MEMORY LANE ~ A New Day ~ September 17, 2011 by Shirley Sarafinchan
A Wo-Man’s Voice ~ July 5, 2010
My goal is set and in nine short months I will retire after thirty years of employment with the same Company. Different positions over the years, new faces and many changes and challenges throughout the organization that provided me with growth, opportunity, security and an income to live a good life.
How many times over the past forty-five years since I started working full-time have I been told “your job is just a job, it is not your life” or “don’t take your job home with you, leave it at the office”? Well I will be leaving my job at the office and yes my job is not my “life” but I find myself struggling with feelings of loss at the very thought of losing such a large part of my “life”!
I’m sixty-three years of age and have had serious illnesses during my lifetime and I’m ready for relaxation and for change but why do I find it so difficult to let go. Perhaps I just won’t allow myself the luxury of time for myself, time to heal or maybe I find it too challenging to separate myself from the daily routine and demands from others, maybe it’s ego!
Employed as a Payroll/HR Co-ordinator and Administrative Assistant I’ve bid farewell to many fellow employees and have organized over fifty retirement functions but I have no idea what to expect when I say farewell.
It takes nine months to bring a new life into the world. Perhaps over the next nine months I will nurture and prepare myself for my new “life”, a new beginning, and take the well deserved time to enjoy my golden years.
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“A New Day” 
Take each new day as another birth
To begin once again
On this God-given earth
As dawn approaches we leave our nest
And venture outside
In search of our quest
Frightened and unsure we move with caution
Wondering what this new day will bring
As far as learning and precaution
As the day unfolds hour upon hour
Our eyes see beauty, our ears hear song
Our touch caresses the tenderness of a budding flower.
Yesterday forgotten, tomorrow miles away
We live each precious moment waiting, hoping
For love and joy to come our way
As the sun settles silently in the evening sky
Our minds and bodies weary
But our hearts and souls soaring high
For another day, another birth
Makes waiting and hoping for life, for love, for joy
Filled with worth!
Shirley…Thank you so much for your inspirational post and poem! It would be wonderful if you could share with us just how well you have adjusted to retirement. It’s been about six months.
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INSPIRATIONAL POEMS ~ The Old Farmhouse ~ August 31, 2011 by Shirley Sarafinchan
My Sister’s Voice
This poem was originally written on April 30th, 1981 about an old farmhouse that was once home to a family but some time later I associated it with abused women. In essence, it reminded me of women who strive so very hard to make homes for their families. No matter how hard they try, they are worn down and battered. Finally they have the opportunity and the strength to stand up for their rights and to free themselves from their bondage to at last find the peace and solace that they so richly deserve. The old farmhouse is a symbol of a refuge for abused women.
THE OLD FARMHOUSE
Amid the fields it stands so alone, so serene, so peaceful, yet filled with an emptiness all its own, this old farmhouse that was once called home.
Its shingles torn and tattered, windows scarce of glass, doors hanging by a single hinge alas this old farmhouse so battered.
What secrets dare to lie within its walls, love, laughter, fun and joy, echoes of little children running down the halls, tears, sorrow and pain for loved ones lost.
Music must have filled the nights with sounds of crickets and birds in flight, the sweet scent of the prairie harvest and wild flowers a pleasant sight.
The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread reaching every corner of the old farmhouse and early morning sunrises filling each room full of light, the warmth from the wood stove soon to spread.
Memories fill this old farmhouse, nothing more is really left but, it has served its purpose in this life and now alone, it can be at rest.
Thank you Shirley.
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INSPIRATIONAL POEMS ~ SPIRITUAL SATURDAY ~ Surviving Life ~ July 30, 2011 by Charles Betts
How
will you survive when your heart’s broke in two
When
the one that you love has been taken from you
Was it just yesterday you did the things you enjoyed
The
death angel came and everything was destroyed
Can
you carry on while your soul knows this pain
Your heart used to sing ‘cause they were your refrain
They
were the sunlight that shone in your life each day
Now
you question why it is God would take them away
The worst part is it seems the storm is not
through
Emotional
waves just keep on crashing o’er you
Like
disciples who recalled they had Jesus on board
If
you call upon Him sweet peace can be restored
You
can if you choose jump into the seas
I
think it’s better to fall on your knees
Look
to the Lord be strong and be brave
He
has control of the wind and the waves
I
know it’s hard to believe you’ll laugh ever again
But
you can if you let Jesus take care of the pain
There
are some things in life we just can’t control
It’s
in the presence of God He restoreth our soul
A
poem By Charles Betts
July 13th 2006
Thanks Charles!
