CRAZY TIMES POEM

I've been sitting here watching the coronavirus news,

And have to do something so I don't feel so blue.

I start a LIVE video where I am the silly host.

then I read all of my friend's very talented posts.

I watch funny cat and dog videos, and all the coronavirus stats.

And see all my friends' pictures of plates of food, and say "hey, I can make that."

Then I realize my cupboards are free from all the ingredients and more...

So we jump in our cool car and run to the store.

I look for all the spices, veggies and the steak,

And look for some big potatoes that I can bake.

I'm running low on toilet paper, so why don't I get some NOW?

So I wheel the squeaky cart over to that aisle, and say "OH WOW."

All of the paper products are gone from the shelves, except one, you see.

One lonely roll of paper towels is staring right at me

I think that would be so rough on my bum, oh my.

Why is there no toilet paper? oh why? Oh why?

I watch as a sea of people wheel on by.  

Their carts are full with meat, extra canned goods and tons of that 2 ply.

I run over to them and beg for a roll or two.

They insist they need it all and I start to feel blue.

What am I going to wipe my bum with? Oh me, oh my.

Suddenly I see a friend who sees me feel sad and cry

He gives me a package of his limited 2 ply.
I am so grateful for his generosity and my tears are all dry.

My life is back to normal because I got some toilet paper, hip hop horray!!!

The world is gone crazy, but I'm a happy camper today.


By Tanya Carroll
a.k.a. Tanya Kirkendall

CHRISTMAS IS*

CHRISTMAS IS

Christmas is
            to chat, to laugh, to eat, to have fun
            and spend time with new friends or loved ones

Christmas is
            a time to view the Christmas tree and decor
            and enjoy the festive spirit galore

Christmas is
            not just the turkey and trimmings on the table
            but the baby in the manger in the stable

Christmas is
            more than the presents which are nice
            but about the Christ who paid the price

Christmas is
            a day to celebrate our Savior and King
            to give recognition to our Heavenly being

Christmas is
            a time to think of how much God loves you
            and I'm saying this because I know it's true

Merry Christmas

Happy Easter

Man made water fountains,
Buildings and towers.

God created huge mountains,
Oceans and flowers.

Man made fruit pie with flaky crust,
Steeples, and a baby crib.

God created man out of dust,
And woman from man's rib.

Man made I-pods, Tvs, smart phones,
Robots, planes, and extravagant cars.

God created blood and hardy bones,
Heaven, earth, and spectacular stars.

Man can appear so strong, confident and brave,
And be knowledgeable and do great works.

God is greater and has sent Jesus who does save
The world from sin and has some great perks.

Man can have a life filled with an amazing love,
Because God sent his Son to die on a cross many moons ago.

God's unconditional grace was poured from above
Just accept Christ, confess your sins, and there is nothing you owe.

Man can be guided (by God), through a process and blossom, 
and be strengthened by Him every day.

God will commune with you on earth and in Heaven. That's awesome!
And will be with you every step of the way.

Happy Easter 
March 27, 2016
2:16 am 

Please Be Patient With Us*

I have Bursitis, and Hammertoes,
also deviated septum in my nose.
IBS, TMJ,
these acronyms I rather not say.
Degenerative Arthritis in my jaw,
makes me want to scream FA LA LA LA LA
Major allergies and sinus issues,
I have to grab some more Kleenex tissues.

Arthritis in my neck and some more...
Makes me want to hit the floor.
Inflammation all over, head to feet,
during weather changes, it's down beat.
Have to keep chin up and not feel dread
with all the sensitivity to foods and meds.

Then there are the gray spots in my vision,
hundreds of thousands of tiny specks on a mission.
Doctors can't seem to know what they are,
but, oh they are a bother, to me, by far.
They say not to worry about the spots, it's okay to drive;
but when you can't see well, how will I know if I have arrived? (lol)

Because of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain syndrome;
many times, I have to change my plans and stay home.
The ear sensitivity, has me wearing ear plugs every day,
I hear too well, but "umm, what did you say?"
Deciphering words is hard, at times,
Yet I can hear the clink of two tiny dimes.
Sounds echo in my ears.
Don't worry, I've been dealing with it for years.
Tender points are painful and nothing to joke about,
they are all over, and at times, make we want to pout.

