
Couuunt - - evvvery blessss-ing.
"BRILLIANT"
Jesus wants to think brilliant thoughts through you.
Wants to be your Life, in all you do.
"We have the Mind of Christ!", the Bible says.
God can think His thoughts through you,
All your days.
If thoughts from self originate,
Your self, do not congratulate,
For if your thoughts are all your own,
Then you will find your self alone.
God will work in you to will and do,
He can be with you, all life through.
He's available to think His thoughts through you.
In Christ all things are new.
Can you imagine, God's thoughts, how great,
When Christ, through you does contemplate?!
He waits to think brilllliant thoughts through you.
His lovvely words, loving deeds,
Your whole life through!
These will be brilliant.
johnroy Bohlen & John 5:30
In 2007, I sent an email to our friends the Egge's . Mama Saint Theresa responded with a poem:
"Good Morning! This is me, johnroy bohlen! Today is my birthday! I am listening to the sweet singing of the morning birds. Hark! There's a happy robin's beautiful song, just now. Earlier, there was a deer at our salt lick, just under the window. The lovely morning sun is shining fresh in dappled shadows across our newly mown lawn, beneath some of our apple trees, and from where I sit at my desk, on the second floor of our 119 year old house, although this room was built in the 60's, I can also see cottonwood and evergreen trees that are maybe over 50 feet tall. The morning is cool and fresh, and the sky is blue. Karen and I are happy and healthy."
For John's 68th Birthday
by St Theresa Egge
A sweet song of morning birds
A happy robin's trill
A deer at the salt lick
A heart with joy does fill
A sun dapples, morning fresh,
Shadows, lawn new mown
Apple, cottonwood, evergreen
My heart this joy does own
One hundred nineteen year old house
A desk on a floor above
Cool fresh morning, sky of blue
Two hearts of joy, of love
FIRE IN MY GUTS
john roy bohlen & John 5:30
There is a fire in my belly.
My knees are not jelly.
I have great zeal in my heart.
I don't know where to start.
To be pleasing to God is a great desire.
It is raging in me like a raging fire.
I want to please God with a deep yearning.
To actualize my potential - is a great burning.
To fulfill my destiny, to do all God's will for me
My works and words prepared by Thee
From the foundation of the Earth,
The purpose You designed before my birth.
I want to do all that God has planned
It is a fire in my guts, a flame God has fanned
It is a fervent desire my entire life has spanned
With a faith that's very strong, I make my demand
Time flees with screaming speed,
The years stream quickly - I have great need
To do alllllllllll God has for me.
To do God's will before eternity.
There's a flaming, raging fire in my guts.
The intensity of urgency almost drives me nuts.
How do I express the zeal inside of me.
How to deal with this utmost urgency
Here I am Lord, think Your thoughts through me.
Do all those things in me, all Your plans You see.
I want to do Your will completely.
I want to do it swiftly, sweetly.
Some think this is a phase.
But I would not waste my days.
On Thee I want to gaze.
But I do not want to laze.
Others think this is a craze.
I want God's army to raise.
Angles, I want to amaze.
My guts are all ablaze.
A Personal Note -
"We often have guests at our house, way out here in the country, family and friends. I love to be awake, during the night to look at the stars, and I wish that our visitors could look at them with me, the Northern lights, and such. And, the early mornings are so beautiful! The birds are singing, the deer are sometimes in the yard. The sun is coming up. But our country fresh air, the peace and quiet are so great, that our dearest loved ones sleep, sometimes, until 9 A.M., having escaped the hustle and bustle of busy city life. But the sun comes up, sometimes at 5. I am often wide awake, wishing, hoping and longing for fellowship with the dear ones, so that, together, we can enjoy the birds and deer and sunrise and woods and life. Hours go by, sometimes, while I wait and wish. I often wonder, sometimes, if God waits like this for us to awaken, so that, together, we can adventure through the day, having sweet fellowship together, so that He can show us things, so that we can accomplish those words and works that He, God, has prepared for us to say and do, from before the foundation of the World." - John roy Bohlen
DO YOU WAIT?
by johnroy bohlen & John 5:30
Lord, Do You wait, every morning
For me to awaken from sleep?
