Poems
by
Bob Sander-Cederlof

Here are some of the poems I have written over the years, some silly, most serious, for better or worse, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Many of them are actually songs, but the tunes are not available here.

In the order of this file

Alphabetical list

To Julie, in France
You're living in a distant land,
    yet Christ is always near.
We're safe within the Father's hand:
    no trouble shall we fear.

No matter where we find ourselves
    at any given time,
we're far away from somewhere else
    in space and tongue and clime.

And yet we're never far at all
    from Him who loves us so:
He holds us all within one hand;
    He'll never let us go.

Though miles and miles of land and sea
    are keeping us apart,
We're never more than millimeters
    from our Father's heart.

And thus we know that really we
    are closer than it seems.
And that explains why I can see
    you often in my dreams.

And how it is, O mystery!
    that we best show our care,
Each for the other, frequently,
    upon our knees in prayer.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- December 9, 1989 --
(My daughter Julie spent her Senior year
of high school in southern France
as an exchange student)

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Let Me Take the Props Away
As we watch the things we trusted turn to ashes,
    All our normal ways of coping cease to work.
The framework of our life crumples, crashes...
    Any ordinary person will surely go berserk!

Failing, falling, flailing, bawling,
    "Help! Lord! Where are you now?"

"Beside you, inside you, calling,
    Relax my child; uncrease your brow.
I will never leave you!
    When your world starts to sway,
Trust me, trust me only!
    Let me take the props away."
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Thank you, Lord!
I thank you, Lord, for making me.
I thank you, Lord, for waking me.
I thank you, Lord, for taking me,
    and breaking me;
Thank you for not forsaking me!

Thank you for poise and peace of mind,
That in your presence I can find.
Your love and peace are not confined,
    nor do they bind;
Yours are the everlasting kind!

I thank you, Lord, for filling me
With your Holy Spirit, so full and free,
I thank you, Lord, for stilling me,
    and thrilling me;
I offer praise, now, willingly!

I love the way you hold my hand,
Leading me through this shifting sand.
Someday I'll join your Heavenly band, 
    in that bright land;
There in your presence I shall stand.

-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- December 7, 1968 --

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Beautiful Seasons
The leaves are falling off the trees,
More come down with every breeze,
   This is why we call it Fall.
Red and yellow, green and brown,
Colors flying all around,
   Beauty here for one and all.

The snow is falling from the sky,
Guess you know the reason why,
   Winter is the season here.
Soon the ground will be all white,
Covered with the snow so bright,
   Happens this time every year.

God in Heaven made this world,
All this beauty here unfurled,
   And He made the people, too.
Jesus Christ, His only Son,
Gave His life for everyone;
   Everyone means even you!

Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall,
God is calling one and all,
   "Won't you a new life begin?
Leave your silver and your gold,
I will give you joy untold,
   Satisfying peace within."

Yes, Jesus saves and Jesus keeps,
Comforts everyone who weeps,
   He's a never failing friend.
Let Him enter in your heart,
He has promised ne'er to part,
   He will keep you to the end ... the end!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- Minnesota, Oct-Dec 1968 --

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Empty Bubbles
You're chasing after those empty bubbles
   Which can never satisfy.
That's why your life is so full of troubles,
   And you think you'd rather die.

         O, Come to Jesus, He'll set you free!
         He'll give you life more abundantly!
         He will deliver, and prosper you!
         Yes, He will make your life brand new!

You say you're cheated by God Almighty,
   And bitterness has filled your life with hate.
I don't see why you keep on fighting...
   Turn back to Jesus, it's not too late!

         O, Come to Jesus, He'll set you free!
         He'll give you life more abundantly!
         He will deliver, and pardon you!
         In fact, He'll make your life brand new!

Stop chasing after those empty bubbles.
   You know they never satisfy.
Then your life won't be so full of troubles,
   And you won't need to wonder why.

         O, Come to Jesus, He'll set you free!
         He'll give you life more abundantly!
         He will deliver, and prosper you!
         Yes, He will make your life brand new!
         (That's something empty bubbles cannot do!)
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- June 14, 1975 --

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The Strawberry Song
Who put the flavor in the strawberry?
    Who put the perfume in the rose?
Who put the song within the bird so free?
    Tell me, Oh, tell me who knows!

Darwin's hypothesis cannot explain
    Who made the rivers or who made the rain.
Jesus the Creator made everything;
    He makes this whole world sing!

