Memories are made of this

Each time I pick up those photos 
And pieces of papers here
Little memories come flooding in
So many thoughts go jumping
All around in my troubled head
It's good to reminisce about the old days 
It's good to go flying back through time
Yet I know that those days are gone forever
Only these special little memories remain
Faces smiling: children's laughter too
These wonderful things I remember about you
When you were young and I was much younger
So many years we have travelled through
I read your letters today my darlings
So many things I did recall
But now as time passes so very quickly 
I must let go of all that sadness 
And remember only all those good times
With all of you...

Right here and now

Right here 
Right now
This... 
Is all there is
Yesterday is gone
Tomorrow never comes
Enjoy each and every moment
For who knows when 
My time will come

Touch me

We all have the need to feel loved
To feel another human's touch
To be accepted not rejected
To feel respected not subjected
To the vagaries of this life
What happens to us when we are young? 
Makes such a huge difference
To our daily life: to our urge for strife
Why do some of us feel the need?
To reminisce: while others simply refuse 
To return to bygone days: refuse to peek
Into the days that are long gone...
Does the connection we know in our lives
Make such a huge difference 
In how we play out our days
Does the fact that I had a loving childhood?
Make my life easier to bear...
Does a sad and stressful childhood
Bring more sadness than we can bear
Why am I content to look at photos
Memories of my youth
While another cannot even bear to look back
Cannot bear the thought of younger days...
Rejection in childhood makes it difficult
To face rejection later on too
Those fears we grew up with 
Take over and rule our lives
The fear of rejection overpowers 
The need for another human's touch...

It matters

Why does it matter that I believe?

In Jesus Christ who came to save
Why does it matter which Bible I read?
As long as I truly believe Jesus' words...

It matters because I do not trust in any man
Only in my Lord above: who showed such great love
In giving us His only begotten Son...
What right has any man to change God's word?
The King James Version of the Holy Bible
Was translated by many men who cared
To do the very best job they could...
Over and over they translated; checked; compared
To remain as true to the original as they could
They took the time over many years
To bring us the most comprehensive book
The king James Bible; so that we; mere humans
Could search the scriptures for ourselves
To learn of Him who made us
To understand His loving nature
In granting us the chance of eternal life...

Don't trust any other version

Many meanings have been changed...
Many words and verses omitted...
Whole chapters removed...
To suit the inclination of men who
Seek to draw us away from God's love...

Let us return to our former love
Let us look unto Jesus
The author and finisher of our faith
Trust in none to bring us closer to Him
Let it be our earnest endeavour to find Him
In the most amazing words He gave us
The King James Version of The Holy Bible...

Can you read me?

Can you read me?
Can you see inside?
Do you need me?
To fall apart: open wide?
Does my fear show?
Do you feel my pain?
How can anyone
Know what pain I hide
Thoughts racing
Heart beating
Mind reeling
Heart steeling
Ready to come to grips
As my mum's life
Through these fingers
It all slips...

How do I feel?

Don't know how to feel
Don't know what to think
Don't know what to say
Don't know what to do
Guess I'm on auto pilot
Guess that'll have to do

Malignant

Malignant
What a terrible word?
Feels like the worst horrible
Word I've ever heard
God help my mum
God help us all
How do we cope?
When these clouds
Blot out the sun

More Bad news

Bad news, sad news
Guess it had to come
Feeling flat; feeling drained
Had to explain to my mum
Malignant growths everywhere
No escaping it chum
I knew it would eventually come
None of us lives forever
None can escape those chains
That fate has brought along 
More tests: biopsy; CT scan
More chemo to come 
Where will it end: God only knows 
I must trust it all to Him...

