I thought of you with love today, Religious If tears could build a stairway, but that is nothing new. Poems and memories a lane. I thought about you yesterday, I would walk right up to Heaven and days before that too. Life is just a stepping stone and bring you back again. I think of you in silence, to a much better place. No farewell words were spoken, I often speak your name. Where there’s no pain or sorrow, No time to say “Goodbye". All I have are memories or tears on any face. You were gone before I knew it, and your picture in a frame. And though we miss the dear ones and only God knows why. Your memory is my keepsake who step beyond our sight, My heart still aches with sadness, with which I’ll never part. we know God walks beside them and secret tears still flow. God has you in His keeping, as He guides them toward the light. What it meant to love you - I have you in my heart. No one can ever know. Fisherman's Prayer But now I know you want me The Fisherman to mourn for you no more; God grant that I may live to fish To remember all the happy times Surely Jesus loves fishermen until my dying day, life still has much in store. for He chose them for His own, and when it comes to my last cast Since you'll never be forgotten, To be with Him and learn from Him I then must humbly pray. I pledge to you today, and someday share His home. When in the Lord's safe landing net A hollowed place within my heart It must have been their trust in God I'm peacefully asleep. is where you'll always stay. and patience He found rare, That in His mercy, I be judged That keeps them very near His heart good enough to keep. and ever in His care. The Day God Called You Home God Saw… God looked around His garden Ascension God saw that she was getting tired, And found an empty place. And if I go, And a cure was not to be, He then looked down upon the earth while you're still here... So He put His arms around her, And saw your tired face. Know that I live on, And whispered... He put His arms around you vibrating to a different measure- "Come with Me." And lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful - behind a thin veil you cannot see With tearful eyes we watched her suffer, He always takes the best. through. And saw her fade away. He knew that you were suffering, You will not see me, Although we loved her dearly, He knew you were in pain, so you must have faith. We could not make her stay. I wait for the time when we can soar He knew that you would never together again, A golden heart stopped beating, Get well on earth again. -both aware of each other. Hard working hands now rest; He saw the road was getting rough Until then, live your life to its fullest. God broke our hearts to prove to us And the hills were hard to climb, And when you need me, He only takes the best. So He closed your weary eyelids just whisper my name in your heart, And whispered "Peace be thine." ...I will be there. It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn't go alone, Beyond Life’s Gateway For part of us went with you The day God called you home. Face to Face There's an open gate at the end of the road, All who believe in through which each must go alone. God's mercy and grace And there in a light we cannot see, Will meet their loved ones Our Father claims His own. On Eagles Wings face to face Beyond the gate, your loved one Where time is endless finds happiness and rest. And He will raise you up and joy unbroken And there is comfort in the thought, on eagle's wings, And only the words That a loving God knows best. Bear you on the breath of dawn, of God's love are spoken. Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His hand. I'm off to follow another trail And you know how I love to roam. But I know full well at the end of this trail I'll find my eternal home. By Kirby Haskell Footprints The Life That Was Ours

One night I had a dream. It’s four in the morning and I’m alone in my bed. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. I woke from a deep sleep with these words in my head. “I sure miss you, Honey, since you’re not here with me, Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. But I know you’re with God and that’s where you should be” For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: I still love you and need you and know there’ll be tears, one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord. When I think of the good times we’ve shared all these years, When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I can still hear your laughter, I can still see your smile. I looked back at the footprints in the sand. And sometimes comes a memory, so you’re here for awhile. I’ll never regret the time God allowed us to share. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, You brought light to my darkness and made hope from despair. there was only one set of footprints. I believe that one day we’ll be united again, I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest, Because on earth are the ending but in heaven are “begins”. and saddest times of my life. Remember, Honey, I love you and although you’re not here, This really bothered me I will celebrate the life that was ours through the years. In time I will see you, but until that day comes, and I questioned the Lord about it: My life’s a reflection of the times we were one. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, “A soul united in love will never die. you'd walk with me all the way. It is an eternal bond of God’s love” But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most, The Rose Beyond the Wall you would leave me.” A rose once grew where all could see, The Lord replied: Sheltered beside a garden wall. “My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. And, as the days passed swiftly by, During your times of trial and suffering, It spread its branches, straight and tall. when you see only one set of footprints, One day, a beam of light shone through it was then that I carried you.” A crevice that had opened wide. The Broken Chain The rose bent gently toward its warmth Then passed beyond to the other side. God's Garden We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name. Now, you who deeply feel its loss, God looked around His garden In life we loved you dearly, Be comforted - the rose blooms there. and found an empty place. In death we do the same. Its beauty even greater now, He then looked down upon the earth, Nurtured by God's own loving care. and saw your tired face. It broke our hearts to lose you. ~A.L. Frank He put His arms around you You did not go alone. and lifted you to rest. for part of us went with you, God's garden must be beautiful the day God called you home. He always takes the best. The Garden of Promise He knew that you were suffering, You left us beautiful memories. He knew you were in pain Your love is still our guide. There is a place, I have been told, He knew that you would never And although we cannot see you, Beyond an open gate get well on earth again. you are always by our side. All have been invited He saw the road was getting rough, Where friends and loved ones wait and the hills were hard to climb, Our family chain is broken, so He closed your weary eyelids and nothing seems the same, It holds eternal promise and whispered "Peace be Thine." but as God calls us one by one, Of everlasting peace It broke our hearts to lose you the chain will link again. No pain or sorrow ever comes But you didn't go alone. And teardrops there have ceased For part of us went with you Abundant life is evident The day God called you home. Gone But Not Forgotten Constant, fresh and new A precious one from us has gone, A garden of provision A voice we loved is stilled, With eternity in view A place is vacant in our home The promise is awaiting Which never can be filled. A place we can abide God in His wisdom has recalled, Fulfilled for all who answer The boon His love had given The call to come inside And though the body slumbers here, The soul is safe in Heaven. I'm Free She is a Valiant Woman God's Promise God hath not promised Don't grieve for me now I'm free. She is a VALIANT woman; I'm following the path God laid for me. Skies always blue, her roots are firmly planted. Flower-strewn pathways I took His hand when I heard Him call. The kingdom is within; I turned my back and left it all. All our lives through; her heart, treasure-filled. God hath not promised I could not stay another day, Sun without rain, To laugh, to love, to work, or play. She is a JOYFUL woman Joy without sorrow, Tasks left undone must stay that way. for whom laughter is no stranger: Peace without pain. I've found my peace at the close of day. a song to sing, a smile to give, a hand to clasp or embrace. But God hath promised If my parting has left a void, Strength for the day, Then fill it with remembered joy: She is a STRONG woman Rest for the labor, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. whose heart and arms Light for the way. Ah, yes, these things I too will miss. withstand the pressures and the worries Grace for the trials, Be not burdened with times of sorrow. that each day unfolds. Help from above, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. Unfailing sympathy My life's been full, I savored much: She is a PATIENT woman Undying love. Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. waiting through storm and night for new life, new growth, rich harvest. Perhaps my time seems all too brief; There is a Place… Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. She is a LOVING woman Lift up your heart and share with me, ever giving and forgiving, There is a place, I have been told, ever caring and concerned. Beyond an open gate. All have been invited, An Irish Blessing She is a SHARING woman Where friends and loved ones wait. who with arms outstretched It holds eternal promise, May the road gives her gifts and treasures Of everlasting peace. rise to meet you. to those both near and far. No pain or sorrow ever comes, May the wind And teardrops there have ceased. be always at your back. When I Have Gone May the sun shine Abundant life is evident, warm upon your face. When I have gone, remember, I'm with Jesus. Constant, fresh and new. May the rains fall Then do not grieve because I've passed away. A garden of provision, soft upon your fields. Life holds so many griefs and disappointments, With eternity in view. And until and, will you weep because I did not stay? we meet again, And when my Savior tells me you are coming, The promise is awaiting, may God hold you I'll go with him and welcome you to Heaven. A place we can abide. in the palm of His hand Grieve not because the eyes that looked upon you Shall never see your face on earth again. Fulfilled for all who answer, Rejoice because they look upon the Savior, The call to come inside. Safely Home Who gave His life to ransom sinful men. Weep not because I walk no longer with you. I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Remember, I am walking streets of gold. Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty Serenity Prayer In this everlasting light. Weep Not In Sorrow All the pain and grief is over, God grant me the serenity Every restless tossing passed; Weep not in tears of sorrow Because to accept the things I cannot change; I am now at peace forever, I've gone away, courage to change the things I can; Safely home in Heaven at last. and wisdom to know the difference. But weep with tears of gladness There is work still waiting for you, For the peace I have today. So you must not idly stand; Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; Do it now, while life remaineth--- I know your hearts are heavy With sorrow that you bear, accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; You shall rest in Jesus' land. taking, as He did, this sinful world When that work is all completed, But God has called me home, as it is, not as I would have it; He will gently call you Home; My place is ready there. trusting that He will make all things right Oh, the rapture of that meeting, My stay on earth is completed, if I surrender to His Will; Oh, the joy to see you come! My final rest won; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him I have received the richest blessing; forever in the next. To dwell with God's own Son. Amen Ever Close in Mind and Heart Afterglow Non-religious No further away than a picture Poems A smile or remembered phrase, I’d like the memory of me Our loved ones live in memory to be a happy one. So close