He put the flavor in the strawberry!
    He put the perfume in the rose!
He put the song within the bird so free!
    This in His Word He plainly shows!

He made the mountains and He made the sea!
    He made the universe, He even made me!
Jesus, the Creator, made everything;
    He makes this whole world sing!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- Minnesota, April 10, 1970 --

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The Baloney Song
A piece of baloney got stuck in my nose,
I can't get it out with sniffles or blows.
It comes out a little, then back up it goes.
I reached in to get it, and pulled out my toes.
... But I got that baloney out of my nose!

A plate of spaghetti spilled over my beard,
and I can tell you it sure did look weird.
I hoped no one noticed, but just as I feared,
the rest of the restaurant stood up and cheered,
...and now you know why I shaved off my beard!

A big piece of bubble gum got in my hair.
I sure don't know how it got up there.
I blew a big bubble with the utmost care,
and then it exploded and flew everywhere.
...that must be how it got in my hair!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- Texas, about 1976 --

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The Canoe Song
My canoe is blue all-around.
I'm a-gonna ride it up the river and down.
When I'm done I'm gonna put it away,
And there it's going to stay,
...until the next time that I ride it!

Momma's guitar is smaller than mine,
But she says she likes it just fine.
She's gonna play it all over town,
And then she's gonna put it down,
...until the next time that she plays it.

Trisha's pretty shoes are on the closet shelf,
She can put them on all by herself.
She's gonna wear them to the Sunday School today,
And then she's gonna put them away,
...until the next time that she wears them.

This is my song, I made it up one day.
Maybe you think I should've thrown it away.
By the look on your face I can tell it hurts your ear.
It's the worst you'll ever hear,
...until the next time that I sing it!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- Minnesota, about 1970 --

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Jesus Cares
The cares of this life overwhelm me,
    The burdens are too hard to bear.
Alone, I advance into mystery,
    It seems there is no one to share.

In despair I must turn to my Savior,
    But why should He recognize me?
"My sheep hear my voice," is His sure word;
"I know them, and they follow me."

My sins had obscured his bright presence;
    I confessed and the guilt rolled away.
Now I am bathed in His radiance;
    He turned darkest night into day.

I'll cast all my care upon Him now,
    My future is all in His hand.
Not wondering whether, or when, or how;
    "Trust me," is His gentle command.

CHORUS:
        Jesus cares! Yes, Jesus cares!
        Jesus cares! Yes, He cares for me!
        Jesus cares! Yes, Jesus cares!
        Jesus cares! Yes, He cares for me!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Life is a Paradox
Facing this wicked world, eyes on my Lord,
Seeking to do His will as shown in His Word.
Battles may rage around, but I have peace within,
Waiting my coming Lord, to reign with Him.

I'm over the circumstances, under the blood,
Condemned by my sinful self, but saved by His love.
Enabled to do His will, I have victory,
Now and forever, for eternity!
-- Norm Kuglin and Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- October 6, 1968 --

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Yes LORD!
Why do you call me Lord,
And do not the things that I say?
Do you doubt what you read in my Word?
Oh, when will you trust and obey?

Yes, LORD! We believe in you.
We know what you said is true.
Yes, LORD! Now we want to obey.
Now we will do what you say.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- Minnesota, October 28, 1971 --
(Theme song for Missionary Conference
at Calvary Memorial Church)

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Jesus Has Saved Me
Jesus has saved me,
    Now He lives within,
His Holy Spirit
    Will keep me from sin.
He promised to fill me
    With His love and power.
I have His presence
    Each day and each hour.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Cast All My Care
I'll cast all my care on Jesus my Lord.
All worry and doubt I'll throw overboard.
In victory I'll shout what grace did afford,
The wonderful love of Jesus my Lord.
-- Norm Kuglin and Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- October 6, 1968 --

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Three Eyes
The end of my name is absurd,
A quite unpronounceable word.
(The spelling appears to be blurred.)
    It may not be wise
    To end with III
Signed: Jonathan Adams III

[ Read it this way:
   ...to end with three I's.
   ...Jonathan Adams, the third. ]
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Four Texas Instruments Limericks
Two for the Robot

There is a department at TI
With products the size of a flea-eye.
    Our robot is able, 
    Upon a big table,
To stack them up till they are knee-high.

