The Gentle Way of Love
February 18, 2015
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Light in the darkness
Peace in the midst of the storm
Joy larger than circumstance
Hope impossible
For those who believe in love
Death will have no hold on us
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Love demonstrated
A life well lived speaks loudest
I have decided
Today I will choose to trust
My heart, soul and mind in HIm
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I will name the enemy
The lie handed down to me
The empty dark way
My mother and father lived
And lost what really mattered
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You are who they lost
Without love at the center
Everything breaks down
Religion; psycho-babble
Are built on the empty way
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Love’s the foundation
Peace is the gift that’s given
Work of the Spirit
Modeled in one man who loved
Courageous, gentle and kind
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You’re loved by God
The master truth of God comes
To those seeking truth
Who have the courage to stand
Who believe they are worth it
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After winter spring will come
After death you will be raised
One came to overcome death
And give life to all
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Darkness called me to seek light
Pain called me to seek healing
Through failure came forgiveness
Love came through a man
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David, King of Israel stated: “Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” Psalm 108:12
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“Delta Blues From Darkness to LIght” is available at Amazon/Kindle for $0.99 cents.
http://www.coachinglifematters.com/delta-blues.html
Be Still
February 16, 2015
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No one can imagine this
God is closer than your blood
Be still and know “I AM God”
Your friend and Savior
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The trouble looms large
The enemy is within
God knows and always will come
When we trust his love
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Death cannot conquer
Circumstances will not rule
Love comes when we trust
When I see me through God’s eyes
With compassion and mercy
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Reflections come after reading Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106 and 136. Plus Proverbs 16 and the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young.
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I learned to read the Psalms and Proverbs daily for my life from my mother in the faith “Mama Sherrill Lynn,” God’s treasured gift from God to me and so many.
A Focused Love
February 13, 2015
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Each day brings trouble
Tragedy is around us
Suffering overwhelms us
Where can we find peace
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My soul languishes
Fear and anxiety rule
Where can I find rest
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I stand amazed when love comes
Light springs up in the darkness
Hope born in desperation
Our God hears our cry
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Looking back I see
When I trusted God He came
Lifted the burden
Opened my eyes to see love
My greatest work is “Believe”
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I’ll hope against hope
I’ve been given a reason
I’ll focus and understand
God became a man
Human in every way
He chose to suffer the pain
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A personal gift
An intimate love given
Each person is known
Beloved, seen, heard and treasured
This is the heart of God known
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Death cannot destroy
Joy sits above circumstance
The presence of love
In the life of everyone
Can be seen by looking back
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Open our eyes, Lord
To see things that matter
Let gentleness rule
The way that we treat ourselves
And the way we treat others
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Your unfailing love
Was demonstrated so well
In the life of your Son
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No matter what the trouble I may face each day, I get to choose who sits at the center of my soul. With all the noise of the human tragedy around me my heart is drawn to one voice. It is the voice of love I will focus on today. That love is bigger than my circumstance. It is bigger than death. That love is worth dying for. That love will enhance every person I meet today. This love guarantees permanent, constant and continual growth. It is testable! I could be right! These reflections come out of meditating on the Psalms. All the best!
A Lifetime
December 30, 2014
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What lasts a lifetime
Something that will never end
It is God’s favor
He brought me up from the grave
And spared my life from the pit
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Anger is short lived
Weeping may last for a night
Rejoicing comes in the morning
Because God is near
Lifted me out of the depths
And he made my life secure
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When I feel secure
I realize this one thing
A love much larger than me
Establishes life
Gives me the impossible
Anchors my soul in the truth
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My wailing turned to dancing
My cry for mercy came true
I’m lifted out of the pit
Favored and Beloved
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I give you thanks forever
One day at a time I come
My eyes and heart are open
My mind is captured
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Healing always comes
It is God’s precious gifting
To those who believe
Accept His gentle favor
Sit quietly and be loved
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Dark times drive me to the light
A surprising thing takes place
When I’m honestly looking
My soul is refreshed
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These are my reflections from Psalm 30 looking back over these short seventy-two years. The dark times have driven me to light. Oswald Chambers is full of insights into this secret in his book “My Utmost for His Highest.” All the best to us all as we begin this new year. We are all favored.
