Jesus, I don’t know you…I am Timothy…we’ve never met,
But I go to church each Sunday with my mom, and dad, and cousin Chet,
I learnt you died, and so I cried…why did you have to die?
Mom and dad told me it’s a good thing, and I should still love you inside.
I’m sure it hurt when the soldiers hit you…if it was me, I would have cried,
But the teacher told me you did this so that everyone else could be alright.
I love you Jesus…thank you… sorry you died, and I’ll try not to cry,
Because I also learned that you beat death and now you are alive!

Dear God, hello, it’s Kathy here, I’m sorry to bother you,
I know you’re very busy, but I’m sad and don’t know what to do,
I miss my brother Harry…he died when he fell off his motorbike,
I try to be smiley for mom and dad, but cry myself to sleep at night.
The only thing that makes me happy, is knowing Harry’s safe with you,
And I’m sure he won’t be lonely, coz my Granny’s up in Heaven too.
Please hug me when I cry, God, help me feel that things will be okay,
I know that Jesus died too, so you understand my pain today.

Hi God, I am Roberto…but I guess you already know it’s me!
I’m praying coz I’m asking if you’d look after old Grandpa Giuseppe?
He’s muddled and confused, Lord…mummy says he has a poorly brain,
And he didn’t recognise us when we went to visit him today.
He doesn’t joke with me these days, and doesn’t even know his name,
But mummy says YOU know him still and love and care for him the same.
So, thank you God, for keeping Grandpa close, and please hold his hand tight,
And please keep bad thoughts and dreams far away from him in bed tonight.

Dear Lord, I’m sorry…I’ve been bad today and I know you call that “sin”,
But in Sunday school we have been taught that Jesus forgives everything,
So, I hope you hear my prayer, Lord…oh, it’s Angela here, I’m only eleven,
But want you to think good of me as I really want to get to Heaven.
Nanna says “Don’t worry” for you love me and you understand,
And all of us do naughty things sometimes, even my mom and dad!
So, thank you God for not staying cross when we do wrong and upset you,
And thank you, Jesus, for loving us, and please know that I love you too.

Almighty God, Nikita here, please help me to be strong and brave,
For we have got to leave our home and live with family far away,
The tanks and bombs are scary since the Russians came to start a war,
Now Ukraine’s not a safe place and my school and shops are here no more.
We have to pack a few things…just what we can carry on the train,
We’re moving now to Poland, but my dad and uncle have to stay
To fight the nasty soldiers, and I’ll miss them and I’ll miss my friends,
At least I have a friend in YOU, and I know that your grace has no end.

Lord, it’s Mathew, and I cannot lie…I’m losing faith in you tonight,
I’m only thirteen and live a life, where I must keep our house upright,
Mom is never home, and when she is, is usually out cold on the floor,
It’s up to me to feed my young brother Joesph, tuck him into bed and lock the door.
Why doesn’t mother love us? For she tells us to love each other to honour you,
But treats us both like burdens, and her own life like it is through.
I am not complaining Lord, just asking for your grace,
To help a young boy to be strong enough to show Joseph that your world is a special place.

Lord, Sophia here, I’m miserable, angry…hurt…life’s ripping at the seams,
Every time I am at school and “The Popular” girls target and bully me.
Why…Because I’m not pretty? Because I’m smart? Because I’m not like them? Lord, I wouldn’t want to be, I do not hate the same as them.
But it comes home from school with me…all of the hurt, the pain, the shame, That’s why I sit here with you and my Bible, praying in Jesus’s name.
For HIS love will ease my suffering, tend my wounds and ease the burn,
Through you I learn to love myself, and to love all others in return.

God? Jesus? I don’t know just where and how I’m supposed to pray,
I’m tired of this dark gang life, but it’s always been this way,
Caesar here, dear Lord, been on the streets since I have breathed in air,
Been fighting, lying, car-jacking, owned this bad world without a care.
But the bullets are flying faster now, and getting harder to weave around,
I need something to fill this hole in me, that through true tragedy I have found.
So, I want to trade this street blood, for living water, coz my soul feels lost,
I hope you will accept me, Lord, for I’m on my knees, cowering at your cross.

Dear Holy Father, it’s Jonathon, and I’m feeling rather sad,
Because everyone at school says that my clothes are lame and I smell bad,
It’s not my fault, it’s coz we’re poor, and can’t afford most toiletries,
New outfits, or to eat right, and we use the food bank every Wednesday.
The Bible says we shouldn’t covet…but Lord it’s so hard not to do,
Please help me understand your ways and help me to feel not so blue.
Help me to do well at school, so then when I do graduate,
I’ll get a well-paid job so then MY kids won’t know this poverty state.

Hello Lord…it’s Kofi here…I don’t know what to do about this –
I’m made to do all kinds of wrong to fit in with the other kids.
I know you see me shoplift, Lord, and bully money from younger girls,
I feel bad, but I need some friends…oh, my head hurts where it’s in a whirl.
I know you tell us not to steal, and treat others with kindness and care,
But I find it difficult to say no when the older kids give me a dare.
I feel unhappy inside, Lord, please guide me, show me what to do,
Coz though I’m scared of losing friends, I’m much more scared of losing you.

Athena here, Dear Father God…I know you’re busy with the world,
I know I don’t know much yet, for I’m only a ten-year-old young girl,
But I know my Auntie’s not well…she has cancer – a big lump in her brain,
I don’t know any more than this, but she’s very poorly mummy says.
Auntie’s in the hospital, and ‘though it seems a real nice place,
She’s feeling very upset, Lord…please touch her with your love and grace.
I think she’s cross with you, Lord, for she doesn’t understand this pain,
Please make her better, coz I think it’ll make her love you once again.

