Here are two wonderful poems of advice
written and submitted by Lanette Kissel.
WHAT WE CANNOT SEE
The sceptics may ponder the plausibility
of believing in what we cannot see.
To know in our hearts there is a God above,
To be certain because we have seen His love.
To study the Bible and believe in the Word,
To utter a prayer knowing it will be heard.
To believe in a Great Physician who can cure every ill
without the use of a wonder drug or a powerful pill.
To know He is our Father. We’re children of His.
And our short lives on earth isn’t all that there is.
To believe His Son Jesus died on a cross to win
our eternal home in heaven and forgiveness of sin.
To have faith in the Lord we love and adore,
Looking forward to all that Heaven will be, and more.
~
Lanette Kissel
~
(Published in 2011 issue of The Lutheran Message)
N
If you regret what you have done in the past,
If you lament how your many years have been spent…
It’s not too late to turn your life around.
It is never too late to repent.
When you come to that fork in the road,
So you don’t regret the road not taken,
Choose Christ’s path, which leads to light and life,
So you won’t find yourself among the forsaken.
Jesus loved you enough to die for you,
In order to save you from sinful strife.
He wants you to spend eternity with Him,
In the city of light and of life.
Just believe in the holy Word of God,
And that each and every word is true.
Just accept Jesus into your heart and life.
Then the Holy Spirit will show you what to do.
~
Lanette Kissel ~
THE WONDER OF PRAYER!
Have you considered the wonder of prayer?
That we can pray anytime, anywhere?
That we can lift our hearts to God above?
To one who cares for us with his tender love?
Oh, how good to turn to him when in need!
To know he listens, that he pays heed!
To bring our burdens to him, and to bring our care!
To sense he's waiting just to meet us there!
God wants us to bring our needs to him,
whether they're big or small.
None are overlooked by him.
He's concerned about them all.
If you are God's child,
here's what you should do:
Pray to him daily.
He wants to hear from you.
Pray in the name of Jesus,
God's own beloved Son.
He honors the name of Jesus,
and remarkable things get done.
Give thanks for God's answers
given to your prayers.
They are his reminders
that he really, truly cares!
By
Pastor Bruce Oyen, B. A., M. A., D. Min.
Written on December 10, 2006
STEPPING STONES TO HEAVEN
HEAR or read the Holy Bible each day,
To find out what God's word has to say,
BELIEVE in the Savior Jesus Christ,
Who died on the cross as our sin sacrifice.
REPENT of the sins that capture your soul.
CONFESS Christ as you seek to be in his fold.
BE BAPTIZED to wash away your many sins.
LIVE AS FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN till life ends.
Glenda McAlister, Kentucky
A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life;
A timely word may level stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.
MY DAILY PRAYER
If I can do some good today,
If I can serve along life's way,
If I can something helpful say,
Lord, show me how.
If I can right a human wrong,
If I can help to make one strong,
If I can cheer with smile or song,
Lord, show me how.
If I can aid one in distress,
If I can make a burden less,
If I can spread more happiness,
Lord, show me how.
Grenville Kleiser
SONG SUNG SOFTLY
Can you hear the gentle music,
as you travel along the way?
It's sung to you so softly,
and played for you each day.
With winds so softly blowing,
weather cool or warm He sends.
If you listen and listen closely
the music will then begin.
As life takes you rushing onward
find the time to stop and hear
slow down and listen closely
for that tune is always near.
God knew Life would be busy
and He knew no time we'd have
to stop, relax and listen to
this tune that heals like salve.
It's a song sung by nature
great peace to our soul will bring.
In this comfort that is given
through the songs the Birds sing.
Linda Sue Etling
THREE GATES
If I am tempted to reveal
A tale, someone to me has told
About another, let it pass,
Before I speak, three gates of gold.
Three narrow gates: First, is it true?
Then, is it needful? In my mind
Give truthful answer, and the next
Is last and narrowest, Is it kind?
And if, to reach my lips at last,
It passes through these gateways, three,
Then I may tell the tale, nor fear
What the result of speech may be.
