God called a friend home today

A friend to you and me

A beacon to the world around

No equal could there be

Courageous in his battle

He fought back the disease

Extra time for him and us

Precious memories

It’s hard to fight against the tears

Controlling fears and thoughts

When losing someone so unique

No way to measure loss

A husband and a father gone

But never out of mind

His light still shines through their eyes

And will for all their time

A trail of smiles and laughter

A path of joy and fun

Brightened days and touched lives

His legacy is won

We always seek for answers

But struggle on the way

Impossible to know God’s plan

Still asking “Why?” today

A loss too tough to think beyond

But there the truth may be

To know him was a gift from God

Simple and complete

I found an old friend today; lost so long ago.
The kind of friend we all should have to never walk alone.
I’m so glad I found him after all this time has passed.
He was with me from the start and always close at hand.

We knew each other very well, anticipating needs.
He’d pick me up after falls and clean my skinned-up knees.
The times we spent together were special times indeed.
We used to talk, at great length, to share our hopes and dreams.

We’d pass the time chasing stars, playing in the field,
climbing trees, catching frogs; games that would not yield.
Storming left then turning right, wherever fun might be.
Sometimes hiding in plain sight; always running free.

We watched the world get bigger, right before our eyes.
We grew so much through thick and thin; running side-by-side.
Filled with fond memories, adventures, and tall tales;
those early years, such special times, with all that we had shared.

But somewhere on the broken path, I lost touch with my friend.
Shiny objects here and there, filling up my head.
I don’t recall how or why, I just would drift away.
I moved around and things came up; or so I’d say.

My friend would try to reach me and didn’t give up hope.
I’d pretend not to hear and take the other road.
At first, we didn’t talk as much and then not much at all.
I wondered if he understood or thought it getting old.

Through all attempts to reach me, I would not reply.
Certain I could help myself, I never asked me “why?”.
So, off I trampled to and fro, hither and beyond.
Chasing dreams without my friend, meaning was now gone.

Though some success would find me, happiness was lost.
My search for fame and fortune came at such a cost. 
With my friend so far away, victories were stale.
Hazy sunshine; chilly breeze; wind around my sail.

All that changed, just today; I reached out for my friend.
His response with open arms; a blessing with no end.
Our time together is different now, but no less of a need.
Reunited once again; safe, content and free.

I still may stray from time to time and struggle on my own,
but know my friend will be with me; I’ll never walk alone. 
His constant love and patience continues to this day.
My God and my Redeemer sees a friend in me.

© 2010 Learn As You Grow All Rights Reserved

If Jesus was alive today;

would He show us how to live,

demonstrate right from wrong,

encourage us to give?

If Jesus was alive today;

would He care for those in need,

show us how to share our things,

and help control our greed?

If Jesus was alive today;

would He feed the hungry crowd,

ask all people not to fight,

and preach God’s word aloud?

If Jesus was alive today;

would He comfort those who grieve,

sooth their souls by simple touch,

help everyone believe?

If Jesus was alive today;

would He pray with us each day,

encourage all to sing God’s praise,

and teach us what to say?

If Jesus was alive today;

would He stop all evil deeds,

shine God’s light throughout the world,

and help pull out the “weeds”?

If Jesus was alive today;

would He show off His great power,

doing miracles every day,

until the final hour?

Jesus IS alive today;

He works through you and me.

So look around, lend a hand,

Imagine what could be!

© 2009 Learn As You Grow All Rights Reserved

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Pray each day and night.

Honor one and only God

and always do what’s right.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Be careful what you say.

Never use ugly words

and praise God every day.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Hard work will bring reward,

but save some time for fun and play

and one day for the Lord.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Respect your Mom and Dad.

Try to do what they say

and that will make me glad.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Do not cause others harm.

Give them help when they are sick

and clothes to keep them warm.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Care for the ones you love.

Always treat them with respect

with help from God above.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Do your best to share.

Never take what isn’t yours

and give to show you care.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Stay honest and stay true.

Speak good of those around you

and praise the deeds they do.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“Be happy in our home.

It may not be the nicest place,

but it is ours alone.”

My Father Always Tells Me…

“You’re blessed with what you have.

These are gifts from God to you,

so praise God and be glad.”

My Father up in Heaven

sounds like my Dad on Earth.

They both protect and guide me

and always tout my worth.

© 2009 Learn As You Grow All Rights Reserved

We have several short writings (or scribbles) that have been hanging around for some time now.

These are not finished or polished works by any stretch of the imagination. We’re not even sure what, if anything, we will do with them.

As a result, I thought I would post a few of them over the next few weeks and solicit your feedback.

If God thought the ideas were important enough to stick in my head, the least I can do is share them. Right?

I have created a category called “Tinkerings” and will post them under that heading.

Check back soon for these items and let us know what you think!