This compilation of inspirational poems are

Dedicated to all those whom have Loved and

support me in life.

Daniel Q. Pagan whom encouraged , strengthened and

supported me along the way , as only a Best Friend
could.

Heather A. Turner whom has believed in me and honored

me , far beyond measure , as only a Loving Daughter
possibly could.

Brandon A. Turner whom while absent in the flesh

remains with me always , in spirit , as a Son should.

Margaret Goen-Turner whom has Loved and Honored me

far beyond my expectations , as only a Loving Wife ever
could.

Rachel Turner whom has remained steadfast in my heart

always seeing the best in me , as only a Mother possibly
could.

Last but not least , for never shall he be , I give Praise

and Thanks to My Heavenly Father from whom all good
things come , “For with God all things are possible.”
The Lord Called Out For Me
The Lord called out for me
to hear and keep his decrees
Awaking I rose from the ground
coming out from the covering of the tree
Listening closely to his word I was able to live
by abiding in the word I heard him speak
For his yoke is easy and his burden is light
my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak

He saved me by grace through faith

not of my own but a gift of God
So that I can't boast of the works
I performed while in the sod
Being dead in my transgressions
gratifying my sinful nature's desire
He made me a new creation to do good works
protecting me as I walk through the fire

He guides me in paths of righteousness

restoring my soul for his name's sake
He prepares a table in the presence of my enemy
inviting me to the feast his father's servants make
Reconciling me to God through the cross
making me a fellow citizen of God's household
My sins being covered by the blood of Jesus
the Holy Spirit instructs me to speak his word bold
11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by
birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the
circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)—
12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ,
excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants
of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been
brought near through the blood of Christ.
14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has
destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and
regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out
of the two, thus making peace,
16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through
the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and
peace to those who were near.
18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but
fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's
household,
20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ
Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become
a holy temple in the Lord.
22And in him you too are being built together to become a
dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 2:11-22
Once Born Again
The spirit is willing
the flesh is weak
For to the spirit
does God speak
Calling us out of the world
he placed us in
Paying our debt
forgiving our sin

Enlightening us with the truth

providing us with the way
Through the word of God
we grow stronger each day
For in the flesh
his word did come
Speaking of the secrets
of his glorious kingdom

Using the law of attraction

to draw us in
Living within us
once born again
18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it
is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world. That is why the world hates you.

20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than

his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If
they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do
not know the One who sent me.

22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty
of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.

23He who hates me hates my Father as well.

24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would
not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet
they have hated both me and my Father.

25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me

without reason.'

26"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the
Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will
testify about me.

27And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the
beginning.

John 15:18-27
Our Journey Home
As children we want to do what’s right
making our father proud
Souls reaching out
beyond our fleshly shroud
Our hearts buried deep within the dirt
wishing to be clean
But our tongues lash out
curses so obscene
A never ending battle
our mind racing through mazes
Our actions so controversial
as we sing hymns of praises
Hiding in the shadow
hoping nobody will see
The flesh fighting against
what we say we want to be
We seek praise for ourselves
not the Lord above
Our bodies cloaking us with excuses
fitting like a glove
Thinking God is just a spectator
whom only observes
On judgment day he will receive
the praise he deserves
Our only hope of salvation
comes by removing our disguise
Believing in our father vs. knowledge
to make us truly wise
Confessing to be a sinner
he will receive us as a saint
We shall walk and not be weary
run and not feel faint
Being born again
innocent in our youth
The light showing the way
testifying to the truth
Being guided and comforted
wherever we may roam
Given armor to protect us
along our journey home
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of
evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you
have done everything, to stand.
14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your
waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the
gospel of peace.
16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you
can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which
is the word of God.
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers
and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on
praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be
given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the
gospel,
20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare
it fearlessly, as I should.

Ephesians 6:10-20
Remaining in God's Good Grace
Within our loins a fire rages
searing our eternal soul
Sending our thoughts racing
spinning out of control
Struggling to maintain our innocence
keeping the lust of our flesh contained
Fighting the dark forces it possesses
through the blood God pre-ordained

For through his blood we have redemption

even the forgiveness of sins
Being the firstborn from the dead
through him our new life begins
Therefore we do not lose heart
though outwardly we are wasting away
Instead we rejoice of the eternal glory
inwardly being renewed day by day

Fixing our eyes not on what is seen

acknowledging God's invisible qualities
For we don't wrestle against flesh and blood
but against powers and principalities
The rulers of the darkness of this world
spiritual wickedness in high places
We must girt our loins about with truth
remaining in God's good grace
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual
blessing in Christ.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation
of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through
Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us
in the One he loves.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of
sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to
his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into
effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring
all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even
Christ.
11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according
to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with
the purpose of his will,
12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be
for the praise of his glory.
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word
of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were
marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the
redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his
glory.

Ephesians 1:3-14
Where All Darkness Comes to an End
Our future being unknown
like blank pages of a book
Unwritten mysteries unraveling
in accordance to the directions we took
The author's name hidden by the pen
creating order out of confusion
The prologue laying a foundation
beginnings to a grand conclusion

Where fairytales and lullabies are

within the realm of possibilities
Reaching out to generations
expanding our abilities
Fulfilling our deepest desires
making dreams come true
Transforming each of us into completion
providing a clear point of view

As seen in the eyes of a Master craftsman

being perfectly penned
Beings enlightened to the place
where all darkness comes to an end
14 When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out
to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with
wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king's officer, "Why did the king
issue such a harsh decree?" Arioch then explained the matter to
Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time,
so that he might interpret the dream for him.
17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to
his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to
plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery,
so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the
wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was
revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of
heaven 20 and said:
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."
24 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to
execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, "Do not execute
the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret
his dream for him."
25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, "I have found a
man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his
dream means."
26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), "Are you able
to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?" 27 Daniel
replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain
to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in
heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King
Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream
and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your
bed are these:

Daniel 2:14-28
Before Taking Our Last Breath

Thinking we were left for dead

drowning in our sin
Following the light from a distance
without ever going in
Afraid of our nakedness
being discovered
We buried ourselves in rituals
to keep our bases covered

While our earthen vessels

remain formless and void
Convinced by our convictions
we will be destroyed
Passing judgment on the world
from which we were formed
Condemning all of creation
for deeds we performed

Before coming to realize we suffer

from the law of cause and effect
Finally accepting our circumstances
we head home to pay our respect
Willing to receive our punishment
even if it's death
Surrendering to our father's will
before taking our last breath
1 When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come
upon you and you take them to heart wherever the LORD your
God disperses you among the nations, 2 and when you and your
children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your
heart and with all your soul according to everything I command
you today, 3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes
and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the
nations where he scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished
to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD
your God will gather you and bring you back. 5 He will bring you
to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take
possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous
than your fathers. 6 The LORD your God will circumcise your
hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love
him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 7 The
LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who
hate and persecute you. 8 You will again obey the LORD and
follow all his commands I am giving you today. 9 Then the LORD
your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your
hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock
and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you
and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, 10
if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and
decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the
LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 30:1-18
For Which His Son Died
Our lives are transforming
with each choice we make
Relying on our unsavory past
to avoid the same mistake
Believing if we had known then
what we know now
We would have been able
to change it all somehow

