When the world makes no sense, we call upon his name. When we are frustrated and feel defeated, we call upon his name. When we lack the answers, we call upon his name. When our enemies seem to be winning, we call upon his name. When the darkness surrounds us, we call upon his name. Oh what a privilege it is to call upon Jesus name.

All things being equal, no one should do without. The simplest necessities can be given from all of our vast stores of wealth. Nations who have in abundance can freely share with others. We make more than we can use, yet others waste away. We talk about recycling, but if we didn't use too much. Then every person on the planet would have just enough. Famine would become a distant memory and every one would be able to read. Children would want to get books instead of guns and knives that make you bleed All things being equal, sharing is a fine thing. We should all take the time to share something with another every day.

Once one nation was under God, now we do not know what God is. Once God was invited to all of our activities, now there is no room or him. At time was when we filled the churches, mosque and synagogues , now we worship sports idols instead of the holy one. Where did we go wrong? Where did we get off track? Why do we seek to cast out God, why don't we invite him back? Into our school and homes, into our daily lives. Perhaps if we seek to let him in, we can find peace again in time. For not it is not politically correct to mention his name. What a shame we are casting out God once again.

Chime, ring, jingle, clang, ding ,**** and so goes the symphony of bells ringing in my head. The echo of each glass of cheer as I toasted to so  many things last night. The symphony of hang over bells does ring. If I hear not but silence, for a full week of the new year, to me that will be a tiding of good cheer. So in a dark room I will lie quietly, if it is humanly possible to do and I will listen to the symphony of bells ringing in my head, chime, ring, jingle, clang, ding, **** oh my aching head.

When you find something that gives you contentment, no matter what it may be, then serenity is the gift you have been given, cherish it and don't let it slip away.

All of the world is your stage and you are in the grandest of scenes. The life you live is your performance. Shyness, sadness, and anger are just some of the parts you will play. Intrigue and deception will play a part as well. All of the attributes of a great Sonnet, your life will dazzle others with its color. You will not have a script, that you must write as you go. For to truly act your part, ad-libbing will be woven into the daily necessity of living out your story.

Comforts surround us as we walk through an illusion. We believe that we need the things we have acquired, but in truth they mean little. Material things fade as dust and blow away. At the end of the day when twilight calls, what do they really matter. Photographs are but memories that will fade. Soft blankets and good food are all part of the illusion. When the mortal shell begins to wither as a flower at the end of a summers day, and we travel from our short piece of time. Our place in the sun goes to another and all that we have achieved will be put down in one blip of time. As things go, stars and mountains will be here long after we have faded into the dust from which we came. So why do we fight so hard against the inevitable, when it is time to leave this world?

My clock will not stop bleeping and I can't get out of my bed. My hair is a knotted mess and there is a throbbing in my head. I stumble and stub my toes on a toy or two as I make my way to the kitchen for my first cup of brew. The coffee *** is on but its not what I think, instead of steaming hot coffee, I get an orange energy drink. It seems that one of the children decided to help me out. Now my  mouth tastes awful, I need to rinse it out. I have a two year old tugging at my leg. All I keep hearing is eggs, eggs ,eggs. My wife is still lost in la la land. I am not sure how much more of this I can stand. I try to turn on the morning news only to get kids t.v. . Now I am watching pointless cartoons, for the remote has a parental lock you see. So I run to fix breakfast and get burned seven times. Then it's off to get a shower, and hope I can come alive. I turn on the water and here is where I think I will stay. It seems to be the only place I can find a moments peace from my morning in disarray.

Courage in a syringe that keeps me focused. Something I buy just like a cup of coffee. It looks glamorous in a movie, but the reality really *****. I surrender to the need that keeps me going. I deal with people that look ok, but will hurt you without thinking. I pay for the habit anyway I can. Doing what I must to keep it together. All I think about is how it hurts sometimes. I can't make it off of the Merry Go Round, believe me I have tried. Clean and Sober is just a saying, the reality is that I am addicted. No end, no glamor, just a truth of a cycle that I have to maintain and hope I don't crash before I can find an exit to my dependence on drugs.

