Finishing Strong

…………..A new Dawn

The year 2008 slowly draws to a close
As things wrap up, another book has been written
And the final chapter is about to end.
Looking back on the memories and events,
There will be smiles and sighs
We all have something to celebrate and something to improve on.

Looking through my album
I am taken adrift
There’s Yemisi in her dazzling white wedding gown
Unfortunately that picture became smeared with tear drops.
She painfully carries the remains of a marriage that didn’t happen

That’s just one story from the album of 2008
How about when Obi was avoided like a plague by all the employers
Or when Mrs Jacobs was left to pick up the pieces of her broken home
Never in my life, had I thought life could be so unfair!

In spite of all this, nothing eludes the Master’s touch.
Absolutely nothing!
2009 marks a new beginning
An opportunity for new life, new success and new joy to burst forth
It’s a chance to take another stab at life and rewrite your story
Let your willingness to be free from pain and sorrow soar high

The past is the past but the future begins now
Be refreshed with strength from above
Let God help you compensate for the wasted time.
Start a new leaf with God, no more bench-warming
Take a step and be involved in the kingdom
Let all believers spice up the world around them;
Let your light shine for others to followlife is only as difficult as you make it to bewhy worry when you can pray?
Forge ahead, finish strong and break through into the new year.
It’s a new dawn, a new page and a new story.

© The poets voice~~~ December 2008, All rights reserved.

The meaning of CHRISTMAS

C- Christ

John 3:16 - for God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son sop that whoever believes in hi may not be lost but have eternal life.

Christmas is Jesus Christ honoured and magnified in our hearts and lives.

H- Happiness

Luke 2:10 - then the angel said to them “do not be afraid, I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people.”

Happiness goes deep; it reaches the heart of man. This joy is found in Jesus Christ.

R- Redemption

Galatians 4:4-5 – but when the right time came, God sent his son who was born of a woman and lived under the law. God did this so he could buy freedom for those who were under the law so we could become his children

Christ came to save us from sin. That is why He was born into this world. He came to provide us with life and hope

I- Illumination

Isaiah 9:6-7 - A child has been born to us, God has given a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name is wonderful counsellor, powerful god, father who lives for ever, prince of peace.

Power and peace will be in his kingdom and continue to grow forever. He will rule as king on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom. He will make it strong by ruling with justice and from now on and forever. The lord all-powerful will do this because of his strong love for his people.

It is a time of illumination as we realize that Christ is the Son of God. A light has been lit, we have a father who can do all things!

S- Sacrifice Matthew 1:21 - And she will; give birth to a son, and you will name him JESUS because he will save his people from their sins.

To save lost humanity from sin demanded a blood sacrifice. Christ came to give Himself as that sacrifice that all who believe in Him might be eternally saved.

T- Triumph
Isaiah 26:3 – You lord, give true peace to those who depend on you because they trust you.

When we know Christ, we have the peace within, and what a mighty triumph this is over the afflictions and sorrows of life. There is great triumph in the message of Christmas, the result being the peace of God which passes all understanding. Christmas reminds us of the overwhelming victory wrought by Jesus Christ.

M- Mission

Luke 19:10 - that the Son of Man came to find lost people and save them

Christmas embodies the mission of the coming of the Son of God to provide salvation for all. What a thrill to know Christ!

A- Assurance

Micah 5:2 - But thou, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are too small to be among the army groups from Judah, from you will come one who will rule Israel for me. He comes from very old times, from days long ago.

The prophecy of the little baby who was born into this world at Christmas was for him to become the ruler of the world. He will return to do this, not as a little baby rather He will be King of kings, and Lord of lords.

S- Submission

John 3:30, He must become greater, and I must become less important.

Christmas should be a time when every believer recommits his life to the control of Christ

***Merry Christmas**
with love,
The Poet's Voice~~~





© The poets voice~~~ December 2008, All rights reserved.

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history.
With your bitter, twisted lies.
You may trod me in the very dirt.
But still, like dust, I'll rise.


Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells,
Pumping in my living room.




Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides.
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.



Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard.
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines,
Diggin' in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness.
But still, like air, I'll rise.




Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise,
That I dance like I've got diamonds,
At the meeting of my thighs?




Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise


I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise


Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise


I rise


I rise.



By Maya Angelou







................................................................................



This poem really inspired me when I read it. It talks about having self confidence and knowing that no matter how much dirt life shoves on you, be confident that you will RISE!



Enjoy...



© The poets voice~~~ December 2008, All rights reserved.