Dear God, I’m so excited! Elona here and I think that I might burst!
For mummy’s had the baby…just what I wanted, it’s another girl!
Her skin is soft and squidgy, and I love her tiny ears and nose,
She wriggles and she squeaks cute and has lovely little wrinkly toes!
I can’t wait when she’s older, so then we can both play and run around,
Walk to big school together and go on the swings and slide at the park’s playground.
So, I wanted to just thank you, God, for making my sister so perfectly,
And thank you too that mum’s ok and thank you for making us so happy.

Dear Lord, it’s Benjamin here again…I’m worried about the planet,
The plastic in the oceans and coral reefs destroyed by fishing-nets,
The nasty smoke that pours out from the factories’ giant chimneys,
The forests that are cut down and ice-sheets that melt into the sea.
I see the animals suffer, Lord, the animals and plants that YOU made,
All the leaders seem to do is talk…there’s no action and so nothing’s saved.
Lord, please help humans to respect the world you lend us that you own,
And show us how to treat it proper, and make this planet a harmonious home.

God…please tell me why there’s fighting, why is there bombs and tanks and war?
Coz I don’t understand when there’s no love and what we’re fighting for.
Why don’t we all love each other, as The Bible says we should?
Why can’t we all just get along? Then I think the world could be quite good.
It’s ok if we’re different to each other, but, Lord, why can’t we share?
Why do men with guns just take things? Why are they horrid and don’t seem to care?
Is it because they don’t know you? They have no Shepherd’s voice to guide and lead?
I can do nothing, Lord…I’m too young…but I’ve faith in you…your child, Rasheed.

What does Heaven look like, God? It’s Lucy here…I’d like to know,
Are there soft clouds like marshmallows? Are there waterfalls and pretty rainbows?
Is my old hamster up there, God? I hope so, for loved her lots,
I sure hope our old cat is there…you know the ginger one called ‘Floss’?
I wonder if there’s lollipops in Heaven, for I do like those!
I wonder if we fly about with big wings, wearing long, white clothes.
I know I’ll find out one day, God, coz I love you and know you love me,
Coz I believe in Jesus, and have faith in what He did at Calvary.

Lord, it’s Meghan, sorry I’m crying, can you still understand me?
I don’t know what I did my Lord, but seems I’m breaking my family,
When I’m with them mommy and daddy are both always very sweet to me,
But when I go to my room to play, all I can do is hear them screaming.
God, I don’t know what they are so mad about, they must be fighting about me,
Maybe I don’t listen enough, work hard enough, or love them enough maybe?
I wish I could be better Lord, that’s why I’m praying to you on my knees,
So you make me a better little girl for them, so mommy and daddy stop fighting because of me.

Dear Lord, I know it’s very late, and I should really be asleep,
But I’m having lots of nightmares, and I’m scared because the shadows creep,
It’s Monique here and I don’t really want to go and wake my parents,
But am feeling rather upset and my sleepy thoughts aren’t making sense.
I’m sorry, Lord, to bother you, ‘though Grand-Mere says you never sleep,
So I know you are awake to hear me – please dry the frightened tears I weep.
If you would come and sit with me, the dark won’t scare me anymore,
Coz I feel better when you’re near…you’re my friend as well as mighty Lord.

Ummm… Hello, sorry, this is new to me, I’m ten years old and my name’s Dave,
I don’t know what I believe in, or even if I have an eternal soul to save,
My folks don’t seem to care about “A God” but a lot of my friends and their families do,
So I thought that I would find out for myself…and so here I am praying to you.
My friend Brian offered to take me to church with him…I think I’ll give it a try and go,
So I thought I should introduce myself…and yeah…sorta let you know.
Well, I guess I’ll talk more with you on Sunday, I look forward to meeting you,
It felt good to talk even right now! … remember… my name is David…and I’m new.

This is Tommy God and I’m mad at you, as mad as I can be!
The Bible, Church, My Parents, all praise and preach that you love me,
Well, I’m only a mere kid God, so would you mind explaining it to me,
How it is this preaching of “love” that you offer, brings me only misery?
Was it love that made my brother sick? Did love crash my friend into that tree?
Is it love that causes the world to war? Does love poison the air we breathe?
Where is this mystic love of yours God? Help me because I’m searching but can’t see,
I still love you Lord…no disrespect…I am just confused, frustrated, and quite angry.

Hello Father God, it’s Pedro here, I just thought you should know,
I’m praying from the hospital, instead of praying in my room at home,
My step-dad tells me not to worry, coz you are everywhere my Lord,
And that you will take care of me while I’m poorly and my tummy’s sore.
He tells me that you’ll be with me when the doctors take my appendix out,
And that you’ll watch me as I sleep, coz you love me, Lord, and there’s no doubt
That you are listening right now and are with me like my step-dad said,
I know I’m safe in your hands and hope soon I’ll be back in my own bed.

Hello Jesus, it’s Becca…guess what? I’m so excited and so, so very happy –
Mommy’s getting married today, best part is I get a brand-new daddy!
He is very nice, (and handsome), and he likes to play games and tea-time with me,
And he gave me a very important job – holding the rings for them at their wedding!
And he makes mommy so happy, and takes us to do all kinds of real fun things,
His name is Mark, but I’m gonna call him dad, cause he’ll me my new daddy,
I gotta go now Jesus…gotta put on my dress so that I can look pretty,
I will wink at you from my spot at the alter…Love you Jesus, see you at the wedding!