Flareups, painful spots, burning sensations galore.
sharp pain, pressurized, prolonged and more.
Feeling so clumsy, bumping things, and dropping things, always;
thankfully I have lights in my hallways.
Stressors, weather changes, or nothing at all
can cause a major flareup of pain, "oh I am having a ball".
Sleep deprived, restless nights
with my blankets, I have many fights.

Forget about money and pain free days,

just give me a good night sleep and give me praise.
I need encouragement and a big smile,
but don't condemn me for awhile.
Or not at all, if you please,
because I am not a leper, or diseased.
I am valuable and a human being
who deserves much and true meaning.
Love is kind, love is sweet,
I know I should be more upbeat.

When YOU have the flu and feeling, oh so miserably down,
just remember all the advice you gave me, and do not frown.
It's okay to be feeling down at times and joyful at others
It's just a part of life, my dear sisters and brothers.
We need to be free to laugh, to cry,
if we don't, then inside, we may die.

If when you ask me how I am doing, and I say "I'm okay,"
just realize, I got up, got dressed and arrived today.
This may be a high pain day, it's true;
but I made it; I'm here and I pushed painfully through.
I may want to lie down, because fibro feels like the flu;
so any encouraging words, is way overdue.
But if I have to stay home due to all of this stuff,
please understand me and still love me, because this is rough.

I press on, yet more slowly than others
and please don't compare me to your friends, and your brothers.
I have physical obstacles just to get out of bed, more than you know
and my life has changed it's course, and is not easy and does not flow.
If you are bothered by my complaining and how I deal with it,
realize how much more it affects me, and wish the symptoms could just quit.

So please be patient with me and love me too,
because of this pain, I fight; I fight hard, it's true.
Any strength I have, is easily depleted and gone by noon
but I am hoping more than you know to get some soon.
This poem was just to let you know a little more about what some of us deal with every day
with chronic pain and symptoms, we wish that it could be taken away.


I am bringing awareness about people, like myself, who have special needs and deal with the kind of disabilities that you can't see. They are the silent illnesses, that are so very painful but you can't tell just by looking at us that we have anything wrong with our bodies. I have been dealing with it now for 19 years. People with chronic pain don't always know how to express themselves and it's hard for people to understand. Yet thankfully I am blessed with the ability to do creative writing so maybe I am just a tiny spokesperson on the internet to get the word out to some people. Please try to be more understanding with your loved ones who have chronic pain and chronic symptoms and please don't immediately jump to the conclusions that it's all in their head. You just never know what some people deal with. The most important thing you can do for that person, is be a good friend. Having to deal with chronic debilitating and painful conditions is hard, yet dealing with it alone, is so much worse.

The 12 days of Appointments*

The 12 days of Appointments, My Doctor Gave to Me...*

On the first day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 2nd day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 3rd day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 4th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 5th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 6th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
6  P.T. stretches, 5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 7th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
7 counselors a-counseling, 6 homework stretches, 5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 8th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
8 exercises, 7 counselors a-counseling, 6 homework stretches, 5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 9th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
9 medications, 8 exercises, 7 counselors a-counseling, 6 homework stretches, 5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 10th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
10 more procedures, 9 medications, 8 exercises, 7 counselors a-counseling, 6 homework stretches, 5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 11th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
11 doctors doctoring, 10 more procedures, 9 medications, 8 exercises, 7 counselors a-counseling, 6 homework stretches, 5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan

On the 12th day of appointments, my doctor gave to me:
12 more appointments, 11 doctors doctoring, 10 more procedures, 9 medications, 8 exercises, 7 counselors a-counseling, 6 homework stretches, 5 tons of meds, 4 injections, 3 lab tests, 2 referrals, and an X-ray and a Cat-Scan.


Whew...That's a lot, but it you are like me, there is more medical stuff that I didn't list...Wow, how do we deal with this all?
Take this time to ponder how you came this far with all that you go through....and remember the true meaning of Christmas.





