Christian Poems

FORGIVEN AT LAST

Forgiven at last, praise God I am free
of long lasting sins that have binded me
I gave them to Him on bended knee,
and He erased them eternally.

He entered into my tattered soul.
and made it beautiful and completely whole
I'll thank Him and praise him till He comes for me
and then go with Him forever free.

Melinda Dean ©2008

GOD’S LOVE!

Into the woods I walked ALONE.
But I never felt so.
Into the world of strangers I walked ALONE.
But I never felt so.
Through the streets of darkness I walked ALONE.
But I never felt so.
Now, I came to know GOD’S love and the biggest TRUTH
That he has never left me ALONE!

A SIMPLE WOMAN

I am a simple woman
But come from royal blood
My family escaped from exile
Led by a cloud above

Although I might seem shallow
I’m usually deep in thought
Curious about my Maker
And the battles He has fought

I am a simple woman
Yet moulded from His hands
Chosen to walk from exile
Into the Promised Land

Although I appear unworthy
His grace will cover me
While walking through the desert
Towards my destiny

I am a simple woman
And live a simple life
Not craving wealth and riches
But a world with no more strife

Although this all seems hopeless
A faith runs deep within
For the One I am in search of
Is carrying all my sin

I am a simple woman
But come from royal blood
Some held the hands of Jesus
Some heard His words of love

Although I cannot see Him
A key was left for me
To open my inheritance
Heavenly room prepared for me!

~ Lois Macdonald ~

DOVE SONG

Make me as pure as a gentle dove
representing love and peace
with an olive branch from long ago
softly cooing words so sweet.

Let me soar to Your mountain tops
like the mighty eagle dares
not a worry of what lays ahead
trusting daily for his fare.

Make me pure
Make me pure
Make me pure
as the dove
while the eagle soars
round the mountain tops
always praising
GOD above.

As the lonely sparrow builds her nest
near Your altar Lord most High
blessed are those who dwell near You
flying safely in Your skies.

So now join the flight
of God's chorus
as they praise Him
in the skies
from the first of
HIS creation
perfect witnesses
of God's love.

Last the graceful swan sounds her bugle call
as she glides upon the lake
all who watch her sense that God is near
stand in awe of what He makes.

So now join the flight
of God's chorus
as they praise Him
in the skies
from the first of
His creation
perfect witnesses
of God's love!

~ Lois Macdonald ~

AT THE FOOT OF ZION

How awesome is our God ; how marvellous His ways!
Mighty are His words and wondrous all His deeds:
Countless ages through faithful as He stays,
Sovereign though He is, the faintest cries He heeds.

High and lifted up is His glorious throne;
Roaring waters fade before His thunderous voice;
Kings and princes fall as His glory is shone
Ceaseless music flows , all of heaven’s choice.

Lightning bright and strong; rumblings all around
Trembling angels cry, as the elders fall;
Holy, holy, holy; shouts of praise abound,
As heaven says amen to the solemn Worship call.

But the saints feast, on His visage sweet;
Drunk with Spirit they, in His bosom dwell:
Neither do they stare, at pearls and a golden street ,
Nor the precious stones, all set so well.

There’s a place of rest, hidden from the rest
Where His precious saints in ecstasy sit still:
Endless flow the streams all around and blest,
Holy and sublime is the Zion’s hill.

Dr. C. K. Sunny, India

THE TIME WILL COME

You're at a high
Sometimes a low
And when it's time to say goodbye
Your life seems to go by so slow
One day they're here
the next they're gone
But it's okay to shed a tear
At times you feel like you're alone
It feels like reunion is so far gone
And when that time comes to face your fear
It'll be the moment when you will hear
Well done my good and faithful servant
and your loved ones will run into your arms
and at last the reunion is finally here!

Please accept my poem for your Christian site. It is from the heart!

FAR FROM YOU

When I was far away from You
The world enthralled! It drew and drew!
I saw not, heard not, found no peace,
To soothe my heart nor pounding cease.
I ran from this, to that instead,
Never to rest as I fled and fled,
I thought that this was life in bold
And so it was I ne-er was told.

My life was weak and almost went,
Time was slow and then was spent.
I passed into the timeless zone.
No thing there, was on my own.
I waited, lost and empty too,
I knew not me, I knew not You.
When all at once, I was thrust forth
Now going South, from facing North!

Oh what joy I’m here, anew!
This is Life! This is true!
I gather strength and slowly climb,
Two rungs up, down one, I find!
I met myself when going down,
I felt! I saw! No need to frown!
I passed on by, to travel on…
My Friend is there! He is not gone!

I hunted down my every thought
I traced it back where it was caught,
I faced again the life I’d lead
Cut right thru, ‘til each was dead.
When I was not, You came! You were!
Thru the clouds a ray of care!
I felt Your light, then You were gone!
I peered again but there was none.

So on I went, right thru the web
Of tangled memories and dread,
From no, to yes, and yes, to no,
A fearful dream! It was to go!
And when I finally gave in
Surrendered me to what I’d been,
We saw each Other bright and clear
No time or space for thought and fear!

HOPE

I hope as I get older I'll be careful about what I say.
Please help me LORD not to offend someone today.

I pray I won't say anything that might hurt the feelings of my family or my friends.
I've made a lot of mistakes when I was younger. I hope I do better in the end.

I'm thankful for JESUS shedding his precious blood upon that cross.
Thankful for his love that keeps me from being lost.

I don't want to be mad at anyone or even hold a grudge.
Someone else is coming HE will be the judge.

Sometimes when we get older, we like to gripe a lot.
Please help me to always be thankful for what I've got.

I'm thankful for each day the LORD gives me to see.
The beauty of all his creations that he made for me.

I see the world changing.
It doesn't seem to be the same.
I hope the younger generation don't forget his name.

The best advice I can give to help them through the day.
Open up your heart to JESUS and take the time to pray.

GOING HOME

Now my time has come,
From the sting of death, I cannot run.
I lived a long and fulfilling life,
Some of it good, some filled with strife.

As with all I did some good and some bad things,
Prayed to God for forgiveness to bring.
I surrendered my life accepting free salvation,
From that point I felt jubilation.

Now approaching my very end,
I cannot help but testify to my friends.
I tell of God's goodness the thing he has done,
How in my heart I know the race I have won.

I begin to ramble about the dead love one's I see,
How with out stretched hands they are coming to meet me.
I still pray to God let them usher me in,
Please Dear Lord forgive me of my sins.

So goodbye to you all please do not weep,
For in my grave I shall only sleep.
For when the great trumpet sounds,
My spirit, my soul shall leave the ground

I will with the others rise up high
To meet the Lord in the sky.

~ F. Wells ~

SATAN'S WISH

Satan's wish is to get Gods chosen ones in his claws
His angels work overtime and without a pause
To get every single soul to do his will
Be very careful his flock is never still.

Satan's wish is to be the winner of every soul
Watch out and listen for he's always on patrol
Be always on guard, so he wouldn't win
Then someday you will lodge in the Heavenly inn.

Satan's wish was to get Jesus out of his way
He tries to persuade Jesus to do what he says
He tempted him three times, but he didn't succeed
Then he left in a hurry with a jealousy speed.

Satan thought his wish was granted and complete
When Jesus died on the cross, he was happy as can be
He celebrated in Hell that day, but was in for a surprise
When Jesus came down and rescued his own, from that bitter life!

Satan's wish is to catch everyone in his hole
He attempts to capture every person soul
Satan wish that every soul, will be his, to have and to hold
When Jesus rose, he knew that it was out of his control.

~ Rosalene Wurtz ~

GOD'S MIRACLE

A Seed Is Planted Under Dampened Sod
A Gardener Tends It Well With Rake And Hoe
Yet Only By The Grace And Love Of God
Will That One See Push Through The Earth And Grow

Still Other Seeds Are Planted In The Earth
By Farmers Who Must Carefully Reap And Sow
Yet Only By God's Will (Not By Man's Worth!)
Will Those Seeds Finally Pierce The Earth And Grow

Yes, Man May Make Life Easy For Those Seeds
(Machines Can Plow The Fertile Ground, You Know)
Can Even Ease The Soil And Pluck Out Weeds
Yet By Themselves They Can't Make One Seed Grow!

For Seeds Will Grow Despite Man's Toil Or Pain
Despite Machines--Without The Rake Or Hoe
'Cause GOD HIMSELF Has Placed Within Each Grain
The Power And The Need For It To Grow

A Farmer With Self-Pride Now "Reaps The Fruits"
But Will This Farmer Ever Really Know
That God Himself Was Hiding At His Roots
To Make Each Seed Unfurl Itself And Grow

Though Modern Tractors Plow The Fertile Ground
Until The Fields Do Rich In Harvest Show
I'm Sure That In The End It Will Be Found:
THE LORD DID MAKE THE HARVEST RISE AND GROW!

~ Al Fogel ~

MY WALK WITH GOD

Read for Family & Friends to the Tempo of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

God woke me so early -- He took hold of my hand,
He said “Come walk with me and survey My land”
Then He suddenly stopped as if looking for Words,
Glanced up to the trees and enjoyed the birds
He smiled as they chirped, how they sang a long tune,
The Angels hummed with them, as the sun replaced moon
God peered at the Heavens then spotted a cloud,
He watched as it hung there -- He looked awfully proud
Together we sat, without uttering a sound,
Content with the moment, nature’s beauty abound
Then all of the sudden, the silence He broke,
I watched His emotions and the Words that He spoke
He asked if I ever just looked at His stars,
Small planets, formations, all distant and far
And why all His children are looking for reasons,
For planets, for bugs, why, even for seasons
Science takes far too long to see what is true,
By the Words that I spoke, I made all, even you
They can’t figure out, but with My holy voice,
The rains will come quickly, and the wind has no choice
In just one of My hands, I capture a small little breeze,
Or silence the thunder and the waves in the seas
Man studies an earthquake and examines the shore,
But ignores all My children, turns his back on the poor
Nature’s song is a melody and My stars they do glisten,
I send all these gifts, but no one stops just to listen
Then He told many stories, as He tried to explain,
Why He visits today, and the source of His pain
He told me of Noah and of the great flood,
Then of His Son Jesus, and His innocent blood
He reminded of times in all the stories I’d read,
When His children earned freedom, from wars that God lead
Then He suddenly paused, while He pondered Creation,
Then actually asked of the state of our Nation
I said when you suffer injustice in your God-given rights,
You take up your armor and prepare for the fight
He asked if I thought of His Children at War,
Did they fight for our rights – or to even the score?
He explained war has purpose, those you love you protect,
You go with a mission– the battle swift and direct
But when the battle is fought and the victory is won,
In a very short timeline, the war is over and done
God’s heart seemed to hurt for the blood that’s been shed,
And the cries He hears daily for the missing & dead
What makes this so painful is that pride has a cost,
The freedoms we save versus the children we lost
Then the mood once more shifted as God picked up my hand,
He said I’m concerned for much more than this land
He told of the days while He formed all Creation,
Then sin entered in, and spread through the Nation
God’s goal was to give a paradise in which to live,
But instead at the Cross, His Son He must give
Jesus gave his life freely, with great mercy and grace,
The result of his pain, I could see in God’s face
Now I watch from the Heavens, all run a fast pace,
As if for great glory or to win a big race
God took no big rush in creating this earth,
He realized the value and immeasurable worth
We take it for granted, as He patiently waits,
We demand all His mercy, while we continually hate
Then God whispered so quietly, right next to my ear,
“Are you loving humanity – are you bringing good cheer?”
Next, He asked if I’m happy of what has become of my life,
Jobs, friends, and family – I’ve been a mother and wife
Strangely I found myself speechless and searching my heart,
Did He mean my good deeds, or the things I should start?
Before sitting with God, Good things I could tell,
But, I realized that moment, He should send me to Hell
He smiled as if responding to how sad I’d become,
I’d forgot in an instant that the victory is won
God placed right beside me a very small gift,
He nodded to take it but its weight would not lift
I asked what’s within, that carried such weight,
It’s My gift from mankind, all their sins and their hate
I wondered what victory we thought we had won,
The rat race continues, even though it’s not fun
One more gift was given—He placed a huge box next to me,
Upon it my name, this gift I must see
I realized that moment, inside was His heart,
Then He said “my dear daughter, this is where you must start.”
He said that He heard me, as I prayed in the night,
Asking a gift of His heart, His hands or His sight
So I might reach the needy and comfort the poor,
With this I had realized, I could do so much more
He then asked with real wonder about the way that I pray,
Why do you hesitate often, of what you will say?
Have you not realized by now, that I know all your thoughts?
Worry not what to say, just speak from the heart
He said I’m there with you, each time that you pray,
Or when you worry and struggle to start the new day
He recited each prayer, He remembered each word,
But they sounded so different, with all that I heard
My words made petitions, many blessings for me,
But for pain of all others, much less did I plea
Was the reason He came to visit this morning,
To point out my error or yield me a warning?
My days I’d spent planning on what must be done,
Only taking short spurts to remember God’s Son
But I suddenly realized when I struggled to pray,
That He just came to show me that He heard what I say
Whether speaking out loudly or just in my mind,
He sorts through the questions, real purpose He finds
No matter how large my worries become,
He will not ignore me – or like me, turn and run
You should see He’s not rushing to show which bill we should pay
But He sits quietly beside you, as with me on this day
For all He had given, only love did He ask,
But we had forgotten or thought it too big of a task
We can never imagine when God suffered great loss,
But He stood in the Heavens as his child died on the cross
I realized God’s might—he made both Heaven and Earth,
But the hairs on my head have much greater worth
So please take just one second to really hear what I say,
Tonight if you would – take just a moment to pray
Please pray for the Nation, the homeless and lost,
That time on your knees, not a penny it cost
And if you believe He won’t hear what you say as you talk,
Remember my words, when I told of my walk
Then next time you wake early and God grabs hold of your hand,
Be prepared for a journey to survey much more than just land.

~ Cindy Daniel ~
Christmas 2009

CROSS

Lonely in his corner
He sits in despair
Alone in the cold
Thinking life isn’t fair...

Love is lost,
Full of sadness and fear
Where is his angel
That should always be near?

His heart's love,
Lost in a single beat.
So much to process,
He cannot find his feet.

"Somebody help me!"
He desperately screams
full of pain and sorrow
Wanting to wake from the dream

"I am the Lord"
Said a voice from above ...
"And I am here, always,
just believe in my love."

"Everything happens for a reason,
I have a plan for you,
through the pain you will be strong,
only believe and stay true ..."

"It's hard me Lord"
Complains the man,
"How should I survive,
How can I understand?"

"She is with me now;
beautiful from head to feet
soft and radiant,
her mission complete.

Do not mourn for her,
She is in a peaceful place
One day you will see her again,
Face to face...

So be strong my son,
I am with you through your loss
the pain isn’t just yours to bare,
I will help carry your Cross"

Reyneke de Wet, South Africa

Here are six thought-provoking poems written by Rod Ferbrache. Click here to visit Rod's website of special poems and beautiful wild side photography.

A question slipped into my mind,
They often do these days,
Of all the people in our church
Who walk in different ways,
We’ve young and old, thin, fat and tall,
They vary quite a bit,
But generally are all the same,
No matter where they sit,

Respectable and dignified,
Middle class, well spoken too,
We all have cars, and lovely homes,
And rather well to do.
Life for most is comfortable,
With food and drink a-plenty,
We never know of what it’s like
To sleep outside, cold – empty!

We don’t look out of prison
With windows barred and bleak,
Where liberty is taken from us
With a visit once a week.
No urge to steal for drugs or drink
To get us through the day,
No selling of our bodies
Not with strangers do we lay.

So I got to think
if Jesus had a church
Who would He have in it?
For which people would He search?
Because as I look at Scripture,
And see the folk He found,
They were not the sort of people
We would like around.

Isolated lepers,
With sores that smelt and wept,
Tax fiddlers, enemy soldiers,
Were the company He kept,
Rough and rugged fishermen,
Women of the night,
These were the sort of people,
We see His heart delight.

So when I ask the question
Who would be in Jesus’ church?
The answer that returns to me
Makes my own heart lurch.
For it would not necessarily be
The people here today,
But the ones the world has
Turned its back on,
Are the ones who stay away.

The reason that they stay away,
Is often plain to see,
They simply don’t feel good enough,
To mix with the likes of me.
There’s a feeling of unworthiness
That can keep them from this place,
Their shame and degradation,
Isolation and disgrace.

Yet Jesus always had the time,
In fact He sought them out,
Never did He turn away
Never did He doubt
That in the schemes of glory
There would be a place
For the dirty, down and out,
He made for them a space.

So as we go to church each week,
And fill the same old seat,
If we see a stranger,
Let’s stand and go to greet
Those people Jesus sends us,
Let’s make them feel at home,
It was always His intention
This should be their home.

~ Rod Ferbrache ~

LEAVE ALL YOUR BELONGINGS BEHIND

I was sitting alone on the aeroplane
When the air steward began to speak.
I’d heard it before, about overhead lockers,
And the life jacket under the seat.
How to put it on and do up the straps.
Inflate it when outside the craft.
The whistle to blow, the light that would come on.
The doors that were fore and aft.

But then she said something that made me sit up,
It struck me as though the first time -
These words had been spoken, yet I am sure
I had oft heard this single line.
She spoke of us leaving the aircraft in haste
And she no doubt meant to be kind
But the words that she spoke were simply this...
“Leave all your belongings behind”.

“Leave all your belongings behind”, she said
For me that meant nothing at all.
I had no luggage with me you see.
Yet for others it would be a hard call.
There were some with computers, and briefcases full –
Of thins so hard to replace.
Others with weeks of clothing onboard
To lose them would be a disgrace.

“Leave all your belongings behind”
Is something we may never have done.
Yet a lot of our lives are spent, you’ll agree,
Just thinking of number one.
Accumulating things that hold value for us,
Fulfilling a want or desire.
We have often mentioned what we would grab
If our house should ever catch fire.

Because just as the air steward put it,
“Leave all your belongings behind”.
That’s how it will be at life’s ending,
You may think it a little unkind.
Yet the Bible so clearly puts it,
“Lay not up your treasures on earth”.
For when we face our Maker
None of this has any worth

But lay up treasure in Heaven
Where no rust can corrupt, or thief steal
Don’t hanker for things that have little value,
Spend time on things that are real.

We can get so hooked on the here and now,
Then give no heed to the there and then.
Yet there’s coming a day for everyone here
A time that is nearer than when –
We first got up this morning
Much nearer than we like to admit,
When we have to face the Saviour
And explain what we did with our bit.

Let us hold on to the world much lighter,
Its attractions lay to one side.
We need to live closer to Jesus.
In Him we need to abide.
“Leave all your belongings behind” is the call.
It will happen to us, ready or not.
Let’s strive for the crown that awaits us,
And not dwell on the things that just rot.

~ Rod Ferbrache ~

FOOLISH THINGS

(1 Cor. 1:25)

God uses the things that are foolish
So often to puzzle the wise,
They think they know all they need to know,
But oh, how they’re in for a surprise,
For the things that seem so simple,
So little and lowly and poor
Are the things that God often uses,
Not those who are proud and tall.
For in Gods plan for His Kingdom,
He ordained long ago,
That it’s not how great or important you are,
But how close to the Saviour you grow

To say we believe in a Saviour,
Who died on a tree long ago,
Brings a frown, or a shake of the head, or a laugh,
For to them we really don't know
The things that truly do matter,
The bomb, or famine, or flood,
To them as long as these things exist
There cannot be time for God.
For to believe in Him really is foolish,
To pray, and to fast, and to plead.
They only can see what is on the T.V.
And are blind to their real need.

~ Rod Ferbrache ~

FAITHFUL GOD

The rain I thought would never stop,
Incessantly it poured,
Until mid winter came along,
Then sufficient had been stored.
Our reservoirs were fully stocked,
The streams were at full flow,
Restrictions had been lifted,
The hosepipe ban could go.
But how many wondered, stood amazed
At the fact the rain had come?
How many stopped to thank the Lord
For all that He had done?
The rain was sent, but not too much,
The earth He did not flood.
His promise had been kept again
He is a Faithful God

Across the harbour wall I looked,
Where many folks had gathered,
Predictions had been made that tides,
Would rise above the standard.
The wind was east, the pressure high,
As shops made their precautions.
The roads were closed, diversions made,
You could almost feel the tension.
But as the hour came and went,
The tide began to fall.
How many praised the Lord
And on His name did call?
For He has set the boundaries,
Where He has said, they stood.
His promise had been kept again.
He is a Faithful God.

~ Rod Ferbrache ~

CHRISTMAS WAS NEVER LIKE THIS

How different this Christmas from the first long ago,
No cards, food and parties, lights, snow, mistletoe.
There were no lists of presents which have to be bought.
The biggest and best tree did not need to be sought.
No hustle and bustle, no stress and tension,
To think, of the turkey there was never a mention.
No crackers, no pudding, and no Santa Claus,
No drinking and dancing that goes on without pause.
No stocking hung bulging at the foot of the bed,
Nor the sending of greetings, either spoken or read.

The very first Christmas had no laden table,
Just a girl and a man in a smelly cold stable.
She, scared of the future, he loyal and true,
Both made aware of the child that was due.
No fairy lights twinkle, just a solitary star,
No family around them, only men from afar.
The child born to be king, yet not with a throne,
In a place of hostility, not in his own home.
Yet he came and brought peace, hope, love and great joy.
So much do we owe to the birth of this boy?

We’ve gathered this evening to sing of his worth,
There’s a lot more to Christmas than parties and mirth,
As shown here today, there’s hardly a nation
Which wants to miss out on this great celebration,
But how many people really mean what they sing?
When it comes to the crunch, do they know of this king?
We have sung here this evening “Joy to the world”,
Yet is our heart closed up, or is it unfurled.
Is it open enough to let him come in?
Can you hear his still voice in the midst of the din?

I know that first Christmas was never like this,
Yet with him as your Saviour you will never need miss-
The true meaning of Christmas, his peace and his joy,
For he’s now King of Kings, no longer a boy.
Bring the Christ back to Christmas, it’s where He belongs,
That’s the reason we’ve gathered, why we’ve sung all these songs.
If your life lacks true meaning, look no further than here,
Make welcome this Christmas, the Lord Jesus so dear.

~ Rod Ferbrache ~

UNLIMITED RESOURCES

We went to town last week to do some bits and bobs.
Nothing in particular, although there was one job.
When we had a grandson we saved up our loose cash
And once in a while when there’s enough, to the bank we would dash.
We did the same this Saturday, and as we stood in line
A thought dropped into my head, that there would come a time
When Zach would be quite old enough to know he had a sum
That bit by bit had mounted up and then the time would come
When with his bank book in his hand he could draw some out
He didn’t have to worry, he didn’t have to doubt.

While too young to understand, or even be aware
Resources are building up from those who love and care.
It didn’t depend on what he did, the kind of boy he was
The money was simply there, I have to say, because
His Gran and Granddad love him just the way he is,
He didn’t have to earn it; the fact is it was his.
To do with as he wanted, to spend it in his own way
We wouldn’t dictate just where it went, we wouldn’t have a say.
So we’ll go on saving, until the time is right
And when we hand it over we’ll share in his delight.

This got me kind of thinking how just like life is this?
A truth that stares us in the face, and yet can so easily miss.
That in our name a bank account is there in time of need,
To draw upon, to benefit, if the truth of God we heed.
He says to me in weakness, His strength will make me strong.
When I mess up, do stupid things, do something that is wrong,
For me there is forgiveness, a massive stash of grace,
But I must go and draw it out, if the future I will face.
The Father put a huge sum of credit in sending us His Son
It seems so sad to waste it, with all that He has done.

When next you go into a bank to draw some money out
Remember all that Fathers done, you never need to doubt.
If in any way you lack, in spirit or in soul
It need not forever stay that way; He wants to make you whole.
You may not realise in Him how rich you really are.
It’s something that’s not measured by size of house or car.
It’s also not dependant on how much is in the bank
As a son or daughter of the King it is how high you rank.
If Father owns the cattle upon a thousand hills
Then all is at His disposal, and can give it as He wills.
So never think you’re wanting, or a need that goes unmet
As heirs to the King of all, we never should forget.

~ Rod Ferbrache ~

THE DAY OF THE LORD

A Prophet The Lord
Has sent.
No time left
To awaken or repent.

The arrogant evil doers
Will be stubble…
Burn like a furnace
turned to rubble.

The prideful, the sinful
we’ll defeat…
ashes
under the soles of our feet!

No root or branch
will be left,
only those who obeyed
shall be kept.

The sun of righteousness will rise,
with healing in its wings…
freed like calves from their stalls,
evermore to worship The King!　

~ Milton L. Delgado ~
Inspired by The Book of Malachi 4:1-6

I GIVE YOU

I give you the sun,
and I give you the rain.
I give you the air to breathe,
and I give you the grain.

I give you the mountains to climb,
and I give you the sea to explore.
I give you words to rhyme,
and I give you lions that roar.

But you never look up once to thank me
for the blessings I have given thee.
And you're always much too busy to think of me,
yet I love you and will wait for you,
pray you'll come to see.

I give you the birds that fly,
and I give you the earth and sky.
I give flowers that bloom,
and I give you the stars and moon.

But you never look up once to thank me
for the blessings I have given thee.
And you're always much too busy to think of me,
yet I love you and will wait for you,
pray you'll come to see.

~ Milton L. Delgado ~
(ASP #81217)
(C) 2nd Advent Production

POWER LINE
(A Christian Rap)

Tap into the Power Line,
live a life so sublime.
Anybody anywhere,
can get The Power if they dare.

It's all around you. Don't you see?
...waiting there for you and me.
No matter what you're goin' through,
The Power Line will help you too.

So grab it! Tap it!
Make it and everyday habit!
To tap into The Power Line,
and live a life so sublime.

Raise your hands up to the sky.
Find out all the reasons why.
Life can be a joy on earth,
all you need is a Second Birth!

Everything you've tried before,
left you dry wanting more.
Nothing else can ever do,
Once that Power Shines on through.

So grab it! Tap it!
Make it and everyday habit!
Tap into The Power Line,
live a life so sublime!

The answer lies in Him alone,
not in things or what you own.
Brother sisters listen well,
Salvation's Story we must tell!

Work the field! Plant some seeds!
share the harvest to those in need.
The end is nigh! You've got The Call:
The bottom line to it all.

Grab it! Tap It!
Make it an everyday habit!
To tap into The Power Line,
and make a world so sublime.　

Composed By:
Milton L. Delgado
(C) 2nd Advent Productions

AUTUMN

We spend our years as a tale that is told. Psalm 90:9.

I like to think of Autumn with coolness in the air,
The leaves begin to turn so beautiful and fair.
The hillsides are a picture any artist would love to paint.
Autumn gives a wonder to stir the heart of the faint.

Autumn, with its bright and gleaming sun,
Reminds us that our work on earth will soon be done.
The Autumn days of our life are approaching fast.
As a tale that is told, our days on earth will soon be past.

May my Autumn years and days
Be filled with good and Christ-honoring ways.
May my closing days on earth forever be
A testimony of Christ living in me.

GENE GRIFFIN

How do I begin to explain the things you’ve done for me
How do I explain your ways to those that don’t believe
How can I effectively convey your love and grace
When I barely recognize the blessings you bestow everyday

So if I only had one prayer I’d pray you'd make me aware
That no matter what I think or do you're always there
There is nothing I can hide no matter how hard I try
I can choose to die in darkness or rejoice in the light

Oh my Lord won't you help me become a better man in you
Won’t you give me the words to better explain the good news
And walk in faith knowing that no matter how hard I might fall
You’ll be right there to pick me up with a love that conquers all

Mike Grimes Jr.
Texas

GOD'S LOVE

Love is patient, love is kind
Love consoles, a troubled mind
Love is humble, love is meek
Love is strong, when we are weak

Love is caring, love is pure
Love is faithful, nothing's truer
Love is loyal, love defends
Love lays down, its life for friends

Love is goodness, love delights
Love embodies, all that’s right
Love is better, love excels
Love extends, beyond ourselves

Love is action, love is prayer
Love is truth, to conquer fear
Love is hopeful, love redeems
Love revives, our shattered dreams

Love is passion, love is zeal
Love empowers, hearts to heal
Love is joyful, love is glad
Love is comfort, to the sad

Love is gentle, love is just
Love is tender, to the touch
Love is higher, love exceeds
Love endures, beyond our needs

Love is broader, love is deep
Love abounds, to all who seek
Love is peaceful, love is calm
Love protects, to keep from harm

Love is steadfast, love abides
Love restores, our broken lives
Love is thankful, love is blessed
Love is wiser, love is best

Love is richer, love is great
Love is triumph, over hate
Love is generous, love is free
Love exists, eternally

Love is yearned for, love is sought
Love is found, within God's court
Love is noble, love is brave
Love is Jesus’, power to save

Love is mercy, love is grace
Love forgives, the human race
Love is endless, love persists
Love survives, for God exists

Love is perfect, love prevails
Love remains, when all else fails

Here are five thoughtful poems written by Kelly J. Elliott

WHISPERS OF THE DOVE

He waited so patiently throughout my life
For the day that I would run into His love
He tenderly pulled me with nail-scared hands
As He whispered to me through the Dove

Whispers so gentle I thought myself dreaming
How my heart longed to receive it as true
But my soul forbid me what my spirit could hear
So I waited

I heard it again like a song in my heart
Hushed whispers of seraphims singing
Like the cooing of the Dove as He calls in love
Still I waited

I started longing for the nights when all was quiet
As I strained to hear the Dove’s whispers
Now my heart leaps for joy at the sound of the Dove….
As He whispers

Kelly J. Elliott

ALL I NEED TO KNOW

From Egypt, through the red sea,
And on into the wilderness,
From the crossing of Jordan,
To the promise land fullness.

Lord where am I
From your point of view?
I don't trust my heart
To answer me true.

I know I've been longer
In the wilderness than planned.
Many lessons I learned,
Brought about by your hand.

Hungry and thirsty,
In a dry and empty place,
Taught my heart to cling
To my Savior's grace.

Many dark hours
I thought spent in vain
Brought light unexpected
As I buried my grain.

I really don't know
Exactly where I am,
But I know I left Egypt
By the blood of the lamb.

Kelly J. Elliott

An Act Of Worship

I give to You
As an act of my worship,
Thoughts unredeemed
Pains not spoken
Life's little dramas
All the enemy's tokens.

I give to You
As an act of my worship,
Life's little foxes
That spoil the vine
Crafty and sly
As they devour my time.

I give to You
As an act of my worship,
Things I hold on to
That I know I should skirt.
Not profitable to me,
They are all to my hurt.

I give to You
As an act of my worship,
The longing in my heart
For the harmony that You intend,
A total redemption
Of a heart that did bend.

I give to You
As an act of my worship,
Faith in my Savior
That my way He surpasses
And hope for the day
He trades me beauty for ashes.

Kelly Jo Elliott 11-01-09

NO MORE GAMES

How many times have I said the sinner’s prayer?
How many times, did I go back in despair?

Back to the fig tree, to hide from my shame,
When I couldn't live up to God's holy name.

He loves me, he loves me not, a cruel game to be sure.
It's a favorite of the enemy for your soul to procure

I played it unwillingly as days turned to years.
Does he love me, or love me not, was a constant fear.

But gently he drew me, with patience and love,
He brought home to my heart; I was born from above.

I found death couldn't hold me, at the place I was in,
For a king paid a ransom,
'What a price for my sin.'

No more cruel games for in grace I do stand,
He will love me forever,
For the proof
Is in his hand's!

Kelly Jo Elliott

TRUE CHURCH

The Church of God,
Is We The People.
Not a man made building,
with a beautiful steeple.

Nor a little country building,
all painted in white;
Full of dead men's bone's,
all hidden from sight.

For God's True Church,
isn't hidden behind a wall;
It's a Spirit filled people,
ready to lay down their all.

But the counterfeit church,
would have you believe,
there's no life outside their building,
if you decide to take your leave.

But if the Spirit of God,
the world cannot contain it,
then four white washed wall's,
can surely not restrain it.

He brings Life to your being,
that you can't hold onto.
It's a gift of His Spirit,
you pass on, because you want to.

This Life begets Life,
and it's as free as the wind.
It's not bound in a building,
it's a heavenly send.

For there's no life outside the Spirit;
it's not the other way around.
We The People Are The Building,
Where The Spirit Can Be Found!

Kelly Jo Elliott
8-28-09

The Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer are not allowed in most public schools anymore because the word 'God' is mentioned. We were told that a 15 year old student in Arizona wrote the following poem:

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offence; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

DON'T FIGHT BACK

Mathew 5:38

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
...So they say.
I tell you, don't stand against an evil person today.

If someone slaps you in the right cheek - don't yell,
Just turn, right to them, the other cheek as well.

If someone wants to sue you, panic is not what you should do.
If they take away your shirt, hand to them your jacket!

If someone forces you to go with them a mile,
Go with them two!

If a friend asks you for something, give it to them!
Don't refuse to give to friends who want to borrow from you!

Rachael Koszalinski, England

A TABERNACLE OF ONE

Inside this tent that I call me,
There lies a hidden place.
A golden room of mysteries,
It’s focal point a throne of grace.

Humility can bring me to a place
I’ve never been before.
My eyes tight shut, my lips unmoved
My face pressed hard against the floor.

There’s still one other key,
The key of pure intent.
It’s all I have to offer God,
Until my earthly time is spent.

The focus on my daily chores,
Has slipped so far away.
I hear the silence like a bell,
Ringing at the close of day.

All time has stopped, momentum gone,
The stillness is so moving.
The peace I sense at times like this,
Is so much more than simply soothing.

A unity of God and man is every seeker’s goal,
Although to me, it seems so very far away.
I hope and pray one day that I
Will once again be truly whole.

Geoffrey Wareing

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you." Job 12:7,8 NIV

Birds teach us perseverance
And joy through trials.
For many of their efforts
Find failure or denials.
Many a nest that has taken,
So very long to build
Is destroyed by calamity,
Or eggs found to be chilled.

But the birds do not falter—
They just build their nests again;
Lay more eggs to nest upon;
Daily praise God with refrain.
O, what beautiful lessons—
These birds proclaim to us.
To persevere when defeated,
And give praise regardless.

They obey the laws of nature
And fly home to rest.
When the season tells them,
Their migration is addressed.
They eat what’s provided them;
Follow all of nature’s laws.
Such lessons man can learn from,
So he may see his flaws.

Birds inspired man to fly—
Find freedom in the air;
Travel throughout the world,
On different wings to bear.
But of all the many lessons,
Birds teach mankind at large,
Perseverance is the greatest,
And that their Creator is in charge.

Maureen LeFanue
www.godsgreetings.org

Maureen has a website, www.godsgreetings.org. Ten new Christian poems will be available each month for use in church newsletters, bulletins or sermons.

LORD AT YOUR DOOR

What would you do if the LORD came to your house as a homeless man today.
Would you welcome Him in or send Him on his way.

Would you let Him set in your favorite chair and give Him food and drink.
Maybe you would just say to Him I have to go I hear my cell phone ring.

Would you tell Him that you love Him and are thankful for the day.
Maybe you would just close the door and walk away.

What if your children saw Him and asked, what happen to your hands.
If you never told them, they wouldn't understand.

Would you find the dusty Bible wherever it may be.
Maybe you would place it on a nearby table for Him to see.

I hope if the LORD comes to my house my heart will let me know.
The person who saved my soul from sin is standing at my door.

Raymond Carey
Waco, Texas

JUST ONE MORE CHANCE

If you had one chance to spend with someone you loved
Someone that has died and is with the Lord above,
Someone that you thought was full of life, too young to die
One that was special to you, you wish they'd still be alive.

Would you go for a real long morning walk on the beach
With the strong ocean waves splashing up against your feet,
Or would you play baseball with him just one last time
If he says, "Just one more throw Daddy" would you decline?

Would you tell her how much you love her, how much she meant
Or would you tell her you missed her ever since she went,
Would you show her more affection than you had before
Or would you see she's hurting, and just go on and ignore?

If they didn't know Jesus, would you tell them about Him
Would you tell them that He's the Forgiver of all sins,
Or would you go to a party and forget about it
Ruining your chances and taking one more last hit.

Would you tell them to shut up when they're being too loud
If they asked to do something, would you say they're not allowed,
Would you take the time to teach him to build his dream home
Or wouldn't you be patient enough and just do it alone.

If she were a good friend, would you hang out more often
Would you do the same things you did before, again,
Or would you regret it and try hard to make things right
Or if you changed would you make sure you show her the Light?

Stop, and just ask yourself this question, what would you do
If someone you loved very much would come back to you,
Sacrifice more time in your day and spent it with them
You won't regret it and someday you'll see them again!

