Teach me to Dance - Theresa Zuber

Beautiful.

Peaceful.

Quiet. Sunshine.

Rest. Calm.

Deep breath.

Relax.

Focus.

Stress ebbs away with the river. Nothing to do but write and read.

Where will you take me, oh Creator? What path have you PREPARED for me to go down today? I trust you to be my guide. TODAY I promise not to run ahead but to follow. Lead me to the beautiful places you have in store for me. I can hardly wait to see you - your character - your spirit - as you reveal yourself to me today.

Guide my mind, my words, as you teach me.

Daddy - let me stand on your feet as you teach me to dance YOUR dance!

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Psalm 40:5 "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."

Where I Am From - by Donna (Ensign) Woods

(Modeled after a poem by Georgia Ella Lyons)

I am from 40th and plum...
40 miles from No-where and Plum out in the sticks
...as my Daddy used to say...
Strasburg, Illinois

I am from the screen door slamming
and cookies baking.
I am from simple times, hard work and good neighbors.
Noodles drying on the kitchen table,
Dinner rolls, apple pies and macaroni and cheese.

I'm from huge gardens, canning rings,
and the sound a mason jars sealing.
I am from 13 County fairs,
Perfect vegetables on plates of 5,
Display baskets, crepe paper and parsley.

I am from Bob and Wanda
Number 4 of 5.
Long days, short nights and cold winters
I am from the oil burner...
Standing close...warming one side at a time.
I am from everything olive green.

I am from the wringer washer on the back porch
and clothes hung neatly on the line.
I am from the grape arbor and
The sweet smell of spearmint.
I am from 4-H and Home Ec,
Learn it all...Do it all !!

I am from Bogie, Pepper, Smitty
and my little Tony dog.
I am from mud between my toes and
the dirt road hill.... with the old iron bridge,
waiting at the bottom, just for me.
I am from trails through the timber
and the mushroom patch.
Blackberries and chigger bites.

I am from the chicken house,
Feathers, butchering and frying.
I am from tricycles and mud puddles
lightning bugs and home made dresses
...polyester double knit.

I am from troll dolls and Barbie dolls
and the Box Elder tree...
Hot Wheels cars and a road of pretend
around the trunk.
I am from art class and Mrs. Ray
Sketching, painting and the pottery wheel.
I am from the writing desk
and the fine point pen.

I am from the angel in the Christmas pagent
White sheet gown and wings of tin foil and cardboard.
I am from Duck-Duck Goose and
Red Rover Red Rover.
I am from the Carom board and Monopoly
and the card table tent.

I am from monsters in the attic and under the bed...
Creaky stairs and a vivid imagination!!
I am from Nancy Drew mysteries
and Gilligan's Island
I am from Precious and Few, Time in a Bottle,
and Love Story.
Lost in the 70's, bell bottoms and
the Vietnam war...

I am from basketball games and Comet Power.
Listening with tears in my eyes as
the National Anthem played.
I am from green and white pom- poms
and School Song...
A shiny gym floor and popcorn.

I am from the cow pasture and the metal gate
...fishing June bugs out of the water tank...
I am from the majestic old acorn tree
that always stood watch over me.

I am from hope and promise
yesterday, today and tomorrow,
...I am from God's plan...

Where I am From... Who am I? by Jaime Reynolds

(Welcome Jaime!! Glad to see your first post!)

(Modeled after a poem by Georgia Ella Lyons)

I am from Jerry and Donna Haycraft
and later in life...blessed with Jerry Woods
I am from a single Mom, working two jobs,
...just to make ends meet.
I am from Grandpa Bob and Grandma Short.
I am from Strasburg, Illinois...a big hole in the Earth
...but it's where I called home.
I am from hiding in cabinets
and playing with pots and pans
I am from a Strawberry Shortcake bedroom.
I am from Cabbage Patch dolls and Barbie dolls.
I am from chicken coops, hog barns and sale barns.
I am from playing in water filled ditches,
after a heavy rain, with my brothers.
I am from playing in the creek with my brothers and cousins
...and Grandma Lucy never knew where we were ...
I am from big brother's hits, kicks and bruises...."Tough Love" !!!
I am from my little brother,
always knowing I was there when he was scared at night.
I am from huge gardens, tree climbing, canning,
cooking and 4-H.
I am from cooking, cleaning and laundry,
...no time for play till work is done.
I am from the most caring, and loving family
...when sometimes, that's all we had.
I am from good times and bad times.
I am Jaime (Haycraft) Reynolds
and I am proud of who I have become.
God Bless !!