Blaming everything on our childhood

complaining about how we were raised
Full of half truths and lies
without the surface of truth being grazed
We speak of a brighter future
while trudging through the mud everyday
Crying out for what we think we need
Ending in Jesus name we pray

Acting like we are the angels

that fell from Gods good grace
Ignoring the fact that he calls us his children
the most honored place
Calling us out of this world
to join the feast inside
For we are his children now and forever
for which his son died
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death.
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the
flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and
for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;
but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is
life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not
subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit
of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,
he is none of his.
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the
Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell
in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken
your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after
the flesh.
13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God.
15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but
ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba,
Father.
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God:
17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together

Romans 8:1-17
The Sweetest Sound
Amazing grace is the sweetest sound
to a wretched man like me
Being lost in all I had found
blind to what I should see
Unaware of how filthy I was
my thoughts being unclean
Thinking I was a God among men
while my actions were obscene

Pretending I was able to be good

if I tried hard enough
Only wanting my heavenly father
when times were tough
Silencing the voice of my conscience
drowning it in massive confusion
Living a life of self-indulgence
my freedom was a grand illusion

Until it was revealed unto me

that I was a slave to my obsessions
An unwittingly willing servant
possessed by my possessions
Trying to buy my way into heaven
through acts of contrition
Considering it to be suffering
because my soul was dying of malnutrition

Now that I am finally free to live

I bury myself in his living word
Diving in head first feeding my soul
the sweetest sound I have ever heard
1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He
said:
"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'
5 The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.
7 "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
8 "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto
dry land.

Jonah 2:1-10
In Silence I Surrendered
I was likened to a lost sheep
hoping to one day be found
Wandering in the dark blindly
stumbling around
Determined to go my own way
through a clear passage
I burned up the midnight oil
searching for the light in his message

Going through the valley of the Shadow of Death

refining myself at 98.6 degrees
Trying to reproduce the fruits of life
my sins spreading like disease
Treating the word of God like a good book
I could have written myself
Leaving it to gather my dust
misplaced upon a shelf

Making its true inner beauty

seem so unappealing
Ashamed of what I've done
struggling with the guilt I was feeling
I realized the error of my ways
harkening to his commands I rendered
Lowering my head and raising my hands
in silence I surrendered
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.
41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.
Psalms 119: 33-48
Please Forgive Me Father

Please forgive me Father

for I have sinned against you
Acting like the child
tells the Father what to do
Kicking and screaming
until my throat was coarse
My tongue lashing out
cursedly off course

Treating your commandments

like just good advice
Breaking them everyday
without thinking twice
Instead of running away
I am running back
Relying on your grace
for everything I lack
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.
12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of
the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set
off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild
living.
14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that
whole country, and he began to be in need.
15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country,
who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were
eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's
hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I
have sinned against heaven and against you.
19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one
of your hired men.'
20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was
filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms
around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and
against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe
and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and
celebrate.
24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and
is found.' So they began to celebrate.

Luke 15:11-24
Part of His Great Plan

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

for Jesus washed away my sins
Rising out of the water
my new life begins
Purged from the sins
I committed in the past
Blessed to be caught
in the net he cast

Rescued from the depths

of the turbulent sea
Where waves of transgressions
were drowning me
Pounding me down each time
I reached for the surface
My sins preventing me
from serving a higher purpose

Today I arise from my watery grave

born again a better man
Created in his likeness
part of his great plan
27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't
be afraid."

28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the

water."

29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and
came toward Jesus.

30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink,
cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You
of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly
you are the Son of God."

34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.

35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent
word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to
him

36and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak,
and all who touched him were healed.
Matthew 14:27-36
Dying For All of Us To Come Inside
The world is our waiting room
with a splendid decor
So many beautiful sceneries
for all of us to adore
From the beaches we walk along
to the mountain majesties he designed
God has put treasures in our room
for each of us to find

Placing beauty in the eyes of the beholder

for us to individually admire
Created for one sole purpose
meeting our soul's desire
Hoping to draw us closer
to Our Father's side
His son stretched out his arms
dying for all of us to come inside
9 Awake, awake! Clothe yourself with strength,
O arm of the LORD;
awake, as in days gone by,
as in generations of old.
Was it not you who cut Rahab to pieces,
who pierced that monster through?
10 Was it not you who dried up the sea,
the waters of the great deep,
who made a road in the depths of the sea
so that the redeemed might cross over?
11 The ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
12 "I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mortal men,
the sons of men, who are but grass,
13 that you forget the LORD your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
14 The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;
they will not die in their dungeon,
nor will they lack bread.
15 For I am the LORD your God,
who churns up the sea so that its waves roar—
the LORD Almighty is his name.
16 I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand—
I who set the heavens in place,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.' "
Isaiah 51:9-16
Laughing Helps Us
Laughing helps us
hold back our tears
Laughing helps us
when trouble appears
Laughing helps us
forget our pain
Laughing helps us
so we won't complain

Laughing helps us
endure the sorrow
Laughing helps us
hold out for tomorrow
Laughing helps us
hope for the future
Laughing helps us
it may be the cure

laughing helps us
making us smile
Laughing helps us
it just takes awhile
1 The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre
while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the
day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby.
When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet
them and bowed low to the ground.
3 He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass
your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may
all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you
something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your
way—now that you have come to your servant."
"Very well," they answered, "do as you say."
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get
three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread."
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and
gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought
some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set
these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
9 "Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him.
"There, in the tent," he said.
10 Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time
next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was
behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already old and well
advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12
So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out
and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?"
13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and
say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' 14 Is anything
too hard for the LORD ? I will return to you at the appointed time
next year and Sarah will have a son."
15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh."
But he said, "Yes, you did laugh."
Genesis 18:1-15
It's His Glory She Serves

The most beautiful sight

on God's green earth
Is a blessed woman
about to give birth
She displays a beauty
that she cannot hide
With the gift of God's Love
she possesses inside

Right from the beginning

her face has a distinct glow
So that everyone who sees her
will automatically know
A precious gift has come
from the holy one
Whether it's a special girl
or a perfect son

So give her the respect

she so richly deserves
Knowing we are God’s children
it’s his glory she serves
24And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid
herself five months, saying, 25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in
the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach
among men.
26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27To a virgin espoused to
a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the
virgin's name was Mary. 28And the angel came in unto her, and
said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women. 29And when she saw him, she was
troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of
salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not,
Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. 31And, behold, thou
shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call
his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son
of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of
his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for
ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34Then said Mary
unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And
the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come
upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:
therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be
called the Son of God. 36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she
hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month
with her, who was called barren. 37For with God nothing shall be
impossible. 38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from
her. 39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill
country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40And entered into the
house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41And it came to pass,
that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped
in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42And
she spoke out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among
women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43And whence is this
to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For, lo,
as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the
babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45And blessed is she that
believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which
were told her from the Lord.46And Mary said, My soul doth
magnify the Lord, 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my
Saviour.
Luke 1:24-47
Thank God For Me
You never know what tomorrow brings
whether you will show up at all
But you plan just in case you survive
escaping your downfall
Chasing after green scraps of paper
instead of following a dream
While pretending to be happy
inside you want to scream

