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.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
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!
WINTERTIME
WINTERTIME
(c) 1986 Stephanie Durand
The snow covers the ground
It blankets the earth
Blissful white all around
Busy little hands
Create magical snowmen
Scarfs and carrot noses
Bring a chuckle and a grin
Smoke from a chimney
Drifting every so high
Logs burning in the fire
To keep us snug and dry
Wintertime has come
The chill is in the air
What a wonderful time of the year!
(c) 1986 Stephanie Durand
The snow covers the ground
It blankets the earth
Blissful white all around
Busy little hands
Create magical snowmen
Scarfs and carrot noses
Bring a chuckle and a grin
Smoke from a chimney
Drifting every so high
Logs burning in the fire
To keep us snug and dry
Wintertime has come
The chill is in the air
What a wonderful time of the year!
A FATHER'S LOVE (Father Manny)
A FATHER'S LOVE
(3)2003 Stephanie Durand
His only son, he sacrificed for us all
Atop a hill, he claimed us all
His children, each and everyone
He loves us so much that his son hung
....for this love
His son's love
for all mankind,
who healed the sick,
and gave sight to the blind
Came here to earth
to find his father's sheep who had strayed
He covered all his father's children's sin
on the cross that day
His father's will for his life was clear
His mother watched as he bore the pain
His purpose here in his father's land
was unfolding on the dirt road,
where to the hill, he was slain
Tell the ones who still do not know
the story of his undying love...
for all mankind on kingdom earth
and why his son, Jesus Christ, shed his blood
It was for them,
for their sin,
so they could go to the cross
and transform their lives and
with a fresh start,
begin again
....
Set free from the bondage of sin
Set free from the pain within
Set free to smile again!
For Jesus paid for their sin!
It's gone, it's over, it's forgotten
when they let His Holy Spirit "in"
.........
(3)2003 Stephanie Durand
His only son, he sacrificed for us all
Atop a hill, he claimed us all
His children, each and everyone
He loves us so much that his son hung
....for this love
His son's love
for all mankind,
who healed the sick,
and gave sight to the blind
Came here to earth
to find his father's sheep who had strayed
He covered all his father's children's sin
on the cross that day
His father's will for his life was clear
His mother watched as he bore the pain
His purpose here in his father's land
was unfolding on the dirt road,
where to the hill, he was slain
Tell the ones who still do not know
the story of his undying love...
for all mankind on kingdom earth
and why his son, Jesus Christ, shed his blood
It was for them,
for their sin,
so they could go to the cross
and transform their lives and
with a fresh start,
begin again
....
Set free from the bondage of sin
Set free from the pain within
Set free to smile again!
For Jesus paid for their sin!
It's gone, it's over, it's forgotten
when they let His Holy Spirit "in"
.........
IN THE DARKNESS
IN THE DARKNESS
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
In the darkness, I knelt down in prayer
to my Father, the Great I Am
Forgive me Father, I have the flesh of man
I have sinned in your holy land
In the darkness, I cried out in shame
and in the darkness, my Father came
And he spoke these words to me
"My child, you are forgiven when you forgive yourself.
You are forgiven, because you came to me,
go now, for you....have been set free"
In the darkness, I knelt down in prayer
to my Father, the Great I Am
Forgive me father, I cried out in shame
I have the flesh of man
I have sinned in your holy land
And in the darkness, my Father came
and in the darkness, I saw a light
The light of my Lord was...on me
the light of the Great I Am...my savior...was on me
"Go now, my child, you have been set free,
for you have called on me,
though you have sinned in my holy land
You are forgiven...and you are free
In the darkness, I saw a light
In the darkness, when I knelt down in prayer
to my father....the Great I Am
When I cried out in shame,
in the darkness, my Father came
My Father's light was on me...
I was now...set free
Thank you Father...
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
In the darkness, I knelt down in prayer
to my Father, the Great I Am
Forgive me Father, I have the flesh of man
I have sinned in your holy land
In the darkness, I cried out in shame
and in the darkness, my Father came
And he spoke these words to me
"My child, you are forgiven when you forgive yourself.
