My prayer for 2021

 Well 2020 certainly was not a year that I expected. It was troublesome in ways but in other ways, a blessing. I hope you have found those blessings. It was with a heavy heart I wrote this prayer but a hopeful heart at that. I look forward to a greater year in 2021. I share now with you the prayer of my heart as we bid adieu to 2020 and welcome in 2021. No matter what the circumstance you face right now, know that it will not be forever and you will overcome it. Celebrate safely, do some video and zoom, and skype chats. Have fun and may this prayer be what guides you through the next 365 days. God Bless and Happy New Year everyone!

Dear Father in Heaven this is my prayer for 2021

As we say goodbye to all the days of 2020,

And begin to turn our sights into 2021

We come to you with heavy burdened hearts

Blinded by hatred, unkindness, unbelief, and fear

Forgive us Lord.

We have lost sight of who you are and all that you have given to us.

We have become selfish, stubborn and at times ungrateful

 

Lord I pray that we leave behind the pains, bitterness, and sorrows

That plagued our hearts,

leaving us feeling empty seeking better tomorrows

 

Lord help us to leap into 2021 with renewed endurance, health, and faith

Help us to love more and learn forgiveness

Help us to judge less and correct our own weaknesses

I pray Lord that we learn to listen for you and seek your promises

Rather than those made by the world

I pray Lord that COVID 19 becomes a memory that will serve as a reminder to us

That we humans cannot do this life on our own

That we need You.

 

I pray Lord that the vaccines come fast to those who need,

and they are the right ones to put this virus to rest.

I pray that those that have made it through 2020 but still struggle with their needs, and circumstances, receive the help they need to get back on their feet.

I pray Lord that 2021 brings us closer to you.

That those of us who do already know you can be brighter beacons that shine the light

towards You for those who don’t already know you.

 

Lend us your strength Lord when we face troubles

Remind us Lord that you are in control,

You are the Rock on which we need to stand

May 2021 be the year of more faith, hope and joy.

Guide us Lord through this night into the next 365 days.

May we all start with a clean slate, with hopeful softened hearts,

Ready to receive the Blessings and gifts you have for us

Throughout the next chapter of the Book of Life.

In You we Trust,

Amen

 

Nancy's Christmas songs

 Christmas. I love Christmas. When the instructor asked us to write 5 to 7 songs about a current event, theme etc.. I jumped at the opportunity to write Christmas songs. I had some fun with a few of them. Of course I don't know how to arrange music so you'll have to make up your own tunes. Except for my 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy and Merry Christmas. Make sure you look through all 6 songs.

Christmas Candy Land
Let’s begin with some candy cane kisses,
oh so deliciously sweet
Grab one and have a treat
 
Come take a whirl on a peppermint swirl
Over mountains of chocolatey goodness
Across rivers of sugary ice
Onto pillows of marshmallow dreams
 
OH! May, your Christmas be filled
With sweet moments in time
Simmered in love,
Coated with hope for the year to come
 
We’ll grab Mistletoe wishes
While we take a pause
To wait for Santa Claus
 
Follow me o’er fields of cookie dough
Crossing icicle topped bridges
over streams of sticky caramel
Watch as the sugary pies begin to swell
 
OH! May, your Christmas be filled
With sweet moments in time
Simmered in love,
Coated with hope for the year to come
 
Swing round on popcorn strings
And cranberry rings
And join the celebration
 
May you be filled with candy cane kisses
Be blessed with marshmallow dreams and
Mistletoe wishes
Repeat chorus as you fade out….