Bethany Musser
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

My name is Gordon Nicolson and I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The world is extremely harsh for many innocent children and if it breaks our hearts, imagine what God thinks about it. There is admonition to the world system in that God's grace will one day be removed when the Church of Jesus Christ is taken up to glory. The paradox of life from death, gain of spiritual abundance from selfless giving, and so on, will also be removed. God has no apology to make for He gave His very best and all creation has virtually screamed His existence from the beginning.

The greatest gift I give to thee
To die and live eternally

Bard's stage is too much stained again
By greens and fairways for the few
Waiting for the warm spring rain
Sweet mists descend and glistening dew

Halfway up the hill she perished
Sharing crust of mouldy bread
In need of being very cherished
Vile refuse be her bed instead

Spirit quickly from the stench
Her untold story and her fears
Tiny form same rain will drench
As blood from Heaven's seething tears

Swept up and ushered loosed of tether
Legion angels lined her path
Towers of light will sooth forever
Innocence that felt world's wrath

Memories marred now put to sea
Gently she is brought to shore
Plays in love so deep and free
We leave her here forevermore

Horseman's outline top a hill
Against light darkening very sun
Scarred hands on bridle hold him still
Steed sweats and foams and wants to run

Can I now smite in that dark place
Blind eyes that see by greed and stealth
Take from them their muddied grace
Give justice for their putrid wealth

Thunder spoke and quelled his fire
Days are short for them to see
Steady calm replaced his ire
Slave to peace and liberty

Loaned different truths and other notions
Taken from these lesser kings
Who live by myth and worldly potions
Son be all discarded things

Tiny girl's domain will rest
Because He gave His very best

GLORIOUS WORLD RESTORED

Beyond are the mountains all covered with snow
Shimmering, glimmering,
Sun's artistry aglow.
Designed by a Master with efforts of care,
Nurtured in harmony, a worldly affair.

Complex in detail, vast beyond mortal mind
Whirling, twirling,
Planets placed and aligned.
Through an iris or a monarch or a snowflakes' parade,
God's glory and wonder and mystery displayed.
Clouds with their raindrops, the promise of a bow
Willowing, billowing,
As the rivers doth flow.
Fruit trees and grapevines flourish on land
To nourish us hardily, approved by His hand.

A system once marred and His Son sent to heal,
Emmanuel abiding,
An earnest appeal.
Witness to creation and witness for you,
Jesus avails an invitation toward a world born anew.

Kara L. Kraemer

My name is Melvin Maughmer, Jr. I wrote this poem entitled “His Feet’ as part of a message that I was going to preach. In writing this poem I just felt God and want to share it with as many people as possible. I pray that this will encourage someone. Thank You

HIS FEET

His feet, oh those beautiful feet that made His little face glow when His mother tickled His tiny little toes.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet which at the age of twelve made Him to stand before those who were educated extremely well.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that stepped into the Jordan river carried our souls deliverer.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that stood atop a mountain high and proclaimed the Kingdom of Heaven is nigh.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that treaded across countless miles bringing hope, healing, happiness, and smiles.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that traveled over sand, rocks, and dirt carrying comfort and love to all those that hurt.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that gently bent a blade of grass are the very feet that delivers from the guilt of the past.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that didn’t run when His accusers approached but held fast His stand in spite of every stroke.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that marched up Golgotha’s hill fulfilled God’s purpose and will.
His feet, oh those beautiful that were nailed to the cross just so I would not be lost.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet stepped over into captivity and lead the captives free.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that walked out of a borrowed tomb also walked through the locked doors of an upper room.
His feet, oh those beautiful feet that crushed the curse of sin will one day step on earth again, judging all history forever reigning in eternal victory.
Oh to sit at His feet, yes those beautiful feet is where I want to be worshipping God for all eternity.

District Elder M.L. Maughmer, Jr.
Apostolic Glorious Church
Columbus, Ohio
2009

FREE GIFT OF SALVATION

God has made a way of salvation
For all the people of his creation
He sent his only son Jesus to die upon the cross
So we wouldn't have to go to hell and suffer such a loss

We must accept his gift of salvation so freely given
Jesus died upon the cross for our sin so we could be forgiven
God loves us so much and wants us in heaven above
He loves us poor sinners with an everlasting love

If you reject God's gift of love, you'll end up in hell, which is no joke
The bible says it is a place of fire, brimstone and smoke
Jesus says come unto me and trust in me alone
I'm the way, the truth, the life, for your sins my blood did atone

Jesus loves you so much he suffered and bled for you 'tis true
If you were the only person alive he would have went to the cross for you
It was not for good people, but for sinners that Jesus died
So they could trust him as their sin bearer and forever with him abide

To make this gift your own, you must accept it for yourself
The gift is offered to you as well as to myself
If you trust Jesus as your savior, you'll miss hell and go to heaven
Jesus awaits for you to accept the gift, so forever with him in eternity you'll be livin

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name

~Cindy Wyatt ~
Michigan, USA

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

Once I felt the weight of sin;
Now the burden has gone away.
Once it was all darkness and gloom;
Now my road is as bright as the noon day.

Once it was the blessing;
Now it is the Blesser Himself.
Once it was the gift;
Now it is the Giver Himself.

Once it was the joy;
Now it is joy's Reason.
Once it was the trial;
Now it is grace to face each season.

Once it was the raging storm;
Now it is the storm's Calm.
Once it was the sickness;
Now it is the Healing Balm.

Once I was with trouble overwhelmed;
Now the yoke is easy and light.
Once life wasn't worth living;
Now I want to live it with all my might.

Gene Griffin

Here is another uplifting poem by Gene

WHERE A TIRED SOUL CAN....

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isa. 40:31.

I need a place of quiet
Where a tired soul can rest;
A place of serene repose,
A place of leaning upon His breast.

I need a place of strength
Where a tired soul can wrest
In conflict with the enemy,
In victory over the quest.

I need a place of comfort
Where a tired soul can nest,
Finding relief in the way
And peace in my chest.

I need a place of joy
Where a tired soul can be dressed
In the garments of His beauty
And find pleasures unexpressed.

Gene Griffin

Gene has written many wonderful and inspiring Christian poems, each based on a Bible verse. He has shared a number of them with us and we have placed them together on their own web page. Just click on the above link to visit Gene's web page of truly inspirational poems.

To the glory of God the Father,

Amen.

~ Submitted by About.com member, Pauline Macpherson ~

Hi, my name is Karen Eric Ponraj from Singapore, South East Asia. I have been a Christian since 12 1/2 years of age and would love to submit some of my Christian poetry inspired by the Lord! It is wonderful when the Lord gives you poetry to share freely with others!

In Christ,
Karen

THE WORD AND PRAYER

My children are far from me today
They willed to go from me astray
When I told them to live the Word and pray
My children cry out to me, "Someday!"

When trials start to shake their way
They urgently run to me and say ...
"Why such burdens for me today?"
When they never first sought me to pray?

I marked my life with ceaseless prayer
I knew His Word as your loving Saviour
I ran my race with relentless fervour
I overcame victorious the raging tempter

My children are struggling in pain today
Because they chose to throw the cross away
They love the world of worthless clay
And despised my precious son
I gave in exchange for their Celestial stay

There is no other easier pathway
Then the straight and narrow, which I before you lay
Run to me quickly from this very day
My grace I will pour on you to study my Word and pray!

~ Karen Eric Ponraj, Singapore ~

THE STING OF DEATH

It is appointed for man to die but once;
and after that the judgment is pronounced!
Can man escape that appointed day?
Didn't God make him from perishable clay?

All men must face the curse of death;
For God alone gave man, His breath!
Can man escape that fateful day?
Didn't God make him from worthless clay?

When all man's works come to an end;
What can he take from this world to descend?
Can man escape that solemn day?
Didn't God make him from worldly clay?

Naked he came and naked he shall go;
Will anyone that loves him follow him below?
Can man escape that sudden day?
Didn't God make him from feeble clay?

Can any man strive to come back to earth?
No, for after death, there can be no rebirth!
Can man escape that fearful day?
Didn't God make him from simple clay?

If man mocks God during his life on earth;
No repentance of sin can from the grave be heard!
For once death stings as a thief in the night;
All chance is lost to make man's soul live right!

Then the fires of hell will consume man's soul;
Eternally lost will man live in sheol.
He'll realize his life was lost in sin;
that all through his life, he was chasing the wind!

Oh man of CLAY, realize today;
Your life on this earth will end someday!
Decide to give your life to CHRIST;
Your soul was redeemed for a heavy price!

The sting of death was destroyed of its power;
By Christ our Lord who was raised at God's hour.
No death for a Christian but a change in address;
As when his eyes open, he'll gain heavenly access!

~ Karen Eric Ponraj, Singapore ~

GOD'S LOVE IS GREATER THAN DIVORCE

My cross is not to leave my wife; but to love her
The lost say when there is strive; divorce her
But Christ says, "Son if I live in you"; receive her
My cross for you is always; to forgive her

When storms seem violent; pray to calm her
When fights seem endless; say I love her
When trials seem difficult; stay around her
When all seems hopeless; live my Word before her

For when I was rejected; I embraced you
For when I was hated; I loved you
For when I was beaten; I forgave you
For when I was crucified; I died for you

My cross is not to leave my wife; but to pray for her
The lost say when there is strive; to leave her
But Christ says, "Son if I reign in you"; live in peace with her
My cross for you is always; to bless her

~ Karen Eric Ponraj, Singapore ~

THE PRICE OF SIN

Sin is like a snare;
once it catches you ...
you will be in great despair!

Sin is like a door;
once it's opened ...
demons will come in more and more!

Sin is like the chains of fetters;
once it binds ...
you're like a bird without feathers!

Sin is like a bottomless chasm;
once you fall in ...
you will be forever condemned!

Sin is like the sting of a snake;
once it bites ...
you will die a quick death!

Sin is like the stench of decay;
just one whiff ...
you will want to run away!

Sin is like a flying arrow;
it moves fast like cancer ...
to pierce your flesh and marrow!

Sin is like wealth that you can enjoy;
dependence on it ...
your soul will destroy!

Sin is just like a pretty bird cage
once you walk in ...
you will live in regret to bondage!

There is no good in ANY form of sin;
As once sin traps you ...
Only Satan and his minions will win!

Do you want to be free from the wiles of sin?
Reach out to Jesus TODAY ...
Who alone has paid the price for all sin to be cleansed away!

~ Karen Eric Ponraj, Singapore ~

THE GOSPEL OF GREED

The Almighty DOLLAR is my Shepherd;
I shall want ... more and more!
It makes me to lie down in
pastures of silver and gold;
It leads me into deep,
deep troubles untold!
It restores my soul into bondage to:
the lust in the eyes,
the lust in the flesh and
to have great pride in my life!
It leads me into the paths
of diverse kinds of sin and temptation
for it's name sake;
Yea, though I walk in the shadow
of the PROSPERITY GOSPEL,
I will fear all evil!
Because God is not with me,
and His rod and staff
will He readily use to chastise me!
Until I obey His Word and make my choice;
to either serve mammon or the Lord Jesus Christ!
For wealth and riches prepares me a table
full of worldly possessions;
So that I can boast
in the presence of mine enemies
about my carnal obsessions;
Yea, it anoints my head with perfect pride,
until my life is completely defiled!
Surely pain and misery
shall follow me all the days of my life;
As I dwell in the house of the devil for ever. AMEN!

~ Karen Eric Ponraj, Singapore ~

PRIDE VS HUMILITY

Pride does puff up to the sky;
Gloating fiercely, yet not so shy
As a pompous peacock acting ostentatious;
What a gaudy braggart, “Oh good gracious!”
Pickled with conceit for seeking attention;
Vaunting boldly towards keen ascension
Her position always distinguished, to gain respect;
Her nose is raised high to expose herself as pristine perfect!
Eyes busy picking the scene, to pour contempt;
To cause a strive is her joyful intent
Parading her ego, to the highest bidder;
Pressing for compliments to reign as leader
Me, My, I are Pride's foremost love;

But God deems those who want to be great;
Must look at Christ, our Lord, instead ...

He emptied himself of His heavenly glory;
With humility, he walked as a lamb, meek and lowly
He’s outward appearance had no lofty majesty;
Despised, rejected and hated of men, was his crowning beauty
What rights did He claim?
To defend His magnificent name?
As king, he valiantly fought no man;
For that was not in God’s divine plan
Was there a raging climb to deceitful fame?
Or did the Son of God, had nothing from this world to gain?
His praise came from the Father’s loving hand;
Did He not suffer and die for the sins of all man?
To loose our life, is the way to the cross;
No victory in our walk until pride is forever lost!

~ Karen Eric Ponraj, Singapore ~

THE STELLA VIRTUE OF THE UNIVERSE

A virtuous woman is like a dancing star
Lighted up brightly yet oh...so far
She sits brilliantly beaming all alone
Integrity and honour clothe her to the bone

A priceless gem, for all to admire
The one true piece, refined by heavenly fire
Riveting beauty glowing from deep within
Shining brighter and brighter as the world lapse into sin

She is the fairest among all creation
She surpasses all beautiful woman of carnal precision
Her glory raptures the hearts of men with divine distinction
Forever, she will remain uncompromising on her moral decision

Can a man steal her stella virtue to conquer?
Enticement of wealth, power and fame will only mock her
No! She is a precious jewel to be lovingly admired
She will only submit to the one who has virtue, to be desired

ADORATION TO GOD OF ALL CREATION

He's not a figment of my imagination
The refusal of His existence has led to some people's humiliation
He's the God of all creation
He's the source of my inspiration
He's the source of solution and hope in my frustrations
He's the reason for my jubilation
His works are worthy of my appreciation

Seunla Oyekola
© 2009

A SHORT NOTE TO THE WEARY SOUL

Dear weary soul,
Here's to let you know that He sees your struggles, He knows you are troubled and He feels your ridicule. You've asked "why do I have to
wait for a breakthrough for so long?"...clock ticking, pressure mounting, heart pounding in anxiety...He says the storm is to make you strong! Stay still, your miracle lingers no longer Weary soul please tarry a 'lil while longer! "For your trouble ye shall have double" (Isaiah 61:7)

Seunla Oyekola
©2009

My name is Mary Ann Battle and I am a Christian poet who loves to share inspirational words of poetry (http://www.lifetimeoftreasures.com). God bless and enjoy.

"For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her." Matthew 26:12-13 (New American Standard Bible)

PERFUMED LEGACY

Perfumed Legacies are exquisite pieces of
Black diamonds and cultured pearls.
Some legacies are golden treasures for little girls.

The legacy she leaves behind smells of a love divine.
Some legacies know not when they will pass by!

Some Perfumed Legacies are sweet smelling honeydews.
Other legacies are alabaster boxes of eternal love.
She speaks of eternal love from the beautiful Dove.

The Perfumed Legacy leaves something to cherish.
This legacy shall never perish.

Perfumed Legacies are breathing today.
It is in a blossoming pink tea rose.
It is in the pristine pearls and white panty hoes.

Perfumed Legacies are found in golden butterflies.
These legacies never die.

A Perfumed Legacy is tangible.
It is something the eye cannot always see.
A Perfumed Legacy is you.
A Perfumed Legacy is me.

Perfumed Legacies breathe life from olden days.
Perfumed Legacies lift God high and give Him praise.

Think of what you will leave behind.
A Perfumed Legacy just left the room.
We breathe and remember her precious heirloom.

Mary Ann Battle
Columbus, Ohio

WHEN DISASTER CALLS

When disaster calls I fall to my knees
The hope of what could have been is gone now
The space between us is as big as seas
I ask myself the question each day: how
I am so undeserving of your love
I punish you when you do not deserve
You watch me with beautiful peace above
With a wrath so strong, I can not believe
You came to save me because you love me
The world went dark when you died for us all
Because of your sacrifice I can see
When I meet you, there will be a Grand Ball
Heaven will cry out with so much gladness
Because of the love of Christ there is no sadness

Rebecca Rankin
British Columbia

WHAT'S IT WORTH?

Another day of suffering, trials and tribulations on this here earth.
I know what it cost, I know what it's worth.
It cost a Shepherd, Counselor and Redeemer all He had to give.
To set us Free
Just so you and I could live forever
In Eternity
So did you do, All you had to do!
To keep the Faith?
Remember it all comes back to this,
This Here Day!

Richard Turner
Vacaville, CA

Here is another poem by Richard:

I just want to say thank You Jesus
For setting me free
I just want to say thank You Father God
For making Your only begotten Son sacrifice equal eternity
If I just said thank You for everything
That would be so trite
For how many people would give themselves to save a life
For me to say thank You for anything less
Its not paying reverence, and I'm not offering You my best
So to show what this means to me
Father, use me to set the other captives Free!
So! Father to this end
Use me as a chosen vessel You can send
Until I see You face to face
And hear the words well done
You ran a Faithful race
Welcome home my Son!

Richard Turner
Vacaville, CA

ARE YOU READY?

"How many were ready?" should be our question, instead some are asking, "why?"
We all know we're human and one day we all will die
We just aren't usually really sure on which day and in which hour
Just like the souls that on that day walked into each Trade Tower
No-one wants to think about the day that's deemed our end
But let me take a minute here to talk to you my friend.
The body that you're walking in is just a HOLDING place
That holds the life that REALLY counts and lets us live through grace
The spirits of those people are as alive as you and me
The question you should ask yourselves is "how many will you see?"
They have no more chances to hear the Master's call
The choice as to where they'll live their lives was sealed by that great fall
Some will live in mansions because our brother went there first
He said He'd be there to prepare and give to those that thirst
The rest of them are realizing that what they thought so well
Was the worse mistake they ever made There REALLY IS a Hell!
People, you must hear these words and BELIEVE in what is said
Don't you want to know WHERE you'll be when you're considered dead?
It could happen any minute of any hour in any day
In your car.. a heart attack... NONE of us can stay
This horror grabbed the nations, they're now thinking more of Him
To know Him is to trust Him in these times that are so grim
Satan rules this earthly world, our Father sent him here
To prove to him that human man CAN live without great fear
His plan to rule as we all know was defeated from the start
He will try his best to fool each man for evil's in his heart
The blood of innocents' been shed this is very plain
It's been happening since life began It started first with Cain
Jesus said He'd come to those who call upon His love
And they will live forever with our Father up above
The message here is simple. You'll only get ONE chance
So you really better think today as you're putting on your pants
Is today my day? Will I be here tomorrow?
Will I live in Paradise or will I face great sorrow?
Will you be ready and your family ready too?
Will you see the pits of Hell or will Jesus welcome you?
Jesus is the ONLY way to save your soul from Hell
Now that I've told you this Who are YOU going to tell?

Dottie Bowler 9-25-01

REST IN MY SOUL

Something's not quite right in my Soul
I Don't know what it is
That's just what I've been told
I can't quite put my finger on it you see
But something deep within me
Keeps looking to the Heavenly
It's like I'm missing something I never had
You know! I know what it is now
I'm missing my Dad
Now I now where He's found
As I keep looking up Heaven bound
Now I Know as I boldly GO!
I have now found the answer
FOR REST IN MY SOUL

Richard Turner
Vacaville, CA

I WILL PRAY FOR YOU

If you have a cold
Or even worse the flu
Then just tell me and…
I will pray for you

If you have done a sin
And it is stuck like glue
Then just give me a call and…
I will pray for you

If someone close has died
Or another family issue
As soon as I find out…
I will pray for you

If you got into trouble
That you can’t undo
Then with all my heart…
I will pray for you

I hope one day when I am down
Or simply feeling blue
You will pray for me…
Just like I prayed for you

~ Marinela Reka ~

FOLLOW ME
Matthew 4. 18-22

I was there with my brother
On a day like any other
Just making a living
Casting our nets in the sea

We were close to the shore
When a voice with a roar
Shouted Andrew, Peter will you come follow me

As we looked to the beach
The man we had heard teach
Was calling us over to him

We had watched from the crowd
As he taught those around
The things that they needed to know

We had seen him heal people
And cast out a demon
When he spoke out the word of the Lord

We’d been fishing all night
But now it was light
Just one more try was the plan?

We went over to him
Not knowing just what we should do
Leave this, Jesus said, become fishers of men
As he spoke we both knew

Once he’s called you by name,
Though it’s hard to explain
To follow is all you can do

We left boats and nets
Went without a regret
Just leaving them
There on the shore.

Will you come with him to?
For he’s calling to you
If you listen he’s
Calling your name

~ George Knowles ~

THE LAMB OF GOD HE PASSES BY
John 1 35-40

The Lamb of God he passes by
Right there for all to see
Some let him pass without a glance
Some look but do not see

The Lamb of God he passes by
One says he in the man of God
To the friends that he is with
Just points to way and leaves it there
His job is now complete

The Lamb of God he passes by
The ones who hear they follow in his track
They want to know more of this man
For them no turning back

The Lamb of God he passes by
Says what are you looking for
They go with him and stay with him
And enter though the door

The Lamb of God he passes by
The door to faith to show
To those he calls to follow him
To those who want to know

The Lamb of God still passes by
We like John ,can help our friends to see
Help them to move and follow him
For he says just come and see

Here are two poems written by Thomas Hudson:

COME... HOLY GHOST

Come... Holy Ghost
Abide inside with me
Let's look, out my windows
Show me what I need to see
Point and I will go
Oh, I will follow Thee
Come... Holy Ghost
Abide inside with me

Let's decorate my mind
With thoughts Divine
We'll set a guard at my heart
To keep my mouth, in line
We'll receive our directions
From the Holy Throne above
Oh, come… Holy Ghost
Teach me to walk in love.

Come... Holy Ghost
Abide inside with me
Let's look out my windows
Show me what I need to see
Point and I will go
Oh, I will follow Thee
Come... Holy Ghost
Abide inside with me

I wrote "Love Sick" one morning when I looked back over my life and seen how much Jesus had changed it.

LOVE SICK!

It seemed like just another day
Except I had an urge to pray
I guess my heart had something to say
Cuz when I listened to my heart It blew my mind away!

I was, LOVE SICK, for the Lord, cuz I never felt like this before
I was, LOVE SICK, for the Lord, now I wanna love Him more-n-more!

A preacher said that love was the key
It seemed like he was preaching to me
I knew I needed to be free
So I listened to his story and the rest is His story!

I was, LOVE SICK, for the Lord, cuz I never felt like this before
I was, LOVE SICK, for the Lord, now I wanna love Him more-n-more!

Your Word says I'm born from above
And I never knew I was so loved
I'm new to all of this stuff
Oh Lord how can I thank you enough?

Cuz I'm LOVE SICK for You, Just amazed at the things You do
Yeah I'm LOVE SICK for You, Lord You loved me and I never knew!

CLAY

A lump of clay, ugly, undesired
Along the wayside, bare:
Finding worth this blessed day,
For the Maker chose to touch

The Maker proceeds with certain aim;
to mould and make good,
This ugly lump of clay, undesired;
A thing of beauty and grace!

But Oh! the unworthy lump of clay,
Forgetting its roots;
Dares ask the Maker,
"What do you make of me?"

Still the lump that yields and surrenders,
Fully knowing the Maker's skill,
Finds itself transformed;
A vessel of honour, a vessel of worth!

Preena Deepak Samuel
(Based on Is 45:9)

Here are three poems dedicated to the Lord written by Marc Fournier:

Lord I am saddened,
what the flesh chooses to do.
Constantly mending,
wounds we cannot undo.
Teach us your patience,
put a knot in our tongues.
Give us back a heart,
like the children our young.
Fetter our angers,
pour love on bitterness.
Let us learn from your lesson,
of true forgiveness,
pride is the poison.
Humility the only remedy.
Love is not partial,
to whom it is given.
Too many out there,
without it have been smitten.
I have a request,
that we open our hearts.
To trust in you,
and give you our lives.
For it is only by you,
that we've ever survived.

M. Fournier
2-03-91

I know of a place,
that requires going nowhere,
but takes you very far.
It is a place of peace and rest,
it is the one I call the best.
For nothing can match it,
though this world try its' best.
It is a place from above,
its' product is one of pure love.
When you need comfort,
don't run to the street,
you need only bow with repentance,
at his holy feet.
He will wash and cleanse you,
as he has done many times before.
Because he loves you,
for him it is never a chore.
Let him in,
for you will not regret.
A love so kind and good,
on that you need not bet.

M. Fournier
10-24-89

Tangled in their own web,
they do not see me.
For I know someone to help them,
to surely set them free.
But their shackles bind so tightly,
as their hearts make them cry.
We've ll so many problems,
but why can we not share
for I know someone to help them,
when it seems no one cares.
He will guard against the evil one,
show their shackles the key.
He will bring you peace forever,
all he asks is follow me.

M. Fournier
10-22-89

PLANS AND DREAMS FOR THE FAMILY

When we were planning our family line,
We never considered alcohol and drugs,
We thought our family would be just fine.
We considered the pitter-patter of little feet,
Of baby bottles of milk and bowls of pablum.
We thought of children as short and sweet.
We knew there’d be school and first grade
We thought of T-ball, hockey and lacrosse.
We figured on bicycles and roller blades.
We hoped for a good report card,
Valedictorian or student body president.
We thought maybe the military or coast guard.

We planned on camping vacations,
Perhaps Marine Land or Disney World.
We never gave thought to police visitations.
We hadn’t planned on lying, stealing or pain,
Or the stress of what’s next, broken dreams.
We never considered our lives would be slain.
Here though is the life we hadn’t planned.
What do we do now? From where comes our help?
Our lives are surely not dull or bland.
Drugs, alcohol, needles and a bag of weed.
Court, sentencing, time spent in jail.
For them and for us there is a need.

Christmas was exciting. Wrapping paper everywhere.
New toys for our little girls and boys.
They opened their presents with such flair.
The backyard picnics, them sleeping in tents,
And the hugely attended barbeque each fall,
All of these were special events.
Where did we go wrong? Did we expect too much?
Perhaps we should have asked for more of God’s help.
For our children, the addictions have become their crutch.
Their bible is the word of the dealer on the street.
Our sons’ fabrications have become their downfall.
Our daughters’ say it’s the fault of people they meet.

Divorce not the answer. We cave the children have no hope.
We must stand united. We have to give tough love.
Forget about the downhill slope, rise above, learn to cope.
There are answers available. We just have to try them.
We will make new plans. We must travel a new road.
This road will lead to family restoration, not condemnation.
Learn to communicate with each other. Look for better ways.
Demonstrate our love with actions and use our words.
With a job well done offer up a few pats and praise.

I suggest seeking God through worship and really pray.
He’ll guide, help, protect us from our enemies.
Each day can be brand new if we seek His way.
The door will be opened when we knock.
When we ask we shall receive. When we seek Him
We’ll find Him, truly He is our only rock.
A Rock in times of trouble and despair
A Rock of salvation for our children and for us.
A Rock of unconditional love and heartfelt care.

Then we’ll become the family line,
We planned on those many years ago,
The family that’s going to be just fine!

by Ellen Marie Parker, 2009

ALL THAT WE KNOW

I am constantly amazed on a daily basis,
Of the advancements that man has achieved.
Given the freedom and depths of our minds,
There's no limit to what we conceive.

We've gone from travel by horse and buggy,
To travel by jets in the sky.
Once people traveled by foot across land,
Now over the land people fly.

Diseases that once were killers,
That sent thousands of souls to their graves,
Are now avoided with a routine vaccination,
Think of the millions of lives that were saved.

Man has been to both ends of the earth,
And everywhere in between,
We've done things that have never been done before,
Witnessed sights that have never been seen.

We've been from the oceans murky depths,
To the hot dry desert sand dunes,
We've left our marks from the bowels of the earth,
To the quiet, still face of the moon.

T.v.s, v.c.r.s, and microwaves,
Computers, and cellular phones.
We have more comforts and convinces,
Than the world has ever known.

Yet with all the knowledge that we've amassed,
All our science and technology,
With all that we have done and seen,
God still remains a mystery.

The concept of God alludes us,
We simply can't understand,
How a being could exist, who could create all of this,
With only a wave of His hand.

As humans we seek out the tangibles,
Evidence we can see, touch and feel.
Without physical proof to convince us,
We have a hard time believing it's real.

The fact is, with all of our knowledge,
As far as man has progressed,
As intelligent a being as man has become,
Comprehension of God, we cannot possess.

We must believe and follow His Holy Word,
Without fear, questions or doubt.
We must trust in Him, and rely on faith,
Though we know not what He is about.

He is the creator, of all upon this earth,
Of the stars and Heaven and hell,
He is as far above us human beings,
As we are above a single cell.

He sent His son Jesus, to die on the cross,
To establish a Salvation plan.
So that through His blood, we may find redemption,
From the sins that plague mortal man.

We're not meant to understand the ways of God,
Or question His will or His law,
Because with all that we know, and all that we've learned,
We really know nothing at all.

Calvin Hart

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isa 61:10 NIV

WITHOUT A WEDDING GARMENT

Without a wedding garment
A man came to the feast
Was caste out into the darkness
No transformation of character pieced
No sincere, deep repentance
Just a hearer of the word
No robe of righteousness
In the heavenly record

Without a wedding garment
No attendance is given
Professed followers of Christ
By cheap grace are often driven
Defects of character
Not changed by the Holy Spirit
Unfit for the celebration
Of heaven’s salvation banquet

The righteousness of Christ
Cannot cover one cherished sin
The secrets of the heart
Only God can expose within
That which is in accordance
With the principles of God’s law
Will stand in the judgment
And grace the banquet floor

When asked how he arrived
Without a wedding garment
The man was simply speechless
Had no excuse for judgment
For each wedding garment—
Was provided at great cost
With no renewing of the mind
The justification was lost

Behold the great beauty
Of the character of Christ
Desire to emulate Him
By the Holy Spirit enticed
When he instructs you
Listen to his small voice
For until judgment’s finalized
You’ll still have a choice

Without a wedding garment
You’ll not be found in heaven
For a robe of righteousness
Is what each soul is given
The character of Christ—
Is the invitation key
The work of the Holy Spirit
Continual surrender by you and me.

I SEE HIM EVERYWHERE

I was talking to a friend one day as we walked along our way. We talked about politics and religion, you know to pass the time of day.

He said I've been a believer most of my life and I thank the Lord for my family and my wife.

One thing I might say Less I hesitate. I wonder what his face looks like you know because he is so great.

I turned around and looked my friend in the eyes and said I see his face everyday on this earth and in the sky.

I see him in my family and my friends. I see him in the night sky and the stars that never end.

I see him on the mountains and out across the sea.

When I look in the mirror I see him. I think he looks a little like me.

I see him in the summer and the winter snow blowing in the wind.

Yes I guess I'm lucky for I am just a man. I'm not worthy of his many blessings. He saved me by the nail holes in his hands.

My Friend looked at me and said I guess your right. His face is all around us in the day and in the night.

There is no picture that can hold him because he is just too great.

Look around and you will see him , please look before its too late.

By: R.W. Carey

IF I JUST REACH MY HAND OUT

If I just reach my hand out
Will you pull me back in?
Into your heart, in mine
Not a cloud of doubt
Just care
Compassion and
Truth
We'll let in

Love needs no entrance
Each path will it lead
Give the light, a slight glance
A little faith, a little trust, that's
All
We need

We fell once, it was painful indeed
But both are we strong
He knows we can succeed
Give me
Your hand
We'll make the leap
We'll sing the song
Help is near, This
Won't last too long
In seconds
With love
All hurt
Will be
Gone

Katharine Hunley
Pennsylvania, USA

HIS LOVE

A thousand stars rush across the sky,
Their brilliance quieting all below in awe,
The darkness of the firmament in reply,
Deepest blue around the heavens,

His love brought us home,
He died on the Cross for you and I,
You never more need feel alone,
With heaven's king by your side,

The spirits fly across the deep,
Water below them moving quietly,
Rippling waves the distance keep,
Greatest blue beyond the mountains,

He gave his life for us,
Suffered much to save our souls,
His last breath was given up,
To the heavenly Father he adores,

Angels fly from end to end,
The heaven bright and clear for all to see,
Blessings our Saviour gave to send,
His grace poured out for us freely,

His love was greater than anyone's,
Save for his loving Father,
He rose again to life,
His word to last for ever after.

Inspired while watching the activity going on in a large group of flowers. It reminded me of when we give our lives to CHRIST we become one with Him as a part of the body of CHRIST, each person having a different but special purpose. Romans 12:4 + on; 1 Cor. 12:12 + on.

THE BODY IS LIKE A FLOWER

Look at the flower,
it's beauty unseen.
Hour by hour,
some nurture, some clean.
Some buzz and some fly,
some hover and sing.
Some, beauty to eye,
and some even sting.
They nurture with care
and joyfully sing,
Look at this flower
we nurtured this spring.
It's colors so bold,
some think it's odd.
It's colors unfold,
the glory of God.
Look at the body,
much like the flower.
When it is ready,
bloomed for the hour.
Nurture His body
for all that's unseen.
We are the body,
let's nurture,
let's clean.

Ken Pittington
Inwood, West Virginia

Here are three poems of inspiration written by M. Rrautenbach, South Africa

THE TIME IS NOW

What will you do when the lord walks upon the earth today?
Are you ready to leave your things behind and obey?
Give your everything, your life to the Lord,
And let him knight you into his army with his sword!

Let all of us not be ashamed, nor grow weary,
But follow Jesus Christ with passion in our hearts!
Go and fight for what is right, and stop doing wrong,
Cause then you may ask in Jesus name that he can make you strong…

So you can stand for his glory and lift his name up high,
That every non believer sees the Lord through your eyes,
And start to cry,
Cry for the glory of his name, that his Kingdom come…

Call upon all your friends and neighbours
Let us stand together as a nation of God
With his name written in our hearts,
In every city of every country of every nation
So come on people, believe today and make a proclamation

Make the lord Jesus Christ your friend today
And see how your life changes, so I beg of you now
Go down on your knees and pray,
In front of God, every tongue will confess,
Every knee will bow

As he is the mighty king, he owes us one thing,
That is judgment, he will most definitely bring
Do not hesitate, please do not wait
It might just be too late!

M. Rrautenbach, South Africa
October 2008

MY PRAYER TO MY SAVIOUR

As I look up to the sky…
My heart just wants to cry
When I think of what the LORD has done for me…
So that I can be free!
Giving up HIS own life…
So I can be with HIM…

So as I look up to the sky…
And see the big moon
I know that my JESUS is coming soon…
The promise HE made on the cross,
That day…
Is there forever to stay!

So as I look up to the sky…
And see all the bright stars,
Right there next to Mars…
I know the LORD is looking down at me,
Saying you can be free,
Cause my love for you is so much,
The devil will never get in touch!

So as I look up to the sky…
And see all the birds fly,
I know my GOD is near,
And I need not fear..,
Cause forever HE will be here!

To the glory of GOD almighty
Amen.

M. Rrautenbach, South Africa
OCTOBER 2008

MY DEAR GOD

I miss you like the desert misses the rain
When will you come rescue me from the earthly pain?

As I struggle through my troubled life
And see my country taking a dive,
I must stop looking at what the government say and do
Rather focus on where I’m going to!

I’m quick to call upon your name when in need of food,
But keen to forget who you are when times are good!
So help me God, to pray for this nation,
That there can be a great salvation..

Let us call upon your name,
Without being ashame,
So that you holy ghost flow through this land..
To the very end of the ocean’s sand

Let us shout your name from the highest mountains
That it can be heard through all the fountains

And that once again, we can stand as a Godly nation
Fighting for your name,
And not our own fame!

So help me God, pray for this nation,
That you can bring a great salvation!

Amen!

M. Rrautenbach, South Africa
September 2008

….I feared that happiness will never find me

I closed my eyes and started to dream of how my life could be, without the tears, the lonely nights
I feared that happiness would never find me
So I started to look for that love you hear about in fairy tale happy endings.
I poured out my love, my faith, my soul, but my heart always came back emptyWhen love was really just lust, and I realized men you just can’t trust-
there is no love, or happy endings. Just happy days waiting for the clouds to pass over the sunshine to bring rain my way
And when it rains, it pours, down my cheeks and onto my pillow.
I closed my eyes and started to dream about how my life could be, without the tears the lonely nights
I feared that happiness would never find me.
When I opened my eyes I realized that I had been looking in all the wrong places-at all the wrong faces,
instead of looking for Him I looked in the mirror and found that happiness starts from within.
And as soon as I stopped looking for that love I never could find, You found me and made me feel that happiness that was missing inside.

Natascha Harris

Richmond, VA

GOD'S GRACE

God's grace is sufficient for thee.
And we all need to see
That God is here every day
And He will show us the way

For us He died
As He cried
On that awesome cross
And He's here as our Host.

We need to see
And let our fears flee.
Lay them down
And do not frown.

Show others that life
Is better with Christ.
Even if they don't believe,
Show them what you receive.
For sometimes actions
Are better than words.

God's grace is sufficient for thee.
We should show others what we see,
For God is in you and in me.
And perhaps they shall also see.

