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Poems by Elder Louis G. Straut
More than a thousand years before Jesus, Gideon was threshing wheat in his field. The Midianites had invaded the land, but Gideon did not yield. An angel had told Gideon that he could save Israel; He chased the Midianites across Jordan with a strong and courageous will. He and his group of friends and relatives, around three-hundred strong, Upheld the angel's prophecy, and righted a grievous wrong.
We all know something of what Gideon's namesake does today. Why of course, they distribute Bibles all around the world. I'd like to give some examples of how the Gideon Bible works for me.
A friend was in the hospital, not a nice place to be. In a drawer by the bedside table, a Gideon's Bible he did see. The strength from within its pages greatly eased his mind. At times like this a Gideon's Bible is usually easy to find.
When I travel in my work, I take an "Upper-Room" tract with me. I open the Gideon's Bible and the tract to an appropriate page and passage, And place it on the dresser for the maid and all others to see. Now, I don't know if this has caused the conversion of any soul, But I do know it makes me feel I've expressed by stewardship role.
For some time Edna and I gave flowers for friends and relatives who had passed away. Now we send Gideon Bibles in remembrance; we think that's a better way. The good of the charitable things we do is hard to measure on this earth. But, in my opinion, when we support the Gideons, We get our charitable money's worth. -- Louis G. Straut, Elder
I racked my brain, what little remains, for words to greet our new pastor.
I wrote lines without rhymes, Edna debunked them, said they were stinking and asked me if I had been drinking.
I said oh no, that's not so, but unlike me, Pastor Murray's mind is the sharpest.
He's been to all sorts of schools, has learned all the rules and had the good sense to marry a harpist.
He's been here a while, has a very nice smile and has good rapport with our youth.
In spite of all his learning and talents galore, he is still fairly short in the tooth.
Our brunch to welcome Steve and Cynthia Was attended by more than usual.
We hope this is a portent of things to come, and not just a curious perusal.
In Steve I detect a good humor and wit, things very dear to my heart.
May his time with us be mutually beneficial, we're off to a very good start. -- Louis G. Straut, Elder
The Raven knows, he saw it, from high up on his branch. The Raven knows he saw it all in a brief but furtive glance. He saw the World of yesterday, he saw the world of now. He saw the World of tomorrow, he saw it all somehow. He saw the World's beginning, he knew it all must end. He knew on what the worth of it would ultimately depend. It was not the gathering of talents or the gathering of goods. It was of something far greater and this to he understood. We need to learn a lesson from the Raven on his branch. We need to see what the Raven saw in a brief but furtive glance. -- Louis G. Straut, Elder
Inspiration's not a fleeting thing, reserved for just a few. Inspiration lives, it's out there waiting for me and you. The mystery is how and when it ripens, how and when it grows. Those who pluck its bounty can see the seeds it sews. They see the seeds, they see the fruit, the wise man and the clown. The clown just laughs as he walks away. The wise man marks it down. -- Louis G. Straut, Elder
The House #1, or, The Ballad of Vincent and Mimi Mimi and Vincent bought a new house. Somehow this made Vincent a louse.
The bedroom's too far from the kitchen now. Vincent wants to fix this but he doesn't know how.
It would be hard to move the kitchen with the plumbing in place. This presents a problem they'll both have to face.
Moving the bedroom to the family room is an option. However this is a move that should be approved with caution.
We've heard Vincent likes bacon and eggs of a morning. His joy is to hear sizzling as day is dawning. This should not be considered without heeding this warning.
Bacon we know can splatter. Vincent could arise to see what was the matter. His reverie and his dreams could shatter, as Mimi places his delicacy on her favorite platter.
Vincent would have his sleep invaded. His joy would suddenly become faded.
Love conquers all, this could be a test. The lamb must bleat, the bear beat his chest, Before all concerns can be put to rest, as the lamb and the bear settle down in their nest. -- Louis G. Straut, Elder
The House #2: Stephen and Cynthia The floors not done, the house isn't ready, the time to move in draws near. Cynthia's time to deliver is close, Stephen is nervous, Cynthia's mother is here.
A group from the church is gathering to lend a hand. It seems there is cleaning to do and painting to do but nothing is really planned.
An afternoon was spent at the Galway house painting the walls and scraping the floors. Primer paint seemed to go on everywhere, even the windows and doors.
Fred, Ted and Lou were the floor men, pulling up staples and scraping up backing. The kitchen crew with Nina, Dora and Mary labored dilligently, and were not found lacking.
No one seemed to be in charge of this dedicated group, though pastor was asked for advice. All seemed to be working for a common goal and the comraderie was very nice.
Donuts were shared and Sheelagh brought beer, or was it ale, my mind's at a lack. It might be the fumes from the paint which abounded or the noise from Fred's Shop Vac.
This writer wasn't present when it happened, but I have it on good account. A screen from one of the doorways was is and is currently out.
Some paint was taken back to Agway and it wasn't tan or cream as we thought. When they stirred it up and the paint store, it was really the white primer they bought.
The house is large, the grounds are nice, Ted thinks there is room in the back for bocce ball. I love the minature roses, the grapes are sweet, it's a fine residence all in all.
When Cynthia arrived she was quite surprised that so many came to help out. A tear was seen on her cheek as she reflected on what helping your neighbor is all about.
Pastor Murray said this wouldn't have happened in Scarsdale, I don't know what he meant by that. I only know that when good folks hear the call for help the answer is given "STAT." -- Louis G. Straut, Elder
John baptized our Lord and Saviour. God the Father showed his favor. John immersed Jesus in the waters of the River Jordan. The heavens opened and God proclaimed his pleasure with his son. Today, Hunter Hamilton receives God's graces. There is a look of love on all our faces. Stephen and Cynthia are showing traces of pride and joy no earthly event replaces. As Reverend Rice sprinkles water on Hunter's head, Praise the Lord is all that need be said. -- Louis G. Straut, Elder
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