Born into Freedom

The other day, I set up some medical equipment. I noticed that the Father was absent from the home. Not knowing the situation, I didn't ask any questions, but just went about my job. In talking with the family, I learned that the Father was stationed in Afghanistan. He was able to come home for a few days surrounding their baby's birth, and then had to go back. It made me appreciate once again the sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces, and their families, who protect and serve each one of us so selflessly. It made me write the following poem.

When I was born my Daddy came

to be right by Mommy’s side
As I entered so small, into this world

their love could never hide

They held me close and they both cried

as happy as could be
They had been blessed with their first child

in their little family

A couple of days, and I got to see

the door to our little house
Daddy was there, always taking care

of me and his sweet spouse

He showed me love as he held me close

within his big strong arm
I smiled at Dad, as he looked down on me

I felt safe from any harm

He loves both of us so much I thought

within my growing mind
He waits on her, he’s there for me;

he is always so gentle and kind

Then after a week of this sweet bliss

confusion starts to set in
Daddy is leaving, his bags all packed

a frown has replaced his grin

He holds me close just one last time

and then kisses my little head
I look at Mommy, as he holds her close;

her eyes are so wet and red

Then one last kiss, for both of us

as he walks out our front door
Where is he going? We need him so much

Why must HE fight the war?

Mommy tries to explain to me,

his sacrifice so true and so brave
Freedom he protects for us here

and other people he tries to save

Times are tough all while he’s gone;

we miss him so very much
Hearing him from a phone far away

never compared with his touch

Both of my parents sacrifice so much

for people they don’t even know
I realize my Daddy can’t be here

to be with me as I progress and grow

The question comes as I think:

Daddy could die from the bombs and debris
I now know those who sacrifice all

are the ones who make freedom free

My only hope is people can serve

their families while they are away

Remembering the soldier and the family

as we exercise our right to pray

Savior I Need Thee

Savior I need thee…
when my life seems rough
when my heart is full of sorrow
when my challenges seem too tough
when I’m scared to face tomorrow

Savior I need thee…
when it’s hard to clearly see
when I feel turmoil in my life
when struggling through debris
when feeling conflict and strife

Savior I need thee…
when I’m too weary to stand
when I’m tossed by a fearsome tide
when the waves crashing are too grand
when I need thee to lift and guide

Savior I need thee…
when I’m unsure of the way
when I start to steer towards wrong
when the fog is thick and gray
when I’ve forgotten where I belong

Savior I need thee…
when I need to forgive
when I think that I’ve been wronged
when someone has made it harder to live
when my suffering has been prolonged

Savior I need thee…
when my world is well
when joyfulness fills my head
when my heart begins to swell
when I can’t wait to see what’s ahead

Savior I need thee…
when I have sought thy will
when I find myself at peace
when my spirit can be still
when my troubles seem to cease

Savior I need thee…
when I feel strong
when tough waters have been stilled
when I’m blissfully floating along
when promised blessings have been fulfilled

Savior I need thee…
when I am seeking thee
when I’m walking as thou wants me to
when I am being the best I can be
when seeking all thou would have me do

Savior I cannot express my need
to have thee be by my side
it does not matter where I am
I have great need for thee to abide

Savior please hold me tight

with thy ever encompassing care

help me to ever seek thy light

to feel that thou art there

Savior my simple prayer

is to seek to have thee as my guide
all I can see is darkness and despair
if I don’t have thy light beside

An Ode to Bathroom Keys

you are out somewhere
and your child really has to pee
you see the restroom sign
then realize you need a key

you quickly run back to the clerk
and ask him “pretty please?”
they give you some HUGE key ring
filled with every possible disease

they waddle back to the bathroom
just as fast as their little legs can
you better hope they don’t sneeze
while you run the hallway span

you jam the key into the lock
you turn it to and fro,
this is way too much to ask
when your kid just needs to go!

the lock finally releases
you fling the door away
the bathroom is not comforting
no one will enjoy this stay

you’ve all entered a dungeon
dirt and paper cover the ground
a wall with no graffiti might be sought
but surely never be found

the curious child asks so much
about the writing on the wall
you simply try to rush them
as they talk to you through the stall

you then move over to the sink
and wash everyone’s hands so clean
then see the key once again

and it seems so very obscene

but alas, you pick it up
and contaminate your skin
you take it back to the clerk
and he gives you a knowing grin

you then pull from your pocket
a bottle of hand sanitizer
you dump on a gallon of alcohol
now no one is the wiser

“YOUR BATHROOM IS DISGUSTING!”
you’d love to loudly say
as you leave every gas station
and venture on your way

in the end, shouldn’t it really be nice,
if there's a lock upon it's door?
dark, disgusting, and walls all tagged,
is it too much to want something more?

