[JustAmy]

8-20-04
Graphic by MamaBear

Patience

They join me in the cold duck blind,
Or maybe in my boat.
They watch the sky so patiently,
Or watch the decoys float.
They sit so still and quietly,
As if they’re made of stone.
They are my buddies and my friends,
I never feel alone.
They look at me, I fire the shot,
They wait for my command.
The chosen one dives in to fetch,
Returns it to my hand.
They then resume their patient wait,
Each hoping for a turn.
They like this more than even I,
So much from them, I learn.

Conspiracy Guy 5/4/04
aka DIF © 2004

[KangarooJacqui]

Morning, evening, whatever, y'all!

We have so many great poets on this board, do we not?

I suggest an FR anthology... half the profits to go to FR, half to George W Bush's re-election. Anyone?

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Friday ! TGIF !

Have a cup while you Freep !

[Conspiracy Guy]

I love that graphic.

[The Mayor]

August 20, 2004

Twice Is Once Too Many

Read: James 3:1-12

With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men. —James 3:9

Bible In One Year: Psalms 105-106; 1 Corinthians 3

---

When I begin to grade the papers from the students in my college freshman writing class, I'm rather lenient about correcting their mistakes, hoping I won't see the same errors again.

But when the next paper contains the identical mistakes, I begin to get a little irritated. I expect the students to learn from their errors and avoid them the next time. Usually, though, it doesn't quite work that way.

Sounds like our Christian life. The Lord patiently reminds us through the Holy Spirit's presence, for example, that we shouldn't say negative things about others. He tells us to be kind and compassionate instead of fault-finding and vindictive (Ephesians 4:31-32). But we sometimes slip back into our old habit of letting both "fresh" and "bitter" words come from our lips in our conversations about others (James 3:8-12).

With my students, I go back to the basics to erase old habits. We train. We review. We practice. We eliminate the errors.

The Lord patiently continues to work with us about the way we speak of other people. As we listen to His training, learn from our mistakes, and depend on His power, we'll grow and change. —Dave Branon

To be like Jesus—that's our goal,
Though it doesn't happen fast;
We trust the Spirit—He's our Guide,
Till we're glorified at last. —Branon

To put failure behind you, face up to it.

[lonestar]

I like that picture and poem.

Weinie

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for the precious poem and graphic!

[tuliptree76]

Good Morning, Amy! I hope you are having a wonderful Friday!