A GOLDEN RULE (with music)

http://www.poeticwings.com/php_script/index.php?action=poem&id=7195

FINN'S JOURNEY (with music)

http://www.poeticwings.com/php_script/index.php?action=poem&id=7194

FINLEY PAUL (with music)

http://www.poeticwings.com/php_script/index.php?action=poem&id=7191

We Are Family

FOR: PATTI

You are my happy daughter, in disguise.
Your public stance is, hide the tears away.
The real you is hidden deep inside
‘cause you’re not worried by what others say.

As daughters go, you’re still my little girl.
I’m aware of your talents, and your needs,
and although I will never interfere,
I will take time to plant some useful seeds.

The first seed I plant, (and long for it to grow),
is the “Realization of your worth”.
It’s not the intentional dark secret
pushed into darkest shadows since your birth.

You need only count your many blessings
to get the answer I already see.
Children, career, and a first-rate education
will carry you to where you want to be.

The second seed I plant, with all my love,
is the “Backing of your parents” in your quest.
Daily problems are a dime–a-dozen;
your successes list you, now, among the best!

You never wasted any of our support.
You traveled well your own thought-out right way
into a world where you could carve your mark,
and that spot became the place where you can stay.

The only seed missing is “Companion”,
and it’s not one your daddy has to plant.
Recognizing ALL your abilities
to make good-choices, is one that I did grant.

In a nut-shell, my darling grown-up daughter,
is all the hope and love I have to give.
Whatever you amount to in this life
will hold more delightful times than you can live.

© John F. Templin
Created-2/22/2007 10:21:17 AM
Edited-Completed-2/22/2007 12:32:04 PM

The Lenten Season (Life's Spring Cleaning)

I’ve gotten rid of most of the junk in my life.
It mattered not from where, or whom, it came.
When life gets too cluttered, it’s time to clean it up,
‘cause junk, in any form, can totally ruin one’s name.

Junk can be people we know, or places we’ve been;
even secrets we’ve always hidden from view.
What I tried to remember when I cleaned my house,
was that what offends me, probably offends you.

Don’t expect to be one-hundred per-cent free
of things that affect every person you know.
Though not perfect, a good effort makes good sense;
(you won’t clean those places where lint doesn’t show).

Ridding yourself of what you don’t really want
is the first step in becoming who you really are.
Just make sure that in your seriousness to grow
you don’t carry your progressive nature too far.

Too far has the same ending as not far enough,
which will cause changes but without any gain.
Quickly, the effort becomes a work in despair,
then down comes the curtain, and it’s crying time again.

Let’s rid ourselves of the junk in our life.
What difference from where, or whom, it came.
When life is so frenzied, it must be cleaned up,
It must be rebuilt . . . in JESUS’ name!



© John F. Templin
Created-2/12/2007 6:49:55 AM
Edited/Revised-2/12/2007 11:42:26 AM

". . . I'm only passing through for a moment, but I want this moment to count"

I've finally decided to enter the world of the present and the future. Maybe I'm only passing through for a moment, but I want this moment to count. It's one I'll never be able to forget. In moments such as this, I need company. Fact is, in these moments, we need one another.

I have another newborn great-grandchild. His name is Finley Paul Templin. His Parents are John F. Templin III and Meredith Sikes Templin of Denver, Colorado. He is not our first great grandchild, but he is the first to be born, then suffer a stroke that may affect him for the rest of his life. Any crisis immediately changes the face of my family's world. Now, we live in his world.

This young boy has had an effect on me like no other in my life. I constantly think of, and write about, him and all the important things he has placed on my heart, and I have yet to see him in person, or hold him. Still, his world has become mine. The more who participate in his world, the more prayers there will be winging forth to God Almighty that His will, for young Finn, be done.

This spot will consist Mainly of my writings about him, and all the other members of our rather large circle of family, and friends. They need to go somewhere . . . why not here?

As I See It

This world is not the place we think it is.
It is only as good as we allow.
Part of the world says, “Do, but take your time.”
The other part says, “Get it done right now!”

On which side of the fence do I find you?
Hopefully, on the same side you find me.
One side says, “Disagree, and you’re my foe.”
My side says, “Dissention sets us free.”

What you believe clouds your personal view,
but, it is our right to choose, and chart our course.
It’s much like those who marry understand
when mates can’t compromise, there is divorce.

Make individuals a society.
Those who try to force their will, start a war.
Society crumbles under oppression,
'cause most believe in something they will die for!

Civilization sets its own boundaries
as high, or as low, as its people demand.
If they put in place the right set of rules,
the ruled, and the rulers, can live hand-in-hand.