in so many ways. I’d like to leave an afterglow Epitaph on a Friend of smiles when life is done. For how often does a sunset Bring nostalgic thoughts to mind I’d like to leave an echo friend of man, the friend of truth, Of moments whispering softly down the ways, The friend of age, and guide of youth: That our loved ones shared of happy times and laughing times Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd, In days now left behind! and bright and sunny days. Few heads with knowledge so inform'd; If there's another world, he lives in bliss; I’d like the tears of those who grieve, If there is none, he made the best of this. How often has a flower, to dry before the sun of happy memories Or a crystal autumn sky that I leave when life is done. ~Robert Burns Brought golden recollections Of happy days gone by! He is Not Dead Crossing the Bar Memory has a magic way I cannot say, and will not say Of keeping loved ones near that he is dead. He is just away. Ever close in mind and heart Sunset and evening star, With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, Are the ones we hold most dear. And one clear call for me! he has wandered into an unknown land. And may there be no moaning of the bar, And left us dreaming how very fair When I put out to sea, It needs must be, since he lingers there. Gone Fishin' Think of him still as the same, I'll say, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, He is not dead - he is just away. I've finished life's chores assigned to me, So put me on a boat headed out to sea. Too full for sound and foam, ~James Whitcomb Riley When that which drew from out the Please send along my fishing pole boundless deep turns again home. For I've been invited to the fishin' hole. Where every day is a day to fish, Twilight and evening bell, Her (His) Journey's Just Begun To fill your heart with every wish. And after that the dark! Don't think of her as gone away Don't worry, or feel sad for me, And may there be no sadness of farewell, her journey's just begun, I'm fishin' with the Master of the sea. When I embark; life holds so many facets- We will miss each other for awhile, this earth only one. For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place But you will come and bring your smile. The flood may bear me far, Just think of her as resting That won't be long you will see, I hope to see my Pilot face to face from sorrows and the tears, Till we're together you and me. When I have crossed the bar. in a place of warmth and comfort To all of those that think of me, where there are no days and years. Be happy as I go out to sea. ~ Alfred Tennyson Think how she must be wishing If others wonder why I'm missin' that we could know today Just tell 'em I've gone fishin'. "She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain, how nothing but our sadness ~ Delmar Pepper she’s in the air you breathe can really pass away. with every breath you take. And think of her as living She sings a song of hope and cheer, in the hearts of those she touched, Do Not Stand at My Grave there’s no more pain, no more fear. for nothing loved is ever lost- You’ll see her in the clouds above, and she was loved so much. Do not stand at my grave and weep. hear her whisper words of love, I am not there. I do not sleep. You’ll be together before long, I am a thousand winds that blow. until then listen for her song. Mama never forgets her birds, I am the diamond glint on the snow. ~ Christy Ann Martine Though in another tree— I am the sunlight on ripened grain. She looks down just as often I am the gentle autumn rain. And just as tenderly When you awaken in the mornings hush, "Those we hold most dear As when her little mortal nest I am the swift uplifting rush never truly leave us... With cunning care she wove— Of quiet birds in circled flight. they live on in the kindness they showed, If either of her "sparrows fall," I am the soft stars that shine at night. the comfort they shared, She "notices," above. Do not stand at my grave and cry... and the love they brought into our lives." I am not there. I did not die. - Emily Dickinson ~ Isabelle Norton Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night The Dash

Do not go gentle into that good night, I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend. Old age should burn and rave at close of day; He referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning...to the end. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. He noted that first came the date of his birth and spoke of the second with Though wise men at their end know dark is right, tears, Because their words had forked no lightening but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. they do not go gentle into that good night. For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright And now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth. Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, So, think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. Do not go gentle into that good night. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and what's real, Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight and always try to understand the way other people feel. Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, And...be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more Rage, rage against the dying of the light. and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. And you, my father, there on the sad height, If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. Do not go gentle into that good night. So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash... Rage, rage against the dying of the light. would you be proud of the things they have to say about how you spent your dash? ~ Dylan Thomas "The man who has lived the longest Life Is Sweet is not he who has spent the greatest number of years, but he who has had the greatest sensibility of life." Life is sweet just because of the friends ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau we have made and the things which in common we share; Old Memories We want to live on not because of ourselves, but because of the people who care; Miss Me - But Let Me Go These are those special memories It's giving and doing for somebody