A Willing Woman
By Martha Duke Manley ©
OH, DEAR FATHER,
MAY I BE.
A WILLING WOMAN
JUST FOR THEE.
READY TO SERVE,
READY TO DO.
ALL THAT WOULD MAKE ME
PURE AND TRUE.
NEVER LORD SHOULD I TEACH,
BUT CHRIST TO OTHERS
AS I MEET.
BY EXAMPLE,
MAY YOU SEE.
A WILLING WOMAN
FOUND IN ME!
| Are You?
By Martha Duke Manley ©
ARE YOU FILLED WITH MUCH PAIN?
DO YOU SEE THE BLOODSTAIN?
FOR JESUS’ DEATH ON THE CROSS.
WAS FOR ALL WHO ARE LOST.
ARE YOU EVER AWARE OF THE SUFFERING.
CHRIST WAS WILLING TO BARE?
NOW IN GODS’ WISDOM
HE HAS GIVEN UNTO US THE KEYS
TO HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
ARE YOU SURE OF YOUR FATE?
IS YOUR LIFE NOW FILLED WITH HATE?
TURN YOUR DAYS INTO GOOD.
AND DO JUST AS YOU SHOULD.
HEAR, BELIEVE, REPENT, CONFESS
AND BE BAPTIZED.
AND THEN IT WILL BE AS THE
"SUNRISE."
A LIFE BEGUN ANEW,
WILL BE FOUND IN YOU. |
Battles Won
Martha Duke Manley ©
AS I RAISE FROM THE PILLOW,
MY HEAD.
MAY I BEGIN TO THINK
OF OTHERS INSTEAD.
WHAT WILL I MAKE OF THIS DAY?
WILL I DO THE BEST THAT I CAN?
WILL I LOOK FOR ALL THE WAYS,
THAT I MIGHT HELP MY FELLOWMAN?
WE ALL HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES.
WE HAVE OUR ABILITIES
AND EVEN THE MEANS.
TO DO MUCH GOOD FOR OTHERS
IN THE NAME OF THE LORD,
IT SEEMS.
WE CAN FIGHT THE BATTLES
AND KNOW THAT THE VICTORY
WILL BE WON.
IF WE WOULD BUT TEACH ABOUT,
GODS’ BLESSED SON...
| Closer Walk
By Martha Duke Manley ©
OH! LORD MY GOD, MY KING.
ALL POWER IS IN THY HAND.
MAY I STRIVE EVER ONWARD,
TO BE THE BEST THAT I CAN.
I KNOW OF MY SHORTCOMINGS,
MY FAILURES AND MY SINS.
BUT HELP ME OH, DEAR SAVIOR
TO KNOW JUST WHERE TO BEGIN.
A LIFE OF DEARER SERVICE.
MORE DEVOTION TO YOU, I SEEK.
A STRONGER DESIRE TO DO THOU WILL.
IS WHAT I MUST REACH.
BRING GLORY TO THY NAME,
BY EXAMPLE OF MY WORDS AND THOUGHTS.
MAY I LIVE EACH ONE
OF MY DAYS AND YEARS.
IN CLOSER WALK WITH THEE.
|
Fond Memories
Martha Duke Manley ©
FOND MEMORIES OF THE PAST
WERE MADE TO SURELY LAST
A LIFETIME THROUGH.
AND SO IT IS THIS DAY
AS YOU HAVE COME MY WAY.
MORE TREASURES I’LL SHARE.
AND BECAUSE WE ARE GOD’S FAMILY.
I WILL FOREVER ENJOY
MY FOND MEMORIES.
| Gifts For My Friend
By Martha Duke Manley ©
IT COMES TO YOU AS: A SMILE,
A WINK,
A HUG,
A CLASP OF MY HAND.
AND AS ONLY A TRUE FRIEND,
WOULD GIVE UNTO YOU:
MY TRUST,
MY SUPPORT,
MY LOVE,
MY PRAYERS,
AND YES, EVEN ON OCCASION
A GENTLE REPRIMAND! |
"Sisters of the Heart"
Martha Duke Manley ©
Though you were not with me
from the start...
When my life first began,
Dear Sister of the heart.
And as my years went passing by
and needs we not then met.
Our God heard my prayer and sigh,
for the sister lacked I yet.
For in His wisdom from above,
great blessings did He bestow.
In giving you to me,
as my happy tears did flow.
And as we travel down life's pathway,
through joy, sorrow and laughter.
We're side by side each day
and ever after.
The miles may keep us apart,
from time to time.
No, matter, for we are
SISTERS OF THE HEART!
| Servant of the King
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Will you be a humble servant
for the Lord each day?
Will you always be striving to please Him,
by doing things His way?
Are you always thinking of Him
as you make your daily plans?
Do you know to choose His word
as you take your battle stand?
Do you think of someone else
and their many needs?
