Barbara J Peterson Poems

A Father’s Love

A Father's love cannot be found except inside your heart, for when we were a little girl his love became a part of all we ever hoped to be or all we ever should

Because he taught us from a child to trust in all that's good and even when times seem so hard his love is still a part

Because a Father's love is known within our heart

So celebrate this day my child and know that you are loved and by a father who also learned that same love from up on high; he knew he had to pass it on so it would never die

It was only then he'd done the Father's will from heaven up above . . . because his Father's love was sent to you to have within your heart . . . and he knew that if he past it on he'd always have a part. He knew his Father's love was an eternal gift that only a miracle could preserve and so he gave that gift to you knowing he'd leave this earth and knowing it was the most precious gift he could give you at birth . . . and it would never from you part . . . because a Father's love cannot be found except inside your heart.

Feb. 7, 2000

The Spring Thing (I want to play)

Thought I would write you a poem today

Thinking about the Spring and wanting to play

The sun is shining bright today

The birds are singing their song

The trees are budding so pretty

And summer is following along

I love the wind as it cools my face

I love to walk in a stride

As I enjoy this beautiful day

I want to play

Play with the children as they

Tag along

Play with the pets, as they enjoy

This too

The beautiful out of doors

The green grass as it springs forth

And more

The bumblebees buzzing all around

The daffodils as they rise from the ground

The singing of the birds up high

And most of all the Sun in the sky

As I think of this wonderful spring

I want to allow my heart to sing

Praises to our God above for all these

Things and his wonderful love

So in writing you this poem today

I think of spring and I want to play.

April 3, 2013

“Casted Shadow”

When the leaves fall and summer sunshine shows its glitter on the trees

It always reminds me of the power sent from above and sends me to my knees

For the leaves remind me of fallen dreams life never paints what it seems

It casts its forlorn shadow on the prettiest of flowers and takess away the beauty no matter how many hours

Hours spent trying to plant, watching the seeds as they grow

Finally a handsome looking stature is just before your eyes = you hope; you see and what great surprise

As it’s shadow casts its dangerous gloom you think it is the end and nothing more shall bloom

Then all of the sudden, the wind begins to blow; it picks up those leaves and off of the flowers they go

Again as you’re down upon your knees, you feel the comfort of his gentle breeze.

You look and then begin to see – The beauties of those flowers are once again in view

The casted shadow only reminds us that these trials will not last – His precious voice reminds us – this too shall pass

My Heart Cries

Lord you know more than anyone else how this heart cries out to you

Stop the pain that screams within; stop the voices that threaten, “You’ll never win!”

For the race is on a one way street, the greater the struggle the more power you give. So strengthen this feeble heart as it sighs – help dear Jesus as – my heart cries.

We all have trials we go through, we must remember God is our guide, our strength and our comfort.

DID I SEE YOUR FACE?

Did I see your face; when you took a soldier’s hand because you knew he was in pain; you were a nurse doing your job, while taking a stand; showing compassion and comforts to a fellowman?

Did I see your face as the chopper came down from out of the sky, picking up the wounded soldiers on the fly; while bullets were whizzing by?

Did I see your face as you gave support to a wounded soldier’s wife as she read the dreaded telegram? Did I see your face when you stood by her side? Did I see your face and hear the sweet prayers as you told her, everything will be just alright; even in her darkness, you brought the light?

Did I see your face as you disrespected the coming home soldiers from Viet Nam after they had just fought for your freedom? What an alarm! Spitting and cursing and yelling baby killer from the crowd as they walked by hoping soon to glimpse their family who they were separated from because of their sacrifice?

Did I see your face among the widowed who cried as they seen their husbands casket go by; knowing never to see them again and having to comfort their children as they, too, cry?

Did I see your face as you stood over a soldier as a doctor you did your best to revive him; never knowing if they made it home; yet you did your best working hours on end for those who may never be your friend?

Did I see your face; while you stopped to pray; as you knelt down before the wall that day?

Yes I had seen their faces at that time in good and bad and watched as Viet Nam fell. I now have watched again and seen more of them fall or sacrifice their health because of it all. They fell from Agent Orange, cancer and more as they faced the wars bad strife; I know these things because I am a wounded soldier’s wife.

