In a life well lived with not any particular care, I was brought to a sudden halt, by the girl with the Auburn hair. In one awkward moment, all of my intellect failed me. My heart lost it's rhythm and I could not speak. Time slowed to a crawl when I saw her green eyes and warm gentle smile. Something told me to stop and stare for a little while. All of the birds stopped singing and the sun would not move, the day my world stood still because of the love I felt for you.

Tatters of reality lay at my feet. What used to be is now incomplete. I lay on the floor wretched and undone. My emotions are rippedto shreds as I wait for what comes next. Gaping wounds let my soul bleed out. Tears run like rain to the rivers. I am awash in misery and emotional turmoil. I feel as if the ocean has welled up inside of me. I do not know where to go from here. I sit at the bottom of a well of despair. Perhaps I will just lie here until my feelings have all been drained, then I may have the strength to climb back out again. I hope one day to again see the sun, I may yet survive the things that have been done. My love was shattered by you without a second thought, how could you leave me this way. Just sitting here with my life broken into pieces.

True friends are not made in one day, weaving a relationship takes years. True friends become a part of each others lives. They are willing to sacrifice and help at a moments notice.  They do not judge our faults but accepts us for who we are. They are all ways willing to just listen and not offer their advice. When we are successful, they rejoice with us and when we fail they will lift us up. In life to have a true friend is to hold a priceless treasure, for true friendship is a rare gift indeed.

Many teach a path to live and obtain life beyond what we know. Yet there is only one testimony that is of truth. No one else can profess death and life again. To have been killed and three days hence resurrected from the grave. The Christ is sometimes called a myth or a fantasy, but in the hearts of men, the truth is known. Though many may deny it, there is only one way, and that is through Jesus Alone.

Lipstick comes in many colors as do my moods. If I am wearing Rose Pink then you know that I am content. If you see me wearing Blood Red then beware because I am frustrated. If I am wearing Yellow then I am feeling lighthearted and would love to be shopping. If I am wearing black then I am angry at the world. If I have on Sliver then I am feeling mysterious and I am ready to play. If I wear Blue then I am moody and unsure of what I want next. If you should see me wearing White then I am ready for a break. There are many colors of lipstick, I am not sure which one I will wear today?

You pass by me each day, you don't notice me. I walk among the crowded streets, but I am invisible. I want to be noticed sometimes, but others I want to be left alone. When the wrong person pays attention, they don't understand me. I just want to fit in. I am different they say, I just think I am normal for me. I am the homeless, the hopeless, the mentally ill. I just want a place to fit in. I just want to stop being unseen.

A gun needs a bullet and a hand to hold it, the gun never killed anyone on it's own. Only when we pick it up in anger or as a means to an end does a gun become lethal. It is not the gun but the user that actually kills.

My breath grew short and I began to feel faint. I was awash in a sea of blackness. Then I felt a hand grab me and pull me to the side, I saw a fuzzy figure, but could not discern who it was. In a moment of desperation, I ask who the person was? The only response was I receive was that I am a friend and a foe. I was puzzled for a moment, still in a confused state. I had been in a dark empty void, now I was no where and somewhere. I asked the ghostly image, why I am I here? It responded, I am not truly sure, I only know this is where you are supposed to be. Time passed, but I had no sense of it. Then the shadowy figure said that it was time for me to go. As quickly as I fell into the black void, the light surrounded me. I remember passing quickly through many layers of light. Then my eyes opened and I was back on the mortal plain, people hovering over me, working on me. I went black again, but not like before, this time I only slept. In one moment of a dream, I caught a glimpse of the former ghostly figure that I had briefly spoken with. I then awoke and had clarity of mind. For a brief moment, I had a talk with death. In truth a friend to some who are seeking it and an enemy to those who are not ready for it, and ever so often, a temporary stop on another part of a life's journey.

Let me live as I see fit as long as I do not deprive you of what you believe. Care about what happens to me, even if we do not always agree. Remember that we are all humans and children of humanity. Even if we live separate lives, at let us live in peace. Do not oppress me and I will not learn to hate you. Do not impose what you believe on me and I will try not to preach to you. Perhaps if we can do these things, then we can begin to see, that we are not different after then maybe you can abide with me.

