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    Heavenly Poems and Prose
    Heavenly Poems and Prose
    Heavenly Poems and Prose
    Ebook202 pages2 hours

    Heavenly Poems and Prose

    By Charles W. Craig

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    Although I have achieved almost all of the goals in life that I ever set out to accomplish, nothing in my pursuit of the American Dream can ever compare with the gift of the Holy Spirit that I received on January 24, 1999. My life was forever changed in the twinkling of an eye when I was 66 years old. This momentous event completely overshadows anything that has ever happened to me, and to think that the Creator of the Universe has singled me out to be one of His own is almost more than my mind can enfold.

    After this born-again experience, I was filled with the tremendous desire to do two things, i.e., to read everything of God that I could get my hands on and to be of service in His kingdom. To that end, I've read hundreds of books, commentaries, and devotionals, and I've made it a point to read the Bible through every year since my conversion. Then, too, I wrote my biography entitled Life's Reflections with the sub-title of From A Toddler To Eternity which was published by AuthorHouse in January of 2007.

    In addition, I was moved by the Holy Spirit to write a number of poems and articles, as well as my testimony, and these offerings comprise the substance of this book. It is my fervent hope that the thoughts expressed herein will be an inspiration and a blessing to you and to others in your life. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAuthorHouse
    Release dateJan 28, 2011
    ISBN9781456701512
    Heavenly Poems and Prose
    Author

    Charles W. Craig

    The author was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, a general Motors factory town. He graduated with distinction both is high school and at the University of Michigan where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education, and a doctor of Philosophy degree in School Administration positions both in Michigan and Alaska state Professional Teaching Practices Commission. After retirement, he moved to Americus Georgia in 1988, but he continued to spend the summers in Michigan. His first wife passed away with bone cancer in 1995 and he remarried in 1996. His second was a born-again Christian, and she was instrumental in his receipt of the Holy Spirit in 1999 while attending Cornerstone Church. He has served his church in a variety of capacities, and is currently an Elder there. In addition, and as a direct result of his becoming a born-again Christian, he also authorized an autobiography entitled “Life’s Reflections” with the sub-title of “From A Toddler To Eternity” which was published by AuthorHouse in January, 2007. His second book, “Heavenly Poems and Prose” was also published by AuthorHouse in January, 2011

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      Book preview

      Heavenly Poems and Prose - Charles W. Craig

      Table of Contents

      FOREWARD

      PART I

      HEAVENLY POEMS

      OUR MOTHER

      PASTOR DARRELL

      PRIYA

      ODE TO DARRELL AND DEREK

      LARRY’S LIFE AND MINE!

      JOSHUA DETHOSE

      A BLESSING FOR TAMARA

      EMA BETH MEEK

      IN MEMORIUM

      A TRIBUTE TO BOB HOUSE

      A TRIBUTE TO DAN

      AN ODE TO

      TIM FINK

      AN ODE TO

      PAM AND KENNY PHILLIPS

      A TRIBUTE TO

      SHEILA EASTERLY

      SACHIYO

      A CHANGE OF LIFE!

      A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE!

      A GUIDE FOR LIFE

      A MIRACLE

      A PRAISE AND

      WORSHIP THANK YOU!

      A VALENTINE THANK YOU!

      THE VALENTINES OF OUR LIVES

      LOVE

      ABBA FATHER!

      AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE?

      ANONYMOUS INDIVIDUALS

      BIBLICAL MYSTERIES

      THE VINEYARD OF SIN

      CHRISTIAN SERVICE

      THE CHRISTMAS STORY

      CHRIST’S ABODE

      FAULTS

      FISHERS OF MEN!

      HEAVENLY LOVE!

      HIS ALL AND OURS!

      HIS WAYS!

      HOLY TEMPLES!

      HOME GROUP BLESSINGS

      HONESTY

      HOPE!

      JESUS!

      MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

      OUR REASON FOR BEING

      PASTOR APPRECIATION

      PRIDE

      RETIREMENT

      SALVATION

      SEARCHING

      SERVICE

      SIN

      SINFULNESS

      SOONER OR LATER

      SPENDING TIME

      TEARS OF JOY!

      THE BIG 30!

      THE KILLING OF OUR LORD!

      THE LORD, OUR GOD!

      THE U IN JESUS

      TWO ADAMS!

      WHAT TO DO?

      WHAT IS THE GOSPEL

      ACCORDING TO YOU?

      WHY?

      WORLDLY WAYS

      PART II

      HEAVENLY PROSE

      NEW YEARS’ RESOLUTIONS

      GOD’S RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN

      LOST AND FOUND

      SUCH AS THESE!

      HUMBLENESS!

      DO THE DOABLE!

      TAINTED FLOWERS

      HIS WORLD

      AND OUR WORLD

      POOR IN SPIRIT REFLECTIONS

      YARDSTICKS AND BOOMERANGS!

      THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS

      THE WONDERS OF

      BIBLICAL PROPHECY

      GOD’S GUIDE TO GIVING

      LESS IS MORE!

      WHEN THINGS LOOK HOPELESS....

      GIFTS

      THE BIBLICAL PRESENCE

      OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

      SKILLS FOR LIVING

      TOP TEN FINANCIAL SUGGESTIONS

      WHY I FOLLOW CHRIST*

      PART III: THE AUTHOR’S TESTIMONY

      MY GREATEST GIFT

      FOREWARD

      Ever since I became a born again Christian on January 24, 1999, I have authored a number of poems and articles with a Christian theme, and they are included in this book. With the exception of the poems that are indicated as anonymous, all of the poems included in this work were written by myself. Where necessary, I have included explanatory statements that will help the reader better understand the circumstances involved in writing particular poems. In addition, I have given credit for the source of references when and where appropriate.

      The subjects of some of these poems involved a number of individuals at Cornerstone Church here in Americus, Georgia who, for one reason or another, are no longer parishioners of our church. Some have moved away for vocational reasons, some have moved away for educational reasons, some have heeded God’s call to be of service elsewhere, and, in one instance, a former elder had passed away. In addition, in those instances where specific names of individuals are referenced, I have received permission from those individuals to include those poems in this book.

      The Bible teaches us to meditate on God’s word, and I have found that writing poems and prose is in and of itself a form of meditation. It gives me the opportunity to really think about the subject at hand and to appropriate theological references that hopefully will apply. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." I am not implying that the poems and prose that are included in this work are God-breathed, but at times, I do feel that the Holy Spirit is guiding my hand as I put to paper the thoughts that come to mind.

      No one ever knows when the word of God, whether in song, in poetic expressions, in the spoken word, or in the written word may have an impact on someone’s life. As Jesus said in Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Given the fact that I am 78 years of age, while I am not physically able to travel to the ends of the earth, it is my hope and prayer that the thoughts expressed herein will serve to be inspirational to others wherever they may be.

      Christians everywhere need to do what they can, where they can, while they can, and when they can. In short, we need to Do the doable!

      Perhaps the thoughts expressed herein will inspire you as a reader to put to paper some thoughts that you have so that you can bring some light and joy and comfort to others in your life. As Jesus promised us in Mark 9:41, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." I hope that what follows will be a blessing to you so that you in turn can be a blessing to others.

      PART I

      HEAVENLY POEMS

      SECTION I

      This section includes poems that were written about people who are, or were, or who were associated with members of Cornerstone Church in Americus, Georgia.

      OUR MOTHER

      Honor your father and your mother…

      Exodus 20: 12

      She’s our Mother, Mom or just plain Ma,

      To be her sons has been a pleasure.

      She was destined by God to give us life,

      She’s a gift we’ll always treasure.

      She was there at birth and is here now,

      There’ve been many stops along the way.

      She taught us how to walk and talk,

      We’ve been thankful every day.

