Recently, our Brother in Christ, Tom from CA, shared copies of a beautiful commemorative book he has published about his daughter Amanda’s poetry. Most of the poems in this book were written by Amanda, starting when she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 16 through to her death at 23. Each poem validates her feelings and thoughts as she progresses through this journey, her discussions with God and the growing relationship she has with Him; each one draws us into her relationship at that particular moment.
Here is an excerpt from the inside cover:
‘The poems on the following pages are the expression of Amanda’s range of emotions. Her words communicate how her relationship with God helped her through the tough times and to be grateful, even under extreme challenges. it was Amanda’s wish that her poems be published and given to others to inspire them and to demonstrate how she drew her strength from her faith.’
As I read the poems in this book, some written by Dad or sisters Lisa and Laura, it struck me that, while most of these poems were written by a young woman suffering the ravages of cancer, they were all expressively written to include any malady any one of us might be facing … health issues; loss of family, marriage, job; financial struggles, etc. And each writing showed us there is hope if we have faith. If we give our troubles to God, He will take care of us.
Here’s an example of one of the poems written by Amanda, and possibly my favorite:
CAUGHT UP
Are you really thankful
As trials come your way
Caught up in a rush
Do you have the time to pray?
Forgetting to savor the day
If you have the faith to pray
Is all He has to say
Just stop, take a breath, and pray
Overwhelmed and frantic
Silently you’re working
The past is gone, you’re forgiven
Waiting for that Day
Well done, good and faithful servant …
Worry can’t control you
Wrapped up in the future
You wake up everyday
Beautifully done, this book has been reprinted twice since its original 2005 publish date and is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Hebrew. There is no charge for this book; a donation is asked only for the reprinting costs.
Tom tells us it is his wish to get this book in as many hands as possible so others can be inspired and find comfort through Amanda’s writing. For more information about Amanda’s Poems and to obtain ordering/contact information, click HERE.
Live by Faith, not by Sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
For testimonials from our CTW family last month:
‘I plan to include crosses in with donations to the Yellow Ribbon girls who will package up items needed by our troops. Each will need the love of Christ most of all.’
Liz – PA
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‘These crosses will go to every lady who attends the LWML Convention in Grand Rapids, MN June of 2020, where the theme is ‘Drawn to The Cross’. If some are left over, we will pass them on.’
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church – Cohasset, MN
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And, those who ordered for cross sharing:
Grace United Methodist Church – Fergus Falls, MN
Holly – TX
Donna – WV
Oak Bank United Church – Oakbank, Manitoba Canada
Paul – PA
St. Francis Hospital Pastoral Care – Tulsa, OK
Watered Gardens – Joplin, MO
Salem Lutheran Church – Deerwood, MN
Campground Community Church – East Liverpool, OH
New Community Church – Wexford, PA
Robert – WI
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Ladies – Cohasset, MN
Kay – MN
Joy – MN
Carroll – OH
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And, to the many who have gotten crosses to share through Operation Christmas Child.
The middle of October, the AWESOME ladies from Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby who graciously string crosses for us every month came to our house for a fall ‘Thank You for all You Do’ luncheon. As usual, lots of food, lots of laughs, and tons of love!! Here are some photos of the ridiculously fun time we had:
This month, we have so much to be thankful for … all the beautiful people who touch our hearts and lives, the veterans who have and still sacrifice so willingly to secure our freedom, and our Savior who continues to unconditionally forgive our transgressions and love us in spite of ourselves.
CROSS THE WORLD 