Have you ever considered we may be the last generation before Christ
returns.
He will be coming to remove believers from the earth, in the bible read
and learn.
If this be so, we have a special burden as well as a privilege, to show
others the way.
We must be in a close relationship with our Lord and for our brothers we
must pray.
If you have confidently received Jesus Christ as Savior, in him you have
received life.
At any moment we may be called to join Jesus in the heavens, no more
sorrow and strife.
For those who have not responded in faith, the moment will mark the
beginning of the end.
We must carry the message from the Lord, he will one day again descend
Catastrophic events will bring God's judgment on the world in which
we live.
If they only knew all this could be avoided, if on bended knee, their
life to Christ to give.
The burden of our generation is to make God's message of salvation very
clear.
We must give them the word of our Lord or all who remain will tremble in
fear.
Living faith brings happiness and meaning into life, doesn't it all make
sense.
Some people just need a little friendly word to shake them off the
fence.
Our Lord provides hope in a world that is rushing to judgement, of this
be sure.
Lead them to understand and respond to God's message of salvation, in
him be secure.
We must lovingly communicate this urgent message to our family and
everyone we can.
Let them know that Jesus died for our sins, its written down, all part
of God's plan.
This holiday season when you are challenged to love outside your own
limit, remember to care.
Know we are required to love those who need love the most, our burden to
bear.
Lord I pray that you let me see you in everyone I meet.
Lore, help me not to become to caught up in my own comfort, that I fail
to greet.
Replace my blurred vision with your loving eyes, show me always the way
to care.
Let all that cross my path, see someone with love in there heart and
your message to share.
Lord in this holiday season may we be renewed and encouraged in our
walk.
Then side by side with you, let your love for all be reflected in the
way we talk.
Written By: Jim Clawson from Henderson, Nevada
Copyright © 1999 Jim Clawson
Web Entry: February 25, 2000
ENOUGH
I called your name from a slumbering sleep,
and suddenly you were there within my dream.
You took my hand and we walked so slow,
we walked for hours on a deserted road.
Your beauty was so stunning, I couldn't believe my eyes.
It's as if you were an angel getting ready to fly.
Not a word was exchanged, there seemed to be no need,
for just to hold your hand, was quite enough for me.
Written by: Rocky Dean from Cadet, Missouri
Copyright © 1999 Rocky Dean
Web Entry: October 11, 1999
AN ALIEN QUESTION
Does a computer know it’s a computer?
Does an ant know it’s an ant?
If I say either is intelligent life,
Does that make me a miscreant?
We search the skies for UFOs,
Seeking an outer space connection.
But if we ran across such a different life form,
Would it escape our detection?
I hear people declare we can’t be the only intelligence,
The galaxy is much too large.
Yet lurking close intelligent life could be,
As close as their back suburban yard.
Arrogance is our species’ only enduring trait,
It seems to never leave us.
And it seems to have been around longer,
Than Confucius, Mohammed, or Jesus.
But say on one momentous night,
An “alien” lands on the Whitehouse lawn.
Everything then could change, but wouldn’t you still,
Have to go to work with the dawn???
Written by: Danny L. Shanks, June 22,1999
Lives in Washington State
Copyright © 1999 by Danny L. Shanks
Web Entry: June 24, 1999
LITTLETON, FORGIVE US
Our love goes out to Littleton;
We cry to God for Columbine;
The pain of Colorado
Is lying heavy on our minds.
Tears of grief now dim our eyesight,
And we cannot understand
As we hear the children screaming
What is happening to our land?
We stand aghast and unbelieving
As we watch the youngsters run!
And we know that clouds of terror
Have blotted out their sun!
We feel the horror of the parents
As their faces blanch with fear;
They try to grasp the dreadfulness
That they've lost a loved one dear.
What callousness upon our part
So filled those two with wrath?
How could this have been avoided?
Could someone have blocked their path?
By trying to understand them?
And by trying to be friends?
Oh, Lord, please give us wisdom
Lest it happen once again!
For this terrible tragedy we have seen
Is not just Littleton's to bear,
And the school is not just Columbine,
But everyone of us was there!
May our eyes be open to the fact
That every state, and town, and school,
Must learn to lift up one another,
And live by the Golden Rule.