C.J. Quiambao,
ON, CA

WE WAIT FOR YOU JESUS

The pain is never ending
will it ever go,
in my heart the sun it shines
yet in my mind its snows,

I feel you in the ether
I see your wonder-us works
yet my gracious father
the pain, it still hurts,

will you ever clothe me
as the lily's of the field
when i call you father
your child, a child in need,

as the tears leave my eyes
and the thoughts they fade away
will you as my heart cries out
comfort us this day.

come save us lord as we call your name
come save us as we cry,
come save us lord so your lost maybe found
come save us lord this day,

the weak they wither as the strong they gorge
this world you gave to all,
come my father gather your flock
let the mighty fall,

take the chains from the innocent,
as they scream your name
comfort those who pain for you
pawns in tyrants games,

come save us lord we call to you
we cry since time began
truth and grace we ask from you
guide us mere man.

Here are five wonderful Christian poems written by Belinda van Rensburg:

VOICES

From the ashes of time I can hear hollow laughter,
calling me, calling me, to the hereafter.
Forgotten voices and vile lying tongues,
who penned morals tainted by God's fallen sons.

Empty it rings in the stillness of night,
whilst soft blackened velvet helps shadow the Light.
Curling, unfurling, gray fingers of vice,
destroying my life with their evil advice.

Temptation in wrappers with bright shiny strings,
and wooed by the words of the songs Satan sings.
Believing lies tasting like sweet candy floss;
no time for regrets and eternally lost.

by Belinda van Rensburg

NEON LIGHTS

Neon lights, beckoning, inviting,
souls to come over to play.
Promising something exciting,
if one should stray their way.

Look at their bright colors flashing;
pretty they are to behold.
Twisting and turning in patterns quite dashing,
but now only half the story's been told.

When the sun comes up and lightens the sky
and shines brightly in the day,
they look quite tacky as they flicker and die;
as their neon lives fade away.

The snares that they set for souls during the night
have trapped the unwary in sin,
but everything is now exposed by the Light
and many regret the big mess they are in.

The pleasures they tasted now empty and gone,
and so too their morals and money,
but others still crave all that jaded old 'fun',
returning at night when it's no longer sunny.

Oh! Pretty lights, you flash and you flicker
during the nights to make lost souls sicker.
Lead them to drink, to gamble and more -
is that what you look so beautiful for?

Belinda van Rensburg

CHILD OF THE NIGHT

Oh, child of sorrows and of the night,
in empty darkness you've been bound tight -
with ropes and chains you can't even see
and you're struggling and falling and trying to flee.
You're living a lie; it's all a grand show,
but around and around in circles you go.
Dear one – all alone and eternally doomed
don't you know that Death can come all too soon?

Oh, child of the night turn your face to the Light -
and make your life through Jesus Christ right.
From chains, pain and darkness forever be free
to one day partake of the life-giving tree.
Your quest for the truth has now come to an end,
for in heaven you have the King as a friend.
He's been calling your name since the day you were born;
He can heal your heart that's been battered and torn.

Oh, children of joy, of peace and of Light,
accepted, forgiven and filled with Christ's might -
set free by His Blood to live, laugh and love,
to be wise as serpents yet gentle as doves.
Fearlessly standing when all seems to be lost;
not caring what following Jesus might cost.
We belong to our Father, the Ancient of Days,
who sent us His Spirit to teach us His ways.

Belinda van Rensburg

TEACH ME

Touch me, Spirit; teach me -
to walk in all God's ways.
Open my eyes and help me see,
God's plan for me this day.

Touch my soul and heal me,
cleanse my thoughts and mind.
God's child I always want to be,
since I'm no longer blind.

Teach me how to love You;
to obey all Your commands.
Teach me to love others too,
for this You do demand.

Teach me to forgive; forget,
and teach me these things, too;
to have faith and not to fret,
but to put my trust in You.

Teach me to turn the other cheek;
to not repay wrong for a wrong.
Teach me to be gentle; meek;
to know in Jesus I am strong.

Teach me how to seek Your Face,
and how to listen to Your Voice.
Then, when Satan gives me chase,
I'll make the correct choice.

Teach me to accept Your will,
even when I don't understand.
Teach me when to remain still,
and when to make a stand.

Teach me to walk in all Your ways;
to be obedient to You.
Then I can serve You all my days,
and reach out to others too.

Belinda van Rensburg

PEERLESS PRINCE OF PEACE

Jesus, Peerless Prince of Peace,
bearer of our iniquities.
Man of sorrows and of pain,
yet without blemish, sin or stain.

The One Who broke death's darkest curse,
and saved us from a fate far worse
than what mere humans could conceive,
or with their mortal eyes perceive.

You are the one and only Son
of the I AM; the Holy One.
Jesus, Peerless Prince of Peace;
the One Who Was, will Be and Is.

Here are five thoughtful poems written by Mark Mexcur from Michigan:

THE CRY OF YOUR CHILD

At dawn I cry to be held
My cry You have heard
Gently You lift my head
You caress my hair, You are mine
My daddy You bless me with kisses
You put me back down, but You never leave the room
I cry out at noonday for food
You have heard my cry
Your hand is outstretched to me
In Your hand are many nourishments
You sustain my soul
You provide all my needs "Jahovah Jirrah"
I cry to be heard in the world so large
Your ear is turned to me, You hear my cry
You know the ones whom are Yours
I cry for help where is my protector
My cry doesn't go unanswered
You have sent Your Holy Spirit, who will never let me go
I cry in triumph for You have delivered me oh Righteous One
from myself!!

Mark Mexcur, Michigan

GIVE ME STRENGTH

Give me strength for I am weak
My eyes off You I sink to the deep
Your grasp is all that keeps me up
My faith waning, forgetting, close to giving up
Peace be still upon my waters You speak
As I rise from the deep, Your ways I seek
A newness of direction
A road to perfection
Oh the splendor of Your ways they speak
The narrow road my soul to keep
So now from deserts to waters
From barren lands to sons and daughters
The wonderful perfection of your ways
Is my strong tower oh Ancient of Days

Mark Mexcur, Michigan

YOU ARE WONDERFUL TO ME MY GOD

You are wonderful to me my God
Your righteousness is beautiful to me
The path you lead me in is hard but fair
Your example is unfailing
Your love is real ,to you I will appeal
Though the path ahead is dark as night
Your light shines bright and on wings I take flight
The realness of your grace
Shines true through your glorious face
I run the race no question of my place
My place is in Your hand
In You I take my stand
Though death seems to overcome me
I see the gift given on that tree
The gift that brings death to life
The gift that allows me to take flight
The victorious overcommer
The one who keeps me from slumber
Oh great Holy One
I thank You for what You have done
To me Your law is peace
To You I lay my burdens oh the release
The essence of Your unfailing love
Takes my anxieties to the heavens on wings like a doves
Your passion for mankind
Gives me peace of mind
The stillness You allow
Is my healing and to You God I bow
As the end draws near
In You I hide I will not fear
Though the world around me wails
I have peace knowing Your love never fails
I kiss the Son
I praise You for all You have done
My maker, the One who has planned my life
written it like a book with stone paper
Lord of all creation to You I lift my hands oh Lord of the Nations!!

Mark Mexcur, Michigan

HIS LOVE

Of Your love oh God let me eat
Let me hunger for it no longer
Let me taste of Your Holiness
In it let me be filled
Let me meditate in it oh God
Leave me not in my hunger
My cry is for Your prescence oh God
My longing for your touch
When I am full let me lie down
Let me wash my weary soul in Your waters oh God
Let my weak bones find strength
Heal my thirsting spirit oh God
Quench my eternal yearn

Mark Mexcur, Michigan

THE SEAS OF LIFE

I was drifting alone on the seas of life
There was so much anguish, so much strife
There seemed no map to give me direction
I was blinded by my own imperfections
I remembered the day I set sail
How I knew from the start the voyage was doomed to fail
I can remember my boat all shiny and new
That was before the storms of life they blew
You see it wasn't long
Before things began to go wrong
The rudder seemed fine
But it was like a light that could not shine
Without one to turn it
It was like a candle without one to light the fire and burn it
Without the captain to lead the way
To turn my rudder and calmly say:
"Peace be still"
"I wish not your soul to kill"
"Even in the storms of life "
"Even in the anguish and strife"
"I watch over your boat"
"I allow it to float"
"I blow wind into your sails"
"I am the lighthouse in the dark when all else fails"
"It may seem on the rocks you will be crashed"
"Just give me control and I will save you from being smashed"
"I came to seek and save the lost"
"The one's who's saving came at a great cost"
"I will give you direction on high seas"
"Just bring me your wants and desires on your knees"
"No storm is too big for Me to calm"
"I am God and you I hold in my palm"
"So now to you I give my navigator"
"Not to run your boat as a dictator"
"He will bring peace to your waters"
"He will bless your sons and daughters"
"He will guide around storms"
"All types of miracles on the ocean He performs"
"As you reach the distant shores"
"You see it was your boat He really adores"
All praise be to the captain of my life
To the one who puts an end to all anguish and strife
All praise be to the lighthouse keeper
To the one who has waken me from being the sleeper
All praise be to the one who guides
For it is on your waves that my boat glides
As I dwell on the waters of joy
In your wil will I always employ!!

Mark Mexcur, Michigan

INFINITE GRACE

I was six feet underground,
Worms and darkness - there was no sound.
I could not breathe, eat or drink,
I couldn't move, speak, or even think.

In a moment, in an instance, Someone came,
I heard a voice, that Someone, calling my name.
He said, "Come forth! Arise!",
And that is when His power opened up my eyes.

I struggled to crawl up out of the dark pit,
But there was no room for me to move: stand or sit.
With feeble strength, the walls I did press,
I called out to the Someone, "Save me!!", in my distress.

All of a sudden, I felt a tugging on my hand,
I was pulled upwards, through dirt, dust and sand.
In a dizzying burst of speed, I was brought out of the ground,
I knew I was no longer lost, but found.

I tried to look up, but there was too much blazing light,
No matter where I turned my head; up, down, to the left, or to the right.
But right in the center of my weak vision,
Was the Someone; He was awaiting my decision.

Somehow I knew, the decision was already made,
I knew I had a debt, but now it was paid.
The Someone took me in a strong, but gentle, embrace,
And tears rolled down my cheeks as I considered this One's grace.

He spoke three words; three words I'll never forget:
"Come, Follow Me" - and from then on my path was set.
Who is this One, who raised me from the grave?
The One whose words and voice I do crave?
He is my LORD Jesus, my God, and my King,
And forever and ever, of His infinite grace I will sing.

Steve Mathews
New York, USA

Here are two interesting and thought-provoking poems written by Juanita DeHart

WONDERFUL WEAVER

Peace and pain have blended well
To weave a consecrated veil.
Theses threads discretely intertwine,
Creating God’s contoured design.

They elegantly cloak my soul
As one fine garment which extols
High praises to applaud my King,
For cloths that calm and chaos brings.

My drapery of woe and mirth
Exceeds earth’s estimated worth.
For both have birthed the excellence
Of Hope’s eternal opulence.

Love’s fingers formed this tapestry...
Shaped it like Him, then covered me.

..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨¸ ..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨¸ ..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨¸ ..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨

"And provide for those who grieve in Zion -
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of gladness
instead of mourning, and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair."
Isaiah 61:3a NIV

..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨¸ ..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨¸ ..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨¸ ..• ´¨¨¸..• ´¨¨

Juanita DeHart
Houston , TX

DANCING ON THE BREEZE

Upon the blue sky draped with clouds
There flies our banner strong and proud.
It shimmers graceful in the wind
Reminding us of where we've been.
With flowing strips of red and white,
On background blue, our stars shine bright.

It speaks of life though some were slain;
The battles fought were not in vain.
Through blood and prayerful teardrops shed,
On hostile soil were sorrows tread...
Grace guards this land and faith remains,
To mend our wounds and heal our pains.

America assailed and won
By boldly glorifying One
Who signed and sealed our destiny
With crimson ink on Calvary.
In God We Trust, let come what may,
His Love has blessed the U.S.A.

Thanksgiving lifts this nation's eyes
As Heaven helps us realize...
No flag has borne such spiteful scars
For independence wrought through wars.
Yet dancing on the breeze it sings,
"Sweet Liberty! Let freedom ring!"

Juanita DeHart
Houston , TX

KNOCK, KNOCK

Knock, Knock Who could it be
A Man is Knocking, at My Door for Me
He’s Knocking, so that He may come inside
but My house is dirty, I’ll just run and hide
Knock, Knock, Here He comes again
Who is this Man Could He be a Friend
Knock, Knock, He comes by here everyday
I wonder what He wants…
I wonder what He will say
I know He’s Knocking, at My door for Me
but I’m afraid to open it
I’m ashamed of what He might see
He might see that empty beer can
That was left last night
He might see that dress in the closet
That’s too short and too tight
He might smell smoke lingering from Yesterday
He might hear those bad words...I sometimes say
He might not like me...once He comes inside
but I’m tired of running…I can no longer hide
Knock, Knock…It’s Jesus Christ He comes inside

Rolinda’s Inspirations ©

PRAYING WITH YOU

As I began to start my day
A vision of you past my way
I called on the Master way up high
For His Mercy and Grace to be by your side

I asked Him to lift that burden
The one you carry around
The one you’re constantly worrying about
That’s sometimes gets you down

I asked The Lord to help you
Because I know He could
He just that kind of Father
He’s Majestic, Merciful and Good

So be encouraged My Dearest Sister
For the Lord will see you through
And there’s one more thing you need to know
I’ll be Praying with You…

Rolinda’s Inspirations ©

Here is a poem written in a unique
way that invites your participation.

Here are Five poems of inspiration written and submitted by 22 year old Sulekha Esther Rathnam from India.

PRAYER

Be thou O Lord my every thought,
In waking or in sleep.

Be thou O Lord my only song,
Through both joy and grief.

Naught be thou far from me, Lord
Or life will sinful be.

But be thou O Lord by my side,
Till one day heaven I reach.

Sulekha Esther Rathnam
May 2008
India

GIFT

Thou sent thine only son, a sinless lamb, a curse for me to suffer,
For in thy great mercy thou makest a plan, new life for me to offer.

That Holy lamb upon the tree, thy wrath was forced to feel,
And unworthy me, by belief in thee, received salvations seal.

That day t’was marked by darkness bright and yet a complete delight,
For sinful man was freed from sin, hell no longer his only plight.

If my life be the only gift, worthy to be given thee,
Then sweet my Lord, take my life, this mine only plea.

Sulekha Esther Rathnam
May 2008
India

HIS NAME

O the name of Jesus, how blessed it is,
In thy sorrow, great joy it gives.

That name so powerful, all sin forgives,
And to lost sinners, new life it gives.

His name though old, no power shall lose,
For by it people still life will choose.

So sing that name forever more,
Until you reach His heavenly shore.

And even in heaven above,
His name will always ring of love.

As sweet as heaven will prove to be,
His name will still far sweeter be.

Sulekha Esther Rathnam
June 2008
India

ESTHER

Esther was but a pretty young maid,
When the king’s men, her city did raid.

All the kings’ men, many women did take
For Queen Vashi indeed made a mistake.

Vashi’s grave mistake, cost her, her crown,
And young pretty Esther was soon brought to town.

The women from Susa, the Kings heart were to win,
But pretty young Esther, sent the king’s heart for a spin.

Young Esther was given the big golden crown,
While Queen Vashi’s great folly won her a frown.

Both Vashi and Esther were beautiful indeed,
But Esther more loved, for her brave deed.

Hearing her people were to be put to the knife,
Queen Esther went to the throne, no fear for her life.

Riches and Honour she was ready to forsake,
For her great peoples lives were at stake.

She spoilt her dear Lord with food and wine,
And even asked wicked Haman to come dine.

The King and Haman were both satisfied,
And the Queens heart was soon gratified.

The King with great love, half his kingdom did offer,
But Esther only pleaded for the Jews not to suffer.

The King her humble demand did meet,
But his great wrath against Haman did heat.

Haman was made to hang on the gallows,
While the Jews fate, rose from the shallows.

The Jews were saved and their Honour restored,
For on Esther, God this great task had bestowed.

PAUL

Have you heard about the man named Paul?
Who was obedient and very true to his call?

A man of great faith and an apostle was he,
For our dear Lord in him a faithful servant did see.

Saul a fervent Jew, didn’t live for our Lord,
At first, he spent his life persecuting our God.

In spite of his vile behavior and ugly zeal,
The Lord chose him, before him to kneel.

He went on his way to Damascus, Christians to jail,
But instead God met him half way, his plan to fail.

On his way to Damascus, from heaven great light did he see,
And he heard our dear Lord say, “Why do thou persecute me?”

On hearing the great voice, he realized God it was,
That moment, struck by blindness, his life came to a pause.

He was obedient to the voice and did what it said,
He rushed to Ananias, who laid hands on his head.

Ananias revealed to Saul, the plans of our God,
He told him he would now be an instrument for the Lord.

That day, with sight, was born a new man in Saul,
Now to the new world, better know as Paul.

His mission, no longer Christians to kill,
His only mission now Gentiles with Christ to fill.

He stayed true to his calling, right to the very end,
No ship wreck, no flogging, could make his mind bend.

Thus in vile Saul was born the great apostle Paul,
Amongst men of faith, even today he stands tall.

Here are two poems on our relationship with God written and submitted by Jennifer Kulp.

CONVERSATION WITH GOD

"Jesus, where are you?"
I cried out to the Lord;
"Don’t you know I need you?
Don’t you love me anymore?"

"Please listen to me, daughter.
I am always here for you;
Yes I know you need me,
And do I love you? Yes I do."

"Then why is nothing happening?
Why am I still in pain?
Lord, why don’t you answer my prayer?
You said I’d have anything if I ask in your name?"

"May I ask, 'where is your faith?'
May I ask, 'do you not trust in Me?'
Am I a God too small for you,
That makes you not believe?"

"I’m sorry Lord for doubting.
My past sins made me this way;
I feel as though your punishing me,
And this is the price I must pay."

"I paid for your sins because I love you.
In your heart, you know I do;
Don’t punish yourself for what I’ve already done.
It was my desire to die for you."

"Just believe you are forgiven,
And I washed all your sins away;
Just believe I will help you,
And will always answer when you pray."

Jennifer Kulp

WHERE DO I FIND THE WORDS TO SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU?

I was there; yet you did not see Me..
The times you did cry;
I wrapped you in My loving arms,
And wiped the tears from your eyes.

Every prayer - I heard, and answered
Every cry for help - I came;
I cast down all your enemies,
And brought them all to shame.

You are My beloved son
Whom I have set free;
I removed your chains of darkness
Because you believed in Me.

I Am in you, and ye in Me
None can take us apart;
Where are the words to express My love?
They are written on your heart.

Jennifer Kulp

ETERNITY IN HELL

I had died and my soul was brought before God
To be judged for the journey that I had trod.
The terrible truth about my life had finally hit
Concerning my journey and how my life was spent.

The Ten Commandments appeared before me one and all
I was asked one by one how I obeyed their beckoned call
The answers terrified me to my core
There was nothing hid standing on God’s floor.

I was asked one by one
About the deeds I had done
Did I obey God’s rules and law
Or did I forsake them one and all

I could plainly see the blasting fire from Hell
Eternity was here and to my knees I fell
I never shook so hard overcome by fear
It was too late to plead, judgment day was here

The beauty of Heaven was far beyond belief
There was joy everywhere, laughter no grief
Jesus appeared in front of me looking very sad
He said I loved you and gave to you all I had

I saw his scarred body which he sacrificed
For me to live in Heaven, He paid the awful price
Scars from spikes, spears, whips, thorns and such
To live with Him eternally he never asked for much

Just to love and obey Him was all I had to do
Not turn away from Him after all that He went through
I had plenty of time to pray, ask for forgiveness and repent
But I didn’t worry about my sinning and how my life was spent

I seldom took the time to pray and God would usually have to wait
Now it was my time to face God and learn of my fate
Though He searched and searched and searched once again
Finally He said, “my son, you know the wages for your sin”

Sadly God sentenced me to endless time, for eternity to dwell
For ever and ever and evermore I would be cast into Hell
Satan’s demonic laughter came from the lake of fire
Satan said you’re mine, I’ll torture you forever and never tire

No one will hear your pleading or listen to you pray
Your words will fall on deaf ears now, no matter what you say
Satan dragged me to Hell’s torturous eternal fire and smoke,
Crying, screaming, trembling, pleading to God, I awoke.

Bob Patterson

I WANT TO MEET THEM

when I die and go to see Jesus, so many others I want to meet
but will I recognize them, walking that golden street

are you Joseph, are you John, Peter, Thomas, or Michael,
watched n' guarded over me, when I was most fragile

I'll know those close to me, my family and dear friend
but I won't know the others, not being my next of kin

are you Paul, are you James, are you the Virgin Mary
I won't know them on sight, in my mind images vary

in God's time I'll meet them Solomon, David, and Ruth,
Moses, and Aaron, those who sought to record his truth

yes - I'll be there among them and there won't be a tear
Angels flying all around to chase away doubt and fear

the biggest surprise is that they want to meet me too
cause my simple life was not lived in vain
the value to God of just one human soul
is like the engine that pulls the train

Oh - Glorious Day

Bruce D Sparks 4-08
Arizona

GUIDE ME ALONG THE WAY

You've shown me what I need to do,
Now it's time for me to let go.
My old ways are in the past,
The new ones in a distant glow.

I can't do this myself
for my whole life you've been by my side.
I need to look toward the future,
and learn to drop my pride.

After all you've done for me,
How could I do what I've done to you?
But you still love me,
and you understand what I've been through.

I can't wait to spend eternity
in your loving arms.
With you leading the way,
This world can do me no harm.

You're my Lord, and you're my Savior,
and I praise you every day.
And I pray to you now Lord,
Please show me the way.

Amber Catlin, Michigan

BELIEVE

Life is full of choices
You might choose not to believe
and by the devil you'll be deceived.
You can choose to believe,
and with open arms He'll receive
you, and stay with you forever.

Broad is the way to hell
which many people travel.
The devil is out to get you
but tell the devil "No."

Narrow is the gate to heaven,
so in Jesus you must trust.
He'll stay with you forever,
If you believe in Him.

Carina Q.
Ontario, CA

My name is Chim Okecha. I am a young Nigerian Christian from Lagos/Nigeria. Here is my poem:

BAREFOOTED

Amid a tempting generation
Is the presence of extreme desecration
History beckons on history
Evil now occupies mans memory
Where is love?
Where is peace?
What has affected mankind like a disease
In the land, I search for purification
Only to behold with mine eyes
"Moral degradation"
I weep, I wail, I think, I am pale
For to mankind I ask, "Which Creator do you now hail"
Pestilence, Hatred, Wickedness
Are elevated in today's presence
Mankind has adopted treason
And as such, no longer reasons
Upon those concrete issues that create joy within
They now serve a god called "money"
Upon this noble earth are ignominious deaths
of people who were stars at birth
Where is the sacredness of human life
God Almighty established us in beautification
And now, man says no to sanctification
What a shame!
Who do we blame?
Millions struggle and hustle without aim
Life! Oh Life! Is surely vain
I wander out of my state of boredom
And ask,
Why have we devalued our values?
Why has man left out the Holy tracks?
Where are the traces of love?
Where are the traces of hope?
Why is mankind
"BAREFOOTED".

Chim Okecha

Here are two companion poems about Mary Magdalene written by Lanette Kissel.

MARY MAGDALENE
A SECOND CHANCE

It seems public opinion has turned against me.
I have had time to contemplate
The way I have lived my life, the mistakes I have made…
My offenses are far too great.

The people no longer trust me.
They are all too willing to attest
That an evil spirit lives within me
And that I must be demon possessed.

One day a man named Jesus came to our village
And He took notice of me.
He spoke but one single command
And from my demons I was set free.

I looked up at this mysterious Man
As tears of relief I did cry.
He gently helped me to my feet
And He actually looked me in the eye.

Usually in my encounters with men
I was made to feel nothing but shame.
They looked at me as if they had done nothing wrong
And that I was the one to blame.

But He did not look at me with contempt or disgust.
His eyes were caring and forgiving.
He told me He had given me a second chance
To change the life I had been living.

Note: I based this poem upon the verse from Luke chapter 8, verse 2.

Lanette Kissel

MARY MAGDALENE
FOR A WOMAN LIKE ME AT THE FOOT OF HIS CROSS

I listen in horror to the Apostles' accounts
Of what happened at Gethsemane,
That night when the soldiers arrested Jesus
And the Apostles were forced to flee.

Now we stand on the fringes of the crowd
And watch this mockery of a trial proceed.
How can they think of condemning this Man
Who holds the answer to their every need?

How can it be possible for His ministry of mercy
To simply be ending like this?
And why is it that I keep imagining
That I hear a nearby serpent's hiss?

Standing with His mother, I watch His torture,
My heart broken and filled with dread.
I long to run to His side and wipe the blood
From His precious thorn encircled head.

I shudder with every lash of the whip,
Every nail that is hammered into place,
As I witness His suffering and agony.
It is reflected in His eyes and upon His face.

I fall to my knees and gaze up at Him
As He hangs upon His cross.
I pray for a quick end to His suffering,
Wondering how I can survive His loss.

Father, I know the life I used to live
Was extremely offensive to Thee.
Why is your perfect Son hanging there, Lord,
When it should have been me?

I will never understand what He did for me
Or why He was willing to sacrifice
To pay for the many sins of a woman like me.
Yet He was willing to pay the ultimate price.

Lanette Kissel

Life with a meaning
Looking for a clue
What about the Bible
Can it be true?

So I picked it up
Began reading through
God created all things
Can it be true?

The sun, moon and stars,
And the sky so blue
God spoke into existence
Can it be true?

The earth was then made
Mountains and valleys, too
Man formed from the dust
Can it be true?

Wanting to know more
The pages then flew
It spoke of God’s love
Can it be true?

God sent His Son
For men to review
Jesus was His name
Can it be true?

He walked on the earth
Amidst the morning dew
Brought healing to all
Can it be true?

This word He did speak
Eternal life for you
Hope beyond the grave
Can it be true?

Christ died on the cross
It was in full view
To redeem mankind
Can it be true?

He rose from the dead
Receiving life anew
Ascended into heaven
Can it be true?

Many mansions up there
They are brand new
For all who believe
Can it be true?

Having faith in Jesus
Is all I need to do
And I’ll live forever
Can it be true?

Robert W. Groth
Florida

The author of the following poem states that "My poem, 'My Sins No Dark Comparing' was written to be sung. A tune that goes well with it is 'Herzlich tut mich' by Hans L. Hassler, 1601. The tune is used in some hymn books under the title, 'O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.' Note that the last verse is of a different meter and thus is left out when sung."

MY SINS NO DARK COMPARING

My sins no dark comparing
Its weight my soul loathed bear,
And in the dark despairing
Of help that could be there.
This life so filled with sorrow
With grief from troubles be,
With no hope for tomorrow
All effort vanity.

There must be more to being
Than pleasures, pain and strife,
And all the evil seeing
In such a fleeting life.
Inside me anger festered.
How could such justice be?!
My life so sorely pestered
From so much misery.

So for my death awaited,
Eternal death my dread;
God and His justice hated
For all my works were dead.
But hard I read the Scripture
In Romans chapter one.
In it I found the answer
On justice that was done.

The Gospel is God’s power
To save those who believe,
And in my darkest hour
God’s justice there perceived.
No work of reparation
Can man pay for his sin.
It’s Christ’s propitiation
By grace through faith in Him.

My sins no dark comparing
Its weight for joy he bear,
And from the cross declaring
“It’s done” my sins not there!
This life still has its sorrows
With grief from troubles be,
But in the man of sorrows
He bore them all for me.

There is much more to being
Than pleasures, pain and strife,
And all the evil seeing
Pale to eternal life.
Inside me love is forming.
How could such justice be?!
My life was so deforming,
But justice rescued me.

So now my death awaited,
Eternal life begins,
And to the God once hated
I go to be with Him.
The just live by faith only
In Christ their pardon won.
Way chosen of God solely
His justice this Way done!

“A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Savior He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.”
Sin, death, devil — foes,
Sustained fatal blow;
On Golgotha’s cross,
For them the battle lost.
God’s justice everlasting.

Larry Alan Merck
Indiana, USA

APPLE OF HIS EYE

Apple of His eye
Have you ever wondered why
God has chosen such a term to use?
When you look into His eye
You can see another eye
Whose eye that's looking back is you
It's like looking into a mirror
And your reflection's getting clearer
You're beginning to see who it is that you are
You are drawing closer now
And you start to wonder how
That you could ever have worshiped from afar

Curtis R. Turner Jr.
Copyright 2005

TELL US WHEN JESUS

Tell us when Jesus the temple be razed, the
Sign of your coming the end of this age.
Watch out disciples and be not deceived
By men who will come that say they are Me.

War and their rumors will come to your ears.
Do not be troubled I say do not fear.
Such things must pass but the end is not come
Nation fight nation and kingdom, kingdom.

There will be famines; there will be earthquakes.
These things will happen in various place.
What I have told you, My words will not fail.
These are beginning of end birth travails.

Then persecuted and put to death sleep.
Nations will hate you because you love Me.
Some will depart from the faith and betray
Those that they loved but at that time will hate.

Many False prophets will fool young and old
Sins do increase, love of most will wax cold,
But he who stands to the end will be saved
My Word to this world then end of the age.

When you see therefore what Daniel spoke on,
Abomination of such desolation
Stand in the Holy place it should not be
He who reads, him let have understanding.

Those in Judaea the mountains should go
Men should not hesitate even for clothes.
Woe to those with child and to those who nurse
Pray not the Sabbath or winter’s traverse.

Then tribulation that never has been
Trouble the world but shall never again.
If there be not less days no flesh be saved,
For the elect’s sake shall be fewer days.

Then if a man shall say falsely to you,
See here is Christ don’t believe it is true.
For there be false Christs and prophets proceed,
To show signs the chosen will not believe.

Behold I told you this all in advance.
I’ll not be in veiled place or wilderness.
As lightning strikes from the east and west shines
The Son of Man shall come and end of time.

By Larry Alan Merck
Indiana, USA

THERE CAME ONE RUNNING

There came one running and kneeled to ask Him.
“Good Sir, what shall I do life to go in?”
Jesus replied, “Why do thou call Me good
Speak thou from knowledge as unto God should?

“Know the commandments to show unto men?”
“Sir, I have kept them from boy until man.”
Jesus beholding with love said to him,
“Lack thou one thing unto life enter in.

Sell thy possessions and give to the poor,
Treasure in heaven have ever the more.
And the cross take up and follow thou Me.”
Sad at the saying he went away grieved.

Midst of disciples then Jesus did state
“Rich men shall hardly go into God’s Gate.”
Astonished hearers with such a hard way,
Jesus again spoke unto them did say.

“Children, how hard for them who trust in things
To enter narrow the realm of the King.
Eye of a needle a camel pass into
More ease than the rich to God’s Gate pass through.”

Greatly astonished and so much amazed,
Midst of them saying, “Then who can be saved?”
Jesus then looked on them so did He speak,
“All things God can do but man is too weak.”

Then began Peter to say unto Him,
“We left all to follow Thee unto what end?”
Jesus said, “Truly I say unto thee.
Much ye receive if ye leave all for Me.

Now, persecuted receive hundredfold
Family, houses and lands ye will hold.
And the next world ye inheritance bring
Will ye have life and the realm of the King!”

By Larry Alan Merck
Indiana, USA

WITHIN THE JORDAN'S CRYSTAL FLOOD

Within the Jordan's crystal flood
Beloved stands the Son of God
With all things righteous to complete,
Spirit descent His Father pleased.

The Son of God and Son of Man,
The everlasting great I AM,
Who deigned to suffer and to die
To give mankind eternal life.

The Mighty God on heav’nly throne,
Splendor forsook for earth abode.
Anointed King as David was
By prophet’s hand and God above.

Anointed Him but makes us clean
Through which we serve as priests our King
In washing pure a saintly host
With Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Within Ablution’s crystal flood,
The Church washed as in crimson blood,
Blood which flowed from Christ’s pierced side,
Blood to create Himself a Bride.

His blood, it soaked into the ground,
Like Abel’s blood cannot be found,
But still its cry can it be heard
Through Baptism’s water and the Word.

All glory, Jesus, be to Thee
For Thy Baptismal gift to me;
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost forevermore. Amen

Larry Alan Merck
Indiana, USA

HOW WASTED HAD BEEN MANY YEARS

How wasted had been many years
His Word not wanted read.
His Word not pleasant to my ears
My spirit it was dead.

Insensible to holy fear,
Always in fear and dread.
With prideful heart and worldly tears,
Thought living but it dead.

When the commandment came to me
The sin became alive.
It used the charge to me deceive
And with its use I died.

My self-righteous security
Was stripped till I was bare.
Great was my insecurity
From sin, death and despair.

Thus sensible to holy fear
God’s wrath my fear and dread.
With humbled heart and godly tears
I hated to be dead!

God’s Word a sword of double-side
With Law and Gospel blade.
Life, Law ordained although I died
The Gospel me it raised.

The law it stirred up sin, hence fear,
From all grace me discharged
With efficacious words to hear
That changed my heart so hard.

Now from God’s holy law discharged
Will I uphold it still.
Without the rule of holy awe
Had I not known the ill.

Oh for a thousand ears to hear
Thy Word now wanted read.
Thy Word so pleasant to my ears
My spirit now not dead!

Larry Alan Merck
Indiana, USA

O WOMAN'S SEED

O woman’s Seed once hanging,
Most precious fruit on tree.
To serpent food most damning,
Though medicine to thee.

In death so fully ripen
They picked Him from the tree,
And so who do this of Him
In memory do ye.

O woman’s Seed was planted,
Three days lay in the ground.
And though no one expected
A harvest to be found.

But as in the beginning
The tree of life did spring.
Its Seed in us is living
Who eat of Christ the King.

Larry Alan Merck
Indiana, USA

THE PATH

All I could think of
Was 'Why am I here?'
The heat was unbearable
I broke down in tears

The voice of the slave driver
Was yelling in me face
When I heard people screaming
My heart fell off pace

The chains I was wrapped in
Drove deep in my skin
As the devil looked at me
His mouth turned to a grin

I never thought of the consequences
Of how I turned out to be
I turned away from God
And Satan got a hold of me

I turned and saw demons
Beating on a man
The whip they used dug into his skin
Then he reached for my hand

I tried to run away
From his agonizing pain
Then, at once, it hit me
Hell is a never ending flame

I heard demons laughing
Then I heard an ear-piercing scream
And with that deafening sound
I woke from my demonic dream

That night I vowed
To change my ways
I'll follow God
For the rest of my days

Lives have been changed
And just so you know
The path you choose
Is where you go...

Megan Walker, Tn

JESUS - The Answer

Wake up I pray,
Do something today.

You'd better take heed,
Jesus is what you need.

His way is in,
Give up your sin.

His presence is always there,
Open your eyes and be aware.

Rella Reid, North Carolina

DON'T FORGET

Proud and just, easy to trust,
It twas yesterday said of us,
But sorry to say,
Because of our American ways,
I will soon be the opposite way.
Once a nation blessed by Him,
Once nation under God.
Must we forget of His mercy to us,
When we thoughtlessly say to another,
Take off One Nation Under God,
For we only need each other.
Perhaps we say,
I'm growing each day,
In riches of this world.
How can you truly, possible say,
America's failing,
When we are gaining more riches each day?
But do you not know,
Oh my great friend,
Of the sorrows in the end?
Riches you have now,
Will one day be great loss,
In the everlasting end.
Do not say truly to me,
There is no God,
I can easily see.
No my friend,
For you are wrong,
There is a God,
Just and strong.
From his eyes nothing escapes,
Nor is anything left without a rate.
So remember this day,
By whom America was formed,
The Great I Am.
Stand up today for America,
And do what is possible to help,
This and every day.
And let me say one more thing,
There is only one God,
My friend,
And His name is Jesus Christ.

MaryEster Todd, 11 years old

How did everything go from Jesus Jesus,
To being all about please us please us,
When we need to be chanting fix us,
Forgive us, repenting for betraying God’s trust.
We love him, cause he first loved us,
Don’t forget! His love is LOVE FROM ABOVE.
Not this like times 10,
While we continue to sin,
Here let me clear your lens,
We laid his son in the dust.
FORGIVE US, FORGIVE US.
Enough is enough,
No matter how tough,
It’s time to man up.

God gave and he gives,
And we whine and we quip,
It’s time to harvest the fields,
Build what God meant for us to build.
You know why we were created,
God wanted something that’d choose to love him and appreciate it,
Who he could watch from above, and smile and love,
But how much disrespect can the greatest father take,
When he breathed in us life, yet we only care for our own sakes,
To make matters worse, we’ve twisted God’s word,
Choosing no leisure time to read, denominations fill us with false feed,
People led not to see, how to truly be saved by he,
That it’s the most important part of our lives,
To ask to be his, not deny,
And Jesus is the son, that’s a fact,
God’s the one, without asking to be his, your soul will lack,
What’s needed to pass thru those pearly gates,
Read God’s word before it’s too late.