Such are the plans of mice and men

so I have heard them say
As for me I have a different point of view
living life for each day
Never thinking of the distant future
or trying to forget the past
Enjoying all of life's little pleasures
while the pleasure last

Living for the excitement of the moment

enjoying it while I am here
Versus living for another tomorrow
where I may never appear
Free from all the stress and worries
that make us old too soon
I bask in the glorious sun all day
at night I'm howling at the moon

Choosing to stop toiling in my own soil

trusting God to make me all I can be
Believing if I am not here tomorrow
someone will thank God for me
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we
have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but
we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character,
hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured
out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given
us. 6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless,
Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a
righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly
dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since we have
now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved
from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's
enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son,
how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved
through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God
through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now
received reconciliation.
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and
death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because
all sinned— 13for before the law was given, sin was in the world.
But sin is not taken into account when there is no law.
Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of
Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command,
as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 15But the gift
is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the
one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came
by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin:
The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the
gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if,
by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one
man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant
provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life
through the one man, Jesus Christ.18Consequently, just as the
result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the
result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life
for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man
the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the
one man the many will be made righteous.

Romans 5:1-18
Betrayed with a Kiss

God chose his people wisely

knowing what they would do
Refusing to enter heaven themselves
while not letting anyone else through
Killing the oracles of God
when they disagreed
Lining their pockets with gold
while their hearts filled with greed

Making sacrifices to idols

so people would be appeased
While offering God the sick and lame
like he should be pleased
They diligently studied the scriptures
that testified of the Holy One
While they were plotting to kill
God's only begotten son

Finding him guilty of blasphemy

due to their own denial
To avoid getting their hands dirty
they placed him on trial
Yet in spite of being found innocent
they insisted he be killed
Their thirst wouldn't be quenched
until his innocent blood was spilled

Still God chose them

in forbearance of all this
Knowing from the beginning his son
would be betrayed with a kiss
47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived.
With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent
from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the
betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the
man; arrest him." 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings,
Rabbi!" and kissed him.
50Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
51With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew
it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all
who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I
cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal
more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the
Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion,
that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?
Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not
arrest me. 56But this has all taken place that the writings of the
prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him
and fled.
57Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high
priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled.
58But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of
the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the
outcome.
59The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false
evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60But
they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward 61and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am
able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "
62Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not
going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are
bringing against you?" 63But Jesus remained silent.
The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living
God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."
64"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In
the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of
the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken
blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you
have heard the blasphemy. 66What do you think?"
"He is worthy of death," they answered.
Matthew 26:47-66
Like The Good Son

Rising a little earlier than I usually do

I sat peacefully enjoying the view
Absorbing the full spectrum of colors
through the morning dew
While an aerial display of heavenly light
gently ushered in a new day
Shimmering across the ripples
dancing along the bay

Reflecting the tree's beauty on the water

as new life forms just below
Providing a shield from the dangers above
enabling life to hide in the shadow
Drying off the leaves and grassy knolls
like wiping tears off a child's face
Bringing the warmth of a loving family
to a dark and lonely place

Drawing me into the spotlight

with it's stunning presence
Accepting it for the Love and devotion
that it so brilliantly represents
By demonstrating God's awesome power
through the almighty power of one
Each time it returns to perform it's duties
like the good son
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the
inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has
rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the
kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins.
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven
and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or
rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning
and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he
might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his
fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all
things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making
peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your
minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled
you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in
his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23if you
continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the
hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and
that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of
which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Colossians 1:12-23
Everyone Will Have To Pay
The food hardens on the dishes
trash cans overflow
Soap scum builds up
as the mold begins to grow
Laundry piles in the corners
thrown in a heap
Rugs stained by pet feces
dirt ground in deep

Food rotting on the shelves

refrigerators store their stench
Stoves filled with grease
covering every inch
Dust bunnies on the walls
spider webs on the ceiling
Weeds overgrown in gardens
once found appealing

Padlocks on the doors

stickers on the windows
Families torn apart
by greedy money lending pros
Institutions saved by government
families left in disarray
All in the name of the almighty dollar
everyone will have to pay
1 The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart;
devout men are taken away, and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 2 Those
who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in
death. 3 "But you—come here, you sons of a sorceress, you
offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! 4 Whom are you mocking?
At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a
brood of rebels, the offspring of liars? 5 You burn with lust among
the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your
children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags. 6 The
idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion;
they, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink
offerings and offered grain offerings. In the light of these things,
should I relent? 7 You have made your bed on a high and lofty hill;
there you went up to offer your sacrifices. 8 Behind your doors and
your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me,
you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide;
you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked
on their nakedness. 9 You went to Molech with olive oil
and increased your perfumes. You sent your ambassadors far
away; you descended to the grave itself! 10 You were wearied by
all your ways, but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.' You found
renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.11 "Whom have
you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have
neither remembered me nor pondered this in your hearts? Is it not
because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? 12 I will
expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not
benefit you. 13 When you cry out for help, let your collection of
idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath
will blow them away. But the man who makes me his refuge will
inherit the land and possess my holy mountain."

Isaiah 57:1-13
Another
Another sunrise
another cloud in the sky
Another sunset
another day gone by
Another bird
another branch being filled
Another desire
another dream fulfilled

Another bush
another flower full bloom
Another fragrance
another whiff of perfume
Another wish
another coin in a pond
Another star
another goal to reach beyond

Another season
another time to share
Another person
another reason to care
Another baby
another generation born
Another mother
another child to adorn

Another heart
another soul at God's door
Another life
another chance is all I ask for
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the
burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful
in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they
cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I
know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do
good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find
satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that
everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to
it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere
him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God
Reaching past the boundaries
still feeling confined
Trapped within the confines
of our own mind
Wanting to turn around and run
waiting for a sign
Questioning our senses
telling everyone we're fine

No sense in looking back

nothing we can do about the past
Life isn't supposed to be a party
but some parts are a blast
Torn by where we are now
who we long to be
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
all things shall be given unto thee
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store
up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not
destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22"The eye is the
lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be
full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be
full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great
is that darkness! 24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will
hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one
and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you
will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not
life more important than food, and the body more important than
clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or
store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are
you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by
worrying can add a single hour to his life ? 28"And why do you
worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do
not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his
splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God
clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is
thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of
little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or
'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans
run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you
need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not
worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each
day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:19-34
Help Me
Yes! Though I do the things I will not to do
I count on you to save me
Relying on your almighty power
to set my Spirit free
Free me from this earthen dirt
I am trapped within
Free me from a lifestyle
of committing immoral sins

Free me from the burden

I can't escape on my own
Free me from the sadness
of feeling so alone
Free me from the sorrow
the indescribable pain
Forgiven me for my insolence
I don't mean to complain

