Many people have sent scriptures and poems to share with us.
I would like to share some of them with you.
If you have something you would like to add, please send it to me and I will post it.
Rooftop
Wisdom
(The Heart that Knows.)
The price of wisdom is often high. it's lessons don't come cheap
The insight gained on wisdom's road is the kind you'll need to keep
The broken heart that has placed itself in the Father's loving care
Is the heart that knows in the midst of tears, that God is always there
When wisdom shouts from a rooftop. it has earned the right to speak
The strength it took to climb that high, is the opposite of weak
Battle weary? Maybe so. but it's voice can crack the sky
For it has thundered through the storm, unashamed to question why
Perhaps the "why?" is still unanswered. so they've learned to
let it go
And that's a journey in itself, to trust. when you don't know
For the heart that believes that in the valley, it will never be alone
Is the heart that knows to take its fears and lay them at God's throne
The heart that is touched by "rooftop wisdom" is the heart that
comprehends
The most important treasures in life are your family and your friends
"Things" and the "stuff" you accumulate are trivial in their
worth
For memories made with those you love...are the richest gifts on earth
Perspectives change. priorities shift. when wisdom wins first place
Taking time to hear the silence and slowing down your pace
Pausing a moment to give a hug. turning a frown into a smile
The simple gestures from the heart are the kind that are worthwhile
"Rooftop wisdom" knows the value of saying "I love you"
It's so amazing the inner healing those three little words can do
The heart that seeks reconciliation is the heart that dwells in peace
And knows God's grace is still amazing and will bring a sweet release
So when you hear some words of wisdom from a "rooftop" point of view
Just remember the road they've walked. somewhere ahead of you
The heart that sees beyond the clouds. to the sunshine up above
Is the heart that lives by faith alone in God's unfailing love
Merissa Lee Kelley
December 30, 2004
Some "Rooftop Wisdom"
from my friend Amy Thorstad
Mom to Taylor Marie Adkins
"Heavens's Angel"
11/3/93 - 4/30/04
The time has come to say goodbye
I'll always be with you, so please don't cry.
I'll see you again when we both have wings.
And then we'll do all sorts of things.
Until that day, please don't ask "Why?"
Just think of me as a BUTTERFLY
(Thank you to Tami who posted this poem in the DreamBook. It's beautiful)
"One More Angel"
Lord, we know that in your word, you said you'd never leave
You're in the valley and on the mountain and with us as we grieve
And as a parent, we know you feel the pain we're going through
If we have to let her go dear Lord, we'll send her home with you
One more angel, to live in Heaven, one more angel home
And we know that on her journey, she did not go alone
One more angel looking down from Heaven up above
Encircled in the arms of God and healed with endless love
Please help us God, to trust in you, for this is hard to bear
We'll try to keep our hand in yours and rest within your care
Until the day we meet again, please keep her in your sight
One more angel, trying her wings...one more angel in flight
Merissa Lee Kelley
"Jesus Wept"
There's a verse that's in the Bible, it's the shortest one of all
But it packs a lot of power.and really stands quite tall
It tells me that my Savior's heart can understand our tears
He's moved with deep compassion to soothe and calm our fears
It lets me know that he's in tune with what we face in life
Our ups and downs.the walls we build.the pressures and the strife
And when we cry without a reason.he's patient and he's real
For Jesus wept.and that tells me.he knows just how we feel
It tells me that my risen Lord, is close enough to touch
It tells me when we're deep in sorrow.he feels it just as much
Yes, he is the Lamb of God who sits upon the throne
But he also dwells inside of us.so we'll never weep alone
Every tear we've ever cried, does not escape his sight
His peaceful presence brings a light to a dark and dismal night
Yes, he is the King of Kings and his reign will never end
But I can seek him day or night.and I can call him friend
And as a friend.Jesus wept.and his heart reached out in love
He looked up to the heavenly Father, who heard him from above
"Take the stone away" he said and called Lazarus by name
The power that renewed a lifeless man.can renew you just the same
Jesus wept because his friends were grieving deep within
Sometimes it takes some cleansing tears for healing to begin
Weeping may endure for the night.but Jesus will be there
And you will find the joy you seek.when you stay within his care
Merissa Lee Kelley
May 12, 2004
"Jesus wept." John 11:35
"The Sweetest Name You Know"
Have you ever been so overwhelmed, you can't find the words to pray?
With a drowning feeling in your soul, like you're being swept away?
You want to run away and hide; to escape the constant stress,
And it seems as if your entire world...is one big jumbled mess?