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should pass before I awake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”
Hola God, this is Javier, I’m sorry but I kinda don’t know what else to say!
I’m only five years old, and that’s the only way Madre has showed me how to pray,
She tells me that you love us though, and help people doing miracles and stuff,
And that each night I should talk to you, making sure to show to you my love.
(*Yawn*) … Sorry God I’m tired…so I’ll just give you some kisses and one big hug,
Oh, and Jesus, can you please stay by me and keep me safe while I’m sleeping all curled up?

Hello God, it’s Zena here, I’m feeling very blessed tonight,
My foster family are lovely, and for Christmas they’re gonna buy me a bike!
I just wanted to say thank you, for right now life’s feeling kinda nice,
But I haven’t forgotten the reason for Christmas – it’s to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
I promise that I won’t forget sweet Jesus as we eat nice food,
I’ll think of Him when we open presents and are happy in the festive mood,
I thank you, Jesus, that you came in grace to bring us love and light,
And I want to wish you a “happy birthday” with all my love and thanks tonight.

Holy Father, it’s La Shea, and I’m praying to you full of fear…
The doctors told me I’m getting worse, and what time I have left isn’t clear,
They tell me matter-of-factly, that there is nothing left that they can do,
And said it’s just a matter of weeks ‘til I leave this world and re-join you.
At first I was mad and frustrated…I’m too young! But then I felt a loving calm,
As if your Son, the mighty Jesus Christ, has been with me all along,
Now I know the journey I face is filled with light, for in you I’m never alone,
So, actually, I’m okay Lord, if it’s your will to bring me home.

What would we do if we could hear the prayers that children pray?
Would we strive to be different? Would we improve the world today?
Would we lead by good example? Would our priorities be rearranged?
Would we finally stop polluting? Would we curb the damage of climate change?
Would we start to love each other? Would we listen to what God says?
Would we learn to live in harmony? Think more ‘Jesus like’ in every way?
If we all did this together, I think the world might not go so astray,
So, will you join in with me, praying child-like to The Lord today?

Through his artistic vision, he decides to build a child,

Staring at the blank canvas, hhmmmm, “They will need a place to live”!

Hand holding strong onto the brush, His imagination breathing in.

“First I’ll give them light,” he says and paints a glorious sun,

“That’s a start,” he tells himself; creation has begun.

He separates the dark and light

And turns them into day and night,

Then makes the sky and seas and land,

All by the power of his mighty hand,

Then next, he creates vegetation,

Makes trees and plants in every nation,

Bearing leaves and fruits and seeds…

All kinds of things he knows we’ll need.

He makes the moon to light the dark,

He forms and names each starry spark,

Barely pausing now to catch a breath,

The Creator starts to plan what’s next

He steps back, admiring the beauty of what he’s made so far,

Touching up where it is needed, painting over mis-painted scars,

Now he wanders over to the pottery wheel and starts to mould his clay,

Creating empty shells of many creatures, bestowing souls into their frames.

Life begins to thrive in this new land, vast array of life running wild,

But still the Creator has yet to create his treasured Child.

Spinning the wheel once again, smoothing clay within his hands,

A Heavenly artist with a vision, turns his attention to creating man. …

The Creator stepped back to view his work, love bursting at what he sees

A child in His own image given a soul filled with life to live and breathe

Gently setting his child upon the Earth, bestowing mankind on their new land…

The Creator sets back happy with His creation… He puts his love and faith in his child…MAN!

With each bad decision made,

The debt I’ve built ever since birth,

Is following me to the grave.

The Devil’s face is buried in the ledger,

Keeping track of every charge within

My debt, growing exponentially,

The total swelling with every sin.

He grins and gets his ink-pen out,

The cartridge is filled up with blood,

From all the lost souls he has claimed,

Who gnash and wail in their tear-flood.

The Devil seems quite happy,

More than satisfied I’ve done enough

To warrant my place down in Hell,

Where punishment is dark and tough.

“Oh deary me!” he chuckles,

With a gleeful glint inside his eyes,

“You’ve racked-up a long list of sin…

Please check the invoice I’ve supplied!”

My eyes widen in disbelief,

My worried soul drops to my feet,

Staring at the bill presented me,

I’ve much to pay…such a long receipt.

With desperation to the core,

Quick inhale…I take a breath,

I drop my faith-filled knees to floor,

And lightning-quick clasp hands to chest.

I rest my mind…I close my eyes…

And with all I am I pray to Christ,

For only He can make it right,

And protect my soul from a nasty fright.

I’ve nothing with which to pay my bill –

For no money, diamonds, or gold,

Can match the priceless value

Of someone’s immortal soul.

The Devil smirks quite mockingly,

As sees my desperate state,

He stokes my fire-pit down in Hell,

Convinced of my forsaken fate.

He lifts his pen and licks his lips,

Then moistens the red pointed tip,

Proceeds to mark a guilty tick

By each sin on my judgement list.

But…before The Devil finishes,

Christ Jesus rushes to my aid,

Picks up the reem of charges,

And removes the ticks that Satan made.

An eyebrow raising to The Saviour,

Satan demands the bill needs paid,

But Christ pricked His finger on the thorns,

So His blood washes the sin away.

He then goes down my shameful list

And next to each charge, puts a cross,

Displays for everyone to see,

That HE takes it all and covers the cost.

