THE MAN AND THE BIRDS...GOD'S CHRISTMAS STORY!

 I remember the first time I ever heard the story that follows. I was driving in my car in the mountains of northeast Georgia. I remember being so moved to tears as Paul Harvey, in his most eloquent manner, told this story. In fact, the tears were running down my face so much that I had to find a place to pullover or run the risk of driving down the side of a mountain. Yet, even today, as I reprint this wonderful Christmas story, I am forever reminded of God's great love for you and me...and for the sacrifice that Jesus made to come to earth as a baby, die on a cross and then be raised to new life  so that one day, ALL WHO BELIEVE IN THE MATCHLESS NAME OF JESUS AND THE WORK ACCOMPLISHED ON THAT CROSS WILL LIFE WITH HIM...FOREVER!!!!

So enjoy this story and the little poem that follows and when given the chance this holiday season, wish all you know a MERRY CHRISTMAS...FOR CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THIS SEASON!!!!

This is a reprint of a former post.....

The Man and the Birds...A Christmas Story

Each year at Christmas, I eagerly search across my radio dial trying to find the story of the Man and the Birds, as told my Paul Harvey. I find that in listening to that story, I am so wonderfully reminded of the love of God for each of us. On many occasions, I have been forced to pull off on the side of the road to listen to the conclusion of the story…it’s so hard to drive when your eyes are water-logged and leaking.

I hope and pray that during this Christmas season, you will have the wonderful opportunity to hear Mr. Harvey’s captivating telling of this timeless story…of Emmanuel, God with us. If not, then please read on and be forever blessed to know that the love of God was expressed…in human form…in a manager in Bethlehem…in a baby named JESUS.

The Man and the Birds by Paul Harvey:

The man to whom I'm going to introduce you was not a scrooge; he was a kind decent, mostly good man. He was generous to his family and always upright in his dealings with other men. But he just didn't believe all that incarnation stuff which the churches proclaim at Christmas Time. It just didn't make sense and he was too honest to pretend otherwise. He just couldn't swallow the Jesus Story, about God coming to Earth as a man.

"I'm truly sorry to distress you," he told his wife, "but I'm not going with you to church this Christmas Eve." He said he'd feel like a hypocrite. That he'd much rather just stay at home, but that he would wait up for them. And so he stayed and they went to the midnight service.

Shortly after the family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window to watch the flurries getting heavier and heavier and then went back to his fireside chair and began to read his newspaper. Minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound...Then another, and then another.  Sort of a thump or a thud...At first he thought someone must be throwing snowballs against his living room window. But when he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They'd been caught in the storm and, in a desperate search for shelter, had tried to fly through his large landscape window.

Well, he couldn't let the poor creatures lie there and freeze, so he remembered the barn where his children stabled their pony. That would provide a warm shelter, if he could direct the birds to it. Quickly he put on a coat, galoshes, tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on a light, but the birds did not come in. He figured food would entice them in. So he hurried back to the house, fetched bread crumbs, sprinkled them on the snow, making a trail to the yellow-lighted wide open doorway of the stable. But to his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs, and continued to flap around helplessly in the snow. He tried catching them...He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around them waving his arms...Instead, they scattered in every direction, except into the warm, lighted barn.

And then, he realized that they were afraid of him. To them, he reasoned, I am a strange and terrifying creature. If only I could think of some way to let them know that they can trust me...That I am not trying to hurt them, but to help them… But how?....since any move he made tended to frighten them, confuse them. They just would not follow. They would not be led or shooed because they feared him.

"If only I could be a bird," he thought to himself, "and mingle with them and speak their language. Then I could tell them not to be afraid. Then I could show them the way to the safe, warm barn. But I would have to be one of them so they could see and hear and understand." At that moment the church bells began to ring. The sound reached his ears above the sounds of the wind. As he stood there listening to the bells ….listening to the bells pealing forth the glad tidings of Christmas, he understood …. And he sank to his knees in the snow.

I trust that this Christmas, when you hear those church bells ring or the sounds of carolers lifting their voices in praise to the newborn babe, you too, will understand the message of Christmas….

Jesus Christ is born and God is forever with us!

Merry Christmas….Happy Birthday, Jesus!

WPQ

Poem for the day...

 

On that starry Christmas night

Many centuries ago....

The King of Heaven left His throne

And came to earth below.