Reach out to those who are lost and confused. Give to the poor and forgotten. Give help where it is needed and wanted. Speak words of peace to any who will hear them. Stand up for what you believe and do not compromise your principals. Honor God in all things and seek him humbly every day. In these things you will give hope to others and prepare yourself for battle. For evil does not rest, and wants to steal the joy from life. When you are the light in the darkness, you are being a blessing to someone, even if you are not aware of it.

When my humanity is forgotten and I don't seem to mind doing what feels good. When I lose my inhibitions and forget the teachings of wrong and right. When I forsake what is moral for what is wanted. When I give the devil his chance to play. When I become something wickedly playful, or uncaringly cruel. That is the darker side of me.

I see what I want and I take it. I do not care about the consequences of my actions. I would rather be feared than loved. I do as I please and revel in the satisfaction of making gains. I walk around politely and appear normal, but inside I am a menacing form with little in the way of remorse. I do not act with reason but in self interest alone. I prey on the weak and the unsuspecting. I leave broken and shattered lives and destruction where ever I go. I wear a mask of illusion for I need no reason at all.

When your mind begins to wander and your heart questions is he really there? Take a moment and listen to the silence and seek out God in prayer. Open up your soul and ask him to give you reassurance. His presence will overpower you and peace will let you be still. In these quiet moments simply wait on him. He will come to you and release your burdens and give you rest.

Colorful umbrellas and waders as little ones splash in puddles. Little streams flow down sidewalks where leaves are used as boats to race down to the mighty ocean. Sprinkles fall down and laughter abounds, what a joy to see children in the rain.

The gardens in my castle are filled with all kind of exotic flowers. The water from my fountains is purer than a new mountain snow. I am adored by all who know me and I can do no wrong. My touch can turned the gloomiest frown into a joyful smile. I know what each person needs and can give their wish with no effort at all. All of my foes succumb to my graces and refuse to fight. Such is the wonder of the imagined life.

I adorned my house with Pink seashells because they let me hear the waves roar. I planted my yard full of wild flowers so I could have bouquets all around me. I made my windows out of the bottoms of colored bottles because I wanted to be bathed in rainbows when the sun rises in the morning. I made my front steps out of tea cups and marbles because they glisten when the light hits them. I built a walk way of sand, so I could feel the beach between my toes when I walk outside. I built my home to suit my personality, because I want it to be unique like me.

The answer to all of my problems. The thing that makes my pain go away. The genie in the bottle of colored pills, that I use everyday. Just one in the morning and my day becomes fine, just another one before dinner to keep me in line. A last one before I go to sleep to make the bad dreams stay away. Automatic therapy is what I take everyday. No doctors needed to talk at me, just give me what I crave. The genie in the bottle of colored pills is all that I need. With just a few doses a day, I can be normal just like you. Do not ever let me miss one dose or I will go on a trip or two. Under the care of these potions, life is wonderful everyday. If they were to go away, then I would have to face reality. That is something I couldn't abide, the pain would be to great, so I will just find life's solutions in a bottle, just one pill is all it takes.

The rock that was cast aside has been laid as the corner of the foundation. Rock of ages that changes not, let me build upon thee. Be the strength upon which I stand when the storm does violent rage, give me refuge oh eternal rock, let me set my building sure on thee.

I am filled with faults and I was born in sin. I make mistakes, but I still try again. I give to help others that they may come to know, that there is a better way. I live with my mortal failings each and everyday. It is not that I am perfect you see, but it is because of one who died for me. So I walk in imperfections until I see his face, because despite my imperfections, I am redeemed by his saving grace.

In heels that click as I walk, and legs that are firm and long. In a dress that is cut up to my well tanned thighs. I prowl looking for my next lover, perhaps you will catch my eye. My breast heave out of my top, just enough to give you a taste of what you might enjoy, if you play your cards right. My lips are painted just right, not too dark or not too bright. Unless I change my mood, then you will know what is on my mind. If they are bright red, then I am passionate, if they are dark black then I am showing my bad side. You know you want to feel my nails across your back as you look into my deep blue eyes. If you beg enough, I just might let you inside. I am a woman with many layers, I can be a blond or a redhead if you like. I will make you feel like a man, or break the little boy hide inside inside. So when you think you are chasing me, you will be in for a surprise. By the time you realize that I am hunting you, my trap will be sprung and you will be mine.

