MY FORTRESS
© December 2010 Stephanie Durand
I could lose faith,
But I fight
I could lose hope,
But I fight
I fight
For I know in the darkness
God is forever
My light!
His light,
In every distant horizon
His light
In every circumstance
In my life
His hands, always there
His voice silently still
always inside me
His hope and his love
Always, forever, inside me!
His words
Fear not!
His words
Be still and know that I am God!
Reach through every darkness
I have faced in my life,
Reach me through the darkest days
And the darkest nights!
The seasons of joy and pain
Come,
they rise …and they fall
But His is my rock!
My fortress! He is my all!
....
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:1-3
Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
Psalm 31:1-3
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
SHE CAME TO SAY GOODBYE - MawMaw
In memory of my grandmother, MawMaw, Iris Durand
I wrote this on the night that we were going to Houston to help Michelle pack to move back to Indonesia. They needed to come home for MawMaw's funeral. I wrote this...tears came...but it gave me such joy after writing it...because I knew she was on her way to Heaven!
She Came to Say Goodbye
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
She came to say goodbye,
And that is when I cried
Her spirit and soul passed through me
I knew in an instant, she was free
From the prisons that confined her mind
From the chains this earth had bind
Maw-Maw, I said, "Talk to me"
Only the earth keeps us apart
Only the soil that we touch
Separate the love that
I will send from above
Please don't cry for me
For, now, oh, now, I am finally free
To see the world...from Heaven's light
To touch the stars, as I pass the skies
To heaven, I am traveling
To freedom, to my Lord
To all the beautiful things
That he has in store
For my treasures were
Never bound to this earth,
Though my mind was never
enough to explain to those
I love, so dear,
Why I hung around so long
And stayed so near
As hard as it is to part
From my loves,
To heaven, I go,
And in heaven, I'll wait
For my loves to come
In Memory of MawMaw (Mawsy)
I wrote this on the night that we were going to Houston to help Michelle pack to move back to Indonesia. They needed to come home for MawMaw's funeral. I wrote this...tears came...but it gave me such joy after writing it...because I knew she was on her way to Heaven!
She Came to Say Goodbye
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
She came to say goodbye,
And that is when I cried
Her spirit and soul passed through me
I knew in an instant, she was free
From the prisons that confined her mind
From the chains this earth had bind
Maw-Maw, I said, "Talk to me"
Only the earth keeps us apart
Only the soil that we touch
Separate the love that
I will send from above
Please don't cry for me
For, now, oh, now, I am finally free
To see the world...from Heaven's light
To touch the stars, as I pass the skies
To heaven, I am traveling
To freedom, to my Lord
To all the beautiful things
That he has in store
For my treasures were
Never bound to this earth,
Though my mind was never
enough to explain to those
I love, so dear,
Why I hung around so long
And stayed so near
As hard as it is to part
From my loves,
To heaven, I go,
And in heaven, I'll wait
For my loves to come
In Memory of MawMaw (Mawsy)
FOR TONIGHT (Father Manny)
FOR TONIGHT
(c) 2005 Stephanie Durand
*This was written for a friend who was going through a very difficult time in her life, and was talking about ending her life. I sat down, prayed, and wrote this for her and gave it to her.
Lord, when do we pray?
My child, pray always
Lord, how can I endure?
Endure with my strength
Lord, how can I see day?
Though my eyes, you can see
Lord, it is so hard today
My child, just pray
Pray for what?
Pray for wisdom, for strength,
And for courage.
Pray for healing, for comfort,
For how to love and how to give
away comfort, love, hope, and healing
Pray always
See through your pain
and know that I am with you
Whisper to me at night
and know that I hear you
If you cry out in despair,
Know that I am always there.
Sweet child, things will be alright
Even in the darkenss of your night
Don't weep alone
Too many tears can flood a river
Reach out to others
Be a taker, as much as a giver
Take thier hope, their love, and their prayers
Take your Bible, and know that I am there
So, sweet child, rest your head tonight
Don't be overtaken by fright
Let me be your LIGHT
Let me endure your PAIN
Let me hold your HAND
I AM walking beside you
And everthing will be alright.
Love,
Your Father God
(c) 2005 Stephanie Durand
*This was written for a friend who was going through a very difficult time in her life, and was talking about ending her life. I sat down, prayed, and wrote this for her and gave it to her.
Lord, when do we pray?
My child, pray always
Lord, how can I endure?
Endure with my strength
Lord, how can I see day?
Though my eyes, you can see
Lord, it is so hard today
My child, just pray
Pray for what?
Pray for wisdom, for strength,
And for courage.
Pray for healing, for comfort,
For how to love and how to give
away comfort, love, hope, and healing
Pray always
See through your pain
and know that I am with you
Whisper to me at night
and know that I hear you
If you cry out in despair,
Know that I am always there.
Sweet child, things will be alright
Even in the darkenss of your night
Don't weep alone
Too many tears can flood a river
Reach out to others
Be a taker, as much as a giver
Take thier hope, their love, and their prayers
Take your Bible, and know that I am there
So, sweet child, rest your head tonight
Don't be overtaken by fright
Let me be your LIGHT
Let me endure your PAIN
Let me hold your HAND
I AM walking beside you
And everthing will be alright.
Love,
Your Father God
A WARM SUMMER DAY (Poetry for Teens)
A WARM SUMMER DAY
(c)1979 Stephanie Durand (12 years old)
Sitting alone
on a warm summer day,
Feeling the breeze,
Blowing my way.
Smelling the flowers,
Enjoying the trees,
Sitting alone,
Listening to the seas.
And along the beach,
I can hear the world,
Of people laughing and having fun,
For me-
Life has just begun!
(c)1979 Stephanie Durand (12 years old)
Sitting alone
on a warm summer day,
Feeling the breeze,
Blowing my way.
Smelling the flowers,
Enjoying the trees,
Sitting alone,
Listening to the seas.
And along the beach,
I can hear the world,
Of people laughing and having fun,
For me-
Life has just begun!
FLY (Children's Poetry)
FLY - (A poem I wrote for my children)
(c)1992 Stephanie Whatley
Oh me, oh my,
Oh me, oh my,
I had a dream
that I could fly!
I soared up high,
to the ceiling I flew!
Then up the chimney,
I did go through!
To the stars,
I sailed with ease,
Pass the houses,
Pass the trees
Then from the corner of my eye,
I did see,
The man in the moon
was smiling at me!
(c)1992 Stephanie Whatley
Oh me, oh my,
Oh me, oh my,
I had a dream
that I could fly!
I soared up high,
to the ceiling I flew!
Then up the chimney,
I did go through!
To the stars,
I sailed with ease,
Pass the houses,
Pass the trees
Then from the corner of my eye,
I did see,
The man in the moon
was smiling at me!
BEAUTIFUL DAY
Beautiful Day
(c)1979 Stephanie Whatley (12 years old)
Watching the waves along the sea,
Walking on the sand,
My friend and me.
Running thought the water,
picking up shells,
Not even talking,
Just knowing ourselves
Building a sand castle
that is all your very own
Thinking about yourself
and all that you've grown.
Feeling the cool breeze
blowing your way,
thinking to yourself,
"What a beautiful day!"
(c)1979 Stephanie Whatley (12 years old)
Watching the waves along the sea,
Walking on the sand,
My friend and me.
Running thought the water,
picking up shells,
Not even talking,
Just knowing ourselves
Building a sand castle
that is all your very own
Thinking about yourself
and all that you've grown.
Feeling the cool breeze
blowing your way,
thinking to yourself,
"What a beautiful day!"
A WARM CHRISTMAS EVE
A Warm Christmas Eve
(c)1982 Stephanie Durand (14 years old)
Cold is the night,
As we are snuggled in bed
Warm as the fire,
No words to be said.
Holding each other
As the night drifts away
Being together
Feeling this way
Watching the flames
As the wind outside blows,
Lonely is the dark,
As the Christmas tree glows.
Blankets all around
As the snow slowly falls,
The trees gently sway,
and the warmth fills us all.
As the baby sleeps quietly
In a crib by the tree,
I feel a special feeling
Growing deep inside me
Tonight is so special,
So much to believe,
So much warmth and happiness,
A warm Christmas Eve.
(c)1982 Stephanie Durand (14 years old)
Cold is the night,
As we are snuggled in bed
Warm as the fire,
No words to be said.
Holding each other
As the night drifts away
Being together
Feeling this way
Watching the flames
As the wind outside blows,
Lonely is the dark,
As the Christmas tree glows.
Blankets all around
As the snow slowly falls,
The trees gently sway,
and the warmth fills us all.
As the baby sleeps quietly
In a crib by the tree,
I feel a special feeling
Growing deep inside me
Tonight is so special,
So much to believe,
So much warmth and happiness,
A warm Christmas Eve.
GOD BLESS
God Bless
(c)1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Bless this life that is so free
Bless the birds that surround the sea
Bless the angels in the sky
Bless this baby when he cries
Bless the flowers that hope to grow
Bless the wind and new fallen snow
Bless the clouds and sky above
Bless our parents that give us love
Bless the trees and all the land
Bless our friends that hold our hand
Bless our teachers that help us find our way
Bless us all each and every day.
(c)1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Bless this life that is so free
Bless the birds that surround the sea
Bless the angels in the sky
Bless this baby when he cries
Bless the flowers that hope to grow
Bless the wind and new fallen snow
Bless the clouds and sky above
Bless our parents that give us love
Bless the trees and all the land
Bless our friends that hold our hand
Bless our teachers that help us find our way
Bless us all each and every day.
GOODBYE, MY LOVE
Goodbye, My Love
(c)1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Why does God take
The ones that we love,
And carry them up,
so far above?
Death they say
is as black as night,
But Heaven, they say
Is a beautiful sight.
Everyone has to die,
It was just meant to be,
But we are the ones
That have to adjust,
and learn to set them free.
God has to take our loved ones
Up so far away,
Because he needs so many angels,
To help us find our way.
(c)1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Why does God take
The ones that we love,
And carry them up,
so far above?
Death they say
is as black as night,
But Heaven, they say
Is a beautiful sight.
Everyone has to die,
It was just meant to be,
But we are the ones
That have to adjust,
and learn to set them free.
God has to take our loved ones
Up so far away,
Because he needs so many angels,
To help us find our way.
GET READY
Get Ready!
(c)1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Fasten your seat belts,
We are going for a ride,
I don't know where,
It's the first we've tried
Fasten your seat belts,
Are you ready to go?
We are going someplace
We don't yet know.
Fasten your seat belts,
We're picking up speed,
We're going through life!
We are yet to be freed!
(c)1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Fasten your seat belts,
We are going for a ride,
I don't know where,
It's the first we've tried
Fasten your seat belts,
Are you ready to go?
We are going someplace
We don't yet know.
Fasten your seat belts,
We're picking up speed,
We're going through life!
We are yet to be freed!
TOGETHER
TOGETHER
(c) 1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
All the things we have done
and all the times we've shared
All the times we were together
and all the times you cared.
Even through the bad times,
Which there were very few,
We always seemed to work them out
Together - me and you.
Without you I am lonely,
Without you being here,
Is worse than all my nightmares,
Worse than all my fears.
Together we are happy,
together our love is true,
Our love is so complete
Together - me and you.
-- this poem was written when I was 13 for Timothy Tyler, Rest in Peace Timmy
(c) 1980 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
All the things we have done
and all the times we've shared
All the times we were together
and all the times you cared.
Even through the bad times,
Which there were very few,
We always seemed to work them out
Together - me and you.
Without you I am lonely,
Without you being here,
Is worse than all my nightmares,
Worse than all my fears.
Together we are happy,
together our love is true,
Our love is so complete
Together - me and you.
-- this poem was written when I was 13 for Timothy Tyler, Rest in Peace Timmy
SPECIAL GIFT
Special Gift
(c) 1981 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Love is here,
Love is there,
Look around
It is everywhere.
Love can grow,
Love can die,
It can make you laugh,
It can make you cry.
Love lives on
and on through the years
To show the joy,
to hide the fears.
Love surrounds you
it flows so swift,
Sweep it up
It is a special gift.
It is both cruel and fair,
It is so precious,
but you must share.
Love can help
your dreams to grow
To reach the sky,
and to touch below.
It is so delicate,
yet cannot break,
It is so fragile,
and easy to take.
If you find it,
Take a part,
Keep it forever,
safe in your heart.
(c) 1981 Stephanie Durand (13 years old)
Love is here,
Love is there,
Look around
It is everywhere.
Love can grow,
Love can die,
It can make you laugh,
It can make you cry.
Love lives on
and on through the years
To show the joy,
to hide the fears.
Love surrounds you
it flows so swift,
Sweep it up
It is a special gift.
It is both cruel and fair,
It is so precious,
but you must share.
Love can help
your dreams to grow
To reach the sky,
and to touch below.
It is so delicate,
yet cannot break,
It is so fragile,
and easy to take.
If you find it,
Take a part,
Keep it forever,
safe in your heart.
LIFE
LIFE
(c) 1980 Stephanie Durand (12 years old at time)
Life is a merry-go-round
it spins and spins,
Through laughter and tears,
It has it's ups and downs,
then it's over.
(c) 1980 Stephanie Durand (12 years old at time)
Life is a merry-go-round
it spins and spins,
Through laughter and tears,
It has it's ups and downs,
then it's over.
HIGHER THAN THE MOUNTAINS
Higher Than the Mountains
(c) 1981 Stephanie Durand (13 years old at time)
Love higher than the mountains,
Love swifter than the oceans,
Love lonlier than the dark,
that drowns out all emotions.
Love brighter than the sun,
Yet sweeter than a rose,
Love tired as a baby
A love that never shows
Love harder than a rock,
and colder than the snow,
Love warmer than the sunshine,
the love that we all know.
Love burning with the fire,
Yet hotter than the flame
Love died to be reborn
and on...goes the eternal game.
(c) 1981 Stephanie Durand (13 years old at time)
Love higher than the mountains,
Love swifter than the oceans,
Love lonlier than the dark,
that drowns out all emotions.
Love brighter than the sun,
Yet sweeter than a rose,
Love tired as a baby
A love that never shows
Love harder than a rock,
and colder than the snow,
Love warmer than the sunshine,
the love that we all know.
Love burning with the fire,
Yet hotter than the flame
Love died to be reborn
and on...goes the eternal game.
DREAMS
Dreams
(c) 1982 Stephanie Durand (14 years old at time)
Lonely dreams that haunt the night
while wishes fade with the firelight
Happy hours that fade away
to lonesome thoughts that seem to stay
Seeing no brightness when there is light
Feeling no pain, yet struggling to fight
Deep down inside you run from the dark
You run from the love you feel in your heart.
Longing for something to reach out and hold,
Scared of being young, yet scared of growing old.
Trapped in the midst of lies and regrets,
You are willing to forgive; but never forget.
So many dreams you have let drift away
Now you wish for another chance, another day
These thoughts are of those not able to cope.
Those without dreams,
Those without hope.
(c) 1982 Stephanie Durand (14 years old at time)
Lonely dreams that haunt the night
while wishes fade with the firelight
Happy hours that fade away
to lonesome thoughts that seem to stay
Seeing no brightness when there is light
Feeling no pain, yet struggling to fight
Deep down inside you run from the dark
You run from the love you feel in your heart.
Longing for something to reach out and hold,
Scared of being young, yet scared of growing old.
Trapped in the midst of lies and regrets,
You are willing to forgive; but never forget.
So many dreams you have let drift away
Now you wish for another chance, another day
These thoughts are of those not able to cope.
Those without dreams,
Those without hope.