I have come to the conclusion that
no employee has ever been inside
for that key is totally useless
in that bathroom, nothing nice could hide

The Price of Admission

In this world it seems that so much emphasis is placed on worldly wealth. Even as I compare my generation with my parent's generation, it sickens me. When did we arrive at a place where so many judge the quality of a person based on their worldly assets? That is about the farthest thing from what I have been taught. In the last six months I have had three friends who have lost their jobs, and one couple has just lost their house. My heart and prayers continually go out to each of them in this trying time. I think it is important to remember that circumstances only show WHERE someone is, and not WHO someone is. Circumstances do not account for the soul of a person, the depth of a person, or certainly the potential of a person. Yes, there are some cases where bad circumstances have been self-inflicted. Even in those cases, I believe that people can change and rise up. A person is only a failure if they stay down when they have fallen. One could say that I am only speaking as a person who doesn't have an amazing amount of stuff going for them. To that I would say that I know plenty of people who are a success, on every level, who feel the same way. Fortunately, I know those who are reading this probably feel the same way I do. Circumstances do not define a person, but rather, thoughts, feelings, and actions define each of us. Regardless of your circumstances, I am grateful for all of you my friends and for all that you have given, and continually give me. I wrote the following poem from some of the thoughts that have been on my mind.

I want you to know
what you do for work
doesn’t matter to me
it doesn’t matter if things are tough
or if you have lots of money

You aren’t required to live
in a huge house upon the hill
or go on an exotic vacation
through the mountains of Brazil

It doesn’t matter to me
if you have high levels of education
or if you feel your train has not
quite rolled into the station

The last thing that matters to me
is if you drive a beater
or if you have the means to afford
something a little sweeter

I am not concerned with your debt
or your credit score
or what designer labels I’d find
if I peeked in your clothing drawer

In the price of admission
of my friendship
these things are all for naught
when I look towards the important things
they don’t even deserve a thought

All that I require from those,
who may want to call me “friend”
is an honest try to be your best
to work at this until the end

Just say what you mean
and then mean what you say
help to lift the burdens
of people around you each day

Try not to criticize or judge
those you may happen by
realize that on this earth
“imperfect” is in abundant supply

I do not require perfection
I have flaws without a doubt
while I may slip from time to time
I try to walk the route

If this list does not seem like
a daunting task for you to do
I hope that you would call me “friend”
for I call you one too

Simply Strepilicious

Today I played hooky from work and school. This was not because I had some fun activities or anything, but rather so I could crouch up in a little ball (who am I kidding, I will never be a LITTLE ball) with a blanket and shiver. I guess some would consider that a fun activity. Me, not so much. It is good though, because I am overly confident when I go to the Instacare now. They check me in. They say, "what are we seeing you for today?" I proudly tell them, "I have strep throat!" They say, "well what are your symptoms?" I find this somewhat annoying in my own head, but list them to the people anyway. This process is repeated with the three people I saw today. After the nurse did the swab of my throat, she said, "the test usually takes about 10-15 minutes." I said, "I will bet you $5 that it is positive in three." She would not take my bet. Good thing for her, because she would have lost! The doctor came in and talked to me. She really wants me to go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I countered by asking for a stronger antibiotic. If it comes back again after this time, I might just go to the specialist. I just don't see the panic, it has been 47 days since the last time I had it. I have gained 5 days, and this time it did not spread into my eye! The last window of health only lasted 42 days. I figure as long as we are making progress, what is the point?

I wrote the following song about strep throat. It is to the tune of the freecreditreport.com commercial about him buying a new car. I hope you enjoy it.

