A little laughter

A little laughter dulls the pain
So good to catch up once again
Time stands still when you are here
Love you so much my dears...
It's like I'm revisiting the past
Such a shame it doesn't last
But here we are: laughing, joking
Having fun...
It's such a blessing...
Having family around...
I'm so proud of what you've become
My children grown: no longer young 
Time waits for no-one...
Grand children have come along 
I see the future: I see the past
In traits: mannerisms, expressions too
There are many memories of you

I look up and wonder

Just looked up into the endless skies
Thought of you and almost cried
Do you ever look up and wonder?
Do you ever question the hows and whys?
Does the universe ever deliver?
Does it answer those thoughts I see?
Deep within your sparkling eyes...
How come two souls can wander?
So close and yet be so far apart
Why do some finally meet their maker?
Without finding peace within their hearts...
Why do others stumble blindly?
Never seeing just how precious life can be...
My heart beats out its endless tattoo
Like a drumbeat in the dark...
Its vibrations never cease to amaze me...
Yet this life drags us hither and yon
We are washed up upon stormy shores
These tides that follow upon the moon
Why is life so difficult to fathom?
Why can't it just be easier? I swoon...
These tears keep on flowing: cannot stem the tide
Life just keeps on going and going
Hang on for that roller coaster ride
Saddle up: Grab hold of those reins
For tomorrow comes way too soon
And there is no way to halt it: no where to hide...

Lost little girl

Am I still that lost little girl?
Seeking a place in this cold world
Though lost for many long years
Though I cried all of those tears
Somehow I know I was not alone
For dear Jesus for me: atoned
Of myself I could not rise above
But only through His blessed love
I am no longer alone to cry
My tears: His hands have dried
My sins: He carried up for me
Nailed them to that painful tree
Took upon His strong shoulders
My painful heavy load: my shame
To do all this: from up above: He came
Showing His great majestic power
He came: His blessings to shower
My Lord came to set me free
Yes: He did all of this just for me
Yes: as I think upon that price
Yes: as I picture His sacrifice
I am amazed that He would think to show
Such great love: for me, for all of us: you know
Jesus came to be our sacrifice
He came to pay our terrible price
To show that greatest love of all
To show that man should not so fall

Human nature

What is it about human nature?
What is it about human hearts?
We go through our lives 
Without a doubt...
Until one day we begin to question
One day we need to find out
We ask ourselves
We ask the universe
Is this all there is?
Is there nothing else?
Have I wasted all of my time?
Have I been on the wrong track?
Is there something missing?
Is there something that I lack?
There must come a time
In everybody's life
When there is a crisis
An ending: a new beginning
A parting of ways maybe
A new horizon to attack
Have you run out of stepping stones?
Have you reached the end of the line?
Is there no more railway track?
No more sunshine?
Ah Lord I'm at the crossroads
I am looking back and forth...
I am looking left and right
But which is my direction?
Which is my new path?
I am here to check the weighbridge
I am here to find that link
Somewhere between...
The sunrise and the sunset
I must sit and ponder
Must sit, pray and think...
Lead me Lord: please guide me
Please light the blessed way
For I am lost beside the roadside
I am seeing a narrow way
And I do not know what I must do
I do not know what I must think
So as I place one foot before the other
As I take one more step and say
You are the only voice my saviour
You are the only choice I make
Please let me lift up my eyes Lord
Please guide me ever nearer for Thy sake

A few simple words

This is the time of year when everyone is rushing around to get everything done in time to celebrate with their families and loved ones...it is also a time of sadness for many: those who have no family to celebrate with...those who have no money to buy food with, let alone Christmas presents...

How many of us actually give a thought to the elderly in nursing homes? Ever thought of "adopting a grandy" and visiting them with your children...especially at this time of year...
How many actually give a thought to the people who have to work during this time...the ambulance people who are on call ready to rush people to hospital...the doctors and nurses who are on call...just in case they are needed to operate, to care for the injured...The police and fire and emergency crews who are on call to rescue those in need...
How many of us actually say" thank you" to any of these tireless, thankless workers...

