My dear grandmother, Cena Gilman, was born in Zealand, Michigan in 1915 into a loving Christian home. Her mother came from the Netherlands, and his father from Germany. She was one of seven children, and her love for her family was surpassed only by her love for Christ. She served the Lord faithfully her entire 93 years upon this Earth, and was a shining example of God’s love and grace.
One of the ways she loved to show her devotion to God was through her poetry. Below are a few of my personal favorites.
“Three Crosses”
Three crosses against an angry sky,
Two thieves and Jesus hung to die.
Three crosses against a morning sky,
Empty, that man need not more to die.
Three crosses against an Easter sky,
Jesus Christ liveth, and so may I.
“Spring Time”
See the colors of the spring time,
See the rolling of the tide,
Look around and see God’s goodness,
In this world so deep and wide.
May our lives reflect his beauty,
Helping those who are in need.
We can all show special kindness,
When our hearts our father leads.
“I Do Not Know”
I do not know His plan for me,
Because the way I cannot plainly see.
Those sorrows come and tears may fall,
I trust in Him, my Father knows it all.
He holds my hand when life seems gone,
And gives me strength until I’m strong.
He understands when faith is weak,
And gently leads his will to seek.
So come what may, I know He cares,
And every burden with me He shares.
I do not know His plan for me,
I’ll rest content, for someday I’ll see.
“My Son”
God in His goodness gave you to me,
To love and to care for, and to teach you to be.
The kind of person so gracious each day,
Considerate of others in each and every way.
A new phase now in your life has begun,
No longer dependent on me, more decisions for you, my son.
Some heart aches and sorrow may come your way,
Life has it’s challenges day by day.
Growing up is a hard part of life you will find,
And only the best will succeed.
So live like a man, be true to yourself,
And let your heavenly Father lead.
“Our King”
Earth, sea, air, and great rivers that flow,
Are controlled by His wisdom and might,
The birds of the air and the beast of the field are all precious and good in His sight.
Young men and maidens, old men and children,
Loudly His praises proclaim,
All nature joins in, a wonderful chorus,
Praise our King who forever will reign.
“Praise”
Kings of the Earth shall worship our God,
For He is greater than they.
Princes and judges shall all bow down,
For His kingdom will reign one day.
So sing all ye people with gladness, rejoice
And worship the Lord we adore,
Surrender our hearts and our lives all to Him,
And keep praising our God evermore.