Do you have an open ear
to listen to their pleas?
Do you care more for your own self
and of what others may say?
Than to search for that one poor soul
who has a need today.
You will want to serve others
in their moment of strife.
When you make Him the Lord and Savior
of your life.
What a glorious reunion
as you hear the angels sing.
If you are called to enter Heaven,
as a SERVANT OF THE KING!
|
Where Are You?
Martha Duke Manley ©
Oh! You are easily found.
In my prayers, my dreams,
My thoughts and my schemes.
For you always abound...
Can it be counted,
Only by years...
Our sharing of laughter,
Joys and tears?
Where are you,
Dear Friend?
You are in my heart,
Until the very end!
| "The Word"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Thankfully, we are not
left in the dark.
For some forty writers
had a part.
In giving us what is the word.
only through its use,
can the gospel be heard.
Read of the wonderful savior,
in that beautiful love story.
Who chose to die in our stead,
so that
we might have a home in glory.
Giving an insight of gods’ wisdom.
that will lead us
unto his great kingdom.
Where all spiritual blessings
freely flows.
And the true beauty of his love
for us does show.
When life is over.
don't you want to be found?
On your way to blessed peace,
on your way heaven bound! |
"Well Done"
Martha Duke Manley ©
This is to you with my love,
from the start.
Every word is true.
For it comes from my heart.
Prayers, that I say,
both day in and day out.
Lord; help me to tell you
what His church is all about.
My dear friend,
may you never find.
As unloving act
from me, of any kind.
But I'm not here
upon this earth,
just to live and enjoy
all the laughter and mirth.
So as I try to tell you
and everyone.
Hopefully, He will see
Godly battles won.
Then by the end
of my life's setting sun.
I want to have lived so as to hear Him say,
"Well Done!"
| Very Near
By Martha Duke Manley ©
I want to always
walk and abide,
very near to my
dear Savior's side.
Let us tell the great story
ever so true.
How God’s plan of salvation
was meant for me and you.
The teaching and preaching
cannot wait.
For we must be showing
others to Heavens’ gate.
And there will be much joy
around God’s throne.
Of those who have reaped
seeds of the Gospel sown. |
To My Special Friend
Martha Duke Manley ©
I thank you for your friendship,
for the radiance of you smile.
I thank you for always going,
the extra mile.
I thank you for giving unto me,
each day, the sunshine.
For the thoughts of you that
sometimes causes my words to rhyme.
I thank you for the laughter
that has removed some tears.
And for listening to my silence
throughout the passing years.
I thank you for your inspiration
and love.
That surely must have been
sent from above.
| "Her Life On Earth"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
As a newborn child,
lying in its pretty baby bed.
All cute and precious
and waiting to be fed.
As a very small child,
with love all around.
Her days were filled
with joy and happy sounds.
As a sweet and caring girl.
With freckles and curls.
She met a young lad,
who entered her world.
As a lovely young maiden,
she obeyed her Lord.
Kept studying, kept praying,
kept wielding the sword.
As a radiant bride,
she took on the role,
of a helpmeet, a mother, and friend.
The best to behold.
As a devoted Christian woman,
she lived what she taught.
Always Jesus commands,
she sought.
As an old woman, tired from her labor.
She lay upon her bed.
Thinking of Gods’ promises.
This is what she said,
"Take me home, Lord take me home!" |
"Good Morning, Love"
Martha Duke Manley ©
OH! HOW I PUT ALL MY CHORES AWAY,
WITH A PUSH AND SHOVE.
JUST TO BE READY TO SAY....
"GOOD MORNING, LOVE"
AS I RELAX WITH MY FAVORITE
COFFEE MUG.
I'M EAGER TO TALK AND SAY...
"GOOD MORNING, LOVE"
WHY IT IS EASY TO SEE,
WHAT MY DAYS ARE MADE OF.
IT IS FINDING A CHANCE TO SAY...
"GOOD MORNING, LOVE"
SO BLEST AM I,
FROM GOD ABOVE.
THAT YOU ARE THERE
TO HEAR ME SAY...
"GOOD MORNING, LOVE!"
| "Help Me"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
HELP ME TO BE THANKFUL FOR
MY SIGHT TO SEE...
ALL OF THE BEAUTY
GOD HATH MADE FOR ME.
HELP ME TO KNOW
AND TO TELL...
THE PAIN AND THE SUFFERING
ON CALVARY’S HILL.
HELP ME TO LIVE
AS NOT TO BE LOST...
AFTER HIS DYING
ON THAT CRUEL CROSS.
HELP ME TO NEVER WASTE
MY LIFE AS A GAME...
FOR THAT WOULD BE
A GREAT SHAME.
HELP ME TO ALWAYS
BE BOLD TO SPEAK...
NEVER FORGETTING THAT
THERE ARE SOULS TO SEEK.