Battles in the Secret Place
December 27, 2013
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“Our battles are won and lost in the secret places of our will in God’s presence, never in full view of the world….Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point–a great crossroads in our life. From that point we either go toward a more and more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest–our best for His glory.” Oswald Chambers – My Utmost for His Highest
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I’ll walk in the light
The first thing I’ll do is sit
In the secret place
One minute, ten or twenty
Alone contemplating love
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How I interpret the facts
Will determine directions
Wisdom is needed the most
We are subjective
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And who defines love
My lived experience speaks
That’s my decision
This is subjective, I know
One life captures my soul
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Some things are true regardless
The sun rising and setting
The seasons will come and go
Death is a sure thing
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Who speaks to the death
What about the injustice
I will make a decision
Consider the facts
Interpret them in some way
I’m responsible for that
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“Since ancient time no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4
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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus – John 15:5
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“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” David – Psalm 36:9
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Delta Blues From Darkness to Light speaks to inward battle in the secret place – my new book available now at www.coachinglifematters.com
Friends in Flight
July 4, 2013
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We are friends in flight
We’ll follow the lead pilot
Our gaze riveted
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Our mission is clear
Being empowered by love
Filled with compassion
Flying in tight formation
We enter with confidence
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With the speed of light
We penetrate the darkness
With hope and real joy
In the midst of suffering
We break the pain barrier
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Our Lead models how
He shows us how to be real
This kingdom treasure
Has awakened me to joy
I choose to sell all to find
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Courage needed now
In radical discipline
Encouraged by this love
To move with real faith
Beside wisdom in the darkness
Showing trust in his Presence
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Freedom for the prisoners
Sight for those who are blinded
Good news for those who are poor
Release the oppressed
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He will lead us in
To accomplish His mission
Light penetrating darkness
Healing the soul inside out
Available to all who come
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This writing is dedicated to Larry Malone, retired Navy Captain who flew a A-6 Intruder off the USS Enterprise during the Viet Nam War. Larry models for me the healing process of a deep soul wound. He along with many gave himself to war for our country. He came out with a deep soul wound as result of the “death transactions” he was called to participate in as a young man. They equipped him to fight but he was not equipped to deal with the internal wound that he came out with. His story tells the healing process through the years.
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He is now a “friend in flight.” We fly as wingmen to the Jesus our lead pilot. On this day when people of this nation celebrate the freedom, I honor Larry and so many who gave their lives courageously. Larry returned to fight a different war, a war of the soul. He now is fighting for the young men and women who experienced this deep “soul wound” he understands.
Thank you, Larry, my friend in flight.
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My friend Genma also highlighted Larry on her blog and radio show:
http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/07/vietnam-navy-pilot-larry-malone-on.html
A pinhole of light
June 16, 2013
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A “pinhole of light”
Comes in the deepest darkness
Hope found me waiting There’s a room of loss
In the heart of everyone
I go to the pain
http://www.coachinglifematters.org/delta-blues.html
Comes in the deepest darkness
Hope found me waiting There’s a room of loss
In the heart of everyone
I go to the pain
Death cannot hold me
I am not afraid to live
A gift I receive
Joy is to my soul
What blood is to my body
This belief I hold
A certain unseen
Available to each one
Unspeakable love
Everyone has an amazing story. I believe each person is being pursued by inexpressible love. Make time to reflect. I am indebted beyond words to so many who have made that love real to me by the way they live. These things, along with my personal story, are discussed in my book “Delta Blues – Darkness to Life”. It will be available in the fall. The introduction to my book is on my new web site:
http://www.coachinglifematters.org/delta-blues.html
Thank you, Landon Saunders for this deep true heart felt line I heard you speak 16 years ago: “Joy is to your soul what blood is to your body.” Thank you, Paul, for what you said from prison about not fixing our eyes on what is seen and but on what is unseen because what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. Thank you, Sarah Young for sharing your interpretation of Jesus’ invitation,”When you approach me in stillness and trust, you are strengthened.” Thank you Rebecca Greer for your words, “pinhole of light.” Your story inspires me beyond words. Joy is my lived experience!