Are You eager for my fellowship,
While You, my soul do keep?
While the stars roll past,
While it's over - cast,
While I'm sleeping fast,
I know Your love for me is vast.
Do You wait 'til I awake at last?
Are You sitting on the edge of my bed?
Until the darkness all has fled?
Looking down into my face?
So our adventures can take place?
Waiting till my day has begun?
So, together, we can have some fun.?
Till more souls and lives have been won?
Until all that You've planned has been done?
I know that You love me so much.
You're close enough that we can touch.
We can adventure, play and work and such.
On Your lap, each other, we closely cluch.
"Arise and come away.
Come on! Wake up so we can play!
Be glorious in all we do and say,
Let's not another moment delay!
Let us sally forth into another day!"
Lord: Do You wait?
E T E R N I T Y
john roy bohlen & John 5:30 - Nov.14, 2007
Am I ready for E t e r n i t y?
Or will God hold up time for me?
Will my God delay my going - across the Great Divide?
Or am I ready now, to be called to the Master's side?
My life here on Earth may soon be over.
My body may be planted 'neath the clover.
But, am I ready for E t e r n i t y?
To face up to what God thinks of me?
If I have left to me, an hour or a day -
I want to make it count - to live God's way.
So that when I stand before The Judgement Seat
He'll say, "My plans for you are now complete."
Time left to me is running out with s t r e a m i n g speed.
To live in the light of Eternity, is a s c r e a m i n g need.
How much time is left to me?
I will invest my time for - E t e r n i t y.
God is watching my every word and move.
I mustnotdelay, my love for Him to prove.
Each breath and e v e r y h e a r t - b e a t ,
a gift from Him.
Is this a time to follow any shallow,
hollow whim?
Oh, mind, be still. Think now clear - ly.
To do God's will, to be His plan for me.
Not foam, not frill - I count each moment dearly.
From this hill, I can see into -
E t e r n i t y.
FACE IN THE MIRROR
johnroybohlen & John 5:30
I saw a mirror one day.
It seemed it had something to say.
What did I see?
There was a person, looking at me!
I wondered who it was.
It looked something like my Mother..
But my mind did a pause.
Could it be some other?
That face. . .
I have seen it some place.
It is looking at me.
Who could it be?
What is that glory?
My favorite book,
Take a look!
2 Cor.3:18
See what I mean.
If you want to see God's glory,
This chapter tells the story.
Just look into the mirror.
The glory will shine clear.
Be filled with good cheer.
Have no fear.
The Lord is near!
Within you, God is here!!
Look into the mirror!!!
JESUS IN A MANGER
johnroybohlen & John5:30
Jesus in a manger, Christ Jesus in me.
God come to Earth. God living in thee.
Celebrate His birth. God in humanity.
Unbelievable worth! God in you I see.
No room in the Inn.
Does Christ live within?
Or, don't you have the time
In you, God's life sublime?
Celebrate the Christmas story.
Christ in you, the Hope of glory.
Celebrate now Jesus' birth.
Christ in you, your greatest worth.
Baby Jesus in a manger.
Glorified Christ in you, no stranger.
Worship Jesus, not His mother.
Respect Christ in one another.
Jesus came to be in a stable.
God now in you. He is able.
Joy to the world, Yahweh has come.
God now in you, blessing everyone.
"And they were sore afraid."
God now through you displayed.
"The glory of the Lord shown round about."
His glory now in you - give a shout!
Christmas - 2007
NEFARIOSITIES
johnroybohlen & John 5:30
In days gone by
I was preoccupied with my nefariousities.
And other spastic curiosities.
But then the glory came:
Things were not the same
I fled from these monstrosities.
A baby, mesmerized with dirt, can learn.
When one, for more than this, to yearn,
One can focus on a bird that flies!
Or even know to think beyond the skies!!
Morbid introspections,
Unglorified reflections,
With one's own imperfections,
Downward spiral preoccupations
Undignified gross emotions,
Moral gross infections.
