Where are my t-shirts?
Lucy wearing them to bed
Life has changed again.

I am an American.
Proud to be called one.
When the flag goes by
Chills still creep over me.
Even after seventy plus years.

Many have died
Defending her name.
Defending the rights
Given by The Bill of Rights.
Freedom is definitely not free.

I ask my grandson when he was four
"What does that flag
hanging on the wall mean?"
He replied "Freedom".

Many have died
When stupid politicians
Ran the wars against us
Not the Generals who had the knowledge.

Eight years ago I remember clearly
someone we all know say;
"For the first time in my life
I am really proud of my country. "
Very disturbing words
I shall never forget.

Let us honor those who
have gone on before us.
Let us never forget
what we have and still stand for.
Let us stand and be counted.

For Freedom. Liberty. And much more.

My heart is heavy as we sit idlely by
watching all slip down the drain.

When we wake up in the morning
on the other side.
The long night has ended
in Him we will abide.
He will carry us through the darkness
into the beautiful light.
The rejoicing of the angels
will be an awesome sight.

When we wake up in the morning
on the other side.
Where no more pain or sorrow
in Him we will abide.
His Love has brought us through the night
into the awesome light.
Where forever we will be with Him
In all His glorious might.

I have awaken in the morning
On the other side.
With a Joy beyond compare  
in Him I now abide.
His love has brought me through the night
Into the awesome light.
Forever I will be with Jesus
What a beautiful beautiful sight.
----------
Hallelujah to my Savior
Hallelujah To His name.
Hallelujah to my Savior
We will never be the same.

(Ending. Repeat first four lines of third verse)

Hallelujah. Evermore.
Hal-le-lu  jah.
(C) 09-12-2017

Author:  Kristen Stevens
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Current mood:rather put out

So I've been on vacation...wait that should be capitalized it was of great importance. Allow me to begin again.*So I've been on VACATION. Which was great, by the way, thanks for asking. I returned to work with admittedly less enthusiasm than I should have had. However the news that awaited me put the smile back on my face.

Someone that I did not really get along with quit. (Oh fabulous day!) That is the thrilling part the dismayed part is upcoming. A coworker pointed out a flaw in my joy. I now need to find a new lure for the apocalypse that feels like it's coming any day now. If you have any suggestions I need a new applicant, because the people I've agreed to see to safety probably would not like a change in their status.

Author:  Kristen Stevens

Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Current mood:  feel like breaking the rules

I have this friend, we'll call her Kat,that insists I be social at least once a month. As per her request she wants all the Sept. birthdays to go have dinner. I think it's an excellent idea. We are fun girls. Although that many of us in a public setting together might make people run for cover. In addition to the social dinner, I went to a Pampered Chef party where Kat was also attending, yet she says it doesn't count as my social event for the month. She won't even count my upcoming trip as "social". Phooey on her! She has said "if I'm not there it doesn't count." I say she was there so it should count but apparently that rule is flexible.  So I will have 3 if not 4 outings in Sept. I don't know about this. I might go into overload.

I should try to make the point that any isolation I'm trying to achieve is merely training for the inevitable day when ___(fill in the blank) happens and we who are left are living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
[ASIDE:wow that sentence was long and overly complicated and run-on as well] I wonder if she would accept that response. " But Kat I'm trying to simulate how alone I will be when the majority of the people are dead, mutated, or the walking dead. I need to train, 2012 is fast approaching." Nah, she'll never buy it. sigh

Oh also there's a new training manual at work I think it's next month's staff rec. Everyone needs to supplement their Z.S.G. knowledge.

No one can live your life

No one can relieve your strife

No one can change your heart

No one can do your part

No one can decide for you

    What you must do

But you

   A great responsibility
   Filled with great rewards.

   Never Give Up.

12-08-2016
So My granddaughter Lucy, seven, is watching videos of taekwondo.  She practiced on me, her grandfather and was rather successful on some of the moves. This goes on for a while and then she asks if I would get her a dummy... for Christmas... one without arms... to practice on. "Please grandpa." I said I would think about it.