I waited long in silence, patient by the bedside. I prayed in earnest until all of my tears were spent. At last I drifted off in quiet peace, then I was shaken from my sleep by the sound of rushing wings. My eyes were opened to a world so bright that at first I could not see. Things were fluttering about in front and behind me. I saw the thing that separated the mortal world from the eternity, then it was ripped asunder and all was laid bare before me. My heart skipped a beat as I saw a mighty king, upon a throne so great that it out shown everything. Then four and twenty elders were gathered around the throne. I looked on as I saw the one for whom I grieved standing on streets of gold. The angels had carried their soul right past me and now I was given a glimpse of what they had been waiting for. I saw them standing tall and bright not in pain anymore. They walked on before me not thinking to look back, they knelt before the might king with a word being said. I saw his nail scar hands placing a crown upon their head. My love one stood and gave praise to the one on the throne. Then in unison every one bowed down and before the feet of the king they all through down their crowns. I was startled out of my vision by some movement from where I did not know. Then I was awakened and I knew I had to go. The doctors and nurses would work to no avail. I knew that my loved one had gone beyond the veil. I understood the gift that I had been given, the day I saw Gods kingdom when the veil was lifted.

A person rises up and works hard ,then the government boot comes down on them. The powers that be say we must be compassionate, but where is compassion for me. I know we need roads and bridges, I can see that each time I hit a *** hole. I know we need a common defense, but who are we fighting with? It is time to reevaluate the system that takes so much from everyone. We are taxed for our gas, we are taxed for our food. We are taxed for our water, for our clothes and our shoes. We are taxed on our income and if there is anything left, we are even taxed after our death. We can't even rest in peace with out a visit from the IRS.

I wake up in the middle of the night to annoying cries. I haven't known what sleep is for nearly a year. All I get is complaints no matter what I try to do. Nothing goes right, and now I can't find my shoes. I am walking around in a sleep deprived fog, dazed and confused. The milk is to hot and the potatoes are too cold. I didn't move fast enough to catch the spill, now breakfast is all over the floor. The watch only changes once in a while, when the grand parents come to call. They stay and play silly games until it is time to go to the bingo hall. I haven't had intimate attention since before the end of the Cold War, I don't even bother folding clean clothes, I just throw them in a pile on the floor. I toss and turn all day and night, afraid to sleep to deep. Not knowing when I might be needed when something disturbs our babies sleep. Why did I say yes to this, only heaven knows, oh wait I remember I had 3 cocktails and we were both out of our clothes. As I suffer a mental break down I ponder what we have done, then as the morning breaks the child finally sleeps with the rising of the Sun. I want to pass into a coma, but there is too much to do. Things must be washed and cleaned so at sunset we can start this a new. As I turn to leave the babies room, I see a little angle at rest and I pray to heaven for the strength to change one more runny diaper and to make me glad I said yes.

Shuffling through my emotions I relive all of my days. I look at the triumphs and failures and think about different things. I pull at the layers of my inner self to find out who I am inside. I look for some reason for knowing love, fearing what it is that I might find. With know sense left in my spirit, I dare not chance this to fate. If I make one mistake, it could end the gift I have been given. So I carefully dissect my heart to know that my love is sure. Because I cannot never find this gift again, because I have found perfection in you.

Handing out sandwiches in the poorest part of town. Giving words of comfort over the phone. Helping to find a place for someone who has lost everything. These are the building blocks of hope. When a life is destroyed and torn apart. These things are what will put a foundation back under someones feet. To know kindness still exist and to see unconditional love removes suffering and pain. Despite all appearances, even the smallest thing can light a candle in a dark room When the spark of mercy is ignited, the light will dispel the darkness. This leads to healing, which is the way to begin mending a broken life.

Sinking my toes in the sand as I sit down on a deserted beach. I look at dark clouds and the overcast sky I close my eyes and hear the waves break on the shore, I hear the Sea Gulls calling around me. The cold wind blows in and sends a shiver down my spine. I lay back and open my eyes to look into the endless sky. The Steel Gray clouds mirror the color of the water or is it the other way around. At some point I cannot tell the difference as I reflect on many things while sitting by the sea.

Who is this man that was crucified. Who is the man who was pierced in his side. Who is the one who walked by the sea. Who is the one they called the Nazarene? Who is the one that was crucified between two thieves? Who is the man that they say rose from the grave. Who is this man who sought to save? Who could this man be? Perhaps this man is you and me?

