When Summer Comes

Peaceful meadows, gentle breezes
Caressing each wisp of hair
Silent grasses, waving, dancing,
Sounds of little creatures prancing
Wishful hopes, and sleepy memories
Oh, for Summer to be here!






   Today, I might be just a little guilty of wishing for past days of summer, when it seemed, we girls spent our time reading, planning tea parties, and teasing each other of prince charming.
So many dreams, so much laughter, and such good memories.

   The winter winds have not yet given up, as often happens in Southwestern Ontario.  This past weekend was cold and windy, with a touch of snow/ice. So, I took the opportunity to clean out all of my kitchen cupboards, wash and re-organize.  What a mess the dishes made! Completely worth it, and now the kitchen is sparkling.  And I am very pleased.

   Next weekend is expected to be 70 F. (Yes, warmer temperatures are forever Fahrenheit in my mind.) So, maybe I will manage to squeeze in a little suntan time while helping Rachel move.

This Side of the Looking Glass

So many times, as a single woman, you ask yourself if you really know your purpose in life.   For me, those early foggy fall mornings on the way to work envelope me with questions of identity and purpose.  Is life really about getting married?  Does it bring fulfillment different then what I have now?  Is that what my true purpose is?  But what if I never marry...I most likely won't... should I go work at an orphanage?  Why do we always think orphanage?  I just don't want to be a lonely, bitter, aimless old lady.

***

My thoughts drifted to my closest guy friend.  He was the closest thing to a best friend I could imagine in a guy. We could talk. Pretty much about anything.  Recently, it had become increasingly different.  Little things, nothing too spectacular, just a closeness that wasn't there before. He started to like me in a different way, or maybe he always had.  I too had been changing, or noticing change, I don't know.  Did I like him?  Maybe. Yes.  I loved him in someway, but I wasn't planning on this.  Was this right? 

***

The rain was very fitting.  Streams of silver droplets poured down my windshield, side mirror, and even when I looked at the pavement, the red reflection of the stop light shone ugly on the dank, dark, slimy tarmac.  I sighed.  Yes, the rain was very fitting.  It was crying for me.  Crying instead of me.  I couldn't cry, I was too tired.  Too weary.  Just dull inside.  Was I grieving? No, not really.  Depressed really.  I didn't have anything to cry about and I knew it.  He had asked to make it more serious, and changed his mind.  It was over.  I laughed softly, almost bitterly, to myself.  Whatever it was.  Somehow, I knew we were still friends, but now forever at a distance.  

Why had I gotten myself into this? Why did I let this happen?  What I am to do now? What does life hold?  The orphanage seemed far away and yet somehow maybe the only road.  Tibet. Tibet was far. 

Now, why in the world - Tibet?  I asked myself.  And realized it wasn't Tibet, Nigeria, or overseas that lay on my heart - it was my own selfish wish to ease an ache that clung to my heart and cried out to my brain.  I could hear it's pitiful wail - "I'm broken! Broken in two! Pity with me, for no one can fix this now."  

No, I said to my miserable heart, You are not broken. Maybe bruised, definitely tired, but not broken. Besides, I knew that God is the healer of the broken in heart, and He is only one and He was in control.  Since the beginning of my friendship (years), I had been praying - calling out to God to direct, stop, or help, whichever it was we needed.  This I knew. God was in control and it was the only thing I could cling to. 

***

To be continued.....

I am contemplating writing a book, but am not sure exactly how to start, so I think I will draw on my own experiences, and maybe work in the details of my heritage and past that is full of strange little stories, real heart breaks, mystery, and of course romance.  And here I have decided to practice. 

Maybe, I will indeed be able to write and finish writing this book:

_____________________________________

title to be determinded

Waiting Endure for a Season...

Sometimes the best things in life 

take a long time to materialize. 