Go on continue to have all your fun,
Forget all that God’s done,
We can leave earth for satan to run,
Let him feed on the old and the young,
You may be fine, what’s it really matter to you,
When there’s so much to do, souls hanging by a twine,
They’ll probably all be fine,
What could you do anyway,
The life God gave you is so hard day to day,
WAKE UP, join me and say…….
I’ll touch every soul in my path,
God you now can relax,
I’m back my father, so sorry I strayed farther,
Then I should have ever have gone, where no souls I’ve shown,
How awesome and great you are, ready to finally shine like a star,
Gravitating all around me to you, this time I will do and will do,
Till my time is decided, and then I’ll see the almighty,
And he’ll finally have a reason to smile,
The end was worth all the while.
God I’m so proud to be your child.

Joshua Troy Vernon (24 years old from Dobson, NC)

IT'S KIND OF HARD

Lord when you got a business to run
There is work to be done

No money in the bank
The enemy wants me to sank
Still I must say thanks

Day after day the same old thing
I wonder what tomorrow will bring

I've been waiting a long time
"I believe You will bless me," is in my mind
The God I serve is one of a kind

I made mistakes along the way
I didn't use wisdom everyday
"Listen to what Father has to say"

"Even though you were unwise & didn't obey"
"I've made provisions for you this day"

(c) By Veronica Bea

THE TRINITY (Sonnet)

E = mc2
E = Energy (God) m = mass (Jesus Christ) c = speed of light (Holy Ghost)

The ball of light that sweeps the sky may be
transformed to Energy, for they are one.
We cannot look upon it, maybe He
said do not look directly at the Sun.

And so, He came as Mass, and briefly stayed
among us, advocating truth and love,
then He was resurrected; on that day,
transfigured to the Father, up above.

We know that Einstein’s formula was right;
yet, comprehend his depth of theory,
as we expire into spheres of light,
and mass reverts back to pure energy.

Each moon now formed contains the soul of one,
redeemed in revolutions ‘round the Son.

Jesus and God are one and the same.
Exodus 3:14 and John 8:58
Revelations 21:6 and Revelations 22:13

By Tamara Beryl Latham, c 2007

The following two poems were submitted by James Andrew Feather:

I GUESS YOU CAN USE ME!

I enjoyed church this Sunday, the sermon was really good.
I sang in the choir, someone said that I should.
I raised my hands high, to show you my love.
I sang with a loud voice, so you could hear me from up above.

I'll take you to work Lord; they don't know you there.
But I'll worship you privately, alone here, sitting in my chair.
I heard your name once Lord; there it is again and again!
I don't like their cussing; they are committing a sin!

Why do they do that? Just yell out your name?
They don't even know you, I believe that they are insane!
I'll try to ignore them, maybe they will go away.
I wish they knew you Lord; Hey! Maybe I'll pray!

I don't need any trouble, you know that my plate is full.
I would go and talk to them, but they would say it's bull!
So send someone please, they are not so bad.
No one has told them the truth, and that's really sad!

I want them to know you; how you died and set us free!
If you can't find someone Lord; I guess you can use me!

James Andrew Feather

EVERYTHING IS TRUE

Here is a poem; one that I want you to read;
There is something that I want; it is for you to succeed!
There's an emotion of yours that I want to feed;
It's your love, and it's important to me in deed!

So why do I want your love you might say?
Because without me; your life will be gray!
But if you accept me, in your heart I will stay;
And your future will be, a never ending day!

So call on me now, I will be waiting to hear;
Your humble voice, then I will bring you near!
There is one more thing; let's make this clear;
I have always loved you; to me you are so dear!

Now you might not feel the way that I do;
To come into my presence, may be something new!
But when you're with me, everything is true;
My name is Jesus Christ; and I died for you!

James Andrew Feather

MY HOPE IS IN YOU

There are a lot of things, that should not be;
Sins without remorse; temptation for a fee!
To lie, cheat, and steal, is acceptable you see;
Some do what ever it takes, to receive their glee!

Poverty is expanding; the rich do not care;
Crime is worse, security just is not there!
Disease is spreading; I know we must beware;
The way the world is going, truly is a scare!

Not everyone lives this way; and I have found;
That your hope and love, is still here all around!
You have so many children, whose love is sound;
Who want to help, for this deed they are bound!

Now there's another life, that's going to be new;
Sin is not a part of it, bad things you cannot do!
Happiness is how you will feel, and never blue;
I know that I am going Jesus; because my hope is in you!

James Andrew Feather

WHO'S IN THE MIRROR?

I look in the mirror, and who do I see?
I am looking for you Lord, but it's only me!
They say you live in me, now how can that be?
I still look the same, except for more glee!

I don't live my life like you say I should do;
But I want your love, and I do want you too!
So please show your hand and give me a clue;
Born again Lord? Does this mean that I'm new?

I told the Preacher at church, that I truly believe;
What happens next Lord? This knowledge I plea!
They all shook my hands, and now I don't know;
Which road I should take? Which way do I go?

Send someone to teach me, your word I must learn;
So when I leave this world, I won't have to burn!
I see you're in Mother and Sister, but I still have concern!
Your Salvation is free, but your blessings I must earn.

I'm reading your Bible, and starting to pray;
So when I come to meet you, I'll know what to say!
My friends say I'm crazy, I don't really care;
Because next time I look in the mirror, I'll see you there!

James Andrew Feather

Here are three wonderful and inspirational poems written by Louise Buhay of Florida.

I WILL TRUST

I will trust in You, O Lord
When trials come, I'll trust Your Word.
I will not doubt nor question You,
Because I know Your Word is true.
No matter how difficult things may be,
I will press on and trust in Thee.
I will rejoice and give You praise
My voice to You, I will raise.

I will trust in You, O King,
With my whole heart, my everything.
The times when I begin to doubt,
I'll lift my eyes to You and shout...
"It's You my God, who carries me through,
No matter what I'll trust in You!
No matter what my eyes may see,
I'll walk by faith and trust in Thee!"

I will trust in You, O God.
In Your footsteps I will trod.
Doesn't matter where they lead,
I will follow faithfully.
Through the valleys, over the hills,
In darkened times, I'll trust You still.
Through all the trials, whatever they may be,
In everything... I will trust in Thee!

Louise Buhay, Florida

THIS LIFE THAT I LIVE

This Life that I live, belongs to You,
I surrendered it years ago.
All that I am and say and do,
I give You complete control.

This life that I live, may it glorify,
Your holy and precious Name.
This flesh that I am, will I crucify,
For it only brings me shame.

This life that I live, submitted to You,
I lay down before Your throne.
Allowing in me, You to live through,
My life is not my own.

This life that I live, desiring to please,
Striving to do what is right.
Spending each day down on my knees,
Seeking Your will every night.

This life that I live, living by faith,
Yearning to be holy and pure.
Trusting in Your mercy and grace,
Sufferings able to endure.

This life that I live, longing to be,
A reflection of Your love.
Displaying Jesus to all I see,
Glorifying Your name above.

This life that I live, down here below,
I live to serve and obey.
On me, daily, Your grace You bestow
To help keep me above the fray.

This life that I live, until I die,
Will I spend in devotion to You.
Until I meet You in the sky,
Raised gloriously and changed anew!

Louise Buhay, Florida

A SISTER'S LOVE

I am so grateful to the Lord
For allowing us to meet
You’ve been an encouragement in my life
A blessing and joy to me.

I pray that you continue to grow in the Lord
And are filled with more faith every day
And that you draw nearer and nearer to God
And you please Him in every way

I pray that the Lord’s face shines upon you
As He showers you with mercy and grace
That He strengthens you daily and lifts you up
And His promises you embrace.

I pray that the Lord fills up your heart
With His love for all mankind
And that your life will be an example
That brings many souls to the Vine

I pray that your love may abound more and more
In wisdom and understanding
That you are filled with the fruits of His Spirit
And do all that Lord is commanding

May all that you do, be done in the Spirit
And done of a humble mind
May you exhibit the love of Christ
Being tenderhearted and kind.

My prayer is to see you strong in the faith
Suffering for the sake of the Lord
Knowing those sufferings glorify God
And please Him so the much more

Praying you put on the whole armor of God
That you may withstand in the evil day
The gospel of peace your feet having shod
Walking righteously in the way

Peace be to you, dear sister Karen
And love with faith from our Lord
Grace be with you all of your days
As you take up the mighty Sword

Praying for you, my sister in Jesus
That you endure until the end
And the words that the Lord will speak to you
Are “well done my faithful friend”

Please know my prayers are with you Karen
I’m grateful for all you do
You are my friend, my sister in Christ
And I really do truly love you!

Louise Buhay, Florida

A LOVE OF GOD

Heart beats young
heart beats old,
a love of Christ
Your heart beats bold.

Be ye rich, be ye poor
a love of Christ
You'll have so much more.

The rain falls on just
and unjust, but remember
Christ rain settles the dust.

Don't float listlessly
on a sea of confusion.
For a life without Christ
is a life of delusion.

Don't be the sand upon
the shore, open your heart
Christ will open the door.

Shirley Smothers
Texas

MY FAVORITE POET

My favorite poet is God above
Who gives Earth its rhythm and rhyme.
Not pied pipers of misguided souls
Who promote distrust, hatred and crime.

Poetry is nature serenading in song
The peaceful roar of the oceans waves.
The wind through the trees and over the hills
And the flowers in the fields by the graves.

The sound of rain as it waters the thirsty
The songs of children at play in the park.
The far off rumble of trains or thunder
As they pass through the night in the dark.

The joy of our babies first words and steps
The passion of life with its heroes and clowns.
The on going struggle to survive our sins
As we proliferate in hamlets and towns.

My favorite poet is our father of love
Who was first to know us before birth.
His poetry prolongs every thing we love
As his deliverance gives life its worth.

By Tom Zart

My name is Jean Wakefield I would like to submit the poem that the the Lord gave to me on becoming Born-Again.

MY JESUS

You came to us a tiny child,
Born so humble, meek and mild.
And as you grew, a man to be,
The will of God you began to see.

The Father sent you down to earth,
His words to speak across the land.
To all who came and heard your voice,
The message was clear, rejoice; rejoice!

You gave your all to the Father’s work,
To save us sinners you did not fault.
You healed the sick; the lame did walk,
And through the Word, the reasons taught.

Your life was short, but the Father knew
Just how much he would have you do.
You took our sins unto yourself,
So why was it we wouldn’t help?

We watched as you were led away.
Flogged and beaten were you that day.
Marched through the streets to that hill on high,
And nailed upon a cross to die.

Through hands and feet those nails were driven,
Your dying words, “Father forgive them.”

We thank you Father for your Son.
We thank you Jesus for what you’ve done.
The Holy Spirit you left with us,
To comfort, guide and live within us.
Amen

Jean Wakefield
U.K.

Here are two more thought-pondering poems written and submitted by Tom Zart:

JONAH

God’s words to Jonah were to preach at Nineveh
A great city from which armies against Israel often came.
Instead he went to Joppa a city by the sea
Where he paid his passage and sailed without shame.

The ship had not gone far before a tremendous storm arose
And the crew became frightened and began to pray.
They threw the cargo overboard to help stay afloat
As they pondered who among them should be cast away?

They chose to draw lots to expose God’s offender.
And the lot fell upon Jonah who ran from his call
The sailors tried their best to bring the ship to shore,
When they failed they pitched Jonah to suffer God’s law.

Jonah’s body hardly touched the waters of the deep
When up came a huge fish, and swallowed him whole.
From within it’s belly he had time to think of his sins
Make peace with God, and purify his soul.

After three days, the fish swam close to shore
Casting up Jonah on dry land unharmed.
Again Jonah heard God’s voice from his heart
Saying save Nineveh from Lucifer’s charm.

Soon after he preached, that Nineveh along with its people
God would destroy unless they turned from their wicked ways.
To his surprise, they listened and repented their sins
And were told by their king to pray for God’s praise.

By Tom Zart

WHISPERS

The one thing I’ve learned about happiness
It will never last pretending you’re not you.
Somehow, someway the truth will arise
And all that you hide will show through.

Sooner or later, one way or another
Something in your life seems wrong.
You go to bed unhappy and awake the same
Repeating life’s mistakes too long.

One day, to yourself, you begin to question
“Is this who I am and wish to be”?
How will I choose to live the rest of my life
Till the angel of death comes for me?

Most people wish to be at peace with God,
Oneself, and those we love.
Frequently taking a look at our past
Praying for guidance from above.

Thank heaven for the whispers from the heart
Which remind us that evil has it’s voice too.
It’s always a battle amid right and wrong
As we ponder and perform what we do.

By Tom Zart

And teach our kids to pray!

Poem #2

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen !

Poem #3

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

There’s work to do, deadlines to meet;
You’ve got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
A.S.A.P.- Always Say A Prayer.

In the midst of family chaos,
“Quality time” is rare.
Do you best; let God do the rest-
A.S.A.P.- Always Say a Prayer.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather
A.S.A.P.- Always Say a Prayer.

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He’ll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P.- Always Say a Prayer.

(Author Unknown)

MAKE TIME

A glass of wine, a candle flame
the word of our Lord to help us regain
our love for Him that has gone astray
we cannot deny Him another day

He sits and waits, so patiently
for you and I to talk with Him
daily He says commune with me
and I will set you free

He frees us from all trouble and strife
helps us renew our daily life
so let us give Him time tonight
and show Him that we care

Nicola Jean
Australia

TWO REDBIRDS

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7.

Said the Daddy Redbird to his mate,
"One thing I’ve noticed, God is never late.
He is good to provide us food each day,
For which we do not have to toil or pay.

"We have food God gives us from the wild
With a kind heart so tender and mild.
But God gives us food from another’s hand:
A feeder here, and one there, just as he planned."

Said the Mamma Redbird to here beautiful mate,
"I agree that God is never, ever late.
For I saw the man with 8 pounds of seed today,
For which he worked hard in toil to pay.

"Yes, God takes good care of us each day;
Whether skies be bright or grey.
God cares for us with an unfailing love,
From His Sovereign Throne above."

One said to the other excitedly,
"I’m as happy as can be.
Here they come with a bag of seed,
God supplying our daily need."

Gene Griffin
09/01/2006

AUTUMN

We spend our years as a tale that is told. Psalm 90:9.

I like to think of Autumn with coolness in the air,
The leaves begin to turn so beautiful and fair.
The hillsides are a picture any artist would love to paint.
Autumn gives a wonder to stir the heart of the faint.

Autumn, with its bright and gleaming sun,
Reminds us that our work on earth will soon be done.
The Autumn days of our life are approaching fast.
As a tale that is told, our days on earth will soon be past.

May my Autumn years and days
Be filled with good and Christ-honoring ways.
May my closing days on earth forever be
A testimony of Christ living in me.

GENE GRIFFIN

Poems by Gene Griffin

Gene has written many wonderful and inspiring Christian poems, each based on a Bible verse. He has shared a number of them with us and we have placed them together on their own web page. Just click on the above link to visit Gene's web page of truly inspirational poems.

FREE

I'm free
Free to LIVE
I'm free
Free to GIVE
I'm free
Free to LOVE
I'm free
Free to soar ABOVE,
the clouds
I'm free
Free to BELIEVE,
I can achieve
I'm free
Free to HOLD,
my head up high
I'm free
Free to KNEEL,
and pray along my way
I'm free
Free because…
Whom the SON sets FREE is FREE indeed.

Chartese Mitchell
Capitol Heights, MD

MY ONLY LOVER

At the end of a hopeless tunnel
I asked for nothing
… but death

With pains, engulfing
…my entire being
I wished for an easy escape

Despair visible everywhere
…in my land, my country, my continent
No one to give a helping hand

Then He came...
Just when I thought it all over
And gives my life a meaning

He is the only one
Who sees through my pains
Because he lives through it with me

He bears my burdens
… even when I live in ‘sins’
oh, what manner of lover is this?

He is the only one…
Who shows me true love
When everyone deserted me

He is my only lover
…My redeemer
And His name? ….J-E-S-U-S

Olurotimi Adeola © 2006
Nigeria

CATERPILLAR COWS

This story was born in Mexico,
In the pinewoods, I am told.
The great birth of many tiny little cows,
Soon abandoned, hungry and cold.

Left by their Mother that gloomy day,
Very shortly after their birth.
Surely to become a certain pray
Their rare beauty lost to the earth.

These little cows are so unique,
Because of the company they keep.
Carpenter ants have taken them in,
And shepherd them, like little sheep

Each evening, just about sunset,
Taken up to eat in the trees.
Each leaf and shrub was thoroughly checked,
For any lurking enemy.

Now, this story may sound strange to you,
But, God himself had a loving plan.
Even though they'd be mere butterfly's,
He'd preserve their rare beauty for man.

Now you ask yourself this question,
Why would ants defend caterpillar cows?
Let me tell you about our wonderful Creator,
Then you'll understand the why's and the how.

God created the cows with a special glad,
Produces "honey-dew milk" the Scientist says.
Even the name, makes it sound so grand!
Keeps the ants' milking for eighty-three days.

Just at that very moment in time,
New wings, rimmed of orange array.
God's plan has now come to pass,
This rare beauty is here to stay.

Janice Sue Hoskins Smith
Florida
05-25-2002

LISTEN CLOSELY

Listen closely, can you hear them?
Stains of music, faint but clear?
Perfect pitch majestic tempo,
Choral voices drawing near.

Songs of glory and of honor,
To the One who’s gone before.
He who tore sin’s chains asunder,
Flinging wide salvation’s door.

Listen closely, can you hear them?
Whisper of a million wings,
Angels hovering, keeping cadence,
To the harp’s melodious strings.

“Worthy, worthy, You are worthy,”
Sings the choir to the Lamb,
“Perfect Son we kneel before you,
For you are the great I AM!”

“When you speak, creation’s bounty,
Fills the endless void of space.
All must kneel in praise before you,
None can stand before your face!”

Listen closely, can you hear them?
Trumpets calling forth the day,
When creation’s work is finished.
Sin’s sad sorrow cast away.

Jerry Hoffman
Williamsport, PA

SPIRIT GUIDE ME

Following
Floundering
Finding the path
At times it seems so easy
At times I fall back

I want to stay steady
I feel blind as I feel
My way through this life
And the world’s hungry zeal

I know your way is good
I know your way’s right
But I’m also drawn
to my ego’s delight.

Help me I pray
When my flesh is so weak
To draw near to you Lord
When the pressure’s at peak

I’ve found in following
My way never compares
With the joy and pleasures
Your plans have prepared.

Your Spirit will guide me
But to You I must wheel
Remind me oh Spirit
That Your help is so real.

This day is a challenge
Just like yesterday
But I need to remember
Your there for my sake.

Help me my Father
To stay in Your light
To follow your path
Till the passing of night.

Dania Hann-Lachapelle
18 July 2006
Quebec, Canada

This is a poem I wrote for my dad and his twelve bothers and sisters. They are all still alive as of the writing of this poem with the oldest in his eighties and the youngest in his late fifties.

THE TWELVE OF YOU

The twelve of you are still around,
Helping each other out when one is down.
Surrounded by that precious love,
From the Lord way up above.

Your mother and father looking down on you,
Knowing the love between you is true.
Just remember when you loose that first one,
That their lives have just begun.

They'll be up in heaven with the Lord at their side,
So don't be sad when they take that ride,
Just keep your faith in the Lord and pray,
And He will help you each and everyday.

Lisa Yoder

ROSES HAVE NO THORNS

Sometimes I wish I could still run home to Mama
As I often did back in my childhood days:
She would dry my tears and tend my hurts
and scratches;
Then she hold me close, and with a smile she'd say:

CHORUS
"Roses have no thorns up in Heaven:
There's no poison ivy nor stingers on the bee:
The things that hurt you now can never go there....
If you live for Jesus, then someday you'll see."

Throughout this life we're beset by many troubles:
The cup of sorrow oft is passed our way;
But we have that blessed hope of a life much better:
Seems once again I can hear my Mama say:

Now Mama's gone to that Place of which she told me;
But I've found a Friend who loves me (even more) than she:
Now I take my hurts and tears and I run to Jesus;
But I'll never forget what Mama said to me.

By Roy L. Spinks
Asbury, WV

Here are two thought provoking poems written by Gene Griffin:

MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND

My times are in Thy hand. Psalm 31:15

My times are in Thy hand,
Such grace to sustain my way,
Trusting all to what Thou in wisdom planned.
Our Lord knows our need day by day.

My times are in Thy hand,
Such guidance to direct my way,
Depending not on what I understand,
But on Him Who keeps me lest I stray.

My times are in Thy hand,
Such goodness to bless my way,
Providing from Thy storehouse at Thy command
Thy sweetness in glorious display.

My times are in Thy hand,
Such glory to delight my way,
Displaying the riches of that Heavenly Land,
That shall be mine when I am there to stay.

GENE GRIFFIN

MY JESUS LOVES ME

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.
That ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19.

My Jesus loves me, Oh, Blessed thought!
By His precious blood my soul is bought!
He who loved me so much to die in my place,
Loves me now through His abundant grace.

He who loves me, loves me still-
Though I’m weak, frail and ill.
He loves me when days are hard and long,
And He loves me when I’m discouraged and lost my song.

My Jesus loves me when I’ve a glad song,
And He loves me when I’ve done very wrong.
He loves me when the storms of life try,
Holding me, caressing me when I’m afraid and begin to cry.

My Lord loves me with a love eternal,
Never leaving nor forsaking me with mercy supernal.
Nothing shall separate us from such love, whatever may be.
Oh, such a Fountain of love my Savior is He!

GENE GRIFFIN

Poems by Gene Griffin

Gene has written many wonderful and inspiring Christian poems, each based on a Bible verse. He has shared a number of them with us and we have placed them together on their own web page. Just click on the above link to visit Gene's web page of truly inspirational poems.

THE GIRL I WAS

Sometimes I think about the girl I was
The girl who searched and longed to find true love
My search began when I was just a child
As I looked in the eyes to find a smile
And as I grew I chased it like a quest
The need so great to fill the emptiness
And I met some while traveling that road
Who made me feel that I was not alone
And I would hold them tightly in my grasp
So afraid the moment wouldn’t last
Petrified that I would loose control
Believing if I kept them I’d be whole
But no one could fulfill that need for love
And though they tried it never was enough
Enough to fill the canyon deep within
Enough to make me feel like I fit in
Enough to put my soul back in one piece
Enough for the insanity to cease
And than one day I met the perfect man
The one I’d searched for since my life began
He looked in to my eyes and with His smile
Told me He’d been with me every mile
All my days were written by His hand
And not one moment came to be by chance
Each day, each second leading to the place
Where I would finally find Amazing Grace
The One I’d searched for and been dreaming of
Since the day He made the girl I was

Kathi Miles

ONE HEARTBEAT TO ETERNITY

There is just one heartbeat.....
Between me...and Eternity,
I think of Jesus,
And then...of Calvary.

That steep, rugged hill,
And that old rugged Cross,
Jesus carried all my sins,
To save my Soul...from loss.

Jesus died for me,
But He Arose...again,
My sins are blotted out....
With an Eternal pen.

Someday...my heartbeat....
And my breath will be gone,
Then into Everlasting Eternity,
With Jesus....Victory is won!

Leona I. Miller, California
(I hope this Poem is a Blessing.
Only a heartbeat between us and Eternity is so brief.)

TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY

I was so busy....today,
I had no time...to kneel and Pray,
No time...to hear of someone's need,
No time...to do a good deed.

No time...to read the Bible,
No time...to be idle,
No time...to sing a Hymn,
No time...until the day became dim.

Now....what was I to do?
Things troubled me...all the day through,
I was unable to get my work done,
The day....now...was not fun.

I let my work stop....for today,
I took time....to kneel and Pray,
I took time...to smile,
Things went better...in awhile.

I took time...to think of Jesus,
And of all He has done for us,
I thought of the Cross...and Calvary,
I am so Thankful...He has time for me!

Leona I. Miller, California
(Click on Leona's name to see all of her inspiring poems)

WINTER’S END

Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou has made summer and winter.

Psalm 74:17

The seasons of life come and go.

Each one is full of lessons to show

That we have a God of seasons,

And leave to Him to know the reasons.

Spring with so much to learn,

So much to grow and much to discern,

Of life’s lessons and what God has in mind,

To see His hand of love and heart so kind.

Summer with so much to do -

God’s school teaching us by the storms we go through.

Fall with its maturing touch,

God tempering the hardness so it is not too much.

Winter with its head of grey -

Steps getting slower day by day.

God walking slowly beside His child,

So the way may seem easy and mild.

Soon the season will come to winter’s end,

When the God of seasons shall send

His mighty angels to take us to His loving arms

Where we shall rest free from all life’s harms.

Gene Griffin
SC, USA
12/25/05

THE GIRL I WAS

Sometimes I think about the girl I was
The girl who searched and longed to find true love
My search began when I was just a child
As I looked in the eyes to find a smile

And as I grew I chased it like a quest
The need so great to fill the emptiness
And I met some while traveling that road
Who made me feel that I was not alone

And I would hold them tightly in my grasp
So afraid the moment wouldn’t last
Petrified that I would loose control
Believing if I kept them I’d be whole

But no one could fulfill that need for love
And though they tried it never was enough
Enough to fill the canyon deep within
Enough to make me feel like I fit in

Enough to put my soul back in one piece
Enough for the insanity to cease
And than one day I met the perfect man
The one I’d searched for since my life began

He looked in to my eyes and with His smile
Told me He’d been with me every mile
All my days were written by His hand
And not one moment came to be by chance

Each day, each second leading to the place
Where I would finally find Amazing Grace
The One I’d searched for and been dreaming of
Since the day He made the girl I was

Kathi Miles

The following three thought-provoking poems were submitted by Tamara Wilhite from Texas.

REMEMBRANCE

Given the chance,
Will we seek
Remembrance?

Will we listen to the past
When the present is grim
For lessons that will last?

When life is short and full of sweat,
Will we get caught up in the moment
And then seek to forget?

When there is a dying ember
With the flames now gone
And only then remember ...

The message.

By Tamara Wilhite

SEEK AND SOUGHT

Seek and ye shall find
Reach out with your mind
Feel with your heart
Let yourself part
With the fears and grief
Allow the belief
He’s paid the toll
To free your soul
Seek what you’ve sought
With a life, it’s already bought
It’s heaven sent
As it is meant

By Tamara Wilhite

PSALM 2003

Know that heaven protects you
And spares you from want
Watches over all that you do
And nightmares will never haunt
Listen and you shall find the right path
To clear streams for your bath
Though I walk through the valley
In the shadow of death
I know that you are with me
With each and every breath
Surrounded by much that is bad
You remind not to be sad
For what is horrible and wrong
Will be forgotten by your song
On the day that we no longer roam
When you sing for us to come home

The following five poems were written and submitted by Brian Slate. Brian said that he wrote these poems through the words of God and sincerely hopes you will enjoy reading them.

PATIENCE

For so long I have tried to see you,
Through my eyes and not my heart.
For so long I have tried to understand your word,
Seems I never knew where to start.

For so long I have tried to feel your presence,
Never knowing you was always there.
For so long I have went through life’s troubles,
Without a love, without a care.

For so long I have tried to do things on my own,
Always thinking I could make it work.
For so long I have struggled without you,
You feel my pain, you feel my hurt.

For so long I have tried to see you,
My heart has been opened wide.
For so long I have tried to understand your word,
Now you’re reading it to me, right by my side.

For so long I have tried to feel your presence,
Your spirit now lives within me.
For so long I have went through life’s troubles,
Now my problem’s through your eyes I see.

For so long I have tried to do things on my own,
Knowing now it could never work.
For so long I have struggled without you,
You have taken away my pain, taken away my hurt.

Brian Slate

IN SILENCE

Dear God,

I sit at work in silence hearing your word.
You speak to me softly, from a voice I have never heard.
You tell me to relax, for I am with you.
I sit nervous, waiting for your next move.

You never rush when answering my questions,
My heart is open wide for suggestions.
Through faith I feel your touch upon my soul,
For so many years my heart has been cold.

I can see your work on this earth everyday,
Through fires, floods, and earthquakes you show the way.
Prophecies fulfilling in the news today,
Makes me joyful to know heaven isn’t far away.

I sit at work in silence hearing your word.
The voice speaks loudly as though I have never heard.
You yell to me let yourself be free.
I am no longer nervous your voice is cleansing me.

How I have longed to shout your name.
Set me free from all my sin and shame.
You are working through me as I speak.
People are listening, their souls broken and weak.

This desk has become a ministry for all to hear,
Your voice is loud and thunderous, but also very clear.
Thank you Lord for your never-ending grace,
This time I promise your love will not go to waste.

Brian Slate

SAVED BY GRACE

Today I write with tears of pain,
Remembering what you went through to save my name.
Nailed to the cross I can see your face,
Through your pain I am saved by grace.

Blood falls from your calloused hands,
Piercing the ground from which I stand.
A tear sheds from those beautiful eyes,
Ground is shaking; you’re opening the skies.

People are running scared around me,
I believe in your love, you will not let me leave.
I am crying, screaming out your name,
My heart is aching, and unfamiliar pain.

Hands shaking as I go to touch your feet,
I kiss them gently; your love is so sweet.
As I walk away from the cross that day,
I feel as though I still have something to say.

Jesus, why did you do this to save me from all my sin?
He says, “Victory is ours the battle will now begin.”
I am scared to death, Jesus; I don’t know what to say,
He says, “Don’t say anything son, for you are saved by grace.”

By Brian Slate

THE STRUGGLE WITHIN

Lord place your hand upon my heart,
For this day has not gotten off to a good start.
Anger I am feeling has been raging from within,
Cleanse my soul, free me from this sin.

I am struggling on what I should do,
I am putting all my faith and trust in you.
This situation has become out of my control,
I am asking for you hand to hold.

Satan is gripping me in this financial bind,
God come into my heart and give me a peaceful mind.
I shouldn’t be angry, I should just let this go,
Your taking over control, you’re letting me know.

I feel your touch warm and sweet like honey,
You know you cannot serve both God and money.
Thank you Lord for putting this into words,
I know these problems sometimes seem obserd.

I now leave with a peace upon my heart,
This day has become brighter, a brand new start.
Through Matthew you have spoken a word so bold,
I have listened, your hand I now hold.

Brian Slate

MORE THAN JUST A NAME

Walking on the sand on a deserted beach,
Feeling that hope is almost out of reach.
I feel a breeze from the cold ocean air,
And a strange feeling that someone else is there.

The next few steps someone is holding my hand,
I keep looking for something, but all I see is sand.
I am talking to someone who really isn’t there,
He’s never been there before so why does he care.

I am now crying out to leave me alone,
He keeps holding my hand, guiding me along.
Why do you love me, my life is full of shame,
I have nothing left to give, I am just a name.

I hear a voice that is not of my own,
It scares me a little, but I am almost home.
I feel a cold rush all through my body,
Piercing my skin, it is God Almighty.

I have been watching over you your whole life,
You have ignored me, cutting me like a knife.
You’re more than just a name you are my son,
I have brought you into the world, now my work is done.

I promise to never leave your side,
These arms will always be open wide.
I love you son, more than you will ever know,
My hope is now your walk with me will only continue to grow.

I am almost home in disbelief of what I’ve heard,
Could it really be that God was giving me his word.
I am more than just a name, God has given me a voice to sing,
I will forever shout about his glory, for he is the wind beneath my wing.

Brian Slate

RE-CREATION PRAYER

Dearest GOD my FATHER in Heaven,
I have a very special request of YOU,
In JESUS’ name totally recreate my body,
As doctors and medications will never be able to.

Put the spirit of JESUS in my mind,
Not filled with bitterness but with love,
Make my heart and body strong yet kind,
Fill my veins with DIVINE BLOOD.

Have my nose to smell disaster and such,
Let my eyes see straight and clear,
I want to feel it with my touch,
To taste the victory this and every year.

I’ll hear the footsteps of the devil,
Whenever he and his kind are around,
Always by my side is truth in a shovel,
To bury their spirits deep into the ground.

Cause my arms and legs to move faster,
Than they ever have before,
Give my back the strength MASTER,
In case I have to carry more.

How unselfish what JESUS at CALVARY did,
Fill me with that courage, faith and power,
I never want my love for YOU hid,
In each and every hour.

Afflictions and infirmities are bringing me down,
Yet a spirit, mind and body re-creation I’ll soon feel,
With the DIVINE BLOOD of CHRIST JESUS around,
GOD my FATHER very soon will heal.

By Luke Easter

WORDS TO SAY

As thoughts travel from the mind to the heart,
And spoken words cause my lips to part,
Spewing forth praise, honor and glory as an art,
This is the way everyday needs to start.

Are you docile, are you humble, and are you meek?
It’s The Kingdom of Heaven first you must seek,
Before anything else will ever be done,
Genuinely pray to the FATHER through the SON.

Holler, shout, jump, jive and wail,
The Kingdom of Heaven will soon prevail,
Don’t be caught standing in the wrong line,
Only the FATHER knows the exact date and time.

You will not conquer the strongman without a sneak attack,
Never being able to subdue him unless it’s behind his back,
On guard, be ready, for the second coming of CHRIST,
There will only be one time we don’t get to do it twice.

Although an UNGODLY world our GODLY Conduct can still be right,
The only thing that matters is your name in The Book Of Life,
It’s up to you to choose forever where you’ll dwell,
A mansion in heaven or an apartment in hell.

Woe be to those who will experience the grief,
An eternity of weeping and gnashing of teeth,
Infinity in suffering with Satan and his kind,
Choosing to act on thoughts he shoots in your mind.

For 24 hours a day are here then they’re gone for good,
Don’t live tomorrow for yesterday thinking well, I should…
Eternity begins but never ends even with life on earth,
Live everyday through JESUS CHRIST knowing what you’re worth.

A seasoned grain of salt that’s pleasing to the taste,
Never allow a day to go by where you sit and waste,
The sun, the moon, the stars, whatever the weather may be,
FATHER in the name of JESUS thanks for all YOU’VE done for me.

I know that I could never send a child of mine,
To suffer the likes of JESUS for so many who are still unkind,
It’s not my place to tell YOU those who are doing dirty deeds,
For while I lived my sinful ways YOU still smiled down on me.

Never will there be enough pleasing words to say,
For there are still only 24 hours in each and everyday,
Days turn into months and months continue on for years,
Forever growing becomes the sinful world no wonder JESUS had tears!

By Luke Easter

IT’S STILL NOT TOO LATE

JESUS loves, heals and saves,
All those who sincerely believe,
HE shed blood, tears and pain,
To save the likes of you and me.

In return what HE asked of us,
Was a relatively simple price to pay,
Just follow 10 laws of GOD our FATHER,
Given to Moses on the mountain that day.

However, for some unknown reason,
A lot of mankind has been lead astray,
Material things have seemed to take the place,
Of the plans GOD our FATHER laid out that day.

Of course our FATHER wants us to be successful and prosper,
But we kept going about it the wrong way,
HIS only son JESUS died on the cross for us,
Yet some of us still did not change.

What a very selfish world we reside in today,
Crime, suicide bombers, corrupt CEO’s, the list will never end,
GOD our FATHER looks down and shakes HIS head,
All HE ever wanted was for us was to be HIS friend.

Too many of us take this life for granted,
Not realizing JESUS is here to show us a better way,
Forgetting that life on earth is only temporary,
Come Judgment day we all will have to pay.

GOD will not accept coupons,
There is no buy one and one gets in free,
Excuses will not be accepted,
Yet it’s still not too late for you and me.

Our GOD is a loving and forgiving FATHER,
That’s why HIS son JESUS is here,
So why do many of us choose to be led astray?
JESUS doesn’t want us far from HIM but near.

Time is quickly coming to an end,
Yet it’s not too late for each to play their part,
It’s not an expensive price to pay,
Simply believe in GOD and let JESUS into your heart!

By Luke Easter

A PRAYER TO YOU LORD GOD

Dearest the LORD thy GOD,
I come to YOU on bended knee,
Giving praise, honor and glory,
And whatever else pleases THEE.

In the name of JESUS I pray,
Thank you HEAVENLY FATHER for another day,
It’s not about the kind of weather outside,
But the spirit of JESUS CHRIST in my life,
With HIS STRIPES from CAVALRY we are forever healed,
A convent with faith, hope and love seals this deal.

It’s only fitting that I start the day,
With an acknowledgement of spirit and grace,
For surely salvation has come my way,
Putting smile after smile on my face,

Making easier the sometimes daily grind,
For it is stated in the Bible many times,
We need to stop putting our trust in man,
Everyday my needs, hopes and dreams are in YOUR HANDS,
With sincere faith, belief and trust in the SON of MAN,
Through JESUS CHRIST (all things) yes I can.

YOUR DIVINE WILL is what I seek my FATHER,
When my plans are not blessed by YOU why bother?
Woe be unto to me I should ask and receive,
Something I should get and not really need.

