Ordinary Man

It’s on those days when I feel ordinary

Those days when I can’t see

All the things I can’t put my finger on

But everything that I’d miss

If you were ever gone

Yeah it’s on those days

That I can’t help but realize

As I gaze into your eyes

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I feel ordinary when

I’m holding your hand

I don’t want to never ever take a chance

How can I not take chances

When you ask me to dance

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I feel ordinary when

I’m loved by an extraordinary woman

It’s when I can’t see why you love me

And what I do feels ordinary

That’s when I know I’m the lucky one

The one who’d be lost

If our love was ever done

Yeah it’s on those days

That I can’t help but realize

As I gaze into your eyes

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I feel ordinary when

You’re holding my hand

I don’t want to never ever take a chance

How can I not take chances

When you ask me to dance

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I feel ordinary when

I’m loved by an extraordinary woman

Life’s just too short

And love’s just too fragile

To not strive for the heaven’s above

I don’t have time to worry about you

I have time to give love

Love it can last

but only if I try

and we can dream of it

Or we can teach ourselves to fly

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I feel ordinary

When you’re holding my hand

I don’t want to never ever take a chance

How can I not take chances

When you ask me to dance

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I be ordinary when

I’m loved by an extraordinary woman

I want to be superman for you

I want to lasso the moon

I want to solve all your troubles

And catch each tear in my hand

Be up to my elbows in the dishes

move the furniture for the fortieth time

Yeah I want to learn to be

What you are to me

I want to learn to leave the ordinary

For the extraordinary that you are to me

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I feel ordinary

When you’re holding my hand

I don’t want to never ever take a chance

How can I not take chances

When you ask me to dance

I don’t want to be an average ordinary man

How can I feel ordinary when

I’m loved by an extraordinary woman

Come see what extraordinary’s done

Yeah I’m just the lucky one

Yeah I’m just the lucky one

By: Adam Butram

Finding Me

Finding me

in the middle of me

but still so far

from who I should be

I look to the sky

but fail to fly

to the stars above

in the pale moonlight

I try to think if I was me

where would i hide, where would I be

to escape what i don't want to face

hiding inside in the middle of me

I derive from the life others see

that something is living, living in me

so I'm alive and that's for sure

but if purpose I have, why the insecurity

why the insecurity

that if i must be more than just me

why the impatience with it all

When this is who I am framed to be

So as i move on finding me

in Christ more than inside of me

I'm finding he is the answer to the end

of making what's inside of me complete

By: Adam Butram

Ducktaping Hearts

some people say that ducktape can fix anything.

and with them I agree to almost anything

because it can fix the leak of the old window

and it can keep that car running, or barely so

ducktape can clean your dirty clothes

it can fix the hole into which the wind blows

it can keep a wound covered with it's sticky inner layer

and protect against the weather with it's outer scales

but there are some things it cannot do

and first of them is this

it cannot take a broken heart and rebuild without a twist

becuase hearts are quite fragile and with each touch they break

and with each loving word spoken a little piece they take

from the heart of the other to build a new little heart

one that can house both of them and make a new start

but if that heart is broken then all the little pieces

fall straight to the ground making a startling sound

and one would find it difficult among the wreckage there

to discover which piece among all the broken ones is their's

because hearts are quickly joined together and do not easily part

and when they do they leave behind each a little of their heart

so thus we can surmise that when two hearts are broken

that ducktape cannot do a thing because each heart will have it's token

when all the pieces are replaced in each heart at least a piece or so will be misplaced

with of piece of the love, once, of the other and leaving behind a memory or face

so I would take and keep this advice learned from this ducktape of mine

there are a few things that should not be broken, except by time

so don't break things that ducktape cannot fix

because love and lies will never mix

and two hearts apart, but together, will only lead to heartache now and forever

By:Adam Butram

I will be here!