Now her brother 11 is on the sofa. Earbuds installed.  She looks over at him and said after a pause or two "Or.... I could practice on Tony".
The kid is always thinking. And Tony has arms.

We still hear
your voice on the
       phone:
compelling
comforting
compassionate

My wife and I talk
about you
        often:
sweet man
concern for you
could be our son

She read the poem
"To: Letter Four" and
        cried:
still crying - from time to time
she cares for you
so do I

She said; you are
the reason I am at
        Hello Poetry:
I am here for you
how can we help you?
I am writing again - because of you

God leads us in the
path we are to
        travel:
I listen
He nudges
I follow

Forgiveness of my self
begins with accepting
        "ME":
*as I am
not as I want to be
God takes care of - the rest

If you still have them around... write them a note. This was 26 years ago. I owe my life to her.
-------------------------
To My Mother
It is your 84th birthday today and I take this time to say, I love you. As I think back to my childhood days, it brings back good feelings of the times we had together.
I remember like it was yesterday the warmth when you held me close.  The nap times when you were beside me while I went to sleep. No greater love can a Mother show than just being there when needed.
I remember coming home from school and finding you about the house.  All was well then and I could go play. There was a ‘something’ about that, which I want my kids to know.
I remember the trust you bestowed on me when I started high school. It was an awesome responsibility to never betray that trust. The lessons learned has carried me through many a rough spot. It shaped my life so that the decisions I made would not cause you pain.
If it were not for your prayers over my 47 years, I shudder to think where I would be today. Thank you for showing me the way and living it with me.
You have molded four lives for which you can take pride. I thank you for making me the person I am today.
Thank You Mom. Happy Birthday!
( written April 1991 )

The cow jumped over the moon.
Udderly de-fence-less..

There are days
I try to think
   Of what to write
Then I blink
It starts to sink
Into the drink
No more ink
Flow, just a stink
There is no ink
From word to word
As
I try to think
There are days.

Received a call from
a suspect fraud line.
I answered:

“Sheriffs office.
Fraud division.
How may I help you?”

Funny thing happened.
Line went dead.

Granddaughter Lucy wrote this just before bedtime this evening.
----------------------------
Dear God
Thank you for this day. Make sure that evrybuty is safe and has a good night and try not to let enebody sin. In God name we pray. Amen.
-----------------------
She gave it to me at bed time. She was asleep before I got it typed in. She Is a first grader.

8        8       h     | q    h
1         2       3     | 2    1
Draw me close | to You

8        8   h   |  q       h
1         3   5   |  6       5
Lead me in  | Your way.

8        8        h    |   q   h     | q   h    | q   h
1         3        5    |   6   5     | 3   2     | 3   2
Draw me close |  to You, | I pray, | today.

8       8     h  |  q    h
1        2     3  |  2    1
Lead me on | the path

8       8        h       |   q    h
1        3        5       |   6    5
You would have |  me take.

8        8      h      | q   q-q   | q   h
1         3      5      | 3   2-3   | 2   1
Draw me close | to You,  | today.

8         8      h     |   q   q      q       | q q-q    | q  h
5         6      8     |   2    1      8       | 5 6-8   | 6  5
Draw me close |  to Your heart | today, | I pray.

8        8      h      |  q   q      q     | q  h      | q  h
1         3      5      |  5   6      5     | 1  2       | 3  2
Draw me close | to Your side | I pray, | today.

8        8      h      |  q  h
1         3      5      |  6  5
Draw me close |  to You.

8        8        h    |  q  h
6        7        8     |  6  5
Draw me close |  I pray.

8         8      h     | q   h     | q  h
1          3      5     | 3   2     | 1  1
Draw me close | to You,| today.

Paddy - Year Seven
Seven years since you sat upon the rock
Sitting there taking stock
of things of this world
and things of the next.

A Poets heart since you were young
the written word delivered by tongue
lives on forever in the heart
of those who've read to never part.

You ran the race with no disgrace
Inspired others to take their place
In the words of true poets to be
Filling the hearts of all they see.

