the Shepherd's farm

Testimony

Conceived in sin and heavy grief births

a newborn babe in simplest form;

an endless soul trapped in earthly flesh,

the evil one is at the door.

Working, striving, ever failing,

ever blind to Meanings love;

wretched man, unashamed and naked,

shouts forth cursings to Him above.

The deepest depths of life's bleak sorrow,

sins pleasures turned to ash and dust;

Meaning and Purpose have sent the Helper,

revealed the cross and the One to trust.

New hope, new life, new direction of spirit,

all old things have passed away;

cross-clinging, sin-purging, weak and weary,

this soul has one thing left to say,

"I'm listening to the Shepherd's call,

growing on the One True Vine,

picking daily up my cross,

and laying down this life of mine."

Wife, mama, hands of Christ,

no greater blessing can be than this;

in this calling there's much life-serving,

done with views of heavenly bliss.

To all breaths end has this soul come,

this flesh frame had it's battles won;

all glory be to God the Father,

Son and Spirit, three in one.

~Noël McNeil 2013