HELP ME NEVER TO FORGET
WHAT JESUS HAD TO SAY...
"ABIDE IN MY WORDS,
FOR I WILL RETURN,
IN THE CLOUDS, SOMEDAY!" |
I Care....
Martha Duke Manley ©
EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY
TRAVEL MANY MILES.
YOU CAN ALWAYS SAY,
I CARE...
AND IF YOU MAY
SOMETIMES ROAM.
AND CALL ANOTHER PLACE YOUR HOME.
I CARE...
SO IT SHALL EVER BE,
DEAR FRIENDS,
UNTIL THE END.
I CARE...
| "I Need"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
"I NEED"
MAKES A SELFISH SOUND.
BUT EVEN SO
MY PLEAS ABOUND.
I NEED YOU
TO TALK TO ME.
I NEED YOU TO WALK WITH ME.
I NEED TIME
TO READ THE HOLY WORD.
I NEED PRAYER
TO MAKE MY PETITIONS HEARD.
I NEED HELP
TO LEARN OF MY SIN.
I NEED REPENTANCE
TO CHANGE MY LIFE AGAIN.
I NEED UNDERSTANDING
TO FOLLOW GODS’ WORDS OF INSTRUCTIONS
I NEED STRENGTH
TO STAND AGAINST THE DEVILS’ DISTRACTIONS.
I NEED THE CHURCH
AND HER FELLOWSHIP.
I NEED LOVE
FOR THE CHRISTIAN KINSHIP.
I NEED GOD
TO CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART.
I NEED FAITH
TO DO ALL THAT IS MY PART.
"I NEED"
MAKES A JOYFUL SOUND.
AND EVEN SO, MY PLEAS ABOUND.
I NEED TO WORK, FOR THERE ARE MANY OTHER
SOULS WHO ARE IN "NEED." |
It Is There!
Martha Duke Manley ©
There is a new home that waits for me.
A place of rest, a place full of serenity.
A mansion so wonderfully made,
Prepared by Gods’ own hand.
A reward for all who
Will follow His "salvation plan."
It is there though, my own eyes cannot see.
But with HOPE, I know,
eternal joy is there for me.
It is there because, I live by FAITH.
For it is there that I know I will always be safe.
It is there I know because
,of one important thing.
How Christ gave up His life
so that Satan will feel deaths’ sting.
Why do you have problems
with which you cannot cope?
I will tell you what you lack,
you are living without HOPE!
As we build our FAITH and TRUST,
Our heart and soul look HEAVEN BOUND.
We will one day with fulfilled HOPE,
hear the signaling of the trumpet's sound.
| Jesus, Our Example
By Martha Duke Manley ©
God has given unto
each of us...
The best example
that we should trust.
Think how Christ
was tempted, such as we...
But unto Satan
he bowed not his knee.
Are we as strong
as we should be?
When we are tested
do we respond, scripturally?
Or does our lust of the eye,
lust of the flesh or the pride of life...
Cause our days to overflow,
with sorrow and strife?
We must remember our example, Jesus
and imitate HIM...
So as we face temptations,
with the MASTER, we will always win!
Now may we follow to do right
and try.
So that it can't be said
that we caused HIM to cry.
It makes Jesus, our example
very sad today...
When we do not believe in HIM
and follow not, in HIS way. |
May I Lord
Martha Duke Manley ©
MAY I LORD
PLACE ALL MY "TRUST"
IN KNOWING
THAT YOU ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF US.
MAY I LORD
NEVER EVER GIVE ROOM TO "FEAR"
IN KNOWING
THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS NEAR.
MAY I LORD
CONTINUE TO "TEACH"
IN KNOWING
THAT YOU ALWAYS SEE OTHERS TO REACH.
MAY I LORD
ALWAYS TO "PRAY’
IN KNOWING
THAT YOU ALWAYS LEAD THE WAY.
MAY I LORD
NOT "CRITICIZE AND COMPLAIN"
IN KNOWING
THAT YOU ALWAYS KNOW OF MY PAIN.
AND MAY I LORD
BE FILLED WITH "CONTENTMENT"
IN KNOWING
THAT YOU ALWAYS GIVE RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT!
| My Bouquet of Flowers
By Martha Duke Manley ©
When looking at my lovely bouquet,
of friendship 's faces.
Picked from so many,
wonderful and different places.
It suddenly came bursting,
with such delight.
How each one made up,
a most beautiful sight.
Though it has taken, my life -time,
to add each one.
I know that still yet,
my task is not done.
For I shall continue to gather,
along life's pathway.
More radiant faces,
that I shall display.
But dear FRIEND!
This I want you to know.
It will be your flower,
the first that I show.
Thanks, for all the memories,
both of laughter and tears.
They will always be with me,
throughout the coming years.
|
Nothing To Gain
Martha Duke Manley ©
THE LORD HAS BLEST US
AND BLESSES US STILL.