If you need to, Scream
if you want to, lean
on my shoulder
cry while I hold you

I'm here
for now
maybe not forever
I'll show you how
to cry to laugh
to throw life around
how to forget
what gets you down

If you need to, scream
to the wind
If you're lonely lean
and I'll bend
towards you
take your hand
and hold you

Life's full of so much
trial and error
it's hard whenever
on the wrong side of failure

You taught me to scream
now I'm telling you to
I'll be here so just lean
on my shoulder

It'll all be over
before you know it soon
so just go on, go on, go on
and scream to the full moon
let all the feelings go
you'll survive
don't let the anger
make your spirit die

If you need to, scream
If you want to, lean
on my shoulder
cry, while I hold you
by: AdamButram

It’s beautiful to me

It’s beautiful to watch the sun sink in the west

It’s beautiful to see the morning sky alight overhead

It’s wonderful to know Christ always gives rest

It’s wonderful to know you created the paths I tread

When Your art is uncovered

Creation’s awesome curtain of majesty

When Your flag is unfurled

Clouds, sun, stars, moon, your tapestry

It’s beautiful to watch the waterfall splash into the sea

It’s beautiful to see the waves crashing down on the beach

It’s wonderful to know that by me you will always be

It’s wonderful to know that you are always within prayer’s reach

When Your grace I discovered

I knew there was no better place to be

When You my life recovered

I found forgiveness, love for even me

It’s beautiful to watch the eagle soar in the breeze

It’s beautiful to see the cardinal’s coat of red in winter’s hold

It’s wonderful to know that the chains are released

It’s wonderful to know life grows more precious as it unfolds

When Your creation it surrounds

Life moves and fills the universe’s expanse

When Your creation shouts it drowns

All my worldly cares and with creation I dance

It’s beautiful to watch the otter immersed in play

It’s beautiful to see the beaver industriously building

It’s wonderful to know there is a time to go and stay

It’s wonderful to know that I never need to be pretending

When Your brush strokes make

New wonders every second of every single day

When life’s treasure You give and take

I am speechless. I’m overwhelmed and amazed

It’s beautiful to watch the dolphin splash and leap in the waters

It’s beautiful to see the leaves brilliant hues as the season’s pass

It’s wonderful to know that your love forever and always endures

It’s wonderful to know that your love for man’s souls will always last

When Your grandeur in the end of all time is revealed

Every knee will bow every tongue proclaim "YOU ARE LORD"

When the trumpet sounds and the church You in Heaven seal

In perfection we’ll live and sing forevermore "YOU ARE LORD"

By Adam Butram

God has a positive answer:

HANDY LITTLE CHART -

YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Just love me

Am I the boy

or the man

or just a kid

who thinks he can

be what some think he should be

but who doesnt' feel their heartbeat

Although I try

that doesn't mean I can

become a man

on demand

I need some time to reevaluate

what will be my elusive fate

so as the boy

or as the man

or as the kid

who thinks he can

I'll carry on till I'm carried on

I'll move along till I've moved on

do you love the boy

or do you love the man

or is it the kid

who you think can

be what you think he can be

although the future you can't see

don't love the boy

don't love the man

don't love the kid

who you think can

because what you see just may not be

who I'm designed by my creator to be

I may be

just what you see

but you don't know

so just love me

for who I am

not for what I'll be

for who you see

when you stand beside me

Am I the boy

Am I the man

or just the kid

who thinks he can

I think I know becuase now I see

I see that who I am is just all three

By: Adam Butram

I still remember

I still feel the pain

when I see you today

or I hear that song on the radio

and I still think what a shame

but I don't love you, anymore

its just that my heart doesn't

know any better than to remember

every little thing that i didn't say

but should have

every little time you made me cry

and made me laugh

It might've been me

It might've been you

but the fact is we are through

somethings are better left unsaid

I know we'll never be us again

But I still remember

because my heart

doesn't know any better

It feels there's a piece of me in you

when you walk by I wonder

if your piece in me calls to you, too

I still can't erase my memories

my mind's not a chalkboard,

It won't erase easily

But I'm moving on, and I think I see

the end of the tunnel

well you still remember me

well I don't love you, anymore

it's just that my heart

doesn't know any better

than to remember

Every little thing I didn't say

but should have

Every little time you made me cry

made me laugh

It might've been me

It might've been you

but the fact is we are through

somethings are better left unsaid

I know we'll never be us again

but I still remember

because my heart

doesn't know any better

By:Adam Butram

Declaration of Rights

I declare to you

my worldly and heavenly rights

these are the premises

upon which I stand and fight

I am alive

that I can prove

I have a right to live

that only God can remove

Here may I question

my first pressupposition

that I have rights which are mine

upon which my life to define

why do I have a right

when purpose and origin

escape perception's sight

and run just beyond my mortal grasp

so if from whence I come

and to whence I go

remains in the unknown

then what rights do I know

For then I am nothing

but earth and sod

is this not where we are left

without a true God

If I have no rights

then let me appeal to these

the death of Christ on the tree

I cry out from my knees

For I was truly nothing

but dirt and sod

until breath was put in my lungs

the breath of God

From this day forthI declare no rights

except for the sacrifice

the blood of Christ

By: Adam Butram

Marriage (what I think it should be)