~

My answer to 60 tips that will change a Girl's Life

One small step for girls, one giant leap for womankind.  My response to this blog post entitled 60 tips that can change a girls life.  

http://herrickalexisc1.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/60-little-tips-that-can-change-a-girls-life/

1. Download a banking app, better yet, download a budget app. (See budget options here) 
2. Drink more herbal tea. Agreed, it certainly relaxes you and is so healthy.  
3. Making your own coffee/tea instead of buying it will make you a rich woman. Most definitely.
4. Always have at least 2 open chapsticks, and one closed at home (too many tend to waste)
5. Check out thrift stores. Ah! I buy so many of my skirt at thrift shops. (See thrift shopping here)
6. Buy good jeans at a good price.  While cheaply made jeans wear out, you don't need to pay alot for jeans.  (See Cool places to shop) 
7. Buy cheap sunglasses instead.  So true, as long as they are UV protected.
8. Don’t chase boys!!!!!!!!!  
9. Wear slippers when you have to drive in heels, a pair of soft slippers in a slipper bag is a good idea.
10. Wear layers! i.e., carry a sweater or hoodie if you are wearing a t-shirt, and layer winter clothes, so you can remove your sweater if it gets to warm in a room. ( Even in summer? You could fill a novella with the times I ended up at a bonfire in the summer wanting my hoodie and not having it. )
11. Not so big on slippers so:  Smile wherever you go
12. Say a kind word whenever you possibly can (without being akward :P )
13. "Spend a little extra money on your make up?" well, I do and don't.  I buy any eye makeup at the dollar store, because I both rarely use it and find it works fine.  But, I spend money on good concealer and blush, my sensitive skin loves it. 
14. Get running sneakers that are actually effective and not just cute.
15. NEVER go to bed with your make up on.
16. "Get like a thousand packs of make up wipes, because they work the best." Haha, very true, but 1,000? really?  A couple packs from the dollar store is usually good.
17. Have a bottle of water on hand, a water bottle is 
18. Don't always be listening to music, take time to walk and think, or if you have the earphones, listen to the audio Bible - You Version App for android is really good!
19. Don't choose girls vs guys, its way more fun to mingle.  Girl time is good, boyfriend time is good, but as Christians we should fellowship with each other. Besides, why are you dating a guy that you figure will be gone in a bit?!
20. Get a bra that fits well, and maybe a bra butterfly to tie back the straps.  
21. Wash your face.
22. THE DOLLAR TREE is ABSOLUTELY great.  So is Dollar Tree - know your merchandise.
23. Never feel you have to paint your nails to feel beautiful, clean nails are nice nails.  If you paint, be sure its for fun, not a crutch. 
24. Eat something healthy for breakfast - example a smoothie or an apple or a orange....best yet half of a grapefruit :) 
25. Make a summer playlist for when you need to walk in the cold and start actually getting depressed. Hymns are wonderful anti-depressants :)
26. Get a super awesome coffee mug. :D
27. Realize that you don't need any lipstick.  You are beautiful
28. Don't even date a guy who doesn't know better than to take you such places as a dingy resturant or bar - Seriously!
29. Never try dieting pills or fads. It’s all a bunch of garbage, just be healthy, or better yet, "moderation in all things".
30. Call your mom when you need help. Yes indeed. 
31. Forget name brands. No one really cares, and you will have three times the wardrobe to choose from if you shop at Tj Maxx and Marshalls first. - Actually, try Target, the second hand store, and Outlet stores - they often beat both TJMaxx and Marshalls. 
32. Your friends don't need to like your favorite TV show - friends should be friends because you care about them and they about you!
33. See Above, your friends are individuals and one of my best friends is gluten intolerant and I love bread.  See?  would be ridiculous to have to have a friend who ate what you eat
34. There is this amazing invention called “boob tape” to wear with strapless dresses ... ah yes, apparently it works great most of the time - wear straps?  Modesty and comfort are more valuable
35. Ask for a white coat underneath the color when you get your nails done and the color you wanted looks so much more vibrant. hmmm interesting....not sure as I haven't tried it.  
36. Never spend too much time crying over a boy.  Definitely, God is in control, take comfort that He knows best and wants to save you from making the wrong decision.
37. Order the dressing or sauce on the side ladies. You’d be amazed at the difference.
38. Always try clothing on before you buy it. Don’t even try to reason with yourself, “Well I don’t need to try this on”, yes you do.
39. Drink as much water as humanly possible.
40. One foundation does not fit all. Your skin is unique; so spend the time to get a foundation that doesn’t look like you just smudged your face with paint.
41. Use your iCalendar or google calendar on your phone for reminders. It sends you emails and will give you instant organization.
42. Get a microwaveable heat pad. Your cramps and back will thank you for the rest of your days. Or take a warm bath with Epsom salts :)
43. The best remedy for a broken heart is taking it to the Lord.  He is the healer of broken hearts Psalms 147:3
44. Stock your car, desk, and bags with hand sanitizer.
45. Keep Advil in your purse for your every day headaches.
46. Band-Aids too, heels are beautiful little monsters.
47. Befriend store associates because they actually will help you. Most of the time. But don't buy it if you are feeling unsure - they also work on commission. 
48. Just go with butter popcorn .... 
49. Exercise when you’re stressed out.
50. You can and will never have too many pairs of underwear. Welll.... we get the point, but ah, yes, you can have too many.
51. Find the perfect moisturizer.
52. Accessories are great fun.
53. Take bubble baths with Epsom salts, but only take the bubbles if you can handle standard soap in delicate regions.
54. Have a granola bar on hand at all times.
55. Read as much as you can for your own enjoyment. And don't forget to read your Bible.
56. Look natural in photos and smile with your teeth. Don’t do that weird grimace smile; your teeth are perfect just the way they are.
57. If you are sick you need a doctor or dentist. It’s incredibly important to take care of your body and to know the difference of when you need help and when you don't.
58. Get your beauty sleep.
59. Use hand lotion.
60. Make chocolate chip pancakes when ever possible.  haha or muffins ;)

