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EXCUSES

Where were you this morning? You didn't fill a pew.

You weren't in the church to fellowship; the good Lord knew it too.

Did you feel a bad cold coming on, and then maybe a headache, too?

But you felt much better by 10 o'clock, `cause you had so much to do.

You cleaned and scrubbed and waxed the floor, and did the laundry too.

Took out the trash and cooked and cooked.

By then you were tired through and through.

You took a nap in the afternoon, arising feeling bright.

Oh, Lord! I didn't read my Bible, so I can't go to church tonight.

Oh, well, they'll never miss me; I'll remember to pray tonight,

And ask the Lord to forgive me, then things will be all right.

My husband was so tired after fixing that old flat.

Then washing the car, and playing golf, and doing little things like that.

No, daughter, we won't go to church tonight, so go in your room and play,

So Dad and I can watch TV and maybe take time to pray.

We will pray and we'll ask the Lord to forgive us of our sins,

For making up those excuses when in church we should have been.

We know the only time He'll forgive us is when He hears us say,

"Forgive me, Lord, for my excuses; I'm back in church today." by Mildred Burnes (Submitted by T. Howard)

SPOTS

Spots are beautiful. Spots are round. I see Spots every time I go to a puppy pound. By Trinity Desselles, (8 years of age)

BE STILL . . .

Racing through my day, always in a hurry; No time to slow down and revel at Your glory. How will it all get done? So many tasks to do. Responsibilities seem endless, yet my hours, so few.

Please help me be still and know that you are God.

Help me realize success means enjoying that I'm blessed.

Let me not measure my own worthiness By the actions I do when I try to impress.

My desire is to please You and glorify Your name

For the gift that You gave me when You took all the blame.

Help me slow down and make the most of each breath.

Let me not take for granted the life I have left.

I pray for forgiveness when I fail to slow down

And say "Thank You, Dear Lord, for Your blessings abound."

I hope that Your love will always shine through ...

In all that I say and all that I do.

Let me not be too busy to share how salvation can heal.

My prayer for today, Lord, please help me be still.

by Tish DeHerrera (In memory of my Dad, my favorite poet)