tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52220770925142844522023-11-15T10:55:14.069-08:00Poet Laureate DebTHIS IS A SIMPLE LITTLE WEBSITE FOR POETRY BY A CREATIVE MAMA! ALL OF THE POETRY PUBLISHED HERE ON THIS WEBSITE IS THE ABSOLUTE ORIGINAL WORK OF SIMPLE LITTLE ME - DEBRA SUE HIGGINBOTHAM - AND IS HEREBY COPYRIGHTED!Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-40622480018149535952011-06-25T19:36:00.000-07:002011-06-25T19:36:02.726-07:00Fire WithinMotivation is what gets you started,<br />
habit is what keeps you going.<br />
Sometimes half the battle,<br />
is simply the battle of knowing.<br />
<br />
Is your fire that burns within...<br />
lighted by you or someone else?<br />
Will it burn long and strong,<br />
if you're able to light it yourself?<br />
<br />
Ability is what you're capable of,<br />
motivation guides the action ...<br />
but your attitude makes the difference<br />
in your level of satisfaction.<br />
<br />
Are you inspired by your fear ?<br />
OR perhaps you aim for reward?<br />
Or is there that spark within,<br />
planted there by the Lord ?<br />
<br />
Can you boldly walk the talk ?<br />
Or will you wilt like a dying flower?<br />
The choice is up to you, my friend,<br />
you've always had the power.<br />
<br />
Never trade - - what you want most -<br />
for what you THINK; you want now!<br />
Light that fire - - from deep within ...<br />
and praise God, when you take your bow.Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-9572748039569695822011-06-25T19:21:00.001-07:002011-06-25T19:21:40.782-07:00Dear Unwanted Pounds<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">An Open Letter to My Unwanted Pounds </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Dear Unwanted Pounds: </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I have a bone to pick with you. You are my dark clouds that, en masse, have been growing inside of me, haunting me. Terrorizing me, really. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The fat cells that encompass you are like pigeons who hang around garbage dumpsters, waiting for half-eaten burritos. You are scavengers who lie in wait scooping up pancake molecules that swish past you in the current, feeding on them like starving savages. You are evil and you are not wanted here. I’m in the process of having you 'exorcised'. Let's consider my gym a priest, a personal exorcist, if you will. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">First he will come a calling and clean out all signs of the gastronomic devil: French Fries, hamburgers, bacon, oh I could go on. And that’s the problem. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This lean-muscled priest will 'exorcise' you, making me scream in pain as I repeatedly and incessantly flap about, without much grace. He'll yell at me. Or you. It’s hard to tell, frankly. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“Get out!” he will yell. “Get out of this body!” Oh, he’ll be talking to you, then. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“If it hurts, that means it’s working.” The personal exorcist’s lips will curl with a simplistic smile. I imagine he will not like you. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">When the exorcism is done, he will mutter something about what a fine job I have done. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“This body needs work, but now there is less poison.” </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">He'll say the only reason you hang around, the reason you “possess” me is because I keep feeding you, enabling you. If I quit throwing fried chicken and cheese nips into my dumpster, you will leave me and look for sustenance elsewhere. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">But I don’t know if I can. You tempt me so. I fear I’ve already sold my soul to you and it may be too late for redemption. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The priest will strongly suggest that the only path to salvation is to attend his church regularly, like three to four times a week! </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“A pound for a pound.” </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">But I know this church and it’s full of devoted folks. Far more diligent than me. These people hit it religiously. I want such passion and determination. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Those dedicated souls, well they do have fewer fat cells. And they do look happy. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">So, it's farewell to you - my unwanted pounds. Prepare yourselves to be EXERCISED ! :) </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sincerely, Your Master </div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-36131359772718218012011-06-25T19:20:00.000-07:002011-06-25T19:20:06.324-07:00A bday poem for my friend<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Happy Birthday Amy</strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">April, 2011</strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">On this day in history,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Back in 1975 …</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The world became blessed,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">as Amy became alive.