Gratitude

I’m thankful for the hard times
Because I’ve come to realize
That trials and tribulations
Can be blessings in disguise.

If I never felt the bitter cold
Warmth would not be treasured
If I’d never experienced failure
Success could not be measured.
If I hadn’t known the pain of loss
Or clung to the end of my rope
I wouldn’t know the sweet relief
When despair gives way to hope.
If I had never known betrayal
By someone I called friend
Forgiving wouldn’t have given me
The strength to love again.
If I hadn't caused disappointments
And hurt those dear to me
I wouldn't know the kind of love
That's unconditional & free.
If it wasn’t for my weakness
Or the struggles that I have faced
I wouldn’t have felt God’s awesome power
Or known His perfect grace.

So I’ll thank Him for my suffering
And be grateful for each test
Even when I hurt the most
He's working for my best.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
11-13-2009

Thank A Veteran

In honor of Veteran's Day & all of our Armed Forces, I'm posting 2 poems today that I have posted before - but it's been awhile & no one reads this anyway...

God Bless The Soldiers

God please bless the soldiers
So they don't feel alone
So far away from those they love
And the peace and comfort of home.

While their nation groans in protest
They struggle to survive
Sacrificing everything
To keep our freedom alive.

God please bless the soldiers
Daily in harm's way
Surround them with Your angels
Until they're home to stay.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~

Soldier

Today I heard about a soldier
Who fought his final war
While many seem to have forgotten
What he was fighting for.

He fought so we would have the right
To choose the lives we lead
The soldier's courage gave us the chance
To prosper and succeed.
Yet here at home we squander
The lives he fought to save
We teach intolerance to our children
And take whatever we crave.
We're slaves to our addictions
And controlled by our own greed
Selfishly forgetting
That freedom isn't free.

Today I heard about a soldier
Who fought his final war
While many seem to have forgotten
Who he was fighting for.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~

Behind The Wheel

I thought that I was in control
When I got behind the wheel
Now I'm stuck here in this nightmare
Praying it isn't real.
I only had a drink or two
Maybe three, but nothing more
And no one tried to stop me
When I headed out the door.
There are sirens blaring and flashing lights
There's blood and broken glass
I swear I never saw that car
Everything happened so fast.
Amid the chaos and the wreckage
I hear screams and I hear crying
I just heard a policeman say
That a little girl is dying.
I didn't mean to cause such pain
Oh God, take me instead
I'm the only one to blame
I'm the one who should be dead.
I thought that I was in control
When I got behind the wheel
Too late I know that I was wrong
The nightmare's all too real.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
9 - 12 - 2009
　

After The Fire

After the fire you steady yourself
To sift through charred remains
For bits and pieces of your life
That may have survived the flames.
Photographs of special times
Heirlooms and souvenirs
Lie scattered among the ashes
Now that the smoke has cleared.
After the fire the questions come
You're plagued with what if's and why's
But you can't see the answers
Through the tears that fill your eyes.
All that's left are memories
Of the life you used to know
Reduced to ruin and rubble
In the house you once called home.

After the fire you stop and think
About the people who were there
Neighbors, friends and strangers
Who came because they care.
They offered hugs, they offered prayers
Or anything you might need
And the firefighters did their job
With efficiency and speed.
After the fire, you look around
And see your precious son
Laughing at daddy, chasing the cat
Unharmed and having fun.
In the ashes of your despair
You didn't find what matters most
Because through it all, God was there
Holding your loved ones close.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
9 - 5 - 2009
　

Say It Now

Say it now
Before it's too late
Tommorrow's not promised
You better not wait.
Tell your family
Tell your friends
How much they mean
Before it all ends.
Say "I forgive you" or "I was wrong"
or "I just want you to know,
I'll be here if you need me
And you are not alone."
Say "I love you" "I need you"
"You brighten my day"
The time is now
If you have something to say.

If your life should end today
Is there someone that you fear
Will doubt how much you loved them
All the days that you were here?
If you wake up tommorrow
With the ringing of the phone
And news that a precious loved one
Has suddenly gone home,
Then will you wonder
Amid your grief and your despair
"Did they know how I felt?
"Did they know how much I care?"

Say it now
Regrets come too late
Tommorrow's not promised
Why would you wait?

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
8 - 28 - 2009

It's Too Late

It's too late for my regrets

But I wish that you had known

How many times you brought a smile

When I was feeling low.

I guess I should have told you

I just assumed you knew

How very much you mattered

To all of us who knew you.

It's too late for my regrets

But I know I'm not alone

When I say how much I'll miss you

How I wish that you had known.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~

8-24-09

(in memory of Steve Rutan)

To Be Like Him

A little boy wears his daddy's hat

And tries to walk in his big shoes

And riding high on daddy's shoulders

Is his favorite thing to do.

He dreams of growing up to be

A man just like his dad

Cause his daddy is the best

That any kid ever had.

To be like him - that's all he wants

To be like him in every way

To be like him - his loving dad

Is the prayer he prays each day.

