Poetic Rhyme Divine: My 20 Year Journey With “the Vine” Divine! 1mb1m

POETIC RHYME DIVINE

MY 20 YEAR JOURNEY WITH “THE VINE” DIVINE!

Joanna Vance

Copyright © 2012 by Joanna Vance.

ISBN:

Softcover Ebook

978-1-4797-1629-6 978-1-4797-1630-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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CONTENTS

Poetic Rhyme Divine Poetry Ministries

Dear Readers

Introduction A Love Story

Love Sonnets Through The Vine; Divine!

May Your Will Be Done

Poetic Rhyme Divine

POEMS

All Things New

Worlds Within Worlds

Your Integrity

In Silence

Heavenly

Journey

Pearls & Lace

The Wall

Holy Of Holies

Waiting To Exhale

A “New” Creation

Through The Eyes Of Understanding

In Memory Of Christ’s Death

Be Still

A “New” Place

Melody Made Clear

Holy, Holy, Holy

A Bride

My Inner Room

A ‘New’ Song

Out Of Nothing At All

On The Road To Damascus

Memory Recall Bespeaks “Yahweh”

The Presence Of Almighty God

Things Of The Earth

Tell Me, Please

Obsession Of Question

Reflections

Once Upon A Moment

Abba, Father

Adoption Underway

In Due Time

Oh . . . So Beautiful

Joy

Peacemakers

Mount Zion

Over The Rainbow

Promises Made; Promises Kept

In Harmony

A Vision

Sweet Whispers

Well . . . There It Is

The Rose

Why Me Lord

Your Will Has Been Accomplished

How Does One Judge

Landmines

Amazing Grace

My Jubilee Year

How Long Is An Hour

Uninvited! . . . . No! . . . . Unconceivable!

With You On My Mind

Papa

Not Any Ole Shoe Will Do

A “New” Covenant

A “Supreme” Justice

While I Lay Sleeping

The Invisible Thread

Expectations

Listen To The Silence

Spiritually Saddened

The Dream Of A Dream

Living Waters

This Lump Of Clay

Thy Healing Balm

Ragged & Torn

The Impossible Dream

The Dove

Tears Of Fear

Surrendered

A Cloud

Violins In The Dark

Spiritual Incense

If Only . . . . If Only You Want To

Broken Child

Jesus

Just Glimpses

Unplugged

Prestidigitator

Extraordinary

Cesspool Of Betrayal

Immeasurable Variables

Raw Emotions

Precious Jesus

Strike Me Down

Soft Whispers From Behind

What Is Thy Worth

A Nugget

Touched

Life Strikes Midnight

Platinum Grace

Deep Waters

Falling Down All Around

“Come” Happy Are Those Invited

Go Ahead

What Is It?

I Just Can’t Get Enough

A Place Defined

Left Behind

What Is The Color Of Hope

I Can Only Imagine

Learn To Listen To His Voice

Captured & Set Free

The Amazing Thing

Our Standing Ovation

SHORT STORIES

Heir To His Kingdom

Rendezvous With Mozart

Itsy Bitsy Little Spots

A Wounded Little Sheep

Heavenly Oasis

The Gift

That Little Ole Crumb

Oh Simple Snowman

A Princess The Moral to the Story!

Lessons Taught And Learned

In Summary How Your Decision Could Affect Your Personal Life And Our Nation !

A Love Story

A Message For Jehovah’s Witnesses!

Poetic Rhyme Divine Poetry Ministries

A Fresh and Unique Outreach Ministry, Using a combination of Testimonies, Poetry & Short Stories, As it explores the full range of Human experience In a very personal & practical way. It’s Main Purpose To bring All into a closer relationship With Jesus Christ, As our personal Lord & Savior, By helping them to find their True Identity “In Him”. A Useful Aid For A Small Unique Bible Study Group; Allowing All Participates

To Share Their Own Testimony, Personal Experiences, Scriptural References Along With Poetry Readings. Special Notations for Journaling Found at end of Short Stories (Prayer & Worship Music) (Is Strongly Suggested.) A Bible Study Theme The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 or Psalm 105:1-5 Praise The Lord! Give Thanks unto Him

For More Instructional Teachings, Visit & Comment @ Poetic Rhyme Divine Poetry Ministries.com For Prayer & Consultation Write to me @ [email protected]

Dear Readers

This publication you are about to read has been my personal journey; once leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses; now becoming Born Again in Christ Jesus. All poems were truly inspired by means of God’s Holy Spirit.

May it comfort all those in need of HOPE!

MY CONCERN

I am aware that most all Christians know that our Heavenly Father has a personal name, just as he has given all of us a personal name. However some feel that to address Him by His personal name, “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” found at (Ps. 83:18) in The King James Version & most all bible versions, should ONLY be left to the sermons of our well known pastors like John Hagee, Dr. Stanley, Joseph Youseff, etc. who in fact do use His name often.

PLEASE NOTE

I also do feel that to address our Heavenly Father as “Father” is something I find myself doing more and more as I grow closer to Him and Jesus. I can’t imagine calling my earthly father by His personal name, so it only makes sense to show the same respect to my Heavenly Father. But as a “Jehovah Witness”, we were taught to only use his personal name. But too, I now see the need to be respectful by calling Him Father, because now HAVING A NEW PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS SON, I have become GOD’S child. Before

accepting Christ, God was only my Creator, now he TRULY is my Father.

MY STRUGGLE

Do I or do I not use God’s Personal Name in my book? As I said above, these poems I have written came to me by GOD’S Holy Spirit. After much prayer as to removing God’s Personal Name & replacing it with just His title “God”, he laid it on my heart to NOT entirely remove his NAME! He revealed to me that the definition of his very name means “HE CAUSES TO BECOME”. He took me to 2 scriptures to show me that “HIS Word” The Bible was written by uneducated men who were used & inspired by him to teach, reprove, set matters straight & discipline in righteousness. (1 Tim.3:16)

He also reminded me of His Son’s words to the entire world to pray this way: Our Father, who art in heaven, Holy be THY NAME from the Lord’s Prayer.

Jesus himself said, he came to make His Father’s NAME known in line with (Ps. 83:18) which states ALL NATIONS MUST KNOW THE MOST HIGH GOD WHOSE NAME IS JEHOVAH. This however does not mean we must always refer to him by NAME! But to do so is not wrong either, after all, it is his name!

Last but not least, He took me to Revelation where it is clear that anyone who adds or takes away from his inspired scriptures would be cursed. The reason being, it came about by means of His Holy Spirit as did my Divine Poetry.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whether we as Christians call Him LORD, Father, God or Jehovah & the Jewish community refer to Him as Yahweh or by His title, “God” or the “I Am”, HE KNOWS HIS CHILDREN. What matters most is that we do KNOW HIS NAME and pray to Him through His Son, Christ Jesus, Our Lord & Savior. Jesus said He was our mediator & that we must always pray to our Heavenly Father through Him, Christ Jesus, that our prayers be heard by His Father in Heaven.

