bestofwords21.html

God is the final authority here, and I thank Him for you,
and allowing me to share with you in this way.
Lord, please continue to use me to do Thy Will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak and unsaved.
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
May the Holy Spirit always continue to guide me.
I ask for your continued prayers, and please pray for each other

Bunny's Words © 1999-2004 All rights reserved

Gard61@aol.com

Song Playing is: "Have Thine Own Way" by Marty Robbins

Music is for evaluation purposes only.
If you like the music, please support the artists by purchasing the CD.

I absolutely do not receive any monetary gain for anything.
Everything I do is freely given, as it was freely received.

The Girl I Used To Be

She came tonight as I sat alone. The girl I used to be....
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye, and questioned reproachfully:
Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame, all the wonderful things to do?
Where is the mansion of stately height with all its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you and the jewels in your hair?
And as she spoke, I was very sad for I wanted her pleased with me...
This slender girl from the shadowy past. The girl that I used to be.
So gently rising, I took her hand and guided her up the stairs
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay. Innocent, sweet, and fair.
And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;
That silken robes is my motherhood of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career
I know is serving each day in these sheltered walls for the dear
ones who come and go. And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
she smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw the woman that I am now,
pleased with the girl I used to be.

************************

These Hands

These tiny hands of a 3 year old
reached into the cookie jar
only to be met with the cruel sting of her father's belt
his ranting and raving about stealing
she felt she would surely would go to hell.

These young, tender hands at 8 years old
fed and bathed a bedridden grandmother
never faltering, always at her beck and call
idle hands were the work of the devil, no doubt
these hands had no time to play at all.

The busy hands at 9 years old
took over the running of an entire family
scrubbed and polished, ironed and folded, cooked and baked
education, a useless venture for a girl,
a wife and mother to be.

These strong hands of a 10 year old
placed a firm grip on the cuff of her father’s shirt
dragged his dead weight drunken body
from the dirt after he had passed out
family rituals take on strange routes.

These searching hands at 17
entered into marriage to rid her life of pain
she cooked and cleaned, and raised a family
he squandered his money on gambling and liquor
the saga was the same, nearly driving her insane.

These willing hands at 37
now lonely for a child welcomed a tiny baby, almost an orphan
into her modest, but loving home
the cycle of life yet to continue
with a new person added to the plan.

These calloused hands well into their 40’s
took in washing to make a living
scrubbed and polished, ironed and folded, cooked and baked
all for the love of that almost orphan child
the sacrifices she did make!

These loving hands of a lifetime
knew the harshness that life can bring
yet they tenderly nursed a sick baby
or mended a child’s broken heart
these hands were a comfort from the start.

These tired hands at 64
were finally laid to rest
no longer would she have to toil and strive to do her best
the pain of life is behind her now, her joy has just begun
unfolding of His wonderous plans, God welcomes her with open hands.

All over the earth the faces of living things are all alike. . .
Look upon these faces of children without number
And with children in their arms,
That they may face the winds and
Walk the good road to the day of quiet. . .

There is no death. . .Only a change of worlds. . .

Garden of Dreams

If wishes were butterflies and teardrops were flowers, I'd have you here with me in my garden of dreams. My hopes would be raindrops; my yearning, the sunshine; and I'd paint with my brushes the starry moonbeams . . . I'd paint a huge canvas of love all in colors. In colors of scarlet and robin's egg-blue. In splashes of lavender, slashes of ebony, touches of spruce, and ivory, too.
My garden of dreams is awash all in colors, vibrant and glowing, graced by a dove.
My garden of dreams Is a haven of wishes, a soft, secret spot protecting my love.
A blanket of color protecting my love--a canvas of wishes, bright colored wishes, wild, wanton wishes in my garden of dreams.

A Prayer For Healing

O God, You know how I feel today, my secret fears and pains.
I pray for healing in whatever way You know will help me.
I trust in Your power.
You proclaimed God's reign by curing the sick;
comforting and strengthening those who were sad, and giving
new freedom to all who accepted You.
Guide those who help in Your healing work: doctors, nurses,
chaplains, and all who extend care. We pray in Your Spirit,
In the Name of Your Blessed Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen

I cannot believe
that the purpose of life is just to be "happy."
I think the purpose of life is
to be useful,
to be responsible,
to be honorable,
to be compassionate.
It is, above all, to matter,
to count, to stand for something,
to have made some difference
that you lived at all."

Leo C. Rosten. Polish-born American humorist-sociologist

************************

If You Were Asked Where And How You Learned To Love...
What Would You Say?

Natural beauty comes in all colors, strength in many forms.
When we learn to honor the differences and appreciate the
mix, we're in harmony.
Have you ever worried whether there would be enough air
for you to breathe?
Do you ever wonder what you would do if the laws of
gravity ceased to operate?
Why is it, we never seem to worry about the very essential
elements we all need to stay alive.
We just all "Trust", they will be there,
And they are.
We trust our hearts will beat, our blood will flow,
our lungs will expand and that we will stay firmly
planted on this earth. We trust every organ within our
bodies, that they will do exactly as they should. We trust
our bodies will always support us.
Why not extend that trust to every area of our life.
Trust that the Universe and Creator will provide
everything that you need without any effort on your part.
All you ever need to do is ask and trust.

