Poems4

TO
HENELIZ'S

POETRY CORNER 4




If I have used anyone's copyrighted material without permission, I assure you this is not intentional. Please e-mail me at heneliz@aol.com and I will be happy to remove it, or if you care to give me permission to use your poem, I would be most appreciative, as it will be a blessing to all. Thank You and may God bless.



I Refuse To Be Discouraged!



I refuse to be discouraged,
To be sad, or to cry;

I refuse to be downhearted,
And here's the reason why:

I have a God who's mighty,
Who's sovereign and supreme;

I have a God who loves me,
And I am on His team.

He is all-wise and powerful.
Jesus is His name;

Though everything is changeable,
My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's
Happening; Beginning to the end;

His presence is my comfort;
He is my dearest Friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,
To bring my head down low,

I call upon my mighty God;
Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten to
Rob me of my peace;

He draws me close unto His breast,
Where all my strivings cease.

When my heart melts within me,
And weakness takes control;

He gathers me into His arms,
He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me.
My life is in His hand.

The "Son of the Lord" is my hope.
It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated.
My eyes are on my God;

He has promised to be with me,
As through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,
To Heaven's throne above;

My prayers have reached the heart
Of God I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything.
My eyes are on His face;

The battle's His, the victory mine;
He'll help me win the race.

I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me ~!

~Author Unknown To Me



HE'S THE REASON WHY!


People often ask me, why I live the life I live.
Why is it that to God my soul I choose to give.
I answer them proudly, with my spirits lifted high.
Jesus Christ my Savior, He's the reason why.

He gave his life at Calvary, to save both you and me.
The price how very great it was, still Jesus paid the fee.
They hung Him on a cross, and pierced Him in His side.
So that we could live, my Jesus chose to die.

Still just when people thought, they had seen the end.
My Jesus in all His glory, He came back again.
And you ask me why I give my life,
It's cause it is not mine to keep.
It's been bought by God with the blood of Christ,
So what choice is left for me.

I can live my life down here on earth
and be just who I am.
Or I can live for God while I'm here,
and live again in the promised land.

You make your choice, but mines been made.
I choose my mansion, over a fiery grave.
The task is very simple, it's impossible to fail.
You give your life to Jesus, you save yourself from hell.

So you can ask me each and every day,
but my story will remain the same.
Cause if my name's erased from the book of life,
I've only me to blame

So see while people often ask me,
why I live the life I live.
Why is it that to God my soul I choose to give.
I answer them proudly, with my spirits lifted high.

Jesus Christ my Savior, He's the reason why.

~Author Unknown To Me



"DON'T QUIT"!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems uphill.
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
And everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out,
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick in the fight when you're the hardest hit,
It's when things seem worse,That you must not quit.

~~By Betty Rich







"SOMEONE DOES CARE!"

I found God in the morning.
We just sat and talked.

I kept him near me.
everywhere I walked.

I called on God at noontime.
A heart filled with despair.

I felt his quiet presence,
I knew "HE" was there.

We met again at sunset,
The waning of the day...

I had made him happy...
I had lived "His way".

Then when at bedtime I knelt,
Silently in prayer...

Again his gentle presence I felt,
"Someone Does Care."


~Author Unknown To Me





"FATHER FORGIVE THEM"


The air hangs heavy,
My heart stands still.
They gather all around Me,
And Hasten for the kill.

They tear My garments from Me
Undraped and naked here I stand.
While they prepare to crucify
The bleeding Son of Man.

It's hard for Me to understand
Or realize just why,
My death is made a mockery
Which makes My Mother cry.

When just last week I spoke of peace
And everlasting love.
Apparently to deafened ears
And darkened skies above.

It was just last night I prayed,
"Father, if the will be Thine,
Take away this chalice...
This bleeding cup of Mine.

But yet, not as I will
But as Thy will be done."
And when pain shot through My heart,
I knew My hour had come.

A noisy crowd shatters the night,
My heart begins to race.
And then a traitor's lips,
Plant a kiss upon My face.

They scourged me at a pillar,
And whipped me till I bled,
But this was just a taste
Of the agony ahead.

A wreath of thorns upon My head,
I arched with every breath,
I went before the multitude,
They sentenced Me to death.

A cross I had to carry,
The splinters tore My skin,
The trecherous road to Calvary,
Was just now to begin.