 

Not as a ruler or mighty king

but as a simple child;

Born of God and woman

This babe so meek and mild.

 

And in lowly cattle stall

In a manger filled with hay

The God of all creation

In a feeding trough did lay.

 

For one day he'd lay down His life

So our sin debt would be forgiven.

This precious babe of Christmas

Was the greatest gift that was ever given!

 

WPQ © Dec 2017

No Room in the Inn

One of the great joys of each Christmas season is spending time with friends and family…being close to the ones you love. But, often that joy is pushed to the limited of extinction due to the hassle of getting to their particular locations. What if you traveled for days and when you finally reached your destination, you were told there was no place for you to stay…not a single room to be found….ANYWHERE! You would be highly bummed out and probably a little on the cranky side…but what if you were the bearer of those bad tidings …and what if the couple you turned away were expecting a child and were in desperate need of shelter and warmth….how would you feel? Our next character of Christmas is not officially listed in the program, but in every child-like play of the Christmas story, he has the toughest part, even though he speaks but one line….”I’m sorry but I have no room in the inn.” Here’s the rest of his story…and please, if you identify with the innkeeper…. May God Bless you this Christmas as you open your heart to the babe in the straw. NO ROOM IN THE INN I was tired, weary; it had been a long, long day When came the knock at the door; I turned to walk away, But peering out the window, there on the dusty street A young man, his pregnant wife…stood shuffling their feet. He knocked again upon my door and pleaded to let him in. I opened the door just a crack to say, “There’s no room in this Inn.” “Please, dear sir,” I heard him beg, “don’t turn us away, We’ve been traveling for so long; my wife needs a place to lay.” “Be gone,” was my curt reply, “there’s no room in this place; You should have made better plans; your steps you should retrace. Go back to your home, for this small town is filled to its brim. There’s not a room to be found in this little village of Bethlehem.” “I can’t go back” came the reply, “I must follow Caesar’s decree, I’ve returned to my ancestral home…my wife and our child to be.” I closed the door and turned to go; there was much that must be done, With guests to feed and beds to make before the setting of the sun. But walking down the hallway of my busy, bustling inn I thought of that young family and how I spoken then; Sorrow filled my heavy heart …Oh, how I wish that I was able To give them shelter for the night. Wait! What about the stable? So turning on my heel, I raced to open the closed door To catch a fleeting glimpse of this young family once more “Come my son,” I said to him, “I think I have some room Out of the dust and dirt; away from the despair and gloom.” “It isn’t what I would want for you; but, maybe it will meet your need. It’s warm, dry and quiet…it’s where the cattle feed.” So there Joseph and sweet Mary, safe from the city’s danger Began to prepare their baby’s bed …a lowly cattle’s manger. The time came late that night that she would deliver In swaddling clothes she wrapped her son so he wouldn’t shiver. The sky had such a wondrous glow…darkness gave way to light I knew not why, but my heart was warmed on that special, glorious night. For in my haste and weariness, I almost missed His birth The night the Holy Son of God came down to live on earth My life was full; my heart was cold…there was no room for Him then I turned away God’s most precious gift for there was no room in the Inn. Oh, don’t be too busy…too filled with life’s chores To turn away the Savior from behind a closed door Just let his love envelop you and know beyond all reason To celebrate His birth each year is the greatest gift of this season. W. Patrick Queen written 12-14-07

God's Favor…Your Fervor!

This is a reprint of a former blog that I felt needed to be shared again in this Thanksgiving season as we prepare to thank our Heavenly Father for His grace, His blessings, His bounty and His never-ending, all-encompassing love. 

When's the last time you stopped and took a good look at your life? Are things going about as well as you expected? Is your life as joyous and enthusiastic as it was when you first asked Jesus to come into your heart and create a new life within you?

If not, then it may be that you've lost your FERVOR for God and thus, He is holding back His FAVOR!

Now, many theologians would probably debate me on this issue, but let's try a closer examination and see what the Scriptures might have to say on such an important matter. First, let me make sure that you understand my premise…You can't be good enough to win God's favor (the outpouring of His blessings on your life) any more than you can earn your salvation…God doesn't play that game!