I can feel my soul lighten,

I can feel my burdens die,

I can feel the shelter of The Shepherd,

I can feel the power of Jesus Christ.

The charges within the ledger

Then quickly start to dissipate,

One by one, becoming paid in full,

As sin by sin, they are erased.

I look to Jesus, trembling,

Thankful for His Holy touch,

Bow my humble head before Him,

And then offer Him my love.

“My child”, He says in compassionate grace,

“I heard your prayers said on your knees,

Accept your declaration of faith,

And believe all your repentant pleas.

Do you accept me in your heart?

Would you like to come and dwell with me?

Just say the word and I shall shepherd

You into my care for eternity.”

I proclaim, “I do, my Lord!

My life’s forever in your keep,

I want to walk the narrow way,

My heart and soul lay at your feet.”

Jesus smiles a beaming smile,

His flowing robes are white as snow,

He whispers in a loving voice,

“Your debt’s now paid, my child. Let’s go.”

On a small hill, not so far away, there hangs an old and worn-out swing,

Made from a plank of old shed-wood, tied to a tree with thick, frayed string,

It rocks, abandoned, on this hill, is weathered, aged, with jagged sides,

Far cry from its young glory days, when it used to give the kids great rides.

The wooden seat is cracked and old and flaking due to years of rain,

This swing would love to swing so high again but could not take the strain.

************************************************************

Likewise, there’s an old lady, who been dreaming of her past-youth’s days,

Reminisces ‘bout the swing she misses, and wonders if it still does sway.

She moves her tired, old, shaking bones and takes her walking stick in hand,

And shuffles down the road until the houses fade and she sees land.

The lady looks across the field, to the old farm where she did grow up,

She used to play within this meadow, make daisy chains, pick buttercups,

And in the distance, if she looks, stares hard and squints with aging eyes,

She thinks she spies her old swing, on the hill, which is a nice surprise!

It takes a while for her to walk across the field to reach the hill,

For old legs don’t move very fast, and old heart is feeling rather ill,

She stops to catch her breath a minute, before attempting, then, to scale

The small hill there before her, but she perseveres, although she’s frail.

She smiles a huge nostalgic smile, when finally the peak she sees,

And spots her homemade childhood swing, still hanging from the cherry tree.

The lady’s old and gnarly hands reach out and touch the fraying string,

Then, lovingly, she caresses the rotting wood upon her favourite swing.

She wonders if she sits on it again if it will take her weight?

For many years have passed and many pounds put on since she was eight!

So, gingerly and gently, this old lady lowers her bottom down

Upon the wooden plank-seat, which surprisingly still holds its ground.

She won’t attempt to swing it, but sits happily rocking to and fro,

Thinking about the decades past, perplexed at where the time did go.

************************************************************

Her mind sways to reflection, for she sees her end-time drawing near,

And when, inside our souls we relive past life, we recall every year.

A push, a cry, a struggle…this old woman as a baby born,

Looking with love into the eyes of those who brought her into this world.

At that first moment it was wondrous, a gift of love and ecstasy, 

But that is not how life turned out, as she relives, let’s watch and see…

*******************************************************

The old woman kicks with all she has, but still she barely moves the swing,

Looking deep into the clouds, she starts once again remembering…

A baby in a high-chair, being babysat by the big T.V.,

Alone in her little infant world, as parents are seldom seen.

But, then, it’s grand! Off to toddler land, friends to replace her missing home,

Mom and dad don’t have time? She screams to Heaven, “I’ll do it Alone!”

Down the hill in a cardboard box, to the tree house all her friends had built,

Spending time with friends instead of family, ‘though her young heart filled with a touch of guilt.

Toddler into adolescent, a young lass is grown and curious,

‘though her clan itself is not Godly, this girl wants, she needs, she quests,

To find something beyond the now, something her faith could shelter in,

A shelter for her love, her soul, so her Spiritual journey is about to begin.

As her teenage-self raises its ugly head, denying dark, she ran to God instead,

No hate grew in her mortal heart, she wished with righteousness to wed,

She snuck off to church one foggy morn, so stealthily, – parents unaware,

And she basked, so thankful, within the word of God and the wonderous truth found there.

As she sat there, singing gospel, a young stallion caught her gleaming eye,

It seemed to be a message, as if this love was sent from Jesus Christ.

Eye to eye and heart to heart, two strangers, loving, soul to soul,

As this old woman keeps trying to sway the swing… where now will her memories go?

*************************************************************

An old woman still trying desperately to swing,

In her own mind swoons on a treasured memory,

Of the man in church she could not unsee,

a soulmate she felt from the first smile’s beam.

He approached, shy and subdued

And said “ma’am if you could give me the honour,

I’d love to court you for a night and prove I am what you’re after”.

Her eyes batted to reflect the sky, her excited smile shows no calm,

As she takes this boy within her arms and tells him “I’m yours, forever long”!

Two souls soon become one and live in close unity,

But there is much more here to come from the old woman sat upon the swing.

*************************************************************

Marrying her childhood sweetheart, both were thrilled that they had met at church,

This woman thanked The Good Lord, that their love did heal the years of hurt –

Hurt by neglective parents, but now as a bride, she could move out

Form her old home, where she grew up, which she was very glad about.

Years of happiness went by, two babies born…so sweet their cries!

A boy, a girl, both born from love, and both were apples of her eyes.

She thanked The Lord for family, for husband and kids of her own,

For food upon their table, for such love and for a happy home.

