One good story told to a child,
is better than a night at the movies.
Taking your son or daughter to a baseball game,
is a memory that will last a life time.
Spanking your child is better
than saying don't do that anymore or else.
Taking your family to Church on Sunday
is better than sleeping in.
Bible study each night is better
than spending it watching TV.
The old saying a family that prays together,
stays together,
keeps more family's together than a
trip to the mountains or lake.
Written 6-23-11
Sixteen years old and in a world of her own
Confined to life lived in a wheelchair
Ever since birth, doctors don’t know what went wrong
But, it was like no one was at home in there
One summer vacation with the other kids in tow
The family visited a Kentucky horse stable
They left her alone in a sunny grass meadow
While off riding with the children who were able
While sitting alone in a catatonic state
Staring out somewhere in space
A gelding that was grazing, Mr. Truly Amazing
Came up and licked her on the face
The family returned to a shocking surprise
Seeing the wheelchair left unoccupied
They looked all around, then couldn’t believe their eyes
When they saw her standing with a horse by her side
She was petting his nose, feeding him an apple
And seemed to be whispering something
They were frozen in their tracks not believing the fact
That their Jenny was no longer a nothing
The mother walked up, in a delicate manner
Not wanting to interrupt this miracle’s course
When Jenny turned to her and in a shallow voice
Whispered, “Look, Mommy, I have a horse”
Pray for those who cry in the night
as well as those who turn wrong into right
Pray for the child who must sleep with fright
" Lord have mercy"
Look after the soldier who feels all alone
Pray for the child who likes to throw stones
look out for the preemie until she is grown
" Lord have mercy"
Look after the sailors lost in the storms
comfort the widow alone as she mourns
heal the couple whose relationships torn
" Lord have mercy"
Lord grant peace to nations of the world
Pray for no more burning of flags unfurled
Pray for the indignant for the words that they hurl
" Lord have mercy"
Lord pray for my family in heaven with you
And look out for the family here with me too
Pray for all sinners for they know not what they do
" Lord have mercy"
Through Every Ford
I beg to die and then I cry.
Tell me God. Why? Oh, why?
I kneel to pray beneath sun's ray.
Hope will not stay my heart this day.
Life is dry; minds will not ply.
Will you, please tell me why?
Aches and pains here and there-
In my heart and everywhere.
Now, my stomach begins its hurts.
Growling out-loud ailment blurts.
Leopard spotted gnawed at first.
Too soon the ulcers ate and cursed.
If I go, I will miss them so.
Friends and family lost. Oh, no!
If I stay, I will miss them so.
Friends and family have gone. Oh, no!
But if I say, “Lord, have your way.”
I shall not worry another day.
For God is there to pull one out.
He does it gently with no shout.
He holds each heart within His hand.
And so He does in every land.
So lift your eyes unto the Lord.
And hold on tight through every ford.
© By Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen
11-23-09