His daddy's heart belongs to Jesus

And he daily strives to be

As much like Christ as possible

So his little boy can see.

He wants to be the best example

Any daddy has ever been

He wants to be like Jesus

Because his son wants to be like him.

To be like Him - that's all he wants

To be like Him in every way

To be like Him - his Heavenly Father

Is the prayer he prays each day.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~

June 2009

Happy Birthday Mom!!

As a little girl playing dress up

In pearls and high heeled shoes

I dreamed of being all grown up

I wanted to be like you.

Childhood dreams fade with time

And new ones take their place

But my desire to be like you

Is a dream time can't erase.

~ Marci ~

(5-17-09)

(I hope you have a great birthday! I love you!)

Happy Mother's Day

I know it's a little early, but never too early to tell my wonderful mom how much she means to me!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

I love you!

~ Marci ~

God Save The Children

The children are cying out for help
But it seems no one can hear
And their parents are too selfish to notice
Their actions cause sadness and fear.
Nobody wants to get involved
"Let people take care of their own"
Ignoring the cries of the children
Who aren't even safe in their homes.

Daddy gets drunk, mommy gets mad
Then he threatens to leave once again
But mommy breaks down and begs him to stay
So once more the cycle begins.
It's happening in houses all over town
In neighborhoods both run-down and nice
Abuse, neglect, addiction and rage
And the children are paying the price.

The children are crying out for help
And my heart is crying too
God, please save the children
Their only hope is You.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
4 - 16 - 2009

The Boy Next Door

The boy next door has big brown eyes
And shiny golden hair
A charming smile that can melt your heart
So guard it and beware.
He'll wrap you around his finger
Make you laugh and make you cry
You'll give in to anything
If you look into his eyes.
Yeah, the boy next door stole my heart
Like no other boy has done
But now he's tired and needs a nap
After all, he's only one.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
(for Jayce)
4 - 7 - 2009

Happy Easter!!

Michael English Concert

Once again I had the pleasure of seeing Michael in concert, and once again, he managed to amaze me. I could go on and on, but I won't (this time). Suffice it to say, his voice is still among the best in ALL of the music business, and he seems to be happier and stronger everytime I see him. His re-joining the Gaither Vocal Band has been a real blessing for him - and I'd imagine for them and anyone who gets the opportunity to see and hear them. I hope I get to one of these days. David Phelps is another favorite of mine, and I'd cherish every moment of seeing, and hearing him and Michael together! Maybe someday...

Heres's a couple of pics - he was goofing off in the 2nd one and had just messed up his hair. It doesn't usually stick up like that. :) (click on them to zoom in)

God Bless;

~ MARCI ~

HANDS

There are hands you shake in greeting
There are those you like to hold
And expressive hands that need to move
When a story is being told.
There's tenderness in a mother's hands
As she holds her little ones tight
Or caresses a feverish forehead
From dusk til morning's light.
Older hands may be wrinkled
With lines that show the years
Of failures and successes
And drying countless tears.
Some hands hold impeccable skill
Like the ones with the surgeon's knife
Others possess great talent
Bringing art and music to life.

You can pat someone on the back
Or in approval clap your hands
You can hold the door or carry the load
Or help someone to stand.
You can lend an extra pair of hands
You can reach out to a brother
You can fold your hands in prayer
To lift up one another.
Willing hands, helping hands
Each serving where they can
Could be what makes the difference
In healing a broken land.

The hands of Jesus were pierced with nails
Just so I could live
Using them as my example
I'll use my hands to give.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
2-22-2009

Soldier

Today I heard about a soldier
Who fought his final war
While many seem to have forgotten
What he was fighting for.

He fought so we would have the right
To choose the lives we lead
The soldier's courage gave us the chance
To prosper and succeed.
Yet here at home we squander
The lives he fought to save
We teach intolerance to our children
And take whatever we crave.
We're slaves to our addictions
And controlled by our own greed
Selfishly forgetting
That freedom isn't free.

Today I heard about a soldier
Who fought his final war
While many seem to have forgotten
Who he was fighting for.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
2 - 10 - 2009

(In memory of Jared Southworth - who leaves behind countless friends and loved ones - including his wife and 4 small children -my thoughts and prayers are with them all.)

Don't Tell Me Not To Miss Him

Yesterday I said goodbye
To a true and cherished friend
Hundreds came from miles around
To pay their respects to him
The grief is overwhelming
And it hurts so much to know
I won't see him in the places
We used to love to go.

Chorus -
Don't tell me not to miss him
His laugh, his voice, his smile
I know that he's in heaven
But I still need to cry awhile
Please, don't tell me not to miss him.

Knowing he's with Jesus now
And that all his pain is gone
Brings some peace and comfort
And the will to carry on
But it doesn't stop my heart from aching
Or the emptiness I can't bear
When I reach for the phone to call him
Forgetting, he's not there.