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">She graduated Monacan High,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">then UVA – then ODU –</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">And the way that I see it,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">there’s nothing she can’t do.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">She’s a daughter and a mother,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">little Jeffrey is her world…</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">embracing life, head on –</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">her beauty is unfurled!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">She’s a fitness gladiator …</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Or ‘fit chic’ as she goes by,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">with eating right and exercise,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">she could easily catch your eye.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">She does marathons, triathlons,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Spinning…and other things …</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">She’s always up for a challenge,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">to see what this life brings!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">She’s a blogger on the web,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">and a friend in the heart …</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">a loyal Catholic soul,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">she strives to do her part.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“Start Strong, Finish Stronger”,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">is what you’ll hear her say - -</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">whether she’s finishing up a race,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">or simply winding out the day!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">So Happy Birthday Amy - -</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">You deserve all that is fine,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Whether it’s coconut M&M’s,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Or birthday cake and wine !</div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-54068991379522746342010-03-28T18:37:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.965-07:00My Fight<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">"My Fight" <br />By: Debra Sue Higginbotham<br /><br />I'm in a knock down fight, <br />it's a fight for my life ... <br />I am more than a mother, <br />and more than a wife. <br /><br />I am a person, I am a lady, <br />with some years under my belt, <br />and a few more inches, <br />I wish would simply melt. <br /><br />I'm in a drag out fight, <br />and my demons will not win... <br />if I fall down, I just get up - <br />and I do it again and again. <br /><br />My body may have scars, <br />and my skin may be flawed... <br />but every time I slay a dragon, <br />the Angels - they do applaud. <br /><br />I'm in a knock down fight, <br />a glorious finish will be mine! <br />Can I count on you for backup, <br />as I melt across the finish line?</span>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-80542968128184882692010-03-27T09:47:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.966-07:00Forty and a Half<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; color: rgb(75, 93, 103); font-size: 11px; "><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">By: Debra S. Higginbotham, 2/21/10</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">I was never one, to enjoy doing Math …</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">but today, my age is – - 40 and a half !</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">Only 6 more months, til I turn forty one …</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">and a few more than that, til my race is won!</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">I need 500 miles – finished up this year,</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">and as I hit that mark – will I hear you cheer?</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">I need to bike and walk, and swim a little too -</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">to rack up these miles, before my year is through.</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">So join me in my journey, or at least say a prayer,</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">as I move and I groove – to eventually get there!