MAY OUR LORD GOD RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY

I release this publication with my faith in Him, who purposes all things for His Glory. May God the Father and God His Son, Christ Jesus, be all to all for eternity. May His will, not mine, be accomplished to all those hearts who He speaks to through “my personal journey”!

For the most part, my poems reflect my journey walking with JESUS. IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS! HE SAID, HE IS THE TRUTH, THE ONLY WAY TO EVERLASTING LIFE. He is the door Anyone who wants to come to his Father MUST come through HIS SON, JESUS! MEANING THEY MUST HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, SURRENDERING ALL THINGS TO HIM. THUS MAKING HIM FIRST IN OUR LIVES.

PRECIOUS HEARTS

Jesus is looking for hearts that want true personal relationship with Him not just religious ritual and a performance of righteousness. IT ALL STARTS WITH “HIS INVITATION” TO COME! HE STANDS AT THE DOOR OF EACH HEART AND WAITS TO BE INVITED IN. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY OF RECEIVING A BRAND NEW HEART!

COME

May you too come to know Christ as Your Personal Savior and “FALL IN LOVE” with Him as did I.

Respectfully,

JC Vance, Author of “Poetic Rhyme Divine”

MAY ALL THE GLORY OF THIS LOVE STORY GO TO MY HEAVENLY FATHER, JEHOVAH GOD AND HIS PRECIOUS SON, MY LORD & SAVIOUR, CHRIST JESUS.

Introduction

A LOVE STORY

MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY “IN CHRIST”!

MY JOURNEY

My journey is “A Love Story” which runs parallel to what we learn of Mary Magdalene and her deep love for Jesus. He touched her life with a healing of her mystery illness and transformed this hopeless woman into a new life, giving her a “new heart” that could receive and experience His “Divine love”. This same Jesus who loved her with a “pure unconditional love” changing her life forever; reached out and touched my life in the same profound way.

One quite evening many years ago, my journey began. What I now must share is “A Love Story” of sacred moments; to precious and personal to share yet to

beautiful and glorious to hide. Yes, dedicated to my Lord and Savior and Abba, my Heavenly Father with whom I abide.

IT ALL BEGAN ONE GLORIOUS EVENING IN 1988.

The darkness of night had blanketed the sky above as I lay in my bed with a longing in my heart which lay heavy as a burden within me. My life felt insignificant and empty. Looking back, I now have eyes which can see things through the eyes of my Heavenly Father. At that time, I didn’t really know what my soul was searching for, but I unknowingly was about to find out.

How can I put into words the emptiness in my heart at that time? I was so ill with no answers from the medical specialists, leaving me alone with my feelings of exasperation. I knew no one could fathom how the weakness in my body had taken me hostage, feeling no one could rescue me. That is why my love story runs parallel to Mary Magdalene’s deep love for Jesus, which began with His Touch, a healing of her mystery illness and the beginning of a “New Life” for a woman named Mary Magdalene which miraculously was now about to happen to me.

As I curled up like a little child in my bed with a prayer in my heart which I carried with me at all times, someone knocked at my door. No, not the door of my house, but the door of my heart! This happened by means of “An Invitation” from a TV ministry playing in the background which was speaking to all those listening. The Pastor who said; please, all of you who love Jesus and want to make “Him” your personal Lord and Savior, I invite you to pray with me that He will come and change you from the inside out. He loves you and sees your pain. He longs to lead you out from all that you run from. He wants to hold and comfort you and give you “His peace” that you may “Rest In Him”! Pray that “His Holy Spirit’ come into your heart & rescue you & lead you into His glorious light. He is the Only Truth, The Way And The Life. No one comes to the Father, unless He comes through Jesus, His only begotten son. Come as you

are, broken and sick, by His stripes He has healed you. Through His shed blood you’re redeemed, purchased and saved. Just believe on Him. I surrendered my life to Christ that very moment.

YOU TOO CAN ACCEPT CHRIST INTO YOUR HEART & LIFE

To those of you who are reading this story, please know it is not by coincidence. This story holds power from our most high God. He changed my life and He wants to change your life too. Trust in Him, believe with all your heart, surrender all that is precious, give it to Jesus, leave it all behind and you will find a new treasure He wants to gift you with. All you need do is receive it, accept it!

This new treasure is a “New You” as a “New Creation “In Him”! Plus many blessings he wants to bestow upon you and your life. (Eph. 4:24)

EXPERIENCING HIS “PURE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE”

Have you ever been “In Love”! Felt the burning in your heart for someone you met, know the fullness of love which takes over your entire being, leaving you breathless, exhilirated, high on joy which no words can express? If you have, you will be able to relate to what I experienced!

FIRST, ALLOW ME TO TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME TO THE YEAR OF 1975.

I had just started studing with a group of people known as “Jehovah’s

witnesses”. They were conducting a bible study with me and my husband. Through that study process, we were taught the basics of bible understanding as presented by the witnesses. There was little talk regarding Jesus Christ, much less that we are saved only by means of his shed blood. But since we were not aware of any bible truths, we accepted the scraps of knowledge given to us through this bible study.

THEN CAME AN UNEXPECTED DREAM IN 1975

ONE NIGHT, I HAD AN AWE-INSPIRING DREAM. I DREAMED I WAS IN HEAVEN AND COULD ONLY SEE A LARGE DOOR. I noticed that the door was cracked open just enough to see half of the room. It was filled with people celebrating. I thinking to myself that it was a marriage feast. Then, I pushed open the door just a little as my eyes beheld Jesus. He turned and looked at me. There I was, face to face with Jesus Christ. My immediate response rang out as an echo into the room. I said to him, Jesus, I am sooooooooo “in love” with you! With that said, I abruptly awoke and went immediately into prayer. I felt I had committed some blasphemous sin by dreaming such a dream. I asked God to forgive me. Please understand me, I knew of Jesus and had a love for Him, sort of, but “In Love”? No, nothing could have been futher from my thoughts. I had never even heard of such a notion in my whole life. It felt so wrong. How dare I, I thought to myself. I never told anyone about that dream until just recently because I was embarrassed and ashamed. Basically, I just went on with my life; afterall it was just a dream. Or So I Thought!

What happened next was that life did go on. I eventallly got baptized as one of “Jehovah’s Witnesses”. It seemed right at the time. They are a very structured organization and everyone goes by the rules. We were taught many things that seemed questionable to me, but we were not to question anything taught to us through the Watchtower Society, the headquarters for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They spoke, we listened and obeyed. As a whole, everyone dressed alike, spoke alike, and acted alike. They are righteous to a fault, as in self-righteous. Very legalistic! If any one sinned and itted to having a problem in the flesh which

they could not control on their own, they were disfellowshiped. No family or friends were allowed to talk with them, eat with them, nor help them in any spiritual way. They were considered “lost’”! They were left alone to deal with their sin, so that it didn’t rub off on the rest of the (righteous) group. They were “marked”, forever branded as weak ones, looked down upon. But the Watchtower Society convinced my family that they had the only “truth” and we needed to believe in them; the faithful and discreet slave class they called themselves. I did continue with them faithful until 1988.