Well, I woke up this morning
decided to play hooky
another bad case of strep found me

Just when I think how bad it sucks
medicine and doctors take my $50 bucks

S-T-R-E-P

that spells strep, if you can’t see


I think about learning or making money
as sit here sucking cough drops with honey.

A butterfly in China must have flapped its wings
out of nowhere my throat gave me the stings

S-T-R-E-P

PLEASE will you stop, attacking me!

Offer applies with enrollment in the I get strep too much club.

The Mountain

The Mountain

TWO MEN AND A MOUNTAIN, EACH MUST CLIMB
PREPARING TO ACT, KNOWING THIS WAS THEIR TIME
EACH MAN FOUND, A TRAIL TO ASCEND
A PATHWAY TO GUIDE, THE TIME THEY’D SPEND
ONE MAN FOUND THE WAY, STRAIGHT TO THE TOP
HE PASSED BY EVERYTHING, FOR NOTHING HE’D STOP
HE’D SURELY WIN THE RACE, UP THE GREAT HILL
HE’D BE THE BEST, BY DETERMINATION AND WILL
HE WALKED PAST THE BEAUTY, BEFORE HIS FACE
TO HIM THIS WAS NOTHING, MORE THAN A RACE
THE OTHER MAN WALKED, A LONG WINDY LINE
HIS LUNGS FILLED WITH AIR, FROM EACH MOUNTAIN PINE
WHILE CLIMBING HIGHER, UPON HIS CHOSEN ROUTE
HE CAME UPON OTHERS, THE MOUNT HAD WORN OUT
HE GAVE OF HIS WATER, HE HELPED THEM TO THEIR FEET
HE PUSHED THEM ALONG, WITH ENCOURAGEMENT SO SWEET
HE STOPPED TO TAKE IN BEAUTY, OF SCENERY ALL AROUND
HE TOOK TIME TO GROOM THE TRAIL, FOR OTHERS TO ABOUND
HE STOPPED TO THANK THE LORD, FOR ALL HE HAD BESTOWED
MARVELLING AT EACH CREATION, AS HE WALKED ALONG THIS ROAD

THE FIRST MAN REACHED THE TOP, IN A RECORD PACE
HE LOOKED DOWN PROUDLY, HE KNEW HE’D WON THE RACE
BUT, THEN THE FINISH LINE, THE SECOND MAN CROSSED
IN THIS SINGLE INSTANT, THE FIRST REALIZED HE’D LOST
THE FIRST MAN REACHED, THE TOP WITH GREAT SPEED
BUT THE SECOND STOPPED, TO FULFILL ANOTHER'S NEED
HE NOTICED ALL GOD, HAD PUT BY HIS WAY
HE NOTICED THE LITTLE THINGS, IN EVERY DAY
HE LOOKED BACK DOWN, TO A PATH HE’D NEVER FORGET
HE FOUND JOY IN HIS JOURNEY, AND LEFT WITHOUT REGRET
THE FIRST MAN ONLY MOURNED, FOR ALL HE HAD MISSED
IN HIS QUICK RACE TO THE TOP, MEMORIES DID NOT EXIST
WE CAN BE JUST LIKE, THE TWO MEN WHO MADE THIS CLIMB
OUR CHOICE IN HOW WE LIVE, WE WILL CHOOSE IN OUR PRIME
THIS JOURNEY STARTS AND ENDS, FOR ALL WITH BIRTH AND DEATH

OUR MEMORIES AT JOURNEYS END, IS DECIDED WITHIN EACH BREATH

Look Harder

In the hustle of the day
in the middle of downtown
I saw an old woman crossing
who might easily be knocked down

I rushed right over to help
and escort her across the street
I saw in her my Grandma
as I helped keep her on her feet

Later, I came on a little boy
whose chain had come off his bike
I stopped and got my hands greasy
as I happily helped out the tyke

I quickly did this little repair
and sent him back off to play
It made me think of my own son
as I watched him pedal away

I drove on to see a woman
her kids crammed in her SUV
trying to change a tire
but unable to get the lug nuts free