The midday sun took its toll,
My kness buckled and gave way.
My heart was beating very fast,
As on the ground I lay.

My head began to spin around
And I felt the blistering heat,
I could not go on, and once again
Fell...at My Mother's feet.

I looked up at her tear stained face,
And even though she tried,
To hold back her emotions,
She looked at Me and cried.

I stumbled again and fell once more,
As time seemed to stand still.
Bruised and bleeding I arrived,
At the sacrificial hill.

And now I stand here naked,
Tormented by seething pain.
While nails are driven through My flesh,
And piercing every vein.

The agony is unbearable,
As spikes drive through the bone.
And they nail me to the cross,
To suffer all alone.

I now look down from My cross,
And see the brutal few.
"Father, please forgive them,
They know not what they do."

To My right and to My left,
The two thieves I behold.
One this day finds Paradise,
But the other's heart is cold.

Below me I can dimly see
My Mother so divine,
Trying hard to hold back tears,
As I try to hold back Mine.

"Woman, behold Your Son"
It hurts you, that I know.
I can see the torment in Your eyes,
As tears begin to flow.

Upon My robe they cast their lots,
To see who gets it first.
My whispered word goes unheard,
As I cry to them "I thirst."

My arms are getting weary,
And I am numb with pain.
The aching and the throbbing
Seems impossible to retain.

Now I hang here all alone,
For all the world to see.
My heart cries out, "My God, My God,
Why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

I see the sky above grow dark,
And not a sound I hear,
And I know deep inside My heart
That the end is very near.

"To Thy Hands I commit My spirit,
"Father, take Thy Son."
I see the light of life go out,
"Father...it is done!"

~Author Unknown To Me





ETERNAL INK


I dreamed I was in heaven
Where an angel kept God's book.
He was writing so intently
I just had to take a look.

It was not, at first, his writing
That made me stop and think
But the fluid in the bottle
That was marked eternal ink.

This ink was most amazing,
Dark black upon his blotter
But as it touched the parchment
It became as clear as water.

The angel kept on writing,
But as quickly as a wink
The words were disappearing
With that strange eternal ink.

The angel took no notice,
But kept writing on and on.
He turned each page and filled it
Till all its space was gone.

I thought he wrote to no avail,
His efforts were so vain
For he wrote a thousand pages
That he'd never read again.

And as I watched and wondered that
This awesome sight was mine,
I actually saw a word stay black
As it dried upon the line.

The angel wrote and I thought I saw
A look of satisfaction.
At last he had some print to show
For all his earnest action.

A line or two dried dark and stayed
As black as black can be,
But strangely the next paragraph
Became invisible to see.

The book was getting fuller,
The angel's records true,
But most of it was blank, with
Just a few words coming through.

I knew there was some reason,
But as hard as I could think,
I couldn't grasp the significance
Of that eternal ink.

The mystery burned within me,
And I finally dared to ask
The angel to explain to me
Of his amazing task.

And what I heard was frightful
As the angel turned his head.
He looked directly at me,
And this is what he said...

I know you stand and wonder
At what my writing's worth
But God has told me to record
The lives of those on earth.

The book that I am filling
Is an accurate account
Of every word and action
And to what they do amount.

And since you have been watching
I must tell you what is true;
The details of my journal
Are the strict accounts of YOU.

The Lord asked me to watch you
As each day you worked and played.
I saw you as you went to church,
I saw you as you prayed.

But I was told to document
Your life through all the week.
I wrote when you were proud and bold,
I wrote when you were meek.

I recorded all your attitudes
Whether they were good or bad.
I was sorry that I had to write
The things that make God sad.

So now I'll tell the wonder
Of this eternal ink,
For the reason for its mystery
Should make you stop and think.

This ink that God created
To help me keep my journal
Will only keep a record of
Things that are eternal.

So much of life is wasted
On things that matter not
So instead of my erasing,
Smudging ink and ugly blot.

I just keep writing faithfully and
Let the ink do all the rest
For it is able to decide
What's useless and what's best.

And God ordained that as I write
Of all you do and say
Your deeds that count for nothing
Will just disappear away.

When books are opened someday,
As sure as heaven is true;
The Lord's eternal ink will tell
What mattered most to you.

If you just lived to please yourself
The pages will be bare,
And God will issue no reward
For you when you get there.

In fact, you'll be embarrassed,
You will hang your head in shame
Because you did not give yourself
In love to Jesus' Name.

