In Spirit of Gratitude

This one is for you

In spirit of gratitude

For living your destiny

In every song you sing

Words and melodies

Devotional - inspiring

Elements to lift higher

Earth, Wind and Fire

A generational vibe

Crossing racial divides

Rhythms out of sight

Spanning blues of time

We lived the fantasy

Pyramids of wonder

Tapping into the soul

In Spirit of Gratitude

Singing Praises to You

The times I wake up feeling kind of blue

Facing off with struggle I give it all to you

I place it in your hands I offer up a tune

Holy, holy, holy ... singing praises to truth

I do my best to survive one day at a time

Surrounded on all sides by storms of life

Peace is nestled inside a simple little tune

Holy, holy, holy ... singing praises to truth

No alibi by to hide behind or reason why

Explanations for all the foolish things I do

The high tide of your mercy fills me inside

Then waves my sinfulness out to the blue

 

Create in me a new heart to beat for thee

Fill it with compassion to fight inhumanity

Allow my humility be a reflection of truth

Holy, holy, holy ... singing praises to you!

Anthony Raymond

A Poet's Creed

He observes everything

Listens very carefully

Sees wonder in little things

Ponders unceasingly

His mind paints a picture

Of the hearts point of view

Then sketches it on paper

Hoping for a master brew

No beginning and no end

He adds then takes away

Allows time for simmering

For enlightenment he prays

Creates in humble fashion

The desire of human need

Hoping to make sense of all

The words of a Poet's Creed

Embraced by Light

Glorious light of salvation

Beacon of eternal truth

Ray of hope for all nations

Beaming forth good news

 

The time is truly at hand

Darkness is passing away

Heaven unfolding a plan

Grace revealing the way

The narrow path is wider
Endless mercy is flowing

Be loosed from the divider

Bond to the All Knowing

The darkest sins vanish

Fleeing forever from sight

Into the bottomless abyss
The soul Embraced by Light

Angels

Little children, I see you smiling

I see you there when I am alone

Are you here keeping me company

Two beautiful girls visiting my home

My imagination is not wandering

Though I spend much time alone

An old man spends time pondering

Thinking of precious years now gone

I have never seen these two before

They keep laughing then go away

Have they come because I'm lonely

God has sent two angels here to play

Little children, I see you smiling

The joyous look upon your faces

Somehow I feel we've met before

Though I reminisce not of the places

They say my mind is slowly fading

Soon a once great memory will fade

Yet, my own family thinks I'm crazy

Because angles have come to my aid

"Behold, the Lamb of God"

Do I see you in the morning light

The moment I open up my eyes

Or thank you for the gift of life

The wonder and absolute delight

Do I see you in the little things

That I encounter every day

From a distance do I seek you

If all things appear the same

Do I see you struggle on your way

Down the bitter cold city streets

Have I ever taken a moments time

To offer you a bit of food to eat

Do I see you in the lost an broken

Or turn my back and walk away

From a distance do I seek you

If I tell myself everything is okay

Do I see you behind every tear

Of the homeless single mother

Cringe as I swiftly walk past

A man curled up in the gutter

Do I say, "Behold, the Lamb of God"

Or close my eyes another day

From a distance do I see you

Or better yet.....Do they?

Stepping Stones

So today, we the followers Jesus are being persecuted. If we stand steadfast in our faith and proclaim, Jesus is Lord, we are doomed. Be ready to be impacted from every direction; be ready to struck down and ridiculed.

“Lord, don't hold this sin against them!” with this he fell asleep. Stephen was taken down with stones. With these casted stones, Stephen's soul was freed.

When they persecute us, will we flee, or will we stand firm in our faith. Will we see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, and proclaim his glory, or will we flee?

Will we survive the coming persecution? Will we have the courage to proclaim the truths that have been instilled in us, or will we attempt to save our lives; jeopardize our souls.

Stones may cast us down; our breathe may cease, but holding on to the truths that dwell within us, we shall cherish stones as these. For, they will serve as stepping stones into eternity.