A gift of a certain nature that I know all to well,
A tool to be used by Satan for a one way ticket to hell,
A prize that is not a prize for what it’s meant to be,
Only DIVINE BLOOD LOVE & SALVATION will set me free,
I ask in the name of JESUS as I seek strength for everyday strife,
My goal is to have the door open to heaven gaining eternal life.

Well my HEAVENLY CREATOR it’s time for my day to begin,
To walk in the steps of CHRIST JESUS my protector & friend,
Till tonight comes my FATHER when I kneel once again,
In the DIVINE BLOOD name of JESUS thank YOU and Amen.

By Luke Easter

THE LORD'S PASSION

Storm clouds circle overhead
Carrying on the winds a black despair.
In the garden where the olive trees grow,
he fell to his knees in prayer.
A moment that's fleeting
in the stillness of time,
flailing in the darkness,
cut off from the vine.
Haunted by visions
of a most frightful fate.
Experiencing utter desolation
as he lay prostrate.
A dark and ominous foreboding
as spiritual darkness reigned down.
He struggled to rise above it
as though he were chained and bound.
Born with perfect love
in a heart that's pure,
He would drink from the cup
of the suffering he would endure.
To offer himself, a sacrifice
for the sins of mankind,
he found it hard to stand
beneath the weight of our crimes.
He looked on us with compassion
to see that our souls were preserved,
and he took it all upon himself,
the punishment we deserved.
Suffering on the increase
at his spirit's unrest,
He trembled and he shuddered
at the prospect of such a cruel death.
By the rulers of the kingdom,
he was already damned,
and now had come the hour
to be delivered over into treacherous hands.
Sweat fell in great drops of blood,
Soaking clear through the clothing he wore.
He knew that soon after,
he would be taken before a tribunal, and mercilessly scourged.
He experienced bitter indifference
by those he came from Heaven to save,
and he silently prayed for their souls
as they beat him and blasphemed his name.
His footsteps never faltered
in the face of ingratitude from mankind.
Though a comforting gesture
and a kind word was hard to find.
As he hung upon a cross,
his body bleeding and mangled,
if only to call upon his father,
he would send him twelve thousand
legions of angels.
It was not meant to be
to remove this chalice and let it pass,
and he drank to the bottom,
from the first drop
to the bitter firmament of the last.
It was as if pure evil had taken hold
as the shadow of darkness passed over his soul.
By super human strength, he would prevail,
and it shook the very foundation of Hell.
The darkness cried out to vent it's rage,
but it was too late.
The debt had already been paid.
The Lord Jesus Christ is still remembered
to this day,
when he descended from Heaven
to walk the streets of old.
He died on the cross for our sins,
and returned to Heaven
to walk the streets of Gold.
Now he walks beside us,
and offers us a hand to hold.
Suddenly it grew brighter,
our lights that seemed dim,
and many would rise up afterward
to carry our crosses after him.

By Karen Templin

FORCES OF DARKNESS

An invisible battle is waged.
Revelations of the golden age,
and the darkness cries out in rage.
The wicked walk on every side,
but I trust in the Lord God to be my guide.
He looks down from Heaven on all men.
He sees it all, righteousness and sin.
Some prefer the darkness to the light,
least their deeds be revealed in God's sight.
To let in even a hint of darkness,
their soul is laid bare.
Night closes in and encamps around them,
Evil setting a snare.
Giving in to the temptation of the voices inside.
Only to discover too late, they were Satan's lies.
The wicked walk on every side.
The path to salvation is narrow.
The road to destruction is wide.
As my spiritual battle is fought,
I pray to the Lord that my footsteps slip not.
Keep me firmly on the narrow path.
Guide me to do your will and not my own.
Keep me away from the things you don't condone.
I don't look to this world for treasures and gold.
Only my Lord restoreth my soul.
Not one of us can afford to reject
the inheritance he has stored for us
in his heavenly home.
Cast your lot upon the Lord,
all of your sorrows and fears.
Believe when you call upon his name,
he will be quick to hear.
There is no escape the wages of sin.
Call on him now,
before your light has grown dim.
As I walk through the chasm of darkness,
the wicked walk on every side.
I struggle to make it through with all my might,
I continue my walk, with my gaze held high,
meditating on Heaven,
continuously reaching for the light.

By Karen Templin

LOST SOULS

Merely existing with eyes half-open.
A soul that is lost
is a spirit that's broken.
To be scattered in the wind
like dry, withered leaves falling hence.
Giving into the temptation of greed
provides a resting place
for gluttony to feed.
Deceitfulness is lies,
and sinfulness is pride.
Anger is words spoken too abrupt,
and violence breeds a soul that is corrupt.
Prejudice is a heart who has learned to hate.
Someday, we all must face the one
who is standing at the gate.
The dawning of negativity,
spawning adversities to the soul
to be brought into desolation
as sinfulness takes it's toll.
A soul that dies
is a soul unable to rise.
Watch that our footsteps are turned back,
or watch as a lifetime of dreams fade to black.
The lord Jesus Christ
is our bridge over the River of Sin.
A pin point of light in the veil of darkness,
Patiently waiting for lost souls to call on him.
In adversity and strife
He is the fountain of life.
He shall endure forever,
The King Of Kings and Lord Of Lords,
as he reaches out to a broken world.

By Karen Templin

MY FAULT

I feel sad, alone, depressed and scared
And there is no one around to tell me they care
The darkness is growing, I can’t see anywhere
So alone, so afraid, I’m falling to nowhere

I feel hopeless, helpless, so full of distress
Wandering around only feeling unhappiness
So lost in the dark I can’t even turn back
Is this what it has come to, my life being off track

Then what’s this I realize, in the back of my mind
There is someone who cares, He has been there the whole time
The darkness consumed me, and I let it grow
I let myself feel like I was all alone

Now I feel hope, love and forgiveness
Walking along full of happiness
I’m on a new path and the Lord is guiding my way
And now I won’t turn back, won’t let myself fall astray

Katherine Buggs
Spanaway, WA
4-10-04

A SINGLE DROP OF BLOOD

I never knew a drop of blood could change my life so much,
That with a single drop I could feel heaven's clutch
No amount of money could pay the debt so great,
No amount of money could buy my way through the heavenly gate
But with one single drop of blood my sins were set free
One single drop of blood changed my eternity
That with one drop of blood I was washed as white as snow
That with one drop of blood the whole world would know;
That we could never be saved without the blood of Christ the King
That without the shedding of blood, in heaven we would never sing
But because the love of the Lord was so dear
That He sent His only Son into the sinful world down here
To give the only life, that could save us from all the pain
Instead of losing everything someday we will have so much to gain
I know the pain was so great that my Savior suffered through
but through the beating and whipping He always knew
that because the price would be paid, death would be no more
That with one drop of His blood everyone would have the chance to see heaven's shores
To see the streets of gold and to be perfect someday
To be in a place of no worry, where all pain is washed away
Oh how great the thought of knowing all God did for me
For sending His Son, for with one drop of blood He truly set me free

Kelsey Burns, 14 years old
Mountain View, Arkansas

JUST KNOW THE ONE

Lost in the dark, my heart found the light,
Jesus you're here with me,
God has me in his sight.

You lifted me up so I can be brand new,
Jesus thank you so much it's all because of you,
My heart is filled with goodness and worth,
For knowing the Lord when HE comes back to earth.

There's a place for "JUST KNOW THE ONE"

In our Fathers House "JUST KNOW THE ONE"

Are you ready to go? "JUST KNOW THE ONE"

Home to the LORD! "JUST KNOW THE ONE"

AMEN.

Brenda Burns
(It came to me two weeks after I was baptized on 01-25-04)

MY SAVIOUR'S PATIENCE

Many times I, my Saviour doth grieve,
Yet never, my side dost He leave
When I in shame my face doth hide,
He shows me that precious crimson tide,
Which from His blessed side did flow,
Those stains, He tells me; they're as white as snow.
His father sent Him from above,
With great immeasurable, unmerited love,
It was for the likes of me He came.
I am so thankful he remains the same.

LET'S ROLL ON SUNDAY NIGHT

The battle is heating up, but the troops are pulling back.
It seems something is wrong, I wonder what we lack?

Preachers are preaching on Sunday morning, Jesus is coming soon.
Then they call off Sunday night service, they leave the Church at noon.

The devil is laughing at us, they don't practice what they preach.
They're closing the door when there are souls that they can reach.

If the battle is getting hotter, if we believe this is the end of days,
why are we sitting down instead of fighting? There are souls going astray.

When soldiers are fighting there's no time to rest,
the ones on the front line are supposed to be the best.

I wonder what would happen if soldiers sat down on the front line
and Sunday morning at twelve o'clock they'd call quitting time?

The devil's troops aren't quitting, they're not slowing down.
They're gearing up for battle, they're fighting all around.

He's recruiting our children while the churches are closing their doors.
The end of time is nearing, no use fighting any more.

Yes, Jesus is coming soon, let's stand up and fight!
Let's not close our door's, LET'S ROLL on Sunday nights!!!

Nancy S. Brown
February 22, 2004
Copyright 2004

GOD HAD ME ALL THE WAY

I use to try to hang on
to a lifeline from above.
I thought it was the only way
that I could earn God’s love.

But the burden was so heavy -
trying to do it all.
My strength grew weak - I couldn’t last -
I soon began to fall.

The feeling was so helpless -
out of my control.
No matter how I tried to act -
I couldn’t save my soul.

Then God reached out to catch me
by sending his own Son.
Into His hands He took my life -
salvation had begun.

Now there is only freedom
to live my life each day.
I didn’t have to do it all -
God had me all the way.

Tom Krause
Copyright 2004

CRIES

Cries of souls now long past
Cries of pain from sins dark cast

Cries of pride that stood so tall
Cries of men who ignored His call!

Cries of hurt that no one cared
to spread His word so souls were spared

Cries of sorrow that times to short
for soon each one will face His court

Cries of knowledge unable to share
Cries for souls they can not spare

Cries of one who spread His word
but saw rejection and few hearts stirred

Cries for those almost persuaded
but turned so cold and heart now faded

Cries of hope all through this land
Oh cry to Him while YOU still can!

Linda Sue Etling

FORGIVE US LORD

Psalms 37
Standing against the recent rulings in our courts!

Forgive us Lord our silence
As our nation fails the test
Of trust and faith and morality
And falls straight in Satan's nest!

Oh I can see his followers smiling
As they sit high up in our courts
Making judgments for all the evil
And punishing those who retort.

As Sodom and Gomorrah was
I know we're not far behind
And as You judged them then
I know Your judgment we'll find.

So I pray now Lord for forgiveness
Keeping silent is not following you!
Forgive us all our weakness
We deserve Your judgment too!

Guide us so we make a difference
Speak through us in power and might
Raise up leaders called to follow You
having the wisdom to stand for right!

I pray Lord now, You know our hearts
And forgive this nation of ours
For there's many more that love You
Than those who give her scars.

YOU are our Mighty Leader Lord
Not satin and his foe
Come to us again dear Savior
Defeat these so the world will know

You will rule this land again
We are watching for Your return!
Come quickly Lord we need You
Before more with Satan Burn!

Linda Sue Etling
Copyright 2003

Here are five great thought-provoking poems written by Julie Pisacane. Julie also has a website containing all of her wonderful poems. You can read them at http://www.poetrypoem.com/juliepisacanepoetry

WHAT LIES AHEAD

W e are all God's people on this Earth
H e oversees us from Heaven on High
A timeline centered around Jesus' Birth
T ender people praise Him each day passing by.

L et's thank God for showing perfect love
I t is known that God's word shall forever stay
E ternal words of Wisdom that were sent from above.
S o many reasons we should endlessly pray.

A solar system or ocean can never compare
H is miracles were true events that came to be
E very day we are blessed with Good News to share
A promise of perfect love and Holy Eternity
D eliver this news to your friends and family.

Julie Pisacane

SAVED BY THE LORD

S on of God has taught us well.
A Bible filled with History to tell.
V ery soon the final hour will come.
E ternal peace exists in His Kingdom.
D aily prayers and psalms dance off our lips.

B elievers in Christ have formed Fellowships.
Y ou have the choice to share your faith too.

T he Bible declares that is what we should do.
H e should always be first in your beating heart.
E very saved person contributes their part.

L ove one another, as He has loved us.
O ur Prince of Peace is the One to trust.
R emember always to be thankful and pray .
D esire our Savior each glorious day.

Julie Ann Pisacane

THE BIBLE

T he word of God is written for all.
H eaven awaits those hearing His call.
E verlasting life exists because of Jesus' name.

B elieve and trust in God, that Christ our Saviour came.
I t will not end for the believers on Earth.
B ible stories tell of the miraculous birth.
L earn and study the Bible well.
E ach story and verse has so much to tell.

Julie Pisacane

WHITE AND BLACK

Blackbird flying under a cloud.
A grizzly bear standing proud.

Zebras are resting under a tree.
Hear that buzzing sound? It's a Bee!!

Angelfish, some big and small.
A skunk running past us all.

Sea Gulls take flight.
Full moon at night.

A wild horse running on a ranch.
A caterpillar resting on a branch.

Black cat chasing a white mouse.
White moth just entered a house.

All nature is made by God you see.
The word of God can set you free.

Holy words on paper, a pen and some ink.
May this all settle in and get you to think.

God's truth is black and white.
Gray areas in life cause man to fight.

Some Bibles have parts written in red.
Highlighting verses that Christ has said.

Go read a Bible, front to back.
The Truth is there in white and black.

Julie Pisacane 7/20/2003

EVERYTHING CHANGES

Green leaves turn orange in the Fall.
A child grows from small to tall.

First a tadpole, now a frog hopping by.
Caterpillar becomes a butterfly.

Freezing rain changes to snow.
Traffic lights blink from Stop to Go.

The Summers are hot and Winters get cold.
We start out young and then grow old.

We never cease changing or growing.
Some of us try to appear all-knowing.

Changes take place and changes must be,
For those who seek Christ and Eternity.

Change never halts as the Earth keeps turning.
Grow closer to Him and keep on learning.

Resisting change will shut The Door.
The day will come when change is no more.

Do you know The Saviour at all?
Are you ready right now to hear His call?

Don't be left behind crying, "If only I knew".
Changes are necessary, pray to Him to guide you.

ray and be thankful that His Word lasts forever.
He loves you and changes will bring you together.

Open your heart and welcome God in.
He can help you to stop falling in sin.

Don't be snared into a sinful crowd.
Pray for change and be lifted in His cloud.

Seek God's perfect love and not his wrath.
Change today and follow His Path.

Julie Pisacane

GOD RULES

God was, is and forever will be
He is not held by time, He's eternity
He's the Father of all creation
In control of every situation
With Him there's nothing that can't be done
He's ever present, so you cannot run
In His glory there is no darkness
In His love there is always forgiveness
If you ask, seek and knock you will find
Opens your heart so you're no longer blind
He wants us to know Him more each day
Always hears us when we pray
He doesn't want to occasionally be around
He wants every step to be on solid ground
Doesn't matter if problems are big or small
Hand it to Him and He will take care of it all
He can't love you more and won't love you less
He will fill you with peace and joy to the fullest
His Son Jesus sits at the our Fathers side
And the Spirit will help us all to abide
You can't go wrong obeying His voice
He is the truth, the way, the only choice

Dan Cramer, NY State

COMPANY'S COMING

When you're going through a difficult time
When you're weary from worry as you weep
When you're hungry and down to your last dime
Are you graced by the company you keep?
When you count every blessing you receive
When you wake filled with dreams from a deep sleep
When you give thanks for all those who believe
Are you graced by the company you keep?
When the spin of the world feels like the end
When the climb up the mountain seems too steep
When you lean towards the shoulder of a friend
Are you graced by the company you keep?
Trust the One who gave all for His lost sheep
Let God's grace be the company you keep...

R. Moomaw, 4/1/03

MAKING MORE ROOM ON THE INSIDE

Though I'm in this world, I'm not of the world
I've been drawn to a higher destiny
I can rest assured with a faith unfurled
Greater is He who makes His home in me
Though the road ahead may run long and rough
Though I may fall hard on my hands and knees
If I reach inside, I'll find strength enough
Greater is He who makes His home in me
High above it all, from within and out
Far beyond all this beggar's soul can see
Closer than a brother, without a doubt
Greater is He who makes His home in me
I shall have no fear of what's meant to be
Greater is He who makes His home in me...

R. Moomaw, 10/28/02

WHEN HE REIGNS HE POURS...

From each mountain peak to the ocean floor
From the forest deep to wide open plains
From a starry sky to a sandy shore
Through the wonder and mystery He reigns

From each joyful sound to each mournful cry
From each lack or loss to our greatest gains
From each hard fought day to night's lullaby
Through the wonder and mystery He reigns

From what's left behind to what we must face
From the cleansing to erase Adam's stains
From our sinful plight to a state of grace
Through the wonder and mystery He reigns

Through Christ alone our only hope remains
Through the wonder and mystery He reigns...

R. Moomaw, 10/14/02

'TIS THE REASON ANY SEASON

Crying out from a dirty stable trough
The highest hope of the world came to light
Born to cry once again from a cruel cross
Shedding tears for those precious in His sight

Wrapped in plain swaddling clothes He lay sleeping
All around He could hear the angels sing
Wrapped once more in a tomb for safe-keeping
He would rise above and reign as our king

From the manger's refuse and rejection
Above the cross; each crucifying blow
He still serves with undying perfection
With every drop of His precious blood flow

What makes this Savior cry was once lost love
Of the Father calling out from above...

R. Moomaw, 7/26/02

Here are two thought-provoking poems written by Becky Wall, Illinois, U.S.A.

TIME PASSED AWAY

As a child I lay on the cool, green grass;
The gentle breeze blew through my hair.
I had no worries or troubles;
I longed for Time to stop there.

But Time marched on with a steady beat,
And I grew into a young miss.
I sang and danced and hung with my friends;
I enjoyed my youthful bliss.

But when I became an adult,
Time took me to a harder life;
I learned to find joy and happiness,
Amidst the world and its strife.

I watched my children playing,
Near my husband in his chair.
He was reading the Bible to them;
I wanted Time to stop there.

But Time just kept on going,
Until I found I was old.
My children hovered 'round my bed.
Time had taken his toll.

"Just give me this day with my children, Time.
Let me stay a little bit longer."
Though Time ignored my final pleas,
Suddenly I became stronger.

My pain had left; I felt such peace,
Then I heard a trumpet sound.
Christ held out His hand to me,
And the angels all gathered around.

One unfurled his wing to point,
To a mansion I knew would be mine.
I walked to my home on streets of gold,
In a robe and a crown sublime.

Time, God's servant, brought me here;
He took me to heaven's door.
Now I will live for eternity,
And Time will be no more.

Becky Wall, Illinois, U.S.A.

SNATCHED FROM THE FLAMES

I stood at an open door to hell;
The entrance was brightly lit.
I saw a room filled with treasures;
Amidst them the devil did sit.

I went another step further.
Satan beckoned me in.
"I'll give you whatever you want,"
He said with a charming grin.

I knew I should be wary of him,
But the treasures looked so inviting.
He promised me I could be rich;
The concept was so exciting.

He pointed to several doors,
On the far side of his lair.
When he stood, his shadow loomed over me,
Then he hissed, "Come, I'll escort you there."

I wanted just a peek or two,
Behind the door labeled "Fame."
On the way I chose some treasures;
I was hooked, I would not be the same.

I opened the door and slowly walked through;
My name up in lights I did see.
There was a stage with a microphone,
And a crowd was beckoning me.

I strutted upon the stage to sing;
I blew kisses before I began.
When thick, black smoke filled the air,
Toward the door labeled "Power" I ran.

I entered the door and slammed it shut.
Ironically I said "Cool!"
Therein was a throne with my name engraved,
And a kingdom for me to rule.

I got drunk on all my power,
Til again the fires began.
My little kingdom went up in smoke;
Toward the entrance I quickly ran.

All I could think of was wife and home,
For behind me rained sulfur and fire.
The door was barred, so there I collapsed.
Satan is such a big liar.

I woke from my dream all drenched in sweat;
I could still feel my heart in a race.
My wife looked up from her prayers to see,
The tears on my fear-stricken face.

Now I'm content with what I have;
I praise God with daily Hosannas.
I have more respect and love my wife,
Who still wonders at my singed pajamas.

Becky Wall, Illinois, U.S.A.

OFF THE HOOK

based on Hebrews Chapter 11 -- Faith's Hall of Fame

The kind of divine faith it took
was really off the hook.

Noah building the ark.
Abraham reaching the mark.

Sarah a good mother.
Esau a forgiving brother.

Joseph's leadership focus.
Moses leading the Exodus.

Samson's strength and pardon.
Solomon's proverbial wisdom.

Deborah's boldness.
Rahab's kindness.
Tamar's shrewdness.
Naomi's tenderness.
Ruth's faithfulness

Ruth pledging not to depart.
David's songs for the heart.

Gideon's bravery and obedience.
Jonah's repentance and reverence.

Joshua fighting the Jericho battle.
Prayers of Daniel our example.

Jacob's wrestling at Peniel.
Jeremiah's fiery vessel.
Elisha's call and sequel.

Ezra reading Scripture all day.
Nehemiah building without delay.

John the Baptist's hailing his Boss.
Jesus dying on the Old Rugged Cross.

Lazarus' true friendship.
John's beloved relationship.
Silas' sweet fellowship.
Timothy's great companionship.

Peter being the Rock.
Paul without writer's block.

Let the anointing flow like a brook
for faith that's off the hook!

Rev. Jasmin Marie Duckett
Composed and Copyrighted 3/27/03

Pastor Jasmin has now completed her fourth book of poetry (Poems for Lively Stones -- Book II). Previous books were called "Poems for Spiritual Up Lifting", "Sowing to the Spirit" and "Poems for Lively Stones -- Book I". Her poetry books are provided for free. Pastor Jazz has also completed a book on the Bible that culminates many months of research called "Alpha to Omega: Genesis to Revelation -- A Visual Biblical Presentation". You can contact Pastor Jazz at the following address and telephone number or through the church website Sweet Spirit Christian Church.

Rev. Dr. Jasmin Duckett, Pastor
Sweet Spirit Christian Church
3405 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore MD 21215
(410) 669-3641

Is there a day that comes and goes
That night does not enchant?
With silken darkness midst dancing stars
and half moon hung on a slant

With all creatures that crawl about
and lend the night their light
We all remain asleep but still..
Not escaping the night.........

For while we dream of castles and sand
The night slips softly across the land
And leaves her mark as shadows fade
And becomes quite another day
This night and more that our God has made

Hilda Lee Ludwig, © 2003

I dreamed I was flying high up in the sky
there off in the distance was the reason why
a strong hand was reaching, down to pick me up
to take me from a world that is so corrupt

Many gentle faces greet me when I arrive
I am now with my father who lives up on high
this is where I have always wanted to be
living in peace and loving harmony

The colors here are so much more than I can describe
clear blue waters twinkle deep in my eyes
yellow flowers swaying from the gentle breeze
his glory shines all over and onto everything

Linda Marie Payne, Copyright © 2003

The following four inspiring poems were written by a person who pens herself LuvzGod.

FATHER OF LIES

He's the king of deceptions
and father of every lie.
Keep hold of your perceptions,

for he'll see to it that you and they die.

You think He makes you feel good,
as he plays his dirty schemes.
While you wear rosy glasses,
He's stealing your life and dreams.

He pulls ev'ry trick in his book
To deceive you and me.
I beg you, take another look.
Then the truth you will see.

Don't let him move into your heart!
He'll turn it as black as coal.
He won't stop once you let him start.
He wants to possess your soul.

Don't give into your flesh!
You've got to do what's right.
Light and dark cannot mesh.
It's either him or Christ.

Very soon there'll come a day
When he & those who heard his voice
Will be cast far away
in a pit against their choice.

It's a lake of smoldering fire
for those who wallowed in the mire.
The father of lies will seem small.
Next to God, he's nothing at all.

LuvzGod 3/16/2003

STEAL AWAY

I love to steal away quietly
to a holy place.
Where I humbly bow upon my knees
seeking my God's face.

When the cares of life
try to stomp me in the ground,
I steal away to a secret place
where any chains on me come unwound.

I take each test and trial
and lay them at His feet.
When I leave there I feel
like I've been at a retreat.

I've given calm assurance
that my needs He'll richly meet.
To go steal away with Him
is nothing more than a treat.

Day or night I can steal away
where He'll dry my ev'ry tear.
I find when I trust and I pray,
that His Presence is so near.

Oh, steal away, steal away my heart!
Steal away to your secret place.
It's here that your love and you don't part.
It's here you find Amazing Grace.

LuvzGod 3/16/2003

HE KNOWS

God knows what each of our future holds,
so let's put our trust Him ev'ry day.
He sees our life before it unfolds,
knows our words even before we pray.

He knows if a little sparrow may fall,
and if after falling, it's alive or dead.
There's nothing that His mem'ry can't recall-
He even remembers the hairs on our head!

He rides in a chariot of fire
upon silver clouds above.
He knows all about our muck and mire,
yet He gives us grace and love.

The Lord's face shines with brilliant light
as His feet rest upon earth.
He knows if we do wrong or right,
tries to give us second birth.

The Lord knows those who are His own.
Our sounds of praise bring Him delight.
No favoritism is shown,
as He stands by all day or night.

He knows about ev'ry tear we cry,
He bottles them with care;
He knows when we give up, when we try
for He is everywhere.

Creator, Saviour and Lord
from the beginning of time You knew
if we'd believe Your Word,
and whether we would believe in You.

LuvzGod 3/10/2003

TEARS OF GOD

My life seemed to be but one continual storm.
Trial after trial, I felt depleted and torn.
Like bugs, hard times multiplied again and again.
Each day brought a new problem. Things seemed to never end.

Dark clouds swirled heavily about my head,
I felt like everything inside was dead.
In desperation, I cried out to God above.
With compassion, He wrapped me in arms of love.

Like a baby picked up, I didn't cry.
For gentle was the touch and voice from on high.
I blushed and hung my head in shame,
I snuggled close to hide my pain.

He said, "Close your eyes My child and rest."
He cradled and nursed me at His breast.
Held securely by Him, I sensed sweet peace.
I no longer felt sorrow, but release.

Upon my head I then felt the tickling of a drop.
They came softly at first, then increased & didn't stop.
With weight and volume, I felt more,
until it seemed like a downpour.

"What are these drops?" I then said .
They ran down me from my head.
My eyes looked up and then looked down.
I just saw darkness all around.

But then there appeared a wond'rous light.
It began to shine on me so bright.
It was the glory of God that did surround
these drops of love falling on me to the ground!

This light then encompassed me,
those dark clouds then let me be!
He then showed me what those drops were upon me.
"These are tears of pity that I shed for Thee."

Tears from His eyes ran freely down His cheek,
mixed with His blood, I no longer felt weak.
"My precious child, don't you know I love you?"
When you hurt and cry, I hurt and cry too."

LuvzGod, 3/10/2003

THE BEAUTY I SEE

The beauty I see is different
because it doesn't mean a pretty face
The beauty I see is found deep within,
where the heart is placed

The beauty I see is not of size
or how you wear your hair
The beauty I see is in your life,
when I am welcomed there

The beauty I see is not of skin
or how young you long to look
The beauty I see is when I watch you
be fulfilled, from the Holy book

The beauty I see is not in strength
- how much you can lift in weight
The beauty I see is when you share your faith
with others - you never hesitate

The beauty I see is not in pounds
or how you tip the scale
The beauty I see is when you make sure
that my flock is being taught well

The beauty I see was not made to have doubts
because of where society's distortion stands
The beauty I see was formed like clay
a heart that longs for the Father's hand

The beauty I see was not made by error
or hopes that your spirit will fail
The beauty I see was created in my image,
only the soul is what eternally dwells

E. Shastramd, Indiana, USA

Here is another thought provoking poem written by E. Shastramd.

I AM ALWAYS HERE

You can't see me but I am always here.
Behind the rainbow you see so brightly.
Or the Sun that shines its rays.
I am in the wind that blows through the trees to cool a hot summer day.

I am in the flowers that grow so tender with colors so bright and true.
I am there behind those smiles of loved ones, who bring out the real you.
I am that sudden burst of energy you get, when you have so much to say.
I am that feeling of redemption and forgiveness that you pray will come each day.

I am the very hands that hold you, when you are sick or falling to your knees.
I am the season that changes the flowers and makes the leaves fall from their trees.
I am the one behind the new born babies who come into this place.
I am the one who feels the joy when a mother kisses a child's sweet face.

I am in the laughter of the air when old friends gather to remember a warm embrace.
I am the feet of the person who runs from behind to come first in a big race.
I am in the twinkle of a grandparent's eye when they talk about old days.
I am the map of your destination when you have lost your way.

I am the hand of the loved one who clinches you when you are needing a true friend.
I am the one who will carry you above the clouds, beyond the very end.
I am invisible to the eye but my presence is always there.
Never forget what you can not see only remember I am always here

E. Shastramd, Indiana

CHRIST MY TRUE LOVE

When raging tempests lashed out
All my dreams they slashed out
Failure lurking as my closest kin
Shackling my limbs never to win
Cowering at the waves that charged
To consume me and all that I had,
I wholly drowned in torment and mishap
Devastated utterly never again to rise up

Enervated and dejected in everyway I lay
When my strength and spirit give way
Cumbered heavily with a load of care
Restively looking for someone to share
This onerous burden I can bear no more
Which wears me down and pains me sore
Lonely and despondent, night and day I cry
Aching heart, gushing tears drain my eyes dry

Is there anyone out there who can cry?
Who has a loving heart to standby?

There were many with me in my flight
But were recklessly callous to my plight
Insouciant to my wounded bleeding heart!
My piercing pain and agony they cared not
Effete in True Love, they just pretended
Then, I realized their souls were seared!

Languishing in dismay, when I nearly gave up
Then at that moment I saw Him lift me up
I heard Him say, hear this my precious dear,
Why do you wail under your burden and fear?

When thou pass through the waters, I will be with thee
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee
When thou walk through the fire, thou shall not be burned
Thee have I wrought on my palm, and never wilt thou be abandoned
Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God,
I am the Holy One of Israel, even thy Savior, and also thy Lord!
I carried the cross for thee and wilt all thy burdens bear
Rest in My arms - a lasting respite from all thy care

At last on Christ my True Love, I cast my care and sorrow
He holds the rudder of my life so why worry of morrow?
Joy ineffable and peace everlasting now rest in my heart
They have come to reside for good, never to depart!!!!!

NO TIME

I knelt to pray, but not for long,
I had too much to do,
Must hurry off and get to work,
For bills would soon be due.

And so I said a hurried prayer,
Jumped up from off my knees;
My Christian duty now was done,
My soul could be at ease.

All through the day I had no time
To speak a word of cheer,
No time to speak of Christ to friends--
They'd laugh at me, I feared.

No time, no time, too much to do--
That was my constant cry;
No time to give to those in need--
At last 'twas time to die.

And when before the Lord I came,
I stood with downcast eyes,
Within His hands He held a Book,
It was the "Book of Life."

God looked into His Book and said,
"Your name I cannot find,
I once was going to write it down,
But never found the time."

~Author Unknown~

LOVE

Like a rose
Opening wide,
Like the Lord Jesus
On the other side.
Like the babies,
Sleeping tight,
Never waking up,
All through the night.
Like a tear
Rolling down from an eye,
Is it with love,
When you cry?
Like a hug,
Or like a kiss,
Or you like it like that
Or you like it like this.
It's like dancing,
In the moonlight,
Holding your partner
Really tight.

CALLING ALL CHRISTIANS

A call to God for protection in 2003

As our sons and daughters gather
to face the devil and his foe.
Shall we stand as a great Nation
strong in Prayer so He will know!

We believe in His great power.
We've seen the miracles of prayer.
It's our children that we cry for,
while they protect us over there.

Pray the enemy faces confusion,
a great uprising of discontent.
May the soldiers they rely on
find Our Savior and repent!

May our armies grow more mighty.
Send each angels by their side!
That not one will fear the danger,
or give their life for us and die!

Oh cry out in faith dear Christian!
Let Him hear our faith in Him!
Bring His touch upon our Soldier's,
so "Peace on Earth" will then begin!

Linda Sue Etling

The following three thought provoking poems were written and submitted by Harriet Jenereaux.

FORGIVE

Someone has hurt me,
Someone quite dear.
Hurt me so badly,
I feel quite near -
Hate.
"Oh, but," God says,
"Hate just cannot be;
For there is never any
Found in Me -
Forgive".
Again, I would argue
Until once more I see
My Saviour suffering
To set me free -
Forgiven.
Then my heart cries out
From deep within
"Forgive me, Lord,
For that awful sin -
Hate.
And, God, bless that one,
Who has hurt me so badly,
Help me forget,
As I know now, I can gladly -
Forgive."

Harriet Jenereaux

MEET FOR THE MASTER'S USE

I love to read the Word of God,
I love to listen and pray.
But I know me, oh, too well,
For the verse I hit today.
A vessel for the Master,
May I always be.
But it's the little word, "meet",
That really bothers me.
I think of the bottle we give a babe,
It must be more than clean.
It really must be purified,
That is what I mean.
To be purified for my Master
Might mean an awful lot.
But in order to be fit,
I must give Him all I 've got
I have to let Him clean me up
And forgive me of me sin.
Rid me of my old self
And make His home within
He must have every corner,
No hidden dust or dirt;
Or I'll never really be fit
And His precious name I'd hurt.
"Oh, grant me, Lord, this favour,
I know you'll not refuse,
To make me fit for service,
A vessel you can use."

Harriet Jenereaux

THINK ON THESE THINGS

I am to think on these things, God did state,
In Philippians four verse number eight.
Because the verse is true and it shows the way
I can lighten my path each and every day
I should do it, for I want to be
A Christian living in victory.
So whatever is just and whatsoever is pure;
I'm told to think on those things and then rest secure,
That our God knows best amid heartache or strife
And He will work things for good throughout my life.
Then too, it's things lovely and of good report
That I must dwell on and never retort,
'Cause His Word says I'm to turn the other cheek:
But I can't do it for my flesh is too weak!
My logic tells me and I have to agree,
Because I am afraid that I do know me.
Then I'm reminded from deep within
That Christ gives victory over every sin,
And if I make sure I'm on my knees each day
He'll send me His grace to lighten my way.
For it's when I remember just Whom it's from
That I will get the strength to overcome.
Then I can think the way I should,
"On whatsoever things are good."

Harriet Jenereaux

The following two adoration poems were written by 13 year Kara Rachael Kasak:

TAKE MY HAND JESUS

Take my hand Jesus,
I love you so,
I really do love you,
Please don't let go,
You're the only friend,
I ever had,
You helped me with my problems,
I am so glad,
You are my Savior,
My closest friend,
I will worship you,
Until the very end,
You protected me from evil,
When I pray,
You gave me light,
When it was grey,
You helped me up,
When I was down,
And bring a smile,
From a frown,
I know my friends,
Are in a better place,
And you helped them through,
With your loving grace,
You protected me from evil,
With your shield and sword,
I thank you so,
I love you lord.

Kara Rachael Kasak

I NEVER PRAYED

I never prayed,
I always lied,
I wanted to pray,
But I never tried,
The Lord tapped on my shoulder,
I ignored Him, but deep inside,
It hurt more and more,
The next day the Lord tapped on my shoulder,
And took my hand,
He took me to the golden land,
He gave me a language,
I really couldn't understand,
I think it meant,
That I was the one,
He didn't tell me,
I wonder why,
I think it was,
That my life had knots and ties,
The light grew bigger, from a beam,
Then he washed my sins, and made me clean,
I thank God,
I love Him so,
Then He hugged me,
And let me go.
He tucked me into bed,
I went to sleep,
Then I woke up,
I thought it was a dream,
I always prayed, I went to church,
This is the way I stopped the hurt,
This is what you should do,
When the sins drop down on you.

Kara Rachael Kasak

The following three poems are the first three of 34 poems on the theme of "The Passion Of Christ" written by Barbara Dorner, a wonderful Mother, Artist, Christian, and Human Being. "The Passion of Christ" is an epic 34 part saga depicting the Betrayal, Tribulations, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. To read the complete series of poems, please visit the Passion of Christ website at http://www.passionofchrist.org/

COME TO ME NOW

Oh Shepard Most Holy, Defender of Sheep,
You called out my name, interrupting my sleep,
Saying, "Come to me now in diligent fashion,
And witness the pleasure, and the pains and my passion."

And responding at once to your humble request,
My human heart leapt, and it flew from my chest,
And it carried me deep within Heaven and space,
To this far away time, and this far away place.

But the night that surrounds me is thick with despair.
I can feel myself choking, and gasping for air.
I am frightened and still, and my senses are numb,
Yet you call me again, and again, "Daughter, come!"

