Growing up on a small family farm in the great state of Ohio brought me close to God, as I saw firsthand his word come to life. The plant life, farm animals, and family relationships all reflected the words of Genesis and his creation as written in his holy word. When my father plowed the land, memories still linger as I took off my shoes and socks to feel the cool, moist soil against my feet as they sank into the freshly turned earth, or the times I sat in the woods on a rainy day, the trees bowing to one another in the wind, raindrops falling from the sky, and lightning and thunder putting on a display that no artist could match.

I experienced a loving father and mother that taught us hard work, family unity, and faithfulness to God was the foundation of living life as taught in the Bible.

As stated in the Bible, God authorized governments the power and authority to carry out the enforcement of civil law to protect its citizens from lawlessness, and to support and show proper respect for authority.

God also allowed military buildup that had the authority to defend a nation’s borders for national security, which brings about patriotism. This encouraged me to enlist and serve my country with pride and honor.

It was these life enhancing experiences that shaped my mental and spiritual inner being. It is my sincere hope that as you listen to these poems you might enter into my world through the power of words, from pen and paper, that will fill your heart and mind and allow you to share in the joys of what the Lord has shown me.

Richard Thomas Oberlin