Littleton, our love is offered;
Columbine, we don't blame you;
Colorado, you're no more guilty
Than the rest of us poor fools!
How could I be so selfish
To be glad it's you instead of me?
We are all equally to blame
If love's not what it should be!
So, I plead with all America
That we look to God above,
And ask Him to fill us all
With His great and mighty love!
Let's vow to Him and one another
That we each will do our part
To overcome this old world's evil
With open arms and caring hearts!
Written
By: Darrel L. Heath
4/22/1999
Copyright © 1999 by Darrel L. Heath
Lost Innocence-
Remembering Columbine High School
Young lives were lost in a second,
as the shots rang out all around...
the students were running in terror,
while some lay dead on the ground.
Schools aren’t supposed to be deadly;
our kids are supposed to come home...
Columbine is in shock and in sadness-
and the reason may never be known.
I pray for something of value
to come out of this tragic event...
what’s happened to America’s children?
I wonder where the innocence went?
Let’s remember each student as heroes,
so their lives have not ended in vain...
let the light shine forth in the darkness
let the comfort emerge from the pain.
May the town of Littleton be mended
as the weeks and months turn to years...
and may we never forget all the children
and the families left behind in the tears.
Written by: Jill Lemming
Copyright © 1999 by Jill Lemming
WHEN MOTHER SLEEPS
Curled in a silken ball
smirk upon his large black eyeless face
quiet rumble fills the air.
Shadows of dark dwelling wood
creak and settle into midnight slumber
after a cool winter's day.
Resting on a wooden berth
spring yellow feathers, soft green underbelly
quietly rise and rhythmically fall.
Half wrapped in scarlet sheets,
heavy arms and legs twisted in red
dangle dumbly from his carriage.
Sprawled proudly on the rug
small gangly body, chocolate ears protectively perked
silently guarding his slumbering mistress.
Resting lightly, but always listening
for cries and purrs, paws and creaks
while in her lair, mother softly sleeps.
Written By: Lori Mitchell, West Virginia
Copyright © 1999 by Lori Mitchell
THE LOVE OF A DOG
The one I could always count on. The one who never left me alone. The
one who always wanted to be with me no matter what my mood. When
everyone was mad and didn't like me you always did, you'd lick my face
and lay your head on my lap. All the times I left you home alone you
love me no less when I returned. There was no better feeling than when
you would cuddle with me in a blanket. It some times felt like you were
the only true friend I had.
I would sit on my bed with you and tell you all that I felt and
thought. God, how I loved you. I never loved anyone or anything as I
loved you. I knew you would never hurt me, there was no fear in loving
you. I knew you would never stop loving me no matter what I did or said.
The only true love from the heart, with no strings attached, no
conflicts. Never any real anger between us.
I hope you understand why I let you go. You were so unhappy and you
looked so sad. You we in such pain and couldn't even play anymore. I
stayed there with you as you took you last breath. I held your head up
high, whispering my last words in your ear. As a tear came down my face,
I said "I love you"; Then laying your head down with pride, we said
goodbye.
Written By Sherri Ryan
Copyright © 1999 by Sherri Ryan
A.W.O.L.
I sat down to be creative,
But much to my despair,
When I told my brain to go to work,
It just said, "Nothing's there!"
So I tried to push back to the past,
To pick up some long lost gem,
But only found to my chagrin,
That it all had grown too dim.
So I searched round the present,
For some point of interest dear,
But my brain still sent the message,
"There's not one thing in here!"
Then I ventured to the future,
Trying to recall my dream,
But my intellect sent this word back,
"You're just not on beam!"
Now, I know the fact that I must face,
Though it really makes me grieve,
Some days I'm just not creative,
When my brain has gone on leave!
Written By: DARREL L. HEATH, 9/4/99
Copyright © 1999 by Darrel L. Heath
Web Entry: September 10, 1999
FAMILY TRADITION
Our family has traditions
that keep us close in heart
and bind us all together
when life keep us apart.
Just simple little gestures
like a card from out of the blue...
saying, “Wishing You Were Here...
I’ve sure been missing you.”
Our family takes the time
to pick up the telephone
just to say “How are you doing...
