PAPA, REMEMBER ME?

Do you remember me?
I am the little girl
who sat upon your knee.
You combed my golden hair
and called me "honeybee."
Papa, do you remember me?

I looked into his faded eyes
behind the vacant stare
and tried to find the loving man
I knew had once lived there.
There was no recognition,
no warmth, no, not a word.
There was no inclination
that he had even heard.

I put my arms around him,
his shoulders gaunt and thin,
and prayed to God in heaven
that Papa would let me in.
But hope was quickly fading
and I held him close in fear.
Then behind his faded eyes
slipped a single salty tear.

Do you remember me?
Papa, I'm the little girl
who sat upon your knee.
You combed my golden hair
and called me your "honeybee."
Papa, do you remember me?

© 2018  Evelyn B. Ryan

FINDING THE MAIN THING

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)

My grandson, Zac,  wanted to spend Christmas with his family. He was aware it would take at least six hours to drive from New York City to Latrobe Pennsylvania. Anyone who has driven that route knows the hills and curves through the mountains can be treacherous.Nevertheless, Zac started out on this trip at midnight after a busy eleven hour work day. He chose Route 30 rather than the turnpike hoping for a shorter drive.

Suddenly he was caught in a "white out" He could not see more than four feet in front of him. He reported later that it was nerve wracking moving very slow and struggling to stay on the road. There were no road side places offering shelter. He looked towards heaven and said, "I now know how Joseph and Mary must have felt--alone and afraid.

Zac spoke aloud, "I must keep my mind on the "Main Thing. Jesus, You re the Main Thing. Please help me!Suddenly, a huge white truck cam barreling towards him from behind. There was no safe path to move out of the way. Some how the truck passed safely. "Thank You Lord!"

Zac followed the tire treads from that truck as best he could. He reported he prayed more than he had in all the past weeks combined. He reported to the family that Jesus is the "Main Thing" in our lives!

Thank You Lord for Your presences. You are our hope and our salvation. Thank You for teaching us  us and bring us salvation.
(C)  Christy Struben 2018

AWESTRUCK

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 (NAS)

At our church I serve as a baptism assistant. It is a great joy and privilege to help others further their walk with Christ through this ministry.

During the preparation process, I am frequently awestruck by this thought—if matter cannot be created or destroyed, then it is entirely possible that some molecules of this very water ran rivulets down Jesus’ body when He was baptized as well. Baptism is a truly holy moment, that thought makes it even more sacred to me. His essence, His very presence is there rejoicing with us whether in the air we breathe or the droplets of water dripping from our “new in Christ” bodies.

We now also share the same Spirit that is in Christ. It is living in each of us who have accepted Christ as our Savior—the Holy Spirit of God. That Spirit is to be poured out in love on everyone we meet so they will see Christ in us and be drawn to Him.

Much like the cycle of water through the process of condensation and evaporation, our spirits are to be renewed by touching others for Christ and then theirs, by touching someone else. The cycle of sacrificial love resulting in drawing us back to Him goes on and on.

So, the next time you look into a cool refreshing body of water or see a fluffy white cloud drifting by, maybe you’ll think of the cycle of God’s love poured out for us and pass it on.

Thank you, Lord for the miraculous cycle of water and for renewal of our hearts through Your Holy Spirit.

©2018 Bonnie Mae Evans

 

 

THE WALL

Many songs are sung about it,
many poems tearfully read,
about the devastation and
the soldiers who are dead.

So many names inscribed there,
brings a sadness to my heart,
for all the waiting families
that death had torn apart.

I read each name with heartache.
Unchecked tears stream down my face.
There beside my company buddies,
I should have had a space.

Why was I spared? I have wondered,
when so many had to die.
I guess I'll always wonder
and ponder the reason "why?"


I trace the names with my finger
while a flood of tears stream down.
I wonder who would mourn for me
if the names were turned around?

So much heartache, so much sorrow
linked with each chiseled name.
If we had won the conflict
would THE WALL be the same?

The cold marble tells the story.
One can see it at a glance.
My buddies shouldn't be here but
in reality, they had no chance.