Expect His Loving Grace

When our hearts are bothered and pain streaks our face

we need to go to Jesus and expect his loving grace

We know it will sustain us and bring our hearts his peace

And keep our minds on greater things that need to take its piece

The piece of mind for healing and receiving his strong arms

to protect us and to guide us far away from harm

For yes, he watches over our each step in our day

to lead us and to guide us through the trials that come our way

So when our hearts are bothered and pain streaks our face

let's always remember to go to Jesus and expect his loving grace.

For my sis Dorothy – Written as from her dog’s heart. In honor of Gunnar

We had our many nights while living on the street; we warmed each other’s hearts as we traveled on this sod

You thought of me as your protection and I was only following God.

He loaned me to you for just a little while, and your love for me always made me smile

Those midnight snacks, the runs in the park, the snuggling while we both were in the dark!

Will always and forever remain in my heart; and when it was my time to leave, I really didn’t want to go. Until God told me I’d be waiting for you by that colorful bow – I had the peace that only he could give – I had to go – while you stayed to live

I know it broke your heart and yes I too felt that pain; but I also knew we shall meet again. I know it made you cry and tears ran down your face; but remember you and I have been together in this race

No, I did not win, because you will finish, too. So I will be here cheering you on – yes somewhere beyond the blue – So keep running – I am still a part, I may not be running beside you, oh but I am always in your heart. Copyright: Barbara J. Peterson (Bumblebee) Summer 2016

HOW DOES

How does your face feel Son

As you roam far, far from home?

Are there smiles as you think of us back here

I hope so and I hope those thoughts will bring you cheer

How does your face feel Son

As on that plane you flew

To distant cities out there in the blue

I hope you remembered looking to the sky

Someone out there loves you as this time will surely fly by

How does your face feel Son

As you do the daily chores

And work those muscles

I know they become sore

How does your face feel Son

As you ponder about this distant place

And think of all of us in the busy daily pace

How does your face feel Son

As you are separated in miles

I hope even so, those thoughts

Will give you smiles

How does your face feel Son

As you remember how you are loved

Not only by us on earth

But also by God above

March 2004 Barbara J. Peterson

Written for my son in the Navy

I Understand

There are days I have much pain and

sorrow as I stand upon this shore

Even though I call his name it still seems so hard to bear

Jesus says so calmly to my heart

My child I have walked this path before

Your pain and sorrow I understand because of the nail prints in my hand

I understand your broken heart because from

My Father I had to part

They bruised me from without and within

And pierced and bled my skin

They mocked and cursed the Son of God

While on the earth I came to trod

I know the tears that stain your eye

I understand your every cry

I suffered there for that long ago

There on the cross I took your tow

So trust me now my precious child

I have walked this path before

I will show you the way in which to go

I will help you all my children below

I understand that you have to wait

And I know the pain that is at stake

I can help in all your morrows

I have walked that path of sorrows

So trust me now and make me your stay

I am with you in all you face today

My strength is sufficient in all your needs

I have heard the things you came to plead

And I am with thee my child today

I have walked this path before

I will show you the way in which to go

I will help you all my children below

"Come Sweet Sweet Child"

My Beloved Loves Me, I hear his sweet song

As he woos me and prods me away from the wrong

Singing grace, peace and mercy right at the start

I hear, I love you I love you My precious heart

Leave behind you your arduous heart of stone and allow

me to soften it and make it my own

With a price I have bought you with my love I paid

I came to redeem you my blood I have stayed

It flows from my fountain sweet, pure and clean

I love you I love you, your heart I will

glean

Come sweet sweet child to the water of life

and I'll save you from all of your strife

So trust me, oh trust me, and I'll always be your friend

I love you, I love you it will never end

Wait at the Rye"

Thou Oh Lord art a help and a comfort to me; in my anguish of heart thou hast been by best friend

I cannot be forsaken when you are on my side; I cannot be cast down because others have lied

My heart is ever broken; but you know each piece and fit it neatly together your promises to keep.