He does say, however, in Proverbs 12:2,"A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns." And paraphrasing "good" or "righteous" would allow us to use the word, FERVENT…which means stretching or straining…as Paul says in Philippians 3:14, "I press (strain) for the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

When we have lost our fervor for God, we have placed him in the passenger seat of our life and we have taken over the controls. We no longer strain to be the believer that He has called us to be and it shows in all the areas of our lives. How can God be expected to open up the storehouse of Heaven and shower us with His favor when we have not given Him the proper place in our lives?

If we have lost our enthusiasm for spending time in His Word; become complacent in our prayer life; lost our zeal for sharing the Good News and no longer run after Him with ardent fervor in our hearts; why should we expect our Creator to be more than casually concerned about us and our desire to see an outpouring of His favor on us and our activities?

In Revelation 3:16, we read, "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." What does that mean in context of the favor of God?

Simply put… if you are not fervently seeking the Lord in worship and in service for Him, He can hardly be expected to release His favor on you…so if you are a born again believer these days and are not seeing or experience the FAVOR of God in your life, you might want to take your temperature…hot or cold or just lukewarm.

God is waiting and willing to help you regain that fervor that has you straining for the goal of becoming a "sold out" convert for Christ…commissioned and battlefield ready to be all that God wants you to be in the war against our foe…and when you are back in the trenches, you will see the FAVOR of God poured out on you like never before. So, don't delay one more day, fervently seek the face of God and see if He is not willing to shine down His abundant favor on you.

Fervently Following My Commander, Jesus Christ….

WPQ

Poem for the day....

If you are waiting for God's blessings

to fill your life today;

Then you must give Him honor

as you seek to walk His way...

For you are called to live for Jesus

in all you say and do

And be an ardent follower...

 that's what He wants from you.

So if you lost your fervor

 for serving our Lord each day;

Then give your life in obedience

as you seek to walk His way.

Just know that He is waiting,

each blessing to bestow...

For He always walks beside you

no matter where you go!!!!

WPQ © Nov 2018

Persevering in Turbulent Times

My wife and I recently bought a new home in Hayesville, NC, about two hours West of Asheville, NC. It is a lovely home with a bad grooming problem...it practically has no grass growing in the yard due to the rocky, clay soil. So, together, we scratched around in the dirt; planted seed and fertilizer...and now we have a new morning ritual ....we spend time together, WATERING THE GRASS, because we have had no rain since August 30th. During my part of the ritual this morning, I moved some rocks around a flower bed and found a number of black insects milling around...it reminded me of a blog post of several years ago that is reprinted today. I hope you enjoy and take to heart its message of PERSEVERANCE. 

 Big Black Bug

 For the last few summers, here across the South, it has been brutal when it comes to the drought conditions that have beset us. In fact, it’s made me do something I have never done before in my adult life…..water the grass and surrounding plants in my yard. Why just the other morning, I was out at the crack of dawn to perform my new ritual, when this great BIG BLACK BUG (or wasp or mutant bumblebee) altered its flight plan and made a straight beeline (no pun intended) for me. Well, I did the only manly thing I could do…I switched the nozzle on the water hose to JET and shot that sucker right out of the air before it collided with my forehead ( I’m sure it would have left a mark). It plummeted to the grass, but I could tell it was only deterred, stunned or dazed: but definitely not ready to give up the fight; so, I sprayed even more water on it to make sure it would stay down. After about 40 seconds of watering the grass in that “special” spot, I once again turned my attention to the rest of the yard. After several minutes, I made my way back to that area of conflict and found that bug struggling to climb out of that wet grass and get airborne. Well, you just got to admire that kind of perseverance!

 And I do….in fact, one of my favorite scriptures in James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops PERSEVERANCE. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete….not lacking anything.”

 Yep, that big black bug reminded me that I never know from day to day or moment to moment what trial or problem or persecution is headed my way. I may be off to do my thing, minding my own business, when trouble rears its ugly head; but God’s word tells me to count it all joy when those trials come my way so that I can persevere and be COMPLETE….LACKING NOTHING!!!!

 I trust that today you are ready to be tested and to be found complete in the grace and love that our Heavenly Father bestows on each of us. Be like that BIG BLACK BUG and don’t let a little water (or heartbreak or disappointment or catastrophe) keep you from getting airborne and becoming all that God has ordained for you to be.

 If your not sure how to get that done, read the rest of James 1…..there’s a lot of God’s instruction just waiting for you….Have a Blessed Day as you persevere for the Father.

 Blessed and Believing,

WPQ

LIVING WITH MY CHOICE....

