Northstar Creative Writing leader, writing

What You Do Best

2009-11-29T22:03:00.002-05:00

Blue Skies, Green Grass

Birds chirping as they pass

God gave us this perfect day to live

All he asks back, is for us to give

Of ourselves, it's our greatest gift

A smile to give someone's soul lift

Maybe you can say, a kind word in passing

Or make a Friendship, that is lasting

A kind listening Ear,

Reassurance to calm a fear

Help to one who needs assistance

Minister to one who needs Resistance

God gave us talents, to use for the good

But sometimes the word talent is misunderstood

People tend to think, talents have to do with art

And in doing so, Sometimes they don't even start

To try to find out, how good they can be

At doing what they do best, Naturally

Hey, if you've read this far, then read the rest

I'm telling you, your talent, is what you do best

Think about it,

Is there something that you do really good?

You might think it won't help others,

But I bet it would!

Written By Nancie Norton 10-16-09

Nothing Can Compare ~ A Haiku

2009-04-28T00:35:00.004-04:00

A wonderful life

When one has God in their heart

Nothing can compare

He gives to us all

More love than we can give back

A Father's true love

You Are My Love

2009-04-27T21:59:00.005-04:00

Lord, you are my Love

I know it's not an infatuation

You're the first one that I think of

In every situation,

A product of your artful hands

I am, your beautiful creation

It brings me immeasurable joy, to know

That with you, I have a special relation.

A relation like no other

Intense feelings for one another

My constant companion you are

Each hour of every day

I can listen and hear you say.....

Nancie you are my Love

I know it's not infatuation

I'm the first to think of you

In every situation

I made you with my own hands

You're my beautiful creation

And it brings me immeasurable joy to know

That with me, you want a special relation.

A relation like no other

These intense feelings we feel for one another

Your constant companion, I am

No matter what, I'm always around

So each hour of every day

If you listen you'll hear me say

With Me there's always a way,

You are my Love, and I am yours.

God's Eternal Love... A Haiku

2009-02-25T12:58:00.002-05:00

God's Eternal Love

Helps us get through the bad times

That Love never fails

A Good Day To Be THANKFUL

2009-02-24T10:59:00.003-05:00

HEY, are you thankful today? You may ask, "What do I have to be thankful for?" I 'm behind on my house payments, and don't have any money, or I didn't get that promotion I was looking for, or I haven't got the kind of life I want to have...... hmmmm, Do you have healthy kids? Do you have a home to go home into, when it's too cold to stay outside? Do you have some kind of food to go into your stomach when you feel hungry? Do you have to struggle to pull air into your lungs, when you take a breath? Do you have to hold onto a walker every time you take a step, to keep from falling? Do you have to push switches with your chin, cause you can't feel your hands? Think about it.... we always have something to be thankful for if we are alive and have the mindfullness to know that we are alive.

We may have one problem or another or several at one time.... We may have one health problem or another, or several, at one time, but you know.... there's someone, somewhere, who has it a whole lot worse than we do..... If we open our eyes and look around, we would probably see them. Today might be a good day to reassess the good things in your life! To say, "Hey, it could be so much worse!" I'm Thanking God for his Blessings today, Are you? ~Peace~ Nancie

He Reached Down

2009-02-19T17:40:00.002-05:00

A couple of years ago a friend of mine who plays and sings but doesn't feel that he can write songs, asked me to write a song. he threw out a few ideas concerning a life that had gone way off course and and then found God... this is what I came up with.... of course I had to add a little to it, today... we never got around to putting music to it, I'm not even sure if it's right for music, but it still has a message to someone..............
........................................................................................................................................................................

There was a time
in the past
when my life,
the way I lived it
moved so fast
And always,
to get where I wanted to be
I just ran over others,
even my Family

I couldn't be happy
No matter how hard I tried
Everything I did
left me unsatisfied
So I kept on searchin'
for something to stoke my pride
All the while
I was dying inside

Chorus
Then my Father God, In all his Majesty
Reached down to put his arms around me
He didn't care what I had done
He was my Father and I was his Son
Yes, He was my Father, and I was his Son

I had to crawl
before I could walk
I had to cry out to him
before I could talk
I was the apple of his eye
And I couldn't understand why
Because I was rotten to the core
My seed was sin,
But that was before....

Chorus
My Father God in all of his majesty
Reached down and put his arms around me
He doesn't care what I have done
'Cause He is my Father, and I am his son
Oh Yes, He's my Father and I'm his Son

That fast moving treadmill
that I was on
left little time
for my family and home
I gave into temptations
to drink and roam
But now I'm singin a brand new song

Chorus
'Cause, My Father God with all his Majesty
Reached down, and put his arms around me
He doesn't care what I have done
He is my Father, and I am his Son
Yes, He's my Father and I'm his Son

No, no, I don't run anymore
to appease my foolish pride
Since God slowed me down
to walk by his side
Before I was running,
with no place to go
not knowing that
Jesus loved me so
I was running so hard
from place to place
denying some truths
that I needed to face

Chorus
But that was before You,
My Father God, with all your Majesty
You reached down and put your arms around me
No, You don't care about the things that I've done
'Cause you are my Father and I am your Son.

I'm a new man, since I found that out,
And now I don't have anymore doubts
you are my Father, And I am your Son

Well.... it's been a while!

2009-02-19T10:16:00.005-05:00

Hey Ya'll,

This isn't a poem, I'm going to put in a poem later. But right now, I want to thank Lee for his vintage thoughts.net. I tried to comment there, but I must be doing something wrong, cause for some reason it wouldn't let me.... So I'll put it here!

Vintagethoughts. on Lee's blog..... Well........................

It's a great place to reflect on ourselves, because so many things he says to us on there, hits home with one or the other of us, at any given time. He relays feelings that we've felt at one time or another, or sometimes touches on feelings that we need to examine inside ourselves. No matter which way it touches you and me it's still Food for thought, Manna..... so to speak. Something I read last night touched home with me, so much so, that I felt it warranted this note. With so much going on in my life, sometimes it's too easy to lose sight of the fact, that I truely am blessed far beyond belief. I let a failed marriage and life trials, give me reason to hold my own pity party, more than once, more than twice, oh, so many times this past year, I have always been a strong person, but for some reason, allowed satan to use these events to cloud my vision about what is more important in my life.... about just how thankful I should be for every breath I take and every step I make. I lost sight of the fact that if I gave it ALL to God. He WOULD take it from me and take care of tying up all the loose ends.

See... my problem has been, that I would give it to him, but I tried to keep the task of tying up all the loose ends, for me to do, which never failed to put me back on that rollercoaster ride, called "Life in the self pity lane," up and down, and round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows! I'm sure you've been the only passenger on a rollercoaster ride at some time in your life, and you kinda get stuck on it when the POWER, (God's power) gets interrupted due to something you feel or something you've done, or something you feel has been done to you. There's any number of reasons why we take the Rollercoaster ride from hell , (because when you think about it that's where it originates when satan steps in and takes the controls.) The main reason I see is that sometimes when we are not thankful ENOUGH, we forget just how much God does give us, as gifts, we forget the fact that we are not entitled to ANYTHING, in this life. We forget that LIFE, in and of itself is a magnificent Gift, given freely to us, by our Lord. And that with his help this life is always good even when we perceive it to be falling apart. PERCEIVE being the key word in that sentence.....

The next time that I get in the mood for an "oh, me, poor me" Get together, I will invite God to help with the planning and details. He can help me change my feelings and make it an, "Oh Father I thank You!" Praise party. Because at the end of the day, everyday! And at the beginning of the day too, for that matter!... That's right where we need to be.............

I have made several copies of Lee's vintage thought column on this, and will keep it handy to remind me that I do have so much more to be thankful for, each and every day, than I sometimes realize. THANK YOU LEE! You are an Awesome Leader and one of God's gifts to Northstar Church, and His World! Hey you guys, if you are thankful for someone and how they've helped you, LET THEM KNOW! This is a good place to start.....

In God's Love,

~Peace~

Nancie Norton

All, Is Not For Us To Know ~ Haiku ~

2008-11-05T00:34:00.003-05:00

Cloudy skies outside

While sunshine is peeking through

How can it be both?

Understanding Life

Sometimes gets complicated

When bad things are said

God knows everything

All is not for us to know

Some, he will show us

Wait for his guidance

All good things worth waiting for

Life changes daily

God grant me patience

To wait for answers from you

My strength is in you.

Sometimes He Speaks Through Me

2008-11-03T20:06:00.002-05:00

If you speak
They will hear
Tell them how
I'm always near

Give them manna
Feed their Spirit
If they listen
They will hear it

This is how
It should always be
I love them dearly
They should only worship me

I am their Father
There is only one
I allowed for their sake
The crucifiction of my Son

If they ask
I will forgive
It's the only way
They can eternally live

So tell them now
And if they don't listen
When all gather in Heaven
They will be missing.

An Evening To Remember

2008-11-01T18:49:00.004-05:00

The beauty of an Alabama sunset

A marvelous sight, you won't soon forget

Looking out past the fields of hay

A sight to behold, at the end of the day

The sweet lonesome call of the whippoorwill

The last few days seem so surreal

Sittin' on the porch with Family and Friends

Wishing the evening, didn't have to end

Days of the past, when our Family lived close

These are the times that I miss the most

A death in the Family, brings us all back together

Heartstrings that tie us, like an invisible tether

All too soon, this unlikely reunion will end

And we'll all go our seperate ways again

Hugging, and vowing, that we'll keep in touch

With these Family members that we love so much

It's easy to keep in touch,with many ways to communicate

We can't let life hold us up, tomorrow might be too late

We never know if we'll have each other tomorrow, keep in touch with your loved ones......

