It's really great to be alive,

As we look forward to thirty-five,

Yes, thirty-five years of walking together,

Through pleasant days and stormy weather.

On January 7th, 2014,

It'll be thirty-five years that we have seen ,

And God has enriched us in so many ways,

And blessed us incredibly all of our days.

He has given us years of ministering,

A privilege that surpasses most everything,

And blessed us with children and grandchildren too,

Soon numbering thirteen, and we are not through.

We prayed long ago that our God's love provides,

Godly men for our girls and our boys godly brides,

With the highest of hopes each will find a good mate,

That will cause them to radically celebrate.

Knowing God's time is perfect - his love gives the best,

So in trusting in him our children can rest,

He'll give them a man or a woman whose love,

Flows through them as a gift from the Father above.

And the joy of it all is God's glorious power,

That will keep every one of us hour after hour,

And bring us together on that great day,

A family whole – not one sheep gone astray.

Our deepest, most earnest, most passionate prayer,

Is that all generations will meet with us there,

With Jesus our Savior whose love kept us all,

Loyal to Him so that none ever fall.

After thirty-five billion of eternity's years,

In a place where love reigns and there's no more tears,

We'll bask in the sun of our glorious King,

And eternally praise Him for everything.

C. R. Lord  © 11/18/2013