Thanks again Paddy Martin

02-08-2018
Read Paddy Martin at:
http://hellopoetry.com/paddy-martin/

http://hellopoetry.com/the-paddy-martin-fellowship

I was lost in this world from doing my will,
My need was great, impossible to fill.
Then someone told me of Your love divine,
How You came to earth to save mankind.
I called Your name Lord, not knowing the cross.
Would You be there, for me - the lost?
Would I be worthy to call Your name?
The deeds I had done, had caused You shame.
——————————-
Your forgave me Father as I knelt to pray
I gave you my life that glorious day
For in desperation I had reached for you,
Oh love divine, I found You so true.
With love and forgiveness You died on that tree
Your grace and mercy, is abundant and free.
Oh precious gift, from God above.
You waited for me with arms of Love.
————————————
You were there, oh Lord, waiting for me,
With arms open wide for all to see.
You lifted me up from my deep, dark sin,
And gave me peace, such peace, within.
I sought Your touch for the love I’d missed
From the times of doing, what I thought best.
I sought Your presence to receive Your love,
And found such joy, God’s gift from above.
—————————————
Your love covered me, in all my need,
I saw the cross where You did bleed.
I felt Your love growing deep within.
Your touch cleansed me from where I’d been.
You cleansed my soul from inside to out
By Your love divine, I have no doubt.
Your love surrounds me, all my days,
As I walk with You, learn your ways.
————————-
Lord, I call your name, now knowing the Cross
You are always there, for me - the lost.
You make me worthy to call Your name,
So the deeds I do, won’t cause You shame.

April 24 2010 there was a Boy Scout display in the parking lot North of Mickey Ds and by the Imagination Station. Tony was fascinated by many of the displays. The Sheriff’s Office was well represented with several displays. Tony got to climb up on the rescue boat, the one we see going by our house frequently in the summer to fish someone out of the river. The two Sheriff’s Office Deputies in charge of the boat were really good with the kids. About 15 minutes later Tony bent over the bow of the boat, I was on the good ole solid ground, and said to me, “These guys are really COOL grandpa.” I said, “yup, they are.” and looked over at one of guys. I ask, “Did you hear that?” With a big grin he said, “I sure did.” He had a big grin on his face for a while. Tony debarked and headed to new territory. I have to have speedy shoes on to keep up some days. I wish I could find a pair of those.

Later we were at a different car on display. The people there were young intern or trainee types wearing the Sheriff’’s Office shirt and hardware. Tony had bailed out of the armored car where he had been playing for 20 minutes and was standing next to me watching the young group yucking it up. They were loud and horsing around some… with out the horse. All of a sudden he got a scowl on his face and said in a rather loud voice, “Grandpa, those are NOT real cops. Why are they wearing uniforms? They should not do that.” Well that was hard to explain and I was hoping “they” did not hear what he said. We left rapidly.

I guess he thought they were not acting the way officers should act. At least not like the COOL guys at the boat. I suppose that comes from trying to instill respect in the uniform of peace officers. The lesson is one each of us needs to remember. If we say we are (fill in the blank) then we had better act the part or we can lead an impressionable young mind astray. So lets be COOL.

That’s my story and I am sticking to it.

(Just Passing Through)
09-08-2005 J.L. Stevens

This jail is not my home,
I ‘m just a passing through.
Since Jesus touched my life,
Lord, What more can I do.
Your love has rescued me,
Gives me peace in my life.
Lord, help me to walk the path,
Free of trouble and strife.
——————————————-
When freedom beckons me
As I walk out through the door.
Lord, guide me on my journey,
I’ll trust you evermore.
May I choose to do Your will,
When temptation comes my way.
Lord, I know You are with me,
As I walk with You this day.
—— (chorus)—————-
When Jesus called my name,
My life was changed that day.
I walk and talk with Him,
I chose to follow and obey.
I am trusting in the Lord,
To open wide the door.
For I don’t feel at home,
In this jail any more.

Discovered I forgot to post this on HP

Mar 25. 2010

Tony Boy – Chapter 2
A few weeks ago Tony was standing in the door way and said, “Grandpa?: Yes. “Grandpas need grandkids so they won’t get bored.” He is correct in that assumption since there is not a day that some surprise doesn’t pop up. I won’t be dying from boredom any time soon. I have been retired three years now and boredom is not a problem.

