The Poetry of Phyllis Coats

Editor's Note: The two poems below were written by Phyllis Coats. She also has a message for you:

Some have asked if it is alright if they print these poems...the ones I wrote ..were wrote to glorify God..they were not for my glory.... so yes by all means....print and share as you feel the need... if these touch you or someone you know or somehow a stranger and brings any amount of comfort and peace...then some how once again I have managed to honor our Lord and Savior. My fingers may have put the words on paper and computer....but they were Spirit fed to my heart and mind.
Much love I send, much prayers I lift up for you all, Phyllis < <

Come to Me When your life seems to have more waves than the stormiest of seas God says, ' Come to Me ' When you feel like you fell off the tallest mountain top, to never more rise God says, ' Come to Me ' When you think in your life you'll never again see the sun shine God says, ' Come to Me ' God says, ' Come to Me ' believe in my mercy and love and we will weather all things together God says, ' Come to me ',then you shall see after every storm the sun always shines for every drop of rain a flower will grow at the bottom of every mountain is a valley of green God says, ' Come to Me '

Advice to a Friend Life is too short to wonder about what might have been. If what, where or even who, you know what you must do. Put it all in God's capable hands, No ifs, whats or what has happened when. We all live too fast and hard, with no thoughts of our tomorrows. We forget to talk to the Boss, unfortunately to our great loss. But He is always there anyway, to help ease our lifelong sorrows. Listen my friend to this advice, on where to go and what to do. Have a talk with our Lord. He is our strength, shield and sword, easing all our tears and fears. Then don't forget to say Thank - You..

Watch for more poems by Phyllis in future issues of Handmaidens.

Do You See the Candle?
By John A. Mac Intyre

There she stands in the cold, dressed in long black boots (large on small feet), tattered snow pants (white insulation showing through the knees) and a mismatched jacket with the hood half up; a raggy toque and matching mittens patch some of the bare spots; but the cold has nipped her small round face, her nose has been running.

She is tired: her auburn wisps of hair are wet on her eyebrows below her toque; she slumps forward in her stance, her head back to make a straight gaze. Her foot prints are not obvious in the crushed snow in the street, but she has fidgeted there for some time before the store window: her eyes wide like the full moon, her cool peach lips agape, and a cold tear has almost frozen to her face. Others walk on by, a bare few giving a bare glance to the young child in the stark bustle of the street: they have no time for such small matters.

Bodies skim by in a cold sea of urban sprawl, with their own errands and thoughts making them blind to what they pass.

Her young mind wishes for the things in the window: toys... pretty dresses... doll houses... the bright snow suit, adorned with the cartoon of the latest craze. But now she wishes for warmth: hot chocolate... a fire place...or to even go to bed of her own accord, warm under pretty afghans of many colours....

“Thanks dad for taking me out playing tonight: I Love You.”

“Sure hon; I Love You too. Now lets go home to the fireplace, Mum has hot chocolate waiting.”

He picks up his daughter, dirty from sledding in her “play cloths”, and holds her tight anyways, striding home.

Sometimes the love of the Lord is shown, like a single candle in a dark room: look for those times.

---

Editor's Note: This lovely prose was authored by John A. Mac Intyre of Vermilion, Alberta, Canada. He is in his third year of preparation for the electrical trade, however this editor believes he has a real future in the literary arts!

The Poetry of Sylvia Lavallée

Editor's Note: The two poems below were written by Sylvia Lavallée. Please visit her wonderful web site Christian Poets Corner where you'll be inspired by a huge collection of CVhristian poetry from all over the world. Also watch for more of Sylvia's poetry in future issues of Handmaidens.

Forget Me Not

Forget-me-not when troubles come
When you are blue and so lonesome
For I am there right by your side
I am your friend, and I will guide

Forget-me-not as you wend your way
On every dangerous broad highway
For I, who've gone that way before
Now stand on guard at Heaven's door

Forget-me-not in whatever you see
Allow all Creation to speak of me
To tell of my plan, so pure, so divine
For I am yours, and you are mine

Forget-me-not if you're feeling weak
Or insignificant when you speak
Because I hear each plaintive cry
Each aching, shaking, heartfelt sigh

Forget-me-not when teardrops fall
For each tear I'll treasure like a jewel
That one day I might turn every one
To tears of joy when this life is done

Forget-me-not, and turn your hearts
To the source where true love starts
Receive my love, and become aware
I'm your Heavenly Father, and I care

(c) Sylvia Lavallée (May 99)

God's Silver Cord

We are like sheep who tend to stray
And choose to walk in our own way
Yet we are joined by a silver cord
A bond which binds us to the Lord
We know it when we hear Him call
For He lifts us up each time we fall

He promised He would not forsake
Or leave our side whatever it takes
We know God's in control, not us
He knows our frailties, and thus
How very prone we are to wander
To research green pastures yonder

Yet upon us God still keeps His eye
And soothes each lonely tear we cry
Because His cord of love and peace
From every sin will bring release
For our healing and for strength
His cord will stretch to any length

A cord that guides yet sets us free
To be all God would have us be
If, by the silver cord you're bound
And in His precious Son are found
You’ll receive Heaven's rich reward
When God reels in your silver cord

(c) Sylvia Lavallée (Sep 99)

I WAS HURTING TODAY
By Flora Monroe
2/90

On the outside I was smiling,
On the inside I was grieving,
My friends did not know that my smile was deceiving.

Although they asked, "How are you today dear?"
I answered "OK" and held back a tear.

So with a smile and a hug,
They went their own way,
Not ever knowing that I wasn't "OK".

Father, forgive me,
For I've made your heart sad.
For you sent them my way,
To make my heart glad.

Please help me Lord, to receive from them love.
To accept with sincerity,
The warmth of their hug.

Help me Lord to see that they care,
To be open and honest, my burdens to share.
To believe in my heart,
That you sent them my way,
For Father you care,
That I was hurting today.

The Bible in 50 Words
Submitted by The Cains

God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plagued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peeked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread
God remained.

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