Until that day, when it was ripped away…

A tear rolls down the cheek of the old lady as she rocks the swing,

Reliving bad, old memories…heart re-breaking as the sorrow swims,

For she remembers all too well, the day there came a knock upon

Her front door…it was the police… “ma’am, I’m sorry, it’s about your husband and son”…

“There’s been a car crash”, he went on, “I’m sorry, ma’am, but they’re both dead”.

The woman rushed upstairs, to where her daughter lay asleep in bed.

“She’s only five, how can I tell her daddy and brother are both gone?”

She fell down on her grieving knees…cried for her true love and young son.

Lifting her eyes to Heaven, she screamed: “Why Lord? I don’t understand”!

Heart hardening in anger, she replaced prayers with stiff, fisted hands.

The once well-thumbed big Bible, then sits unused, dusty, on the shelf,

The woman too distressed, caught up in hatred, loss and grief’s dark hell.

Times were tough financially, but her daughter and her still stayed close,

Despite the times of hunger, repaired shoes, used books and thrift-store clothes.

She tried to count her blessings, but the woman found life too unfair,

And refused to listen to God’s voice…refused to believe He was there.

***********************************************************

An old woman stands up and leaves the swing,

Torn by the visions her old mind brings,

But looking back to that frail, shed-wood,

She understands this healing is good,

These memories are stinging,

But closure they’re bringing.

********************************************************

Years spent tending closely, as her fragile, lonely daughter grows,

Trying to be the best she can be, to give her daughter, a mother, a home,

But the child soon strays and lashes out, and then mom becomes the enemy,

Wild, violent, and troubled, ‘til confused tears then grace her mother’s cheek.

One day at dinner, just the two of them, her daughter cruelly lashes out,

“Why did they have to die mom? Was it your fault?” through her tears she shouts.

The old woman’s eyes just well-up, as she relives this hurtful memory,

As she sits, kicking her feet, on the wooden swing, swaying in the summer breeze.

************************************************

Years passed and her young daughter heals, but the woman remains a little unsure,

For she’s wrestled grief for many years and it has left the both of them so sore,

But hopefully she accepts it, and then later her girl claims a beau,

She accepts him into her heart, with her daughter, and welcomes him into her humble home.

************************************************

Time ticks along as time will bring,

Back in the here and now and the old woman still swings.

Now moving to and fro… pushing hurt old hips, kicking up sore knees,

This old woman still visualizes her past dreams,

Now lost deep within her memories.

She continues to rock on the swing….

***********************************************

As a younger woman, fallen from faith, far from God with a hate not known before,

This lady was cooking the dinner, when then comes a loud rap upon her own front door…

Dressed in a uniform, the firefighter relayed to her,

“There was a massive fire ma’am…at the farm. We believe your parents both perished and burned”.

She fell, wallowing, to the floor, in tears, her soul re-broken and re-torn,

She screams aloud in agony, “Can this cruel world hurt me any more?!!”

“Dear God, please stir me back home,

I know I’ve strayed so far from your throne,

I’m sorry, but now I need some strength,

For I’m floundering and sorrow’s too long in length”.

************************************************

The old woman is so tired now, but rocks in the wind upon the swing,

But still reaching for more answers, she embraces these pained memories.

She hangs her head before The Lord, ashamed when she recalls that time,

When she was lost in bitterness and strayed from Him in heart and mind,

But, thankfully, her soul fought-on, would not give in and made her pray,

And in her deep distress, she cried out “Father” on that fateful day…

**********************************************

So, in her suffering and heartbreak, this young woman stayed down on her knees,

Struggling, all alone inside, to come to terms with all her grief,

When suddenly, she hears a gentle voice above her sobbing tears,

It was The Lord, who came to comfort her and tell her He is near!

The woman’s heart was shocked, yet hopeful, glad that she could feel God’s love,

Soul’s eyes began descaling, in revelations from The Lord above.

She realized that turning from Him in harsh times just made her pain much worse,

For Jesus understands, and His love and compassion lessen hurt.

The woman’s stunned and shaking, for she thought that God abandoned her,

Knows now that SHE abandoned HIM, and a thousand thoughts and feelings whir.

She quickly rises to her feet and races to the bookcase shelf,

In search of her old Bible, now her heart has warmed, she thaws and melts.

She blows the dust off, (quite embarrassed), and wipes the faded, leather cover,

Tries to calm herself, as she is eager for its wisdom to discover.

Every page The Lord does draw her to turns out to explain much,

And with each verse, her pain decreases…lessens with God’s loving touch.

The woman sees the error of her ignorant and faithless days,

Wants to go forwards with The Lord and calls on His amazing grace.

She finds herself back on her knees. As Jesus Christ accepts her pleas,

The Holy Spirit fills her up, with cleansing fire and gives her peace.

Now smiling as she sways the swing, the old woman looks up to the sky,

Thanking God for being there, and for her Salvation through Jesus Christ.

For this has brought her comfort…given hope…perspective, over the years,

And trusting in His will and guidance has saved her many woeful tears.

She realizes through all her pain, God didn’t leave her in distress,

And although life’s been difficult, she still sees how He left her blessed.

Her daughter now has daughters of her own and has a happy home,

Lives nearby so her mother doesn’t feel abandoned or alone.

And from her hilltop viewpoint, The old lady spies, not far away,

That house and 4 granddaughters in the garden, as they run and play.

“I wonder what their future brings?” she thinks as she daydreams on the swing.

She pauses for a moment…her reflective mood now worn and meek,

Tears streaming from her wrinkly eyes, her hand wipes off her weary cheeks,

She remembers all the grandkids born… the date and time of every one,

She remembers how they smelt and felt, when she got to hold each precious one.  

