Wednesday, October 26, 2005

The Willing Servant

"The Willing Servant" (September 2001)
By: Debra Sue Higginbotham

Dear Lord - open my heart -
and open my mind as well,
I want to be your servant...
even IF it's hard to tell.

Please forgive my grumbling -
if it should come about,
show me where I'm needed...
so I can be helping out.

Dear Lord - take my hand -
and help me understand,
you ARE my foundation...
in the midst of sinking sand.

Please forgive my hesitance -
if I am slow when I react,
teach me how to witness...
with humility and tact.

Dear Lord - lead the way -
and be with me today,
help me be an example...
in all I do and say.

Oh you know I need you -
remind me what is true,
faith isn't really faith...
until it's all I'm holding onto.

Dear Lord - give me the nerve -
to resist Satan's curve,
to walk a narrow path, and ...
to Step Forth and Serve !!

I Threw It Out

"I Threw It Out" (January 2002)
====================================================
I spoke with my savior ... that always makes me smile.
His name is Jesus Christ... and I really like His style.
He helped me do some cleaning - added some thing's Himself.
Like Faith, Hope and Love - with Love above all else.
He made me throw out Worrying ... it was old and in my way.
It kept me from Getting Busy ... taking up too much of my day.

I discarded my Inhibitions ... they were simply crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth ... purging old fears and doubts.

I removed my stains of Sin - - no time to ponder them anyway.
They are nailed to a Cross ... so I can start fresh new today.
Some new thoughts appeared - such as I can, I Must, I will.
Eradicated "I might" ... So I could stop standing still.
I picked up a special thing - and placed it on my heart.
I found it - it's called Peace ... it's a great place to start.
Yes, I've cleaned up nice ... can't you see it in my eyes?
for things like Worry and Doubt - have said their good-byes.

Thought for today:
Throw Satan out and bring Jesus in - he's the best cleaning agent there is !

Pray About It, Then Get Busy

Pray About it, Then Get Busy
Based on Nehemiah Chapter 4

When Sanballat heard - that we were rebuilding the wall,
he became angry - and was greatly furious.
He ridiculed the Jews, in the presence of his friends,
"What are they doing?” - “Tell me, I’m curious”!

Will they even - try to offer sacrifices?
Can they possibly - finish the wall in one day?
Can they bring the stones - back to life –
from those heaps of rubble -- burned away?

Hear us, O our God, for we are despised.
Turn their insults - back on their own heads.
Give them over - -as ill-gotten gains –
into a land of captivity – the kind an enemy dreads.

Please do not cover up – any of their guilt –o
r blot out their sins – away from your sight ...
for they throw insults - in the face of the builders,
who will continue to work, day and night.

The people worked - with all of their heart.
and we rebuilt the wall – to half of its height.
But when Sanballat & friends, heard of this,
They were angry - and plotted to fight.

But we prayed to our God - to post an angel,
day and night - to meet this threat.
Meanwhile, the people - in Judah - said,
the laborers are weak – we worry & fret.

Therefore, I stationed - some of the people –
behind the lowest points - along the wall,
at the exposed places, posting them by families,
with their swords, spears and bows and all.

After I looked things over, I stood up and said –
to the nobles, the officials and all of the rest …
"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord,
who is great and awesome, will help us fight best!"

By: Debra S. Higginbotham
January 15, 2002 - Tuesday

Who

Who?

Who can it be Lord? Can it possibly be you?
Who is the one, who always sees me through?

Who do I turn to, when my faith is unsteady?
Who stays patient, when my heart isn’t ready?

Who lifts me up, when my soul is weighing down?
Who remains my King – with thorns for a crown?

Who do I turn to, when my knees become weak?
Who becomes my voice – when I cannot speak?

Who hears my prayers, as inept as they are?
Who has the power, to heal my every scar?

Who do I turn to, when skies are turning gray?
Who finds my words – as I’m unsure what to say?

Who never moves, even if I tend to roam?
Who never fails - - to welcome me home?

Who do I turn to, when my path seems lost?
Who is my savior – who paid the greatest cost?

Who holds my hand, if I forget to hold on?
Who fights my demons, until they’re all gone?

Who do I turn to, when there’s nowhere else to turn?
Why don’t I seek you first? When will I ever learn?

Who can it be Lord? You know I know it’s you ...
my alpha and omega - - who always sees me through!

SIN

SIN
By: Debra S. Higginbotham
6-6-03


Sin always starts with a trickle,
such as not being where you should be ...
not doing what you should be doing,
or thinking in terms of “me’.

Sin always begins with a deception,
as Satan whispers into your heart ...
and as we believe his arguments,
that is how sin can then start.

Sin always tends to escalate,
much like a domino effect ...
and once that ball is rolling,
it becomes difficult to correct.

Sin always destroys something,
and sometimes, even someone ...
Faith can fade, trust can disappear,
once the damage has been done.

Sin will always be discovered,
although our efforts are contrary ...
and often the results of this finding,
can surely be dreadful and scary.

Sin always starts with a trickle,
yet can become a river so fast ...
that rages beyond our control,
like a spark that turns into a blast.

Yet - let us all not forget,
despite the lives we are livin’ ...
with Jesus as our Lord & Savior,
Sin is always forgiven !!

God's Face

God’s Face

Created in God’s image,
yes I am, that is me.
How amazing it feels,
to know how I came to be.

Chosen by God Almighty,
I owe my time and service ...
yet somehow, that notion,
makes me a little nervous.

He gave me many gifts,
some apparent, some not.
I need to try and serve him,
with everything I’ve got.

He hears my every prayer,
he knows my every thought ...
and through his son, Jesus,
my salvation was bought.

The creator of the universe,
wants to spend time with ME!
Who am I to refuse, or
claim that I am too busy ?

Fearfully and wonderfully made,
my body is like a temple...
and I should treat it as such,
it really is very simple.

God empowered Moses,
and he can empower me ...
if only I’d stop and ask,
then he would make it be.

I am chosen and blessed,
and I am humbled by grace ...
yet my self esteem soars --
to think that I resemble,
God’s face!

By: Debra S. Higginbotham
June 6, 2003 – Friday

Indifference

Indifference


The problem of “indifference”, may not seem as severe ...
as death or sickness or pain – which persist year after year.

Yet it hangs like a millstone - around each and every neck,
of every single congregation, a salvation train-wreck.

If we could rid the church – of this “indifference” trouble...
she could take the world for Christ, in a hurry on the double...

Saving many of her members, from damnation to hell ...
if the folks would cease to drink – from the “indifference” well.

Baptism is essential – but it only puts you on the right road.
We must remain in Christ – and avoid “indifference” overload.

In trying to analyze the problem – a few groups are affected ...
perhaps if we describe them – they are more easily detected.

There are those who are indifferent, and simply do not care,
and then those with right actions – but “indifferent” unaware.

And then there are the ones – who tend to worry without end ...
due to a lack of spiritual insight, which needs to be deepened.

So - be steadfast, unmovable; always thrive in the work of the Lord!
For sipping from the cup of indifference – is a drink we can’t afford.


By: Debra S. Higginbotham
Wednesday, June 18, 2003


Verses to Study:
• Revelation 2:10
• John 15:1-7
• 1 Corinthians 15:58

He Didn't Have To

He Didn’t Have To...

He didn’t have to make rainbows,
which often adorn our skies.
He didn’t have to make caterpillars,
turn into beautiful butterflies.

He didn’t have to make literature,
that is often divinely inspired.
He didn’t have to make hugs,
or insight to know they’re desired.

He didn’t have to make flowers,
which say “Hello” in the Spring.
He didn’t have to make melodies,
that our feathered friends do sing.

He didn’t have to make laughter,
and the way it feels to smile.
He didn’t have to make kisses,
which help souls feel worthwhile.

He didn’t have to make sunsets,
that can help us close out a day.
He didn’t have to make waterfalls,
and their sometimes soothing spray.

He didn’t have to make perfume,
or many other amazing scents.
He didn’t have to make tastes,
such as chocolate or peppermints.

He didn’t have to make mountains,
creating scenery that we adore.
He didn’t have to make oceans,
or their vividly dramatic seashore.

He didn’t have to send Jesus,
his one and only begotten son ...
so that the human battle with sin,
could be overcome and won.

He didn’t have to do these things,
for every man, woman and kid ...
He really didn’t have to do them,
but I am so very glad He did.

By: Debra S. Higginbotham
Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Into Action

Into Action...

Get up and get busy,
stop sitting on your butt.
Put energy into action,
and get out of that rut.

Make a goal come alive,
stop pondering “what if” ...
the smell of sweet success,
is anxious for your whiff.

Get up and get moving,
rediscover a hidden delight.
Put passion into action,
despite your hidden fright.

Make your dreams come true,
unlearn the word ‘Delay’.
Why put off until tomorrow,
what you can get done today?

Get up and move your feet,
take a step –and then the next.
Put your plans into action,
even if they are perplexed.

Make your intentions known,
share your talents now.
Find answers for questions,
like ‘when’, ‘where’ or ‘how’.

Get up and take a chance,
be optimistic in your heart.
Put your future into action,
for now is the time to start.

I hope you are not offended,
or think I’m telling you what to do ...
for this poem is really targeting,
its humble author – not you !

By: Debra S. Higginbotham
Thursday, June 19, 2003

Be Still

Be Still . . .
July 15, 2004 - Thursday

Be still and know that I am God.
Surrender to quiet.
Surrender to calm.