Amen and Amen

************************

The Golden Years

Now is the time to close the books, lay down your pen, push back your chair,
Put down the load, stretch out your feet, and smell the flowers everywhere.
The Golden Years have now arrived, which seemed but just a dream before.
The rainbow's end lies just beyond the purple hills of home, and more.

Now is the time to watch the dawn seep slowly up through coral haze,
And blend your own voice with the birds, whose simple song is one of praise.
Now is the time to slow your steps, and with your fingers gently trace
The dainty pattern of a leaf, or view a fragile snowflake's lace.

Put the work and worry down, now is your time beneath the sun,
The richest years within your life, so long awaited, have begun.
The wisdom you had not in youth, the patience that you had to earn,
The set of values you possess, sustain you now at every turn.

"Grow old along with me" is not some thoughtless phrase by witless pen,
"The very best is yet to be" is not just whistling in the wind.
God puts a light in every heart, wherein life's sweetest song is played,
And He would have us all enjoy "The last for which the first was made."

I'll light a candle to see my way,
Out of the darkness of fear.
The light will brighten the road I choose;
All obstacles I will see.

It will bring harmony between me and the unseen.
The light will bring hope where all was lost.

I'll light a candle to understand the unknown.
It will shed light on those we trust,
And brighten our awareness of the dishonest.
It will warm me of chills running through me,
And glow with a natural splendor.

This lighted candle gives me courage,
To overcome the struggles that come upon me.
Let's me see more clearly the path I have taken.
It lights behind me for those who follow.

This simple flame, true in colors,
Rising with heat, flickering in the wind.
It's not perfect, yet it continues to burn.

Prayer

O Great Spirit, Whose voice I hear in the winds,
and whose breath gives life to all the world,
hear me, I come before You, one of Your children.
I am small and weak. I need Your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes
ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things You have made,
my ears sharp to hear Your voice.
Make me wise so that I may know the things You
have taught my people,
the lesson You have hidden in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength not to be superior to my brothers,
but to be able to fight my greatest enemy, myself.
Make me ever ready to come to You
with clean hands and straight eyes,
so when life fades as a fading sunset,
my spirit may come to You without shame.

Chief YellowHawk

God's Will For You and Me

Just to be tender, just to be true;
Just to be glad, the whole day through;
Just to be merciful, just to be mild
Just to be trustful as a child.
Just to be gentle, kind and sweet,
Just to be helpful with willing feet;
Just to be cheery when things go wrong,
Just to drive sadness away with a song;
Whether the hour is dark or bright,
Just to be loyal to God and right;
Just to believe that God knows best,
Just in His promises, ever to rest
Just to let love be our daily key,
That is God's will for you and me.

Book Of Life

Is my name written down? Do they know who I am?
Do they know my deepest secret that my life's been a sham?
Will I be glad when they open up the book?
Or will I be scared to even dare take a look?
Will I be happy as they break the golden seals?
Or will I know how fear really feels?
Will they know all I've done the good and the bad?
Will they know what I've felt the happy and the sad?
Will they know everything I've said and done?
I only hope they know I love the Father and the Son!
I wonder if they'll know about the anger and the strife?
And man I wonder if my name's in that book the book of life!

Copyright ©2003........Willie Gene Rayburn

The Native American in recovery 23rd Psalm

The Creator is my sponsor! I shall not want.
He maketh me go to many meetings.
He leadeth me to sit back, relax, and listen with an open mind.
He restoreth my soul, my sanity, and my health.
He leadeth me in the paths of sobriety, serenity, and fellowship
for my own sake. He teacheth me to think, to take it easy, to live
and let live, and to do first things first.
He maketh me honest, humble, and grateful.
He teacheth me to accept the things I cannot change, to change
the things I can, and giveth me the wisdom to know the difference.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of despair, frustration,
guilt and remorse, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me;
The Program, Thy way of life, the Twelve Steps, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies:
Rationalization, Fear, Anxiety, Self-pity, and Resentment.
Thou anointest my confused mind and jangled nerves with
knowledge, understanding, and hope.
No longer am I alone; neither am I afraid, nor sick,
nor helpless, nor hopeless.
My cup runneth over.
Surely sobriety and serenity shall follow me everyday of
my life, twenty-four hours at a time, as I surrender my will to
Thine and carry the message to others; and I will dwell in the
house of my Higher Power, as I understand Him, daily.
Forever and ever. Amen

***********************

"The entire sum of existence is the
magic of being needed by just one person"

***********************

The Right Road

Oh Great Spirit, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I am
actually doing so. But I believe this: I believe that the
desire to please You does in fact please You.
I hope I have that desire in everything I do.
I hope I never do anything
apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road though
I may know nothing about it at the time.
Therefore, I will trust You always,
for though I may seem to be lost,
and in the shadow of death,
I will not be afraid, because I know
You will never leave me to face my troubles alone.