So gentle and loving is your wondrous hand as you mold me and make me fit for your plan

So regardless of pain or toiling sorrow your loving kindness will fill my tomorrow

I'll trust you and praise you with each lasting sigh as I ponder and wander and wait at the rye

For my Savior Sweet Jesus doth hear every cry; and keeps giving assurance I am standing by

In the Sea of our Complaints

Thank you Father that you favor us so

and you send our sins to I don't know

Someplace near the sea of forgetfulness

where you don't recall

Casting them over your broad shoulder, which is strong enough to lift them all And remember them no more.

The days we cry and yes complain

we question Oh Lord your Holy Name

It is then you are taking our sorrows

and leading us to bright tomorrows

Our burdens are heavy and seldom light but you're there Dear Jesus holding us tight

If we would only see as a little child the riches of your glory that hold us so mild

We would know that our burden is not

our plight and we would trust you, yes even in the night

When sorrows are heavy and our hearts are full of fright

We would know you are there to help

us do right.

So thank you Dear Jesus for holding

me today and thank you that you are always leading the way.

And Praise and Glory to your Dear Name and thanks for never changing

And always being the same.

Barbara J. Peterson

September 2, 2004

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." The Holy Bible - KJV

JESUS YOU ARE MY GLORY

Help me reach you and trust all that you do

Help me praise even when the pain is near

For the pain can help me know you more

As I walk upon this sanded shore

For heaven holds a dearer place for me – when

I know eternally

I’ll be free in my spirit and I’ll be freed from all my pain

For I’ll never have to walk this way again

I have joy within my soul, cause I know I’ve been made whole

Yet I’ll keep reaching as you keep teaching me the things I need to know

There is glory shinning from on high

And a story I’ll only know in the by and by

So while I wait, I’ll keep on stretching my wings

For as life falters and there are alters I do not understand

By faith I’m flying like that Eagle toward the promise land

So I’ll keep flying and keep on trying while daily I’m dying

To be renewed in you

Oh Jesus – you are my glory

And Jesus you tell the story of things I do not understand

By faith I’m flying, by faith I’m crying

By faith I’m dying and stretching toward the promise land

Oh thank You Jesus for being near me

And for holding my hand

I know I’ll get there and then I’ll praise you again,

For things I do not understand

So lead me, and feed me and head me to that promise land

I love you Jesus and know it pleases you that I hold on to the truth I understand

When I’m ready I know you’ll show me and when I’m home I’ll fully understand

Each way you have chosen and keep on choosing

So I’ll go on trusting and believing in these things from your loving hand

So, when I reach you; as now my heart so longs

I’ll sing again those many blessed songs

I’ll see the glory and know the whole story

Of my life along this way;

But as you promised I need not worry

I only need to trust you and to pray

So this I’ll do each and every day

Oh Jesus you are my glory

So while I am here, I will serve you and praise you

For all you allow and all you have given

Each day die to self as you ask me to do

So you get the glory through and through

For how shall I know that today it may be

That I should face eternity

And enter the full measure of your grace as you bestow it all to me

Face to face

Today I will praise you, yes I’ll say I do love you

And thank you again as I have before

For your tender mercies that you give me each day

And I’ll kneel down before you and humbly pray

Thank you my Jesus for life just today

And help me to always, be wanting your way

And not looking selfishly at what I can own;

but waiting patiently for my heavenly home

For there, dear Lord is where I know I will be

And yes, in your presence

I’ll finally be free

No more in bondage

And seeking my own

But yours oh my Father,

Bowing down at your throne

So keep me I pray Lord by your bleeding side

And help me be pure

As in your love I reside. Amen

July 13, 2010

Lightning Bug, Lightning Bug

Lightning Bug, Lightning Bug

Where will you go?

All around the yard at night

setting things aglow

How do you do that my

childlike faith may ask

With silver glowing all

around you?

I wonder, such a task

When will you be able

to see you brighten up my

thoughts?