Quite a few years ago I was in hospital with an infected gall bladder...I was in so much pain...never could I imagine how painful this could be! The nurses were constantly changing my beeping drip, adding the powerful antibiotics, changing my sweat saturated sheets, there to ease my discomfort...all night long...everyone in the ward must have been sick of the beeping around my bed...I am so sorry that the other patients probably got little sleep as well...I remember one poor nurse who was called backwards and forwards between our beds...constantly!
I heard the other patients and their visitors grumbling about the delays and I thought to change things by uttering a few simple words..."Thank you for everything you have been doing for me all day and night" I said. The look upon that poor woman's face!
I don't think anyone had said those few simple words to her in many a long month...She almost started crying...she was obviously shocked and moved by such a kind thought...by my words...by my gratitude...After this she renewed her efforts to do all she could to make everyone as comfortable as possible...she flew around with more energy, with more vitality...with more purpose...she offered to be the one to remove my drip for me, she offered to bring me more water, what ever I needed...she was happy to do for me, for the other patients too...
Many months later I met up with her...away from her work...she told me off her depression, her exhaustion, her feelings of working in a thankless job where everyone always complained...
She told me how those few simple words had lifted her spirits and had given her the boost she needed to carry on doing the job that she once had loved to do...

Please give thanks to those who do these wonderful jobs for us all without ever getting many thanks...think about it...how a few simple words can change someone's day, week, month, year, life...say them and mean it...be grateful and mean it...really mean it! God bless you all and may you all have a safe and blessed time with all your precious families...

The desires of the heart

How often do we find another soul?

Who understands the way we feel...

Who speaks the words we want to hear...

Who seems to be the answer to prayer?

The yearning of the heart may be a whisper

Sent out into the infinite universe

But who actually hears its song?

Does the universe ever deliver?

That soul mate: that kindred spirit...

The one with whom you get along...

That one who hears your silent cries...

Does their heart sing that very same song?

How does the heart keep on beating?

How does the soul keep on soaring?

How does the time pass by: ah I cry!

When will it be that special time for me?

How will I know which way I am to go?

I send my questions up into the skies

Asking the Lord of the universe to provide

Does the Lord of the universe ever hear?

Take pity upon the crying heart?

Does He hear that tiniest whisper?

Does He see your silent tears?

Yes: I do believe that He delivers 

That kindred spirit once upon a time

For: has he not promised he will deliver

That very thing: the desires of your heart...

A cry from the heart

My heart says "Come back"
"Please don't ever leave"
My soul says "Never go away"
My head is trying to see a way clearly
Ah God what more can I say
I want to curl up with you
Right here beside me
I want to throw caution to the winds
I want to say "Come what may"
I am sick of feeling lost and alone
I want to feel loved and fulfilled
Yet...there is a fear within me
That I will be alone till my dying day

28 years ago today

28 years ago today 

I was born again
I gave up my old self
Surrendered to my Lord
The old me was gone 
Left beneath the water 
The new me rose up...
A clean heart I sought 
A new life He bought 
I wanted to be free 
From that other 
Sinful me...
My dear Lord promised 
My dear Lord saved me 
To the cross on Calvary 
He took everything you see
All of my past 
All of my pain
All of that old me
He cleansed for me...
Yet still I am not perfect
Yet still I am His sheep
For this is His promise
My heart He is to keep...
My heart and soul are His
My feet He leads 
Along the narrow path 
His light shines for me 
Though I have wandered 
Though I have been lost 
My Lord has paid my cost
His blood has washed me clean 
By the waters...His tears 
I am born again in truth
For the old me is gone 
That sad and sorry youth 
Pardoned, freed, redeemed
He took away my shame 
I thank the Lord: He came 
Today, I praise His holy name
Thank you Lord for saving me

19 December 2015

Meeting of minds

Ever met someone who blew your mind

Knew just what to say, was never unkind

Ever felt like you knew them before: yes

Before they even walked in your door

You can talk of everything under the sun

Without a break: it's like you're on a run

The conversation simply flows and flows

There are no awkward silences: no lulls

Ideas simply bloom and grow: yes grow

No trivial pursuit: no superficial stuff: enough!