else- We cherish through the years, When I come to the end of the road on that all life's splendor depends, The most of them are happy ones And the sun has set for me And the joy of this world, A few are touched by tears. I want no rites in a gloom filled room when you've summed it all up, They all become more beautiful Why cry for a soul set free. is found in the making of friends. The older now they grow, Miss me a little - but not too long And with their age they take their place Edgar A. Guest's poem: Making Of Friends And not with your head bowed low. As days of long ago. Remember the love that we once shared, They are the pictures of a past Miss me - but let me go. For which we sometimes yearn, But which we know so well is gone Should You Go First For this is a journey we all must take And which cannot return. And each must go alone, They have no market value in Should you go first and I remain, It's all a part of the Master's plan Our commerce of today, One thing I'd have you do - A step on the road home. They are not even anything Walk slowly down the path of death, That we can give away. For soon I'll follow you. When you are lonely and sick of heart, And yet those memories can play I'll want to know each step you take Go to the friends we know A most important part, That I may walk the same, And bury your sorrows As they inspire or console For someday down that lonely road in doing good deeds. Or elsewise help the heart. You'll hear me call your name. Miss me - but let me go. ~ Jane Ardmore To Those I love When I die please don't cry for me There is a sacredness in tears. for I am in a better place... They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. just where I want to be... They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. no more sorrows... They are messengers of overwhelming grief, no more pain... of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. just sunshine... ~ Washington Irving no more rain... She/He Lives. . . That Man is a Success I Am With You Always I cannot think and will not say A man is a success That she is dead, she is just away. who has lived well, As you hold me close in memory, With a cheery smile and wave of the hand, laughed often and loved much; even though we are apart, She has wandered into that better land. who has gained the respect my spirit will live on, And left us thinking how wondrous fair, of intelligent men there within your heart... It must be, since she lingers there. and the love of children; I am with you always who has met his goals And you, Oh, you who so fondly yearn and accomplished his tasks; For the welcome step and the glad return, When you lean on trust friends who leaves the world better Think of her living on, as dear and their caring hugs enfold you, than he found it, In the land of there as the land of here; within their loving arms, who looked for the best in others Think of her living on, I say. I'll be there to hold you... and gave the best he had. She is not dead, she is just away. I am with you always

Nor is she away from the better part; Away from the eye, but not the heart; Until We Meet Again And beyond the far horizon And she lingers near to soothe our pain. when we'll finally be together, And teach us that life and death are gain; Those special memories of you where love will be eternal And she waits on that bright eternal shore will always bring a smile, and life will last forever... if only I could have you back For the hand-clasp of love and life once more. for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again, When I Must Leave You just like we used to do, you always meant so very much, When I must leave you for a little while and always will do too. Please do not grieve and shed wild tears The fact that you're no longer here, And hug your sorrow to you through the years, will always cause me pain, But start out bravely with a gallant smile; but you're forever in my heart, And for my sake and in my name until we meet again. Live on and do all things the same, Feed not your loneliness on empty days, When I’m Gone But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer When I come to the end of my journey And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; And I travel my last weary mile and never, never be afraid to die. Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned For I am waiting for you in the sky! ** And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken Spring Days Remember some good I have done "... I love my garden, Forget that I ever had heartache and I love working in it. And remember I've had loads of fun To potter with green, growing things, watching each day to see the dear, Forget that I've stumbled and blundered new sprouts come up, And sometimes fell by the way is like taking a hand in creation, I think. Remember I have fought some hard battles Just now my garden is like faith-- And won, ere the close of the day the substance of things hoped for..." Then forget to grieve for my going -Anne's House of Dreams I would not have you sad for a day L.M. Montgomery But in summer just gather some flowers And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening When the sun paints the sky in the west Stand for a few moments beside me And remember only my best. Prayer of St. Francis Prayers Resurrection Prayer Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Most merciful Father, where there is injury, pardon; we commend our departed into your hands. The Lord's Prayer where there is doubt, faith; We are filled with the sure hope where there is despair, hope; that our departed will rise again Our Father, where there is darkness, light; on the Last Day with all Who art in Heaven, and where there is sadness, joy. who have died in Christ. Hallowed be Thy name; O Divine Master, We thank you for all the good things Thy Kingdom come, grant that I may not so much seek you have given during our Thy will be done to be consoled as to console; departed's earthly life. on earth as it is in Heaven. to be understood as to understand; O Father, in your great mercy, Give us this day our daily bread; to be loved, as to love; accept our prayer that the Gates of Paradise and forgive us our trespasses for it is in giving that we receive, may be