There

THERE

(Dedicated to my Mom)

Dear Mom,

I know I'll never be able 

To thank you quite enough.

You're there for me when times are bright,

You're there when times are rough. 

I think

I'll start with sorry. 

There are times when I just wish

I could go back in time 

To change, correct, to fix. 

But now

There's just the present

And I hope someday 

I can make you half as proud

As I am of you today. 

Thank you

For all of the adventures. 

For the random hikes and walks

For being spontaneous like me,

For all the late night talks. 

Thank you 

For watching girly movies

And for letting me rant

For being strong enough

Even when I can't. 

Thank you

For being firm in what you know 

Your testimony shines

Like a beacon, full of light.

Faithful, hopeful, kind. 

Thank you 

For your sacrifice,

For listening to me.

For giving of your wisdom,

And encouraging my dreams.  

But most 

Of all, I thank you for

Your love and selfless care

When I feel lost, with you I'm found.

I know you're always there. 

Paper Umbrellas

Paper Umbrellas

Just take me as I am.

I'm flawed and broken down. 

I've been to hell and back,

Oh kingdom, take my crown. 

These illusions, these masks,

We hide behind the truth.

Stealing our own identities.

Ripping at our youth. 

They say that perfect's possible.

The lies, they cut like knives.

Happiness and pleasure,

Look, it's their disguise. 

The rain falls, but all ignore

As it hits their face.

It's all paper umbrellas.

Thunder, lighting, waste. 

Expect much, don't love enough.

And then you have a place

Full of those who bleed to be 

Another flawless face.

Darkness wraps around us,

A warm blanket at first.

Then the heat becomes a flame

And causes all to burst.

All of the turning cheeks.

All of the wandering eyes.

Just stop and take me in,

Accept the words "I try."

Stop telling me I'm perfect.

Every time you do,

I think about the flaws that make

All you say untrue. 

If we could throw away

The fake, and just be real.

Trade our masks for mindfulness,

Put down our crowns to kneel.

Accept. People are flawed.

It's alright to be weak.

Love isn't beyond us,

It is what we all seek. 

Let's start to heal the wounds,

Set the captives free.

The world does not want us.

They want our liberty.

We must see for ourselves,

The chains that bind our hearts

Are just paper notions

That can be torn apart. 

Trust is...

Trust is something very rare,

Trust is something that takes care,

Trust is something that you earn,

Trust is something that you learn.

Trust is something you can loose,

Trust is something you should use,

Trust is something you can't see,

Trust is between you and me.

Trust is even more precious than gold,

Trust cannot be bought or sold,

Trust is something vulnerable,

Trust is something comfortable.

Storms of Life

Boom! Crash! Storms of life,

Fill yours days with grief and strife,

Shake your days with doubt and fear,

Fill your nights with sleepless tears.

How will you ever really survive,

How will you find joy in life

Listen now and I will tell 

Listen close and listen well.

Christ can calm the storms of life,

Christ can calm the worry and strife.

Christ can calm them and he will.

And simple worlds "peace be still.

Saving the world

There is one chosen to save,

He will fight both night and day,

He has powers beyond compare,

He has like he'll try to share

But not now-now he is still,

Waiting for the time he will,

Show the world who has the light,

Fighting for the team of right.

Now he knows his mission true,

Now he knows just what to do,

He must have faith - throughout the fear,

He must find smiles throughout the tears.

His mission will protect the life,

Of people worried - full of strife.

He goes through all the pain and stress,

As he tries to fix this mess.

But as he saves the world of sin,

Who will go about, saving him?

Will he be strong enough to show,

Will he will willing despite his growth.

My Saviors Love

I feel my Saviors love,

His arms are open wide

I feel it everywhere,

I know I'm safe inside.

I feel my Saviors love,

I know He's there for me,

I feel his warmth and care,

I feel it set me free.

I'll follow him he cares for me,

I lean on him along the way,

He strengthens and protects my life,

He'll help me know what I should say. 

I see my Saviors love,

In light the sun will bring,

I see it in the fall,

Or winter, summer, spring.

I see my Saviors love,

In smiles all around,

I see it in the sky,

I see it on the ground.

I'll follow him he cares for me,

I lean on him along the way,

He strengthens and protects my life,

He'll help me know what I should say. 

I hear my Saviors love,

The bird chirp in the tree,

I hear it in music,

Listening is the key.

I hear my Saviors love,

In places that I go,

I hear it in the world,

His love is what I know.

I'll follow him he cares for me,

I lean on him along the way,

He strengthens and protects my life,

He'll help me know what I should say. 

I know my Saviors love, 

I know He cares for me,

I know He made this world,

I know He sets me free.

I know my Saviors love,

I know He loves us all,

I know He's there for us,

He'll help us never fall.

I'll follow him he cares for me,

I lean on him along the way,

He strengthens and protects my life,

He'll help me know what I should say. 

Be Prepared

Life is pretty crazy,

There is so much to do,

Our schedules are crammed full,

Where is there time for you?

It's important as we go through life,

To never be too scared,

So that when unexpected happens,

We will be prepared.

The second coming is almost here,

So watch, prepare and pray.

We've got to prepare for many things,

Living in the latter days.

Our Heavenly Father will help us now,

If we turn toward the light,

Seeking out, preparing now.

Standing for truth and right.