The look of love

He has the look of love
Smiling face: glowing eyes
No longer does he despise
For he has the look of love
Happiness from within shines

She has the look of love
Pictures glow from in her eyes
A hint of attitude: a hint of smiles
She has the look of love
Gratitude flies into the skies

They have the look of love
Sent from heaven up above
Joyful countenance; peace within
They have the look of love
You can tell by their comely grins

Guide book to love

Six months can feel like a lifetime
Yet it may seem like a blessed dream 
It all depends on how you see life...
How your life actually makes you feel
Finding someone to walk and talk with 
Can be the icing upon your cake
Yes it can be the very real difference 
Between enjoying life or feeling fake
Everyone searches for their soul mate
The one who makes life a blessed dream
Living with someone; who inside; is ugly
Can make you simply want to scream
So where do you find this ideal person?
Where is one supposed to look?
Seems like times are ever changing
Has anyone actually written a guide book?
On-line dating sites seem to be the go
But how do you actually know?
What a person is honestly like...
The gym; the pub; have always been around
Church groups and meeting places 
What about those: okay I suppose
Still i guess it's getting easier 
To meet that person you desire
Hopefully before time runs out: before you expire...

I love you Nana

He comes hurtling out the door
Flying into my open arms
My precious grandson is here
Giving cuddles: giving love
He is so happy to see me
After school; he is full of life
Ready to run about; have fun
"I love you Nana" he cries
"I'm glad you came to pick me up
I'm ready for my chocolate milk
Let's go and buy some now!"
Eagerly we walk the metres
Faces flushed with cold
But it is a wonderful feeling
To be loved so much: some days
Even though I am feeling quite old...

Upon the cliffs beside the sea

They shared a kiss upon the cliffs
Fresh air; sunshine all around
Happy to be seen together
No longer did shadows gather
Lives open to the weather
All the world could clearly see
Their peace; joy; purity
No sadness upon the horizon
No troubles right now to foresee
Simply being; living; appreciating
Life's God-given blessings
Upon the cliffs beside the sea

GDS

In her eyes

There's a glint of humour in her eyes
A hint of gladness by and by
Sweet smiles have come to stay
No longer does she feel the need to cry
There is joy within her beating heart
Happiness has come to roost at last
No longer does she fear the sadness
No longer does her soul hide in the past
The future is brighter than ever before
For love has come knocking at her door

Filtered requests

Just took a look at Facebook
Filtered requests: what a test!
So many messages to read; yes
Didn't even know they were there
Just as well I don't care; admit it
There are so many scammers
So many time wasters too
Those who only want something
From you; uncaring of your life
So many were empty words
But I read through; discerning truth
Accepted those who meant it
As if maybe God in heaven sent it
Only time will tell...

How do I love thee?

How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways...
I love your smile
When you look at me
I love the way you laugh
I love the joy you show
When we are walking 
Along a solitary bush path
I love the glint within your eyes
When we are simply happy
Being together out in nature
Admiring God's blessed sights
I love the way you hold me close
When the night time comes
For in your arms I am at home
There is nowhere I'd rather be my love
When the daylight comes...
I love the warmth that emanates
From within your beautiful soul
I love that you are my man
The way you take control
I love the way you take care of me
When I am ill or feeling frail
I love you my darling man
Hope to love you always: without fail

Crossing over the bridge

The bridge beckoned
"Come; test your strength
Can you cross over me?
Can you cover my length?
Come now, answer me..."
Haltingly he took the steps
To make it to the other side
Slowly but surely; yes
He crossed that great divide
Steadfastly he walked across
Step by step; he conquered
Step by agonising step; he found
The courage to face the challenge
Never looking through the gaps
Down to that lower ground...
Finally he was back again
At that beginning of that ride
Saw me watching him as he
Looked right back at me: with pride

Freedom of speech

So sad to see that many have not
Freedom of life, nor freedom of speech
So sad to see that many profess freedom
Yet question another's supposed free choices
They do not want to hear another's voices
Singing out: ringing from the rooftops
They cling to old beliefs and sling mud at all
Who choose to be different: magnificent
In their fearlessness in saying: hey
I believe in Jesus Christ: my price
He paid: also yours: it is your choice!
Would you still that quiet voice within?
Should you suffer to remain unheard?
Why not profess the feelings of your heart?
Why indeed should I be told to hold
My tongue: it speaks of Jesus' love
Come from heaven up above: by Jove
I must say what is in my heart
I must share these glad tidings 
While yet I might speak: not squeak
Timidly: quietly profess my soul's desire
My voice on fire: I gladly shout out loud
I love the Lord who gave for me
His life upon that painful tree
Come one, come all, hear me out
I only wish to share His love...
Gladly shout out to all about
Jesus came to save...

