The Canvas

 The Canvas

I shall not direct my own way

but rather follow what you say.

I shall not take the steps I choose

but rather the ones You want me to use.

My life does not belong to me

I am a canvas, this I see.

You are the author of my life

through all the good and all the strife.

                                                             

I know my way is not my own
I lay my life before your throne.

I give up all I wish to do
and submit myself fully to You.

Use me according to Your plan,
this is my one and only demand.

Written by Brooke Reninger

                                               

What Our Country Needs

This is a wonderful poem that a friend of mine had on her blog a few days ago. I have been reading So Much More, and this poem really brought out some of the things that book talks about.
~Brooke

             What Our Country Needs 

What does our country need? Not armies standing 

With sabres gleaming ready for a fight; 

Not Increased navies, skillful and commanding,

                                         To bound the waters with an iron might;

                                            Not haughty men with glutted purses trying

                                             To purchase souls, and keep the power of place;

                                             Not jeweled dolls with one another vying

                                           For psalms of beauty, elegance, and grace.

                                             But we want women, strong of soul, yet lowly

                                           With that rare meekness, born of gentleness;

                                                   Women whose lives are pure and clean and holy,

                                        The women whom all little children bless;

                                                          Brave, earnest women, helpful to each other,

                                                           With finest scorn for all things low and mean;

                                                  Women who hold the names of wife and mother

                                       Far nobler than the title of queen.

                                          ~Unknown

A Grandmother's Legacy

Many of you know how I love to write poetry. A few years ago, I found out that my grandmother had also written poetry. I decided to share some of her poetry with you today, in a tribute to her. You see, she passed away last night after battling cancer.

My grandmother was a very talented woman. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and a talented seamstress. She passed these talents on to her daughters. She believed in the family. She came from a family of 13 children, and with the help of her husband, raised 7 children of her own.

My grandmother made a very special gift for each of her granddaughters. A bride doll, with a handmade dress and veil. (See attached picture.) I am her youngest granddaughter, and will be the last one to get married. I believe that my grandmother had a vision- a vision of a family for each of us, that we would each continue the family that she helped to start. I believe in her vision as well, and when God sends me my husband, I will remember her vision. I am thankful for the legacy that my grandmother passed down to her children and grandchildren- that of faith and family.
Brooke Reninger

Here is a poem that she wrote to her own mother:

Dear Mother

From your deep and peaceful sleep,

You climbed the stairs; Or Lord to meet.

And as they dressed you in a long white gown,

Just a soft sigh, but not a sound;

A tiny tear touches your face,

As they pin your wings in place.

And above your beautiful soft white hair,

A halo shines in all its glory there.

A glorious walk down that golden street,

Your husband and all your friends to meet.

To express your many joys and gladness.

No more sorrows, worries or sadness,

Where love, faith and hope is the key.

what a beautiful, wonderful place to be.

You take your chair on the righthand of the Lord.

"So children, look at me,

An angel, I am to be."

So cry no more and dry your tears,

For to me you shall come through the years;

So continue to have patience and strong love,

Someday we shall meet in our heaven above.

Your Loving Daughter,

Doris Ruth