We taught it's fingers to open and close,
And now it tries to grab your nose!
    If it gets any smarter,
    It may make a martyr.
But if it does that, out the window it goes!
One for the Boss

McClure was astonished: He cried out, "Good Lord!"
"There's 25 pots on this circuit board!"
    "Hey, Charlie, come see!"
    "I think you'll agree,
There are more tweaks here than we can afford!"
One for the Rest of Us

The programmer's job was supposedly running,
And yet it's performance was much less than stunning.
    "The computer is down,"
    He said, with a frown,
"Or at least it has sure lost its cunning."
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- Texas, 1978 --

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Empty Pockets
We scrimped and scraped
    and finally found
    the bottom of the barrel.
If rags-to-riches
    really worked
    we'd have some new apparel.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Spring
January is over,
    February is done.
The fields are in clover,
    Springtime has come!

The cold and bitter days are past
    And in my heart I feel
An inner warmth that really lasts
    And know that God is real.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
early 1958

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The Gospel
Jesus came into the world
    to seek and save the lost,
To ransom men from sin --
    His death the awful cost.
He gave His life for all
    on the cross of Calvary,
And the third day He rose again
    to show His victory.

As in Adam all are dead,
    the penalty for everyone,
Even so in Jesus Christ
    shall all men be made alive
Who will turn from sin to God
    and with grateful hearts receive
His priceless gift: eternal life
    through Jesus Christ His Son.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- October 29, 1968 --

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He Gave Me Joy
Things that happen in this world are unfair to say the least.
In despair I came to saying that mankind is just a beast.
But then the Lord of Heaven lifted up my eyes,
    And He gave me joy as He bade me rise.

My depression overcame me till I bowed my head in grief.
I thought there was no avenue where I could find relief.
But then the Lord of Heaven lifted up my head,
    And He gave me joy, just like He said.

Circumstances boxed me in until my shallow temper snapped.
Feeling useless and depressed I was sure that I was trapped.
But then the Lord of Heaven took my cares away,
    And He gave me joy, turning night into day.

There's a limit to the pressure that a man on earth can stand.
We're designed to trust in Him and rest in His blessed Hand.
That's why the Lord of Heaven gave His Word to me,
    Trusting in His promised presence, I am really free.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Power in His Name
Oh, there's power in the precious name of Jesus,
    Power to live a life that's full and free.
Oh, there's power in the holy name of Jesus.
    Power to live a life of victory.

If you forsake anything for the sake of His name
He'll repay a hundred-fold in things untouched by the flame.
So forsake everything for the sake of His name
And your life will never be the same.

There is no other name on this earth below
To which a man can flee and rescue his soul.
Though your sins be as scarlet, they can be as wool,
Though they be red, they can be like snow.

Whatever you do in word or deed,
Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The day will surely come when every knee will bow
To the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh, there's power in the precious name of Jesus,
    Power to live a life that's full and free.
Oh, there's power in the holy name of Jesus.
    Power to live a life of victory.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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From Psalm 39 and 40
Listen to my prayer, O Lord;
Give ear unto my cry.
Hold not your peace, I pray,
For I am a stranger with you.

I waited desperately
For the Lord to rescue me.
He came down to me one day
And heard my sorrowful cry.

Jesus has lifted me
Out of the mire and clay,
Put my feet on solid ground,
And thrilled my heart with a song.

    Praise to our God on High,
    Maker of earth and sky!
    Magnify His name with me
    For time and eternity!

I delight to do your will;
Your law is in my heart.
Be my guide and comfort still,
You promised never to part.

I will trust in God for aye,
When in need, I'll kneel and pray;
Knowing that I'm heard above,
And answered according to love.

The birds and trees are made by Him.
Every leaf on every limb.
Fill your days with ceaseless praise
Of His omnipotent ways.

    Praise to our God on High,
    Maker of earth and sky!
    Magnify His name with me
    For time and eternity!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- November, 1968 --

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I Know a Place
[ Based on a song taught us by a Camp Fire Girl]

I know a place where no one ever goes.
There's peace and quiet, beauty and repose.
It's hidden in a valley, beside a mountain stream.
Lying there beside it, sometimes I like to dream.
Only a place of beauty to the eye,
Snow-capped mountains towering in the sky,
Now I know that God has made this world for me.

I know a peace the world can never know,
Given to each one who trusts Him here below.
Joy deep down inside me, that springs up in my heart.
One to lead and guide me, He will never part.
Jesus has saved me from all sin and strife.
He is my Lord, the Master of my life.
Now I know that God has a plan for me.

