The Great Exchange

In my youth my life was filled with fun and laughter

Even though my Dad was gone when I was five

It was that year that I met my very best friend

And we’ll be friends as long as we’re  alive

Winters brought the snow and and we adored it

Sledding and  snow fights did rule the day

Summers gave us tennis, ponds and kickball

And trees were made to climb up all the way

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One of those ponds brought us great excitement

When I was breaking ice and fell on in

My friend did grab a branch and reached to save me

I owe my life to him for what he did

We separated some in later teen years

Him to Vietnam and me to highs

But at our fifth fun highs school reunion

We reestablished all our friendship ties

He talked a lot about his new friend Jesus

I just took it in no interest

But then I went to see him out in Iowa

I asked the Savior in before I left

I started back to church and reading words of faith

As I had made the great exchange

All the wayward ways I had been struggling with

Slowly left my life as my heart changed

I exchanged the drugs for purpose

I exchanged the booze for peace

I exchanged the sorrow for a lot of joy

I exchanged the doubt for faith

I exchanged the hate for love

I exchanged the anger for life I enjoyed

My life today is full of faith and family

A wife, three daughters and 5 lovely Grands

And that dear friend and I talk almost daily

About our Saviors love and His great plans

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I don’t know where you are on your life’s journey

But if your at a point you need a change

Why not ask about this man called Jesus

And find out all about the great exchange

About the author

My name is Pete Gardner, and I am a Psalmist. I have been married to the same wonderful woman for 38 years, having found her on a trip from Massachusetts to Iowa.  We have 3 wonderful daughters and 5 grandchildren. They have been like rocks for me as I was diagnosed with cancer last March and have been undergoing treatments.  The support of the blog and Facebook community has been tremendous as well, and many friends here in Iowa and around the country.  I am indeed a blessed man.

 I have been writing Christian poetry and songs for the last 6 years, and have amassed quite a collection.  In 2014 I started posting my writings on a  Facebook page and a WordPress blog, and was sporadic.  But in 2016 I began to blog in earnest and now have three blogs.  I  hope you will take the time to visit!  The links are below.

Poems: Pete Gardner Pslams

Blog: (currently a study through the Psalms) and reflections Peter T. Gardener

Travelling with Paul (currently a study through Ephesians)

FaceBook Page (Poems – a mirror of my poem page in WordPress)

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