Author Archives: mrasawmiller

Easter Sunday

31 Thursday Mar 2016

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When I think of that far off day,

when empty tomb was found.

I accept he’s risen, I do believe,

Although all logic it does confound.

Those early disciples at empty tomb.

Struggled to believe the news.

And so it is today, despite history,

and scripture giving us, all those clues.

Do I really live as the risen Christ,

would expect of me today?

Do I base my life on all he is?

All his wishes do I, totally obey?

Fail. Fail, is the obvious verdict.

But Easter Sunday sets me free.

The empty tomb a risen Christ,

tells me of a wonderful victory.

He knows my every weakness,

that this battle, alone I cannot win.

He died and rose again.

He won over death and sin.

No fear, no condemnation.

No failure or sickness need be mine.

When others see trouble all around,

A risen Jesus tells me all is fine.

Asaw Miller

 

 

 

 

 

Good Advice (Acts 21)

18 Thursday Feb 2016

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Good advice “for attaining wisdom and discipline”

Perhaps if we could listen, we surely would win.

Then also “for understanding words of insight”.

Just listen and it would be easy to win every fight.

Good advice given to those heading into strife.

Or perhaps struggling with some aspect of life.

In your journey others can see difficulties up ahead.

Good advice given to save you much trouble instead.

Then I remember that journey that Paul had to take.

Was not for his safety but for the gospel and it’s sake.

Paul knew he was heading into trouble once again.

His message could be rejected causing much pain.

Others just saw the trouble, and the risk he was in.

Advised, do not get involved with men of such sin.

Paul knew it was true, there was great trouble in store.

Determined, it made him move on that much more.

His journey and vocation was his alone to walk and face.

He alone had to obey, in this,  his special destiny and place.

Sometimes good advice, is true, friendly and well meant.

Expert, prophetic, do take notice of it seems, when sent.

But then you and I have our own destiny to follow, which can be,

Like sailing the ocean, there is rocks up ahead, and also rough sea.

Am I sure that this is the way , you ask yourself. And others do too.

It seems the whole worlds against me . Will God come through?

Do I know what I am doing in this long  journey through life?

There is problems ahead, should I change direction to avoid strife?

It is true. They are right. Of that I am sure , there are rocks up ahead.

Should I change course, avoid trouble, or do the Lord’s will instead.

This my journey alone, the  destiny that has been chosen for me.

Good advice from others say he is foolhardy, can he really not see.

Their concern and support and friendship, I value so very much.

As they acknowledge and agree and give their blessings as such.

They would protect me from suffering, disappointment, I may sustain.

Their wisdom and advice so good and well intentioned in the main.

But this is my journey I have set out to follow,wherever it might lead.

Help me Lord, for alone I sometimes feel  so very, very weak kneed.

Too easy to be distracted by much wisdom and advice that seems fine.

From the path you have chosen for me alone, in this journey of mine.

Yes I know it will not be easy, but I have determined to follow.

Help me not look back to a life of ease, that can be so hollow.

Lead me through those times when trouble comes right on cue.

And I feel so alone, proven foolish, and that their wisdom is true.

Remind me again “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”

That what seems like such  good  advice  can pale in comparison.

Yet sometimes to walk in the path you have chosen just for me.

Will often be hard, particularly for loved ones, and others to see.

May they one day  also see that right choices were made.

And that through all troubles and strife, my faith did not fade

Asaw Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Dad and death

05 Saturday Dec 2015

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For my Dad is?

Death, a friend or foe?

To be feared or embraced?

A satisfied finale or a sordid defeat?

My siblings and I watch our 98 year old father suffer as his body refuses to relinquish life. It has no reason to,  though weary and worn out.

Death changes it’s face as we grow older. We spend our lives avoiding death if at all possible. For my Dad death is a safe haven which he longs to sail into and put his anchor down, after a long and satisfying journey.

Mentally as agile as ever.  His body is worn out.  How frustrated he is.  Death for him has no “sting”. He has climbed to the mountain top and  looked over the promised land.  The future he sees ahead, he is satisfied  to  leave for his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to conquer. He no longer has the strength.

A place of many possibilities because of my Dad and his generation.

 

Frederick Clifford born so long ago, 1917,

this my Dad to be.

Father William, Mother Bertha, 2 brothers 3 sisters and Cliff,

the family.

Ille, Rene, Vic,  Mary, and Laurie, all gone. Dad old and frail,

it seems so sad.

But, really much to celebrate, each one of us,

should really be so glad.

The harmony and riches in NZ. This is ours to enjoy,

because in a way.

My Dad and his generation had values, beliefs, and ethics,

so often missed today.

