January 30, 2021

My childhood meals often ended with Dad bowing his head and saying, "Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endureth forever." (Ps 107:1) It was only fitting that my dad's funeral service ended with Pastor Lombardo quoting the same verse.

That verse was much more to Clyde Borneman than just a way to finish a meal. The seeds he planted in his heart by studying God's Word had helped form a spirit of gratitude and contentment that would serve him well as aging increasingly took its toll. I didn't have to be in his presence long before Scripture poured out of his heart as his longing for seeing his Heavenly Savior became even more tangible. His most common statement was that to be absent from the body would be to be present with the LORD. What a gift to know without any doubt where he is right now!

In 2015, he woke up in the middle of the night with words to a poem forming in his mind. I can only imagine Dad grabbing his walker and finding his way through the dark to the kitchen table where he penned these words:

Amazing Love
The Word made flesh, He died for me.
He took my sins upon the tree.
Amazing Love so rich and free,
Help me, Lord, to live for Thee.
Help me, Lord, to live for Thee.

Thank you, Jesus, King of Kings
For thy great Salvation and the joy it brings,
As I use the years You've given to me,
Help me, Lord, to live for Thee.
Help me, Lord, to live for Thee.

Our eyes grow dim, our time now done.
We will enter heaven to be with the Son.
In glory we will sin a brand new song.
Praise Him forever eternally long.
Praise Him forever eternally long.

Amazing Love, how can it be?
Help me Lord, to live for Thee.
Amazing Love, how can it be?
Help me Lord, to live for Thee.
Help me Lord, to live for Thee.

This poem captured Dad's faith in and his love for Jesus. What an honor it was to sing his words at his funeral. (Thank you to Sharon McKanna for creating the music for Dad's words!)

On behalf of Dad's family, I want to thank each of you for the way you showed care and honor to him. We would also love to invite you to watch his service. May his deep love for his Savior and his excitement to see him face to face be of encouragement to you! Here's the link to the funeral:

"Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endureth forever." Amen.

Linda (Borneman) Bryant