~ Author Unknown ~
THE OLD-TIMER'S PRAYER
Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and palsied hand.
Blessed are they who know my ears today
Must strain to hear the thoughts you say.
Blessed are they who seem to know
That my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.
Blessed are they who look away
When coffee spilled on the table today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile
Who stop to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say
"You've told that story twice today."
Blessed are they who know the ways
To bring back memories of yesterdays.
Blessed are they who make it known
That I'm loved, respected and not alone.
Blessed are they who ease the days
On my journey home in loving ways.
~ Author Unknown ~
DAILY CREED
Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more;
Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver,
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be;
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me.
~ Edgar Guest ~
THE WORLD IS MINE
Today, upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl with golden hair,
I envied her, she seemed so gay, and
wished I were as fair,
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw
her hobble down the aisle;
She had one leg, and wore a crutch; and
as she passed --- a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two legs. The world is mine.
And then I stopped to buy some sweets;
the lad who sold them had such charm,
I talked with him, he seemed so glad ---if
I were late 'twould do no harm,
And as I left he said to me: "I thank you.
You have been so kind,
It's nice to talk to folks like you. You see,
he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two eyes. The world is mine.
Later, walking down the street, I saw a
child with eyes of blue,
He stood and watched the others play; it
seemed he knew what to do,
I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why
don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word, and then
I knew he could not hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two ears. The world is mine.
With legs to take me where I'd go,
With eyes to see the sunset's glow,
With ears to hear what I would know,
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I'm Blessed indeed. The world is mine.
~ Dot Aaron ~
The following two poems that contain a lot of thought were written by Marty Stokes from Hudson, Florida.
WE'RE ALL FOSTER CHILDREN
There's a whole lot of children
but from what I can tell,
They're all "entrusted" to us
we need to "foster" them well;
We're not their "real" parents
God has "loaned" them to us
But we so easily forget
we think they "belong" to us.
When we take Junior home
we love to call him "our" son,
Don't you think it's amazing
we forget where he's from;
He's a "gift" sent from God
and I'm telling you the facts,
But we believe we "own" him
until God takes him back.
The Lord gives and He takes
but is that what WE believe,
Tell me why we complain
when God says he must leave;
I know my words are unusual
but they could be the truth,
It's very hard to accept
can this be God's point of view.
Everything that God gives
we shouldn't say that it's "mine,"
With "my" money I bought it
are we so ignorant and blind;
These things were "given" to us
we don't "own" anything,
It's not what we've "done"
we were "given" everything.
I hope you can hear me
do you hear me my "brother,"
You especially should know
because God is your Father;
Truth is stranger than fiction
but what I'm saying is truth,
We don't "own" anything
so there's nothing to lose.
There's one thing we do "own,"
or that's what we may THINK,
But when Jesus comes back
we might have to RE-think;
Let's be careful with words
about things that WE "own",
We might be very surprised
is what I say in this poem.
Marty Stokes
Hudson, FL
FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
When I was full of hot air,
My tongue never did rest;
Because an ignorant man
Can always argue the best.
I would continue to argue,
After everyone fell asleep;
I wasn't full of the Spirit,
What I was full of was me.
God showed me my heart,
And I saw a big hypocrite;
If I was full of something,
It was not the Holy Spirit.
So loaded with knowledge,
I was totally empty of God;
There are so many like that,
That you and I may applaud.
We may think we're a leader,
But with nobody following;
We're only taking a walk,
We're not open to learning.
If we're filled with the Spirit,
We'll be emptied of pride;
But if we're full of ourselves,
We haven't been crucified
Marty Stokes
Hudson, FL
The following four poems of encouragement and advice were all written and
submitted by Angi Toth from Indianapolis, In. Angi prays that one or all of them
will make a difference in someone's life.
FORGIVENESS
Why is forgiveness so hard to Give?
When without God’s forgiveness we could not live.
I guess for us, to set pride aside
Is as hard as swimming against the tide
But without forgiveness, the Devil wins
For that is one step headed toward sin
Even if the sin against us was wrong
OUR sins, that are forgiven, go on and on.
