Monday, June 01, 2009

CONFIDENCE CONVICTIONS

CONFIDENCE CONVICTIONS

Roger A. Davis

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. [Philippians 1: 6 NIV]

Muhammad Ali was fond of saying, "I am the greatest." Paul, the writer of the above verse, wrote that he was the least of God's people. Paul's confidence was Jesus dwelling in him; Ali in himself. What is your confidence based on today?

The ongoing world economic shake-up has some people’s confidence levels in the dumpster. Paul learned to be content in whatever the circumstances, whether he had plenty or in need. Most of us are not there yet and anxiety robs us of confidence convictions.

There are some things we can do to have spiritual recovery: (1) Rejoice in our circumstances; (2) Give thanks in all things; and (3) Read and pray God's word. It may not change our circumstances, but we will enjoy each day more.

There are those who have a stock market attitude. If they are having a good day, all is rosy. If not, all is thorny. Let us pray we can get passed that and enter into this conviction.

God has the whole world in His hands and He wants us to enjoy the journey.

THE BOOMBOX OF FORGIVENESS

THE BOOMBOX OF FORGIVENESS

Roger A. Davis

Corrie ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place
No bitterness in her life, not a trace
Corrie learned it’s by God, not of herself, that she forgave
This allowed her to share His love, being graciously brave

In the Netherlands, the family saved many Jews from annihilation
They were caught and sent to camps of concentration
Some of family members were released but not Betsie, Corrie or Casper their dad
Casper died on the way, then Betsie at Ravensbruck, so sad

"There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still"
Betsie told Corrie this before entering into God's eternal will
Corrie was accidentally released by a clerical mistake
Ten books have been written about this woman of God, she was no fake

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." [Ephesians 4:32 NIV]
Corrie experienced this in a way that hardly seems true
Later, she met the cruelest of the former camp guards one day
He extended his hand, she had to pray

Then she grasped his hand and felt the most intense love of God ever in her life
Verifying the scripture above, so let the Lord rid ourselves of all bitterness and strife
We have found if we praise Him in all things
He will cleanse us, The King of All Kings

Corrie ten, the boombox to the world, her sweet music can still be heard
She left us many a melody, those of a lady who practiced God's Word
So let us, too, be an instrument of praise and thanksgiving
Growing more in Christ's likeness while we are still living

DAYS OF THEN

DAYS OF THEN

By Gene Henry

He sits in the room, all alone, trying to stay strong
Another sleepless night, a night forever long
He rests his weary head and hugs his pillow tight
He sobs so deep and sad, as he kisses her good-night
He tosses and turns, and kicks the covers free
He silently starts to scream, why did she have to leave
He feels the empty void, utterly alone
But then again, why not, the love he had is gone
Sometimes at night, it all becomes clear
It is at times like these, he knows she’s really near
He lays back down again, and tells the night good-bye
His heart is overflowing, overflowing through his eyes
The alarm goes off, as usual, he barely hears its vibes
All he hears and knows is why
Why did she have to die!!!
He thinks he’s mad at God, and feels guilt from that inside
He quickly looks about, a good safe place to hide
He thinks he’ll lay back down, a moment, maybe two
And wonders to himself, what am I going to do?
As he drifts with the sandman, his dreams are filled with mist
He knows that she is near; he just felt the softest kiss
He wonders how he’ll make it through; his world was filled with her
Empty days of now, how he wishes for days of then

HOW HE PRAYS FOR DAYS OF THEN

Zoo Uncaged

(Grief cannot be read or told - only felt)

PESSIMISM TO PEPTIMISM

PESSIMISM TO PEPTIMISM

Roger A. Davis

Does evil outweigh good?
Do you think you are being misunderstood?
There is one who knows better than a brother
It’s God, The Father, like no other

Some walk in veils of gloom
Expecting and accepting attitudes of doom
Been there, done that, for times untold
Happy days now, I’m gospel bold

I go to a pep rally at a UMC Fellowship
A chance to praise and worship
Where we are edified for the race to run
Our Savior enjoys His family’s having spiritual fun

Where we are turned into His likeness, too
By His word, freed from pessimistic glue
Here is a coined word, ‘Peptimist.’ What’s that about?
Peptimist: Christians by hope and faith, reaction; gospel cheers they shout

They read Romans Chapter 8
And such joy does it translate
Their voices and hearts soar above
By trusting in His Holy Love

So turn your whine into song
Because in His love is where you belong
And wherever the pep rally is, Jesus will appear
For, if it is just two or three, that, too, He finds dear

LAND OF AHS

LAND OF AHS

Roger A. Davis

My four adopted Japanese-American sisters flew into Wichita
First leg of seeing many an ‘Ah’
On to Hutchinson to stay with Eve
Up real early to go gambling, would you believe?

