The Things That Last
When I have passed the golden strand
And see my precious Savior’s face,
When He has led me by the hand
Into that bright and glorious place,
When all the toil of life is past
And earth recedes beyond my view,
The only things which then will last
Are those which for Christ’s sake I do.
The things I had, the wealth amassed,
Prestige, position all will fade,
And when these things of life are passed
What will be left that’s undecayed?
The words of cheer and comfort said,
The deeds of kindness gently done,
The erring one to safety led,
The battles fought, the brother won.
These will outlast the holy flame
Which will devour earth’s vanity,
Those things I did to praise His Name
Will last through all eternity.
So in this moment, through this day,
I am resolved to fix my eye
On heaven’s home where I will lay
My treasures safe beyond the sky.
Christina Joy Hommes
I Want to Say…
When I have reached my final days
Of mortal life below,
Just at the crossing of the ways
Before I finally go
I want to say, “I fought the fight,
I finished out the course,
I ran the race with grace and might,
I go with no remorse.
“I kept my eye firm on the prize
And on the King of kings,
The pain of life did I despise
In light of coming things.
“Now I await the precious call,
The summons He will send,
To bid me to His heavenly hall
Towards which I will ascend.
“Where I will hear Him say, ‘Well done!’
And see His precious smile,
Because He fought for me and won –
He stood through every trial.”
So I will run and work and fight,
I’ll toil and strive and pray,
With joy I’ll choose what God calls right
Until that glorious day.
Christina Joy Hommes
In Jesus’ Arms
I’m resting now in Jesus’ arms
Above the starry sky;
Here I’m beyond all earth’s alarms –
I’ll never learn to cry.
He came and gently took me home
To be with Him above;
He whispered sweetly, “Child, Shalom,”
And told me of His love.
I hear Him speak of wondrous things,
I sing about His grace,
I’m daily with the King of kings,
And see His smiling face.
If I could comfort you, I would
For there is comfort here,
But Jesus is so kind and good
He’ll wipe your falling tear.
Christina Joy Hommes
Written for friends who lost their infant grandchild.
Goodbyes are not forever
For Christians who must part,
For soon will be a meeting
From which we won’t depart.
Goodbyes are not forever
For someday soon we’ll meet
On heavens shore with nothing
To cloud our joy complete.
Goodbyes are not forever
For soon we’ll see His face,
And worship Him together
For all His love and grace.
Goodbyes are not forever,
Yet often they are hard –
Somehow that says, “I love you.
You have part of my heart.”
For all of my Michigan friends –
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Christina Joy Hommes