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MY FAVORITE STORIES AND POEMS

This first is not a poem. A story goes with this. Years ago when my grandaughter Samantha was only about sixteen we were in a Christian bookstore. I saw the book "The Prayer of Jabez". At the time I couldn't get it because of having not enough money. Then two years ago I received the best gift from her. Not the most expensive gift I got, but she had gotten me the book "The Prayer of Jabez" and a book mark with it on it. Not many people even know who Jabez was, but in the Old Testament when telling of the generations,which I know gets boring, God saw fit to stop at this one man and say something. He is the only one that anything is mentioned. What was the best gift from her though was free and that was what she wrote in the front of the book. To Mima From Samantha: I love you so much!!! This book is for you to nourish your soul.You are an awesome person and have overcome some difficult times. I admire you for the Prayer Warrior that you are. I broke down and cried. After all those years she remembered the book and what she wrote can never be replaced. I keep the book close to me at all times and read it constantly. Since then she has also bought me the CD of the music that was made to it. She was twenty two at the time when she bought it for me.

"THE PRAYER OF JABEZ"
Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil. that I may not cause pain! 1 Chronicles 4:10

"JESUS ROCKED ME TO SLEEP LAST NIGHT"
The troubles of my day would not be shaken loose. Tomorrow's uncertainties stubbornly refused to be put aside, and yesterday's pain jealously sought my attention.

I was oh, so tired! But then the Savior gathered me up and let me rest on his lap for awhile. He held my head to His chest and gently stroked my hair. What peace I felt there! I drifted away to a quiet place of rest. My eyes closed and blessed sleep came at last. My dreams were those of one who was held safely in her Master's arms,

Nothing could touch me there, no harm came near. Pain was forgotten and worry erased as Jesus rocked me to sleep.----by Vonnie Montoya

"When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and sleep shall be sweet." Proverbs 3:24


"TRUE PROMISES"
God has not promised Skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways All our life thru; God has not promised Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain.

But God has promised Strength for the day, Rest for the labor, Light for the way: Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love.----Author unknown


This poem reminds of my Mom's house when she was living. It is called"A HOUSE BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD"

It's only a house by the side of the road, But inside it's a home sweet and fair: So dear are its humble furnishings And God's love is evident there.

It's only a house by the side of the road Yet, a palace could never compare, As the people inside who live there with pride, Prefer it to life anywhere.

A family so loving, tender and true, Unselfish in their daily tasks, Enjoying life's pleasures though in small measures And willing to give what life asks.----by Catherine Janssen Irwin.


"TIME IS"
Too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear, Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice, But for those who love----"TIME IS ETERNITY"

This one I love. It reminds of my baby Troubles who left this world in 2004. It is called "MAN"S BEST FRIEND"
They do not ask for all your love, But give you all of theirs. The good and bad times in your life, They willingly will share.

No friend you have could be as true, And love you without measure; Yet bring into your daily life, Such multitudes of pleasure.

They have a way about them, That's sure to win your heart, And then before you know it, You cannot be apart.

Such blessing when the Lord above Puts the puppy dog on earth, Man's best friend, he is indeed, That will always show his worth.----by Albert N. Theel


This is my most favorite scripture from the Bible.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." Is. 40:31


"ONE SOLITARY LIFE"
He was born in an obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. He then became an itinerant preacher. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He had no crudentials but Himself. He was only thirty-three when the public turned against Him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had on earth. He was laid in a borrowed grave.

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned have not affected the life of man on the earth as much as that "ONE SOLITARY LIFE."


"A NEW BEGINNING"
Each day is a new beginning, With a chance to try again. All the memories to erase, That seem to bring us pain.

Each day is a new beginning, When we can start anew, to sort out our priorities and know what we must do.

Each day is a new beginning, in which to do our best. If we take the first step forward, God will help us with the rest.----by Olive B. Elvin


"GOD WILL ANSWER"
Sometimes I moan and grumble in the dealings of life's hands, but somehow I journey onward seeing His love in this plan.

Oh, I'm sure I wouldn't travel very far without His aid, and from the tests we all encounter, let's each worship and give praise.

It takes fortitude and strength, to walk the rugged valley where it never seems to end. Like the darkness of a tunnel and no mountain view in sight, like a cross that's e're so heavy, like a winter without light.

