Author - Clay Corvin

I’m sitting here in New Orleans; you will be back soon
Surrounded by pictures of history, my history in Rome
I rejoice in them, they bless me at unscheduled times
Some of you are in them and now you’ve done Rome again

I remember and rejoice with you; it is an absolute treat
To walk and talk and listen; to the sounds on Roman streets
We walked from the Coliseum; to the Wedding Cake
Everyone rejoiced; see the way the sunlight streams through the trees

We learn a lot from travel; it is college on the hoof
Seeing how the world changes; and yet is still the same
The challenges are many; I relish each one
Time often stands still; until the trip is done

Tomorrow will be another day; who knows what will be
The pictures I have taken; will stay and comfort me
They hold precious memories; wonderful friends
Pictures of Rome enable me to live this trip again

Clay Corvin
1/10/08

I love the morning at the Lancelot, walking out the gate to the street
Turning left and seeing the Coliseum, strong, old, used
The picture is commanding, uplifting, and controls the sky
Just a few blocks from where I’m standing thousands of people died

I like the sense of space; everything seems so calm
Two thousand years ago, gladiators trained here, and plied their trade
Now there are restaurants, stores, homes, hotels, normal things
I can feel the energy in the air; now I’m headed to the sights

Thinking about where we are and what we are doing requires us to stop and focus
We are finishing an Italian tour, still some things to do, but what an experience
We have so many pictures, emotions, and bits of history tumbling in our heads
Today we will remember and grab hold of these waning hours

Fellowship with friends is sweet, especially at meals and on trains
Thoughts for now and then are important to keep
We will take in all of Rome and add Venice and Florence
And soon when we are gone we will remember walking out the gate to the street

Clay Corvin
1/9/08

We are traveling through Italy in a very short time; we’ve seen history in a capsule
Yet it has touched us as we’ve walked Venetian streets, canals everywhere
History has put its hand on our shoulder as we’ve reveled in the Renaissance
Now we turn our thoughts back to Rome, our home on this trip

So many things to love in Rome, this eternal city, more than 2,700 years old
In the middle the Catholic Church, unlike any, amazing history, powerful
But we aren’t seeking power; we are enjoying Rome, this precious place
The Lancelot beckons, fellowship meals, and the secrets Carla will unfold

Three more days to see histories ways, in Rome, with our hearts full and feet weary
The day will unfold our return on the train and walks in pastel streets, I love them
Pictures to take and buildings to wake, I am going to see all I can in Rome
For too soon, we will be gone, back to home, our beloved home and not in Rome

Clay Corvin
1/8/08

JIMMY

Friendship is descriptive of him, gives his all to others, he is a friend of God
A servant complete, living at Jesus feet, powerful in God’s Word
Bending his knee to be heard, humility is a trait, kindness is his way

Biblical scholar seeking to help others grow in the Christ and His Word
Teaching as one who knows Jesus personally, sacrificing his life for Christ
His journey consistent as one who is faithful and true

His family central to his life, a wife dearly beloved
Two Godly sons he lives close to, they love him and he loves them
A man who is an example that can be followed, teachable and good

His life had so many options, yet he was always faithful in Christ
Choosing to be the one God could use, walking with Jesus each day
His journey continues, Christ is his Lord, Jesus guides his way

Clay Corvin
1/8/08

DON

An attorney of note, capable and strong, well known and honest
Wise as a lawyer, wise as a child of God, he serves the Lord in all he does
Committing his practice to Christ, his work for the Lord a major part of his life

Loving parent with many kids, more grandchildren than is easy to count
Loves each one, devoted to his wife, a privilege to see what the Lord has done
In this life committed to family and the Son, Jesus is the center for him

There is a joy in his life, he freely gives to all, and includes others in
Gentle and strong, wise and able, quick to fix a wrong
He is the kind of man who gives all of his self to Christ

A legal eagle, an eagle for Christ, strong in sacrifice
Giving his time, giving his life, in pursuit of the Lord’s way
His life is valuable to Jesus, he gives of himself each day

Clay Corvin
1/8/08

William (Bill)

He is a scholar of world renown, and known as a pastor by friends
Serving Jesus in every area of his life, a committed son of the King

His heart is strong, he loves Jesus and shows by everything he does
Beloved by students, a teacher of note, he gives all he has to God

Searching the details, he works with the Word, developing learning texts
Patient and caring, he works his way, to teach others Christ’s way

Godly husband, loving parent, a family closely knit
He is committed to doing God’s best with each opportunity he gets

Faithful in his heart, at home and work, his life aligned with Christ
Strength in his journey, the Lord has his heart

Clay Corvin
1/8/08

STAN

We are honored to know this quiet man, one of God’s beloved ones
Organized in all he does, faithful in his work and life
Hard worker, good husband, loving parent, a person to be admired

Each day seeking to serve, his heart is molded by Jesus
He is thoughtful of others, and kind to all
Helpful, loyal and trustworthy

What a joy to see his life, the way the Lord uses him
A man without evil or strife, open and patient in Christ
His life is a testimony to the activity of God in us

Clay Corvin
1/08/08

ROBERT

A man with a swagger, committed to Christ, a hard working servant
Competent, and quiet, quick to serve and never quits
Great skills surrendered and sacrificed, Jesus is his life

Faithful, loving husband, committed to his wife
Loving parent, close to his children all their life
A man refined by Jesus, caring and strong, a giving life