Nancy’s 12 Days of Christmas
(same tune as original 12 Days of Christmas)
 
On the 1^st day of Christmas,
My Good Lord gave to me A Saviour for the World
 
On the 2^nd Day of Christmas,
My Good Lord gave to me 2 Doves of peace
 
On the 3^rd Day of Christmas,
My Good Lord gave to me 3 Wise men
 
On the 4^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 4 Rays of hope
 
ON the 5^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 5 ANGELS SINGING!!! (pause and repeat other verses)
 
On the 6^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 6 Stars a Shining
 
On the 7^th Day of Christmas,
My Good Lord gave to me 7 Shepherd’s watching
 
On the 8^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 8 Nights of oil burning
 
On the 9^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 9 Prayers of repentance
 
On the 10^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 10 Commandments to obey
 
On the 11^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 11 Maidens praying
 
On the 12^th Day of Christmas
My Good Lord gave to me 12 Disciples teaching
 
  
A Saviour so Small Came for All
Glimmering lights bounce off falling snow
Sweet smells of spices linger so
Magic and wonder fill the air
 
A bright shining star atop the tree
Shines like the angels so long ago
That marked the place for all to see
 
They lead the way to the manger
Where the special babe lay
A gift of love given that day
 
 Christmas is near
We’ve nothing to fear
For a saviour so small came for all
 
The candy canes trimmed upon the tree
Remind me of the Shepherd’s forlorn
Who came to see the babe who was born
 
Bridge: How could a babe so precious and small
Be the one to save us all
 
I see gifts wrapped in ribbons and bows
And I think of wise men who had to go
See the glorious miracle
 
Christmas is near
We’ve nothing to fear
For a saviour so small came for all
 
These are the blessings that I come to know
As I see the flakes of the first snow
Deep in my heart I cherish them all
 
Christmas is near
We’ve nothing to fear
For a Saviour so small came for all
 

Always Room for Little One here
Outside the Inn,
Nestled in a small barren stable,
Old Ox lowed quietly into the night
Tired dog appeared “woof, I’m cold and no place to go”
 
Old Ox lowed “Come gather near
There is always room for a little one here”
“Meow” mewed the cat
“I’m cold and have no place to go”
 
Dog barked “Come gather near,
There’s always room for a little one here”
“Squeak!” called the mouse
“I’m cold and have no place to go”
 
Cat meowed “Come gather near,
There’s always room for a little one here”
Together they settled into the quiet of the night
Till, outside the stable they heard someone shout
“No, I’m sorry I’ve not any rooms” the voice rang out
 
The animals stood and began to call out
“Come gather near,
There’s always room for a little one here”
As they watched, Baby Jesus made his first cry.
 
OH, oh, there’s always room for a little one here
Little one here, little one here
There’s always room for a little one here…fade out
 
 
Mother Mary, How could it Feel?
Oh Mother Mary,
How did it feel to be the chosen one?
To carry His one and only son
and nurse him as your own?
 
You were a virgin young and unaware
When the Angel came with the message
Of the babe you were to bear
 
Insignificant you must have felt
But yet on your knees you knelt
And to the Father you did praise
For His child you were to raise
 
To travel oh so long upon the back
Of a donkey so small
Only to find there was no room at all
 
Oh Mother Mary,
How did it feel to be the chosen one?
To carry His one and only son
 and nurse him as your own?
 
The stable was the only room
To have the babe by the light of the moon
You must have been so scared
 
You are blessed far more than we can see
The chosen one of God
Is so much for us to see
 
I bless the Father for choosing
You to bring His son unto the world
In hopes of peace and everlasting joy.
 
Oh Mother Mary,
How did it feel to be the chosen one?
To carry His one and only son
 and nurse him as your own? ( repeat and fade)
 

Where’s the Magic Gone?
Writing Christmas cards brings me back
To the days of old
When Christmas magic filled every household
 
As I look out the window and see the lights on the trees
I long to have it the way it was
When love and peace spread through the air
 
Though the years have come and gone
The magic is buried by the burdens I keep
I pray it all comes back to me
 
All I want for Christmas
Is the magic that once was
To shine and fill the hearts of all
 
My heart is overwhelmed
To see the hate, and loneliness
That plagues the hearts of man
 
Where has the magic gone
Whatever have we done
To this time of peace and love
 
All I want for Christmas
Is the magic that once was
To shine and fill the hearts of all