THIS LOVE WE'VE FOUND
This Love that We've Found
(c)1981 Stephanie Durand (I was 13 when I wrote this)
Dark as the night
Yet clear as the sky
I think about love
and it makes me cry
There are so many times
I am lost in my dreams,
then to find reality
Is not really as it seems
Love can be smooth
and love can be rough
Love can hurt
When things become tough
Sometimes we are smothered
when there is too much love around
And we take it for granted -
This love that we have found
(c)1981 Stephanie Durand (I was 13 when I wrote this)
Dark as the night
Yet clear as the sky
I think about love
and it makes me cry
There are so many times
I am lost in my dreams,
then to find reality
Is not really as it seems
Love can be smooth
and love can be rough
Love can hurt
When things become tough
Sometimes we are smothered
when there is too much love around
And we take it for granted -
This love that we have found
PRIDE
Pride
(c) 1982 Stephanie Durand (14 years old at time)
Now we apart
and I am to blame
Things are different
They are not the same
I thought I did not love you
I realize now that I am wrong
Now my life does not fit
And the nights seem so long
The part of my heart
That let you go
Is calling you back
But I'm not letting it show
It is not a secret
That I want to hide
It is just a part of me
It is just - my pride
But if pride should
stand in the way of love,
Then I wish it would step aside.
For if I were to say to you
"I don't love you, I don't miss you"
It would be - a lie.
(c) 1982 Stephanie Durand (14 years old at time)
Now we apart
and I am to blame
Things are different
They are not the same
I thought I did not love you
I realize now that I am wrong
Now my life does not fit
And the nights seem so long
The part of my heart
That let you go
Is calling you back
But I'm not letting it show
It is not a secret
That I want to hide
It is just a part of me
It is just - my pride
But if pride should
stand in the way of love,
Then I wish it would step aside.
For if I were to say to you
"I don't love you, I don't miss you"
It would be - a lie.
THE LOVE I GIVE
The Love I Give
(c) 1982 Stephanie Durand (wrote when I was 14)
I will love you today,
I will love you tomorrow,
I will love you through pain,
I will love you through sorrow.
I will love you through good times
I will love you through bad,
I will love you when I am happy
I will love you when I am sad
I will love you forever
As long as I live
You have all of my love-
The love that I give!
(c) 1982 Stephanie Durand (wrote when I was 14)
I will love you today,
I will love you tomorrow,
I will love you through pain,
I will love you through sorrow.
I will love you through good times
I will love you through bad,
I will love you when I am happy
I will love you when I am sad
I will love you forever
As long as I live
You have all of my love-
The love that I give!
MY SHINING STAR
My Shining Star
(c)1983 Stephanie Whatley (I was 14 years old when I wrote this)
There is a small dim light
Shining my way
I see it more clearly
Day after day
I see it twinkling
Day and night
It becomes a little brighter-
That small dim light
It is coming toward me,
Is it a falling star?
Now it is closer
It is not quite as far.
It is a symbol of something
That comes from above,
It is a symbol of you (God)
It is a symbol of love.
Now I understand
Why it grew so bright!
The dimness in it
Was only fright.
Now the dimness has
Turned to gold
For it is very bright
And so much love it holds!
I have never seen anything
Quite like it before,
You are what I love,
My shining star! (Jesus)
(c)1983 Stephanie Whatley (I was 14 years old when I wrote this)
There is a small dim light
Shining my way
I see it more clearly
Day after day
I see it twinkling
Day and night
It becomes a little brighter-
That small dim light
It is coming toward me,
Is it a falling star?
Now it is closer
It is not quite as far.
It is a symbol of something
That comes from above,
It is a symbol of you (God)
It is a symbol of love.
Now I understand
Why it grew so bright!
The dimness in it
Was only fright.
Now the dimness has
Turned to gold
For it is very bright
And so much love it holds!
I have never seen anything
Quite like it before,
You are what I love,
My shining star! (Jesus)
LOOK UP NOW (Father Manny)
Look Up Now
(c) 2003 Stephanie Durand
The voice in the wind
is calling his children home to him
The voice in the wind
is calling those who have sinned.
The waves sweep the sand
and usher in
the children
Who want to come home again
Mercy and freedom are falling from heaven
To pour down on all his children
Running from him
The call of the waters that hit the shore
Rumble for all
who are stranded and alone.
He searches for his children
on every distant shore, all of his children
that want to come home.
They stop, drenched,
and turn to him,
"God, I'm so cold!"
"God, I'm so weak!"
And the Lord reaches down and
throws them a blanket of grace;
The spirit of the Lord enters their hearts
and He wipes the tears from their face
The waters calm and waves subside
For the Lord, our God, has heard their cry
His hand reaches down and grabs ahold of them
And He says, "My child, don't look at the sand..
Look up at me and hold your head high...
Look up at me, for my child,
I have heard your cry!
Take my hand, and together we will face the world
Take my grace, my mercy, and my love
Take my only son
And the spirit of the dove!
and share with the world Your Father's love!
(c) 2003 Stephanie Durand
The voice in the wind
is calling his children home to him
The voice in the wind
is calling those who have sinned.
The waves sweep the sand
and usher in
the children
Who want to come home again
Mercy and freedom are falling from heaven
To pour down on all his children
Running from him
The call of the waters that hit the shore
Rumble for all
who are stranded and alone.
He searches for his children
on every distant shore, all of his children
that want to come home.
They stop, drenched,
and turn to him,
"God, I'm so cold!"
"God, I'm so weak!"
And the Lord reaches down and
throws them a blanket of grace;
The spirit of the Lord enters their hearts
and He wipes the tears from their face
The waters calm and waves subside
For the Lord, our God, has heard their cry
His hand reaches down and grabs ahold of them
And He says, "My child, don't look at the sand..
Look up at me and hold your head high...
Look up at me, for my child,
I have heard your cry!
Take my hand, and together we will face the world
Take my grace, my mercy, and my love
Take my only son
And the spirit of the dove!
and share with the world Your Father's love!
GOD'S FACE (Father Manny)
GOD'S FACE
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
I could abide here forever in your arms of love
I could abide here forever in all that you are
In all that you have given me and in all that you have shown me
I could abide here forever
I could abide forever in your heavenly grace
and love,
your mercy and peace from above.
I cry and I weep at your touches of peace
Tears run down and enter my mouth,
I taste the salt...and remember whose daughter I am
and you remind me, that I am the salt of the earth
I cry in your presence
the humbleness chokes me up
It's so powerful
That I weep and I weep
How can we explain such a mighty God
Such a powerful everlasting, ever living life force
Look to the earth...and we see his hands
His power, his love, his grace,
His mercy and forgiveness,
And then we see God's face
God's face
It is in all ...for all
His heart...is in all...for all
Forever....God's face ...for all
Can be found....right now
look around
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
I could abide here forever in your arms of love
I could abide here forever in all that you are
In all that you have given me and in all that you have shown me
I could abide here forever
I could abide forever in your heavenly grace
and love,
your mercy and peace from above.
I cry and I weep at your touches of peace
Tears run down and enter my mouth,
I taste the salt...and remember whose daughter I am
and you remind me, that I am the salt of the earth
I cry in your presence
the humbleness chokes me up
It's so powerful
That I weep and I weep
How can we explain such a mighty God
Such a powerful everlasting, ever living life force
Look to the earth...and we see his hands
His power, his love, his grace,
His mercy and forgiveness,
And then we see God's face
God's face
It is in all ...for all
His heart...is in all...for all
Forever....God's face ...for all
Can be found....right now
look around
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
GRACE UNFOLDS (Father Manny)
Grace Unfolds(c)2010 Stephanie Durand
Dedicated to my children, Brett & Brittany
and my grandchildren, Hayden & Landon
"What is grace?"
a young child asks
"Who is God,
and what's my task?"
"What is grace?"
a young child asks...
Grace is from God
when we cross His path
Grace is forgiveness
Grace is His love
Grace is His mercy
from heaven above
"Is it free?"
a young child asks
"Is it for me, too?"
an older man gasps
"Yes," God says, "it is,
for each and every soul
yes, it is free
for young and old"
"Does God love me?"
a young child ask
"God created you, my child
and His love nothing can surpass!"
He crowned you before you were born
You are his and his alone
You live on earth
But heaven will one day be all our home
So never will you be alone
on earth as long as you live
for God is always, always with you
Like a light in a distant shore,
His light, and grace, his love, his mercy,
He will forever give!
__________________________________________________
2010 - After a few years of not writing a single poem, I saw Father Manny again just a few weeks ago, and again, I am writing. I always seem to write a lot after he blesses me and prays over me. We did not even know he was in town on this day! We were leaving a parking lot when someone stopped us and asked for directions to the building that he would be doing the healing mass in that day! We were glad that they did, for we were able to go ourselves and have him pray over us and bless us! It had been five years since I had written! After the healing mass, the next morning is when I wrote this poem.
Dedicated to my children, Brett & Brittany
and my grandchildren, Hayden & Landon
"What is grace?"
a young child asks
"Who is God,
and what's my task?"
"What is grace?"
a young child asks...
Grace is from God
when we cross His path
Grace is forgiveness
Grace is His love
Grace is His mercy
from heaven above
"Is it free?"
a young child asks
"Is it for me, too?"
an older man gasps
"Yes," God says, "it is,
for each and every soul
yes, it is free
for young and old"
"Does God love me?"
a young child ask
"God created you, my child
and His love nothing can surpass!"
He crowned you before you were born
You are his and his alone
You live on earth
But heaven will one day be all our home
So never will you be alone
on earth as long as you live
for God is always, always with you
Like a light in a distant shore,
His light, and grace, his love, his mercy,
He will forever give!
__________________________________________________
2010 - After a few years of not writing a single poem, I saw Father Manny again just a few weeks ago, and again, I am writing. I always seem to write a lot after he blesses me and prays over me. We did not even know he was in town on this day! We were leaving a parking lot when someone stopped us and asked for directions to the building that he would be doing the healing mass in that day! We were glad that they did, for we were able to go ourselves and have him pray over us and bless us! It had been five years since I had written! After the healing mass, the next morning is when I wrote this poem.
RUN TO JESUS (Father Manny)
RUN TO JESUS
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand Whatley
When the waters are deep...
and you can't swim...
When the tide of tears come ashore...
when life is just too hard for living....
When all around you...
have given up on you....
Run to Jesus...
Run to Jesus.......
Whose arms await your soul...
Peel away the pain..
the loneliness...the shame...
Run..run to Jesus..
He's waiting to wash away the pain...
the guilt...the shame...
He will wipe off the blood of your sin....
You're making your way to Him...
and run ..run...to Jesus....
He is the peace, the everlasting life....
He will be your will to live...
He will carry your burdens for you....
He will clean you of your sin...
So run now....and don't look back......
can be heard at: http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=396573&t=6460
This song/poem is dedicated to a young teenage boy that ended his precious life this year. We wish that he would have known that he had a friend to run to with his pain. Lord, we lift up all teenagers that are trying to cope and are giving up hope. Don't ever give up on life! Pain passes away over time...please give yourself time to heal, because your journey has just begun, and believe me, you have so much to live for. I suffered from anorexia when I was a teenager and I went through some very, very, painful times, but you have to hang on for the loved ones, and believe me, there are a lot of people who love you or are waiting to love you! Remember, you can't see the future. You have to believe in the things you cannot see. You have to reach out, you have to pray, you have to stay strong and know that tomorrow will come, and tomorrow is one step closer to healing. Through your pain, you can help others. We all suffer pain and heartache, but we have to remember that life is a journey, a journey that you do not want to miss, I promise you. Don't take the easy way out, it is not God's plan. He created you, he engraved your name on his hand, and He has a plan for you.....trust him to see you through; let him carry you when you are too weak to stand. Tell someone the truth about your life....the truth WILL set your free....from your pain, your shame, your guilt, your loneliness, or a sin that you think is unforgivable. That's why Jesus died...so that you could go on. He loves you THAT much. Live for him!
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand Whatley
When the waters are deep...
and you can't swim...
When the tide of tears come ashore...
when life is just too hard for living....
When all around you...
have given up on you....
Run to Jesus...
Run to Jesus.......
Whose arms await your soul...
Peel away the pain..
the loneliness...the shame...
Run..run to Jesus..
He's waiting to wash away the pain...
the guilt...the shame...
He will wipe off the blood of your sin....
You're making your way to Him...
and run ..run...to Jesus....
He is the peace, the everlasting life....
He will be your will to live...
He will carry your burdens for you....
He will clean you of your sin...
So run now....and don't look back......
can be heard at: http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=396573&t=6460
This song/poem is dedicated to a young teenage boy that ended his precious life this year. We wish that he would have known that he had a friend to run to with his pain. Lord, we lift up all teenagers that are trying to cope and are giving up hope. Don't ever give up on life! Pain passes away over time...please give yourself time to heal, because your journey has just begun, and believe me, you have so much to live for. I suffered from anorexia when I was a teenager and I went through some very, very, painful times, but you have to hang on for the loved ones, and believe me, there are a lot of people who love you or are waiting to love you! Remember, you can't see the future. You have to believe in the things you cannot see. You have to reach out, you have to pray, you have to stay strong and know that tomorrow will come, and tomorrow is one step closer to healing. Through your pain, you can help others. We all suffer pain and heartache, but we have to remember that life is a journey, a journey that you do not want to miss, I promise you. Don't take the easy way out, it is not God's plan. He created you, he engraved your name on his hand, and He has a plan for you.....trust him to see you through; let him carry you when you are too weak to stand. Tell someone the truth about your life....the truth WILL set your free....from your pain, your shame, your guilt, your loneliness, or a sin that you think is unforgivable. That's why Jesus died...so that you could go on. He loves you THAT much. Live for him!
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
ANGELS IN SKIN
ANGELS IN SKIN
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
When you feel lost and alone,
They open their hearts and let you in
When you just can’t seem to go on
You find an angel disguised in skin
When the world has seemed to fail you
They reach with arms opened wide
To brighten up your space and time
Their love and kindness, they never hide
When you find yourself
With anger, bitterness, and strife,
Their words seem to raise you up
Above this crazy race of life
When all you really want to do is
Shut your weary eyes and cry
Their light helps you to see joy and beauty
Their love and words lift you up to fly!
Yes, Heaven can exist on earth
If you believe in letting friends in,
Because friends are really heaven’s angels
Disguised in earthly skin
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
When you feel lost and alone,
They open their hearts and let you in
When you just can’t seem to go on
You find an angel disguised in skin
When the world has seemed to fail you
They reach with arms opened wide
To brighten up your space and time
Their love and kindness, they never hide
When you find yourself
With anger, bitterness, and strife,
Their words seem to raise you up
Above this crazy race of life
When all you really want to do is
Shut your weary eyes and cry
Their light helps you to see joy and beauty
Their love and words lift you up to fly!
Yes, Heaven can exist on earth
If you believe in letting friends in,
Because friends are really heaven’s angels
Disguised in earthly skin
YOU CAN NEVER FLY AWAY: DEDICATION TO SOLDIERS
YOU CAN NEVER FLY AWAY
(c)2004 Stephanie Whatley
Dedicated to all our U.S. Soldiers, Marines, Navy, our sons, daughters, husbands and wives who serve and protect our country.
You can wipe your eyes,
there is no need to say goodbye
You can never be too far away from home
because home will always be in my heart...
No plane, no train, no boat, nor ship,
no ocean or land could ever keep us apart
There is nothing that can distance us from each other
because I've safely tucked you away in my heart
So you can wipe your eyes baby,
There's no need to say goodbye
you can wipe your eyes, baby
We will see the same stars in the sky
Always remember you are only one thought and prayer away,
Never forget how safely you've been tucked you away
Always remember in God we trust,
and I know he will bring you safely home, and we will
pray until that day!
Your journey is a courageous one,
My heart burst with joy and pride each day,
For your country, you proudly stand and protect
and for you, we will continue to gather and pray!
May God bless you on this journey,
May you never feel alone,
May you always know and feel
that in my heart, you're always home!
(c)2004 Stephanie Whatley
Dedicated to all our U.S. Soldiers, Marines, Navy, our sons, daughters, husbands and wives who serve and protect our country.
You can wipe your eyes,
there is no need to say goodbye
You can never be too far away from home
because home will always be in my heart...