</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">You can join me in my race, or cheer me on my path…</p><p style="font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; ">as I count up my miles – even though I hate such math!</p></span>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-36607735707411892542009-06-02T16:26:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.966-07:00The Ending of an AffairThe Ending Of An Affair<br />By: Debra Higginbotham, 6/2/09<br /><br />Farewell to you my sweet, for parting is such sweet sorrow.<br />I fear our affair is ending, first thing when I wake tomorrow.<br /><br />I will miss your a.m. charge, I will miss the adoration …<br />I will miss your innocent look, which brings me such elation.<br /><br />Your hold on me is fierce. The bond we have is strong.<br />But now it’s time, to say goodbye – it’s gone on far too long.<br /><br />I hate the way I need you. I hate the way I want you.<br />I promise not to seek you. I promise not to haunt you.<br /><br />I’m afraid it’s all or nothing. For us, there’s nothing more.<br />Even though, your tempting taste - - makes my heart rate soar.<br /><br />I will miss the way you stimulate, the way you make me feel!<br />But my addiction to you, is now becoming – just a bit too real.<br /><br />I’ll probably fall off the wagon, if I allow you inside my house.<br />So I must insist you stay away – from me as well as my spouse.<br /><br />It’s the ending of an affair … I promise you – it’s not a joke.<br />I promise I’m giving you up – yes you – Sir Diet Coke !Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-43625638708702572042009-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.966-07:00F R E N Z YF R E N Z Y<br />By: Debra S. Higginbotham, 5/28/09<br /><br />Wrapped up in a frenzy, of mindless emotions,<br />logic escapes me, common sense is scant!<br />So tolerate me, indulge me and humor me, per se,<br />as I give in to the whimsy, of a nonsensical rant!<br /><br />Politicians bore me (and anger me) – it’s true …the news is alarming (and annoying) – indeed!<br />The globe warms up, the economy cools down,<br />and a flu epidemic, is not exactly what I need.<br /><br />Education is lacking and intellect is eroding!<br />Wall Street is shaking and the dollar is falling!<br />Folks are getting fatter, but does it really matter,<br />in a health care crisis; that too few find appalling!<br /><br />So bombs are being built, wars are being fought,<br />disease is being spread - in a world that’s unsteady!<br />Terrorism abounds - - while new cells are found…<br />we say that we’re prepared, but are we ever ready?<br /><br />Now have I depressed you, in this paranoid vent?<br />Now how shall I conclude - - on a positive slant?<br />Prayers always help! Hugs and kisses never hurt!<br />And when overwhelmed – smile, vent and rant!Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-8479897998382925152009-05-18T13:34:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.966-07:00Missed you KiddosWell, your father and I went away for the weekend without any children. Aunt Danyelle was kind and wonderful - - and agreed to watch you while we were gone.<br /><br />We spent the first night in Victoria, TX at a fabulous hotel. It was a nice hot tub spa that we got to soak in for a bit. The bed was probably the most comfy and luxurious bed I have ever slept in. It was right across the parking lot from a Red Lobster - and we used a gift card to have lunch there. It was oh so yummy. Quite enjoyable.<br /><br />Saturday we drove to San Antonio - and it rained the whole way there. It then proceeded to rain all afternoon and into the evening some. We took in a movie and drove around the city. We had a nice dinner at a place called EZ's I think. It was a nice time, just spending time together and talking and connecting.<br /><br />Sunday we had the very amazing pleasure of SLEEPING IN. Then we went to Government Canyon State Park - I think that's the name of it. We had a nice one hour hike. It was in the woods and on a rocky trail. The scenery was beautiful. Afterwards, we had lunch at a very cool place called Bill Miller's BBQ - and I had the best Fried Chicken I have had in years. <br /><br />Next stop was another state park, and I have no idea what the name of it was - but we took ourselves on another one hour hike in the woods (partially). Again, lovely scenery and very relaxing. The second park was almost empty - very few people - and incredibly quiet. I just loved that. Me, my husband, God and nature. We even managed to get a bit sunburned along the way.<br /><br />So, yes dear children - we missed you terribly - but it was a much needed rest and retreat for me and your father to focus on each other and our marriage.Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-90948564019695802832009-05-14T14:54:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.966-07:00New Poem, ForgiveF O R G I V E<br />By: Debra Sue Higginbotham<br />May 11, 2009<br /><br />I am broken, I am weak,<br />I lay my burdens at your feet.<br />I ache - as I try to speak,<br />I've been a victim of deceit.<br /><br />I am angry and I am sad,<br />I've been stabbed in the back.<br />A promise, should be iron clad...<br />Lord, build up the strength I lack.<br /><br />Sometimes, I can barely breathe.<br />How could this happen to me?<br />My emotions, tend to seethe...<br />not a peaceful way to be.<br /><br />I give you my tears and sorrow.<br />I seek your words to follow.<br />As the sun will emerge tomorrow,<br />maybe I won't feel so hollow.<br /><br />I cannot go on this way.<br />This is definitely no way to live.<br />I'll lean on the Lord, every day...<br />ask for help, and thus - Forgive !Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-10362315607003489802007-07-10T19:18:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.967-07:00<strong><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">Behave Your Way Into Action<br /></span></strong><br />Don’t wait for motivation, to drum up inspiration –<br />Get busy with perspiration – and behave your way to change.<br />Don’t wait for tomorrow, or another day to borrow –<br />Move beyond any sorrow – so your thoughts can re-arrange.<br /><br />Don’t wait for perfect timing, or for me to stop this rhyming –<br />Get busy and start climbing – the ladder to success.<br />Don’t wait for an invitation, or the latest innovation –<br />Move into motivation – and settle for nothing less.<br /><br />Don’t wait for a special day, to find the nerve to say –<br />Get busy without delay – and resolve be your best.<br /> Don’t wait for the perfect mood, or a cosmic interlude –<br /> Move away from the FOOD – it should be fuel, not a love-fest!<br /><br /><strong><em>By: Debra Sue Higginbotham<br />July 10, 2007<br /></em></strong>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-35820050489313413222007-06-21T13:35:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.967-07:00Recent Poetry<strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>My Title<br /></em></span></strong>June 16, 2007<br /><br />I'm a daughter, I'm a sister – I'm a mother, I'm a wife –<br />but these labels that I wear, shall not define my life.<br /><br />I'm an in-law, I'm a cousin - I'm an Aunt, I'm a niece - -<br />and in the scene of my life, these roles are just a piece.<br /><br />I have a job and I pay taxes – and I live in the U S of A …<br />yet these things do not exhaust, every thought of every day.<br /><br />I am mostly a Republican – & conservative more or less –<br />yet how I vote does not reflect, my state of happiness.<br /><br />My skin is fair, my hair is brown & my eyes are hazel green –<br />and if you've ever met me – I hope that's not all you've seen.<br /><br />My height is short, my weight irrelevant – a supermodel I am not …<br />for how I look - is not who I am – not even by a long shot.<br /><br />I'm a lover, not a fighter – although each has a time and place …<br />and if pushed, I will push back - - with a smile upon my face.<br /><br />My house is never perfect – and my laundry is rarely done –<br />and my cooking is not exactly, described as "second to none".<br /><br />But those are not really things – that get to the heart of ME …<br />or define me as the person - that I am always aiming to be …<br /><br />Now, at the time of this verse – I am a female, age 37 –<br />yet such stats will not determine, if I will go to Heaven.<br /><br />But if you must "sum me up", or label me with a word –<br />you can simply call me Christian –<br />the finest Title I've incurred!<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>I Want to GROW<br /></em></span></strong>Thursday, June 7, 2007<br /><br />I want to grow,<br />I want to leap,<br />I want to take<br />the time to weep.<br /><br />I want to lean,<br />I want to bend,<br />I want to blend<br />into the wind.<br /><br />I want to reach,<br />I want to teach,<br />I want to speak,<br />without beseech.<br /><br />I want to know,<br />I want to see,<br />I want to breathe<br />and be set free.<br /><br />I want to seek,<br />I want to flee,<br />I want to need<br />the inner me.<br /><br />I need to dig,<br />and dig in deep,<br />and figure out<br />just how to leap.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Conversations With My Children</span></strong><br /></em>Thursday, May 31, 2007<br /><br />I told my baby, how very much he had grown …<br />how big he was getting – every inch – every bone.<br />I asked who gave permission, for him to grow his Bod,<br />and without hesitation – he assured me it was GOD!<br /><br />My toddler asked me, in a soft exhausted voice…<br />“will you love me forever” – (as if I had a choice.)<br />“YES, my son!”, I said, without hesitation or delay,<br />“I will always love you – forever and a day!”