So I open my heart Lord, and I dare to agree,
And I find you right in front of me.
And I can see that you kneel.
And it’s clear that you pray.
And I see that your cheeks are both hollow and gray.

And your eyes in their sockets, are sullen and deep,
As you look to the Heavens, and you painfully weep.
And now turning to me Lord, with thick heavy eyes,
You extend your right hand, and you carefully rise.

But what do you want Jesus?
Where do you go,
Tripping, and falling, and stumbling so?
And why have we stopped?
Jesus, why do you weep?
Oh I see, your disciples, they are all fast asleep.

And you call to them Jesus, and you warn them prepare.
You recommend, "Wakefulness, Penance, and Prayer."
Then you quickly return, to the garden to pray,
With me on your heals, every step of the way.

Barbara Dorner

SOMETHING ATTACKS YOU

Lord, your beautiful eyes bank an ocean of hurt,
As you drop to the ground and fall hard in the dirt,
With your body engulfed by a Heavenly fire,
That covers your flesh, shooting flames of desire.

And the blood that flows through you Lord, bubbles and boils,
Bursting your veins and expelling its spoils,
With your hands, and your face, and your feet streaming red,
You collapse to the ground, and you appear to be dead.

And as I continue to watch from the pit of my heart,
I see something attacks you, a fiery dart.
And it stabs you, and it wounds you,
And it tears at your skin.
Oh Jesus so dear, you are darted by sin.

And by more, and by more,
They attack you in throngs,
Our lies, and our misery’s, all of our wrongs.
Followed by hate, and our deadliest crimes.
And they strike at your body, enumerable times.

And they tear at your flesh Lord, obstructing your light,
And they slap, and they pinch, and they viciously bite.
And you moan from the pain, falling short of your senses,
As you willingly pay, for our human offences.

Barbara Dorner

YOU STAND ONCE AGAIN

Lord, you stand once again and you helplessly sway,
Weak and weary all the way,
To find your Disciples asleep in the weeds,
Free of concern, and ignoring your needs.

And you call to them Jesus still fighting to stand,
And say, "Do you not know that the hour is at hand?
You must remain watchful for goodness sake,
I beg of you children, you must stay awake!"

And now solemnly Jesus, you turn and depart,
With the pain of abandonment, wrenched in your heart.

And you travel once more through the cold savage night,
With the breeze in the trees spreading rumors of fright,
Where you drop upon stones that are sharper than glass,
And pray, "If it is possible, let this cup pass"

But also brave Jesus, most excellent son,
You pray, "Not my will father, but your will be done!"

PRAYER WISHES

Lord, bind the serpent
and release the Dove.
Baptize this child
in Your Sweet Love.
Write me a song
of Grace Divine.
Give me a heart
in which to rhyme.
Teach me new songs
of joy and peace.
Sing me a lullaby
that will never cease.
Whisper sweet somethings
all the day long.
In Your perfect will
is where I belong.
Rock me to sleep
in dark of night.
Give me sweet dreams
till first morning light.
Chastise me gently
when I go astray.
Show me Your heart;
this I pray!

CERTAIN MAN

There once was a Certain Man
who lived in a certain town
chained to a certain weight
driven by an inner frown...

thinking value and self worth
were things that could be earned
by pleasing an earthly father
in whom the same frown was burned

He never received the approval
a child so craves and needs
still defending dear old dad
while planting those same seeds

Throughout life the man did go
not realizing he was fated
to become the very thing
as a child he so much hated

No person could measure up
in the eyes of certain man
for the words "I'm proud of you"
his father buried in the sand

"You're special and I love you"
unsaid words birthing fears
still tormenting Certain Man
after all these many years

Curses are only broken
by Truth that sets us free
I forgive you earthly dad
for things not done for me

Heavenly Father You've taught me
I am worthy of Your love
not for things I've done
for I could never do enough

I take You at Your Word
You proved it through Your Son
I'm valued more than I know
as if I'm the only one

Mercy and grace I'll extend
helping others see Your Light
that Healing Wings from heaven
may descend upon their life.

John Morris

LORD OF MY DREAMS

Emerging from the tunnel of darkness
I awoke with a feeling of thankfulness
For I was falling from the darkest of skies
A dream of my fears covered my eyes
Disarrayed with illusions of a bottomless pit
Tattooed with a feeling I couldn't forget
But it was then, when I first saw the light
My shiniest day, came in the middle of the night
Overcoming my fear, with you presence by my side
The Lord of my dreams, was suddenly my guide
Showing me a spirit, I have never seen before
Lord, it was you, knocking at my door
The sound awoke me, as I sat up in bed
Then I bowed my head to pray, and this is what I said

"Lord, your arms were open for me when I started to fall
I give you my heart, my soul, I give you my all
For you are the purifier of my water
And my life ever after!"
Amen

Eldon Krueger
Syracuse, Nebraska

MY PERSONALITY MASK

It's a common expression - that we've heard people use,
He has a good personality - but that isn't really the truth;
My personality was a mask - and it covered up my fears,
If my character were seen - you would never come near.

If I uncovered my character - I could lose all my friends,
My personality was my cover - I'd never be condemned;
Should my personality reflect - my real character inside,
I simply knew I'd be hated - I didn't want to be crucified.

Being crucified with Christ - do you know what it means,
It's much more than doctrine - when our character is seen;
If you've covered your character - I have a question to ask,
Would you be angry with God - if He took off your mask?

If your character is seen - some would like what they see,
Then you'll take off your mask - because it happened to me;
But if your character is seen - and it's what they don't like,
You may find all your friends - are no longer within sight.

Then you pick up your mask - that you once had removed,
You begin to wear it again - and your freedom you'll lose;
You put a smile on your face - and you'll cry in your heart,
Then you'll keep trying harder - but it's tearing you apart.

As your anger begins rising - you'll push it deeper inside,
You'll have it under control - but you'll soon be surprised;
When it finally erupts - you'll hear it explode with a bang,
Who knows what will happen - if we're building on sand.

God has given you the answer - if you're willing to learn,
But a lot of your traditions - they may have to be burned;
I had to take off my mask - so what you're seeing is real,
I'm answering only to God - and I no longer make deals.

God doesn't make any deals - I have to play by His rules,
The way into His wisdom - we have to admit we're a fool;
I think the fear of the Lord - is what most of us lost,
We're fearing everything else - we've forgotten the cross.

I found the fear of the Lord - will remove all other fears,
I removed every mask - as I felt His presence draw near;
At first I lost all my friends - it's hard to survive all alone,
But I was loved by the Lord - and I was one of His own.

I took a look in the mirror - and I saw my first hypocrite,
It's when I took off my mask - that nearly gave him a fit;
I saw him run out the door - I won't let him come back,
I've been accepted by God - and I don't wear any mask.

God made me just like I am - if that's a problem to you,
You should ask Him for help - to get HIS point of view;
If your character is covered - by your personality mask,
If you'd like it removed - just go to your Father and ask.

Martin C. Stokes, Florida

Here are four great poems about the Lord's greatness written by Kathleen Shelton Poulson.

I AM THANKFUL

I am thankful for everything I have experienced
In this life of mine
For in all I have found
That in His Word-the answers I find

I am thankful for all the tears I have cried
For they have taught me to appreciate laughter
They have given me the ability to see
The joy that comes after

Through my tears I have come to know
His Holy Spirit in my life
How He is always there
And comforts through the strife

I am thankful for the storms I have encountered
Knowing that the rainbow is at the end
Realization that they are only temporal
That with time all will mend

I have learned that I don’t need to be strong
For Yahshua supplies the strength for me
He shoulders my burdens
Regardless of what the circumstance may be

I am thankful for all the relationships
For the good and yes, for the bad
For they have given life to my emotions
An appreciation of what I have had

My most valuable relationship
Is that with Yahweh, my Father
I know that I can trust Him
As I can trust no other

I am thankful for the pain I have known
It has given a compassion for the suffering
An ability to reach out to others
An appreciation of little things

I understand the greatness of Yahshuas love
And the pain He has suffered for me
How He endured all things
So that I could be set free

I am thankful for the hunger and thirst
That I have had to go through
I appreciate having food before me
And sharing it with others too

He has given himself as my food and drink
To make sure that I was fed
His Blood shed for my drink
And His Body broken for my bread

Most of all, I am thankful for His Grace
For the provisions that it brings
How it has provided for
Me in all things

Kathleen Shelton Poulson

I SAW MYSELF THROUGH HIS EYES

For so long all I could see
Was the image mankind reflected back to me
Nothing special, not pretty at all
Sometimes too short, at others too tall

I could not measure up to what I saw
No not a beauty-not at all
Sometimes too fat, sometimes too thin
Not even content with the color of my skin

But then I saw myself through His eyes
A beauty to behold , just the perfect size
Not a blemish or spot to mar me
He created me so perfectly

There’s nothing wrong with the way I am
I am valuable-a rare gem
A woman beautiful in His Sight
A woman special in her own right

His Creation-one to behold
Made from His perfect mold
And here I stand proud to be
The woman He formed in me

Yes I saw myself through His eyes
A beauty to behold, just the perfect size
Not a blemish or spot to mar me
For He created me so perfectly

Kathleen Shelton Poulson

TAKE TIME

So often we become so busy
In the lives we live
We forget about the important things
And what we, ourselves, have to give

Take time for laughter
And time for play
Don’t say you’re too busy
And put it off until another day

Take time for your family
And for your friends too
These are the important things
In all that you do

Take time for yourself
Regardless of what it may be
Do something nice just for you
It makes a difference, you see

And most importantly
Take time for Our Father Yahweh
Read His Word, talk to Him
Take time to praise and pray

Kathleen Shelton Poulson

WHERE DOES THE BLAME LAY

"Hide - Daddy’s Home" whispered the little girl
"Here - under the bed" said the little boy
Suddenly, all laughter ended
Fear replaced their joy

Oh no - Daddy is yelling
He’s hitting Mommy again
Why must we live like this?
Will it ever end?

Let’s crawl out the window
Go to our hiding place
Shh - lets go quietly
So Daddy will not give chase

Two little children
Try to run away
From violence
They see everyday

Is it Daddy's fault?
Or could it be Mommy's’ too?
For the sad and painful life
They must live through

Yes Daddy is the violent one
But Mommy chooses to stay
She is too frightened
To leave and take her children away

Or maybe it is society
And how we treat them with shame
Somehow I figure
We are all to blame

We turn a deaf ear
To their pitiful cry
And to their bruises
We have a blind eye

We reach out not a hand
To help them out of their pain
So when something happens
Our hands - their blood will stain

We don’t want to get involved
Is what we all say
So we give them no avenue for escape
So I ask - where does the blame lay?

Kathleen Shelton Poulson

The following six poems, written by Bonnie L. Fry from Larwill, Indiana, give us all something to really think about.

BOTTOM OF THE BARREL

Lord you reached down to the bottom of the
barrel and lifted me up from the mire and scum.
Thank you for calling me and for giving me the faith to come.

You touched my heart and washed it clean by the
Blood of your Lamb and made me whole again.
Thank you lord for taking away all the filthy stain.

Lord you are the potter I am the clay mold me and
make me what you want me to be.
So I may share you with others that they too may see.

There are times I falter and fail and fall on my face.
At times I feel like to you I am a disgrace.

Lord lead and guide this child of yours and forgive me
when I sin.
Help me always to remember I have all the help I need
because I have the Spirit of Christ living within.

Bonnie L. Fry
Larwill, Indiana

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

This burning in my soul is from you Holy Spirit.
You fill me and seal me till my heart overflows.
Continue to draw me closer and help me grow till
Jesus my Savior is the only One in my life who shows.

Keep the fire burning deep in this heart of mine .
Help me not to make this world my shrine.
Help me to show others your love and abounding grace.
Let the joy of that love be evident on my face.

Keep the fire burning deep in this heart of mine may I never
grow cold or walk away.
Lord keep the fire burning in this heart of mine help me to
draw closer to you this I pray.

Bonnie L. Fry
Larwill, Indiana

DUST ON YOUR BIBLE

Is their dust on your Bible from setting on the shelf?
Are you growing cold toward the things of God because you're to involved with self?

Are you to busy with the things of this world to read His Word and pray?
Are you content to allow the enemy of your soul to cause you to stray?

Pick up your Word and brush the dust away.
Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart today.

Acknowledge and confess your sin for His precious Word is true.
He says when we acknowledge and confess our sin He will forgive me and also you.

So pick up the Word of God and turn your heart toward him let Him cleanse and wash your heart white as snow.
Let the Holy Spirit in your life overflow.

Bonnie L. Fry
Larwill, Indiana

A PLEA FROM HELL

Hell, hell, oh God what have I done?
I know I am here because I rejected your Son.

They tried to tell but I would not hear. I told myself Christians are crazy, religions are all the same.
Receiving Christ as your Savior just sounded lame.

Go to church or live a good life is all we needed to do.
Our good deeds outweighed our bad and deceived myself believing it was true.

But now I am here in this place of torment and begging my family to hear.
Because it's for them that I fear.

Please, please, listen to what I have to say.
Receive Christ as your Savior, do it this very day.

Heaven and hell are real you see.
It's not to late for you but it is for me.

Hell is a place of outer darkness full of terror and fear.
I can assure you there is no fun and no beer.

It's full of weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth and eternal fire.
Were all here the thief, murder, false prophet, unbeliever, and liar.

So please I beg you before it's to late
ask Jesus to be your Savior so you won't miss heavens gate.

Bonnie L. Fry
Larwill, Indiana

OLD GLORY

Old Glory you fly faithful and true
Your bright colors are red, white, and blue

You fly for a Nation who says in God we trust
If we want to stand trust in him we must

It's freedom we stand for and freedom you earned
Many gave their lives for but many have spurned

You remind me of another through and through
Your red tells me about his blood shed for me and others too

Your white tells me of his cleansing power
The moment I come to him that very hour

Your blue tells me of his
sadness too
When people spurn his
word and aren't true

You fly high and free
When we come to him we
are free but some won't see

You are faithful and true
Believe me he is too

You won't fly forever
but he will die never

Your name is Old Glory
You fly faithful and true

His name is Jesus trust in him
He will always love you.

Bonnie L. Fry
Larwill, Indiana

I CAN NOT PROVE

I can not prove to you that God's amazing grace is real
I only know the reality of his truth in my heart I can feel

I can not prove to you that the word of God is real
I can only pray that the truth from you Satan will not steal

I can not prove to you that heaven and hell are real
I only pray that the truth to you God will reveal

I can not prove to you that you are a sinner lost
I can only tell you that Jesus paid your sin debt and for him his life it cost

I can not prove to you that the resurrection is real and true
I can only tell you that if you believe it in your heart you will be raised from the dead and live with him forever too.

No, I can not prove any of these things to you. I can only pray that the truth you will see.
I can only tell you so that when you do believe you will be set free

Once you believe in your heart that's all the proof you will need
God's Spirit will bear witness with your spirit then you will understand why our Lord had to die and bleed.

Bonnie L. Fry
Larwill, Indiana

Here are four wonderful poems on different topics written by Jason Lowe from Nicholasville, KY. Jason also has his own website of poems which you can find at http://kychristian.tripod.com/.

TELEMARKETERS

“Hello, sir, how are you today?
Would you be interested in what I have to offer?”

An evening meal interrupted once again
By those annoying telemarketers.

“This is the best deal in history,
To pass it up would be a fool!”

“You’ll be the first on your block to own one,
Don’t you want to be cool?”

“I’m sorry that I have disturbed you,
I’ll only take a minute of your time.”

“We can get you signed up today,
For the low cost of $19.99.”

“This package won’t last forever,
So you’d better act today!”

“Deals like this are once in a lifetime,
Don’t let this one get away!”

I know they have a job to do,
But do they have to call during dinner?

If only Christians were so persistent
On selling Christ to the lonely sinner!

Jason Lowe
Nicholasville, KY USA

WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

“If only I had a moment of spare time,
I’d do more with this crazy life of mine.
I would volunteer to help the area’s youth,
Creating a pathway to share the Lord’s truth.”

“Nobody would ever take me seriously,
I’m petrified to give my own testimony.
To many, I’m still a baby in Christ,
Therefore, they think I would be easily enticed.”

“Too many tasks are already on my plate,
I have enough trouble keeping all my appointments straight.
I just couldn’t add to all this pressure,
Even though the possibility fills my heart with pleasure.”

“I can’t stand to be separated for more than a day
From the comforts of home and watching my kids play.
Therefore I simply cannot commit to this project,
Give it to whomever the elders of the church select.”

“My life is in shambles since that horrific crash,
I am in no condition to make a decision so rash.
Maybe in a few months I’ll be prepared to join the mission,
And answer the call of the Lord’s Great Commission.”

For many it was easy to accept God’s love,
But to return the favor, we sometimes require a shove.
Numerous explanations are given for the reason we abuse
Carrying out God’s will, so what’s your excuse?

Jason Lowe
Nicholasville, KY USA

ALL THE KING’S HORSES

All the king’s horses
And all the king’s men
Could not set me free
From this bondage of sin.
Their limited power,
Their inadequate might
Could not change this darkness
Into a marvelous light.
There is only one man
Who can set us all free,
He died on that old cross
For you and for me.
He took it upon himself
To pay that hefty price,
And it is none other than
Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jason Lowe
Nicholasville, KY USA

SEARCHING FOR A NEW CHURCH IN A NEW TOWN

Where are we needed, oh God?
In which ministry should we share?
Now that we’re settled into our new home,
I pray that You lead us there.

Will the church have a large congregation?
Or will the number be small?
To us, it really doesn’t matter,
As long as You are Lord over all.

Strengthen us as we continue our quest,
In our moments of doubt, pick us up.
For You have promised if we are faithful,
You will graciously overflow our cups.

Use our gifts to proclaim Your glory,
And in so doing, end our search,
For the prize is in our confidence that
You have already led us to our new church.

Jason Lowe
Nicholasville, KY USA

THE GREAT NAME

The oceans roar mightily, and crash to the shore
The mountains touch the heavens, height endless
The sky stretches far and wide, so high
Matching not, the great name of Jesus
The stars shine in brilliance like jewels in the night
Until the dawn's mighty splendor awakens us
Yet the majesty of nature's glory pales
Matching not, the great name of Jesus

(c) 1993 by Scott Biddiscombe

BLESSINGS

In this world of pain and sorrow,
God's Blessings surely shine through.

In my life, I have seen many,
And for you I'll name just a few.

The First was when I met your Daddy,
And he thrilled me with his charm.

The Second was when I saw you,
And they laid you in my arms.

The Third, Forth and Fifth were your Blessings,
That you shared with me out of love.

The Sixth was when you met Jesus,
When he spoke to your heart from above.

I saw your life so sinful and all wrapped up in pride,
But oh what a change took place in your heart, When Jesus came inside.

I know you're still not perfect,
And you fall in your walk each day.

But I see your want for forgiveness,
and to walk in his will and his way.

The Seventh is the promise of Heaven,
For this reason, our Savior died.

The Eight is more precious than silver and gold,
because you will be right by my side.

Janice Sue Smith
Florida

BLUE EYES CRYING IN THE SNOW

I was walking down a sidewalk one day
and I saw an old man sit down to pray.
His hair was white as the driven snow.
His beard falling graciously oh so low.

He wore an old hat to cover his head.
But he had no coat his face so red.
I stood in wonder of what he said.
How could this man be so terribly lead?

He raised his head and his blue eyes I see.
What happened to this man I wondered.
I stood there frozen my steps to ponder.
He was crying, tears ran fast but free.

I reach down into my coat pocket
and took out my favorite golden locket.
"I have no money to give you I said.
So, I will give you my golden locket instead".

The old man looked at me with a smile
"You are so kind, but you will do for a while.
I only stopped for a while to see,
Just how many people still really love me!"

I don't know what you are talking about.
He couldn't hear so I began to shout.
"Can't you see, Child who I really am?"
No, I'm afraid I can't I said with a frown.

"My name is Jesus, the one in the book.
Haven't you ever took the time to look?"
His eyes watered and I watched as He cried.
It was then my conscious was pricked with pride.

I'm sorry Lord, I thought you were a myth.
Forgive me I cried, and I knelt down to kiss.
People think you are not really real you see,
And I'm afraid one of those people just happened to be me.

"Will you go and tell my children to come in?
I am almost ready and they are living in sin.
Go, and tell them I shall return
They have a choice of accepting me or they'll burn."

I could not hardly stand near this awesome person.
I couldn't believe this man was the Most High One.
"Go and tell them I'm coming soon.
I'm coming again some morning, night or noon."

I looked up to rest my hand upon his head.
But the old man who was crying was gone instead.
I stood there thinking about all he said.
Jesus the Christ is really NOT dead!

Sybil Shearin (c) 2002

THORN OF MY FLESH

O God, I try to serve you all of my day,
But my thorn keeps getting in my way.
Take my thorn and deliver me,
So I can be set free.
O God, I want to serve you with nothing in my way
Thorn of my flesh,
Leave me just now.
I want to serve You, God with all of my heart.
When I think of all the things I can do for You,
Then I see I did not include You in my day.
See my works were all for me,
And not done with Thee.
I then see the thorn is my friend, so I will need You 'till the end.
Thorn of my flesh,
I understand now.
With out it, I can't serve You, God,
With all of my life.

Jay W. Mayes 2000-2002
Abilene, Texas

WAKING UP

I wake up every day
not because the clock calls me
not because the day calls me
but because He calls me,

and when I walk downstairs
the Law that I feel pulling me
-- pulling me ceaselessly towards the Other --
isn't gravity, isn't capitalism,
it's Him,

and the truth of that
and the love in that
stares out of every fake-smiling face
of every cereal packet that meets me.

Tony Lamb, London, England

AN OLD STORY

There's not much to say about my conversion.
I wish it had been dramatic, but it wasn't.
I wish there had been a flash of light, a talking donkey,
a flash of lightening or something impressive,
something that could make a *story* --
but there wasn’t.

"What made you change?" people often ask me
when I tell them about my new, happy life.
I wish I could point to an event that promoted me
to reflect, to dissect and resurrect my life.

But there isn't. The questioner frowns, disappointed,
as I tell them that I can't explain as well as
the hymns that everyone's heard a thousand times,
or as well as the Book that everyone's read.

But what could describe this? Everything and nothing
caused me to turn my whole life around.
All I thought I had vanished, and yet I look the same:
my life just vanished, and I was left with my life.

WHAT’S TRUTH?

We know that truth will always stand
That man invents his lie
But still too few can understand
A liar’s doomed to die

Though Jesus’ blood has paved the way
Through death upon the tree
The world still thinks we have to pay
Salvation can’t be free

The world believes there’s no way out
She spends her life in sin
She fills her children’s minds with doubt
And helps the devil win

So what is truth and what’s a lie?
What’s fact and make believe?
What future’s planned for you and I?
Can Satan still deceive?

Like foolish sheep we mill around
Believing Satan’s lie
Few seldom seek for higher ground
And so like fools they die

So from His throne Christ chose to part
And die for us on earth
So truth could dwell within man’s heart
And guide to second birth

We need but ask for faith to see
For ears God’s truth to hear
We must repent bend now our knee
And learn God’s name to fear

WE NEED BUT WHISPER

How oft in life a child may pray?
Is God alive and well?
What is to happen judgment day?
Who can be saved from hell?

God sees the heart that trusts in gold
He sees who play the fool
He sees each soul to Satan sold
Who lets the devil rule

God also sees the heart contrite
He sees the soul aglow
He sees who seek His guiding Light
To show them where to go

God yearns to give His Lamp Divine
His Promise man to share
He only needs the slightest sign
The whisper of a prayer

From palace or the darkest slum
In silk or wrapped in shame
God’s Guarantee will freely come
To all who call His name

Who place their hope in Jesus Christ
Who’s faith is in God’s Son
That through The Lamb God sacrificed
Eternal life is won

There’s nothing more for us to do
Nothing we need to pay
That’s why its grasped but by a few
That’s why the rest still stray

That’s why the blind remain still lost
That’s why they hear no call
Nothing they say involves no cost
And so the proud still fall

Michael P. Johnson, Cardiff, UK

NOT JUST EMPTY WORDS

Allow Your servant praise Your name
Give now my spirit voice
You cleansed this child You bore my shame
Allow my soul rejoice

In not just words the church has taught
From songs I’ve heard man sing
But now I’ve heard Your true report
Allow my words take wing

Not empty should my words now be
Nor should my heart be wrong
But now the truth I’ve come to see
The world should hear my song

I praise You for the things You’ve done
The blessings daily brought
I praise You for the victories won
Your strength through which I fought

I praise The One You sacrificed
The Lamb who came and died
I praise Your Son The Living Christ
Who’s arms yet reach out wide

I praise You for The One inside
The truth that set me free
That in my life You’ve turned the tide
And made blind eyes to see

So let Your name be magnified
Allow me lift Your Son
That righteousness be multiplied
And that Your will be done

Lord personal should our song be sung
When on The Wind they ride
True evidence from every tongue
The fruit of deep inside

Michael P. Johnson, Cardiff, UK

SMOKE IN THE EYES

Upon a dream a tear fell
A dream of life and light
But what has now a child to tell
Through smoke impeded sight

As clouds of smoke caressed each thought
As light bowed down its face
What could reveal the true report?
Behind its mask of lace

Could beauty fill his aching heart?
Could love caress his soul?
Could Heaven joy this child impart?
Could ever peace, make whole?

As tears embraced what God would share
Pictures impaired through cloud
Fading the world beyond all care
Through silence’ foreboding shroud

Great tears cascaded to the earth
As smoke spiraled free
The Light of God brought second birth
Through faith on bended knee

The child embraced Christ’s wondrous light
Dismissed the smoky gloom
Despair had lost to joy the fight
Once love had filled the room

Love’s joyous song rang loud and clear
God’s light reigned firm and true
The child now free of worldly fear
Revealed his eyes of blue

Now shining bright through grace and love
Through gratitude and joy
Gazing through faith to Christ above
Stands now a brand new boy.

Michael P. Johnson, Cardiff, UK

PRAY MY CHILD

I heard the tears you cried last night
The Lord has put them in my mind.
And He told me "Pray my child."
"For another child that's blind."

For I did the same for you.
When it was you couldn't see.
I put you in another's heart.
Then said "Pray that she comes to me."

And though my Lord has said to pray.
This I want for you to know.
Gladly I do bow my head.
To pray His love will grow.

Oh Lord, I pray this child will see.
And accept the love thou hast.
To understand deep within their heart.
To put aside their past.

I pray my Lord, they'll take Your hand.
And hold it very tight.
To understand that only You.
Can change their darkness into light.

Oh Lord these tears, that I cry.
Are filled with love for a lost soul.
Please tug hard, so their heart will see.
Only You can make them whole.

Let their eyes be fully opened.
Their veil of darkness ripped aside.
Let them fully comprehend.
It was for their sins that You had died.

And help them know it's not too late.
That they need only say.
Please my Lord forgive my sins.
My heart I give today.

Terrica Jestice
6-21-02

Here are three great patriotic poems written by Poet Patriot - David Whitehead, Jr.

I THINK I'LL WAIT

It was on this very day, several years ago,
My friends made a bet: how many women they could know.
When they asked me my wager as they made their list,
I thought for a moment, then I told them this:
"I think I'll wait."

They said, " Wait for what? Better live it up now!
Take everything from life, that life will allow!"
But you could hear a pin drop as I raised my brow,
I then cleared my throat, and I took my vow:
"I think I'll wait."

Then they laughed and yelled and they hollered and jeered,
They called me names - even called me queer.
But a decision I made on that fateful day,
A decision from which I never would stray:
"I think I'll wait."

With mouths open they stared, surprise on each face,
So finally I stood and made my case:
" What's so great about being promiscuous?" I said,
" Someone could wind up pregnant or dead!"
"I think I'll wait."

"Why should I take part in your vile game,
And take such a chance for a little fun or fame?
No! For my God, myself, and my future wife,
I will not take such a chance on ruining my life!"
"I think I'll wait."

So Today, for my brand new Bride,
I no longer must wait, or continue to hide.
I kept my vow throughout all of my life,
Now in confidence I mate with you, my wife.
"It was worth the wait."

By the Poet Patriot - David Whitehead Jr.

UNDER GOD

When I hear that Anthem stirring
My hand goes immediately to my chest
As I instinctively give allegiance
To the country God has blessed.

Then as the words of our Anthem begin
And play upon my ears
No matter how I try
I can't hold back the tears.

And when the fifty Stars and Thirteen Stripes
Are rising upon the pole
It sends a surge of pride right through me
And permeates my very soul.

Then when It's risen to the very top
And it flutters in the wind
I can't help but think of our victories
And realize how very blessed we've been.

Then when I look toward Heaven
And ask why our Country is so grand
In a whisper God answers back and says,
" Because you are under My Hand. "

THE BLESSED

Lord, I bent my knees to pray,
To find out what You would say,
About our great Land,
Will it continue to stand?
Please answer me as You may.

Then I heard these words from you,
As I prayed for our red, white and blue,
"Your Nation is best, because it is blessed"
And I know these words to be true.

So from my prayer closet I went,
But then another message You sent,
"But blessing stays on him who obeys"
And I knew exactly what You meant.

Therefore I know now what we must do,
To Your Word we must be true,
We must always do right,
fight the good fight,
And continue to follow You.

By the Poet Patriot - David Whitehead, Jr

ALL I COULD WHISPER WAS "JESUS"

All I could whisper was "Jesus"
I was torn in the depths of despair.
All I could whisper was Jesus
His name alone was my prayer.

All I could murmur was Jesus.
He knew all my struggles and pain.
He knew my requests all unspoken
While I softly cried out His name.

Bound in the depth of His mercy
Held fast in the shade of His care,
His sweet gentle name was my refuge,
Anchored safe in that harbor of prayer.

Still, all I could whisper was Jesus.
All I could say was His name.
All I could whisper was Jesus,
But He knew my prayers just the same!

Betty G. Alexander

The following series of unique and thought provoking poems was submitted by Monique Nicole Fox, MD, USA. Monique has written many encouraging poems and also has a discussion group which she moderates. If you would like to join her "Poetry and Poets of God" discussion group, you do can do so at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/poetryandpoetsofgod. You can post, read, and critique poetry that is spiritual, religious, inspirational & motivational. You can also share information about poetry markets, poetry publishers, poetry magazines, poetry journals, poetry, and so on.

LET IT REST!

No use in arguing with those who have no clue
or trying to make them understand your point of view.
So let it rest!

No use in turning lively discussions into a heated one
or turning road rage into murder with a gun.
So let it rest!

No use in exchanging hurtful words or insults
or letting your blood pressure skyrocket as a result!
So let it rest!

No use in stressing yourself out
or walking around mad or in a pout.
So let it rest!

No use in worrying about what other think about you
or what they say.
Just continue walking and living in a spiritual way.
So let it rest!

No use in trying to be what others want you to be
for the only one you have to prove anything to is God the Almighty
So let it rest!

In God's hands are our problems and pests.
God knows and does what is best.
So in God, let it rest!

Monique Nicole Fox
MD, USA

SAY GOODBYE!

Those that cause you hurt and pain and make you cry.
Say good bye!
Those that cheat and steal and even lie.
Say good bye!
Those that are slicksters and players being sneaky and sly.
Say good bye!
Those that are not trustworthy and on them you can't rely.
Say good bye!
Those that cause your blood pressure to rocket to the sky.
Say good bye!
Those that don't live up to your expectations and only dissatisfy.
Say good bye!
Those that are in your life that aren't progressing or advancing or don't try.
Say good bye!
Those that are rude with constant negative replies.
Say good bye!
Those that have a chip on their shoulder or in them the devil occupies.
Say good bye!
Those that are Pagans and Wiccans and God isn't what they glorify.
Say good bye!

To all the negative influences in your life, say good bye!
And say hello to God up high.

Monique Nicole Fox
MD, USA

GET ON THE BUS

Get on the bus
Pay your fare
With faith and prayer
To God the driver
Who will get you to your destination
With tender love and care

Get on the bus
Each and everyday
Be guided with the light and wisdom
Of God to guide your way

Get on the bus
For the ride of your life
Just put your life in God's hands
Give Him all your trust

Monique Nicole Fox
MD, USA

EXERCISE TIME!

Lift up your prayer
To God who is here, there and everywhere

Lift up your soul
To God who makes our lives whole

Lift up your voice in song and praise
Look to God till your dying days

Lift up your supplication
To God with joy and elation

Lift up God's statutes and commandments
If you have been backsliding: repent

Lift up your heart
Live a righteous life, be good, and be smart

Lift up your head
And give thanks for your blessings and daily bread

Lift up your hands toward God's oracle
And don't let Satan and sin be an obstacle

Monique Nicole Fox
MD, USA

DIET TIME!

It is diet time!
A time to slim down those burdens weighing you down
It is diet time!
A time to get rid of those extra pounds
It is diet time!
A time to cut out Satan and sin on every ground
It is diet time!
A time to get rid of the dead beats hanging around
It is diet time!
A time to pick up a smile and get rid of that frown
It is diet time!
A time to cut out the pity parties at home and all over town
It is diet time!
A time to get rid of negative people and those that putdown
It is diet time!
A time to workout your life with God all year round

Monique Nicole Fox
MD, USA

ALL THAT I AM

All that I am
All that I have
All that I do
I owe to You

All that I am
All that I write
is Your gift
You motivate and inspire me
You give me a spiritual lift

All that I am
All that I love
Is radiated to everyone
From God above

Monique Nicole Fox
MD, USA

RETURN TO EDEN

Man ate the fruit from the tree of life,
Sin entered God’s creation.
Ever since we struggle to be free of strife,
To return to the Garden of Eden.

But like a pebble thrown into a stream
The ripples grow wider and wider,
The waves of sin encompass God’s realm,
Satan rules, has man lost God forever?

No matter how much man tries
He cannot regain what is lost,
But Jesus, through His love, dies
To pay our debt on the cross.

The bridge to God is now open,
Just ask, repent, it’s your option.
Stay in this world with Satan,
Or believe, cross to God and salvation.

THE DIFFERENCE

I got up one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me
And heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.
He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning
And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
That I had to take time to pray.

Grace L. Naessens

LET'S START OVER

Sometimes Lord my prayers seem to bounce right off the wall.
And I have to wonder if you've ever heard me at all.
I pray and pray Lord, asking for such simple things.
And I don't understand when there's no change, it seems.
Are my prayers too complicated Lord, for even you to devise?
What's that Lord? You answer my prayers every night?

Oh yes, my new job, of course it fills my needs.
But Lord you know, it's not the job of my dreams.
No, my old car hasn't broken down in quite sometime.
But a new sports car with leather seats, Oh Lord would feel so fine.
Yes, I could sell my home for far more than I paid.
But Lord if for just one day, I could have a maid.
Why yes, my family's healthy. Oh we have plenty to eat.
Oh, I bought these new shoes at price you couldn't beat.

What's that? Yes, I know that Jesus died on the cross for all my sins.
Lord if you don't mind I'd like to start this prayer all over again.

Connie Sue Hoskins
Connie Sue writes, "I've been writing poems and short stories since I've been old enough to hold a pencil. I hope this helps someone."

THE LOVE IN GOD'S PLAN

This story was born in Mexico,
In the pine woods, I am told.
The great birth of many tiny little cows
Soon abandoned, hungry and cold.

Left by their Mother that gloomy day
Very shortly after their birth.
Surely to become a certain pray
Their rare beauty lost to the earth.

These little cows are so unique,
Because of the company they keep.
Carpenter ants have taken them in
And shepherd them, like little sheep.

Each evening, just about sunset,
taken up to eat in the trees..
Each leaf and shrub was thoroughly checked,
For any lurking enemy.

Now, this story may sound strange to you,
But, God himself had a loving plan.
Even though they'd be mere butterfly's,
He'd preserve their rare beauty for Man.

Now you ask yourself this question,
Why would ants defend caterpillar cows?
Let me tell you about our wonderful Creator
Then you'll understand the way's and the how.

God created the cows with a special gland,
Produces "honey-dew milk" the Scientist says.
Even the name, makes it sound so grand!
Keeps the ants' milking for eighty-three days.

Just at that very moment in time,
New wings rimmed of orange array
God's plan has now come to pass
This rare beauty is here to stay.

Janice Sue Hoskins-Smith
Florida
jss4him@aol.com

JESUS LOVES ME
(Senior Citizen Version)

1. Jesus loves me, this I know
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim
Still He bids me trust in him.

YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

2. Though my steps are oh, so slow.
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way

YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

3. Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun
Let me serve Christ with a smile
Go with other's the extra mile

YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

4. When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song,
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."

YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

5. When my work on earth is done,
And life's vic'tries have been won
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.

YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

6. I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say
That I love Him every day.

YES, I LOVE JESUS
YES, I LOVE JESUS
YES, I LOVE JESUS
I TELL HIM WHEN I PRAY

Here are four poems written and submitted by Stuart J. Deutsch. Stuart's email address is SHJ_DEUTSCH@msn.com. He invites you to email him with your comments on his poems.