No plane, no train, no boat, nor ship,
no ocean or land could ever keep us apart
There is nothing that can distance us from each other
because I've safely tucked you away in my heart
So you can wipe your eyes baby,
There's no need to say goodbye
you can wipe your eyes, baby
We will see the same stars in the sky
Always remember you are only one thought and prayer away,
Never forget how safely you've been tucked you away
Always remember in God we trust,
and I know he will bring you safely home, and we will
pray until that day!
Your journey is a courageous one,
My heart burst with joy and pride each day,
For your country, you proudly stand and protect
and for you, we will continue to gather and pray!
May God bless you on this journey,
May you never feel alone,
May you always know and feel
that in my heart, you're always home!
WELL OF TEARS (Father Manny)
WELL OF TEARS
(C) Stephanie Whatley 2004/revised 2010 after seeing Father Manny again
When the well of tears has run dry
When every question in your life ends in Why
When every stoned is knocked away
When you finally fall to your knees .... oh pray
Give honest words to Almighty God
Let him steer you with his mighty rod
Run from sin and take your shame
leave no one else to blame
Admit your sin as your own
and let your father welcome you home
Let his peace reign in you
be lifted up because his word is truth
Lift up the book that will water your soul
Read the pages that will make you whole
Meditate on the words you see that were written centuries ago
For the secrets of life have already been told
The mystery of the sea
and the floods that came
The mystery of love and salvation that stood on a hill
and why he came to save
Jesus, the giver of life
the peacemaker and the friend
who held his arms out
until the very end
Tears are but your friends
they show you when it is time to mend
the ways of your life
and the error of your sins
They seep out your body
just to make you whole
They run down your cheeks
and through your pain, you will
discover a new road
Let them flow like the rivers
build no dam to stop their flow
Welcome the solace as you weep
and pray for him to show you his peace
Let go of your pain, let it wash away
Let go of your sin, it will not be a waste
Cry through your pain and let him come to you
take his hand, and he will walk you through
Imagine yourself up on a hill
in a valley of love, hope, and peace
Imagine the flowers your eyes have never seen
and like the butterfly emerging from it's cocoon
take a breath, then feel the release
Imagine the wind brushing your skin
Imagine the smells of forgotten sin
Gone, gone, they are gone in the wind!
The old is made new,
Transformation gives you your wings,
He will take you to new heights,
and he will show you such beautiful new things!
And from this day forward, always take his hand
and with a grateful heart, may you always look to above
and watch your father cry with love
over you .......coming home
Rejoice in your heart always
for his loving mercy and grace
and know that now and forever more,
Your journey is at God's pace.
Isn't it comforting to know,
you are forever his child and jewel,
This is what transformation is about
and the beauty of renewal!
(C) Stephanie Whatley 2004/revised 2010 after seeing Father Manny again
When the well of tears has run dry
When every question in your life ends in Why
When every stoned is knocked away
When you finally fall to your knees .... oh pray
Give honest words to Almighty God
Let him steer you with his mighty rod
Run from sin and take your shame
leave no one else to blame
Admit your sin as your own
and let your father welcome you home
Let his peace reign in you
be lifted up because his word is truth
Lift up the book that will water your soul
Read the pages that will make you whole
Meditate on the words you see that were written centuries ago
For the secrets of life have already been told
The mystery of the sea
and the floods that came
The mystery of love and salvation that stood on a hill
and why he came to save
Jesus, the giver of life
the peacemaker and the friend
who held his arms out
until the very end
Tears are but your friends
they show you when it is time to mend
the ways of your life
and the error of your sins
They seep out your body
just to make you whole
They run down your cheeks
and through your pain, you will
discover a new road
Let them flow like the rivers
build no dam to stop their flow
Welcome the solace as you weep
and pray for him to show you his peace
Let go of your pain, let it wash away
Let go of your sin, it will not be a waste
Cry through your pain and let him come to you
take his hand, and he will walk you through
Imagine yourself up on a hill
in a valley of love, hope, and peace
Imagine the flowers your eyes have never seen
and like the butterfly emerging from it's cocoon
take a breath, then feel the release
Imagine the wind brushing your skin
Imagine the smells of forgotten sin
Gone, gone, they are gone in the wind!
The old is made new,
Transformation gives you your wings,
He will take you to new heights,
and he will show you such beautiful new things!
And from this day forward, always take his hand
and with a grateful heart, may you always look to above
and watch your father cry with love
over you .......coming home
Rejoice in your heart always
for his loving mercy and grace
and know that now and forever more,
Your journey is at God's pace.
Isn't it comforting to know,
you are forever his child and jewel,
This is what transformation is about
and the beauty of renewal!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
TRUSTING GOD'S PLAN
TRUSTING GOD'S PLAN
by Stephanie Durand (c)2011
Does God really have a master plan and purpose for our life? The bible clearly tells us that He does.
Indeed, we must trust God's plan and purpose for our life.
We are better off being blind to our own fate, because if we knew, we might live a life of fear, anxiety, and confusion.
Everyone must go through pain and sorrow as they travel their own "roads" in life.
But, when you come to a road and realize this is the place you have been destined to arrive at, you must not look back with regret.
Instead you should learn from your travels, your journeys, your mistakes, pray, and look forward.
Yes, humans use free will to make decisions. We sometimes inflict more pain upon ourselves when we will not accept how our life has turned out.
Self-pity and free will can often cause further pain and suffering.
God determines our purpose before we are born.
Our own free will takes us away from the plan and purpose that God choose from our life.
BUT...the good news is....at any point on any person's "time-line" they can get BACK on the path of God's will.
"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning, Rend your heart and not your garments, return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" Joel 2:12-13.
This takes obedience, prayer, mentors, patience, grace, humbling of spirit, optimism, and choosing "hope" for the future, not "despair," not "shame", not "blame", not "anger", not "revenge" ...none of these.
If you are building a house and you have a master plan, things can and should fall into place. If you decide at some point, maybe you would like something different...and you steer "off" the master plan...sometimes "everything" can be thrown off!
Confusion, bewilderment, and more work is suddenly on your plate.
Had you not veered of the original plan, things may not have become so complicated.
The solution, backtrack....go back to the original, modify and correct the changes you made that just simply are not working....
Stop....think....and realize that sometimes "our plans" disrupt and complicate "original plans!"
If this happens, the main thing is STOP! Don't go further! Just STOP! Regroup! Get knowledge! Listen!
In life....Fix the mistakes one by one, mark them out!
Continue on in patience and with a goal to get back on track with ....a SMILE, and yearn for a HOPEFUL, GRATEFUL, heart...in life....with God LIGHTING your path, one inch at a time!
Don't walk too far ahead of Him, or you will be following your "own" path, not His.
Be prayerful, be grateful, be loving, be compassionate, be truthful, be humble, be giving, be a "light" for others in darkness, and stay close to His word, His truth!
Know WHO you are in CHRIST, as Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has annointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19
Know WHO you are as a son or daughter of God, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" John 1: 12,
and be all that He asks "you" to be....for others....and for yourself!
May God bless you as you JOURNEY on with Him! Amen!
by Stephanie Durand (c)2011
Does God really have a master plan and purpose for our life? The bible clearly tells us that He does.
Indeed, we must trust God's plan and purpose for our life.
We are better off being blind to our own fate, because if we knew, we might live a life of fear, anxiety, and confusion.
Everyone must go through pain and sorrow as they travel their own "roads" in life.
But, when you come to a road and realize this is the place you have been destined to arrive at, you must not look back with regret.
Instead you should learn from your travels, your journeys, your mistakes, pray, and look forward.
Yes, humans use free will to make decisions. We sometimes inflict more pain upon ourselves when we will not accept how our life has turned out.
Self-pity and free will can often cause further pain and suffering.
God determines our purpose before we are born.
Our own free will takes us away from the plan and purpose that God choose from our life.
BUT...the good news is....at any point on any person's "time-line" they can get BACK on the path of God's will.
"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning, Rend your heart and not your garments, return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" Joel 2:12-13.
This takes obedience, prayer, mentors, patience, grace, humbling of spirit, optimism, and choosing "hope" for the future, not "despair," not "shame", not "blame", not "anger", not "revenge" ...none of these.
If you are building a house and you have a master plan, things can and should fall into place. If you decide at some point, maybe you would like something different...and you steer "off" the master plan...sometimes "everything" can be thrown off!
Confusion, bewilderment, and more work is suddenly on your plate.
Had you not veered of the original plan, things may not have become so complicated.
The solution, backtrack....go back to the original, modify and correct the changes you made that just simply are not working....
Stop....think....and realize that sometimes "our plans" disrupt and complicate "original plans!"
If this happens, the main thing is STOP! Don't go further! Just STOP! Regroup! Get knowledge! Listen!
In life....Fix the mistakes one by one, mark them out!
Continue on in patience and with a goal to get back on track with ....a SMILE, and yearn for a HOPEFUL, GRATEFUL, heart...in life....with God LIGHTING your path, one inch at a time!
Don't walk too far ahead of Him, or you will be following your "own" path, not His.
Be prayerful, be grateful, be loving, be compassionate, be truthful, be humble, be giving, be a "light" for others in darkness, and stay close to His word, His truth!
Know WHO you are in CHRIST, as Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has annointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19
Know WHO you are as a son or daughter of God, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" John 1: 12,
and be all that He asks "you" to be....for others....and for yourself!
May God bless you as you JOURNEY on with Him! Amen!
Monday, August 2, 2010
BRAD'S SONG "SWEET SUNSHINE" (Dedicated to Brad Michael Durand)
BRAD'S SONG - SWEET SUNSHINE
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Dedicated to my Uncle Pat and my little cousin Brad Michael who passed away
a few weeks before his fourth birthday. We miss you Brad. Your life touched us all but we know you are home with your "heavenly father." Your were our "angel....that flew"...and we'll always love and remember you!
SWEET SUNSHINE
They say that time
will heal a broken heart
It's just so hard...
to be apart
I gaze at your picture
to try and ease my mind,
the saddest word mankind knows
will always be...goodbye
Why did you have to go...
.....you left me....too soon
Daddy's little boy, my sweet sunshine
goodbye..
............His angel flew
The hardest word... I have ever said
was... goodbye to you,
You left me too soon
My sweet sunshine,
...You left me too soon
Nothing seems to ease my mind
since I've lost you...
The hardest word I have ever said
was goodbye to you
Daddy's little boy...
..............His angel flew....
My sweet sunshine...
I will forever and always...love you
...........His angel flew
My sweet sunshine
You left me too soon
Daddy's little boy
You left me...too soon
..........His angel flew
I will forever and always ...love you
Love,
Daddy
Sunday, July 4, 2010
SHE WAS HEALED (Father Manny) Tears to Treasures/Right to Life
SHE WAS HEALED - Dedicated to Michelle Durand, Tears To Treasures/Right to Life
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
She was broken, her heart was in chains
Her sin had caused her so much pain
Her soul was drowning in tears
and all alone she cried
all alone, she faced guilt, and fear
she was so sad
She had so much pain in her life
.....until...Jesus came
Jesus came, Jesus came
Jesus came into her life
one night
She was healed
and he took away all the pain,
all the shame,
he took it all away, he took it all away
In the blink of any eye, she was healed
Her soul was whole when Jesus came
He broke the chains when he reached out to her
and she hesistated, she waited,
she waited....to be sure
he was calling HER name
How could he want her?
How could he want her?
She had so much guilt and shame,
How could he want her?
Was he really calling her name?
Could he really want her?
But...he came
and he wiped away
all the pain,
he just took it all away
In the blink of an eye, he came to her
and she was healed
She was healed...when Jesus came
His loving arms, she embraced, and
he held her, she had found his amazing grace
and his mercy
in her lonely world,
in her shameful world,
he broke the chains that binded her
He held her
he said, "Hold my hand, child, hold my hand,
and I'll take away your pain,
your shame, I'll take it all away
and in the blink of an eye,
her world was changed
She was healed when Jesus came
He took it all away, in the blink of any eye
...The blood he had shed so long ago
was dripping down her face
He came, oh he came,
and he wiped away her sin and her pain and her shame
He held her, and in the blink of an eye,
her world was changed....when Jesus came
She was born again,
She was healed
when Jesus came
----------
she was broken,
her heart was in chains
her sin had caused her so much pain
her soul was drowning in tears
and all alone she cried
all alone she faced guilt and shame
and then Jesus came
she walked through his open door
his loving arms she embraced
she reached out to others lost
and shared his amazing grace
all the pain, all the shame
he just took it all away
she was healed...
when Jesus came.
he reached out to her
she hesitated, she waited,
to be sure
he was calling her name
how could he want her
she cried out with shame
But, yes, Jesus was calling her
"Hold my hand, child, and I'll take away your pain,
Hold my hand, child, and I'll take away your shame"
and in the blink of an eye,
he wiped it all away
and in the blink of an eye,
her whole world changed
her sins were erased and he filled her with peace
his blood ran down her face
and she was filled with his amazing grace
and her hand touched his
oh,.....when Jesus came
SONG CAN BE HEARD AT:
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=419739&t=7671
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
She was broken, her heart was in chains
Her sin had caused her so much pain
Her soul was drowning in tears
and all alone she cried
all alone, she faced guilt, and fear
she was so sad
She had so much pain in her life
.....until...Jesus came
Jesus came, Jesus came
Jesus came into her life
one night
She was healed
and he took away all the pain,
all the shame,
he took it all away, he took it all away
In the blink of any eye, she was healed
Her soul was whole when Jesus came
He broke the chains when he reached out to her
and she hesistated, she waited,
she waited....to be sure
he was calling HER name
How could he want her?
How could he want her?
She had so much guilt and shame,
How could he want her?
Was he really calling her name?
Could he really want her?
But...he came
and he wiped away
all the pain,
he just took it all away
In the blink of an eye, he came to her
and she was healed
She was healed...when Jesus came
His loving arms, she embraced, and
he held her, she had found his amazing grace
and his mercy
in her lonely world,
in her shameful world,
he broke the chains that binded her
He held her
he said, "Hold my hand, child, hold my hand,
and I'll take away your pain,
your shame, I'll take it all away
and in the blink of an eye,
her world was changed
She was healed when Jesus came
He took it all away, in the blink of any eye
...The blood he had shed so long ago
was dripping down her face
He came, oh he came,
and he wiped away her sin and her pain and her shame
He held her, and in the blink of an eye,
her world was changed....when Jesus came
She was born again,
She was healed
when Jesus came
----------
she was broken,
her heart was in chains
her sin had caused her so much pain
her soul was drowning in tears
and all alone she cried
all alone she faced guilt and shame
and then Jesus came
she walked through his open door
his loving arms she embraced
she reached out to others lost
and shared his amazing grace
all the pain, all the shame
he just took it all away
she was healed...
when Jesus came.
he reached out to her
she hesitated, she waited,
to be sure
he was calling her name
how could he want her
she cried out with shame
But, yes, Jesus was calling her
"Hold my hand, child, and I'll take away your pain,
Hold my hand, child, and I'll take away your shame"
and in the blink of an eye,
he wiped it all away
and in the blink of an eye,
her whole world changed
her sins were erased and he filled her with peace
his blood ran down her face
and she was filled with his amazing grace
and her hand touched his
oh,.....when Jesus came
SONG CAN BE HEARD AT:
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=419739&t=7671
HE NAMED YOU - (Father Manny) different versions...this is not revised
HE NAMED YOU
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
We are all children of God...forever
Before you were conceived,
before you believed,
the Master created you
for this land we call earth
for this thing we call life
Before you were conceived,
Before you believed,
the Great Almighty
claimed you as his own
"This is My Child,"
He was your home
He named you, he claimed you
The Great Almighty, The Master, Almighty God
He knew you before you were born
He rocked you
Before you walked this place called earth
Before your name was brought forth
He named, he claimed you, in his heart
He wrote your name in his hand
The Great Almighty had a plan
..for your life
He named you, He claimed you
Long journeys you will travel,
Some pain you might suffer in this thing
we call life
It may not be easy on the earth,
but one thing is sure forever
In the sand, a line he drew
between dark and light,
between wrong and right,
In the sand, a line he drew
for each of his children,
including you
The roads on earth are long,
They can cover you with guilty dust and sin
But one thing is true,
He sent his son for me and you
Jesus Christ
To wipe away the sin
with his life, his blood,
Because we are all his children
He named you, he claimed you
Before you were conceived,
Before you ever believed,
He named you, he claimed you
He rocked you in his arms
It was your home,
In his heart...was your first home
He held you, he rocked you,
before you lived this thing called life
Before you entered the earth
and he said with love,
"This child is Mine, forever,
this child is mine."