ALL THAT HE ASKS
IS THAT WE DO HIS WILL.
HE SENDS THE SUNSHINE,
HE SENDS THE RAIN.
OVER THE VALLEY
AND OVER THE PLAIN.
OH! IF WE MISS HEAVEN,
OH! WHAT A SHAME.
OH! WHAT A LOSS,
OH! AND NOTHING TO GAIN.
| On Bended Knee
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Oh! Yes I can
plainly see...
By all that is right
I should be on bended knee.
For great blessings
Thou hast brought...
I must behave
as I ought.
Always in my prayers
I pray...
Father, help me do,
as you say.
I plead not just
for today.
But for all the times,
that will come my way.
To show others
the everlasting love...
That can only come
from Heaven above.
Blest be your name,
forever more...
So that I might touch
that heavenly shore. |
Sound Words!
Martha Duke Manley ©
THE CRY FROM THE FAITHFUL,
WHO SEEK OUT THE LOST,
IS CLEARLY HEARD.
WE MUST TEACH,
WE MUST PREACH,
WE MUST SEND OUT THE SOUND WORDS.
THE CRY FROM THE LOST,
WHO SEEK OUT THE TRUTH,
IS FAINTLY HEARD.
WE MUST REACH THEM,
WE MUST FOREVER
SEND OUT SOUND WORDS.
THE CRY FROM THE MASTER
MUST ALSO BE HEARD.
GO YE THEREFORE UNTO ALL THE WORLD
AND TEACH THEM,
SOUND WORDS.
| Still Loves Me
By Martha Duke Manley ©
He knows when I am trying
to do my very best.
He knows if I have studied
and have prepared myself
for life's test.
He knows as I begin to pray
and even before I ask.
The reasons and all the answers
that I sometimes fail to grasp.
He knows of my most secret thoughts,
plans and desires.
Of the times when I feel
as though I'm so tired.
He knows all of my cares,
my sorrows and woe.
He knows when I need
my faith to grow.
He knows when my soul yearns
for just that one friend.
Who would be true and loving
always up to the very end.
He knows how I long for others
to have their happiness.
And how I pray that He find in me
no jealousy and selfishness.
He knows me much better than I do myself.
Far better than I dare others to see.
And yet in His knowing,
HE STILL LOVES ME! |
Tell Me More
Martha Duke Manley ©
THE LORD WON'T ACCEPT ME,
IS THAT WHAT I JUST HEARD YOU SAY,
IF I'M NOT WILLING TO SEEK
A CHANGE OF MY WAYS?
THIS IS SOMETHING,
TO MY EARS,
SO VERY, VERY NEW.
FOR IT IS NOT WHAT I THOUGHT
AS I GREW.
TELL ME MORE
OF WHAT YOU KNOW.
TELL ME MORE
HOW TO REMOVE MY SINS.
TELL ME MORE
OF GODS’ PLAN.
TELL ME MORE
HOW TO BEGIN.
YOU SAY ITS THERE TO BE FOUND.
IF I WOULD BUT TAKE THE TIME TO READ.
OF THE HOLY COMMANDMENTS,
THAT GOD WANTS ME TO READ.
OH! PLEASE, PLEASE TELL ME MORE!!!
| "The Master Said"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
"GO SEEK OTHERS TO SAVE"
Is what the Master has asked.
From this wicked world,
that shall be our task.
We must not just
wait and delay.
The need for the Gospel,
is meant for TODAY!
We must do as the Master said,
and go out and be spreading the WORD.
With his help, we can teach,
many who have not heard the WORD.
For their life here on this earth,
would be wasted and spent.
If they live, sin and die,
NEVER TO REPENT.
What with family, neighbor
and friend.
We may fool others,
as we pretend.
But He will be looking
with an all Seeing Eye.
And he will have seen,
if we,
even gave it a feeble try! |
" Where Do The Moments Go?"
Martha Duke Manley ©
JUST WHERE DO THE MOMENTS GO,
WHEN I AM WITH YOU?
OUR WORDS SEEM TO FLOW
FROM ONE TO THE NEXT.
YOU HAVE A WAY ABOUT YOU
THAT MAKES IT ALL WORTH WHILE.
YOU KNOW IT ALREADY THAT
"I LIKE YOUR STYLE!"
NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF DAY
ITS BEEN.
NO MATTER HOW MY WORDS BEGIN.
YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT IT IS MY LOVE FOR YOU,
MY FRIEND, THAT I SEND.
IT SEEMS AS THOUGH WE JUST BEGAN
AND YET ITS TIME TO LEAVE.
OURS IS A TRUE FRIENDSHIP,
THIS I BELIEVE.
SO AS THE TIME GOES RACING BY
AND THE WORDS WE HAVE JUST BEGUN.
REMEMBER WE HAVE TO WAIT
BUT FOR THE RISING SUN..