NOW, FAST FORWARD AGAIN TO 1988.

As I mentioned, 1988 was the year I surrendered my life to Christ. However, I thought I could continue to walk among Jehovah’s Witnesses, but the obvious “truth” that I had become A New Creation In Christ became apparent only later in God’s perfect time. It Was A Process!

As Witnesses, we are not taught that Jesus Christ is the only truth, way and life. Instead, the Watchtower Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses taught They Were The Only “Truth”, Way And Life! If you ever left their group, you became an apostate! They do not teach that we must go to the cross and surrender ourselves to Christ so that we can receive His “Grace” through His blood which was poured out for our salvation. There is never any talk about asking Christ to come into our hearts and that Jesus stands at the door of our hearts waiting for us to invite His Holy Spirit in. In fact, we are told to remove any cross from our possession. They do not believe Jesus even died on a literal cross. We were told never to partake of the bread and the wine in remembrance of Christ’s death, only a select few, 144,000 from their group only, could attest to that calling on their life. They teach that the number or remnant going to heaven to be with Christ has already been filled in their group. The rest of them have no personal relationship with Jesus or salvation through His shed blood alone. They do not teach Jesus words of becoming “Born Again” “In Him” as recorded in (John 3:3 to 8). So as you can see, in 1988, when the Holy Spirit came upon me and I gave my life to Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, I knew I could never tell them

or I would be marked and looked down on. Once again, I just went on with life with my personal new plans in mind.

UNEXPECTED CHANGES BEGAN 1989 TO 1994

BEFORE I GAVE MY LIFE TO CHRIST, I HAD HOPED TO MOVE TO COLORADO THINKING THE CHANGE IN CLIMATE WOULD BE BETTER FOR MY HEALTH. HOWEVER, MY FUTURE PLANS SEEMED TO BE GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION! I FELT SOMEONE ELSE WAS STRANGLY NOW IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE.

AS I SAID, I HAD ALREADY MAPPED OUT MY NEW LIFE BY PLANNING TO GO TO COLORADO. NEW AIR, NEW SURROUNDINGS AND NEW LIFE I THOUGHT. I WAS JUST WAITING FOR MY HUSBAND TO RETURN FROM A TRIP. LOOKING BACK NOW, I SEE MY FUTURE PLANS OF LIVING IN COLORADO WAS NOT GOD’S DESTINY FOR ME. INSTEAD, I WAS LED TO A PLACE WHERE MY ILLNESS WAS DIAGNOSED PROPERLY AND I WAS MADE WHOLE AGAIN. ALSO, PROSPERITY FELL UPON ME OUT OF NOWHERE! THEN IN 1991, THE HOLY SPIRIT SPOKE TO ME PERSONALLY IN SCRIPTURE SAYING “WITH HIS EYES UPON ME, HE WOULD DIRECT ME IN THE WAY TO GO”! (PS. 32:8)

TOUCHED AND SET FREE MAY OF 1994

Little did I know that I was embarking on a journey with my Lord, Jesus Christ due to an experience I had in May of 1994. I was stopped as I was in prayer thanking God for my healing and my new unexpected financial prosperity. I was stopped in the middle of my prayer and was told something in both ears. I know this, not because I heard something audibly, but because my spirit was

acknowledging that I was given a spoken word as I turned my head to the left and to the right saying What!!!! (both times) To this day it has still not been revealed to me exactly what he said, but if I had to guess, I can only hope it would be something like, “you are my beloved whom I am well pleased”. For immediately after that moment, His Holy Spirit began to speak to me in my spirit many things.

GLORY MOMENTS WITH JESUS

Since that day, I have written down many poems He poured out of my heart onto paper, approximately 200 entries. He has spoken to me personally through His written word “the Bible”. He reveals things to me in my spirit before it happens. He still stops me during my prayer moments with Him to give me his spoken word of knowledge. He has revealed things to me through a hand full of prophetic dreams and visions. He continues to bring me up higher as I continue to ask. He has now, as of 2012, given me a vision in my heart for my future which I look forward to seeing manifest.

I am still journeying with Him, listening as He speaks. My love for Him continues to grow as deep calls out to deep. I long for the day that I may sit at his feet as did Mary Magdalene. As His bride, His love for me cannot be measured. No length, nor breadth, nor width, nor height can separate me from this precious love I have developed for Jesus as I walk in His light!

As you read through my inspired poems, , this was my personal journey with Jesus as He spoke words of His love to me. May you be inspired and led by His Holy Spirit to embrace His spoken words to me as I now may share my heart with you.

May you one day experience this same love story for yourselves; as deep calls

out to deep.

JESUS SAYS; I AM YOUR SHEPHERD. MY SHEEP KNOW “MY VOICE” & FOLLOW ME! (NOT MAN MADE RELIGIONS)

This is where “A Love Story” begins to unfold by means of Divine poems inspired by the Holy Spirit as I wrote what I heard in my heart each time He spoke. I had no idea I was being taught by Jesus himself as to what I was becoming “In Him”. He was showing me my new identity “In Him”! Born Again “in Christ”!

I just continued to write whatever I heard on any given day, dating each poem as I went. I also didn’t know I would be falling “In Love” spiritually with Jesus and that the dream I had in 1975 was now coming to fruition.

I WAS BEING SET APART!

Jesus has set me apart; called me out from among them, “The Witnesses” of the Watchtower Society. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I no longer am controlled by man’s teachings, but am truly “Born Again” in Christ, the hope of the glory due to the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit within me. (Colossians, chapter 1)

MARY MAGDALENE

IN THE SAME WAY OUR LORD WOULD CHOOSE A SIMPLE WOMAN, A SINNER WHO NEEDED A SAVIOR; WE ARE ALL created and called into a pure unconditional love journey with Jesus. Mary Magdalene was a woman (of low regard in her day), an outcast, or a “marked” person by those too blind to see her as significant and lovely. Even today, over 2000 years later, all of humankind, who Jesus did die for, can identify with the “Mary Magdalene” in all of us.

Then the day comes in our personal life when “Jesus” shows up and looks into our hearts with His eyes of love as we have never known love before. We are drawn into His love. We then feel his touch that changes our lives forevermore! We are brought to our knees as a humble servant sitting at the feet of Jesus, surrendering all that is precious. We are healed! We are made whole! We are “In Love”, as was she!