<br /><br />My daughter said to me, in excitement and glee …<br />“Look at me mommy” – “I can climb a tree” - -<br />and I said to her, without hesitation or a stir …<br />“I knew you could honey, I was always quite sure!”<br /><br />My baby, who is 2, wants to tie his own shoe …<br />he refuses my help – so what’s a mom to do - -<br />I say to my child, without hesitation or doubt,<br />“I will wait for you, so let’s figure it all out!”<br /><br />My toddler, who is 3, squeals with delight …<br />and asks for a kiss - as I tuck him in at night.<br />Without hesitation – I give him three or four,<br />and ask if it’s okay, if I give him just one more.<br /><br />My girl, who is 10, asks hard questions now and then,<br />Like “why is there evil?”, and “why do people sin?”<br />I hesitate a bit – as I am not so sure what to say…<br />and so thus I reply … “honey, why don’t we pray?”<br /><br /> (FYI, these here are true stories)Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-60232475843702034892006-11-19T18:45:00.000-08:002011-06-25T17:44:46.967-07:00Once Upon a Busy Time<p><br />Once upon a busy time,<br />in a land not far away - -<br />there lived a busy mom,<br />with too few hours in the day.</p><p>Too many diapers to change,<br />too few moments left alone,<br />too many bills left to pay,<br />too few licks of an ice cream cone.</p><p>Too many loads of laundry,<br />too few dollars left to stretch,<br />too many hats for her to wear,<br />too few breaks did she catch.</p><p>Too many meals on the run,<br />too few hours to exercise,<br />too many things left undone,<br />at least in mama’s eyes.</p><p>Too many needs to meet,<br />too few hours left to sleep,<br />too many deadlines to beat,<br />amidst the hurry of scurried feet.</p><p>Once upon a crazy time,<br />within a land of busy bees - -<br />Mom decided to win her battles, <br /> armed with prayer, <br /> and on her knees.</p><p>By: Debra Higginbotham<br />November 19, 2006 – Sunday</p>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-50305926464121575662005-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.967-07:00The Willing Servant"The Willing Servant" (September 2001)<br />By: Debra Sue Higginbotham<br /><br />Dear Lord - open my heart -<br />and open my mind as well,<br />I want to be your servant...<br />even IF it's hard to tell.<br /><br />Please forgive my grumbling -<br />if it should come about,<br />show me where I'm needed...<br />so I can be helping out.<br /><br />Dear Lord - take my hand -<br />and help me understand,<br />you ARE my foundation...<br />in the midst of sinking sand.<br /><br />Please forgive my hesitance -<br />if I am slow when I react,<br />teach me how to witness...<br />with humility and tact.<br /><br />Dear Lord - lead the way -<br />and be with me today,<br />help me be an example...<br />in all I do and say.<br /><br />Oh you know I need you -<br />remind me what is true,<br />faith isn't really faith...<br />until it's all I'm holding onto.<br /><br />Dear Lord - give me the nerve -<br />to resist Satan's curve,<br />to walk a narrow path, and ...<br />to Step Forth and Serve !!Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-90562563420725658832005-10-26T09:12:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.968-07:00I Threw It Out"I Threw It Out" (January 2002)<br />====================================================<br />I spoke with my savior ... that always makes me smile.<br />His name is Jesus Christ... and I really like His style.<br />He helped me do some cleaning - added some thing's Himself.<br />Like Faith, Hope and Love - with Love above all else.<br />He made me throw out Worrying ... it was old and in my way.<br />It kept me from Getting Busy ... taking up too much of my day.<br /><br />I discarded my Inhibitions ... they were simply crowding me out.<br />Made room for my New Growth ... purging old fears and doubts.<br /><br />I removed my stains of Sin - - no time to ponder them anyway.<br />They are nailed to a Cross ... so I can start fresh new today.<br />Some new thoughts appeared - such as I can, I Must, I will.<br />Eradicated "I might" ... So I could stop standing still.<br />I picked up a special thing - and placed it on my heart.<br />I found it - it's called Peace ... it's a great place to start.<br />Yes, I've cleaned up nice ... can't you see it in my eyes?<br />for things like Worry and Doubt - have said their good-byes.<br /><br />Thought for today:<br />Throw Satan out and bring Jesus in - he's the best cleaning agent there is !Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-3778701967926699212005-10-26T09:07:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.968-07:00Pray About It, Then Get BusyPray About it, Then Get Busy<br />Based on Nehemiah Chapter 4<br /><br />When Sanballat heard - that we were rebuilding the wall,<br />he became angry - and was greatly furious.