I have been struggling these last few weeks with elevated blood pressure; even had to go to the Emergency Room about 3 weeks ago at 11:30 at night. I realized that it probably had more to do with the uncertainties I have been facing in my life than any physical problems (although I do have a doctor's appointment next week to check out all systems). I have been wrestling with how and what to do with my "extra" hours now that my wife and I are settled in our new home here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I know that God is not finished with me yet or I would have caught a heavenly transport to my mansion in the sky...so what is God expecting me to do with these remaining days of my life?

 Maybe you too have been dealing with similar questions? You've asked but still have received the answer that would calm a troubled soul. But when I read #12 in my list of Queen's Truthies, I   realized I needed to get back to trusting in Jesus rather than looking for answers in all the wrong places. I do not need a job, money or any of a thousand other things to define who I am; I need a Savior that accepts me for who I am, but loves me too much to let me stay that way....and with His love and the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of me, I am constantly becoming more like Jesus as I seek to know Him and follow Him in these remaining days (or years) of life. It is my choice to serve Christ as the Master of my life and the Redeemer of my eternity.

So if the report at the doctors' office is bad rather than good, NO PROBLEM! I have made my choice to serve my Savior all the days of my life and to rejoice no matter my circumstances or what may come against me....for the power in me is FAR GREATER than ANYTHING the devil may bring my way....I pray that will be your choice as well!!!!  AMEN!

QUEEN'S TRUTHIES...

 # 11) No man can serve two masters...BUT HE WILL SERVE ONE...SO CHOOSE WISELY!

 #  12) It is not important for us to know the when, the where, the how or the why? We just need to know the WHO  in our lives....JESUS....knowing and following Him takes care of all the other questions!

 

Poem for the day...

Living for Jesus is a choice to be made,

A choice you must make every day.

It's not something you do

When Life comes at you;

You don't stop, drop, roll; then pray!

 

By choosing the Savior to follow each day.

Twill make living for Him a true "must";

So whatever you do

Know others are looking at you;

For in Him you have placed all your trust.

 

Let there be no mistake in the choices we make;

Let us not falter, nor wiggle, nor squirm.

For when we trust in the Lord

And lean into His Word;

The our future with Him we affirm.

 

 

WPQ  © September 2021

COUNT IT ALL JOY....

I was having  my morning quiet time with my Lord, reading his Word and meditating on that which I had  just read. It was the Scripture from James, the half-brother of Jesus, who was one of the first pastors of the Judeo-Christian church in Jerusalem. In James1: 2-8, it reads as follows:

 

"² My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. ³ Your faith will be tested. You know that when this happens it will produce in you the strength to continue. ⁴ And you must allow this strength to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need. ⁵ If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe. You must not doubt. That’s because a person who doubts is like a wave of the sea. The wind blows and tosses them around. ⁷ They shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ This kind of person can’t make up their mind. They can never decide what to do." (Reader's New International Bible)

 It was in this passage that James was telling Christ's followers to be prepared to face rough times ahead. In fact, all of us no matter our lineage, our religion, our social status or any of 100 other things know life's central truth...HARD TIMES COME UPON US ALL!!!

 But for us as believers, we are to count it ALL joy! Now, that does not mean that we should always walk around with a big smile on our face, pretending that nothing is amiss or troublesome in our lives. Rather, it means we expect troubles; however, we should see trials as God's refining fire, melting our the dross of disobedience or disbelief and refining us for service to our Master who gave His Son for our redemption...and that is where the inexplicable JOY comes from in our lives. WE ARE SAVED FROM SOMETHING TO SOMETHING GREATER THAT GIVES US JOY OVER OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.

 Many believers are caught up on trying to be happy in this life; but one thing I have learned is God is not all that concerned about my happiness. He is concerned about my character and how I represent the Savior of the world to those I encounter. Let's face it...Joy and Happiness are NOT the same thing! Happiness is fleeting, usually tied to the circumstances of the good or bad things taking place in our lives; however, JOY is and should be a constant fruit in the life of a believer...

 And it rest on the fact that we are now at PEACE WITH GOD!!! It is in that peace, that passes all understanding,  that we can be joyous in the midst of the trials and tribulations that we all face. WE CAN BE JOYOUS BECAUSE WE KNOW GOD IS AT WORK IN OUR LIVES, HELPING US TO BECOME THE BELIEVERS THAT NEED NOT BE ASHAMED!