When you seek the moon to your sun

The universe gives up the fight: sends the light

Intuition: gut feelings: deja vu: it's true

Nothing is too trivial to pursue: like super glue

Feeling connected; feeling that inner peace

Is this what two kindred souls release?

Signals, signs, a linking of minds: ah I sigh

Thank you Lord of the universe for the sign

Talk to me of love

Talk to me of friendship 
Talk to me of life
Talk to me of suffering 
As God did for all of us

Talk to me of giving 
Talk to me of love
Talk to me of promises 
As God gives from above 

Talk to me of sorrow 
Talk to me of tears 
Talk to me of redemption 
As God has offered up 

Talk to me of sacrifice 
Talk to me of his blood 
Talk to me of Jesus 
As God sent Him from above 

Death by deception

The end of life will come
Sooner for others
Later for some
But the thing that stings
Is death by deception
The age old battle ground
Good versus evil
Right versus wrong
Satan is the serpent
Satan beats the gong
Brings death by deception
Pretending nothing's wrong
Do not be deceived
Do not follow along
Test the waters
Before you step in son
Don't take another's word for it
Seek ye the kingdom sir
For if you believe any man
Will you truly know for sure?
Be your own leader
Be your own surety
For those who lead
Might not know
Right from wrong
How will you know?
Unless you seek to find?
Do not follow as if blind
Many will be called
Few will be chosen: true
Read the words for yourself
Open up the Bible book
Ask prayerfully: God knows
If you will surely look
You will find the truth
It is written
In that blessed book

Missing you at Christmas 2

Missing you at Christmas
We're missing you; it's true
I miss holding your hand honey
I miss doing a lot of things with you
I miss the laughter we once shared
I miss those good times honey
When we both still cared...
Time passes like the daylight
It disappears from our sight 
Darkness comes to beguile us
Taking away our precious sight
The veil of life is lifted up
We cannot see beyond...
But this I know without a doubt
One day: there is the slightest chance
That we might meet again
In God's sight...in heaven...
Yes in heaven up above
Sharing God's majestic love...

18th December 2015

I don't have all the answers

I don't have all the answers
But this for sure I do know
Thought I travelled alone for years
Now I know it was not so
I thought I was deserted
Felt like nobody cared
But now I understand my journey
Jesus saved my life: I was spared
He carried me when I could not walk
Understood me when I could not talk
Loved me as my Father I'm telling you
When I could not love myself it's true
All these things and so much more
He has already done for me
Now it is my turn; my love, my duty
To share these blessings with you
He came from heaven to be my saviour
He came to earth as a blessed man
Knowing I needed His good behaviour
To ransom me from myself; the plan
To take my place upon that cross
To give up His lifeblood for my soul
Yes: all this and more He gave for me
Upon that cross: that I could be free...

Christmas cards and such

Christmas cards...I used to send them religiously

But now I realise something: honestly: to me
It's just another part...of spending money...
It's not about how many cards you get, you send

I would rather send Christian cards with Jesus: see
For me it all about Him, His birth, life, death: in Galilee
For me it's not about the presents; it's not about the tree
It's all about God's gift to us: His children: His precious seed

Have you ever actually thought about God's gift?
Have you considered it? Thoroughly? Honestly?
The gift of salvation! The gift of eternal life! Truly!
What better more precious gift could anyone give?

I found this old list from many years ago...
All about the friends I keep close to my heart you know
This has always been my thinking: my motto...
The names upon the list are people in my heart: so

To be continued...

I have a list of folks I know all written in a book and
Every year at Christmas time I go & have a look and
That is when I realize that these names are a part
Not of the book they're written in but of my very heart!

For each & every name stands for someone whose path
Touched mine & then left such a print of friendship that
I want to touch again: while it sounds fantastic that I want
To make this claim: I really feel we are composed of each remembered name!

So never think my Christmas cards are just mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list forgotten in between
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you
It's because you're on that list of folks I am indebted to!

Every year when Christmas comes I realize anew
The biggest gift life can give is meeting folks like you
May the spirit of Christmas that forever & ever endures
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you & yours!

