WEAK ME (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

Frustrated,

wondering why 

I've never been quite able to get it right

on the first try.

Do you see that inner struggle

when you look at me?

My stomach churns,

bitterness burns

as if those silly butterflies 

are flying for their life.

When you look at me,

can you see

the smile

I've carefully placed

by painting onto my face?

I won't go out

without it

because it's taken me so long to perfect it.

And if by chance you catch a glimpse

of a shimmering tear

desperately fighting its way out,

please don't be presumptuous

enough to ask me if I'm okay,
unless, of course,
you're sincere
and really want to draw near.

The answer will be no
if that's not so,

and I'll be forced
to run away

because I'll be too ashamed

for you to see 

even just an insufficient portion of my pain.

I just love

to dress up

for this masquerade dance.

So I know

when you look,

you'll never see

the real me

because I'm hiding

inside the soft comfort

of our Creator's gentle wings.

What Jesus sees

when He looks at me

is the child I used to be

that's still there
somewhere

if you just take the time to look carefully

past the fences and roadblocks

I've built as a fortress to surround myself

to keep the wolves in sheep's clothing out.

But what I'm working on

so diligently

for you to see

when you look at me

is a reflection of

God's unfailing love

and all that He

wants me to be

when you really take the time

to look at me.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:27
BUT GOD CHOSE THE FOOLISH THINGS
OF THIS WORLD TO SHAME THE WISE;
GOD CHOSE THE WEAK THINGS
OF THIS WORLD
TO SHAME THE STRONG.

WHAT DO YOU SEE? (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE

TELL ME, HONESTLY,

WHAT DO YOU SEE

WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME?

ILL HEALTH,

WEAKNESS,

SELF-ABSORBED,

BORED?

UNHAPPY WITH THE STATE OF THIS WORLD?

EARLY ON, I LEARNED HOW TO PUT ON A CERTAIN FACE,

PASTE ON A SMILE,

AND IF I COULDN'T HANDLE THE LIE,

I LEARNED THAT IT WOULD SERVE ME BEST IF I JUST RAN AWAY

UNTIL THAT SMILE COULD STAY PLASTERED ON.

O, THE MASQUERADE.

NO ONE WAS ALLOWED

TO SEE THE CLOWNS' LONELY FROWN

BECAUSE THE GLOOMY MIRROR JUST MIGHT REFLECT 

THE UNSEEN CRACKS IN THE FAMILY'S UNHAPPINESS.

SO TELL ME AGAIN,

WHAT DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME?

DO YOU SEE THE WOMAN

FROM BEYOND BIRTH,
THAT WAS CHOSEN BY GOD,

OR THE SAD LONELY SOUL,

WHO HAD BEEN BATTERED AND BRUISED

FOR SO LONG SHE HAD NEARLY BEEN CRUSHED,

THROWN AGAINST THE ROCKS IN THE STORMS OF THE OCEAN?

BUT SOMEHOW SHE GATHERED UP THE COURAGE TO OPEN THE DOOR,

INSTEAD OF BEING SATISFIED WITH BEING A DESPISED DOORMAT ON THE ENTRANCE TO THE FLOOR

DO YOU SEE THE WOMAN

WHO HAD BEEN SO AWFULLY ABUSED,

THAT IT WAS HARD TO TRUST IN ANYONE,

EVEN THE ONE THAT GAVE HIS ONLY SON?

WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME,

DO YOU SEE THE WOMAN

WHO WASN'T SATISFIED WITH HER LIFE,

WHO WANTED TO BE MIRACULOUSLY CHANGED,

TOUCHED BY THE KING,

NEVER TO BE THE SAME?

SO NOW WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME,

PLEASE TELL ME YOU SEE 

A REFLECTION OF GOD'S AMAZING LOVE.

PSALM 13:6

I WILL SING THE LORD'S PRAISE,

FOR HE HAS BEE GOOD TO ME.

Sweet Relief (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

Scared about the future,

I reach out for prayer,

and, maybe it's just me,

but I feel like no one cares.

They all have their own problems,

I understand.

But where does that leave me

when I need prayer?

So I turn to my Lord

my Heavenly Father,

my Creator,

my Savior.

