The HOUSE without LOVE is never a HOME

This LOVE must be shared, genuine and true

Where SELFISHNESS and HATE never comes to intrude

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without JOY is never a HOME

This JOY must abide with those living inside

SADNESS must linger for only a short while

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without KINDNESS is never a HOME

KINDNESS that comes forth from the tenants inside

Where WRONG is always corrected and never allowed to abide

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without FEELING is never a HOME

A CONSCIOUSNESS that must feed from each heart

Where CRUELTY and DECEIT never become a part

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without SHARING is never a HOME

The SHARING of the good times as well as the bad

Makes for a togetherness that never remains sad

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without GIVING is never a HOME

GIVING must be without expectation of compensation

Where LOVE becomes the basis of all motivation

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without SELF-DENIAL is never a HOME

The SELF-DENIAL and sacrifice of selfish desires

Makes for a binding of hearts that will always be inspired

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without UNDERSTANDING is never a HOME

UNDERSTANDING and CARING given regardless of cost

Where the youngest to the oldest never feels at a lost

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without LEADERSHIP is never a HOME

The LEADERSHIP that is backed up by life's example

Putting the good of others above one's own selfish interest

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without REMEMBRANCE is never a HOME

REMEMBRANCE is heart's way of holding loved ones close

And GIVING to those who mean the most

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without a SMILE is never a HOME

For a SMILE, like the sun, always brightens each day

And adds warmth, affection and a sparkle along the way

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without a TEAR is never a HOME

For a TEAR reveals expression of love, even greif or sorrow

That flows from the heart and makes for a better tomorrow

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without GOD is never a HOME

The GOD that makes all the above attributes possible

Stands ready to forgive when we fail and go wrong

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME

The HOUSE without PRAYER is never a HOME

Where ONE'S SOUL is poured out in a contrite way

To GOD that has promised to lift us when we stray

Otherwise the HOUSE is only a HOUSE and never a HOME