Delivered into 2018
 
As we look over the year , to embark anew
The wind whispers and the leaves dance
As my heart sings
“Didn’t My Lord deliver Daniel,
                                                   Daniel,
                                                            Daniel…”
 
In symphony we close our eyes
            And open our hearts to a remembered
                            year of deliverance -
 
To confidence, to blessings,
            To homes and promises revealed,
                        To comfort, to love
 
To new births, to new chapters
            To new degrees and new beginnings,
                        To stopping some things and beginning others.
 
For recognition of chains
            And release from fears, ghosts,
                        And hindrances from our past.
 
And in all things seeing the Glory of God.
 
In each promise -
            In each deliverance -
                        In each blessing -
 
There is joy and renewed hope
            For the journey - through each stumble
                        Fall, and get back up again.
 
Oh Lord,
             How Excellent is thy name in all the earth.
                                We are grateful and overcome by your grace.
 
And, as we are poised  for 2018
            We open our hearts and shout Glory
                        For Joy cometh in the morning.
 
In Jesus’ name we pray and praise
            Happy New Year;
                        Amen.
 
                                                                                         Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.
                                                                                         December 1, 2017