FOR NEW JOYS TO TELL,
NEW THOUGHTS TO SAY.
WE HAVE A MANY TALES TO SOW,
OH, WHERE OH WHERE,
DO THE MOMENTS GO!
| "Miss You, Mother"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
So comes the days,
the months, and the years;
Even so quickly, comes
My fresh tears ...
While thinking of the wonderful
times spent with you.
Why, we even shared
A friendship, too!
I know that
I'll never forget you
And I'm thankful
That our love was so true.
Also, in my own self,
I'm oft to utter,
"Oh, how I really do
Miss you, Mother!"
Written in memory of my mother,
Clara Cummings Duke
June 22, 1907 - Jan. 18, 1978 |
If I Could Choose
Martha Duke Manley ©
IF I COULD CHOOSE A GUARDING ANGEL,
ONE THAT WOULD ALWAYS WATCH OUT FOR ME,
I KNOW RIGHT NOW, WITHOUT A DOUBT,
JUST WHO I WOULD CHOOSE FOR ME.
IT WOULD BE SOMEONE
WHO I KNOW ALWAYS CARES,
SOMEONE WITH WHOM I FEEL FREE
MY INNER-MOST THOUGHTS TO SHARE.
YES! IT WOULD BE THE ONE
WHO TALKS WITH ME AND WHO LISTENS
TO ME, WHEN I AM ABOUT TO FALL;
THE ONE WHO WOULD BE HERE FOR ME
AND GO WITH ME THOUGH IT ALL.
IT WOULD BE SOMEONE WHO PRAYS FOR ME
AND KNOWS OF MY STRENGTH
AND MY WEAKNESS, MY FAULTS
AND, YET, WOULD LOVE ME STILL.
SO, IF IT WERE THAT I COULD CHOOSE
THE ONE TO HELP WATCH OVER ME,
DEAR ONE, WOULD YOU MY ANGEL BE?
| A Dorcas In Me
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Hear, dear Lord, of what I want to be ...
More and more, just like thee!
For all the great things you have done for us,
I should then give unto you my obedience and trust!
May you then say, with confidence bold,
That the rest of my labors are yet to unfold!
In trying good deeds, done with such care,
It's your plan of SALVATION I want to share!
Both sure and true is your everlasting LOVE,
Meant for those who long for Heaven above!
Would you not expect, found in ME,
The same DEVOTION as your Son, dying on that TREE?
My prayer shall ever be
That you will find a Dorcas in ME! |
"What I Say"
Martha Duke Manley ©
It is much easier to write what to say
Than to try living it, day after day.
May I ever seek and strive,
And keep my devotion to God alive.
Words may come so quickly and sure.
But, what of my life? Is it as pure?
Do I recall or choose to forget
What others remember still yet?
My actions will surely display
If I am trying to live the right way.
Or, will people look at me in dismay,
Thinking that I don't live by what I say?
| Blessings In Life And Death
By Martha Duke Manley ©
From the dawning of new life
To the fullness of our years,
Our lives are filled with many
Wonderful blessings.
From the earliest remembrance of our childhood
To the faintest memory of the aged,
Our minds are filled with many
Wonderful blessings.
From the light of a beautiful sunrise
To the star studded night,
Our days are filled with many
Wonderful blessings.
From the works of our labor
To the much needed rest,
Our bodies are filled with many
Wonderful blessings.
From all of these, we can see how
Gods' blessings work in you and me.
But better still, is that one thing
Of which the angels all do sing.
A soul passing from life unto death,
A soul leaving this world for eternal rest,
A soul reunited with the Father ... Yes,
This is the greatest of all our many blessings. |
"In God We Trust"
Martha Duke Manley ©
They are on our nation's
Seals and Currency.
But, are those same words
Found in our lives, for others to see?
You know, then, as well as I,
It goes like this, "In God We Trust."
But, it seems that the only time
We really say it is when we feel we must.
It is only when
Our country is in need
That these few words
Become, once again, our earnest creed.
You say No! It is not really that way.
Then, let's think and examine.
We say them so often with tears streaming,
When there is death, drought, and famine.
But, what of its' use
In our everyday life?
Can it be only heard when
We are full of Anger, Pain and Strife?
Is it at the threat or time of war,
When we find ourselves crippled by Fear
For the lives of so many,
That we then want God to be near ...
So that He would be
Watching and hear us
As we say, so desperately,
"In God We Trust"?
But for this nation,
I do solemnly pray.
Father, may we wake up and realize,
We need to live those words everyday!
| The Rarest of All
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Have you ever stopped to think,
Of the rarest thing on earth today?
Does the thought of friendship,
The kind acts and things that others do,
Make you consider it in anyway?
Do your smiles turn into laughter,
And your heart feel, oh, so good?
Do you long to spend one more minute,
With that friend, who makes it all happen?
