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A Father’s Day Poem

As long as Daddy’s arms, open wide for me.
And Dad who knows all, tells me what I need.
As long as Daddy’s love cares for and comforts me.
I know that I’ll be safe along life’s way.
My Daddy guides my footsteps every day.

Often times when I was young. I would turn to Dad.
Needing reassurance, Dad always knew the plan.
Oh, it was so simple, Dad’s love was plain to see.
No matter the day or time, my Dad was there for me.

As long as Daddy’s arms, open wide for me.
And Dad who knows all, tells me what I need.
As long as Daddy’s love cares for and comforts me.
I know that I’ll be safe along life’s way.
My Daddy guides my footsteps every day.

I have grown much older now. Dad’s not always here.
Even in his presence, at times I feel such fear!
Dad’s not always perfect; love human can be weak.
But I’ve found an inner guide, whose wisdom I now seek.

As long as God’s light shines through the night
And as God’s presence fills each passing day
As long as God’s light pierces the darkest night
I know that I’ll be safe along life’s way.
I know God guides my footsteps every day.

In those times when I’m afraid, feeling all alone.
Don’t know where I’m going, don’t want to go back home!
Now I just remember, I’m always in God’s care.
And wherever I am, God’s promised to be there.

As long as God’s light shines through the night
And as God’s presence fills each passing day
As long as God’s light pierces the darkest night
I know that I’ll be safe along life’s way.
I know God guides my footsteps every day.

By Jeanne Loehnis, 2003
Also set to music available at www.SongsForYourSpirit.com

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Feed the Children

Feed the children.
Parents here and everywhere
doing more than their fair share
hearts ablaze with love and care to

Feed the children.
Tired, yet another day
rising ‘fore the sun’s sweet ray
again to lead, to show the way … and

Feed the children.
Off to work out in the field
at the office, behind the wheel.
Home to cook the evening meal and

Feed the children.
Often without gratitude
children drain the life from you
dare to ask to be excused. Yet we

Feed the children.
Look within your heart of hearts.
Do not let your love depart
from the place where love must start. Please

Feed the children.
Whether they be young or old
of your womb or round the world
gather each into the fold and

Feed the children.
Look around at sea and sky
cross the valleys, up mountains high.
Know what’s yours and do it – Why? to

Feed the children.

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The 12 Steps For Relationships

  1. Admitted (recognized, acknowledged, became willing to open to the possibility) that I was powerless over this other person and that wanting to change them was causing me much pain.
  2. After seeking happiness through known methods, mostly by trying to change the other person, became willing to entertain help, a support system, ideas of others, and to believe that trust in others’ experience, strength and hope expressed as action steps on my part, might grant me the peace and joy I seek.
  3. Made a conscious decision to do something different – and to follow the guidance of a power greater than myself.
  4. Regularly bathed my consciousness in the new ideas presented by my Higher Power and my new guidance system, taking time to listen, ask questions and understand, and to contrast this thinking with past and current methods for acting and reacting to life.
  5. Each day, before entering into the world of activity, chose one new action step to take, albeit uncomfortable, and prepared to take that step.
  6. At days’ end or more frequently, paused, and through journaling or observing, noticed how my actions prompted by new ideas are impacting my thoughts, my life, my wellbeing and my happiness.
  7. Became aware of persons in my life who have tried to change me and realized that it doesn’t feel good. I cannot change them; I can change me. With this realization, included such relationships in my action plan of seeking help to learn what I can do and what makes me feel better about me.
  8. Came to see that, in relationship, “when nothing changes, nothing changes.” Yet, when one or both persons change, there will be a shift in the relationship, too, whether or not either person is willing to acknowledge the shift.
  9. Sought through “pause” (prayer and meditation), to become aware of the ways in which the relationships in my life nurture my “becoming” and the ways in which they no longer serve me (or the other person).
  10. Came to see that sometimes, when one or both persons have outgrown a relationship, the relationship must end.
  11. Became willing to draw closure, ever so lovingly, to relationships which have served their purpose, and to move on.
  12. Having realized the power of relationships, the potential for pain as well as the blessings, practiced these steps in all relationships, large and small, in all areas of my life.
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Family Christmas

Deep breath. Today my husband and I will travel to celebrate Christmas with my family of origin. I am aware that, despite 31 years of marriage and much personal growth, I still carry “old tapes” – stories of Christmas past – stories of people past.

I tear up with the awareness that I want to be seen for who I am today, just as I did 10 years ago when I gave you, my family members, this poem:

My Gift

Yet I still see you at times, for who you were 10, 20, 30 years ago! It is time for me to let go. Time for me to receive you with heart and mind wide open! Continue reading “Family Christmas”