I am in need your merciful favor

to become a perfect man
I only seek to be with you Father
Please! Help! Me! anyway you can
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a
slave to sin.
15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do,
but what I hate I do.
16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is
good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin
living in me.
18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.
For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not
want to do—this I keep on doing.
20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it,
but it is sin living in me that does it.
21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right
there with me.
22For in my inner being I delight in God's law;
23but I see another law at work in the members of my body,
waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner
of the law of sin at work within my members.
24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body
of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:14-25
His Efforts Aren't in Vain

I see the sun going down

at the end of the each day
Like a spectacular grand finally
of a fireworks display
The stars like sparks
burning throughout the night
There to offer comfort
providing just enough light

Candles in his windows

inviting us to return anytime
Letting us know we are Loved
forgiven of our crime
His thunderous voice calling us
beckoning us home
From the top of mountains
to the ruins of ancient Rome

Lightening flashes
breaking through the atmosphere
A spotlight for everyone to see
making his invitation clear
His tears fall from heaven
exposing his suffering and pain
His son's blood purifying us
so his efforts aren't in vain
9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
10Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched
diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ
which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the
sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto
us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you
by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy
Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to
look into.
13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to
the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation
of Jesus Christ;
14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the
former lusts in your ignorance:
15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all
manner of conversation;
16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons
judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your
sojourning here in fear:
18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with
corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation
received by tradition from your fathers;
19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot:
20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world,
but was manifest in these last times for you,
21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the
dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in
God.
22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through
the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one
another with a pure heart fervently:
23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of
grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word
which by the gospel is preached unto you.
1 Peter 1:9-25
The Strength To Endure
I ask myself questions
as I lie awake in fear
Wondering where I am going
why I am here
If I am free to choose
then why do I stay
Battling with my flesh
more and more each day

Hating myself
for everything I have done
Relying on the blood
of God's only begotten son
Like a fire proof blanket
to prevent me being burned
I wonder what it is
I am supposed to have learned

I have had so many experiences

most of them mistakes
I have had so many relationships
most of them heartaches
I have been blessed
having children of my own
Still I lie here scared I will die
afraid of dying alone

Seeking absolution and perfection

I am unable to achieve
Searching for an answer
I am willing to believe
Finally realizing the answer
lies not in the curse but the cure
All anyone can do is rely on God
for the strength to endure
2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
4 Pharaoh's chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.
The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like
a stone.
6 "Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power.
Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy.
7 In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who
opposed you.
You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.
8 By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.
The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters
congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 "The enemy boasted,
'I will pursue, I will overtake them.
I will divide the spoils;
I will gorge myself on them.
I will draw my sword
and my hand will destroy them.'
10 But you blew with your breath,
and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead
in the mighty waters.
11 "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?
12 You stretched out your right hand
and the earth swallowed them.
13 "In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.
Exodus 15:2-15
Our Sole Motivation
It all seems so clear
from the cradle to the grave
We are free from sin
still we live like its slave
Our shackles were removed
yet we wear them like a shrine
A tunic around our neck
like paying a steep fine

Weighing us down
so we can't escape sin's grip
The ball and chains twisting
causing us to trip
Relying on knowledge of good and evil
in order to maintain control
Instead of allowing the Love of God
to reach its goal

Misunderstanding his purpose

in giving us ten commandments
Thinking we can fulfill them
instead of leading to repentance
Exposing sin for what it really is
leaving us no excuse
Leading us to rely on God's grace
instead of suffering sin's abuse

Knowing God as Our Father

our only Hope of Salvation
God's Love for us
being our sole motivation
4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in
order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the
glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will
certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6For we know
that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin
might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to
sin— 7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with
him. 9For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he
cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10The
death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he
lives to God.
11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God
in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal
body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of
your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer
yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to
life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of
righteousness. 14For sin shall not be your master, because you are
not under law, but under grace.15What then? Shall we sin because
we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16Don't you
know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as
slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are
slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to
righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be
slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to
which you were entrusted. 18You have been set free from sin and
have become slaves to righteousness. 19 I put this in human terms
because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to
offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-
increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to
righteousness leading to holiness. 20When you were slaves to sin,
you were free from the control of righteousness. 21What benefit
did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?
Those things result in death! 22But now that you have been set free
from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap
leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of
sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord.

Romans 6:1-23
Falling Until We Burn
Roots running deeper
as the trees grow tall
Branches reaching out
as leaves change and fall
Released from their captivity
free to explore
Most lay there complacent
on the earthen floor

Gathering together
where they die and wither away
Returning to the ground
as their luster decays
Still a few escape
traveling with the wind
Floating on the waters
until reaching the bend

Some soaring high as birds

that used to perch on their limb
Others sinking into the waters
where the fishes swim
Each one ultimately reaching
their final destination
The less fortunate being destroyed
gathered for incineration

As we look at nature
there is much we can learn
Having been chosen to fly away
instead of falling until we burn
1Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
2Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
3My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart
shall be of understanding.
4I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying
upon the harp.
5Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of
my heels shall compass me about?
6They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the
multitude of their riches;
7None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to
God a ransom for him:
8(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for
ever:)
9That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
10For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish
person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever,
and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands
after their own names.
12Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the
beasts that perish.
13This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their
sayings. Selah.
14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them;
and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and
their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
15But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for
he shall receive me. Selah.
Psalms 49:1-15
When The Apple Caught Our Eyes

Water cascaded down the windshield

as we entered the storm
Abandoning our home
where we once felt safe and warm
Holding back the tears
so much being left behind
With only a moments notice
we took what we could find

The clothes on my back

was all we had time for
As the embers of the forest
flickered upon our door
All in all we were lucky
so many lives were lost
Clinging to possessions
unaware of their cost

We shall never look back

less we turn to pillars of salt
By preserving the past
passing the blame while denying our fault
Better we move forward
keeping our eye on the prize
Less we fall like before
when the apple caught our eyes
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of
Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to
the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for
whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I
may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness
of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the
fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his
death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the
dead.
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been
made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ
Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to
have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind
and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to
win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ
Jesus.
15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And
if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear
to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take
note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with
tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny
is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their
shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in
heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus
Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything
under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will
be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:7-21
Hope Never Fails

The tree produced the fruits of knowledge

both good and evil
Raising our consciousness of sin
to a forbidden level
Thinking we would be more
like our Lord and Savior
Making ourselves perfect
by modifying our behavior

We exchanged the truth

for a lie
Hiding our nakedness
when we walk by
Acting righteous
while feeling so much shame
We can't bare to look at him
when He calls our name

Traveling through the darkness

until the light of Love prevails
Holding on to hope
knowing hope never fails
1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we
have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by
human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with
our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not
be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are
burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be
clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be
swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this
very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing
what is to come.
6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we
are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7We live by
faith, not by sight. 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be
away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it
our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or
away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things
done while in the body, whether good or bad.
11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to
persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also
plain to your conscience. 12We are not trying to commend
ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take
pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is
seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13If we are out of our
mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for
you. 14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced
that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all,
that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for
him who died for them and was raised again.
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.
Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old
has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who
reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of
reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in
Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has
committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore
Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal
through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to
God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in
him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:1-21
Through Amazing Grace
In the midst of the garden
a tree stood tall
It's fruit was appealing
but it killed us all
God warned us against it before
we took a bite
Then the serpent of old
entered the spotlight