Yet maybe there will be a few
Recorded lines that stayed
That showed the times you truly cared,
Sincerely loved and prayed.

But you will always wonder
As you enter heaven's door
How much more glad you would have been
If only you'd done more.

For I record as God sees,
I don't stop to even think
Because the truth is written
With God's eternal ink.

When I heard the angel's story
I fell down and wept and cried
For as yet I still was dreaming
I hadn't really died.

And I said: O angel tell the Lord
That soon as I awake
I'll live my life for Jesus-
I'll do all for His dear sake.

I'll give in full surrender;
I'll do all He wants me to;
I'll turn my back on self and sin
And whatever isn't true.

And though the way seems long and rough
I promise to endure.
I'm determined to pursue the things
That are holy, clean and pure.

With Jesus as my helper,
I will win lost souls to Thee,
For I know that they will live with Christ
For all eternity.

And that's what really matters
When my life on earth is gone
That I will stand before the Lord
And hear Him say, well done.

For is it really worth it
As my life lies at the brink?
And I realize that God keeps books
With His eternal ink.

Should all my life be focused
On things that turn to dust?
From this point on I'll serve the Lord;
I can, I will, I must!

I will NOT send blank pages
Up to God's majestic throne
For where that record's going now
Is my eternal home.

I'm giving all to Jesus
I now have seen the link
For I saw an angel write my life
With God's Eternal Ink.

The Actual Account Of A Dream

by Craig F. Pitts






"Untitled"

When I look in the mirror
At the person I see,
Sometimes I wonder
Who is that looking at me?

She puts on a smile
Before facing the day,
Though her heart may feel heavy
She pushes her cares out of the way.

In her eyes there's a sparkle
On her brow not a frown,
And when she's ready to go
She's up, never down.

There's no sign of trouble
On the mask that she wears,
If I didn't know her
I'd think she hadn't a care.

But under the mask
There's lost dreams and some pain,
And a deep well of strength
That fills again and again.

Most never look deeper
Than the mask that she wears,
What they see on the surface
Is all that they care.

But, oh what they're missing
By not lifting the mask,
The surface is never
The place one should bask.

The core of a person
Is what you must know,
If you look deep inside
The real self will show.

The privilege of knowing
A person that deep,
Is truly a treasure
Filled with memories to keep.

Most people know heartache
And have a story to tell,
But they're wearing a mask
To cover their hell.

Adversity met
And risen above,
Fills a person with depth
And teaches great love.

So, don't take for granted
Just what you see,
Look under the mask,
That's where the real person will be.

An Original Writing By
Jackie PA@aol.com




The Pew


Once upon a pew I sat
And heard the preacher ask,
"We need someone to teach a class,
Now who will take this task?"

Then God sat down beside me there
And said, "Son, that's for you."
But, Lord, to stand before a class
Is one thing I can't do.

Now Bill would be the man to call,
There's nothing he won't do.
I'd rather hear the lesson taught
From here upon my pew.

Once upon a pew I sat
And heard the preacher ask,
"We need someone to lead the songs,
Now who will take this task?"

Then God sat down beside me there
And said, "Son, that's for you."
But Lord, to sing before a crowd
Is one thing I can't do.

Now Brother King will do the job,
There's nothing he won't do.
I'd rather hear the music played
From here upon my pew.

Once upon a pew I sat
And heard the preacher ask,
"I need someone to keep the door,
Now who will take this task?"

Then God sat down beside me there
And said, "Son, that's for you."
But saying things to strangers, Lord,
Is one thing I can't do.

Now Tom can talk to people, Lord,
There's nothing he won't do.
I'd rather someone come to me
And greet me on the pew.

As years just seemed to pass me by,
I heard that voice no more.
Until one night I closed my eyes
And woke on heaven's shore.

"Twas four of us together there
To face eternity.
God said, "I need just three of you
To do a job for me."

"O Lord, "I cried, "I'll do the job,
There's nothing I won't do."
But Jesus said, "I'm sorry, Friend,
In heaven there's no pew."

Author Unknown To Me





"PEACE"



Do not undermine your worth
By comparing yourself with others.

It is because we are different
That each of us is special.

Do not set your goals
By what other people deem important.

Only you know what is best for you.
Do not take for granted the things

closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life,

For without them,life is meaningless.
Do not let your life

Slip through your fingers
By living in the past nor for the future.