Amen.

How are you?
Everyday I am asked "How are You?"
My response is always, "Fine, thank you "
But what I would really like to say is,
"Yes ... I am O.K."

I Have My Sight ...
although not perfect, I can still see the glorious sunsets,
the antics of a puppy, the smile of a child, and the most
important ... I can see if there are any bugs in my food..

I Have My Hearing ...
even though impaired I can hear the music that takes
the wrinkles out of my day. I can hear others tell me
they love me! And every morning I can hear the snap,
crackle, pop ... even if it isn't the cereal.

I Have My sense Of Smell ...
although marred with allergies I could tell if the house is
on fire, or the baby needs changing. Oh and isn't it heavenly
to smell that first cup of coffee in the morning?

I Still Have My Sense Of Taste ...
I can tell when something has gone bad or sour,
even though I have to wonder about my own cooking sometimes.

I Still Have My sense Of Touch ...
even though some people say I am really touched ...
The joy of touching another, loving another, petting your dog or
cat, makes you feel you are not alone...

I am O.K. you see.
I can walk, even though I may stumble --
I can talk, sometimes without stopping --
I can laugh, even when nothing is funny --
and I can cry, when sad or even happy.....
In fact, I think I am better than just Okay!
How about you?

High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Conversion
Look, God, I have never spoken to You.
But now -- I want to say, "How do You do."
You see, God, they told me You didn't exist.
And like a fool -- I believed all of this.
Last night from a shell-hole I saw Your sky --
I figured right then, they had told me a lie.
Had I taken time to see the things You made,
I'd known they weren't calling a spade a spade.
I wonder, God, if You'd shake my hand.
Somehow -- I feel that You will understand.
Funny, -- I had to come to this hellish place,
Before I had the time to see Your Face.
Well, I guess there isn't much more to say.
But I'm sure glad, God, I met You today.
I guess the "zero hour" will soon be here.
But I'm not afraid since I know You're near.
The signal! -- Well, God, -- I'll have to go.
I like You lots. -- This I want You to know.
Look, now -- this will be a horrible fight.
Who knows -- I may come to Your house tonight.
Though I wasn't friendly with You before
I wonder, God -- if You'd wait at Your Door.
Look -- I'm crying! Me! -- Shedding tears!
I wish I'd known You these many years. Well,
I will have to go now, God -- goodbye.
Strange -- since I met You -- I'm not afraid to die.

Bigger Than Anything

God is bigger than anything or any event that happened this
week. Man thinks he is powerful because of what he can destroy
in a day, but he better recognize who is the almighty powerful one.
God always has been and always will remain in control no matter
what man thinks. The world better wake up!!!
He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand Him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is, and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and everyway.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in Heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand
this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

I love the Lord and thank Him for all that he does in my life,
therefore, I am passing this on. Yes, I do love Jesus.
He is my source of existence and my Savior.
He keeps me functioning each and everyday.
Without Him, I will be nothing.
Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things.

"Dear God
We resign into your hands our sleeping bodies, our cold hearths and open doors. Give us to awaken with smiles, give us to labor smiling. As the sun returns in the east, so let our patience be renewed with dawn; as the sun lightens the world, so let our loving kindness make bright this house of our habitation."

Troubled child,
You feel weighted down with failure, as if you can't go forward.
You can go forward.
You have allowed your spiritual enemy to make you feel guilty
for sins I've already forgiven.
You have not forgiven yourself, so you think I have not forgiven you.

Have you forgotten My promise?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"
(1 John 1:9)

from Danni as she goes forward into chemo this week 3-10-03

There are no words to thank you for love that you have shared
Each one of you so special you'll always be revered
This day I was a Goddess what honors I received
Within my treasured memories you all have been conceived
I never will forget this upon my heart a scroll
With tears of grateful happiness now drenched within my soul
Each one of you my mentors with peace you came to me
It's you who'll be remembered with love so constantly
For no love could be greater than friendship that is bound
The chain of life grows endlessly with hearts that I have found
I sit here and I wonder what in this life I've done
That gives me greatest pleasure the "golden" hearts I've won
In life it is not easy to find such beauty rare
But I am blessed to find you my heart you'll always share
As years go by so swiftly I'll have you by my side
The joy and love and friendship the happiness derived
The overwhelming honor received with so much flair
Will stay with me forever your hearts I'll always wear.

God Bless Each Of You......Love, Danni
Yes, I Believe In Angels and I'm Sure You Do Too,
And I'm Convinced That Angels, Are Always Watching Over You

************************

You Are...

