One 80-Year-Old Author Keeps Composing

Lila Joy Strecker writes poems based upon eight decades of experience. However, her poetry, which often is inspired by nature, easily could be sung as gospel hymns.

The 80-year-old resident of in Eureka said she lived in Soulard for her first 78 years. Now she, and her dog, Zack, take comfort in the wooded surroundings of this local community.

"I've written one children's book before, and am working on one about a squirrel right now," said Strecker. "I'd just love to get published."

Strecker recently overcame the effects of a stroke to continue with her writing. She said it keeps her mind alert.

The smile that comes to her face, and the intensity with which she commands her wheel chair when discussing her writing, communicates volumes.

Here is one of Strecker's poems, which she said is based on Bible verses Psalm 150:6 and Isaiah 9:6.

PRAISE, by Lila Joy Strecker

Let all heaven and earth give glory
To the omnipotent and Great I Am,
Let everything that has breath offer up
The sacrifice of praise until Him.

The rose sends upward a sweet fragrance
To the throne of Christ our King;
While the angels are ever vigilant
And daily His praises sing.

The crickets join in the heavenly chorus
While the night-in-gale sings a lullaby;
The moon glows in adoration
and the stars twinkle alleluia to the Most High.

The familiar refrain of the whip poor-will
Echoes o'er field and glen,
Making a joyful noise unto the Lord
Sending forth love upon the wind.

Leaves of yellow, orange and gold
Grace the hills with love,
Autumn laying at Christ's feet a rainbow
Nature's token ascending upward as a dove.

Here is another of Strecker's poems, which she said is based on Bible verse Exodus 14:13.

STAND YE STILL, by Lila Joy Strecker

The Lord is the same today
As when He parted the Red Sea,
Rained manna down from heaven
Stand ye still and see.

The hand of God still moves mountains
Calms the troublesome sea,
With God nothing is impossible.
Stand ye still and see.

He binds up the broken-hearted
Sets the captives free,
Proclaims liberty to those that are bound
Stand ye still and see.

Our Lord is all omnipotent
the beginning and the Z,
From everlasting to everlasting,
Stand ye still and see.

With God all things are possible
He calls things as though they be,
Omnipotent and Omnipresent
Stand ye still and see...