Their Grandfather had sailed out from England an

“Albertlander”was he.

A lowly peasant in England, really considered

a nobody, you see.

Through amazing hardship and toil, with determination,

he finally won.

His prize secure, he made sure there was a farm for each

and every lucky son.

Dad’s father , my grandfather, told me how at 19 he

proudly had his farm.

1000 acres, all bush, shed for a home. Just expected he said ,

No cause for alarm.

And so it was true, 20 years later, when my Dad was born into

a beautiful home.

Well established dairy farm, Chairman District Council,

WR Grant was well known.

Seems to me looking from afar, that these men were

made for their time.

A faith in God, loyalty to family and community, they built a nation

I call mine.

I grew up in a family knowing love, fun, and a real,

and absolute security.

No TV, or explicit movie, a safe protected childhood full of

love and purity.

Our Dad organising games nights for school, relies, and friends.

He had a reputation.

My Dad was always out there to support. I admit sometimes to

his son’s frustration.

A&P Shows, building a local church, referee then

president District hockey.

Rotary, bowls, photography, participant to president,

the way it went usually.

Pig Marketing Council, School commitee…..

Cliff was always there.

So many things long forgotten now. Yet a legacy

still with us here .

And yet my Dad was first and foremost family,

how lucky for us kids.

We all knew if any one of us had a need ,

all else was put on the skids.

A welcoming home where we so often entertained ,

cousins and friends.

Cards, table tennis, bowls, games, whatever were

the latest trends.

Dad, not an orator, a profound thinker, a philosopher,

a practical man

And yet he suprised his son again, this hardworking farmer,

this fisherman.

Persuaded by Mum to finally take up bowls, a winner again,

with prizes galore.

At 60 photography became his big thing, winning prizes

to gloat over once more.

But one more challenge was waiting for Dad, Mum died

he had lost his dear wife.

He shocked us kids, found Margaret, marriage a great success,

just got on with life.

A life so full of variety and challenge, 90 years of living

through so much change.

No car, airplane, telephone, so much now common

would have seemed strange.

Depressions and world wars,  History was happening

as he lived his life.

Dad faced the challenges of his day supporting

four kids and his wife.

Amazing the influence our Dad did have, the  attributes that

Dad passed on.

To children, grandchildren, his traits are with us though

he is all but gone.

Eileen, my sis dependable, stable, reliable. Hugh perfectionist

out to win.

Bob, socialiser, a popular good guy, Murray bald with his

Dad’s big grin.

How blessed my family, country, nation are because of

men like you Dad.

A simple faith in God and belief system,

unquestioning stoically had.

So much we owe to this previous generation. I for one will

try my very best.

To honour my Dad by holding these values, as he takes his

well deserved rest.

They met and overcame the great challenges

of their day.

May God help us to overcome our problems,

that very same way.

Thanks Dad for all you have given, the list too long

to tally up here.

Well done, from a proud son, God bless as you struggle through

your 98th year!

Your son

Asaw Miller

 

 

 

 

Just who am I

27 Sunday Sep 2015

Posted by in Bible stories

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I heard the familiar story, told again today.

Again it challenged me, in a special way.

Of a rebellious son, and a father’s pain.

Imagine, what neighbours were saying.

Then foolish son sees the failure he is.

Father overjoyed, greets with a kiss.

And then of course, we cannot forget.

Older brother, who is so very upset.

The challenge laid down, again to hear.

Seems so simple,so obvious,and so clear.

Or is there more than first meets the eye?

I have to ask the question. Just who am I?

Rebellious son , want to take what is mine.

Enjoy life selfishly, thinking all will be fine.

Wasted and squandered so many years,

In heartache, disappointment, and in tears.

Came back knowing, I have little to give.

Can I do something, will Father forgive?

“who has given to God that he should repay”

The Father gives gladly, is what bible does say.

But I also are cast in the fathers role.

I see my children, and fear for each soul.

I worry they might make bad choices again.

My fault surely, as Dad, I feel totally to blame.

Will they come home, when desperate and sad?

I to welcome and greet with heart that is so glad.

Or could I be like elder brother, so bitter and surly?

Consistent, loyal, hardworking,and so trustworthy.

So why would I celebrate a brother like him.

Whole life from beginning steeped in such sin.

Yes Father may forgive, and have a great heart.

But no way, can I forget the past, for my part.

So just who am I in this story, told to illustrate.

Our response to life is neither fickle nor fate.

Rebellious son, loving father, brother in a stew.

Your true heart revealed, the world will see you.

Each character I know, has at sometime been me.

Yet God knew my weakness, and has set me free.

I celebrate with all who have now come to know.

Our God’s love and forgiveness, he did bestow.