Sisters In Christ

2008-11-01T16:33:00.004-05:00

Oh, my Sisters in Christ, Count it all joy

When you go through temptations from satan's ploys

If you'll stand firm in your Faith, you'll receive

The wisdom and strength,given to Women who believe

And imagine this, when your faith is being tried

Your patience will grow, you'll be changing inside

Remember, wavering not is an absolute must

GOD says, "In me, you must put your absolute trust"

Without that trust, you'll be like a wave in the sea

Driven with the wind, and tossed mightily

So Sisters in Christ, be ever so strong

Cling to the Father, all the day long

He will hold to your hand, and walk with you

No matter what trials you have,GOD will see you through!

Mirrors of the past... December 12, 2005

2008-10-31T14:28:00.005-05:00

I've never put many of this kind of poem on here, these are feelings that I've had a hard time
sharing with others. I always looked at it as venting. And perhaps it is. But I'm realizing that in order to grow as an Artist for GOD, I have to see ALL of my work as the art that it is.... As the talent that HE gave me to share with other people. After all, these may be words that can touch another, and help them to know that they are not alone in this journey that we call Life. And that they are not alone in the trials and troubles that sometimes will intrude, into their seemingly secure life with another.... and maybe, just maybe, I can show them that Life only gets better if we allow JESUS, to carry us when we can't walk anymore on our own. Hopefully I can help another to believe as I've come to believe, that sometimes when bad things happen to good people, even though you feel like the Hurt and pain will swallow you up, IT WILL GET BETTER.
If we'll let him, GOD will use it to realign us with the plan, that he had for us all along.
~ PEACE ~ Nan

Looking in my Bathroom mirror
What is it that I see?
The years of hurt and heartbreak
Have taken their toll on me.

I use to be a happy person
In my eyes,you could always see a smile
But because of all you've done to me
They haven't been that way in a while

You're not the man, I thought you were
When I pledged my life to you
Behind that smile and those lying eyes
Is a heart that beats untrue

I've finally come to realize that
Your heart doesn't know how to care
I've tried to overlook this fact
Even though,the signs were always there

It's time for me to give you up
The time is here and now
I don't know how I can still love you
I'll just have to work through that somehow

Maybe one day I can look back
Without this emptyness and pain
Hopefully, that time will come very soon
And I can feel like a whole woman again.

Written in Dec. of 2005, after yet another try, to make a broken relationship work.

~ Can You Believe it? Just one Haiku ~

2008-10-29T15:48:00.001-05:00

So many bad times
Have come my way this past year
I hold on to GOD.

Rain Dancer ~~~~~~~ Haiku

2008-10-27T11:02:00.004-05:00

At the marina
The skies dark and ominous
Rain is comming in

A man and his dog
Nearby playing in the grass
The wind blows fiercely

Pictures of the boats
Beautiful and so serene
Then the thunder rolls

Seagulls call to me
Wish I could have stayed longer
And danced in the rain

For some reason, I can't stop with one haiku when I write them, I am compelled to write a series most of the time.... Hmmmm......... Maybe it's an OCD kind of thing.... Hee Hee Just in case you were wondering..... and if you weren't wondering....... uhhh, just disregard the conversation here.

Use Me Father God

2008-10-27T09:33:00.002-05:00

I'm glad my precious Jesus
That I have you in my heart
Your love for me is so sweet
I hope we're never again apart

Use me, my Father God,
To spread your word throughout,
This great big world around me
Oh! So many things I can tell them about!

Like how you can provide for their every need,
Or about the way you care for us
And then, there's that thing we have between us
You know, that beautiful feeling called trust

Oh Heavenly Father, I will tell them how
You sent your Beloved Son to Earth
To cleanse our souls, by shedding his blood,
It was all planned before his birth

As a Mother, Lord I know,
That must have been a hard thing to do
But you did it, so you could show us
Just how much you loved us too

I'll tell, how you wanted to give us a chance
To have a relationship with you
And that you even gave us a manual
To teach us how and what to do

Lord, I'll tell them,"Take time to read it,
You might be surprised at what you find!"
Then Lord, as you reach out to them,
I know that some will change their minds.

On The Subject Of Giving

2008-10-27T09:03:00.002-05:00

You know, God loves a cheerful giver
Someone who gives from the Heart
God doesn't want us to ignore our bills
He just asks that we do our part

Giving a part of all that we have
And a part of all that we make
Makes for many blessings
Of which, we can all partake

Sometimes our household expenses
Threaten to swallow us up
Along with credit and gas cards
Yeah... we all drink from that same cup

Some of us need to take a second look
At where all our money goes
So many things, we think we've got to have
Like those name brand shoes and clothes

Are things, we could save some money on
To make sure we have enough to give
To God and people who are in need
Of food and medicine, just to live

God says he'll take care of all of our needs,
And if we give, all that we can
He'll make sure, we get some of what we want
That's all just a part of his plan.

You Are Talented

2008-08-19T22:07:00.003-04:00

Writing, by far is the coolest thing
Which leaves non writers wondering

How we can think up the things that we write
Sometimes even getting up,to write in the night

Writing is a talent,God gave us you see
He gave us all talents,no matter what they may be

But talents aren't restricted to writing,music and Art
On the stage in God's life play, we all have a part

There are no insignificant people in this world
Whether it be a Man, a Woman, a Boy, or a Girl

If you try, you can discover what your talents are
It's what you do best, It's your shining star

It may be something as simple as a good listening ear
There are always people who need someone to hear

Or maybe you always know just the right words
Comforting another,when painful events have occured

You could be someone who draws specific attention
Like a Preacher,a Teacher,or a speaker at conventions

Your talent may be, a warm friendly smile
Or the ability to run faster,than anyone else in a mile

A cook, a carpenter, a plumber or a vet
These are all talents...Have you picked, yours out yet?

Be true to yourself,be who you were created to be
You'll find that in many ways, it will set you free

Those feelings of discontent will all fade away
You'll be so much happier, with each passing day.

So if you haven't discovered yet,what your talents are
Give God a chance to show you,it's what he's been waiting for.

Open His Eyes

2008-08-12T16:09:00.002-04:00

Lord touch his heart
And let him know that you are there
He doesn't realize
That you will always care

Open his eyes wide, Lord
So that he may see
That you my God, can fill his soul
With your love constantly

I hope that he can find you
Before his time on Earth is up
Because his way of life now
Is meaningless and corrupt

But Lord, I shouldn't be judging him
I know, that's for you to do
We'll all be before your throne one day
When our days on Earth are through

So let me be an example
Of your eternal saving Grace
To him and all the others
Who doesn't have you within their space.

He Is Your Spirit

2008-06-28T19:41:00.005-04:00

With so much seemingly going wrong
lately, I have to really be on my Guard,
Because satan will use anything he can, to
gain control......

Mixed emotions here
Are things as they seem to be?
Sometimes hard to tell

Running on empty
Can I keep on keeping on?
I ask GOD for help

He is always there
He has never let me down
His Love is REAL

Waiting for the day
When life is almost normal
Trusting in my LORD

Look to your Spirit
The strength that you need is there
HE IS YOUR SPIRIT.......

Dream A Little Dream

2008-06-26T18:28:00.003-04:00

Haiku X 7

Me and Mister Moon
Talking nonsense with the stars
A gentle breeze blows

Play a tune for me
On a guitar named Sally
Music calms the soul

Live in this moment
Tomorrow is not promised
Savor life's Flavor

Sit down by the creek
Beauty unmatched anywhere
Dream a little dream

Delicate moonbeams
Shining down on me
Lighting up my life

Watch the dancing flames
As the fire warms the soul
Sweet moments in time

God gives us beauty
All around us in the world
Enjoy all these gifts!

Soldier God Is With You

2008-06-26T18:02:00.003-04:00

Soldier, God is with you
He's with you, everywhere you go
You can be sure he's walking beside you
This is something, he wants you to know

He said, to tell you that anytime you need to
You can reach out and touch his hand
Oh, but don't worry, when you feel that scar
That's something he got, from taking a stand

A stand that wasn't very popular
With many people back in those days
And you can bet, there were perils and hardships
Comming at him, from so many different ways

Even though, he went through so much
From his goal, he never did stray
He was never one to back down
That just wasn't Jesus's way

Just like you, he stood up for a cause
To help people like us, to be free
Free from satan's life destroying power
Giving us all the freedom to choose our destiny

And you can believe, he is right there
Taking this stand with you
You can trust him with your life
No matter what you are going through

Just call his name, he's listening
He will always recognize your voice
He wants a personal relationship with you
But, it has got to be your choice

So Soldier, wherever you may be
Know, that God is there
And no matter what your choice may be
Know, that he'll always care....

Please Consider It...

2008-06-25T17:59:00.003-04:00

As I sit here waiting for a delivery of Dialysis solution
for my daughter....(because she has started a new job
today) and the company delivers by appointment only,
she asked me to come over to wait and sign for the delivery.
These are my thoughts...............