Sent to me in a Christmas card many years ago!

The ones that touch your heart are more important
Than any present you could get or give...
Remembering good times past, friendship and laughter
Are the things that make my Christmas season live!

No room at the Inn

No room at the Inn
The beds were all taken
Many had trod those very same miles
Each way they turned
All heads were shaken
No one would give them of their smiles

How could she bear?
That blessed child
Where would she bear?
That blessed child
No room at the Inn
The beds were all taken
City of David: darkened skies

No room at the Inn
The couple: forsaken
Poor little mother in travail
Each place they stopped
Each room was taken
No where left to rest: so frail

How could she bear?
That blessed child
Where would she bear?
That blessed child
No room at the Inn
The beds were all taken
Bethlehem Ephrata reconciled

No room at the Inn
The beds were all taken
Mary and Joseph were so tired
Each avenue closed
Their footsteps grew shaken
Yet heaven sent a welcome smile

How could she bear?
That blessed child
Where would she bear?
That blessed child
No room at the Inn
The beds were all taken
Abigail welcomed them a while

No room at the Inn
The beds were all taken
The stable was peaceful and calm
The animals knew
Angels beguiled them
Here was welcomed that blessed child

Here she could bear
That blessed child
Here she would bear
That blessed child
No room at the Inn
The beds were all taken
In Bethlehem was born Mary’s child

Scuba bubbles

This heatwave has been a real scorcher
The days unbearable: so terrible it's true
The beach was the only cool place to be
That's exactly what I'm telling you...
The peace of the reef was calling 
The cooling waves: serenading me
"Come and swim in the cooling water
Come and check out the fish galore"
So I walked right in and swam out
Away from that busy, crowded shore...
The waves were pushing against me
But I continued swimming anyway
Finally I could hear the reef calling
That distinct, amazing crackling sound
Only closer to the reef could I find it
No where else does it appear: that sound
I swam toward the old anchor
Knowing it was close at hand
Saw an orange starfish: clinging
Fish welcoming me as I went on
Many and varied swimmers playing 
Around the rocks beneath the sea
Waves crashing over the rock ledges
Swirling, splashing: crashing over me
Two scuba divers swam deep below me
Enjoying the peaceful depths below
One day I would love to join them
But today I was snorkelling far above
Their bubbles ascending in cascades
I continued on toward the jetty
Hundreds of fish congregated there
All massed around the pylons
I couldn't help but stare...
Two more scuba divers were emerging
From that underwater gloom...
Watching their manoeuvres 
I enjoying their massive bubbles
Shooting up toward the surface
I swam above those bubbles
Catching them with glee
Felt a little childish but...
Nobody was there watching me
It was an amazing experience 
Watching all those bright shiny bubbles
Come flying up at me...
Millions of popping bubbles
All creating a popping spree...
Some were like upended saucers
Some were huge and round you see
Crystal clear and sparkling 
Breaking up all around me...
Bubbles, millions of bubbles
Rising up from beneath the cool dark sea...

Tears keep falling

The tears keep falling
I cannot stem the flow
Sadness my companion
It simply will not let me go
Suddenly
Max; the cat appeared
Cuddled in close to me
Knew I needed comforting
Knew I needed a paw/hand
He was my furry comforter
God sent him: this I know
Angels lead God's creatures 
Sending them where they must go
Knowing some days...
We poor humans just cannot cope
Having my friend beside me
Quickly eased my pain
Thank you dearest Lord
For aiding me once again

But Lord what will I say?

How many times have I been given a message?

From my precious heavenly Father...
Asked to go and do something for Him?
In my simplicity and my ardour
I have answered, ready to go forth...
Yet have began to question myself...
He asked me to go to the editor
Of our local newspaper it's true
Surrender up those words he'd given me
Share them with the populace around
My doubts came forward quickly...
"But Lord...how can I go and do?"
I overcame my fears, my nerves: you know
I spoke of my dearest Lord...

It became easier the second time
When he asked me to take all those words
Have them printed up in booklet form...