Bill Frey – A Gift
March 4, 2012
A friend is a gift
He was always glad to see me
No expectations
No plans for my improvement
Rejoicing in our friendship
With light in his eyes
Giving joy and acceptance
Generous and kind
Special history
So many loved him dearly
A giver not a taker
A wise man who knows
What matters most in this life
The value of a person
I watched him live it
First Bunny, his beloved
Melissa, his child
His friends he made feel special
Those who worked with him honored
Compassionate and faithful
A true man who sought the best
Loved to laugh and take pleasure
All in his presence
I have some regrets
I did not avail myself
Of more moments of his friendship
But one thing I know
We both shared a deep bonding
That is eternal and real
One promise he knew
Death would not be the winner
Love was much greater
Defined by the Christ who died
Who rose victoriously
He was not afraid
Bunny was there to comfort
Missy held him close
A sacred moment for them
As in peace he breathed his last
This tender moment for them
Will always be in my mind
Bunny on his chest whispered
“I love you and it’s O.K.
You can let go and go home”
February twenty ninth
His dad, Carl, died on that day
He knew that this was the day
He was not afraid
We all hated this process
The angels were all around
Bill was covered with God’s love
Surrounded by his dear friends
Held close by his beloved
Angels attending
Terry S. Smith
March 1, 2012
The Psalms I was meditating on as I wrote these thoughts were: Psalm 4; 34; 91; 103; 119:50 and John 11.
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Radiant Love
May 7, 2011
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I was desperate
Lonely and afraid of death
Death is when no one sees you
Acknowledges you
Will look at you with kind eyes
Or speak your name with great love
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I began to seek
The terror began to leave
I tasted freedom
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My friends were fading away
I felt loneliness coming
This poor man called out for help
The Lord heard my cry
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He rescued me from distress
Looking back I see angels
Attending in the darkness
I found sweet refuge
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I tasted something
A mystery I explored
I found love seeking
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A radiant love
Touched the core of my being
And introduced me to joy
I come in silence
I awake each day seeking
In awe and hungry to know
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Joy’s at the center
Love is what’s radiated
Peace is the result
Hope for the future is certain
Desire for the truth drives me
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Fifty years of seeking
Sixty-nine years of living
One thing I know to be true
God loves all people
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© Terry S. Smith
May 7, 2011
Reflections written after meditating on Psalms 31-34.
Hope
April 23, 2011
To read the true story this poem is based on click here.
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Mary and Martha
Their hope did not come
When they wanted Him to come
They were grieving and broken
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Jesus disappointed them
He did not come when they called
He did come with a surprise
With power and love
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He came to them right on time
To teach them new things of God
They knew He was their good friend
They knew He was God
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“Your brother will rise to life”
His presence revealed this truth
He wept when He saw Mary
He knew her name well
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Yes, He knows your name
He also weeps for you now
He knows your story and your grief
He is here for you
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He asked for Mary
She heard Martha whispering
“The teacher is calling you”
To come and see Him
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He is calling you
Do you hear His whispering
His voice can be heard
Use both heart and mind
And focus on His story
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Dedicated to our special family friend Michelle.
First posted on my daughter Sara’s blog “A Spacious Place”.
past wounds
April 9, 2011
Sue was my girlfriend
From the ninth grade to college
She was a princess
She lived in a huge mansion
Her chauffeur drove her to school
In her blue convertible
His name was “Shorty”
Life looked good on the outside
Sue was the oldest of five
Her father I rarely saw
Her mother stayed near
She was beautiful
But her world was sad as mine
Although hers appeared the best
Money hid the tragedy
It hid all of the emptiness
Suicide was the result
I thought we lived in two worlds
But later I saw the truth
We came from the same sad world
Relationships dark
We met in our woundedness
She was very kind to me
Our hearts were breaking with grief
With no words to speak
At eighteen we parted ways
Trying to hang on to love
She went to the Ivy League
I went to Ole Miss
Our letters were sweet
Our voices became distant
We could not sustain our love
It was not enough
My life fell apart
Despair became a doorway
Sue’s dad died by his own hand
We were both empty
My search led me to seek life
Her search led her to despair
Her depression led to her death
Sadness and grief crushed us all
Money could not fix the pain
Our hearts were broken
©Terry S. Smith First posted February 20, 2010
In memory of Sue, who died by suicide at age twenty-six.