Grapefruit, Life, & all such news

So, lately many people have been asking me how life is going, how we are, how our marriage is, etc... sometimes into strange awkward questions, or those looks that are "looking deeper". :)
I know they all mean well, and I have been guilty of the same  - if not actually asking, definitely thinking it.  Yet, it always seems they are assuming the answer isn't going to be positive.  Makes me almost chuckle.  Yes, we are fine, happy, busy, and in general enjoying life.

And there you have it.  As dear Anne remarked in Anne of Green Gables, quoting that famous poem by Browning: 

“Anne's horizons had closed in since the night she had sat there after coming home from Queen's; but if the path set before her feet was to be narrow she knew that flowers of quiet happiness would bloom along it. The joy of sincere work and worthy aspiration and congenial friendship were to be hers; nothing could rob her of her birthright of fancy or her ideal world of dreams. And there was always the bend in the road!"`God's in his heaven, all's right with the world,'" whispered Anne softly."

You may be wondering at the grapefruit.  Well, this morning we were eating large pink flesh grapefruits for breakfast and I was thinking how utterly delicious the round yellow fruit was, when I realized.  I am content, wonderfully content, no more and more less content than before I was married. Just content, enjoying simple things that afore generations may not have had the privilege.
(Grapefruit wasn't a Upper Canada breakfast in 1802.)

I am not sure if Anne was ever mentioned of having eaten grapefruit in the books, but if she could have tasted my, I am sure she would have pronounced some lovely exclamation.

Tonight, Tonight may all be well

Dusk has fallen, clouds cloak the darkened sky, a raindrop splatters and silently continues down the pane. As a hilltop gives view of the landsceap, my view is not far different.  Tonight is a night that novels hold for tears, but real life seldom holds to novels, and tonight we are warm.

There is a warm and gentle atmosphere

About the form of one we love, and thus

As in a tender mist our spirits are

Wrapped in the of that which is to us

The health of life’s own life--

~Percy Bysshe Shelley

A Little Nugget of Gold

Courtship consists in a number of quiet attentions, 

not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood.

Laurence Sterne

But because the Lord loved you,...the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you.  

Deut 7:8

I was struck today by the gentleness, yet powerful purposefulness of our God.  When I read this quote on courtship, it reminded me of the quiet ways God works in our lives: "a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as to not be understood."   We tend to notice the big changes, traumatic events, whirlwind changes, failures, successes, and big miracles, but do we notice unobtrusive guidence, the gentle guidance?   The next time your life seems to be stuck, not moving, unchanged, uneventful, maybe even just boring, look at it as "a number of quiet attentions."

Judge Gently

Often we proffer conculsions about others based on our assumptions. I am as guilty as any in this matter, but was recently challenged by the following poem to question my own conclusions of others.