It doesn’t seem that long ago, when she herself was just a girl,

Innocent and just playing, oblivious to the ways of this cruel world,

But adulthood can be so harsh, caught in a whirl of grief and stress,

And now the woman’s old and tired, and body is far from its best.

She leans her head against the string, which smells damp as it’s old and fraying,

Creaking noises come from the swing’s wooden seat, for it’s decaying,

“My old friend”, she speaks to the swing, “I understand…for I rot too,

My heart is fading quickly, and this cancer riddles me all through”.

The old woman’s mind now wallows, thinking back to what the doctor said,

“Ummm… ma’am I’m truly sorry, but within 3 months you will be dead.   

I know this is a shock ma’am, and I hope you’ll take this news okay?

Please know my thoughts are with you” she heard the doctor sigh and say.

But she’s a woman with strong conviction and far from Satan’s easy prey,

She will still kneel down to her God, ‘though her legs ache, she still bends to pray.

Her faith keeps driving forward, for she knows reverse will mean she falls,

She lapsed once, will not lapse again! For she trusts The Christ’s great victory call.

She pauses for a moment…halts the sway of her old rickety swing,

For ‘though her hearing’s aging, her ears prick up as the angels sing…

***********************************************************

Despite all the old memories, this old lady dredges through her mind,

Old wounds, old love, old grief, old pain, she still believes The Lord is kind,

And now a gentle, peaceful feeling, washes her like warming tides,

A calm and happy presence of God’s love does fill her up inside…

“Hello, my child”, says Christ’s voice, as He stands beside her at the swing,

“I’ve come to take you home now and remember death has lost its sting.

I’ve made a room for you, my daughter, saved a seat at the wedding table,

I forgive all your past sins, and you’ve shown me that your faith is strong and stable.

Come now, child, and don’t look back, for you won’t need this old human shell,

I’ll clothe you, fit for Heaven, where my sweet flock all do rest and dwell”.

The old woman stands up gladly…steps up with Christ…won’t pause to look back,

For if she did, she’d see the swing was broken now and string had snapped.

Her mortal body laying slumped upon the grass, atop that hill,

Her ailing heart stopped beating…lungs stopped breathing…pulse has gone quite still.

But onwards goes her spirit…onwards…upwards to her Heaven’s home,

Happy, hand in hand with Christ, to where all other saints have flown.

The woman’s sad and weary tears, now turn to tears of bliss and joy,

As she kisses this sad world goodbye, there’s no more woe to hurt or toy.

She smiles and looks to Jesus…thanks Him for His grace and love so pure,

His understanding and compassion, for Salvation that reassures.

As gently they stroll through the clouds, each step she’s nearer Heaven’s gates,

The woman feels much younger, starts to heal, and grief no longer grates.

And when they reach the entrance to God’s kingdom, the gates open wide,

For Heaven’s been expecting her…and with Jesus, she walks on inside.

**********************************************************

Trying to find strength to face the day, with a hollow soul, and empty heart,

Finding two feet beneath me and those feet are ready to make a start,

 So I follow them as they carry me, down the street, towards my local park.

Through teary eyes I wonder…my stumbling steps not even seen,

Running from the emptiness, running frantic from emotional debris.

Every puppet on Earth posts their sin – that shame cannot be veiled,

Every string from Heaven then was cut, to give to us this mortal world.

But we dismissed…voided the call…shutdown ears and we turned away,

So as a whole – a kin, a species, we missed what The Lord had to say.

So, looking to the playground, and then gazing from upon the swing,

I am an adult, still a child in Christ, I sit down and kick up my feet,

I embrace the swing…the wind caressing me.

And, as I sit here, gently swinging, moving to and fro,

I ponder at this thing called “life” – its tides and trials that ebb and flo.

I look towards the see-saw, which, as real life, rides us up and down,

The round-a-bout, spins us in circles, going no-where but just round and round.

The climbing-frame looks daunting, as we stand at the bottom, looking up,

But gives different perspective, when we’ve scaled its heights and reached the top.

I wonder why God made us? Why….when all along He knew we’d fall,

Give in to base temptations, feel the lure and pull of selfish calls.

I ponder what’s the point of life? What lessons are there we must learn?

In order to be fit for Heaven, and not dwell where hellfire burns.

So, sitting in the sand and tan bark, looking up towards the skies,

I thank God for His guidance and for teaching us how to ride these rides.

Looking to the grassy field, I see so much new, innocent life,

Children kicking about the soccer balls, no sign of sin within their eyes.

It teaches me humility, it teaches me to strive for so much more,

It teaches to me, my life is not forgotten, and we were all sinless when we were born.

On the playground it becomes so clear…what a life and soul are for,

On the playground Christ’s children are free to frolic and play,

For His children bear no thorns.

The sun warms me as I watch them,

And as I watch, the true SON warms my soul,

I don’t ever want to leave this park,

Never want to let this feeling go.

I ponder why and when as adults, we turn to sin so readily?

Think we know better than the Lord – who creates and sustains everything!

Life used to be so simple…purer motivations…much more love,

No scepticism as kids… less greed…easier to be near God above.

I push much harder on the ground, and use my feet to move the swing,

I soar as far as I can reach, and wish I could touch Christ, The King,

But I am nowhere near the perfect skies of Heaven and its peace,

Trapped in the dirt of this world’s hurt, where struggles and pain never cease.