Cool can control kind contemplations.
Look AWAY! From all that will distract.
Focus today - on each lovely fact.
This is the Day - God's beauty all attract.
His release! - In Him you now can act.
Think on these things!
The joy bell rings
The child now to God closely clings.
With joy and gladness sings.
In despondency, she does no longer lag.
She hides within God's crag.
She dances - and she waves the flag.
She prances - God is now her brag.
What a lovely Princess! No more nefarious.
A trophy of how much God can bless!
Possessed by God, and God she doth possess.
Trophy of triumph, a show of gloriousness.
She lives in God, God lives in her.
The Life of God does constantly occur.
Filled with grace-s, winning all Life's race-s.
She walks on High Place-s!!
I WILL PRAISE YOU!
john roy bohlen & John 5:30
28 February 2008
I will praise You, Papa Yahweh,
All my days.
All my ways,
My hands I'll raise.
Oh, let the joy bells ring,
To Thy bosom I will cling.
I will dance and shout and sing.
I have given You everything.
Will I doubt or will I shout?
Will I shout or will I pout?
With God bout, or devils rout.
Go on strike or go all out.
I disdain to complain,
I will praise Thee, might and main.
I will think right with my brain,
I will sing a pure refrain.
I'll count my blessings, but not all,
Each multitudinous can't recall.
I'll praise God I did not fall,
There's no blessing that is small.
Or do you think that I should gripe.
Go give up and smoke a pipe?
Blow my nose and fear drops wipe.
Or thank my God, His every stripe.
I could choose to be discouraged,
Or I could choose to be encouraged.
To praise or whine, the choice is mine.
Sing praise sublime, praise all the time!!!
A PICTURE
To Karen from Africa, 2009
I carry a picture of us - kissing.
So that every time you are missing,
And I go deep into reminiscing.
It seems like I feel your arms around -
And our love makes me float off the ground -
Sometimes, my heart starts to pound.
I miss you. I miss you. I miss you!
I kiss you. I kiss you. I miss you!
I love you. I love you. I love you!
I bless you. I bless you. I bless you!
Memory videos in my mind:
When I play them through, I rewind.
You are here with me. You, I find.
I'm enthralled by you - precious, and kind!
"John Bohlen, I'll have you know -" You once quoted,
"That it takes the grace of God - " You once noted.
"To live with you!" You once said
That first year that we were wed.
I've been thankful, ever since, for God's grace.
Sooo thankful, each time I see your face.
Lovely! Delightful! So wonderful to me.
'Til I'm with you - meanwhile, our kissing picture, I see.
GOOD PLEASURE
Father, my heart does pant:
Please grant
I always want to please Thee
And never grieve Thee.
Please work in me -
Work this, eternally
To match the measure
Your Own measure.
To will and do
Of Your great pleasure.
All life through..
My highest treasure,
There's a yearning
To be pleasing
It's a churning,
I'm not teasing.
It's a burning
It's increasing!
"To please You!"
I will shout.
"All life through!"
I'll not doubt.
"Glorify You!"
Life's all about.
Now, till then,
When life is o'er.
Until the end,
Always adore.
Only win!
Please You more and More and MORE!
jrb & Jn 5:30 22 Dec '08
HAPPY BLESSED BIRTHDAY,
DARLING KAREN
Words cannot tell
How very well
God did bless
With love's caress.
When He gave you, me.
What glorious glee!
Tumultuous grace
When God did place
You by my side
Praise, deep, and wide,
Goes to the Lord
For Love outpoured!
Oh - What a blessing!
Beyond expressing!
I love you, Dear.
Life, filled with cheer,
My heart, you're near,
God's smile comes clear.
This special Day,
God have His way.
Full love display,
God's best, I pray.
I'm grateful for your love.
Best blessing from above.
Thanks for being my dear friend.
Our love will never end!
Happy Birthday, and love, from, your John.
A BREATH
johnroybohlen & John 5:19,30
Every breath is a gift!
The chest, the stomach lift.