Wind chimes
Play a song
as I sit here,

Considering life...

And thinking, of my daughter,
and all she's been through
And still...

She is strong!

Dialysis,
A foriegn word to most people
One we never grasp the importance of
Until it is needed by, someone we love,

To stay alive...

Even now,
It seems so foriegn,
The thought that, without it
My Daughter could,

Die......

My Miracle child
who survived, a car backing
over her body, at the age of
Two and a half years.

My Miracle child,
Who survived with, a fractured femur
After being hit by a car
When she was eight

My miracle child,
Who survived a rollover wreck,
without a seatbelt, not long ago.
God brought her through all this,

For a reason.....

So I have to believe that,
this too,
She will survive!

A kidney transplant

Is what she needs,
But the wait is long....

It breaks my heart
to see all that she,
has to go through as she waits

For a new life.............

If you've never thought about Organ Donation,
Please consider it... There are so many people
out there, just like my Daughter. Whose lives depend
on getting a transplanted organ, some die before an
organ is available............

The First Deception

2008-06-24T18:31:00.003-04:00

It all began with Adam and Eve
The blatant attempts to deceive

God had given them, oh so much
All things good and beautiful, right there to touch

Only one instruction, he gave to them
He asked, that they not disobey him

He said, "Children, don't eat the fruit of this tree,
It's very important, you must listen to me!"

But satan pulled out all of the stops
He tempted Eve with the apple crop

He caught her alone, out in the garden
God's rules, satan talked her into discarding

Then she invited Adam to have some too
Taking a bite of that apple, he agreed to do

God was watching this, right from the start
Seeing all this.... well it broke his heart

That's when they discovered, that they were nude
This turned something beautiful,into something lewd

When God called to them, they would not come
Looking for cover, they now felt they needed some

From that day on, the plan was changed
Life as they knew it, had been rearranged

The deceit that satan used, still goes on today
So many more temptations, now come our way

God gives us a chance to choose wrong or right
When satan tempts, we can give in, or fight

So today when you're tempted by that deceptive old snake
Give alot of thought to the choice that you make.......

This Special Child

2008-06-24T13:04:00.003-04:00

Heaven brought me this special child
She melts my heart, when she smiles

She's not like most, she has special needs
But in determination, she far exceeds

When a child is different, only God knows why
For us, no understanding... so we shouldn't try

Our job is to love and guide them the best that we can
Teaching them, without too many demands

This is one of God's Angels, right here on Earth
Menningitis struck her, two months after her birth

For everything, there is a time and a season
God spared this child for a special reason

Thank you Lord for this Special Child
Who melts my heart, when she smiles

Cinquan

2008-06-12T00:11:00.002-04:00

Cinquan ( sin-kane ) A thought devided
into five lines..The first and last lines have
2 syllables, The second line has 4 syllables
the third line has 6 syllables the fourth line
has 8 syllables .........

I thought I would try it, and it turned out to be fun

Hear a
Guitar, playing
With beautiful voices
Singing love songs down on the beach
Loudly

Happiness Is There

2008-06-11T23:52:00.003-04:00

Rose colored glasses
I can't see the truth through them
Time to take them off

A heart crying out
Happiness is just out of reach
Touching fingertips

Here I sit alone
No other soul in sight
Silence is golden

Rascal Flatts, No Reins
Hearing that song sets me free
A song for my soul

God always lifts me
When somebody hurts my heart
A Savior, A Friend

Happiness is there
Reach out for that nail scarred hand
Grab it and hang on!

ENOUGH

2008-06-10T20:57:00.004-04:00

God created a special woman
To be a mate for each man
To stand by him when others won't
And to help him in any way she can

When one finds that special woman
In God's eyes, she's his partner for life
He even gave her a special name
In the Bible she is called a Wife

Now a man and wife has something special
A relationship to have with no other
It's a pleasure described in Song of Soloman
Not to ever be shared with another

But satan saw a way
To use it for his means
He will slip right in and tempt one
Overcomming any doubts and reservations, it seems

God knew there would be temptations
In the Bible it's called lust
When a marriage is invaded by it
The result is a broken trust

You know, trust once someone loses it
Is extremely hard to get back
It brings a roller coaster effect to a marriage
Causing it to frequently jump the track

An injured marriage can only
Be fixed by our Father, from above
He helps one find forgiveness because,
In a marriage there should always be love

It takes both partners working
At building up each other
God should be the only third party in between
Two people have to be committed,only to one another

But there will come a day when God says "ENOUGH!
You don't have to take it anymore!"
"You've tried so hard to repair this relationship,
To help it become like it was before."

"I can't justify putting you through
Those bad times, you've seen in the past!
You need someone who will stand by you
With a commitment, that will last."

" So go in peace, my child,
I'll pick you up, if you should fall
You are never alone, I am always here,
When you need me, you just call."

"As you go about building a new life,
Make sure to always keep me in the center
I'm your Father, your Savior, your Friend
And I'll forever be your mentor."

Life In Haiku

2008-06-10T20:37:00.003-04:00

Life is like a rose
As we bloom out for all to see
Beauty from God's hand

Life is like a song
A melody that's unmatched
God writes all the notes

Life is like a dance
Beautiful fluent movements
God is our partner

Life is like a ring
Love makes it go round and round
God is our jeweler

Life is like a car
Running through good times and bad
God's our mechanic

God gave us this life
To live any way we want
What amazing love

God makes no demands
On this life that he gave us
We live as we choose.......

Haiku With A Smile

2008-06-10T20:17:00.003-04:00

May I come and sit
Only for a little while
To bask in your smile

A genuine smile
Given when you meet someone
Can make a new friend

Some give smiles freely
Some grit their teeth when they smile
Some don't ever smile

I have smiling eyes
People often tell me so
So how do eyes smile?

A smile can make friends
A frown can run them away
I like smiles better

A smile can show love
A smile can mask a heartbreak
Some smiles can deceive

Smiles make us feel nice
Smiles can connect our feelings
Whenever we meet

A smile can give support
A smile says you care
Smiles are important in life

My dog gives me a smile
When she is happy with me
This makes me smile too

A beautiful smile
A gift to all that you meet
Give one and get one!

GIVE someone a smile today
SMILES can be sunshine on a cloudy day

Haiku About God

2008-06-10T19:53:00.004-04:00

God's amazing love
Carries us through anything
If we do believe

Finding peace of mind
Searching for answers from God
His word never fails

If you have problems
He can help you deal with them
Just let him do it

God promises this
To love us all of our days
A promise he keeps

I tell you the truth
You can have eternal life
If you trust in him

Sometimes

2008-05-24T11:41:00.003-04:00

Sometimes
Love is not for us to have
Only for us to view from a distant star

Sometimes
Understanding is not for us to have
Only in an abstract way of knowing

Sometimes
Seeing is not done with our eyes
Only through the feelings of our heart

Sometimes
A song ceases to be musical
Only to become lyrical words that rhyme

Sometimes
Moving past the barriers of old pain
Only happens, through new pain

Sometimes
Loving another can be fulfilling
Only if, we love ourselves

Sometimes
Living life alone, but not lonely
Only makes us strong in who we are

Sometimes
All it takes... is to be still and listen
Only to be stronger in GOD

Sometimes..............

Four Words

2008-05-24T10:48:00.002-04:00

Moving,
Through the halls with ease.
Doors and walls, no barrier here
Calling,
They can't hear me.
They don't know I'm here.

I see their faces.......

Walking,
By their side,
Need their presence,
Their energy.... To survive.
I see her shiver,
Almost as if,
A cool breeze, touched her skin.
They don't know I'm here.

I roam the halls, at will
Searching,
Searching for answers.
No understanding here.

Reason...
I need a reason,
An explanation,
An answer!
Is this real? It can't be!
I cry out," PLEASE HEAR ME!"
They can't hear me
They don't know I'm here

Too young, can't give up,
I need a second chance!
A second chance....
To live... To love,
To be,
Hold on...Hold on to,
Every minute, Every second!

A light....
OH... So very bright!

Electric shock!
Pain... A pain like no other,
Struggling, to breath,
Voices...
Distant at first,
Then closer,
No understanding here.
The light...
It's gone,
They don't know I'm here,
Watching,
Feeling,
Hearing,
Four Words...................

"We've Got A Heartbeat!"

Where Love Was Not An Issue

2008-05-23T20:04:00.003-04:00

Walking,
Along the shore
Looking out over the water

Wondering,
about Tomorrow
Thinking about yesterday

And finding peace,
in today

Marveling, at the changes
that life has brought my way

Tiny baby steps

Big steps are too much

As I am stepping
out of a life
Where the tie that binds
Was wrapped
only around one heart

A heart
with true compassion
For the soul of another
A soul
that could not love another
A soul
that could not love it's self

Because as a child
It was not taught to love
Learning only to survive
in a life
Where love was not an issue

It's sad,
When one sees others
only as players in a game

A game called life
Where in his eyes
There are no allies

Always seeking to win
at all cost
trusting no one
Stepping on many
as his game progresses

His ruthelessness grows
No one
gets a free pass from him

Life moves
faster and faster
Toward a time
when being alone and lonely
will be the prize

Awarded to the winner

Who could not lose
to love.......

Mary

2008-04-24T09:13:00.000-04:00

Can’t be what you wanted now
You try to find another way
To fix the cracks and paint over the scars
Fill it up, Oh pour it out
You’re not the only one who’s gone without
You must be tired of pretending
Mary go round

Take your secrets to the grave
Don’t tell me that you’re sorry for the silence
It’s not like you didn’t warn me
If this is how you want to be
Then look me in the eyes and try to smile
I think you’re tired of pretending
Mary go round

Have you got it figured out
Your self-involving sense of how
The world is spinning circles just for you
Take a breath and let it out
I hate to be the one to point this out
But I’m so tired of you pretending
Mary go round

Under Green Apple Trees~

2008-04-12T20:18:00.002-04:00

Under Green Apple Trees

She knew about the little things,
About children, family and love;
She took care of all, great and small,
And believed in God above.

She never finished school, drove a car,
Or felt the need to roam,
she lived contently in her small house,
And did her best to make it home.

She had a garden, chickens, pigs,
And six children in her life.
That meant there was alot of hard work to do
for my Grandaddy's wife.

She didn't have much of wordly things,
Not very much to spare;
But what she had, she gave freely,
She had enough to share.

My mind's eye can still remember
Her clean and simple clothes,
She never wore slacks either,
Not even when it snowed.

She'd wear an apron, a gingham dress
And sometines a sun bonnet;
But whatever she wore there'd never be
Any fancy frills upon it.

Each morning before the sun came up,
We could smell the biscuits baking,
and there was fresh coffee and homemade jam,
And eggs with sausage or bacon.

She couldn't stop what she was doing
To play or read a book;
But I'd be her shadow through the day,
And watch… and learn… and look.

From old clothes she could make quilts and rugs,
And pretty doilies she'd crochet.
Her house was embraced by cozy peace
As she labored through her day.

Under big oak trees, she'd wash the clothes,
Then hang them up to dry,
On long clotheslines, way up high
In a bright Kentucky sky.

At the end of the day, the family would gather
And sit under green apple trees;
We'd talk of the weather, and if it were summer,
Hope for a soft cool breeze.

She didn't say very much in words,
But her eyes were kind and dear,
They'd say, "I love you" and "you're special"
And "I'm glad to have you here".

She'd tuck us into feather beds
And pile the quilts on high;
Another day is over, and it's time to say,
"Goodnight".

Grandma is gone from this earth now,
And I miss her in so many ways,
But she'll live in my heart and my best memories,
All the rest of my days.

You'll never be able to meet her,
But my children I promise to tell,
The stories of our Guardian Angel,
Sweet Grandma, Ina Estelle.

October 10, 1904 ~ June 28 1976

In loving memory,
Lynnette

Jesus Paid The Price

2008-04-10T21:45:00.002-04:00

Jesus paid the price, to rescue me
From a life of failure, and sin you see

He gave his life, so I could live
What a totally unselfish gift to give

I know I'm worth it, God tells me so
Sometimes I lose sight of the fact, as satan
pulls me to and fro

There is no other quite like me
And he's always reminding me lovingly

That He created me for a special reason
For every one of us there's a time and a season

He gave us many gifts, and talents to use
If we don't use them, so many will lose

God wants us, to help others to see
That he loves them no matter who they may be

So I'm telling you now, before it's too late
That it's time to change, you don't need to wait

Give God a chance, he's waiting on you
Turn your life around, that's all you have to do

Accept him as your Lord and Savior today
If you want to get to heaven, there's no other way!

....Purpose....

2008-04-10T17:03:00.002-04:00

Enchanted, beguiling, crooked chambers,
… of Smoke filled glances,
through dark prisms and dying embers,
One thought expressed in a chorus of empty,
A collapsed impression, jaded and dented.
A time when glory flew across the sky,
When deep people hung their heads to cry.
A time when evil was clear and articulate,
Now in peril of being grossly fickle.
Dense jungles of questions,
Shrouded in ambiguity,
Lost in purpose,
Shaded without beauty.
A tinting of Purpose lingers on the edges,
Of 15 tomorrows, numbered with wedges,
Driven deep inside, to heart’s very core,
Symbolic thoughts of a forgotten Lore,
Times go past, rivers run dry,
Stones outlining the Valley of Crumbling Lies.
Truth in part, finds its way,
Glaring out in eternal Light.
Run backwards, across the days,
Until Hope seeps back in through dust-covered eyes.

Dark Waves

2008-02-19T14:04:00.001-05:00

Dark waves , silhouettes, mists of unknown power,
Outlined with unreasonable consistency,
Each ebb and flow a shower
Of destruction and concern,
Wrinkles of tomorrow,
Unsettling, undiscerning,
Formidable in its sorrow.
Morbid by nature, a hint of non-existence,
Undead in its approach,
Yet uncanny against resistance.
Blurry, unclear,
Discolored….bleak.
Strain, stress, peace….no peace.
Tension and rapid change,
An unseen chorus begins to sing,
Go under, go down,
To the depths of not knowing,
Giving up there, for the end is growing,
While sunlight works to shine that far,
The heart begins to slow,
Each consecutive beat hard,
Not wavering from its designated course,
A place of unknown torrent
Rocking with deadly force.
Shadows close in, binding together,
Until His voice is heard,
Hard as iron, strong and weathered.
“Come Out”

A Bitter Refrain

2008-01-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

There are spaces between the steps you take
Where the fallen have made their places on the ground
You look around
To see there’s no one standing there beside you

There were morning stars that seemed to shine
With answers you sought with selfish prayers
But with the rising sun they faded out
And you can’t pretend you didn't see
All the ones you left behind

A shattered life
A broken home
You turn your eyes
Avoid the truth of what you’ve done

You cast a stone
For every sin
You try to hide
From people dying still inside

Hearts are crying out for a taste of grace
Battered lives that only seek to be forgiven
All you can do
Is stand there basking in the glory of yourself

Behind your pulpit stained with drying tears
You speak with contradictions in your faith
With one side freely giving mercy
While your god shows no grace
To those who need it now

A shattered life
A broken home
You turn your eyes
Avoid the truth of what you’ve done

You cast a stone
For every sin
You try to hide
From people dying still inside

Friends Fill A Secial Need

2008-01-10T10:04:00.000-05:00

A friend is someone who makes you smile
A friend is someone who'll go that extra mile

A friend will comfort you when you cry
They'll hold your hand, without asking why

And when you're ready to talk, they are there
With a listening ear, because they care

They will laugh with you when times are good
They never laugh at you, when others would

A friend stands by you,when the going gets tough
They'll help you walk away when you've had enough

Friends are always ready to lend a helping hand
You don't have to ask, they'll be there if they can

Friends can talk with their eyes, to each other
Sometimes being as close as a sister or a brother

Yes, friendship is a special relationship, indeed
GOD puts friends together, to fill a special need

Something to consider,when you meet someone new,
This may be someone GOD sent, for you to be a friend to!

What Would JESUS Do?

2007-12-24T10:51:00.000-05:00

As we journey through this life
We see so many things
Things that we feel are wrong
Abuse, untruths, and quarrelings

But most times we don't speak up
'Cause we don't want to get involved
We turn and look the other way
Hoping someone else can get "the problem" resolved

We as Christians need to rethink
Our attitudes, and the actions that we take
When another is in trouble
What a difference we might make

We could possibly save a little child's life
Or save that woman from being beat up again
Maybe help that person who is homeless
to find shelter from the rain

We as Christians , read our Bible
And we read it every day
The verses tell us how to live
Yet we don't always hear what they say

We yearn to be like JESUS
A servant to GOD,and man
But when it's time to "walk the walk"
We "walk" right by if we can

The next time you see a need
Someone who might need help from you
Give it some thought, and ask yourself
"What would JESUS do?"

This Mind Of Mine

2007-11-19T20:34:00.000-05:00

As I sit here thinking, I wonder why
Birds can't talk, and people can't fly
But isn't that silly, my mind is playing games
It gives me something to do, to keep me sane
Confusion usually rules my day
Making mistakes with things that I say
My memory is always playing tricks on me
My eyes sometimes block out things that I see
And if my job depended on things that I hear
I would have been gone, early last year
I hope if you read this, you will understand
That sometimes I have trouble with life's demands
At those times,running away is such an attraction
But I try to get away, by a self made distraction
I sure do get frustrated with this mind of mine
So I ask for GOD'S help, He gives me peace sublime.

I Thought You Should Know

2007-11-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

Though I smile and laugh
The pain is still there
Dwelling within my body
It goes with me everywhere

You may think that I feel fine
Because I always try to hide
The fact that I am hurting
From top to bottom, and side to side

I don't want to complain to you
I'm afraid you'll think I whine
But I can't help letting it show
That I feel so bad sometimes

Please understand, when you ask me
How I am on any particular day
I may reply, I'm okay or I'm fine
But really, I usually don't feel that way

Just because I make the effort
To make myself look nice
People look at me, and think I'm healthy
Not realizing how much I sacrifice

My life is in neutral most of the time
Each day can go either way
The pain can take away my drive
Or I will have a semi-bumpy ride all day

There never seems to be a day
When the pain is completely gone
But I can't give up, I can't give in to it
And there's no use to gripe and moan

Sometimes, a hug is painful
Some days, my whole body feels bruised
So pleased don't be hurt or mad when I hug you
If there are times when I don't act enthused

So don't let my smiling face fool you
I try to smile, even when I can hardly go
And, I didn't say all this to get your sympathy
It's just something I thought you should know

"Constant pain," and "sometimes pain"
Are completely different you see
With "sometimes pain" it's here and gone
But "chronic pain" comes and never leaves

And there's no way, if you only have pain sometimes
That you can comprehend what I'm talking about
If you haven't had never ending pain
It's hard to understand, and this might lead you to doubt

I pray that you will never have to feel
The debilitating effect of chronic pain
It changes your life in so many ways
Even so..... life is good, because GOD helps me to maintain.

