Opinions#Poem

Your opinions about me
are not about me at all.
They are really about you.

Whether consciously or not,
every time you think of me,
you think in truth of yourself.

Am I pleasing you right now?
Am I saying what you want?
Am I validating you?

Do I feel the way you do?
Do my emotions match yours?
Do I make you feel secure?

Do you approve of my work?
Does what I do disgust you?
Do you like my responses?

When you ask me how I am,
does my answer fit your mood?
Do I join your misery?

Do I affirm your choices,
your situation, your life?
Do you feel uncomfortable?

If you don’t, perhaps you should.
How can you ask for freedom
when you don’t extend the same?

You ask me not to judge you,
but you judge me constantly,
simply for my existence.

It’s OK. I understand.
I know just why this happens.
Don’t worry. I forgive you.

Your opinions about me
are not about me at all.
They are about your ego.

If you treat me this badly,
when you don’t know me at all,
I am left with one question.

How much worse
do you treat
yourself?

Blessed Bread #Poem

The Bible says,
“Man cannot live
by bread alone.”

I guess that’s why
God made bagels,
pretzels, crackers,
donuts, muffins,
brownies, cookies,
pastries, and cakes!

The bread of life
bakes many forms!
So I thank God
for his Manna
straight from Heaven!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus #Music

Download Mp3

Joseph M. Scriven, a minister, wrote this poem in 1855. He wrote it to comfort his mother, who lived in Canada while he lived in Ireland. Scriven originally published the poem anonymously, but he received full credit in the 1880s. Though the hymn has other musical settings, Charles Crozat Converse composed this one in 1868. I hope you enjoy “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” on zither!

Darkness Flees #Writephoto #Music

Darkness Flees (Don’t Take No BS)

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Play or download this fun ukulele tune. If you’re human, it’s just for you! ❤

1. No, I am not a prophet,
And my life can be a mess.
But even I believe someday
I’ll feel and live success.

Refrain:
Let’s step into it;
We can do it!
The Light inside
Inspires us through it!
Take heart!
And don’t take no BS!

2. The darkness is an energy,
A state of consciousness.
When Light shines through the clouds,
It’s got to flee into the mist.
Refrain:

3. The darkness in our minds and souls
Destroys us with distress.
But dawn comes after nighttime,
And the clearing mind is blessed.
Refrain:

4. The Light is our true nature;
It’s our highest and our best.
So remember when the darkness falls,
It’s just a temporary test.
Refrain: (Twice)

Take heart!
And don’t take no BS!
Take heart!
And don’t take no BS!

—
My response to Sue Vincent’s
Thursday #Writephoto Prompt, Darkness

One of the many joys of being a Metaphysician and a free agent, if you will, is being able to deliver your message so people can relate to it!

“Upon the Willows” by Brook Boddie #Music

“Upon the Willows” was the first piece that
Brook Boddie
composed for harp. He wrote it in memory of his mother. Here I’ve arranged it for lyre (or small harp) in the key of C, in memory of Brook. I hope you enjoy this arrangement of his beautiful musical tribute!

Here is a video of Brook Boddie playing “Upon the Willows” on a floor harp.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms #Music

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Here is a hymn that to me is also a bluegrass classic. I have heard numerous bluegrass versions, both live and on recordings, and played some myself as solos and with other musicians. In fact, the first time I remember hearing it, I was very young and attending Vacation Bible School. A husband and wife were in charge of children’s music, and we sang this with great gusto, while he played guitar and she played mandolin. Ever since then, this hymn has always brought a smile to my face and comfort to my heart. It’s fun and relatively easy to play, and while it could also be played slowly, it has a hopeful spirit.

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” dates back to 1887. The melody, and lyrics to the refrain, were written by Anthony J. Showalter. Elisha Hoffman wrote the remaining lyrics.

My favorite verse is:
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have bless-ed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

I hope you enjoy listening to this lyre arrangement as much as I enjoy playing it!