Twisting God's words

so they didn't make sense
When God saw us covered in it's leaves
he took offense
Woman was punished
having her birth pains increase
Man was sentenced
to toil in the soil and never cease

The serpent of old was cursed

to slither around
Where he would eat
the dirt off the ground
Blood was shed
making a covering for Adam and Eve
The tree of life being removed
they were left to grieve

Then they were blessed

with sons Caine and Abel
It wasn't until later a King was born
in a stable
Lying in a manger
cause there was no room at the Inn
Yet he still died for our sins
then rose again

Removing our sins

that brought such disgrace
Restoring all of us
through amazing grace
1Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the
LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say,
'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"2The woman said
to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,3but
God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the
middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'
"4"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman.5"For
God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and
you will be like God, knowing good and evil."6When the woman
saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the
eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate
it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he
ate it.7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they
realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and
made coverings for themselves.8Then the man and his wife heard
the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the
cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees
of the garden.9But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are
you?"10He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid
because I was naked; so I hid."11And he said, "Who told you that
you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded
you not to eat from?"12The man said, "The woman you put here
with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."13
Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have
done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and Iate."14So
the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this,
"Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of
your life.15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you
will strike his heel."16To the woman he said, "I will greatly
increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to
children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule
over you."17To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife
and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must
not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful
toil you will eat of it all the days of your life18It will produce
thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the
field.19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you
return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are
and to dust you will return."20Adam named his wife Eve, because
she would become the mother of all the living.21The LORD God
made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

Genesis 3:1-21
The Word God Sent
Following Jesus death
burial and resurrection
He sent the Holy spirit
bestowing power and protection
Followers scattered all about
spreading his story
Carrying out their duty
demonstrating his Glory

Armed with the Holy Spirit

as a permanent Seal
Powers of great wonders
including the power to heal
Receiving all the gentiles
into his fold
As amazing grace manifested
his Glory would unfold

Salvation was offered freely

to those who repent
Being born again
from The Word God sent
21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been
made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ
to all who believe. There is no difference,
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that
came by Christ Jesus.
25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in
his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his
forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand
unpunished—
26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to
be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On
that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.
28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from
observing the law.
29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too?
Yes, of Gentiles too,
30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by
faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we
uphold the law.

Romans 3:21-31
Tomorrow

Tomorrow arrived even sooner

than we ever expected
All of our lives being changed
by the ones we neglected
People we loved so deeply
yet constantly ignored
We're left longing for the days
we once adored

Frolicking in the sun making memories

we believed would last
Family gatherings where we laughed
but our innocence faded so fast
Now we are left struggling
dysfunctional and scattered
Materialistic views costing us
what really mattered

The objects of our obsessions

becoming more obscene
While our hearts desires
still remain unseen
Each day being consumed
filled with noise and sorrow
Our hearts filled with worry
of what will come tomorrow
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you
will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not
life more important than food, and the body more important than
clothes?
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store
away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you
not much more valuable than they?
27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the
field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was
dressed like one of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here
today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more
clothe you, O you of little faith?
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we
drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly
Father knows that you need them.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will
worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34
True Freedom
When I consider
true freedom
The only place it exist
is in God's kingdom
To be truly free
you must release all fear
Release all the possessions
you hold so dear

Trust in God
for your daily bread
Get the misconceptions of God
out of your head
Realize God
is omnipotent
Wherever you go
he is present

He knows your needs

better than you do
It is his pleasure to give
everything to you
His spirit fills all
time and space
We exist because of his
everlasting grace

Wherever we go
God can be found
Where we stand
is Holy ground
Wherever we go
we are never alone
God's spirit is in us
as he sits on his throne
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual
blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of
the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he
predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in
accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his
glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of
sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished
on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to
us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he
purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have
reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on
earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according
to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with
the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to
hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also
were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him
with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit
guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are
God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord
Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving
thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may
give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may
know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be
enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has
called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That
power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he
exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him
at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and
authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given,
not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God
placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over
everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him
who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1:2-23
One Day He'll Be Gone

There is a hero in all of us

longing to break free
There is one inside of you
willing to rescue me
I hear him calling my name
every once in awhile
I don't always come to him
but I always smile

He brings me joy
just knowing he's around
He helps me through each day
my feet firm on the ground
If I stumble he's always there
to help me stand
If I am confused
he helps me understand

If I am nervous
he makes me feel safe again
If I am losing the fight
he helps me win
He forgives my sins
he helps me move on
I am only scared
one day he'll be gone
23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps
firm;24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds
him with his hand. 25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have
never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be
blessed. 27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the
land forever.
28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;
29 the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.
32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
seeking their very lives;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
34 Wait for the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
there is a future for the man of peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
the future of the wicked will be cut off.
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Psalms 37:23-40
All we Need to do is Ask

Sometimes being a believer isn't easy

with all the things we do
Believing in a higher power
someone who sees some good in you
Someone who will guide you through
the darkest day
Someone who will answer us
listening to all we have to say

Someone who forgives us

before we know we did anything wrong
Someone who gives us strength
so we can stand strong
Someone we can count on
to be more than fair
Someone we know
will always be there

Someone to think the best of us

when were at our worst
Someone to offer us happiness
quenching our thirst
Someone who understands
even when were unsure
Someone who offers unconditional Love
innocent and pure

Someone who will comfort us

when we need him most
Someone to watch over us
a Heavenly Host
So while believing
may be hard for some
If we are patient
the answer will come

For whom better then a Father

is equipped for this task
He provides everything for his children
all we need to do is ask
1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD :
"I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.
The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.
2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my
salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
3 The LORD is a warrior;
the LORD is his name.
4 Pharaoh's chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.
The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 The deep waters have covered them;
they sank to the depths like a stone.
6 "Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power.
Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy.
7 In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who
opposed you.
You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.
8 By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.
The surging waters stood firm like a wall;
the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 "The enemy boasted,
'I will pursue, I will overtake them.
I will divide the spoils;
I will gorge myself on them.
I will draw my sword
and my hand will destroy them.'
10 But you blew with your breath,
and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead
in the mighty waters.
11 "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?
12 You stretched out your right hand
and the earth swallowed them.
13 "In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.
Exodus 15:1-13
What a High Price to Pay
We live in a cozy little place
of our own design
Walking a tightrope
treading a thin line
What we allow
each other to see
A mere illusion
of whom we wish to be

We twist the truth

to escape our past
Riddled with lies and errors
that never last
Seeking to be accepted
yet never accepting ourselves
We end up living like old books
rarely touched on high shelves

Thought of once in a while

found unworthy of reaching out for
Worthless collectibles
soon tossed out the door
Our sins and hidden little secrets
overlooked yet never forgotten
Like apples filled with worms
laying on the ground rotten