All that I hold dear and all that I am is ever evolving. I hold core values, but I am open to change. Though I choose a path, I am not above being mistaken. Not all things are true as I might have thought. Some ideas need improvement. I can only be true to myself and still my resolve to continue to learn. Often my lessons come from mistakes and missteps. Through experience, I can become better and strive to improve on my beliefs. Perhaps I can then accomplish what I set out to achieve and be at peace with others while holding to my own core values.

Down into a seemingly endless dark hole men go with picks and shovels. Down below the mountains of Kentucky, and West Virginia. Listening to the water as it drips down over the rocks, they go beneath the earth. Off of an elevator into a dark and damp world, filled with dusty black rocks. They walk or ride a rail towards the end of the line, where they break the ribs of the earth. Shovel by shovel they tear at the black parts of the underside of now hollow mountains. Stripping out the guts of what is left until another vein can be found. There is no way to know the time or if the sun has risen or not. They simply dig a little further, sending the black rock on it's way out to who knows where. At the end of a shift, they crawl back out of the midnight colored hole, and try to wash off the dust of the earth that clings to them like so much ink. Laying down their weary bones and resting a spell, they rise at an appointed time to do it again.  Back into the pit of midnight to mine out the black rock. This is the life of a miner of coal.

Will you watch me when I sleep, will you my heart keep? Can I count on you to order my steps? Will you stay by me and never leave? Will you protect me from the storm? Oh say that you will watch over me, will you be my angel please?

I caught him with my best friend now I am ******! I'm turning up the heat and it goes something like this! Putting on my highest heels, and sexiest little skirt! I'm stepping out tonight and I don't care who I hurt. I'm hotter than a flame thrower and madder than hell. By the time that I am done, he will remember me well. I posted my friends naughty pictures all over Instagram. I didn't bother to hide the web address, so she knows who did her in. I rented a limousine and I'm going out with best his friend. I am not really sure how this nights gonna end? I'm taking the hottest selfies and posting the updates. When he sees what I'm going to do, I will be the one he loves to hate! I tearing down obstacles to my happiness, and setting fires a light! I am dam hot and angry, and I'm gonna burn some bridges tonight!

My graduation was a smashing success and my diploma looks good on my wall. Now I have to wake up when ever my boss decides to call. Sleeping in is not an option, I am always on the clock. I wanted to be on my own, now I wish I could go back to school. I studied for 4 years and only partied a little. I thought it was only 9 to 5 but its more like daylight to the next sunrise. I never see my friends anymore, they have their own lives. My old roommate has twins and has forgotten what it is to sleep. I am not far behind because I work just to eat. So when I do get a day off, my parents want me to stop by. My mother has a dozen errands for me and my dad wants me to mow the lawn. I think I will just go back to work, at least I get paid for being hassled there. Who new life would be so hard, oh wait I must have missed that class. Welcome to reality my dad once said, yeah pop its a real blast.

You who are tired and long for release. Come unto the fold and know Gods peace. Hear the words of salvation, find your rest. Know that there is peace at last. The journey has been long and the burdens have been many. Lay down your past mistakes and be refreshed in spirit. Know the father will renew your soul and give you a new start. Oh weary soul, give up your sins and open your heart. Lay your guilt all upon him. Let God give you a new beginning. Ask for his mercy and find forgiveness for your sins. Oh weary soul please come.

Oh Lemon Tree with golden fruit that hangs heavy in the summer sun. Oh bitter fruit, that grows for natures amusement. So much do you look like an orange, yet you are bitter and cause children to make funny faces. Yet there are things for which you can be quiet useful. Your juices can clean through many a foul thing and properly blended with sugar cane you can make a refreshing drink or a delightful pie. So oh **** fruit with the golden shell, grow faithfully in the bright sun, until some unsuspecting passer by samples you, not knowing of your bitter surprise that is kept beneath a beautiful golden façade .

From black smoke that fills the skies to rivers that run orange as pumpkin juice. Nature is being torn apart at the seems. Birds fall from the sky and bee colonies fail. One day it is burning hot and the next it is freezing cold. Trees will not bear fruit, and the fish float in our lakes. What shall we inherit if we poison our world. What legacy shall we leave behind.