I was driving to the Barossa Valley...
Just next to Lindsay Park upon that hill
It was raining heavily...
I said out loud in my fear and misery
"But Lord...I don't have a cover photograph!"
The rain stopped falling immediately
The clouds parted: out came the sun
I got my cover photograph...
It was that quickly done...

At the printers that very day, I entered
As nervous as can be...
For I knew I had no money
With which to get that printing done...
I asked the questions, gave the words
Walking out the door I had to say
"But Lord...I don't have the funds!"
His reply: those words within my head
"The Lord will provide!"
I went about my work for weeks
Did my phone banking regularly
Exactly 2 weeks later on...
My account was in credit by $275
The exact amount I needed was in there!
I went to collect the first 50 books
Ready to pass them to all I knew!

Even before this time...
A few years before actually...
I had cried out unto my Lord...
I apologised to my dearest Lord
For being useless to both Him and my family
He said back then...
On the 8th of May 2010
He could use me...
Of course my answer began with those same words
"But Lord...what will I say?"
His reply: "I will give you the words!"

So I have gone on since that blessed day
When feeling less than adequate to everyone
I have trusted in my precious heavenly Father...
Have done as I was bid...
Though afraid, fearful of rejection...
Knowing I am but a simple human being...
I have answered His great call...

Yes, I have faltered!
Yes, I have doubted!
Yes, I have slipped!
Yes I have gone backwards!
I am after all: a simple human being
Of myself I am nothing!
But...through Him...
Through His almighty power...
Through my Lord and saviour...
I can do all things...
For has He not said...
"The Lord will provide!"

Head upon my shoulder

My tears were flowing
I was walking blindly on
Trying to escape my torment
Desperately upset, forlorn
My feet were wandering 
My heart wildly beating too
My sobs gut wrenching...
I needed comforting by you...
I felt a weight upon my shoulder
It was such a blessed surprise
Dear old Red never came willingly
We always had to chase him down
But this time he was my companion
This time he understood my mood
Red was my blessed comforter
Sent by my dearest Lord...
His hooves almost trod upon my heels
As he placed his heavy head there
Yes, there upon my shoulder
He laid his great big head...
We walked together, red dust all around
The only thing I could hear...
Our breathing: our footsteps on the ground
My little feet silent: his hooves so loud...

All by myself

I'm all by myself
Don't need anyone at all
Left on the shelf
That's the life I've formed
Is this all there is?
Is this all there is to come?
My children grown
Flown the nest: its best
But Lord I am unsettled
I had hoped to find someone
To spend the rest of this
Mortal life with...this time
Here upon this earth...
Do not want to do it alone
But how does one survive it?
How to simply get on and live
Without companionship
Without someone to hold my hand

Amazing coincidence 1996

We met a lovely group 
Of Japanese students 
At our favourite park 
In beautiful Angaston
We talked, exchanged 
Addresses and then 
Went our separate ways 
Never expecting to meet again 
A few months later on
We went to the cinemas in Adelaide
To see Disney's 101 Dalmatians 
There were our two friends 
Kaori and Noriko at the back 
It was so good to meet again 
A coincidence? Never think it 
I know it was our Lord above 
Linking us: together again...
Received a letter in the mail
In March 1997 a few months on 
Enclosed were these photos
Of our beautiful friends 
Telling us if their teaching jobs

About their hopes for the future 
Staying in Australia as teachers 
About their trip to Uluru (Ayer's Rock)

What blessed memories came 
Flooding back to me today 
It made me wonder about them
Where are they now? 
It's been almost 20 years 
I pray they are well and happy 
No matter where they may be 
I pray that our dear Heavenly Father 
Still takes care of them for me...