HOPE & THE INVITATION (YOU TOO ARE INVITED) REV. 3:20

My book features “Hope & The Invitation” to accept Christ into your hearts & begin your own personal journey with Him! It is my prayer for you that you don’t miss this opportunity to become A New Creation in Him! It is the most important decision you will ever make in your life! Choose life, choose Jesus Christ! A prayer you can say is on the front cover of this book. Please say it from your heart to Jesus. Of course do use your own heartfelt words as you pray to Him. Please pray he directs your steps after that to the right church or person to receive & confirmation of your new walk “in the light”! Trinity Broadcasting Network, channel 77 on cable channels, is the most worldwide watched station to receive upbuilding spiritual praise & worship messages & music that will encourage you to turn to places in your Bible to learn and grow into your new identity, a new creation in Christ. Begin today reading your own Bible; for the Holy Spirit will speak to you through the scriptures in a way that will open your heart that you may grow into a tree of righteousness for the Lord your God. Your name will be written in Heaven as a new citizen and child of

God. Also now you become the bride to Christ! What a glorious hope!

VISIT ME @ (POETIC RHYME DIVINE POETRY MINISTRIES BLOGSPOT.COM). EMAIL ME @ [email protected].

Love Sonnets Through The Vine; Divine!

John 15:5

Poetic rhyme divine From ultimate thoughts of mine, Sings aloud of sacred moments Too precious and personal to share, Yet too beautiful and glorious to hide. Yes Dedicated to my Lord and Savior Christ Jesus And Abba my Father with whom I abide. A journey of thoughts do flow, As I am continually brought low. As regard His promise: “with His eye upon me, He continues to direct me in the way to go.”

Psalms 32:8

May Your Will Be Done

Dear Father Jehovah God, (PS. 83:18) This New Language now in progress, I’m learning slowly; tripping, Even falling at times. But all in all, Coming to With that which is “New” In regards to you! Now A New Creation “In Christ Jesus”. As a student of Truth, I submit myself, To your every command “Letting Go” of all that is Dear. Please, Oh Father, don’t let go of my hand. Thank you For your direction by means of your Holy Spirit. Thank you For your undeserved kindness through your Precious son, Christ Jesus, My brother & Bridegroom by means of adoption. Thank you

For Our Apostle Paul’s words of wisdom In the way of The flesh warring against that of the spirit, Romans 7:14 to 25 Romans 8:23 to27 Romans 9: 1 to11 Thank you For the understanding of your Mercy,

Romans 9:14 to 24. Now coming to know in full, There is no Injustice found in you Lord God;(PS.83:18) And also being convinced as was Paul that No One nor anything can separate us from the Love of the Christ, For just as it’s been written, we are being put To death all day long, as sheep for slaughtering. For in all these things, We are coming off completely Victorious In Him who loves us. For I too, am convinced that neither death nor life nor Angels nor governments, nor things now here Nor things yet to come, Nor powers nor height nor depth Nor any other creation will be Able to separate me from your Love That is in Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior. For this reason, I ask that whatever sin I have committed Before your face, it is forgiven me;

But that in line with your purpose, All things are decided in accordance with Your Will. Not Mine!

Poetic Rhyme Divine

Expressions From Within Brought Forth

By means of our Lord’s Holy Spirit, yes, active force!

Ephesians 4:24 “A New Creation”

Inspired By J.C.Vance Beginning 1994 to 2010

Poetic Rhyme Divine Poetry Ministries blogspot.com

POEMS

All Things New

Under our New Kingship All things will become “New”. For our King himself told us; Look! He was making All Things New! (Rev.21:5) First he begins by implanting a New Spirit Within us & asks us to keep his New Commandment. This in turn causes us to put on a New Personality, Causing us to become a New Creation, Making us want to sing a New Song Of praise to our King, Due to the knowledge imparted to us regarding a New Heavens And a New Earth.

Once realizing the above, we are inaugurated into a New Covenant arrangement, Preparing us to live with our King in New Jerusalem With Our Lord & Savior, Christ Jesus.

Inspired 1994 J. C. Vance

Worlds Within Worlds

So many people, with so much to do, So many events which make up me and you. So many moments, demanding our subconscious review, As though we were spectators just examining a few, Looking on in confusion, Having no understanding, not even a clue, As why one sees things so very differently than you. There is but one world, we argue in vain, Or could we all be hopelessly insane, You surely have traveled on the same road I’ve been For I seeing you at times, if not often! If there is but one world, then why can’t you see What’s distressing, distracting and disturbing me? Yes, there is but one answer, so simple is this key, There is more than one world, One life’s journey tailored just for you & another just for me; Where we’ve resided from birth & nurtured to this day And all the answers to what separate us continue to there lay. Then there is his world, her world & their world too And worlds within worlds, just to mention a few,

That cry out for justice in all that we do, But this is for certain nothing so new, For our God himself hath told us once hearing all our tales, : after all is said and done, Love Never Fails

Inspired J. C. Vance

Your Integrity

My dear Loved ones from so long ago, You never knew me, but because of you, I know, The torment of the soul, walking in the way of righteousness, Yet feeling as though something has gone wrong, Somehow, somewhere, along the way. But forward we walk Listening to our thoughts brought back, From beyond existence as we know it, Ever marching to a place, infinite, awe inspiring images, Waiting patiently for a voice we long to hear, To unleash these bands of bondage, To bring a finale to our pathetic nothingness; To open New Scrolls where Happiness is not a mere state of mind, but completeness; Yes, Jacob, Moses, Job & Jesus, (Rom.11:5) You are my mentors for You have conquered eternity, You have come to know what I not yet or may ever know, So I look to You Because of your integrity!

Inspired 11/8/94 J.C. Vance

Rev.2:10,11 . . . Rom.15:4 . . . Rev.5:5 . . . Rev.3:12 . . . 1John5:3-5 . . . Acts3:22 . . . Gen.49:28

In Silence

In silence I continue, In silence, me and you, A language not understood But inquiry relentlessly craving Wisdom, forgiveness, and a way out if you would. I know not what I speak So I fear my mind has gone astray, My faith may in some way have faltered Only to leave me in this empty state How does one find the answer? How long does one wait? How much can one trust? Can it ever be too late? Messages from above on high As eagles go to see, Yet my flight is not as they, I’m left behind endlessly! Can anyone fully know you, Lord God? Can anyone truly understand? Is my love so insignificant?

In silence I remain Leaving all matters in your hand

Inspired 11/8/94 J.C. Vance

Heavenly

Divine Brilliance made crystal clear, Just as a bell ringing in your ear. A raging, infamous singing A choir proclaiming good news, How is one dealing treacherously on Such a day as this, To put aside the above would be remiss, Do not be as Judas Who betrayed Jesus with a kiss. What is it I’m doing? Have I lost hold of my mental faculties? Or gone beyond some invisible boundary? Tell me, you alone, Lord, Tell me, please; bring about your desire, Bring it about, Set matters straight before it is too late.