I see a new day before me. I see an opportunity for good things. I can choose good or bad  the decision is mine. So my choices now will affect my tomorrow. Let me do right and not wrong. Let me be a hope for today.

We walk around our cities, on our beaches and in our towns. We use all manner of devices to remove ourselves from where we are. We listen to music, or hear mindless chatter of division and dissent. Our hands tap away at plastic screens and we miss life as it goes by us, unless the moment can bring us instant fame. We are immersed in not caring so much that our world has become a sad and lonely place. As people we no long talk, we only text and tweet. We sit in lonely cafe's in electronic silence cut off from reality. If we would simply take a moment and listen to a baby cry or look at the moving clouds and see the color of the sky. How much richer our lives might be. What might we regain. If we would only stop using technology to tune our humanity and to mask our loneliness and pain.

My life is a piece of unmolded clay sitting on a wheel. I am not sure where I will go or what I will be. I sit patiently and wait for my life to take shape. With each passing day I seek to learn more. I study and pray for guidance. In each moment I strive to be better, looking forward to the day when I am complete. As Jesus slowly molds me, through his spirit and discipleship, I am becoming a worthy vessel for his habitation, as I am shaped by the potters hands.

If you gaze into the heavens, you can see many clouds. They come in different shapes, colors and sizes. Each cloud has a purpose, but is not bound by borders. They join together easily and do not fight over space. They shield us from the sun and deliver rain to us. They can be fierce and gentle depending on the situation. The clouds can sit lazily or move quickly depending on the wind. They take up and give back only keeping what they need. They change often transforming from one thing to another. The sky is their domain, unless they come down as a morning mist. All places they do call home. With no borders or reasons to hate, they work in concert will all things for the good and the ill. If we could learn a few lessons from them, then perhaps we would do better for ourselves.

As I surrender to the will of God, I wait in silence to see what he wishes. As I watch his plan unfold, I live by his daily bread. The word which is the body, nourishes my soul. I feast on his eternal word. Though through trials and persecution I may go, I will let his spirit lead me into safe havens in the clefts of the rocks and the dry places. There in his presence I will ever find refuge.

I was born into nothing, I came from a broken home. My mother had 9 children I had nothing to call my own. I cut my teeth on violence and my best friend was a gun. From the grit and dirt of poverty I fought to become #1. I got my first scar when I was just 11 and by 14 I had made my own rep. I had 2 bodies on a slab and no one would mess with me. I found that money equaled power so I did what I had to do. I bought and sold peoples lives just to make it through. From behind the sights of a 9 I see the world go by. With a few grams of the right ****, I can get the whole world high. In the spirit of capitalism, I live for the dollar that brought me out of the streets. From the war zone that was my neighborhood, I walk to a different beat. At 21 I got caught up because of some weak *** little snitch. By 22 I was walking free because someone found him face down in a ditch. This is not the path I chose, this is just the way of my life. I survived the circumstances to which I was born to rise up from the street and take what I wanted from life.

Give something you don't need to another who does not have it. Show concern for another person even if you don't know them. Speak out against injustice even if it is not your fight. Be open to new ideas, even if they seem strange at first. Take small steps to change each day, until you are more accepting of others. Learn to speak another persons language, even if you are from the same place. Give something of yourself to the betterment of where ever you go. Learn to share the world with others, that we might all live and  grow.

Everything has a button, or what some call a switch. I am no exception. As a child I found that my switch was used often, when I would not listen or behave. My grand mother would pluck it from a Peach Tree or any available bush. Sometimes the switch would make me go fast and sometimes it would make me go slow. Sometimes it would make me run in circles and others just roll around on the floor. The switch was not pleasant, but when my switch was tripped, I would always have a reaction, as it corrected me for what I did wrong.

I am only harming myself, no one else is affected. So say those who flaunt the morals of society. My body my choice, but no consideration is given when the act of procreation occurs to the life that might be created. I am getting high to forget my problems, so says the causal drug user until they become addicted to the poison that they put in their veins. In complete honesty, all actions have an effect. Some are direct and some are indirect, but there is an effect none the less. Only when we are honest with ourselves and accept that our actions have consequences can we be free of our obligations and accept that when we dig our own hole, that there might not be anyone to pull us out. Though it is likely there is a good Samaritan who will show us pity, but the help will only work if we are willing to change.

What is your motivation, what is your cause. What makes you passionate enough to die for it? Is the suffering of another enough to make you want to give it all? Is the price of freedom what you are willing to pay in blood? What causes you to move forward even up the steepest mountain? What will make you crawl over the sharp broken shards of adversity, until you are bleeding and shredded to reach your goal. What is it that makes you an unstoppable force that will fight no matter what the cost. What is it that drives you?

I thought I had a handle on my situation, then children came and I ended up in total confusion. While they are copies of me, I now know what my mother meant about me. I could not have been this bad, not in a million years, that is just plain sad. Now I am paying for my sins in spades, I am imprisoned in my own warped reality. What I thought was a life plan was merely a simple suggestion. I have no concept of life or sleep. How long this goes on I am not sure? If anyone knows where the exit is, please tell me now. I am trapped in an endless cycle of insanity. How does one become trapped in their own life anyway?

So comes the dawn and new challenges arise. So comes the possibilities that renewal brings. The old has passed away and day has broken. Light shines in the place of darkness. Rested eyes have opened and look brightly at the clear sky. Hearts leap with elation at what might be achieved. Doors lay before the traveler that have yet to be opened. The keys to new adventures may well be in hand already or perhaps are waiting to be discovered. Hard labor is perhaps replaced with wisdom gained from past struggles, in the hope of lessons learned that the work will become a little easier, forward we go into the new day.

Kick off your shoes and squish dirt between your toes. Step on soft green grass where ever it grows. Step into the tide of the ocean and feel the warm wet sand. Walk into a cool stream and feel each smooth stone beneath your feet. Walk across polished wood and listen to it creak. Put your feet up and let the sun warm your toes. Step into puddles when ever the rain flows. In bare feet experience life, dance to the music of the sensations around you. Let the feel of nature bring you to life. Dance with someone close to you. Feel the wonderful sensations as you are barefoot dancing.

There has been a long dry season. A drought has been in place. My spirit is thirsty and my soul is an arid waste. I have walked in the parched landscape and planted many seed. I have watched for clouds of spiritual refreshing to come. Now the season of trial and sewing has ended and the growth has begun. Soon the harvest will be at fullness, lord please let it now come. Let fall the anointing, let that which has been sewn prosper and give gain. Oh lord refresh our soul through the abundance of the harvest. Lord send us the latter rain.

There once was a dark haired maiden who was very pleasant when she was quiet. She had a delicate smile and fair skin, but when she spoke it became quite a riot. Though her looks were that of an angel, she had the screeching voice of a Crow. So what was lovely to be seen was a horror to be heard. So she always walked quietly and smiled politely and was seldom ever heard.

Fire burning passion bright, flame of a hungry soul. Oh how you consume me and drive me mad with lust for the one thing I can never hold. Once I knew beauty and I though I was in love. Her smile was like yellow roses covered in morning dew. She could bring me to the height of desire and cool me with the gentlest touch. My soul would ache to know her love, I would sacrifice to make her mine. Then she flew away and left me empty inside. The passionate fire burned out in my hungry soul. Leaving me mad with desire for the thing I cannot hold. I wailed in torment at her leaving, knowing that I can only feel cruel endless pain. Once you have tasted love so deep, you may never want to love again.

In a city filled with want and streets full of despair, children sat idly with not much to do. Then someone came alone and ask do you like to read? Then a few books were given out. When young minds were opened and imaginations began to grow, the world changed over time. Those who had noting in which to believe, suddenly became aware of a world outside of their own. As they grew their love of reading blossomed and a city once dark became full of light. Hope took root and poverty and despair were driven away. Knowledge became empowerment as barriers were  broken down. Education came from a book that changed everything.

Drill, Drill, Drill is all that you hear. Turn on any television an it echoes like a broken recording. More, more , more is what they cry. As sharp needles pierce the surface of the earth, drawing out it's life's blood in the name of society. No matter what stands in the way, it can be removed. Mountains are torn down, forest are leveled and families displaced all in the pursuit of more. When all that is needed can be made in a factory, there is no need to tear up the surface of the earth. Trees need not be cut down and holes need not be pierced in the ground. Plants that we can grow and sun that shines can give us more than our share. Until we stop and listen to what the earth has to say, we will continue to let it bleed to satisfy our materialist needs.

