December 26, 2021

A Clean Slate

A clean slate.
A clean heart.
A fresh day.
A new start.
Yesterday,
behind.
Clear sight.
A clear mind. 


Poem by Tom Balistreri

December 20, 2021

The First Noel

I sing here the classic Christmas Carol,
"The First Noel."
Thank you for listening.


December 14, 2021

December 13, 2021

Not Pretend - (By Tom Balistreri)

Many move through life and pretend,
that this time they have will never end.
Yet in Christ those passing through,
will have eternal life ever new.

December 7, 2021

Winter Wonderland

 Behold this aging boomer walking in the snow as I sing the classic winter song,

"Winter Wonderland".



December 4, 2021

Do You Hear What I Hear?

 A Christmas Carol for the second week of Advent.

I sing the song, "Do You Hear What I Hear?"



November 27, 2021

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - (sung by Tom Balistreri)

It can't start too soon or end too late.
This is my singing of the classic holiday tune,
"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas."
Thanks for listening.



November 25, 2021

Thanksgiving Pause

On this special day 
I give thanks,
because my meal 
is not beans and franks.

November 20, 2021

That's Amore'

 My son Michael and I perform the song,

"That's Amore" at a local tavern.



November 14, 2021

Tom and Mike Balistreri "Love Lifted Me"

This is my son and I performing my own arrangement of the classic gospel song,
"Love Lifted Me."




 

November 13, 2021

The Summer Wind

 This is a performance of the classic Sinatra song,

"The Summer Wind", 

by my son and I the other evening at a local tavern.



November 6, 2021

My Drive

My motivation and my drive,
while I'm aware and alive,
is to do what God requires,
this my hope and my desire.

tumblr_o2plowPxi41v40g1bo1_500.gif
                                                                words by Thomas Balistreri                                
                                                              https://www.tombalistreri.com

November 2, 2021

Out Of My Distress (based on Psalm 118:5-6)

I called on the Lord,
and He did hear.
The Lord is on my side.
I will not fear.
The Lord answered me,
and set me free.
What can man,
do to me?


October 27, 2021

The Turning Of Learning

I have been slow to learn,
but learn I have and my world did turn.
It has become that which is right,
as I continue to in God’s light.



words by Thomas Balistreri
https://www.tombalistreri.com/

October 24, 2021

Reliable Promises - (By Tom Balistreri)

Many break their promises,
despite what they may say.
But the promises of God,
are always yea not nay.

October 23, 2021

Humble Lesson

I confess and have contrition,
I've not been in submission.
I've tried to do things with my hands.
By my strength I've worked to stand.
Thus what I earned I could not afford.
Better to wait upon the Lord.
Who planned success before I began.
Who sought to raise a humble man.



October 19, 2021

His Bounty

We are blessed
by God’s bounty.
We give Him
thanks and praise.

He is holy
and mighty,
and loving
in His ways.



by Thomas Balistreri


https://www.tombalistreri.com/

October 17, 2021

Jesus Christ The King

He reigns not in socialism,
nor in democracy.
Jesus rules as King,
in power and majesty.


New Every Morning

God’s steadfast love,
never fades away.
His faithfulness and mercy,
is new everyday.

October 16, 2021

The Center Of My Life - (By Thomas Balistreri)

Lord, You're the center of my life.

Your direct my path and show me the light.

You guide me through the dark of night.

You take what's left and make it right.

My desire with each new day,

is to raise my hands and give You praise.

Lord You're wonderful, my God and King.

You are all I need, my everything. 




October 14, 2021

Morning Grace - (By Tom Balistreri)

You give me life
day by day.
You sustain my soul,
and show me the way.

You hear and answer
when I pray.
I thank You for,
Your grace filled display.

October 12, 2021

Psalm 51:10-12 (paraphrased and rhymed)

Lord cast me not from Your presence,
or take the Holy Spirit from me.
Create in me a pure heart,
renew my spirit steadfastly.
Restore to me the joy,
of Your salvation and victory,
Grant me a willing spirit,
oh God to sustain me.

October 10, 2021

Psalm 91:7-12 (Paraphrased and Rhymed)

A thousand may fall at your left side,
ten thousand on your right,
but it shall not come near you,
and you shall behold the sight,

of the reward of the wicked,
who shall reap what they have sown,
but no evil will befall you,
because you have known,

the Lord as your refuge,
The Most High as your own,
His angels shall protect you,
lest you stumble on a stone.


October 9, 2021

Ecclesiastes 5:4 (paraphrased and rhymed)

When to God, you vow a vow,
delay not, from paying now,

or complete, in careless leisure,
for a fool, gives God, no pleasure.


October 8, 2021

I'm Shocked...Shocked!


 

All Your Trust

Give the Lord,
all of your trust,
with all your heart,
this you must.

For when you do,
just watch and wait,
and He will set
your paths straight.
                        

                                                                                                                              

October 7, 2021

Beholding The Fall

Beholding The Fall
The colors change,
because of the later season.
What remains,
awaits the winds seizing.

It floats and falls,
gently to the ground.
Thoughts arise,
although they're not profound.

As I see,
the results of passing time.
Why trouble me,
these thoughts upon my mind?

It's part of life, I know,
and I wouldn't really care,
if I was referring to the leaves,
but I'm talking about my hair.



October 3, 2021

Clouds Of Witnesses - (By Tom Balistreri)

Great clouds of witnesses,
observe us living life.
They know of our struggle,
to do what is right.

When the battles are all over,
and we're released from all harm,
they will be there to greet us,
with their open arms.