And bring back many

childhood dreams

that somehow became lost

I sit and think of playing

there as a young child does

and remember running after

you and even without gloves

Ah, I caught one I would tell

my brother

Then we would run inside

and try to show our mother

But oh by the time we reached

the door

The lightning bug was not

as bright as it was before

Because we touched its

soft and fragile body

The light was crushed

and soon grew too dim

And how we felt so naughty

But when we turned and

ran back outside

The field again was all

aglow

And now as an adult

I just love them so

I do not try and catch

them now; but oh how

I enjoy...the memories

that they bring to me

Reminding of long ago

and also of the love

Reflections from its glow

For God did make you

long ago and now I somehow

know....Oh lightning bug, oh

lightning bug...where

do you go?

You hide in my memories

of long ago.

Barbara J. Peterson (BumbleBee)

February 18, 2003

MAY WE BE AWAKE AND LOOKING FOR HIM

It is only a short time before our Savior will come, may he find us awake and looking for him

May he find us in fellowship; and praying for a friend

May he find us studying his precious words of truth and may his love be filling our heart for all who have hurt us and left us to grieve, not knowing the pain we would receive.

May the love of His family be all that we need, because others will fail us and others will leave. God's family will stay no matter what because he has made us of one accord. Yes, he is coming, he's coming again; may we be awake and looking for him

November 22, 2016

Psalms 103:20-22 “Bless the Lord, you his angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word! Bless the Lord, all you His hosts”,. . .

MESSAGE ON THE WINGS

Message on the wings of an angel;

I wonder sometimes if on those wings

the angels carry messages

As they fly doing their commands

They drop a message into the heart

Sent straight from the Father’s hand

I wonder if I ask our Father up on high

If he would send a messenger from the sky

If he would put a message under an angels’

Wing and they would deliver it and cause a

Heart to sing

For sometimes sorrows are many here

Below and a message from an angel is what

We need in tow

Maybe as they are on their way to and fro

They could drop a message here below

A message of encouragement and love

Sent only from Him, who is Love

A little comfort to our hearts as we cry

And a wonderful message that will help

To dry the eye

So Father, take this message to the ones that I do love

And even if they are with you there up above.

A Father’s Love

A Father's love cannot be found except inside your heart, for when we were a little girl his love became a part of all we ever hoped to be or all we ever should

Because he taught us from a child to trust in all that's good and even when times seem so hard his love is still a part

Because a Father's love is known within our heart

So celebrate this day my child and know that you are loved and by a father who also learned that same love from up on high; he knew he had to pass it on so it would never die

Barbara J. Peterson April 28, 1998

(Isa 26:3 KJV) "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

REFLECTIONS OF HIS LOVE

I see the reflections of His love today

As I kneel beside my bed to pray

Asking for his assurance of the

Things I seek and plan

The desires of my heart sent to me

By his loving hand

Reflections of his love I see in the pain I feel today

My heart is aching oh so deep and does not seem to find its' way

I long for peace beside His still waters for food upon my table

I look for some assurance that indeed he is very able

To deliver me from this pain and to keep me in his care

I know that he has promised it because I read it out there somewhere

For His peace is shown to those who trust and even when we do not see

He shows us which way to go and how to be set free

From all the entanglements of this world and all its' earthly care

We only need to acknowledge his tenderness

And express our devotion in knowing that He is there.

It is then that the peace will pass all understanding

and the joy will fill our heart and soul

As we depend upon his strength

to get us to our goal

Yes I sense the reflections of his love as I kneel to pray

And now I know I will make it through this day.

August 10, 2004

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 KJV

So Teach Me Lord

Teach me Lord the things

you want me to see

Why my brother has set our

friendship free

Teach me Lord the lack of

understanding

When many go their own ways

not regarding where they may

be landing

Teach me Lord the things I

should say and pray

When a best friend wants to

wander into darkness of sin

And no matter what you say,

it seems to have no end.

Teach me oh Lord the art of

your discretion

For lovingkindness in the morning

and the best of your direction

For when my heart is breaking because

of things that I must see

May I find your comforts waiting

and may I look OH Lord to thee.

Teach me Lord this morning as I sing

my crys to you

That you are always near no matter what

I go through.

Teach me Oh Lord how to keep my heart

with you.