Your heart says "trust"...your eyes ask "why?"...your brain
is "out to
lunch"
The problems aren't in singular form, they're coming by the bunch!
Your heart says "hope"...your eyes ask "when"...your brain
is in "reverse"
Your joy gets "zapped", so your strength does too, which only makes
things
worse
When you're on the verge of giving up and your "towel is almost
tossed"
When the only math that you are doing...is counting what you've lost
Stop.........be still.........be very quiet.........and let the Spirit flow
Peace will come, when you call out...the sweetest name you know
I, for one, have been through times when words cannot convey
The depth of pain that leaves you breathless with nothing left to say
A "majestic prayer" is not an option, when your spirit gets so low
So just speak the name of Jesus Christ...the sweetest name you know
Just the sound of his sweet name is enough to calm your fears
Just the whisper of his name is enough to dry your tears
It's a one word prayer, so full of power, it's all you need to say
For the sweetest name above all names...is still as strong today
The name of Jesus shines a light that darkness can't put out
So speak it as a shield of faith, to repel any thoughts of doubt
Sing his name in praise and worship; the melody is so sweet
Shout it as you stand your ground...to show you won't retreat
"Jesus loves me this I know" is a basic, simple song
But the truth behind those precious words, will last your whole life long
So when you face a "winter season" where nothing seems to grow
Just keep on planting, don't look back and say the sweetest name you know.
Merissa Lee Kelley
November 2, 2003
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven
given
to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
"Five Minutes Ago"
I've thanked the Lord for many things, but more and more I know
My thanks cannot be words alone; it's something I should show
A simple hug, an "I love you" can change a person's view
And maybe make a world of difference to a heart that's sad and blue
Make the most of every moment; cause life can change so fast
You can't go back and say what's needed, once the moment's passed
Write that letter, make that call, don't wait until tomorrow
For time is one thing we can't stop and it isn't ours to borrow
Five minutes ago, I could have told you all you've meant to me
The fact that I can't do that now...is something I didn't see
A lesson learned, tho' bittersweet, is speak your heart today
Forget your pride, forget the past, before time slips away
Five minutes ago, I wished it was Friday, but now I'm standing still
Seeing time through different eyes and I know I always will
We get so busy "living life", we forget to stop and savor
The little things that make up life and gives it so much flavor
Every saying in regards to time, may be old, but no less true
For time can heal and time can fly and it won't wait for me and you
Help me God, to take the time to listen with my heart
To listen now and not to wait, till a life is broke apart
Life goes on and each day's a gift, so I'll treasure every one
And hope I leave some cherished memories when all is said and done
Say "I love you" every chance and a smile won't cost a dime
Cause five minutes ago is already past and now is your only time
In loving memory of
Ricky Lee Lauderman
Merissa Lee Kelley
October 9, 2001
"The Sweetest Praise"
It's easy to praise on sunny days when the sky is clear and blue
Walking in victory is quite a breeze when your shoes are clean and new
On the mountain top, where the view is grand, can be a quiet place to rest
Knowing the answers ahead of time, makes for an easy test
Singing for joy is not a stretch when the song is in your key
Standing for Jesus is not a hardship when those around agree
Trusting God is very simple when the road ahead is clear
Stepping by faith into deep water is a snap...with a lifeguard near
Running the race is as smooth as silk when you can rest along the way
Reading the Word will fit our schedule, when it's a chapter or two each day
Tithing extra isn't hard when your bonus just came through
Loving people comes so natural...as long as they love you
Of course it's easy to rejoice when life is smooth and fine
Singing praises isn't sacrificial, when nothing's on the line
But when the clouds roll in and skies grow dark, what happens to our song?
Does the harmony go flat or get too sharp, when everything goes wrong?
It's in those times of testing, we must press in and praise
Cause life is not a steady stream of bright and sunny days
God knows it's hard to give Him glory when nothing's going right
But praise is warfare against the enemy, don't yield without a fight
The foundation that we're standing on, is going to face some shaking
And what we're made of will be revealed, as truth or if we're faking
Lip service cracks the foundation we've built, it isn't strong enough
But heart service endures and leans into the winds that grow so rough
I do believe the sweetest praise comes in the midst of pain
Or in the valley and in the desert or through the drenching rain
Just you and God, one on one, as He holds you to His heart
As you sing for joy and gain more strength, He'll always do His part
Choose to praise, do it in faith, no matter how life goes
For everything that's going to happen, the Father already knows
Trust His word and know this truth; He will love you all your days
You're in His hands and that alone...is worth the sweetest praise
Merissa Lee Kelley
April 16, 2001
"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will
praise you as long
as I live and in your name I will lift up my hands." Psalm 63: 3
& 4
"A Quiet Place"
When life is at it's darkest
And questions fill your soul
There's a place of quiet solitude
Where our Lord would have us go
A place to lay and rest our head
When we're weary from the storm
Where his strength is like a cover
To shield and keep us warm
When our heart is broken and our spirit heavy
He is there to intercede
You can rest upon this promise
He's all you'll ever need
For your battle has been fought for you
On a blood-stained rugged tree
The pure and holy sacrifice
His life for you and me
If he was willing to bear that heavy load
Would he do any less for you?