I know He has the time,

and He wants me to turn to Him.

In my hour of need,

He is always there for me.

He's never too busy,

too wrapped up in Himself.

No matter what,

He'll always take the time.

He covers me with love,

spreads His wings

and sends His comforter from high above.

He calms my fears

and gently dries my tears.

When I don't feel as if

I can face another day

feeling this way,

my sweet Lord Jesus

tells me that everything will be okay.

He has a plan,

He knows what the future holds,

He won't allow anything to happen to me

that hasn't been foretold.

So I rest in His promises

because I know He can't lie,

and I rest my tired body,

and with relief,

sigh.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY CONTINUALLY,

GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCE;

FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU

IN CHRIST JESUS.

Just Pray (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

If someone walks up to you and asks for prayer,

don't just say, 'Okay,
sure, when I have a second
I'll do just that,'

then turn your back
and walk away.

What's wrong with praying right then and there?

No matter where you are,

that person who is asking you for prayer
is hurting and in desperate need for an understanding heart and a helping hand.

By walking away are you saying that their needs are more important

than your pride?

What are you afraid of, after all?

Are you ashamed

that someone may hear you speak God's name?

Prayer is the most powerful thing,

and it's a witness to our King.

The lost and hurting ask for prayer.

There may be no one else in their lives they can turn to.

So, I dare you,

the next time someone, a stranger or otherwise, asks you to pray.
take a sensitive minute or two

and just pray.
For all you know, that stranger may be 
an angel in disguise,
and I wouldn't want to make my Lord cry.

ROMANS 1:16

FOR I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, BECAUSE IT IS THE POWER OF GOD THAT BRINGS SALVATION TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES:  FIRST TO THE JEW, THEN TO THE GENTILE.

Forty Days (updated with scripture)

Jesus fasted for forty days

and prayed.

God asks us to fast.

It's not an easy thing to do

when all kinds of temptations surround you.

But you don't have to stop eating completely.

Just give up that one thing that you find the most difficult to resist

and I promise you this:

you will be blessed.

I must confess,

though,

you will be attacked,

because whether you believe it or not,

the devil roams the earth
like a roaring lion,

looking to destroy and kill

the ones that are willing

to live for the Lord.

But we who believe

are protected by our King,

so there's no need to fear,

even when we're thrown into the lion's lair.

If you have never fasted,

I would ask

that you try it for just one day,

and don't forget the most important thing:

pray.

1 PETER 4:8 
BE ALERT AND OF SOBER MIND.
YOUR ENEMY THE DEVIL
PROWLS AROUND LIKE
A ROARING LION
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR.

EPHESIANS 6:12
FOR OUR STRUGGLE IS NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST THE RULERS, AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES, AGAINST THE POWERS OF THIS DARK WORLD AND AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS.

Live, Laugh, Love (THIS WAS MY DAD'S MANTRA) (UPDATED)

I think sometimes I can tend to take this life too seriously, not taking enough time to live and laugh,

not remembering that this life I have is the only one, the only chance I'll ever get to live.

Maybe it takes an accident, a closed door or more

to think about how life is too short.

My dad died so young,

and he died all alone,

no one to hold his hand.

And when you're in constant pain you think no one could ever understand what it's like to lie in bed day after day.

I don't want the pain

to overtake what God has planned.

So I'm going to try to take the time to smell the roses, as they say.

God invented emotions, after all,

so I'm sure it's okay to smile and laugh once in a while
and, yes,
even to cry.

I don't want to regret

never taking chances

when this chapter comes to a close
and I come to the end of this race.

JEREMIAH 29:11

"FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,"

DECLARES THE LORD,

"PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU,

PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE."

The Grass Is Greener (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

I'd like to know,

tell me please,

how someone can call themselves a Christian

yet not believe

in the basic principles

of Christianity.

Like, for instance, that Jesus is the one and only,

the son of God,

our salvation,

our bridge.

I'm not afraid to say

that Jesus is the only way.

And whether you want to admit it or not,

the Old Testament still stands to this day,

backed by documents

and historians.

Don't discount

the prophets.

The very word 'Christian' means Christ like.

So if you're not ready to make a stand for this world, strike out against evil,

then find another word

or get off the fence

and come stand for Him.