May 22, 2016

“There is no Comparison for a Father’s Love”

There is no comparison for a Father’s love

His hands are strong and supporting

His presence is ever near

His words are always cheer

When you are lonely, he is there

When you need help he hears your prayer

When you are apart from him

He is in your heart

Sometimes your earthly father is

Separated from you for a time

But God will never leave you alone

He sends his love in songs and rhyme

He lets you know his love is and just how precious you are,

for he created you unique shinning like a star

His light to send to those who are lost

His love to share with others

Yes, there is no comparison for a Father’s love

And yet it seems ya know…that he sends it to you every day

from others here below;

Thank you Father for your presence and thank you for your love,

I praise you each day I awake and look to you above.

Copyright: Barbara J. Peterson

March 7, 2005

This my Christmas Day

This my Christmas Day, I spend it here with you

My children, and my dear one and oh my Lord so true

The day is very special because I have my family and my friend

Some are near and some seemingly to the earth’s end

I cherish every moment so dear unto my heart

For all the years together and with some I’ve had to part

The memories still linger of all so dear to me

And knowing again I will see them throughout eternity

Because this Christmas day, I think of long ago

When he came to the manger to the lowly earth below

Leaving his throne in heaven he came to set me free

To pardon from my sins and fears when he died upon that tree

He gave the best of all the gifts when he gave his life so free

Shed his precious blood there upon that Calvary

He opened the doors for prisoners, made the blind to see

Gave hope and peace to all mankind to shower his love on me

This is my Christmas Day and I spend it here with you

Because he gave his all for me and sent his love so true

So on this day I think back again

The day is special because I have my family and my friend

Happy Birthday Jesus…I know this is not the true date that you came to set us free; but it is the day we celebrate this wondrous gift from thee.

TWO POTS

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole

which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while

the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At

the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot

arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only

one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its

accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own

imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been

made to do. After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it

spoke to the woman one day by the stream.

"I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak

out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of

the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always

known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path,

and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been

able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you

being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the

house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each

have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.

You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good

in them.

To all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the

flowers on your side of the path.

-- Author unknown --

TWO CRACKED POTS

Two cracked pots

may be all we got

But if we have two, we have each other

Along the path we both may travel

walking on sand, smooth sidewalks

and sometimes gravel

If we are walking together, we can

hold each other up

We can smell the roses and drink

tea from our cup

What ever the Lord may send

our way, we can walk together

and make it each day

For we know we have each other

to depend on

We know we have an arm by our

side

We know we have prayers to

one another

Prayers for our sister and

our brother

Sons, daughters, and mothers

and fathers, too

You can depend on me

and I can depend on you.

So as we walk our path as the

cracked pots that we are

May we never forget

with each other...it isn't far.

Love and Prayers to my

other cracked pots

February 10, 2005

Isaiah 45:9 "Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker --An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth? Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands'?"

“YOU CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S TRUE”

In the Spring the flowers

Begin to bloom

The birds begin to sing

The world around is lovely to view

And the sky is such a pretty blue

The ocean sends forth its’

calm quiet roar

The streams send forth new fish

The roses send their fragrances

And young lovers on a first star wish

The birds are sent from their nest

And with their wings begin to soar

The butterfly

from its cocoon is set free

And making honey is the busy bee

But you have lost a loved one

And to you things seem so dark

The beauty of a rainbow or the

Flowers in the park

They don’t seem very real to you

Because you’re oh so blue

And even though you try real hard

You can’t believe it’s true

Your loved one has gone away

And it just can’t be so

No matter how hard you try

You just need to know

It is because they are still real

As real as real can be

And, yes they are still alive;

But from this life set free

So while you watch the springtime bloom

And you see everything bright and new

Remember God takes care of you

And yes your loved one, too

They are still very much alive

And like the new blossoms

They, too, are starting new

They have a place in heaven

A place to call their own

Where; never they will die again,

Or have pain before His Throne

And yes they shed not another tear

As we still do down here

Remember you have an appointment

To meet them once again

So maybe you can’t believe they’re gone

And then maybe because it’s true

They really are only away and waiting there for you

Yes, it will be only a short time

And you’ll be there with them, too.

In that Spring up there,

you will begin brand new

And the Angels will welcome you

And there shall be no night

Your world around will be a lovely view

And Christ shall be your light

(Bumblebee) April 20, 1990