LORD,

Each morning, I start my day asking you to help me. "Just for today,"
I say, for I know it is your desire that I live in the present moments
of life, not in the past, and not trying to run ahead of things.
    
I ask for your help because you tell us to not worry about tomorrow;
to not worry at all, You ask us to trust you. I ask for your help because
if I start my mornings without you I have a horrible day. Oh,
I make it through alright, but neither heart or mind
is at peace.

When I am confronted with bad news, have another health issue
to struggle with, or am missing my Johnny, and am discouraged,
I have but to open my Bible, for in it I find  words of love and
encouragement.
One verse that never fails to lift my spirits is Joshua 1 verse 9
which says "Have not I commanded thee?
Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid,
neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD they God is with thee
withersoever thou goest."
  
It is impossible, Lord, to read that verse and remain discouraged. 
You are where you promised to be (right beside me). I praise
you for your faithfulness, your dependability, your goodness,
the greatness of your heart.
Your arms are always open wide, inviting your children to
run into them when they hurt, are fearful, feeling lost,
misunderstood and unloved.

Life these days is so hard, Lord. I know many people are struggling
with difficult, painful things. I know how hard it is to struggle
like that, and to hurt that much.
  The day I wrote this poem, in 1992, my  life was a tangled ball
of string.My heart was broken - my dreams shattered.
Hope was still alive, but quickly becoming as elusive as a
butterfly. I needed a miracle and Lord, you gave me one.
  Please Gracious Father, do for these dear struggling ones, what 
you did for me, so that finally, they can be at peace, and both
heart and mind, together, can walk a straight line.

YOUR LOVE Still ABIDES WITH ME
(written in 1992)


Lord, this day, the clouds all about me
are gray, and block out the sun.
I'm trying so hard to be faithful,
But can't let go of the burdens, not one.
Thou hast said "Child, I'll never leave thee.
I'm not man that I should lie."
Upon bended knee, Lord hear me please,
My last words -should I die.

I thank Thee O Lord for sweet Jesus,
For roses, my children and rain,
For the trials that test the man that I am,
They bring me close to you again.
I'm thanking you now for my burdens,
Heavy, Lord, as they may be.
Man's love comes and goes, as everyone knows,
But your love still abides with me.


Lord the dark upon me is heavy,
It feels more than I can withstand,
So I'm stretching my arms towards heaven,
Won't you please grab hold of my hand.
Thou hast said "Child, I'll never leave thee.
I'm not man that I should lie."
So upon bended knee, Lord hear me please,
My last words lest I should die.


I thank thee O God, for sweet Jesus,
For roses, my children, and rain,
For the trials that test the  man I am,
They bring me close to you again.
I'm thanking you now for these burdens,
Heavy Lord, as they may be.Man's love comes and goes, as everyone knows
But your love still abides with me.