I stopped and changed it for her
and let her attend to her crew
I thought of my own Mother
and knew it was the right thing to do

I came home to an old neighbor
who had just stopped by the store
his elderly body showed signs
that unloading was quite the chore

I sprang right into action
to lift the bags from him
I then saw my own Grandpa
as he thanked me with eyes so dim

I saw a little girl running
tears streaming down her cheek
I stopped to see what I could do
so things wouldn’t seem so bleak

I saw in the distance a puppy
and drove quickly to stop his escape
I thought of my own daughter
as her puppy gave her smile its shape

I saw a businessman in the airport
trying to get home for his child’s birthday
as the man and I traded tickets
signs of gratitude, were on display

I sat back and watched the plane leave
settling back to await the next flight
I thought of my own Father
and memories of each birthday night

As I helped each one of these people

their countenance changed before my eyes

I could see all as my brother

and look past each person's disguise

Through all of these little experiences
I could see people differently
I began to think of my Savior
to glimpse how He is able to see

I am just an imperfect man
trying to be as He wants me to be
each time I do, a whisper says:
“Thou hast done it unto me”

If I Was There

This poem was inspired by my sweet kids and their love for our Savior Jesus Christ (read the previous post to understand further).

If I was there when Pilot asked, “Whom shall I crucify?”
“Set my Lord and Savior free!” I would loudly cry.

If I saw someone mocking, and laughing in Thy face,
I would block Thee from their view, with a rapid pace.

If I was there for Thy whipping, to see Thy flesh torn apart,
I would do anything to stop them, before it could ever start.

If I was there when they nailed to Thee, a cross for Thee to bear,
I would grab away the hammer, before a nail could make one tear.

I would easily lay down my life, to lift the cross from Thee,
surely there is no question, Thou has done so much more for me.

But, I was not there, it can’t be changed, Thou bore it still the same,
I love Thee Lord, I thank thee, and forever celebrate Thy name.

So in this season, we celebrate, Thy ever spectacular birth,
our Heavenly Brother sent to us, because he saw in us such worth.

I Missed You

Early this morning, at 4AM, I found myself awake.
My body waking so early, this must be some mistake.

In sounds so faint, I could hear, some movements so discreet,
All the sudden I could clearly hear, the pitter-patter of little feet.

Then someone climbed up into my bed, and kissed and hugged me tight.
She sweetly said, “I love you Daddy, I missed you in my dreams all night.”

My heart burst with love for her, a Daddy’s love so deep.
My princess cuddled up next to me and quickly fell asleep.

In the craziness of this world, things can often become so wild.
All that really matters, is my love and role, as the parent of each child.

My Kids Might be Cocky....

When the kids are told they are smart, they know it’s true.
Someone says they’re good looking, they see it through and through.

If they are told “good job!” they might say “you bet!”
People ask of their abilities, with confident replies they are met.

When you ask if they can do something, they’re never shy.
In most cases their confidence seems, in never-ending supply.

While I want to see confidence, some of this causes me slight alarm.
I worry as they get older, too much of this attitude may lose its charm.

There is one area in which I love their confident reply;
an area in which I never want, a bit of confidence to die.

I tell them “I LOVE YOU,” and no matter what’s happened that day,
“I know, and I love you too Dad,” is the phrase my kids sweetly say.

Time and time again, this phrase melts my heart;
confidence in this area, I must forever work to impart.

What is Thankful? From Where does it Come?

Thankful is not complaining about the food that has been placed before us.

Instead it is in realizing that we have food to eat. That the food we have been given gives us the nutrition we need, and allows us to accomplish all that we must do.

Thankful does not come from wanting a bigger home.
Instead, thankfulness comes in realizing that no matter how humble, we have a roof over our heads. We have shelter from the heat and cold. We have a place for our family to gather and be safe from the storms.

Thankful does not come from grudgingly going to work.
Instead, it comes in our gratitude for our employment and employer. It comes from being grateful to put the skills we have been blessed with to good use. A thankful person can see the challenges facing so many today and be grateful that they are not in that situation.