It is there for the asking, just turn up it would seem.

A party for all, beyond expectation, or wildest dream.

Asaw Miller

Display

13 Saturday Jun 2015

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What do I listen to? Is it just what they say?

Or do I just watch, and see what’s on display?

When I see great beauty when I look on a scene,

Does it take away all other thought, ugly or mean?

I see this old lady full of cheer and good grace.

Fills me with gladness as I visit her place.

I see the young woman beautiful with smile.

Lights up the whole world she lives in with style.

When morning comes and my spirit needs a perk,

I see an amazing sunrise as I travel to work.

A friend calls in for a coffee and just a small chat.

There is a meow at the door, it’s Nina my cat.

No beauty is not just a scene or a face.

Nor power or riches can  take it’s real place.

It may seem foolish and not very smart.

Yet feelings of goodness just flood into my heart.

I have seen something that insists I must stay.

It is nothing that is said, just what’s on display.

“Jn 9:3

May “the work of God be displayed in my life”

Even when facing worries, sickness and strife.

Then when riches are mine and victory I see.

May others see Christ, is the way it should be.

Yes, my own wisdom and knowledge, I love to tell.

But it is my actions, will lead others to drink of this well.

Yes Lord you have given and taught me so much more.

And I want to teach others how you save and restore.

Yet you have shown me again how we all love display

May my life your amazing love, and your goodness portray.

Asaw Miller

Am I (Peter) right?

31 Sunday May 2015

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I have to ask the question. Is it right to doubt?

Is Peter right? Did he know what he is about?

The disciples gathered in that upper room.

With feelings of joy, perhaps also, of doom.

Their weakness and failure, fresh in their mind.

Yet they were commissioned to tell all mankind.

Jesus had defeated death, that they now knew.

Gone know, wait he said, but they were so few?

Wait for what I promise, just wait and you will be,

Empowered from heaven, just wait and you will see.

Let us have a prayer meeting, such a good idea.

Just ask God for help, and show him how we care.

Then Peter stood and quoted from the scripture.

It seemed so obvious, and painted a clear picture.

We need somebody to replace Judas, that failed man.

It is twelve we need to be, that is God’s proper plan.

So let us vote , then draw straws, to show us God’s will.

Hooray, God has chosen Mathias, a good man to fill the bill.

Yet I have to ask this question, knowing the Pentecost event.

Knowing Paul was later especially called, and then amazingly sent.

Was Peter right in what he said? Was it God’s perfect way ahead?

Were his good intentions, operating in God’s permissive will instead?

God has called me too, yet to sit still is something I do hate.

So difficult like those early disciples, to just sit here and to wait.

Yet God sees our heart when we gather together to pray.

We search the scriptures to see everything, that they do say.

To come up with a well thought up solution of our own.

So exciting, sure God is with us, like a dog with a bone.

We rush off in a tangent, I am sure God looks down and smiles.

As we go on our own way, He knows of His plan all the whiles.

And then we see his perfect plan come into play.

Just be still and know that I am God, he would say.

It is then we see all effort of ours is often just in vain.

We must do our very best now, should our fervour wane.

Must prove to ourselves and to God, that we are on his side,

Those half-hearted Christians we absolutely, cannot abide.

Lord as I wait to see your work, you know it is you I want to please.

You have promised us “you will do even greater work than these”.

Help me then when to wait and see your plan unfold.

When in obedience to step out in faith, and to be oh so bold.

Forgive me when I have raced ahead of this your perfect will.

I wait your works, I pray, help me, just relax and to be still.

Asaw Miller

Good Friday

02 Thursday Apr 2015

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Good Friday morning a time to rest. A time for the world to play.

A time of remembrance for me,  just a lovely story others say.

So sad yet necessary I know. What a fool others think I am.

That Christ did suffer for me,  proud people think a sham.

There is no doubt, the world a mess and in a bind.

I have to acknowledge this for me, and all mankind.

For constantly I face this fact, I cannot reach the goal I set.

To walk in unity with God’s will, my lofty hopes are not met.

God saw the weakness of us men.  Christ paid the price.

It does seem foolish I agree, That faith in him would suffice.

Yes at Easter I am reminded once again.

My failures have caused God oh such pain.

Too easy to point at Peter and to blame.

To see Pilate just playing the political game.

High Priest Caiaphas, self-righteous, deliberately blind.

Soldiers flogging mercilessly, how depraved is mankind.

The crowd whipped up, crucify him, crucify him , you hear.

Could I be Peter, Pilate, Caiaphas, a soldier, the crowd, I fear.

Knowing I too have failed, when I have been put to the test.

Feelings despondent  even when I have done my very best.