One day I’ll be in God’s playground – in Glory where there’s endless bliss,

His precious child…reborn…perfected, no more tears…nothing amiss,

Innocent and pure once more, like the children I see playing there,

In the field, right by this playground, with their laughing eyes and carefree air.

I thank the Lord for gifting hope, for Salvation through God The Son –

The only way that sinful chains and Satan’s grasp can be undone.

So I will do my best in life, and be encouraged everyday

In this earthly playground we call life, which rides us hard in many ways.

For throughout all the ups and downs, and each time we fall and get hurt,

God’s there to help and guide us, pick us up and dust off all the dirt.

Without Lord Jesus, we would find we’d just stay helpless, spinning round,

But in Him we have focus, and the promise of our Heaven’s crown.

The Israelites have forsaken him, forgotten how to bend a knee,

The Lord, in anger over this, delivered them to the Philistine,

Then he decided to show Grace by saying: “I will gift a Nazarite!”

An angel of God came down, spoke to a barren woman in a field,

Told her she would bear a child for God, but there are rules that she must yield,

“No blade will ever touch his head, and his hair will stay unbroken,

For each lock that grows is covenant with God, so don’t stray from what is spoken;

Don’t drink of toxins, eat unclean, teach him God from his first breath,

He’s to be a Nazarite from birth, to put the Philistines to the test”.

So a womb-less woman bears a child, the last mortal judge of man,

A Nazarite in God, gifted strength directly from God’s hand.

They lived secluded on a hillside, mother preaching God to son,

He grew devout in the mighty Lord, understanding what needs to be done.

In adulthood, now a young man, Samson wanted to taste the world,

So he went to explore Timnah, where found himself a Philistine girl,

They courted, laughed, and loved, Samson gave his heart to her so freely,

She returned that love back to him, but the Philistines disagreed with this unity.

When on his way from the hill to city, on bent knee to ask for her wedded-hand,

He was attacked by a hungry lion, who leapt straight out of the sand,

He fought, but found he was quite lacking, and the Lion mounted him,

When, in an instant, he felt the Divine of God letting mighty strength flow in.

He ripped to shreds the predator, and knew he was gifted a great prize,

But he kept this secret to himself, afraid others would think it lies.

He asked the girl to marry him, she agreed, now Israelite and Philistine,

Pledge their love for one another, bound together in God and throughout time.

But, fierce-tempered Samson still stayed much at odds with the Philistines,

Their mutual hatred festering and feud intensifying over time,

And in his vengeance one day, Samson caught three hundred foxes,

Tied flaming torches to every pair of tails, which burned down all the crops,

The olive groves and vineyards of the Philistines went up in flames,

They retaliated by burning his wife and her father to death in a similar way.

Fueled by grief and revenge, Samson fought, took many soldiers down,

And ran to The Rock of Etam, to then rest a while and settle down,

The Philistines, unhappy, wanted Samson taken, taken now,

And encouraged the men of Judah, so they would bring him into town;

Samson did not fight, held his unresisting hands to freely bind,

Gave himself as noble sacrifice, to ensure the future of his kind,

But calm, accepting, and unafraid, Samson sat in stocks and thought and prayed,

Until a Philistine general taunted with: “All your people are doomed to die today!”

The mood around all darkened and a fire sparked in Samson’s eyes,

He broke his bindings, found a donkey jaw- bone, which he then ripped from side to side,

With these two clubs of God swinging around, Samson attacked all of the unclean,

Killing thousands, be him just one man, truly a judge from God . . . praise be!

Philistines now feared him greatly, and as he fled, he promised to,

Redeem his people out of slavery, just like the mighty Moses would do!

Now, sometime later, Samson fell in love with a woman called Delilah,

She lived in the valley of Sorek and he thought no other lady was finer,

This soldier and judge of God was unaware this lovely rose had thorns,

For Delilah would deceive him, betray his love, leave Samson all forlorn.

At first, they both seemed happy, then the rulers offered a bribe to her,

Said one thousand, one hundred silver, if the secret to his strength she could learn,

Delilah did ask Samson, but three times he told her blatant lies,

She sulked and nagged, persuaded him, to speak the truth into her eyes,

In greed she took the ruler’s bribe, then settled Samson in her lap,

And shaved the strength from off his head – all his hair, as the mighty man just napped.

Samson woke up with a start, when Delilah shouted for the Philistines,

But he couldn’t fight them off, as had no power of God – no strength divine,

Now hauled before the governor, poor Samson’s weak, betrayed by a lover’s lies,

Forced to his knees, a prisoner, then the ruler gouged out both his eyes.

Then the high priest invited to the temple, all the Philistines,

To worship their God “Dagon”, thank him for Samson’s implied demise.

The Philistines were happy, very smug and self-satisfied,

When Samson was led into the temple, stumbling, weak and blind,

Unsure of much, but knowing that his God is always faithful,

Samson humbled himself before him, loyal servant, scared but grateful.

The Philistine crowd demanded that mighty Samson should perform,

To entertain them for their pleasure, in this heathen temple they’d adorned,

They were sensing they were victorious and were gloating in their own power,

As Samson looked so helpless when placed between the awesome pillared towers.

Then, all fell silent for a moment, and Samson prayed unto The Lord,

“I love you, I follow, I believe in you! Please grant me awesome strength once more”.

God’s mighty, awesome, powerful Grace flooded Samson—each part of him was reached,

Re-strengthened, he struck the huge temple pillars, causing the whole structure to breech.

And so, a chosen judge was left to judge, in that instance, in God’s divine and guiding Grace,

And the whole temple came tumbling down, killing Samson and everyone who stood in that place.