Inspired 3/21/95 J.C. Vance

Journey

Hither and thither; to and fro, Have no clue as to where I go. One place after another But as to my destination, I don’t know! The ace card has been played But I trumped it; to my enemy’s dismay. So now what, I still say. It’s not been all in vain as formally thought, But for a reason unbeknownst I’ve kicked and fought, But in the end, another message learned and taught. Though flesh appears weak, the spirit is not. Out of all nations, peoples and tongues You’ve been bought.

Inspired 8/20/95 J.C.Vance

Pearls & Lace

If an Angel appeared before your face And told of a story of Pearls and lace, What would you say? Would you hurry away, or would you stay? Peace without end, this will depend On the Angel The Lord will send. {To Jesus} Every Knee Will Bend! Be happy, my child, Of Royalty you’ve been called, Sweet and innocent With my King, now has been installed!

Inspired 8/20/95 J. C. Vance

The Wall

I’ve finished my course at great force, But how do I know? The saints march in, unblemished from sin, Sanity in question, yet points amply made Yes, a foundation is now laid. (Christ Jesus) Many come and go Garments of laden snow For this I now know. Feelings from within so deep, Now utterances made known do seep. To what do I owe this insanity? From any spirit other than My Lords, I do flee! A scale of justice undermines The unwillingness of man to fully understand What appears to some as many signs! I fear I’ve come to an end in some way,(The Old Me) For I’ve hit a wall I have to say. Something new, but all along I knew! (A New Me) 20 yrs. faithful I’ll underscore, the door was open in May of 94. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior,

Today And Forevermore!

Inspired 9/8/95 J. C. Vance

(Dedicated to being set apart & set free) From the watchtower society and their teachings

Holy Of Holies

There is a place where few have gone Where all is pure, above and beyond, An innermost compartment filled with a bread To remind his people by Jehovah God they were fed, A place where only a priest once dare tread! This place was the home of our most Holy God, A temple, a tabernacle for prayer So sacred, a select few only would dare To enter or touch what Jehovah says, “prepare”! An altar to sacrifice, a container filled with manna The ark of the covenant His reminders, from his first to his 10th commandment Now has been fulfilled by His Son Christ Jesus By His Father, He was to us sent. That through His shed blood We all now can come not just some!

Inspired Spring Of ’96 J.C.Vance

Waiting To Exhale

I’m now relaxed from head to toe, To the ocean with My God I now will go. As I watch the wave crash in With its worries and woes, I’m mindful of what everyone knows; Those very same waves Will go back out, And that’s what life is all about. So cry if you must For you are made from dust, To allow yourself to cry, Is your heart’s way to cleanse and purify. Never again will anything ever devastate Or debilitate, For Jesus alone Does control my fate! Peace and happiness is never too late! Peace is just a state of mind, One I can surely find,

To let go of the past Is to heal at last

Inspired 1/18/96 J. C. Vance

A “New” Creation

Make a list of all your pain Then switch to another lane, Turn it around “Reverse” if you would, See a “new” side Where peace will reside! Each choice you have made, A foundation you have laid, (Jesus) So look with insight And pray with all your might! The past is now gone, Only the future lies ahead, No calamity will befall you, You need no longer dread!

Inspired 1/26/96 J.C.Vance

Through The Eyes Of Understanding

Ezekiel the prophet Is with us yet today And this is why I find myself Here to say, A very long time Has come and gone And yet the message remains the same; Hither and thither, to and fro, The eyes of Jehovah, our Heavenly Father Throughout the earth continue to go, As to the outcome, Only our “True God” can know!

Inspired 2/6/96 J.C.Vance

In Memory Of Christ’s Death

It occurred to me; one glorious day in the future All Kingdoms will be done away with, Leaving only that which will bring happiness, So why not take this time to show The utmost intentions of the heart by telling others Of this day we know Surely your death was meaningful enough, To bring about peace for all of us, So why these tears or why our fears, Aren’t all things in your hand to give or take For all who hears? Death is not to be mourned over, but to be joyous, For in death, we are made alive in you, To be part of this incoming spectacle For the entire world to witness For us, a saving unto a place of that which we know, An event we wouldn’t want to miss!

Inspired 3/15/96 J. C. Vance

Be Still

A message has been given That this is His will, Soon all before his throne Every knee will kneel. Until Then, All Be Still! In the quietness of the mind Peacefulness will reside. Show only love and be kind. Let nothing stumble, For to fall would bring pain! You’ve come this far, for some reason, Only in Time this knowledge you’ll gain.

Inspired 3/15/96 J. C. Vance

A “New” Place

Today begins another saga Of what was once unknown To come within this interpretation Takes a boldness Beyond what I know! But forever I yearn to do what is best Allowing Jesus to do the rest As in any relationship, Take things slow Accept his promises, rest “In Him”, ing You can only know what you know!

Inspired 4/23/96 J.C.Vance

Melody Made Clear

A journey from here to there As you listen you’ll know where, An angel takes us by the hand Across the ocean to another land! Slowly, gently we sail through the air, Feeling the comfort of warm tropical breezes Through our hair, Leaving behind not even a care Our eyes behold a sight of astonishment, then fear! Now, anticipation heightens as we behold a Miraculous brightness blinding us and bringing All to our knees to listen and hear As we shyly look up, our hearts are filled With a completeness; a happiness we’ve Never experienced as we’ve known it, ever, anywhere! We reach forward and upward, Then From “within” us exudes a “rushing” and “hurrying” That again takes us into flight.Onward floating toward such an array of Celestial light,

A vision seen by John, There are no words for such a sight! Even the moon, sun and stars, Our earth’s delight, Cannot compete, for they themselves are In subjection under our King’s feet! Imagine this and all His brothers we’ll meet.

Inspired 5/l4/96 J. C. Vance

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of Hosts, The Heavens and Earth Are filled with your glory, Hosanna in the Highest, Blessed is he who comes In the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the Highest!

Inspired 5/23/96 J. C. Vance

A Bride

Pearls and Lace, A Marriage to take place, An Angel stands before your face And tells of a story of a Royal Race A story line familiar For I wrote of it before, But now “New” attention Has added even more! (2 cor. 5:17) explains a Union with Christ As Husbandly Owner Qualifies one as “A New Creation”, The putting away of all that is old This can only be by JESUS told As these messages continue to unfold A Creation made New, now serving The Lord With Heavenly life in View!