We don't have to ignor evidence, and I am not speaking of tolerance of wrong doing. I am thinking of those little moments, when someone makes a different decision than our own - not a bad decision, just a different decision. Priorities and responsibilities are given to individuals by God in different ways, a person called to a distant mission field has that priority, but not everyone is called to a distant field of service.

Ask yourself today, am I judgingly gently?

Judge Gently

Pray don't find fault with the man who limps

or stumbles along the road,

unless you have worn the shoes he wears

or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,

though hidden away from view,

or the burden he bears, placed on your back

might cause you to stumble too.

Don't sneer at the man who's down today

unless you have felt the blow

that caused his fall or felt the shame

that only the fallen know.

You may be strong, but still the blows

that were his if dealt to you,

in the selfsame way, at the selfsame time,

might cause you to stagger too.

Why mind the fashion?

Ah! I found a wing-ding of a quote!

"Why mind the fashion? Wear a big hat and be comfortable!"

~Louisa May Alcott

No, this isn't me in the picture, but I did buy this hat ~ Ah! how I love big hats!

:D

One Voice

I randomly found this article from Maclean's Magazine, thought it rather interesting. Here is just an excerpt. If you don't know who Mike Tompkins is, look him up on YouTube. It's amazing what the human vocal chords are capable of - a whole orchestra with just one person.

{In a World Wide Web full of bizarre celebrities, from the histrionic Chris “Leave Britney alone!” Crocker to the glassy-eyed Tay “Chocolate Rain” Zonday, one YouTube sensation stands out. His name is Mike Tompkins, and he’s… rather normal.

The London, Ont., vocalist and producer garners millions of hits for videos in which he cheerily recreates the multi-layered sounds of contemporary pop songs—using only his voice and mouth, and occasionally, a tambourine. In October, über-producer Timbaland (Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake) invited him to Miami, saying, “You’re doing something normal, but in a really cool way.”

Tompkins, 23, is clean-cut and well-mannered—over lunch at Duggan’s Brewery in Toronto, he even says grace before tucking into his burger. He’s the kind of guy his many teen-girl fans would like to take home to their parents, if he weren’t already married.

He and wife Kayla have been together since an onstage kiss in high school drama class. Now she’s his manager, publicist and stylist, rooting for superstardom despite the fact that his fans “don’t want to know I exist,” she says. “You want Mike to be that girl’s fantasy—but at the same time, I do exist."......

And while the artists’ original videos tend to be raunchy—Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream is one long heavy-petting session—Tompkins provides a G-rated alternative. Using split screens and special effects, he shows multiple versions of himself imitating everything from basses to synthesizers. Occasionally, he alters lyrics: in Perry’s song, for instance, “Let’s go all the way tonight” becomes “Let’s fall into each other’s arms.”

When he and Kayla have children one day, he doesn’t want them to hear their father singing about “hooking up with random girls. I’m trying to be different in a way that’s not manipulating the minds of our youth.”.......}

If you want to read the entire article, here is the link.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/12/06/he-sings-all-the-parts/#more-162272

Let this my motto be

Lord, help me live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for—Others.

Refrain

Others, Lord, yes others,

Let this my motto be,

Help me to live for others,

That I may live like Thee.

Help me in all the work I do

To ever be sincere and true

And know that all I’d do for You

Must needs be done for—Others.

Refrain

Let ?Self? be crucified and slain

And buried deep: and all in vain

May efforts be to rise again,

Unless to live for—Others.

Refrain

And when my work on earth is done,

And my new work in Heav’n’s begun,

May I forget the crown I’ve won,

While thinking still of—Others.

Refrain

As children, we used to lay in bed listening to Tennessee Erie Ford sing hymns, this was one of the hymns. We listened to the same cassette night after night, fell to sleep listening to the tape, and again for Sunday afternoon nap. He had such a rich deep voice, soothing, clear, and comforting. The tape is still our favorite, even after 20 years, whenever one of us siblings is in the dumps, you'll hear that one singing "Tennesse Erie Ford".