The grass really is greener

over here.

JOHN 14:6

JESUS ANSWERED, "I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.  NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.

Heaven

Lord, I don't want to go back to the way I was,

always unhappy and unlucky in love.

So please don't forsake me or leave.

I admit that I was walking on the wrong side of the road,

not the straight and narrow.
So I beg for your forgiveness.

I kept wondering why there were so many stumbling blocks, 

bumps and rocks,
broken bones,
torn hearts.

It's because I turned left when I should have gone right

and the street I was on didn't have any light.

I couldn't see my feet, that's how bad it was.

Dense fog surrounded me,

blinded me,

affected my sight.

Then I heard a little quiet voice inside of my head, deep in my heart,

telling me that the right turn was just ahead,

and if I just held out my hand, I could find my way.

And when I finally got there, there I would stay.

The road is much brighter here,

so soft and smooth,

and when I encounter bumps,

you hold my hand and see me through.

You shine your light

so I'll never lose sight

of where this road is leading me,

where you're guiding me,

where you're meeting me,

eternity.

Spread the Love (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

The world can be a crazy place,
and sometimes I just want to hide my face
from everything
that's happening,
stick my head in the ground,
pretend as if I'm not surrounded
by the enemy
trying so hard to take over God's territory.
But no matter how hurting and tired I am,
I can't get away from the fact
that there are still thousands of people out there
who haven't asked Jesus into their hearts,
not understanding that He needs to be much more than just a part,
in the passenger seat.
God needs to drive.
I don't understand how they can't know,
don't realize
that there is only one true God
that loves us so much
He gave up His one and only son to die on the cross.
Maybe they don't understand
how serious this is.
We could die
anytime.
None of us is promised tomorrow.
We need to be ready
to face the King.
Our days on this earth are numbered.
We don't know when our job will be done.
Yes, Jesus could come back
before that happens.
But why take the chance
when we're talking
about eternity?
That sounds like a long time to me.
We all will be judged,
no matter what,
saved or not.
Good works and being nice
just won't suffice.
I want to have that fire
in my soul
because I know
how many people haven't made the most important decision of all.
Do what you can
to make a difference in
where someone will spend
eternity.
Don't be afraid or ashamed
to speak His name.
Plant some seeds.
We need to remember how blessed we are
that God waited for us 
when we were lost.
So what's stopping you
from spreading the love?

GALATIANS 6:9
LET US NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD, FOR AT THE PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP.

Let Go and Let Him (UPDATED WITH NEW PICTURE. ALREADY HAD SCRIPTURE :P)

I don't believe,

personally,

that forgiveness is enough.
I believe we need to forget as well
so we can make ourselves available.
We need to dump that heavy baggage
if we want to be ready and able,
more than conquerors,
 capable for what lies ahead.
In fact,
physically speaking,
it's much easier to look forward
than it is to look back.
We are asked 
not to dwell on the past.
How can we possibly win
if we are not willing to let go and let Him?
I know how hard it is to forget,
let alone to forgive.
But hanging on
only holds you back,
which in turn,
could keep you from receiving
all of God's blessings.
Let go and let Him so He can do something new.
Let Jesus heal you.

ISAIAH 43:18-19

FORGET THE FORMER THINGS;

DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST.

SEE, I AM DOING A NEW THING!

NOW IT SPRINGS UP; DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT?

I AM MAKING A WAY IN THE WILDERNESS

AND STREAMS IN THE WASTELAND.

I

Random Thoughts (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

Sacrifice for the cross,

pray for the lost.

Put your own self away,
pray for your enemy.
Try it

for just one day

and you will see

great things.

Just crack that door,

let the light shine in

and chase the dark clouds

of doubt

 far away.

Say farewell and goodbye

to your pity party.

Jesus wouldn't ask you to do

anything He Himself hasn't already gone through.

Suffering

can only bring you closer to the King.

Pray

unceasingly

and you yourself will see

how great and mighty is our Lord

and how much you are capable of doing

if you just trust that God has had a plan for you

long before you were even born.

Our God answers prayers,

both big and small,

and sometimes we have to be honest with ourselves and realize that the answer just may be "No."