Wise in his work, able and kind, Jesus always on his mind
Thoughtful, patient and quiet, he does not demand the spotlight
His life in Christ is a blue print that yields a Godly life

Clay Corvin
1/8/08

Throughout my life, I turn to God, King, Father and Lord
He hears me as I seek His face, His comfort indwells my soul
He speaks to me of daily things, reminding me we are all important
Calling me to account for love, His presence commands my view

All of life is in His sight, nothing is hidden from Him
He came to us as Jesus Christ, so we could see and hear
A life lived pure, and a death so sure, the Cross is calling me
To live a life of surrender and care so Jesus can be seen in me

Throughout my life, I’ve turned to God, King, Father and Lord
His hand of strength is on my life, His calling is assured
We bend our knee, we give our time, He is looking at us
His words are inscribed in His wondrous life-Salvation in Jesus is sure

Clay Corvin
1/7/08

Florence just ahead, once a Roman camp
Built on the Via Cassia, to connect with Rome
Now the Duomo crowns its architectural skyline
Florence before the Renaissance was just a place to move

Then it came, that moment in time when people and events crossed
All of Europe looked to Florence for brilliance blossomed there
The statute of David, the Academia, so many things
Florence was happening, the Medici’s wanted to run things

Now we’ve walked the streets and heard the lore
A city of beauty that offers much more
A love hate relationship with the Arno
Ponte Vecchio guarding the central shore

Lives can be like that, beautiful on the outside but old
We can live in what we think is perfect control, then one day
It all changes in the flickering of an eye, the world is that kind of place
You and I were born to die, this is a truth we cannot deny

The journey is up to us, we can follow the world and its lust
We can change and follow Jesus, putting others first
The joy of life is what we give, the more we give the more we have
The results of a life well lived is made up of people to whom we give

Clay Corvin
1/7/08

Riding on a railroad train, passing thru the vale
All around I see the things, the Lord has made so well
The world is such a lovely place, yet evil often appears
Those who ride these rails with me are special, Jesus cares

Special in a literal sense, kindness, charm and warmth
Special in an eternal sense, each made with care and grace
All around we see His work, some now old and grey
We know Him and He knows us, His sacrifice paid our way

Jesus calls each one of us, to love those that He made
A simple choice for us to make, His house rule to be obeyed
The choice of love is urgent, the world needs love so much
Jesus calls us to His way, His love an action we take

Clay Corvin
1/6/08

Population in this treasured isle has dropped more than one-half since 1966
For four hundred years the world listened to its guidance
Finally corruption had its way and the mighty Venice was no more
Today the average age of its citizen is over sixty

High cost, low expectations, children leaving, water rising, floods a way of life
It’s tough, such pretty buildings and breathtaking scenery
History magnificent and churches majestic, still some great hotels
Its glory is fading fast, its future will not last, it will be gone

What can we learn from this, life is quick, days are hard, without Jesus we don’t last
It doesn’t matter what we make, the history we unroll, death is sure
Our future is with Jesus, in Him we are secure
Build your life with others in mind, invest in all you can, giving is the key

Grab the future by giving up self and surrendering your confidence
Let the Lord have your heart and mind, give Him your ego
Develop your heart, love is blind, people need Jesus but they must see Him in us
Drop the façade, give all you have, living is in Christ

Clay Corvin
1/5/08

Yogi Berra noted that you can observe a lot just by watching
Venice can be like that, every block shifting, so when you go back it isn’t there
Mists and fog and unique streets seem as though there is always a block missing
But you are there and you see this and feel this and will always know the meaning

Life is so much like that, we have a handle on it and then the implement changes
There is a new challenge, unknown and foreboding willing to knock us down
So we surrender the moment to Jesus, confessing our weakness, Lord help us
What has and is may not be and yet Jesus is always the same

A new day in Venice, Bridge of Sighs, Council of Ten, Dogis’ Palace
So many new things to see and do, and probably even get lost a time or two
Hope is still there, we will sit down with Jesus one day and we will never wander away
It will be a day of joy inexpressible, time without end and we will be there

Clay Corvin
1/4/08

Five a.m. in Rome and we are preparing to go, foreigners in a beautiful land
People up and on their way, packed, snacked and to the bus
Short jump to the train for boarding and travel to the north
All around us people who belong, not seeing what we see
Failing to hear and see the opera of life displayed for us

Memories fill our mind, heart speak if you will, overwhelmed
Not knowing what lies ahead but encouraged by what we’ve done
This place of poet’s dreams, this land so often spoken of in God’s Word
Now here we are a part of its history already jumping in to its future
The train station big and foreboding, sounds, smells, unique

What must we do to accomplish the Lord’s goal for us?
So many at home depending on our presence and prayers
What can we see for them, take back to them and be for them?
Questions pull us away from the focus, we are to be
This is the time, now is the moment, pray, experience, enjoy

Romans will be our special experience together, where two or more gather
Daily devotionals will help us experience and see His handiwork
All of those we meet and rejoice with will change, Jesus is in us creating
Around the bend is an experience we can personalize in film and writing
The train is loading and we are on our way, backing, backing, away

The speed will be a new experience, we will laugh and talk and rest
Then we will arrive in Venice, off the train and onto the boat
An island paradise different than anything we have seen, beauty
Pictures, walks, talks, meals, shops, canals, cold, it will be our day
Our day, our time, the Lord is here with us and now it is Five A.M.

Clay Corvin    1/3/08