Alone at Sunset

I offer this poem to all of those who are alone.

Alone at Sunset
By Brian, the old man


As I sit beside the ocean’s shore
And watch the setting sun
I ponder things about my life
Am I the only one?

Not a soul in sight that I can see
I sit here all alone
The emptiness of God’s green earth
Not a thing to hear me moan.

What can I do to make me whole
And make things seem alright
I turn to God and cry to Him
Why can’t You see my plight?

I know it’s wrong to question You
About these things I fear
Help me let go and trust in You
Give you the wheel to steer.

I look upon the setting sun
In awe of Your great scene
The colors are so beautiful
The water looks so clean

You help me know, You’re there with me
My faith grows more each day
I give to You my heart and soul
For All these things, I pray.

Blue Roses

Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no detergent? Well, I guess it was time for me to do my store run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old.. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal."

"Hal, like Halloween?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of some one's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then.

I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion but I sure love living in God's garden."

Please the next time you see a BLUE ROSE don't turn your head and walk off, take the time to smile and say Hello. Because by the grace of GOD this mother could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew.

What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion!!!

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

I received this from a friend in an email. It brought a tear to my eye and I just had to share it with you. If you know who is the original author please let me know so I can gladly give credit to them.

Image is taken from Wikipeida Commons attributed to Noumenon here.

Meet Me in the Stairwell

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Goodbye." I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK ... I am ready to go." I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe on Me now."

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was with the Firefighters, the Police Officers, the Emergency Workers. I was there, watching each brave step they took.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me...this way...take My hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well.

Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go." I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

~~~ God ~~~

Written by: Stacey Randall

I originally received this in an email but after research I found that it was written by Stacey Randall. I reprint it here on this anniversary of that horrible event in honor of those who died and for their families. Please take the time to take a moment and pray for them and for our country. Also, I ask that you fly your flag proudly today in remembrance of all who have given their lives for our freedom. Thank you.

Welcome to Paradise

It’s Sunday and as I sit on my balcony I ponder all the wonders on earth. I enjoy the gentle breeze brought on by the tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico. It will rain today I am sure and I think about whether or not it will bring a good thunderstorm to light up the sky with all of its majestic and powerful energy. Last night the sky looked ominous right after the sun had set. There was still enough light in the sky to paint it with a layer of crimson and navy blue. It was such a beautiful sight as lightning flashed off the clouds in the distance. The rains never came last night but they are forecasting them to arrive today.

Then, I think about the mountains viewing a valley filled with fog and mist on a crisp autumn day. The colors on the trees are bright and full of life though they warn of the oncoming sleep of winter. I ponder walking on an old mountain road winding and reaching toward its peak. I gaze down into the canyons as a feeling of vertigo captures my spirit for a moment sending shivers down my spine. The air is so fresh and thick I can taste all its tantalizing goodness. I breathe in deeply to enjoy all it has to offer. As I relax I can see a small cabin off in the distance and dream of a life without the hustle and bustle of the suburbs.

My mind begins to wander as I think of walking along the beach on the wet sand feeling it scrunch and make way for my bare feet. I dream about lying on a lounge chair sipping frozen tropical drinks filled with rum and fruit slices dangling off the rim topped with an umbrella. I sit and enjoy the warmth of the sun and the sound of the waves crashing along the shore. I begin to people watch as they enjoy their day. Then as the sun begins to set I marvel and I am awestruck of all the beautiful colors that fill the sky. I watch the sun melt the horizon as it dips to its resting place only to leave a black night sky filled with stars to please my eyes.

Watching, feeling and dreaming I realize how blessed I truly am. My Lord is an Awesome God. I thank Him for all of the miracles in my life.

Hope you enjoy the video below.