Hair thin lines are engraved into my skin. Paper thin slivers travel over me again and again. Emotional tears break open and wounds bleed my sentiment. The Ravens gather as they wait for me to fall into my grave. Your words slice me only on the surface, my inner soul is buried already beneath a heart of stone. Try as you might you only slightly wound me, but with enough attacks I may be undone. Instead of grievously striking me with an open attack, you slice and cut me from all directions. You leave small wounds that culminate in my weakening. Finally I see the shadows gathering around me as the light begins to dim, the Ravens caw as they await my demise. Slowly I feel my emotional life slipping further away as I am dying from a thousand cuts your words have made in me.

Massive monuments arise from the landscape. Arches and grand structures are cut from stone. A mortal presence conceives a plan to live forever and in an instance, their memory is gone from remembrance. Treasure is amassed and wealth beyond measure is laid out before princes and kings, only to be looted by another when they expire. Folly is the way of man, seeking grandeur and self importance. Try as we might as mortals are toils are in vain. From generation to generation we learn nothing and the lessons still remain. Looking back into history the here and now lends itself to instruction but never hearing or seeing we learn nothing. History is a broken record of repeated attempts at immortality that fail miserably. Books are written and names are carved in stone only to be eaten by moths and eroded by the winds of change. Despite all of our achievements, it is still amazing what we fail to learn.

Tick tock tick tock goes the clock. With each movement, it marks the passing of time. We are born under it's shadow, we live by it's call. Rare are the few who can ignore it and even rarer are those who master their time. In all things we are measured by the ticking sound. It is a rhythm by which life is formed. All things must face the passage of time. Some clocks move slower than others. Some are numbered in years and some only in days, but all succumb to the relentless ticking away of the moments. Tick tock Tick tock all things move forward, so measures the clock.

When I enter through the gates of Pearl and walk upon streets of God, I will no more have any sorrow. I will see the wonders of Heaven and behold the angels band. I will see the ageless saints and Son of Man. Around the throne of eternity where the lamb shall reign, I will join the redeemed in singing his praises with no end. Despite all of the wonder and the streets made of Gold, it is their maker that I cannot wait to behold.

Covered in the darkest silk robes with lace gloves and silver chains adorning her face. Walking with footsteps that quietly echo like the brushing of stone from a sweeping broom. Her presence elicits both awe and fear! Her form moves beneath her dark veil , every motion is an inviting temptation to seduction. Her pail skin and dark lips offer a sense of foreboding. Her piercing eyes are full of longing, and the thoughts of wicked pleasures yet unknown. Many long to feel the sharpness of her Ebony nails, but few dare to try. For she is a dark mistress bound to a cruel and unforgiving lord, who does not like to share such peculiar treasures filled with other worldly delights.

Looking out over Emerald waters, standing on the edge of a jagged cliff. I try to muster my courage for this is the moment, this is it. Months of training and preparation for this one point in my life. I am about to plunge into the ocean, I am about to take a dive. High as a sky scraper into the crashing waves below. Into the Emerald green water one step and then I go. The air whips by me and my heart skips a beat. For a few seconds I am trapped in silence then I awaken to the thunder roar of the crashing surf. I settle into a green universe that lies beneath the waves and then I begin to ascend. Thought I make jump a hundred more times, I cannot repeat the first dive again.

Playing with fire in a literal sense. Taunting a magnificent creature with wings wide spread. Scales that glisten in the light a hue of red like Rubies or embers of a coal pit. Yellow eyes fixed on your gaze, as you wave about your steely blade. Hiding behind a mortal forged shield, praying that your quarry will yield. With a bellowing roar, and a swish of it's mighty tail, the would be knight is torn from his mail. Left lying on the ground with a shattered sword and wounded pride. The cleaver beast steps forward and bears it's teeth. It then growls and takes flight leaving the warrior in his briefs. Let this be a lesson learned for those who would quest to make a name. Never tempt a dragon unless your sure you can win the game.

Everything is one thing and all things must be equal. No thing can maintain an unequal state for long, until something else comes along to restore balance.