<br />He ridiculed the Jews, in the presence of his friends,<br />"What are they doing?” - “Tell me, I’m curious”!<br /><br />Will they even - try to offer sacrifices?<br />Can they possibly - finish the wall in one day?<br />Can they bring the stones - back to life –<br />from those heaps of rubble -- burned away?<br /><br />Hear us, O our God, for we are despised.<br />Turn their insults - back on their own heads.<br />Give them over - -as ill-gotten gains –<br />into a land of captivity – the kind an enemy dreads.<br /><br />Please do not cover up – any of their guilt –o<br />r blot out their sins – away from your sight ...<br />for they throw insults - in the face of the builders,<br />who will continue to work, day and night.<br /><br />The people worked - with all of their heart.<br />and we rebuilt the wall – to half of its height.<br />But when Sanballat & friends, heard of this,<br />They were angry - and plotted to fight.<br /><br />But we prayed to our God - to post an angel,<br />day and night - to meet this threat.<br />Meanwhile, the people - in Judah - said,<br />the laborers are weak – we worry & fret.<br /><br />Therefore, I stationed - some of the people –<br />behind the lowest points - along the wall,<br />at the exposed places, posting them by families,<br />with their swords, spears and bows and all.<br /><br />After I looked things over, I stood up and said –<br />to the nobles, the officials and all of the rest …<br />"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord,<br />who is great and awesome, will help us fight best!"<br /><br />By: Debra S. Higginbotham<br />January 15, 2002 - TuesdayDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-46008013324496485932005-10-26T08:56:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.968-07:00WhoWho?<br /><br />Who can it be Lord? Can it possibly be you?<br />Who is the one, who always sees me through?<br /><br />Who do I turn to, when my faith is unsteady?<br />Who stays patient, when my heart isn’t ready?<br /><br />Who lifts me up, when my soul is weighing down?<br />Who remains my King – with thorns for a crown?<br /><br />Who do I turn to, when my knees become weak?<br />Who becomes my voice – when I cannot speak?<br /><br />Who hears my prayers, as inept as they are?<br />Who has the power, to heal my every scar?<br /><br />Who do I turn to, when skies are turning gray?<br />Who finds my words – as I’m unsure what to say?<br /><br />Who never moves, even if I tend to roam?<br />Who never fails - - to welcome me home?<br /><br />Who do I turn to, when my path seems lost?<br />Who is my savior – who paid the greatest cost?<br /><br />Who holds my hand, if I forget to hold on?<br />Who fights my demons, until they’re all gone?<br /><br />Who do I turn to, when there’s nowhere else to turn?<br />Why don’t I seek you first? When will I ever learn?<br /><br />Who can it be Lord? You know I know it’s you ...<br />my alpha and omega - - who always sees me through!Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-1778110155263894032005-10-26T08:50:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.968-07:00SINSIN<br />By: Debra S. Higginbotham<br />6-6-03<br /><br /><br />Sin always starts with a trickle,<br />such as not being where you should be ...<br />not doing what you should be doing,<br />or thinking in terms of “me’.<br /><br />Sin always begins with a deception,<br />as Satan whispers into your heart ...<br />and as we believe his arguments,<br />that is how sin can then start.<br /><br />Sin always tends to escalate,<br />much like a domino effect ...<br />and once that ball is rolling,<br />it becomes difficult to correct.<br /><br />Sin always destroys something,<br />and sometimes, even someone ...<br />Faith can fade, trust can disappear,<br />once the damage has been done.<br /><br />Sin will always be discovered,<br />although our efforts are contrary ...<br />and often the results of this finding,<br />can surely be dreadful and scary.<br /><br />Sin always starts with a trickle,<br />yet can become a river so fast ...<br />that rages beyond our control,<br />like a spark that turns into a blast.<br /><br />Yet - let us all not forget,<br />despite the lives we are livin’ ...<br />with Jesus as our Lord & Savior,<br />Sin is always forgiven !!Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-70567088194887530892005-10-26T08:48:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.968-07:00God's FaceGod’s Face<br /><br />Created in God’s image,<br />yes I am, that is me.<br />How amazing it feels,<br />to know how I came to be.<br /><br />Chosen by God Almighty,<br />I owe my time and service ...<br />yet somehow, that notion,<br />makes me a little nervous.<br /><br />He gave me many gifts,<br />some apparent, some not.<br />I need to try and serve him,<br />with everything I’ve got.<br /><br />He hears my every prayer,<br />he knows my every thought ...<br />and through his son, Jesus,<br />my salvation was bought.