Then, another, there - another!
Every moment - since our mother.
If this last breath I'ld not breathed?
Then our loved ones would have grieved.
They might start fune-ral preparations.
From every friend, the separations.
Then, another breath!
Each one a gift from God.
Without it - would be death.
Let him live? God gives a nod.
I sat to eat.
I choked on meat,
My breathing ceased.
No breath released.
I held steady.
I was not ready.
Was now my time to leave?
I could not swallow.
Heart-beat - shallow.
This very moment cannot breathe!
My spirit had started to float.
The devil began to gloat.
Death? Not so remote.
I finally cleared my throat.
Another breath? When?
Another swallow. Then!
Another breath. Begin.
Fresh air - Again.
I have a friend who's getting older.
To take a breath - He lifts each shoulder.
Every breath - all are gifts.
Every time his chest lifts.
Was this last breath my last?
Has God forgiven all my past?
Or need I to make amends.
Before, at last, my breathing ends?
For every breath, I thank Thee Lord.
Great thanks to Thee is now out-poured.
My gratitude to Thee is not ignored.
Each time I breathe - a great reward.
Breathe with ease.
Now, breathe again.
When will these cease?
Tell me when.
Thank You Lord, for every breath.
Another one, I'm kept from death!
And, Thank You, Lord, for every heart-beat.
Whew! Amazing! Life is sweet!
MOTHER'S DAY - 2009
To Karen C.Z., from John Roy, L.S.
With you my contentment is v a s t.
Ours is a love that will l a s t.
My life with you has been s e r e n e.
In our life, we have been King and Queen.
You are an ideal Proverbs 31.
Though older, I wish we had just begun.
I love, so much, my life lived with you.
I know, really know, your love is true.
The past, the future - but now is now.
Celebrate each present moment is how
To live our lives in perfect peace.
By God's Presence in us, worry's flurries cease.
I love you. I love you. I love you.
Each day, every moment - each one is new.
So, thank you, my Darling, for our together time.
Our romance from the LORD is wonderfully sublime!
Tribute to: God in the Siren Assembly of God
Karen and I have fallen in love with the people at the Siren Assembly of God.
The people are so loving, so precious, so friendly, so filled with God. That is what makes this church so very great: It is God living through and within the people.
Pastor Andy is so energetic in God, so filled with God, so in love with God, so filled with Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
But make no mistake: It is God Who is the Secret of this church, this pastor's success, and in Deb and Luke.. God Himself is living large within them!
SIREN ASSEMBLY
Ah, the beauty of this place!
More so, these ones so dear.
God Himself lives within this space.
In these people, God's Presence is clear.
The shepherds of this folk.
With the fullness of God are filled.
Together in God's yoke,
Doing what God has willed.
Sir Saint Andrew is his name
By God's leading, these three came.
Christ has given these three fame.
They serve bravely in Jesus' Name.
The people are wonderfully loving.
Hugs and handshakes instead of shoving.
From the parking lot to the pew.
Hugs and handshakes are not few.
God's Word comes gloriously forth.
People come from the South to the North.
From the West to the East
And by far, not the least,
The worship of God's glorious worth.
May God keep us, every one
Until, at last, the Day is done.
God glorified to the maximum.
We pray, till then, "Thy Kingdom come!"
Siren Assembly of God,
May you, His paths always trod.
With all God's fullness filled.
Doing all that God has willed.
john roy bohlen + John 5:30
75th Anniversary
JOEY BOHLEN FAMILY
- JUNE '09
Words can't express
Nor adequately bless
The precious care
While we were there.
Nor can we say
The sweet array -
The glorious stay,
Each happy day.
Deepest love -
It's from above
You: Prayer and blessings on -
From Karen and John.
SHERRILL & RUSSELL - BIRTHDAY: 2009
Sherrill and Russ
What's all the fuss?
Oh, it's your birthday,
YaaaaaaaY!!!
It's soooo fine
Birthday - 2009!
All things new.
And we get to be with you!
This, from your Brother,
Thanks for loving one another.