In a desolate waste where little life can exist, skeletons of what was once great litter the landscape. Remnants of iron beast sit and rust under a pail sun. The cold wind chaps the fractured frames of buildings long since abandon. What few people that are left shuffle through the desert that once was prosperous. They shiver at the rattle of metal carcasses that shake and quake as their last few welds and bolts begin to corrode apart. In what was once mighty city, before it was gutted by political leeches, many look  on in despair as what is left of hope fades away.

I know that you have walked alone for a while, but I promise I will not be a bother. I know that you have a place that you need to be, but I will not get in the way of your destiny. I just want to stand by your side while you go on your path. Can I walk with you for a while?

Oh how I wish you could see what I see. Oh how I ask the divine to show you mercy. Oh how I weep for you and yet you do not know that you are in need. Oh how I plead with God to show you a better way. Oh how I long to see your eyes opened. I wait patiently everyday as I ask for help to come for you. I am humbled by the way you show kindness and smile, even though I know you need so much more than I can give. I pray often that your eyes will be opened and that you will receive Gods gift and live.

To find another who's heart is in sync with yours is to hold a precious gem. To find a soul knit to yours is to hold a peculiar treasure. To experience complete bliss in the comfort of another's love is to know what a treasure love is.

Pour the ale and raise my glass! Crack the goblet and buy another round!My sorrow is a wretched thing that haunts me into misery, but just a few more toast and I shall have won! A victory purchased at the cost of my sanity, and tomorrow I will pay the bill, but for tonight I have won the battle as I finish drinking my sorrow into submission!

The world moves around me and time marches on. The conflicts of life are abundantly clear. The turmoil of my emotions wants to overflow the walls of my soul. The forces of nature are all against me. While I am tempted to run away, I must not fear. In certain times, I must plant my feet firmly on the rock and watch as I stand still. It is in this hour when God will come to move. Though I might not see his hand, it will be there. Then just as quickly as the storms of live overtook me, a ray of light will pierce the dark clouds and all will be well, because I had the faith to wait on God, as I stand still.

On a barren hill surrounded by on lookers and soldiers, a rough tree was raised on a dark and gloomy day. Between two thieves, a man with out guilt was hanged for all to see. With weeping and the shedding of blood, he forgave those who persecuted him. On the old tree cut of rough lumber, he crossed me out. No more would I be written in the book of sin, but I was added to the book of life. In a moment when the most precious blood stained the wood, he crossed me out from damnation and added me to the his saints and gave me forgiveness, when he crossed me out from sin on Calvary.

When things go wrong, try to make them right. When people fail you fall back on faith. When you are prosperous, be generous to others. When you reach a goal, set a new one. When you feel sorrow, find a way to be joyful. When a friend rejects you, forgive them and show kindness to someone new. When one path is closed, turn around and find a new one. When you feel like you have gone too far, stop and listen quietly, God will be giving you a new direction.

I look in the mirror and I no longer see myself, I see the man you want me to be. I look behind me and see the ghost of my mistakes and the man I was before you found me. I still struggle with my own demons and I often feel like I fail, but you are there beside me and you see the potential that I do not see in myself. So I will do my best to be patient and let you lead me. I will listen to advice that you give and let your love comfort me. In the end I will trust that I will become what you see that I can be.

Specters fly through old cemeteries, and tree limbs creak and moan. Old houses become haunting places for the forgotten and the dammed. Ancient tales are told that send shivers down children's spines. The aged caretaker walks with his lamp near the witching hour. A full yellow moon cast a spooky haze, over the forest and lay shadows through window panes. Ghost haunt halls and closets in the night as old specters rise again.

A Sequoya tree can live a thousand years, some turtles live to be 200 hundred. A mountain sits  for a million years and makes no effort to measure time. In the life of mortal souls we are but a glimmer of light. Yet we live as if we will not ever finish all of our work, before the sun sets on our lives. What is important, what is really of worth. How can we understand what we should wait for and what should be done now. We are human and impatient creatures with no concept of the meaning of tomorrow. For what seems important to us can fade as the glimmer of light that we are in the existence of the greater scheme of things. All we as mortal souls can hope for is to make each day our own. We must take little steps towards learning to wait for some of the most exquisite things that our lives have to give.  So be patient, the best is yet to come.