September 22, 2021

Not Frivolous

Once my life was frivolous,
but the Lord has made me chivalrous.
I've turned from living for my rights,
to receiving joy from sacrifice.

September 18, 2021

The Path Through Time - (by Tom Balistreri)

Every day it draws nearer,
with every tick of the clock.
The end of my journey,
in this land that I walk.
With faith and perseverance,
the trails of life I roam.
Until my day is ended,
and God welcomes me home.

September 11, 2021

I Remember

I remember the unafraid,
who chose not to be saved.
But to sacrifice their all,
as a witness to Gods call.


http://www.tombalistreri.com/

September 8, 2021

Growing From Childhood - (By Tom Balistreri)

As one grows older then they should,
put aside games of childhood.
Lessons have been learned, now to proceed,
to be all God wants you to be.

September 5, 2021

Sixteen Tons

 In honor of Labor Day, and on behalf of all us wage slaves, 

I dedicate this song for all of us who feel we load "Sixteen Tons."




September 4, 2021

Rest Not Relax - (By Tom Balistreri)

To rest in the Lord,
means not relax,
for there is much work to do.
Yet be at peace
as you labor,
to bring out the pure and true.

August 1, 2021

You’ve Made A Difference

You've made a difference in this world.
More than you’re aware.
You've impacted the lives of others,
just by being there.

Choices have been made,
directions have been set.
Hearts have become full,
in those in whom you've met.

Recognition may not come,
to you in this time.
But someday it will be known.
You were a light that shined.

Even the smallest thing,
can make a better way.
Many thanks shall be given,
for who you are someday.


July 25, 2021

Stroll Through The Dark

I may run or I may stroll,
in this journey of my soul.
As I engage in mysteries,
I know God is here with me.

July 24, 2021

Humble Lesson

I confess and have contrition. 
I’ve not been, in submission.

I’ve tried to do things with my own hands. 
By my strength I’ve worked to stand.

Thus I earned what I could not afford. 
Better to wait on the Lord.

Who planned success before I began.
Who sought to raise a humble man.


http://www.tombalistreri.com/



July 17, 2021

Opening The Blind

My eyes have been opened.
Now I have seen.
Things aren’t the way,
that I thought they have been.
I don’t know if I,
should laugh or cry.
Since I discovered what I,
thought I knew was a lie.


July 11, 2021

The Prayer of the Optina Elders

Grant unto me, O Lord, that with peace of mind I may face all that this new day is to bring.
Grant unto me to dedicate myself completely to Thy Holy Will.
For every hour of this day, instruct and support me in all things.
Whatsoever tidings I may receive during the day, do Thou teach me to accept tranquilly, in the firm conviction that all eventualities fulfill Thy Holy Will.
Govern Thou my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say.
When things unforeseen occur , let me not forget that all cometh down from Thee.
Teach me to behave sincerely and rationally toward every member of my family, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to none.
Bestow upon me, my Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day, and to bear my part in all its passing events.
Guide Thou my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive, and to love.
Amen

July 4, 2021

The Unfurious Sound

The sound of the world
is as falling brass,
the continuous noise,
of breaking glass.
The sound of the Spirit,
is like a gentle wind,
a whisper of love,
that one hears within.

July 2, 2021

Not By My Grit

With grit and determination, 
I struggled for salvation. 
Failure drove me to quit. 
But Jesus obtained it.

http://www.tombalistreri.com/

June 29, 2021

Acts Of Mercy

God loves and He blesses me.
He moves in ways I do not see.
He lifts me up and sets me free.
All His acts are mercy.



June 26, 2021

Gold Beneath The Rust (with the Gashouse Band)

 This is a song I wrote and recorded with the Gashouse Band when I was a member back in the late eighties.

I found an old cassette with songs we recorded.

This is not the best copy. There is distortion in parts. But it's the best copy that I have.

It's good to hear the old band, Shirley Dragovich sings and plays guitar. George Kirk Harris on drums. Bob "Crafty" Crafton on steel guitar. James Syfrett on piano. And Steve Derose on lead guitar. I play bass and sing lead.

I forget who played banjo. It could have been any one of these musicians.

The song is called, "Gold Beneath the Rust."




June 25, 2021

Running The Race (based on Hebrews 12:1-3)

Lay aside every weight,
and sin that closely clings,
look to Jesus our faith perfecter,
who endured the crosses sting.
A cloud of witnesses surround us,
observing our running of the race.
Consider all that Christ bore,
so we not hesitate our pace.


June 18, 2021

Enjoy It While You Can

Enjoy it while you can.
It won't always stay.
Embrace it while it's here.
It will go away.

It's the way of things,
that they don't stay the same.
In fact the only constant
in this world is that things change.

You don't often know
when it may go away.
Think of it as though
this is its last day.

Whether today brings you
moments of joy or pain,
Never take for granted
all tomorrows are the same.

May 29, 2021

If Not For You

This is the first time I ever tried to perform this song.
I'm singing quiet so I won't wake anyone. And I scramble the words a bit.
And my fingers slipped here and there. Outside of that I guess it shows possibilities. lol
I always liked this Bob Dylan song. Especially the George Harrison version.
Well I guess this is mine. "If Not For You." 



May 27, 2021

Memorial


Remembering and giving pause,
for the sacrifice to a cause.
A dream, a promise, an ideal.
A destination far off still.

Honored kinsmen, brothers in arms,
courageous, in the face of harm.
Empty spaces, in our ranks,
We bow our heads, and give thanks.