Where I am From by Susan Shull

(Modeled after a poem by Georgia Ella Lyons)

I am from cornfields and bean fields
From hogs, cows, and chickens.
From we have planting to do and
30 more acres to harvest.

I am from the October sky
Crisp fall nights and
Millions of twinkling stars.

I am from the vegetable garden,
The string, stakes, and tiller.
Fresh green beans, corn on the cob,
And vine ripened tomatoes.

I am from church Christmas programs,
Finger foods in the basement after services,
And “Thou shalt be saved.”

I am from family secrets only whispered about,
Hair curled tight by new perms and
Brush rollers with plastic picks.

I’m from family reunions,
Homemade ice cream packed in scary dry ice.
From a bunch of bananas at least a yard long,
and no swimming until one hour after we eat.

I’m from hard times and good times
From sleepless nights and
Sweet peace.

I’m from Ted and Alice
And “treat others
The way you want to be treated.”

I am blessed.

Your Assignment for Today.... by Susan Shull

The Write Sisters recently went on a little get away to San Damiano retreat center in Southern Illinois. www.sandamianoretreat.com The setting was absolutely gorgeous and we had a wonderful time. Being a teacher, I couldn’t help bringing an “assignment” for everyone to work on, and since the girls are so nice, they played along with me.

A few years ago on a teacher listserve, someone suggested doing a “Where I am From” activity with our students. It is taken from a work originally written by Georgia Lyons and requires the kids to use her poem as a model for writing their own. I have been amazed at the quality of the poems my students have written, and I thought the girls would enjoy the exercise too. I was right. Over the next few days, we will post ours on the blog.

I encourage you to write your own “Where I am From” poem!

I Believe by Donna (Ensign) Woods

I believe in the moon and the stars, of the Heavenly night,
Even when they are hidden from my sight.
And in the hope of a bright new tomorrow,
Even if today is filled with sorrow.
I believe in miraculous growth and healing,
Even when tired and hurting is what I'm feeling.
I know there are angels hovering near-by
Even though I can't see them, as I cry
I believe in the rainbow promise, arching in the sky,
And in a Heavenly home when I die.
I believe Christ was born through a virgin birth,
Even though He no longer walks upon this Earth.
And in God's awesome mercy and grace,
As He sent His Son to die....in my place.
I believe He died on a cross to save you and me,
I didn't have to see Him hanging on the tree.
I know I've been forgiven for each and every sin,
As I walk each day, keeping my eyes on Him.
I believe He rose from the dead, on the third day,
To give us hope, and show us the way.
He now sits, in Heaven, at God's right hand,
And daily prepares me for what He has planned.
I believe, one day He'll return, in radiant glory,
For the final chapter, of this Earthly story.
I know He will judge our lives one day,
That's why I ask for guidance, each time I pray.
I believe, my sinful-self was left in a watery grave,
I was given new life, as He lovingly forgave.
And I will one day walk the streets of gold,
With His nail-scarred hand, to hold.
I believe He answers each and every prayer of mine,
Perfectly...in His way, and His time.
He is in awesome control, I do believe,
Wheather I dance with joy, or sadly grieve.
He is with me on the mountain tops of blessed cheer,
And in the dark, cold valley of each painful tear.
I believe we each have a purpose, that's why we're here
So, I eagerly listen, when I feel Him near.
I know in my heart, I truly do,
He has a very special plan, for you too.
I believe every promise that Jesus made
Rejoicing with the angels that my debt is paid.
Celebrating His wonderous, eternal love,
As He touches my life every day from above.

.....But, do you believe, in eternity through Him ???
Or have you shut Heaven's door, and allowed Satan in ?????

The Power of Words by Susan Shull

We had a wonderful church service Sunday! I almost said awesome, but I stopped myself. Mark, our preacher, encouraged us to reserve that word for describing our Lord and Savior. I agree with him that we throw “awesome” about in casual conversation when we should save it for its appropriate use. Anyway, back to the point…… The singing was beautiful, the sermon was very challenging, and I have been thinking about it off and on ever since. The presence of the Lord was palpable. He was there just as He promised in the scriptures to be if two or more were gathered in His name.

In her post, Theresa referred to Mark’s challenge to write down our beliefs, but I was inspired in another way. Last June when I went to Women of Faith in St. Louis, I purchased the book Same Kind of Different as Me, a nonfiction book co-written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. The book lay on my nightstand for months untouched. However, I recently picked it up and started reading and finished it last night. What a book! What an inspiration!