Repeat Chorus -

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
6 - 3 - 06

Just For Fun - Computer Humor

Teach Me How To Pray

Lord please teach me how to pray
And praise You all the time
It's easy when I'm feeling good
And happiness is mine.
But in the midst of pain and sorrow
When You seem so far away
Words of gratitude won't come
Please teach me how to pray.

I don't know how to praise You
When my teardrops fall like rain
Please give me peace so I can say
"Lord, thank You for this pain."
I should praise You unconditionally
Every minute of every day
Even when my heart is broken
Please teach me how to pray.

Lord I want to praise Your name
In the good times and the bad
So why is it so hard for me
To be grateful when I'm sad?
When I'm hurt I tend to blame You
Then in shame push You away
But I'm dying to be close to You
Please teach me how to pray.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
1-10-2009

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad, you're not the President

And you're not the head of state

But you mean everything to me

And your approval rating's GREAT!!

~ Love Marci ~

Children

Children are a gift from God
They fill our lives with joy
Amid chaos and frustration
These precious girls and boys.
Rosy cheeks, trusting eyes
Little feet with chubby toes
Tiny fingers gripping yours
But oh how fast they grow.

Enjoy the tantrums and terrible twos
Cherish each big wet kiss
When they're gone you'll realize
These are the things you miss.
Children are a gift from God
He trusted us with their care
So hold them tight, then let them go
On the wings of prayer.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~

The Crime Of Christmas

(I've posted this one before - last Christmas - but wanted to share it again.)



"Merry Christmas!" I called out
To shoppers passing by
They stopped and stared in disbelief
With pity in their eyes.
I didn't understand it
But I continued on my way
With a joyful heart I began to sing
"Jesus Is Born Today"!
People started pointing fingers
They looked at me with shame
They said "You fool! Don't you know
You're not allowed to speak His name!"
I cried "No! You are mistaken!
No one can take away
The right to celebrate His birth
On this Holy Christmas day!"
An angry mob surrounded me
Crying out, in one accord
Cursing, mocking, daring me
To denounce my Lord.
Fear and sorrow filled my heart
As the police led me away
They said Christmas was a crime
And that I'd have to pay.
They threw me in a cold, dark cell
And I fell down on the floor
Praying "Jesus, please be with me
Like You always have before."
Later, something woke me
The sweetest sound on earth
It was a choir singing
About our Blessed Savior's birth
I sat up and looked around
I was safe, in my own bed
It had only been a dream
With thanks, I bowed my head.
As the music filled the air
I got down on my knees
I praised God for the freedom
To celebrate as I please.
"Merry Christmas!" I call out
Unafraid and unashamed
This is the birthday of our King
Rejoice! And praise His name!

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
11 - 27 - 2007

What Is Beauty?

A sunset on the water
The colorful leaves of fall
A happy, healthy baby
A painting on the wall.
Flawless skin, shiny hair
Freckles on a nose
Voices blending in harmony
A freshly blossomed rose.

Something pleasing to the eye
Something nice to hear
Beauty is a gift from God
Reminding us He's near.
It can be majestic
Like a sea of brilliant blue
Or something simple, like a hand
Reaching out to you.

Purple snow-capped mountains
The laughter of a friend
A spring bouquet so fragrant
A love that never ends.
God sent beauty in it's truest form
When He sent His son to die
Is there anything more beautiful
Than His love for you and I?

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
11 - 22 - 2008

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Nov. 28th, 1953 - 55 years ago, my mom & dad got married - and are still going strong.

Hmmm...I think this marriage just might last!

Love ya mom & dad!

Have a great Anniversary and enjoy your trip.

~ Love Marci ~

The Spirit Of Thanksgiving

In the daily act of living
It's so easy to complain
About all the things that I don't have
And the things that cause me pain.
But I want to stop and thank my God
Though it may sound cliche
For all the things I take for granted
Each and every day.

I have a home where I feel safe

And I can snuggle with my cat

That may not seem like much to you

But I praise God for that.

I can listen to great music

I can read and I can write

And it's not as good as it use to be

But I still have my sight.

I have friends who stand by me
Through all my ups and downs
Even when I'm undeserving
They still hang around.
I'm thankful for our world leaders
With whom I often disagree
Praise the Lord, it isn't my job
To run this warring country.
I thank God for my church
And the freedom to worship there
And for the family of believers
Who lift me up in prayer.
I'm thankful for the soldiers
Who won that freedom for me
Leaving behind the ones they love
And the homes where they'd rather be.
I have a close-knit family
I thank God for them each day
They're the ones who know me best
Yet, they love me anyway.

God's given so much I don't deserve
But each day that I'm living
I want to have a grateful heart
In the spirit of thanksgiving.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
11 -18- 2007

God Bless The Soldiers

God please bless the soldiers
So they don't feel alone
So far away from those they love
And the comfort of their home.

While their nation groans in protest
They fight just to survive
Sacrificing everything
To keep our freedom alive.

God please bless the soldiers
Daily in harm's way
Surround them with Your angels
Until they're home to stay.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~