The Value of One Member

Ten little members, standing in a line.

One disliked the president, then there were nine.

Nine ambitious members offered to work late.

One forgot her promise, then there were eight.

Eight creative members had ideas good as heaven.

One lost enthusiasm, then there were seven.

Seven loyal members got into a fix.

They quarreled over projects, and then there were six.

Six members remained with spirit and drive.

One moved away, then there were five.

Five steadfast members wished there were more.

One became indifferent, then there were four.

Four cheerful members who never disagree-

'Til one complained of meetings; then there were three.

Three eager members! What did they do?

One got discouraged, then there were two.

Two lonely members, our rhyme is nearly done.

One joined an athletic club, then there was one.

One faithful member was feeling rather blue-

Met with a neighbor, then there were two.

Two earnest members each enrolled one more-

Doubling their number, and then there were four.

Four determined members, just wouldn't wait

Til each one won another, and then there were eight.

Eight excited members signed up sixteen more,

In another six verses, there'll be a thousand twenty-four!

I've seen a couple of authors for this poem

and also some words changed -

So I will leave it authorless!

I’VE A SACRED POWER

I've a sacred power

That comes from God above

Power pure as celestial love,

White as the mourning dove

 

And if I look beyond the years

This power will affect my destiny

And if I look beyond this life

This power can be min eternally

 

The prophet’s words I hear

And keep your minds all clear

Obey, and keep your body pure

Temptation will allure

 

Tempting voices call and say

Use that power now-

And date the way the low, know how

Death sing the song of an owl

 

But if I hear beyond my ears

My Savior will whisper to me-

That I would wait and if I see beyond the years

In beauty and in glory-

I can create

 

I’ve a sacred power

To bring new life to earth

Power to give sweet spirits birth.

As mortals of eternal worth

 

Unknown author

 

With Faith We Can Save America

 

The Best of Any Man, Is What Is Found In The Heart

 Shoes in Church

I showered and shaved................ I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat................ In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer............ As I closed my eyes.

I saw the shoe of the man next to me....... Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side......... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine.. But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: 'Our Father'............. I thought,

 'This man with the shoes, has no pride. 

They’re dusty, worn, and scratched.  

Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.

The shoe man said................. A quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again..

Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?

'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began .

The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters........ His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering........ And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft 'clink' as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service........ As is the custom here.

We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow........... And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer........ I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.....

But I thanked him for coming.......... For being our guest...

He said, 'My name’s Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'

There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin..

'Let me explain,' he said............. Wiping tears from his eyes.

'I've been coming here for months...... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''

'I know that my appearance...........Is not like all the rest.

'But I really do try....................To always look my best.'

'I always clean and polish my shoes...Before my very long walk.'

'But by the time I get here........They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain............ And I swallowed to hide my tears.

As he continued to apologize.......... For daring to sit so near

He said, 'When I get here............ I know I must look a sight.'

'But I thought if I could touch you....Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment............. Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison.... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part'

'That the best of any man..............Is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought,............... This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am.... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

Live each day as your last, for we never know our time here on earth. Love and Peace My Friends and remember that it is not how we look on the outside but how we look within .

Just So You Know...

This I Know
By Sherry Boyles
September 26, 2013

I know not from whence I came, nor how I came to be.
All I know, I have been taught by others known to me.
The Word, the symbols learned from birth, conveys the message clear,
I may not know the reason, but my Father sent me here.

I knew His face, of this I’m sure, for I can see it, still.
I’ve seen it in the sunshine that warms the winter chill;
In every dawn that slays the night and brings another day;
In every moment that I live, He lights for me the way.

I am a stranger to this place…this Earth that I call home.
‘tis ruled by forces deep and dark, but I am not alone.
Within me lies the Light of God, and so the strength I need
To be at one with Heaven, in thought, and word, and deed.

Am I perfect? No, not I! At least in human eyes.
But, as a daughter of my God, I fear not human lies.
For He has told me I am His, and I shall ever be,
The concept of perfection that my Father sees in me.

And, so, despite the questions running rampant in my mind,
Created by so many words I’ve gathered over time,
While I don’t know from whence I came, this truth I know – not learned –
My God, my Father, loves me, and awaits my safe return.

Copyrighted September 26, 2013

I'd Pick More Daisies

I'd Pick More Daisies
By  Nadine Stair, age 85

If I had my life to live over,
           I'd try to make more mistakes next time.
                I would relax. I would limber up.
      I would be sillier than I have on this trip.
      I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.
   I would take more chances, I would take more trips.
  I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,
        and watch more sunsets.
I would burn more gasoline. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
  I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
         You see, I am one of those people who lives
    prophylactically and sensibly and sanely,
    hour after hour, day after day.

               Oh, I have had my moments
  And if I had it to do over again, I'd have more of them.
        In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
       Just moments, one after another.
      Instead of living so many years ahead each day.
     I have been one of those people who never go anywhere
    without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a
        raincoat, and a parachute.

    If I had to do it over again, I would go places and do things.
                       I'd travel lighter than I have.
      If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted
         earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.
           I would play hooky more. I wouldn't make such good grades
              except by accident.
                   I would ride on merry-go-rounds.

                        I'd pick more daisies!