Water into wine

Jesus turned water into wine
At Cana's wedding feast
He who was in heaven; first
Came down to earth to be; least

Jesus turned us sinners into saved
Upon Calvary's blessed cross
Let us all follow where he craves
For He would not suffer our loss

Jesus gave His body to be broken
The bread of life for us he offered
None should need any other token 
Than that which; was so lovingly proffered

Jesus gave His precious blood
The wine of life He truly gave us
To wash us clean and white as snow
This He did; to save us... 

Running over

Running over, running over
My cup is full and running over
Since the Lord saved me
I'm as happy as can be
My cup is full and running over

Running over, running over
My heart is full and running over
Since the Lord saved me
I'm as happy as can be
My heart is full and running over

(A simple children's song from church
Such a wonderful blessing to hear
Little voices raised up unto our Lord)

Procrastinator

No longer will I be
A Procrastinator...
A fence sitter...
Decisions must be made...
For who knows the day
When dear Jesus will return
Then: all will be: too late!

Baptism and christening

My parents weren't religious so attending church was foreign to me as a kid. We went to weddings and funerals but that's about it. Though I wanted to learn about it in primary school I wasn't allowed to study religious instruction unless my parents gave their permission. Nana Evelyn believed in christening babies as part of her faith so to make her happy we agreed to christen our children. I believe that a true baptism is when someone is old enough to choose for themselves at an age where they truly understand the meaning of rebirth in Christ. No mere sprinkling as a baby is enough to save us from sinning, nor grant us eternal life: it has to be a whole life changing experience taken very seriously...

Dinner date with my little mate

We had a little dinner date
With my cute little mate
She asked for chicken
She asked for rice
Dipped in tomato sauce
She said it was very nice
Used the chopsticks as drums sticks
Then to flick the sauce
Got it all over the place
Made a little mess; of course
Then she did the cleaning up
Wiping up her little mess
Mouth and chin; table too
Lips and face all over again
She's almost three years old
Loves to laugh and play around
Loves her food; truth be told
She's my gorgeous little mate

Quietness and confidence

In rest shall we be saved?
In quietness and confidence 
Shall be our strength 

Isaiah 30:15

The troubled sea

Who is like unto the troubled sea? 
Who cannot rest; cannot be still?
Whose waters cast up mire and dirt?
There is no peace for the wicked...

Isaiah 57: 20, 21

Sabbath day is come

When the sun goes down on Friday
My working week is over and done 
My heart slows down its beating 
And my peace with Sabbath day is come

Bread of sorrows

Eat not of the bread of sorrows 
Failing to heed the guiding light 
Staying up long dark hours; only borrows
More trouble with the coming of morning light 

Psalm 127:2

Modern love

Times have changed 
Drastically since I was young 
Many ways no longer exist 
Love and loving are so
Modernised...stylised
Nothing remains the same 
How does one find love?
Online? At the pub?
Where is that chemistry
The strongest 
Where the finesse 
Of bygone days 
Of loving and wooing 
Of love and all it represents
In this changing modern age

At last

At last I've found my other

At last I've found my love

God sent me a new partner 

God has lifted me up above

I thought that I would be a loner

Thought I'd ever be alone

But now a new day is dawning 

Yes; at last; my love has come along 

What joy to be together?

What joy to be able to speak?

Of many things; we are always talking

So many things we share anon

Laughter is such a wonderful blessing 

Smiling always at each other

Bright as the noon day sun

Walking in the sunshine

Breathing in the crisp fresh air

I thank the Lord for these blessings

For granting me this peace: so rare

Have faith

She said she couldn't do it

Se said it was "too hard"
But in the end she knew it
There was only one word
Have "faith"; let go of worries
Allow it all to simpy unfold
Have "faith"; don't be in a hurry
Simply trust all unto the Lord

Anticipating

Waiting, anticipating, eagerly
Looking forward; endlessly
No use in looking back
No use in feeling sad
Just being thankful
For the life I've had
Don't know how much longer
Any of us will get
So I am looking forward
Enjoying what I have
Each and every morning 
I get to appreciate
The new day's dawning 
The blessed peace I know
That comes in knowing Jesus
He has already paid my price
Thus am I thankful
Thus am I so blessed
In anticipating 
His soon coming 
My eternal rest...