I know a place that He's prepared for me.
There's peace and joy, with perfect harmony.
I'm going there someday, I have his promise sure
That He'll return for all who've trusted in His Word.
Heaven is the place where all the saints shall meet.
There I'll see His face, and worship at His feet.
Now I know that God has a place for me.
-- Norm Kuglin and Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- about 1968 --

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No Need to Worry
You do not need to worry,
    I will care for you.
You do not need to hurry
    All your life through.
All your fear and scurry
    Helps you not a bit,
For though the future's blurry,
    I'll take care of it.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
October 17, 1976

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Fresh as a Daisy
She is...
    Fresh as a daisy
    And sweet as a rose.
I would...
    Have to be crazy
    To turn up my nose.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- October 29, 1968 --

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Jesus Said, "I Am"
1.  Jesus said, "I am the door."
    What kind of door is He?
    Jesus said, "I am the door."
    What kind of door is He?

He's a low door, and an open door;
    You must enter all by yourself.
It's up to you, and you alone,
    You must enter all by yourself.

You can't carry anything through!
There's absolutely no climbing to do!
    So make up your mind
    To leave your pride behind
And enter this heavenly door.

2.  Jesus said, "I am the way."
    What kind of way is He?
    Jesus said, "I am the way."
    What kind of way is He?

He's a straight way, and a narrow way.
    He will lead you into life.
There's no other way to the Father;
    He will lead you into life.

You should enter this way today!
Get down on your knees and pray!
    Then take up your cross
    And count your gain but loss,
You can walk with Jesus today.

3.  Jesus said, "I am the life."
    What kind of life is He?
    Jesus said, "I am the life."
    What kind of life is He?

Everlasting, and abundant,
    Overflowing with the Spirit of God.
Crucified and resurrected,
    Overflowing with the Spirit of God.

It's the free gift of God to you!
Accept it, it's all you can do!
    Christ will live in your heart,
    And He will never part,
For He promised to abide with you.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- Navarre, Minnesota, July 17, 1968 --

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The Prince of Peace
The Prince of Peace!
    The fountain of joy!
The image of God
    In a baby boy!

He healed the sick
    And raised the dead,
Did all things well,
    Just as He said.

Save for the Cross
    And a manger bed,
He had no place
    To lay His head.

The giver of Life
    The gift of love
The one who came down
    From Heaven above

He came to die
    For you and me
So we could live
    Eternally.

Jesus, the Son
    Of God most high
He is our peace
    To draw us nigh

He's Wonderful
    And Counselor,
Emmanuel,
    The Truth, the Door.

This lowly babe
    Has conquered all.
It's your turn now
    To hear His call.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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My Heart Is Overflowing
My heart is overflowing with the songs of His love,
    The melodies of Christ my Lord.
My life is filled with joy since Jesus saved my soul,
    He's with me everywhere I go.

I gave to Him my all, 
    When I heard His call:
"Come and follow me, 
    I will set you free!"

He kept His word with me,
He'll do the same for you;
He'll put a song in your heart too!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Here Is My Hope
My back was turned, I fled the light.
His love I spurned, so all was night.
His anger burned, and He was right.
    There was no hope for me.

Yet God is Love, and He loved me.
He gave His Son to set me free,
That I might live eternally.
    Is there yet hope for me?

He drew me in, His enemy,
Forgave my sin, salvation free.
I live again, but not for me.
    There is a hope for me!

He paid the price none else could pay,
His sacrifice for me that day.
The earth turned twice, death lost its prey.
    He gave this hope to me.

He lives again, He intercedes.
When I do sin, for me He pleads.
He lives within, and meets my needs.
    Come, share this hope with me!

He will forgive your sin, He said.
It was for you His blood was shed.
You still can live, though you be dead.
    So let Him in, turn from your sin.
    Trust self no more, open your door.
    Rely on Christ, He paid the price.
    Go in the gate, it's not too late.
    Please don't delay, He is the Way.
This is the hope for you!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- May 6, 1978 --

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Acts 3:1-10
It is three o'clock in the afternoon,
    About the hour of prayer;
Something momentous will happen soon...
    I can feel it in the air.

By the temple gate in Jerusalem,
    The one called "Beautiful,"
There sits a man lame from the womb,
    A sight most pitiful.
"My friends have brought me here each day
    For nearly forty years.
I beg from all who pass this way
    A gift to dry my tears."

"There are many who pass and drop
    A dime into my cup,
But how I wish someone would stop
    And say to me, 'Stand up!' "

"I heard of a man from Galilee,
    God was at his side.
He healed so many just like me...
    But He's been crucified."