This Day

2007-11-15T11:03:00.000-05:00

A point of no return, where to stand?
In this moment, myriads of thoughts,
Sickening reflections of yesterday,
Messages written in the sand,
Washed away by an ocean,
Of unrelenting waves, crashing, slowly,
Then faster still, more powerful than the first,
Life losing its thrill?
Tomorrow in sight, where to stand,
Once again the clock ticks,
Nothing stopping its hands.
Steady moving of nonchalant minutes,
Underscored with emotion,
And hints of comprehension,
A moment, the flame burning hot,
Glowing brightly, its embers,
Until it is not.
Where to stand, we have today,
No effort in vain,
When we are walking this Way.

The Woman That God Made You To Be

2007-11-10T13:21:00.001-05:00

Hey you, Yeah you girl! Standing in someone's shadow over there....
Why are you always putting yourself in the backseat?
Is it because others have talked you into believing,
That there are standards for a woman, you fail to meet?

Well Honey, let me tell you something
It's a truth I discovered not to long ago,
To GOD, I am beautiful in every way
I know this because He tells me so!

His message includes you too,
Because like me, you're unique, one of a kind.....
Be that wonderful woman GOD made you to be!
He gave all of us exclusive talents, and a beautiful mind.

Love yourself, like He loves you
Don't let anyone suppress who you are,
Take care of yourself, you're a strong vibrant woman
Don't allow yourself to continue being scarred

This is not what our Father had in mind for your life
He doesn't want you to take mental or physical abuse
That's one way satan tries to diminish your spirit
But GOD had an amazing plan, when he created you!

He created you to love, and be loved
And to you, All His Love He will give
So Honey, DON'T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS
Than the magnificent life, He created you to live!

If you'll give Him the chance, He'll show you
His plans for the woman, into which you have grown
He will bring to your life a peaceful satisfaction
It's time, to be the Woman that you've never known!

Nightmare

2007-11-08T12:48:00.000-05:00

No choices I have made
To justify this life
No good thing I have ever done
To deserve a second chance
A second breath
A fallen soul
Victim of circumstance

Deserted by the ones I knew
Despite promises
Of forever
Of forgiveness
Of grace
Promises;
They shatter into a thousand pieces
Like a thin glass thrown from the heavens
Or shards of the broken bottle
That lies in a pile beside the place where I sleep
Any hope that resided within me
Died the moment they turned their backs to my face

Were they all wearing masks, I wonder
Faking their smiles to build false hopes inside gullible hearts
I stood on a doorway
Debating for what seemed to be a lifetime
Reluctantly raising my left hand
To tap on the oval shaped glass that set within the wooden door
The sun had yet to rise
The door opened only halfway

In just one moment
The looks in their eyes sent waves of guilt crashing inside of me
I reached out for a hand to take mine
Any hand at all
It never came

Shame took the place where my hope once stood
Shame took over me and filled every part of my life
It picked me up when no one else would
Took my hand and brought me to the place I am now

The concrete floor beneath me
With its unforgiving cold on my bare feet
Making me numb
So I at least do not have to feel any pain

Hands have destroyed my body
In the same way the mask-wearing-ones had destroyed my spirit
As fragile as it was
Choking out any remnants of life I had left
They raped me of my innocence
Left me broken
With nothing but hatred and blame for myself

The face that stares back at me
The one that is meant to be a reflection
I can hardly recognize
Darkness surrounds my face
Thin and unappealing
Shadows and bruises decorate the skin beneath my eyes
Lips cracked with lack of moisture
Making it painful to even breathe

This blackened heart inside my chest
Still beats with the rhythm you designed
Strings of confessions I can barely speak
Escape my lips with such self-disdain

My eyes are red and dry and tired
From seemingly endless hours lost in mourning
Tears flowed with such grace and meaning
Until my eyes could cry no more
Leaving burning streaks of salt to dry onto my skin

My hands are the hands of someone else
Someone that is twice my age
Withered
Shaking uncontrollably
My veins run thin with blood
Thick with regret
Blue as the sky
Cold as ice

Harsh light
White in all its glory
Fills my entire being
Blinding me occasional
As it swings from the ceiling
Florescent;
I believe that is what it is

I fall back on the tattered mattress
Make shapes out of the strange patterns above me
& allow the poison to flow freely thru my blood stream once more
Circulating
A craving never fully fulfilled
Running back for more
Before the last has even had a chance to run its course

A carousel ride that never ends
Around and around I go
Gripping at the imaginary reigns
Attached to my invisible plastic horse
Somewhere in my mind I know the truth
But in this very moment I am elsewhere
Riding through an open field
Wind in my hair
Sun in my face
A warm and comforting illusion I accept with open arms
A momentary escape from my pathetic life
This is the closest I will ever get to freedom

Addiction;
That is the price I pay for this false sense of happiness
One day I’ll escape into my illusion
Bask in the utter beauty that my mind’s eye will let me see
Lose myself inside of my dreams
Escape the nightmare my life has become
I’ll ignore the world as it tries with all its might
To pull me down from my blue sky blue
I’ll cut thru my tether
And taking to flight like a kite on a wild wind
I will never look back
I will never come down
I will never return to the world I ran away from
Finally free

Sweetest Misery

2007-11-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

Attracted to sweet misery
I make my choice to stay
And all along the edges
I will watch the steps I take
I am not afraid to fall
As I could never stand my ground
But would I have the strength to leave
This lovely compromise I’ve found

I’ll watch you try
Avert your eyes
& keep your lies
At least half-true
Tonight I’m dreaming just for you

Take care when the night comes down
The cold wind follows close
Surrounded by my darkest fears
Is when I’ll need you most
But wouldn’t it be beautiful
If you were by my side
When the storm has gone its course
To see a world that is bathed in light

I’ll watch you try
Avert your eyes
& keep your lies
At least half-true
For all I know
And all I’ve seen
Tonight I’m dreaming just for you

If you could see everything I am feeling now
Just a glimpse of what I am without you
I don’t want to let myself be here if I’m alone
So I keep believing
Tonight I’m dreaming just for you

Revelation Revealed

2007-10-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

The blind will see
The lame will walk
On that wonderful day
The speechless will talk

There will be no sickness
Nor will there be sorrow
There will be no worrying
About the problems of tomorrow

On that beautiful day
All who love The LORD
Will be singing and praising
Together in one place,all in one accord

So many will be there
Strangers? There will be none
All will be in the Family
Who worships The FATHER and The SON

There will be no Earthly bodies
Our spirits will fly free
A gathering of all GOD'S children
GOD'S Revelation revealed this to me

There are promises of a whole new world
When our SAVIOR comes back again
GOD will live right here among us
When our New Life, on HIS New Earth begins!

My Cup Runneth Over

2007-10-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

LORD fill my cup
Until it can hold no more,
With Love, Kindness, Forgiveness,
And more Patience and Understanding than ever before.

Sometimes in our lives we don't realize,
Or for various reasons we forget
That these are essentials in every relationship,
Be it Family, Friend, or Someone we just met.

And LORD help me to have compassion,
For those who are less fortunate than me.
Because if not for Your Saving Grace,
That is how it would be for me.

So as my cup is running over
I will share it with others, using it to glorify You.
Maybe by showing someone the depth of Your Love,
I can lead them to know You too.

Box of Shadows

2007-09-12T11:09:00.000-04:00

The box stands silent, still,
Darkness looms over it,
Filled with problems,
Trouble lingers within,
Unseen danger, unheard stillness,
A calm that is vacant,
A reflection of sin.
No openings can be seen,
No options are shown,
Just this dark box,
We have knowingly called home.
The smell of cold, the air is stale,
The days go by, one by one,
Slowly at first, then faster still.
The box is the same, 4 walls, and then,
…nothing ever changes, except my own sin.
Accept it, bow to it, don’t go on,
The voices cry out, my soul turns in,
Nothing is there, but the same dead end,
Until I look up to the one True Friend,
I cry out loud,
“Deliver me from me!”

Wall

2007-08-28T16:52:00.000-04:00

Back against the wall
I call your name but feel the same
And fall back up against the wall you broke down
Seamless patches cover over
All the scrapes and bruises
I need more than just a helping hand for now

Empty faces staring at
The back door painted blue
I’m sure they think we’re finding comfort in the cold
They’ll watch me as I runaway
From all of my commitments
And I’ll search all night for something else to hold

I need something more than what you have to give
I need something more than reasons for the way we have to live
I need something more than what you have to give

Blackened hearts fight bitter truths
It’s easy to remove them
Just convince myself it’s easier on the other side
While empty hands hold battle scars
I pray to gods and look to stars
All my questioning reflected in these eyes

I need something more than what you have to give
I need something more than reasons for the way we have to live
I need something more than what you have to give

Quality Time

2007-08-16T20:07:00.000-04:00

I'm sittin' here, under the trees
Propped up on one of these cypress knees
Listening to the buzzin' bees
Watching a toad slurp at every bug he sees

No better way to spend a day,
Before leaving behind the month of May
It gives me the chance to hear GOD say,
"My child, I like spending time with you this way."