By living your life one day at a time,
You live all the days of your life.

Do not give up when you still have
something to give.

Nothing is really over until the
moment you stop trying.

It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other.
Do not be afraid to encounter risks.

It is by taking chances
That we learn how to be brave.

Do not shut love out of your life
By saying it is impossible to find.

The quickest way to receive love
Is to give love; The fastest way to lose love

Is to hold it too tightly.
Do not dismiss your dreams.

To be without dreams is to be without hope;
To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Do not run through life so fast that you forget
Not only where you have been,

But also where you are going.
Life is not a race,

But a journey to be savored each step of the way.


~~Author Unknown To Me








WHICH ONE?


The Mother walked into the Doctor's office, carrying a bright and beautiful baby. Seating herself near the family physician, she said, "Doctor, I want you to help me with my problem. My baby is one year old and I've conceived again. I don't want to have two children so close together." "Ah," said the Doctor, "and what would you have me do?" "I want you to get rid of it for me," answered the woman. After thinking seriously for a moment, the Doctor said: "I think I can suggest a way of helping you out. If you object to two children being so close in age, the best way would be to kill the one on your lap and let the other one be born." "It's easy to get at the one on your lap and it makes no difference to me which one I kill. Besides, killing the unborn baby may endanger your life." With that the Doctor reached for a knife and casually asked the Mother to lay the baby down on her lap and turn her head away. The woman leaped up from her chair and screamed, "Murderer." A few words from the Doctor soon convinced the woman that his offer to commit murder was no worse than her request to him to destroy her unborn child. In either case, the act would be murder; the only difference would be the age of the victim.


From The Evangelist

"JIM CHECKING IN"


A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw the man had not shaved in a while.

His shirt was kinda shabby and his coat was worn and frayed.
The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap,
Each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him, "What are you doing here?"

The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time, for finding strength and power.

"I stay only moments, see, because the factory is so far away;
As I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kinda what I say:

"I Just Came Again To Tell You,
Lord, How Happy I've Been

Since We Found Each Other's
Friendship and You Took Away My Sin.

Don't Know Much Of How To Pray,
But I Think About You everyday.

So, Jesus, This Is Jim Checking In."

The minister feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome to come and pray just anytime.

Time to go, Jim smiled, said "Thanks." He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the alter, he'd never done it before.

His cold heart melted, warmed with love, and met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer:

"I Just Came Again To Tell You,

Lord, How Happy I've Been,
Since We Found Each Other's Friendship

And You Took Away My Sin.

I don't Know Much Of How To Pray,
But I Think About You everyday.

So, Jesus, This Is Me Checking In."

Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some.

At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried, but he'd given them a thrill.

The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward.

The head man couldn't understand why Jim was so glad,
When no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse's concern:
No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile;
"The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that in here all the while

Everyday at noon He's here, a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me:

"I Just Came Again To Tell You,
Jim, How Happy I Have Been,

Since We Found This Friendship,
And I Took Away Your Sin.

Always Love To Hear You Pray,
I Think About You Every Day,

And So Jim, .......This Is Jesus Checking In."

~ By Sonny Salsbury

"If this blesses you, please pass it on...."




"TAKE TIME"

Take time to think;
It is the source of power.

Take time to read;
It is the foundation of wisdom.

Take time to play;
It is the secret of staying young.

Take time to be quiet;
It is the opportunity to seek God.

Take time to be aware;
It is the opportunity to help others.

Take time to love and be loved;
It is God's greatest gift.

Take time to laugh;
It is the music of the soul.

Take time to be friendly;
It is the road to happiness.

Take time to dream;
It is what the future is made of.

Take time to pray;
It is the greatest power on earth.


~~Author Unknown To Me





!~"Drinking From My Saucer"~!