Be still and know that I am God.
Rest your cares ...
into my palm.

Be still and know that I am God.
Remember to pray.
Forget to worry.

Be still and know that I am God.
Remember to walk.
Forget to hurry.

Be still and know that I am God.
Take time to breathe.
Take time to read.

Be still and know that I am God.
Take time to follow.
Let Thy Lord lead.

Be still and know that I am God.
Allow your thoughts,
time to think.

Be still and know that I am God.
Allow your eyes,
time to blink.

Be still and know that I am God.
Eliminate chaos.
Institute calm.

Be still and know that I am God.
Study thy word,
and the 46th Psalm.

Fret,Stir and Worry

Fret, Stir & Worry
By: Debra Sue Higginbotham


I sit here and I worry,
and I stir and I fret …
because when you’re human,
it’s so easy to forget …

There is no need to worry,
when one knows how to pray …
and Our Lord will handle it,
in His timing and His way.

I sit here and I ponder,
and I plan what I should do…
and I question my decisions,
and the path I shall see through.

I ask the Lord for help,
and I beg on bended knee …
and then go on with my plans,
as I fret and stir and worry.

It is hard to keep my focus,
when the walls are caving in.
It’s easy to remember to pray,
yet hard to know where to begin.

I know what I need to do,
as I recall all that I’ve heard …
it’s not enough to simply pray - -
I must also stay in His Word !!

Try not to lose your focus,
or allow the message to be blurry.
I think it insults Our Lord –
when we Fret, Stir and Worry.


Sept 9, 2004

Play Time

Play Time
By: Debra Sue Higginbotham
9-17-2004

Sitting here watching,
two miracles on my floor –
as they play & they laugh,
and squeal a little more.

Victoria is almost eight,
and William is almost one …
and I do enjoy seeing them
having so much fun !!

She claps her hands together,
and he copies her so quick …
and then he claps some more,
as it’s his favorite trick.

She’s rolling him the ball,
and he pounds on it with glee …
and he tries to make it move,
so that it will come to me.

He waddles across the way,
and she follows as he trips.
Then she sings a song …
as he eats her fingertips.

She tosses him a blankie,
as he plays some peek-a-boo.
And I do so much enjoy,
just absorbing these two.

Now my heart begins to swell,
at where this moment leads …
as Victoria picks up a book,
and he listens as she reads.

There are toys everywhere,
and this room is such a mess …
and at this point in time,
I really couldn't care less.

Not Enough

Not Enough
By: Debra Sue Higginbotham

Three hours of sleep - is really NOT enough.
When a baby is teething - - it’s a little rough.

It isn’t enough, to cut just one or two!
No, he is determined - - to push SIX through.

24 hours – is just not enough in the day,
when you're potty training, the IMPOSSIBLE way.

7 days – is just not enough in the week,
when mom lacks sleep – and can hardly speak.

Two arms with two hands? Surely I need more.
When your son weighs a ton – such arms get sore.

One washer? One dryer? I think I may need ten.
Laundry is EVERYwhere! Even in the kitchen.

But as for Husbands, NO, I don’t need anymore.
For that would just mean more laundry on the floor.

Lessons from my Daughter

LESSONS FROM MY DAUGHTER

She’s 45 pounds of energy,
wrapped up into a little gal …
wise beyond, her 8 years of life,
my princess – my precious pal.

I’ve learned from her – to be amazed –
at the world around us, every day.
TO marvel at God’s creations …
to be fascinated in every way.

I’ve learned from her – to pose a query –
and ask questions when in doubt …
and never stop – and to never give up –
until I’ve got it - all figured out.

I’ve learned from her – spontaneous prayer –
and to thank God for the littlest of things.
She’s taught me – appreciation –
for the many joys that this life brings.

I’ve learned from her – unconditional love –
for there are no boundaries to her heart.
She loves and gives – and gives and loves –
never separating - the two apart.

I’ve learned from her – true forgiveness –
no 2nd thoughts – it’s over – it’s done.
Each day is fresh and it’s anew –
with the rising of the sun.

I’ve learned from her – the art of Faith –
absolute, complete, unfailing trust …
she sees God as her very best friend,
who is strong and honest and just.

I’ve learned from her – that I need her –
perhaps even more, than she needs me.
God gives us children – so we can learn –
because we learn when we teach …
it’s an awesome strategy !!

Dedicated to Victoria – A Queen among Queens
Love, Mama (Debra Sue Higginbotham)
January 1, 2005

LOVE is not a Reservoir

Love Is Not A Reservoir!

Love is not a reservoir.
You’ll never drain it dry.
It’s more like a natural spring,
where still waters - never lie.

The more that you put into it,
the longer and farther it flows,
the clearer it becomes,
the deeper that it goes.

