UNDERSTANDING
Father, dear Father, I'm hurting within,
I just didn't realise it's easy to sin.
But I know if I tell You the things I have done
You'll grant me forgiveness through Jesus, Your Son.
Yesterday morning while out for a walk,
I passed by a stranger who wanted to talk.
An old man was lying curled up on a seat,
His clothes were in tatters, no shoes on his feet.
But I looked at my watch and went on my way,
No chance of stopping at that time of day.
Yesterday evening, I took out a book,
Settled down in my chair, took the 'phone off the hook.
The story was gripping so I chose to ignore....
The sharp sound of knocking on the front door.
Whoever it was went on their way
But I couldn't forget at the end of the day.
And now I can see it's not just what I do,
But the things I leave undone that matter to You.
When people are hurting, help me to see
That sometimes the answer will have to be me!
Barbara M Sturges
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A bit of artistic license but couldn't resist this for my Salvationist slimmers 😂
JANUARY REGRETS
Was the month after Christmas and when I looked through the house,
no uniform would fit me, not even the blouse.
The stuffing I'd nibbled, the turkey I'd taste,
the yummies I'd eaten gone straight to my waist.
The schloer and the mince pies, the bread and the cheese.....
I should have just said, "no thank you, please." ...
So as I dressed Sunday in my army shirt,
I couldn't believe my bottom and belly - the.................. gi......rth!
I said to myself, as only I can,
"you can't spend the year out of uniform Oh man!"
So away with the last of the sour-cream dip,
get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
'til all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie, not even a lick,
instead I'll chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have ice cream, or chocolates, or pie.....
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry:
"I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore -
but isn't that what January's for?"
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot,
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
Marie Mears
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TWENTY-TWENTY!
March twenty, twenty.......lockdown time,
The first few weeks were so sublime!
No work, no school - a time to rest,
Those carefree days were some of the best,
Time for walks and time for play,
Time to share what we wanted to say.
Quizzes and jigsaws, cooking and baking,
Loads of people their diets forsaking!
There were numerous 'phone calls to those felt abandoned,
To those who were grieving, whose hearts had been saddened!
Also, moments of joy with a special ceremony...
When two hearts were joined in blest matrimony!
Many lessons were learned during difficult days...
But, through it all, we've continued to praise!
Thankful for family and dear Christian friends,
Time to reflect and, perhaps, make amends?
But, one thing's for sure, our Lord has been there,
Filling our souls with His love and His care.
So, no matter whatever future days bring,
In our hearts let us trust, and continue to sing......
Of Him who has held us when times have been stormy,
Let's go forward and serve in our Lord's Droitwich Army!
Margaret Green, September 2020
