The Purple Socks

We had an evangelist come through last week and he was telling the story of how his small granddaughter was going home after a visit. It was late and she was tired. He tried to put on her purple socks, but she cried, "I don't like purple socks!". She proceeded to take off the sock and put her bare foot into her pink cowboy boots. He took the boot off and started to put the socks back on her. She whined, "But Poppa, it's so hard to wear purple socks." He related this to how sometimes we whine and carry on about silly stuff when God asks us to do something. He told about great men of God and how they had to be "sifted" for many years before they turned out the way they did. Here is a poem I wrote about this service. I thought you might enjoy it!

THE PURPLE SOCKS
by Teri Couture

I’ve been through a test, and many a trial
I’ve been “sifting” now for quite a while
And I’ve learned in the school of hard knocks
That I don’t like to wear purple socks.

I’ve tried to hear what God had to say
I’ve read His book and I try to pray
I know these are God’s building blocks
But it’s so hard to wear purple socks.

I finally listened, I finally gave in
I let the Spirit talk again
Now purple socks are part of my roots
(as long as I can cover them with cowboy boots!)

Copywrite® 2011

This Much (song)

THIS MUCH

As I was walking along the road to Calvary

I saw Jesus along the way

I asked Him, “Jesus, how much do You love me?”

And this is what I heard Him say:

“I love you this much, this much,” He cried

As they nailed Him to the cross

When He was crucified

“I love you this much, this much,” He cried

Then He stretched out His arms and He died.

As I was looking upon that cruel tree

I thought of Jesus’ goodness and grace,

I thought, Jesus, how much You must have loved me

For I know that I, I should have taken Your place.

But You loved me this much,

“This much,” You cried

As they nailed You to the cross

When You were crucified

You loved me this much,

“This much,” You cried

Then You stretched out Your arms and You died.

Then I lay weeping

At the feet of Jesus

And I saw angels come to stand by His side

I stood upon my feet

And looked up to the sky

And with my hands stretched toward Heaven, I cried:

“I love You this much,”

“This much,” I cried

And for You, Lord, I would be willing to die

“I love You this much,”

“This much,” I cried

And for You, Lord, I would be willing to die

Yes for You, Lord, I would be willing to die.

No, I'll Never Say Never (song)

NO I’ll NEVER SAY NEVER

I said I’d never teach in Sunday School

That just isn’t me

But now I find myself teaching Sunday School

For God meant that to be

No I’ll never say never

That’s something I just can’t afford

Cause the things that I said I would never do

Might be ordered by the Lord

I said I’d never go to Africa,

China or Japan

But God sent me across the sea

To a dry and barren land

No I’ll never say never

That’s something I just can’t afford

Cause the things that I said I would never do

Might be ordered by the Lord

I said I’d never preach the Word of God

Or talk to any groups

But when the Holy Spirit comes on me

I start jumping through the hoops!

No I’ll never say never

That’s something I just can’t afford

Cause the things that I said I would never do

Might be ordered by the Lord

I told God I hate hospitals

That’s not the place I’d pick

But now I find myself having real joy,

Praying for the sick.

No I’ll never say never

That’s something I just can’t afford

Cause the things that I said I would never do

Might be ordered by the Lord

What Child is This?

By Teri Couture
Copyright® 2004

What child is this
That came into my life
To stir up happiness
Amidst all the strife

What child is this
Who wipes all my tears
And when He is close
Conquers my fears

What child grows older
But keeps getting better
What child is this
That breaks every fetter

What child is this
Grown into a man
Who makes me say
“With Him all things I can”

He gave up His life
A great child indeed
He died on the cross
So I could be freed

What child is this
That from this world should part
He is the child
That still lives in my heart

What child is this
Why it’s Jesus, God’s lamb
And I can say with great faith
Now His child I am

We Are Americans

by Teri Couture (inspired by the events of 9/11)
copyright® 2001

We are Americans
United we stand
The light's reaching out
All over this land.

Some filled with sorrow
Some filled with grief
And some thanking God
To be filled with relief.

Hugging and crying
And waiting for news
Streets littered with paper,
And somebody's shoes.

There are times like these
That make us so strong
We put our hand o'er our hearts
And sing our great song.

Oh say can you see
The people's refrain
Come heal this land
Take away all the pain.

For we are Americans
United we stand
Our light won't go out
All over this land.

You'll Always Be Special to Me

by Teri Couture
(written for my daughter when she lost her dog, Lisha)

I remember well the day
When in my life some sunshine came
It was the day we took you home
Then nothing was the same.

You thrilled me with your playfulness
And how fast you learned a trick
You loved me better than myself
Stayed near me when I was sick.

You’d come and lie right next to me
It was like you took a stand
And somehow I didn’t hurt so much
When you gently licked my hand.

Oh, there were times when you were naughty
Like when you’d break your chain
And come back hours later
Soaked from all the rain.

How many times I searched for you
Up and down the street
Fear coursing through my body
‘til I heard the patting of your feet.

You always seemed so sorry
Your eyes begged me to be glad
Then you’d do something funny
And I never could stay mad.

But now that you are gone
I don’t know what to do.
A void has filled my heart
There was no truer soul than you.

I miss you, oh, so very much
‘Cause like no one else could be
You were my friend, part of my life
And you’ll always be special to me.

copyright® 2002

There's Nothing Like It

by Teri Couture copyright®2002

I could never begin to explain
I feel like I’ve been revived
This child that brings such pain
At the same time brings my love alive.

A new born babe so soft and sweet
A wonder to have and to hold
A Grammie’s delight, a special treat
The joy cannot begin to be told.

Anxious, I wait to get my chance
To cuddle and snuggle a bit
To twirl him around in a happy dance
A Grammie – there’s just nothing like it.