Inspired 5/23/96 J. C. Vance

My Inner Room

Welcome to my inner room Where His Holy Spirit does consume, Where peacefulness excels all thought, Where we are fed and loved and taught. A place so quiet, you’d love it here, No calamity will befall you, not even fear. Just close your eyes and imagine you’re here, Whenever you’re burdened And need to relax without a tear. Not all are invited, so feel privileged my darling dear, To be so blessed to be part Of what you’ve felt right from the start. Yes, welcome to my Inner Room Where His Holy Spirit does consume

Inspired 6/6/96 J. C. Vance

A ‘New’ Song

We can only guess in regards this “New song”, One that is sung all day long, A new language so pure; A language Taught by only our Lord and Savior for sure! Not all get to master The language or the song, But the songs are only praises Coming from our heart, Understanding this pure language Is only the start Holy Spirit is our trainer, As gold is refined, As treasures filled with gemstones, We search until we find The all encoming wisdom Reflecting our Heavenly Father’s mind

Inspired 6/6/96 J.C.Vance

Out Of Nothing At All

Remnants upon remnants made out of nothing at all Trumpets sound out an unexpected call A little of this, a little of that Absolutely out of nothing at all. Only from an almighty power could we behold, So many stages with so many phases Continuing out of nothing at all Look up, look down, look all around Everything and anything Always something to be found From out of nothing at all What is this “new” feeling Emptiness now gone, nothing to again dread, From my Lord God alone I am now personally taught and fed. Constantly, forever and completely Yet from the majority will be said, “Insanely” derived out of absolutely nothing at all!

Inspired 6/17/96 J.C.Vance

On The Road To Damascus

A light from heaven descends upon Saul, A man from the nations renamed as Paul, To him now came a mighty call! First to be blinded, he had to be In order to recognize His Lord most fully, Yes, he had to be led, in order for him to see! But in the end, a work specially designed For only Paul had been dealt with In a way Not even his brothers in that day, Knowing is “rep” Could readily accept; But now through his many writings, We also his brothers know a secret that’s been kept, Only to those discreet and faithful Will this unique understanding and challenge be met.

Inspired 6/17/96 J.C.Vance

Memory Recall Bespeaks “Yahweh”

Particle man is what I am, Particles of dust and scummy dross, Particle memory capability not much! For adam’s sin made man as such. But when his Holy Spirit Teaches me something “new”, Memory recall is so exact That nothing escapes my notice, And my memory never does lack! Yes, memory recall bespeaks Yahweh, Father; For perfection, since not yet achieved by me Gives evidence, That there is no way all these facts Can be mere coincidence!

Inspired 6/17/96 J.C.Vance

The Presence Of Almighty God

The very presence of our Father Jehovah Is as deep waters spreading its liquified Protective wings over us, Never knowing what we truly are Until our finale in death What is this presence of his Spirit? Are we to question what we do not understand Fully at any given time Only the angels in mid heaven know and see What mentally appears like endless chattering to me Look around, look around Everywhere you look The presence of the Lord, His dealings with me, everywhere Could fill a book! Odd to many, these happenings may seem to be, As Moses must have felt, It took a burning bush for him to see! Or What about Saul, blinded by a light,

He was in darkness all through the night. Then There was Ba’laam who unknowingly became part Of an instance where a donkey had to speak In order to reach his heart! Also Let’s not forget, Abram and Sarah who scoffed At the promise that at such an old age A son to them is born! Yes, they themselves laughed, Would not you today, if told this, also surely scorn! Yes, many through the years have questioned The workings of Jehovah God; Whether it be them or it be me What my Lord God purposes to become will come to be. When the power of His Spirit operates, Oh so beautiful as within us, His Holy Spirit relates.

Inspired 6/17/96 By J.C.Vance

Things Of The Earth

The very thing I am made of The dust of our earth, The very thing I once yearned for Is now accursed. Even the beauty of what I see and love Cannot compare To the gloriousness of a promise Now the Holy Spirit does bear. Death once feared Has now disappeared A longing for a place Only in my dreams Have I come face to face. Anxieties though present Are shielded by his grace For today is only the beginning Of a “new” human race. Jesus, I thank you for allowing me To run in this spiritual race.

Inspired 7/9/96 J.C.Vance

Tell Me, Please

How well I’ve come to know you, My precious Lord, Your teachings and dealings By means of your Holy Spirit within me swell. So much to yet get in touch with, To understand, to comprehend, In order to others tell; Of a holiness, a gloriousness, unreachable; For all other imaginations In comparison would pale. Expressions from within brought forth, By means of your Spirit and active force For what am I to know Of things such as these If not from you, then who Tell me, please!

Inspired 7/9/96 J.C.Vance

Obsession Of Question

Obsessed far and beyond what mentally I see Is a hunger, a craving, of any obsession can be! The deepest of thoughts where Jesus does reside, A wisdom so refined as I read and define. Have you ever watched a tree begin to sway, It’s peaceful dance, a message it does convey! All creation working together, Even including the weather, The wind can be forceful or gentle as it blows, One can’t help but wonder what mysteries it knows, Traveling such long distances; listening as it goes. Birds in mid heaven just scattered from a tree; Did something startle them Or were they whispered a secret Taking them into flight with their friend; the wind! Wild flowers, clothed with the hand of an artist, An array of fastidious styles and color, Do they too speak to each other? I wonder! The tides of the sea push their way to display

A crashing sound to astound Mighty in power Compared to the flower Could they too be aware of the hour? A new creation, now underway, Part of a sacred secret now made known in the Lord’s day! No wonder even the leaves prance with joy, Think they know? they just may!

Inspired 7/18/96 J.C.Vance

Reflections

Jesus, my Lord is made whole By Reflections of our inner most soul, Deep down beneath Where only our God himself does reach. A place most never do go For a reason only they themselves know, But to God all things are made manifest, In me, in you, and in all the rest! To ignore this fact is but a fool. In our “imperfections” lies the key Of what our “secret” person of the heart can be Searching through and through Until you arrive coming to know the “true” you. Not a mere covering worn for others to see, But a “trueness”, We seek earnestly and wholeheartedly. For in our weakness, we are made strong, Durable as in fine white linen, And by means of this, we can’t go wrong,

For in my heart, I now sing a new song!

Inspired 7/28/96 J.C.Vance

Once Upon A Moment

In Between the pages of our personal journal Lies a silence, Lies a pleading, For what we want to accomplish Within the boundaries we permit. Why? We’re not really sure! We search through and through, Looking, praying, longing, awaiting The answers to unfold in some enchanting way, Which will in turn release us From our torment, our decay Yet, unknown to us Are all the mysteries entangling us in Such a methodical web, Yet to the divergent observer, How very easily we’re read. Like an open book One glances upon us to take a look, What to us is just too unique to visualize,

Once upon a moment; We accelerate our efforts to forgo our demise!

Inspired 9/2/96 J. C. Vance

Abba, Father

I’m reminded of a moment in time Unequaled in significance To any other referenced moment of any kind. Christ’s destiny coming to a completion, As to His purpose He had in mind Respecting all humankind Hours of torment, Now come to an abrupt end, As the curtain of the Tabernacle Is in two now found rent, Yes, Top To Bottom A message is clearly sent, This Truly Was Jehovah’s Only begotten son Seeing his accomplished will Being done, Exits our world with his victory won, As he expires, the words he does utter, Abba, Father!