We Have Today

 This week was a really good eye opener on how short life can be. It can be taken away in a flash. This song puts us into that perspective. We Only Have Today. In Mathew 6:34(NKJV) it says: 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

We Have Today
Broken homes and lonely people
Riots, wars, closing stores
Today’s world is a messed-up place
Things happen that we cannot erase
Sickness takes so many lives
Deadly outcomes where disease thrives
 
Burning candles at both ends
From pay to pay, the bills never end
We fret and we frown
And let life keep us down
 
Take nothing for granted
We don’t have forever
Tomorrow’s not promised
We only have today
 
Worry drives our daily lives
Workdays are no longer 9 to 5
PTA’s and dance classes
dragging our Ass…ets and credits down
 
Time for renewal and change
Reach out to those in need
Show love and do good deeds
Forgive and mend some ties
 
Take nothing for granted
We don’t have forever
Tomorrow’s not promised
We only have today.
 
Live in the moment
As though there aren’t anymore
 
Take nothing for granted
We don’t have forever
Tomorrow’s not promised
We only have today.

FAITH

Well thanks to a song writing course that I have taken, I have been able to write again! This course forced me to pull down the writer's block I was having. These are more song oriented rather than poetry. This first one is called Faith. We all need a little faith right now. It only takes the faith of a mustard seed but we all need it. In Mathew 17:20(NKJV) it says; 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your [a]unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

So how much faith do you have?

Faith

Brokenness and heartache, I know to well
In my heart they deeply dwell
Battles and struggles camp at my door
I don’t want to live like this anymore
There has to be more to life than this
 
I want to see the bigger picture
Help me to see with my eyes wide open
Help me to believe in what I cannot see
Help me to move these mountains
And trust in Your plans for me.
 
Doubt and fear hang over me like a cloud
Worry screams at me so loud
The world pulls me down
My tears leave me to drown
There has to be more to life than this.
 
I want to see the bigger picture
Help me to see with my eyes wide open
Help me to believe in what I cannot see
Help me to move these mountains
And trust in Your plans for me.
 
I’m told a mustard seed is all it takes to grow it
Help me to sow the seed
You know what I need
 
Blinded by the darkness in the world
You’ve given me the eyes to see
That you know what is best for me
Give me strength to keep my eyes
Open to the plans you have for me.
 
I want to see the bigger picture
Help me to see with my eyes wide open
Help me to believe in what I cannot see
Help me to move these mountains
And trust in Your plans for me.

Above the Storms

Here is another song, written as part of the song writing course I am taking. I will fly on the wings of my eagle, above the storms. 

Above the Storms

Monday morning rolls around

Jump out of bed with two feet on the ground

Coffee spilled, toast is burning

The end of the day I’m already yearning

 

Late for a meeting

Forget the warm office greeting

Freshen up have to look my best

Five new clients is the boss’s request

 

Chorus

Above the storms Lord carry me

On eagles wings I will fly

Over the mountains, across the sea

Riding on his wings above the storms

Lord carry me

 

Can’t forget the teacher’s meeting

Need to keep my son from failing

Speeding fast, ran the light

SMASH! Ah Man now I’m late

It’s going to be a long night

 

Can I have a re-do for today?

How did I go so wrong?

All these thoughts are dancing in my head

I don’t know what lies ahead

 

Chorus

Above the storms Lord carry me

On eagles wings I will fly

Over the mountains, across the sea

Riding on his wings above the storms

Lord carry me

 

Bridge

The future looks grim and is unknown

Through a strength that is not my own

I’ll push on above the storms

 

Above the storms (singer’s freedom here)

 

Chorus

Above the storms Lord carry me

On eagles wings I will fly

Over the mountains, across the sea

Riding on his wings above the storms

Lord carry me

 

Repeat and fade…..

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord, Shall renew their strength: They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

There Can Be No Doubt

 Well I have been taking a song writing course as an elective for a diploma I am working for. This course has been pulling me out of slump and feeding my creative juices. Albeit, it's been a struggle writing on demand but I guess I am doing alright. Here is one of my songs that I have written for that course. I'll let it explain itself.