Well, of course, you should.
Do you have a special someone,
Who will lend a listening ear,
And a caring heart?
Do you know, without a doubt,
That your secrets they will keep
And your words they will never impart?
For, we have our problems and woes,
In this life of sorrow and of gall.
But, to have no one to help you, in your
Time of need, is the most painful of all.
We are so thankful for our great God
Who, in His wisdom and love for mankind,
Gave us his Son, who died for us ...
And He gave us the ability to become the
Rarest of all, yes, I mean you and me.
For each of us can be that friend,
For the other who is in need. |
"Thank You, Lord"
Martha Duke Manley ©
What kind of day
Is this one to be?
Will it turn out
Sad or happy for me?
Of this one thing,
I'm perfectly sure ...
As I go through any day,
I must always remain pure.
As I travel down
All of life's roads,
I often see others
Carrying the heaviest loads.
How do I seem
To those that I greet?
Will they find a Christian,
As we meet ...
One who is always
Willing to share,
So that they would know
That I do truly care?
Or, would they be told,
"Oh, just go away!",
For I am too busy
To do for you today?
Rather, Lord, I pray that
I would have said,
"I will make the time
to help," instead.
As I lay down,
At the close of the day,
And if you were to listen,
You might hear me say,
"Thank you, Lord,
For those who came my way.
It has once again,
Made for another wonderful day!"
| A Fruitful Vine
By Martha Duke Manley ©
In the spiritual garden, that can be found
Somewhere between our heart and our mind,
We must be seeking new paths to help others
To be sincere, productive, and to be kind.
Does your garden produce abundant fruit.
Or, does it lack nourishment?
Like the touch of a helping hand,
The look of a loving smile ...
And words of encouragement;
We all have our own personal needs.
But many times, these are met
When we His written Word do heed.
May you find peace,
Satisfaction, and strength
To overcome Satan's snare.
May you always know that,
For you, we do truly care.There is such a difference in being meek
That we should be eager to be found
Spiritually strong and not spiritually weak.
So, take your time and look over this site.
Tell us what you did or did not like.
See the result of our labor of love. May we be guided by Him, who is from above.
May our words make you wiser
And at ease, most of the time.
May we, ourselves, in His service,
become a more 'Fruitful Vine'. |
As My Heart Speaks
Martha Duke Manley ©
YES, I WRITE POEMS TO BE
BOTH PLAIN AND SIMPLE. THAT'S TRUE.
I ALSO MAKE SOME VERY SHORT.
SO THAT WE DON'T MISS THE POINT.
SO, PLEASE, IF YOU WILL, READ
AND GIVE THEM SOME THOUGHT.
AND, IF YOU CAN FIND SOME GOOD USE,
THEN ALL OF THIS WON'T BE FOR NAUGHT.
FOR IT IS AS I WRITE
EACH AND EVERYONE,
ONLY TO LET IT CONVEY
AS MY HEART SPEAKS!
| "Sermon Meant For Me"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
To Sunday morning services,
As I had always done,
It seems, once again,
I was late and had to run.
I took my regular seat,
When I got there.
I just knew those behind me
Were beginning to stare.
No, that surely
Couldn't be ...
For no one here would be
That interested in me.
It was about then,
I thought that I heard
The Preacher, as he spoke
Of the written Word.
He asked, "What
Do we do with our time?"
He asked, "Do we leave God
Out of our heart and mind?"
I'm thankful it was
On that very day
That I began to really listen
To what the Preacher had to say.
He spoke of things that,
Now, pricked my dull heart;
Things I never, ever,
Learned at the start.
It was then
That I began to see
That the sermon
was meant for 'ME!'
And so, as I, again,
Learned to listen,
The tears that fell
From my eyes did glisten.
As, I really did hear
How Jesus lived and died,
So that all of our sins
could be washed aside.
So it was as I
Repented of my sin
That my new life
Was just to begin. |
"My Poems"
Martha Duke Manley ©
Yes, there are many poems that I write,
Only never to be seen by anyone's sight.
For my thoughts and often my dreams
Would, to others, be silly, it seems.
Never the less, if they be the worst or the best,
It is in my poems that my heart does express.
My feelings I do truthfully bare,
Sometimes, just to let others know that I care.
In some that I pen, may you find laughter.
Because in them, that is just what I am after.
Some are written to be very plain.
Some are there to show the pain.
Maybe one will just make you smile,
Even if you have to think about it for awhile.
I write some in my head,
Because those only I needed to have read.
If, by the reading of my poetry,
It could cause someone to forget their misery
Then it would a blessing be ...
Not just for them, but also for me.
You will sometimes see my serious side.
But, those are to make you aware of why Jesus died.
If your life is not what it should be,
Please, oh please, do read and heed.
May it cause you to shed a tear
And, in your sorrow, want Him near.