We are taught, two wrongs don’t make a right
So against our own anger, we must fight
Seek God, talk to Him, praise Him for it all
And then, this anger, from you, He will withdraw.
For to think hate, and feel hate, we are just as bad,
And with these sins, we really make God sad
Think of those who you have hurt or have done wrong,
Remember their forgiveness and sing a new song
For to have God’s love and His forgiveness,
That alone should bring us bliss
When you feel the pain of the sin
Think of the cross, and the pain Jesus was in
Remember the debt that was paid for you
And to your fellow man, offer forgiveness too.
Angi Toth
Indianapolis, IN
IN GOD'S EYES
Most days I worry what others think of me
Mainly what inside me others see
Rarely do I stop to think how I look to God
Usually, I just smile and put on a cool façade
I feel frustrated and sad that I am not appreciated
Those feelings, good or bad, are never negotiated
I want to stop my effort and my time put in
Then THEY would see and I would win
But then who knows what could have been
What if Jesus had ended it all
Had said to stop, including to Paul
Were THEY appreciated or took for fools
All their time and efforts, they were worked like mules
But for themselves it was not for
It was God who was in their hearts and at the core
They cared only of what He thought
His love and approval was all they sought
So I will try to think only of Him
To fight and fight against all the sin
Sometimes I will do good and sometimes bad
For I am a sinner and so I do get mad
But because of the work he did and the life he gave
I will continue my work and pave the way
For who knows the lives I may touch
I may have moved on before it is such
But there is a reason, there is a plan
I may not know until the promised land
But I am cared for and my works are known about
By the heavenly father, there is no doubt
To please Him and Him alone
Is all the people who need to know
And He has already rewarded me
That my friend is enough you see
Because it was enough for the man on the cross
Who paid the price no matter what the cost
Still to this day, not always appreciated
But his love then and now, never negotiated
He gave it all for you and me
So one day in heaven we would be
Angi Toth
Indianapolis, IN
DEAR LORD
Dear Lord, I give you thanks for all I have
I look around me, and man am I glad
A roof over my head with plenty of room
Food on my plate and plenty to consume
Water to drink to quench my thirst
Friends and family to turn to when things are the worst
Unconditional love to give and receive
All from two little words "I Believe"
Why do you continue to bless me so
Your Word is always there with the answers to know
The trials and torment I sometimes go through
I know they are because there is something I need to do
Something to learn or something to know
Without them I know I would never grow
So for the good times and the bad
To you I am thankful and I am glad
I am thankful for my children you gave me on loan
I am thankful for them now and when they have grown
I pray to raise them to your glory
To tell and remind them of the story
Of the son you sent to save them and me
I pray I teach them well so they too will believe
I thank you for my husband who treats us all so well
And pray that his strengths and his love is where I will dwell
I thank you for the friends whom I could not do with out
The blessings they provide are too many to count
I thank you for my father and for my mother
Parents like them are far better than any other
For just like you, they look past my faults and sins
They tell me over any obstacle I can win
I thank you for your patience and your care
To ask for more I do not dare
For you gave me all you can give
You gave me a life which I must live
So I pray that I live it they way you desire
For I do not wish to spend eternity in the fire
I’d rather be in Heaven with you and your son
And be on the spiritual side that has won
So for all this I give thanks to you
For without you, there is NOTHING I can do
Angi Toth
Indianapolis, IN
A CHILD'S INNOCENCE
1-2-3’s, A-B-C’s and Noah’ Ark
In children’s minds, they leave their mark
Put it to a song, light it up, or color it bright
They learn it all including what’s wrong and what’s right
Whatever you tell them, they assume it’s true
Wherever they look, it all seems new
That’s how we are to look at our Father up above
With a child’s innocent eyes filled with love
To confess to Him all of our sins
Knowing He will forgive us again and again
When do we loose all that innocence
It’s hard to say just where it went
But it’s possible to get it back
To regain all the things that we lack
To see things around us with new eyes
To know the truth and know the lies
Start a relationship that never ends
One that continues to begin and begin
For we are all children to our father in the sky
And He has the answers for all of our whys
But we must trust Him and obey
Follow His word and all He may say
For His love for us goes on and on
Even when the things we do are wrong
All He asks of us is just one thing
To Him your childlike faith, you bring
Angi Toth
Indianapolis, IN
"DI-VINE" SERVICE
Seeking how to serve our Lord can be one of life's toughest things.