He says,"you're the apple of my eye,"
Although sometimes I question...... why?
It seems,..... no matter how hard I try
There are times, that satan tricks me with a lie

But GOD knows I have trials and tribulations,
And that sometimes I get myself into bad situations
For which at times there is no justification,
Then tryin' to fix it alone leads to failure and frustration.

That's when I'm reminded how much GOD cares
When I call his name, he'll be right there.
He always listens to every prayer
He hears me when I call out to him in despair.

Yes, time spent with GOD gives me such peace
In the city, or sittin' out here on cypress knees
Nothing can compare, with times like these,
Just me and GOD, sittin' under these trees.........

Love, Faith, And Charity

2007-07-24T01:23:00.000-04:00

Love, Faith, and Charity,
The main things LORD, that you asks of me

These are the qualities we find in you
And we can use at least one in everything we do

Loving our fellow man should be an easy emotion
After all, our Father loves us with such devotion

And Faith goes along with Trust and Believing,
We can see this in all the Blessings we're receiving

But Charity, could be the most important to man,
Because when we give to others,the three go hand in hand.

Special People

2007-06-25T19:39:00.000-04:00

Did you ever meet a child or adult
Who couldn't move or talk?
Some of them can't see or hear,
And some will never walk

Each one is very special
In their own unique way,
If you take time to get to know them
You'll be surprised at what they can say

Not with their voice,be it there or not,
But you can "hear it" from their eyes
You have to be watching for their signals
They can tell you more than you realize

Their mind might not think like yours
Things take longer to process through,
But their ability to communicate is still there,
Sometimes it takes time to respond....but they do

They'll give you their own special smile,
You might not see it on their face
But you can "feel it" in your being,
They like having you in their space

Yes, people who take the time,
To get to know someone like this
Will be rewarded in many ways
It's an experience I'm glad I didn't miss.....

Unraveling

2007-06-25T16:20:00.000-04:00

There’s a whole lot of guessing
In the corners of my mind
And I’ve been too long in the middle
Of the things that I despised
It’s time to make a choice and run with it
No matter, I’ll be fine
Tomorrow I’ll be on my way back home

When love is all I’ve given you
And lies are all you’ve given me
Maybe I was too blinded
By all I wanted us to be
I tried to overlook your tragic state
I thought someday you’d see
Tomorrow I’ll be on my way back home

When I thought that you could change
I was fooling my own heart
When everything started unraveling
And we began to fall apart
I tried to pick up all the pieces
But I was the only one to start
Tomorrow I’ll be on my way back home

You kept dividing where we stood
Keeping secrets came with cost
Until the space that grew between us
Was far too far to cross
Now I’ve got my poetic justice
Should I count it all as loss?
Tomorrow I’ll be on my way back home

Crutch

2007-06-19T10:26:00.000-04:00

I limp around where all can see,
A heart of splinters,
My soul frowns….
Deep within, there’s a crippled child,
Lame without; within: confusion, bile,
Stitched from torn memories of doubt,
Pieces everywhere, lying on the ground.
Hope? A stolen dream, not my own,
An empty mind, cold and gone,
Absent from life, cringing in the dark,
I lean on my crutch, and wonder where You are….
Flinching from pain from yesterday’s scars,
Eyes open from inner struggles,
The crutch feels sturdy, underneath my side,
Without it, off balance, nowhere to hide,
The blade of hurt cuts surprisingly deep,
Into the hollows, where torment doesn’t sleep.
A voice of silence from within,
A cry of quiet from beneath,
From the fog, I hear puzzling words,
Lay the crutch down and accept True Peace.

Reach You

2007-06-11T16:03:00.001-04:00

Beneath the darkened sky
I make a wish and throw it to the ocean
Watch it fall under the water
& dreams are seldom comforting
When all I see is you and how you’re drowning
Fighting hard against the water

Tired now you grasp for one last breath
Can’t stop from going under
I would take your hand if I could reach you now
Instead you’re going under

Take a breath and let it out
It’s all that I can do to keep from fading
I lie awake and still I’m fading
Sometimes the world ends just for you
It’s easy now to see why you would want this
A night with all your freedom

Leave your conscience lying on the floor
Can’t stop from going under
I would take your hand if I could reach you now
Instead you’re going under

Closing In

2007-06-11T14:27:00.000-04:00

Closing in
The lights are fading
The clocks are winding down now
We’re on the brink of chaos surrounding now
Closing in
The wars of our fathers
War is all we know now

Closing in
The dreams of our fathers
Are dreams all they’ll ever be
Or will it take losing it all before we can see

Please don’t tell me it’s too late to try to find
Peace in the midst of this war
I’d give it all willingly for hope of a change
But I can’t live like this anymore

Is it all in vain
Fighting for what we can’t explain
A freedom that’s still being paid for in blood
Is it all in vain
Because to me the world is still the same
Destroying itself; hands covered in blood

Changing Season, Changing Tides...

2007-06-01T18:10:00.000-04:00

The scars that used to live on fists
Reside on velvet hands
Baby, I am twice the child
And also twice the man

1 part rebel, 1 part saint
Doesn't make for easy livin'
But, when I look into your eyes
I know what I've been given

Hey, hey little sunshine child
Do you know where you are
It ain't been cold in 600 days
Since the year we went to war

But you've got a lot to live for
On stage here in this globe
And the difference between want and need
Baby, you may never know

Stephen "Steve" Turner

2007-06-01T18:07:00.000-04:00

Just a little info for all you literary types... I stumbled upon a great website by an author, poet, journalist, that I greatly admire. His name is Steve Turner. He is a freelance poet, writer for Rolling Stone magazine, and a wonderful art critic. Check out his website and all the great writings, articles, encouragement, and creativity that is there. Also, check out any of his books they come highly recommended. You can also hear some of his audio lectures at www.iamny.org. cheers...

Lord Lift me

2007-05-27T18:31:00.000-04:00

Oh Lord lift up mine eyes to see
That no matter what the problem be,
When by others I feel forsaken,
You are always there for me.

Oh Lord lift up my heart to care,
For people who are not like me
To know that they have feelings too
On this our world should all agree

Oh Lord lift up my spirit
I want to praise your holy name
And help me remember always that
You know where I'm going and from where I came

Oh Lord You are The Shepherd
We are your wandering sheep
You keep us on the right path all day
And You protect us while we sleep

Oh Lord lift up my words
So I can touch a wayward soul
Telling of Your Love and Forgiveness
As You bring them into Your fold.

The Words I Write

2007-05-27T17:52:00.000-04:00

God gives me the words to write
To minister to your needs
He has called me to his service
To tell others how to be free

Free from Earthly worries, that
Cause the mental and physical pain
That plagues the fleshly being
Living life in Earth's fast lanes.

We weren't made to live this way,
God's plans are written down
The Bible tells us how to change
From being lost to being found

It's our Father's specific instructions on
How to lay our problems down
And we can receive forgiveness through
Jesus, who wore that thorn filled crown

Maybe my words will convince you
To pick up the Bible and read.
I hope you'll put your Faith in God
And follow him wherever he leads.

If Not For Him

2007-05-25T09:14:00.000-04:00

I can't begin
To explain the pain I'm in
No words could make you understand

To know how it feels
To believe that it's real
You'd have to experience it first hand

A life living in pain
One has to refrain
From activities they used to enjoy

But you can't just stop livin'
If you stop moving and give in
Your whole life,it will destroy

God can help you keep going
He'll lighten that load you're towing
If you'll ask him to help you out

If not for him
The chances are slim
That I'd be up and moving about

So I start everyday
In much the same way
Asking God to help me through it

His promises are true
That He makes to me and you
They're not just words from the pulpit!

....Dented....

2007-05-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

Enchanted, beguiling, crooked chambers,
… of Smoke filled glances,
through dark prisms and dying embers,
One thought expressed in a chorus of empty,
A collapsed impression, jaded and dented.
A time when glory shown across the sky,
When deep people hung their heads to cry.
A time when evil was clear and articulate,
Now in peril of being grossly fickle.
Dense jungles of questions,
Shrouded in ambiguity,
Lost in purpose,
Shaded without beauty.
A tinting of Purpose lingers on the edges,
Of 15 tomorrows, numbered with wedges,
Driven deep inside, to heart’s very core,
Symbolic thoughts of a forgotten Lore,
Times go past, rivers run dry,
Stones outlining the Valley of Crumbling Lies.
Truth in part, finds its way,
Glaring out in eternal Light.
Run backwards, across the days,
Until Hope seeps back in through dust-covered eyes.

When Bad Times Come Around

2007-05-16T09:09:00.000-04:00

If you're like me
Then you can see
That life is full of ups and downs
It matters not
What wealth you've got
Your bad times will come around!

And when they do
It's up to you
To make the best of a bad situation
If you give it your best
God will help with the rest
Expect it with anticipation!

When you trust him for your needs
His blessings will exceed
Anything you could ever hope for
He's the God of second chances
He'll be your partner in all of life's dances
In his eyes you're a shining star!

