The Last Post

The end of the road for ‘Partial Observer’
But a new journey begins with THIS site


Each Friday since two-thousand-three
you’ve read a weekly rhyme from me.
And you’ve observed (through what I wrote)
my partiality.

There’s been a reason for my rhymes.
A truth to glean, a bottomline,
a point to ponder every week
much like Herblock* cartoons.

At last it seems the time is here
to change blog sites. But do not fear.
My Rhymes and Reasons” (then dot com)
is where you’ll find me now.

* For more on Herblock check out this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herblock

** This post marks the final content addition to PartialObserver.com. As of October 20th, that site will go dark. My Rhymes and Reasons column will continue here on this site.

The Challenges and Chances of Change

When you have a coming change

Change is hard. It’s rarely easy
changing gears or changing plans.
When you love what you are used to
change can humble any man.

But it also triggers chances
that you rarely ever see.
Change, like what’s inside your pocket,
can fund possibilities. 

So don’t thumb your nose at changes.
They can be God’s gift to you.
When routines morph into boredom,
it is time for something new.

On Each Continent We Worship

A new hymn for World Communion Sunday

On each continent we worship
breaking bread and sharing wine.
We are joined in sweet communion
tasting grace while marking time.
Purchased by Christ’s blood and body,
we’re diverse as we can be.
On this holy day we gather
mindful of our unity.

On each continent we worship
to proclaim Christ Jesus King.
Borders blur as anthems echo
in the lyrics that we sing.
In all corners of Christ’s Kingdom
we proclaim His majesty.
On this holy day we gather
mindful we are family.

On each continent we worship
one in mind and one in heart.
Children of a common Father
each a necessary part
of the whole that God intended
to achieve His Kingdom come.
On this holy day we gather,
mindful that the Church is one.

Tune: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

Tending the Family Tree

A grandparent’s charge

A tender shoot sprouts from a tree
that’s rooted in a trunk called me.
That little branch that bears my name
will grow into a limb.

And how it grows depends on much.
Their parents’ guidance, friends and such.
But, Lord, I know Your grand design
includes grandparents, too.

How straight and strong that branch will grow
will be determined (I well know)
by words of blessing, loving touch
and what grandkids observe.

Lord, may my children’s children see
Your Holy Spirit’s work in me
through what I do and what I say
and how I make them feel.

The Cross is Our Ground Zero

Why the cross is the crux of our faith

The cross is our Ground Zero
where death gave way to life.
Where love reached out amid a world of terror.
It’s where we are reminded of
the peace God longs to give
to every man and woman everywhere.

The cross is our Ground Zero
where history recalls
a day that no one ever can forget.
A day God spoke amid the groans
of pain and misery
while canceling our unpaid moral debt.

The cross is our Ground Zero
where (with gratitude) we bow
acknowledging a sacred sacrifice.
This symbol of our liberty
and freedom from our past
forever calls to mind sin’s ugly price.