Just as babies crying, having needs to be met.
We are all God's children who should pray and repent.
Just as babies crawling, their little bodies rolling,
We are God's creation, we need a firm foundation.
Just as children walking, blameless without sin.
This is how it is for us when we're born again.
Just as children talking, sin slithers in.
The tongue is full of poison, lashing out again.
By accepting Jesus, the Spirit leads us on.
Gives us our salvation, His power makes us strong.
We're no longer blameless, under law are not we.
Dependent on Repentance, The blood of Jesus sets us free!

Stuart J. Deutsch, 2002
West Fargo, ND
SHJ_DEUTSCH@msn.com

Prayers when I awaken, please my loving God.
In need of some direction, He fills my coffee pot.
The aroma of it brewing, filled to the brim in Him.
A daily taste of Lordship, helps me fight the sin.
All throughout my day, I'll pray, pray, pray to Him!
All throughout my days, I'll praise, praise, praise Him!
Don't give time to the devil, his coffee is cold and stale.
Tormentor, accuser, liar, destroyer of God's will.
I pray today for protection, comforting my thoughts,
I'll ask God for his blessings, to fill my coffee pot.
Fill it, fill it, fill it please! The Holy Spirit lives in me.
Fill it, fill it, fill it please! Convicting sin inside of me.

Stuart J. Deutsch, 2002
West Fargo, ND
SHJ_DEUTSCH@msn.com

Bind up the devil, get closer to God.
Rebuke temptation, observing His law.
Believe The Bible's red letters you might,
allow His teachings to impact your life.
Just forgive others as Christ forgives you.
The healing of wounds, friendships continued.
Give more of yourself, providing the poor,
love they rely on, of God they want more.

Stuart Deutsch, 2002
West Fargo, ND
SHJ_DEUTSCH@msn.com

RELEASED FROM THE GUILLOTINE

Absorbing the rays of the sun,
it's brightness impeded by darkness.
Victory obtained He won!
The Cross no longer obstructed.
Obscured in black my soul,
the devil then had control.
Decimate my very being,
stuck me in a guillotine.
At God's feet I then knelt down.
His mercy there abundantly abounds.
Tears of forgiveness gently flow.
Salvation experience, I am let go.
Always with me, before me He goes.
Glory to God! I love Him so.

Stuart Deutsch, 2002
West Fargo, ND
SHJ_DEUTSCH@msn.com

Here are two poems written and submitted by Edward Yurish,Glen Burnie, Md

THE ARMOR OF GOD

Put on your Helmet,
Gather your Sword,
Bear up your Shield,
Tell of God's Word!!

Fear not the devil;
Fear not your foe!
Although he be evil,
He'll cause you no woe!

Walk ye through the valley,
Whilst face ye your death,...
Your perpetual ally
Breathes in you new breath!

The darts and the arrows,
Your body may pierce;
But on a path straight and narrow,
Your soul remains fierce!

It may seem quite awesome,
Perhaps even odd,...
But you'll have life everlasting,
Donning the Armor of God!

You'll fear no assailant;
You'll dread no attack!
If God is your armor,
The foe will fall back!

So put on that Helmet,
Gather your Sword,
Bear up thy Shield,
Study God's Word!!

Edward Yurish,Glen Burnie, Md

LISTEN FOR THE WHISPER

If we close our eyes...
If we block-out the world...
If we remove our disguise...
We can 'hear' God's word.

If we open our hearts;
If we fall to our knees;
We'll 'hear' God's whisper,...
and He'll hear our pleas.

At the end of the day
as the sun finally sets;
Have we lived God's way?
Or have we more regrets?

Do we sleep this night
with God's peace in our hearts?
Or does continual anguish
bid our repose depart?

Have the day's battles and scuffles
rend our hearts near in two?
But who's right, wrong, or otherwise?
Who'll solve that one? You??

As pressures and stress
recurrently build within,
we must seek out our Lord,
if we're to escape the din.

Our burdens and battles
take a cumulative toll;
But Christ can maintain
the youth of our soul...

Let us open our hearts...
Remove our disguise...
Bid our worries 'depart!'
Let Christ open our eyes!

HIS BOAT

He built himself a little boat,
This lad who was quite shy;
And every day he watched it float,
Upon a stream nearby.

The wind was strong one blustery day,
And much to his surprise,
The little boat was swept away,
And tears flowed from his eyes.

The days passed by and then, behold!
He spied his little gem,
Inside a store where he was told,
It didn't belong to him.

He knew the job would be real tough,
But he decided then,
To save until he had enough,
To own that boat again.

When he went back into the store,
He had a tidy sum,
And as he walked out through the door,
The boat was 'neath his arm.

So softly he was heard to say,
"Not once, but twice you're mine,
I gave you up, but then today,
I bought you back, we're fine."

Isn't that the way it is with God?
He lost us once to sin,
Then through His Son, with His own blood,
He purchased us again.

~ Author Unknown~

My name is Rachel Nancarrow, I am 15 and wrote this
poem.

FREE

Jesus died
And I am free
Through the cross
I am redeemed

No more laws
Bind me down
My old sinful way-
Completely drowned

I can do what I want
And choose to serve
This amazing grace
I don't deserve

The cross defied
All rules and laws
Now I live my life
For only one cause

To glorify you
Is my purpose in living
Though you gave me the world
You keep on giving

Peace, love, forgiveness
Everlasting grace
Even though I am nothing
I'll still see your face

The chains have been broken
They fell at the cross
I crucify my flesh
And cry out for the lost

I know the lame will walk
And the blind will see
By the victory on the cross
The slaves are set free

Rachel Nancarrow, 2001

THE SERMON

There's this little church down by the beach,
In a small southern town where I do preach.
About the grace that He gave to us,
And about His beauty, His purity, and of His trust.

And every Sunday all the town folk would come,
To hear my sermon and leave when I was done.
And I'd make my way back home again,
To write the sermon I'll preach to my friends.

One Saturday night my little boy... he wouldn't leave me alone.
I was under great pressure... I knew I had to get my sermon done.
Then I noticed a picture of the world on a magazine.
I tore it into a hundred pieces and I gave it to him.

"Son, you put this world together and bring it back to me,
And I'll treat you to the biggest ice cream you ever did see."
Thinking time was on my hands as my son left the room,
I went back to writing the sermon that I'd preach soon.

But much to my surprise in just two minutes flat,
In came my boy and asked my where his ice cream was at!
And in his hands I did see the world complete,
Not a piece was missing and all looked so neat.

"How'd ya do it so quickly?" I asked and I pleaded.
"Flipping the world over," he said, "Was all that was needed.
'Cause on the other side was this picture of this man,
And it was so, so, easy to put him together again."

Well, I wrote my sermon in just two hours that night,
About if man was together, the world would be right.
And on that Sunday in my little church down by the beach,
The sermon about my son and his ice cream I did preach.

Stephen Ray Leitzell
Copyright, 2001
Middletown, DE

ABORTION

Sorrow surrounds your lonely soul,
As you hold the young child in your hands.
This creation of a lifeless body
Brings you inexpressible pain.
As you hold the innocent hand,
Your body is engulfed with uncontrollable sobs
The earth starts shaking,
Your world crumbles at your feet.
No words can express your pain and suffering.
You feel empty and incomplete.
Something is missing,
Something you will never get back.

Regret

Karen VanWyngaarden,
Ontario, Canada
© Novermber, 2001, 13 years old
This poem by Karen placed second in a local poetry contest.

I am Samuel Cyril Prasad ... a 17 year old boy who lives in India and is very ordinary just like any other boy..... I was just sitting and suddenly I wanted to write about how God's hand is there upon all of our lives.... So I put my thoughts into words in the form of a poem...I want to praise the Lord for that... and I want to share this with people around the world...

WHEN I LOOK BACK

When I finally reach where I've got to go,
The place where this life continues no more
The place where this soul will stand alone
Forsaking the body of flesh and bone.
Then the events of my life I shall review
From a perspective that shall be totally new,
I'll see my footprints on the sands of time,
And recollect the days when that time was mine.

But what I wonder is that when I look back,
Will my footprints be a solitary track ?
Or the prints of my friends and my kith and kin
Will be beside me though the times thick and thin ?
But then I guess they are humans too
They will be beside me when troubles are few
And when I may face what difficulty means
I'll come to know their footprints are not to be seen.
And I don't blame them cause it may be so
That I hadn't helped them in the time of their woe.
I too must have been a friend very bad
And did not help them as sometime they had.
So, when I look back I will come to know
Who's been my friend and who was my foe.

But I'm sure that beside the marks left by me
Another pair of footprints I'll be able to see.
Not of my parents and not of my brother
Nor will those prints be of anybody other
Whom I did see in my earthly life
Caring for me and sharing my strife.

But those prints will be of the special someone
Who has walked beside me since the day I was born
He has been with me though I never did see
How his presence in life has always helped me.
I have been so ungrateful, oh how thankless
Though he always helped me in times of a mess.

When I will look back then I shall realize
That He's been with me through the walk of my life,
He has been the friend that never did leave
When I needed someone in whom I could believe.
Every year, every month, every day, all the time
He has walked beside me with His hand in mine.
The pairs of footprints will never depart
Cause He always was with me and lived in my heart.

The quality of a friend so true and so kind
Is that even after death He's not left behind.
Because then will I go to His heavenly city,
And there I'll dwell with Him for eternity.

THE ORGAN THAT WON'T PLAY

I know of this church that is not so far from here.
It's up in those hills just a few steps away.

And, in that church ---you will find an old organ that won't play.

It just sits in the corner looking as if it has played it's last song.
Out of tune ----and no one can play it on most days.

That organ seems to be broken in spirit and has lost it's
will to play.

But, for some reason on Sundays it will come to life and play the

prettiest music ------you have ever heard an organ play.

The organ plays it's music------- for the people who come to pray.

Seems it knows it's the Sabbath ------and will play those beautiful notes
of joy for all who come to pray.

And, when the organ begins it's second verse----, well sir, it's
second verse is prettier than it's first.

And, you'll never hear it play it's last verse. Because that old
organ won't begin to play it's last verse until each and every person has
gone their way.

So, If you come this way and would like to visit a church to pray.

I know this church that's not far from here.

It's up in those hills just a few steps away.

And, in that church you will find an organ that won't play.

Unless of course it's Sunday and you just happen to come, to pray.

AN UNDIVIDED HEART

Lord, put in me a new spirit
Remove my heart of stone
And give to me a heart of flesh
That trusts in You alone

Oh, That I may fear Your name
Each day right from the start
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want a gaze that never waivers
Or loses sight of the goal
To keep its focus on obeying You
With mind and body and soul

Help me to walk in submission to Christ
In whole and not in part
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want Your joy to be my greatest strength
Your salvation my impassioned praise
Your holiness to be my way of living
For all the rest of my days

Keep me steadfast in doing Your work
And following the course that You chart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

Teach me to daily die to self
And to spend much time in prayer
That I may be discerning of those around me
And treat them with genuine care

I want to be totally true to You
To wear your righteousness as my mark
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want to live the time You've given me
Committed fully to Your purpose and call
Lord, consume me with Your awesome presence
Cause me on my knees to fall

And bow to Your desire for my life
Let no circumstance keep us apart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

Crystal C. Godfrey

GOD'S HEALING LOVE

My wife my love, My heart is broken,
The vow of love, that once was spoken.
Was stole away, by someone evil,
The master of lies, he's so deceitful.

He lie's in wait, then takes his prey,
Which leaves me here, alone each day.
But God is good, God is gracious,
I will endure, I just need patience.

I'll wait on the Lord, He say's be still,
He hates divorce, I know it's His will.
To bring you home, when His timings right,
I must focus on Him, and not loose sight.

Know matter what, I hear see or feel,
The thing to remember, is my God is real.
He knows who took you, and tore us apart,
But God will avenge me, with the desire of my heart.

He gave you to Satan, but just for a time,
While He pruned me and sanded me, so that I might shine.
To be a light, for everyone to see,
That through faith in Him, He'll return you to me.

I love you my darling, and miss you each day,
But I get closer to God, each time I pray.
The tears just flow, they run down my face,
He say's He catches, each one in a vase.

And when He brings you, home you'll see,
The man you knew, is know longer to be.
God changed my heart, and transformed me,
Into the husband, you wanted me to be.

To honor and cherish you, as Christ does the church,
To forgive you and love you, It will be a new birth.
So I wait patently, for God up above,
To work His miracle, a miracle of love.

And when He brings you, home you'll see,
just how loving, a marriage can be.
For when it's blessed, from Him above,
Two become one, and theirs no greater love.

One body, one soul, one heart and one spirit,
Listen real closely, and then you will hear it.
The Angel's are singing, theirs lighting and thunder,
What God joins together, let no one put asunder.

Clay A. Erickson

ARE THESE ONLY WORDS?

"God bless America",
Today, is seen everywhere.
Many people are asking,
"Does God really care?"

God cares for the world
Like no other.
It is some who don't care
About their neighbor.

"In God we trust"
Is being threatened today.
We live in a country
Who even forbids us to pray.

God wants all of us
To trust in Him each day.
May our country be humbled
And forget not to pray.

"One nation, under God",
A pledge written days gone by,
Is no longer wanted.
"Take it out", many people cry.

God is the reason
This new world came about.
If we turn back to Him,
He'll bless, without a doubt.

Are these only words
To be spoken haphazardly?
No, these are true words
Meant for the land of the free.

Deborah Smith Plemmons, Copyright, 2001

GROWING OLD

I know a woman growing old,
her hair is turning gray
I knelt by her bedside,
and to God I began to pray.

Please don't take her from me
let her stay a little while,
I'd miss so much about her
most of all her loving smile.

She didn't have much schooling,
and her speech is not so good,
But she taught me greater things
than a scholar ever could.

The things that she taught me
was not for earthly gain,
But how a home in heaven
someday I could obtain.

Written for Sally Black ...1972
who has sense gone to be with the lord

Carolyn "banker" Harris
Tecumseh, Oklahoma

What is a friend but an extension of self?
What is a friend but one who cares
that you don’t have to carry your burden alone?
What is a friend but one who dares
to stand by your side though others desert?

A friend is one who knows all about
your hurts and weaknesses.
He knows your dreams and wishes;
He knows what makes you cry.
He never adds weight to your heavy load
but tries to easer and make it lighter.

I have known rejection---he does not reject.
I have been ridiculous---
He does not ridicule my silliness.
He only leads me gently into the right path.
He smiles and tolerates my weakness.
Until i become mature and strong enough to turn around.

Who is this friend I am talking about?
This one who is always about?
Ready to pick me up when I fall?
Can’t you really guess?
There’s only one like this...

UP ABOVE..........

There is a man who lives up above
He does us no harm for he is Love~
he is your friend when you feel
You're at an End~

He is your shoulder when you
Get a little older~
He knows your every need

He will never fail you on bended knee
He is always watching from up above
To see if you will follow his everlasting Love~

He paid the Price on Calvary
He shed his blood for You and Me
He set us free for Eternity~

As he looks down from up above
I close my eyes to seek his face~

I see the outline every detail and trace
He leans down to kiss my face~
He says.......... I love you my Angel~

I will always keep you safe......
Keep spreading my word~
Keep sharing my love~

Tell everyone ........ I am The King of Kings~
Lord of Lords~
Without me they will have Nothing...
With me they will have Ever Lasting Life~

I will continue to watch from up above~
Keep doing my work My Love........
I am your Father in heaven~
Up Above xoxoxoxoxox

Sherry Walter 10/ 17/ 01 copyright 2001

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK (THE PROVERBIAL NEW DOOR)

A lonely heart with no place to hide,
A sinking ship on a tempestuous tide.
A clinging soul to a broken down vine,
About fit to drop, like a swan that is dying.
A beautiful butterfly with nowhere to land,
A weary traveller caught in quick-sand.
A lonely heart with no life left,
A wide-eyed fox, with the hunt to the death.
A wretched bird caught in a snare,
A kite with no strings, floating high in the air.
A balloon without gas about to crash land,
A poor lost soul that needs a helping hand.
Searching for light at the end of a cave,
Hoping for help and someone to save
The spirit from dying, can one take any more?
Simply ask, seek, knock, on the proverbial new door!

by Sandra Lester

Hi my name is Pam Coley, I wrote this poem while over coming a broken heart and I would love to share it with other lonely and broken hearts.

HE HEALED MY BROKEN HEART

I've loved and lost
I gave all I had
The cost was so great
And that was so sad

I bared my soul
with my heart on my sleeve
I was open prey
Oh Lord will anyone ever stay?

I wanted a love
a love so true
I wanted to be loved
And adored too!

I searched and I searched
and I lost all hope
with the stress of this world
I can not cope

Then I met a man
who took me by the hand
with a love so true
he adored me too

He said I have a plan
and with a loving hand
he healed my broken heart
and he said he'd never depart

And now I am loved
his love does free us
let me introduce him to you
His name is JESUS

MY LOVE

Forever and always my Love will be true
For my God sent me to you
Oh if our paths had met long ago
We wouldn't have liked each other this I Know

God has a plan a perfect one too!
It has to be perfect, he joined me and you
We have come along way thru thick and thin
My hand in your hand with God we will win

Together we pray , together we stay
Lots of irons in the fire
With strength from God
we will never tire

Jesus is the glue that holds together me and you
He will work in us and thru us
His will to be done
It's his will that no man perish
Oh his love I cherish

Forever and always
His love will be true
For he died on the cross
For me and for you

Pam Coley
Pensacola, Florida

JESUS LOVES ME – (Senior Citizen Version)

Jesus loves me this I know,
Tho' my hair is white as snow,
Tho' my sight is growing dim
Still He bids me trust in Him.

Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
The Bible tells me so

Tho' my steps are oh so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go,
On thru life let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.

Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
The Bible tells me so

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song,
Telling me in words so clear --
Have no fear for I am near.

Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
The Bible tells me so

When my work on Earth is done,
And my victories are won,
He will take me home above,
Learn the fullness of His love.

Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me;
The Bible tells me so.

~Author Unknown~

DO NOT PASS ME BY

Do not pass me by, O Lord as others have already done
Please stop and help, O Lord, help this helpless one
Do not pass me by, O Lord do not leave me in pain
Have mercy on me, that I may laugh and sing again

Do not pass me by, O Lord, hear my desperate cry
because if you do not stop, I will surely die
Amidst the tears and pain from the ditch where I lie
I rejoice, O Lord, for you did not pass me by

Russell Topping

BE THOU MY HELPER!

Be Thou My Helper, Dear Lord Stay Near
Be Thou My Helper And Fill Me With Cheer
Lovingly Praising Both Day And Night
Lovingly Praising Until We Take Flight

All Tears Wiped Away
Sorrow And Pain All Gone
We Shall be Like Him
When We Leave This Earthly Sod

Our Journey Over, And He Calls Us Home
Our Journey Over, No More To Roam
Total Completeness We Shall Receive
Total Completeness, Because We Believe

No More Struggles And Battles
The Victory Is Won
We Shall be Like Him
When We See Our Fathers Son

So Be Thou My Helper
As On This Earth We Trod
Be Thou My Helper, In The Family Of God!

Ruthann Barci, Cliffise Park, N.J.

Just like Jesus - Is my earnest plea
Just like Jesus - Throughout eternity;
I cannot make it - In myself alone,
Jesus my Savior - All my sins did atone.

He never said it would be - An easy road to tread;
He makes the needed changes - And we follow as we're led.
He bring us through the process - It is long and sure;
He knows exactly what it takes - To make this vessel pure!.

Lord, help me learn the lessons - You really want to teach;
Help me learn the lessons - That are well within my reach.
I do so want to please you - In all I say and do;
I do so want to please you - Because your love is true!

I'm leaning on the promises - You give within your word;
Please provide the strength - You alone can give;
Dear Jesus help me - My life for your to live!
Amen.

My heart is heavy within me.
I don't know what to say.
My life accounts for nothing.
Why must I live this way?
If only I had known the words
To speak to you back then.
This would never be the way
Our friendship had to end.

But now I want to say I'm sorry
For what happened long ago.
I don't know how to say it,
But I must let my feelings show.
Do you remember Christmas morning
When we exchanged our gifts?
That's when I knew I had to tell you
Of God's most precious gift.

I almost got the courage,
I even opened my mouth to speak,
But then we got into an argument
That lasted several weeks.
I didn't show you God's love
The way I needed to
Our friendship never healed the way
That other friendships do.

How can I be the friend you need
After what happened in the past?
How can I ever show you
The one true Love that lasts?
I'm sorry for my selfishness,
My anger, and my pride.
But my sorrow cannot heal the pain
You carry deep inside.

My soul is heavy within me,
How can I help you understand
That all you need is Jesus
And the healing from His hand?
If only I had shown you love
The way I needed to
You would not want to live without
The One who cares for you.

I should have told you sooner
Of God's amazing grace.
How He cured the lame and healed the blind
To let them see His face.
I should have told you sooner,
But now you've gone away.
Perhaps lost for all eternity
Because I wouldn't tell you the Way.

The LORD he is our God
And we are the sheep of his pasture
Which upon this earth do plod
Amongst evil and disaster.

But we need not fear
Any trouble or disaster,
For God is always near
To protect the sheep of his pasture.

Remember when we were growing up
5 & 6 years old
We couldn't wait to play outside
in the rain, the snow or cold

How simple that our life was then
how innocent our thoughts
Our playmates were our best friends
and our family we loved a lot

The toys we had were what we made
from kites to cut out dolls
The rain we had would make us mud
that was the best "toy" of all

We never minded going to school
we couldn't wait to get there
We'd Pledge Allegiance to the Flag
ending with "The Lord's Prayer"

What happened to the simple life
and the ways that we were taught
When parents loved and wanted their kids
and love just couldn't be bought

Just look around us now today
and what we have become
Our children are going out to play
and killing each other with guns

Let's try to remember those good ol' days
and how things were not as fast
Let's take the time to let people know
That Gods still here and HIS love will last

Our Blessings come from up above
in many different ways
So if God sees fit to bless you
He has gifted you today

Take that gift and help the man
that doesn't have a coat
Or help your neighbor plow his field
if his legs are bent and old

Let's not be greedy with these gifts
they're really not ours you see
The Lord has blessed us with these things
to pass on to those in need

Remember those days when we were kids
and we'd give our toys away
Cos we wanted our playmate to be as happy
as we had been that day

We're all still kids deep within our hearts
though some hearts have turned to stone
But I believe that if we love enough
we can polish those stones to gold

Let's try to bring these good things back
the way it's suppose to be
And help each other along the way
spread Gods Love, it's free

But there is one thing that we can do
to hang on to our past
Remember the love and spirit we had
well we can make it last.

The Lord will give you that much
just ask Him and you will see
He'll fill your heart with all His love
and compassion that you need

Remember it's a gift from Him
His Blessing from above
And all He'll ask you in return
is to believe in His only Son

So pass this special Gift of Love
onto others that you meet
Just like that special toy that day
you laid at your friends feet

Remember how his face lit up
when you offered him your gift
Your light just shone upon that face
why would you want to keep it

If you have love within your heart
then you also have a light
It depends on you how bright it shines
if you use it when it's right

Don't wait for someone else to help
that stranger on the street
We're all God's children on this earth
fore in Heaven you two may meet

There's a book in my Father's house.
Where my name is written down.
To declare that I'm a child of the King.
And someday, I'll inherit a crown.

My name is plainly written in red.
My father wrote it there for me.
It was written with the blood of Jesus
when He died on Calvary.

And no book has ever been written
to compare to the one above.
It's author is the king of all kings...
It's purpose was to show His love.

This book will never be a best seller.
But it holds the key to answered prayers.
For its words are the names of His Children
who will one day meet Him in the air.

Yes, there's a book in my Father's house.
I'm happy to know it holds my name.
For it means when I leave this world...
A Mansion in Heaven I shall claim.

One night I was awakened
by a knock upon my door.
I went to see who it was
as I've done many times before.

I saw a man dressed in a robe...
His hair was white as snow.
He reached His hand toward me
and said, "It's time for you to go."

I don't know why I felt no fear
of the stranger standing there.
I took Him by His gentle hand.
Then we were floating in the air.

We reached the Pearly Gates of Heaven
and walked through Heaven's door.
He said, "You lived for me on earth, my child,
Now you'll live with me forevermore."

He led me down the streets of gold
to the mansions that He had prepared.
He showed me the Throne of God,
that together we would share.

He let me hear the angels sing...
Their faces were all aglow!
Then, He turned to me and said,
"It's time for you to go."

I was awakened by a noise...
A noise I'd never heard before.
My family was weeping & smiling,
standing at the entrance door.

Oh, it seemed that for quite some time,
I'd been in a deep & peaceful sleep.
But the memory of Jesus carrying me,
was mine to cherish & to keep.

Then, Jesus entered into the room,
though no one saw Him come in.
He came to my bed and said...
"You know where you have been.

But, your life on earth isn't over yet.
You still have some things to do.
Touch each life that you can touch
with the time that I'm giving you.

Don't fear, my child, I am here
and I'll always love you so.
And, I'll be the one to carry you home ...
When it's time for you to go!"

Kaye Des'Ormeaux, Copyright 1997
Written & dedicated to the realization that the Lord is in charge of when life will end!

Once upon a dreary day
I gazed across a window pane
And with my aching heart did see
A misty field so dreary.

Deep within my broken heart
I tried to pull from in my depths
To make this day of emptiness
Alive with glows of amber warm.

To see the fields a richer green
Than anyone had ever seen.
But all I see is the darkening sky
The grays of clouds, the tree boughs drooping,
This day is heavy all around me.

I look deep down and search my soul
For some inclination, even remote
That somewhere there would be a place
That held such promise within my fate.

That I could see beyond this plain
And go beyond such twisted pain.
I drew within me all I had
That which was left, but a minute sprig
And looked again across the sill.

Through bleary eyes and aching heart
I forced myself to step apart
And leave behind this misty morn
And gaze upon a sunlit dawn.

I saw before me fields of light
Dancing rays of sunshine's face.
Trees so graceful, stand in place
And sway their boughs as if in pace
With heavenly music filled with Grace

And to my dark and plighted eye
I see the amber colors nigh
Spreading past the richest greens
Of hills and valleys, fields and streams.

Such beauty on a dreary day
Was given to mine eyes that day
This beauty I have never seen
And only can see now
Deep within my heart and soul
Which God upon me did bestow

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Sit down someday, look up, study and behold;
Various forms that the clouds can unfold.
We may all see them in different degrees;
Just as the leaves on the various trees.

My concept may not be the same as you dispose;
I may see gladness, you may see woes.
One day I looked and knew from the start;
These clouds came from the depth of His heart.

(Paintbrush Clouds) just placed upon high;
Set in the background of God's marvelous blue sky.

(Feathered Clouds) placed far up above;
Filled with the flare of the artists great love.

(Finger-print Clouds) placed all in a row;
Dipped in white paint, with a story to tell.

(Cotton Candy Clouds) for children, I'm sure are made known;
All puffy and fluffy and righteously sown.

(Driftwood Clouds) casually being blown by;
Just gliding pass the viewer's own eye.

(Angel Wing Clouds) spread wide to be seen;
In full flight, and so justly, peacefully serene.

(Sunset Clouds) majestically placed for all to see;
Reflecting the beauty of things yet to be.

(Angry Clouds) blown by quickly, not happily sent;
Filled with water waiting to be mercifully spent.

(Rainbow Clouds) God's array of magnificent colors to behold
The promises of a Love Story Yet To Unfold!

"Heaven Sent" was written for my wife on our wedding day. This could also be used as an anniversary poem.

Two white doves
Upward soar.
Seeking passage
Back through
The door.
Painting their
Picture across
A deep blue sky.
Upwards toward heaven
Together they fly.
Each representing
An equal part
Of a love that comes
Straight from the heart.
Without the other
Both are lost,
Like the melting of
An early morning
Frost.
Bonded together
By a love burning
Endless and true.
Lost forever--until
I found you.
These two doves
We eternally must
Represent,
Universal symbols of
A love, truly
Heaven sent.

I went into my classroom,
Ready for another year at school.
I didn't want to work,
Just to hang out and be cool.

I had on new clothes,
New sneaks for my feet.
I was there for class on time,
Went to the back and took my seat.

Yeah, I'm moving up,
I'm already grown.
Soon I'll be graduating,
And out on my own.

I talked to some of my friends,
We were all having fun.
Said some things I shouldn't have said,
Did stuff I shouldn't have done.

I knew I was different.
I felt God touch my Heart,
I knew I should set a standard,
But then I'd be set apart.

Walking to the bus,
I was not looking for strength.
I heard the car tires screeching,
But now it was too late.

I'm standing in this room,
And I can see the Heavenly gate.
Oh no! I never prayed.
I thought I had time to get straight.

An angel walked to me,
He had a book in His hand.
I knew it was The Book of Life,
When would this dream end?

I told him my name,
And he began to look.
Then He looked at me sadly and said,
Your name is not in this book.

Angel, this is a dream,
No, I can't be dead!
He closed the book and turned away,
He whispered - You cannot proceed ahead.

No...no this can't be real,
Angel, you can't turn me away,
Let me talk to God,
Maybe he'll let me stay.

He lead me to the gate,
Jesus came to me.
He did not let me in but said,
Beloved what is your need?

"Jesus," I cried,
"Please, Don't cast me away from You."
Tears ran down His face as He said,
"You knew what you needed to do."

"Lord, please I'm young,
I never knew I would die.
I thought I had plenty of time,
Death caught me by surprise."

"Lord I went to church,
Please Jesus I believe."
He said "You would not accept me,
My love you would not receive."

"Lord, there were too many hypocrites,
They weren't being true."
He took a step back and asked,
"What does that have to do with you?"

"Lord, my family claimed to be saved,
They weren't real. You know."
He said, "I died for you,
Now I have to go."

I fell to my knees crying to Him,
"Lord, I planned to be real tomorrow."
I couldn't make Him understand,
I had never - felt such sorrow.

Then it hit me hard,
I said, "Lord where will I go?"
He looked into my eyes and said
"My child you already know."

"Please Jesus," I begged,
"The place is so hot."
It seemed to trouble and grieve him.
He whispered, "DEPART FROM ME, I KNOW YOU NOT."

"Lord, you're supposed to be love,
How can you send me to damnation?"
He replied, "With your mouth you said, you loved me,
But each day you rejected my salvation."

With that in an instant,
Day turned into night.
I never knew such torture could be,
Now too late, I know the Bible was right.

If I can tell you anything,
Hell has no age.
It is a place of torture,
Separated from God and full of rage.

You know, I thought it was funny - a joke,
But this one thing is true.
If you never accept Jesus Christ,
HELL IS WAITING FOR YOU!

Joyce Wainwright. Joyce writes, "I was trying to think of something for young people to realize that there is no age limit for dying and eternity is a place that is real.

Satan is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Roaming all about the earth, each and every hour.

But Satan is a roaring lion that God has on a leash.
He's sort of like a big tough guy who secretly likes quiche.

No doubt he's very dangerous though, as he loves to destroy and kill.
But he really can do nothing, apart from God's permissive will.

Within this permissive will of God, it's important how we respond.
For the battles that are raging, are in high places and beyond.

We must simply stand, and draw a line, and then give the battle to God.
But trusting God, when we can't see the way, can seem hard and incredibly odd.

For it goes against our very nature, and opposes all thought and reason.
But when not surrendered to God, then on us it is open season.

God's ways and thoughts are above our own, and at first we may not see His plan.
Like a boy not agreeing with his own father, until he himself is a man.

And what Satan intends for destruction, God can always use for good.
Like grapes being crushed to make new wine, and trees being cut for wood.

What seems at first to be only destruction, is really God's sovereign way.
And we may never totally see it, until we get to heaven one day.

So when Satan attacks, know he's on that leash, and his bark is worse than his bite.
God is in control, and what He allows, in time will turn out alright.

Satan loves to cause big wrecks, but to God he's a fender-bender.
Just never take him on yourself, but to God make a full surrender.

When God made man, he was joyous and glad. Seeing all of the beauty he'd made.
But, throughout the years his joy turned to sad, for Gods laws mankind disobeyed.

For man had turned wicked, full of hate, lust, and greed, and the book God had left him, he never did read.
So God in his wisdom, said man broke the rules, and thinking themselves wise have become total fools.

Now, faith, hope, and love, man surely forgot. Just as in the days of Noah, and Lot.
Then, God said to man, "Don't you realize, that you'll be destroyed for your wicked demise?

Iron and coal unshapely sat,
Here my soul, sullied and tainted, a rat.
From the depths delved with might,
I was carried from darkness into the light.
To fire I was put and smelted pure,
Refined and processed by the only cure.
Iron and coal no longer but steel,
Fashioned and forged with the Maker's feel,
Hammered and beaten till I rung,
Swift and light through the air when wielded I sung.
A beautiful creation as those before,
Sworn to His service in battle and lore.

The following series of poems was written and submitted by Shiri Ksena. Thank you Shiri for these inspirational poems.

Brighter, better, happier is
the world that I now see.
Oh, how truly wonderful
the light of Christ will always be!

He shined on me everyday;
only now I begin to see.
Oh, the wonderful new outlook
fin'lly forgiving them gave to me!

Indescribable feelings now.
The wondrous light I see.
Tremendous joy I fin'lly know.
True happiness in me.

Peace that conquers my whole being
And comfort truly known.
Enormous sense of safety in...
Protection. I'm his own.

Nothing left of my desires.
All I need is Him,
My protector and provider
With his guiding hand.

Fear unknown. Anger's dead.
Love is all that's seen.
Happiness true has only come
Through Jesus Christ, my King.

Lord, I see you here and there.
Lord, I see you in a prayer.
Lord, I see your face in theirs',
And in kindness, they sweetly bear.
But your light shines in too few,
And I don't see enough of you.
And they don't see, Lord, their cold dark world.
So help them see that pure light of yours.

There's pain that comes in living
With decisions we have made…
And so much guilt that lingers,
To be reconciled one day.

A choice that takes a moment,
Yet a world of grief remains…
This choice we call "abortion"
Leaves us never quite the same.

Dear Father, help each woman
Who regrets the path she chose…
And bless their unborn children
Who had not the chance to grow.

The sanctity of life, dear Lord,
Begins with knowing You…
For when we know our Father's heart,
Our lives reflect it, too.

The answer lies in building up
And sharing Christ with women…
That when they face their toughest choice;
LIFE is the answer given.

You cannot say the Lord's prayer,
     and even once say "I".
     You cannot pray the Lord's prayer,
     and even once say "My".
     Nor can you pray the Lord's prayer
     and not pray for another.
     For when you ask for daily bread,
     you must include your brother!
     For others are included in each and every plea.
     From the beginning to the end of it.
     it does not once say "me".

I know not why I turned the corner
Seemed completely out of my way
I had so many other things to do
Than on this street to stay

It was such an empty street
With oh so little in sight
But I won't forget what I saw and heard
On an empty street that night

I happened upon a scene unfold
As cautiously I drew near
Upon such a touching time
Those things I was able to hear

The lady was all bent and gray
Her clothes tattered and torn
Her face all sad with the burdens of life
Against the day she was born

A child was laughing and talking to her
And lifting a camera up high
But the lady kept turning her head
As the child continued to try

Why would you want a picture of me?
Surely there's not much to behold
I am a street person wherever I go
And that's all of me that is told

Oh no! You're wrong, the little child said
As her voice began now to sing
For all upon this wonderful earth
You see God makes beautiful things

There's love in all that God does
To the very hairs on your head
It matters not at all to Him
Where a person may make their bed

As I looked real close to gather the scene
The lady turned to look at me
In her eyes came a twinkle of youth
And a smile that was plain to see

As now I wander back to the time
When I purchased a jewel in life
Thank God I was able to hear those things
And share them with my wife

For she said that rose bush is dead
Let's take it and throw it away
I smiled and said that's not really true
Let's wait for another day

We'll cut it and water it with tender care
And see what tomorrow may bring
For no matter what life has in store
God makes beautiful things.

I've always been somewhat of a restless soul,
I never listened to what I was told,
I ran wild to let the demons inside me,
free the devil, paints a pretty picture for those to see.

I had to have what the world could offer.
For the wrong, I've done, they should crucify me.
I was brought up by one of God's chosen men,
but I let him down, I've lived a life of sin.

My loved ones' teachings could not change my destructive ways.
I will give account for my life on Judgement Day.
I cannot undo the things I've put you through,
but never once did I stop loving you.

You cried tears of worry, I forgot to wipe away.
Those precious tears will be of blood on that Great Judgement Day.

To serve You is my desire.
To know You intimately,
securely is what I hope to acquire.

To love You is to know You
is what I've discovered.
There's not a thing nor one
that can take Your place.
Why even try?
It's an endless race.

Your presence I can't seem to escape.
I try to run.
I try to change.
But defeat is all I gain.

I'll sacrifice my being.
Because You promise faith is the
substance of things hoped for
It's not in the seeing.