If you are willing to give faith a try
Your life can change in the twinkling of an eye
And those downs will no longer cause you strife
When you're not facing those problems alone
That unbearable pressure is gone
Then you can fulfill God's plan for your life!

No Speaking Aloud

2007-05-15T09:20:00.000-04:00

With every starlit night
While vultures wait
Above every half-empty bed
And tired eyes content to find
Comfort in a minute’s rest
I’m waiting for the phone to ring
To hear your voice sing once again
Then maybe I could rest my eyes
Far longer than one minute
I wake and stir with every sound
Uneasily make my way around
Inside my restless, dreamy thoughts
To seek out memories from our past
Your face, darkened with mystery
From secrets hidden, old and new
Have you really lost your voice?
Unable to speak like many times before
The awkward silence I’ve become accustomed to
Falls gently in place over this room

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People

2007-05-13T20:58:00.000-04:00

Why do bad things happen to people that are good?
Sometimes we just don't understand,but wish we could

We may ask "why did this have to happen to me?
After all I've tried to do good to the maximum degree"

Things sometimes happen, beyond our control
That shake us to our very soul

We never know from day to day
What trials and tribulations might come our way

But you know God often uses trials to realign us with his plan
To lift us upon that solid rock and out of sinking sand

At times He uses them to make us strong
Or to give us a true sense of right and wrong

As mortals, in this life we are subject to trials,
God doesn't make these things happen, that's just not his style

But when bad things happen, one thing you can be sure of
Our Father God will be there with his unending love

He will give the much needed Grace to survive
Any problem that satan may contrive

We are not promised an easy life here on Earth
We are subject to the whims of satan right from our birth

So next time things don't go according to your plan
Don't question why, just go to the Main Man

Because He makes good things come out of the bad
He's The Savior, The Father, and The best Friend I've ever had

OUtSidE , INSidE

2007-05-11T11:07:00.000-04:00

Red Satin with creases of velvet darkness,
Ripping through the night sky,
Tearing away the seams of my heart…
The total of my essence begins to cry,
Grinding my logic to powder,
The thrashing gets louder…..
The deep calls out, silent, but shrill,
Drawing me back, to that place on the Hill.
Blurry visions of mixed emotions,
Crowded thoughts of halting reason,
Standing up, falling down,
The tunnel closes, the room fills up
Faces crack from a permanent frown,
Breaths and voices begin to drown.
There is a flame, a flicker of acceptance.
Wreaking with hope, and yet feeling so helpless.
Sand scratching away the thoughts of the day,
Light washing out, driving me to pray.
Voices, questions, 1000 decibels of screams,
Drying the parched road, dulling the sheen.
Just one whisper is all I need,
A voice of Grace, calming my plea.

2007-05-01T10:22:00.000-04:00

Hey ya'll, hope you all are well. I went to Talladega
over the weekend and missed Sunday services,
but I'm thankful that I can hear it on the podcast.
We'll be leaving tomorrow for U.A.B. for the rest of
the week, my daughter Desty, will be going through
the testing phase of the kidney transplant program.
This part will give them the information they will need
in finding a donor match. Please keep us in your
prayers. God Bless you all. Love in Christ, Nancy

A Sign Of The Times

2007-05-01T09:20:00.000-04:00

Neighbors don't speak
Stay on your side of the street
A sign of the times....

People can't depend on others
Sometimes not even their Mothers
A sign of the times....

Children in danger
Run from a stranger
A sign of the times....

Showing respect, it's out the door
Parents don't teach morals anymore
A sign of the times....

Welfare is in demand
Because some won't lift a hand
A sign of the times....

Truth is just a word to many
Deceit and dishonesty, we've got plenty
A sign of the times....

Feelings of sympathy for others is gone
So many hearts have turned to stone
A sign of the times....

Family ties disposed of in a flash
Thrown out like yesterday's trash
A sign of the times....

I can see things the Bible depicted
All these happenings that God predicted
A SIGN OF THE END OF TIME.......

WhEn iT HAppENs....

2007-04-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

Slowly, the wind traverses the lonesome valley,
Filled with aromas, from yesterdays tragedies.
Feelings of hurt and pain, confused
With feelings of strength, but today I can’t find clues,
To why God would care about a cold piece of clay,
Disfigured and broken, bewildered by the day….
A breath, an event, a life sore drifting,
When bad things happen, so begins the sifting.
Pure gold, where is it? All I see seems wrong,
Darkness? No focus? Not even a song?
The heart longs to cease beating,
With cold thoughts of remorse,
Painstakingly I am pleading,
With a meticulous inner voice that is hoarse…
Squinting at the horizon,
If I could only see clearer,
Hope that is seen is small,
But when believed gets bigger,
Then my panting grows silent,
As I remember His Word,
There is a great cloud of witnesses,
And their voice is heard!
Their tone isn’t lackadaisical, calloused, or numb,
But instead brings comfort when our hope is all gone.
When we pass through the fire we will not be burned,
But instead our faith grows stronger, fortified and learned….

Feeling God's Amazing Power

2007-04-23T03:06:00.000-04:00

Day in and day out
God shows me what my life is all about
Every minute of every hour
I can always feel his amazing power
He gives me strength to make it through each day
Just when I'm about to give up,he shows me the way
He lifts me up,and helps me to see
That things aren't as bad as they could be
At times we may think the world is against us
We get bent out of shape and make a big fuss
When in reality,all it takes is a prayer
Asking for God's help,he's always there
He's just waiting on you to call his name,
With him in your life, you'll never be the same
Give it a try, it's just what you need
God knows what to do, just give him the lead
He has shown me, that the world is not so bad
Giving my problems to him,turns my sad into glad
I'm telling you all this to let you know,
That having God in your life is the only way to go!

Your T ime To Heal

2007-04-20T23:32:00.000-04:00

There is a time to heal
Truer words were never spoken
God will take you in his arms
When by another your heart is broken
He'll gently stroke your hair
And wipe your tears away
Look into his loving eyes
He'll make it a happier day
When mortal love might fail you
You can always count on him
He's the bright light of the morning
When your night before was dim
I can't imagine my life without God
He has changed the way I feel
You see he took away my broken heart
He said "This,' your ' time to heal !"

2007-04-19T12:56:00.000-04:00

Hey Brothers and Sisters,I've finally figured out
How those big spaces in my postings came about,
Clicking the wrong place,sending arrows up instead of down
Made all the difference in where things were printed I've found
I hope you are all having a blessed day,
Our Father wouldn't want it to be any other way.
Love In Christ, Nancy

My Father's Child

2007-04-19T12:04:00.000-04:00

I am my Father's child
He makes my life worthwhile
When by others I'm not treated fair
I can take it to him,his comfort is always there
He lifts me up,and helps me to see
That no one in this world is better than me.
He reminds me that "My Father is the King"
And my family connection is from his Heartstring!
I am who I am and there's a reason for that....
God made us all different,and put us where we're at.
You see the God who made me is my Father too
A fact that people sometimes misconstrue,
Some have this vision of God as some powerful being
And they look past his tenderness without even seeing
They don't even realize that he's our very best friend
Or understand the fact that He's our next of kin!
You know Families stick together, no matter what
And I'm inviting you,into this family we've got
Because everything I've said applies to you too,
"My Father," is "Your Father," and he'll take care of you.

Somewhere Between

2007-04-13T08:52:00.000-04:00

So this is your ‘Sorry, I didn’t think that this was forever’
How could you say that?

So this is my ‘Goodbye, I should’ve realized what I saw in your eyes wasn’t ‘in love’’

Let’s go over the little comforting phrases we will tell ourselves
To try and feel better about the things we are doing
Like, “I don’t regret one moment of the time you and I had together,
And I know there is someone else out there for you.”
Or, “You’ll always have a special place in my heart
No matter where our separate paths lead us.”
Let’s take a moment of silence for the love you never gave a chance
That now lies cold on the floor in front of us.
Take the step
Over the threshold
Don’t look back
Get in your beat up blue pile of scrap metal
Pull out of the drive
As I stand here somewhere between sadness and relief

The "Family" Way

2007-04-10T15:20:00.001-04:00

Hey ya'll........ Soooo sorry!!!! I still haven't figured
out how to correct my mistakes on here. Please
forgive....I'm not sure what I did to make this big
space between the title and the poem, but maybe
I can fill some of it.... I wrote this one after I read what
Lee said in the newsletter this week. WOW, what
an amazing miracle....a child, God's child, and to
think, He's giving us the chance to be their mentor,
their teacher, their leader. Our job is to love, cherish,
and chastise ( when needed ) them, the way He
commands in the Bible. God bless ya'll, I'm proud
to a part of the Worship Arts Team at Northstar,
and I Love you All............ Nancy

God gave us children to nurture and raise,
To teach them good values,and Christian ways
He wants us to teach them wrong from right
Our children are all so precious in his sight
So many are raised without God in their home
With parents working late, kids are left on their own
Too many parents now, value material things
Which sometimes leaves their children wondering,
If this is the way "Families" are supposed to be
Each member separate, with their own latch key
And dinner together is a thing of the past,
Each of us moving in different directions so fast
We're just not taking time to relate to each other
Families need some time just to be with one another
To talk about the highs and lows of their day,
We find out what's goin' on with our children that way
Your love shows when there's mutual communication
Creating a trust and respect in parent and child relations
Our children learn God's ways when they see,
The Christian ways in you and me.
And one day when they have children of their own
From example... they will raise them in a christian home.