Looking back, I believe our thoughts and standard for life was greatly affected by the music we listened to. Today, I was feeling pointless - after all what use am I? I don't have a clear purpose or goal mapped out in front of me. I can't say "I'm getting ready for the mission field, Lord Willing, in the next year or two." I can't say "I'm striving to raise my children for the Lord, oh that they'll be saved at a young age!" I can't even say "Yes, I am so excited, we'll be starting life together, I pray I will be a wife of virtue." What can I say?

At this point, I think I wasn't so much melancoly or sad -- just confused. Then into my mind streamed these lovely words. "Lord, help me live from day to day...Let this my motto be...That I may live like Thee." The truth dawned on me. If only in my life, I can only say that my goal is to live like Him, then that is all that matters. It doesn't matter whether you fit into the previous categories: a prayerful missionary, a careful mother, or a helpful wife. It matters that you live for Him, in whatever capacity He gives you.

Lord, help me live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for—Others.

Let this my motto be.

If you want to hear what the tune sounds like, here is the link http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/t/h/others.htm, and I found Tennesee Ernie Ford singing it online http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X82jlo9ngOE :)

Under the Wire

I waited patiently for the LORD;

and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Ps 40:1

Today at the end of morning meeting, a short word of ministry was given on Ps 40:1-3. The message hit home for me, so I've decided to share it.

The speaker opened by reading Psalms 40:1-3. Then he looked at the rest of us, and said "Listen to this verse" and promptly mis quoted it. It jarred me. He quoted "I waited for the Lord, and he inclined unto me." I waited for him to correct himself, but he didn't.

He continued to say how he likes to "slip under the wire" when it comes to this verse. Slipping in under the "I waited" and failing to "Wait PATIENTLY". He said that we know God will work his perfect work regardless of us, and it will be in his timing, ultimately. So, "I have to wait, I have no choice, but am I waiting patiently."

Ah, my mom once said to me when I was about 11 or so, "Be careful, if you don't learn patience now, God will teach it to you eventually. And the lessons we fail to learn the first time, seem to be a lot longer later on. " Truthfully, I shrugged it off, I'd be patient eventually, but it did nag at me for a long time thereafter.

Not too many years later, I began to see what she meant. Patience is not an easy thing to learn. But I was encouraged today by the ministry. Encouraged to wait patiently, because the Lord will incline unto me. This is the idea of a King on his throne, learning forward in interest, interested in what you have to say, listening. Wait Patiently, don't try to slip in under the wire.

Thank God that He listens!

Come Out From

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1Pe 1:16

For I am the LORD your God:

ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves,

and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:

Lev 11:44

Time has past since we would journey to Florida as a whole family by car. The three day trek to Florida seemed like an eternity to us kids, helped mostly by the eager anticipation to play in the sand and "our" pool --namely the resort's pool. We felt like we owned Florida!

Looking back I can imagine how trying we children were to Dad. "Are we there yet?" "How many more days?" "How many more hours?" "Dad, are bald headed eagles really bald?" "Dad, I feel seasick! No, I'm NOT car sick, I am SEA sick, I feel sea sick." "Dad.." "Dad..."

I am sure my parents wonder if these long trips were even worth the effort. I wonder if they ever realized what an impact these trips had on us.

You see, we had a favorite "tape" (cassette tape -- or rather tapes): Don Francisco's tapes. We could sing every song by memory. These songs made a huge impact on our minds, on our life. And no wonder, we listened to them the whole way down and the whole way home (this was before we discovered the Odyssey series.)

I was thinking today of one of these songs in particular. The song is "Holiness", and it is the chorus that stands out to me even now.

Holiness, Holiness

It's the Lord's command

Not the Lord's request

How true this is! I don't believe we understand the significance of such a command. Above I have listed the verses that come to mind whenever I heard this song. IF only we could grasp the importance of being holy, our lives would be changed.

"How should we then live?