You are forgiven, because you came to me,
go now, for you....have been set free"
In the darkness, I knelt down in prayer
to my Father, the Great I Am
Forgive me father, I cried out in shame
I have the flesh of man
I have sinned in your holy land
And in the darkness, my Father came
and in the darkness, I saw a light
The light of my Lord was...on me
the light of the Great I Am...my savior...was on me
"Go now, my child, you have been set free,
for you have called on me,
though you have sinned in my holy land
You are forgiven...and you are free
In the darkness, I saw a light
In the darkness, when I knelt down in prayer
to my father....the Great I Am
When I cried out in shame,
in the darkness, my Father came
My Father's light was on me...
I was now...set free
Thank you Father...
FOUND
FOUND
(C)2004 Stephanie Durand
(written after visiting someone who was in rehab. in the family/group therapy sessions, i saw so many young women whose stories broke my heart. Every Sunday, the whole group was brought to church on a bus...some had never been to church, had never prayed before...i saw a "light" of hope in thier eyes and you could see that their hearts were being "softened" and they were beginning to accept and believe that with His strength, they could get better and be drug-free. One in particular, began to wear a chain with a gold cross on it to remind her everyday how near God was to her...and she was starting to accept His love even when she didn't yet love herself. She said the necklace gave her strength and she would touch it often. She still had a lot of work to do, but she had a new hope, and a stronger faith that God was with her, and as long as she stayed close to Him, she would continue to gain self-control and strength in her ability to change her life for the better. Six years later....she still wears this cross as her daily reminder and has given her children one too!)
--------------------
Oh, Father,
you found me on the side of the road
and you told me to get in.
But I was afraid to believe
that you had always been right there beside me
while I had walked "my roads"
because then I would have to live up to the things I had done
But oh, how I was hungry, and oh, how I was dirty
and oh, how I just needed a rest
You said, "Get in, my sweet, and I'll do the rest,
I'll carry your burdens, I'll carry your shame,
I'll carry you now...like I always have..
I'll clean your dirty face, I'll feed your hungry heart...
I'll listen to your woes and your fears...if only you'll just get in.
Let's ride for a while and I'll let you rest...I'll just drive and you just rest."
Oh, how I wanted to rest, and oh, how I needed a friend.
"I'm dirty, I'll get in the back," I said.
"No, my child, come lay your head by me....in case you weep,
in case you cry out in your sleep,
that's what Father's do, and I have been looking so long for you...
I found you and I'll never let you go again
if you promise to give up your sin.
I forgive all and I've loved you always!
I've longed for your love, I've missed our little talks when you were a little girl
Come rest
and we will finish the journey,
when you awake,
with it, to the world....
you will take,
My loving arms, my resting place,
my peace....and my "driving" place,
Pick them up when they are standing by the roads of hurt,
watch how they look and don't know which way to go,
Let them get in with you, and just drive for a while!
Let them rest and then tell them what you know
tell them I AM
Tell them I AM HERE
Tell them I AM NEAR
Tell them I AM....WAITING....to give them peace
and all good things
Tell them Who I AM
(C)2004 Stephanie Durand
(written after visiting someone who was in rehab. in the family/group therapy sessions, i saw so many young women whose stories broke my heart. Every Sunday, the whole group was brought to church on a bus...some had never been to church, had never prayed before...i saw a "light" of hope in thier eyes and you could see that their hearts were being "softened" and they were beginning to accept and believe that with His strength, they could get better and be drug-free. One in particular, began to wear a chain with a gold cross on it to remind her everyday how near God was to her...and she was starting to accept His love even when she didn't yet love herself. She said the necklace gave her strength and she would touch it often. She still had a lot of work to do, but she had a new hope, and a stronger faith that God was with her, and as long as she stayed close to Him, she would continue to gain self-control and strength in her ability to change her life for the better. Six years later....she still wears this cross as her daily reminder and has given her children one too!)
--------------------
Oh, Father,
you found me on the side of the road
and you told me to get in.
But I was afraid to believe
that you had always been right there beside me
while I had walked "my roads"
because then I would have to live up to the things I had done
But oh, how I was hungry, and oh, how I was dirty
and oh, how I just needed a rest
You said, "Get in, my sweet, and I'll do the rest,
I'll carry your burdens, I'll carry your shame,
I'll carry you now...like I always have..
I'll clean your dirty face, I'll feed your hungry heart...