 It has been said that in life, most of us are coming out of a storm, in the midst of a storm or heading into a storm; so if you want to be joyous and know that the safe harbor is within reach and that the God of the Universe is at your helm, just ask Him for wisdom and discernment on how He wants you to proceed. But, ask in faith, believing without doubt, so that those crashing waves will not sink you, but rather the storm will subside as God leads you safely to your eternal destination.

 Yes, trials are not fun for any of us. I believe that the trials of life have this effect on almost everyone, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.... The trials, testing and tribulations of life help us dig up the soil in which we have been planted so we can see how deep our roots really go.

 How deep are your roots in this life of trials and desperate times? If you are firmly planted in the soil of salvation and know that God the Father gave His only Son to redeem you for an eternal life with Him...then grow strong and tall in the LORD and blossom where you are planted. Then,

 YOU CAN COUNT IT ALL JOY!!!!

Living in this life...Counting it all Joy for Christ,

 WPQ

 

 

Poem for the day....

 

The troubles that we face each day

May surely drag us down;

But when we’re planted in Holy sod

Then we’re on solid ground!!!

 

We need not fear what comes our way

As in turbulent seas we're tossed;

For when we put our trust in Him

His love has paid the cost!

 

So let life's  troubles come at us

We pray, yet do not doubt;

For we know that in the Father's love

He's already worked things out.

 

To make each of us a vessel;

Holy, pristine and pure...

And because we ask and do not doubt

Our joy is forever sure!!!!

 

WPQ ©  August 2021

 

I was out early, in the cool of a mountain morning, attempting to blow away the effects of last night's rain storms. One stubborn piece of what looked like tree bark, turned out to be a moth, doing his utmost to stand against the strong wind of my leaf blower. I would blow him a few feet; he would right himself, and then get pummelled again as I continued my onslaught to remove the debris from my driveway.

In watching this small insect fight against this horrific wind, that surely came out of nowhere to him; it got me thinking...aren't we alot like that moth? When the strong winds of life blow up and knock us over, we get up and try to get going again; but before we can get ourselves moving forward, here comes the next big gust and we find ourselves knocked over once more.... And if we are not careful to stay connected to the true source of power, we will eventually think, "why bother to try"and just give up...like the poor moth in my story....he eventually ended up in the tall, wet grass which presented him with another challenge to face.

I hope this little poem that follows helps you connect or stayed connected to our TRUE SOURCE OF POWER...THE ONE WHO STANDS ALONE ON THE SHORE.....

For He Alone Is Waiting.....

When storm clouds begin to gather

And the winds begin to blow;

That's the time that matters

Not what... but who you know.

Is your house built on solid rock

Or on shifting, sandy shore?

Can it stand against the raging winds

And offer refuge as in times before?

For the Master of those stormy skies

Is waiting to hear your pleas;

As you offer up your heart-felt cry

For His rescue from stormy seas.

For He wills no one should perish

As in life's seas you're tempest tossed;

And when you put your faith in Him,

You shall not suffer loss...

For He alone is waiting

On that far and distant shore...

When the storms of life are over

And you're at home with Him once more!!!!

WPQ © August 2021

Our Sad State of Affairs- JULY 4, 2021

This is a post I have written and shared in the last 3 celebrations of the Fourth of July; however, never in my lifetime have such things that are taking place, every day in our country, left me and so many of my fellow Ameicans feeling so hopelessly depressed about the sad state of affairs in which our country now resides. GOD PLEASE HELP US ......

It seems that each year, this day of celebration gets here just a little bit quicker and leaves me a little wearier and a little less hopeful for what lies ahead. We all run hither and yon, wishing all those we know a “Happy 4^th”, singing patriotic songs, eating BBQ and watching fireworks. We collectively ask for God to Bless America and then, somehow seem perplexed when gas prices keep rising, crime escalates and our leaders debate in open forum the merits of partial birth abortions, gay marriages and legalized gambling. How can a righteous and holy God bless this mess that we now call America?

In fact, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Anne Graham Lotz was queried on the Early show, the host asking, “How could God let something like this happen?  Her response was quite profound. She said, “I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And, being the gentlemen that He is, I believe He has quietly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that He leave us alone?”