We met in McPherson at Perkins for my seatmate
Then it was on to Prairie Band to check out our fate
Chez rode with me and she is a blast
Regaling me with stories of her past

I pointed out ahs like Fort Riley and the Flint Hills
Told later, my swerving gave the family following us the chillsAfter rest stops toward our destination
We reached Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Nation

Checked in luggage, then to the slots we went
This began the pocketbook money dent
Eve ended up the only winner of bucks
The rest of saying, 'Aw shucks!'

Enjoyed a buffet dinner with Amanda and my son
The girls gave gifts to all; this was very fun
One of mine was an ivory tiger to wear
The sisters really know how to share

Next day, after a short slot session
We started our Eden Prairie School procession
Gas stop in Abilene had a gift store
Those California girls got Oz gifts galore

Lindsborg, Marquette, and then my abode
Again, fantastic stories Chez told
Eve really enjoyed the place
Being a one room schoolmarm face

Marge did her PC tricks on my files
And we parted there with hugs and smiles
We met that night at Aunt Donna's with my relation
Girls giving presents, plus a great meal sensation

Much give and take at the table
But I got more than my share
Don't you feel my concern, my being a disable?
Mom said it’s just subtle love and care

I left early - just tired, not mad
My emotions: enjoyed the journey and a little sad
The girls got a tour of Donna's place
It included a doll with Shirley Temple's face

Next day, Eve had family come and go
Wish I could have been a mouse to see that comical flow
Friday, a salt mine descent
Then back to L.A. they went

Marge called me when they got to LAX
So I could sleep and not be vexed
In this Land of Ahs, this was my favorite trip
The fellowship really righted my broadsided ship

PRAIRIE BAND'S MAIN SERVING HAND

PRAIRIE BAND’S MAIN SERVING HAND
(Nancy’s Poem)

Roger A. Davis

Nancy Wahwedtten is her name
At the casino, she has gained much fame
Rising to drink supervisor now days
With her smile, attitude and winning ways

Nancy is my favorite for bringing sodas to my seat
I get a peck and a big hug when we meet
It may be because I'm her big live teddy bear
She really conveys love and care

She has two girls she lovingly talks about
And, once in a while, mentions her ex who is a lout
Yes, most of our talk is on an upbeat note
So this is why, of all the employees, she gets my vote

Nancy liked to ride her quarter horse and thoroughbred
Let them go, no place to keep and cost much to be fed
A passion for golf, she happily told me
Just for fun, keeping no score leaving the tee

Owning restaurants is in her resume
And she still likes to cook to this very day
Spaghetti is a specialty dish
Sharing a plate with her is my wish

When we greet, it seems as if we’re lifelong pals
I pray she will always be the chief server of the gals
So, Nancy, my good friend, if you get sad
Reread this poem, and may the Lord Jesus make you glad

WHEELCHAIR HELPERS

WHEELCHAIR HELPERS

Roger A. Davis

Others in their chairs have helpers in tow
For me, it is usually solo
Unless it’s the valet or my son
For them, it’s not much fun

Loading my portable is a strain
It causes me a lot of back pain
At the Golden Eagle, Security does the deed
I’m so thankful for them meeting this need

Since I found to use my feet
It’s easier to go backwards in my seat
I must often turn my neck
To avoid people and not have a wreck

I’m teased of needing backup lights installed
Or an alarm, or whatever it’s called
Yet, most people give me the right-of-way
I say, ‘Thanks and have a good day’

Power scooters or wheelchairs you readily see
Mine for home-use cost an amazing fee
Thanks, all you taxpayers, for the customized chair
But, somehow, it doesn’t seem fair

Handicap accessible is really cool
So happy to have it at Eden Prairie School
Boys and girls bathroom doors are too small
I can still walk to the shower and stall

I was asked to write this poem by my friend Eiko
The suggestion was generated by what, I don’t know
I guess it was the grumbling of, for one, my brother
And of my son, the other

It’s my own fault to be this disabled
Taking in too much food at the dinner table
They have every right to vent their distaste
If our roles were reversed, would I helpingly hesitate?