SPIRITUAL SATURDAY ~ Cry For Freedom ~ July 16, 2011 by Charles Betts
INSPIRATIONAL POEMS
She’s crying out for freedom
But no one hears the sound.
They go about their busyness
Her voice by theirs is drowned
She stands out on the corner
Where she sells herself to men,
Who never think of who she was
Or who she might have been.
They take what they came after.
They put money in her hand.
She heads back to her chosen spot.
No one knows or understands.
She’s crying out for something,
But it seems no one can give,
The very thing she’s looking for.
That’s another chance to live.
The ones that stop to talk to her,
They have a hunger in their eyes.
When they exchange what each one has,
There’s a piece of each that dies.
She scarce recalls the little girl
Who would dream upon her bed.
A princess in a fairy tale;
The prince that filled her head.
She’s crying on her pillow.
She’s wishing she could change
Who she is, and who she was
To her it seems so strange.
It seems so hard to comprehend
That her life would end up here.
Because of choices she had made.
To know this flood of tears.
To have your heart this broken,
For your heart to be this dead,
Goes beyond what most folks know.
They can’t get it in their head.
She’s crying out for Jesus,
But she doesn’t know His name
Is more than just a cuss word
People use to shift the blame
The tears that overwhelm her,
When there’s no one else around,
With the sobs that rack her body,
Make a harsh and deaf’ning sound
Before the throne of God in heaven.
He hears her every cry.
He does his best to reach her.
He leaves it up to you and I.
He’s crying out for someone
To go and touch her soul.
Someone who will show her
How His love will make her whole.
Can you hear the Savior calling
As you go about your day?
Or are you just too busy
So you push the thought away?
When She’s crying out for freedom,
She’s calling out to you and me.
God as well is saying,
She’s our responsibility
A Poem By Charles Betts
Feb 14th 2007
Fredericton
Thanks so much Charles for another touching poem.
SPIRITUAL SATURDAY ~ INSPIRATIONAL POEMS ~ The Lamb ~ June 25, 2011 by Charles Betts
INSPIRATIONAL POEMS
I am the Lamb the Good Shepherd would hold
Protected from heat and sheltered from cold
Then I got rebellious, wouldn’t do what I was told
One day I decided to run away from the fold
I ran away under cover of night
As hard as I could to get out of His sight
I didn’t stop running until I saw morning light
Back when it happened I thought I was right
I went to the city and joined in with the crowd
I went to the parties and learned to be loud
They all seemed to like me. I became proud
I did what I wanted because I was allowed
I never once thought the Good Shepherd would leave
The ninety and nine, this poor lamb to retrieve
He didn’t love me, is what I chose to believe
I lied to myself. Myself I deceived
I had a good time for quite a few years
No inhibitions. I overcame all of my fears
There were only good times. No sorrows, no tears
Then I realized, life is not what it appears
I began to get lonely. My friends went away
My health began failing. I could no longer play
I had no one to listen to what I had to say
I cried every night and was sad every day
Then it happened to me, right out of the blue
I heard the Good Shepherd say “I’m looking for you
Your life that is ruined, I will make it brand new”
I felt so guilty, I didn’t know what to do
The day Jesus found me I was filled with despair
I was all by myself. I had no one to care
Who I thought were my friends were no longer there
I was useless to them. I had nothing to share
This time I answered when He called out my name
“I’m here to help you and I’ve taken your shame”
He lifted me gently and healed all my pain
I am so glad to be in His arms once again
I am the Lamb the Good Shepherd now holds
Protected from heat and sheltered from cold
No longer rebellious, I do what I am told
I’m just so happy to be back in the fold
Now I feel safe and I sleep well at night
Knowing I am never really out of His sight
I waken with joy to face each morning’s light
And I know in my heart that this is what’s right
A Poem By Charles Betts
Apr 12th 2011
Great Poem Charles…thanks!