The proverbial fig tree barring no fruit

and withering away
All because of our vanity
what a high price to pay
3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the
wise shall preserve them.4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but
much increase is by the strength of the ox.5A faithful witness will
not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.6A scorner seeks wisdom,
and find it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understands.
7Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceives not
in him the lips of knowledge.8The wisdom of the prudent is to
understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.9Fools make a
mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.10The heart
knows his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with
his joy.11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the
tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.12There is a way which
seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of
death.13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that
mirth is heaviness.14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his
own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 15The
simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his
going.16A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool
rages, and is confident. 17He that is soon angry deals foolishly:
and a man of wicked devices is hated.18The simple inherit folly:
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.19The evil bow
before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.20The
poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich hath many
friends. 21He that despises his neighbor sins: but he that hath
mercy on the poor, happy is he.22Do they not err that devise evil?
but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.23In all labor
there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to penury.24The
crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is
folly.25A true witness delivers souls: but a deceitful witness
speaks lies.26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his
children shall have a place of refuge.27The fear of the LORD is a
fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.28In the
multitude of people is the king's honor: but in the want of people is
the destruction of the prince.29He that is slow to wrath is of great
understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.30A sound
heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker: but he that
honors him hath mercy on the poor.32The wicked is driven away
in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33Wisdom rest in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that
which is in the midst of fools is made known.34Righteousness
exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14:3-35
We Have Nothing To Fear
Forgive me Father
for I have sinned
I have betrayed
both family and friend
Exchanged the truth
for a wretched lie
Still you offer life
when I deserve to die

Your grace is far greater

than my imagination
Your Love branching out
to every nation
People from every race
color and creed
Feel the impact
from your son's selfless deed

Good news traveling faster

than the Nile turned Red
Every knee shall bend
everyone will bow their head
No longer will they ask
for a miracle or for a sign
Once they realize the secret
of your grand design

No longer will they wait

hoping you'll appear
Rejoicing knowing you're within us
we having nothing to fear
1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and
sins;
2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this
world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that
now works in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom also
we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by
nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4But God, who is rich
in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we
were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by
grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us
sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to
come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his
kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8For by grace are ye
saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.10For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God
hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11Wherefore
remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are
called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in
the flesh made by hands;12That at that time ye were without
Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and
strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and
without God in the world: 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who
sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14For
he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down
the middle wall of partition between us;15Having abolished in his
flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in
ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so
making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one
body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came
and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that
were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit
unto the Father. 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household
of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In
whom all the building fitly framed together grow unto an holy
temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are built together for an
habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:1-22
Tomorrow's Memories
Today's events are Tomorrow's Memories
some good some the worst
Days past being remembered better
than they appeared at first
Our lives being a manifestation
of our own unique past
Seemingly a dream slowly drifting by
while passing so fast

Holidays marked on our calendars

as a special occasion
Until we're older where each sunrise
is a reason for celebration
At that point it doesn't matter
whether it's a red or a purple haze
We feel so lucky to be alive
we just enjoy each of God's glorious days

Remembering when we were young

how good it was even if it was bad
Appreciating our family and friends
all the gatherings we had
Our final days spent relaxing
basking in the sun
Relying on the promise
of God's only begotten son

Trusting in his mercy

longing to see his radiant face
Our Hearts and minds rejoicing
as we sing Amazing Grace
29For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my
darkness. 30For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God
have I leaped over a wall. 31As for God, his way is perfect; the
word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in
him. 32For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save
our God? 33God is my strength and power: and he makes my way
perfect. 34He makes my feet like hinds' feet: and sets me upon my
high places.
35He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by
mine arms. 36Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation:
and thy gentleness hath made me great. 37Thou hast enlarged my
steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. 38I have pursued mine
enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had
consumed them.
39And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could
not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet. 40For thou hast girded
me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou
subdued under me. 41Thou hast also given me the necks of mine
enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. 42They looked,
but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered
them not.
43Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did
stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.
44Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people,
thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew
not shall serve me. 45Strangers shall submit themselves unto me:
as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
46Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their
close places. 47The LORD lives; and blessed be my rock; and
exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. 48It is God that
avenges me, and that brings down the people under me.
49And that brings me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast
lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast
delivered me from the violent man. 50Therefore I will give thanks
unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises
unto thy name. 51He is the tower of salvation for his king: and
shows mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for
evermore.

2 Samuel 22:29-51
I Am Here All The Time
Close your eyes
I will whisper in your ear
Sooth your soul
make your troubles disappear
Your past washed clean
pure as snow
Your future
is all you'll truly know

All your fears

will be cast out
No longer will you have
a shadow of a doubt
Captured by the brilliance
of all you can see
All your desires
drowned in the sea

As you walk streets

paved with gold
Just the way
it has been foretold
Choirs of Angels singing
setting the tone
Comforted knowing
you're never alone

Giving you a glimpse

of what is to be
Filling you with hope
peace and tranquility
So feel free to come back
visit me anytime
As the Alpha and Omega
I'm here all the time
5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things
new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and
faithful.6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the
fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcomes shall
inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all
liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and
brimstone: which is the second death.
9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the
seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me,
saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high
mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem,
descending out of heaven from God,11Having the glory of God:
and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper
stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, and had
twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written
thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of
Israel:
13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south
three gates; and on the west three gates.14And the wall of the city
had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb. 15And he that talked with me had a golden
reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall
thereof.
16And the city laid foursquare, and the length is as large as the
breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand
furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four
cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was
pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with
all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the
second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the
eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21And the twelve
gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and
the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
Revelation 21:5-21
Just an Exercise in Futility
With the players in place
the stage is set
Darkness vs Light
opening with a queens gambit
The pawn begins it's journey
as the game commences
Darkness combats
using the dark rider and Indian defenses

Being more ambitious and double-edged

Hoping the dark messenger
can get the pale rider wedged
However the king's messenger
appeared to block his course
Under the protection of the Angel
on his pale horse

Which opens the bridge

allowing the king into his fortress
Creating another problem
for the dark forces to address
While the battle rages on
darkness hopes for a draw
With doom foreshadowed
the King of Darkness sees he will fall

As the brilliance of his opponent

enters the white spotlight
He tries to steal the glory
by resigning and stopping the fight
The King of Darkness hoping for his honor
to one day be restored
He makes excuses and curses
as he sets up the board

Since the King of Darkness' weakness

is his lack of humility
He'll remain blind until it's too late
his game just an exercise in futility
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the
godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their
wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to
them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the
creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power
and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from
what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God
nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their
foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise,
they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God
for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and
reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their
hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one
another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and
worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who
is forever praised. Amen.
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even
their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In
the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with
women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men
committed indecent acts with other men, and received in
themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the
knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do
what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every
kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of
envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,
30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they
invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are
senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know
God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve
death, they not only continue to do these very things but also
approve of those who practice them.