We were checking out at Target the other day and the checker and Tony was having a great conversation. As we were leaving, he turned around and said to the checker, “You are missing a tooth. You know that if you put it under your pillow, you can get some money for it from the tooth fairy.” The checker and the people in line were having a chuckle. Me, I laughed all the way to the car. When we got in the car he was questioning me as to why I was laughing. Oh, I just saw something funny.

Today (03/17/2010) we were in Costco foraging about 2:30. It is a great way to pass some time together. The food tables were set up and we had hit the ravioli stuff a couple of times already. The lady running it said one time she had noticed us coming in since he was in a stroller. Anyway, Tony headed back to get another sample and she was talking to a friend. As I rounded the corner Tony was talking to the friend. She was asking him how old he was. “Four.” At which she said, “You are smarter than my 15 year old.”

Tony is 5 today (3/24) A lot of people know his name. Me? Oh I am just Tony’s grandpa. A few weeks back we were in Sears to visit one of his many “friends”. Tammie was not available at the moment and we were wandering around looking at TVs. A fellow was down on his knees putting together a new display. Tony walked up to him and ask, “Do you know what you are doing?” The guy looked rather surprised and then the two got into a discussion of what tools to use. Tony told him about all the tools he has and what should be used on the job. Along came the usual question people ask Tony. “How old are you?” “I am four.” I heard the guy telling some of his fellow workers about being ask if he know what he was doing. They all had a good laugh together. We found Tammie and Tony got picked up and a BIG hug. Most of the people working in the electronics and appliance department know all about the little boy named Tony Boy. It is interesting to see their faces light up when Tony comes around the corner.

Written by my daughter in Honors English Class

By Kristen Stevens

As I stared, transfixed by the TV box, a smaller drawer caught my eye. I leaned nearer to read the title, but could find none. I stared in wonder, pondering if this box was really mine. Inside were hundreds of cards. My hand began to shake as I sat on the floor and began reading the cards. I was astonished at what the cards brought to mind. Had I really done that? Did I really say that? These things had happened years ago.

I must have spent days pouring over this one box. Some of these things I remembered. Others were barely saved from the brink of the chasm of forgetfulness. There was one certain card that I couldn’t recall at all. Try as I might, the memory would not come. Nowhere did I find it hidden away in the dark recesses of my mind. This bothered me a great deal.

I came to another card. This one I remember only too well. I closed my eyes and I am reliving this memory. It saddens me a little, but I would not trade it for the world. I pressed my back against the cool surface of the cabinets and just relived that day. I hear the sounds and the voices. I smell the breeze and taste the sharp aroma of the long forgotten time.

I have been in the room for weeks and still no end to the box. I have forgotten what the title was. The first card I couldn’t remember still fascinates me, even though it was followed by many more I couldn’t place. I flip back through the ever lengthening file. I take the card out and close the drawer. I carefully examined the front. A corner is barely visible under the dust. The title on the box is “Other People’s Impression of Me”. Now, I understand why many of the cards I came across, I couldn’t recall. Some of the cards were thoughts of people I have passed on the street. Others were of people I have just smiled at when it looked like they were having a rough day. Some are from children I have helped or people in cars to which I have waved. All of these people were affected by me and their impression of me has been recorded. They were secreted out of their minds and into my vast file.

All at once, I am back in my bed, wondering if it was all a dream. No, I still clutch that first card in my hand. From now on, I will be cautious of what I say and do to people. Call it a “wake-up call”, if you wish.

As you travel this road
looking to find
Someone in need of love.
Whose broken spirit
in need of repair
By the Love given Above.

It might be someone
whose given up hope
And is found in deep despair.
With all hope gone
no place to turn
no shoes or clothes to wear.

The drug once chosen
For what ever the reason
Has taken them to the ground.
They need a hand
To help them up
Out of the hole they are found.

You see the pain
deep within
Caused by someones lust
No way to cope
to overcome
For they have lost their trust.