Seeking to do God's holy ways,
Serving faithfully, all of these days.
How beautiful is your whole clan.
God's great blessin,g decades span.
You've had tears and fun and laughter.
Busy living happily ever after.
Your sons and daughters are so beautiful
In God's presence you've been dutiful.
Your grandchildren are so glorious.
God's glory so uproarious.
Thank You Lord for Sherrill and Russ,
What a blessing they've been to us!
Your Life lived through all of these.
May they always, Your Heart please.
Amen. Poem by john roy bohlen, Sherrill's brother,
Sherrill and Russell's birthday, June 25, 2009
John Bohlen - 70th Birthday Poem
Kari Ruth Bohlen Robin - June 27, 2009
Where does a person start?
Here are a few words from my heart. . .
This Iowa farm boy has come a long way
So here we are to celebrate John Roy Bohlen today.
God created John, born on this day 70 years ago-
I'm so thankful He did -
And I am blessed to be one of John's kids.
A love and zest for God, life, nature and good times;
He always writes great and wonderful Valentines!
Wow! What an adventure as a family we had,
Traveling and singing made our hearts glad,
From broken down motor homes, yellow buses and cars,
The fun we had made people wonder if we were from Mars.
But back to John Bohlen since it's all about him,
You never know when he might sing a sweet hymn.
Oh what joy it brings to God and those around him.
Writing, singing and poetry are a few of his passions,
God has given him a heart full of compassion.
The books he has written are quite a few -
"How To Rule The World" is in plain view,
"Seek 1st His Kingdom and all will be added to you."
"The King's Greatest Secret" is Christ in You.
"The Sexual Ministry" one cannot avoid,
Since then came Joey, Kari, Josh and Dawn Joy.
"How To Raise Purfect Kids" was a great inspiration,
Though it was God's plan,
It couldn't have been without aggravation.
"The Cult of Cannibals" sounds really scary,
But it's all about loving your neighbor and treating him fairly.
"Dancing on the Waters" is the fulfillment of his dream.
He has still more adventures that are yet to be seen
Since he's still dancing and has much to glean.
"Be patient with me" is the phrase of the day,
"I love you more than you love me"
Is what he would always say.
"You have my permission to be led"
"No room for Greasy Grace or Sloppy Agape"
Are also sometimes said.
Now we're getting down to the nitty gritty,
They moved to the Promised Land from the ghetto city.
"Are we havin' fun yet, or What?"
Don't get stuck in a rut!
"Let me tell you a story", this side of glory. . .
The lives he's invested in are too many to count,
Just like the stars and constellations all around.
Fulfilling the Great Commission is our main criteria,
Traveling, counseling, teaching,
Preaching to all and the people of Nigeria.
Louis L'Amour, black licorice and sunflower seeds,
Gardening, astronomy, Bible reading and bird feeds.
Riding the mower,
"Shaking a tower" (taking a shower).
Passing the time telling clean jokes,
To all who will listen with lots of folks.
Serving God, serving people, loving Karen,
Deep thinking, praying, pondering and testimony sharin'.
Learning new things, speaking Yoruba -
We all know you're the "Grand Pooh Ba (Puba?)"!
Nature appreciater and butt-kicker movies,
Family time, alone time and feelin' groovy.
"Happiness always", "Happy Hearty HalleluYahweh!"
Throne-room mentality now and always!
It's time for this poem to come to a close I suppose.
Of course I could go on and on the way time grows.
I love you, Dad, always more than you love me
Thank you for your wisdom and Godly example
For all to see.
You've passed on a great legacy so true -
We admire, respect and appreciate you!
Now don't get teary-eyed as you do for an AT&T commercial,
But do know that we wish you Happy Birthday
You are very special!
Happy Surprise 70th Birthday with all our love,
You are a special gift from Heaven above.
It's an honor to celebrate with you!
Michael, Kari and Katy Ruth Robin
Poem written by Kari Ruth Bohlen Robin, June 27, 2009
TOUCH THE FACE OF GOD
November 4, 2009 - john roy bohlen & John 5:30
Ephesians says that we are seated on Your Throne.