You are strong... when you take your grief and teach it to smile.
You are brave... when you overcome your fear and help others to do the same.
You are happy... when you see a flower and are thankful for the blessing.
You are loving... when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.
You are wise... when you know the limits of your wisdom.
You are true... when you admit there are times you fool yourself.
You are alive... when tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake.
You are growing... when you know what you are but not what you will become.
You are free... when you are in control of yourself and do not wish to control others.
You are honorable... when you find your honor is to honor others.
You are generous... when you can take as sweetly as you can give.
You are humble... when you do not know how humble you are.
You are thoughtful... when you see me just as I am and treat me just as you are.
You are merciful... when you forgive in others the faults you condemn in yourself.
You are beautiful... when you don't need a mirror to tell you.
You are rich... when you never need more than what you have.
You are you... when you are at peace with who you are not.

Blue Irises

I had a rare and beautiful blue iris. She meant everything to me,
She gave me life ~ and hopes ~ and dreams.
She taught my heart, as she taught my soul, how to really see.

I lost my beautiful blue iris...on a bright cold winter morn,
But my world was all but darkened, and all my light was gone.

I now know from her teachings, that she left behind another
bloom, my daughter....whose name she adorns.
I still have that rare and beautiful blue iris,
a part of me, a part of Mom.
As gentle and as sweet as the spring rain in the morning,
A spirit so wonderfully free. A part of Mom, and a part of me.

You see, true beauty never dies my friend. It makes new for another day, and in my daughters eyes I see the love, from yesterday and today.

She has passed that light to her sons, and in them I now see,
Two new rare and beautiful blue irises, part Mom, part daughter, part me.

Good Over Evil

In a vision of the night
I stood before a mighty tower.
It reached through the clouds
And shone with the glory of God.
And then I beheld
Far below
An army unnumbered
Men and dragons
With great machines of death and conquest.
They flew with evil against the fortress
To work to bring it down.
Soon the air around the base
Darkened within a haze of dust and smoke.
I turned to the One showing me these things
And cried out in my distress
"How can I look upon such evil
Such destruction?"
"Look not on the evil"
He softly replied
"But turn your eyes
Toward the good that yet remains."
I turned
And beheld the tower
Standing firm
As if there had been no attack
And soon the enemy
Fell away
With all its strength spent
Forever.
And then the Angel said to me
"However great the evil may loom
You may gaze in victory
Upon the infinite blazing power
Of Heaven's greatest
Good."

Ray McAllister......(3 February 2003)

The Sea Shell

As I touch it my whole body starts to shiver;
Memories from long ago come back.
How many years have passed since that summer?
Five, ten or more? I don’t know. I take it and put it to my ear and
listen as I did so long ago.
I can still hear the sea slapping against the giant cliffs.
I close my eyes, and can see myself running along the beach,
laughing, while trying not to get my feet wet.

I can still smell the salt and taste it as the surf comes in,
Hear the sea gulls as they come swishing down to the
waters edge.
Then I remember the stranger from long ago.
She was a frail, gray haired woman.
I don’t know where she came from or even her name.
But I can still hear her voice and what she said,
"Take this sea shell and hold it close
When times in life get tough or get you down.
Take it and put it to your ear and listen to it with care."

As quick as she appeared, she was then gone.
But the gift of the sea shell was still there.
Now many years later as life seems so unfair
I take the sea shell and put it to my ear
And listen
Remembering that she must of cared.

If

If all who hate would love us, and all our loves were true,
The stars that swing above us, would brighten in the blue.
If cruel words were kisses, and every scowl a smile,
A better world than this is, would hardly be worthwhile.
If purses would not tighten to meet a brother's need,
The load we bear would lighten above the grave of greed.
If those who whine would whistle, and those who languish laugh,
The rose would rout the thistle, the grain outrun the chaff.
If hearts were only jolly, if grieving were forgot,
And tears of melancholy were things that now are not.
Then love would kneel to duty, and all the world would seem
A bridal bower of beauty, a dream within a dream.
If men would cease to worry, and women cease to sigh,
And all be glad to bury whatever has to die.
If neighbor speak to neighbor, as love demands of all,
The rush would eat the saber, the spear stay on the wall.
Then every day would glisten, and every eye would shine,
And God would pause to listen, and life would be divine.

Thoughts of Spring

The wind blows O thru my soul
as I gaze up to the Heavens that be
the early morning light peeking through the clouds
have come to take over me

Slowly I step upon each blade of grass
still wet with the morning dew
so green and vibrant, the earth smelling rich
let morning awakenings take over you

The smell of the garden rich with color
of greens and pink vibrant hues
the earthly smell of cedar bark and soil
the robin singing her spring blues

Upon the forest floor the scent of the pine
the insects that scatter about the earth
all the healing medicines are rich here now
a time for happiness, healing and rebirth

I welcome spring and all it brings
my earthly person will take on a new role
tis the season I will grow in wisdom and spirit
as the wind blows O thru my soul

Written by
Keetonah 1 March 29, 2002

"Those we love are the snowflakes of life.....none are the same,
each is beautiful, and ALL bring something special"

Oh Great Spirit

Be my mind,
Be my eyes,
Be my ears,
Be my heart,
Be my soul,
So that I may walk
With dignity and pride.