Anthony Raymond

A Loving God

One that is left standing at the end of the day…has walked in the grace of God's love; though the evil one tempted and tested relentlessly, he did not falter.

One that rest in peace…is one whom stood firm in the midst of the storms of life; he did not waver, nor retreat, but held on firmly to his faith in a loving God.

Anthony Raymond

We Live On

We heard the stories

Seen so many faces

Some changed...forever

All of their sacrifices

In far away places

Many never...come home

They're the reason we move on

Let their honor be a living song

God bless the real heroes

Heaven’s grace shining though

God bless American heroes

We owe our lives...to all of you

They gave everything

So we can keep living

Their love...keeps giving

Such a price to pay

So children can play

Safe at home... together

They're the reason we move on

Let their honor be a living song

God bless the real heroes

Heaven’s grace shining though

God bless American heroes

We owe our lives...to all of you

God bless American heroes

We live on...We love you!!!

 

 

A Way from Eternity

I see no evil

No, all is well

Only a fool believes in hell

I've done no wrong

Says the ignorant man

Repentance is so ridiculous

I am totally free

To do as I please

So back away from me

I have the right

This is my life

I will fulfill my every need

I am in control

You see, I have soul

I am my own entity

Says one that is cool

But is really a total fool

Passing away from eternity

There were Two

I overheard a conversation

Of someone sitting close to me

She was asking for assistance

With her troubled family

Sounding somber and broken

Her head dropped on her knees

Then she sat straight as an arrow

Raised her arms uttering these

My Jesus, I sing your praise and glory

For hearing my compassionate plea

The moment I called out your name

My heart filled with a calming ease

My Jesus, this is a difficult hour

Evil and darkness has surrounded me

I know one thing is for certain

Your light will break through and free

I overheard a conversation

Then glanced over to see one subdued

Though only she seemed to be talking

There was not one voice...there were two

A Transformation of Truth

It's not new anymore

Time has taken a toll

Exposed to the weather

Seeing decay set in

Warped and cracking

Still holding together

A little tender loving care

A bit of mending the wear

It's not what seems to be

Within lies hidden integrity

First one piece then two

If one is rotted remove

The solid stays together

All that is broken renew

The structure make new

Separation pull together

Beneath the Mantle of Mary

Structure will be renewed

The Lord's Temple restored

A transformation of truth

Alighted with Holiness

Behold, the heavens were opened

The Spirit of God descended like a dove

Alighting upon him eternal grace

So pleasing to God; Jesus, his beloved Son

Lord, let your Spirit shine upon us

Cleanse our hearts with the water of life

Free us from all unrighteousness

To become as doves filled with your light

Father, Creator of the soul of man

Jesus, our Savior; Redeemer; God's Lamb

Holy Spirit, the Light of the Trinity

Allow the fire water of heaven to set us free

Baptize us with the Spirit of the Dove

Protect us from the evil spirit of darkness

That we may extend the light of love

Alighted with the grace of your holiness

Pray, Pray, Pray!

Come to know the light of my love

I want to become one with you

For you to be my apostles of love

Then you must possess God's truth

To help those who are in darkness

They must be a witness your light

For my Son to reign in their hearts

They must see his power and might

If my Son is not King of your heart

Then I will never force him on you

I am knocking on the door with love

Be humble; spread the good news

My children, pray, as I pray for you

Spread the gifts of abundant fruit

Gifts received must be put to use

Apostles of love witness to truth

My Son will act from within you

Christ the King; fruit of my womb

Chosen Shepherds will lead the way

Children, I love you, pray, pray, pray!

 

The Master Link

Mother Mary, Light of Grace

A child is calling out to you

Into your arms you embrace

Those longing for the truth

Alone we are merely pieces

United we are linked as two

Reaching into the heavens

Each piece is fused to you

Mother Mary, Vessel of Life

Sever these earthly chains

Bond us to your eternal Son

His blood flows in thy veins

Alone we are merely pieces

Broken and longing for truth

Unite us together to thy Son

The Master Link fused to you