The House was a flutter with lawyers galore. Files were stacked from ceiling to floor. The media waited breathlessly for the gavel to fall, impeach them one impeach them all. Phone calls had been made and text messages had been sent. This is it this is the event. As Pelosi took the stage, all of their hopes and dreams would come true. Just waiting on the vote that all they could do. As the roll was called, one by one they said yea. The democrats had 218, they won the day. With all of the House Republicans in unified dissent. It was over, an on Impeachment went. From the floor of the house in a blink of an eye, on the Senate they thought we have this guy. While in the White House with not even a frown , President Trump was making a deal with the Chinese. When someone came in and said it was just on CNN, they passed the impeachment, this is the end. The President just looked with a coy smile, he said I think I will be golfing for a while. As the papers were cleared out of the House, the building became as quiet as a mouse. On to the Senate all in disarray, let us end the President let us do it today. Then what appeared to the Democrats dismay, but Mitch McConnell to get in their way. With his neatly placed glasses centered on his round face. he took all of the joy out of the place. Like a Grinch that stole Christmas, he said with a twitch, you will not impeach him, I am not giving an inch. So with stacks of papers and boxes of legal briefs, the impeachment charade came to an end. Another failed attempt and the Democrats had lost again.

Born to simplicity and raised in a foreign land, he lived a restless life until at last he could be himself. He walked the land bringing a message of hope, then he was wrongly accused and crucified for those he didn't know. One day by chance I met him and with a countenance of a gentle soul, Jesus showed  me that he died to love me.

Oh blanket of darkness envelope me. Safe haven of comfort surround me, hide me from the harsh light of day. Veil of concealment wash over me, let your dark streams take away the sight of things too painful to bear. In the day I must see my own reflection. In the bright light I cannot hide from the things that remind me of you. In the darkness, I do not have to see myself. In the night I am invisible and the pain goes away. So while the night holds terror for some, I welcome it when it comes. To me it is a shield against unwanted pain. In the cool embrace of the night, I can breathe again. It is where I find peace and I do not have to be reminded of you.

A violin sings in the night air and candles light the street. People are dressed in colorful clothes as they celebrate. Wine flows and people drink and dance. Some in bare feet others in ornate shoes. The stones in the square crack and echo as they are tapped by the souls of shoes and slip upon by bare feet. Exuberance fills the hearts of the people who dance with joy on Cobblestone streets in a place where cares do not exist, even if for a single night.

I am not sure why people look at me different? I am not sure if this is how it is supposed to be? I only know what I feel, I only know that this is the real me. What I like does not fit a social norm, it is frowned upon, but I do not feel right any other way. So I will keep living what I feel is right and let other people just fade away.

Life lays in shattered pieces, pottery to be returned to the dust. Dreams have fallen by the wayside, old pursuits have come to nothing. Sitting among the ruins of things once hoped for, I look up to heaven and ask what is next. I do not know where to go from here or what road I must take. I sit idly and contemplate all of these things. I wait on the Lord and hold my peace, waiting for him to guide me.

Statuesque and curvy, ample in the right places. Seductive and foreboding, with hair that is full of highlights or dark streaks depending on my mood. Skin soft as satin and eyes the color that suits my  mood. I draw you into my web of desire. You willingly surrender to my wiles and are a willing party to my seduction. Sin is of no thought to you right now. In the proper pair of shoes, that accentuate my body, I surrender to you as a garden of earthly delights. Any pleasure you could desire I can give you. A soft warm touch, with painted nails. Full colored lips like the warning of a deadly butterfly. You seek to possess me and to show others what they cannot have. I am forbidden fruit and delicious to taste. I am ****** and all the things you desire me to be.

I have walked through many lands and seen many wonderful things. I have done things only imagined in my youth. Now that I have wandered far and wide, my heart is weary and I want to go back the way I came. I long for dusty roads and tall Oak trees. I look forward to small creeks and old tire swings. I want to walk across golden grass covered fields. I long to hear the sound of a Whippoorwill . Though I will take many cherished memories with me, I must now return to where I belong. I am going back down a path in time as I long for home.