With great intentions to serve Him, still only His silence rings.
Why is God so silent, when we're so eager and ready to please?
And frustration builds within us, like trying to hold back a sneeze.
I believe it's an issue of pride, as we seek to serve our God.
We tend to think He needs us, like a fishing reel needs a rod.
We are, indeed, to be fishers of men, each in our own special way.
But only by His power through us, as we surrender to Him and pray.
For apart from His hand upon us, there will be no spiritual fruit.
We can spin our wheels in the flesh, but to God it's entirely mute.
He is the vine, and we are the branches, and through us He wants to flow.
And He prunes the branches, to make a way, for more of His fruit to grow.
And the only chance, for any branch, is "Di-vine" that flows through it.
For it's not of us, but all of Him, that really and truly must do it.
Bearing His fruit, right where we are, truly "does" serve Him well.
And victory is in the surrender, of being a branch where we dwell.
In time, He may transplant us, or even choose to use us more.
But for now, just be a grateful branch, producing His fruit galore.
We must first learn to crawl, and then to walk, and then to run and play.
Like a flower must bloom where it's planted, before it's picked for a bouquet.
Thomas C. Duck, San Antonio, TX
JUDGE GENTLY
Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
Or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
Or the burden he bears placed on your back
Might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today
Unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.
You may be strong but still the blows
That was his if dealt to you
In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time
Might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man that sins
Or pelt him with word or stone
Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure
That you have no sins of your own.
For you know, perhaps, if the tempter's voice
Should whisper as soft to you
As it did to him when he went astray
It might cause you to falter too.
~Author Unknown~
PERFECT FAITH
There are different levels of faith, and they come in different degrees.
The highest of which is perfect faith, it's developed upon your knees.
This kind of faith doesn't struggle, for it sees things as already done.
It sees a problem through a promise, according to The Faithful One.
It's being sure of what is hoped for, and certain of things not seen.
Like the brown of winter around us, we know spring will turn to green.
Every promise in the word of God is as sure as the changing seasons.
And when we don't believe His Word, there are really are no good reasons.
Perfect faith should be our goal, that we constantly strive to achieve.
And it's offered by God to every Believer, requiring they only believe.
Let's Live up to that name "Believer," trusting God's Word to be right.
We should always be walking by our faith, and not merely by our sight.
Thomas C. Duck, San Antonio, Texas
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES
If I knew it would be the last time
that I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute or two
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything right.
There will always be another day
to say our "I love you's,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do's?"
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget,
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today,
whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear,
Take time to say "I'm sorry," "please forgive me,"
"thank you" or "it's okay".
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.
~Author Unknown~
BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER
The work that God assigned to us,
Unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
And brings reality to dreams.
So do not sit and idly wish
For wider, new dimensions
Where you can put into practice,
Your many good intentions.
But at the spot God placed you
Begin at once to do,
Little things to brighten up
The lives surrounding you.
If everybody brightened up
The spot where they're standing,
By being more considerate,
And a little less demanding.
This dark old world would very soon
Eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
The corner where they are!
~Author Unknown~
WHERE WOULD YOU GO
Where would you go if Jesus came today
Would you go to Heaven with Him?
Or would you be left behind to stay?
These are the things you need to
Worry about all the time,
Do you want to go to heaven with Jesus?
Or do you want to be left behind?
If you want to go to heaven you need
To start praying everyday,
You need to except the Lord Jesus
As your Saviour,
So then you too can be saved.
But don't wait too long,
For no one knows the time
So go ahead and get yourself ready
So you wont be left behind.
Jennifer Wright, Hagerstown, Md
Morning Prayer
I Thank You For This Day, Dear Lord,
So Clean, So Clear, So New.
I'll Try To Fill As You Wish
And Give It Back To You.