      She’s washed our clothes and healed our hurts,

      There were times when things were rough.

      But, when we think of what she’s done for us,

      Heartfelt thanks seems not enough.

      Like all moms do, she’s tried and true,

      She took care of all our needs.

      Whatever it is that we’ve become,

      It’s because of her good deeds.

      She was there when we did things wrong,

      She was there when we did things right.

      In our minds, she’s done the work of God,

      She’s therefore precious in our sight.

      She’s much older now—and we are, too,

      She’s the senior of the Craigs.

      She gives thanks to God for every day,

      She’d even like to have new legs.

      She’s run the race and did it well,

      She deserves some well-earned rest.

      We’re all so very thankful, Ma—

      You’ve done your very best.

      She’s served us well, and others, too,

      She’s been the captain of this clan.

      Ma, we hope this evening’s great for you,

      We love you all we can!

      [This poem was written on the occasion of

      Mrs. Leona M. Craig’s 95th birthday. She was the

      author’s mother and she passed away on October 11,

      2006 at the age of 99 years, 9 months, and 6 days.]

      PASTOR DARRELL

      We’ve come to know our pastor,

      We’ve seen what’s in his heart.

      Though he’s going to move away from us,

      As friends we’ll never part.

      He’s always been a Godly man,

      He remains so to this day.

      He’s been a good and faithful servant,

      No matter what has come his way.

      Jesus said He knows His sheep,

      And He calls them all by name.

      Since Darrell gave his life to Him,

      He’s never been the same.

      We thank God for Darrell’s presence,

      And the things for us he’s done.

      But we know his life’s not over—

      It may be it’s just begun.

      But we’re grateful not just for Darrell,

      For God gave him Margaret as his wife.

      She’s been his loving compass,

      To help steer him in his life.

      There’s a lot of things a pastor does,

      About which his flock is unawares.

      But one thing we all know for sure,

      It’s about us that he really cares.

      There are times when just a thank you,

      Just doesn’t seem to be enough.

      But in Darrell we found a gemstone—

      He’s been a diamond in the rough.

      Many of us have received his counsel,

      When a problem we did face.

      But he never did condemn us,

      Instead, he gave us grace.

      I hope Jesus is like Darrell,

      When we face our judgment day.

      For we know He’ll forgive us of our sins,

      As we’ve had fun along the way.

      When Darrell’s life is over,

      And like us he’s laid to rest.

      He can look his Jesus in the eye,

      And say, You know I’ve done my best.

      And so when the roll is called up yonder,

      We hope his mansion’s just next door.

      For when this life is said and done,

      Who could ask for more?

      [Darrell E. Chatraw, a former pastor of Cornerstone

      Church in Americus Georgia, resigned in August, 2004.]

      PRIYA

      You are a very special girl,

      Who has Jesus in her heart!

      We’re so happy that we know you,

      We hope we’ll never be apart.

      Your family is really proud of you,

      With all you’ve learned to do.

      God has given you so much,

      He must have special plans for you.

      We know you love to dance and sing,

      And your favorite color’s pink.

      It won’t be long—you’ll be grown up!

      It’ll happen quicker than you think.

      We think you’re pretty on the outside,

      And on the inside, too.

      You care for other people—

      It’s what God wants you to do.

      Be a blessing to those you know,

      And to those you chance to meet.

      God will give you many blessings,

      And a life that’s hard to beat.

      As we look into the future,

      We see you happy with your life.

      You may do many things for Jesus,

      And you may also be a mother and a wife.

      So try to do the best you can,

      And have some fun along the way.

      But never get so busy,

      That you don’t have time to pray!

      [Priya Mellott is the daughter of Jim and Anita Mellott, and

      this poem was written when Priya was 6 years old. Jim is a former

      Elder at Cornerstone Church, and he and his family now

      live in the Atlanta, Georgia area]

      ODE TO DARRELL AND DEREK

      Our pastors’

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