Inspired 9/l0/96 J. C. Vance

Adoption Underway

A continuing of things learned

A child is born! For all creation to see adorn, But special emphasis now given No longer can I be torn From this way and that way Leaving me so forlorn. What made no sense, As regards this poem, Today what was shown to me Is so immense. As Paul spoke words to his brothers The Galatians, I too have the knowledge, That in the course of time, a child conceived For the purpose of a woman to receive, Would release by purchase What we all once lost due to Eve, But then too, we in turn,

Might receive the adoption as sons, For in Christ’s death, we are made alive, When the full limit of the time did arrive; A New “Hope” I now & forever will yearn for so precise, Now That I Know That I Am “Born Again” In Christ.

Inspired 9/12/96 J. C. Vance

In Due Time

Another year has come and past us by, But still awaiting “our Lords” restitution That we’ve come to rely, By which “All” will benefit from his Ransom The very reason He did suffer and Die. But yea, yes, yet today, We still in vain wish to remain In accordance with all his wishes he’s yet to relay, Only to release our hearts from the sadness He himself knows so well, As he emphasizes, relates, by the story he does tell. In “Oneness” we stay forever by his side, Waiting in expectation of “New Things” for which to abide, How can I know of these things? Have I in some way been justified? I, again, write what I hear, As though being whispered something peculiar in my ear, But write I must, for not to I fear That all of the above has had a lost meaning This special year

Always in touch, this is his way, How else could his Spirit connect with mine today? As in the past, longings made known, In Due Time this seed will be sown.

Inspired 3/24/97 J. C. Vance

Oh . . . So Beautiful

Oh . . . . so beautiful through your eyes, A place inside I’ve come to realize That all’s been said in your behalf Though appearances are “madness”, many will laugh. But, I alone know what you have given A “Jewel” Oh . . . so beautiful! My mind ascends above to a place I know, As you speak in of “Love” to friend and foe, Never will I again be the same For I’ve entered into silence from where Jesus, himself came Quietness, stillness Allowing all to speak their mind in accordance with your “Name” A “Jewel” Oh . . . so beautiful! What position can I possibly now take? Now the gloriousness of what I see causes my heart to ache, To bring to a finale all injustices which causes such pain, For this again is why, you yourself came For now “In Oneness” we walk From the beginning to the end, listening carefully as you talk, A “Jewel” Oh . . . so beautiful!

No reason to argue, no reason to dispute, What’s put in motion must follow suit, For not my will, but yours, do tell, Secrets from above on high, so mysteriously fell, Leaving traces of gemstones, glittering prisms round about Highlights of your wisdom and trueness, there leaves no doubt, A “Jewel” Oh . . . so beautiful!

Inspired 3/29/97 J.C.Vance

Joy

As I sit upon my bed, By your Divine Spirit of what is read, I find myself ever endlessly fed. A New “Joy” has entered within my loins, Girded for battle, united in spirit With you, our spirits unitedly s. The allegations of those who make their claim, For them is the reason for which you came, For us, our spirit and yours, a oneness, one and the same. I’m motivated to write that which I hear, Words with peculiar meaning found within our atmosphere, But just the same, my pen is given wings To hurry along the words to a song, as one sings. This “New Song” I knew not, but now is made clear, As when falling in love, one writes a poem for one dear, This “New Song” is the poem given in melody of Good Cheer, A song sung all day long to our Lord Jesus, oh so clear!

Inspired 3/30/97 J.C.Vance

Peacemakers

Blessed are the Peace Makers, For the Kingdom to them belong. Blessed are the Peace Makers, For they “Alone” sing a “New Song”. Blessed are the Peace Makers, The Glory of “The Lord’s” splendor unites us strong. Blessed are the Peace Makers, As we together fight to do what’s right, Reverse the wrong!

Inspired 3/30/97 J. C.Vance

Mount Zion

A Mountain, your Kingdom, We forever aspire! A “Calling” so unique, There is none higher. So blessed be us children, Now knowing Jehovah/ Yahweh as “Abba” our Father Heavenward our thoughts ascend, Now having His Holy Spirit as our helper and friend An arrangement now in force, Redefining our daily course Never shall we stumble and fall, ing our heaven bound call. To please Our Lord God is our only desire, To have a personal relationship with Jesus he does require, To be part of a grand orchestra, His heavenly choir Yes, A Mountain, your kingdom, We forever aspire! To be chosen to reign with Christ Jesus, your son, To be kings and priests

Due to his death, Jesus said, It Is Done!

Inspired 3/30/97 J. C. Vance

Over The Rainbow

A “Waterworks” Display, even yet today, Droplets of Rain dances to say, To replenish the earth is Our Fathers Way. Then, out from behind a cloud once dark, A ray of sunlight as once did shine on Noah’s Ark, To remind “The New Creation” by means of this, A Covenant Arrangement sealed with a kiss! Yes, a light so bright, Reflecting Jehovah’s Almighty Might, Producing an extravaganza of colors, Journeying from here to there, All our precious gemstones cannot compare. A stairway to Heaven, bowed as an arch, Connecting our world to his, onward we march, To a place we have hoped for and heard of, Our home, which awaits us, we’re greeted with love. Our brothers before us are already there, Where blue birds fly without a care Harps chime melodiously to poetic rhyme, Singing songs of no more sickness or crime

Soft warm breezes of wind Comforts and heals our wayward sin, Myriads of Angelic hosts, so pure, Line up to direct and complete our tour, For at the end of this Rainbow is for sure, An Emerald City leading to Christ’s Celestial Throne Where “In Due Time”, yes, our “seed” will be sown, Then all of Creation will benefit, And to all, The Lord’s Name will be known!

Inspired 4/4/97 J.C.Vance

Promises Made; Promises Kept

Promises made, Promises Kept, By means of your Holy Spirit even as I slept. Now comes a day, once unknown, That “the seed” is now being sown But, will I be loyal as called upon to be, Only in time all the angels in mid heaven will see. Can you be as asked to be? Holy acts of conduct befitting repentance consciously Awaken, my child, as I unfold All things of glory as once was told, Not so very long ago, by faithful men of old. Yes, Moses, Jacob, Job & Jesus, They are your mentors, For you have fought the fine fight to be righteous Only to find much must yet be found as riches, Yes, treasures upon treasures, Not here on earth, but of course in heaven, our home As Yahweh, Our Heavenly Father assures!