When our circle of life is complete we begin our journey to the other side.
Our teachings and beliefs may have many different names for the other side.
Many nations, many people will use different names to speak of this but we all agree it's a better place. Traditions from different Nations will vary and the Modern World will have a different view.
If we believe in Our Creator and trust in His teachings we will have everlasting peace, to see our loved ones and friends, to be joined forever in the arms of Our Creator.

By........Joseph

************************

"Explore Dream Discover"

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the
things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines...
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore....Dream....Discover.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

I expect to pass through the world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or
neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Pandora

Tilted jilted completely wilted
The dreams of youth die hard
Shattered scattered nothing mattered
Disillusions by the yard
Through these shards of broken goals
A harlequin now strolls
He stops at every broken heart
To gloat and collect tolls
A solitary figure rises
To shed her cloak of pain
She's standing tall among the ruins
Unaffected by the rain
The harlequin approaches slow,
Head tipped with eyebrow raised
For no one ever stands up here
Nothing's ever praised
This is the last refuge
Of all God's broken souls
No shipwreck ever floats again
Off these nameless shoals

"Who are you? What's your name?
Why do you block my path?
Stand aside, just back away
Or you'll soon feel my wrath!"
She answers slow, with steady voice
"I'm sent to help them cope
I am the last remaining in the box
You see my name is Hope."

Poetry By Iron Otter©

************************

Heaven's very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth. "It's time again for another birth"
Said the Angels to the Lord above, "This special child will need much love.
"His progress may seem very slow, accomplishments he may not show,
And he'll require some extra care, from the folks he meets way down there.
"He may not run or laugh or play, his thoughts may seem quite far away,
In many ways he won't adapt, and he'll be known as handicapped.
"So let's be careful where he's sent, we want his life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who will do a special job for You.
"They will not realize right away, the leading role they're asked to play,
But with this child sent from above, comes stronger faith and richer love.
"And soon they'll know the privilege given, in caring for this gift from Heaven,
Their precious charge, so meek and mild, is Heaven's very Special Child."

************************

Onward

Although I'm alone and my journey is long,
there's a place where my heart wants to be.
Everyone else went the other way . . . .
but that's not the way home for me.

For I must press onward and never give up;
In life---that is just how things are.
And one day I know that I finally will reach
my home, that for now seems so far.

There's a bank up ahead in the shade of the trees
where I hope to find quiet and rest.
Then onward I'll go, again and again
to that place that my heart loves the best.

Onward and forward with no time to lose;
I'm closer with each passing day.
Sometimes it's tempting to turn back around,
but for me there is no other way.

But I am so tiny---the world is so big
and there's dangers I don't want to face.
But Jesus says, "Go! For I am the Way,
and I'll give you the strength and the grace."

So onward I go despite all my tears,
toward the place where my heart longs to be.
Tho' many may travel the other way . . . .
it isn't the way home for me.

Cheryl Taul
Copyright 2/12/03

The Furnace (Daniel 3: 18 April 2002)

Sometimes you must face the fire
Alone
And without hope
While the world only wants to watch you die.
Sometimes you must be bound
By all the enemy commands to restrain you
And you must be cast
As Love's abandoned sacrifice
Into the core
Of what appears as hottest hell.
But once you submit
To such unimaginable horror
Your form will stand
At peace
In the Holy Presence of Your Lord
Who dwells as a consuming flame
Amid the blaze of Heaven's glory.
That flashes back and forth
With life.
And as you commune
Your spirit embraced alone with His
All that shall be destroyed
Are the bands that hold you
And the forces of doom
That sought your annihilation.
Rest
O weary soul
For, at last
You may walk
With God.

Written by Ray McAllister

If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I'm a Healer.
If you never went through difficulties,
how would you know that I'm a Deliverer.
If you never had a trial,
how could you call yourself an overcomer.

If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I'm a Comforter.
If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I'm a Forgiver.
If you knew all, how would you know that I will answer your questions.
If you were never in trouble, how would you know that I
will come to your rescue.
If you were never broken, then how would you know that I
can make you whole.
If you never had a problem, how would you know that I
can solve them.
If you never had any suffering, how would you know what
Jesus went through.
If you never went through the fire, how would you become pure.
If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them.
If I never corrected you, how would you know I love you.
If you had all the power, how would you learn to depend on me.
If your life were perfect, what would you need Me for?