There Can Be No Doubt

Some believe You are an ancient story

Made by man to tell our history

How can they be right

Would rather spend a lifetime seeking your truth

Than spending a thousand days in doubt

 

For it seems that where I go

You are there

A top the trees in the rustling leaves

O’er the winding hills

In the darkness and the light

I have no doubt

 

Chorus:

Keep my eyes wide open

I don’t want to miss a moment

From the first light of day

To the twinkling stars of night

Be the air that I breathe and all that I see

 

Flowing through the canvas

Are reds, yellows, and blues

Springing alive with images of you

Where then can there be doubt?

 

This ancient myth seems to be the truth

The proof is all around

From the creatures of the air

To the critters on the ground,

There can be no doubt

 

Chorus:

Keep my eyes wide open

I don’t want to miss a moment

From the first light of day

To the twinkling stars of night

Be the air that I breathe and all that I see

Twice for Twice in a Lifetime

This one is actually a remake of a poem from a few years back. I tried to make it more song worthy. August 3rd marks 17 years since she was taken from me a 2nd time. The first time was due to adoption, the second time Mom passes away. Either way twice in a lifetime is too much to be taken away. The heartache stays deep no matter the time that passes. Knowing at least I know the next time we will be together, will be in eternity, helps me through my days but the sadness never goes away.

Twice in a Lifetime

You were young and scared

And I knew you cared

The day they took me away

Was a painful day

Forever etched in my heart

 

That devil he thought he won

My faith seemed to come undone

I had to find a way to cope

To keep alive the hope

 

Year went into year

My hope grew dim

Then one day your letters began to appear

Your words were salve to my soul

My hope returned, my was heart full

 

Bridge

Together again forever this time

Times for healing

Times for breaking down and building up

Times for weeping

Times for laughing

Times for second chances

Then came that haunting call

I felt like I had hit the wall

Don’t take her from me, Lord not again,

not today

Then you were gone

Separated once more,

How could I go on?

That devil he thought he won

My faith seemed to come undone

I had to find a way to cope

To keep alive the hope

 Losing you twice in a lifetime is more than I could bear

Then the Savior called to me

He said he’d ease our pain and set us free

He would give us eternity

 

In Daddy's Arms

 Life for most of us begins with a daddy to help us when we feel insecure or are hurt. Sometimes life turns and that male figure is gone. Yet, there is always a daddy for all of us. For some it takes years to see that. Mostly, our dad's are there when we need them. Even when we push away, dads are always there waiting for us to approach them When was the last time you approached your dad about something? How about the last time you asked for his help. Despite how we think we can do life without them, dads are needed. Whether you know your dad or not, there is always one constant dad that is there, patiently waiting with open arms, to comfort and reassure us, help us and guide us. It is today that I honour my three dads. Yes that's right three. I have my Heavenly father to whom I give credit for creating me and sustaining me all these years. Then my dad who was there at the time of my birth until I was four years old. Thirdly, my adoptive dad who guided me through life; and yes came to my rescue when I needed him the most, even when I was saying that, I could do life on my own. I honour these three dads today with so much love, admiration and gratitude. Because without them I would not only, be non existent but also wouldn't be the woman I am today. 

Happy Father's Day to all my dads, who no matter what I go through, are always there with their arms outstretched ready and waiting for me to come running into their arms.

In Daddy’s Arms

    Tiny hands reach out for comfort and help

Daddy’s outstretched arms are ready

“Hold me daddy,” the little voice speaks

“I tried my best daddy, I wanted to be brave, daddy.”

Daddy’s outstretched arms firmly wrap around the small child

  “I am here for you always” daddy’s voice softly booms.

     As years pass the tiny arms stop reaching,

Though daddy’s outstretched arms remain ready

“It’s ok dad, I am brave enough,” the shaky child’s voice speaks.