If you can understand just what it was I meant,
Then it will be my time well spent!
| Why Is It?
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Wonder why some of our days are blue and some seem so gray?
Could it be because of what we do and often say?
For, there are the days when we become so callous and bad,
And that causes our Lord to become so very sad.
We may, at times, try to be as we should
And that is the way. If we cared, we would.
But, though we may speak evil words that do harm,
Hear a tale told on us and we become so alarmed.
When teachers are needed and we are asked to serve.
Do we respond by saying, "NO!" is the word?
Do we proudly sing, 'I Surrender All',
Only to forsake worship for any invitation call?
Is our giving just what it should be?
Or, do we say 'it's so hard to come by'?
How quickly do we spend
On other things we want to try.
Why is it we can think on the job,
Mend, and create by using our head,
Yet be the one who might say
'I can't understand what the Bible said'?
What if we've not asked to have a big part?
Will we find all the mistakes right from the start?
Why do we often find fault and all of the flaws?
When it wasn't our idea to begin the great cause.
Why is it this way? Have your figured it out, today?
Has the answer come to you? Do you have a single clue?
It is the same for you and for me, as well as for the multitude.
It is all to be found in our ATTITUDE! |
Stand Proud and Tall
Martha Duke Manley ©
Tho, the times are looking somewhat blue
And we ask ourselves what must we do,
Let's remember to be thoughtful of others.
Let's remember to give our thanks
That more were not hurt, lost, or in pain.
For we are, all of this nation, sisters and brothers.
Let's remember to stand proud and tall.
America is united to rebuild, to support
Our President, and to seek justice and peace.
Let's do our part, be it large or small.
Tho, we cannot all be at the scene of horror
And work side by side of those who labor,
We can pray and we can act in such a way
As to not be ashamed of the deeds done, tomorrow.
Again, I say, "Stand proud and tall, my friend!"
For, we can only be brought down by our own
Unkind, thoughtless, and, sometimes, cruel deeds.
And, let's us remember that
It is HE who will judge us in the end.
| Giving Thanks
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Thanksgiving comes but once each year.
But, we think daily of those whom we hold dear.
Our hearts are made glad with cheer.
When we recall special memories of those we want near.
We are mindful of our host of families and friends,
Those who remain steadfast and true 'til the end.
Yes, we have been greatly blest, from our Father above,
For those whom we share our feelings, emotions, and love.
May you have much wealth.
May it be filled with laughter, joy, and good health.
May we, with all confidence, say
Our 'Thanksgiving' for this a wonderful day. |
For You, Me, and Us
Martha Duke Manley ©
I Wish for You ...
A very Merry Christmas
and
A Happy New Year.
I Wish for You ...
All the things that are the best
And, if I have missed anything,
Please add it to the rest!
I Wish for You ...
A lifetime of smiles,
A warm and caring heart,
A lifetime of joys and memories
That I can ever impart!
I Wish for You ...
Many beautiful days,
Many lovely nights without rain,
And for many of them
To be spent with me.
I Wish for You ...
A new a song
With a new melodious refrain.
I Wish for You ...
All that would fit your needs.
I Wish for Me ...
The opportunity to do those good deeds.
I Wish for Us ...
The promise of many more times
To share our Christmases
And our New Years ... together.
Love to you, my dear.
| For You, I Pray ...
By Martha Duke Manley ©
For you, I pray ...
Will always remember that I care.
It is God's Word, filled with all truth,
That I want to share.
For you, I pray ...
Each and every day,
That you will let Him guide
Your steps along the way.
For you, I pray ...
Will always give heed
And let the Master's teachings,
In your life, lead.
For you, I pray ...
A few good friends,
Who will be with you
Until this life shall end.
For you, I pray ...
May these be a part of your wealth;
A loving smile, a tender heart,
Strength and good health.
For you, I pray ...
Many days filled with sunshine
And a few showers of needed rain;
Many days of happiness and a very few of pain.
For you, I pray ...
That when you are filled with sorrow,
You shall remember
God has promised us a better tomorrow. |
"About Our Grandchildren"
Martha Duke Manley ©
Of all the things that we speak, now and then,
It is much more fun to talk about our Grandchildren!
We say our prayers each and everyday,
For the happiness and joy of the things that they do and say!
Why is it, that from time to time,
We act as if no one ever has Grandchildren, so divine?
Though yours may be different in the color of their hair, eyes and skin
We, like all other grandparents, want a chance to begin ...
To pull out the pictures, to show and tell, and beam with pride;
While most others look and just take it all in stride ...
While thinking that if we would ever stop
That, the tales that we've told, they could surely top!
"Love from Grandma"
Written for: Travis, Abby and Trent Eddleman Marci and Randal Manley
| Servant of the King
By Martha Duke Manley ©
Will you be a humble servant
For the Lord, each day?
Will you always be striving to please Him,
By doing things His way?