With Kaori Fujiwara
Formerly of Forestville SA 
In 1997

It's not the distance that tells who friends are

If a picture tells a thousand words
Here; is a blessed story...
A post card and letter sent from 
Far away across the seven seas
Obviously a treasured picture
A dream of things to come 
"El Fena Square in Marrakech"
I remember him telling me 
About the picture you see
He stuck it there in full view
Dreaming that one day soon 
He would travel there: and see
The place he'd only dreamt of...
I sent him my book of poetry 
In return he sent me this...
In his letter he thanked me
For:  my friendship and more
We'd talked about religion 
We'd chatted like old friends 
Exchanged information...
A blessed relationship ensued
Now, I have his treasure...
This postcard that he loved 
Sitting here; in pride of place 
Better than mere words...
Though we may never meet 
I imagine his sweet face 
Telling me; of his dreams 
Of living in a better place 
Taking care of his family 
Dreaming of better days 
Peace and understanding 
For all the human race...

Treasures of my heart

Found a dusty old box
Filled with little things
Though dusty on the outside
Inside were treasures
Yes, bits and pieces
Of special memories
Notes written by children
Drawings and such
Gifts from the heart
Thoughts put onto paper
Many long years ago
Today they brought back
Those years to me
These treasures of my heart
These precious memories

Driving to the Baorssa

Driving up to the Barossa
So many worries on my mind
Looking through an op-shop
This little book I find...
Written upon the cover
Pretty as can be...
"God grant me the serenity to
Accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference"
Now, how is it that the dear Lord
Knows exactly where I'm at?
Knows my thoughts and feelings
Knows the worries that love begat!
He is all-seeing, all knowing, all wise
He is the great "I AM"
So why do we go along on our own?
Ignoring His promises...
Ignoring His pleas...
Should we not be more often?
Down on our knees...
He who made the heavens
He who made us all
He who rules the universe
Knows exactly what it is I need
I ask each blessed morning 
As I consecrate my day
"Dear merciful Lord in heaven
Please guide my thoughts this day
Please take me where I am needed
Please let me be a light..."
For I know that I cannot be without Him
I am nothing without His love...
It is only with His guidance
In everything I do
That I am comforted and refreshed
Blessed in all that I would do...

9 December 2015

A walk with my memories

A walk in the park
A simple thing to do
Yet today I am haunted
For I cannot hear you
We used to walk together 
We used to tag along
With our precious children
As they explored the creek along

Today I am alone dear
Nobody is here with me
I walk alone with memories
I hear you speak to me

You linger here within me
Fond memories come flying in
But you have left earth behind
Your soul has flown without me
Your body long gone too
Our song is fading now dear
Though the birds still serenade
Your voice no longer whispers
Your voice has grown so still

I feel the breeze caress me
I imaging holding your hand
Just like we used to do dear
But now my hand is empty
There is nothing left for me here

The adventure of life

If the adventure of life is to learn
Then I am always ready to know
More and more about this earth
And all about heaven above I love

If the purpose of life is to grow
Then I have grown: I make it known
From childhood to now: my dear Lord
Have I grown spiritually more than enough?

If the nature of life is to change
Then God has seen me evolve
From babe in arms through hardship
To the woman He has made of me in love

If the challenge in life is to overcome
Then through Him that's what I have done
Overcome adversity to climb up on high
Reaching up to touch blessed blue skies

If the essence of life is to care
Lord knows I've done my fair share
Raising my family to the best of my ability
Tending to all who come along: giving stability

If the opportunity of life is to serve
Then Lord please deal with me as I deserve
For I know those who serve Thee in love
Will be transported to heaven above

If the secret of life is to dare
Then allow me your love to share
Give me the power to spread your word
Until it is all over the known world

If the spice of life is to befriend
Then Lord you know all those I defend
My works are all opened: have I atoned?
In the book of life your angels have shown

If the beauty of life is to give
Then have I not emptied myself to live
As you would have us all do my Lord
With faith and compassion and mutual accord

If the joy of life is to love
Then my dearest Lord up above
The gift of your Son: you gave for us all
Should be more than enough to answer your call 

Jesus loves me

Singing at the nursing home
Just the other Sabbath day
Raising our voices to our Lord
Praising our Heavenly Father again
So many dear elderly people
Without many words to say
I announced the next hymn
"Jesus loves me" to the crowd
One dear old lady said out loud
"Jesus loves me" and she smiled
Sweet recognition in her brown eyes
Though she said very little else
It was plain: this hymn she remembered
From her younger days