(photo is from: http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j474/William_Moxon/Hospital.png)

What Will Heaven be Like?*

Will our Heavenly bodies glow or be see through?
Will we be free from pain or ailments, aches, and suffering? (oh yes)
Will we still have teeth, hair, or even fingernails?
Will we have to clean our spiritual bodies and teeth?

When we eat the fruit in Heaven, will we feel full?
Will we bathe in the crystal waters?
Will anyone value gold there?

What will Heaven be like?
Will there be water falls and rain?
Thunderstorms and hail?
Will there be weeds and thorns?
Will we work?
Will someone's job be pulling weeds from the garden?
Will we have to clean up after ourselves?
Will aborted babies be child-like, or have spiritually mature bodies?

Will there be books to read?
Or will we not need to learn anything?
Will we have lions for pets?
Will we need to change our spiritual clothes?
Will we have to exercise?
What will we look like?
How will we act?
What will we do?

Here is a glimpse of Heaven:

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV) 

A Glimpse of Fibromyalgia*; and other silent illnesses*

May is Fibromyalgia Awareness month. 

I seem to have two unwanted cement blocks tightly against each temple of my face.  The pressure is so great, yet I am thankful it doesn't scrape my skin. There are drills on each side of my face, pointing toward my jaw joints. Every time I move, the drill automatically turn on, and make gaping holes in my joints. I try to escape, but I cannot unlock the heavy chains gripping my wrists. With any little movement, each cement block becomes tighter against my head, and the chains, wrapped around my wrists, rip the skin on which it sets.  

                                                           

My fingernails are ripped off, one by one; they bleed and scream out for help.

There is a huge granite rock laying heavily on the top of my head, that I cannot lift off. It causes great pressure beyond my control; I cannot move.

I try to straighten my back, but the rigged, metal plate against it, keeps me from doing so. My feet are tied together; they are useless when trying to travel to my social life. They can't even walk me out of this miserable pain, which has a hold of me daily.                                                  

Sweat drips off my brows causing my eyes to burn. I am unable to see well; everything is such a blur. Words, I have learned, were either erased or jumbled in my brain; things are so unclear and foggy.There seems to be no relief with this horrible life of pain. Bad reactions, tackle my stomach upon everything I consume.  My ears and head pounds with each sound that life makes. Nothing seems to help it; for life is never silenced, in my world.  The weight and heaviness of my legs, add to the turmoil in my body. They scream for mercy, but none is granted. They try to hold me up, but are unsuccessful. I am not comforted by the breeze that passes by. I wish all this pain would go away.                                                                                      

                                        

I cry out to Jesus, my Lord and Savior, to rescue me from all this haunting pain. He acknowledges me, and tells me that He understands how I feel. I look up with my weary eyes into the face of God; I am able to feel peace seep into my soul.The metal against my back grows cooler, soothing my aching body. I am comforted by the coolness of the cement, soothing some of the pain in my temples and face.                                                                                                                                      
Even though God hasn't take this pain away, I feel a little more strengthened. I am able to stand taller, straighten my posture, and keep on moving forward.  I am not out of this life of pain, although, I do feel a little more at ease.  I thank God for helping me as I endure this excruciating life of chronic pain.                                                

This Painting is dedicated to all those who suffer with Fibromyalgia, excruciating Chronic Pain, and any other silent illnesses.  It's especially dedicated to my old and new fibro buddies (my fibro brothers and sisters). May God give us hope for a healing, yet give us daily strength to endure the bodies that we have while we are waiting. 

Painting and poem 2006 (revised 2013)  By Expressive Praise                                                                                                                                                                                                                

For more information on these topics, check out these links:

The National Fibromyalgia Association 


But You Don't Look Sick 


National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 


Note: the three links above are by other authors. They are not mine, I am just promoting them.

