Poems By Evelyn

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Poems on this page are taken from a book entitled "Memories and Meditations" and copied with permission by the author, Evelyn Van Sickle. She is a homemaker and wife of Ray Van Sickle. They are the parents of three children, a daughter, Mrs. Ray (Joyce) Whitacre of RD #2 Dunbar, PA and two sons, Terry of Dickerson Run Hill, PA and Doug of Connellsville, PA. The Van Sickles have seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Most of Evelyn's poetry was written during the years after her children had left the nest and her husband's job on the railroad kept him away from home for days at a time.

While Evelyn still writes some poetry, she admits that a retired husband and so many grandchildren can keep you pretty busy. Her joy in the gift of poetry the Lord has given her is sharing it with others.

If you would like to contact Evelyn, you may do so at the following address:
Mrs. Evelyn Van Sickle
RD #1 Box 8b
Vanderbilt, PA 15486

Past Poems
Tomorrow
Seeing Ahead
The Shepherd Dog
Ye Must Be Born Again

Presently Featured Poems
Kneeling At Calvary
First Christmas
Observations

Kneeling At Calvary
Copyright 1991

When my heart and mind are broken
By unkind words that are spoken
I go to the cross of Calvary again.

I review what once took place there
How He hung in my disgrace there.
Then I know I have no reason to complain.

He was reviled and He was lied to
By those evil ones who tried to
Take away the life that only He could give.

I grow calm and stop my crying
For on the cross as He was dying
He said "They know not what they do, Father, forgive."

I no longer feel so bitter
When I take time to consider
That He loved those evil ones as much as me.

My heavy burden grows much smaller
My King of Kings grows even taller
When I'm kneeling at the cross of Calvary.

Hebrews 12:3 - For consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye grow weary and faint in your minds.

First Christmas
Copyright 1991

No Santa Claus, no Christmas tree
But something more, by far
A tiny Babe in swaddling clothes
A bright and shining star.
The shepherds gazed, the cattle grazed
Behind that crowded inn
While an angel chorus filled the night
With "Peace, Good Will Toward Men."

O! Holy Night! O! Wondrous Night!
I wish I could have been
In Bethlehem so long ago
When God came down to men.

Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men.

Observations
Copyright 1991

I sat behind the preacher
And I watched the congregation
I wondered how on earth he could preach
With any inspiration.

I watched an usher as he sat
Staring blankly straight ahead.
I wondered what, if any thoughts
We running through his head.

And tho' I thought it couldn't be
The deacon was asleep!
Now there's a sight to break his heart
And make the preacher weep.

I saw the housewife check her watch
And then begin to pout.
How dared he go on overtime
It was time for church to be out.

And some sat there with pen in hand
And scribbled furiously,
Were they taking notes on the sermon
Or grading his ministry?

As the preacher looked out did he think about
The talk he'd heard this week?
Did it bring a lump into his throat
And make it hard to speak?

I wondered could the Steelers
Pass that ball and block that pass and run
If the fans just sat there quietly
and never cheered them on?

But at the door he shook each hand
And chatted graciously
And prayed in his heart, "Lord, speak to them
the way You spoke to me."

I thought of the preacher's sermon
And the congregation's behavior
And I'm sure I knew which one of the two
Had grieved our loving Savior.

But now this is the hardest part
The Spirit has spoken to my heart.
"My child, all this you couldn't see
If your attention were centered on Me."

"Don't criticize them
For what they do
You missed the message
I sent just for you."

Romans 12:16 - ...Be not wise in your own conceits.

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This page last modified on 12/29/01