I've never made a fortune
And it's probably too late now
But I don't worry about that much
I'm happy anyhow

And as I go along life's way
I'm reaping better than I sow
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed

Haven't got a lot of riches
And sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones around me
And that makes me rich enough

I thank God for his blessings
And the mercies He's bestowed
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed

O, Remember times when things went wrong
My faith wore somewhat thin
But all at once the dark clouds broke
And the sun peeped through again

So Lord, help me not to gripe
About the tough rows that I've hoed
I'm drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed

If God gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough
I'll not ask for other blessings
I'm already blessed enough

And may I never be too busy
To help others bare their loads
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed

~~Author Unknown To Me~~






Everyday Survival Kit


1.Toothpicks 2.Rubber band 3.Band aid 4.Pencil 5.Eraser 6.Chewing gum

7.Mint

8.Candy Kiss 9.Tea Bag

Here's why:

Toothpicks - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others...Matt 7:1

Rubber band - to remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out...Romans 8:28

Band Aid - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's..Col.3:12-14

Pencil - To remind you to list your blessings everyday...Eph1:3

Eraser - to remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay..Gen. 50:15-21

Chewing gum - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything ...Phil 4:13

Mint - to remind you that you are worth a mint to your heavenly father...John 3:16-17

Candy Kiss-to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday..1John 4:7

Tea Bag - to remind you to relax daily
and go over that list of God's blessings...1 Thess5:18

This is my gift to you. May God richly bless you.To the world, you may just be somebody,but to somebody, you may be the world.


This was sent to me from my dear friend Mary Ann...

Send this to anyone who you think needs to know that they are loved by someone in their lives...Make someone's day just a little brighter





"Christian's Survival Kit"
~would make a nice Christmas gift!~



Mustard Seed: To remind you that nothing is impossible.

Needle: To remind you that is easier for a camel to go thru the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.

Clay: To remind you that He is the potter and we are all the work of His hand.

Candle: To remind you that God is the way, the truth, the light.

Heart: To remind you that the man who loves God is known by God.

Block: Though you may stumble, you will not fall for the Lord upholds you with his hand.

Dime: To remind you to give back to God 1/10 of the blessings he has given you.

Toothpick: To remind you not to tarry and remove the splinter from someone else's eye until you remove the plank from your own.




"Peanut Butter and Crackers"


“Even the Spirit of truth;whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:
but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
- John 14:17.

There is a story I once read about a man who planned to go on a cruise. Now this man was not rich, actually he was poor.
So over the period of a few years he saved the money he would need for his dream vacation.Finally, he called and made the reservation for the vacation of a lifetime.
He knew he would not be able to afford the cost of meals during his trip.
To prepare he packed peanut butter and crackers
and other non-perishable food items.

While on the cruise he was having a good time.
One evening a porter asked him how he was enjoying the great meals on board the ship. The man was embarrassed but shared
with the porter how he was not able
to afford to dine with the other passengers but simply ate in his room.
The porter then asked him, “Didn’t anyone tell you, the meals are included in the cost of the cruise?” The man could have been dining with the other passengers all the time!

In much the same way, we as Christians may not realize all
that we receive when we become a child of God through Christ Jesus.

Here is some of what we receive:
We have a share in the Joy of Christ:
“And now come I to thee;
and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” - John 17:13

We share in the Power of Christ:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also;and greater works than these shall he do;because I go unto my Father.” - John 14:12.

We share in the Knowledge of Christ:
..."for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." - John 15:15b

We share in the Love of Christ:
“...and that the world may know that thou hast sent me,
and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” - John 17:23.

We share in the Work of Christ:
“As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” - John 17:18.

We share in the Glory of Christ:
“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them;
that they may be one, even as we are one.” - John 17:22.

We share in the Home of Christ:
“In my Father’s house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.” - John 14:2.

Why eat peanut butter and crackers
when you have been given, so much more?



"AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS"


"Awake to righteousness, and sin not." (1 Corinthians 15:34)

When your alarm clock goes off tomorrow morning, don't just wake up to another day. Do what the Word says to do and "awake to righteousness!" Reawaken yourself to the glorious fact that you've been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and given right-standing with Almighty God.

Why? Because tomorrow and every other day of your life on this earth satan is going to try to convince you that you don't have any right to the things of God. He's going to try to bring you into bondage again to sin in order to control your life. But he won't be able to do it if you'll reawaken yourself every day to who you really are in Jesus.

Here's a prayerful confession to help that revelation come alive in you:

"Father, I confess anew Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior today. Lord, You are the head of my life. I completely yield myself to You. My will is now Your will. My plans are now Your plans.

"As a new creation in Christ Jesus, I accept the gift of righteousness and all that gift includes: health, prosperity, peace, joy and life abundant. I put aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets me. I now look unto Jesus,the Author and Finisher of my faith.

