Poems by Mike

				Poems by Mike Back to Mike's Page Back to Stahl Home Page
				Following is a collection of poems (in random order) that I have written over the years for individuals or groups of individuals. They were written to address a particular situation at a particular time. I do not claim to be a poet (good thing I don't) but the poems have said the right thing at the right time to the right people. I hope that there may be at least one that touches you in some way.

				(Written after Promise Keepers Rally in Dallas Texas) Get in the Right Chair The anticipation began to build as we entered the stadium that night. Men began to sing and praise the Lord with all their voice and might. The sight of all those men praising Him really made our emotions soar. But as soon as the preaching started, we realized that “emotions” were not what we had gone there for. The word of God was true and strong and cut like a two edged sword. As each of the preachers spoke, we could tell that the messages were from the Lord. John Maxwell spoke about three chairs, the hot, the lukewarm and the cold. He asked us where we sat and told us that we must be bold. We must take our place as men of God and sit in the chair that's right. There are children back at home that are closely watching us both day and night. If we as Dads are lukewarm in service to the one who gave His all for sin, where will our sons and daughters be, when their life comes to an end? They must make their own decisions on how their life they will live. But God forbid that we are in the wrong chair not giving them the best example that we can give. The day will come when we must give account for all that on earth we have done. I want to give my all for Him and hear the words “Well done a crown of life you’ve won.” I want to look around and see that my wife and children are safely in the fold. Then we will join with Jesus and walk as a family down the streets of gold. Mike L. Stahl 11-10-95 Back to the top

				(This song came from a dream. I dreamt that I was singing the following song in a choir. I enjoyed the words, but when I woke up I realized that this was not a song that had yet been written. So I wrote it.) Come Out of the Darkness At times it seems that the nights are long. I can't wait for the light to shine. The blackness of the night makes me feel so alone. It really plays tricks on my mind. The brightest day is sometimes dark with the fears that come my way. I want to run and I want to hide then I hear Jesus gently say, Come out of his darkness and into My light. You no longer have a need to fear the blackness of the night. Satan will try to blind you with a black and dreary night. So, come out of his darkness and into My light. I know that the Lord is The Light. He'll brighten up the darkest way. He'll lead me through the blackest night, and guide me day by day. It is always good to remember these things when you're at home or work or play. So that when Satan tries to tell you lies, just listen to Jesus gently say. Come out of his darkness and into My light. You no longer have a need to fear the blackness of the night. Satan will try to blind you with a black and dreary night. So, come out of his darkness and into My light. Mike L. Stahl 06/05/93 Back to the top

				( This poems was written for The Kids at Crawford Elementary School, after my friend John and I had done a presentation to a couple of the classes.) Crawford Kids We thought we would send a little note to say thanks for being so kind. All of you were really good to listen. We appreciate you giving us some time. We want you all to be soaring Eagles and eat the right foods both day and night. Also always remember to make good decisions, and do the things that are right. Don't let other people convince you to do the things that's wrong. Because when you get into trouble, those people will all be gone. One more thing we would share and we hope you know this is true. We are glad to be your friends, and Jesus loves you too. Mike L. Stahl for John and Mike Back to the top

				Thanks Dad Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take. I remember that's the prayer I'd pray. When I was at home not too far away. Momma would say it's time for bed. I had no worries when I lay down my head. My Dad was a preacher man. Who earned a living with his hands. He had nine kids he had to feed. Still there was no time we were in need. They both loved us every one I'm proud to be their son. They were always there for me. We were very happy as we could be. Now I have three kids of my own. My Daddy long since is gone. I hope the Lord lets him look below To see his grandchildren as they grow. I'm a better dad because of him. I hope I can pass on to them the love that once I knew, as into a man I grew. Thank you Dad for what your life meant, and how you took love wherever you went. When time comes that my life is through, in Heaven I'll enjoy living with you. Mike L. Stahl 1994 Back to the top