A civilized world is not a pipe-dream,
but it takes its just toll on all who partake.
It’s hard work, sweat, and sometimes some blood;
but we do it . . . for each family’s sake!


Papa

© John F. Templin
Created-2/8/2007 6:33:21 AM
Edited-2/8/2007 9:19:00 AM

An "old man's" solution to a "young man's" game

As is the usual in my world, trying to improve a new site without understanding the rules leaves a few of the old things out of the new fixes. In this case it is ALL the comments, left by all of you, on the first three or four days this Blog was posted.

Hopefully, I’ve learned enough by stubbornly hammering on this ‘till it produced what I wanted, so it won’t all disappear in the twinkling of an eye. If it does I’ll rebuild it in the only way I know how. Blindly, and stubbornly, until it does what I expect it to.

After the couple dozen poems are posted (those written in the twilight zone of not knowing Finn’s actual health status and his chances for recovery) I will begin posting poems written for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the circle of friends involved with this family.

Some will only have to be posted, as they are already part of that person's life. The others will have to be written and posted as I can. At least, this is a wake-up call to me to get off my “duff”, and not leave anyone without.

Might be fun! Who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see. I also invite the posting of poems any of you may have written about kindred, or mutual friends of the group.

That applies to both older, and younger segments of our family and friends. Because of age we may not have the same circle, but a friend of any family member is a friend of the whole family. We can honor them ( or poke 'em) as we do our own.

We know a circle has no end. In this case, to the love and commitment extended to all who are born into, or accepted by, this family.

We treat friends, and family members, the same. We love 'em ALWAYS, but tolerate 'em ALMOST always. We are “Equal Opportunitists”! No such word? You know what I mean.

(After the first Opportunity it’ists too late).

Finn, FIRST . . . the rest of us LATER

Wide Awake

Finn, you are my grandson and my strength.
You’ll be the sort of man your name implies.
My “fair-haired soldier” boy, you are a fighter,
and I see my life’s contentment in your eyes.

With your quiet grace you have won the hearts
of everyone who knows of your dire plight.
The aura, of God’s Greatness, surrounds you;
you are my gentle, handsome, “fair-haired-knight”.

The world’s a better place because of you.
You were born to achieve a needed goal.
I believe you’ll show the world how to conquer
life’s conflicting threats that take their lethal toll.

No-one yet knows the boundaries of your talents,
or how your gifts from God will satisfy
a world with a million unsolved problems
equivalent to a “boulder” in its eye.

You’ve been chosen by God to serve a purpose.
Are there others? I can’t even start to guess.
You can refuse to use God’s given talents;
but I have confidence you will say “YES”!

When your life is done . . . and questions answered,
may you stand before God and hear Him say,
“Welcome home, my faithful, fair-haired soldier,
you listened, and did willingly obey”!


Papa


© John F. Templin
2/6/2007 5:59:04 AM
Completed-2/6/2007 10:23:01 AM
Edited-2/8/2007 9:19:00 AM2/15/2007 6:26:32 PM

Why Not You?

At the moment of our weakness there is hope.
Man was not created to walk his paths alone.
Before and after darkness, there is light . . .
we are not only led, we’re also shown.

In our darkness we can never be at ease.
In the brightness of God’s glow there is no fear.
Because man is in the image of the Lord,
the Shepherd of His flock is always near.

Don’t worry about things you don’t control.
There are far too many things for you to do.
Remember, there are others in your plight
who await the word of God . . . why not from you?



© John F. Templin
Created-2-2-07
Completed-2/6/2007 10:37:22 AM

Priceless

IS YOU

Perfection is not a by-product of man;
Still, God made us in the image of “I AM”.
In love, he picks the worthy from His flock,
and presents His human shepherds their own lamb!

Life’s greatest gifts do not convert to cash.
Priceless are those things stored deep within.
No value can be placed on new-born child,
(like the “fair-haired-soldier-boy”, with name of “Finn”).

The price of treasures stored within our heart
can not be measured by their weight in gold.
Some items do not have a “going price” . . .
just their memory is too priceless to be sold!

long and thoughtful thinking followed by prayer
is the best way to acquire life’s “happy nod”.
When our safe-deposit-box is our heart . . .
ALL that’s stored within must come from GOD!

Now we can understand Almighty God
as He weighs and measures carefully our needs.
We look at baby Finn and realize . . .
In God’s “flower garden” . . . there are NO weeds!


Papa

© John F. Templin
2-5-07
Completed-2/6/2007 10:33:28 AM

Wait For Me

Wait For Me


I know more about you than you know about me;
unfortunately, it will always be that way.
I was born in the springtime, many years ago,
but you arrived from heaven’s door just yesterday.