"Here come some men who seem to be
    Two humble fishermen.
I'll ask of them some charity,
    Five cents, or maybe ten."

"But no, there is a difference here...
    That look that's in their eyes!
A look of hope, a look of cheer...
    Two angels, in disguise?"

"Now they're looking straight at me,
    How much can they afford?
They'll surely note my poverty,
    As servants of the Lord."

"We have no money in our bags,"
    They told the crippled man.
"But here, before your spirit sags,
    We'll give you what we can."

"The man named Jesus is our friend,
    The one they crucified.
But He's not dead:  He rose again,
    And now He's by our side."

"He gave to us authority
    To use His holy name,
So in His name I now can say,
    You are no longer lame!"

Look!  The man is standing up!
    And he is jumping, too!
He even threw away his cup!
    His begging days are through!

"People were staring but I didn't care!
I jumped up and down, threw my arms in the air!
I was so happy, I felt like a bird!
I shouted my praises and everyone heard!"

Come, let's follow these two men,
    And see what they shall say.
We'll probably never see again
    What we have seen today.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
-- December 12, 1973 --

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Proverbs 26:14
"As the door turneth upon his hinges,
so doth the slothful upon his bed."
As a door upon its hinges,
   So a sluggard on his bed.
Though his house be filled with money,
   He will end up in the red.
   
On your bed you're tossing, turning,
   Till the night is almost gone.
Fighting with tomorrow's problems
   From the evening till the dawn.

Through the day you're drowsy, yawning;
   Facing work, you dream of sleep.
Someday you will be a pauper,
   Someone else your wealth will keep.

Sleep is no escape from duty,
   Nor can death your debt erase.
For we all must face the judgment:
   'Tis the end of Adam's race.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
February 20, 1974

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When Will I Be Well Again?
Oh, when will I be well again?
    I think I never will!
I took the doctor's medicine,
    But I can't take his bill!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
October 11, 1981

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We Need Maturity
Comfort and pleasure and security
    Are all too easy to find,
But our greatest need is maturity,
    With disciplined body and mind.

As you look for a place to invest your soul,
    Don't shirk in fear of the cost.
Hard work and sacrifice for a well-chosen goal
    Are sure to never be lost.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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What Moses Might Have Said
Here is God's Plan.
I am God's man.
At His command,
  By His right hand
    And power Grand,
I'll lead our band
  To leave this land
    Of sun and sand,
      And find Canaan.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
July 1984

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A Godly Life
They are trying to live a godly life, 
    In hope of His return;
But they must go through tremendous strife,
    His loyalty to learn --
    A great reward they earn!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
January 9, 1972

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Who Else?
Who should know better than the author of confusion
    How to send a man to a mental institution?
Who should know better than the father of all lying
    How to send us out with our soul and spirit crying?
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
January 9, 1972

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After Chuck's Accident
I know you think that you are very strong,
Full of self-sufficient thoughts all day long.
You have no idea how far you are wrong,
So hear the words of this terror-filled song.

You say you are living this life without fear,
Thinking surely you have many a year,
So you are drifting through life, that is clear,
But (Believe it!) your end could be near.

    Oh, one moment you think you are strong,
    You are singing a melodious song,
    And the next you are plunging headlong
    Into the arms of Him to whom you belong.

Put your trust in the One who can save,
It is His love, not how you behave,
By His life on the cross, which He gave,
And 3 days later arose from the grave.

My friend, be sure that you belong to Him,
There is no reason to be out on a limb,
There's the cliff -- stay back from the rim!
Then your future won't be nearly so grim.

    Because, one moment you think you are strong,
    You are singing a melodious song,
    And the next you are plunging headlong
    Into the arms of Him to whom you belong.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
February 2, 1972

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We Will See Him Soon
We will see Jesus soon
    Coming in the sky,
And all of a sudden
    We will start to fly
As we hear Him call our name....
    Then, in a twinkling, 
We will be the same
    As He is,
With a new kind of body
    That's not bound to earth,
And know the full-orbed meaning
    Of our second birth..
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
December 23, 1971

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We Need Not Fear
No matter what the future is,
    We need not fear it,
Because we have the guidance of
    His Holy Spirit!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
December 31, 1971

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Jesus Calls You Now
Jesus calls you now
    With a soft and gentle voice:
"Will you let me save you?
    It must be your personal choice."