Thankful is not wishing we had enough money for what we want.
Instead it is in being grateful that we have enough money for what we need. It is in realizing that if we have all that we need and then two pennies more, we are indeed rich. It comes from remembering that far too many in the world would love to have their needs met.

Thankful is not whining about all the problems in our country.
Instead it is in knowing we have a voice and we have freedom. It comes in knowing that freedom is not always free. It comes from gratitude for the men and women who have fought and died for us to maintain our freedom through all generations. It comes in being able to stand up when we do not agree. It comes in knowing that each individual can make a difference. Most of all, it comes from knowing that while far from perfect, we still live in the greatest country in the world.

Thankful does not come from getting upset when our children misbehave.
Instead it is realizing that we have the blessing of being the most important people in the life of a child. It comes from knowing we have the ability to shape them into something great. We can be a light and an example that can shine in them and through generations to come.

Thankful does not come from wanting what others have.
Instead, thankful comes from wanting what we have. It comes from taking time to realize our blessings and realizing all we have been given. It comes in realizing these gifts and knowing that the Lord blessed us each individually with what we really need most. We can never be thankful by focusing on the blessings of others, for then we will have no time left to see our own blessings.

A thankful person does not say, “I am thankful, but….”
A thankful person shows the ways in which they are thankful. They are not looking for gaps in their blessings. They do not see the glass half empty, but see how full the glass is. To a thankful person, it goes way beyond whether the glass is half full or half empty. They not only see the glass half full, but can also see a space where more blessings are yet to come. This then makes them watchful and aware as individual blessings happen in their life.

Thankful does not come from looking down upon all we have been blessed with.
Thankfulness comes from looking up towards the Heavens in gratitude of all we have been given. It comes in knowing that we have a loving, caring Heavenly Father who knows us. It comes in realizing that he knows what is best for us, and is always mindful of our wants, desires, and especially our needs. Someone who is truly thankful even appreciates the challenges, hard times, and struggles. Thankful comes from realizing that the hard times only strengthen us. They also give us remembrance to help us to be more thankful for the good times. Thankful comes in taking all he gives unto us with a grateful heart. Finally, thankful comes in turning our hearts back to Him and always seeking His will.

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 17

They’ve Given All

Today I went to the home of two patients
whom I’ve visited so often before
I had been wondering how they were doing
when I was asked to go there once more

Two teen ladies claimed this home
they’ve been crippled and disabled from birth
I have been able to spend a lot of time there
and have seen their incredible worth

I would bring them medicine and supplies
to their make-shift hospital room
I would spend a few minutes with this family
my work would then always resume

I watched through the years as their parents
tenderly gave them such care
no matter what challenges they faced
Mom and Dad were always there

The room was not filled with all the latest toys
in fact I could never find one
but the home was filled with cheer and laughter
you know these girls had fun

I have often thought of this labor of love
they never uttered a word of complaint
through never ending days, all through the years
I am sure they must have felt faint

The great examples of dedicated parents
can clearly be observed
they show their children a pure, true love
when within their family they have served

So, in a somber mood I went back
to the home I’ve visited so oft
I gathered up all the unneeded equipment
and worked to keep my voice soft

This great set of parents have always done right
their Father’s will to accept
I sadly expressed my condolences at their loss
and they thanked me as we wept

We spoke quietly for a few minutes
they gently shared all that transpired
they now have one daughter in the hospital
for the other, time has expired

I thought of my great kids
the heartache of that situation
I then thought of selfless sacrifice
of devotion and dedication

People of the world tells us
we need to buy our kids this and that
this does not show love to our kids
but instead spoils them into a brat

In this selfish world it seems
a person is judged by all they possess
I must have been taught differently
because that has never defined a success

I feel I have been blessed to watch them
to witness all I was able to see
to see where I could be better as a parent
to be what I know I should be

Today I realized once again for myself
how much I do not give my two
I need to watch for all the little things
and show them all I‘m willing to do

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain Part 16

Some may look at us, to find where we have failed.
They look at our course and think for sure we’ve derailed.

Some may watch for things we’ve done wrong,
or choose to look down on us as we go along.

Some may look at all the setbacks we’ve faced,
or look at our lives, to think we’ve been disgraced.