But somehow His tender mercy, like a beacon light to guide, will assist each weary traveler, if we'd just but realize-Realize that God will answer in His way...and in his time, then our mission will prove worthy, and our trials prove devine. ----by Chris Zambernard


"DAY OF GRACE"
Life on earth is Day of Grace-Compared to what will be; a wisp of time, in tiny place-compared to Majesty-for, in God's Kingdom, up above, there is no end to day and sunshine lights Eternal Life with Heaven's warmest rays.

So, do not cry when darkness falls and life on earth must pass for God awaits each Christian soul with life, to ever last; and we will know the sacred love that is in his embrace and never more, the tears and fears that filled our Day of Grace.

It will be a world of holy joys-above the griefs of earth-where He will bless each worthy soul with glories of rebirth and-there-we all will know and see His gifts, to souls of faith-where Heaven follows Day of Grace and God and Jesus wait.----by Michael Dublina----Eye has not seen, ear has not heard the things which God has prepared for those that love him. 1 Cor. 2:9


"THE WAY"
I had taken up a path in early life, you see-but all I found was wrath would shower down on me.

It wasn't til I turned to God his love and joy and good 'twas in the soul-a gentle prod is when I understood.

God had never left me, He always was a part, loving, yearning, waiting in a corner of my heart.

Now we are together. I talk to him each day. I pray in joy and wonder now, for me-He shows the way.----by James Joseph Huesgen


"A CROSS TO BEAR"
Everyone has a cross to bear,
But God why hast Thou forsaken me?
I am begging that You send no more,
Please remove this cross...
I am asking Thee.

I see another cross faces me,
Every time I turn around.
I always bounce back and keep the faith,
When will my peace be finally found.

We must keep our faith in God,
Crosses we bear can change our lives.
He expects us to stay close to Him,
He will test our faith all the time.

He sends little problems to those who are weak.
He sends big problems to those who are strong.
He is making sure that we don't break down,
Never say He has done you wrong.

When He was carrying His crucifix,
When climbing the hills at Calvary,
He fell three times and died for us,
In reality God has never forsaken me.

"Jesus went to hell for us, so He could be in heaven with us"

Author:(C)Bob Macchia (a friend of mine)

There was a little boy,
On the week's first day,
coming home from Sunday School
And watching on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass
And found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod
And blew out all the filler.

A bird's nest in a tree above,
So wisely placed on high,
Was just another wonder
That caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his crooked course
And hailed him from the lawn.
He asked him where he'd been that day
And what was going on.

"I've been to Sunday School,," he said
As he turned a piece of sod,
And picking up a worm, he smiled,
"I've learned a lot from God!"

"That's a fine way," the neighbor said,
"For a boy to spend his time.
Now if you can tell me where God is,
I'll give you a brand new dime."

Quick as a flash the answer came,
The boy said without complaint,
"I'll give you a dollar, Mister,
If you can tell me where God ain't!"
Author unknown

"TOMORRROW IS ANOTHER DAY"
Today if you are feeling blue and things aren't going right for you;if skies above are dull and grey, don't fret... just look ahead and say "Tomorrow is another day."

If folks around you get you down, if those you love meet smile with frown, if life's frustrations mar the way, don't panic... look ahead and say "Tomorrow is another day."

And if the 'now' seems insecure, and 'future' looms up all unsure; have faith that you will find the way, trust Him... and look ahead and say "Tomorrow is another day."----by Alice J. Christianson


"BESIDE STILL WATERS"
Beside still waters my God is near, With Him as my Shepard I need not fear.

Beside still waters I meditate, My soul at peace in Him so great!

Beside still waters my sins forgiven, blotted from the Book of Heaven.

Beside still waters a stone is cast, The ripples fade like crimsonpast.

Beside still waters my mind at rest, for He is with me and I am blest!----by Verle Elizabeth Davis----"He leadth me beside the still waters." Ps. 23:2


"A SOLDIER"S PRAYER"
"Look God, I have never spoken to you before but now I want to say 'How do you do', You see, God, they told me You didn't exist, And like a fool I believed all of this". Last night from my shell hole I saw your sky, I figured right then they had told me a lie. Had I taken time to see things you had made, I'd have known they weren't calling a spade a spade. I wonder, God, if you'd shake my hand, Somehow I feel you will understand.

Funny, I had to come to this hellish place, Before I had time to see your face. Well, I guess there isn't much more to say, But I'm sure glad God, I met you today.

I guess the zero hour will soon be here, But I'm not afraid since I know you're near. The signal - Well, God, I'll have to go, I love you lots, this I want you to know.

Look now, this will be a horrible fight, Who knows, I might come to your house tonight. Though I wasn't friendly to you before, I wonder God if you would stand at your door. Look, I'm crying...me shedding tears, I wish I'd known you these many years.