So make your daily deposits,
into the biggest bank you've got ...
the bank we call our heart,
why not give it a shot ?

Simple Solutions

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
By: Debra Sue Higginbotham

Our Difficulties in this life - -
should make us better, not bitter.
Will you be remembered as a winner,
or remembered as a quitter?

The challenges that we face,
contain lessons for us to learn ...
so we can build a bridge of faith,
not build bridges for us to burn.

Are the mountains that we climb,
merely speed-bumps in retrospect?
Have you learned to lean on God,
who's strength is perfectly perfect?

Solving problems is not so easy,
simple solutions are rather rare ...
but they are more easily discovered,
when you seek them out in prayer!

Inspired by Jeremiah 12:5
"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?"

SO, when something causes you a challenge - ask yourself - - is it men on foot - or is it horses?

Read the above verse.
Study it.
Memorize it.
Learn it.
Live it.
Know it.
Understand it.
Read it again.

What does this verse mean? Basically - the way I see it is as follows: If you cannot handle the "little" problems in life and the stumbling blocks along the way - how in the world are you going to handle the "BIG" problems life can throw at you, or climb the mountains that need to be tackled ?!

Think BIG

Think BIG

Think BIG and Think Brilliant,
run beyond the edge of the box.

As you think up the next BIG thing,
hidden creativity - suddenly unlocks.

Think BIG and Think Awesome,
go color beyond, the penciled-in lines.

As you reach beyond the big blue sky,
admire the tips of the big tall pines.

Think BIG and Think Potential,
go beyond your imagination's limit.

And as you let your light shine bright,
NEVER allow someone else to dim it.


By: Debra Sue Higginbotham
June 11, 2005
Saturday

Be Where You Are

Be Where You Are
By: Debra Sue Higginbotham, April 11th, 2005

When working at your job,
doing a task or in a meeting,
do not mentally rehearse …
your next voice mail greeting.

When you’re out on a date,
with a guy you like a lot,
never sit and contemplate,
the “to-do” list you’ve got.

When cuddling in the arms,
of an ever-adoring spouse …
try not to quietly ponder,
the dust within your house.

When reading to a child,
their favorite nursery rhyme,
remember to sound excited,
even if it’s the 100th time!

When sitting on the sidelines,
of that exciting Soccer game,
make sure that you cheer …
winning or losing – just the same.

When you’re in a conversation,
be sure to listen as well as “hear”,
and when it’s not your turn to talk …
try to focus on who is near.

And when sitting in the pew - -
or reading the Bible in your hand …
Worship God – Study His Word –
instead of pondering ,
the lunch you’ve planned.

Dressed UP In Fruit

Dressed UP in Fruit!
By: Debra Sue Higginbotham
10-18-05

I want to dress myself up in FRUIT....
as crazy as that may sound ...
but if I'm dressed in the Fruit of the Spirit,
it's the greatest outfit I've ever found.

I'll paint my face with love and joy ...
and warm my heart with peace.
These beautiful inner attitudes,
please God and never cease.

I'll clothe myself in pretty Patience,
then Kindness and Goodness too.
Actions like these are sure to please,
and bring warmth to all I do.

I'll apply the fruit of Faithfulness -
then Gentleness and Self-control.
These applications of the FRUIT - -
produce strength in life's mixing bowl.

So if you see me dressed up in Fruit,
try not to think that I'm nuts ...
let's aim to flatter - the Lord our God,
(instead of our guts and butts!)

Read Galatians 5:22-23

The Best Compliment

The BEST Compliment
By: Debra Higginbotham
10-26-05

What will people think - when they think of me?
Will they see kindness, as party of my personality?

What will people see - when they look at me?
Perhaps Christian kindness, or someone in a hurry?

How will I respond, when my feelings are hurt?
Will my words be sweet, or quick and curt?

How do I sound - when I stop to say "hello"?
Are my words fluffy soft - - like a favorite pillow?

As others speak, do I hear what they say?
Or am I busy planning - the rest of my day?

Am I quick to react, too slow with a smile?
Will my feet be willing - to walk an extra mile?

Will I remember you - - and pray for your needs?
Can I try to testify, and plant the Lord's seeds?

Will I show mercy - when I'm on the warpath?
Am I slow to anger, or am I quick to wrath?

If I am inconvenienced, am I easily annoyed?
When I see your success, will I be overjoyed?

Will my heart be jealous, or will it be sincere -
as I see you meet, the goals you've held dear.

In the midst of darkness, will the Lord's light glow?
Or will my frustrations - simply start to show?

In the midst of my pain, can I be kind to strangers?
Or will I give in - to the Devil's many dangers?

What will people say, when they speak of me?
Will I be surprised, of the impression they see?

Time spent in Kindness - is time well spent ...
And "She's Too Nice" - is the BEST compliment.