				Written after our Minister of Music related the story of his first solo in church. This is the story he conveyed to us and I put it to rhyme for him. Little Lad He was just a little boy standing on the piano bench to sing. He was surrounded by his family as their voices began to ring. The little boy was always proud as he sang his part with dad. Little did he know that they had a surprise for the little lad. They began to sing the way they had time and time before. When they got the little boy's part dad dropped out of the score. The little boy trembled and thought that he would die. He was searching for his dad's help. Then he began to cry. Grandpa had to take him to a small room in the back. He tried to comfort the child and build the confidence he did lack. The boy is a man now. He's a singer among the best. His family was not being mean. They were putting him through a test. So when you are standing and think you stand alone. You look around for earthly help and it seems your friends are gone. Just look to The Father. He is never far away. He may let you endure a test, but He's with you all the way. Mike L Stahl 1-17-93 Back to the top

				The Savior Turned Judge The call came the other day, The callers voice was loud and clear. The message was cold and sad, As the judge said child come here. Remember the days that your mother sang A song of Jesus and his love. How He had died and rose again, So that you could live with Him above. Think of the times your Pastor Preached of the One who gave His all. He bled and died, that you could live, Then you failed to answer His call. I Am the One the caller said, who called you as a child. I wanted to be your Savior then and walk with you for a while. Now I come to you as a judge. I'm sad that now to you I must tell. The sentence for your rejection of me Is a Life in an eternal hell. Mike L. Stahl 09-27-92 Back to the top

				Written after the death of my Nephew James Barnett (age 10). This was printed on his Memorial hand out at the funeral and is also engraved on the back of his tombstone. James The Lord brightened our life by giving us our precious James. He loved to laugh and sing and play all kinds of games. He was so creative in writing, art and song. I think there is no one with whom he could not get along. We will all miss him, as we think of him with love. There is no doubt he now is singing with the heavenly choir above. So when you think of James you may laugh, smile or cry. But don't worry about our boy because he is happy beyond the sky. Uncle Mike L. Stahl Dec. 1992 Back to the top

				This little (corny) story was written as I visualize a children's book with cute illustrations. It came to be as I drove to work one day. A CHILDREN'S STORY THE DAY WAS SUNNY AND BRIGHT THE SKY WAS BLUE AND LIGHT THE FARM WAS A GOOD PLACE FOR A KITE I WAS AFRAID OF THE DOG, WILL HE BITE. GRANDMA'S HOUSE IS REALLY FUN SHE PLAYS WITH ME WHEN HER WORK IS DONE. SHE WALKS AROUND WHILE I RUN. GRANDPA PATS ME ON THE HEAD AND CALLS ME SON. ON SUNDAY TO CHURCH WE ALL GO. EVEN IF THEY SAY THE WIND MAY BLOW. ABOUT EVERY WEEK WE HAVE TO MOW. MOM'S FLOWERS WON A PRIZE AT THE SHOW. DAD IS THE HEAD OF OUR HOME. HE MAKES SURE THAT WE ARE NEVER ALONE. WE MISS HIM WHEN HE HAS TO BE GONE. WHEN HE IS WE REMEMBER THE LOVE HE HAS SHOWN. GOD IS THE ONE THAT WE ALL LOVE. HE LIVES UP IN HEAVEN UP ABOVE. HE SENDS HIS SPIRIT DOWN LIKE A DOVE. HE WARMS OUR HEART LIKE A GREAT BIG GLOVE. TO EARTH GOD DID JESUS SEND. FOR OUR BROKEN HEARTS TO MEND. THANK YOU JESUS FOR BEING MY FRIEND. I KNOW THAT YOUR LOVE WILL NEVER END. MIKE L. STAHL May 23, 1993 Back to the top

				A poem written for my wife on Mother's Day. Wonderful Mother Mothers are so different from others in the human race. They love and care for the children and keep fathers in their place. They're up in the middle of the night and up again at dawn. The only indication that they might be tired is an occasional soft yawn. The dirty clothes keep showing up on the floor, the bed and the chair. But mothers keep on washing, and everyone has clean clothes to wear. The things she teaches the young ones can not be learned in school or from a book. When one of them wants to know about Jesus, she never regrets the time it took. God knew what he was doing when He placed our children in her life. Not only do they have a wonderful mother, Tena is a wonderful wife. Mike L. Stahl Back to the top

