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)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
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!
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