opened for your servant. as we forgive those it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; In our turn, may we be comforted by the words who trespass against us; and it is in dying of faith until we greet Christ in glory and are and lead us not into temptation, that we are born to eternal life. united with you but deliver us from evil. and our departed. Amen Through Christ our Lord, Amen Amen Hail Mary St. Michael Memorae Hail Mary, full of grace, the Archangel Remember, The Lord is with thee. defend us in battle. O most gracious Virgin Mary, Blessed art thou amongst women, Be our defense against the that never was it known that anyone and blessed is the wickedness and snares of the devil, who fled to thy protection, implored thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus. may God rebuke him, help, or sought thine intercession was Holy Mary, Mother of God, we humbly pray; and do thou, left unaided. pray for us sinners, O Prince of heavenly host, now and at the hour of our death. by the power of God, Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto cast into hell Satan and all the thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! Amen evil spirits who prowl To thee do I come, before thee I stand, through the world seeking sinful and sorrowful. the ruin of souls. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy Hail, Holy Queen Amen mercy hear and answer me. Amen Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. Glory Be To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, Glory be to the Father, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and to the Son, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed and to the Holy Spirit. fruit of thy womb, Jesus. As it was in the beginning, O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary. is now, and ever shall be, Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. world without end. That we may be made worthy Amen of the promises of Christ. Biblical Verses

Love is patient and kind; Jesus said to her, love does not envy or boast; "I am the resurrection it is not arrogant or rude. and the life. What no eye has seen, He who believes in Me, It does not insist on its own way; what no ear has heard, it is not irritable or resentful; though he may die, and what no human he shall he live. it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, mind has conceived, but rejoices with the truth. And whoever lives the things that God has prepared and believes in Me Love bears all things, believes all things, for those who love him. hopes all things, endures all things. shall never die. Do you believe ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV this?" ~ 1 Corinthians. 13:4-7 ESV ~ John 11:25, 26 NKJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, Let not your heart be troubled: ye Blessed are the poor in spirit, that whosoever believeth in him believe in God, believe also in me. for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. should not perish, In my Father's house are many Blessed are those who mourn, but have everlasting life. for they will be comforted. mansions: if it were not so, Blessed are the meek, ~ John 3:16 KJV I would have told you. for they will inherit the earth. I go to prepare a place for you. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst And if I go and prepare a place for you, for righteousness, I will come again, for they will be filled. He heals the brokenhearted, and receive you unto myself; Blessed are the merciful. and binds up their wounds. that where I am, there ye may be also. for they will be shown mercy. He counts the number of the stars; And whither I go ye know, and the way Blessed are the pure in heart, He calls them all by name. ye know. for they will see God . Great is our Lord, ~ John 14:1-4 KJV Blessed are the peacemakers, and mighty in power; for they will be called sons of God His understanding is infinite. Blessed are those who are persecuted ~ Psalm 147:3-5 NKJV I have fought the good fight, because of righteousness, I have finished the race, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I have kept the faith. ~ Matthew 5:1-10 NIV Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which is the Lord, the righteous Judge, Let love and faithfulness never leave you; will award to me on that day— bind them around your neck, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for write them on the tablet of your heart. his appearing. ~ Proverbs 3: 3 NIV ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Jesus said to her, ~ Psalm 116:15 KJV I have fought the good fight, "I am the resurrection I have finished the race, and the life. I have kept the faith. He who believes in Me, ~ 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV though he may die, he shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" ~ John 11:25, 26 NKJV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. To everything there is a season, and He makes me lie down in green pastures: a time to every purpose under Heaven: He leads me beside still waters. A time to be born, and a time to die; He restores my soul: A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is He leads me in the paths of righteousness planted; for His name's sake. A time to kill, and a time to heal; Even though I walk a time to break down, and a time to build up; through the valley of the shadow of death, A time to weep, and a time to laugh; I will fear no evil: a time to mourn, and a time to dance; for You are with me; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones your rod and your staff together; they comfort me. A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from You prepare a table before me embracing; in the presence of my enemies: A time to get, and a time to lose; You anoint my head with oil; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; my cup overflows. A time to rend, and a time to sew; Surely goodness and mercy shall a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; follow me all the days of my life; A time to love, and a time to hate; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. a time of war, and a time of peace. ~ Psalm 23 ESV ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23 KJV