Extravagant love
August 31, 2010
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My voice is silenced
With this massive loss of Liz
I have no language
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I need words of hope
I’m searching for the voices
That will speak the truth
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Liz LaVelle’s life speaks!
She is God’s voice to us today
Her life rings out with passion!
Spontaneous joy!
Our hearts are grieved beyond words
Comfort those nearest and dear
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One voice comes with Power
One voice speaks to death’s darkness
One voice with authority
“You will never die!”
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Today we don’t grieve for Liz,
We grieve for us, our great loss
She lives, we’ll see her again
How do we go on now?
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We draw near to You
You have sought us and found us
Broken and seeking
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There is one who comes
I cannot explain this love
It’s bigger than death
The words of Jesus bring life
Breathe hope into my spirit
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To Liz’s precious family:
You will see Liz face to face
Jesus keeps His promises
Let him comfort you
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To Liz’s friends:
Let Liz’s life be remembered
Let her voice be heard by all
God is real…and He loves you!
His love is extreme
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Christ lives in the human heart
Little children saw God’s face
As Liz loved, touched, and cherished
She saw the children
God’s gentleness calls
All of us to stop and think,
What really matters?
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Liz knew what mattered
Her cup was full of His joy
Her life invites us
To arise and say, “thank you”
Love God, and one another
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Liz’s word to all of us:
Do not weep for me
I cannot come to you now,
You can come to me
Let God’s Spirit comfort you
Draw near each day to His heart
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Extravagant love
He always keeps His promise
Please accept this treasured gift
Then give it away
Joy comes in obeying Him
Love each other as God loves
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Please see the children
The ones who’ve been abandoned
God is here to comfort you
Raise you up in love
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Terry S. Smith
August 31, 2010
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Free
February 23, 2010
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I’m given to gluttony
I wish it were not so true
It has affected my health
Food is for fuel
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When you sit to dine
Note well what is before you
Is it what you need
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Don’t wear yourself out searching
To get rich with this earth’s goods
They fly off like the eagle
False security
I’ll seek instruction
Looking for words of knowledge
About how to live
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The truth sets you free
Wisdom and understanding
Come with discipline
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Precious in the sight of God
Is the death of His dear ones*
I want to be your servant
Precious in your eyes
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You have freed me from my chains
From pride, lust, greed, and despair
Your love embraced me in these
I am filled with joy
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I’m thankful today
To be alive and aware
Of who gives me life
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The Lord is with me
I will never be afraid
Of what man can do to me
My God is loving
I found him running to me
In quiet I can see him
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© Terry S. Smith
February 23, 2010
*based on Psalm 116:5
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Everyone has a story
September 14, 2009
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It’s hard to change your thinking
When you are so sure you know
Look at your life with wisdom
Ask, “Is it working?”
Answer honestly
Be aware that death is real
It’s universal
Death deserves a good answer
One we must not be afraid
To consider all options
We only die once
Looking at my death
I found a window of hope
I have been surprised by life
I’m willing to share
With those who might just wonder
What information I have
Don’t assume you know
This is about life within
Be still and listen
Everyone has a story
I’ve learned something from each one
Thousands I have heard
You need someone to hear
How you travel in this life
Find someone who will listen
Who’s honest and cares
© Terry S. Smith
written June 20, 2009
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Let love renew you
July 13, 2009
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There is a rhythm of God
That runs deep from the inside
Come in and sit down with love
Let love renew you
The internal mystery
Must be developed by you
It’s a training you must decide
I’ve found the wellspring
Your vision is important
Decide where you are going
Make your plans with intention
Then be rigorous
My reason for discipline
Has captured my entire soul
I choose to awake with it
Deep love will rule me
Circumstances will not rule me
I will have no fear of death
I know what I am living for
Secure in His love
written October 13, 2008
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Your Story Matters 