Author Archive

Turn ‘Da Page

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

I went to visit my grandson For 2003 Christmas vacation I was so happy and excited And filled with grand elation He wasn't like I remembered him That teeny baby with long feet Instead he was a solid little boy And, of course, adorably-cuddly sweet I just wanted to hold him close Like all good grandmothers do And kiss his little chubby parts And sing the "Good Morning" song too From Texas, came a cowboy hat Some clothes and little books I put him in his "Pac 'n Play" So he could take a look He then picked up one tiny book And turned it 'round and 'round He was so very intense with it And made not one single sound Soon he flipped it up in frustration As if to say "What good is this?" It didn't make any noises at all So it mustn't have been on his Wish List So I picked up the cardboard book His mood I tried to gage Then I finally said to him, "Kolton, You HAVE to Turn 'Da Page!" I showed him just what to do He learned right from the start Then looked at me as if to say, "Wow, Nana….You're Pretty Smart!" What this has truly taught me Is there's no need to become enraged If you will only patiently remember You just need to "Turn 'Da Page!" M.Clary January 15, 2004

My Guitar – My Friend

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

I decided one day to get away And do some serious thinking I took along my dearest friend My guitar…which I plan on keeping It's always been my closest friend Never criticizes if I do wrong Allowing me to turn my feelings Into musical notes and song It helps me overcome my fears It gives me an inner peace Not sure how I'd ever do without it As it brings such great release I know it has also helped me To enhance my musical gift I will treasure it forever and always As it gives my insides "a lift!" M.Clary February 2004

The Gifts

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

Two very precious “gifts” were born Twenty years, plus a few more They joined a man and woman To became a family of four. The gifts were two small brothers And they were exceptionally blessed To be sent to such wonderful parents Who rarely got much rest! As these tiny sons grew Into energetic little boys They’d run and play inside and out With their many interesting toys. Yet, when their mother read to them They could be so very still Soon, this daily occurrence Made them early readers, at will. Their father would go off to work Their mother had much to do But the most important assignment she had Was loving and nurturing these two. They both grew up to be fine young men Awarding their parents with great pride Which all can be attributed To loving discipline and close family ties. Years would pass; things would change Their mother grew gravely ill In spite of all the pain she felt She displayed her strongest will They returned home and stayed awhile To be close and share memories They had while they were growing up These special moments were meant to be. They’d sit quietly and read to her In thanks for the times she took To read practically every story From all their childhood books. An important lesson can be learned here That is, “Treasure All Precious Time” Show abundant and heartfelt gratitude As we are the ones left behind. M. Clary February 2004

Permission To Leave

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

What shall I say to you, who is hurting? How might I help you to heal? Where in your mind seeks that comfort, When the pain is so deep and so real? Do I say, "I am so very saddened; I know you have suffered great loss?" Or simply say, "I'll cry with you," And help you to carry your cross. Many others will share this pain with you And will grieve for the passing of your wife. They’ll mourn for the mother your sons lost, Wondering the "whys" of her shortened life. Yet, what you must forever remember Is to hold on to those memories, strong. For it is here in the depth of your being, They'll provide you the strength to go on. Forget not, all the love her heart carried, The determination displayed; how she fought. She battled one of life's greatest illnesses, But more time just could not be bought. Next, take all her inspiration and remember Her smile….her laughter….her will. Know that her spirit will never leave you, Channeling a goodness only she can fill. Live each and every day and treasure it Knowing that she would want you to. It doesn’t mean you’ll forget her or ever will As this was her expectation of you. Thinking back to her final act of courage, She hoped you would truly believe That she was eternally grateful You gave her your ”permission to leave.” M.Clary February, 2004

The Pastor’s Gift

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

Christ, Our Lord has rewarded you With a very special calling To nourish and to feed His sheep And rescue some from falling He sends you special messages That no one else can hear This life’s choice you have followed Is a heavenly-rewarding career As you begin each day with prayer No doubt, you are truly led Wisdom pours forth from your heart And not just from your head You view each soul upon this earth As quite worthy to be loved This is what Father God asks of you Guiding them, toward His Son above You may be known for your ministry To your family: sister, brother, mother, father Yet the richest treasure bestowed on you Is your investment in the lives of others Continue on a journey, blessed Rest assured in your humbleness His faithfulness is always there And He will never love you less M. Clary October, 2003

Whenever A Hero Stumbles

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

<I wrote this because so many critics wanted to crucify this conservative talk show host because he had a problem with addiction to prescription drugs…something I understand. He was man enough to admit it to his fans and tell it like it is…as he always has done. For that reason, I have the utmost respect for him. > When a man so many admire…makes a grave mistake There is so much viciousness…and ugliness for social sake Yet what is never really seen…is his human soul inside In spite of all his worldly charm…he is on a frightening ride His journey takes him to a place…where everything seems fine But body, mind and spirit burdened….with pain – a significant sign Yet he continues onward….persevering with inner strength As science has provided him….less agony at any length The gift of modern medicine….has aided the human race But often times a price is paid….with a challenge one must face For him, it entered cautiously….like a thief late at night Soon it was all-consuming….but he didn’t know to fight So very swift and charming…..this hero he was claimed It was easy to point fingers….and it was easy to place blame What was not so understood….were chemicals plus one victim That quietly inhabited his body….dependency, then addiction It never meant other than….his pain was kept at bay As far as he could recognize….he got through another day When critics came to censure him….attempting to disgrace He courageously told his audience….of a problem that he faced What this really shows here….is true measure of a man Meeting a problem head-on, getting help….with support from his fans There will always be those….who will mumble and will grumble Because they are only gratified….WHENEVER A HERO STUMBLES. M.Clary November 18, 2003

The Evolution Of A Fellowship

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

The Evolution Of A Fellowship – And How This Little Church Began…And Grew In our early beginnings – we were rather small With a handful of worshipers – answering God’s call We banded all together – though limited in space To give honor, praise, and glory – to a Lord so full of grace We did feel very humbled – yet, had a common goal To grow into a fellowship – and nurture every soul As the days and months passed – our gatherings increased With such virtuous leadership – Our Lord seemed very pleased It was at that very time – we felt His inspiration Changes soon would come to pass – for the ongregation: “All Nations” A search began for a permanent place – He had paved the way We celebrated with ‘open doors’ – in 2001, on Palm Sunday Now just 5 years later – we wonder where time went And with our evolving ministries – our time has been well spent We feed the homeless, tend the aged – and we know He hears us sing We pray for growth and wisdom – and we glorify Our King But perhaps the strongest bond of all – is the diversity we share Our premise is it matters not – our color, culture, or what we wear What counts is how we love one another – to this we are resigned To always be “Christian by Faith – Diverse by Design” So as we celebrate this day – opening wide our worship doors It shall not be of concern – if one is rich or poor For all who enter are welcomed – as all souls have a need For it is here that Christ will live – in every single seed M. Clary January 11, 2004

A Song For Dewey Dickweed – Rat Terrier of Love

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

If I could be a flower — I would be a “Forget Me Not” I’d sit nicely by your side — just licking my chops I’d be looking for a handout – yet I would not ever beg And soon I would politely go — back to my bucket bed La La La La La — Dee Deet Dee Dee If I could be a dragon — I would have the name of “Puff” I’d throw away my old lime sweater — and other ugly stuff I’d like to live by a beautiful sea — instead of on that farm Where accidentally, I got locked up — inside the pasture barn La La La La La — Dee Deet Dee Dee If I could be a grapefruit — I would be the largest kind I’d be all firm and rounded — with very little rind I’d want to keep watch in the grove — near little Kolton’s place So I could keep the boogers away – so he always would feel safe La La La La La — Dee Deet Dee Dee If I could be a vegetable – I’d probably be a beet I’d be so very charming — since I’m really very sweet I’d visit all the old folks — who live in nursing homes I know they’d pet my head off – and I might even get a bone La La La La La — Dee Deet Dee Dee If I could be a human — I would change my name to Spike I’d buy myself a Harley – be the coolest dude on a bike I’d let my pony tail blow — in the windy air But wait! I don’t have one — as my back end is very bare La La La La La — Dee Deet Dee Dee But I am not a flower — nor dragon or grapefruit Or a dark red vegetable — or a biker with leather boots Just a rat terrier nicknamed Dewey — who’s pretty much content Since I never have to think about — paying any rent!! La La La La La — Dee Deet Dee Dee Yes, La La La La La — Dee Deet Hoo Hoo M. Clary November 21, 2003

Justice Will Prevail

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL© HOW OFTEN WE HAVE HEARD THE WORDS — JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL THOUGH RECENTLY, IN CURRENT EVENTS — CRITICS FOCUS ON THE FAIL WE SENT OUR SOLDIERS IN TO BATTLE — A DIFFERENT KIND OF VICE TO HELP A CULTURE UNDERSTAND — TRUE FREEDOM HAS A PRICE SOME VIEW US AS INVADERS — MANY DO NOT WANT US THERE YET WHEN A LOVED ONE IS CHOSEN FOR SLAY — THE WAILINGS ARE HARD TO BEAR A REMORSELESS TYRANT HAS PERSEVERED — TWO SONS WOULD EMULATE THEY TORTURED AND MURDERED CITIZENS — SOULS FILLED WITH GREED AND HATE THE DAILY ANGST CONTINUED — SOON THE WEAPONS BEGAN TO SOUND FINALLY TWO SONS WERE SLAIN — A REIGN OF TERROR HAD RUN AGROUND BUT THIS LEADER WAS MOST CLEVER — ELUDING CAPTORS AT ALL COST UNTIL ONE OF HIS OWN RECALLED — THE NEAR-HALF MILLION LIVES LOST SOME SPECULATED IT WAS THE RANSOM — PLACED UPON THE PRIZED ONE’S HEAD THAT LED TO THE FINAL CAPTURE — OF THE EVIL MANY HAD DREAD   GREAT SOLDIERS OF 4TH INFANTRY — SPECIAL OPS SO BRAVELY-LED HAD ORDERS TO LOCATE THE MAN — BRING HIM IN, ALIVE OR DEAD WHEN THE TROOPS HAD FOUND HIM — “I’M SADDAM, PRESIDENT OF IRAQ” HE’D INSIST BUT LIKE THE IGNOBLE BEING HE WAS — HE ATTEMPTED NOT TO RESIST IN THE PAST, HE WOULD PROUDLY BOAST — “ALIVE, I WON’T BE TAKEN!” YET HIS COWARDICE WAS QUITE OBVIOUS — AND HE APPEARED SOMEWHAT SHAKEN NOW IN ARMED FORCES CUSTODY — FACING FIERCE INTERROGATION HIS FAMILY SPEAKS OF INNOCENCE — AFFORDING THE BEST LEGAL REPRESENTATION HIS CRIMES OF TERROR AND GENOCIDE — MUST NEVER BE DISREGARDED FOR FAR TOO MANY INNOCENTS — WERE SO BRUTALLY DISCARDED THE QUESTION NOW REMAINS FOR ALL — HOW TO SETTLE THIS SCORE? WHEN SO MANY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY — PURE MALICE AT ITS CORE WE TRULY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND — A MIND SO HORRIBLY MAD SO WE MUST PRAY JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL – FOR THE “BUTCHER OF BAGHDAD.” M. Clary December, 2003

Happy Birthday – Tony Ottea

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

Happy Birthday, dear sweet Tony We are happy to be here To sing, to laugh, to celebrate Another amazing year !! You know that we all love you Or we wouldn't have shown face To eat, to talk, to drink some wine At Marita and Eddie's place !! We know you've made a lot of friends Throughout years in your exciting life But the best thing that ever happened to you Was finding Mary, your wonderful wife !! The two of you bring so much joy And we're happy you like us all Because when we're together like this We really do have a ball !! So here's wishing you continued health Contentment and much happiness Having you as our good friend We know we are truly blessed !! May God be always with you And know, our prayers He will hear As we bow our heads and fervently ask To be invited again next year !! So we may help you celebrate The best way we know and can “ e una brava persona” In Italian means: “He is a nice man !!” M. Clary November, 2003