A kind word here
A smile there
Can help fill the hole.
When hope was lost
By careless words
And actions took their tole.

As I travel this road
Hoping to find
A soul in need of love
May directions come
To me this hour
From Love given Above.

My maid is in the shade,
she layed down to braid
A few hours later she went to the arcade
She paid me $50  to go see Cade.

——————————————-

Many times I just need to stop what I am doing and listen... listen to what the "still small voice" is trying to tell me.
Taking time to smell the lilacs, so to speak, to soak in the beauty around us, to reflect that God really is God and not a figment of our imagination, is what life should be about. Turning off the things that interrupt our mind (tv/radio/neighbor/spouse ;-)), etc) and listening and seeing the simple joys in life, gives me peace for today and hope that tomorrow will be even better.

My joy these days is in a 24 pound little boy who entered this world 13+ months ago not under the best of circumstance but loved just the same. I would not trade him for all the money in the world. He is the light of my life. When I come home very tired, it would be easy to do what I want... rest, but the look on his little face when I come into the room somehow sparks a little more energy to pick him up. He lays his head on my shoulder, gives a sigh, and all is well with the world.

In the spring time, gardens are planted and begin to grow. For him, (my grandson) his mind is like a garden. The seeds planted in his early life, the time taken to talk and play with him, watered with love and compassion, will grow and develop and hopefully the beauty of his garden will crowd out the **** seeds that the winds of world blow in from time to time. Love always triumphs over hate if you never give up. I know many kids never had a chance at an early age to grow and bloom into a beautiful garden. Years later, **** killer (God) was applied, the soil tilled by His hand, revealed the potential of their garden. The gardens they grow are beautiful in the eyes of our Lord and Savior. When someones garden is getting a little dry, we need to help water their garden with love, compassion and understanding from our abundance. Small things that don't cost much but have a big impact on the growing beauty of a garden. Is there any better way to spend our time than to nurture a growing garden? I think not. I may not live to see my grandson's garden bloom and produce great things as he becomes a man but I know God will honor the planting and watering I do beyond the day He takes me home.
-------------End------------
Written  04-18-2006

You left us my friend in sorrow
To wonder about the tomorrow
Not reading your words of wisdoms gain
Has brought to us a sorrow and pain.

I know you can't answer
But please send some inspiration
It is desperately needed
To improve the lot on Hello Poetry
to show us a path less heeded.

Five years is a long time in the life of a poet
The sad thing is we may not even  know it
We wander around in our ups and downs
and occasionally we can act like clowns.
For you Dear Paddy time is but a blink
To clear our minds and help us think

I know you can't answer
But please send some inspiration
Your inspiration is Urgently needed.

Good night. See you in the morning Paddy.

I was Broken
You Mended me.

I was near Death
You gave me Peace.     (1980)

I was Lost
You Found me.

I was Lonely
You gave me Comfort.

I was Hopeless
You gave me Hope.

I was Hungry
You gave me Fulfillment.

I was Wayward
You Sheltered me.

I was Happy
You gave me Exceeding Joy

For others: Can I do anything less?
Thank YOU.

Beware of Roses in
      Little Boxes
Given to you by
      Little Foxes
To turn your head
      Their way
With the sly words
      They say.

Little boxes turn to
      Little caskets
Burying you in
      Was not ask it
To rip your heart to
      Little Pieces
And feed you to
       The WOLVES.

© 9-18-05 J Stevens  3/4
   8    8       q       q       8       8        8       8     8 -  8       8        8         q
   1    2       3       3        3   -   2   |  1       1     2 -  1       1        7.         1  
Is   your heart now breaking, from the sorrows    in      your    life?

q   q    8    8     8    8     8   8    8        q     8  8    h
           1    1     2    3      3   3    3        3     2-1     2
        Are you de-feet-ed in your walk with Him?

1-2    3   3    3    3    1      2       1      1    7.       1
The Father above can heal your broken heart.