Good Friday is God’s rescue plan, if we believe in him.

From sickness, failure, weakness , consequences of sin.

So all my faults and failures, no longer count.

I know this amazing destiny, I now can mount.

My heart confirms, the price is now paid,

There is nothing in this world to be afraid.

By faith I say I am the child of mighty God above.

That any weakness and folly is paid for, in total love.

I will overcome those hurdles that come my way.

Good Friday’s followed by,  a resurrection day.

Asaw Miller

Opportunity

18 Wednesday Feb 2015

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Was a busy day, much on my mind.

This order so simple, easy to find.

Kept reminding myself, the longs , but too late.

How foolish, suddenly realised, made a mistake.

Now used up all the timber that could be had.

Oh such a fool, in fact, it made me real mad.

Often I set out feeling I am sure that I can.

The opportunity there,  I have a good plan.

Then realise missed out, need to prioritise.

What a fool, it’s all gone, I then realise.

Maybe another chance, I am sure I will heed.

Just slows up the process of try to succeed?

Yet too often it happens I have to confess.

Could it destroy the chances of any success?

posted Asaw Miller

Wild

03 Tuesday Feb 2015

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I watched and saw this person choose a long walk,

Given up all hope, in good preaching and talk.

The challenge daunting , they knew that for sure.

Is this their only path, for a true long term cure?

Freedom to meet each challenge, face to face.

Freedom to struggle, at just their own pace.

To prove to themselves, they have what it it takes.

Perhaps to prove to others, and for their sakes.

No end in sight, just a far off long  distant goal.

Knew in their hearts it would be good for their soul.

Desert heat, snakes or wolves, never the real foe.

Nor mountains and forest, blizzard and the cold snow.

The hard knocks in life can lead to all sorts of bad stuff.

Feeling so defeated…..need to prove, I am good enough.

I must see and prove to myself, they again have to ask.

Will I falter and fail? Can I succeed? Am I up to the task?

In some ways would rather have comfort and care.

Be loved, not alone, my troubles with another to share.

Yet to meet this challenge, to overcome in their own way.

Te celebrate another victory, after each long daunting day.

Tired and worn out but knowing, somewhat success.

Even when not where hoped, they have to confess.

Facing mountains, snow, and desert heat.

Forest and snakes, yet not knowing defeat.

Occasionally see other lone travelers too.

Encouraging each others, with how do you do?

Then bid farewell to each other, God speed.

Each knowing this struggle is meeting a need.

Now certain on this narrow path I call mine.

Victory will be won, another day in sunshine.

Stronger yes stronger becoming each day.

Seems easier now to choose the right way.

Then again another big obstacle to face.

Weakness challenged again in this place.

To face the test of resolve once again.

Struggle alone, no one to share or blame.

Each person has their own challenges to bear.

Stories of heroes surviving disasters you hear.

Jacob, Joseph, Moses and David all overcame.

Mother Teresa, Ghandi, Mandella, did just the same

Great men of the past had to often struggle alone.

Never to give in with just a wimper or a big moan.

To pass life’s big test?  Or to fail and then lose?

To stand strong in this path that you did choose.

Not expecting acclaim or applause from others you see.

To overcome can be selfish, really it is only for me.

For it is then I will know I am a resolute man.

Can overcome and be strong, in my life’s plan.

So when difficulties come, and again put to the test.

More confident to now stand to show them your best.

Those who choose this narrow path are often so few.

Yet proven in trial and test they boldly come through.

To know of our frailty when the big  storms do come in,

Yet strong, knowing, against all odds, we surely can win.

By Asaw Miller

Another year

25 Thursday Dec 2014

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Another year has gone by.  Is but a memory now.

All those plans, and hopes,  as I put hand to plow.

Day by day, years gone.  It seems long ago did start.

Another year arrives,  where will it touch my heart?

Again I have these hopes of mine,  I dare not share.

Seem unlikely possibilities,  and others do not care.

Then Christmas story tells, whoever,wherever you are.

If we hope for the amazing,  just have to look for a star.

This gives even me great hope,  as I also follow the sign.

Like Mary and others,  not at all sure what I will find.

Yet year gone by, and those before, have taught me to know.

When all seems of no account,  and I see nothing but woe.

That God has a master plan,  that perhaps he will use me.

I will look back on the years,   and it is  then I will see.

These years that seemed full of toil,  struggle and strife.

Had by His mighty purpose and plan,  brought some new life.

Each one has a purpose in this,  the amazing world stage.

Will I hear acclaim, when the book of life turns to my page?

Cannot comprehend or know,  what His greater purpose is.

But life’s purpose and destiny in God,  I sure don’t want to miss.

Asaw Miller