<br /><br />The creator of the universe,<br />wants to spend time with ME!<br />Who am I to refuse, or<br />claim that I am too busy ?<br /><br />Fearfully and wonderfully made,<br />my body is like a temple...<br />and I should treat it as such,<br />it really is very simple.<br /><br />God empowered Moses,<br />and he can empower me ...<br />if only I’d stop and ask,<br />then he would make it be.<br /><br />I am chosen and blessed,<br />and I am humbled by grace ...<br />yet my self esteem soars --<br />to think that I resemble,<br />God’s face!<br /><br />By: Debra S. Higginbotham<br />June 6, 2003 – FridayDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-82057550369501882012005-10-26T08:47:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.969-07:00IndifferenceIndifference<br /><br /><br />The problem of “indifference”, may not seem as severe ...<br />as death or sickness or pain – which persist year after year.<br /><br />Yet it hangs like a millstone - around each and every neck,<br />of every single congregation, a salvation train-wreck.<br /><br />If we could rid the church – of this “indifference” trouble...<br />she could take the world for Christ, in a hurry on the double...<br /><br />Saving many of her members, from damnation to hell ...<br />if the folks would cease to drink – from the “indifference” well.<br /><br />Baptism is essential – but it only puts you on the right road.<br />We must remain in Christ – and avoid “indifference” overload.<br /><br />In trying to analyze the problem – a few groups are affected ...<br />perhaps if we describe them – they are more easily detected.<br /><br />There are those who are indifferent, and simply do not care,<br />and then those with right actions – but “indifferent” unaware.<br /><br />And then there are the ones – who tend to worry without end ...<br />due to a lack of spiritual insight, which needs to be deepened.<br /><br />So - be steadfast, unmovable; always thrive in the work of the Lord!<br />For sipping from the cup of indifference – is a drink we can’t afford.<br /><br /><br />By: Debra S. Higginbotham<br />Wednesday, June 18, 2003<br /><br /><br />Verses to Study:<br />• Revelation 2:10<br />• John 15:1-7<br />• 1 Corinthians 15:58Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-42383167167087852972005-10-26T08:45:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.969-07:00He Didn't Have ToHe Didn’t Have To...<br /><br />He didn’t have to make rainbows,<br />which often adorn our skies.<br />He didn’t have to make caterpillars,<br />turn into beautiful butterflies.<br /><br />He didn’t have to make literature,<br />that is often divinely inspired.<br />He didn’t have to make hugs,<br />or insight to know they’re desired.<br /><br />He didn’t have to make flowers,<br />which say “Hello” in the Spring.<br />He didn’t have to make melodies,<br />that our feathered friends do sing.<br /><br />He didn’t have to make laughter,<br />and the way it feels to smile.<br />He didn’t have to make kisses,<br />which help souls feel worthwhile.<br /><br />He didn’t have to make sunsets,<br />that can help us close out a day.<br />He didn’t have to make waterfalls,<br />and their sometimes soothing spray.<br /><br />He didn’t have to make perfume,<br />or many other amazing scents.<br />He didn’t have to make tastes,<br />such as chocolate or peppermints.<br /><br />He didn’t have to make mountains,<br />creating scenery that we adore.<br />He didn’t have to make oceans,<br />or their vividly dramatic seashore.<br /><br />He didn’t have to send Jesus,<br />his one and only begotten son ...<br />so that the human battle with sin,<br />could be overcome and won.<br /><br />He didn’t have to do these things,<br />for every man, woman and kid ...<br />He really didn’t have to do them,<br />but I am so very glad He did.<br /><br />By: Debra S. Higginbotham<br /> Wednesday, June 18, 2003Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-47496465545924514682005-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.969-07:00Into ActionInto Action...<br /><br />Get up and get busy,<br />stop sitting on your butt.<br />Put energy into action,<br />and get out of that rut.<br /><br />Make a goal come alive,<br />stop pondering “what if” ...<br />the smell of sweet success,<br />is anxious for your whiff.<br /><br />Get up and get moving,<br />rediscover a hidden delight.<br />Put passion into action,<br />despite your hidden fright.<br /><br />Make your dreams come true,<br />unlearn the word ‘Delay’.<br />Why put off until tomorrow,<br />what you can get done today?<br /><br />Get up and move your feet,<br />take a step –and then the next.<br />Put your plans into action,<br />even if they are perplexed.<br /><br />Make your intentions known,<br />share your talents now.<br />Find answers for questions,<br />like ‘when’, ‘where’ or ‘how’.<br /><br />Get up and take a chance,<br />be optimistic in your heart.<br />Put your future into action,<br />for now is the time to start.