The Bible says that we are not alone.
Invite You in and You will come and live within.
Confess our sin and You forgive us from all sin.
Crucified with You, then with You into the Tomb.
You knew our past, from our Mother's very womb.
Our spastic past, all inferiorities,
You took our lacks, all insecurities.
Buried with You,
In Your grave.
Then, raised all new,
And from all lack did save.
You took us up with You
Onto Your Throne,
Above, beyond the Blue.
Now, we are not alone.
Seated on Your lap.
Beneath Your wings.
Awake, or take a nap.
Our heart sings.
Here in Your Presence is full, full joy.
Me, myself, in You, John Roy.
Near, at You right hand, are pleasures, ever.
Exquisite joy, leave me - NEVER!
I snuggle down deep into the folds of Your robe.
I cuddle close, reach up and touch Your ear lobe.
Like a nursing mother, You smile and with approval, nod.
Like a nursing child, I reach up and touch the Face of God,
Like a nursing child, I reach up, and touch Your Face, O God.
Karen - 69th Birthday
Darling Karen Kate,
We shall wait
For your 69th birthday.
We'll rejoice, be happy and gay!
We shall weep
Tears of joy!
God shall keep.
None shall annoy.
I love you
All Life through.
I rejoice, it's true,
You love me, too!
VALENTINE'S DAY - 2010
john roy bohlen & John 5:30
Darling Karen: Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for loving me . . .
Thank you for working so hard.
Thank you for washing dishes, clothes.
Thank you for cooking, cleaning, folding, stacking, vacuuming, baby changing, bed making, shopping, picture taking, developing, gift purchasing and wrapping.
The love that you show others.
The smiles that you give, the laughter.
Thank you for handling the finances, paying bills, making money, keeping records.
Thank you, Darling, for walking with God. Thank you for reading your Bible, going to church, playing in the bell choir, worshipping, praying, counseling, singing in the choir.
Thank you for your love making ministry to me.
Thank you for your lovely ministry of hospitality, cooking, hostessing, entertaining many guests. Thank you for desiring my good, for the gifts of clothes, your gracious meal preparations.
Thank you for looking so fine, so nice, so lovely. You are wise, majestic, noble, kind, loving, discerning, graceful, gracious, unselfish.
I love you! Your Hunzie, john roy
LOVELY, KIND AND GRACIOUS
johnroy Bohlen & John 5:30
Lovely, kind and gracious,
And, you are ohhhh so precious!
You have been the perfect wife!
We've enjoyed an exciting life.\
I really thank God for you.
God will never, ever ignore you.
Thank you for being my friend.
Ours has been a perfect blend.
You've been a constant source of cheer.
We forge forward without fear.
God has wiped away each tear.
God, you, and me are closer than near.
What do you think God has in store?!
His provision will be more and more.
On abundance, He opens the door.
His full glory - evermore.
Thank you for being my bride.
Thanks for walking by my side.
My heart to you is opened wide.
Christ's fullness in us does reside.
We, in Him, can always abide.
His riches to us, never denied.
Our needs will all be supplied.
A Valentine Day poem to Karen Kitty Kate! 2010
THE NEAR EDGE OF ETERNITY
johnroy Bohlen & John 5:30: February 1, 2010
And, when I stand before Thee
On this near edge of Eternity,
And know what could have been.
Know each loss - each win.
(Know that: I would not have had to sin.)
Know that I could have pleased You more.
As I stand then, on that distant Shore.
Know what I could have done.
Know the victories I should have won.
(Thus far, for now - and no farther.)
"You could have had this prize!"
And, "this and this, to realize."
All these rewards, beyond the skies.
When, at last, I shall arise.
Do it NOW! Before it is too late!
Be it NOW! God is writing on His slate.
Hands on your plow! Now, in God, you can create.
Go forth in God! Through Christ, change your fate!
The time is short! Don't God's plans abort!
At God's Judgement Seat - Gain a good report.
I LOVE YOU
Beloved special friend of mine:
I LOVE YOU!!!