Some may search for every negative they can find,
they look for the ways in which, we’ve fallen behind.

In reality, those people are all missing the boat,
these people do not have, a positive message to promote.

In this life we will see more than one setback,
we may have to work hard, to put our train on the track.

We may fall behind and have to catch up in a race,
we may work and struggle, just to find our place.

But in the end we’ve not failed, that is for sure,
as long as we get back up and we always endure.

Most people in life, who’ve had the greatest gain,
saw the storm clouds happen, but chose to dance in the rain.
.
For truly the only one who can never claim a win,
is the person who stayed down, when they’ve taken it on the chin.

So when you’re setbacks hit, and knock you to the ground,

make the choice to rise back up, and failure can't be found.

Veteran's-Thank You!

Today we honor the people, who for our country serve
and stop to give our soldiers the respect they so deserve.

Rarely have so few, fought so hard for scores,
working to defend us, and protecting all our shores.

We honor all who constantly, fight for all our rights,
through long tiring days, and through short sleepless nights.

Back home, a family longs, to fill a huge empty place,
til their loved one returns home, through our Father’s grace.

Soldiers hear bullets flying by, with an incredibly blistering speed,
we sit in the comfort of our homes, and think of all we “need.”

Our respect and admiration, they all have certainly earned,
we especially cannot forget, those who have never returned.

We know of their great sacrifice, we know that freedom’s not free,
they sacrifice for those they don’t know, yet fight so valiantly.

So whether you’re serving now, or served us long ago,

this nation owes a debt of gratitude, our thanks we wish to show.

My Sarcastic Look at Halloween

At the end of every October,
we celebrate the dark.
We all run around to the local stores,
for the best costume, we embark.

We spend our thirty bucks,
then happily we go along.
We listen to “Monster Mash,”
or some other stupid song.

All year long we busily clean,
to keep spiders and cobwebs away.
This month changes all of that,
and it’s suddenly quite the display.

We find ourselves an orange pumpkin,
and as a family, pull out its guts.
We laugh to ourselves, an evil laugh,
as we systematically carve out our cuts.

We go back to the store; we fill up our carts,
with the candy any kid would desire.
Their sacks we then stuff, as they yell “TRICK OR TREAT,”
through their crazy Halloween attire.

All year we teach, truth and light,
telling them, “the dark is bad.”
On Halloween, we change our tune,
we encourage this night to be glad.

We share nightmarish stories,
of ghosts, or goblins, or witches.
Crappy candy they throw aside,
and it quickly fills our ditches.

All year long we teach our kids,
“Don’t take candy from a stranger!”
Then one night a year, we say
“go ahead, what could be the danger?”

“Don’t just go to one house,
go to as many as you can!
Get as much as your bag will hold,
the journey’s only began!”

Amazingly, nothing seems wrong,
as we encourage our kids to go.
We then show them the scariest people,
the night could ever know.

We teach them to say “thank you,”
as these people give our child a sweet.
We know there’ll soon be a sugar high,
where kids seem to jump out of their feet.

Around midnight, this high stops short,
and swiftly turns to a sugar coma.
Smells from candies fill the air,
giving our homes a new aroma.

Even after they've gone to bed,
you'll hear them scream from a scare.
Surprisingly enough, you have learned,
scary stories give quite the nightmare.

Don’t ever think the candy is gone,
they’ll sneak it for several weeks.
They’ll hide it well from us parents,
then suddenly, it will fill their cheeks.

Their thirty dollar costumes, once so cool,
get shoved somewhere for a while.
Finally we decide they’re of no use,
and put them in the Deseret Industries pile.

We take the kids to the dentist,
the check-up seemed to come so quick.
You thought everyone gave your kid a treat,
when a cavity was in fact the trick!

From all of this you’d think we’d learn,
and vow to keep it away.
October then rolls around again,
and we do everything but keep it at bay.