  “I am here for you always.” Daddy’s voice softly booms.

     More years pass, yet the arms of the child never reach up

Daddy’s outstretched arms remain ready.

“I am brave enough; I don’t need you daddy” says a small voice.

  “I am here for you always.” Daddy’s voice softly booms.

     Years move on until one day,

Arms reach out for comfort and help

Daddy’s outstretched arms remain ready.

“Hold me daddy. I really messed up,

I don’t know how to be brave anymore” says a small voice.

   “I am here for you always,” Daddy’s voice softly booms.

We are all broken and imperfect even in churches

Tonight's post is not a poem. Instead it is what is on my heart. I felt I must share.

For the past few months I have been searching for a new home church. I have been a regular at 2 different churches. Both very grounded in the values, beliefs and truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Both very welcoming. Both smaller than I am used to at my former church. However today something stood out while I was at one of those 2 churches that really encouraged me. Not to say that the other isn’t like this but what I saw was an amazing testimony of God’s grace and forgiveness. It showed me what this church was truly grounded in. The message also was that we are all broken, even us Christians. No one, not one person is perfect. We all have skeletons. But the healing doesn’t start when we hide those skeletons. It begins when we show those skeletons. When we confess to one another is when the work of the Holy Spirit can begin. No one is immune to mistakes or the consequences. The other message was forgiveness. Since we aren’t perfect and fall short all the time, we should not be judging and placing blame. What we ought to be doing is forgiving and loving. Love the offender and forgive them. After all it is the Lord himself that forgives us, and we all need some forgiveness everyday. He also paid the price for us with the cross. The cross gives us life when we kneel at the cross with a repentant heart, we are washed clean. This doesn’t give us the right to sin, but it frees us from death which is the consequence of death. I was to be a part of that kind of church that sees my brokenness but doesn’t shame me, that sees my sin but forgives me. I was blessed to be at the church today when this message was brought forth. My prayer now is that I can live out my life with that same grace and forgiveness as an example to those outside the church.

Finding a new home church is not easy but after seeing and hearing today’s message, perhaps I have found my new home. May God continue to show me where he wants me to be.

These verses came to mind today afterwards:

James 5:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

^16 [a]Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, ^[b]fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

My prayer for 2020

Well this took me a bit longer to do this year. My heart is heavy with so much. 2019 was a difficult year for me as well as many family and friends. I pray this prayer for each and everyone reading it. I hope you will join me in this prayer for not just yourselves but for the world. May God meet us all wherever we are in 2020. God Bless and Happy New Year!

Dear Heavenly Father

As 2019 comes to an end

I can’t help but have a heavy heart

So many people and countries in turmoil

senseless deaths than make my blood boil

Oh dear Father, will you help us through our brokenness?

wipe away our sins of greed, hate and judgement with forgiveness

that only you can give.

We’ve made such a mess Lord

we deserve your worst

but instead you give us shelter, food and love

you love us the same yesterday and today.

yet we continue to do it on our own

Forgive us Lord, perhaps in 2020 we’ll see the light

Help us Lord to make it right

Help us to leave our burdens at the foot of the cross

and help us to be reminded of the loss

you endured by sending Jesus down to die

all because of your undying love for us

Father God I have but one wish for the New Year

I pray guns are laid down instead of bodies

I pray your name be raised up instead of CEO’s

I pray more people turn from darkness and into the light

Father God, I pray more cures for diseases are found

homes for homeless are found

lives that have been destroyed are repaired and reformed

I pray for my family and friends that are ill

that they may have healing and peace

Dear Lord I pray for your return to come soon

With all the disasters and war I don’t know how much more

this Earth can stand.

Turn your ear to us, come quickly to our rescue

be our rock of refuge and a strong fortress to save us

Thank you Lord for bringing us through 2019

May we seek you everyday throughout 2020

May we come to you freely to confess our sins

May we pull closer to you each and every day

And may our vision of you be 20/20 throughout the year.

I pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen