Smile!

What is a smile?
Is it simply a movement of the face,
A meaningless gesture?

A smile can be a gift,
Given to someone
Who needs their day brightened.

A smile can be a delight,
A child's eyes sparkling
With just the simple gesture.

A smile can be a mask,
Hiding the pain underneath
Betrayed by the eyes.

A smile can be a reminder,
Re-telling your best friend
That inside joke.

A smile can be an encourager,
Letting a person know
That you have faith in them.

A smile can lead to love.
Never frown because you never know
Who is falling in love with your smile!

A smile can become laughter.
A ray of sunshine,
Just 'cause you feel like it.

There are many reasons to smile.
Because of joy.
Because of love.
Just because.

For me, a smile is a token.
A symbol of my inheritance,
Given to me by my Father.

It's not my portion to fake my happiness.
Nor to carry the weight of this world,
Or my past, on my shoulders.

At the Lord's right hand,
There are pleasures evermore.
His joy is my strength.
This is my inheritance.

So smile!
Not to hide,
Not to fake.
But because you are worth it.
And Jesus loves YOU!

Summer Rain

The sun was shining, 

And the roads were gleaming,

I was driving my car down the block.

The clounds were forming,

And the silence was pounding,

I was living too much in my head. 

The drops started forming,

And the heavens were crying,

I was trying to give up my loss. 

Warm summer rains are finally coming,

Washing my worries away.

Warm summer rains are like a deep breath,

Taking the heat of life away. 

The sky's beauty stunned me,

And my Father spoke to me.

I needed to let it be. 

"The past is the past" He said

"And it is over and gone.

I have a new road for you today."

The words were like honey,

And were sweet to my ears.

I turned my face to the sky and smiled.

The rain on my face refreshed

And my troubles were wiped away.

I thanked God and said,

"Your warm summer rains are finally coming,

Washing my worries away.

Your warm summer rains are like a deep breath,

Taking the heat of life away." 

A Nameless, Faceless Generation

Dear Mommy,

I wish you could see me here,

I'm having so much fun!

I have made so many friends,

But I still miss you so much.

The streets here are really shiny,

And the city is very pretty.

I have my very own pony,

And I love him a lot.

Jesus is really nice,

He tells me stories everyday.

I wish you could meet Him,

He's my best friend.

He knows so many things,

But I don't think He knows everything,

Because when I ask Him certain questions,

He can't answer at all.

"Jesus, Why didn't my mommy name me?"

A sadness passes through His eyes.

"Jesus, Why didn't my mommy want me?"

He bows His head and sighs.

You see Mommy, I still don't have a name.

But it's ok, because I am waiting for you.

I can't wait until you get here,

So I can have a name too.

In the meantime, I'll play with my friends.

They don't have names either,

But Jesus took us in.

And He loves us children so very much.

I really really miss you,

But I don't understand why...

Why didn't you want me mommy?

Did I do something to you?

I wish I knew what you looked like,

Because I might look like you.

Do you think about me?

And if I have your face too?

Please please hurry Mommy!

And tell Daddy to come with you.

I would love for you to be here,

And I know that Jesus would too.

Love,

Me

That Day

The thorns on His head that day were for the thoughts we think.
His swollen lips that day were for the words we speak.
His blackened eyes that day were for the impurities we see.
His bloodied ears that day were for the lies we listen to.
His pierced side that day was for the pain we cause.
The stripes on His body that day were for the sicknesses in this world.
The wounds on His back that day were for the weights we bear.
The nails in His hands that day were for the injustices we do to others.
The spike in His feet that day was for the paths we choose to take.


His thoughts were not of anger that day.
His words finished the work that day.
His eyes were on the ones He loves that day.
His ears were filled with curses that day.
His side made a way for us that day.
His body healed us from all disease that day.
His back took on our burdens that day.
His hands became scarred reminders that day.
His feet became a way for us to follow that day.


Today, His thoughts are of me.
Today, His words are of truth, light and comfort.
Today, His ears are open to my prayers.
Today, His eyes are filled with jealous love.
Today, His side is adorned with a golden belt.
Today, His body is our bread.
Today, His back is clothed in righteousness
Today, His hands are still scarred.
Today, His feet place Him beside His Father.


His thoughts will be of justice.
His words will bring us peace.
His ears will be filled with praise.
His side will be girded with a sword.
His body will appear to us in fullness.
His back will be postured with majesty.
His hands will still be scarred.
His feet will walk in victory.
On That Day.

What You've Given to Me

A beating heart

A joyous laugh

A sparkling eye.

All these things,

You've given to me.

Hope of a future

Desires of my heart

Love of a Father.

All these things,

You've given to me.

Wisdom like treasure

Words like bread

Beauty like You.

All these things, 

You've given to me.

Your Spirit with fire

Your touch with healing

Your mercy with promise.

All these things, 

You've given to me.

Grace in tow

Faith in grasp

Eternity in sight.

All these things,

You've given to me

His beaten back

His wounded side

His pierced wrists.

This One thing,

You've given to me. 

Do You Remember?

Don't you remember when I called you?

To pray, to seek, to learn, to grow

I'm still calling. 

Don't you remember when I said come with Me? 

On a journey only you can take

I'm still inviting.

Don't you remember when you said yes to Me?

Yes to My love, My care, My arms

I still see that yes.

Don't you remember when I forgave you?

Of your faults and failures

I'm still merciful, just and true.

Don't you remember when I called you daughter?

To hold and carry through all.

I'm still your Father. 

Don't you remember when I said you are beautiful? 

Both inside and out

I still say that. 

Don't you remember when I healed your broken heart?

Removed scars and wounds of old

I'm still healing. 

Don't you remember when I stirred your heart?

You spilled tears not in vain

I'm still near. 

Don't you remember what I feel for you?

Pleasure, My delight is in you

I'm still smiling.

Don't you remember what I call you?

Pure one is your name

I'm still cleansing.

Don't you remember when I answered you?

Your prayers moved My heart

I'm still listening.

Don't you remember what I promised you?

I will never leave you

I'm still here. 

Don't you remember when I fought for you?

Love in My eyes like fire

I'm still jealous.

Don't you remember what I showed you?

The beauty of My Son

I'm still revealing. 

Don't you remember what depth My heart is?

So deep, full of treasures for you

I'm still a mystery.

Don't you remember what I gave you?

Joy for mourning, beauty for ashes

I'm still giving.

Don't you remember what I started?

Working to complete

I'm still faithful to finish.

Don't you remember what I told you?

I love you

I still remember that.

Do you?