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1. A SEED OF HOPE

One day I felt discouraged. Then
Outside my window, a bird
Flew through the leaves of
The shapely, dear old maple tree.
Through open window, I heard
Such cheerful songs of rejoicing,
As the carefree bird sang for me.

Then he ducked among the airy branches of yew,
Trilling happily, till I felt God
Did love me through and through.
(For I know he sent the bird
To plant a seed of hope in me!)
I'm not discouraged now, you see!

--

2. SHYNESS

I'm so timid, withdrawn --
And that's no way I want to be!
"Shyness" is a fetter-word,
In my ears sounding like: "UNFREE"!

Afraid of my shadow,
Sort of praying hopefully
That no one will notice me,
Yet secretly, silently crying out,
"Oh, can't you really see me?"

Shyness is not fun!
Nor is being scared, constantly,
That others might think wrongly of me.
Whatever remedy can break the bands,
I've made up my mind --
With God's help (and love),
I SHALL LEARN TO GO FREE!

Lord, will you help me?
When I think of You,
Instead of myself being so blue --
I feel more happy and free.

--

3. NOT A WASTE

Silence is not wasted,
For it opens time to think.

Silence is...
Beautiful
Wonderful
Friendly
Timely
Companion
(even in a canyon).

But, why?
Silence gives me time to think.
Silence gives my soul a drink.

4. I OWE YOU!

We've got our weekly family chores,
But we get to take "first choice"
By writing little I.O.U.'s,
Or by saying, "Hey, rejoice!"

"Dear mom, I owe you one shoeshine."
Or, "Sis, this is your lucky day:
You WON ME to take your garbage out --
Aren't you glad I came your way?"

The chores don't stop having to "be",
But this sort of sharing is more fun.
When we choose by little "I will" notes,
The work gets cheerfully done.

 
5. HOW CAN I LIVE FOR GOD?

I want to fit in, Lord --
Not with what others say,
But to go along with YOUR way.
And to be alert;
I want to be a person who cares
For friends who hurt.
I want to belong to you, Lord,
And listen as you speak your word.