And that my friend, unfortunately, is the sad state of affairs that we find ourselves facing in this year, 2021. In my almost 72 years on this earth, I cannot remember a time when we as Americans have faced so much discourse from all. Yes, there were turbulent times as we righted the wrongs left behind by slavery; we have vehemently disagreed over wars fought during the Vietnam and Iraq eras and I am sure, as wars continue to exist, we will continue to fight over which wars are just or unjust. But through all of these times, we (the vast majority of Americans that work hard to take care of our families and leave this world better than we found it) have always remained civil to each other, showing respect for each other as fellow Americans, no matter how far left or right our opinions divided us. Alas, it seems so long ago that we held each other in high esteem and cherished the freedom that allowed us to express our hopes and fears without condemning those with whom we disagreed.

It is in this unholy and turbulent atmosphere in which I believe God has slowly and surely left us to our own demise... and I am sure that it is breaking His heart to see how far we have fallen from our roots as a Christian nation. A country that He ordained through our forefathers, whose beliefs and allegiance to the Creator were unshakeable... one that began with such great and magnificent promise is now sinking fast and unless, God Himself, orchestrates some cataclysmic jolt….this nation that still prints “In God We Trust” on our money, is doomed to a bitter end.

There is one bright and shining star though ….His CHURCH, ordained to be both salt and light for such a time as this. Let us not shrink from the battles that lie before us, but rather put on the whole armor of God and wage war. We serve the Great Commander-in-Chief who has never been defeated ….and HE NEVER WILL BE!!!! Proclaim this July 4^th as our day of Dependence on the Creator of the Universe….and fight the good fight…..we know the outcome, WE WIN!    

MARCHING ON...Celebrating the coming Victory,

WPQ

You Are What You Eat

In my quiet time this morning, I read a devotional about our bodies being the temple of God and it made me realize how much I love and adore my wife, Terri, for keeping me trim and fit after almost 32 years of marriage. There is no doubt in my mind that I would be the size of a barn, or perhaps not even be here, if not for her investment in making sure that we eat healthy, balanced meals; so lovingly prepared in her own special ways. When we met some 32 years ago, my diet consisted of anything fast food with an occasional salad thrown in for good measure....being athletic and playing softball helped; but it is the wholesome, nutritional meals that we eat as a family that keeps me in good health as I approach my 72nd birthday in August. So, to all you fellows out there that has a wife that looks after your health by watching what you eat and preparing good food for you and your family, why not do what I did this morning...

Wrap your arms around that wife of yours... hug her and give her a great big kiss and tell her, THANK YOU...because we all know we are what we eat!  If not, the poem that follows is for YOU!

 

 INTO VIEW...or  YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

 It has often been said, "you are what you eat."

'Tis an old adage that most always rings true...

Just take a look at your friends over time;

But don't forget to view....YOU!!!!

 

You'll see short ones and small ones;

 Some thin as a one-lane bridge...

Some tall like a high-rise building,

Some wide as a commercial fridge.

 

But no matter the shape of the bodies you see

There's one thing they all have in common...

It had a lot to do with the things they ate;

And I don't mean noodles and ramen!

 

My doctor told me I should watch what I eat,

Since these "extra" thirty pounds are killing my feet;

So I've laid off the potatoes and the mounds of red meat,

So I eat like a bird....chew; swallow; repeat!

 

Yes, I miss those days of pizzas and beers

When I called up my friends to come over here;

For so many are gone to that feast in the sky

Because they ate too much ice cream and pie.

 

So if you want to live a life filled with joy

Then skip the fries and the shrimp po' boy.

Just leafy greens and some carrots too,

And others will smile when you come into view.

 

 

W. PATRICK QUEEN ©  JUNE 2021

 

 

Celebrating One of Life's Greatest Gifts...A GODLY FATHER!

This week is Father's Day....a special day set aside to remember, reflect and in many cases, reverence the man in our life we called, DAD. For me this is a bitter sweet day since my father passed away at the young age of 63(shortly before I turned 35). He has been gone longer than I knew him. He did not get to meet my wife, Terri, or hold in his arms, his granddaughter, Alyson. I know he would have been EXTREMELY PROUD OF THEM...just as I am.