He has drawn you gently
    With His everlasting love.
Will you let Him save you?
    What are you afraid of?
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
December 19, 1971

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Going Fishing
Jesus said, "Come, fishermen,
    And my disciples be.
I will make you fish for men,
    If you will follow me."

Some men fish with pole and line,
    Others use a net.
Some are standing idly by
    And haven't started yet.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
December 19, 1971

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Silly Job
I got a job at the lumber store...
You'll never believe what they hired me for.
They gave me a tube of Elmer's glue,
Saying, "Turn that #3 into #2."

If the knots were loose and the damage was slight,
A squirt of Elmer's would make them tight.

The paint on the ceiling was cracked and peeled;
I used my Elmer's and soon it was sealed.

My friend, I tell you, that job was easy,
But the tube of Elmer's sure got squeezy!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
December 11, 1971

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Blind Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus, by the city gate,
Thought that would always be his awful fate.
One day Jesus walked by, on the busy street;
Bartimaeus called Him, his problem to meet.

    Jesus called him over, and made him see;
    He will do the same thing for you and me.

(Mark 10:46-52)
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
November 21, 1971

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Come Tell Me!
See that crowd, standing over there,
Singing so loud, without any care?
Jesus, their Lord, has set them free...
Oh! When will they come and tell me?
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
November 21, 1971

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Creation Week
[ I don't remember if I wrote this chorus or not. I think I did. ]

In the beginning God made everything.
He made the flowers bloom,
And taught the birds to sing.
The world was a garden,
A beautiful display,
And it only took six days.

[ I did write the following couplets. ]

On the first day He made light
    Separating day and night.

On the second day He made the sky,
    With water below and up high.

On the third day He split the land from the seas,
    And covered it with grass and herbs and trees.

On the fourth day He filled the sky with light:
    The sun and moon and stars so bright.

On the fifth day He put fish in the seas.
    He filled the sky with birds and bees.

On the sixth day He made a man
    And He told him all about His plan.

He made first Adam and then Eve,
    And taught what to do and believe.

On the seventh day God did rest,
    Everything He made was blest.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Jesus Is My Master
Jesus is my master,
    Standing by my side.
He is with me always;
    He's my friend and guide.

In Him I am safely
    Sheltered from all wrong.
He it is who keeps me
    Brave and clean and strong.

Master, friend and Savior,
    He is all I need.
Being faithful to Him
    Is my living creed.

I will serve Him wholly,
    Mind and heart and soul.
Showing Him to others
    Is my single goal.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Not a Bed of Roses
If life were just a bed of roses
With sweet perfume to fill our noses
And pretty hues to treat our eyes,
We'd all be lazy, not one wise.
So He includes some trouble too;
He wants to build a better you.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
July 1984

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This Book
This book will make you wise and strong,
    And keep you from the paths of wrong.
It will give you a life that's good and long,
    And fill all your days with a song.
All these things it will do,
    But not on a shelf.
Get it inside of you...
    Read it yourself!
Written in David's Bible
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
March 2, 1981

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Empty Places
Empty places in my heart
   only He can fill
Satisfying every part
   Jesus says, “I will.”   (Mark 1:40-42)
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
24 June 2001

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God Knows All I Am
God knows all I am
And everything I do.
He loves me anyway.
He always will be true.

Every time that I stand up,
And when I sit back down,
Every joy and every fear,
Yes, every smile and frown.

God knows all I am
And everything I do.
He loves me anyway.
He always will be true.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Don't Forget the Person
Learning all the doctrines,
    Learning all the facts,
All the dispensations,
    Covenants, and acts --
Don't forget the person
    Who's behind all these things:
Jesus Christ, the Holy One,
    Who our salvation brings.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
October 27, 1971

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Little Davy
Davy is sitting in his chair:
    Strawberry jam is in his hair,
    Toast is coming out his ears,
    His cereal is mixed with tears.

One thing sure will raise his ire:
    Take away his pacifier!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
1974 or 1975

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Really Silly Song
Sambo's, Sambo's,
    Gives me a sore nose.
Sambo's, Sambo's,
    Won't fit between my toes.

Pancakes, pancakes,
    Gives me headaches.
Pancakes, pancakes,
    For goodness sakes.

Shakey's, Shakey's
    Gives me a big sneeze.
Shakey's, Shakey's
    Pizza in the trees.

Potato chips, potato chips,
    Breaks both of my hips.
Potato chips, potato chips,
    Cause I do flips.

Hot dogs, hot dogs,
    Like rolling off logs.
Hot dogs, hot dogs,
    Give 'em to the hogs.