"According to Your Word, I can now reign in this life as a king. The power of sin and death in my life has been overcome. No longer am I ruled by the forces of evil but by the God above all gods. I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.

"I determine today to walk conscious of my right standing with You, Lord, and with every step to draw closer and closer to You. Thank You for the gift of righteousness. Because of that gift, I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.

"In Jesus' Name
Amen!"




"Untitled"

Is anybody happier
Because you passed his way?

Does anyone remember
That you spoke to him today?

This day is almost over
And its toiling time is through;

Is there anyone to utter now
A friendly word for you?

Can you say tonight in passing
With the day that slipped so fast,

That you helped a single person
Of the many that you passed?

Is a single heart rejoicing
Over what you did or said?

Does one whose hopes were fading
Now with courage look ahead?

Did you waste the day or lose it?
Was it well or poorly spent?

Did you leave a trail of kindness
Or a scar of discontent?





"UNTITLED"



Red roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose.
And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows.
The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door.
The card said, "Be my Valentine", like all the years before.

Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always say,
"I love you even more this year, than last year on this day.
My love for you will always grow, with every passing year."
She knew this was the last time that the roses would appear.

She thought, he ordered roses in advance before this day.
Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass away.
He always liked to do things early, way before the time.
Then, if he got too busy, everything would work out fine.

She trimmed the stems, and placed them in a very special vase.
Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face.
She would sit for hours, in her husband's favorite chair.
While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting there.

A year went by, and it was hard to live without her mate.
With loneliness and solitude, that had become her fate.
Then, the very hour, as on Valentines before,
The doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting by her door.

She brought the roses in, and then just looked at them in shock.
Then, went to get the telephone, to call the florist shop.
The owner answered, and she asked him, if he would explain,
Why would someone do this to her, causing her such pain?

"I know your husband passed away, more than a year ago,"
The owner said, "I knew you'd call, and you would want to know.
The flowers you received today, were paid for in advance.
Your husband always planned ahead, he left nothing to chance.

There is a standing order, that I have on file down here,
And he has paid, well in advance, you'll get them every year.
There also is another thing, that I think you should know,
He wrote a special little card...he did this years ago.

Then, should ever I find out that he's no longer here,
That's the card...that should be sent, to you the following year."
She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard.
Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached to get the card.

Inside the card, she saw that he had written her a note.
Then, as she stared in total silence, this is what he wrote...
"Hello my love, I know it's been a year since I've been gone,
I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome.

I know it must be lonely, and the pain is very real.
For if it was the other way, I know how I would feel.
The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life.
I loved you more than words can say, you were the perfect wife.

You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every need.
I know it's only been a year, but please try not to grieve.
I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears.
That is why the roses will be sent to you for years.

When you get these roses, think of all the happiness,
That we had together, and how both of us were blessed.
I have always loved you and I know I always will.
But, my love, you must go on, you have some living still.

Please...try to find happiness, while living out your days.
I know it is not easy, but I hope you find some ways.
The roses will come every year, and they will only stop,
When your door's not answered, when the florist stops to knock.

He will come five times that day, in case you have gone out.
But after his last visit, he will know without a doubt,
To take the roses to the place, where I've instructed him,
And place the roses where we are, together once again.






TRADITIONAL PRAYER


The deep spiritual faith of the enslaved is reflected in the traditional prayer below. Similiar prayers are often recited in Juneteenth celebrations.


Father, I stretch my hand to thee--for no other help I know. Oh my rose of Sharon, my shelter in the time of storm. My prince of peace, my hope in this harsh land. We bow before you this morning to thank you for watching over us and taking care of us. This morning you touched us and brought us out of the land of slumber, gave us another day--thank you Jesus. We realize that many that talked as we now talked, this morning when their names were called, they failed to answer. Their voices were hushed up in death. Their souls had taken a flight and gone back to the God that gave it, but not so with us. We are thankful the sheet we covered with, was not our winding sheet, and the bed we slept on was not our cooling board. You spared us and gave us one more chance to pray. And Father, before we go further, we want to pause and thank you for forgiving our sins. Forgive all our wrong doings. We don't deserve it, but you lengthened out the brickly threads of our lives and gave us another chance to pray, and Lord for this we thank you... Now Lord, when I've come to the end of my journey, when praying days are done and time for me shall be no more; when these knees have bowed for the last time, when I too, like all others must come in off the battlefield of life, when I'm through being 'buked and scorned, I pray for a home in glory.