  1      1      2      3      3     1       2            1        7-1
And set your  feet on   the   path     once   again.
----------------------------------------------------------­-----

Are you tired    of    living    not knowing where you’re bound?
Do you  feel    desperation    all     around?
The Father above can give you  peace  again
And set your  feet on   the   road to Heaven bound.
----------------------------------------------------------­-----
Do you know of God’s grace and His mercy which is free?
Do you need a new touch of His love?
Just open the door of your heart and let Him in.
Receive the Joy and Love from above.

-- chorus -----------------------------
3    5   5      5        5      3     4    |   3    
Open up your heart and say – aah.

3     4    5  -  5     5-3     4      3
Let the Doctor above look in.

3    5    5     5       5        4    3    4     3 – 2      1
Open up your heart and let the sorrow out,

   1    2     3         3      1      2      1-7-1
And be filled with His love within.
---------------------------------------------------------­-----

3 - 5    5      5       5        3     4        3              q      q      q
Open up your heart and say – aah,   …  aah, aah, aah!

  3      5         3       5     5     3       q    q     q
Give Him your life this day.

  3 -4   3      2       1        1     1   2     3       2      1
Open up your heart and let the Son shine in

  1     2     3         3      1      2-1    7 - 1
And be filled with His spirit today.

Open up your heart…. Open up your heart.

He  will fill  you with His spirit……

He  will fill  you with His spirit again.

The weather is cooling
and this is no fooling.
The Sugar is swinging
alone with no humming.
Soon to be cold weather
They will huddle together
Or go South as a Smart Bird
as in a big bird herd.
     (I know it is a flock)
I will wait sort of patiently
But I want them NOW!
My verse fell apart
oh where did it go?
It went with the birds
Till next Spring
My little birds
I will be ready Hectar.
Please show up.
I need help.

Hummmmmmmm

There's a place to go on Sunday morn
A place to meet good friends
Where you can laze around with cup in hand
And curb your latest bends.

Satisfaction comes in many forms
You can bet there is no lack.
All you need to do is go
But first get out of the sack.

See you at St. Arbucks.

In the Mall
She went to sleep
On the bench
So peacefully

A smile curls up
on her lips.
A laugh at times
so gleefully.

Gpa fighting sleep
Time change setting in.
zzz… zzz… zzz…
Consciousness returns.

3:20!!!

Oh my!! Wakeup!!
Brother’s out of school
SOON!!
Muscles scream, burns!

We run (I run)
out the door
Strap in, GO!
Away we tore..

We made it.
No harm done
now we begin….
The FUN.
At AC.

Mar. 11, 2012

I was having grand ole time wading about in my newly found Kiddie Pool. The water had a slight blue color against the beautiful white pool sides. My life had kind of been going down the drain lately but this seemed to be a rather fortuitous find.

I happened upon it one dark day when I was not seeing well and decided to stay awhile. I had let some things cloud my vision and dull my senses. I was so happy in my Kiddie Pool just doing my thing. Not a care in the world and I was very contented… life was easy. When all of a sudden the bottom fell out of my nifty Kiddie Pool. I soon found myself trying to stay afloat in the middle of what appeared to a vast ocean. The smell was not so great, actually it was down right awful! I was alone it seemed at first but I could hear the cries of others somewhere just beyond me.

Despair set in. I felt very broken. What happened? Life happened but why me?

Something or someone had pulled the handle on my Kiddie Pool that I so enjoyed. I had become accustomed to its “ambiance” but now I was really feeling flushed.

I discovered my Kiddie Pool was connected to a greater pool that went by the first name of Cess. The things I thought were water toys floating about me were not and they were killing me by degrees. The things of pleasure were dragging me down and my future did not look so grand any more. I cried out in the darkness hoping someone would hear me. “Oh God”, I screamed, “are you really there? I am lost. Please help me!”

I was going down for the third and final time when the Ship of Life appeared out of nowhere. I was hauled aboard by the Captain of the Ship. Rescued from the “flushing” I had endured after getting in the Kiddie Pool of Life. My feet were now on the Ship of Life. The Captain washed me clean. My head became clear and I could finally see where I had been and it was NOT pretty.