The lessons of the book were so motivating and meshed with what I learned from Sunday’s sermon. In the book one woman felt led by the Holy Spirit to become involved with a homeless mission in Fort Worth, Texas. Not only did she feel led, but she followed through. As a result of one person’s faith and obedience, God worked in the lives of many, many others. In his sermon, Mark urged us not to focus on the whole world but to narrow our focus to one person in our sphere of influence who needs the Lord. Can you imagine how Jasper County would change if all of us Christians would really do this? Heaven knows our world needs what the Lord has to offer free of charge.

Our God is a truly awesome God, and I pray that I will not miss his calling to me. I pray that I (and you) will follow his leading in my life. If all of us would do what he asks us to do, He can change the world.

What's your Creed? by Theresa Zuber

Today our pastor challenged us to write our Creed. "Don't panic" he said, "I know there is no creed by Christ, no book but the Bible..." However, if you don't know what you believe-- have firmly fixed in your mind the "what" and the "WHY"-- then it will be difficult to win others to Christ. How can we give testimony to the truth, when we stumble on the words? Or sometimes, out of fear or lack of preparedness, we don't speak at all.

So, I'm throwing out the challenge to the world wide web.... What is your creed? How has the truth of God's word molded and shaped your life. How has it effected your world and changed you into who you are now. What truths do you cling to that are your firm foundation? Which biblical promises give you comfort, ease your fears, warm your insides?

I've been working on this very thing for my book, and frankly, I find it a daunting task to concisely list what I believe. This will give me a reason to continue trying to organize my thoughts.

Phil 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Looking forward to seeing the results of this challenge!

Sweet Words by Joyce Schafer

I remember an especially unfruitful harvest season. The combine would go all day with only a trip or two to the bins.

We sat our four children down and explained to them that we would need to cut down on expenses.

Later in the day, I was running to town for groceries and asked my husband if he had any cash. The next thing I knew here came my little one with his piggy bank saying, “Here, Mommy, you can have my money for food.” I was truly humbled by his thoughtfulness.


I sat the kids back down and explained even though we could not afford a lot of extra things, they did not need to worry about having a home or food.

It is amazing how God can teach us life lessons. I learned that day that we need to be content with what we have and true blessing can come in the form of a little boy and his piggy bank.

Phillipians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

River of Contentment by Donna (Ensign) Woods

When before the Lord, on bended knee,
River of CONTENTMENT flow over me.
Wash away tears of my day,
Renew me as I pray.
Breathe deep and be refeshed
Feel His touch...so richly blessed.
CONTENT....peace be still,
To seek His perfect will.
Longing to hear..."Well Done"
As light fades witht the setting sun.
To hear the whisper of His voice,
As He touches my every choice.
CONTENT with who I am...
In God's wonderous plan.
Cradled in the arms of the Lord
As rocking a baby...loved and adored.
CONTENTMENT found in His mercy and grace
While He caresses my weathered face.
Peace cannot be found in fortune or fame
But, only in the promise of His holy name.
...Sweet peaceful rest...
CONTENTMENT blest.
Oh River of CONTENTMENT, flow over me,
Touch my soul from bended knee.

Scriptures about Contentment

PROVERBS 19:23
The fear of the Lord leads to life:
then one rests CONTENT
untouched by trouble.

HEBREWS 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and
be CONTENT with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."

1 TIMOTHY 6:6-8
But godliness with CONTENTMENT is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and
we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will
be CONTENT with that.

PHILLIPIANS 4:11-12
......I have learned to be content what ever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being CONTENT
in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want.

Daydreamer by Tana LeMay

One Christmas years ago, my dad and stepmom gave me a Norman Rockwell figurine. It’s a young woman sitting with her chin resting in her hands, leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. She’s staring dreamily into space. The figurine is called “The Daydreamer”. My parents were quite pleased with themselves for finding something that so aptly described me. At the time, I wasn’t amused.

With the passage of time and the gaining of wisdom, I can appreciate the gift more. For you see, I do like to daydream. To imagine the what ifs of life. What if my husband let me buy the shiny red Jeep Wrangler? What if we lived in a small beach side community? What if I lost those extra pounds? What if……

Daydreaming in moderation is ok, but too much time spent there could lead to discontent; to resenting, instead of enjoying, the blessings we do have. And, we have all been blessed in some way or other. Paul writes to Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1Timothy 6:6) In Philippians 4:11, Paul declares, “for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.”

How do we learn to be content in a world that bombards us with advertising full of young, beautiful actors? I believe the first step is daily prayer and time in God’s word. Take a moment to list what God has done for you. Review it regularly, and add to it as more blessings come your way. The next time you find yourself standing in a line with free time to daydream, count your blessings instead and thank God for each one of them.