A Silly Song about Sleep*

I just want some sleep

nothing too much
just some great deep sleep.

da da da. dunt


All I want is sleep.
The kind that you say:
"shh, be quiet...I'm asleep."

da da da. dunt

All I want is good sleep,
that's not fare,
that guy gets it, and he's such a creep.


da da da. dunt


May I have sleep?
Do I have to buy it
and does it come with a jeep?


da da da. dunt


Oh yeah, I need sleep
If you reap what you sow,
do you sow what you reap?

da da da. dunt

Me, oh my I need sleep.
Does it come in a container
or a bottle that's steep?

da da da. dunt


Oh yes, I need sleep.
When I catch it,
May I have it for keeps?

da da da. dunt

Going crazy because I need sleep.
When I get some rest
I am gonna jump up and leap.


da da da. dunt

oooooh yeaahhh, I need sleep
it's got to come sometime
or I am going to weep.

(lol)

I didn't know so many words rhyme with sleep. lol


(picture is of Buttons about to go to Sleep by Tk (Expressive Praise)

Silly Me*

I'm laying on the couch
I look toward the window.
The blinds are open to look out
and a tree is waving at me.
It's shaking it's leaves in the wind
and making me want to grin
because it's waving at me.

I'm laying on the couch.
My cat is sitting on the floor.
I pat the cushion for him to come
and he walks slowly to my side.
I reach my hand for him to touch
and he greets me with a little purr
because he's purring for me.

I'm laying on the couch.
The blankets around me are so soft.
One beneath me so inviting
and the one above me is delighting.
I cradle it in my arms
and feel cozy and charmed
because it's comforting me.

I'm laying on the couch.
I have only slept but a blink
yet all my thoughts are poems.
Am I delirious and awake?
Who cares? It's just me.
It's just God, my cat and I
because I am silly, you see.

As I'm laying on the couch,
I hope you read this poem.
I hope it catches your eye
and make you want to laugh
or make you want to smile.
But if you don't enjoy it, who cares?
Because it's silly being me.



(poem written on 4/3/13)

My Chronic Pain Poem*

Severe chronic pain is no joke.
Having daily pain?
Smile, you are one of us folks.

The pain can be burning, stabbing, or throbbing.
You try to act cool and smile
even through your joy may be robbing.

There are treatments galore,
I know you probably have tried them
and sometimes the pain hurts even more.

You try to function on a daily basis.
The pain feels like it goes forever
and runs through your body in different places.

Sometimes you feel like you are going nuts.
It starts to make you feel nauseated
and all you want to do is puke out your guts.

It affects your daily living no doubt, 
the cleaning, the cooking, working and more.
You want to just sit down, cry and pout.

People forget to contact you 
because they don't see your face around.
I hate to say it, but it's true.



They stop inviting you to fun places
yet they don't mean you any harm
but it does affect your smiley faces.

The loads of fun in the past is a blur
your social life is oh, so lacking
and you're home alone with a cat and his purr.

You have to pick yourself off of the floor 
and remember you are important
and no way, a bore.

so roll off the bed, and smile.
Let the sun in. Open those curtains 
that have been closed for a while.

Remember to believe you are going to make it
and pray for God to give you strength and love
because He will not fake it.

Take a deep breathe of fresh air
and enjoy fresh and newness
even though the pain is hard to bare.

Find ways to enjoy pleasures that are simple
like a flower, a book, and a cloud
or a child's smiling dimple.

Ask God for more simple pleasures
to help you smile and relax
for you, they may be a world of treasures.

Get up, face your day and again smile
don't compare it to other people
because this is your life, for awhile.

Even though  you are sore
try hard to find different ways
to smile, laugh, and laugh some more.

Today's Forecast: The *weather is a changing*

The weather is a changing.
What is brewing in my body?
some partly cloudy days
and rays of pain seem so naughty.

The weather is a changing.
I feel it in the air. 
The moisture stabs my skin
and it's a caution to beware.

The weather is a changing
My skin is crawling off its shell.
My muscles are wanting to scream
and my bones complain, "o well".

The weather is a changing
More sleepless nights to endure
because my hands and feet are burning.
My vision and dreams are such a a blurr.

The weather is a changing.
There's burning in my head to my feet;
neck, hands, and back;
nothing is lacking with this pain of heat.