When I come down to the river of Jordan, hold the river still and let your servant cross over during a calm down. Father, I'll be looking for that land where Job said the wicked would cease from troubling us and our weary souls would be at rest; over there where a thousand years is but a day in eternity, where I'll meet with loved ones and where I can sing praises to thee; and we can say with the saints of old, Free at Last, Free at Last, thank God almighty, I am free at last. Your servants prayer for Christ sake. Amen!










Five Finger Prayer


1. Your thumb is nearest to you.So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty".

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3.The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4.The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5.And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in. Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed her family.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering; what is life all about,what is my purpose? Be thankful, there are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness,ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!

Should you decide to send this to a friend; You might brighten someone's day!










"The Bird Cage"

This wonderful piece was sent to me from my Forever Friend Mary Ann.

There once was a man named George Thomas, a pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Several eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak.

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me, swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, 'What you got there son?" "Just some old birds, "came the reply.

"What are you gonna do with them?" I asked. "Take 'em home and have fun with'em. I'm gonna tease'em and pull out their feathers to make'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." "But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"

"Oh,I got some cats.They like birds.I'll take 'em to them. "The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?" "Huh??!!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing-they ain't even pretty!"

"How much? "The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars, persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story. One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"

"And what will you do when you get done with them?'Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em." "How much do you want for them? ""Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you!! You don't want those people!!"

"HOW MUCH?" Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your tears, and all your blood. "Jesus paid the price. He picked up the cage...He opened the door.

Author Unknown To Me









"On The Journey To Canaan"



On my journey to Canaan, I walked on the sand.
I whispered a prayer, "Oh Lord, take my hand."
I see the White Pillar, I know He is here.
Yet, my heart is beating with fear.

Sun's in its highest, prime of the day.
I look to the mountains, I cannot find my way.
The enemy behind me, the sea an obstruction.
This day will bring my destruction.

Then spoke a Voice, ran 'cross the sand.
"Son, I hold the world, in the palm of My Hand.
Stretch forth thy rod, proceed with haste.
Table is laden, My power to taste."

I stretched forth the rod, then came a wind.
It beat on the waters, its great descent.
It tore through the sea bed, ground from its place.
The waters screamed, splashed in my face.

I fell to the ground, my soul is in awe.
My God, in His Power, made the water a wall.
I put out my foot, and friend, kid you not
The ground it was dry...hard...hot!!!

I ran for my freedom, My Father, He leads.
Yet there's the sound of the army's stampede.
"Oh Lord, do you see? They pass this way, too.
They will kill me...What must I do?"

"Son, go on ahead, see what's in store.
The men you see...you shall see no more."
I watched in awe, the ground leaped to shake.
The chariots' wheels ... crack and break!

They flew for their lives, rod stretched at length.
The waters once stable, returned with strength.
Ones that pursued me, I had seen before.
I shall never see them..No, not ever more.

By Perrie Jones, Jr.
September 10, 1999
Exodus 14:10-31





A Shining Star



Sometimes it seems God places a
Child in our midst

Whose beauty shines forth like an
Exceptional treasure.

To look into his eyes each day
Is to renew ourselves

By grabbing hold of our own hopes
And dreams.

But what if a loving God only
Loans this child for a season?

Isn't it the same loving God who
Gives us strength?

Walk on, My Child, to Paradise
Where a Risen Lord reigns

And they that are with Him are
Called and chosen.

For God's glory upon you causes
The heavens to brighten

And with Him you'll glitter as a
Star forever.

"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3

Jan. 21, 1997 A. Galloway
In Memory Of Ennis Cosby





Numbers 16:46 Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censor and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them; for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plaque is begun.



"The Power of Prayer"



The sky is gray and rain clouds appear
A certain uneasiness is stirred within.

For I know God's judgment is at hand.
His Hand of Chastisement is being seen.


Let me run quickly into His Presence
With heartfelt prayers of intercession.

For inspite of all His pain "Our God"
Will always stop and listen.


Let me gain entry into the devastation
With the Holy Spirit by my side.

For His Word tells us by achieving this
The destruction will subside.


Thank you, Moses, for teaching us
The way to change God's Heart.

For today His Word brought new joy
And peace came to my heart.


May 5, 1999 A. Galloway

National Day of Prayer