By Virginia Mack
Evening Prayer
God Be With Me Through The Night,
Wake Me With The Morning Light,
Help Me Start Tomorrow's Way
By Thanking You For Yesterday.
Help Me Know Your Plan For Me,
Help Me All My Gifts To See,
Be My Guide And Teacher, Too,
That I May Live My Life For You.
By Evegene A. Garrison
Count your blessings instead of your crosses.
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes.
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears.
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean.
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth.
Count on God instead of yourself.
~Author unknown~
Are YOU ready?
Black clouds darken the sky while the battle lines are drawn,
You must choose your side in the war 'tween right and wrong.
My Commander in this fight is the Lord Jesus Christ,
My reward when the battle is won is to be His bride.
Our strength is in our Savior and our faith in Him,
It's our sacred duty to help all of those lost in sin.
Keep your eyes on Him and His love in your heart,
Even in the darkest hour, from you He will not part.
Our enemy, satan, is the prince of lies,
He feeds on lust and misery and lost peoples cries.
He is ever sneaky, creeping in our homes,
We must be ever diligent and never fight him alone.
We need the Kings Great Power, His Awesome, Holy Word.
When you use this armor, the devils attempts are absurd!
The devil will use your family and friends to get to you,
when he does you know what you must surely do.
Pray for guidance bretheren, God is always with you,
The one who truly loves you is the one to see you through.
One sweet day My God will come, perhaps He comes today,
Will we all be ready , when it's time to fly away?
Angela Renbarger Morrison,
Copyright 2000
YOUR KNITTIN
When the folks next to you, act like those in the zoo,
A grumblin', growlin', and spittin',
It's a pretty good plan to be calm as you can,
And do something useful, like knittin''.
When a gossiping Susan with poison-barbed tongue
Comes into the room where you're sittin',
And starts to defame a neighbor's good name,
Count stitches out loud, and keep knittin'.
When there's been a slight misunderstanding at church,
And others hint broadly at quittin',
Why, the very next thing you can do is to sing,
And stay at the post, and keep knittin'.
When Satan moves in with his cohorts of sin,
Say, "You'll never find me submittin',
You irk me, I find; so get thee behind,
And please don't disturb me; I'm knittin'."
In the middle of problems, the big ones and small,
It's always most proper and fittin',
To trust and to pray till the Lord shows the way,
And go right ahead with your knittin'.
~Author unknown~
DO IT ANYWAY
People are often unreasonable,
illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,
people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win some
false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best
you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never
between you and them anyway.
Mother Teresa
IF
If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
And pray the Lord your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
That I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
And call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
So I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute or two,
To stop and say that "I love you,"
Instead of assuming that you know I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well, I'm sure you'll have so many more,
So I can let this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
To make up for an oversight,
And we always get a second chance
To make everything all right.
There will always be another day
To say our "I love you's,"
And certainly there's another chance
To say our "Anything I can do's.
But just in case I might be wrong,
And today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
And hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
Young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance you get
To hold your loved one tight.
So, if you're waiting for tomorrow,
Why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
You'll surely regret the day.
That you didn't take that extra time
For a smile, a hug, or kiss,
And you were too busy to grant someone,
What turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today,
Whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them.
And that you'll always hold them dear.
Take the time to say, "I'm sorry,
Please forgive me, thank you or it's OK."
And if tomorrow never comes,
You'll have no regrets about today.
~Author Unknown~
Written for a child to her parents
When you fight, think of me, my heart is breaking now
When you fight, can't you please make a peace somehow?
When you fight, please just stop, and think of God above
After all, he gave you me, and I am full of love!!!
(c) Jay L. Zumbrum
In Jesus precious Name
And for His Glory
Praise the Lord, my name is Jocelyn Cooper.
This is a poem given to me by the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord.
REJOICE FOR TODAY
Today maybe the best day of your life,
Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not
promised to anybody. So live today like it's
your last for on tomorrow, your life, may have
just past.
THE HIGH ROAD
The forks we engage when life is still young
Lead to destinations both low and high.
Paths to perdition or trips to the sky,
These are decisions that matter my son!