There’s a ring on my hand
A ring on yours
Together we’re walking toward
Heaven’s doors
And I look
At you
You look
At me
And in your eyes
I can see eternity

We are one you and I
Two hearts beating side by side
Life is a story still untold
But with each breath it unfolds
Hand in hand, fingers entwined
Chasing the wonders of passing time

There’s a power of direction in your hand
There’s a need for protection from life’s demands
And so together we can fly
You and I
Spaces in between are shrinking
Every day
And now I am seeing
That though I can live without you
Part of me can’t find;
Anything without you

So I hold you
And you hold me too
I feel your heart beat against my chest
Every beat only pulls me closer
And it keeps beating without a rest
A rose in on the table between the two
Me and you
Your eyes are shining like stars
From a galaxy so far
And you make me wonder
I sit and ponder
All the events that brought us
All the things that taught us
All the lies that broke us
How life betrothed us
I am amazed
By the look on your face
And I am amazed
That you’re with me
And I’m with you Now
I’m holding,The only one,
that’s the truth

Here I am a lovesick fool
After twenty years of lying next to you
It never died but sometimes it faded away
But never for more the ½ second every hundredth day
Because when love is meant to be
That’s when we find everything That we’ll ever need

We are one you and I
Two hearts beating side by side
Life is a story still untold
But with each breath it unfolds
Hand in hand, fingers entwined
Chasing the wonders of passing time

By: Adam Butram

from: my parent's divorce

Sometimes I wonder what my parents thought

When I was a baby in a cradle being rocked

I wonder if they knew it would turn out like this

That they would be swinging on a daily hit and miss

Though they’re not speaking they care about me

And though they’re struggling I can see

They care about my life

But I wish they could end this strife

I love you daddy will you please stop fighting

I love you daddy will you lay your pride down

I love you daddy will you please ask forgiveness

I love you daddy will you learn to love like Jesus

Times change and time goes around

Sometimes we can’t all stand on the same ground

But sometimes you just have to give up and give in

God’s given this for us to live through and in

There’s two sides to every argument they say

I know it’s true I see it every day

But we’ve got to settle only our own

And give in or go all alone

I love you mommy will you let you heart heal

I love you mommy I know the pain you feel

I love you mommy will you please ask forgiveness

I love you mommy will you learn to trust in Jesus

At times there was anger

But mostly I cried

Watching you go your separate ways

Even though so hard I’d tried

I feel so heartbroke

And torn insideI’m trying hard not to notice it

But tears don’t lie

I love you mommy & daddy take life day by day

I love you mommy & daddy please forgive the past

I love you mommy & daddy and I always will

I love you mommy & daddy will you please learn to love like Jesus

By Adam Butram, 2005

Stand Alone

Stand alone

Create the spine

For others to cling to

Forsake the supine

Replacing defeat with victory

And in victory find true defeat

At the foot of a bloody cross, at His feet

Stand alone

Be the man, that all those others

Say you can, amidst the turmoil

Rise and stand, learn to be wrong

And learn to be right, when to prepare

and when to fight, learn to accept this dare

Stand, Stand alone

Be the hero

In a story that’s your own

There’s a world in need

And a willing heart’s the key

The first stanza was original

And now I’m just cliché

But remember to thank Him

For this new today

by Adam Butram

SUPERWOMAN

Whatever happened to superwoman?
somewhere between
juggling a career
and womanhood
she got lost
beneath a stack of "do" lists
endless appointments
buried desires
and accumulated achievements…
Whatever happened to superwoman?
last seen tipping
right off the balancing beam
thrown off-kilter by too much weight
carried in over-ambitious arms
it has been reported
that she lost the ability
to walk between the raindrops
without getting drenched…
no longer able to move
faster than the speed of sound
emotionally
and physically spent
she maintained her image
stifling the urge to cry help
staggering onward
getting wetter and wetter
moving closer
to the kryptonite
of needs ignored
superwoman slipped
and fell…
into a puddle of wordless pride
that threatened to drain
the last strainof
independent strength
that she possessed…
Whatever happened to superwoman?
I found her crying disillusioned tears
weary of her own superhuman efforts
staring back at me
from the looking glass
begging me to keep her secret…
that against all better efforts and judgment
the truth remained the same…
we were not created
to be alone
standing as miniature islands
flexing imaginary muscles
ignoring our hearts
our souls
our very essence…
Whatever happened to superwoman?
she unraveled her cape
in the face of understanding
and welcomed the Son
with open arms
vulnerable
unchallenging
growing ever stronger
in the celebration
or her weaknesses
she gave into love
and all that it brings
and found it much easier to fly…