With agape, phileo love
Your friendship is a sacred trust to me.
Well, as so very often happens,
I am thinking of you.
What am I thinking?
I believe that it is somehow important for me to tell you.
I don’t know why,
but, I want to tell you,
and, in detail.
Your life is very important to me.
Why? I guess that I am really not sure.
Let me talk about it for a few minutes.
I know that it is not because I am lacking in friends
and therefore feel some kind of a sick
and desperate need to hang on to you for dear life,
for fear of losing you.
It is more like I am so very filled with won-der
at the sweetness of your life poured forth to Christ,
at the Love God has for me,
for the lovely miracle of your friendship.
God has placed within my heart,
a deeeeep and abiding love and
respect and appreciation of you.
This letter is not a secret bootleg message to just you.
No, this is NOT a letter of romance, or, of eros, or, sexual attraction.
But it IS a letter of deeep appreciation.
I care for you deeeply, tenderly, respectfully, with God's Own love.
Saint Friend, I salute you.
To flatter you?
No, I don’t think so. One time, some brothers accused me of flattery. I believe that it was the only time in my life I have been accused of flattery. I guess that I would define "flattery" as: "complimenting someone insincerely, or, perhaps, with improper motivation". I am not sure if one could compliment another excessively, I suppose so, but, and, I guess I will have to watch out for that, where you are concerned, but, like I tried to explain to those guys who accused me of flattery: the “King’s Greatest Secret” that the Lord revealed to me in November of 1960, resulted in my being given a really deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep love for God’s people, that I have never lost.
One reason that I love people deeeeeeeeply is because I love Christ deeeeeeply, and I realize that He Himself, the Christ Who died for me, the Creator King of Everything, the One they tell Bible stories about, the One some people sing about at Christmas time and Easter time, lives inside of you, I mean, Jesus actually LIVES inside of you, (if you have invited Him to come and live inside of you) and, therefore, I must restrain myself from loving you, as much as I love Him, because it is this Same Jesus, this Same Father God, this Same Holy Spirit, Who is such a deep and intricate part of your life. And, Heeeeee, God, Papa Yahweh, loves you deeeeeeeeply, too!!
Oh, I do not worship you.
I realize that you can sin if you want to,
against God,
against me,
against my dear ones. But,
I do not expect you to sin.
Love believes the best. And,
I am believing the best about you.
Why am I writing all of this? Frankly, I do not know.
It is somewhat of a mystery to me. It could be for one of the following reasons:
The time may come when the moment for thanking or encouraging will pass:
It could be that one of us will be raptured, or
you might move away, or
maybe I am going to die, soon, or, God forbid,
perhaps you are going to die, soon, or
something could happen that would hurt our friendship, because, maybe, the enemy might try to destroy our friendship, orrrrrrrr
you might become offended at me, or,
maybe, you or I will have a stroke or not be able to communicate - -
Some catastrophic thing might happen, like war or - - - -.
But, the Bible encourages us to encourage each other.
The Bible commands us to do good to each other.
The Bible commands us to love each other, and
To love each other FERVENTLY out of a pure heart.
The Bible commands us to give honour to whom honour is due.
I honor you for being my friend.
I honour you for loving me. And, as I said,
I honour the Christ within you.
People who love and appreciate and respect each other on this level, will not dislike, disrespect or sin against each other. They would not wrongly try to hurt or neglect each other. Oh, I am not talking about the kind of hurt that can come that is within the will of God. For example:
The Lord may direct me to speak a word of correction into your life, like: (Or, God might ask you to say to me:)
“You seem to have something from your nose, on your cheek.”, or,
“Your fly is open.” or,
“You have a roll of toilet paper stuck in your waist band, that is following you from the bathroom.” or,
“You ain’t supposed to say 'ain’t'.” or,
“You are eating too much of something.” or,
“What you are eating could seriously hurt you.”, or,
“Your thinking, your opinion, your doctrine, is not correct, here”, etc.