It is said that when Opossums are playing "Possum,"
they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror.
Have you ever been that scared? Are you facing something today
that has you terrified.
Maybe you are questioning your self-worth.
Here is a positive thought that someone sent to me:
"God made us all special and we should never forget that.
Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different that each of us is special."
You are a unique individual --no one else is quite like you.
Look positively at your human assets.
Dr. Schuler is criticized for his constant emphasis on positive living,
but there is some truth to the concept.
Who else but the Christian has the right to a positive outlook?
It should never take the place of faith in Christ,
but it should supplement your faith as a valuable adjunct
to victorious Christian living.
It's hard to be optimistic when you have misty optics.
So, dry your tears with the towel of faith and serve God
with the excited anticipation of the reward to come.
Rev. 21:4 (niv) says,
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
That's a positive promise that you can count on, positively.

May

May all the pain
That life has wrought
Be forgotten
And dreams that are sought
Be brought to life
By wondrous joy
May your heart
Its blessings enjoy
Good friends, good times
And treasures galore
Simple treasures, life's treasures
Couldn't ask for more
May good health be one
Love be another
And happiness be
The treasures you discover
May you smile each day
And sing a happy song
May your dreams bring you
Where you belong
May you feel a tender touch
From arms that hold you
May you feel the gentle kiss
That starts love anew
May the stars above
Be found in your eyes
May they be shared
Whenever you cry
May hope surround you
Bringing you peace
Embracing your troubles
Making them forever cease
May faith light your way
Making darkness disappear
May you be wrapped in courage
Knowing He is ever near
May you know charity
In your life's climb
May you return all
Before you run out of time
May God bless
And keep you
Your whole life
Through

************************

A Quiet Place In The Heart

Keep a quiet little place
where only you can go,
A place securely set aside to think,
to breathe to grow...
Don't think that you'll be lonely there,
for God is close beside you;
His messages will all come through
to comfort and to guide you.
Life's burdens grow much lighter
for all those who've set apart
A quiet place for God to dwell
at peace within the heart.

My Prayer For You

When you're lonely,
I pray you feel God's love.
When you're down,
I pray God gives you joy.
When you're troubled,
I pray you know God's peace.
When things are complicated,
I pray you find simple beauty.
When things are chaotic,
I pray you are given inner silence.
When things look empty,
I pray you know hope in Jesus.

I'm Home

For years Eleanor was a faithful worker in the church nursery. Now with terminal illness she only had a short time to live. With every bit of strength she had, she was teaching her three young daughters, (11 yr. old twins, and a 9 yr. old) how to cook, clean, and care for their father, and three older boys.
The children were in school the day I visited, and Eleanor was waiting for 2:45 p.m. when her husband Harold would arrive home from work. He entered the back door, and before he took one step up toward the kitchen, he said in a most concerned voice, "Eleanor, I'm Home!" She whispered to me, "He says that with caution because he is afraid of the day I won't answer."
Harold had never accepted Eleanor's Savior, so his loss seemed so final when her voice could no longer respond to him after she went to be with her Lord. We lost touch with the family after a few years, until the day I received a call from one of the twins saying, "My father is in the hospital and not expected to live. Do you think your husband could visit him. He is not a believer, and it is breaking my heart to see him without hope."
Bob went as quick as he could. There lay Harold gazing at an 8x10 picture of his precious Eleanor, his spirit tender as never before in his 50+ years. Bob, moving toward the picture said to Harold, "Would you like to accept Christ as your Savior?" Without hesitation Harold followed Bob in a prayer of repentance. His whole countenance changed. In the days to follow, even the nurses noticed his peace. The children asked my husband (who was not a minister) to do their father's funeral. There were many unbelievers in attendance as Bob told the story I just related to you...ending with.. "Now Harold can say without fear in his voice,
"ELEANOR, I'M HOME!"
Simeon was already a devout man of God...waiting to see the Messiah, and after he embraced Jesus, he said, "Lord now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word:

He Walks With Me

I embark on life's journey
one step at a time.
I see His light in the distance
and I'm drawn to it,
only to encounter along the way
turbulent storms
with mountains so steep;
I fear the climb.

Bravely, I walk toward
a beacon of repose
but the clouds roll in
and the thunder roars,
darkness encircles me
as I sink in murky mires.

Sunless mornings I lay in bed
wrapped in a shroud of despair
and I can't find the strength to
step out into the cold, damp reality.

I forget how to smile
I forget how to love
I pray for the return
of my innocent child.

I try to remember
fields of daffodils
dancing on His canvas
but, the destructive winds
that rip His creation to shreds
blind my vision and I lose my way;

I cry out for His help

then I see a twinkle, a flicker
of soothing calm that envelopes my soul
and eases the tumultuous rage
that swell within my everyday burdens.
The tears that doused His light
seem to subside.
I watch a white dove fade
into misty vapors

and I follow the silence.

There He is with open arms.
I take hold of His hand;
it feels warm and comforting,
I open my weary eyes, (red with grief)
and ask Him to alleviate my sorrows.

I open my heart and ask Him to come in
then, my path is alight
and one step at a time
He walks with me.