The weather is a changing.
I have to deal with fibro fits.
All of my body is hurting, 
and even both of my arm pits.

The weather is a changing.
I have to keep my spirits up high 
because this fibro can throw you for a loop
and make you want to cry.

The weather is a changing.
Sometimes the rain is out and tears flow,
so I have to keep my umbrella handy
and hold it tight, so with the wind, I don't blow.

The weather is a changing.
Days like this, make me lean on God more
because the pain has increased;
and is intense even more than before.

The weather is a changing.
I know it's hard to comprehend,
yet I wanted you to know 
that through all of this, God does lend.

The weather is a changing.
He gives me strength to en-dure
and the people he sends me
helps me and lifts me up, for sure.




The weather is a changing.
It brought me closer to Him, that's true.

It made me lean on God so much more;

especially when I feel oh so blue.


The weather is a changing.
I guess, my character needed refreshing, no doubt.
My heart knew so much pain
and the weather changed my life's plan and route.


God thank you for the weather a changing.
I know that you know I deal with so much.
Please give me strength, give me peace,
and God, I thank you for your special touch.






Chronic Pain and Fibromyaligia awareness.
People with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Chronic Pain Syndrome like I have tend to feel a lot of pain if the barometric pressure changes, the temperature changes, or if there is any moisture in the air. If there is any humidity of moisture in the air, it could be our worst enemy. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, especially on those days. Thank you


Note: all pictures are by Expressive Praise

I Thank God for All My Senses*

I try to thank God
when I smell something awful,
like sewage or burned popcorn
because that means I have my sense of smell.

I try to thank God
when I see graffiti on the walls
or watch as the thick smog we breathe rolls on in
because that means I have my sense of sight.

I try to thank God
for painful jaw joint procedures
or when I have burnt my finger or had a paper cut
because that means I have my sense of touch.

I try to thank God
for the roaring sound of the ambulances that pass by
or having to wear ear plugs because of my ear sensitivity
because that means I have my sense of hearing.

I try to thank God
for the nasty medicine I sometimes have to take
or of sometimes the awful food that my tongue can't handle
because that means I have my sense of taste.

I may complain at times because of the strange or awful senses I have experienced, Yet I do thank you God that I can smell, see, feel, hear, and taste. Some people are not as fortunate. Thank you God that I have these senses.

Fibromyalgia Poem*...What We Deal With*

Fibromyalgia is no doubt a pain.
You may feel like you are going insane.
Your skin hurts to touch
Your brain is not alert, that much.
The pain is so intense and excruciating everywhere,
and even your skin feels like it's crawling and hard to bear.

The vision is blurred, doubled, or even spotted
and the neck and back muscles, are all knotted.
Your head may hurt and feel like it will explode;
the pressure is so intense and feels like a huge load.
Your brain is so numb, unclear, and foggy
and if you didn't sleep well, you may be groggy.

Pain in the hands and feet increase when the weather changes
and runs through the body in different ranges.
Then there is the snap, crackle, and pop of the TMJ jaw syndrome
and it's even affected by the food you intake, from going out or eating at home.
We don't know what a good night sleep is all about
and it's hard to handle and not focus, no doubt.

The skin may itch all over your body and all you want to do is scratch,
and your immune system is lower, so sickness, you may catch.
The muscles spasms are no laughing matter;
they make everything worse, even the bladder.
Then there are the sensitivities to food, allergies, meds, and more.
Sorry if all these many symptoms, to you, are a bore.
But this is what we deal with on a regular basis
and we try to be our self and put on different faces.
We try to smile, yet there are days that it hurts to even do that.
Then there is the IBS that causes bloating and make us look pregnant or fat.
It is so embarrassing at times, with all that we have to put up with
and people say Fibromyalgia is all in our head, but that's such a myth.


We just want people to believe in us
and not to make a huge fuss.
We so want to live a regular life without pain
yet our daily challenges keep our energy drained.
So please take us seriously, we have feelings too.
Stand with us when we are happy or feeling blue.
Encourage us, pray for us, and help out when you can.
We need your support, your love, and to be our big fan.
Cheer us on, encourage us, so we don't feel alone,
by emailing, texting, visiting, or calling on the phone.