Silly song, silly song,
    Everything comes out wrong.
Silly song, silly song,
    I'm glad it's not too long.
-- Bob & David Sander-Cederlof --
about 1982

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Awake All Night
What keeps a man awake at night?
What makes his blood tingle, his spirit fight?
The blankets are snug, the weather's just right,
Yet sleep flies away till the shadows are light.

What makes me so restless? Why can't I just sleep?
Or, if I'm sad, why can't I just weep?
I know there's a problem -- it must be quite deep;
And there is a solution, if faithful I keep.

No! That's wrong!
For, no matter how strong,
Or faithul, or long,
My work will not do it: His GRACE gives the song.

Be willing to wait, and to trust Him for all,
Even to pick me up after a fall.
Praise Him for making a way through the wall,
For letting me hear His wonderful call.

Remember the way He led me to Dallas
From wistful desire to confident "halles".
How fear made us trust, and softened our callous,
And made our poor house into a palace.

His word will not fail
His plan will prevail.
Though narrow the trail,
And though I be frail.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Alpha and Omega
He is the first and the last,
He always was and will be.
    Jesus the same,
    Yesterday, today, forever,
Author and Finisher,
Alpha and Omega is He.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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For the Glory of the Lord
Perfection is its own reward
When for the glory of the Lord.

We should always do our best,
No matter what the trial or test,
Trusting God to do the rest.

The work of faith is not ignored
When for the glory of the Lord.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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He Is Coming Soon for Me
He is coming soon for me! Oh, how ready will I be?

It may be today
He'll take me away
To live in His mansions up there in the sky
It may be today
He'll take me away
To live with Him up in the sky.

He is coming soon for me! Oh, how ready will I be?

Coming in the cloud
With a shout so loud
That even the saved in the grave shall rise.
Coming in the cloud
With a shout so loud
That all with salvation shall rise.

He is coming soon for me! Oh, how ready will I be?

There's no power on earth
Since my second birth
Could keep me from going with Him when He comes.
There's no power on earth
Since my second birth
Could hold me here when Jesus comes.

He is coming soon for me! Oh, how ready will I be?
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
February 1970

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My Guide
Over, under, all around;
In the air or on the ground;
    He is always near me,
    He will always hear me.
Inside, outside,
He will be my guide.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
1974 or 1975

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I Have a Hope
I have a hope
	No one can ever take away!
I have a hope
	There will be a brighter day!
I have a hope
	No one can ever steal from me!
I have a hope
	I will live eternally!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
June 1972

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Death Certain But Life Free
"The soul that sins shall surely die."
"There is no hope," is mankind's cry.
But God has told us in His word
That life is free in Christ our Lord.
Come now receive this precious gift!
His blood will heal th'eternal rift.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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It's Time To Arise
It's time to arise
	And greet the blue skies
Before they all turn to gray.

It's time to arise,
	And you know how time flies,
So, Get Up! It's a brand new day!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Some Questions
There used to be some questions
	Which bothered me at night;
The answers were elusive,
	Nothing was conclusive,
Till in God's Word by faith I saw the light.

Why am I here? Why was I born?
How was I made? Who am I anyway?

As to Jesus I drew nearer,
	The answers became clearer,
And I understand more and more each day.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Three Little Centipedes
Three little centipedes, running down the path,
Got their legs so tangled up that they couldn't do their math.
When their teacher came by, you know what she said?
"From now on, you'll have to use your head!"
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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The Sky Is Blue Today
Look, the sky is blue today;
All the dark clouds flew away.
Someday they'll come back again,
Then we'll have some gentle rain.

One day summer is so warm;
All too soon a winter storm
Has chilled, and killed the flowers and grass.
Just remember -- this too shall pass.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Wrong Song
The three of us made up a song,
But something with it is wrong.
The trouble is the third line
Doesn't end with an "ong".
-- Dave, Matthew and Dad --

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Every Day Is Yours
Every day is Yours, Lord;
   Surely, this day too!
All that happens hour by hour
   Is a gift from You!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
11 May 2003

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His Mercy Is Forever
His mercy is forever,
	He who is the first and last!
He will keep us in the future,
	As He kept us in the past!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Jesus is Mine
Jesus is mine since I took Him as my Savior.
He rescued me from a life of sin and strife.
All that I am I owe to His loving favor.
Following Him I know that He is my Life.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
May 2001

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Jesus Is My Partner
Jesus is my Partner,
Walking down the road of life with me.
Jesus is my Partner,
For time and for eternity.
He is always with me,
I know that He will never part!
Jesus is my Partner,
He's living right here in my heart!

