The Streetpoet

At church last night they sang “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross” which was Daddy’s favorite hymn. And since it was his favorite hymn I learned it well and loved it. I would play it for him on the psaltry which he asked me to bring to the hospital every day, and the doctors and nurses would ask me to play for them, too. But it wasn’t until I was a little older that I learned all of the words, and understood why it was Daddy’s favorite hymn. His life verse, the code by which he lived was Galations 2:2o “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me.” The Exchanged Life it is sometimes called. Daddy lived it. All he wanted as his legacy was the smiling face of Jesus. He wanted his life to glorify God and to be in line with his Creator’s will…to count for the kingdom.

My parent’s wedding:

A missionary in Russia:

Jerome prior to brain surgery:

These pictures are the few portraits I have of him…just glimpses.

I can’t capture his life here, and I can’t tell you how much it hurts not to have him here, but I just wanted to acknowledge his birthday today. He would have been 61. I am honored to have had Jerome Nicolosi as my Daddy.

This morning directly after breakfast Jerome asked to be excused to get dressed and run laps around the house! I didn’t think sandals were the best running gear, but they proved worthy. After lap ten there was a pause for a discussion about what exactly was happening. You’re not racing, and not earning money. Endurance running lap after lap. How many do you want to do? Ten more would be twenty! Go for it!

On the last lap he comes running around the corner carrying a rose for me, and his eyes were shining!

A few minutes later Seth comes in, firmly grabs my hand and says “Come! He has to bless you!” and walks me all the way outside and around the corner of the house to where Jerome is waiting to smell all the roses with me. I am blessed!

My mother recently asked me what I am singing these days…

The question didn’t surprise me coming from her, she was always singing something when I was small and I knew her grief was profound when the house was songless.

I had been singing quite a bit at home trying to learn these songs whose words were ministering to me, but then cold after cold had stolen my voice this fall and just now I’m enjoying them again. I found the words online, printed them out, and taped them up in my kitchen. Thought I’d share the words with you.

” In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost it’s grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand”

~

“How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I knoww that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom”

~

” Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart.

Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.

Chorus:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of christ.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Chorus x4

We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.”

Last week Abby was over doing some homework with Peter and was able to help me with the boys before he got home. They picked up a big bag of apples that had fallen on the ground and Abby took them home to Mom who made a batch of amazing applesauce and shared with us! The second batch Jerome helped make with her when she so kindly rescued us from our brake faulty vehicle. (which is fixed now, $222 later)

Ian has been more and more wanting to be a part of the family at the table, so Peter hauled out the big Eddie Bauer high chair that Charlene gave us (it’s the first highchair we’ve ever owned, wonderful gift!) and put Ian in it with some toys during our meal, but he quickly became discontent with just toys and wanted food, too! Peter got out Mom’s applesauce and Ian devoured it like he was hungry! Five months is the earliest any of my boys have had any solid food, but he seems to be enjoying his privilege. I love the thoughtful look on his face after he takes a bite…like he’s thinking about how it tastes and feels.

Did I mention he’s growing up so fast?

The grey t-shirt cousins!

Gigi and the boys

Thanks for these, Gigi!

I fell in love with the colors of these old trains and the lighting on this one was awesome, so I shoved my camera at Regina and begged her to take some of Peter and I together…

What a goof!

And we continued to have some fun…

By this point in the day my camera battery was so low I couldn’t see any of the pictures on the lcd after I took them, but the camera was still taking pictures so I kept shooting! 🙂

I love this shot of Mom! She was actually leaning back to read the sign behind her. 🙂

And to end it all… a caboose picture.