By Michelle McKinney Hammond

Free

I am free
free to love as never before
throwing open
windows and doors
rejoicing in my wholeness
I see clearly
as I run with purpose
choosing the right road
no longer stumbling
over my own neediness
I move
even paced
head high
shoulders back
heart firmly in place
making choices with my head
not from my heart
ignoring the demands of the flesh
I stretch my spirit
and respond to God's voice
running eagerly
toward His instruction
caught up in His potent promises
I am bound to Him
a willing love slave
yet freer than I've ever been
finding the lost pieces of myself
I foolishly gave to others
casting pearls before swine
once weeping
over the trampled pieces of my heart
I am now restored to give again
to one more deserving...
I discover I am
lost in Him
only to be found in the truth
stronger than ever
ready to love better
because now I have more to give
and I will give
carefully
abundantly
and only at His leading
I rest
I fly
I am FREE!

Michelle Mckinney Hammond

The Luggage of Life

Today was one of those days where I carried about 10 pieces of luggage. Only one of those bags was even for school. What were the other bags you ask, well they were all emotional bags. each full of something different: guilt, discontentment, weariness, grief, doubt, loneliness, plans changed, control, and selfishness. I walked the halls of school giving people I met only a slight smile. So worn out from the load that I willfully carried that I had no joy to give. I spent the day wallowing in self pity about my plans that God had so rudely changed with out my permission, LIKE HE NEEDS IT. I had failed to do my devotions since I got up at 6:30 and flew out the door by 7:00. I managed to grab every single piece of luggage except my Bible, which Mrs. Lee said to keep with me at all times. well needless to say I spent the day in agony. Since then I have looked back and can see this problem could have been solved very easily. I f I had taken 5 to 10 min. out of my miserable day and had given 9 of my bags to the lover of my soul, my father, and best friend. I do believe it could have been quite a joyful day. Well here are somethings I learned today I hope that my misery can help you be joyful.

Ephesians 3:12


In Christ we can come before God with freedom and without fear.We can do this through faith in Christ.

John 8:36


So if the son sets you free, you will indeed be free.


2 Corinthians 1:4


He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.

Jesus wants to use us to help others who are struggling.
But how can He use me if I am exhausted from carrying around all my bags? God has a great race for me to run.Under His care I'll go where I've never been and serve in ways I've never dreamed.But I have to drop some stuff first. How can I share grace if I am full of guilt? How can I offer comfort if I am disheartened? How can I lift someone else's load if my arms are full with my own?

Galatians 5:13


My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve others in love.

• Jesus invites us to drop all the baggage we try to carry through life.
  We try to carry burdens that we were never intended to bear.
  We can't reach out to others if our hands are full.
  Worrying over our own troubles interferes with our ability to help others with theirs.
  

So for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ whom you serve, travel light.
For the sake of those you love,travel light.
And for the sake of your own Joy,travel light.