Romans 1:18-28
The Bishops' Tale
Standing firmly by
the King and Queens' side
Gathering intelligence
across the lines of battle they slide
Their Angels on horse back
charting their course
Messengers of war
utilizing every resource

Hiding in the wings

their intentions presumed
Going unnoticed
until their prey is consumed
Overtaking the castles
tearing down the walls by surprise
Delivering a message
of their opponents eminent demise

Soldiers on a mission
cloak and dagger style
Their value increasing
as their victims begin to pile
While standing still as a statue
never breaking ranks
Keeping their stature
serving their King as their thanks

Knowing their purpose in life

it is enough just to serve
Relying on the King in the end
for rewards they so richly deserve
24The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.25To the
faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show
yourself blameless,26to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the
crooked you show yourself shrewd.27You save the humble but
bring low those whose eyes are haughty.28You, O LORD, keep
my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.29With
your help I can advance against a troop ;with my God I can scale a
wall.
30As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is
flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
31For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock
except our God?32It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.33He makes my feet like the feet of a
deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.34He trains my hands
for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.35You give me your
shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down
to make me great.36You broaden the path beneath me, so that my
ankles do not turn.37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I
did not turn back till they were destroyed.
38I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my
feet. 39 You armed me with strength for battle; you made my
adversaries bow at my feet.40 \You made my enemies turn their
backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.41They cried for help, but
there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but he did not
answer. 42 I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind; I poured
them out like mud in the streets.43 You have delivered me from
the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me.44As soon as they hear
me, they obey me; foreigners cringe before me.
45 They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.
46The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my
Savior!47 He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations
under me, 48 who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me
above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. 49 Therefore I
will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to
your name. 50 He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing
kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 18:24-50
Before I am Gone
A knight will never be
more than a knight
An Angel on horse back
taking flight
Across the field
he sets off for work
Devouring the enemy
he eats his prey with his fork

Providing places for the Bishop

to rest it's weary feet
While delivering the message
hoping the opponent will retreat
Guarding the castle
so they can't take the wall down
Acting as security
he protects the King's crown

Standing ready to sacrifice himself

without hesitation
So the pawns can cross over
and complete their transformation
The plight of the Knight is grand
but I prefer being a pawn
For the chance of changing
before I am gone
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer
your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is
your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will
is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think
of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself
with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God
has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many
members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member
belongs to all the others.
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a
man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it
is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs
of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern
diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another
above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in
need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be
willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be
conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right
in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on
you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my
friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine
to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."21Do not
be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:1-21
Freedom of Choice
Did you live your dreams
making your mark
Did you explore the world
like Louis and Clark
Did you stand strong
for your belief
Did you comfort people
in their times of grief

Did you take the road less traveled

being an inspiration
Did your road take you
to your desired destination
Are you following the path of enlightenment
or stumbling in the dark
Are you chasing dreams that fade away
after their spark

Do people say it's too late

for you change
You are still here
so isn't that strange
Even if we're the same
as we were yesterday
We're Free to follow
a new path starting Today
28"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He
went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
29" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and
went.
30"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing.
He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the
prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.
32For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and
you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes
did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe
him.

Matthew 21:28-32
In Heaven Where It's Serene
When performing an act of contrition
thinking it makes us good
We are trying to rob God of the Glory
like we are Robin hood
Only we rob ourselves of the richness
we will receive when we serve
We must give God the Glory
he so richly deserves

Recognizing that anything good

comes from God
No matter how hard we try to change
we are just sod
We are molded in his likeness
out of dust we were formed
God in us is responsible for any good deed
we have ever performed

We need to remain flexible

less our heart become hard
So we can walk through the fire
without being charred
Remembering it's enough to be
like our Master
When we try to be him
it only leads to a disaster

It may be difficult at first

seemingly impossible to conceive
What he requires from us
is that we believe
He has already paid for our sins
and wiped the slate clean
He has prepared a place for us
in heaven where it's serene
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the
world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in
him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands
condemned already because he has not believed in the name of
God's one and only Son.19This is the verdict: Light has come into
the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their
deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will
not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it
may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through
God."
22After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean
countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.
23Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because
there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be
baptized. 24(This was before John was put in prison.) 25An
argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain
Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26They came to John
and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other
side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is
baptizing, and everyone is going to him."
27To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him
from heaven. 28You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the
Christ but am sent ahead of him.' 29The bride belongs to the
bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and
listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's
voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must become
greater; I must become less.
31"The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is
from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the
earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies
to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.
33The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.
34For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for
God gives the Spirit without limit. 35The Father loves the Son and
has placed everything in his hands. 36Whoever believes in the Son
has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for
God's wrath remains on him."
John 3:16-36
Just Don't Touch
We all feel a need
to show people we are a success
Hiding our faults
living a lie hoping to impress
Like so many others
my downfall is my addiction
Whether it's sex and drugs
we all have an affliction

We say we won't falter

praying not to fall prey
Deep inside we know
it could happen anytime or day
Proud men and women
believing they can overcome
But if you play with fire
getting burnt is the common outcome

The problem doesn't lie

in hoping and believing
The problem lies within
who we are deceiving
For some it's more obvious
for others not so much
It's like the forbidden fruit
we're better off if we just Don't Touch
14 "What is man, that he could be pure, or one born of woman, that
he could be righteous? 15 If God places no trust in his holy ones, if
even the heavens are not pure in his eyes, 16 how much less man,
who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water! 17 "Listen
to me and I will explain to you; let me tell you what I have seen,
18 what wise men have declared, hiding nothing received from
their fathers19 (to whom alone the land was given when no alien
passed among them):
20 All his days the wicked man suffers torment, the ruthless
through all the years stored up for him. 21 Terrifying sounds fill
his ears; when all seems well, marauders attack him. 22 He
despairs of escaping the darkness; he is marked for the sword. 23
He wanders about—food for vultures ; he knows the day of
darkness is at hand. 24 Distress and anguish fill him with terror;
they overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack, 25 because he
shakes his fist at God and vaunts himself against the Almighty,
26 defiantly charging against him with a thick, strong shield.
27 "Though his face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with
flesh, 28 he will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one
lives, houses crumbling to rubble. 29 He will no longer be rich and
his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the
land. 30 He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his
shoots, and the breath of God's mouth will carry him away. 31 Let
him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will
get nothing in return.
32 Before his time he will be paid in full,
and his branches will not flourish.
33 He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes,
like an olive tree shedding its blossoms.
34 For the company of the godless will be barren,
and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes.
35 They conceive trouble and give birth to evil;
their womb fashions deceit."