I was hoping you’d be home!”
Old fashioned ways of caring
but so precious to the heart
just a moment to be closer
when we live so far apart.
Written by: Jill Lemming from Ohio
Copyright © 1999 by Jill Lemming
Web Entry: July 4, 1999
OH MOTHER DEAR
Oh Mother Dear, a year has passed
Since you have gone away....
It happened all so suddenly
while all I did was pray....
If I could have just one more chance,
I'd hold your hand and smile...
And let you know your love and strength
made my life worthwhile...
Oh Mother Dear, I try so hard
to ease this pain inside..
I know that you are watching me
with love and faith and pride.
I close my eyes and think of you..
and sit and wonder why...
I couldn't be next to you
and hold you as you died...
Oh Mother Dear, I love you so...
Your memory remains....
Perhaps one day I'll be with you
so I can ease my pain...
Written By: Suzanne Hill
Copyright © 1999 by Suzanne Hill
THE PRECIOUS STONE
Once, many years ago,
longed a boy as he'd never before
for the precious stone he once had.
But now with him it was no more.
So decide did he to go
in search of it one day..
So once more would his life
be filled with happiness, may.
He crossed tall mountains
And swam every ferocious sea.
He knocked at every cold door
And looked under every tree.
To find it in this vast land
he knew he would fail.
For miracles choose to remain
in the covers of a fairy tale.
Home he returned at dark
too tired and weary to sleep.
But all through the long night
all he did was weep.
At dawn when he woke
he thought he'd entered a dream.
For under his bed he saw
the precious stone's gleam.
What a fool he thought he was
to search for it far and wide.
When all the while in his home
the stone glittered beside.
What truly happened that night
never will the boy know .
As he slept with moist eyes
in his room was seen a glow.
>From the heavens to the earth
God himself did descend.
And kneeling beside the boy gently
placed the stone under his bed.
Written By: Naren Chittar
Copyright © 1999 by Naren Chittar
IMITATIONS OF LIFE
We search for many things
to fill the void within...
we collect our earthly wares,
but find emptiness again.
We look towards man alone
to fill our every need...
and find loneliness and pain,
because man does not succeed.
Only God can fully mend
the hurt you try to hide...
His love will cure the heartache,
and make the pain subside.
Don't count on earthly means
to make your dreams come true...
Our faith lies in the Father,
and He is there for You.
His Face you cannot see,
but His Spirit calls Your name...
He will touch you in an instant,
& you will never be the same.
God's grace will never fail you,
His truth will never hide...
forever you can trust Him,
His love will never die.
Written by: Jill Lemming
Copyright © 1999 by Jill Lemming
WHILE YOU ARE NEAR
I don't know what you mean
And I can't hear what you say
But this remains the only way
And you're all that keeps me here
I'm not sure how to tell you
You wouldn't know what to think
You are my only link
And you're all that keeps me here
Now I need to leave this road
What I have to do is clear
Now I'll cross the empty plain
Anything while you are near
And when I lose direction and faith
Silence is my greatest fear
Solitude lurks, hidden by night
But nothing comes when you are near
You and I can face the day
And together we can win the game
At heart we are the same
And you're all that keeps me here
Now I need to leave this road
And what I'll do is clear
Now I'll cross the empty plain
I'll do it all while you are near
And when I lose direction and faith
And silence is my greatest fear
Solitude lurks, hidden by night
But nothing comes when you are near
I don't know what you mean
And I can't hear what you say
But I still dread the coming day
That I will spend alone
Written by: John Gildersleeve
Copyright © 1999 by John Gildersleeve
Web Entry: Aug 6, 1999
THE FAMILY TREE
Plant a seed of love,
watch it grow;
a twig in the beginning.
Days of sunshine,
grief and storms;
wipping against,
nearly breaking it down.
Maturing as it stands alone,
reaching taller toward the sky.
An aged branch dies,
then another of mere youth;
leaving spaces that cannot
be replaced.
Then when it's old,
many things it may become;
like heirlooms from our family,
and a generation of seeds
Planted upon solid ground,
a few blowing across meadows;
finding another place and time.