Sometimes people are so fragile, so easily threatened, that they would stop being friends over such a thing. But, I am determined to remain your friend, and to keep loving you, no matter what, even if you correct me. Even if you, for some reason, come to disagree with me.
I love you. I deeeeeeply appreciate you. It would not be entirely honest of me to say that my love and appreciation for you is not based on the good that you do for me, the work that you do, for the benefit that I experience from you as a result of our friendship, because, there can be a limit on my knowing my motivation. But, I will say this: Let us always relate to each other, as God would have us to. Let Jesus live His Life through us. That way, we will not give each other too much money, we will not be spending too much time with each other, we will not be paying each other too many compliments, NOR will be lacking in these things either. If we relate to each other on God’s terms, our friendship will be just right. In fact, we will even be able to speak correction into each other’s life, without the other becoming offended.
Well, I must go for now. But, before I go, let me say that I appreciate you. Thank you for your friendship.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
John Roy Bohlen 1-715-866-4060
71st BIRTHDAY ! !
johnroy & John 3:1930
Here is birthday 71!
Everyone: You think this, fun?
Yet, I'm soooo thankful - - every heart beat.
Each second of my life in God is sweet - .
I'm so glad to be alive!
So happy, this moment did arriiive.
For every single breath of air
I give You, God, this thankful praaayer!
Thank You, God, for every blessing:
Your loving touch, Your kind caressss-ing.
For every lovely place I go,
I thank You, God, You: I can know!
For I am seated on God's lap,
Here, I can know Your loving tap - .
Far below all problems stay.
All else must go, and far away.
Here, in Almighty's Hiiiding Place
I'm free from every hectic pace.
On this, my 7 1 s t birthday,
You are the Potter. I'm the clay.
Thank You, God, Your face is reachable.
I want to always be eagerly teachable.
One can be old, yet be a new wine-skin
Be aged, yet, live God's Life within.
Daddaaay Yahwe- - h: Have Your waaay, at work or plaaay,
No delaaay, this birthdaaay, every daaay, obey alwaaay,
Do all You saaay, not say You 'naaay',
In Your arms I laaay, not to straaay,
Come what maaay. Heeey! On Your lap to staaay.
Hurraaaay ! Yaaaaay ! ! HalleluYahwe- - - h ! ! !
KAREN'S 70TH BIRTHDAY
A Tribute, from her husband.
The God Who lives in Karen,
Made the Heavens and the Earth.
This is why this Lady,
Is of unimaginable worth.
Tall and graceful, gentle, strong,
Within this precious life, there's no wrong.
Fruit of God's Mighty Spirit, Attributes Divine,
Because God lives within her,
His glory makes her shine.
She works hard because she cares,
Filled with God, His love she shares.
She thinks of others all the while.
Her sense of humor makes us smile.
Tall strong sons, their lovely wives,
Grandchildren twelve, their precious lives!
Righteous daughters, and their men,
All praise to God, Let's praise again!
This great woman is our friend.
Her love for us is not pretend.
Stately, giving, loving, kind,
Lovely things flow from her mind.
It's really fun to be with her!
Happy times and things occur.
When Karen is near, God is here.
Thank you, God, for Karen, Dear.
I SEEM TO BE GROWING OLDER
October 14, 2010 - by john roy bohlen & John 5:30
I seem to be growing older,
Have had operations on each shoulder,
I've been tempted to grow colder,
But I am choosing to be even bolder.
I've wondered, "Am I in the way?"
I've pondered, "Should I go or stay?"
Should I be discouraged or happy, gay?
Is this to be the end of my day?
Is my usefulness completely over?
Is it my time to lie 'neath the clover?
Time to go to God and to my Mother?
Am I needed, important to any other?
Does anybody care?
Is anyone aware?
Is my head filled with air?
Will my head lose all its hair?
Did we think that life was fair?
Do folks look, stop and stare?
Can I stand the sun's noon glare?
Soon my life will be all laid bare.
Fulfill my dreams - do I dare?
God and I make a pretty pair!
Gloriously victorious - wonderfully rare.
Father Yahweh, here I am.
Daddy Yahweh, do what You can.