I'll listen to your woes and your fears...if only you'll just get in.
Let's ride for a while and I'll let you rest...I'll just drive and you just rest."
Oh, how I wanted to rest, and oh, how I needed a friend.
"I'm dirty, I'll get in the back," I said.
"No, my child, come lay your head by me....in case you weep,
in case you cry out in your sleep,
that's what Father's do, and I have been looking so long for you...
I found you and I'll never let you go again
if you promise to give up your sin.
I forgive all and I've loved you always!
I've longed for your love, I've missed our little talks when you were a little girl
Come rest
and we will finish the journey,
when you awake,
with it, to the world....
you will take,
My loving arms, my resting place,
my peace....and my "driving" place,
Pick them up when they are standing by the roads of hurt,
watch how they look and don't know which way to go,
Let them get in with you, and just drive for a while!
Let them rest and then tell them what you know
tell them I AM
Tell them I AM HERE
Tell them I AM NEAR
Tell them I AM....WAITING....to give them peace
and all good things
Tell them Who I AM
TATTERED SHOES
TATTERED SHOES
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Whose tattered shoes have you walked in today
has it been your own
Whose homeless shelter have you visited today
has it been your own
Have you left behind your heart and soul
reaching for your dreams
Have you left behind your loved ones
reaching for your stars
How much longer will this road be...that you travel
How much longer before you stop...and look around
How will you handle thier lost love for you
How will you feel when they do it to you
Whose tattered shoes have you walked in today
Whose heart have you led astray
Perhaps it may be your own
Have you not given your children...a home to call home
in your hurried and business-like life
Have you forgotten the gifts from above
stay for such a short time
Have you helped them to fly
when their wings are ready to soar
Will they return, and come home to momma's door
The pace of your journey can slow you down
The pace of your life can wreak havoc on those all around
Choose your streets carefully...
choose your love carefully
Don't be led astray by the choices of this world
for they can never bring you peace
hold on to what is true and yours
For God's gifts to you....you looked at in awe
and swaddled them when they arrived safe in this world
Don't run through this thing called life
Don't miss the moments of the early dawn
Don't miss your chance...to be the mom you were chosen to be
Dance with the little ones, Play with their dirty hands
Help them find peace and joy on this earth
while you can
Close your doors to lies of success and fame
and tell them why Jesus came
Then reach for your stars after you've reached the mountain
The stars will be right there, for you to grab
So, slow down, let go, and adjust your mind
to the peace of His road
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Whose tattered shoes have you walked in today
has it been your own
Whose homeless shelter have you visited today
has it been your own
Have you left behind your heart and soul
reaching for your dreams
Have you left behind your loved ones
reaching for your stars
How much longer will this road be...that you travel
How much longer before you stop...and look around
How will you handle thier lost love for you
How will you feel when they do it to you
Whose tattered shoes have you walked in today
Whose heart have you led astray
Perhaps it may be your own
Have you not given your children...a home to call home
in your hurried and business-like life
Have you forgotten the gifts from above
stay for such a short time
Have you helped them to fly
when their wings are ready to soar
Will they return, and come home to momma's door
The pace of your journey can slow you down
The pace of your life can wreak havoc on those all around
Choose your streets carefully...
choose your love carefully
Don't be led astray by the choices of this world
for they can never bring you peace
hold on to what is true and yours
For God's gifts to you....you looked at in awe
and swaddled them when they arrived safe in this world
Don't run through this thing called life
Don't miss the moments of the early dawn
Don't miss your chance...to be the mom you were chosen to be
Dance with the little ones, Play with their dirty hands
Help them find peace and joy on this earth
while you can
Close your doors to lies of success and fame
and tell them why Jesus came
Then reach for your stars after you've reached the mountain
The stars will be right there, for you to grab
So, slow down, let go, and adjust your mind
to the peace of His road
REACH OUT
REACH OUT
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Reach out
Reach out...for what is yours
Kneel down...kneel down and pray
to your Lord
then reach out...reach out
for what is yours...in this life
Embrace what is yours
embrace the love around you
We all have eagles to ride
But your eyes have to be open
Your eyes have to be open
to your Lord
Soar above your troubles
like the wind
Kneel down and pray
Tommorrow will be...a brighter day
Reach out...jump high
and fly high
We all have eagles to ride
Pray for what is yours
And then...jump up...and fly high
Kneel down...pray
to your Lord
Then mount your eagle and fly....
