Endless waves
Of fear and doubt
A thousand what ifs
Tossed about.
Old regrets
Still seeping in
Wondering if
There's a way to win.
An ocean filled
With stepping stones
Each one named
Each trial honed.
Some will sink
And some will rise
Fill with joy
Or desperate cries.
If only one stone remains
Then I can cope;
So long as that one
That rose is called hope.

Thank God for the little things
That may not seem worthwhile
Soon you'll find the little things
Are the things that make you smile.
That barely whispered thank you
Is an example you have set
One that speaks of character
To the people you have met.
You may not think it matters
But believe me that it does
They may not know why they like you
But they'll like you just because.
Every simple act of kindness
Is a light that shines the way
A beacon for the soul in need
To guide them when they stray.
A candle in the darkness
May not seem to shed much light
But in a world that's filled with darkness
It's a beacon burning bright
So don't forget a please and thank you
When you're meeting someone new
That example tt you set might be
A beacon guiding you.

Sinking in the shadows
Inside I hear a cry;
Now is the time to stand and fight
Not the time to hide.
Your battles are not flesh and blood
But demons stalking you;
They try their best to keep you down
They'd love to **** you too.
But do not fear for you have friends
There's angels by your side;
Fiercely they protect you
So you can stand with pride.
Our God would never let you face
A battle you can't win,
He's always there to help you
On Him you can depend.

There comes a time to plant
For the food we need;
A time to harvest
And collect the seed.
Even greenery has
It's appointed time
To take root and grow
To tree or vine.
Even Jesus had a time
To live and die
To spread God's word
To show us why,
There comes a time to harvest
The seed we've sown;
Are you a Christian,
Did you make it known?
Did you share your story
With someone else
Did you feed the needy,
And give them help?
Did you practice the love
That Jesus showed;
Did you help someone
Get out of the cold?
Have you taken the time
To plant and sow?
Harvest is coming near
You know.

God guide this day
With your blessing and grace;
Judge not with justice
But put mercy in its place.
Look not to the doings
But to the intent of the deed;
Let our thought be guided
By your planted seed.
When confusion sets in
Lord send us your peace
The one that passeth understanding
And sends comfort through grief.
When worthlessness and depression
Come knocking at my door;
Lord double the reinforcements
That weren't there before.
When the voices sy that no oe loves you
Help me remember that's not true;
When all the world had turned against e,
Let me know there's trust in you.
When my prayers feel like no one's coming
And I cannot hear your voice;
Let me see past circumstances
Let having faith always be my choice.

I wish you the chance
To fulfill your dream
Apart from me
So it would see.
I am so very
Proud of you
Of the man you are
And all you will do.
A child of God
I raised you to be
He's always there
Don't forget to see.
No matter how you struggle
There is always hope;
With God there is always
A way to cope.
May He give you strength
When the day is long
And courage enough
To see you home.
Wish I could remember
All the words you wrote
For they lift me up
And give me hope.
I raised a man
Of integrity and strength;
Who pushes through
Even when he's weak.
When you're on your own
I know you'll flourish and grow;
And when nothing's happening
I still want to know.
I pray God's goodness clings
Like a shadow to you;
And that He keeps you safe
In whatever you may do.
May He send you encouragement
Every day
And laughter and joy
To lighten your way.
Never forget
That you are loved
When you're touching cloud nine
And soaring above.
Sometimes out of sight
Is out of mind;
So don't forget those of us
You've left behind
I'm so afraid when you're gone
I'll never see you again;
Or even if I do
It'll be who knows when.
You'll have laughter and pain
I won't be there to see
I'm afraid you'll thrive
And forget about me.
I know your life will be easier
Without the hassle of us;
And you'll forget to call us
Just because.
You'll have new adventures
And meet new friends
A new world of excitement
You won't want to end,
I won't ask you to stop living
Or traveling around;
Or to give up any
Of the joy you've found
Just remember to call
Every once in a while;
And know it will bring
Your mother a smile.
It'll brighten my day
Just to hear your voice;
Fill my heart with love
And a need to rejoice..
When you sleep at night
Don't forget to pray
And know I'll be praying
For God to guide your way.
God is sending you to Alaska
He prepared the way;
With room and board -
He heard a mother pray.
I dedicated you
A long time ago;
For God to protect you
Where ever you go.
So I leave you now
In the best of hands;
And know God has for you
The greatest plans.
So keep in mind
You are never alone
And you're always welcome
To come back home.
You're always be
In our hearts and prayers
As we wish you the best
And bid you farewell.

By: Linda Duncan

Chiseled memories
Once new and unforgettable
Now pounded away
By the rapid waters of life.
They float through my mind
Like a misty fog.
Sometimes I feel like I could reach out
And grab hold,
But the clarity slips through my fingers
Like vapor.
How could I have forgotten,
Things I never wanted to forget?
Is senility creeping in,
Or have I forgotten that too?
Age,
It just has a way of undermining
Your grasp with reality.