Ben's Musings and Poetry

What Makes a Man?

brgrant — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 05:05:10 +0000

What Makes a Man?

Am I am man if I achieve greatness or reflect Godliness?

Am I a man if I conquer a woman or care for her soul?

Am I a man if I defend my honor or have self-discipline?

Am I a man if I am victorious in battle or have victory over my vices?

Am I a man if I climb mountains or conquer my pride?

Am I a man if I defeat my opponent or defeat the temptation of my heart?

Am I a man if I eat with princes or feed the poor?

Am I a man if I never show emotion or love so deeply it hurts?

Am I a man if I am polished and refined or vulnerable and honest?

Am I a man if I am the master of my house or a reflection of my heavenly Father?

Am I a man if I save the world or tend to my own soul?

Am I a man if I command troops in battle or control my tongue?

Am I a man if I am looked up to and respected or if I do not look at a woman to lust?

Am I a man if I hunt big game or help around house?

Am I a man if I have a carved body or a clean conscience?

Am I a man if I run with the big dogs or have compassion on the weak?

Am I “The Man” or a man created by God and under his control?

by Ben G (a sinful man)

A Man and His Pipe

brgrant — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:56:34 +0000

The old chair creaks as I lean back,

The night’s glow fills the room.

A little trail of smoke gently curls upwards,

The aroma of cedar, scotch and autumn fill the air.

All is at peace in the world tonight,

Just a man and his pipe.

by Ben

Favorite Christmas Poem

brgrant — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:24:38 +0000

T’was the Night before Christmas
Redneck Edition

Twas the night before Christmas when all through my place,
I heard such a stirring that I grabbed my gun and a can of mace.
I ran to my window I know it passes all reason,
But I saw nine little reindeer and they were all in season.
I pulled up my gun and it might sound mean,
But what I did then was a deer hunters dream.
It was all so very simple I could have hit them with my eyes closed,
Cause the front deer had a light right smack on his nose.
Down Dasher, down Dancer, down Prancer and Vikcen, (two with one shot)
Down Comet, down Cupid, down Donner, and Blitzen they fell dead on the spot.
Then all that was left and might sound crazy,
Was the one with the light but I got him it was easy.
Then up on my rooftop that little sled crashed,
Presents went everywhere most of them smashed.
Boy was that driver upset; I think he blew a fuse,
They called him a saint but my, the language he used.
He stomped toward the chimney with all the strength that he had,
That’s when I knew this fat guy was mad.
He was coming for me it all happened so quick,
Then I pulled up my gun this would be the end of Saint Nick.
Down the chimney he came my nerves almost froze,
Then I pulled the trigger and up the chimney he rose.
He was a screaming and yelling as he flew out of sight,
And I am extremely glad to inform you he aint been heard of since that night.

It Is All So Clear

brgrant — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:05:35 +0000

I am so thankful to my dearest inspiration, my wife. She has inspired me in more ways than any other person, song, or poem. I would be half the man I am today without her love, encouragement, and her pointing me to Christ. Jodi wrote this poem when I first started traveling with my job. I hope dear that I can live up to all God wants me to be for you and our family. Love, Ben

It’s All So Clear

It’s late and all is quiet.

In the next room lay my little ones,

And far away my love sleeps.

I miss him.

I hope to see him soon.

We talked tonight about all the things we want to do for our children.

Lord, please make it clear.

There is so much we can’t afford to do for them.

God help us to see what matters is that we love them,

Give them a place of love to grow in,

Nourish their souls with the love of Christ.

Teach them about your kingdom.

While we have them

Teach us to smile and to laugh.

To Give up our own ambitions.

Help us make the most out of what You have given us,

To see through the distractions what You have given us.

Its late and all is quiet.

Many years have passed.

My little ones sleep far away with their little ones.

My love sleeps far away, yet he lives.

I miss them.

I hope to see them soon.

I remember all the things we thought we needed to do for our children.

It didn’t matter what we couldn’t afford.

It mattered that we loved them,

Gave them a place of love to grow in,

Nourished their souls with the love of Christ.

Taught them about your kingdom.

While we had them

we smiled and laughed.

Gave ourselves to them.

Made the most out of what God had given us.

Put the distractions aside.

What a blessed life He has given us.

Eternity is dawning.

Many years will pass.

My little ones, their little ones, my love, my Savior are all here.

I’m so glad to see everyone.

I remember all the things we thought we needed to do for our children.

It didn’t matter what we couldn’t afford.

It mattered that we loved them,

Gave them a place of love to grow in,

Nourished their souls with the love of Christ.

Taught them about your kingdom.

Now we have them.

We smile and laugh.

We gave, and now we receive.

We see all that God has given us.

It’s all so clear.

What a blessed life He has given us.

To my dearest Ben, may God strengthen us for the task ahead, and may we meet in his kingdom knowing it was all worth it. I love you. Jodi