We appreciate all the encouragement we can get
yet if this is too much for you to handle, don't fret.
But PLEASE do not minimize what we go through,
because everyday it feels like we have the flu.
Think of going through body aches, weakness, and of the worst cases.
Well, that is what we deal with and even more, on a regular basis.

Fibro buddies, keep your chin up and breathe in fresh air;
Look up into the sky, and remember someone does care.
There is the God of the Heaven who knows what you go through.
He knows when you are having a hard time and feeling blue.
He has an unconditional love for you, He wants to share.
Acknowledge Him because He loves you and does care.
I  totally understand what you all go through
because I have a list of health issues along with Fibromyalgia too.

Poem By Expressive Praise 4/1/2013 (12 am)

(all pictures are from photobucket.com)

Cloud Therapy* (in Memory of Debbie Hodson)*

Cloud Therapy. 

There is something about looking up into the sky and seeing white, puffy clouds.  It is very relaxing and peaceful.  My dear friend, the late Debbie Hodson, loved to talk about looking up into the clouds and thinking about God's great love.  In 2008, when she was going through chemo therapy due to cancer, I made her a fleece blanket.  It was sky blue with white puffy clouds all over it.  I have been wanting to make more of them but for some reason I cannot find that same material in the stores that used to sell them.  I guess I should have listened to my mom and bought that material when we had that idea several years ago.  

I miss Debbie and I am still reminded of God's love when I look into the clouds. I imagine that she is having the time of her life as she is totally in God's presence without any pain... I wrote this poem in honor of her:

When the pain is so great and times are so tough

and you don't think you can make it, because life is so rough,

Look up into the clouds, high in the sky

as they are sitting still or passing by.

When the clouds are pure and inviting and are white as a dove

they are a small reminder of God's great and awesome love.

When it is overcast and the clouds seem, oh so gray

remember God isn't leaving; He is here to stay.

When all the clouds seem to have disappeared and want to hide

Remember if you do not see God, He is still always at your side.

so if you are having a sad moment or some major uncertainty

Lift your chin up, look up at the clouds, and remember God's cloud therapy.

I originally wrote this poem on February 18, 2009. Also the picture of the dove is a copy of the oil painting I painted in 2011 called "The Holy Spirit is our Comforter." The original painting is displayed at the Loma Linda Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, CA. It is in the children's cancer ward (infusion room). With a help of a friend, we donated it to inspire children who are going through cancer treatments and for their parents who need encouragement too.

Just A Simple Poem*

My Lord, my God,
I learn of you
through books, church, friends, and listening to you.

My Lord, my God,
I live for you
with my heart, soul and even my mind too.

My Lord, my God,
I worship you
at church, at home, and through those songs of praise.

My Lord, my God,
I trust in you
and try to follow you in all your ways.


Thank you, My Lord and My God!


9/25/12  @ 1 am

God, You Made it All*

Oil Painting by Expressive Praise

God, You Made It All

You made the beautiful oceans,

the calming seas,

and the flowing rivers

that are in every nation.

You made the gorgeous blue skies,

the enormous trees,

and the blossoming flowers

that enhance your creation.

You made the amazing cheetahs,

to the smallest ant,

and all the various animals

that roam this big earth.

You made the tiniest person

to the tallest human,

and all those in between

who have been in the process of birth.

God, you made it all.

Your creativity is beyond my human imagination.

Your love of color and variety is everywhere you are.

You have painted the earth into existence.

No one else could do what you have done.

You are truly amazing.

8-20-12

2:45 am

What Do you Smell?*

God, you made the beautiful fragrance of blossoming flowers that enhance my senses.

You created our sense of smell to enjoy even the different foods we prepare.

You flood our souls with peace like rivers and unconditional love that is oh so good.

You have even made the hint of rain producing some kind of scent.

You created our nose to behold the most beautiful aromas of this world.

You made even our senses to enhance life so much more.