They fought with courage and true bravery
and every one gave his all.
They are gone but not forgotten.
Their names are chiseled on THE WALL.

© Evelyn B. Ryan

GOD BLESS AMERICA

NATURE ABHORS A VACUUM

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body.      
Luke 24:2-3(RSV)

This might sound strange but I actually enjoy vacuuming. It’s soothing to relax and reflect as you perform a fairly simple but important task to clean out the dust and dirt in your house. Some of my best thoughts occur during this solitary time because I am clearing out my mind as well.

One of those thoughts was from a physics class long ago- “nature abhors a vacuum.” Meaning that when one space is cleared out another force is ready to take its place. This phenomenon occurs spiritually as well as physically.

Just as you get a sense of satisfaction in house cleaning you know the dust of the world will be returning to try and reclaim its territory. This same phenomenon occurs spiritually, when we pray for forgiveness, resulting in a fresh sense of inner peace. This temporary bubble will soon start leaking as the earthly desires of pride, greed, envy and sloth start seeping back into our consciousness.

Where do we turn to cease this endless cycle of sin and redemption? The Empty Tomb of Jesus!
The resurrection of Jesus unleashed the greatest force in physics. This cosmic vacuum literally caused a wild whirlwind of activity creating our Christian church. “And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts: 2: 2-4)

The next time you are cleaning house, physically and mentally, and the dust of Adam starts creeping back in, remember the power of the Holy Spirit stands firm against any attacking alien force of nature.

Thank you Jesus for the creation of your church that filled the emptiness of your earthly tomb.

©2018 David Le Kites 

MOTHER'S LOVE

As early as I can recall,
my Mother, to me, seemed very tall.
I loved her with all my child's heart
for it was she who gave me a start.

She taught me to sew and to crochet,
but I will never forget the day,
she took a paper and pencil in hand
and began to write her heart's demand.

When she was through she read it aloud.
Her words were beautiful. I was so proud.
It was a poem so sweet to my ears.
My inner clouds burst into tears.

I promised myself I'd write some day,
and Mother was good to show me the way.
So I began to write in rhyme
with Mother's help from time to time.

Mother taught me many things
like harmonizing when we sing.
She took my two sisters and me to church
and gave us her Bible so we could search

the scriptures for stories we could read.
It told us God's Truth we were to heed.
Inside my heart is a spot just for Mother,
for the love she gave to her girls and our brother.

Mother's heart overflowed with God's love too.
She worked hard for Jesus, that's what she would do.
Everyone loved her, for she was so kind.
So many things bring her to mind.

I feel her love although she's not here.
Thinking about her bring me to tears.
To mothers everywhere, from my heart I will say,
I wish you all love and a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

© 2018  Evelyn B. Ryan

PRAYER WARRIOR

“When thou liest down, thou shall not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 (KJV)

A very difficult situation persisted for several years between people I cared about. Their behavior constantly grieved me. I’d prayed day and night for healing, but the problem kept getting worse, their conflict accelerating—their threats more hurtful. I felt my prayers were not working. I learned to keep out of it, but was miserable living beside it.

I mentioned to my friend that I felt frustrated at praying for the same situation over and over with no change or sign of improvement. “What do I do?”

“Ask Jesus for a prayer warrior to pray for you. Then leave it in His hands.”

Following her suggestion, I prayed for the Lord to ask someone to pray for me.  Surprisingly, I felt a supernatural peace. Their situation stayed the same, but I became peaceful.

Recently, while lying awake in the night—maybe too much caffeine, I decided to pray.

“Dear Lord, whoever is overcome with grief tonight, over the death of a loved one, the fear of a diagnosis of a terminal disease, or whatever is their brokenness. I lift them in prayer. I lay them at Your altar. May they come to know You personally. Wrap them in Your Love. Assure them You’re in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Comforted, I fell asleep. Nothing is impossible for Jesus. I learned when I indulge in the luxury of misery, I remove God’s riches from my life. Besides, the problem I’m praying to solve might be what God will use to draw them to Him.

Although they never reconciled, it’s in God Hands. I’m at peace.

Dear Lord, bring the fullness of Your gracious life to all. Amen

© 2018 Lois Gosley