Written by: Donna Laster, from Kennett, Missouri
Copyright © 1999 by Donna Laster
Web Entry: August 7, 1999
HIS JOY, OUR STRENGTH
We can't predict what happens
in the making of a day...
these earthly lives are fragile;
we need strength to find our way.
But one thing to be sure of,
no matter what we face...
God is right here with us
as we run this earthly race.
We can choose to find His joy
which will surely be our strength...
or we can fall into depression
and refuse to go the length.
God gave us our life's journey,
and an attitude of choice...
we can linger in self-pity,
or praise Him and rejoice!
Let's lift our hands to heaven
and be happy just to say...
"His Joy will be my strength"
no matter what I face today!
Written By: Jill Lemming
Copyright © 1999 by Jill Lemming
DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL
You set me straight,
when I got out of hand.
You took ahold of my life,
when I was sinking in sand.
You never stopped believing,
in my dreams.
You helped me through,
all kinds of things.
My life seems so empty,
without you in my world.
You're the greatest man I know,
and I'm "your little girl".
But I'm not as small,
as some might see.
But "your little girl",
I will always be.
Daddy, can you hear this?
Daddy, can you see?
Daddy, I just wish
you could be here with me.
Written by: Lynda Copley from Arizona
Copyright © 1999 by Lynda Copley
LOVE HURTS
Love hurts when we least expect it to.
Love hurts when we let it into our hearts.
Love hurts when we don't won't it to.
Love hurts when we want it so badly.
Love hurts when we think we have found it.
Love hurts when we know we have lost it.
Written by: Sharan Polk from Americus, GA
Copyright © 1999 by Sharan Polk
Web Entry: November 16, 1999
"HONEY DO" LIST
Men of this world, we need to unite!
Our wives have developed a "honey do" list;
They tell us, honey do that,
And honey, please do this!
Our women have it down to a science.
They tell us about a job at the busiest part of the day,
We can't ever put them off on the job,
We have to listen to what they have to say.
Once a task gets on their list,
They never ever let us forget it.
We are reminded by notes and other means,
If we try to postpone, they just have a fit!
From plumbing, carpentry, cleaning and more,
We must accomplish these feats without a fight,
From heavy lifting to moving furniture,
Then moving it back because it didn't look right!
This "honey do" list is cramping our style,
Golf tee times and sporting events are missed;
We are constantly looking over our shoulder
For what they are going to add to that list.
Men don't have a list for their wives;
They already do their own thing.
I wish they would realize just once,
That a 'honey do" list is not fit for the family King!
Written By: Bill Flemming
Copyright © 1998 by Bill Flemming
TO A COMPANION
When I came and looked at your empty seat
A familiar person I happened to meet.
"I've known you for years", warmly smiled he.
But his name refused to come to me.
He spoke of the times good and bad
And moments of frolic and philosophizing we had.
He told me truly what a friend means.
Who's always beside, when everyone leaves.
When soon he left, did I finally guess
That he could only have been Loneliness.
Written By: Naren Chittar
Copyright © 1999 by Naren Chittar
MY CHILDREN, THEIR DAD
Once there was one baby that my wife and I had,
and since then people started calling me Dad.
It put a smile on my face to hear that word,
but one baby wasn't enough so I had a third.
Now they are growing up, each in their own way,
Two girls and a boy make for a fun day.
Sometimes they listen and sometimes they do not,
Whatever they do, I love them alot.
I play with them in the morning and play with them at night,
Then I tuck them into bed. Oh! What a sight.
"Hey Dad" they call me, "Want to play a game",
That's better than all the riches, or even fame.
When they are happy, I am happy and when they are sad, I am sad.
But in a strange way that makes me glad.
To think that in each of them is a part of me,
It's more than anyone could ask for. Don't you agree?
Some people say "leave the kids at home",
but I will never leave them alone.
Because inside my heart they all have a place,
it wasn't by luck but only by grace.
Whether they know it or not I am their best friend,
It is me that will be there for them, right to the end.
I hope some day when they have kids of their own,
they remember the words I have spoken, the words I have sown.
For it won't be long before each of them will leave,
But they will never forget me- that I believe.
I love them; I like them, even when I'm mad.
That's just the price they pay, for me being their Dad.