So here I am convinced
there is no one like my Lord.
I've looked, but why lie?
Not one has come close, not even in disguise.

Where His path leads me I may not know
But I sit back, relaxed as if watching a show.

With a peace that passes all understanding.
And a joy that is new every morning.

A tear drop falls
and then two
A tear drop falls
each time I think of you
A tear drop falls
when I see a cross
it reminds me that
You suffered and died
so I would not be lost
A tear drop falls
each time I sin
I hide my face
and I try again
A tear drop falls
when I lose my way
as I try to walk in
Your foot steps each day
A tear drop falls
when I think of our Lord Jesus
and how He loves me
just because He does

Dear Jesus ,
I beg but a moment of Your precious time.
To discuss with You all the things on my mind.

I thank You for dying up there on the Cross,
I know without You, we all would be lost.

I wish I could have seen You back then in Galilee,
but I realize that here You have plans for me.

I am so blessed in my warm comfy life,
I must always remember that others live with strife.

Please, My Father, Bless the homeless and poor,
Sometimes I am so selfish, always wanting more.

Touch all of those who do not believe,
help them to see that they are being deceived.

Please break the chains of fornication and drugs,
replace it with Faith and warm tender hugs.

Heal all the children who live with disease,
for all of these things I'm down on my knees.

Give me wisdom, I beg, to know what to do,
how to help people and always please You.

I love You dear Jesus, my life is yours to command,
my Joy is knowing that You hold my hand.

You are the captain of my vessel, my lighthouse in the storm,
in Your precious love I stay so safe and warm.

I know You are with me, no matter what comes,
and I humbly Praise You, Thy will be done!

You make no mistakes, we're all precious in your sight,
I am humbled by Your Glory and Your awesome Might.

I do not deserve your devotion and love,
my soul soars with joy on the wings of a dove.

I am Your faithful servant, I'll pay any cost,
I know that without You I am hopelessly lost.

Emmanuel , Messiah, Bright Morning Star,
Let Your praises ring from near and from far!

Modern man is ignorant, feeble in the mind,
When it comes to loving and caring for mankind.

We shut away our Grandmas in a cold and lonely place,
And cruelly turn our backs when we see teardrops on her face.

Good ol' Grandpa Joe, who taught you how to fish,
Now sits and gazes out the window, to be home, his fondest wish.

We can't believe what we can't see is the new golden rule,
We kill helpless babies and took prayer out of school.

Our children are taught in class that they are cousins of an ape,
All around them worldly pleasure, the Bible they forsake.

Daddy don't love Mommy, so he finds a sweet young thing,
It seems the metal on his finger is just a stupid ring.

So you say, "I have problems, I need to take a pill",
Don't you see my sister, it is your soul that's ill,

The answer to these problems is so swift and sure,
When you feel there's no solution, Jesus is the cure.

Get down on your knees and let Him in the door,
He is the Great Redeemer, the one we're looking for.

I gave them to Him,
All the things I'd valued so
Until I stood there empty-handed.
Every glittering toy did go.

And I walked earth's lonely highways
In my rags and poverty;
Till I heard His voice entreating,
"Lift your empty hands to Me."

Empty hands I lifted to Him,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches
Till my hands could hold no more.

And at last I comprehended,
With my mind so slow and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD'S SON

I dream of a kingdom far away,
Where the people are happy, every day.
Where every person has a home,
And never is heard a grumble or moan.

There are no hungry bellies, every one is filled.
With love and peace every heart is stilled.
There won't be any wailing to God at a wall,
Because sin won't exist, He'll live in us all.

There'll be fruit on trees free to pick,
You'll never even see one person sick.
I'm waiting for the new heavens and earth,
Promised to me in Jesus Christ's birth.....

Janice Hingley, 21/4/99

I have only just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me -- can't refuse it.
But it's up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute,
But Eternity is in it.

I often walked among the trees
on many a path there to be found,
which like the fallen autumn leaves
lay endlessly upon the ground.

In time a path stretched out its hand,
and gently led me in its way,
for where it was the maker went,
I searched the greater of a day.

And while I trod that forest floor,
wandering onward through the green,
the path, which I could not ignore,
brought me to this tragic scene.

For in the distance stood a tree
with branches bare and boughs all bent.
'Twas shrouded then in mystery
of days gone by and life's intent.

"Come closer", called a Spirit there,
"for I have chosen you this day,
to read the message written where
this tree's life-force was bled away."

Cut in the side of this Dear Tree,
a scarred but cherished heart revealed,
two names as one, 'In Victory',
my endless search for love fulfilled.

And like a leaf the wind doth shake,
as if to wake me from a dream,
my very soul within did quake,
the Truth I found did reign Supreme.

"The Tree's not dead!", The message read,
"to those not lost in nature's way."
"This narrow path your faith has tread,
will guide your feet till that Great Day."

And as I prayed my eyes were healed,
far greater now my sight, you see,
within the heart two names were sealed,
The Maker of the Path , ....... and me.

The next time He comes, He won't have to die for me.
The next time He comes, there won't be a Calvary;
The next time He comes will begin eternity,
And when He comes again, He'll be coming for me.

O living Christ, help us to see
Your radiant, risen majesty!
Help us to hear your voice of power
Sufficient for this present hour.

O living Christ, our King of Kings,
To whom our soul for mercy clings,
Help us to feel Your presence near
To overcome each doubt and fear.

O living Christ, the same each day,
You're still the Life, the Truth, the Way!
Help modern man to find Your peace,
And so from sin and self to cease.

O Living Christ, your people yearn
To see the day of Your return!
Then wars will stop--You'll put down hate,
And right men's lives will satiate.

O living Christ, let us You greet
At school, at work, or on the street
Help us at ev'ry door and gate,
Eternal life to radiate.

10 Little Christians standing in line
1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9

8 little Christians on their way to Heaven
1 took the low road and then there were 7

6 little Christians seemed very much alive
but one lost his interest then there was 5

5 little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore
but one stopped to rest, then there were 4

4 little Christians each busy as a bee
1 got his feelings hurt, then there were 3

3 little Christians knew not what to do
1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2

2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done
differed with each other, then there was 1

1 little Christian can't do much 'tis true
brought his friend to Bible study -- then there were 2

2 earnest Christians, each won one more
that doubled the number, then there were 4

8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before
In just so many Sundays, we'd have 1,024

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
You belong either to the building or to the wrecking crew!

Every river runs its course, to its appointed sea,
Every star that glimmers now, will some day lose its shine.
Every tree that ever grew, started with a seed,
So it is, with our life, for we live on borrowed time.

Every dream ever dreamt, ends with the dawn,
Every morning has its day, and each day, its night.
Every bird that soars aloft, warbles its own song,
Until a finite time, ends its winged flight.

In the grandiose scheme of things, all things have their time,
To dwell, to exist, in this earthly realm.
Thank GOD! for the soul that never dies,
That countless ages, cannot overwhelm.

May we use these precious years, to prepare for beyond the grave,
To dwell in that eternal city, where the sun ever shines.
To have that sweet reunion, our hearts have so long craved,
For surely, surely, we live on borrowed time .

What are these sounds I hear?
In the far-off distant winds,
That causes the fiber of my being,
To tremble from deep within.

Could it be the stirrings of the ages?
Of those who have died, since Pentecost,
Wondering of their coming judgment,
Whether salvation, or eternally lost.

Are those who are asleep in Jesus?
Restless, from millennial sleep,
Awaiting the final call to glory
Where all GOD'S saints shall meet.

Could it be the four horsemen?
Mounting their steeds of doom,
To deliver the last day's carnage,
Of suffering and gloom.

Perhaps its celestial sabers,
Being readied for the final stage,
The battle of Armageddon,
And the ending of the age.

I sense a warning in the winds,
That blow across distance and time,
Perhaps we are nearing that "twilight"
That for so long ... has been prophesied.

Every soul, that's not been saved,
Causes a drop of blood to be for naught,
For CHRIST'S blood, was to wash away sin,
In so doing, his life he gave.

He preached GOD'S word, in parable terms,
That the un-learned, would know of GOD'S gift,
Of everlasting salvation, for the redeemed,
As he walked among us, while here on earth.

He was tempted by Satan, at every turn,
Was betrayed by his disciples, scorned by crowds.
After he performed miracles, unheard of feats,
This man from Nazareth, of virgin birth.

He knew his mission, was to come and fulfill,
Finally, his time had come, as he knew it would,
Sinners, take heed, while his blood still flows,
From Golgotha's...blood stained hill.

STOCKS AND YOUR MANSION

Today I got an e-mail, "Invest in stocks, No fee"
"You can make a million, then you can be free"
"Put your faith in money, then live just like a king"
"As you count your money, cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching!"

That sounded very good, I guess I could get rich
But put my faith in money, that would be a switch
Again the e-mail came, "Hey, what's wrong with you?"
"Put your faith in money, it's what we all should do!"

The promises were grand, "a boat, a car, a yacht"
"A hundred times or more, more than what you've got"
Then I went to prayer, I needed quite a session
And Jesus said to me, "Remember the depression?"

"Put your faith in me, and I will see you through"
"I'll give you all you need, and show you what to do"
"And when the markets crumble, and fall flat on their face"
I will lift you up, with Mercy, Love and Grace!"

"There surely will be times, when you will not agree"
"If you choose to stand, your faith will grow in me"
"Your Father has a plan, including great expansion"
"And you've seen nothing yet, until you've seen your mansion!"

© Jay L. Zumbrum
In Jesus Precious Name
And for His Glory

RECHARGING

I awoke this morning, my batteries were depleted
I was feeling low, feeling quite defeated
I know within my heart, my batteries must recharge
They do not last forever, really aren't that large!

Sometimes they run quite low, and I forget, you see
That I must recharge, these batteries in me
I think I am okay, as my power drains
Until there's very little, power that remains!

And as they slowly fade, and my light becomes quite dim
And evil now is lurking, Satan with his sin
As I am growing weak, and my mind begins to race
And I've forgotten all about, Mercy, Love and Grace!

I hear a gentle voice, tugging at my heart
"You must recharge your batteries, or you can't even start!"
I know the voice is right, it's my shepherd don't you see
I'm not that little bunny, but a lamb that's been set free!

© Jay L. Zumbrum
In Jesus Precious Name
And for His Glory

SPIRIT

Send your Holy Spirit, deep into my heart
Send it there forever, never to depart
Send your Holy Spirit, deep within my soul
To accomplish every purpose, to accomplish every goal!

Send your Holy Spirit, to touch my very life
Send it now my Lord, to help me deal with strife
Send your Holy Spirit, to help me understand
The path of life to take, the plan you have for man!

Send your Holy Spirit, to make me one with you
For I have asked, and will receive, this I know is true
And I will praise your Holy Name, from roof tops of the world
As this, the Holy Spirit Love, in me is now unfurled!

(c) Jay L. Zumbrum
In Jesus Precious Name
And for His Glory

Like offering to pay from his own account
The money stolen from Philemon-the whole amount

"I'll pay it myself" he says in his letter
Promoting his brother, his friend, the debtor

Help me today to see the good in others
And look for the best in my sisters and my brothers

Remind me that I have fallen before
And that your example was to forgive and restore

One day as I was picking
the toys up off the floor
I noticed a small hand print
on the wall beside the door.

I knew that it was something
that I'd seen most every day
but this time when I saw it there
I wanted it to stay.

Then tears welled up inside my eyes,
I knew it wouldn't last
for every mother knows,
her children grow up way too fast.

Just then I put my chores aside
and held my children tight.
I sang to them sweet lullabies
and rocked into the night.

Sometimes we take for granted
all those things that seem so small.
Like one of God's great treasures ...
a small hand print on the wall.

MILLENNIUM POEM

Madness, Chaos, Crisis, Fear,
Cry for a safe haven.

It was Called the Millennium bug
Echo of gloom and doom awaits and awakes the faithless
The race to be compliant enforces the end of peace.

It was Called the millennium bug
Call it by its fancy name the Y2K
Millennium, Millennium
Millennium this, Millennium that
Millennium that, Millennium this

2000 Years of human suffering
2000 Years of human persecution
2000 Years of human oppression

God was faithful in the last 2000 Years,
Sure He will be in the next 2000 Years

2000
2000 Years
2000 Years ago
2000 Years ago He
2000 Years ago He was
2000 Years ago He was born
2000 Years ago He was born to
2000 Years ago He was born to save
2000 Years ago He was born to save the
2000 Years ago He was born to save the world
world
the world
save the world
to save the world
born to save the world
was born to save the world
He was born to save the world
ago He was born to save the world
Years ago He was born to save the world
2000 Years ago He was born to save the world

This Millennium is of the Lord.

"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed
but my kindness shall not depart from thee,
neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed" Isaiah 54 v 10

Rowland Macaulay, Surrey Quays, London, United Kingdom
(c) January, 2000.

I cannot bend their knees in repentance to you
Father lead and show me what to do!

So many have wandered and gone astray
I cannot bow their heads and make them pray.

I cannot open their eyes and let them see
How soon Jesus' return is going to be.

Father I believe your promises as you said them to be.
That all eyes would open that wants to see.

That all ears would open that wants to hear
The voice of your spirit as it draws near.

I can just love them as you taught me to do
All other things must come from you.

We need to listen, we need to pray,
For the end of the world, will come soon one day.

Then the devil will take his turn,
And all the unsaved souls will be left to burn.

Then on the journey which they embark,
The devil will try to give them his mark.

We have to be strong and face what is right,
To not let the devil win the fight.

So read this poem with belief in your heart,
And help yourself out by doing your part.

So read your bible everyday and night
And promise to let God help with the fight.

CRUCIFY MY TONGUE

Lord help me with my tongue today,
Lord help me douse the flame.
This fire that is spreading fast,
will only bring me shame.

I try to use my tongue for praise,
and exalting through my lips.
But every now and then my tongue,
stumbles and it trips.

I can justify this sharpened sword,
in the corner of my mind.
But conviction stirs within my soul,
and my peace is left behind.

While anger is my greatest foe,
and that's where it all begins.
My tongue is where the battle roars,
and where the Devil wins.

My tongue strikes out in my defense,
to keep from looking weak.
When instead I should have held my peace,
and turned the other cheek.

What the Bible says about the tongue,
fills my heart with pain.
Cause if a man can't bridle his tongue,
his religion is in vain.

And the tongue is but a little thing,
like a bit is to a horse.
Just like the helm of a mighty ship,
it will alter it in course.

Though the tongue is but a member small,
it defiles the body whole.
And is set on fire by Hell itself,
and burns our very soul.

So help me with my tongue today,
as the embers still are hot.
And my victims smolder in the flames,
from the wrath that it has brought.

Please help me speak with Godly words,
that will glorify your name.
And teach my tongue to hold it's peace,
regardless whose to blame.

Because pride will come before the fall,
and my tongue is falling fast.
With it's many victims wounded deep,
this madness can not last.

Please help me tame my tongue today,
before I suffer loss.
I will crucify my tongue today,
as I nail it to the Cross.

Written By Timothy Jon Barrett
Date Written.. October, 16, 1999
Special Thanks to My Father, William Barrett for
his obedience in speaking God's Words of Wisdom
into my Heart. Sometimes the truth hurts, but so
does Hell's flames ...

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule.
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple or orange or green,
That's no offense, it's the freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise,
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the State.
We're allowed to cuss & dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues & cheeks.
They've outlawed guns; but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the unwed daddy, our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.
We can get our condoms, & birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires & totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No Word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot,
My soul please take.

I dreamed of air
around me so still,
I dreamed of being aloft
over the mountains' chill.

I'm flying thru the sky
As I look up at the Sun
It's like I can see God's face smiling
The dream of heavenly flight
will always live on
in the hearts of those
who dare to dream of above ...
and beyond.

Freedom to fly and freedom to die;
As I spread my wings and reach for the skies;
Higher and higher my hopes will soar;
Till at the very last, your heart says, "No more."
No more heartaches and no more pain,
because at last you have reached your destiny

If my birth is but asleep
and forgetting,
let me wake each day to find
life anew, my beginning and my ending.

Then, on that day when I make
my final heavenly flight,
let me find new wings
that I may soar
toward that loving light where God dwell.

Than its dreams, I rise to the sun
At the edge of the world.
God's hands that lifts me up and
Washes me clean of earthbound dust.

What lies beyond the zone of clouds,
that whispers urgently to me?
The length and breadth and sweep of sky,
Suddenly, my soul is free!

Far above the mountains chill,
above the earthly drone,
Let me find that I have landed
at the feet of the Saviors' throne.

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house,
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of his face made me cover my head,
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, "It's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love,
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound,
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight,
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call,
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

My name is Rachel Weiner and I am from Charlotte, North Carolina
I'm 12 years old and this is one of my best poems.

I woke in a world of gloom,
As the Rain dripped from the sky.
Pattering against my window,
As it fell from high.

As I lay there all alone,
I commenced to wish,
Not for heaps of treasure,
Upon a golden dish.

But for one who'd wipe my tears,
When I begin to cry.
And then as if to answer me,
A rainbow crossed the sky.

Beckoning me to follow,
To an unknown land.
Stretching down before me,
Pointing out its hand.

And so I followed willingly,
Through many days and nights.
Not knowing what's ahead of me,
Except the rainbows lights.

Then one day I saw it,
A shimmering shining door.
Where the rainbow faded,
Until there was no more.

And slowly I walked forward,
To see what there might be,
Behind the golden doorway,
That stood in front of me.

And then I slowly entered,
Into this unknown land.
And Jesus came to greet me,
And lend a loving hand.

And as I stood upon the floor,
I commenced to cry,
And my lord my Saviour,
Reached out and dried my eyes.

I know it's been a while
since I last sought you out
it's just that I've been busy
running all about
and no, I've not forgotten
those times when we were tight
I'd love to look you up some time
but the timings never right
so thanks for not giving up on me
while I've been caught in the rat race
and thanks for showing up today
on my new baby's face

I can hear my trumpet blowing
Which beckons from afar.
Come hither to me my pilgrim,
And leave your broken jar.

Weep not about this mortal flesh,
Life's journey nearly spent,
Rather look upon chosen path
As talent Christ has lent.

Does account brim with interest,
Two or three, seven times?
Or does his vessel stand empty
Trifled on self and grime?

Travel I must to Heaven's home
Released from earthly pain.
Are you prepared to do as such
When shell to moss is lain?

By John C. Sparks in memory of Marvin Beam.
John has a book of poems published, "Rhyme for All Seasons", available at Amazon.com.

I don't understand it
I know he must hear,
I prayed for that bike
every night of the year.

He must know how much
I want that new bike,
I've been a good boy
and I pray every night.

I'll do anything
that you want me to do,
Will you answer my prayer Lord
then I'll stop bothering you.

What is it you want Lord
that I haven't done,
I just can't imagine
I've been a good son!

I'm going to bed now
and I'm praying again,
for that brand new bike
and oh, I prefer red.

He stood at my bedside
so very tall,
with his arms stretched out
and I saw a tear fall.

My child I have loved you
long before you were born,
Why can't you see
what you're doing is wrong.

I have blessed you with much
I know what your needs,
I see that your trying
but I don't think you see.

Don't pray for such things
when you come pray to me,
Although I do hear you
It's not what you need.

It would be nice
to have that new bike,
but I have something better
that I'm sure you will like.

I promise you always
to be here with you
to guide you and lift you
whether happy or blue.

You asked me tonight
what you haven't done,
You haven't accepted
the Almighty one.

What a great feeling
when you accept Christ,
You'll never perish
but have ever lasting life.

Now doesn't that sound
like a great way of life,
It's yours if you want it
If you just accept Christ.

The boy still in awe
as he lay in his bed,
couldn't believe what this man
had just said.

Lord, I think what you're saying
please say if it's true,
My life will be eternal
If I honor you.

The Lord reached down
and touched him so gently,
That's all that I want
and your blessings will be plenty.

The boy thought about it
but it didn't' take long,
He knew from that moment
that he had been wrong.

I've thought about it
and there's no other way,
I accept you dear Lord
I will follow your way.

Thank You Lord
for helping me to see,
What a great life I'll have
when I honor Thee.

Count all the rays of yonder sun,
    Eternity is just begun;
Count all the leaves on every tree,
    Eternity will longer be;
Count all the drops of rain that fall,
    Eternity outnumbers all.

Count all the stars, each one by one,
    Eternity's but just begun;
Count all the sand beside the sea,
    Eternity will longer be;
Count all creation, great and small,
    Eternity outnumbers all.

"Oh, why am I here in this place of unrest
When others have entered the land of the blest?
God's way of salvation was preached unto men;
I heard it and heard it, again and again.

Why did I not listen and turn from my sin
and open my heart and let Jesus come in?
For vain earthly pleasures my soul did I sell -
The way I had chosen has brought me to hell.

I wish I were dreaming, but ah, it is true.
The way to be saved I had heard and I knew;
My time on the earth, oh, so quickly fled by,
How little I thought of the day I would die.

When God's Holy Spirit was pleading with me,
I hardened my heart and I turned from His plea.
The way that was sinful, the path that was wide,
I chose and I walked till the time that I died.

Eternally now, I must dwell in this place.
If I from my memory could but erase
The thoughts of my past which are haunting me so.
Oh, where is a refuge to which I can go?

This torture and suffering, how long can I stand?
For Satan and demons this only was planned.
God's refuge is Jesus, the One that I spurned;
He offered salvation, but from Him I turned.

My brothers and sisters I wish I could warn.
For better 'twould be if I had not been born.
The price I must pay is too horrid to tell -
My life without God led directly to Hell."

Oh, soul without Christ, will these words be your cry?
God's Word so declares it that all men must die.
From hell and its terrors, Oh, flee while you may!
So, come to the Saviour; He'll save you today!

The clock of life is wound but once
And no one has the power
To tell just when the hand may stop,
At late or early hour.

To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more.
To lose one's soul is such a loss,
As no one can restore.

The present only is our own -
Live, love, toil with a will.
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may then be still.

I wash the dirt from little feet,
And as I wash I pray,
"Lord, keep them ever pure and true,
To walk the narrow way."

I wash the dirt from little hands,
And earnestly I ask,
"Lord, may they ever yielded be
To do the humblest task."

I wash the dirt from little knees,
And pray, "Lord may they be
The place where victories are won,
And orders sought from Thee."

I scrub the clothes that soil so soon,
And pray, "Lord, may her dress
Through all eternal ages be
Thy robe of righteousness."

"Ere many hours shall pass, I know,
I'll wash these hands again;
And there'll be dirt upon her dress
Before the day shall end."

"But as she journeys on through life,
And learns of want and pain,
Lord, keep her precious little heart
Cleansed from all sin and stain."

"For soap and water cannot reach
Where Thou alone canst see,
Her hands and feet, these I can wash,
I trust her heart to thee."

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin
But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good folk?" he cried,
    "Who'll start the bidding for me?
A dollar -- a dollar -- then two, only two --
    Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Going for three" -- but no --
    From the room far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
    Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
    He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
    With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "NOW what am I bid for the old violin?"
    And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars -- and who'll make it two?
    Two thousand -- and who'll make it three?
Three thousand once -- three thousand twice --
    And going -- and gone --," cried he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
    "We do not understand.
What changed its worth?" -- Quick came the reply,
    "The touch of the Master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
    And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap, to a thoughtless crowd,
    Much like the old violin.
A 'mess of pottage' -- a glass of wine,
    A game -- and he travels on:
He is going once -- and going twice --
    He's going and almost gone!
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
    Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought
    BY THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND.

Oh, friends, what a day it is going to be when Christ returns for His own. He is coming! Horatius Bonar lived in the light of this blessed hope and penned these immortal words:

I know not in what watch He comes
Or at what hour He may appear,
Whether at midnight or at morn,
Or in what season of the year;
I only know that He is near.

The centuries have come and gone
Dark centuries of absence drear;
I dare not chide the long delay,
Nor ask when I His voice shall hear;
I only know that He is near.

I do not think it can be long
Till in His glory He appear;
And yet I dare not name the day,
Nor fix the solemn Advent year;
I only know that He is near.

Who will take Grandma? Who will it be?
All of us WANT her, -- I'm sure you'll agree!
Let's call a meeting, -- let's gather the clan,
Let's get it settled as soon as we can.
In such a big family, there is certainly one
Willing to give her a place in the sun!

Strange how we thought that she'd never wear out,
But see how she walks, -- it's arthritis, no doubt, --
Her eyesight is faded, -- her memory's dim,
She's apt to insist on the silliest whim,
When people get older they become such a care!
She must have a home, -- but the question is -- where?

Remember the days when she used to be spry?
Baked her own cookies and made her own pie?
Help us with lessons and tended our seams, --
Kissed away troubles and mended our dreams?
Wonderful Grandma! We all loved her so!
Isn't it dreadful she's no place to go?

One little corner is all she would need,
A shoulder to cry on, -- her Bible to read, --
A chair by the window, with sun coming through, --
Some pretty Spring flowers still covered with dew, --
Who'll warm her with love so she won't mind the cold?
Oh, who will take Grandmother now that she's old?

What? Nobody wants her? Oh, yes, there is ONE
Willing to give her a place in the sun, --
Where she won't have to worry or wonder or doubt, --
And she won't be OUR problem to bother about, --
Pretty soon now, God will give her a bed, --
But who'll dry our tears when dear Grandma is dead?

An original poem by Clara Clark-Grantz [1910-1989]
Published on Dec. 16, 1998 by her son and daughter-in-law.

YOU CAN GO TO HEAVEN
Without Health,
  Without Wealth
    Without Fame
      Without a Great Name
        Without Learning
          Without Big Earning
            Without Culture
              Without Beauty
                Without Friends
                  Without Ten Thousand Other Things
BUT YOU CAN NEVER GO TO HEAVEN
                WITHOUT CHRIST!

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."
John 14:6

Doubt sees the obstacle,
    Faith sees the Way
Doubt sees a long dark night,
    Faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step,
    Faith soars on high.
Doubt thunders, "Who believes?"
    Faith whispers, "I."

I want my breakfast served at "eight",
With ham and eggs upon the plate;
A well-broiled steak I'll eat at "one";
And dine again when day is done.

I want an ultra modern home.
And in each room a telephone;
Soft carpets, too, upon the floors,
And pretty drapes to grace the doors.

A cozy place of lovely things,
Like easy chairs and inner springs,
And then I'll get a small TV --
Of course, "I'm careful what I see."

I want my wardrobe, too, to be
Of neatest, finest quality.
With latest style in suit and vest,
Why shouldn't Christians have the best?

But then the Master I can hear,
In no uncertain voice, so clear,
"I bid you come and follow Me,
The lonely Man of Galilee."

"Birds of the air have made their nest,
And foxes in their holes find rest;
But I can offer you no bed;
No place have I to lay My head."

In shame I hung my head and cried.
How could I spurn the Crucified?
Could I forget the way He went,
The sleepless nights in prayer He spent?

For forty days without a bite,
Alone He fasted day and night;
Despised, rejected -- on He went,
And did not stop till veil He rent.

A Man of sorrows and of grief,
No earthly friend to bring relief --
"Smitten of God," the prophet said --
Mocked, beaten, bruised, His blood ran red.

If He be God and died for me,
No sacrifice too great can be
For me, a mortal man, to make;
I'll do it all for Jesus' sake.

"Does Jesus live at your house?"
I heard a child once ask;
Her little brow was furrowed
As she struggled with the task,
I saw her eyes were shadowed,
Her face marked with a tear;
The voice a wee bit wistful
For the answer she might hear.

"He used to live at our house,
With Mamma -- Daddy, too,
But now He's gone away somewhere
I don't know what to do,
For Daddy's not the same today,
And Mamma laughs no more,
They never bother much with me,
They say I'm just a bore."

"It didn't use to be this way
With Jesus in our home,
For every night my Daddy came
When all my curls were combed,
To help me say my bedtime prayer,
(And Mamma helped me too.)
And they'd smile and tuck me in,
But now they never do."

"Could you tell me where Jesus is?
For everything seems black:
We want Him in our house again,
We want Him to come back."

"And when He comes we'll keep Him
For we truly need Him so --
If Jesus lives at your house,
Oh! don't ever let Him go!"
The child then turned and left me
While I pursued my way
And thought of many home fires
That could be bright today.

"Does Jesus live at your house?"
How much these words portend
Yea! On this question's answer,
Our hopes -- our all -- depends."

Mary had a little Lamb,
His fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day,
When it wasn't against the rules.
He made the children laugh and play,
To have a Lamb at school.

Then the rules changed one day,
Against the law it became.
To bring the Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name.

Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh and play,
You heard them crying tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today?
Let the Lamb come back to school,
And teach our kids to pray.

He built himself a little boat,
This lad who was quite shy;
And every day he watched it float,
Upon a stream nearby.
The wind was strong one blustery day,
And much to his surprise,
The little boat was swept away,
And tears flowed from his eyes.
The days passed by and then, behold!
He spied his little gem,
Inside a store where he was told,
It didn't belong to him.
He knew the job would be real tough,
But he decided then,
To save until he had enough,
To own that boat again.
When he went back into the store,
He had a tidy sum,
And as he walked out through the door,
The boat was 'neath his arm.
So softly he was heard to say,
"Not once, but twice you're mine,
I gave you up, but then today,
I bought you back, we're fine."
Isn't that the way it is with God?
He lost us once to sin,
Then through His Son, with His own blood,
He purchased us again.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me!"

AN ORPHAN'S SEARCH

There she stood so all alone
With people everywhere
She was so lost, couldn't find her way
But no one seemed to care
The sparkling lights, the busy streets
Crowds were swiftly passing by
But no one had the time to hear
This frightened child's soft cry.

The people at the children's home
Had treated her unkind
And now the man she'd been told of
Somehow she must find
Mommy said He'd care for her
And love her just the same
So why did folks get rude when asked
If Jesus was their name.

She shivered as she moved along
To find something to eat
Perhaps she'd find a friendly face
Just across the street
Then all at once the busy crowd
Had time to gather 'round
To watch this tiny figure
Lying still there on the ground.

She looked into a stranger's face
As He gently helped her stand
His eyes silently spoke of trust
Unafraid she held scarred hands
What was the crowd still staring at
Far below her on the street
And why did she feel so secure
Beside this man with sandaled feet.

Kathryn Souza-Wine

Prayer Of A Dying Girl

She was once the life of the party
With gaiety she danced all around
A more popular girl with the fellows
In that town could never be found
But now disease has gripped its victim
And the party has come to an end
As she waited for death she wondered
Where were the ones that she had called friend.

A preacher came by and for the first time
The plan of Salvation she heard
The promise of Heaven and eternal life
He read to her out of God's Word
But Preacher, I'm dying because of my life
How could God forgive such as I
The he told of a woman who came to a well
And that for sinners Christ came to die.

Then he told her that she needed to pray
To have all her sins washed away
But she said, I don't know all the Thee's and Thou's
I've never been taught how to pray
Do you think that God would hear a rhyme
For it's all I can think of to say
He said yes, my child, He knows your heart's cry
Then as the tears fell he heard her pray.

HER PRAYER

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Kathryn Souza-Wine

Give us Lord a bit o sun
A bit o work and a bit o fun;
Give us all in this struggle and sputter;
Our daily bread and a bit o butter.
Give us Lord a chance to be
Our goodly best, brave, wise and free;
Our goodly best for ourselves and others
Till all men learn to live as brothers.

DIRTY DISHES
Thank God for dirty dishes,
They have a tale to tell
While other folks go hungry
We're eating very well.
With home and health and happiness,
We shouldn't ought to fuss
For by this stack of evidence,
God's very good to us.

A BITING MESSAGE
I read a story not so long ago
about a family which would not go
to church, although they claimed to be
still members of God's family.

The pastor and the elders came and spoke
in earnest and in love, but never broke
through their refusal to be there,
on Sunday, in the house of prayer.

One day the pastor to his great surprise
received this message, 'would you be so nice
to visit with us right away?
We need you; please do not delay.'

When he arrived he found son John in bed.
'A rattlesnake has bitten him,' they said.
'Please pray for him, he is in pain.
Our prayers so far have been in vain.'

'Wise Father,' thus the pastor prayed, 'we praise
and thank your name for all your glorious grace.
All that we said to John must take
a back seat to this rattlesnake.'

'For years he has not been to church, nor prayed,
but now this rattlesnake has promptly made
him feel the need of you and prayer.
Oh Lord, we see your wisdom there.'

'And now, dear Father, would you please attend
to his big brother Sam? We ask you: send
a rattlesnake to bite him, too,
and make him feel his need of you.'

'And while you're at it, think of the old man,
their father. Mighty Lord, we know you can
appoint a rattlesnake so mean
that even he on you will lean.'

'You've shown us, Lord, that we are small and weak.
Our words fall flat; it is your power we seek.
For John's, for Sam's, for all their sakes:
Lord, send us bigger, better snakes.'

Hello! How do you do!!
It's so nice meeting you to!!
I'm an angel sent from above.
Sent to you with all God's love........

God wants us to guard & protect you.
He wants us to guide & direct you.
Take me with you wherever you go.
Just remember, .. God loves you so.......

I'm always with you through thick & thin.
Together we will begin again.
I will help you stand strong & tall.
Because to you, I'm always on call.....

At first God told me, "Stay in her pocket."
But then He said, "Give her this locket."
"That way you'll be next to her heart.
Then she'll know we'll never part."........

"Go with her across the many miles.
Through life's journeys help her to smile.
Give her much solace when she is sad.
And much courage through the bad.........

Pick her up when she falls down.
Let her know I'm always around.
Help her learn to trust again.
Tell her I'm on her side again, & again.....

Little Angel, .... be her friend.
When she's sad, help her mend.
Tell her alone she will never be.
She has friends. .... You, .. and ... me."...

So I'm here at God's direction.
You must have His protection.
Don't be sad, ..... my friend.
We love you & will help you mend.......

I'm the Angel in your pocket.
When needed, I'm like a rocket.
I'm sent from God with all His love.
One of God's gifts. .... from above........

OTHER POEMS

--TO GOD BE THE GLORY--

Richard Turner
Vacaville, CA

Here is another poem by Richard:

Here are two poems written by Thomas Hudson:

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isa 61:10 NIV

Inspired while watching the activity going on in a large group of flowers. It reminded me of when we give our lives to CHRIST we become one with Him as a part of the body of CHRIST, each person having a different but special purpose. Romans 12:4 + on; 1 Cor. 12:12 + on.

Here are three poems of inspiration written by M. Rrautenbach, South Africa

WE WAIT FOR YOU JESUS

Here are five wonderful Christian poems written by Belinda van Rensburg:

Here are two interesting and thought-provoking poems written by Juanita DeHart

Here is a poem written in a unique
way that invites your participation.

The following two poems were submitted by James Andrew Feather:

Here are two more thought-pondering poems written and submitted by Tom Zart:

Mary had a little Lamb,
His fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day,
T'wasn't even in the rule.
It made the children laugh and play,
To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day,
Illegal it became;
To bring the Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name!

Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh,
We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today?
Let's let the Lamb come back to school,

| Back to the top of this page |

| Return to our Home Page | | Our Christian Quotes Page | | Our Christian Thoughts Page | | Our Christian Humour Page |

OTHER POEMS --TO GOD BE THE GLORY--

Richard Turner Vacaville, CA Here is another poem by Richard:

Here are two poems written by Thomas Hudson:

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isa 61:10 NIV

Inspired while watching the activity going on in a large group of flowers. It reminded me of when we give our lives to CHRIST we become one with Him as a part of the body of CHRIST, each person having a different but special purpose. Romans 12:4 + on; 1 Cor. 12:12 + on.

Here are three poems of inspiration written by M. Rrautenbach, South Africa

WE WAIT FOR YOU JESUS

Here are five wonderful Christian poems written by Belinda van Rensburg:

Here are two interesting and thought-provoking poems written by Juanita DeHart

Here is a poem written in a unique way that invites your participation.

The following two poems were submitted by James Andrew Feather:

Here are two more thought-pondering poems written and submitted by Tom Zart:

Mary had a little Lamb, His fleece was white as snow. And everywhere that Mary went, The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day, T'wasn't even in the rule. It made the children laugh and play, To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day, Illegal it became; To bring the Lamb of God to school, Or even speak His Name!

Every day got worse and worse, And days turned into years. Instead of hearing children laugh, We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime, That's in our schools today? Let's let the Lamb come back to school,

| Back to the top of this page |

| Return to our Home Page | | Our Christian Quotes Page | | Our Christian Thoughts Page | | Our Christian Humour Page |

OTHER POEMS

--TO GOD BE THE GLORY--

Richard Turner
Vacaville, CA

Here is another poem by Richard:

Here is a poem written in a unique
way that invites your participation.

Mary had a little Lamb,
His fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day,
T'wasn't even in the rule.
It made the children laugh and play,
To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day,
Illegal it became;
To bring the Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name!

Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh,
We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today?
Let's let the Lamb come back to school,