He named you, He claimed you
....forever
Before you went through what we call birth
He held you in his arms before you entered the earth
Part 2 of this poem is "He Rocked You"....
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
We are all children of God...forever
Before you were conceived,
before you believed,
the Master created you
for this land we call earth
for this thing we call life
Before you were conceived,
Before you believed,
the Great Almighty
claimed you as his own
"This is My Child,"
He was your home
He named you, he claimed you
The Great Almighty, The Master, Almighty God
He knew you before you were born
He rocked you
Before you walked this place called earth
Before your name was brought forth
He named, he claimed you, in his heart
He wrote your name in his hand
The Great Almighty had a plan
..for your life
He named you, He claimed you
Long journeys you will travel,
Some pain you might suffer in this thing
we call life
It may not be easy on the earth,
but one thing is sure forever
In the sand, a line he drew
between dark and light,
between wrong and right,
In the sand, a line he drew
for each of his children,
including you
The roads on earth are long,
They can cover you with guilty dust and sin
But one thing is true,
He sent his son for me and you
Jesus Christ
To wipe away the sin
with his life, his blood,
Because we are all his children
He named you, he claimed you
Before you were conceived,
Before you ever believed,
He named you, he claimed you
He rocked you in his arms
It was your home,
In his heart...was your first home
He held you, he rocked you,
before you lived this thing called life
Before you entered the earth
and he said with love,
"This child is Mine, forever,
this child is mine."
He named you, He claimed you
....forever
Before you went through what we call birth
He held you in his arms before you entered the earth
Part 2 of this poem is "He Rocked You"....
JUST PRAY (Father Manny)
JUST PRAY
(C)2004 Stephanie Durand
When what you've done
has caused everyone
around you to cry
Oh, when what you've done
makes you think
Where have I gone wrong
in my life
When darkness surrounds you
and you can't see the light of day
It's ok
oh, let the tears come down
...and let it go
it's time to pray
You need to pray....just pray
just pray
When what you've done
has caused everyone
around you to fall
When what you've done
makes you feel ashamed
When what you've done
Makes you think
"I'm to blame"
but God says...
"I have bled with you,
I have fallen with you
My arms HURT from holding them out to you
I have fallen...with you
I have bled....with you
My arms HURT from holding them out to you
I have seen your tears,
won't you see....my tears for you"
God says,
"Can you feel.....my love,
Can you feel...my love
Gods says,
"Just pray,
Won't you come to my arms...can you feel...my love
I have bled with you...I have bled for you
Won't you come to my arms...can you feel my love
Let it go....won't you feel...my love."
(C)2004 Stephanie Durand
When what you've done
has caused everyone
around you to cry
Oh, when what you've done
makes you think
Where have I gone wrong
in my life
When darkness surrounds you
and you can't see the light of day
It's ok
oh, let the tears come down
...and let it go
it's time to pray
You need to pray....just pray
just pray
When what you've done
has caused everyone
around you to fall
When what you've done
makes you feel ashamed
When what you've done
Makes you think
"I'm to blame"
but God says...
"I have bled with you,
I have fallen with you
My arms HURT from holding them out to you
I have fallen...with you
I have bled....with you
My arms HURT from holding them out to you
I have seen your tears,
won't you see....my tears for you"
God says,
"Can you feel.....my love,
Can you feel...my love
Gods says,
"Just pray,
Won't you come to my arms...can you feel...my love
I have bled with you...I have bled for you
Won't you come to my arms...can you feel my love
Let it go....won't you feel...my love."
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
OH MY GOD In memory of Sept 11
OH, MY GOD
(c)2001 Stephanie Durand
Oh, America
In memory of those who died on September 11
In memory of God
who is banned from our schools and government buildings.
-----
Who did you call on
That fateful day in September
When New York was engulfed in smoke
And you saw people jumping
....for their lives
Did you cry out
"Oh, my God, Oh, my God, Oh, my God"
Did you see it on TV
The children in our schools across America
Holding signs that said
...."God Bless America,
.... God Bless America"
Did you watch them...running down those streets...
And cry out..."Oh,my God"
Did you hold hands with your neighbors
and pray out to God,
"Please God, protect us"
Oh, my God
A second plane has hit the towers
Oh, my God
Please....let them...be OK
Oh, my God
A plane is headed to the Pentagon
Oh, my God
Yes, our children can't say the pledge
Because God's name is in it
But
Wake up
America
Oh NO!
There's another plane
It's circling
One of God's children was on it
And he led them in prayer to his Father
It started off....Our Father...
America
It's time to roll....let's roll
Your children were allowed to hold signs
that said...God Bless America
in schools across our land
Americans, did you see it?
When his name was not allowed,
Did you think....Oh, my God!
Think back...who did you call on...when
the second plane was headed...to the pentagon
Did you pray with your children...
Ok America, he's banned from our schools
Don't put his name in front of our government buildings
But
When the towers came crashing down
And New York was engulfed in smoke
When you watched the scenes on your TV, did you cry out
"Oh, my God" "Oh, my God"
When your loved one was trapped in a building
Did you pray
"Please God! Let him....call me!
Please God"
Did you see on CNN in schools across our land
Children holding signs, children holding hands
Did you see thier signs...
"God Bless America, God Bless America"
Who did you call on
Did you say
"Oh, my God, Oh, my God
Help them! Oh, my God!"
When you found out...there
were children on those planes
Oh, my God, Oh, my God
Did you call on him?
Do you see, do you see,
Do you see...
what is going on in America
When the majority of their bodies were buried
in graves in our land,
But their bodies were in churches
and we held hands
....and prayed for them
Did you cry out to him
When the names of the missing
scrolled....and scrolled...and scrolled
Did you think
Oh, my God, Oh, my God
Did you pray that some of them were still alive
Did you cry out to God..."Please...Give them peace!"
America,
In God we trust...or do we
America,
In God we trust...or do we
His name is not allowed where we work..
...or in our schools
until....tragedy hits!
We are not allowed to pray to him aloud
until....tragedy hits
An airline....roars through our skies
And we see people running for their lives
And then....we are allowed to pray...out loud to him
America,
In God we trust...or do we?
Do you think he sees what we do...
When they banned his name...
Did you pray...please God
forgive them,
for they know not what they do!
forgive them Father...
for they know not what they do!
In God we trust.....
....or do we?
ON ANGELS WINGS (Father Manny)
ON ANGELS WINGS
(c) 1999 Stephanie Durand
*This one was also written during the times when I was writing after seeing Father Manny. This one was always disturbing to me beause it was so sad. I have included it because I was not really sure whether to include it or not. This was right before Columbine happened. Many shootings happened that year in schools, sad year for students.*
Dedicated after to students and parents and loved ones /Columbine
As Venus arises amist the sea of black
That covers the universe like clockwork
Time slowly chimes and rocks the souls of mankind
Questioning the redness of these streets
The seepage of tears from eyes of despair
While mothers soothe their babies in fear, and
Fathers drill their sons into careers of manhood.
What hellish days will lie ahead,
Our children are falling from shots of steel
Innocent souls are lost and carried away
On Angel's Wings.
(c) 1999 Stephanie Durand
*This one was also written during the times when I was writing after seeing Father Manny. This one was always disturbing to me beause it was so sad. I have included it because I was not really sure whether to include it or not. This was right before Columbine happened. Many shootings happened that year in schools, sad year for students.*
Dedicated after to students and parents and loved ones /Columbine
As Venus arises amist the sea of black
That covers the universe like clockwork
Time slowly chimes and rocks the souls of mankind
Questioning the redness of these streets
The seepage of tears from eyes of despair
While mothers soothe their babies in fear, and
Fathers drill their sons into careers of manhood.
What hellish days will lie ahead,
Our children are falling from shots of steel
Innocent souls are lost and carried away
On Angel's Wings.
HEADLINES
HEADLINES, in memory of Columbine
(c) 1999 Stephanie Durand
How many more headlines must we hear
How many more children will run in fear
While around the world the school bell's ring
Another child is carried away on angel's wings
They can read, they can spell, they can write
But do they know
Thou shall not kill,
They shall love thy neighbor
They can read, they can spell, they can write
But do they know how to survive,
do they know wrong from right
How many more headlines must we hear
How many more children will run in fear
While around the world the school bells ring
Another child is carried away on angel's wings
Let our children teach us...
to see what is in their troubled eyes
To hear the words they are speaking...in our ears
Are we really listening to their fears?
Open our hearts to the message
Open our hearts to your troubled children
Teach our children to teach us
Teach us to see their troubled eyes
Are we listening to them?
Their words are not lies
They can pass the tests....
but can they survive?
Are you listening to what they're telling you
Are you listening to their troubled lives?
Open our hearts to what they are telling us
Open our eyes to the words that they say
They are not lies,
Can they survive?
How many more headlines must we hear
How many more children ...will run...in fear
While around the world
Our school bells' ring
Another child...should not be carried away
on Angels' wings
Listen to our children...
hear their cries, their troubles, their fears
and how to see beyond their troubled eyes.
Guide us to the resources, the ways, the knowledge
we need ...to be the mentors
we are all need to be....
(c) 1999 Stephanie Durand
How many more headlines must we hear
How many more children will run in fear
While around the world the school bell's ring
Another child is carried away on angel's wings
They can read, they can spell, they can write
But do they know
Thou shall not kill,
They shall love thy neighbor
They can read, they can spell, they can write
But do they know how to survive,
do they know wrong from right
How many more headlines must we hear
How many more children will run in fear
While around the world the school bells ring
Another child is carried away on angel's wings
Let our children teach us...
to see what is in their troubled eyes
To hear the words they are speaking...in our ears
Are we really listening to their fears?
Open our hearts to the message
Open our hearts to your troubled children
Teach our children to teach us
Teach us to see their troubled eyes
Are we listening to them?
Their words are not lies
They can pass the tests....
but can they survive?
Are you listening to what they're telling you
Are you listening to their troubled lives?
Open our hearts to what they are telling us
Open our eyes to the words that they say
They are not lies,
Can they survive?
How many more headlines must we hear
How many more children ...will run...in fear
While around the world
Our school bells' ring
Another child...should not be carried away
on Angels' wings
Listen to our children...
hear their cries, their troubles, their fears
and how to see beyond their troubled eyes.
Guide us to the resources, the ways, the knowledge
we need ...to be the mentors
we are all need to be....
Monday, June 28, 2010
JAMESTOWN (Father Manny)
JAMESTOWN
(c)2002, Stephanie Durand, November
Jamestown
Pilgrims of the New World
That sailed the darkness of the night
Arriving at the dawn to a new light
Setting forth unto land untoiled
For the glory of our King, the Lord, the Almighty
Faith was their guide in the wind
For the ship with the children, women, and men.
Disciples of our Lord, the glorious multitude of children
Aboard the Mayflower.
They arrived, they blessed the land
They had the world in their hand.
They build upon rock
and give thanks and praise
For the fruits of their harvest.
the soil they tilled, both with faith and hands in
God's New World.
Men of wisdom and women of faith.
Children, the fruits that they bore
Together gave praise to their Lord.
The cobblestones were placed,
The pumpkins were harvested, the grains of seeds
were planted,
For a nation.
A nation to come,
From fruits of the harvest,
The Lord's chosen apostles who bult their
Houses upon rocks of faith,
And seeds of love.
Seek first his name, and the glory
of the New World and a New Kingdom
will be fullfilled, until
the seed is uprooted.
The seed of faith,
The stones were placed,
the hands that tilled the soil,
the rocks they built upon,
will be torn down by nations,
that so gave thanks to the Pilgrims of Praise,
and honor and faith.
For the glory of the seed that harvested the
fruits of wealth and prosperity,
of great men,
of unity,
until,
man
forgets
what he
was originally
giving thanks to,
and dishonoring his
forefathers, who sailed the darkenss of the night
to see the dawn of a new light,
searching for a place to honor and glorify
their King, thier Lord, the great I Am.
So, November,
we remember,
the brave and the faithful
Apostles of God
God blessed America
In God we Trust,
Or do we? Has the seed been removed.
Have the stones been thrown to sea?
Has the soil become infected?
Have we built our homes on sand that could wash away?
Have we read the Pilgrim's story?
Have we read about their covenant with God?
November, 2002
____________________________________________
STORY BEHIND THIS POEM
(2002) Before I wrote this poem, I only knew a little about the Pilgrims. I knew they had fled for religious freedom, but I did not know all that I found out after writing this one. This poem became like a bible study for me. I certainly had no desire to write about Jamestown...but i kept hearing words, "Jamestown, stones,.." what? I thought. I knew it had to be written, so later that night, I put on my music, and waited...and then began to type. Nothing made sense to me (like usual) at first, as I was writing. Nothing was rhyming, and the words did not seem to match the story I knew about the Pilgrims. I just had never heard of them being "Apostles" like the Canaan's/Israel. I knew they were called "Puritans/Separatists" but not Christians. The key words that seemed important after I wrote were: Jamestown, Rock, Stones, Unity, Bringing Light to the Darkness, Apostles of God. In my search for after writing I found: they boarded that ship and said goodbye to their friends in search of a world where they could spread the Gospel, the Word of God, to others and to be an example for the whole world. The Indians were converted and their ways became more civilized and even the old asked to be saved. One asked, "Am I too old?" and they told him "No!" God blessed them with a HARVEST of food and a generation of people that would later become "the superpower"- "the melting pot"- people fled from their countries to come and get what we were blessed with - the blessings, the harvest, the fruit of the covenant that the Pilgrims made with God and sailed with faith and prayers, along with fear. They prayed for God's guidance on the sea. They knew he would lead them to the land he promised, "The Promised Land" he had chosen for them! Isn't that awesome! The "stones" I found out were His Words. The "unity" I found out was the unity of their belief and faith that they would honor Him and trust Him and let Him guide their ways. The "seeds" were not only corn and vegetables; the "seeds" were the spread of Christianity. Thanksgiving was not a celebration of food, but a celebration of fulfilling what they believed God had told them to do and now as promised to his people, he blessed them with "much food, a harvest!
(c)2002, Stephanie Durand, November
Jamestown
Pilgrims of the New World
That sailed the darkness of the night
Arriving at the dawn to a new light
Setting forth unto land untoiled
For the glory of our King, the Lord, the Almighty
Faith was their guide in the wind
For the ship with the children, women, and men.
Disciples of our Lord, the glorious multitude of children
Aboard the Mayflower.
They arrived, they blessed the land
They had the world in their hand.
They build upon rock
and give thanks and praise
For the fruits of their harvest.
the soil they tilled, both with faith and hands in
God's New World.
Men of wisdom and women of faith.
Children, the fruits that they bore
Together gave praise to their Lord.
The cobblestones were placed,
The pumpkins were harvested, the grains of seeds
were planted,
For a nation.
A nation to come,
From fruits of the harvest,
The Lord's chosen apostles who bult their
Houses upon rocks of faith,
And seeds of love.
Seek first his name, and the glory
of the New World and a New Kingdom
will be fullfilled, until
the seed is uprooted.
The seed of faith,
The stones were placed,
the hands that tilled the soil,
the rocks they built upon,
will be torn down by nations,
that so gave thanks to the Pilgrims of Praise,
and honor and faith.
For the glory of the seed that harvested the
fruits of wealth and prosperity,
of great men,
of unity,
until,
man
forgets
what he
was originally
giving thanks to,
and dishonoring his
forefathers, who sailed the darkenss of the night
to see the dawn of a new light,
searching for a place to honor and glorify
their King, thier Lord, the great I Am.