Madeleine Armstrong

The Dragonfly’s Song

Thru my eyes I see many things,
Many visions, many lives
Lots of pictures
Thru my eyes
High overhead I can fly
Watching as events fly by
Over a world of beauty, pain and love
Thru my eyes
Low I swoop, skimming close
Water and land flash quickly nigh
Sweet breezes flutter my wings
As I see thru my eyes
The past, the future, the present
All I see though small am I
I feel the winds rush past me now
As I look out thru my eyes
I feel them all around me now,
The spirits of family draw nigh
I feel their whispers thru my wings
See their shadows thru my eyes
Those who have gone on before
Messages to us they sigh
If only you could hear their words
Or see them, thru my eyes
Peace and Blessings for us all
They wish us o’er the sky
Beautiful colors, swirling sounds
I see them all, thru my eyes
Take my hand, let me share
Such wonders as blessed as I
To see and hear as I soar and swoop
On my wings, thru my eyes

~Wadadagu~
copyright @ poetry.com

************************

God Is

God is love everlasting,
His love is always there for the asking.
the love God gives is never failing,
it's ours when we're well as it is when were ailing.
God made man in the image of Him,
then He gave us a choice we can sink or we can swim.
sometimes we'll fail and fall into sin,
but if we'd only ask He'd pick us up again.
and if we try to follow the road that is right,
in the end we'll see God's face the most radiant light.
someday we know our lives must come to a halt,
how we've lived right or wrong will be our own fault.
He doesn't expect us to be perfect, just to do the best we can,
and it doesn't matter how we finished the race but only that we ran.
So everyday thank God for His most wondrous gifts of love,
and for all His gifts of grace He sends from Heaven up above

Copyright ©2003 Willie Gene Rayburn

Spirit Wishes

May the years ahead offer you a peaceful ride with the wind.
May the sun light your way as gentle waters
And carry you to places of undiscovered joys.
From sunrise to sunset, may your day be a journey of the imagination and spirit.
May love and joy rush through your day like a cool mountain stream.
May the path be smooth beneath your feet,
And may your heart be as free as the wind.
For the strength of your spirit,
The gentleness of your heart,
And the courage of your dreams,
You are greatly admired.

There's a time for us to say "goodbye",
A time for memories to take their start,
A time for tears and certain fears
And longings in the heart
The voices soon may fade away
The names become a blur,
Past plans seem more like shadows now
Of dreams that 'almost' were.
So here's a wish meant just for you,
You're a very special kind,
And wherever you go may Peace and Love
Be following close behind.
Now this path will surely take you
To a future yet far away.
But once there think back to those you've touched
And the memories you made today.
It's true, you see, Time really does fly,
Only very few things stay the same,
Like the thought of one special moment,
An embrace...or a voice...or a name.
So take every day and enjoy it,
Live it sweetly to its very end,
And however the harsh winds torment you,
Like a Willow...you must learn to bend.
My wish now is really quite simple,
A path filled with Joy, Strength and Health,
To touch all of your heart, and light up your soul,
And fill up your mind with true wealth.

Hard Times

"Don't forget to honk for me, Daddy," I would say as I hugged him good-bye.
I would watch as he drove the car down the road toward the highway. Before he pulled out on the highway he honked the horn and blinked his lights.
On down the road he repeated that process at the stop sign at the junction, and then just a bit further down the highway, he would honk one last time as he went over the railroad overpass. I would stand there for a long time after he left on those Sunday nights, as tears ran down my face.

I was eight years old that summer when Daddy began working the night shift in Quincy, Illinois, because there was no work for him any closer to home. He would stay at the YMCA all week and come home on Friday for the weekend, and then the cycle would begin once more on the next Sunday night.

That was the same year Mama had to have surgery. Being a young child, I didn't understand much of what was happening but I felt the burden of concern all around me. There were somber faces, serious conversations, and trips to Bloomfield, Iowa, to see the doctor. One day, Mama explained to me that she had a lump in her breast and something called a goiter in her
throat. All I really understood was that they were something that wasn't supposed to be there and the doctor had to remove them.
Cancer was not a word in my vocabulary at that point in my young life, but fear was.

The day of the surgery, my brother and I were allowed to go with Daddy to see Mama in the hospital before they took her to the operating room. I'm not sure why that was permitted because at that time children under 12 could not go into the hospital rooms, and there was a sign posted in the waiting room that said as much so perhaps that was because Mama's condition was thought to be very serious.
As a child, I didn't understand the words that I heard but the importance of them must have registered because years later as an adult, I remembered exactly what was said when I heard Mama whisper the words to Daddy,
"If anything happens to me, take care of the kids." Although Daddy pretended to not be concerned that anything could possibly happen, he made the promise.

Mama came through the surgery and I was left with my Aunt Julia because they kept Mama in the hospital for a long time and Daddy had to work.
I loved Aunt Julia and Uncle Pearl's great big house on a farm near Novelty, Mo. There was a swing in a big tree that would glide clear across the front yard. It was fun to help Aunt Julia in the garden and I was given my cousin Evelyn's room to use because she was not at home.
Evelyn was an airline stewardess, which to me sounded like an exciting job because she could fly to faraway places. I would play in her room and pretend to be just like her.

