Giving Of Oneself

Giving of oneself 
is an act of love, 
initiated and substantiated 
by God above.

Tis not possible 
without God’s intervention, 
it began as His 
not our intention.

Giving of oneself 
is not our disposition; 
greed is a more likely 
human tradition.

Thinking of oneself 
and what one can acquire; 
is to what humans 
naturally aspire.

When we surrender 
to God above, 
we find our penchant 
for greed turning to love.

We’ve a desire 
to give not receive, 
which grows in proportion 
to how much we believe.

Before we know it 
we’re giving of self, 
not just our possessions 
or material wealth.

Giving of oneself 
is proportional to the love; 
which one has accepted 
from God above.

©Barbara Philbrook June 6,2003
All Rights Reserved




Nonetheless

I am downhearted 
and feeling acute distress, 
but I am offering 
praises to God nonetheless.

There are tears building up 
just aching to spill, 
life at this moment 
appears to be all-uphill.

My chest is heavy laden 
making it difficult to breath; 
but I know in a moment 
it can all leave.

I know feelings are a cruel 
trick of the enemy, 
who’s continually trying 
to discourage me.

I know I’m held in 
my Heavenly Father’s hand, 
today and my entire life 
part of His plan.

I know God alone 
is in control, 
and that if I’m surrendered 
I will eventually fulfill His goal.

I know there’s a reason 
for everything He allows; 
that I can claim any 
of His promises or vows.

I know there’s a reason 
for every test in life, 
and that He will faithfully 
help me face all strife.

I know it is on 
His strength I stand, 
and that evil and temptation 
are stilled by His own hand.

It is easy to praise God 
while I am being blessed, 
when all is well and I’m 
filled with happiness.

Though I’m not happy 
or understand this distress, 
I’ll lift my hands to praise 
Him nonetheless!

©Barbara Philbrook June 9,2003
All Rights Reserved


Except You Become as A Child

Except you become as a child 
able to trust and accept, 
out of the Heavenly Kingdom 
you will be kept.

Much more accommodating 
and quicker to trust, 
their ingenuousness and honesty 
are an absolute must.

More accepting of differences 
or diversities in friends, 
less likely to cast judgment
or forever condemn.

Curiosity continuously 
inspiring them to learn, 
not because of any compensation 
their actions will earn.

Seldom anxious 
whether having a little or a lot, 
always willing to share 
with another who has not.

Little ones can be lifted 
and tossed up in the air, 
trusting their Father to catch them 
void of all fear.

Trusting everyone until 
given cause to be weary, 
then his or her lives 
start to become fearful and leery.

Except we become as a child 
trusting our Heavenly Father, 
entering His Kingdom 
gets harder and harder.

©Barbara Philbrook June 5,2003
All Rights Reserved