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Eze 33:10, 11"

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord"

2Co 6:17

(to turn off blog music, just scroll down on the left side, click the big pause button)

Consider

Love this song :)

1923

I have been listening to country lately, seem to be on a country trend--maybe its the scenic route I take to work or maybe just this time of summer. I was listening to the song I call "Wait for Me" although as I have just now found out, the song is really called "Love, Me". Anyways, the song reminded me of my 'adopted' great-grandpa, G.P. Taylor. Most know G.P. Taylor as an older preacher, he told us wild stories. One such story was very similar to this song, see, he and his-bride-to-be eloped when quite young, since her father didn't approve of the match. They hopped in his car and drove through one or two states until they found state where they could get married. The details of the story I have forgotten, but I will never forget him telling me the story. I think he was 98 at the time, and he laid on the couch chuckling to himself, and he kept interrupting himself with stories of his late wife, how good she was, how talented. I always loved when he told us stories. Anyway, enjoy. :)

(Since the blog music automatically plays, scroll down the page, click the pause button on the right hand side to stop the blog music.)

A letter

Sometimes I wonder what the purpose of life really is, what the is point, the purpose, the divine plan of life? As more of life that passes, the more I realize that life just doesn’t make sense. Nor perhaps is it meant to. The creation of Life is a mystery, the sustaining of Life can be a mystery –Life is a mystery.

Does a mother look at her child and wonder ‘how can this child be?’ Or a man with his bride wonder ‘how can this be?’ Maybe, no one else wonders these things ….But I wonder….not that I have every been a mother

(nor a man for that matter) but I wonder “How?”. For life, it does not make sense. Oh, it follows the typical patterns, and in many ways it can be so predictable, but close study defines nothing. Life defies being understood, I think.

There are a few things in Life which I find immensely satisfying. One of which is to bury my hands in Tobijah’s fur, his warm, soft, clean fur. It feels so deep, like you could lose your hands in his fur.

I clench my hands in his furry mien and for that moment--I am satisfied.

I sit on the porch swing as the cross breeze plays with my hair and faint cooing from mourning doves mingle with chickadee twitters.

Our porch swing is very satisfying. Or sitting close with a friend: I love the warmth – the comradeship, friendship, and the deeper sense of peace. Even more, spending time with the Lord, in the quiet of my room, listening.

I understand now why they say that dogs are good for children, since dogs love unconditionally. Tobijah doesn't mind when I grab handfuls of warm fur, he sits smiling his doggy smile.

Another thing: children. Children are so very satisfactory. Last weekend, I held my friends 7 week old baby. He lay in my lap, cooing, talking. Everytime I said "Hi", he would repeat the sound back to me. (Imagine how trilled I was.) Babies may be my weakness... so lovable. Warm. Soft. And little children are so trusting. Trusting, faithful, loving: character traits we should really be practicing. I think perhaps the fact little child pose no threat, and happy puppy dogs either is what makes us love them so. I enjoyed these verses, these verses gave a sense of purpose and comfort.

Isaiah 14:26 says "This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the. For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen:it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for

this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be

good, or whether it be evil.

These are my contemplations for the day, I have drawn no new conclusions.

Sincerely,

Ashley

I returned,

and saw under the sun,

that the race is not to the swift,

nor the battle to the strong,

neither yet bread to the wise,

nor yet riches to men of understanding,

nor yet favour to men of skill;

but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Ecc 9:11

Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow;

I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from its sunshine

For its skies may turn to grey.

I don't worry o'er the future,

For I know what Jesus said.

And today I'll walk beside Him,

For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb;

Every burden's getting lighter,

Every cloud is silver-lined.

There the sun is always shining,

There no tear will dim the eye;

At the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow;

It may bring me poverty.

But the one who feeds the sparrow,

Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that is my portion

May be through the flame or flood;

But His presence goes before me

And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHhtWs5j2l8&feature=related

When all the world is looming dark

And things seem not so clear,

When shadows seem to hover 'round

Lord, may I persevere.

When it seems everything's been tried

And there's no way to go,

Just let me keep remembering

Sometimes the journey's slow.

I may just need to stop and rest

Along the path I trod,

A time to try to understand

And have my talk with God.

As I gain new strength to carry on

Without a doubt or fear,

Somehow I know things will be right,

And so, I persevere.

By Anne Stortz

The Road Most Wondered

The Road Most Wondered

There is a road most wondered

Tis called the road of life

For both the ancients and the moderns

This wonder causes strife

For no one ever quite can tell

Nor answer how or why

Or tell the utmost purpose

Nor when a man will die

The outside nor the inside

The reason past or future

The value here and now

Yet a little whisper

Comes from the bend ahead

Come all ye weary ones

REST, is what He said.