So, November,
we remember,
the brave and the faithful
Apostles of God
God blessed America
In God we Trust,
Or do we? Has the seed been removed.
Have the stones been thrown to sea?
Has the soil become infected?
Have we built our homes on sand that could wash away?
Have we read the Pilgrim's story?
Have we read about their covenant with God?
November, 2002
____________________________________________
STORY BEHIND THIS POEM
(2002) Before I wrote this poem, I only knew a little about the Pilgrims. I knew they had fled for religious freedom, but I did not know all that I found out after writing this one. This poem became like a bible study for me. I certainly had no desire to write about Jamestown...but i kept hearing words, "Jamestown, stones,.." what? I thought. I knew it had to be written, so later that night, I put on my music, and waited...and then began to type. Nothing made sense to me (like usual) at first, as I was writing. Nothing was rhyming, and the words did not seem to match the story I knew about the Pilgrims. I just had never heard of them being "Apostles" like the Canaan's/Israel. I knew they were called "Puritans/Separatists" but not Christians. The key words that seemed important after I wrote were: Jamestown, Rock, Stones, Unity, Bringing Light to the Darkness, Apostles of God. In my search for after writing I found: they boarded that ship and said goodbye to their friends in search of a world where they could spread the Gospel, the Word of God, to others and to be an example for the whole world. The Indians were converted and their ways became more civilized and even the old asked to be saved. One asked, "Am I too old?" and they told him "No!" God blessed them with a HARVEST of food and a generation of people that would later become "the superpower"- "the melting pot"- people fled from their countries to come and get what we were blessed with - the blessings, the harvest, the fruit of the covenant that the Pilgrims made with God and sailed with faith and prayers, along with fear. They prayed for God's guidance on the sea. They knew he would lead them to the land he promised, "The Promised Land" he had chosen for them! Isn't that awesome! The "stones" I found out were His Words. The "unity" I found out was the unity of their belief and faith that they would honor Him and trust Him and let Him guide their ways. The "seeds" were not only corn and vegetables; the "seeds" were the spread of Christianity. Thanksgiving was not a celebration of food, but a celebration of fulfilling what they believed God had told them to do and now as promised to his people, he blessed them with "much food, a harvest!
EYE OF THE STORM (Father Manny)
EYE OF THE STORM - Part I
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
I wrote this one when my life was perfect! Little did I know, just a couple of years later, i would face the worst "hurricane" of my life...the "worst storm" I ever went through. I did have to do much of what this poem talked about and it amazes me reading it now...but i must say...there is not one person that does not go through some test, some trial, some tribulation, and it is definately not easy to still believe that God is in control when we have so many questions about "why" something happens to us...BUT...we CANNOT lose hope, our faith, or our trust in HIM, we must stand still "in our faith" even if the ground is shaking below us! We must hold on! We must have patience, which is so hard sometimes, but it is the only way, and we have to pray, pray, pray, and continue to pray, and don't give up!-------------------------
In the eye of my storm in my life
The winds were picking up speed
It was a category five.
My world was spinning around and around and around
Then the eye of the storm came...
and I sat down in the silence and cried
Where should I run?
Where should I hide?
In this storm of my life
The winds were howling around me
I did not know where to run
I did not know where to hide
Then I looked up
The Lord had heard my cry!
"You have to leave everything behind
and run to me," he said
So, I blew everything I had to the wind
I reached out to my savior
I reached out to him
I crawled through the wind
I could hardly see
The debris was ALL around me
He said, "Push it to the side
and come to me"
"Come to me," he said
The rubble was so high
"It's like climbing a mountain to you," I cried
"I'm rumbling through the debris of my life,
A hurricane surrounds me and I do not know if I am strong
enough to survive."
My life was not forecasted to be like this
I was living in a hurricane, a category five
The winds were picking up speed around me
The dust was a whirlwind around me
and I could hardly breathe
Then the Lord reached down
and he breathed life back into me
and he said,
"Lay low, and crawl to me"
A hurricane surrounded me
It was not forecasted to hit yet
But here I am
Sitting in the rubble of my debris
He said, in the eye of the storm,
"Crawl to me, Let the wind take it all!"
So I started crawling
through the debris of my life,
I crawled, I crawled
It was so high
Then...in the darkness, I saw a Light
He said,
"Come, to me,
Crawl through the rubble!"
And through the rubble
I could see the LIGHT ...
I crawled FASTER!
He said,
"That's right, my child, keep coming forth to me,
I will SAVE YOU! I will set you free"
I continued to pray and crawl through the rubble,
I crawled through the rubble, and in the light,
he reached out to me,
Out I came and
He breathed life back into me!
I let the wind take it all! and I went to Him!
My Savior!
and His word set me free, His promise of holding on to me,
comforted me when it was too dark to see,
His light guided my path through the darkness,
a darkness that I never thought I would see.
-------------------------------------------
Looking back, this storm that blindsided me
taught me so much about life and raging seas
He IS the rock that rises in the stormy seas,
He IS the calm in every storm,
He IS our light
He LONGS to be our savior if we trust in thee.
Amen
when we cannot see
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
I wrote this one when my life was perfect! Little did I know, just a couple of years later, i would face the worst "hurricane" of my life...the "worst storm" I ever went through. I did have to do much of what this poem talked about and it amazes me reading it now...but i must say...there is not one person that does not go through some test, some trial, some tribulation, and it is definately not easy to still believe that God is in control when we have so many questions about "why" something happens to us...BUT...we CANNOT lose hope, our faith, or our trust in HIM, we must stand still "in our faith" even if the ground is shaking below us! We must hold on! We must have patience, which is so hard sometimes, but it is the only way, and we have to pray, pray, pray, and continue to pray, and don't give up!-------------------------
In the eye of my storm in my life
The winds were picking up speed
It was a category five.
My world was spinning around and around and around
Then the eye of the storm came...
and I sat down in the silence and cried
Where should I run?
Where should I hide?
In this storm of my life
The winds were howling around me
I did not know where to run
I did not know where to hide
Then I looked up
The Lord had heard my cry!
"You have to leave everything behind
and run to me," he said
So, I blew everything I had to the wind
I reached out to my savior
I reached out to him
I crawled through the wind
I could hardly see
The debris was ALL around me
He said, "Push it to the side
and come to me"
"Come to me," he said
The rubble was so high
"It's like climbing a mountain to you," I cried
"I'm rumbling through the debris of my life,
A hurricane surrounds me and I do not know if I am strong
enough to survive."
My life was not forecasted to be like this
I was living in a hurricane, a category five
The winds were picking up speed around me
The dust was a whirlwind around me
and I could hardly breathe
Then the Lord reached down
and he breathed life back into me
and he said,
"Lay low, and crawl to me"
A hurricane surrounded me
It was not forecasted to hit yet
But here I am
Sitting in the rubble of my debris
He said, in the eye of the storm,
"Crawl to me, Let the wind take it all!"
So I started crawling
through the debris of my life,
I crawled, I crawled
It was so high
Then...in the darkness, I saw a Light
He said,
"Come, to me,
Crawl through the rubble!"
And through the rubble
I could see the LIGHT ...
I crawled FASTER!
He said,
"That's right, my child, keep coming forth to me,
I will SAVE YOU! I will set you free"
I continued to pray and crawl through the rubble,
I crawled through the rubble, and in the light,
he reached out to me,
Out I came and
He breathed life back into me!
I let the wind take it all! and I went to Him!
My Savior!
and His word set me free, His promise of holding on to me,
comforted me when it was too dark to see,
His light guided my path through the darkness,
a darkness that I never thought I would see.
-------------------------------------------
Looking back, this storm that blindsided me
taught me so much about life and raging seas
He IS the rock that rises in the stormy seas,
He IS the calm in every storm,
He IS our light
He LONGS to be our savior if we trust in thee.
Amen
when we cannot see
YOUR SON - GIVE HIM GOD
YOUR SON - GIVE HIM GOD
(c)2005 Stephanie Durand
(written for a mother I met who's son was "lost" and she didn't know how to help him...years later, he is doing very well and their bond is so much stronger! Teenage years are tough for teenagers and their parents, but we have to try to understand our children's concerns, fears, and sadness and really listen, and continue to pray for them... and for us ..to have wisdom and keep them filled with hope, and not despair, and teach them to pray for themselves and others)
Your son,
Do you worry about him when you lay your head down at night?
Your son,
Do you not know what you see when you look into his eyes?
Is the pain behind the look too hard for you to bear inside?
Have you given him everything in his life
that a mother could give
But have you given him....God...to turn to
Do you not understand the pain you see in his eyes
Can you not reach him though you have tried
Can he turn to Jesus when his life is not going right
When he moves out, will he know who to turn to when he
is alone at night
Give your child the peace, the everlasting life,
Let him call on Jesus, when he hurts and cries at night
A friend to turn to...a savior to call on
when he is alone at night
(c)2005 Stephanie Durand
(written for a mother I met who's son was "lost" and she didn't know how to help him...years later, he is doing very well and their bond is so much stronger! Teenage years are tough for teenagers and their parents, but we have to try to understand our children's concerns, fears, and sadness and really listen, and continue to pray for them... and for us ..to have wisdom and keep them filled with hope, and not despair, and teach them to pray for themselves and others)
Your son,
Do you worry about him when you lay your head down at night?
Your son,
Do you not know what you see when you look into his eyes?
Is the pain behind the look too hard for you to bear inside?
Have you given him everything in his life
that a mother could give
But have you given him....God...to turn to
Do you not understand the pain you see in his eyes
Can you not reach him though you have tried
Can he turn to Jesus when his life is not going right
When he moves out, will he know who to turn to when he
is alone at night
Give your child the peace, the everlasting life,
Let him call on Jesus, when he hurts and cries at night
A friend to turn to...a savior to call on
when he is alone at night
THE SEED (Father Manny)
THE SEED
(c) 2003 Stephanie Durand
God said, "Take this seed,
Plant it, Nourish it, Watch it Grow
Love it, Rejoice in it,
Release it and Watch it Grow
This seed I give to you,
A part of me, now a part of you
A part of mankind
Teach him love and kindness
and watch it grow
Hold his hand, teach him to stand,
Teach him about the world
Teach him about happiness and joy
Teach him about sorrow and pain
Teach him about me and watch him grow
Teach him to give and teach him to receive
Watch over him like only a mother can,
Protect him and be his shadow,
and follow him where he goes.
For one day, when all the lessons have been taught,
and his guidance leads his way
He will always know how to get there
For you have taught him how to pray
A man with his own shadow now,
and a seed of his own,
To plant, and nourish, and rejoice in,
and teach her the lessons he was taught
To love, protect, and cherish
and look up above for guidance
and she too, shall grow.
______________________________
I wrote this when my son was about 15. His is now 21 and has a little girl :) God just made me smle with this one!
(c) 2003 Stephanie Durand
God said, "Take this seed,
Plant it, Nourish it, Watch it Grow
Love it, Rejoice in it,
Release it and Watch it Grow
This seed I give to you,
A part of me, now a part of you
A part of mankind
Teach him love and kindness
and watch it grow
Hold his hand, teach him to stand,
Teach him about the world
Teach him about happiness and joy
Teach him about sorrow and pain
Teach him about me and watch him grow
Teach him to give and teach him to receive
Watch over him like only a mother can,
Protect him and be his shadow,
and follow him where he goes.
For one day, when all the lessons have been taught,
and his guidance leads his way
He will always know how to get there
For you have taught him how to pray
A man with his own shadow now,
and a seed of his own,
To plant, and nourish, and rejoice in,
and teach her the lessons he was taught
To love, protect, and cherish
and look up above for guidance
and she too, shall grow.
______________________________
I wrote this when my son was about 15. His is now 21 and has a little girl :) God just made me smle with this one!
I'M NOT WORTHY YET (Father Manny)
I'M NOT WORTHY YET
(c) 2002 Stephanie Durand
Holy is the one
Who called me by name
Holy Lord, I called out
As out of the darkess, I came
Crying out to you, Jesus!
I'm tossing it in a pile at your feet
I'm discarding my old, tattered robe
I'm running to you so weak!
I'm trying, Jesus
To get to you as fast as I can
I'm tripping, Jesus
For I have the flesh of a man
I'm not perfect yet, Lord
I'm not worthy, I called out in shame
He said, "Come, my child, broken,
For I have heard you cry out my name.
Come dirty, for the blood of my
Father's covenant will clean your weary soul
Come ashamed, my son,
For my Father will make you whole.
My father knows his sheep have wandered
But he is calling out to them
To listen to the voice of the Shepard
Instead of chasing the wind.
Come as you are now, my son, dirty and unclean,
Come and let me cleanse you of your sin.
For your heavenly Father has been waiting
So every patiently to hold you in his arms again.
And say to you "Welcome Home, My Son"
________________________________________
--November 15, 2002, after Father Many
(c) 2002 Stephanie Durand
Holy is the one
Who called me by name
Holy Lord, I called out
As out of the darkess, I came
Crying out to you, Jesus!
I'm tossing it in a pile at your feet
I'm discarding my old, tattered robe
I'm running to you so weak!
I'm trying, Jesus
To get to you as fast as I can
I'm tripping, Jesus
For I have the flesh of a man
I'm not perfect yet, Lord
I'm not worthy, I called out in shame
He said, "Come, my child, broken,
For I have heard you cry out my name.
Come dirty, for the blood of my
Father's covenant will clean your weary soul
Come ashamed, my son,
For my Father will make you whole.
My father knows his sheep have wandered
But he is calling out to them
To listen to the voice of the Shepard
Instead of chasing the wind.
Come as you are now, my son, dirty and unclean,
Come and let me cleanse you of your sin.
For your heavenly Father has been waiting
So every patiently to hold you in his arms again.
And say to you "Welcome Home, My Son"
________________________________________
--November 15, 2002, after Father Many
THE STRONGEST MAN (Father Manny)
THE STRONGEST MAN
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
One day in church
I saw a man down on his knees
I saw him put his hands up
and
He cried out to God
To put the pieces back together in his life,
To heal...his family, his children, his marriage, his wife
To the alter...I watched him walk
His head he bowed, and he silently talked
to God
And as I watched the tears roll down his face
I saw the heavens open up and pour down on him
our Father's love, His mercy and His grace
You think a man can't cry and ask for help
But that man
He was the strongest man I've seen in my life
He bowed his head at the alter
for everyone to see
He begged for God to set them free
He thanked him for His son, and all that was sarcrifed
and I knew...
I had just seen one of the strongest men I'll ever see in my life
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
One day in church
I saw a man down on his knees
I saw him put his hands up
and
He cried out to God
To put the pieces back together in his life,
To heal...his family, his children, his marriage, his wife
To the alter...I watched him walk
His head he bowed, and he silently talked
to God
And as I watched the tears roll down his face
I saw the heavens open up and pour down on him
our Father's love, His mercy and His grace
You think a man can't cry and ask for help
But that man
He was the strongest man I've seen in my life
He bowed his head at the alter
for everyone to see
He begged for God to set them free
He thanked him for His son, and all that was sarcrifed
and I knew...
I had just seen one of the strongest men I'll ever see in my life
THE LITTLE BOY
THE LITTLE BOY
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
There is a little boy
who cries himself to sleep at night
He tries so hard
to be the little man
his father wants him to be
But without fail
The child comes rushing out of him
And his father doesn't understand
That he is not yet a man
And sometimes he fights
His will is strong
But he still...cries himself to sleep
at night,
Because his father doesn't understand how hard
he tries
To fight the little child that comes out sometimes
He is just a little boy
who needs hugs and loving words from his father,
who needs his father to understand....that he is only a little boy
many years away from being that strong man
his father yearns and wants for him to be
For his father's heart to always realize
that he is only three
and that his little hand needs to be held
and those tears need to comforted and wiped away
for one day that little boy will be no more
and his daddy will look back and yearn for that far away day
When his little boy was only three
When the simple things like baseballs, frogs, and little trucks
made his little heart so happy and free
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
There is a little boy
who cries himself to sleep at night
He tries so hard
to be the little man
his father wants him to be
But without fail
The child comes rushing out of him
And his father doesn't understand
That he is not yet a man
And sometimes he fights
His will is strong
But he still...cries himself to sleep
at night,
Because his father doesn't understand how hard
he tries
To fight the little child that comes out sometimes
He is just a little boy
who needs hugs and loving words from his father,
who needs his father to understand....that he is only a little boy
many years away from being that strong man
his father yearns and wants for him to be
For his father's heart to always realize
that he is only three
and that his little hand needs to be held
and those tears need to comforted and wiped away
for one day that little boy will be no more
and his daddy will look back and yearn for that far away day
When his little boy was only three
When the simple things like baseballs, frogs, and little trucks
made his little heart so happy and free
SURRENDER (Father Manny)
SURRENDER
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Are you tired?