He's waiting with his arms outstretched
In your valley, he will walk with you
He wants you to know you're not alone
When your faith seems to disappear
You'll never have to look very far
Because our Lord is always near
His heart hears your unspoken words
When you're too overwhelmed to pray
His presence will be there with you
As your night turns into day
You can trust him with your every need
Jehovah Jireh, who will provide
No weapon formed against us will prosper
With our Savior on our side
Remember how much he loves you
He will give you the grace to endure
His word has stood the test of time
Of that you can be sure
So when you're close to giving up
Reach out for the Master's hand
Be of good courage, wait on the Lord
And having done all...stand
Merissa Lee Kelley
March 1995
For my friend Doris Vincent
"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for
help, my King and my God, for to you I pray." Psalm 5: 1-2
"Journey to the Throne"
A friend and I stood side by side, looking left and right
Down a road that was obscured, by the evening's fading light
A little fearful of stepping out, we both remained quite still
I was puzzling, which way to go; which way would be God's will?
She glanced at me with tear filled eyes and gave a trembling smile
"I am weary from life itself, so I'm resting for awhile.
Then I'll go on, when it's light again...are you here for the same reason?"
I replied, "Why yes, I am, it has been a difficult season."
Sitting down, she deeply sighed and looked up towards the sky
"Do you think God minds when all we ask, is the same old question why?
Why does life have so much change, why can't it just stay steady?
So many things have "rocked my world" and I have not been ready."
"Why do we have to say good-bye, why do hearts have to break?
Why can't we get a guarantee on the choices that we make?
Life should have a rewind button, life...well it's just not fair."
And with that said, she bowed her head and closed her eyes in prayer
She had mirrored my own thoughts; thoughts I wouldn't voice
And here I was, feeling the same, but making a different choice
We both felt fear, but I was trying to make it on my own
She however, still full of questions...took them to the throne
I was puzzling, she was praying, and our goal was still the same
But I could tell, she was gaining strength by calling on God's name
As it grew light, I still felt trapped, but she stood up to go
She turned to me and softly said "There's something you should know."
"You're not an island unto yourself, only God can get you through.
I feel stronger to go on ahead, but I'll wait awhile with you.
If you want the freedom I've just gained, you cannot get it alone
Even when you're full of questions, He'll meet you at the throne."
"Life changes...God doesn't, that's a truth right from the word.
For every prayer we've offered up, God has always heard."
She took my hand and gently said, "I won't leave you here alone.
All that you need, will be provided, when you journey to the throne."
Merissa Lee Kelley
January 12, 2002
For a cherished friend...
"But You, O Lord, remain and reign forever; Your throne endures from
generation to all generations." Lamentations 5:19
The Well in the Wilderness
Sometimes there are seasons so very dry
And all of your thoughts are questions why
The Bible is a book that stays on the table
And every place you step is awfully unstable
The song in your heart isn't quite on key
Too weary to praise and too tired to break free
So you go through the motions, but feel guilty inside
Forcing a smile, when you just want to hide
How did this happen; this worn out condition?
Why are you, a believer, in this awkward position?
Looking for answers and struggling to reason
Trying to stay planted in an unfruitful season
You try and pray but the words sound so lame
So you excuse not praying and just stay the same
You feel so alone in this wilderness place
No one could ever understand what you face
But there is someone who is right by your side
He's been in the wilderness, where there's no place to hide
So he had to depend on his Father above
To strengthen his spirit and surround him with love
His name is so sweet, it can soothe hurts away
Yet powerful enough to keep the enemy at bay
Jesus will lead you through the desert...to the well
He doesn't forsake you in the place where you fell
Just keep saying the words, you know to be true
That you love your Saviour and he loves you too
Hold fast to the truth that you've known all along
Your life is in Jesus and he is your song
Merissa Lee Kelley
Jan. 17, 2001
For my friend