“I once was lost but now I am found.” How wonderful it is to be found.

Going through my life
Looking for something different.
Going through the motions
Out of focus... badly bent.

Trying hard to be
someone else, you see
Not facing my demons
Not loving my self.
Searching, searching
with "ME" on the shelf.

Dark, invisible bars
always holding me back.
They're of my own making.
There seldom is a lack.

If I don't soon stand
on my own two feet
Where will I end?
What end will I meet?
      Will I be gone?


( the rest of the story


You picked me up
from the muck I was in.
You cleaned me up
I'm forgiven within.
You picked up the pieces
of my shattered life.
You put me together
without pain or strife.

I'm going, going, still going.
I'm going, going, still growing.
I'm going, going, gone,
To my Father side.
Where I reside.

I was looking for:
          Forgiveness
          Mercy
          Grace

I found:
          Love
          Hope
          Faith
------------­----------------
I have turned my back
on the life I was.
Made up of lint
and a lot of fuzz.

I have set a direction
to the foot of the Cross.
Keeping the good,
Discarding the dross.

The regrets of the past
No longer control.
I'm free to live and LOVE
without yesterday's toll.

Looking forward in FAITH
not forgetting the past.
Lest I should repeat
The bad I did last.

With HOPE in hand
I am pressing on home,
To finish the race.
I'll never more roam.

I want to know You Lord
from the words in RED
"Forgive me of failures
as I forgive those who fail me."

Paddy Martin
Jan 26, 2011
An Australian Summer Sonnet.
I pray thee sun thou should set,
or take thy leave better yet,
wouldst at last my thirst be gone,
But alas thee linger, and linger on.

There be no flower not yet dead,
no water flows in yonder river bed.
'Tis a heat where nought doth grow,
nor doth thee ever mercy show.

Dry of skin and parch of throat,
a man doth need no overcoat.
Thy rays doth burn mine eyes,
they do not hear mine mercy cries.

If there be a place where chill be found,
'Tis there it be that I be bound,
A place where there be no burning sun,
show it to me, so to it I shall run.

(c) 26th January 2010
with apoligies to all you Shakespeare freaks
I was thinking how Will would have handled our Oz summer heat.

Author: Kristen Stevens
Sunday, January 24, 2010
I was not aware of that.
Current mood:  amused

Just the other day I had a confused customer call on the phone. [side note: why do people say that "call on the phone"... how else would they be calling?] Anyway, this none to with it lady called the store (ah, that's better) asking about nifty books like "riding a silver broomstick" and "book of shadows".  It took me more than five minutes to divine that these were the books that interested her. Then another short yet seemingly infinite amount of time passes while I get my crystal ball working. She wants us to mail them to her. Great, I can do this. So we get the books ordered. Then she starts explaining to me that I could send them and she would pay for them on the 1st. HUH? you want me to give you product and assume you will remember to pay me in 2 weeks? Also how do I get the order released when they haven't been paid for yet? I explained several times I can't do that; while she countered with promises to pay when her paycheck arrived. Why did she need the spell book to make money magically grow on trees? All in all she was funny.

Where function once was,
Had from the start.
Now,  a missing part.
Gone now.
Some how.

Where feeling once was,
That used to serve.
Now a broken nerve
Dead now
Some how.

He looks out the window,
out the door, down the hall,
to pass the time of day and night.
Seeing the pain reflected
from the faces of others
not knowing how to handle their plight.

Feeling their hurts and sorrows
as are his own – crushing.
He knows pain, up close and personal
It takes control, seizing the moment
                                               the day.
In the midst of suffering...
In the place of indignation...
Pens the words of sadness and sorrow.
Pens the thoughts of encouragement and love.
Giving hope and smiles to others
Trying to not let pain win - maybe tomorrow.

What more can we do
when a brother is down.
To encourage a smile
to let go of the frown.

“There is no shame in
doing the best you can
with what you have.”

“Have mercy on Letter Four.
Take away the pain, for evermore.”

Opportunities
    Lost and Found

Circumstances
    Abound

Turn me Bitter
    or make me Better.

The choice is mine
    My life define.