When Another Soul Is Saved

2007-04-08T15:14:00.000-04:00

It's a win win situation,
And in Heaven there's a celebration,
When another soul is saved
From becoming satan's slave
Christ died upon the cross
To save lives from being eternally lost
Satan enslaves us in a life of sin
Telling us we can never be clean again.
But satan leaves a few things out,
There are truths he'd rather you not know about.
Like, how Christ our Savior died for us,
And how he took that beating without a fuss
He could have begged saying," Father let me live "
But instead he took it and said "Father forgive "
Christ died on that cross for us so we,
Could be cleansed by his blood, setting our souls free
Free from satan's imprisoning hold
Free from his mind and body control
Like a newborn babe, starting anew
God wipes the slate clean for me and you
He gives assurance, that no matter what we've done
It won't be held against us if we accept his Son
Invite him into your heart and turn away from sin
Your life will be better than it has ever been!!!

His Sacrifice

2007-03-31T21:55:00.000-04:00

Jesus Savior of my soul

You paid the price to make me whole

There up on that Calvary's hill

A long time ago, but today just as real.

Your Father said," This you need to do,

So my children can come to me through you."

You never questioned or tried to back out,

Your love for us was that great , no doubt

As you hung there on that splintery cross

Your blood was shed for " ALL" who were lost.

You sacrificed your life for me

So closer to God I could be

You gave me grace and set me free

Your death gave me life for eternity

You've given me a precious gift,life with you is so sweet

So I want to say "Thank You Jesus," you've made my life complete.

Golden Light

2007-03-29T16:32:00.000-04:00

Slowly divesting myself of the tattered, war-torn garb,
Laying down my weapons, dropping the shield from my heart,
Incandescent, luminous, sharp and straight,
The Bright Light surrounds me, I am no longer afraid.
The city is so bright, gold covers the streets,
With everyone so happy, the sound of a thousand feet.
Dancing, moving, in spontaneous, rhythmic steps,
The life I once lived…now far removed and dead.
Looking up, I see clear, shimmering sky,
Raising my arms, I feel I can fly….
Voices are heard from within and without,
Now, it’s all over, this is what it’s about,
A chorus of voices,
In loud, extravagant octaves,
The grandeur of each one
Wrapping my heart like a glove,
Lift up your hands and worship the King,
Open deep your voice, and let your heart sing!
This is only a portion of Heaven’s rich canvas,
Painted with love, lasting through the ages!

Someone Just Like You

2007-03-26T15:05:00.000-04:00

Your eyes are picture windows,
The view stretches to your heart.
What you see affects your feelings
For the world around you from life's start
The people who make up your family,
Will shape your life in many ways
You watch their deeds and actions,
And learn how to do, and what to say.
Then as you grow, you make friends,
These are people that you know
Some you see and speak to often,
Others, in your life a while then one day away they go
And there are some who are always there
You see them often, and like them best
That's why you call them " best friends "
They stick by you longer than the rest.
Then there are people you meet here and there,
Some touch tour life...... some don't.
But when it figures in the grand scheme of things,
Sometimes it will matter, and sometimes it won't.
As you see your way through life
The people with whom you relate,
Will help you see much clearer
The path in life that you'll take.
So remember there are children
Who watch what you do and hear what you say
That's because they want to grow up,
To be just like you one day.

Angels In The Afternoon

2007-03-24T19:47:00.000-04:00

I lay here, in grass so green
Searching the sky for things unseen
I see the birds as they pass over in flight,
I look past the clouds so fluffy and white
I see God's creations everywhere,
Here on Earth and in the sky up there
It's all the proof I need, to know God created this Earth,
And to think, he planned my whole life before my birth
I imagine him up there with his outstretched hands
Longing to protect me from life's earthly demands.
Oh what a beautiful sight to see
He's sending Angels to walk beside me.
Wherever I go, whatever I do,
My Angels will be there to help me through
Wow! What a great way to spend an afternoon
It seems to end much too soon
Try it sometime, you might just find out
What God's unending love is all about.

Service Is An Attitude Of The Heart

2007-03-24T14:41:00.000-04:00

I want to tell you, in case you don't know

God showed me this not long ago

Service is an attitude of the heart

He gave us all talents so we could do our part.

By serving God in all that we say and do,

But he wants us to serve our fellow man too!

There are always those who have needs,

Some can be helped through our actions and deeds,

Others might be helped by just a kind word,

This may be something they've never heard.

And then there are those, who just need your presence,

Just having you there can make bad times more pleasant

Give of yourself, it's your greatest gift

Anytime you help another, it will give your heart a lift.

With God's words you can feed one's broken soul,

Showing them truths that will make their life whole

Maybe through your service, someone will take that step

Toward giving God their life, and asking for his help.

Posted By, Nancie Norton

Dismal Forebodings

2007-03-19T11:35:00.000-04:00

Staring outside, my eyes bleak and blurry, Contemplating life,
....all in a hurry.....
Pain is like an empty well of dry, People are born and many souls die.
Strength to breathe is hard at times,
When politicians whine and we get fed lines...
Tainted shards of razor sharp,Yet, lying alone in the endless dark,
Speaking words that some can't hear,
We turn around and face another year,
Where the sun seems gray, and the moon is gone,
Where my disillusioned heart looks for a home,
A place where Crystal is shattered,
Where friends are rare and dreams are battered.
Struggle.Climb.With all your might.
A thousand sunsets gone from the Light.
Depressing, disconsolate, dispirited and grim...
Thats my life without knowing Him.

Please

2007-03-14T10:09:00.000-04:00

Of every choice you’ve made
Please break the rules this once
Don’t give me words to pray
Just take it back
Please take this back

Of every smile to fade
And every broken dream
Don’t give me reasons why
Don’t give me strength
To say goodbye

Just take it back
Please take this back

Forgotten

2007-03-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

Looking up through the cracks in the floor,
Each ray of light glaring, breathing is a chore.
No dreams or hopes, only dust and dry bones,
Dirt and grime, alone and far from home,
Struggling to crawl from beneath and under,
I can feel each heartbeat, and every voice thunder,
I’m where I belong, it’s what I get,
It’s what I deserve and I am so in-debt.
Lost in the mix, sliding right down,
Into a pool of darkness where nothing is found.

…Treading black water, I can’t feel the ground…

The anger I feel for the lies I was fed,
My fault for believing, and now I feel dead.
Tainted, broken, hopeless, cold,
Seared too intensely, my birthright sold?
The hammer drives down on the nails in my coffin,
The Death angel works, yet my hard heart softens,
The walls move in, the guilt-cancer rips through,
What was my life, begins to break in two.
My prison is oblivious, damp, soiled,
But I can hear a voice calling to a snake that is coiled,
Then the Reaper shrieks, in hissing, guttural tones,
Don’t let this one out, he’ll never make it home!
Cracking and splintering, the boards rip off,
A Hand reaches down, Strong, but Soft,
Lifting me up from this self-sickened place.
Replacing my garments, washing my face,
Mercy untold, His Love is free,
Because of us, He died on the Tree.

off to a great start

2007-01-30T23:51:00.000-05:00

Well, the Northstar Creative Writing team is off to a great start and hopefully by the end of the month we'll have some work posted here for your viewing pleasure. The literary arts are so important to our lives as Christians and I am so excited to know that God is building a foundation of such artists within His church called Northstar. During the month of February the team will be attending a poetry and performance night together as well as working on projects for a racy upcoming series at Northstar called "the gift of sex". So make sure that you check back here to check out all the upcoming work and photos that we'll be posting and if you are reading this and are interested in becoming part of the team just click on over to www.northstarpc.org/worshiparts and contact us.

Inspiration

2006-11-29T19:23:00.000-05:00

I'm absolutely addicted to quotes. I don't know what it is, but somehow the words of other people just strike a chord with me. So, I found this nifty little quote list, that has some inspiring words.
Enjoy!

joining the conversation

2006-11-29T15:13:00.000-05:00

I am excited about this space of the cyber universe and about what it means. In this space we all will join in the creative conversation that is going on throughout the universe. It is a conversation that has questions about life, love, friendship, religion, art, culture, and good coffee. It is a conversation that hopefully encourages us all to ask more questions and explore what life is all about through art and literature. I welcome you all and I hope that you all will be contributors to the conversation, in this place and in the world.

Big thanks to Erica Howard for kicking this off and I am excited to see what this space is going to be and what this team of people is going to mean to the community of writers in Bay County and what it’s going to mean to the people of Northstar Church. Also, go check out my blog, worshipartslife.blogspot.com.

Welcome to the conversation…

The beginning...

2006-11-29T14:36:00.000-05:00

"Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done. So that people not yet born will praise Him." --Psalm 102:18

Well, there's the scripture, now here's the place to do it. God has granted each of us spectacular gifts that we should utilize to praise him. For many it's easy --musicians sing and play instruments, speakers give sermons, artists make beautiful things --but for writers, finding a worthwild outlet can be difficult.
But there's no need to fret. Northstar Church is organizing a group of writers to do what they do best -- write!
From short stories to poetry, nonfiction to journaling, any form of writing can be used to glorify God. You just need the tools (and the community) to offer inspiration.