Three score years and ten (70 years maybe we'll have)

Three score years and ten!
The average age allotted men
I've almost gotten to sixty years 
What lies ahead for me?
How far have I travelled now?
How long do I have left to live?
Upon this simple scale I look
Wonder at these blessings given me 
In truth; I guess I must reconcile
That none of us are immortal...
So how long upon this earth I ask?
Is the lifespan of any mere mortal?
I've been through so many years
When times were sad its true 
But now I must look ahead 
Now I must understand 
How important it is to simply "be"
And enjoy whatever time is left to me
There is no time to be wasted 
This one life is all I have 
No time for procrastination
Let go of past hurts 
Allow the dust to settle dear
Forgive those who offered hurt 
Instead of compatibility 
Look forward to these golden years 
Accept what peace is offered me 
Take the hand of friendship love 
Don't waste another minute dear
Because this moment is all there is...

Yesterday

My heart was heavy from the start 
How, could it be any other way?
When thinking of you my dear mother...
As there in the hospital you lay
Tightness in my chest; pain in my head
Feelings for your continued suffering...
Fear for your life; unknown dread
Such crazy thoughts all swirling...
There; within my silly human head
Yet the voice of reason came to say
"She's alive right now my darling
Just be thankful for each day 
You never know what life will bring 
Why waste your time worrying away"
It's true you know; I acknowledged 
Life is fleeting at its very best 
Take hold of what joy is given
Remember to feel thankful; blessed
So instead of feeling miserable 
I looked at all the good
These special times yet to be shared
Fond memories; my food 
For thought; my treasures 
I'd rather think of all the good...
I thanked the Lord for everything 
I prayed and gave Him my pain 
Knowing that He; is my unearthly king
Rejoicing that soon He will come again

Love knots

Love me, love me not
Though, it used to matter not
Now it is clear to me
My heart is tied up in love knots
More and more it seems
Each and every day...
The more we walk
The more we talk
The more we simply "be"
So many facets of our love
Keep growing stronger; love
These cables once were longer; love
Now as time grows shorter; true
I am being drawn ever closer
Yes; closer; ever closer; to you

Right now

Right now is all there is 
Right now is what counts 
Tomorrow never comes 
For even then it will be 
Right now
At this moment 
All is good 
I am alive 
I slept 
I woke up 
I have a roof over my head 
I have my family around me 
I have love surrounding me 
My mum is all right
Though more tests will come 
Right now 
All is good 
Right now is what matters 
There is no better time 
Than right now

Soul Traveller

My soul mate is just a simple man

Sent into my life: just as God planned

No superhuman being: no superman

Just another soul who has travelled far

Been tossed about upon life's treadmill

Not too young: nor too old: not over the hill

A nature lover: a deep thinker to be sure

Seeking spirituality: seeking to understand

How life works: how people think and act

Very down to earth: very matter of fact

Enjoying the simple things in life

Not here to cause another; any strife

Someone who appreciates a good sunrise

Learned yet still interested in learning more

Knows a lot of things considered worldly wise

Always willing to listen to another point of view

Happy to walk a mile or two in another's shoes

Confident enough to laugh at himself; you know

Doesn't have a lot; knows "things" are valueless

It's all about living in harmony: with nature; I vow

He makes me feel so very alive: I must confess

He brings me so much contentment; happiness

It is so easy to simply be myself: we are blessed

I pray that we will have the time to be together

Until the end: until one or both of us are called

Let laughter in: let joy be one: Oh Lord I cried

When sadness came to break me down: now

His strong arms hold me close; I feel at home

Here I hope to stay; let all past pain go away

For I know my soul mate has come to stay

Let us please be happy for ever and a day... 