Do you cry yourself to sleep at night?
Is the pain too deep in your life?
Have you lost...your family...your child...your wife?
Have the pieces of your life fallen apart?
Do you cry at night?
Do you feel alone? Do you feel lost in this world?
When you lay your head down...at night
Did you know when you lay your head down at night
That your heavenly father sees your tears
He feels your sorrow...he is so near
Surrender....
Did you know...that God feels your pain
Did you know...that God longs to wrap his arms around you again
He longs to help you pick up the pieces of you life
Save your family....your child....your wife
Some say that a man shouldn't cry
Some believe it's in a man
to fight the way he feels inside
But a real man surrenders his feeling
A real man can give it all up to God
When he can't fight anymore
and he's choked up inside
And he feels the tears about to come down
He can give it all up to God
He can surrender
He can give up the fight
It's alright, he can cry out to God
It takes a strong man to surrender
and not fight the feelings
he feels inside
To let the tears roll down his face
When he prays to God
Surrender
It's ok
You don't have to fight anymore
Let him into your life
Surrender to God
Surrender to God
Let it all come out when you pray to him
Let the tears...come down
Surrender your family, your child, your wife,
And at his feet,
Surrender, "your" life
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Are you tired?
Do you cry yourself to sleep at night?
Is the pain too deep in your life?
Have you lost...your family...your child...your wife?
Have the pieces of your life fallen apart?
Do you cry at night?
Do you feel alone? Do you feel lost in this world?
When you lay your head down...at night
Did you know when you lay your head down at night
That your heavenly father sees your tears
He feels your sorrow...he is so near
Surrender....
Did you know...that God feels your pain
Did you know...that God longs to wrap his arms around you again
He longs to help you pick up the pieces of you life
Save your family....your child....your wife
Some say that a man shouldn't cry
Some believe it's in a man
to fight the way he feels inside
But a real man surrenders his feeling
A real man can give it all up to God
When he can't fight anymore
and he's choked up inside
And he feels the tears about to come down
He can give it all up to God
He can surrender
He can give up the fight
It's alright, he can cry out to God
It takes a strong man to surrender
and not fight the feelings
he feels inside
To let the tears roll down his face
When he prays to God
Surrender
It's ok
You don't have to fight anymore
Let him into your life
Surrender to God
Surrender to God
Let it all come out when you pray to him
Let the tears...come down
Surrender your family, your child, your wife,
And at his feet,
Surrender, "your" life
GATEKEEPERS (Father Manny)
GATEKEEPS OF THE LIGHTHOUSES
(c)2002 Stephanie Durand
Calling all Gatekeepers,
The Lighthouse is open
The beams of light have flooded the waters
Come, climb up and take a look around
For the waves are about to come ashore.
Stand gaurd in your lighthouse.
Hold your lights high and shine them across the nations
The beams of light have flooded the land
The sand below is still and damp
Stay atop the lighthouse and wait
The lighthouse is your guide through the dark nights
The lights, can you see them
Shining from nation to nation
From sea to sea
The lights are shining
The lights are infiltrating the earth, beaming through to the floors
of the ocean, through the core of the earth,
Stay in the lighthouse,
Continue to beam across the sea from nation to nation to nation to nation
Hold them high and keep them lit
Day after day after day after day
Night, day, night, day, keep the lights on
The Lord's hand is infiltrating through the light
Lifting the nations up
Higher, he says,
Lift the lights higher for the whole world to see
Higher, he says
Let each nation see even if it is only a ray
Infliltrating their shore, the beams of light
have energy that can move mountains,
Energy that can overcome all, the energy of the world
Is in the light,
The light of the Lord
Will infliltrate the world
Hold them high for our Lord,
And stay atop the Lighthouse,
Do not waver them, shine them,
Glory be to the heavens here on earth,
For the stars on land
That shine for the world to see.
Rejoice, rejoice, the stars of the lighthouse
Are energy and will never go out.
November 13, 2002
one of first poems after Father Many
2013 - editing - Bible verse I opened to:
Isaiah 58:8-10
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."
(c)2002 Stephanie Durand
Calling all Gatekeepers,
The Lighthouse is open
The beams of light have flooded the waters
Come, climb up and take a look around
For the waves are about to come ashore.
Stand gaurd in your lighthouse.
Hold your lights high and shine them across the nations
The beams of light have flooded the land
The sand below is still and damp
Stay atop the lighthouse and wait
The lighthouse is your guide through the dark nights
The lights, can you see them
Shining from nation to nation
From sea to sea
The lights are shining
The lights are infiltrating the earth, beaming through to the floors
of the ocean, through the core of the earth,
Stay in the lighthouse,
Continue to beam across the sea from nation to nation to nation to nation
Hold them high and keep them lit
Day after day after day after day
Night, day, night, day, keep the lights on
The Lord's hand is infiltrating through the light
Lifting the nations up
Higher, he says,
Lift the lights higher for the whole world to see
Higher, he says
Let each nation see even if it is only a ray
Infliltrating their shore, the beams of light
have energy that can move mountains,
Energy that can overcome all, the energy of the world
Is in the light,
The light of the Lord
Will infliltrate the world
Hold them high for our Lord,
And stay atop the Lighthouse,
Do not waver them, shine them,
Glory be to the heavens here on earth,
For the stars on land
That shine for the world to see.
Rejoice, rejoice, the stars of the lighthouse
Are energy and will never go out.
November 13, 2002
one of first poems after Father Many
2013 - editing - Bible verse I opened to:
Isaiah 58:8-10
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."
LET YOUR LOVE RAIN DOWN (Father Manny)
LET YOUR LOVE RAIN DOWN
(c) 2002 Stephanie Durand
Long ago...I was told
Jesus died for our sins
I was told...if I would ask
He would wash me of my sins
There would be peace
Like the rain that falls from the sky
Let your love rain down on me!
Rain wash over me!
Cleanse me of my sin
Let your love rain down on me!
I was told that is why he hung from the cross
on the hill
He did not...shed a tear
The pain...he endured...for me
Let your love rain down on me!
Rain wash over me!
Cleanse me of my sin
Let your love rain down on me!
(c) 2002 Stephanie Durand
Long ago...I was told
Jesus died for our sins
I was told...if I would ask
He would wash me of my sins
There would be peace
Like the rain that falls from the sky
Let your love rain down on me!
Rain wash over me!
Cleanse me of my sin
Let your love rain down on me!
I was told that is why he hung from the cross
on the hill
He did not...shed a tear
The pain...he endured...for me
Let your love rain down on me!
Rain wash over me!
Cleanse me of my sin
Let your love rain down on me!
PRAYER OF LIGHT (Father Manny)
PRAYER OF LIGHT
(c)2002 Stephanie Durand
Lord, renew my mind
And teach me your ways
Walk with me through the shadows
That I may face each day
Guide me with your wisdom and truth
When I begin to fall,
So I can tell the world how
I rose up and stood tall
Divinely inspire me when
my well has run dry.
Hold me close to you when
you hear me cry
Let your kingdom reign in me
For all the world to see
Let me shine your light
From sea to shining sea.
Amen
(c)2002 Stephanie Durand
Lord, renew my mind
And teach me your ways
Walk with me through the shadows
That I may face each day
Guide me with your wisdom and truth
When I begin to fall,
So I can tell the world how
I rose up and stood tall
Divinely inspire me when
my well has run dry.
Hold me close to you when
you hear me cry
Let your kingdom reign in me
For all the world to see
Let me shine your light
From sea to shining sea.
Amen
DO YOU DRINK (Father Manny)
DO YOU DRINK?
(c)2002 Stephanie Durand
Dedicated to those struggling with alcholism and to families helping their loved ones through this disease. May God guide you and protect you always. There is no problem too big for God to help you through. You must want his help with a sincere desire in your heart. He knows the desires of our heart, even when our flesh fails us. He is a merciful God. He is a caring God. He is a loving God. He is near to you and your family, waiting to lift you up and heal you!
Do you drink? says the Lord
Do you think that I don't see?
Do you drink? says the Lord
Remember child, it's me
Do you drink, says the Lord
To hide from the pain and tears?
Do you drink? says the Lord
When you have things you fear?
Do you drink? says the Lord
From my cup, or your own?
Do you drink? says the Lord
When you get home?
Do you drink? says the Lord
When your days do not go right?
Do you drink? says the Lord
Whether it be morning or night?
Lay it down, says the Lord
Lay it down by my feet
Lay it down, my child
No, you are not weak.
You are my child, says the Lord
For that I am well pleased
You are my child, says the Lord
Your pain, I can ease.
I'll show you how, my child
Lay your troubles at my feet,
Hold my hand for awhile
and Trust in me.
I have been here all the while
Trust me, my child,
I have already forgiven you
Cry to me, my sweet one.
Lay your head in My Lap
Let me hold you near
It is only a choice, my dear.
Let me wipe away those tears.
I am your Father
I love you
For you, I gave my only son
So for you, a new day will soon come too
I will heal the scars that hurt inside
if you will only come to me for a while
So give it up, says the Lord
Give it all up to me
And I will raise you up
and from my love,
you will drink
from a new cup.
Salvation is a gift for all,
no matter the sin
All I ask is that you repent
and let me in.
........
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:12-14
“Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.
Nehemiah 9:18-20
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:7-9
(c)2002 Stephanie Durand
Dedicated to those struggling with alcholism and to families helping their loved ones through this disease. May God guide you and protect you always. There is no problem too big for God to help you through. You must want his help with a sincere desire in your heart. He knows the desires of our heart, even when our flesh fails us. He is a merciful God. He is a caring God. He is a loving God. He is near to you and your family, waiting to lift you up and heal you!
Do you drink? says the Lord
Do you think that I don't see?
Do you drink? says the Lord
Remember child, it's me
Do you drink, says the Lord
To hide from the pain and tears?
Do you drink? says the Lord
When you have things you fear?
Do you drink? says the Lord
From my cup, or your own?
Do you drink? says the Lord
When you get home?
Do you drink? says the Lord
When your days do not go right?
Do you drink? says the Lord
Whether it be morning or night?
Lay it down, says the Lord
Lay it down by my feet
Lay it down, my child
No, you are not weak.
You are my child, says the Lord
For that I am well pleased
You are my child, says the Lord
Your pain, I can ease.
I'll show you how, my child
Lay your troubles at my feet,
Hold my hand for awhile
and Trust in me.
I have been here all the while
Trust me, my child,
I have already forgiven you
Cry to me, my sweet one.
Lay your head in My Lap
Let me hold you near
It is only a choice, my dear.
Let me wipe away those tears.
I am your Father
I love you
For you, I gave my only son
So for you, a new day will soon come too
I will heal the scars that hurt inside
if you will only come to me for a while
So give it up, says the Lord
Give it all up to me
And I will raise you up
and from my love,
you will drink
from a new cup.
Salvation is a gift for all,
no matter the sin
All I ask is that you repent
and let me in.
........
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:12-14
“Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.
Nehemiah 9:18-20
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:7-9
FATHER OF CREATION (Father Manny) Tears To Treasures - ProLife Song
FATHER OF CREATION (still editing)
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
dedicated to Tears to Treasures/Right to Life
You are the father of creation
Who holds my little child
You hold him up for the world to see
That creation is not a choice
Though I thought it was for me
But your glory and love healed my scars
Lord, you comforted me and forgave me
Lord, you loved me and held me close
Lord, you wiped away my tears
I sing for joy now as I walk with you
Lord, you have lifted me up
Lord, you have given my child back to me
Thank you for renewing my life, Lord
And letting my child be with me
My father of Creation
Who holds my child for the world to see
That creation is not a choice
Though I thought it was for me
My Father of Creation
Who holds my little child for the world to see
Your kingdom is filled with children
Children that you have set free...
Who thought that creation was... a choice
Children just like me
Your love surrounds me
As I walk for you
I walk for the children
for others to see
That our Lord is the Creator
Who came to set us free
Our Lord is the....Creator
Who came to set us free
Who holds up our little children
For the world to see
that creation is not a choice
Though I thought it was...for me
Your love remains with me
Lord, you live with me
You lifted me up
So I could walk with you
So I could walk for the children
For the world to see
That creation is not a choice
It never was for me
You are the Father of Creation
Who holds the children....for the world to see
That creation is not a choice
It never was for me
Your love surrounds me..
The children...who are now set free
Children just like me
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
dedicated to Tears to Treasures/Right to Life
You are the father of creation
Who holds my little child
You hold him up for the world to see
That creation is not a choice
Though I thought it was for me
But your glory and love healed my scars
Lord, you comforted me and forgave me
Lord, you loved me and held me close
Lord, you wiped away my tears
I sing for joy now as I walk with you
Lord, you have lifted me up
Lord, you have given my child back to me
Thank you for renewing my life, Lord
And letting my child be with me
My father of Creation
Who holds my child for the world to see
That creation is not a choice
Though I thought it was for me
My Father of Creation
Who holds my little child for the world to see
Your kingdom is filled with children
Children that you have set free...
Who thought that creation was... a choice
Children just like me
Your love surrounds me
As I walk for you
I walk for the children
for others to see
That our Lord is the Creator
Who came to set us free
Our Lord is the....Creator
Who came to set us free
Who holds up our little children
For the world to see
that creation is not a choice
Though I thought it was...for me
Your love remains with me
Lord, you live with me
You lifted me up
So I could walk with you
So I could walk for the children
For the world to see
That creation is not a choice
It never was for me
You are the Father of Creation
Who holds the children....for the world to see
That creation is not a choice
It never was for me
Your love surrounds me..
The children...who are now set free
Children just like me
WHY YOU SENT JESUS DOWN by Brittany Whatley (Father Manny)
WHY YOU SENT JESUS DOWN (c)Brittany Whatley, 8 years old
(Brittany was eight years old when she wrote this. A few days before "her poems" we had went to a healing mass with Father Manny. I was composing at the computer when she asked if she could sing some songs. I typed what she said after I listened. She recorded five songs that day. It never happened again, just this one day. Her songs were powerful for an eight year old, brought tears to our eyes, and I will always treasure her little voice on those CD's singing these words!)
I know that you died for our sins
And I know how you died on the cross
So think of us and try to forgive us
For all the things we have done
Don't let the sharks get to us
Tell the dolphins to save us
Just remember, I know
that I have been told
I know that Jesus came to teach us
But there was no way for you to..
So, you sent Jesus down
To tell us for you
Now we are thankful
When you came and tried to tell us
People didn't know
And when they heard the news
You sent Jesus down for us
And to bring us to you
And how they were surpised
We were all so thankful
It had to do with our sins
And how you forgave us
We were so thankful for Jesus
For him to come down
We opened our eyes and seen the light
And also...Jesus
And oh, how you love us
Now I know how you died on the cross
Now I know you love us more than anything
And how you love us more than anything
and
I love you too
(Brittany was eight years old when she wrote this. A few days before "her poems" we had went to a healing mass with Father Manny. I was composing at the computer when she asked if she could sing some songs. I typed what she said after I listened. She recorded five songs that day. It never happened again, just this one day. Her songs were powerful for an eight year old, brought tears to our eyes, and I will always treasure her little voice on those CD's singing these words!)
I know that you died for our sins
And I know how you died on the cross
So think of us and try to forgive us
For all the things we have done
Don't let the sharks get to us
Tell the dolphins to save us
Just remember, I know
that I have been told
I know that Jesus came to teach us
But there was no way for you to..