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 15

wealth, noun: the quality of profuse abundance.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because I own a big spacious home,
where every fixture is covered in chrome.
But I have a home of life, love and laughter,
memories for each of us throughout the hereafter.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because I drive the fanciest new car,
the shiny new paint without one tiny mar.
But it constantly gets me where I need to go,
through hot summer heat, or winter’s harsh snow.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because I have tons of money in the bank,
raising me up high on the Forbe's list in rank.
But we have food from the local grocery store,
we have all that we need and then plenty more.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because our clothes are the latest design,
our closets full, with every popular new line.
But we can get dressed for the weather each day,
if we are going out to work or going out to play.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because my job gives me everything I want,
allowing me to do as I please and act nonchalant.
But I have work that keeps me busy and employed,
the experiences great and associations I’ve enjoyed.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because I hang with the most happening crowd,
being invited to the places, only select people are allowed.
But while I may have few friends, I value every one,
when it comes to the heart, they can’t be outdone.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because I have skills of an incredible athlete,
with throngs of people worshipping me at every meet.
But my mind and body function, in the ways that they should,
giving me the choice to use them for bad or for good.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because I’m famous and all see my name,
lit up on some marquee, showing the world my fame.
But I have people who like me the way that I am,
I'm not required to take, the world's exam.

I AM WEALTHY
Not because I possess some vast amount of gold,
my name filled on A-lists of celebrities untold.
But I have been blessed, my needs have been fulfilled,
I’m grateful for all I have, and I choose the life I build.

So many still don’t get, that it’s not just about the stuff,
if your focus is on those things, you’ll never have enough.

I slowly have seen all that REALLY gives one wealth:
a loving family, a life of service, or the blessing of good health.

How amazingly rich, we would realize ourselves to be,
if we seek what’s most important, for all of us to see.

HOW WEALTHY ARE YOU?

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 14

I had a rough day today,
it really wasn't so great.
Everything seemed gray,
I just felt so much weight.

Things just seemed to build,
until I felt so powerless.
My mind was overfilled,
I just felt tons of stress.

I now sit down to write,
the blessings that are mine.
My life has been so bright,
it’s ungrateful for me to whine.

My life has not been tough,
I’ve been blessed abundantly.
Some days may just be rough,
so that I may clearly see.

As I journeyed through this day,
I began to think of all the bad.
Foolishly letting those feelings stay,
instead of focusing on all I had.

Great days do not happen,
an hundred percent of the time.
But as they come again,
it’s a blessing more sublime.

I had to change my view,
when I felt sorry for myself.
To happily make it through,
to put bad feelings on the shelf.

I have stopped to recognize,
more ways that I’ve been blessed.
Causing me to realize,
a need to focus on what’s best.

It doesn’t change the things,
that cause me so much sorrow.
But oh what assurance it brings,
as I look towards tomorrow.

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 13

I was listening to a talk and it inspired me to write another one of these crappy poems.


In the newborn ICU, when the kids were just days old, A was having a hard time. Like the sweet brother T has always been, he placed his arms around her. She instantly felt safe and stopped crying. He held her close like this for quite some time and through it all she became stronger and remained content.

Safety in Arms

What do your arms say about you?
Do your arms seek to make someone else blue?

Do you knock them down, and hold them tight?
Do you use your arms to cause a fight?

Are people scared when your arms are near?
Could someone seeing them, illicit such fear?

OR

Do your arms show people, a gentle hug so warm?
Do your arms ease their pain, when they’ve been hit by a storm?

Do your arms give place, to know their okay?
Do your arms keep their worldly troubles at bay?

Do your arms suggest, that everything’s alright?
Do your arms give comfort, after a fright?

Do your arms tell someone, that they’re really neat?
Do your arms make someone’s day complete?

Do your arms show a love and a sense of care?
Do your arms give the message “I’m always there?”

Do your arms make someone feel great inside?
Have your arms held someone, as they have cried?

Do your arms hold tight, not wanting to let go?
Do your arms set someone’s heart all aglow?

Do your arms ensure safety, to all that they hold?
Do your arms treat each person, like they are gold?

Our arms are so great, there are many things they can do,
they can make people feel safe, or can make them feel blue.

So what do you think your arms say about you?
Are they there for someone, to see them through?

Some arms are warm, as I’ve been embraced,
I feel such feelings, they just can’t be replaced.

Others arms seemed, to have been quite cold,
an arm full of feeling, not fun to behold.

