When those we love have troubles
racked by pain and misery,
the anguish that we know they feel
torments us constantly.

If only but we could,
we'd gladly remove it all,
but in our helplessness do yield
and on God's name do call.

At His feet we've laid these cares
assured by blessed hope,
that He will send you sweet relief
and strength that you may cope.

Daily will we offer prayers
especially asked for you,
that by His mercy, great and sure
He will see you through.

There once was a wise master craftsman,
A violin maker was he,
Who needed to find a perfect wood
Requiring a very special tree.

So he took along a student
Into the forest with him
And stood amongst tall straight trees
But then of spreading limbs.

The old man never lilted his head
Nor cast a roving eye,
Plodding right along instead,
Climbing upwards towards the sky.

Finally reaching the very top
Where few were left to grow,
The old man stopped and smiled
For experience had taught him so.

The young man asked the Master
Why he chose some bent and gnarled old tree
When they had passed up beauties,
Was to him a mystery.

No my son, they would not do,
For protected they grow weak,
Where the snow and winds have beaten
Strong grows the wood we seek.

Only the strong and sturdy
Will not break as I shape and bend,
And gives forth the sweetest sound,
Grown from adversities wind.

So too we grow in life's forest
And are chosen for God's need,
Tried and proven by tribulation,
And found worthy to sow His seed.

Some will not endure the trails
That come along their ways,
And miss a mountain top experience
If chosen by him one day.

My friend has a private chapel
on a lofty balcony,
just outside her bedroom
nestled amongst a huge oak tree.

She told me there she often sits
and quietly speaks to God,
beholds the beauty of His work
in the flowers and green sod.

We talked about the Lord,
of His mercy, Grace and Love,
and our future with Him
in that great beyond above.

With words so softly spoken
she talked of faith and hope,
so moved I was by her courage
and ability to cope.

I parted with tears of happiness,
my heart filled to the brim,
and any doubt or fear I had
I left behind with Him

Love is aware and alert with watchful eyes
ever careful nothing is amiss.
Love is the first to notice an effort by one
that needs rewarding by a kiss.

Love is never the creator of worry or
confusion but speaks softly to calm.
Love finds the right words to still a heart
bringing peace like a soothing balm.

Love is patient and long-suffering in her prayers
for someone to change their ways.
Love is the first to respond to a plea for help
giving light to otherwise dark days.

Love is someone's hope and strength
to bolster and encourage as she meets the need.
Love is the giving of herself so freely by choice
never counting the cost in action or deed.

Love is never haughty. proud or boastful
rather she is meek and humble always.
Love never looks for only those that have much
but accepts the poor with a special grace.

Love is not cast down with an unhappy look
for her countenance wears a smile.
Love doesn't stop because a job is done
but goes even further with an extra mile.

Love never stops or looks for a resting place
for others could languish without her care.
Love has no boundaries nor knows no limits
to give it or receive it. nothing can compare.

Joyce T. Griffin
Jacksonville FL.

The heart of man is a fickle thing
lifting high and falling low,
like tides of the mighty oceans
with its' ebb and flow.

When my heart is full of love
and feels that it may burst,
I long to share it with someone
but who should be the first?

A neighbor, friend, or family?
the one has not a name,
but suddenly I do realize
then hang my head in shame.

Forgive me Lord for I know
true joy comes from Thee,
Oh thank you Lord for I forgot
whom comes first with me.