Are you always thinking of Him,
As you make your daily plans?
Do you know to choose His word,
As you take your battle stand?
Do you think of someone else
And their many needs?
Do you have an open ear,
To listen to their pleas?
Do you care more for your own self
And of what others may say,
Than to search for that one poor soul
Who has a need today?
You will want to serve others,
In their moment of strife,
When you make Him the Lord
And Savior of your life.
What a glorious reunion,
As you hear the angels sing.
If you are called to enter Heaven,
As a SERVANT OF THE KING! |
“Dear Daughter”
Martha Duke Manley ©
MEMORIES OF YOUR CHILDHOOD
STILL LINGER IN OUR HEARTS.
BUT NOW, WE SEE
HOW YOUR LIFE HAS MANY PARTS.
EACH PASSING OF THE DAY,
EACH YEAR THAT GOES ITS WAY,
MAKES US LOVE YOU MORE.
OF ALL THE THINGS YOU DO,
FOR US AND OTHERS, TOO,
MAKES US LOVE YOU MORE.
WE KNOW THAT GOD IS YOUR 'GUIDE',
WHENEVER YOU ARE TRIED,
AND THAT MAKES US LOVE YOU MORE.
SO, AS YOU STRIVE TO BE IN YOUR LIFE,
THE BEST CHRISTIAN MOTHER,
DAUGHTER, FRIEND AND WIFE.
ALL OF THESE MAKE US LOVE YOU MORE.
AS WE HAVE ALREADY SAID,
THIS WAS WRITTEN WITH LOVE
AND FOR YOU WE SEND
OUR THANKS TO GOD ABOVE.
MAY THIS POEM, SOMEDAY,
MEAN AS MUCH TO YOU.
AS YOU DO TO
YOUR FATHER AND ME!
| "Take Your Time, My Son"
By Martha Duke Manley ©
I'M MINDFUL OF YOUR YOUNGER YEARS,
WHEN YOU WERE BUT A SMALL LAD
WHO HAD VERY FEW FEARS.
I NEVER KNEW WHAT TO EXPECT,
AS YOU SET OUT TO PLAY.
WOULD YOU BE A COWBOY, INDIAN,
OR A FARMER THIS DAY?
WITH THE PASSING OF TIME, YOU GREW!
AND, WITH IT BROUGHT CHANGE.
FOR IN THIS STAGE OF YOUR LIFE,
I SOMETIMES THOUGHT YOU SILLY AND STRANGE!
YOU, THEN, NO LONGER WERE PICKING
ON YOUR BIG SISTER.
TO TRY HER PATIENCE, TO BOTHER
AND TO PESTER.
YOU, THEN, NO LONGER FOLLOWED ME AROUND.
YOU NO LONGER HAD TO HOLD ON TO MY HAND.
FOR, IT WAS THEN THAT I’D COME TO REALIZE
THAT OUR LITTLE BOY WAS BECOMING A MAN!
SO, TAKE YOUR TIME, MY SON, AS YOU ARE NOW
IN THE ROLE OF HUSBAND AND DAD.
ALWAYS KEEP GOD IN YOUR PLANS
AND YOUR LIFE HERE ON EARTH WILL BE GLAD.
YOUR FATHER AND I, AS ALWAYS, LOVE YOU, SON,
AND WE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT GOD
WILL BLESS YOU AND YOURS EACH DAY.
Written For Jimmie "Franklin" Manley, JR. |
"The Name"
Martha Duke Manley ©
IT REALLY MATTERS NOT,
JUST SO IT IS USED A LOT ...
'THE NAME!'
GRANDMA, NANNY, GRANNY,
OR MIMI MAYBE ...
'THE NAME'!
FOR THEY ARE ALL
JUST THE SAME.
IT IS REALLY NOT
'THE NAME'!
AND, WITH LOVE FROM
THE CHILD,
WE RECEIVE WITH A SMILE,
'THE NAME'.
| "I Love You, Dear
By Martha Duke Manley ©
THE ENJOYMENT OF OUR MARRIAGE
IS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT.
WHY, SOMETIMES IT ALMOST
MAKES ME WANT TO SHOUT!
SO, ITS REALLY NOT SURPRISING
TO HEAR ME SAY,
"I LOVE YOU, DEAR,"
DAY AFTER DAY.
TOGETHER, IN LOVE,
THROUGH THE YEARS
WE'VE GIVEN BIRTH
TO A BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER
AND A HANDSOME SON;
WHO, TO US, IS THE GREATEST ON EARTH.
BUT, IN MY PRAYERS TO GOD,
I GIVE MY THANKS, SO TRUE ...
THAT HE SURELY DID BLESS ME
WHEN HE GAVE ME "YOU!"
Written for Jimmie Franklin Manley, Sr. Our Wedding date ... July 3, 1960 | |
1/25/2007