I hope my arms have given, the weary release,
arms they can come to, when looking for peace.

What a better place the whole world would be,
if we opened kind arms for all that we see.

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain Part 12

As I laid my head to rest, in a weary dream one night,
I was taken to a place, that seemed familiar to my sight.

I could not place where I was, though I know I’d seen pictures before,
just a great sense of déjà vu, as I began to walk and to explore.

I saw myself, in that hazing dream, walking all around,
looking all through the trees, and then looking to the ground.

Why couldn’t I think where I was? the place my dream had brought me,
I knew this place in my head, but could only place it, to a small degree.

I felt so alone and lost, not knowing where I was displaced,
or for what purpose my mind decided, I had to come here with such haste.

Then like lightening piercing the night, it suddenly became so clear,
I was brought to sacred ground, a place for the world to revere.

How could I not see it clearly before, the pure grown olive tree,
I was being shown a hallowed place, the Garden of Gethsemane.

I instantly knew why I’d come, to witness the act meek and mild,
as our Savior knelt before our Father, with the submissiveness of a child.

A lump in my throat, my heart skipping beats, tears forming right at the brim,
my eyes darted all this way and that, as I frantically began searching for Him.

Off in the distance, He came into my sight, just as He started to kneel,
As He began to pray, I could scarcely grasp, the pain that He would soon feel.

I watched as He talked to our Father above, asking to remove the cup,
purely seeking out our Father’s will, at the sacrifice He would lift up.

I painfully watched Him take on all I have done, and all that I’d ever endure,
My breath became ragged as I watched His pain, His sacrifice of love so pure.

As my eyes could no longer contain my tears, and they started to run down my face,
He began to sweat sweet drops of blood, a testament of his loving grace.

One so perfect taking it all, as to the Father, He would plead,
So that we may turn to Him, and from our sin be freed.

I felt so much sorrow and cried as He bled, and felt that horrible strain,
to give all His brothers that great gift, and be there through all of our pain.

The eternal sacrifice seemed so long, the blood now from every pore,
a gateway unlocked, a pathway now clear, the greatest gift forever more.

Just when I thought it would never end, His blood the ground did engrave,
He magnificently, yet wearily rose, from the sacrifice that He gave.

He saw me in the distance, and with amazing strength, stumbled to my side,
He looked in my eyes, He opened my heart, and showed a love that’s unwilling to hide.

His arms wrapped round me, I instantly sobbed, the moment I felt His touch,
my lack of understanding growing, how could He love me this much?

He held me forever, then with one last glance, quietly turned now away,
I could only ponder in my heart, the love He had shown us this day.

The garden soon faded, dawn was now breaking, I felt my body awake,
I immediately thought of His crucifixion, how much could my Brother take?

I felt overwhelmed and silently wept, at all He was willing to give,
as I think of His love as He lay down His life, so that we could all live.

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 11

The kids are spending a little bit of time with their Mom this weekend. I am really fortunate because starting tomorrow, I get to spend 9 days straight with them. Normally I would be writing about all the stuff that they said or that we have been doing. That is not so easy when they are not with me. So, I guess my brain decided to fill the void by producing a bunch of (not very good) poems. Here is my latest one.

Tonight I went back home, to visit with my Father,
His time He freely gives me, it never seems I’m a bother.

I feel of His love, the moment I walk into His place,
knowing of His great joy, without even beholding His face.

I sit there and wonder, why I do not visit more,
and feel the great feelings, that I’ve always felt before.

He just seems glad to see me, as we talk in our own way,
I love to listen to Him, and He loves to hear what I say.

Even with all my brothers, and sisters all around,
He has time for all of us, His love, it does abound.

What an unmatchable feeling, He always seems aware,
I can talk to Him about anything, and feel His great care.

Never has there been a visit, where I do not feel such peace,
When the world seems so difficult, it’s where I go for release.

As He listens to me, His support, He always lends,
Although He is my Father, He's the best of all my friends.

The short visit is soon over, the time has now come to go,
I am grateful for my Father, and the love that He doth show.

As I leave, I hear Him, “Thanks for visiting me this day,”
“PLEASE come around often, PLEASE do not stay away."