It's "March", ---yes, Dear Reader, that is what is inscribed on the title bar over this Cool Site Column. Well, let me put your mind at ease. Yes, time seems to be rushing by at a tremendous pace, BUT, no, you didn't "miss" the month of February. We've made a "Gregorian-like" correction in our Fellowship of Christian Poets "calendar", and Yes, last month was labeled "January". You see, we got out of phase back around December---had to correct our publishing dates, and Now with this "March" issue we are now back on track.

This month the Column will be a little different in that we will, after the next Brief Paragraph , go right into reviews of the many exciting Sites we hope you will visit with us as we travel from Iowa, USA to London, in the UK.

Brief Paragraph : The vision for The Fellowship of Christian Poets, was brought by The Holy Spirit to co-founders John and Marilyn Marinelli and those midwives, along with the other international volunteers of us who serve as nurse-mentors (columnists, etc.) would appreciate not only your general comments about The Site (we appreciate those from you who take the time to sign the Guest Register)---but, please let us hear from you about the specific Columns: In Focus, by John Marinelli; From The U.K. by Jessica Meade; Australia, by John Ferris; Instead Of A Poem, by Jackie Hand; What's Happening, by Marilyn Marinelli; Cool Sites, by Don Berry; and In The Spotlight, by John Evans. Our all volunteer "staff", all of whom have "other" full-time occupations,
would appreciate knowing that you're out there, reading the Columns and we hope our efforts are a blessing. (Of course, suggestions for improvement are also welcome---be gentle).

Let's Visit Some Sites

Pat Worrell at the Disciples Den

This Site is almost breath-takingly beautiful----and his Poetry soars!

Listen to these excerpts, and you'll want to click up his poetry and be blessed:

The Spirit Blows

The Spirit blows where He will
up and down the avenues of my soul,
Looking for an opening
of a heart that longs to know------

Torrential Love
Burning blaze within my soul
Consuming fire of the Word
Passion for the Holy One
Tell me, have you heard?
Have you heard of the love
Or experienced ultimate sacrifice?-----


Blessed Assurance

Silence breathes between my ears,
Blessed wonder of solitude resides.
Within my heart I hear~
"So glad you came inside."---------

Blessed assurance of His love
Holds me as I wait,
Until----

Check out his Philosophy section---what do you think, Dear Reader :

Mercy

"James 2:12-13 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

One thing I have noticed lately is that the church is sadly lacking in-----"

And,

Devotionals

"I have often wondered why it is that change in our lives seems to come so slow, often times it is almost painstakingly slow. I am convinced that the answer is far simpler than we care to admit. We---- "

Read on for a blessing.

Here's a final Poem-sample, from Pat Worell:

Who am I? (also titled: A Little About Me) Don't miss this, the background by artist Thomas Kincade is alone worth the trip.

I am
Chosen
Cherished
I am
Eternal
Loved
I am
A spirit ----
Out of the center of my being
Pours rivers of living water.
I am -----
I draw upon -----

And, now we'll visit Mason City, Iowa:

Linda J. Adams - Linda's Christian Website

"Have you ever seen an Angel----I have", this was the title-line of a Letter-to-the-Editor of the High Point, N.C. newspaper which my one sibling, my brother Phil wrote. Phil was writing to thank the staff of the nursing home where our Mother and Father had spent, rooming together, the last 6 years of their lives. And, yes, it takes, I think, a "special angel" to work in a nursing home with the compassion and attention our parents were blessed to receive. Thank you, Caregivers.

With that introduction, you'll probably not be surprised to know that poet Linda Adams is a CNA, Certified Nurse Aide (as was my daddy's mother).

Linda's heart and faith shines through her Site, although I experienced a hang and whine as the Amazing Grace Midi played. And I couldn't bring up the "Animated GIFS, Photo Images and Religious Clipart".

Let's hear a little of her poetry:

A Nurses-Aides Prayer

Lord, before I leave for work today,
I need to take the time to pray.
I want to serve You faithfully,-----

I pray for help to do my best.
While assisting cares for a resident,
I heard her whisper a prayer lament.----

Residents suffer, expressing fears,
Others grumble of aging years.-----

and:

Jesus Is My Lighthouse

Jesus is my Lighthouse
to Him I made atone.
He loved me with His loving Grace
and promised me His home.
He spread His arms and died for me
No more will I need to roam.
Jesus is my Lighthouse
shining from heavens throne------

and, here's a reality of life, that we all must face----but Linda lives with it every day:

Prayer Of A Dying Man

Lift me Lord I plea,
from my sinful way.
I ask You in this prayer,
for I'm dying here today
Upon departing life,
when the color leaves my face-----

Along with her poetry, she has:

Bible Stories for Children (with great animation and clowns---bring your kids!)