So, you sent Jesus down
To tell us for you
Now we are thankful
When you came and tried to tell us
People didn't know
And when they heard the news
You sent Jesus down for us
And to bring us to you
And how they were surpised
We were all so thankful
It had to do with our sins
And how you forgave us
We were so thankful for Jesus
For him to come down
We opened our eyes and seen the light
And also...Jesus
And oh, how you love us
Now I know how you died on the cross
Now I know you love us more than anything
And how you love us more than anything
and
I love you too
MARY'S CHILDREN by Brittany Whatley (Father Manny)
MARY'S CHILDREN
(c)2003 Brittany Whatley, 8 years old
Oh God, now I know why you tell Mary
to talk to the children
And let you do the rest
Now I know why you love us
more than anything else
You built me and everyone
Now I know why you want Mary
to talk to the children...
They need to know too
About Mary and you
Now I know why you know all this stuff
because you built this earth and heaven and everyone
And I know about you
and I know I know you
Sometimes I know it hurts
It's not just the friends you have
It's everybody around the earth
It is about the people who don't have houses
And don't have any food
He sends special people to take care of us
And tell us more about Jesus
No one is special people
Tell the people more about you
Tell the children around you
Hug them tight and don't let go
Go and tell them why you sent them here
To teach them all about
anything you would want them to know
Don't let them be upset
Don't let them be in the dark
Just let them be in the lighthouse
Bring them to the beach
You know where to go
You know where to go
Go the the lighthouse
To the light
(c)2003 Brittany Whatley, 8 years old
Oh God, now I know why you tell Mary
to talk to the children
And let you do the rest
Now I know why you love us
more than anything else
You built me and everyone
Now I know why you want Mary
to talk to the children...
They need to know too
About Mary and you
Now I know why you know all this stuff
because you built this earth and heaven and everyone
And I know about you
and I know I know you
Sometimes I know it hurts
It's not just the friends you have
It's everybody around the earth
It is about the people who don't have houses
And don't have any food
He sends special people to take care of us
And tell us more about Jesus
No one is special people
Tell the people more about you
Tell the children around you
Hug them tight and don't let go
Go and tell them why you sent them here
To teach them all about
anything you would want them to know
Don't let them be upset
Don't let them be in the dark
Just let them be in the lighthouse
Bring them to the beach
You know where to go
You know where to go
Go the the lighthouse
To the light
THE CONVERSATION (Father Manny)
THE CONVERSATION
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Has the Lord spoken to you
Do you know his voice?
Are you ready to have a conversation with him
The Great Almighty will listen and bow his head
He will sigh and rejoice in a way that only the Lord can
And he will ask you
Do you know my son?
Do you believe I sent my son to save you
Do you understand how many sins he died for
Has the Lord spoken to you
Do you know his voice
For every sin that caused you pain
For every sin that made you ashamed
I sent my son to die...for your sins
Do you understand...how many...sins...he DIED for
Do you believe I sent my son to SAVE you
Do you accept my son as your friend and YOUR SAVIOR
Do you accept MY SON as your friend and YOUR SAVIOR
Has the Lord spoken....to you?
Do you know his....voice...
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Has the Lord spoken to you
Do you know his voice?
Are you ready to have a conversation with him
The Great Almighty will listen and bow his head
He will sigh and rejoice in a way that only the Lord can
And he will ask you
Do you know my son?
Do you believe I sent my son to save you
Do you understand how many sins he died for
Has the Lord spoken to you
Do you know his voice
For every sin that caused you pain
For every sin that made you ashamed
I sent my son to die...for your sins
Do you understand...how many...sins...he DIED for
Do you believe I sent my son to SAVE you
Do you accept my son as your friend and YOUR SAVIOR
Do you accept MY SON as your friend and YOUR SAVIOR
Has the Lord spoken....to you?
Do you know his....voice...
COME MY CHILDREN
COME MY CHILDREN
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Come my children and run to me
When the waters are deep....Run to me
When the tide of tears come ashore for you...Run to me
When life is just too hard for living...Run to me
When all around you have given up on you...Run to me
I am your heavenly father
My arms await your soul...your living flesh
Peel away the pain, the torment, the loneliness
And run to me...I am waiting for you
I am waiting to wash away the pain, the guilt, the shame
Learn from my son
Whose mortal body lay wretched on the cross in agony
Your body is hanging on the cross right now
It is time to come down and receive your glory
Wipe off the blood of sin...Take off your thorns of despair
Heal your cuts and bruises, wash them, clean them,
and take care of them with the Holy Spirit
and run to me.
Run with your tattered body...It is time to heal.
Call out my name and I will come to you.
I am the peace, the everlasting life,
I am your will to live.
Your cross can be carried for your glory awaits you
Yes, it is heavy, and yes, it is dirty,
It is a burden to carry that cross through life
But you will know when you can take that cross,
and clean it, and it will shine like the heavens for everyone to see
For that cross I gave to you...for you alone have to carry it
For you alone have to decide when to lay it to rest
I have always been here waiting for you,
Run now...with all of your human strength and
Do not look back.
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Come my children and run to me
When the waters are deep....Run to me
When the tide of tears come ashore for you...Run to me
When life is just too hard for living...Run to me
When all around you have given up on you...Run to me
I am your heavenly father
My arms await your soul...your living flesh
Peel away the pain, the torment, the loneliness
And run to me...I am waiting for you
I am waiting to wash away the pain, the guilt, the shame
Learn from my son
Whose mortal body lay wretched on the cross in agony
Your body is hanging on the cross right now
It is time to come down and receive your glory
Wipe off the blood of sin...Take off your thorns of despair
Heal your cuts and bruises, wash them, clean them,
and take care of them with the Holy Spirit
and run to me.
Run with your tattered body...It is time to heal.
Call out my name and I will come to you.
I am the peace, the everlasting life,
I am your will to live.
Your cross can be carried for your glory awaits you
Yes, it is heavy, and yes, it is dirty,
It is a burden to carry that cross through life
But you will know when you can take that cross,
and clean it, and it will shine like the heavens for everyone to see
For that cross I gave to you...for you alone have to carry it
For you alone have to decide when to lay it to rest
I have always been here waiting for you,
Run now...with all of your human strength and
Do not look back.
MARY
MARY
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Mary
What a gift you gave to the world
You carried the lamb
Mary
God had a purpose for your life
Your son's light would shine forever
Mary
Did you walk for all the mothers
to see
What a special gift the children can be
Mary
How you must have cried
When your son, on the cross, died
Mary
How you must have rejoiced
When he rose
To his father
Mary
Your tears must have been like rain
Your smile....
When he ROSE
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Mary
What a gift you gave to the world
You carried the lamb
Mary
God had a purpose for your life
Your son's light would shine forever
Mary
Did you walk for all the mothers
to see
What a special gift the children can be
Mary
How you must have cried
When your son, on the cross, died
Mary
How you must have rejoiced
When he rose
To his father
Mary
Your tears must have been like rain
Your smile....
When he ROSE
MY JESUS
MY JESUS
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
(written for a man i met who had decided to accept God's forgiveness! He still struggled with some things, but 10 years later after writing this, he life has definately been "transformed" and he shares what he has been through and he helps others know that they do not have to be "perfect" to turn to God, he wants you as you are, and then He will help you...to turn your life around. The strength to change comes from Him, so never be afraid if you are not living the "perfect" life to accept God's forgiveness and let Him come into your heart.)
My Jesus
How I give thanks to you
You have given my life back to me
You have blessed me with your love and forgiveness
You loved me when I could not love myself
You healed my scars when I thought they were too deep
You carried me when I could barely walk
You listened to me when I could hardly talk
When the pain was so unbearable
You gave me the strength to call upon you
You guided me here
You had a plan for me when I thought I was lost
You held my hand when I was ashamed
You have forgiven me
I am loved
I am a child of God who art in Heaven
Whose peace reigns down on me
Who sent my savior to hold my hand
When I thought it was too dirty
I want to walk with you now
For I no longer have to be carried
I'm willing to share the Good News that your blood
was shed for my sin
I'm willing to hold someone else's hand now
Dirty or clean
Thank you Jesus
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
(written for a man i met who had decided to accept God's forgiveness! He still struggled with some things, but 10 years later after writing this, he life has definately been "transformed" and he shares what he has been through and he helps others know that they do not have to be "perfect" to turn to God, he wants you as you are, and then He will help you...to turn your life around. The strength to change comes from Him, so never be afraid if you are not living the "perfect" life to accept God's forgiveness and let Him come into your heart.)
My Jesus
How I give thanks to you
You have given my life back to me
You have blessed me with your love and forgiveness
You loved me when I could not love myself
You healed my scars when I thought they were too deep
You carried me when I could barely walk
You listened to me when I could hardly talk
When the pain was so unbearable
You gave me the strength to call upon you
You guided me here
You had a plan for me when I thought I was lost
You held my hand when I was ashamed
You have forgiven me
I am loved
I am a child of God who art in Heaven
Whose peace reigns down on me
Who sent my savior to hold my hand
When I thought it was too dirty
I want to walk with you now
For I no longer have to be carried
I'm willing to share the Good News that your blood
was shed for my sin
I'm willing to hold someone else's hand now
Dirty or clean
Thank you Jesus
Sunday, June 27, 2010
THE GREAT COUNSELOR
THE GREAT COUNSELOR
(this one was written after third visit with Father Manny) (c) 2003 Stephanie Durand
Close the doors,
The counselor is here
It is time for the meeting to begin
All that are ready,
Please come in.
The great counselor has
bowed his head and he
Has called us to meet with him
He has asked for your attention
Let the meeting begin.
Rejoice, for my son is coming
With arms wide open,
To receive the love of his life
It is a special day for him
For he has waited so patiently,
Through pain and tears,
He is now ready for the wedding
To begin.
His bride he has accepted and
He longs to receive her hand,
He is traveling again
to an awesome land.
His ring is mercy, love, and grace,
His cloak is simple and easy to embrace.
His walk is slow but steady for the day
When his bride is ready to take his hand and say,
"Rejoice, for my savior has come.
Look up, for thy Lord's will shall be done."
The wedding bells ring
Around the nations they are heard,
The echoes of the ringing are carried through the wind
For the wedding shall soon begin.
We will kneel and bow our heads,
We will worship the great King of our Land,
We will rejoice and shout for joy
And watch the son take his bride by the hand.
He has come to heal a nation
His glory will shine for all on earth to see,
The Prince of Peace takes his place
And we cry, "Lord, My King, We Will Worship Thee!"
The ringing is so glorious
That the angels bow down and pray,
And the apostles bow down and take their place
And the saints rise up and say.
Glory be to the great I Am, Glory be to the King of Kings
Glory by to the Maker of the Universe, Glory be to the Son of God,
Glory be to the Father, our God, How we have worshiped Thee!"
-------------------------
I cannot type this one without crying...I have not re-read it until now, 7 years later....I am moved in spirit and in love...this one is by far the hardest to read...I am humbled...this one was written after my 3rd visit to Father Manny ...Beckon the Birds, first and only after my first visit with Father Manny in 1992, then years later I saw him again, and I wrote hundreds, including this one.
This poem came very, very quickly and I could never read it without crying and do not really know why. I did not know yet about the meaning of "bride" in the Bible, not fully anyway. I did much research in my Bible after writing this one to understand this poem which, I must say, made me cry more.
(this one was written after third visit with Father Manny) (c) 2003 Stephanie Durand
Close the doors,
The counselor is here
It is time for the meeting to begin
All that are ready,
Please come in.
The great counselor has
bowed his head and he
Has called us to meet with him
He has asked for your attention
Let the meeting begin.
Rejoice, for my son is coming
With arms wide open,
To receive the love of his life
It is a special day for him
For he has waited so patiently,
Through pain and tears,
He is now ready for the wedding
To begin.
His bride he has accepted and
He longs to receive her hand,
He is traveling again
to an awesome land.
His ring is mercy, love, and grace,
His cloak is simple and easy to embrace.
His walk is slow but steady for the day
When his bride is ready to take his hand and say,
"Rejoice, for my savior has come.
Look up, for thy Lord's will shall be done."
The wedding bells ring
Around the nations they are heard,
The echoes of the ringing are carried through the wind
For the wedding shall soon begin.
We will kneel and bow our heads,
We will worship the great King of our Land,
We will rejoice and shout for joy
And watch the son take his bride by the hand.
He has come to heal a nation
His glory will shine for all on earth to see,
The Prince of Peace takes his place
And we cry, "Lord, My King, We Will Worship Thee!"
The ringing is so glorious
That the angels bow down and pray,
And the apostles bow down and take their place
And the saints rise up and say.
Glory be to the great I Am, Glory be to the King of Kings
Glory by to the Maker of the Universe, Glory be to the Son of God,
Glory be to the Father, our God, How we have worshiped Thee!"
-------------------------
I cannot type this one without crying...I have not re-read it until now, 7 years later....I am moved in spirit and in love...this one is by far the hardest to read...I am humbled...this one was written after my 3rd visit to Father Manny ...Beckon the Birds, first and only after my first visit with Father Manny in 1992, then years later I saw him again, and I wrote hundreds, including this one.
This poem came very, very quickly and I could never read it without crying and do not really know why. I did not know yet about the meaning of "bride" in the Bible, not fully anyway. I did much research in my Bible after writing this one to understand this poem which, I must say, made me cry more.
BECKON THE BIRDS (Father Manny)
BECKON THE BIRDS
(c) 1992 Stephanie Durand (My "first" spiritual poem!" after my first visit with Father Manny)
T'was the day as black as night,
Said the Lord, "Angels, take flight."
It is time for Peace on Earth to come
Call my children, one by one.
Beckon the birds, the water, the land,
Sweep this world unto my hand.
Judge them by I...
This day has come.
Weep for peace -
Thy Will Be Done
------------------------
This poem surprised me. I don't know how else to say it. I had never written Christian poetry before. I went show my neighbor. They came over and my house smelled like roses! I was quite shaken...both by poem and the smell of roses. My friends, my neighbors, said it sometimes happens when Mary is near. I didn't want to write for a long time, just didn't know what to think. I was about 22 years old at the time. Now I accept that when I visit Father Manny, I usually begin to write poems and songs shortly after, and it doesn't scare me! I know it is a good thing and my poems have brought others comfort and peace and a deeper closeness with God, so I am "open" to writing after my visits with Father Manny now that I am in my mid forties! It's been a blessing to others, so I just accept this "gift" and share when I can help others.
(c) 1992 Stephanie Durand (My "first" spiritual poem!" after my first visit with Father Manny)
T'was the day as black as night,
Said the Lord, "Angels, take flight."
It is time for Peace on Earth to come
Call my children, one by one.
Beckon the birds, the water, the land,
Sweep this world unto my hand.
Judge them by I...
This day has come.
Weep for peace -
Thy Will Be Done
------------------------
This poem surprised me. I don't know how else to say it. I had never written Christian poetry before. I went show my neighbor. They came over and my house smelled like roses! I was quite shaken...both by poem and the smell of roses. My friends, my neighbors, said it sometimes happens when Mary is near. I didn't want to write for a long time, just didn't know what to think. I was about 22 years old at the time. Now I accept that when I visit Father Manny, I usually begin to write poems and songs shortly after, and it doesn't scare me! I know it is a good thing and my poems have brought others comfort and peace and a deeper closeness with God, so I am "open" to writing after my visits with Father Manny now that I am in my mid forties! It's been a blessing to others, so I just accept this "gift" and share when I can help others.
THE FALL
THE FALL
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
The king steps forward
and we fall,
Boom, goes the heavens,
and we fall.
And we fall,
Trembling with joy and peace
Tears flow down
each other's cheeks
And we fall
For we have seen what was prophesized to come
And we fall
For the day of the church unites in the lamb's kingdom
And we fall
For we have choosen to walk straight and with faith
Through the meadows
To the path of the kingdom's gate.