I choose Life
    Not Death.

I choose Giving
    Not Taking

I choose Love
    Not Hate

I choose His way
    Not mine.


The choice is Mine
The choice is Mine.

Her hair was beginning to grow back. She looked so alone even though she was standing in the midst of a crowd. No one was within six feet.  Would someone close by care?  Would someone give her a moment of their time?  Would there be a helping hand? A hand of friendship?

When the service was over, Jesus appeared in the form of a lady who had been sitting behind her.  The smiles, the head nods, wrote volumes in the passages of love.  The touch of someone who cared was a touch from Jesus.

I stood in the foyer of a large church I visited from time to time when in the area, trying to make eye contact with just one person as they passed by.  Not one smile in my direction.  Not a word of greeting to a visitor - nothing.  I left wondering where Jesus was in this church.  Time after time over a number of years I sought Jesus in just one person in this church. People came and went in their own little world that did not include anyone else. They brushed on by without even a smile.

It is the little insignificant things that we do for someone that makes a large difference in someone’s life.  We think, ‘what can I do? Oh that is nothing.” and then we don’t do anything. A smile, a touch, a moment of caring does not cost very much but the benefits to someone that may be feeling a little alone in this world can make a difference. Many  little things can add up to a big “something” that can make a difference in a life.

Can people see Jesus in us?  Can His love flow through us to be Jesus to someone that is lonely, in need of a friend or a kind gentle word?  We are His vessels that others see.  We may be the only Jesus someone has ever seen.   When I look into a mirror I want to see Jesus.

The Boss came to town one day
Took over the "Swinging" Sugar Shack.
When others came to take a sip
He warned them, "OUT and don't come back."

He buzzed them off so far away
As another came to  sip and rest
Back he came his tail fanned out
Thinking, yes, he was the best.

With space around the Treasury
for more than eight to sip and eat.
But only one can land and sip
when "The Boss" plants his angry feet.

He sits and guards his precious turf
For many minutes at a time.
Driving away the other birds
Who has found the Sugar sublime.

The reason the hummers can only hum
is because they don't know the words.
Or they would scream little bird words
at the other little humming birds.

The hummer most persistent it seems
goes by the name of Hummer Hectar.
You too would be mad and miffed
if someone stole your Sugar and Nectar.

(Going Home)

Stan is eighty seven      (Stan now is eighty eight)
bound for heaven         ( waiting now at Heaven’s gate)
where his Love
went on before him.

Some day soon
he will join June
Where the light
will never dim.

Time has past
since he hugged her last
now, the pain
unreal at times.

He knows she lives
where God’s Love gives
us Peace and
love so sublime.

And now….

His mission fulfilled
In what God willed
the race will end
never more to roam.

He made the right choice
The Angels rejoice
God’s forever Love with June
Stan will be going home.

10:55
           The lights went out
                  in church today.
           The Sun light flooded
                  through the open doors.

           Voices raised in sweet song
                  in a natural way.
           The Son Light flooded
                  through the open doors...
                         of each heart.

11:30
           The lights came on
                  in church today.
           The Son Light reflecting
                  on each face!
                        In every heart!

           The "Sounds of Praise" rising,
                  The Son Light's shining
           An experience  reborn
                  of days of long ago.

later:
           The  memories stored
                  in each heart.
           "Remember the Sunday
                  when the lights went out?"

It's by His grace we come to Him
Not what we do, are we saved from sin.
He condemns us not, our sins are forgiven
He frees us from ******* on our way to Heaven

Come to the cross and receive His full love
Only He can give from the Father above.
Come to the cross and kneel at His feet
Give Him your life and do not retreat.

Come to the cross, Come to His love
Come to Him now, God's gift from above.
His love is abundant, His love is free
For He paid the price, He died on the tree.

Go forward with Him through all of your life
Give Him your pain and all of your strife.
Comfort and joy while walking with Him
Peace in your soul, forgiveness within.

(chorus)
Oh, come to Jesus, Come just now
Kneel at the cross with tears flowing down
He will forgive your sin and set you free
Come to Him now, He's waiting for you.