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.

Tribute To My Daughters

Tribute to My Daughters

Romans 12:2 do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

When I sewed garments for my children, I remember looking for the right pattern.

A pattern is to guide you, just as God guides you through His Word.

Dorcas was well thought of because she sewed garments for people.

Sewing is a talent. You either catch on to it or you are lost. My first daughter tried it and it was just not her area of expertise. It frustrated her to no end. Her area of expertise is caregiver to patience with heart problems. She minister to her patients in the hospital about Jesus.

My second daughter had the talent and could sew vests for her son’s proms. She even sewed the bow ties that matched the girls’ dresses. She can be proud of her accomplishments in life as a mother and seamstress, like Dorcas in the Bible.

My third daughter couldn’t catch on except to mend cloths. She is a furniture designer by trade even if she did end up on the business end of the trade. However, she has designed gardens and has been awarded “yard of the month” in her neighborhood. Growing things is her area of expertise. She sees that her work is alongside God’s beautiful creation of flowers and shrubs.

I think they all have that peace only God can give. Praise be to God for children.

God has a pattern for each of our lives. When we use those talents, He awards us with a peace that passes all understanding.

In His Care

There is the me

  I want to be.

There is the me

  I am.

Ever seeking God,

 To lead me in ways

  I ought to understand,

  forever in His care.

Vast Expanse

Looking at the world around us

Can bring so many sights

It can bring us to our knees.

For God’s vast expanse of the sky

Which surrounds us with the beauty of

Creation we do not fully understand.

For God created earth and sky

For all to understand,

His beauty deep and wide.

We dare to understand.

How He brought a man and woman

Into this land to live and die

By honoring Him with their presence

This vast expanse of earth and sky.

Whispering Pines

     I heard a vice the other day, it whispered, “Come hither, come closer.” As I tried to refrain from listening it became more distinct. It said, “Come away with me. I will bring you peace. Spend some time with me in meditation of my Word. Stay the voices of busyness and rest within my arms.” The voice reached into my innermost being and bid me lead my heart to Him.

     Speaking further within me, he bid me, “Listen to the winds of the pines. They blow softly toward you, whispering, ‘I am with you to the end of time.’”

     I leaned in His everlasting arms for fear of never again hearing the small voice whispering.

     May I ever be mindful of the still small voice within that reassures me, “You can share with Me in the cool of the evening, ‘neath the whispering pines, just as Adam and Eve in the beginning.”