Will you read me a Bible story?
"Come little children
sit around,
It's story time
with Joe the clown.
Joe, throws balls
not just for fun.----

Joe knows Jesus too,
and Jesus says
'HE LOVES YOU' "

Here's something we don't see much, a reviewed Site produced by a young-person:

Latisha Kennedy - 2 Praise Him

This Site has drop down, quite large ads. Unfinished? graphics. Appearance almost sterile but not unpleasing. Interesting idea in the offering for sale framed poems and/or excerpts from the author's poems as greeting cards. Much of the poetry (as in Stand) needs to be punctuated-formatted. Despite the fact that some of the graphics,including the Guest Book, wouldn't load for me (perhaps I should have changed my browser)---, this young person is to be congratulated for faith, love of Jesus, and the putting up of this Praise site.

Here are the titles, and excerpts from some of the poems:
Faith Conquers, Changes, Dear Lord, Everywhere, God's Blessing, Eternity, Forgive Me, His Name, My Hope, Follow Jesus, Seasons, His Story, My Sword, Salvation, Christmas, Strength, Sunrise Joy, The Choice, Time, Your Love, Thank You, Stand, Beauty, No Comparison, Worship, The Race, Uncertain, The Blood, Rejoice, Possibilities, Promise, Sacrifice, The Way, and Trust Him.

Stand

Stand, steadfast, unmovable and still, for God's word is mighty
powerful and real. Don't give into this world, this world and its hype.
You know in your heart, God's word is right. ----

The Blood

What washes away the muck and the dust, that continues to
plague our souls? Which is known as sin, in the world that we live
and on our lives it has a hold.

But only the blood of our Lord and Savior, can wash away this
sin. And then through the name of Jesus our God, can our souls be
born again.

Even if your clock is tickin', keep on clickin' and you'll see---- some more poetry:

Jill Lemming - Expressions from the Heart

If you like pink, and angels, and a whole bunch of poems, you'll like this Site! Jill has them listed by Title, and by Category, including these: Angels , Christian, Family, Friendship, Inspirational, Parents, and Miscellaneous.

Do you fellow-poet, think God can use a poet in Heaven? (you'll love, as I did, the lil' red haired Angel-graphic)

Let's hear Jill's

If Heaven Needs a Poet

It's an honor to be serving
and living for the Lord...
to be His earthen vessel----

I give Him all the glory-----

He gives me words of poetry
to share with all my friends...

If heaven needs a poet-------

And, a great big AMEN to:

Make Your Job A Ministry

To make your job a ministry,
it takes loving what you do...
and --------

It takes placing God in the center
and -------
and----------

A job is only------
but a ministry is life...
it's -----
and-----

And, before we leave, HEAR,--- read this out loud,---- as I did, and let God's poetry speak to your needs:

A Healing Place...

I have a place I love to go,
that's special in my heart...
a place of love and beauty,
where my early morning starts.-------

I pull into the rolling drive
and -----

read on Dear Reader,--- you'll be glad you did!

AND NOW, Dear Reader, for our final trip, let's travel across "The Pond" (The Atlantic) and visit a newer Site, which appropriately enough, features beautiful, shimmering water, and Beach Pebbles:

Jack Brown, at Christian Love

This Site has very interesting graphics, and a very interesting poet-host. Jack mentions that the Site "requires IE"--but I got it all on Netscape 4.6 on my second visit.

Let's look at Jack's cool:

Pebbles on the Beach

- Millions of pebbles on the beach,
Each one having beauty.
Some almost within your reach,
All perform some duty.
Some are large, and some are small,
But each makes a splash as they fall,

(suggestion: read it out loud--see if substituting " makes splashes as they
fall"-- doesn't make for a better sound {meter?}

Into the surf with thunderous call.
Ah.......
The wonder of it all.

And then, (untitled--as are most)--but, all short sweet---pointed and lyrical.

Good morning to you, on a brand new day,
I pray that the Lord, sends His peace your way,----

Read Jack's testimony-intro:

"Over the years we stopped going to church regularly. When the children
came along we sent them to Sunday School. One Sunday morning I was in the
bathroom and suddenly started singing :

Rejoice the Lord is King.
Whom Heaven and Earth adore.
Lift up your heart and sing ------"

--------

A Fish Out of Water

---The Greek word for fish,
Is ICHAUS you see,
And the letters mean -----

--------

"I think it's great that God created such beauty for us to look upon, each single second is different from the last. That's why we should praise Him as often as we can. This second can never be re lived. We should always be ready to tell others
how much He loves them."

Dear Readers, we can't hear his music to the Songs (and might need to launch IE). But, I can just smile as I visualize Jack with his guitar, ministering and singing the songs God has sent him--

Big Old Moon

Big old moon in the sky,
lighting up the night.
Twinkling stars seem so shy,
though some they seem so bright.
-
Silvery clouds floating by,
sailing as on a sea.
Hear the trees rustling in the breeze'
oh so peacefully.
-
Can it be He made all this,
just for us to see?
Just how much He loves us so,
for eternity.

Well, Dear Reader, I hope you enjoy your visits to these Sites, half as much as I have.

Be Blessed!

Don

P.S. A request -- if you find any "dead" Sites or Links -- or anything objectionable at any Sites we list -- please let us know, in love. Thanks.