For what is right
in your life
and for your Lord
(c)2003 Stephanie Durand
Reach out
Reach out...for what is yours
Kneel down...kneel down and pray
to your Lord
then reach out...reach out
for what is yours...in this life
Embrace what is yours
embrace the love around you
We all have eagles to ride
But your eyes have to be open
Your eyes have to be open
to your Lord
Soar above your troubles
like the wind
Kneel down and pray
Tommorrow will be...a brighter day
Reach out...jump high
and fly high
We all have eagles to ride
Pray for what is yours
And then...jump up...and fly high
Kneel down...pray
to your Lord
Then mount your eagle and fly....
For what is right
in your life
and for your Lord
OH, MY SON
OH, MY SON....come home
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
This was written when my friend's friend's son was in prison awaiting trial. I did not know him, but he and his parents were in my thoughts and prayers.
Man, my son...just look what you've done
your mother...you shamed
your father...you blamed
my son...what now
are you ready to come to me
are your knees weak
you've shunned my love...
you've shunned my face
you've used my name..
in disgrace
man, my son
how i've longed for you
to call on me
i saw you drowning in your sin,
you see
But you never thought about me
you thought I wasn't here
you thought I didn't care
but my heart bled...like my son's
for you..
my arms HURT from holding them out so long
to you...
but I never gave up
because...
i love you
so much
can you feel my love
can you feel my love
now
stay down
and look up at me
believe me, i have seen your tears
believe me, when i say i have cried with you
i have bled with you...i have FALLEN with you
just to pick you up
just to lift you up
just to have you home with me again
come home my son
please don't shun my call
don't leave me standing here like this
waiting.....i love you
i love you
i love you
Love, Your Father
(c) 2004 Stephanie Durand
This was written when my friend's friend's son was in prison awaiting trial. I did not know him, but he and his parents were in my thoughts and prayers.
Man, my son...just look what you've done
your mother...you shamed
your father...you blamed
my son...what now
are you ready to come to me
are your knees weak
you've shunned my love...
you've shunned my face
you've used my name..
in disgrace
man, my son
how i've longed for you
to call on me
i saw you drowning in your sin,
you see
But you never thought about me
you thought I wasn't here
you thought I didn't care
but my heart bled...like my son's
for you..
my arms HURT from holding them out so long
to you...
but I never gave up
because...
i love you
so much
can you feel my love
can you feel my love
now
stay down
and look up at me
believe me, i have seen your tears
believe me, when i say i have cried with you
i have bled with you...i have FALLEN with you
just to pick you up
just to lift you up
just to have you home with me again
come home my son
please don't shun my call
don't leave me standing here like this
waiting.....i love you
i love you
i love you
Love, Your Father
JESUS CAME TO SAVE
JESUS CAME TO SAVE
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Jesus came to save
at whatever the cost
He came to save
the lonely, the scared,
all the sheep that are lost
The weak and the shameful
Those living in sin
The hurt, the scorned, the blameful,
all of God's children
His light he did leave,
for those who choose to believe
Those that have lost all
and for those who grieve
A beakon in a storm
when all the world is rockin
Listen very carefully
and you will hear him knockin
Break the chains
and open the door wide
for the Lord will come rushing
when he hears your cry
You will feel God's forgiveness
his love and his grace,
and he will wipe every tear
that falls from your face
He will comfort your soul,
and ease your fears
for in his hands,
he holds ALL of your tears
(c)2004 Stephanie Durand
Jesus came to save
at whatever the cost
He came to save
the lonely, the scared,
all the sheep that are lost
The weak and the shameful
Those living in sin
The hurt, the scorned, the blameful,
all of God's children
His light he did leave,
for those who choose to believe
Those that have lost all
and for those who grieve
A beakon in a storm
when all the world is rockin
Listen very carefully
and you will hear him knockin
Break the chains
and open the door wide
for the Lord will come rushing
when he hears your cry
You will feel God's forgiveness
his love and his grace,
and he will wipe every tear
that falls from your face
He will comfort your soul,
and ease your fears
for in his hands,
he holds ALL of your tears
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