SPIRITUAL SATURDAY~INSPIRATIONAL POEMS ~ Keep Your Dreams ~ June 18, 2011 by charles Betts
Dreams are more than butterflies that flitter through our mind
Searching for a place to land in hopes they somehow find
The food we all require to sustain our journey every day.
When we believe our dreams, it matters not what others say
It’s the dreams that burn within our heart that keep our soul alive
When times are tough or life gets rough they help us to survive
When the flame becomes a candle, be a beacon on a hill
Wrap your dreams around your heart, they’ll fortify your will
Soar up to the mountains where only eagles dare
Somewhere in the journey you’ll find someone to share
The dreams that burn within your heart and keep your soul alive
When times are tough or life gets rough they’ll help you to survive
While your candle’s burning, you’re the beacon on the hill
That lights the way for others who have somehow lost the will
To keep their dreams alive when their hope is fading fast.
When you learn to share your passion then both your candles last
Butterflies are beautiful, so lovely to behold
Dreams may be impractical, yet they fill our soul
Both of them are needful. We are filled with awe and hope
Each of them in their own way help us all to cope
A Poem By Charles Betts. Feb 9th 2011
Thanks Charles!
SPIRITUAL SATURDAY ~ Prayer For The Prodigal Son ~ June 11, 2011 by Charles Betts
God of our Fathers. Friend Of Abraham
Creator of all. The great I Am
Who loves and cares for the souls of all
And hears the prayers when His children call
Your eyes we know are everywhere
To watch for those who are in your care
All my life, I’ve by you been blessed
Though yet my soul is sore distressed
My youngest son is still on his own
I only pray he’s not somewhere alone
May the Angels that watch over him be strong
The truth he knows keep him from wrong
I cannot continue to bear this pain
My heart has never known such strain
If only I could hold him in my arms
To know his soul has known no harm
God, does he know how I love him yet
I will forgive him, with no regrets
Though I can’t see him, I know you can
I trust he’s safe and in your kind hands
May he come back before it’s too late
I long to see him come through the gate
Just to know he’s alive and he’s free
God, please, bring him home, safe to me.
I love this poem Charles…maybe it’s because at one time or another we are all prodigal children and it brings me great comfort and reassurance to know that I am loved and forgiven.
FREE DRAW ~ Anyone who leaves a comment on any article from now until June 15th, gets their name put in a draw for a free copy of my book ”Growing Up & Liking It”. The more comments that you leave the greater your chances of winning. Good Luck!
SPIRITUAL SATURDAY ~ It’s A Good Day ~ June 4, 2011 by Charles Betts
INSPIRATIONAL POEMS
When I wake up each morning and I’m breathing on my own
I know that Jesus loves me and I’m not in this thing alone
It’s a good day
I say a little thank-you prayer and put my feet upon the floor
Get dressed, have my breakfast and head out my front door
It’s a good day
I jump in my old truck and if it starts up first thing
I turn on a gospel station and hear somebody sing
It’s a good day
It’s a good day for me just to know that I am whole
My hope is in His love and I’m aware in my own soul
That no matter what may happen, God is in control
By the time my day is over, someone will be told
Have a good day
As I head on down the road, I have purposed in my mind
As I interact with others, I’ll do my best to be kind
And make it a good day
We can never tell, unless they let us in their heart
Exactly what it is that may be tearing them apart
They need a good day
Everyone needs someone to show them God above
Through gentle acts of kindness or some small act of love
We can make their day
We can make their day more beautiful by what we say or do
Their grey and darkened skies can be turned to clear and blue
When their day is over, they’ll take time to thank God too
Their journey was less arduous because we helped them through
We made their day
If you aren’t having a good day, help someone else to
A Poem by Charles Betts Jan 9th 2011
Thanks Charles…this poem made my day!
FREE DRAW ~ Anyone who leaves a comment on any article from now until June 15th, gets their name put in a draw for a free copy of my book ”Growing Up & Liking It”. The more comments that you leave the greater your chances of winning. Good Luck!
INSPIRATIONAL POEMS ~ “CHRISTIANS” by Maya Angelou ~ May 29, 2011
CHRISTIANS
When I say.. “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say.. “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say.. “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say.. “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say.. “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say.. “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