Even the smell of meat barbecued, outdoors, makes our mouth water.

Lord, thank you for thinking of even small things like this to pleasure us.

But God, why?  Why did you create the skunk?

Don’t you know that the skunk stinks?

Remember, you created the skunk to spray and be smelled for miles?

It’s not a pleasant aroma that feels my nostrils.

           

And yes, I am grateful that I have a sense of smell. 

Thank you that you made our senses to enhance life so much more.

Thank you that I can smell, see, hear, taste and touch.

I think the skunk was made to remind us....

Actually I can’t think of anything good that it could remind me of,

Except that I still have my sense of smell. (lol)

One time my friend and I saw a skunk coming towards the building;

We jumped out of our seats so fast. God, I bet you even chuckled that night.

Not only do you have all your senses, you have the best one of all...the sense of humor.

8-20-2012

3:30 am

My New Life*

Lord, my new life you planned for me;
I'm so excited and anticipating it to be
so much better with so much more joy.

This new life is what you have planned for me.
This joy, this peace, this love,
you have always wanted for me,
yet I never gripped it before.

Oh Lord, this new life
is so beyond my imagination, my dreams, and my hopes.
It's purely what you wanted for me.

Thank you Jesus for your love, your hope, your joy
and thank you for starting this restoration like never before.
Only through your love, your grace, and your peace
have I changed beyond what I could imagine.

Please help me grasp it all.
All the blessings you want for me.
Give me the strength to achieve my new goals
and give me the wisdom to understand all
that I need to change in my new life.


This new life, new hopes, and new dreams
are here because I understand the cross so much more
and because of the vessels you brought in my path.
Thank you God for restoring my soul,
and getting me out of the pit of hell.

I could not have done it without your love
and the vessels you sent my way to help.
I no longer feel unloved, ashamed or pity
for you have rescued my soul.

Thank you for the cross,
for giving up yourself in an unworthy manner,
for being unselfish, for being God.

This is what it means to be free
to be totally forgiven
and truly loved.

Lord I get it now, I understand.
Thank you for my new life,
new concepts, and my new adventure.
Thank you for giving me a second chance.

(Thank you God for renewing me March 26, 2010)

Contentment*

I shall be content
through doctor’s appointments, blood tests, MRI’s, EKG’s and physical examinations;
through medications, ultrasounds, wellness shots, physical therapy, and neck and back adjustments;
through electric stimulation, deep massage, posture pro, and trigger point injections.

I shall be content
through no sleep to restless sleep, dropping things, forgetfulness, and lightheadedness;
through muscle spasms, daily headaches, ongoing stomach issues, and lack of energy;
through allergic reactions, cervical vertigo, sensitive hearing, and even silent illnesses.

I have slowly learned to be content
through having an income to low income and being on a lowered income of SSA Disability;
through ongoing medical-life adjustments, benefits taken away, and finances becoming even tighter;
through two to five doctor’s appointments a week to learning to become a patient - patient.

I am learning to be content
through God who is my ultimate Father, my companion, my guide, and my counselor;
through God who is faithful, compassionate, kind, omnipotent, and omniscient;
through God who understands, is lovable, and is one who is always here with me.

I am learning to be content
through God’s closeness, companionship, ultimate strength, His amazing grace and mercy;
through God’s blessings, patience, unconditional love and His total understanding of me;
through God’s beautiful presence, awesome friendship, and His ultimate being.

I can not live without God's help

LORD, I GIVE YOU MY VESSEL*

God, I am your willing vessel.
Do to me what you will.
I am a vessel in training;
Broken, chipped, yet willing to be molded
again and again.
Do to me what you will,
so that you may be glorified
over and over.

For it is for you,
why I breathe
why I face each morning
and each night.
For it is for you,
why I live,
why I work,
move or rest.

I give you my ALL.
My WHOLE vessel.
It may be small and a bit fragile,
but it's ALL I have;
I give it to you.
EVERY piece, EVERY inch.
My Vessel, I give to you.
LORD, I give you MY VESSEL.


May 15, 2008
11:23 p.m.