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

Colosseum looming large, built with the gold of God
Alleyways and Mithra days, this placed was charged with blood
On the edge Titus Flavius Clemens lived with his wife Domitilla a new believer
Who would suspect a Roman Consul, quietly believers met here

Clement, a freed Jewish slave preached with Paul and Peter
Lived with Clemens and led the group until the day he was martyred
From that day Domitilla led the group, it is hard to kill a member of the royal household
In the face of persistent persecution this titular house would stand, Mithra at its side

Three centuries pass, Domitilla’s faith was rewarded
This little home given to God, rose up a gorgeous church
Two thousand years it has watched man’s march, Christ still in control
St. Clement of Rome, a rose among thorns is one of the most beloved of all

Buildings do not a faith commit, but they are evidence of great sacrifice
This little place at Piazza San Clemente brings tears to my eyes
I can touch those ancient saints and still bend the knee to Christ
A privilege to be in Rome at an early Christian home

Clay Corvin 1/2/08

