Do we have an open mind to let
things get in? Or does it then let out our
convictions out when we do? Do we require more
information to find the truth?
These questions require tolerance yet there some say
that tolerant people do not understand the problem that confront
us.
But I believe intolerance is ignorance on the defensive.
My thoughts are my own but there are times I wonder
who I really am?
Am I who I thing I am? At times I wonder if that is who I really am.
So you see, my age keeps telling me to be myself. I
become confused when people tell me how things ought to be.
I think I will just stop listening to the news media telling me who I ought
to be and telling me who to like and who to hate.
Cancer carves fear on the soul
Marking the life in black grief, dread
Words like hope, the cancer stole
But we’re holding onto Him by a thread
Cancer inscribes a panic into life,
Distress, so anxious and apprehensive
Words like faith, might end each strife
Oh, this disease puts me on the defensive
Cancer writes worry through each dream
Darkening the spirit with heartbreak
It feels so terrifying – I could just scream!
God surely knows all that is at stake
Cancer engraves tears into the believer
Silencing the prayers so softly spoken
God will soon destroy this dark deceiver
And quiet the heart who has been broken!
Cancer pens heartbreak in my prayer
While I reach for the light in the shadows
Knowing, deep down, He is always there
While I can’t understand, He always knows
Cancer marks the heart with tears
Pouring salt into the wounds – such grief
But God blesses away all the fears
With His gentle spirit, oh such sweet relief
Teaching I statements is worthwhile
you do not start with a pointing finger
Or a mean look
An I statement is not an accusation
It is an expression of your feelings
I felt sad when….
I felt upset when….
I felt disappointed when....
Expressing your feelings does not put people on the defensive
So much better than pointing fingers, angry looks or nasty accusations.
“You made me angry” is silly.
“I felt angry when you….” Makes a lot more sense.
“You made me hit him.”
I am not even going there.
How can you accuse someone else of taking your free choice away?
The more you practice “I” statements
The better you will be able to stand up for yourself
You will be able to retain your power.
If “You” is the first word you think to use, when someone upsets you,
Practice your “I” statements.
Retain your power.
Jon always does a Rubix Cube,
Before swims for his nerve,
He’s a self-confessed motorhead,
Loves driving Lamorghini’s.
Born on the 30th of May in 1991,
With mild Cerebral Palsy,
He has a BTEC in sports, science,
And trains in Manchester.
He is coached by Mick Massey,
And in Beijing won silver,
In the 100m backstroke, S7 class,
Paralympic glory to know.
In 2009 in the Reykjavik Euros,
He won 4 golds, 1 silver,
For the backstroke and freestyles,
A silver for the 50m free.
In 2010, the Worlds, Eindoven,
In the south Netherlands,
Jon won another strong, solid gold,
To add to his collection.
The London Paralympics smiled,
And he won the gold,
In the men’s 100m backstroke,
To choke slightly, podium.
Montreal 2013, Canada’s plane,
With the World Champs,
Here Jon won a gold, a bronze,
For the back and free.
Then came Funchal in Madeira,
Which is Portuguese,
2016, and for back and freestyle,
Jon won gold, silver.
In Rio he was on the defensive,
To keep his Para title,
For the backstroke 100 metres,
But was sad with silver.
REPENTABILITY
we can never enter heaven until we first believe we deserve
hell
humility a key and our ability to repent of sins and how we
fell
God opposes the proud gives grace to the humble we love to
tell
what do we do when confronted with sin—on the defensive
dwell?
are we shielded to friends rebukes or strangers hard truths to
quell?
not wanting to be perturbed with messages of deceitful
repel
many pages to turn when we need more uplifting thoughts to
excel
we choose to dwell on how far we have come not how far still to
propel
testing our 'repentability' and meekness as mercies guide
channel
© Kim van Breda—April 2014
PHD translation;PULL- HIM -DOWN***
I pursue my enemies ,and overtake them
they rose up against me, with no reason
They have fallen to the ground,not to rise again
a violent storm,under my feet
As soon as they hear,of my name
they tremble and flee
I find myself on the defensive side
ever seeking to reach them with my LOVE
Those who hate me
chipepo lwele
I made it through yet again
I walked away, again unharmed
One small battle, one small win
In which this beast was charmed.
Next time I might not get so blessed
to be able to walk away
This is becoming too much stress!
But I made it, if just for today.
There will come a time I am sure,
when I will succumb, fall and die
And for that there is no cure.
Please just leave me where I lie.
But that day is not here yet.
Please believe, trust me I know,
when I say I am in debt,
my life is full of sorrow and woe.
Maybe I’ll ask myself then,
which one of my character flaws
caused me to allow this in.
Then sit back take note and pause.
But today I find glory in this small win
tomorrow is the day I will sit back
let my mind wander back once again,
Ask myself just what it is I lack.
And prepare myself,
for a defensive attack.
Terrorist's hide behind many a foreign
wall,Ignoring America's Freedom like call!
These military Americans are giving up
many a life,Sometimes leaving behind
children and a wife! Tears,as glistened
down moistened cheeks,that are red,
For loved one's sacrificed,unselfish are
dead!Red,white,and blue,are draped on
silent,somber coffins,For there are many
saddened empty hearts,followed as oftened!
Families,are encased in the abuses of war,
Families,are trapped with memories of
heart-aches,so sore!Rebuilding and peace
should be in store,Hopefully negating this
horrible war!This demon like death,spread
out in Iraq,Should not have to keep
America and their allies,on the defensive
attack!
The tiger, majestic and proud
Fearless, strong and solitary
A predator by nature
Domineering yet wary
The dove, gentle and harmonious
Passive and apprehensive
A free spirit by nature
But always on the defensive
The jungles most perilous feline
Encounters the fragile dove
A most unlikely pair
Yet they have found love
Their journey will be a challenge
Obstacles in every direction
A never ending conflict
Between rage and affection
Each possesses, what the other lacks
Complimenting and yet taunting
A compromise of character
Is what they are wanting
She wants his intemperance
He wants her domestication
Together seeking a compromise
In search of salvation
The dove cannot tame him
Or dismiss his need for the hunt
She must accept who he is
Placing him at the forefront
The tiger cannot disengage her
Or deride her passion to nest
He must accept who she is
Keeping her abreast
The future lies uncertain
For the tiger and the dove
But they can conquer anything
If they just remember to love
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