And we fall
With arms wide open to welcome the king
We fall
And watch as the groom presents the bride with her ring
We fall
We sing alleluia and praise to our Father,
We fall
And winds blow open the universe and clouds depart to show a glimpse
of the dawning of his son.
The one who had come to tell the world how to live,
How to please and worship the King, Abba,
The holy one.
Yes, we fall,
We fall and sing alleluia and praise to the heavens,
With the angels,
We fall,
We rise.
And we rise,
And we rise.
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
The king steps forward
and we fall,
Boom, goes the heavens,
and we fall.
And we fall,
Trembling with joy and peace
Tears flow down
each other's cheeks
And we fall
For we have seen what was prophesized to come
And we fall
For the day of the church unites in the lamb's kingdom
And we fall
For we have choosen to walk straight and with faith
Through the meadows
To the path of the kingdom's gate.
And we fall
With arms wide open to welcome the king
We fall
And watch as the groom presents the bride with her ring
We fall
We sing alleluia and praise to our Father,
We fall
And winds blow open the universe and clouds depart to show a glimpse
of the dawning of his son.
The one who had come to tell the world how to live,
How to please and worship the King, Abba,
The holy one.
Yes, we fall,
We fall and sing alleluia and praise to the heavens,
With the angels,
We fall,
We rise.
And we rise,
And we rise.
HE BREATHED LIFE
HE BREATHED LIFE
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
When I hung my head in shame
His breath was so warm
I looked up at the sky as I cried
The clouds were floating by
I hung my head in shame
I held my head down as I cried
and there was....
a voice in the wind
...a voice in the wind
The waves sweep the sand
to usher in
the children who want to come home again
and there was...
a voice in the wind
And as I hung my head in shame,
He reached out to me,
I looked up at the sky, I reached out to him and
He lifted me out of the sea
When my face was wet with tears
I was drowning in my sin
He wiped them away
When I had so much guilt and shame
He took it all away
He resuscitated my soul,
He made my body whole
He pulled me from the sea
when I was drowning in my own sin,
He reached out to me,
I reached out to Him
...my Savior
His hand reached down to me,
He pulled me from the sea
when I was drowning in my sin,
He breathed life back into me!
He resuscitated my soul
and made my body whole
again....
The voice in the wind
was calling his children home to him
The voice in the wind
is calling all those who have sinned
I looked up, I reached for him
"God, I'm so cold...
God, I'm so weak"
His hand reached out to me
He lifted me out of the dark sea
He breathed life...back into me
He resuscitated my soul...
I was drowning in my own sin
He resuscitated my soul
and he made my body whole
Look up at me, for my child
I have heard your cry
Take my grace, my love, my son's life
it was His life that was sacrificed
on the hill, on the cross, he died for all
the sins of the world
by the blood of my son,
your sins are washed clean
Your body, the Holy Spirit can now enter
and give you everlasting life again!
March 24, 2014...
When adding biblical scriptures to my poetry, I just open the Bible and read the first thing I read. I have never read Jonah before. This is what I opened to..."Jonah's Prayer" I must say I am amazed what I opened to and how it matches this poem perfectly! Thank you Lord for showing me this and picking this verse to perfectly complete this poem. I am in disbelief of how much the message seems to be the same and can only humbly re-type this beautiful verse I just came across.
Jonah's Prayer
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God, He said:
"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled around me;
all your waves and breakers swept over me.
I said, 'I have been banished from your sight;"
yet I will look again toward your holy temple.
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head."
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit. O Lord my God.
"When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple."
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
When I hung my head in shame
His breath was so warm
I looked up at the sky as I cried
The clouds were floating by
I hung my head in shame
I held my head down as I cried
and there was....
a voice in the wind
...a voice in the wind
The waves sweep the sand
to usher in
the children who want to come home again
and there was...
a voice in the wind
And as I hung my head in shame,
He reached out to me,
I looked up at the sky, I reached out to him and
He lifted me out of the sea
When my face was wet with tears
I was drowning in my sin
He wiped them away
When I had so much guilt and shame
He took it all away
He resuscitated my soul,
He made my body whole
He pulled me from the sea
when I was drowning in my own sin,
He reached out to me,
I reached out to Him
...my Savior
His hand reached down to me,
He pulled me from the sea
when I was drowning in my sin,
He breathed life back into me!
He resuscitated my soul
and made my body whole
again....
The voice in the wind
was calling his children home to him
The voice in the wind
is calling all those who have sinned
I looked up, I reached for him
"God, I'm so cold...
God, I'm so weak"
His hand reached out to me
He lifted me out of the dark sea
He breathed life...back into me
He resuscitated my soul...
I was drowning in my own sin
He resuscitated my soul
and he made my body whole
Look up at me, for my child
I have heard your cry
Take my grace, my love, my son's life
it was His life that was sacrificed
on the hill, on the cross, he died for all
the sins of the world
by the blood of my son,
your sins are washed clean
Your body, the Holy Spirit can now enter
and give you everlasting life again!
March 24, 2014...
When adding biblical scriptures to my poetry, I just open the Bible and read the first thing I read. I have never read Jonah before. This is what I opened to..."Jonah's Prayer" I must say I am amazed what I opened to and how it matches this poem perfectly! Thank you Lord for showing me this and picking this verse to perfectly complete this poem. I am in disbelief of how much the message seems to be the same and can only humbly re-type this beautiful verse I just came across.
Jonah's Prayer
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God, He said:
"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled around me;
all your waves and breakers swept over me.
I said, 'I have been banished from your sight;"
yet I will look again toward your holy temple.
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head."
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit. O Lord my God.
"When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple."
OTHER WORLD
OTHER WORLD
(c)1982 Stephanie Durand
A grain of sand
that drifts out to sea
The parts of life
that were meant to be
A speckle of snow
that falls from the sky
A baby to be born;
a child that will die.
A single cloud
that floats all alone
A tiny bird
that has lost it's way home.
Dreams for the rich
and dreams for the poor
Some people have stars
they do not have wishes for
The cloud up above
you wish to be on
and dream up a world
and never come home.
(c)1982 Stephanie Durand
A grain of sand
that drifts out to sea
The parts of life
that were meant to be
A speckle of snow
that falls from the sky
A baby to be born;
a child that will die.
A single cloud
that floats all alone
A tiny bird
that has lost it's way home.
Dreams for the rich
and dreams for the poor
Some people have stars
they do not have wishes for
The cloud up above
you wish to be on
and dream up a world
and never come home.
HOLY, HOLY, ASLEEP IN A MANGER
HOLY, HOLY, ASLEEP IN A MANGER
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Holy, Holy, a savior is born
The lamb enters the kingdom of earth
The wise men know him,
They receive him,
and rejoice in his birth
Holy, Holy, God's promised one
Asleep in a manger
salvation has come
The Shepard, the lamb, lays quietly in a bundle of hay
The world is about to find out that salvation
is only one prayer away
Holy, Holy, God's promised one
Asleep in a manger
salvation has come
To the temple, the child later finds his way
To teach about his father and teach others to pray
Holy, Holy, a child is born,
a lamb grows strong and prepares to lead the way
Holy, Holy, the lamb will be slain
to take away the sins of the world
the lamb, he boars the pain
God's will shall be done
The lamb's here
Jesus has come
Holy, Holy, God's promised one
asleep in a manger
Salvation......has come
The lamb is here
Jesus has come
He prepares the way
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Holy, Holy, a savior is born
The lamb enters the kingdom of earth
The wise men know him,
They receive him,
and rejoice in his birth
Holy, Holy, God's promised one
Asleep in a manger
salvation has come
The Shepard, the lamb, lays quietly in a bundle of hay
The world is about to find out that salvation
is only one prayer away
Holy, Holy, God's promised one
Asleep in a manger
salvation has come
To the temple, the child later finds his way
To teach about his father and teach others to pray
Holy, Holy, a child is born,
a lamb grows strong and prepares to lead the way
Holy, Holy, the lamb will be slain
to take away the sins of the world
the lamb, he boars the pain
God's will shall be done
The lamb's here
Jesus has come
Holy, Holy, God's promised one
asleep in a manger
Salvation......has come
The lamb is here
Jesus has come
He prepares the way
GOD SENDS ANGELS TO YOU
GOD SENDS ANGELS TO YOU
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Have you felt the wind
Did you know that God sends
the wind to you
Did you know
the wind was...
the flutter of your
angel's wings
That God sends to you
They surround you...
they protect you...
Did you know
He sends ten thousand angels to you
And the wind
is the flutter
of your angel's wings
The wind will comfort you
in times of sorrow and pain
you feel in your life
Did you know...the wind was
the flutter
of your angels wings
that God sends down to you
Can you feel the wind of your angels
Do you have your eyes open
They surround you
Even though you can't see them
you can FEEL them
When you cry
...Be still
and FEEL the wind
Of your angels......
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Have you felt the wind
Did you know that God sends
the wind to you
Did you know
the wind was...
the flutter of your
angel's wings
That God sends to you
They surround you...
they protect you...
Did you know
He sends ten thousand angels to you
And the wind
is the flutter
of your angel's wings
The wind will comfort you
in times of sorrow and pain
you feel in your life
Did you know...the wind was
the flutter
of your angels wings
that God sends down to you
Can you feel the wind of your angels
Do you have your eyes open
They surround you
Even though you can't see them
you can FEEL them
When you cry
...Be still
and FEEL the wind
Of your angels......
THE DARK IS NOT THE LIGHT
THE DARK IS NOT THE LIGHT
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
The dark is not the light
and gold is not the same..as riches
Chosen but not following...
Following but not choosing
Choosing to see...and choosing to walk
And choosing to listen....and choosing to talk
Choosing to pray
As we walk for his life
That was chosen to walk for ours
The lamp went down to rise in the dawn
And sweep the world like a storm
We mourn but rejoice
in our Savior, our Lord
Whose walk left footprints
Whose blood ran down
Who died for us...for the world to see
That it is your choice...
to be set free
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
The dark is not the light
and gold is not the same..as riches
Chosen but not following...
Following but not choosing
Choosing to see...and choosing to walk
And choosing to listen....and choosing to talk
Choosing to pray
As we walk for his life
That was chosen to walk for ours
The lamp went down to rise in the dawn
And sweep the world like a storm
We mourn but rejoice
in our Savior, our Lord
Whose walk left footprints
Whose blood ran down
Who died for us...for the world to see
That it is your choice...
to be set free
SMALL TOWN GIRL
Just a small town girl
livin in a great big world
A small town girl
by the grace of God
I am what I am
I found a friend to hold onto
He is thy maker
He is thy maker
My maker, the great I Am
A few steps toward my Jesus
and he grapped hold of me
It just takes a little faith to believe
King of all Kings
Maker of all things
I am who I am
because he is the great I Am
He is the king of all Kings
I am worthy, by the King of all kings
You are worthy, maker of all things,
You were never, ever, that far from me
He is the potter
and I am the clay
Mold me...my maker
Form me...to be who I am
Just one step in a new direction,
a few steps down a different road,
a big leap for the King of all Kings
breaking chains to set others free
Just a small town girl
livin in a great big world
honoring thy King,
thy maker, thy potter,
the Great I Am, thy Father
thy maker of ALL things!
livin in a great big world
A small town girl
by the grace of God
I am what I am
I found a friend to hold onto
He is thy maker
He is thy maker
My maker, the great I Am
A few steps toward my Jesus
and he grapped hold of me
It just takes a little faith to believe
King of all Kings
Maker of all things
I am who I am
because he is the great I Am
He is the king of all Kings
I am worthy, by the King of all kings
You are worthy, maker of all things,
You were never, ever, that far from me
He is the potter
and I am the clay
Mold me...my maker
Form me...to be who I am
Just one step in a new direction,
a few steps down a different road,
a big leap for the King of all Kings
breaking chains to set others free
Just a small town girl
livin in a great big world
honoring thy King,
thy maker, thy potter,
the Great I Am, thy Father
thy maker of ALL things!
DO OR DIE
DO OR DIE
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Are your eyes wide open
Do you make your choices in the wind
Life for you, or life with Him
Don't make that choice in the wind
He has spoken to you
Do you recognize Him?
Do you recognize your Savior,
your friend,
Can you think of the choices you've made in your life
Choices you've struggled to make,
choices you just made
Don't wait any longer, open your eyes
Eternity will come to an end
But your life will go on in heaven
Have you lived your life for Him
Choices can be made in the wind
It's a do or die....it's a fail or win
Has he spoken to you...Do you recognize him?
He can be your savior, your friend
Life for you...Life with Him
It's your choice he has given to you
Don't make your choice in the wind
Eternity will come to an end...
Have your lived your life for Him
It's a do or die
It's a fail or win
Has he spoken to you
Do you recognize Him
He's your savior, he's your best friend
Do you think he will wait forever
Can you wait ...forever for Him
Your eternity will come to an end
But your life can go on in heaven
___________
"I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind." Eccl 1:14
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Are your eyes wide open
Do you make your choices in the wind
Life for you, or life with Him
Don't make that choice in the wind
He has spoken to you
Do you recognize Him?
Do you recognize your Savior,
your friend,
Can you think of the choices you've made in your life
Choices you've struggled to make,
choices you just made
Don't wait any longer, open your eyes
Eternity will come to an end
But your life will go on in heaven
Have you lived your life for Him
Choices can be made in the wind
It's a do or die....it's a fail or win
Has he spoken to you...Do you recognize him?
He can be your savior, your friend
Life for you...Life with Him
It's your choice he has given to you
Don't make your choice in the wind
Eternity will come to an end...
Have your lived your life for Him
It's a do or die
It's a fail or win
Has he spoken to you
Do you recognize Him
He's your savior, he's your best friend
Do you think he will wait forever
Can you wait ...forever for Him
Your eternity will come to an end
But your life can go on in heaven
___________
"I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind." Eccl 1:14
IN THIS SEASON, In Memory of Sept 11, 2001
IN THIS SEASON
(C) 2001 Stephanie Durand
Help us Jesus, to see the reason
for the tears and pain of this season
We bow our heads to you
to touch our lives and the lives who
Have spread their wings to soar to you
Our angels have left the earth
But we are renewed
To know that their trip will not be in vain
To know that though we cry like rain..
They have arrived at a place where love is abound..
They see light though they still feel ground..
Like an eagle, their souls will soar
Please God, let their souls be free...
and tell them..."Don't worry about me"
I trust my Lord, Whose shelter is my armor,
Who carries us in his arms today and tommorrow..
Like the beloved souls we've lost, help us to soar,
Help us to find peace in this time of horror,
Let us find you, if we have not,
for your love will stand, when the buildings will not.
We pray for peace across our land...
We pray for you to carry us...when we cannot stand
Your little ones, your children, cannot understand...
Please send angels to watch over them and hold thier little hand.
The President, please, guide and protect him, Lord...
For his is one man...who judgements and decisions will be hard
Don't let him sway, from the reason...
To have PEACE on earth
in this season....
God Bless America.
In God We Trust!
(C) 2001 Stephanie Durand
Help us Jesus, to see the reason
for the tears and pain of this season
We bow our heads to you
to touch our lives and the lives who
Have spread their wings to soar to you
Our angels have left the earth
But we are renewed
To know that their trip will not be in vain
To know that though we cry like rain..
They have arrived at a place where love is abound..
They see light though they still feel ground..
Like an eagle, their souls will soar
Please God, let their souls be free...
and tell them..."Don't worry about me"
I trust my Lord, Whose shelter is my armor,
Who carries us in his arms today and tommorrow..
Like the beloved souls we've lost, help us to soar,
Help us to find peace in this time of horror,
Let us find you, if we have not,
for your love will stand, when the buildings will not.
We pray for peace across our land...
We pray for you to carry us...when we cannot stand
Your little ones, your children, cannot understand...
Please send angels to watch over them and hold thier little hand.
The President, please, guide and protect him, Lord...
For his is one man...who judgements and decisions will be hard
Don't let him sway, from the reason...
To have PEACE on earth
in this season....
God Bless America.
In God We Trust!
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