Well, I have to go now, God, goodbye, Strange, since I met you; I'm not afraid to die".

This poem was found on the dead body of a soldier killed in action.----Author Unknown


"ON THE WINGS OF A PRAYER"
Just close your eyes and open your heart, And feel your worries and cares depart. Just yield yourself to the Father above, And let Him hold you secure in His love. For life on earth grows more involved, With endless problems that can't be solved. But God only asks us to do our best, Then He will take over and do the rest. So when you are tired, discouraged and blue, There is always one door that is open to you. And that is the door to the House of Prayer, And you'll find God waiting to meet you there. And the House of Prayer is no further away, Than the quiet spot where you kneel to pray.

For the heart is a temple when God is there, As we place ourselves in His loving care. And He hears every prayer and answers each one, when we pray in His name, Thy will be done. The burdens that seemed too heavy to bear, Are lifted away on the wings of a prayer.----by Helen Steiner Rice


"HELLO GOD"
Hello God,

I called tonight To talk a little while I need a friend who'll listen To my anxiety and trial. You see, I can't quite make it Through a day just on my own... I need your love to guide me, So I'll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep My family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence For whatever fate they're bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face Each hour throughout the day, And not to worry over things I can't change in any way. I thank you God for being home And listening to my call, For giving me such good advice When I stumble and fall. Your number, God, is the only one That answers every time. I never get a busy signal, Never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God, for listening To my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love You too, And I'll call again tomorrow!


"THE OLD COWBOY"
One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlesslyclean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an equally worn out old bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. It had high cathedral ceilings, ornate statues, beautiful murals and stained glass windows, plush carpet, and velvet like cushioned pews. The building must have cost many millions of dollars to build and maintain. The men, women and children of the congregation were all dressed in the finest and most expensive suits, dresses, shoes, and jewelry the old cowboy had ever witnessed. As the poorly dressed cowboy took a seat the others moved away from him. No one greeted him. No one welcomed him. No one offered a handshake. No one spoke to him. They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide the fact. There were many glances in his direction as the others frowned and commented among themselves about his shabby attire. A few chuckles and giggles came from some of the younger members.

The preacher gave a long sermon about Hellfire and brimstone and a stern lecture on how much money the church needed to do God's work. When the offering plate was passed thousands of dollars came pouring forth. As soon as the service was over the congregation hurried out. Once again no one spoke or even nodded to the stranger in the ragged clothes and boots. As the old cowboy was leaving the church the preacher approached him. Instead of welcoming him, the preacher asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worshiping in this church," the preacher said. The old cowboy assured the preacher he would do that and left.

The very next Sunday morning the old cowboy showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again the congregation was appalled at his appearance. He was completely shunned and ignored again.

The preacher noticed the man still wearing his ragged clothes and boots, and instead of beginning his sermon, stepped down from the pulpit and walked over to where the man sat alone. "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church," the preacher said. "I did," replied the old cowboy. "If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping in here?" asked the preacher. "Well sir", said the old cowboy, "God told me that He wouldn't have the slightest idea what was appropriate attire for worshiping in your church. He says He's never even been in here before."


"VICTORY IN JESUS"
Oh death, where is thy sting? I have no fear of thee, For I am grounded in God's word and in him, I have found victory!

Life is but a vapor wafted on life's breeze which gradually will fade away when we fall asleep eventually.

The soul lives on forever and in death will be set free; If our faith is in our heavenly Father, with him we'll spend eternity.

One day, we'll rise to join him and we'll meet him face to face; We'll make our home in heaven through His mercy and His grace!

There'll be no more pain or sorrow, we'll have only rest and His eternal peace; For in heaven, death can't enter and all pain and suffering will have ceased!

Our God is there in heaven now seated on His throne; Death or the grave cannot defeat us, for we are His children and He has claimed us for His own!----by Helen Johnson


"ALWAYS IN HIS CARE"
When you're all alone and feel so lost, too weak to bear Life's heavy cross, when the night is dark and there's no moon, or stars to brighten up the gloom...

When cares and troubles get you down, no friend or loved one is around, when life seems just to hard to bear without someone who loves and cares...

Beyond the gloom of darkest night there is an Ever Shining Light, that can't be seen by human eye but comes from God to you and I...

