I journey through a desert drear and wild,Yet is my heart by such sweet thoughts beguiledOf Him on whom I lean, my Strength, my Stay,I can forget the sorrows of the way.Thoughts of His love—the root of ev’ry graceWhich finds in this poor heart a dwelling place;The sunshine of my soul, than day more bright,And my calm pillow of repose by night.Thoughts of His sojourn in this vale of tears;The tale of love unfolded in those yearsOf sinless suffering and patient grace,I love again and yet again to trace.Thoughts of His glory—on the Cross I gaze,And there behold its sad yet healing rays;Beacon of hope which, lifted up on high,Illumes with heavenly light the tear-dimmed eye.Thoughts of His coming; for that joyful dayIn patient hope I watch, and wait, and pray;The dawn draws nigh, the midnight shadows flee,O what a sunrise will that advent be! - Mary Jane Walker
_________________SI Moderator - Brandy Gordon