Shout it out Loud!
 

My Shepherd guides my path and lovingly shows me the way.
My Shepherd is the love of my life and I proclaim it to the world this day.
I want to shout it from the rooftops and proclaim it to the world with pride!
That Jesus is my Saviour and the one true love of my life.

 Joseph Allen Provencial

I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but
for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped
child whole.
God said, No.
Her spirit was whole, her body was
only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of
tribulations; it isn`t granted,it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from
worldly cares and
brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I
will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that might make me enjoy life
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you
may enjoy all things
I ask God to help me LOVE others,
as much as he loves
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have
the idea.
  -Anonymous

What Lies Beyond the Great Big Sky
 

What lies beyond the great big sky
What lies beyond my eyes dismayed
What future will tomorrow bring
will bluebirds fly and angels sing
or devils rejoice in heathen glee
upon the midnight sky I glare
here torn apart by life... I'm bare
void of all hope and earthly riches I stand alone
through life's harsh drenches
make my way across thick muddy rivers
and splash my face with long laid clutter
of life's rocky roads and constant struggles
here all alone no one to guide me
here all alone I am not frightened
for through it all, through all life's glory
through deathless trials and constant struggles
and enlightened roads of joyful gifts
there's only one constant who has stood by side
who's guided me through, all my fears He's wiped
washed endless tears into bright blue skies
There's only one name I can call and praise
who's brought me out of heartaches lained
My Lord to you I surrender all
My lord, my strength, my glorious Saviour
I love you Lord more than I can say
I love you more than my heart can hold
I love you more than sweet refrains,
Gratitude untold, My Lord to you I surrender all
I love you Lord, your name I praise
For through all eternity may your name ring
For may all rejoice and your praises sing!

~~ Sonia R. ~~
Copyrighted 1999

GOD, ARE YOU THERE?

I'm way down here!
You're way up there!
Are You sure You can hear me
My faint, faltering prayer?

I come every day
Just to talk to You, God.
You make me feel welcome,
You reach out Your hand,
I need never explain
For You understand.

I come to You frightened
And burdened with care
So lonely and lost
And so filled with despair.

And suddenly, Lord,
I'm no longer afraid,
My burden is lighter
And the dark shadows fade.

Oh, God, what a comfort
To know that You care
And to know when I seek You
You will always be there!

-- Submitted by Carol Merolla from Johnston, Rhode Island
e-mail: [email protected]