Job 15:14-35
Where Only God is Able to Tell Us Apart
Seems we don't have time
for anything anymore
Always running around
rushing out the door
Errands to run
deadlines to meet
Nothing new under the sun
everyday is a repeat

The world is a stage

each word is scripted
Our purpose hidden
within our DNA encrypted
Our destiny written in the stars
embedded in our hair strands
Time is the task master
making impossible demands

Feeding us messages
sent directly to our brain
Alzheimer's a crutch
for coping with all the pain
Electronic signals deciphered
through our chromosomes.
Leading us around
by our hormones

The X-Factor deciding

what equals why
Determining whether we are
a girl or a guy
Controlling everything
we say and do
Before we know it
our life is through

Our only hope of escaping

is to follow our heart
Where only God is
able to tell us apart
1Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us
be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2For
we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but
the message they heard was of no value to them, because those
who heard did not combine it with faith. 3Now we who have
believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
"So I declared on oath in my anger,
'They shall never enter my rest." And yet his work has been
finished since the creation of the world. 4For somewhere he has
spoken about the seventh day in these words: "And on the seventh
day God rested from all his work." 5And again in the passage
above he says, "They shall never enter my rest."
6It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who
formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of
their disobedience. 7Therefore God again set a certain day, calling
it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was
said before:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts." 8For if Joshua had given them rest,
God would not have spoken later about another day. 9There
remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10for anyone
who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did
from his. 11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest,
so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is
uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must
give account.
Hebrews 4:1-13
All Part of A Greater Plan
Tears falling like rain
washing away the sorrow
We snuggle down in our beds
looking forward to tomorrow
Waiting for the sun to shed new light
on this great nation
Trusting in a higher power to help us
get through our tribulation

Hungry for the food

that only comes from heaven
Our daily bread which gives us strength
to rise without leaven
Being fully restored
to our former state
Clothing us with righteousness
putting food on our plate

Comforted by God's Love

and never ending grace
Able to hold our head up once more
to look our children in the face
Wearing a smile
looking forward to our future
We close our eyes and open our hearts
praying for a cure

Acknowledging the fact we aren't God's

we do the best we can
Believing today is
all part of a greater plan
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that
no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,
standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were
wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their
hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11All the angels were standing around the
throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They
fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
12saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
13Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who
are they, and where did they come from?"
14I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great
tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:9-17
Where The Heart Belongs
Life on this planet
isn't for the faint hearted
Our dear family and friends
too soon the dearly departed
Seeking refuge from a storm
knowing it will arrive
Believing in a higher power
for the strength to survive

Holding back tears

we yearn to set free
Crying out to God
why always me
Walking through a field of dreams
ignoring the blood
Wallowing in self pity
wading in life's murky mud

Wasting precious moments

enjoying life in degrees
Knowing we are dying
time being a terminal disease
So keep your heart
protected and strong
Home is where the heart is
heaven’s where the heart belongs
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my
cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a
firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of
praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the
LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not
look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 5 Many, O
LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you
planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell
of them, they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have
pierced , ; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. 7
Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in
the scroll. 8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within
my heart."9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your
faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your
truth from the great assembly. 11 Do not withhold your mercy
from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect
me. 12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have
overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my
head, and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to
help me. 14 May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and
confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own
shame. 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"
17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.

Psalm 40:1-17
The Sunset as A Love Letter
The sun sets in a distance
far off to the West
As God's way of wishing
us his very best
Whether it's a reddish
or a purple haze
It's a spectacular ending
to his glorious days

With his aerial display

of heavenly lights
He leads us gently
into vast star filled nights
Taking one last look at us
before going away
Like kissing us on the forehead
as if to say

Don't worry I will be back

before too long
Remember me my children
don't do anything wrong
Giving us words of wisdom
not just a warning
Saying he Loves us
see you in the morning

I don't think he could

have said it any better
Only God would think to use
the sunset as a Love letter
1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written
both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.
2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy
prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through
your apostles. 3First of all, you must understand that in the last
days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil
desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever
since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the
beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago
by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of
water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time
was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present
heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of
judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8But do not forget this
one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand
years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in
keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient
with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The
heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed
by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.11Since
everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people
ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you
look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will
bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements
will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are
looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of
righteousness. 14So then, dear friends, since you are looking
forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless
and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience
means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with
the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all
his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain
some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and
unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their
own destruction. 17Therefore, dear friends, since you already
know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away
by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.
18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:1-18
The Sun is Always Shining
I wanted to take
this time to say
In the long run
everything will be okay
It may not seem
like it now
In the end
everything works out somehow

It may take a month

a week or an hour
It's not all up to us
there is a higher power
There is one thing
we have to understand
It's not always going to be
the way we planned

Try not to be
filled with sorrow
Look forward to
a brighter tomorrow
The problems of today
will soon be a thing of the past
Heart ache and pain
never last

When the future

looks bleak
You're feeling tired
sick or weak
Remember behind each dark cloud
there's a silver lining
Even in the darkest days
the sun is always shining
1 Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken
Ai and totally destroyed it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done
to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a
treaty of peace with Israel and were living near them.2 He and his
people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an
important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai,
and all its men were good fighters. 3 So Adoni-Zedek king of
Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of
Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon.4"Come
up and help me attack Gibeon," he said, "because it has made
peace with Joshua and the Israelites."5 Then the five kings of the
Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and
Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and
took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.6 The Gibeonites
then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: "Do not abandon
your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us,
because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined
forces against us."7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his
entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said
to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your
hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you."9 After an
all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The
LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them
in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road
going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah
and Makkedah. 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down
from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones
down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the
hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. 12 On
the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to
the LORD in the presence of Israel:
"O sun, stand still over Gibeon,
O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
13 So the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped,
till the nation avenged itself on its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle
of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has
never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD
listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!

Joshua 10:1-18
Words From The Heart
I will do my best
to continue your legacy
I will reflect your glory
for everyone to see
I will walk with my head held high
not duck and hide
I will run a good race
until I reach you on the other side

I want you to know you've been

my inspiration right from the start
I want you to see
I Love you with all my heart
I pray for the strength
to see each day through
I smile knowing
prayers come true
1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many
witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to
teach others.3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ
Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian
affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.5Similarly, if
anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's
crown unless he competes according to the rules.6The
hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the
crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you
insight into all this.
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from
David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the
point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not
chained.10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect,
that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with
eternal glory.
11Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him.
If we disown him, he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God
against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins
those who listen.15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who
correctly handles the word of truth.16 Avoid godless chatter,
because those who indulge in it will become more and more
ungodly.17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them
are Hymenaeus and Philetus,18 who have wandered away from the
truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and
they destroy the faith of some.19 Nevertheless, God's solid
foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord
knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name
of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."20 In a large house
there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and
clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.21 If a
man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for
noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do
any good work.22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue
righteousness , faith, love and peace, along with those who call on
the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:1-22
Call Me A Dreamer
They call me a dreamer a
I guess that's okay
Cause I'd rather be dreaming
then living this way
Houses in foreclosure
collectors on the phone
Look around and you'll see
you're not alone
America's families are living
on the street
Our women and children
can't afford to eat
Trapped in the rat race
not going anywhere
The American dream
has become a nightmare
Our young kids are on Prozac
cause their so damn depressed
Ritalin keeping thoughts
actions suppressed
The crime and corruption
in every corporation
Has taken it's toll
on our Great nation
In the land of the free
home of the brave
We're treated like dogs
worked like a slave
The price of gas is all
we talk about anymore
Distracting us while our Angel's
die in The War
Man on the corner
saying '' Brother can you spare a dime''
YES!!! we all need some
help sometime
So call me a dreamer
but that's not true
The reason my eyes are closed is
because I'm praying for you
38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into
a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha
received him into her house.
39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at
Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and
came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my
sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that
she help me.
41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha,
Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that
good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10:38-42