I grew up in a great church full of my “own kind” – i.e. Dutch immigrants and their first- and second-generation families born in the U.S., the Christian Reformed Church. I felt a bond and a love for my family and friends from both communities in Clifton, N.J. and East Palmyra, N.Y. As my family moved back and forth between the two church and Christian school communities, friendships were made with some lasting a lifetime.
I treasure the churches of my earliest memories. I treasure having had the opportunity to go to Christian elementary school in both communities through the 6th grade. I treasure the wisdom gained, and biblical lessons learned. I treasure Vacation Bible School, Pioneer Girls, and the catechism classes which taught a biblical doctrinal foundation on which to lean during both the good and the difficult times. But naturally, life moves on even as some of us move away from the tight-knit friendships we once knew.
But in the midst of life’s happenings, there comes a time when we each have a decision to make – who will we follow? To whom will we give our hearts? Is it the things of this earth and the gratification we can readily obtain, or is it the faith and hope in a salvation granted through Jesus’ life and death and resurrection that will provide a heavenly eternal home?
At 15, I made the choice for the latter in asking Jesus into my heart under Pastor Wells of the North Waverly Chapel. Despite getting down on my knees, confessing my sins, and asking for His forgiveness and eternal love, I did not live out my faith as I should have at that time. Actually, it’s been a lifetime of growth. Because, being the imperfect beings that we are, we manage to walk through life leaving a trail of mistakes behind. And all we can do is own our wrongs and say “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
But I am forever grateful that our great God forgives us on our confession; and, in His gracious mercy, guides us along a better path. And just as the Lord draws us close to His side and offers redemption, we can give the same forgiveness and love to others who we’ve been blessed to be family and friends with.
You Are
Linda A. Roorda
You gave your life that I should live
You carried my sin alone to the cross
You took my shame that I would find peace
As You opened arms to welcome with grace.
~
How can I not but love You in turn?
How can I ever repay Your free gift?
Precious Redeemer, You gave all for me
To free my soul from sin’s heavy guilt.
~
You are the One who draws near to me
And only ask I seek You in faith
You let me face the trials of life
As I bring concerns humbly in prayer.
~
For You have shown I belong to You
With a heart for You I will gladly serve
You seek me out, call me to Your side
To show me a love only You can give.
~
What should it matter what others will think?
In forsaking all this world can offer…
To You I draw near and lean on Your word
That I may bring praise to honor Your name.
~
You are my light, the way and the truth
You guide my steps on this rocky path
It’s You I seek when storms come my way
Your words of wisdom will guide day by day.
~
You are my hope when all else seems lost
Yet may I be found worthy of You
May I give praise for all You have done
And all You will do to change me within.
~
When failures dash an expectant hope
Should I not look upon Your face first
Seeking Your will before I take reins
That I would but make Your wisdom my guide.
~
You are my life, the depths of my soul
Your truth does urge my heart to respond
That others may see death carries no sting
For You lift me up that I may withstand.
~
You are my words when I have yet none
You know my thoughts as I voice to praise
Your words bring truth to my world of doubts
To guide and direct, like You to become.
~~
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