All these years without a challenge to test my soul,
I worked so very hard, and I believed my heart.
I tried to be a good old boy enjoying life;
so my life was almost gone ‘fore yours got its start.

Now, the puzzle of the ages comes to light.
I, who have lived my life, must make that life return.
I’m not as young as I was, but still, I’m not too old
to pile-up my mistakes and watch my bridges burn.

I know you think you know what I’ve been doing
all this time while I’ve been trying to do what’s right.
This is not the first time I’ve tried to redo me,
but, is the first time I’ve been equipped to win the fight.

What’s so strange about an old man knuckling down?
(A lot of older men have lost their edge before).
Though I have never been older than I am now,
I’m still ready to walk through any unlocked door.

Before I die, I intend for you to know me
as well as you know all the things for which you’ll yearn.
At that place in time will come a serious man,
listen well great grandson, we still have much to learn.

Papa

© John F. Templin
Not edited-2/6/2007 5:46:30 PM
Revised-2/7/2007 5:30:38 PM

From Adversity Comes Strength*

*From strength comes determination.

One of the several written in the days since Finn was born. I'll share all of them with you on a "couple per day" basis. No need to post more than can be reasonably absorbed in a single setting.

May the same protective spirit
Jesus embedded in our “Finn”,
share its strength, and love, among us
(as God’s healing days begin).

As a large, extended family,
we’re children of diversity.
We are close and well connected,
and our adeptness keeps us free.

Free of pain and inner conflict.
Free to select life’s finest way.
We shall not rebuke commitment,
‘cause no commitment ruins a day.

“Finn” can pull our world together
in a way, previously unknown,
where the love for one another
reflects how much we all have grown.

As we approach our own demise
(when the days of glory begin),
may we remember with smiling faces
the day our world was blessed with ‘Finn”.



© John F. Templin
2-2-07Completed-2/6/2007 10:40:23 AM

Posted by Papa 1 comments

1 comments

Finley Paul

by REFLECTIONS
Category: Family

Finley Paul

God’s tiniest “fair-haired soldier” boy
felt alone in the crib where he lay.
He, somehow, knew he was special . . .
he had waited nine months for this day.

His mother and father were jubilant.
They were, both, as he knew they would be.
Even now, he could only hear their voice . . .
those voices had arms which held lovingly.

He knew he was destined to break new-ground
in this family that God had ordained.
A mother, a father, a brother
who loved God, and never complained.

Such were the qualifications
of a family who would rear a son
who was born to change the fabric of love
between the four God would mold into one!

His name is Finn. He was touched by God.
He is different, but no-one’s to blame.
God touched Finn’s heart and soul from within;
(whoever God touches is never the same)!

Finn will forever be one-of-a-kind.
God creates only the VERY BEST.
Sometimes it takes a fair-haired soldier
to mold in His likeness . . . ALL the rest!

Finn, you have changed us forever.
We will nevermore be the same
You are to us a light in the darkness
that calms every storm in God’s name.

Jesus does always know what to do
(where potential is high, but zeal is low).
At times like that, comes a fair-haired one
with a flair to make earthly things grow.

PAPA

© John F. Templin
2-1-07

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Our Prayer

Lord God, Creator of the universe,
hear our prayer and grant our sad heart’s relief.
Save grandson Finn who begs for Your mercy.
Grant him life, and spare us all from grief.

Let him be free of every ache and pain.
Give him the peace that only You can give,
and if it be Your will, allow this child
to catch the breath that bids his soul to live.

You are the giver of all life and hope;
the path of the soul be Yours to decide.
How little, how big. How much, or how small . . .
We obey Lord God, but at times we’ve cried.

We don’t always understand what You do,
but always we know what You do is best.
We can only pray for what we want most
then pray once again our prayers be blessed.

Children will always go to the Father
and beg for those things that their life may need
because You said, if we come in good heart,
You would hear each of us as we plead.

You promised to answer each prayer we send,
but no promise You’d give us for what we pray.
Our faith is that God can only do what’s best . . .
so prayer washes all of our fears away.

Our prayers will continue to flow to Your door,
from home, work, or bed, and every church pew.
Please allow us to spend our lives with Finn,
And someday we will send him back to You.

Jesus of Nazareth, please hear our plea!
Compared to eternity, what is a day?
We are Your children, and we all agree . . .
YOU are the Potter, and we are Your clay.

Mold us!

Papa

© John F. Templin
Created-2/13/2007 8:26:53 AM
Edited/rearranged-2/13/2007 8:45:18 AM

Posted by Papa 1 comments