Rusted cars in over grown fields, and abandoned cotton mills. Creeks that run cold and deep under old rustic bridges. Dirt roads and open fields that seem to run forever and go no where. Cottonwood trees and Magnolias, that fill the air with fragrance and dampness after the rain. Children chasing each other in a game of tag beneath a Willow tree. The smell of fried chicken and fresh bread at Sunday supper. Time moving slow as the sun sets over history. A land not in a hurry to change. This is the place of my birth, this is my Southern legacy.

Myself, myself oh frustration with myself. I am my own worst enemy. I find that I'm my own worst critic. I am always the most critical and angry with myself.

In a grey foggy mist with showers pouring down, I hold your hands and we dance without music. The thundering droplets soak us to the bone, but this is how we met many years ago. We were both caught in the nightmare of a cold winter rain. A storm so fierce that we thought the world was coming an end. Instead of finding death, we found each others arms. Our warmth pushed away the cold as we became entwined in each others embrace. Now so many years have passed since the cold rain day and when ever we steal a chance, we come out and dance in what brought us together, loving each other in the rain.

Fiery darts fall all around you as arrows fly at you. Slings with stones of innuendo are flung at you, yet you remain calm. Trouble seeks to undermine you at every turn, as land mines of hate explode with each misstep. Through it all you hold your resolve, under the microscope you remain undaunted. A heart of bold intent and a resilient spirit that cannot be shattered, this is courage under fire.

The Autum leaves are falling as I watch the children play, I hear their joyful laughter and I have to turn away. for a moment of sweet pleasure becomes a heart filled with pain as I slowly remember one year ago today.
One year ago today I looked into your eyes. You said it was over, then you said goodbye.
I saw an end to our perfect love as you left me dying inside. I cried as you were leaving and still you went away and left me with a broke heart one year ago today.
I sit in our empty bedroom and look at our pictures sitting on a dusty shelf. I try to remember how happy we were before you went away, before you left me crying one year ago today.
I pull myself together like every other day. I wipe away the tears that run down my face. I put your memory away. and in my heart I pray that time will heal my pain that doesn't seem to go away, the pain of your leaving me, one year ago today.

At what point is life worth while? When does life hold value? Must a tragedy occur for life to be considered sacred? Does an unborn soul have the right to be called worthwhile. What has to be done for a life to be held in high regard. How many must needlessly die before we come to our senses and realize that all lives matter.

Take a needle and some thread, put two lives together and begin to heal a wound. It doesn't matter which lives they are, any two will do. Once the stiches are in place, each one filled with love and understanding. Then you can begin to mend the tattered world a few lives at a time.

Why did there have to be a rugged tree? Why did he have to die that way you see? Why did innocent blood have to pay the cost? Why did they have to nail him to an Old Rugged Cross? God our creator loves everyone, but because of sin something had to be done. The covenants he made, We're Never Enough. Man would always find a way to become corrupt. In our  weakness, in our Foolish Pride, God needed a way to bridge The Divide. So he went and ask Heavens Holy One, the captain of the Heavenly Host to be the one begotten. Giving up his title and His glory, he obeyed the father's will. To become the perfect sacrifice, and die on a lonely Hill. Between two thieves, he paid the final cost. The perfect lamb was slain and victory was won but at terrible loss . So great was our Father's Love, that there had to be a cross.

I wanted to speak what was on my mind, I turned my prose inside out and inverted my verbs. I reversed my pronouns and skewed my adjectives in an attempt to express myself. I turned my a sentence backwards, then upside down until nothing made any sense. It was only when I looked at it all in a mirror, that I was able to express my thoughts.

People scream for help but it falls on deaf ears. The rulers adorn themselves in finery but abhor the unwashed masses. In fortified cities that gleam of white marble and steel, they make plans and dictate what they think life should be, while outside the high walls and vaulted towers, the reality of life is ignored. Who cares about high ideals when you have nothing to eat. What are principled arguments when a baby is sick and dying? The people speak but they will not hear, the poor complain but they will not see. So why won't they listen, who can really say?

Your smile warms the day and makes flowers bloom. When I kiss you I can withstand the coldest night. When your heart was made, God filled it with sunshine. When I am with you I feel as I have stolen a small piece of it away.