Chicken soup for the soul

I was cleaning out so many books
Had to give them all away
Boxes and bags full to the brim
Loaded up into the ute to give away
Took them to the local Opshop
Just a little distance down the road
Lugged and tugged and lifted them up
Finally set them all down again
Upon one bag I saw a book
Chicken soup for the soul
It seems such a short time ago
Yet the title remains within my head
For strange as it sounds to me now
It happened within the very next days
A message came from far away
They are looking for submissions
To add to their amazing books; stories
Poems of inspiration they say
So here I am sending them in
Adding my precious gifts into the fray

My Lord my love

My Lord is my love
He rules within my heart
For he, it was who; rescued me
No other could do this part
He took my sins to Calvary
Promised to renew me too
By his blood am I washed clean
This he did for me; for you
I could never love another
The way that I love my Lord
He acts just like my loving brother
Though He is in truth my king...

King of kings

Some thought he was a witless fool
He sought to change the world
He preached love and healed the ill
Miracles he made far and wide
Upon the cross he took up our sins
There he died the Son of Man
His blood red wounds; white as wool
He came to save the whole wide world
Many thought he should have been king
Take over rule of all mankind...
But God's plans were always his
He didn't come to act just like another man
King of kings; but not of this world
His kingdom will soon come
Are you ready to meet him dear?
Know you not that time will come
Before too much longer He'll be seen
Coming in the clouds; all eyes will see
Our judge; our saviour; our Emmanuel
Returned in glory; crowned with light
Our Lord; our blessed, righteous king

Outlander

Outlander; alien; foreigner; outcast
Time traveller; time unraveller
Lost among the standing stones
Buried beneath the rubble; gone
Two hundred years ago; time began
When will you ever learn?
History cannot be changed
No matter what you have planned

Guarded by mist

When the moon rises in dark night skies
There comes the halo; moisture; surprise
Glowing white orb; serene, pure, sublime
Climbing up over pale, thin, streaky clouds 
Echoes of moonlight reflected in dark eyes
Lovers meeting; embracing; hidden behind
Cool shadows; words whispered; accepted
Nothing too contrived; blessed reunion; tryst
Watchers lost; prying eyes; guarded by mist

His saving grace

Chicken soup for the soul
Sweet stories to lift us all
Tales of faith and wondrous gifts
Bless the angels who work in shifts
Keeping us safe: saving souls
Do you understand: get my drift?
There is always so much more to it
No such thing as coincidence

More like God's providence
Intuition; sixth sense; blessedness
Our dear Lord and His saving grace...

Cover Photograph 5th June 2016

I'd spent many months typing up and saving my poems...I knew the Lord wanted me to take them in to the printers so that I could share them with others. As I was driving up to Angaston in the Barossa Valley I realised I didn't have a cover photograph to go onto the title page of my book. I said "But Lord I don't have a cover photograph..."

It was raining and as I said the words out loud the clouds parted and out came the sun...I got three beautiful photographs to choose from...I continued on to The Leader Newspaper office to ask about printing the poems given to me by the Holy Spirit...

5/6/2016

Submitted to

Chicken soup for the soul

My refuge

6:40 am

6 degrees outside
6 people here reside
I'm all alone in my bed
But never alone in my head
Many thoughts abound inside
I pray for many round about
Consecrate to Him my days
For dear Jesus died for me
Into His blessed hands
I place all that is hurting me
Into His mighty heart
I retreat; He is my fortress
My refuge in all times
My Lord; my Saviour

How much you mean to me

I'm awake but don't want to be
Simply cos you're far away from me
I need to hold you close to me
I miss you more and more honey
Whenever we are parted...
Feel so broken hearted...
My love for you grows and grows
Ah; only the dear Lord truly knows!
Just exactly how much you mean to me...

If I asked you

If I asked you "do love me"
Would you answer me true
How long would it take you
To tell me the honest truth
Jesus gave all to save us
Asked this question of me; of you
What answer did you give Him?
When He died upon that cross for you...

Sabbath Rest a test

As the sun sets upon another day
God's blessed Sabbath comes again
We, who follow; the mighty Lord's way
Are blessed by the rest He gave

Missing Amy

15 years ago today 

Amy came; to stay 
Dear little Amy 
I miss you...
Since you went away