And that's only because

God can see the whole picture.
But, then, why are we so surprised
when our Lord says "Yes"?

Trust me on this,

you want to pass your test

or you'll have to take it all over and over again

until you understand,
until you have prayed
and stayed in God's Word.
How else can you know our King?

If someone believes that you've done something wrong

it's much easier on everyone involved

if you just let it go.

Choose your battles

because the battle is not over yet.

And it won't get any easier

until we're resting with Him in Heaven.

ROMANS 5:3-5
NOT ONLY SO BUT WE ALSO GLORY IN OUR SUFFERINGS, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT SUFFERING PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE; 
PERSEVERANCE, CHARACTER;
AND CHARACTER HOPE.
AND HOPE DOES NOT PUT US TO SHAME, BECAUSE GOD'S LOVE HAS BEEN POURED OUT INTO OUR HEARTS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO HAS BEN GIVEN TO US.

Whatever It Is, Give It to Him (revised)

I finally decide,

late at night,

exhausted from this emotional fight,

that it's time

to give my burdens back,

take them from my shoulders,

and let Jesus carry them instead.

Why can I not remember this?

Why do I always think that I'm strong enough to handle this life on my own?

You'd think that after all I've been through

I'd remember the truth from His word.

I've read the scriptures so many times,

know some so well that they, without thinking,
 fly into my rhymes.

This is one lesson that's been difficult for me to learn,

and I know it's because of what happened when I was young,

never being able to rely on anyone,

always having to look to myself

for help.

For example, when I was only five,

I was sent to my bed for crying too much

after breaking my arm playing with a bunch

of my friends.

I was made to stay

in my room, 

muffling my sobs,
cradling my little arm,

all day,
chastised for being such a cry baby.

Then, very late that night,
my father came home,

picked me up

as if I was some broken doll,

and ever so gently, carried me to the hospital.

That's how it was my entire life,

never having anyone on which I could rely.

But now I'm married to a Godly man

who loves me more than I deserve.

And I could never earn

the love and grace

God has sent my way.

So if I had one wish,

it would be this:

That I would put my past where it belongs,

and trust in the Lord with all of my heart 

and all of my soul.

REJOICE (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

Sometimes 
when I go to sleep at night

I pray that God 
will give me some rest for the night

by taking me home,
where I belong, 
for just one hour

so I can hear that heavenly choir

and join in that glorious song

with all the angels 
that surround His throne.

Just a glimpse

would be such bliss.
But I know I must stay
as an exile here on earth,
an alien in an alien world,
for at least another day
so I can spread seeds
and let the hurting
how wonderful this world can be
if they just give Jesus a chance.
Let Him be your rock 
on which you can firmly stand.
Jesus, I promise you,
will NEVER let you down.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS.
I WILL SAY IT AGAIN:
REJOICE!

INSPIRATION FROM GRANDMA BETTIE (updated)

This poem was written by my ancestor, Elizabeth "Bettie" Ann Cornelison to her daughter in August of 1895:

Dear children, though I am far from you

I do not you forget.

I left you in God's gracious care

and cannot see you yet.

I am lonely here and have been ere

so long I've been away.

But hope the Lord will us reward

with meeting you someday.

This is a sad and lonely place

a dreary land to me.

But tis enough if I can come

my children for to see.

And all my dearest loving ones

who are so dear to me

I hope I'll meet some early day

in sweet communion be.

Dear children in this dreary land

to one another prove

a blessing as you journey on

the road to heaven above.

Be humble always and be kind.

Be loving, gentle, true.

If long or short on earth you stay

let every day renew.

And when in trouble here on earth

so low beneath the wave,

remember He who bore the cross.

He did it you to save.

I now command you to the Lord

and hope you will keep His holy word.

Through life be kept by his kind power

and saved in heaven above.

Where sin and sorrow never comes

and death will be a stranger.

Nothing but love and joy and peace

there with the blessed angels.

The blessed savior up above

who reigns in peace and joy and love

will with His chosen people be

through an endless

eternity.

Rest with the angels until God brings us together,

my sweet inspirational grandmother. Thank you for paving the way.

