Wednesday, October 26, 2005

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.