To let us know we're not alone, that beaming from our heavenly home God's love is ever present there and we are always in his care.----by Elizabeth B. Delea ---Preserve me O God, I take refuge in you. Ps.16:1


"GOD KNOWS"
GOD knows how hard you have tried. When you've cried so long your heart is in anguish,

~GOD has counted your tears. If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by,

~GOD is waiting for you. When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated,

~GOD has the answer. If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope,

~GOD has whispered to you. When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for,

~GOD has blessed you. When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe,

~GOD has smiled upon you. Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are feeling, GOD knows!----Author unknown


"PASSING THROUGH"
As I wander down life's winding path with chasms on each side, I try to keep my eyes on God and with His Word abide. I try to do the many things I know He wants me to, for on this earth I've little time 'cause I'm just passing through.

I know that every step I take requires His guiding hand, for danger lurks at every turn that bears the devil's brand. And by myself, I would be lost to seek without a clue, the path to everlasting life while I am passing through.

I must remember everyday to quell my foolish pride, for all my efforts, naught would be, without Him by my side. Just like the pilgrim on life's road I've faith in Jesus, Who will guide me in the wilderness while I am passing through.

So with bowed head, I ask my Lord, "Correct me when I stray and give me strength to overcome temptations everyday." Then when my life is finished and my deeds He does review, I'll know I did my very best while I was passing through.----by Thomas C. Gallagher---He guides me in right paths for His name's sake. Ps. 23:3


Stranger's Are Friends We Haven't Met Yet God knows no strangers, He loves us all The poor, the rich, the great, the small. To share our troubles and lesson our care. For no one is a stranger in God's sight, For God is love, and in His light May we too try in our small way To make new friends from day to day. So pass no stranger with an unseeing eye, For God may be sending a new friend by.----by Helen Stiner Rice

Never since the world began Has the sun ever stopped shining. And we grumble at his inconsistency, But the clouds were to blame, not the sun, For behind the clouds he was still shining. And so behind life's darkest cloud God's love is always shining. We veil it, at times, with our faithless fears, But in time the atmosphere always clears, For His love is always shining.----author unknown

It's hard to say that you're okay, In the midst of hurt and strife. You seek and find and persevere, Through every stage of life.

You wonder what the future holds, How successful you will be. But you often fail to tell yourself, "I believe in me."

You seek to find acceptance, You conform to their new ways. You lose hold of all your values, And slowly drift astray.

Your passion soon becomes, Something very hard to see. Again you fail to tell yourself, 'I believe in me.'

You search for joy and happiness, But somehow come up short. You didn't seek God's will this time, Or wait for his report.

He wanted you to ask him, 'What is it that I need?' So simple was the answer, 'Just believe in me.'----by Amy Alamillo


"Only God Could Make"
On the hill above my place... There stands in majesty and grace, With branches spread above the lake... A tree, that only God could make. He makes it rain to water flowers. He sends warm and gentle showers. A r a i n b o w ... He makes the flowers' colors bright, When rain is done, and flowers fill, I take a walk up to that hill, To watch the magic o'er the lake: And makes them bloom, to my delight. ...only God could make. I take the path, when day is done... To watch the magic setting sun. The painted sky, my breath will take. With beauty only God could make. When I have to leave that tree, I know that God will follow me... Down the path, I make my way, Praising Him for each new day And for the wonders I partake... And keep me safe as I walk down - I feel His presence all around. In days that only He could make.And when each new day has begun, I'll see His wonderous rising sun, And know that He is here with me, Above the branches of that tree.--- Written and Copyrighted by C.T. Bear, 1998

This poem was written for my grandaughter April Lynn by her husband for her on their anniversary. Very beautiful Daniel. You did a very good job.
"I ASK GOD"
I ask God for a drink,
He gave me an ocean.

I ask God for a flower,
He gave me a garden,

I ask God for a tree,
He gave me a forest,

I ask God for a friend,
He gave me you.
written by Daniel Crabtree

This one I love. It has a story. We are doing our family tree and my cousin was in Kentucky and found this. This is what she had to say. Here's a poem (by Anonymous, one of my favorite poets!) that I got from the Nicholas County, KY, genealogy list.--- For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped, For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped, For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb, For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home -- Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land, For the cunning and strength of the working man's hand, For the good that our artists and poets have taught, For the friendship that hope and affection have brought -- Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! For the homes that with purest affection are blest, For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest, For our country extending from sea unto sea; The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" -- Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

One song can spark a moment . One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest . One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship . One hand clasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea . One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation . One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness . One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey . One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits . One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom . One heart can know what's true. One life can make the difference.--- .I'm glad that I know you! Author Unknown




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