I Thank God For My Family

I woke up this morning,

restless and stressed,

wondering why I'm being so paranoid,

feeling as if

I was about to be harmed,

forgetting for a moment

that all I need do

is rest in my sweet Jesus' arms.

Maybe it's because this past

year has been such a painful test

that it's hard to envision

peace for me.

But I thank the good Lord

for laying on my heart

to become faithful in reading His Word.

It's a wonder what can happen when you do what God requests.

Because now scripture seems to come to me

so easily. 

And quickly I remember

the peace that surpasses all understanding,

so much so

that we'll never know.

Then I force myself out of bed,

and I thank God that we've made Him the head 

of our little family -

our two cats,

our two dogs,

and my hubby and me.

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We Can Win (UPDATED WITH SCRIPTURE)

Don't give in to that sin,

that vice,

whatever it is.

It will keep you from winning,

from running the race

that we all need to finish at our own pace

if we want our reward,

to see God's face.

I know how easy it is to give in,

saying to myself that it's just something small,

and later I can fall

to my knees

and plead

for forgiveness,

making promises I won't keep.

We're all born sinners.

Face it,

it's in our nature.

But Jesus was nailed to that cross,

crucified

for our sins.

He sent the Holy Spirit so we can win

the race he set before us.

This life is just a test.

And if we pass,

we can sit by his feet

and listen to his stories

forever,

for eternity.

I don't know about you,

but no matter what, I'm going to finish this race

because I can hardly wait

to see his precious face.

PSALM 27:14

WAIT FOR THE LORD;
BE STRONG
AND TAKE HEART
AND WAIT FOR THE LORD.

OUR STRENGTH COMES FROM HIM (UPDATED)

Be strong and don't give up.

Life isn't a bed of roses,

but if you trust in God,

your work will be rewarded.

Our strength comes from Him,

from within.

Open your heart,

answer that knock,

and let Jesus in.

Our strength comes from within,
from Him.

He's right there,

standing by your side,

just waiting patiently

to abide in your life.

Our strength comes from Him,
from within.

Wait for the Lord,
be strong,

don't try to do it on your own.

The wait will be worth it

because His will is perfect.

Our strength comes from within,
from Him.

ISAIAH 40:29

HE GIVES STRENGTH TO THE WEARY

AND INCREASES THE POWER OF THE WEAK.

Let Jesus In (UPDATED)

God reached down and touched my heart,

took away the ache,

dried my tears,

calmed my fears.

And all I had to do

was pray for forgiveness,

ask Him to never leave,

to stay by my side,

give me wisdom

and be the leader of my life.

I don't want to be in control.

I just want to be consoled.

Reach out to Jesus first

if you are hurt.

He's the only one who can help

because He knows you more than anyone else.

The world would be a better place

if we all

answered the call

and let Jesus in.

JOHN 3:16

Can I Please Come Home? (UPDATED)

My heart's shaking,

aching,

scared,

afraid of crossing the line,

saying what's not right.

I want things now.

I don't understand

what's holding them back.

I want the wall

to crumble

like it did in Jericho.

But what I want

most of all

is your will.

So, Lord,

please give me your wisdom.

Help me to do and say the right things

at the right time

and toss 

my wants

out the window

far away where they belong

never to return again,

thrown into the lake of fire.

Make me strong

because I'm so frightened

that the door that I've been waiting for

so long to be opened

has been unlocked,

opened a crack,

just enough

to give me a glimpse

of all that I've missed.

How can it be

that I'm so scared

when you've answered my prayers?

Is it the unknown
or maybe

'cause it's been so long?

Please stay by my side,
my sweet Jesus.

Guide me in every step that I take

so I don't make any more ridiculous mistakes.

Help me to say and do

what you want me to.

Let your will be done,

and my will be dead and gone.

My life is yours.

But I want to be honest with you, Lord,

and tell you the truth.

I'm  exhausted from all of these battles,

my heart's been broken and bruised
much more than a time or two.

I'm done, I'm ready.

Can I please just come home?

But I'm still here,

so I guess my job

is not quite done.

Here I am,

here I'll stay
in this race

with my sweet Jesus,
 my Savior by my side.
And I know if I continue on this road

and never
look back,
the wait will just seem
like a dream.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY CONTINUALLY,

GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES;

FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS.