Your Hearts Desire

Children see things through the eyes of God.
Their innocence is their greatest gift.
For a child, nothing is impossible, nothing is out of reach.
They see hope and love everywhere they turn.
I wish there was a way to keep that hope alive.
But society has a way of pushing that aside.
I see the effects of an apathetic world and the bitterness that resides.
I see that life has robbed so many people of their hearts desire.
As a young adult, we all had hopes and dreams. We were on fire.
But somewhere along the way, those hopes and dreams began to fade.
With the busyness of life, we tuck those things away.
But the soul still yearns to have those dreams revived.
Passion and desire are what keep that hope alive.
Without passion our soul begins to die.
Have you sacrificed your soul to just "get by."
We must find a way to reignite that fire!
What IS your hearts desire?

Abortion

A baby was conceived today,
By two very young kids.
Out of passion.
Rejected by their parents.
Touching out of need
Irresistable need.
Of love and affection
No one to care.

A Prayer

Lord when my light for you dims, reignite the flame.
Lord when you see me straying take hold of the reigns.
Lord when you hear me crying, reach down and dry my tears.
Lord when you see my body tremble, cleanse me from my fears.
Lord when I go to my knees in prayer, I know that you are there.

A Bucket Full of Holes

For years I felt like a bucket
that had been shot full of holes.
all the love and energy that was put into it
came pouring out as fast as it went in.
Then I found you Lord.
Now the holes have all been patched
and I feel alive again.
Full of life, love, and happiness.
I realize occasionally my bucket
could still spring a leak
but I feel confident that you will be there,
to help me to repair the leak,
before it gets out of hand.
And though I know my bucket
looks tattered and worn,
I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Because each dent and patched hole represents
a struggle in my life that has made me
the unique individual I am today.
And right now I am very pleased
with the unique individual that I have become.

Freedom from Bondage

God free me from the bondage of sin
and release me from the chaos within.
Take my hurt, my pain and fears,
and wipe away all my tears.
You love me in my ugly state,
as my transformation you await.
You know what lies within my heart
and the plans you have that I've yet to start.
I try each day to do your will
your plan for my life I want to fulfill.
And yet, the struggle continues on
until the victory I have won.
I must break old habits and change my ways,
to avoid the games that Satan plays.
My time on earth is short and sweet
I must lay my struggles at your feet.
God give me the victory this I pray
Help me to grow stronger everyday.

Sit Still My Child and Listen

Why do you not take the time to sit quietly
and wait upon my leading?
You are always in such a hurry never slowing
down for even a moment.
There is so much I want to tell you,
If you would only listen.
I only want what is best for you.
I want to help to guide you through.
How do I get your attention?
There is so much I want to show you,
If you would only listen.
You are always running ahead of me,
Instead of waiting patiently.
I have a plan for you
It is full of wonderful blessings.
There is so much I want to give to you,
If you would only listen.
I will not raise my voice, as the world does,
Instead I gently whisper.
You see, raising my voice does not require
the closeness I desire.
But a whisper draws you near.
It is a secret shared between intimate friends,
blown softly in your ear.
You see my friend, an intimate relationship is a choice.
So if you want to hear my voice,
Sit still my child and listen.
By: Marty Shuff

God's Vessel

God, use me as your vessel. Pour it in so I can pour it out.
Let your words overflow onto everyone around me.
Allow your words to heal the broken hearted and bind up the wounded spirit.
Let them be a healing ointment to hurting souls.
Ease the pain and suffering of a misguided world.
Teach us to look at others through your eyes.
Help us to see what lies beneath the angry hateful words that spew from so many mouths.
Prick our hearts and prompt us to reach out and give a hug to a hurting soul.
Teach us to follow through when you nudge us to do something that makes us uncomfortable.
Help us to see that we don't need to understand your method.
But instead to trust that you know best.
By: Marty Shuff

Metamorphosis

Have you ever compared the life of a Christian to
the life of a butterfly?
We start out much like the caterpillar,
unattractive and difficult to love in our sinful nature.
Then unexpectedly Jesus comes into our heart
and something incredible begins to happen as we
accept Him as our Savior.
We too, like the butterfly, must undergo, what
can be a painful metamorphose.
The transition is a difficult process with much
learning along the way. We must wrap ourselves
in the thread of God’s word, breaking through the
cocoon of sinful habits and emerging as the
beautiful butterfly God intended for us to be.
By: Marty Shuff

The Ocean

The vast view of the ocean amazes me.
I love to watch the waves as they roll in.
The water reaches endlessly out to touch the sky.
Blue touching blue. White waves crashing into the
sandy beaches bring a squeal of delight.
It all just reinforces the awesomeness of God.
His power and yet His gentleness combined.
The water has a soothing effect as the breeze from the
ocean cools the intensity of the sun.
The ocean heals in many ways. The salt can heal a wound.
The waves crashing into the shore bring peace and comfort to a tortured soul.
The shadow of a bird on the sand as it flies overhead
just adds to the delight.
Children playing and laughing and building castles in the sand
are an amusing sight.
One spot in this crazy world that seems unhurried and relaxed,
a very nice change from the hustle and bustle of the world around us.
The cool waves as they move in and out caressing the body
and gently rocking me back and forth,
all just reinforce that there truly is a God.
A very wonderful caring God.
You have given us so much to delight in.
The wonders of a child making new discoveries in the sand.
The uncaring and relaxing effect the ocean has on all of us.
The birds diving into the ocean for food and reappearing
with their catch in their mouth.
You take care of us Lord giving us all we need.
What makes me think that I can make better choices for myself
then this awesome God who created this wonderful world.
You, God are far wiser than I.
Take my life and do with it what you will.
By: Marty Shuff