[ This was sung as a second verse to the ]
[ popular chorus, "Every Day With Jesus" ]
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Last Command
"Go, teach of me in every land,"
	This was Jesus' last command.
He gave it to disciples few,
	Now it falls on me and you.

The news is great, and we can share;
	We should tell it everywhere!
Our neighbors first, and then our town,
	And finally all the world around.

So, Let’s warn everyone we meet,
	And teach everyone we can,
Whether they live on our own street,
	Or in a faraway land.
Tell everyone of His love complete,
	The Master’s Last Command.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
October 29, 1972

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Mountains So High
The mountains so high
Reach up to the sky,
But Jesus is near
Close by my side.
He conquers my fear.
With Him I'll confide.

"Since you believe,
You have all my might;
Mountains will move
No matter the height."

When life here is flat,
Our spirits grow fat;
There's no joy in that.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Let Me Not Be Bitter
Oh, Let me not be bitter
   For what I've been denied,
But overflow with thankfulness
   For all that YOU provide!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
early 1990

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Receive His Holy Gift
Come! Receive His Holy Gift!
	You have nothing to lose,
He will give your life a lift;
	It's up to you to choose.

There is no work that you can do
	To earn His loving favor.
Thank God! You don't need to
	Depend on your behavior.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Show Me the Way
Lord, I wonder what I should do.
Life is spread out before me.
If you will lead me I'll follow you,
	Lord, please show me the way.

You may lead me through the valley
	Or up to the steep;
Fill me with joy,
	Or cause me to weep.

Whatever you will, Oh, hear what I say,
Lord, please show me the way,
	Today,
Lord, please show me the way.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Song for Trisha
I often think about a little girl
With freckles on her face
And a golden curl.
Her cheeks are rosy and her eyes are blue.
If you wonder who it is...
	Well, it is you!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
June 1972

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The Enemy
Satan feeds on hatin'
Bitterness is his tool.
If you give him high ratin'
Then you're a silly fool.

Satan scares and rants and raves;
Jesus cares and plants and saves.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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There's Been a Resurrection
People are sitting at the intersection
	Waiting for the light.
Others want to make an insurrection,
	They think they have to fight.
Don't they know there's been a resurrection,
	That took away the night?
Jesus is the answer to your question,
	Guaranteed to be right.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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His Sufficiency
If I dwell on my great lack,
I'll soon be a sad sack;
If I concentrate on His sufficiency,
And remember that He is in me,
I'll soon be back
On the right track.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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It Takes Time
Is spirituality
   Ever a reality?
      I pine...
Can maturity
   And Purity
      Ever be mine?	  
The LORD replies,
   and He is wise:
      "Keep up the climb."
"You see, my son,
   The work's begun,
      But it takes time."
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
March 11, 1974
Written after reading "TIME", Chapter 2 of
 Principles of Spiritual Growth 
by Miles J. Stanford

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My Little Girl
She has 10 little fingers and 10 little toes,
A mouth and 2 ears, 2 eyes and a nose.
She's a happy little girl wherever she goes.
She sings and she laughs, and she smells like a rose!
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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Love Your Neighbor
There is a danger
  In loving a stranger
     But also a reward.

Yes, it is scary,
  We need to be wary,
    But safety is of the Lord.

Fear makes you worry
  And life makes you hurry.
    But you can say a kind word,
    Maybe the first he has heard.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --

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A Paperboy's Lament
I'm your Houston Chronicle boy,
I work to make money,
Not just for joy.

Rain or shine, sleet or hail,
The paper must get through, 
Just like the mail.

Roll 'em and throw 'em every day,
Once a month collect my pay.

People move in, people move out.
Sometimes they pay me, 
Sometimes I'm out!

I knock on doors night after night.
Whether I want to or not,
I must be polite.

In spite of the trials and tribulations,
It's one of the best character builders in the nation.
-- Bob Sander-Cederlof --
My mother, Dorothy Sander-Cederlof, helped me with this poem.
I believe it was an assignment in 8th or 9th grade English class.
The inspiration a magazine article my mother found,
in which some prominent national leader of the era,
who had been a teenage paperboy, said of that job:
"It's one of the best character builders in the nation."
I delivered the Houston Chronicle for three years while a student at
Deady Junior High School.
While a student at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida,
I delivered the Florida Times-Union and the Capital Post.

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