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| REDEEMING THE TIME My life's too short to waste my time reliving past mistakes, Remembering the times I've failed--my sorrows and heartaches, I trust I won't forget my Savior died so I might live, And since He has forgiven me, I must myself forgive. I haven't time to spend my days in selfishness and pride, My focus only on myself, with others shut outside, While pushing hard to get ahead, with kindness seldom shown, And rarely stopping to give thanks for blessings I have known. I can't afford to hold a grudge against a one-time friend, And not do all within my power the lack of love to end, I want to live in harmony, in fellowship and peace, So bitterness, and spiteful words, and hurtful deeds will cease. And when the Lord shall call me home at setting of the sun, I hope that I won't feel regret for things I've left undone. But that I'll treat the ones I love with patient courtesy, And try to show, by word and deed, how much they mean to me. When others hurt, I want to help with diligence and grace, And do my very best to make the world a better place. For each day is a gift that has been given from above, And anything is possible when hearts are full of love. � by Betty Jo Mings http://www.bettyjomings.truepath.com Betty Jo lives in Garden Grove, California, with Rowland, her husband of over 50 years. She has three children and six grandchildren who all love the Lord. She started writing poems as a child, about the same time she received God's gift of eternal life. She has had countless poems and articles published in books, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and anthologies. Her writings are also available on her personal Website at http://www.bettyjomings.truepath.com A book of her poems titled "Poems For The Common Man" has just been released. To order call toll-free 1-888-280-7715 or visit www.1stbooks.com, www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com. If you would like an autographed copy please contact Betty Jo at Email address - [email protected] This is included on my site with the author's permission. Terms of use: each selected writing is to be used in its entirety (correction for grammatical errors accepted), with credits in tact, for non-profit purposes. For any other use, please contact me or the author. Also, please let me or the author know as you publish her writings. It is a blessing to know that one's labor of love is not in vain, that writings are being used ~ where they can help make a difference. |