				The Lord's Call The Lord loves you. He really loves you so. He lived a perfect life and died on a cross long ago. The story is an old one. It has been told since days of old. He calls on you to preach his word. The question is, "will you go?". You may not be called of God to preach in a foreign land, or to teach a class or to hold a dying saints hand. The thing that we are all called to do, is to live a life each day, that lets people see Christ in us, and lead them in His way. So when you hear the call from God, to preach, to go or to stay at home, remember that as you do His will, when He calls you, you will never be alone. Mike L. Stahl '93 Back to the top

				On the adoption of our son Tanner. Tanner The call came on Father's Day. They said you've got a new child. We could not wait to go get him. We had waited for such a long while. Arlie Rose has a brother now. Mom and Dad have a wonderful son. We think of him as a gift of God. She just thinks he's a whole lot of fun. His hair is on the red side. His eyes are the purest blue. His skin is light and tender. His body is getting pudgy too. We love our son Tanner from his red hair to cute little feet. We thank our God daily for making our family complete. Daddy Mike L. Stahl 1985 Back to the top

				The Lord showed Tanner Heaven and the end of time, in a dream and he shared it with me. It was more beautiful that Tanner could put in words. It really made me feel good after he shared his dream. Thank You Again I thank you Lord again today for showing me your love in a special way. You opened up Heaven to give me a look. You reminded me again about the end of “The Book”. As you showed me around, the glory of Heaven did unfold. I then realized that the half has yet to be told. I think of Heaven as a place of beauty so bright, then you reminded me again that Jesus is the light. As the Light shone on the streets of gold, the Light Himself was the most beautiful thing to behold. Thank you for letting me in on it's beauty so rare. I'm sure it will be so much greater when I get over there. Let me ever keep you in my heart and on my mind. Let me continue to be loving, giving and kind. When it's time to go, let me leave with a shout. Praising the Lord for taking me out. May I take as many with me as I possibly can. Let me lead and guide them, and take them by the hand. I want the love of Jesus through me so brightly to shine. So that when I go, none of my friends will be left behind. Mike L. Stahl 03-22-95 Back to the top

				Work to do The Lord's hand is on this place. We should do his will, and seek his face. Look to the Lord and follow his plan. Step up and help and pray for His man. There is a place of service for me and for you. Things that are small and big responsibilities too. Work hard and get the job done in love. This is a way of laying up treasures above. When disappointments come and stand in the way, turn to the Lord and look forward today. So look to Him in all that you do, and you will be ready when the Lord calls for you. Mike L. Stahl Dec. 1993 Back to the top

				Written just prior to a revival at 1st Free Will Baptist. The evangelist was coming from the East coast and leaving his family behind. A Prayer for Revival Lord I want to thank you for your sweet and tender love. I thank you for the comfort I feel that comes from Heaven above. I thank you for your Son who died on Calvary's tree. I thank you that He loved me so much that He did it for even me. I come to you now on bended knee. I ask you to protect me and help me your will to see. I pray for revival in the heart of us all, As in your word we trust and on your name we call. I ask for the safety of the man you send our way. I ask you to protect him and keep him fresh each day. I ask you to tell him the things you'd have us hear. I ask you to let his words be your words and let them be so clear. I ask you to watch over the family that he leaves at home. I ask you to remind them that they are not alone. I ask for protection of the church that's in his care. I ask you to feed them and ease the burdens that they bear. Lord I pray for our church family too. Help us to see what you would have us do. Please let us feel the impact of your word each night. Help us to reach those people that need to get on the road that's right. I need to close this prayer now, it seems that I've asked for so much. One more thing I want from you, is I want to feel your Loving touch. I know you want to answer each prayer that your people pray. So I thank you for listening and for sending revival our way. Thank You Lord Mike L. Stahl 9/18/94 Back to the top

