MOM'S LAST CHRISTMAS GIFT

     Christmas was my mom's favorite time of year. She gave to each family member: Aunts, Uncles, nieces, (no nephews exist) sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, she even gave to friends and their family who couldn't give back.

     Her last days on earth, she was given a Christmas gift she didn't wear. My aunt had given her a nice, pink robe because mom was ill. She had not worn it three days after Christmas when she died December 28, 1969.

     I remember my aunt asked to return the robe.  I remember it was a curious request, but did not jump to judgment. Years later I realized the two women's viewpoint. They were from the "Great Depression" era. They were frugal. "Waste not, want not," was evident in their decisions.

     Mom knew the thought behind the gift was genuine love. She loved back through a last gesture of frugality.

     I see this same quality in her grandchildren as they have grown. They love to shop. They love to give, even when the recipients can't return the favor. Praise The Lord for a giving family.

 …."It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) NIV

God Will Provide

Whatever comes your way

God is able to provide

For unseen things and others

our soul longs to abide

We see Him in the beauty of the sky bright and blue

We see Him in the sunset, magnificent though it be

We see Him in the moonlight, subtle it may be.

We see Him everywhere in our lives.

Understand His mercy we must see

as we travel life's highway

that opens up new meaning as

new horizons we like to seek

Your life is a mystery

for you to perceive great humanity

In the Lord we find no discouragement

But hope and love and life abundantly.

Games We Play

     We all enjoy playing games with each other. It is challenging to see how strong we are on certain information that can be entertaining or serious.

     Recently, well actually about a year ago. We went to a retreat with the family. We played “Scategories”. It told us a lot about each other. The men were better than the women choosing more words when it was about cars. The women were stronger with words about history.

     However, when it came to “Pictionary” the women could guess quicker than the men. However, the roll of the dice the men were better, therefore made their game piece go at a quicker pace to end the game. So they won that one.

      Playing games can give us insight to people by their actions or reactions. Some people are silent and others noisy. Some people are passive and others passionate.

We can approach life like that some time. At times we are passive and other times we become very passionate.

      However, often times in life our actions or reactions revolve around the gospel.  We live what we learn, and when we learn the word of God we react better to situations in life. When we meditate on the Word, we can be better players in the game of life. We can be passive or passionate about the word.

     Sometimes we are very passionate about God and Jesus. Sometimes we can be passive. We can be silent or noisy about Jesus. But we always act or react to the Word.

     I pray we will be active with other people, yet when we react it will be with kindness toward them.

“And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

LIFTING

Lifting a load of a ton of clothes

I wonder if a life will unfold

From a paralytic life I'll hold 

God was good you might say

My luck will hold

 A life well staid

To live in God's kingdom 

And foresee the need 

To tell others of God's great love for thee

ANIMAL CRACKERS

Animal crackers

Wouldn't you know 

A healthy snack 

For young and old

Babies teethe on them

Toddlers too

Enjoy the heck 

Out of three or two 

On the go

Or in the know

Animal crackers

Healthy

For young and old

Neighborhood Growing Up

Baseball, kickball, football

Well played in the vacant lot

By neighborhood kids

Of all ages

From eight to teen years 

Back in the '50’s lean years

In the neighborhood 

Growing up

Back when kids went barefoot

Catching fireflies at dusk

Before kids were not scared

Of "catching bugs" of a different kind

Where butterflies flew freely

For all to see and admire

In the neighborhood

Growing up

FLAGS FLYING

Several years ago my husband and I took a trip to Waco from Beaumont area headed toward the north central Texas. As my husband drove, I became engaged in the view. Taking highway 69 North to Woodville, then Highway 287 Northwest toward Crockett, then Highway 7 to Centerville to Highway 6 that leads on into Waco.

On the route Highway 287 Northwest, there were several ranches with fences that led to gates from which hung the American Flag and the Texas Flag on either side. It was a grand sight to see, and glory shone through the patriotism of these Texas people.

The sight inspired me to write these poems. I hope they inspire you too.

FLAGS

Flags flying in the wind

Going to and fro,

The U.S. flag, the Texas flag

Between two gates unknown

As we travel Texas roads.

A ranch among the pine tress flow

We dare not be dismayed.

The U.S. flag, the Texas flag

Waving in the wind

As onward we travel through this land

Bought by blood and sweat and tears.

TWO FLAGS

I see two flags a flying,

   high up in the air.

Over gates wide and strong,

The U.S. flag so proud and proved she hangs

    above the clouds

The Texas flag beside her also hangs

Just as proud as she ever was in years gone by

     bought with blood and sweat and tears,

     also bought with hands very tried and true.

The Anniversary

     We drove for about 40 minutes down the highway to Al T”s Seafood and Steakhouse. It was a cold day but, we enjoyed getting out after two days of rainy weather being cooped up inside.

     As we were seated in the non-smoking section that led down a small hallway, there were windows on the outside wall. In the window was a shelf with metal sculptures. One in the shape of a chicken, the other had a miniature pitcher that would have been used for watering pot plants. In the middle was a miniature washtub with a flower arrangement in it.

     Out side the window were picnic table for bright sunny days. They looked like several people could share a meal there. The food was delicious with just the right amount of proportions for us. Inside was warm and cozy. The waitress was attentive, yet gave us our quiet time.

     The date ended when we returned home to take a quiet evening just quietly meditating with each other just as we had begun the day.