Love,
Turtle

My Knight

I have watched

and waited

for my knight

to come riding over the hill

of my desires…

watching…

waiting…

to see him

dressed in white

upon a horse

big and strong

as his shoulders

where I will lay my head

as he carries me away

to the promised land

of dreams come true

and joy eternal…

watching…

waiting

peering from the window

of my fortress

my rock

my stronger tower

with my heart in God’s hands

left there for safe keeping

I peek expectantly

over my Father’s shoulder

every now and then

settling back into the warmth of His lap

I watch…

I wait…

trusting that my expectation

will arrive

beautiful

resplendent

covered in the dew

that falls from heaven

being all that I hoped for

better than I dreamed

loving me

the way I want to be loved

freely

unconditionally

adoring meas if I were

the best thing since sliced bread…

you know

that when-a-man-loves-a-woman

how-Christ-loves-the-church kinda love

too high

too deep

for me to truly comprehend

but it sure sounds good to me…

so I watch

and I wait

sometimes feeling like Rapunzel

sometimes Sleeping Beauty…

waiting…

waiting

sometimes conscious

sometimes not hope keeping the light shining

like a beacon in my eyes

beckoning my knight

should he lose his way

but for now

I lay content in the arms of my Savior

letting Him rock me

and love me

like no other lover can…

and I learn

of love

of life

and giving…

and I wait…

clear-eyed

with no misguided expectations

no desperate desires

no distorted views

binding me

marring my judgment

I am free

to say yes

to say no

according to the King’s leading

in spite of my flesh

or my heart

only a God-appointed knight

will I receive

no matter how long the wait

I will wait…

I will wait for Him…

By Michelle McKinney Hammond

My Man

I want a man
not just any man
I want God’s man
Hand – picked
Kingdom appointed
For such a women as this…..
I’m looking for a love
Not just any love
I want the kind of love filling a heart that beats
To the kingdoms rhythm
Unadulterated
Holy Ghost saturated
The kinda love that
Can’t be rated…
Poured out runnin’ ovah
Like water in a glass
Already full of good things
Smooth as silk
Yet tough as rope
Wrapping around my soul
Keepin’ it all together
Forever
With room for me
To be
A woman
Not just any woman
God’s woman
Whole and free
To love you
The way I want you to love me
With a love
Not just any love
But the God kind of love
Rich as a sinful dessert
Pure as tried gold
The kind of love that can hold
Onto your hand
And God’s at the very same time
Delivered from all other ties that bind
And yes
I’m free enough to wait …
For a man
Not just any man
But the man
Who understands
And knows what love means
And lives what God says…
And wants what I want
A real love
A strong love
A tall love
Agape love.
God’s love.

by Michelle Mckinney Hammond

Things Don't Just Happen!

Things don't just happen to us who love God;
They're planned by His own dear hand.
Then molded and shaped, and timed by His clock.
Things don't just happen ; they're planned.
We don't just guess on the issues of life,
We Christians just rest in our Lord.
We are directed by His sovereign will
In the light of His holy word.
We who love Jesus are walking by faith,
Not seeing one step that's ahead,
Not doubting one moment what our lot might be,
But looking to Jesus instead.
We praise our dear savior for loving us so,
For planning each care in our life,
Then giving us faith to trust Him for all,
The blessings as well as the strife.
Things don't just happen to us who love God,
To us who have taken our stand.
No matter the lot, the course, or the price,
Things don't just happen; they're planned.
by, Esther L. Fields

Big girls don't whine

There are a few things I have discovered at the age of twenty-two that I want to share.You can always add to a conversation at the appropriate time, but you never can erase words once spoken.
Our speech is governed at least in part by the way we think.And thinking is the engine that pulls along every emotion you have.So many of us me included have never abandoned childish ways of thinking, and therefore we find ourselves overwhelmed with childish emotions and childish speech.The Big Girl knows that her capacity to think is greatest asset. Mature thinking produces mature living, and of course childish thinking produces childish living.Can you spot the problem:

Children don't think things through to their natural conclusion.They see only what is immediate.
Children don't think about how their actions will affect others.
Children are unable to see more than one side to any situation.
Children take things personally. " she hurt my feelings" "he hit me"
Children really like it best when "it's all about me"
Children are better manipulators than negotiators. They learn early how to manipulate and whom to manipulate.
Children like fairy tales where good guys always win, bad guys always lose, and everyone lives happily ever after.
Children tire easily and allow fatigue to affect their general attitude and demeanor.
Children do not know what is best for them, although they may protest loudly when they fail to get what they want.


All right here is how Big Girl should think. Lets see if you notice a difference, I saw a Big difference.

Big Girls think things through to their natural conclusion.They see not only the present but the future as well.
Big Girls think about how their actions will affect others.
Big Girls can see more than one side to any situation.
Big Girls don't take things personally.They understand someone can only hurt you emotionally if you let them.
Big Girls understand that life is never "all about me".
Big Girls are good, fair, and reasonable negotiators.
Big Girls may like fairy tales, but they like true stories, too, and are well aware of the difference.
Big Girls may tire, but they don't allow their fatigue to control their general attitude and demeanor.
Big Girls know what is best for them and are disciplined enough to go after it.

The Word of God makes this all clear in Philippians chapter 4

Well this what I am working on, I want to be a Big Girl. Only then can I be all that God wants me to be.
This came out of the book big girls don't whine by Jan Silvious

If For Girls

If you can smile, and share another's gladness
Though yours may be denied, and still rejoice;
If you can bravely face regret and sadness
And let no bitter accent tinge your voice;
If you are free from bias and fault-finding
And make your creed the olden Golden Rule;
With neither fear nor doubt your vision blinding,
Can live each day serene, sweet, and cool

If you can bar out envy from your spirit
And keep the little jealousies away;
If when some gossip starts, you do not hear it
Unless you rise at once and ask fair play;
If you can let good sense determine pleasure,
can look upon yourself with honest eyes;
If you can give your friendship in full measure,
and find your life the stronger for its ties

If you can set desire below your duty
And find in work and study much joy;
If you can turn from artificial beauty
to that real charm which never needs alloy;
If you can help where you know help is needed,
And even make your silence sympathize;
If you can let unkindness go unheeded,
And always see God's sunshine in the skies

If you can fill your soul with gentle kindness
And hold your faith no matter what may come,
Let neither greed nor pride blight you with blindness,
Nor self-love all your finer motives numb;
If you can love, and hope with rare believing
Can shun the dross, and ever seek the worth,
Then you will find life's fabric you are weaving
Means Womanhood- God's greatest gift to earth.

Wilbur D.Nesbit

My personal winter

In the alone place
fear closes in as I sense my aloness
the part of me without You
that is lost
wandering in its own apprehensions
causing my spirit
to imitate a mime
pressing against invisible walls
that soundlessly threaten
suffocation by unconscious
yet deliberate isolation
And I long for the resuscitation
that Your breath brings
giving all my members
strength to my soul
causing me to unfold
like a wet new butterfly
fighting to unwrap itself
from the bondage of its
self-imposed cocoon
to spread new and unfamiliar members
for the very first time
testing their strength
readying these fragile members
for the act of ascending
not caring for the fact
that it is the struggle
which produces strength
to take wing and fly
while resisting the urge
to cast off my independence
and call upon Your help
I weary myself
and wonder at my ability
to continue on
to rise above
where I presently lie...
This place is not kind
to my spirit's expectations
and I am lost in the prison of my self
while You patiently hold the key and wait...
wait for me to invite You into this alone place...
But I have learned of
another space called time
that calls sweetly to me
that woos me gently to its bosom
causing me to rest in the discovery
that it is in the alone times
that I find You
refreshing me like newly falling dew
washing me in my own tears
imparting Your comfort
like liquid oil soothing my heart
melting my defenses
and all my reasons
why I deny You
until I find myself back in this place
where fellowship is sweet communion
where intimacy is second nature
where I am reminded of You faithfulness
and Your love for me...
yet there is a time called alone that I fear
but cannot seem to flee
for an invisible arm grips me suddenly
unexpectedly
while supports I counted true vanish
daring me to keep
my standards
in the face of a million opposing voices
I stand in the cold
shivering from my own indecision
torn by reality
of how little I trust You
as my stomach knots in hunger
for one word of reassurance
from You who holds the key to my wholeness
that I am really not alone...
Still there is a place called alone that I seek
tucked beneath the arm of God
warm and sweet
a place where I can lay my weariness
and unanswerable questions
finding revelation in the rest
that His heartbeat gives
as I burrow
deeper into the fold of His breast
lost in the depths of His mysteries
and riches untold
found in His love
that always finds me
when I feel most alone
It is here that I find that the alone place
is no more than my own personal winter
where all that is in me dies
A season of the soul
pressed between the tendency
of my flesh
and my heart to measure time
give it walls that hem in my spirit
and torment my faith
And so I wait for spring and the warmth of theSon
to release me
from the coldness of fear
I throw my arms open surrendering to the light
until I find myself
basking in Your love
reveling
in the alone times...

by, Michelle McKinney Hammond

Jesus Makes God Visible

He is enduringly strong.
He is entirely sincere.
He is eternally steadfast.
He is immortally gracious.
He is imperially powerful.
He is impartially merciful.
He is the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed
the horizons of the globe.


He is God's Son.
He is the sinner's savior.
He is the captive's Ransom.
He is the Breath of Life.
He is the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands in the solitude of Himself.

He is august and He is unique.
He is unparalleled and He is unprecedented.
He is undisputed and He is undefiled.
He is unsurpassed and He is unshakable.

He is the lofty idea in philosophy.
He is the highest personality in psychology.
He is the supreme subject in literature.
He is the unavoidable problem in higher criticism.
He is the fundamental doctrine of theology.
He is the Cornerstone, the Capstone, and the stumbling
Stone of all religion.
He is the miracle of the ages.

Just give me Jesus! He makes God visible!

From Anne Graham Lotz book Just Give Me Jesus