<br /><br />I hope you are not offended,<br />or think I’m telling you what to do ...<br />for this poem is really targeting,<br />its humble author – not you !<br /> <br />By: Debra S. Higginbotham<br />Thursday, June 19, 2003Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-11530087427362686712005-10-26T08:41:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.969-07:00Be StillBe Still . . .<br />July 15, 2004 - Thursday<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Surrender to quiet.<br />Surrender to calm.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Rest your cares ...<br />into my palm.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Remember to pray.<br />Forget to worry.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Remember to walk.<br />Forget to hurry.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Take time to breathe.<br />Take time to read.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Take time to follow.<br />Let Thy Lord lead.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Allow your thoughts,<br />time to think.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Allow your eyes,<br />time to blink.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Eliminate chaos.<br />Institute calm.<br /><br />Be still and know that I am God.<br />Study thy word,<br />and the 46th Psalm.Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-80131291537925157152005-10-26T08:39:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.969-07:00Fret,Stir and Worry<p>Fret, Stir & Worry<br />By: Debra Sue Higginbotham</p><p><br />I sit here and I worry,<br />and I stir and I fret …<br />because when you’re human,<br />it’s so easy to forget …<br /><br />There is no need to worry,<br />when one knows how to pray …<br />and Our Lord will handle it,<br />in His timing and His way.<br /><br />I sit here and I ponder,<br />and I plan what I should do…<br />and I question my decisions,<br />and the path I shall see through.<br /><br />I ask the Lord for help,<br />and I beg on bended knee …<br />and then go on with my plans,<br />as I fret and stir and worry.<br /><br />It is hard to keep my focus,<br />when the walls are caving in.<br />It’s easy to remember to pray,<br />yet hard to know where to begin.<br /><br />I know what I need to do,<br />as I recall all that I’ve heard …<br />it’s not enough to simply pray - -<br />I must also stay in His Word !!<br /><br />Try not to lose your focus,<br />or allow the message to be blurry.<br />I think it insults Our Lord –<br />when we Fret, Stir and Worry.</p><br />Sept 9, 2004Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-67614090792745490142005-10-26T08:37:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.969-07:00Play TimePlay Time<br />By: Debra Sue Higginbotham<br />9-17-2004<br /><br />Sitting here watching,<br />two miracles on my floor –<br />as they play & they laugh,<br />and squeal a little more.<br /><br />Victoria is almost eight,<br />and William is almost one …<br />and I do enjoy seeing them<br />having so much fun !!<br /><br />She claps her hands together,<br />and he copies her so quick …<br />and then he claps some more,<br />as it’s his favorite trick.<br /><br />She’s rolling him the ball,<br />and he pounds on it with glee …<br />and he tries to make it move,<br />so that it will come to me.<br /><br />He waddles across the way,<br />and she follows as he trips.<br />Then she sings a song …<br />as he eats her fingertips.<br /><br />She tosses him a blankie,<br />as he plays some peek-a-boo.<br />And I do so much enjoy,<br />just absorbing these two.<br /><br />Now my heart begins to swell,<br />at where this moment leads …<br />as Victoria picks up a book,<br />and he listens as she reads.<br /><br />There are toys everywhere,<br />and this room is such a mess …<br />and at this point in time,<br />I really couldn't care less.Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5222077092514284452.post-46884604474236912592005-10-26T08:31:00.000-07:002011-06-25T17:44:46.970-07:00Not EnoughNot Enough<br />By: Debra Sue Higginbotham<br /><br />Three hours of sleep - is really NOT enough.<br />When a baby is teething - - it’s a little rough.<br /><br />It isn’t enough, to cut just one or two!<br />No, he is determined - - to push SIX through.<br /><br />24 hours – is just not enough in the day,<br />when you're potty training, the IMPOSSIBLE way.<br /><br />7 days – is just not enough in the week,<br />when mom lacks sleep – and can hardly speak.<br /><br />Two arms with two hands? Surely I need more.<br />When your son weighs a ton – such arms get sore.<br /><br />One washer? One dryer? I think I may need ten.<br />Laundry is EVERYwhere! Even in the kitchen.<br /><br />But as for Husbands, NO, I don’t need anymore.<br />For that would just mean more laundry on the floor.Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04759110745038099926noreply@blogger.com0