				Written as I looked at an oil painting that I had done of a Snow covered landscape. The New Snow I walked outside one day, to a world that was bright and new. I looked around with amazement, not knowing just what to say or do. The night's storm had been a bad one, with it's wind and bitter cold. As I slept I did not realize that God had covered the world with snow. I looked out in my backyard, and saw a beautiful sight. The things that were dark and dirty, were lovely, clean and light. As I looked around I realized that my life was once dark and full of woe. Then Jesus cleaned my heart with His blood, like God had cleaned my yard with a new fallen snow. Mike L. Stahl Back to the top

				Yet another dream. I was feeling like I need to get out of Children's ministry and I had this dream. Needless to say I am still working with kids. Who will Love the Children? I came into town the other day, on a beautiful Sunday morn. The streets were full of children, who had clothes that were dirty and torn. Others were dressed in their Sunday best. They all were happy, or so it would seem. They were everywhere and of every age. I wondered “What could this all mean?” I rounded the corner and saw a Church. It was sitting on the top of a hill. There were children playing across the street, but the church was quite and still. As I traveled on around our town the children were still everywhere. I continued to try to find an adult. I said “Is there no one around who cares?” The longer I looked at the children the more I could see beyond their clothes and skinned up knees. Their eyes were searching and longing. It was apparent that they had many, many needs. My heart began to break as I looked into each face. I started to wonder and question, "Lord, do they not have a place?” I started to cry and pray, God send someone to love these kids. And then it's like I heard Him say “Mike I already did.” It was then I woke up from my dream with tears flooding my eye. I told the Lord that if He needed someone to Love the kid “here am I” He sent His Son to love us and that was His very best. It is now up to us to share His love and He will do the rest. 01/19/96 Mike L. Stahl Back to the top

				After the death of a friend I did not properly let myself grief for her passing. I was so glad that the Lord saw fit to place me in a place where I could be there for her best friend. She is a special person to me and I know that her heart was ripped out during this time. I did not feel like there was anything I could do or that I was worthy to be in that position. I do want the Lord to continue to use me and let me be a mirror reflecting His Light and His Love. I know that I can never do enough to repay the debt that I owe Him, and that my (so called) sorrow is not a lasting one. I really look forward to the day that all death, grief and sorrow on earth will end. Unnecessary Sorrow There is a tear in my eye as I write this letter. I do not know exactly why I really should know better. My heart is breaking and the why I do not know. I really need to cry. But for some reason I can't let it go. The things I do for others really make me glad. I try to give my all, so why do I feel so sad. Please help me Lord your will to see. As I go on today let me search for you on bended knee. Fill my heart with things you would have in there. Let me be lifted up, your love to share. Forgive me now for drowning in my sorrow. Please lead me on to a brighter tomorrow. Mike Stahl 9-6-95 Back to the top

				Written on our Christmas Card to Family and Church Family 1997 A Christmas Prayer To all of you, from all of us We have something we would like to share. It's not a great and costly gift. It's just a simple prayer. Thank you Lord for Christmas time. Our favorite time of year. Thank you for the love that's shown by those we hold so dear. Thank you for the Church we love. And for all the people there. Thank you for all they have given us in love, support and prayer. Thank you for the Christ Child who grew into a man. Thank you that He gave his life to complete salvation's plan. Mike L Stahl 12/18/97 He is the Reason for the Season Merry Christmas from Mike, Tena, Arlie, Tanner and Emily Back to the top

				For Fred and Rene Webb on their wedding day. Fred and Rene April 6, 1997 You have waited so long for the day to come. The day that the two of you would live together and love together as one. God has given you the chance to serve Him as a couple, so listen for His call. I pray now that you will be willing to give Him your all. Lord thank you for helping Fred and Rene true love to see. May they always be there for each other, no matter what may be. Guide them and keep them in your tender care. Help them to realize that you are always very near. Mike L. Stahl Back to the top

				Christmas Card 1996 To our Family and Church Family Merry Christmas From the Stahls We gladly take this time each year to give gifts to the ones we love. As we do let us look back over the year and thank the Lord above. Thank Him for all He has given us, the big things and the small. And let us thank Him on this day for the greatest gift of all. We thank the Lord for Jesus, who was born to give life anew. We also thank Him once again for giving us family like you. Mike L Stahl, 12-14-96 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mike, Tena, Arlie, Tanner and Emily Stahl Back to the top