I had never been away from home before without my parents and Daddy must have been concerned about that because late one afternoon as I was looking out the upstairs window, I saw that wonderful old black and white '57 Plymouth coming down the driveway. It was Daddy's car and I was so glad to see him that I leaped up and practically flew down the stairs
and into his arms before he even got to the house! He couldn't stay long and when he turned to leave, I was struck with the most terrible pain.
As a little girl, I didn't know the diagnosis was simply homesickness.
I asked to go with him and I cried because he said I couldn't go.
I heard him explain to Aunt Julia that he would like to take me but he was on his way back to work that night, so he couldn't. I think he felt awful and knew then it was probably a mistake to have stopped by at all.

It was a hard time being away from home for a little girl but it wasn't long until our little family of four was back home and together again. I learned that whatever was wrong with Momma was a good word called "benign" and it meant that everything was going to be normal again. Looking back, I know that it was a great relief that no cancer was found.
I also know that Daddy took that job so far away so that he could make enough money to be able to pay the hospital bills.

I don't remember exactly how long Daddy continued to travel to and from his job in Quincy, but when he would leave, the ritual began once more and he would honk and blink his lights at the designated places. Later, Daddy found work closer to home and at least for a while the hard times were over.

"Pao, Senhor?"

He couldn't have been over six years old. Dirty face,
barefooted, torn T-shirt, matted hair. He wasn't too
different from the other hundred thousand or so street
orphans that roam Rio de Janeiro.

I was walking to get a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe
when he came up behind me. With my thoughts somewhere
between the task I had just finished and the class I was
about to teach, I scarcely felt the tap, tap, tap on my
hand. I stopped and turned. Seeing no one, I continued
on my way. I'd only taken a few steps, however, when I
felt another insistent tap, tap, tap. This time I stopped
and looked downward. There he stood. His eyes were whiter
because of his grubby cheeks and coal-black hair.

"Pao, senhor?" (Bread, sir?)

Living in Brazil, one has daily opportunities to buy a
candy bar or sandwich for these little outcasts. It's
the least one can do. I told him to come with me and
we entered the sidewalk cafe. "Coffee for me and something
tasty for my little friend." The boy ran to the pastry
counter and made his choice. Normally, these youngsters
take the food and scamper back out into the street without
a word. But this little fellow surprised me.

The cafe consisted of a long bar: one end for pastries
and the other for coffee. As the boy was making his
choice, I went to the other end of the bar and began
drinking my coffee. Just as I was getting my derailed
train of thought back on track, I saw him again. He was
standing in the cafe entrance, on tiptoe, bread in hand,
looking in at the people. "What's he doing?" I thought.

Then he saw me and scurried in my direction. He came and
stood in front of me about eye-level with my belt buckle.
The little Brazilian orphan looked up at the big American
missionary, smiled a smile that would have stolen your
heart and said, "Obrigado." (Thank you.) Then, nervously
scratching the back of his ankle with his big toe, he added,
"Muito obrigado." (Thank you very much.)

All of a sudden, I had a crazy craving to buy him the
whole restaurant.

But before I could say anything, he turned and scampered
out the door.

As I write this, I'm still standing at the coffee bar,
my coffee is cold, and I'm late for my class. But I
still feel the sensation that I felt half an hour ago.
And I'm pondering this question: If I am so moved by a
street orphan who says thank you for a piece of bread,
how much more is God moved when I pause to thank Him
----really thank Him----for saving my soul?

Psalm 119:V143-144
"As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in Your commands. Your decrees are always fair; help me to understand them, that I may live," Turn your stress into strength with God's help!

************************

"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead."

Louisa May Alcott

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"Looking back, I have this to regret, that too often when I loved, I did not say so."

David Grayson (1890-1990)

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"This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths...Once we truly know that life is difficult -- once we truly understand and accept it -- then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters."

M. Scott Peck {American Author, Psychologist & Minister}

************************

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."

Danny Kaye

************************
"Religion is sitting in a church thinking about fishing.
Spirituality is fishing and thinking about God."

************************

"There are two ways of spreading light...to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it."

Edith Wharton

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Index	Ten	Twenty	Thirty
One	Eleven	Twenty-One	Remembering One
Two	Twelve	Twenty-Two	Remembering Two
Three	Thirteen	Twenty-Three	Remembering Three
Four	Fourteen	Twenty-Four	Animals One
Five	Fifteen	Twenty-Five	Animals Two
Six	Sixteen	Twenty-Six	Animals Three
Seven	Seventeen	Twenty-Seven	Heroes
Eight	Eighteen	Twenty-Eight	Holidays
Nine	Nineteen	Twenty-Nine

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	This site is owned and maintained by Bunny