My dad was the sweetest, kindest, most humble man I have ever known; and many of you who may read this, know exactly what I am saying because you had the good fortune to know him too...as an uncle, Sunday School teacher, choir member...the list goes on. I took the time, in June 1977, to write the poem that is part of this post. It was originally entitled, EULOGY TO A FATER, because I wanted my father to know how much he meant to me before his call to heaven. In fact, at his funeral, I placed a copy of the poem in his inner, jacket pocket and sent him home to be with his Heavenly Father who he loved with all his heart. My wife and I changed the title to the poem when we began our business, Thankful Praise Prints, so that we might share it with those who felt compelled to tell their fathers how much they loved and honored them...it was always one of our best selling poems.

I am sharing it once again because I believe we can NEVER tell our dads, too many times, how much they mean to us and the great influence a godly father has on his children. My hope and prayer is that I have been as good and a faithful dad as my father, WINFORD W. QUEEN was to me. I think about him every day and miss the times we would have shared as we both aged. I try to emulate the man he was and I hope that this poem always let him know how important he was in my life.

If you have a dad like mine, YOU HAVE BEEN TRULY BLESSED!!! Let him know, in no uncertain terms, the difference he has made in your life. If you father was not a great dad, but he is still living, it is never too late to start to improve that relationship. God bless ...and if you have the wonderfully blessed   responsibility of being a father....it's never too late to be a good, no, make that GREAT ONE!!!!

 

ESSENCE OF MY DAD

Often, I have stopped to think

of times both good and bad;

And in each fleeting memory,

I reverence my Dad.

He stood both tall and straight,

Colossal in my mind.

He spoke in tones both harsh and firm,

Yet so gentle and so kind.

 

An unquenchable desire for life;

A zest for Life and living;

He fought and scraped to provide for me

Through his unselfish giving.

A guiding hand who led my steps

Down paths I dared not tread,

A steady mind, a sturdy back were the

Essence of my Dad.

 A willful man, his beliefs ran deep;

He taught me to be good;

Yet, when times got rough

Or I failed my Dad....He always understood

So surely on the day he passes,

I truly will be sad,

But never will I forget the man,

I loved and called...My Dad!

 

W. Patrick Queen  © June 1977

 

 

Speaking the Language of the One You Love....

 

This is a reprint of a former blog...

Speaking  the Language of the One You Love....

I was reading in the Scriptures today in Ephesians where Paul is schooling those followers on how they are to love their wives and how the wives are to love their husbands. We see in these verses that Jesus is the head of the Church and gave himself for it...and husbands are to love their wives and do likewise.

But what happens when you speak the words of "I LOVE YOU"  to your spouse...does he or she truly understand what your are saying and the impact that such a phrase should carry? Or are they underwhelmed by the words because as we all know, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.

So what is your wife or your husband's "love" language and how can you know and engage them in such a way that your words have meaning and are felt deeply?

For some it is presents, trinkets, or small gifts that says "I love you." For others quiet times with each other, removed from the cares of daily life best says that you hold a position of great love in your partner's life. For some it is a great gesture that moves your loved one to tears for it truly says it all...that your live would be meaningless if not for the love you share.

For me, it is the simple written word, expressed in some poetic form that best allows my bride to know my heart and the depth of my true love for her....and so yesterday, after hearing a song on the radio, I penned this poem for the love of my life....my sweet wife, Terri.

 

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE ...BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES!!!

 

I looked into the mirror just the other day

Saw a face looking back that I barely even knew.

It was one covered in lines and wrinkles

Each one there simply because of you...

 

Now not for reasons that you might think

Did these lines appear on my face.

Not for the troubles that we've seen
When caught between a rock and a hard place.

 

Each line was there around my mouth...

 Many etched into the corners of my eyes;

Each one telling those who would view

The what...the who's...the whys?

 

You see each line was their because

Of the many times you made me smile

And every time you've made me laugh

They lingered a longer while.

 

And now I hope that you understand

Though each line is now a part of me;

For when you laughed and made me smile,

Your opened my eyes to see...

 

That no matter what each day may bring

Be it Laughter...or Pain ...or Sighs.

 

This you should always know

No matter where we may go

In my life you will always grow

 

EVER MORE BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES!!!!

 

W. Patrick Queen

April 2018

 

 

Take the time TODAY...do NOT let it slip away without telling your spouse just how much, how deeply and for how long you will love them. Speak their love language and let them hear what is truly coming from your heart. For 31 years, I have signed every note and every card with this simple phrase...

I LOVE YOU.....Forever and a day,

 WPQ