October Fire

When I behold October's fire
Alit within the trees;
And stand; bathed by the golden breath
Of Indian Summer's breeze,

I think on Him Who lights the flame
Within the human heart;
Who 'decks the world with tapestry
Unmatched in all man's art.

How frivolous; extravagant
For God to give such gold:
A testament through which His love
And glory may be told.

I thank you, Lord for autumn's glow
For fire You give, so free
To light the way and warm the hearts
Of seekers such as me.

copyright 10-2006 james a smallish

Mary's Magnificat (Easter Morning)


Oooooooh God

Oh God

Oh Lord my God!
What's this new thing You've done?
Past trials and tears And all my fears
You’ve given back my Son!

The Son, oh Lord They took from me
In death; three days ago.
He’d told us once,of Jonah’s sign
But Lord
How could we know?

Oh Lord, my God Oh mighty God
What wonders You have done!
Through blood and pain which poured like rain
You’ve given us Your Son.

The grave now has no power, Lord;
And death has lost it’s sting
This precious Son
Your Kingdom’s gained
Oh, let Hosannahs ring!

Praise you my God
Sweet Father God
What victory You’ve won!
You’ve blessed the cross;
Made gain from loss,
And raised up Christ, your Son!

copyright 2006 james a. smallish
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And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ... for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name." (Luke 1:46-49)

Mary's Lament (Good Friday)


OH GOD
Oh God
Oh Lord, my God.
Lord, look on what they’ve done!
With cruel spikes and
razor’d pike
they’ve pierced my precious Son.

The Son, oh God, You gave to me
In myst’ry long ago.

...so loved by men
Yet so betrayed;

this Son Who loved them so.

Oh God, my God
Dear Lord my God
Do You see what they’ve done?

With cruel thorns
And and lash’s scorn
they’ve torn this precious Son.

He poured out tender mercies;
He healed,
and showed them grace
Oh, Father God within His eyes
E’en children found Your face.


Oh God, my God
Sweet Father God
Please look at what they’ve done:
With dripping sneers
and raucous jeers
they’ve pierced this wondrous Son.


I’d ask , my Lord,
for all Your pow’r
to crush them with Your voice;

but this Son’s made it clear this path
is taken by His choice.



Oh God

Oh God

Oh, Lord my God.

Lord, look at what they’ve done.

With blinded sight

And souls of night

They’ve crucified

Your Son.

His Yoke

Oh gentle Savior give to me
That yoke you promised;
light and free.
Trust me with your load of care
for others, Lord;
Help me to share their pains in mercy;
be their brace - to bear their burdens, Lord
With grace.
And as you give Your heart to me - open eyes, help others see
It’s You, in love, who bears MY pain
-with You in me e’en loss is gain.
And be my way as dim as night
Your yoke is sweet;
Your burden light.
Oh, open eyes that all might see
It’s You, my God
Who carries me.
© copyright James A Smallish 2006

Take my yoke upon you ... my yoke is easy and my burden is light." from Mt 11:29,30
Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ...I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

His Yoke

Oh gentle Savior give to me
That yoke you promised;
light and free.
Trust me with your load of care
for others, Lord;
Help me to share their pains in mercy;
be their brace - to bear their burdens, Lord
With grace.
And as you give Your heart to me - open eyes, help others see
It’s You, in love, who bears MY pain
-with You in me e’en loss is gain.
And be my way as dim as night
Your yoke is sweet;
Your burden light.
Oh, open eyes that all might see
It’s You, my God
Who carries me.
© copyright James A Smallish 2006

Take my yoke upon you ... my yoke is easy and my burden is light." from Mt 11:29,30
Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ...I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20