For he truly was a Godly man and gifted with Grace and power so divine,

But opposition did arise from both the Synagogue and The Freedmen—

Jews from all sorts of provinces—who all started to argue with Stephen.

But they found they could not stand against the wisdom that he spoke,

For The Spirit gave him every word and they couldn’t disagree or provoke,

So, then they stirred up people and persuaded several men to say,

That Stephen had been blasphemous against God and Moses in a verbal way.

They brought him to the Sanhedrin where the false witnesses then testified,

But when they looked close at Stephen, his face was like angel, deep inside.

The high priest did ask Stephen if all these charges brought were true,

Stephen gave Scriptural replies and ranted at them with his righteous view!

He scolded, said they’d disobeyed God’s law that they’d received,

Which was given through the angels, but they were arrogant and disbelieved.

The Sanhedrin members gnashed their teeth and flew into a furious rage,

But Stephen looked to Heaven, towards his God with hopeful praise,

And Stephen saw God’s Glory and standing there at God’s right hand,

Was Jesus Christ, in righteousness, The mighty Son of God and Man.

But the Sanhedrin would not listen to the witness Stephen cried,

So, they rushed at him, all yelling, dragged him off to stone him right outside,

And as the rocks began to hail, Stephen, fell down and began to pray,

He knew his end was imminent, but was an unashamed martyr that day;

Down on his knees, Stephen cried out to God to forgive them of their sin,

And after this, he breathed his last; Heaven’s gates and The Lord gladly welcomed him in.

Someone watching these events unfold and approving of it all,

Seeing everything first-hand and watching closely, was a man called Saul.

INSPIRED BY … – by Suzanne Newman and Michael Grgich

About the Book This book is a poetic journey through some of the main points of the Bible and has been written by two born-again Christians. It explains God’s word in a respectful and unique poetic way, making the stories easy to understand and fun to read whilst always remaining true to Scripture. It has reference points throughout to encourage readers to explore the Bible stories for themselves whilst taking a journey right from creation through to Revelation. Suitable for people from twelve years old right through to old age, this book is written in such a way that it will both inform and educate a novice but also satisfy someone who has been a Christian for many years. All glory to our awesome Lord.

KINDRED SPIRITS … by Suzanne Newman and Michael Grgich

THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE OUR BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE TO BUY ON AMAZON! (as well as many other on-line retailers worldwide) An anthology of Christian poetry with a twist, which is what Michael Grgich and I are known for, plus over 20 original images by the artist Debra Whelan, made especially for this book, including the front cover itself. 64 poems, plus 2 collabs, as well as our personal testimonies. We hope to encourage others by sharing a glimpse into how The Lord has helped us through the difficult times in our lives so far. We’re confident there’s something in this book for everyone to enjoy, identify with and reflect upon. ALL GLORY TO GOD….ALWAYS.

And also healed afflictions of the many people who had all come,

To hear the good news He spoke of and listen to His preaching,

‘til they settled on a mountainside and Jesus began teaching.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn and those who’re meek,

Blessed too are those who hunger, for you’ll find the comfort that you seek,

Blessed are the merciful and everyone who’s pure in heart,

For they will see The Lord God, know His peace in every part.

Blessed are the lowly peacemakers—God’s children, and those who,

Are persecuted due to the great righteousness in you,

For Holy Heaven’s kingdom belongs to people such as these,

So, rejoice when you do suffer, as your faith’s strong for all to see.

For you’re the salt of this earth and the light that can’t be hidden,

So, shine your lamp from on its stand—glorify The Father in Heaven.

And I have come not to abolish, but to fulfil the law,

And re-explain instructions regarding adultery and more.

You’ve heard it say: “Eye for an eye”, but I say don’t resist,

Turn the other cheek and go the extra mile if they insist.

Pray for all those who’d harm you and please love your enemies,

For the sun shines on the righteous and unrighteous as God’s pleased.

Give to charity in private and do not want a grand fanfare!

Give graciously in secret, as God still sees when no-one’s there.

And when you pray, pray from the heart, not falsely in front of brothers,

Just close the door, pray in your room, to The Father and no others,

And do not use too many words, for The Father surely knows,

I’ll give you The Lord’s prayer to say, so your humble spirit shows.

Forgive the sins of others and then The Father can forgive you,

If you fast, do it in secret—God will see the things you do.

Don’t store up treasures on this earth to be destroyed by vermin,

But store treasures in Heaven, where no thieves can ever break-in.

You cannot serve two masters—cannot serve both God and money,

Look at the birds who God feeds, trust in him and do not worry.

And please do not be hypocrites, or look shocked in surprise,

When you point-out someone’s splinter, you’ve a whole plank in YOUR eye!

If you ask it will be given you, if you seek, you’ll surely find,

And to the one who knocks, the door is opened to go inside.

You’ll enter through the narrow gate to find Salvation’s road,

But many take the broader one, where destruction walks alone.

Please watch out for false prophets, who are wolves dressed up as sheep;

Bad trees cannot bear good fruit, and bad fruit’s not fit to keep.

There are wise and foolish builders, who build on the rock or sand,

But always is unstable, the man who doesn’t hold God’s hand,

For when life’s storms begin to swell, thunder and lightning crash,

A house upon the sand will fall, when the rains do rise and lash.”

And when Jesus had finished saying, all these new amazing things,

The listening crowds were awestruck at the wisdom of his teachings;

He taught not like the other teachers they knew of speaking God’s law,

But Jesus spoke with authority, like one not ever heard before.