				Written when my little Arlie was very small. Arlie Rose I have a baby girl. Her name is Arlie Rose. My love for that little girl continually grows and grows. Her hair is dark like mom's. Her cheeks are fat like dads. Her hands are small but perfect. There's nothing about her that's bad. She laughs out loud when we play our game, and I say “I'm going to get you.” And when a stranger says “Hi”, she gives them a big smile too. I know that God has made her, from her head down to her toes. But, He really outdid Himself when He made my Arlie Rose. Mike L. Stahl 1983 Back to the top

				Written to a friend when her children were away visiting their dad for the summer. To Leda, I know that you are feeling kind of low Now that you kids are gone out of town. Now is the time to seek the Lord In the stillness he can be found. Lay all your cares on Him He has told you what to do. Your burdens are no burden to Jesus Because He cares for you. Take this time to thank Him For your children, church and home. If you start to feel lonely, Remember that you are never alone. He is there is the calm And even present in the night. Keep your eyes on Jesus You know that He is the light. I pray for you often For the Lord to open your eyes. And that Satan will be defeated, And be stopped from telling you lies. The Lord has started a work in you And you only have the say “Go ahead Jesus I'm with you all the way.” Mike L. Stahl May 23, 1993 Back to the top

				The following two poems were written to Kim and Kyle and given to them separately on their wedding day before their wedding. Love That Grows Kim you are so lucky today to marry the man of your dreams. You feel that you could never love him more, at least so it seems. Your love for Kyle will only grow stronger as you love him in the Lord. The kind of love He can give will build a strong and lasting cord. Remember the love you feel right now and build on that love each day. Ask God to help you be a good wife and to love Kyle in a wonderful way. As you look back on this day in the years to come I'm sure that you will see, That your love for each other is stronger then, than you ever though it could be. With Kyle as the head of your home, and Christ as the head of him, You are very blessed and a lucky girl and I wish you the very best, Kim. May your years be filled with joy. Mike L. Stahl June 22, 1996 Back to the top

				Christ First Kyle I hardly know you as I come to your wedding today. It may not be my place, but I have something I would like to say. I speak with twenty years experience with a wonderful wife. I will not tell you that we have not had our share of disagreement and strife. What I will say is that if you put Christ first in your home, He will guide your steps and help you wherever you may roam. Kim is the girl of your dreams and lovely lady too. Remember to respect her in everything you say and do. Kyle always protect her and give her the love of your heart. If you do this you will be off to a wonderful start. Best wishes for a long a happy life together. Mike L. Stahl June 22, 1996 Back to the top

				We had a clown birthday party for Arlie when she turned one. About 35 in attendance. Arlie At One There's a little girl in my life, and her name is Arlie Rose. The way that I love her I guess nobody knows. Arlie is one now, and oh what a clown! When she's ready to do something there's no holding her down. Her vocabulary is full now of so many new words. She calls out for a kitty and for puppies and for birds. She thinks it funny when she pulls on my ties. And it really breaks daddy's heart when my little girl cries. I thank God in heaven for He is the one who really knows. My life is much fuller since He has given us our Arlie Rose. Mike L. Stahl 9/84 Back to the top

				HE KNOWS THE LORD KNOWS ALL MY NEEDS. I PLACE THEM IN HIS HANDS. HE KNOWS MY WANTS AND MY THOUGHTS, AND ALL MY FEEBLE PLANS. HE KNEW ME BEFORE I WAS BORN, EVEN AS I WAS CONCEIVED. HE KNEW ME AS A LITTLE CHILD. HE SAVED ME THE NIGHT THAT I BELIEVED. HE KNOWS WHEN I'M FEELING LIKE I'M AT MY ROPES END. THAT'S THE VERY TIME I LOOK AROUND AND SEE A CHRISTIAN FRIEND. I GIVE HIM EVERYTHING I AM AND ALL I'LL EVER BE. I WANT MY LIFE TO BE THE KIND THAT WILL LET PEOPLE SEE JESUS IN ME. MIKE L. STAHL '93 Back to the top