Long is the journey that the brave will run,
Many are voices with bitter reply,
And many are traps both evil and sly;
But sweet is the finish when race is won!
Treat all with kindness, continue to sing,
Strike the fine balance between work and play,
Keep eyes on the prize though critics may sting;
And manhood with honor will come your way!
Stay true to your love and heavenly King,
And you shall reign at the end of His day!
John C. Sparks, Xenia, Ohio
I'D RATHER SEE A SERMON
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day,
I'd rather one walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see the good in action is what everyone needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done,
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give.
But there's no misunderstanding by how you act and how you live.
Edgar A. Guest
from the book "The Light of Faith"
My name is Jaime Seibel and I'm a 16 year old Christian female from Pittsburgh, PA. Here is a poem that I wrote ...
Foolish people we are
Living drama filled lives
forgetting our true selves
Always striving for the top
What is the top?
Looking like everyone else
Acting like everyone else?
The top, there is no such thing
If we would only open our eyes
Which are blinded by society
We would realize what precious time is being wasted
Greedy is what we are
Never satisfied, always wanting more
Forgetting the man who died for us
For you, for me
For those who spit on him and threw things at him
Hate him as you wish
He is waiting for you to come to him
Confide in him
Foolish person, save yourself
Be forgiven for your sins
Let him in, Let him in
Dark lakes of fire
Crying, sadness, loneliness
Walking streets of gold
Beautiful scenery
Happiness, love, joy, laughter
It's your choice, your eternity
Quit trying, open your eyes
You are at the top
Let him in foolish one
He loves you
If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care;
Of who you speak, to who you speak,
And how and when and where.
Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but more have fallen by the prick of the tongue.
Anonymous
NEW BEGINNING
There's another way of living which is not by constant sinning.
It will bring you out brimming, because it is a "NewBeginning!"
This new beginning is a "Born Again" experience!
You may be young, or old as Methuselah.
Age doesn't matter, Just contact God the Father
He through Jesus knows exactly what to do.
If you haven't got the "Spirit" you're a Candidate.
You must have the Spirit as proof your Born Again!
This is not a "New Religion", it's a "Personal Relationship"
With God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son.
So come to God the Saviour and ask His forgiveness,
For all the wrong you've done from birth right up till now.
He not only forgives sins, He also will forget them.
Once you confess to Him they're gone forever more!
Isn't it wonderful we can have a New Beginning!
Any-age/anytime Yes, He's waiting now for "YOU!"
Albert W. Pelley
Alberta, Canada
EVERLASTING FLOWERS
Luke 8, versus 11 - 15
In the garden of your life, you choose the path you take,
Jesus Christ, your Saviour's hand holds the weeding rake.
Just let Him lead you daily along His lighted path,
Steadily along life's ways, He'll guide you with His staff.
If you choose the HARD path, you're not in the garden at all,
Please open your ears and heart to the Saviour's call.
Don't take the STONY ground, Jesus never promised us a life of ease.
He knows its never easy not to do just as you please.
Your bound to hit some THORNY patches as your garden starts to grow,
Just confess your failures to Him, His love He wants you to know.
Then from the GOOD soil, you will be, all fertilized with Himself,
You will be a prize bloom shining, not some seeds left on the shelf.
For when you bloom and grow, with God's rising sap of love,
The seeds of life will scatter with a never-ending source of love.
Janice Hingley
HAND-IN-HAND
What is wrong with the world today?
People take a life and throw it away.
Across the nation hate is bred,
Violence leaves loved ones for dead
Let's stop the violence,
Let's stop the pain;
When life is taken,
In hate and vain
We can make a difference,
We can turn things around;
If we show some love,
Where hate is found.
Hate breeds hate so let's show some love,
And with some help from God above;
We can make a difference, a dream come true,
Hand in hand, it's up to you.
Billy Griffith
Money will buy:
A bed, but not sleep.
Books, but not brains.
Food, but not appetite.
A house, but not a home.
Medicine, but not health.
Amusement, but not happiness.
Finery, but not beauty.
A crucifix, but not a Saviour.