Inspired 4/11/97 J.C.Vance

In Harmony

In you, Father, we all are blessed, By means of your Holy Spirit all will be manifest, In me and in all the rest How can I see what others do not? Can I be blessed in a way that does blot? Yes, blot out all that was born onto me Through Adam’s sin does lay the key. What else does come with all your wisdom? Pain resulting in refining measures does come, But not all will hear or know, only some! I’m eager as always to learn something “New”, For now I know it comes from only you, Words, phrases, numbers or color, Makes no difference, one or the other, For a picture is placed before my face, As always, bringing me to another “New Place”

Inspired 4/16/97 J.C.Vance

A Vision

A blurred and hazed picture I have come to see Is nothing but a fine tuned projector Focused now just for me How can this be? As I continue to be taught Yet to this day I find myself left not. For you remain by my side in all array! A play of all plans Such a Divine secret now demands My constant attention A legacy now at hand

Inspired 6/23/97 J.C.Vance

Sweet Whispers

Sweet Whispers, Sweet Whispers Speaking softly everywhere, Searching for someone yet who still may care, Unknowingly being blown from here to there Amidst an angry tempest of winds blowing our way Due to the heavy message it does bear! Yet, there remains the thought of many who say To the mindset of a generation now living in the Lord’s Day, Sweet Whispers, Sweet Whispers Of truth we are giving away, Sweet Whispers so soft one must hush to hear Its harpist strumming cords of melody to someone dear An innocent soul must still remain near, But will they recognize the voice behind the whisper so clear. Sweet Whispers, Sweet Whispers Singing praises in one’s ear Of glad tidings and good cheer, A comfort to all who will listen and hear Of “New” things to come, no longer will one fear! Sweet Whispers, Sweet Whispers

Sacred secrets sprinkled about, To a generation in history To whom is being revealed this mystery Of prophetic sayings now coming to completion; All get prepared for “Our Lord’s” restitution.

Inspired 6/27/97 J.C.Vance

Well . . . There It Is

So simple a statement said in jest But to my ear, an enigma now solved, Yes a mystery, as per my request. A Violin, how it soars in the background, Taking on a towering flight, a lofty accent Can you hear as I do its beauty sound? Only interrupted timidly by the flute How my love has evolved as this seedling Anticipatively takes root. Oh How my heart longs For what these piano keys do play, Can you understand the meaning behind the words? So very much they say. As I gaze beyond and above this music call, How could I possibly question any longer that my world Has collided with your king you did install. A oneness I cannot deny To sit beside you forevermore, I do rely. Your Spirit does consummate our union unite, As my spirit says, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, 7 times, yes

I accept your proposal tonight. For yes, now I know all is right. Time for Me Stands Still, As I search forever to do your will!

Inspired 8/18/97 J.C.Vance

The Rose

Elegance, beauty beyond first stare For within lies a fragrance which lingers for one fair, A radiant flower, none other can compare For of Royalty, this one, so rare! Its decadent robes are worn so proud, Celebrated by all the colors of the rainbow, sing aloud, Lavished in velvet; perfection endowed. From a bud to the opening of this graceful heir, One dare not it by without embracing its flare, Leaving only a hint of the knowledge; we’re aware, We’ve been in the presence of ruler ship and dignity A name “The Rose” does bear!

Inspired 9/22/97 J.C.Vance

Why Me Lord

Why me, I ask still patiently, Why me, Lord, I still can’t see, Thy purpose in it all For I stand before you grief ridden with many a flaw, Knowing I must soon reply to your mighty call. But Lord, why me, I’m so unworthy, I still fall. Yet day after day, your words speak, come! I can’t understand where these feelings flow from, If not from you, then all is lost, For without you, what a cost! Answer me please, talk with me once again In a way only you can Telling of things I long for eternally. But Lord, I still ask, why me? I really just can’t see.

Inspired 9/25/97 J. C. Vance

Your Will Has Been Accomplished

All’s been heard, all’s been said, It shouts off the page With all your sacred words repeatedly read. The end is near, There is nothing more clear We have been pawns on a chess board Being moved all in accord All this time, just a game, Though we were not in control We were “tested” just the same. Now we live with the consequences Of our do’s and our don’ts, Turning our attention now to our Master; Making again promises of our future wont’s Our list, it grows long Of all that’s gone wrong, Though the bottom line reads so simple To the blind man or the fool, What you purpose must come to be Your will has now been accomplished,

But for only those who seek, will they come to see.

Inspired 10/26/97 J.C.Vance

How Does One Judge

How does one judge today a man? By what measure must his mind expand? How valiant must he show himself to be? What distance shall he run? Showing his integrity Should loyalty and trueness be weighed in some way? In order to balance the scale Against his sinful decay Really, Now, since life began, How does one judge today a man?

12/97 J.C.Vance

Landmines

A Bridge, a Majestic Castle A far off, a King does rule My travels, they’ve brought me here A place carefully guided, yes navigated, Once promised to me, tis now many a year. Wisdom calls out “Freedom” I’ve exhausted all avenues in search of this kingdom. A distant voice “still” beacons . . . . Come! Cautious entreaty holds me withdrawn, For night has again fallen, I must sleep until dawn, Awakening to further instruction to carry on What direction shall I go? Landmines hidden craftily beneath the snow If only wings could be provided me, Into flight, upward then onward I’d be Forever leaving these dangers I long to flee To cross over this field of landmines To one day forever Be free.

Inspired 1/1/98 J.C.Vance

Amazing Grace

Miles ahead; shimmering snow capped life frozen at rest, Latent with dangerous obstacles presenting a test, I’m now awakening to the obvious, Jehovah knew best, For in my dreams, my mind drifted to a place brand “New”, A place of serenity existing in the presence of he who, By means of his Holy Spirit & Divine purpose instilled “hope” A faith, in spite of my exhausting travels, I managed to cope. As do all the rest, when faced with their trial, In lieu of these tests, there can be no denial, For eventually spring does arrive on time, Showing his “Amazing Grace” covering all imperfect crime, Yes, melting away one season for another to find, What lies beneath the glistening snow, is a beauty of another kind. A “Secret Garden” Now soon will grow, challenging the most imaginative mind. But I’ve prepared my way to sail at last, Taking advantage of snow-melting waters flowing fast, Carrying me afloat saying farewell to the past Once “Safe” upon the shores on the other side,Finally “Safe” in my Father’s house, I’ll forever reside.

But to you my brothers, I tell you true, If ever perplexed & cramped, seeming no way out for you, Listen & be still, for in “Christ” due time You’ll be shown a new route, The Key . . . . Trusting in His “Amazing Grace” erases all doubt!

Inspired 2/12/98 J.C.Vance

My Jubilee Year

Tonight I see what seems so rare, Thoughts do come from out of nowhere, But yet I see a “New” life shown, One that only The Lord knows alone. That which is obsolete to other men, But to me is given speech to defend, All that will come my way, Those who will challenge me today But not all’s been lost, for now I further know, What’s all along has been coming in slow A year, the 50th, a year of good cheer, Can today be seen now more clear. All’s been leading up to this moment, Yes, a time of reckoning now currently spent, Taking that which has been given before, Adding all things together now meaning more Than any amount of gold or silver Is the message I hear and feel with all fervor? On this, My Jubilee Year!

Inspired 3/3/98 J.C.Vance

How Long Is An Hour

A bell chimes, a clock ticks, The conception of a child, From within its mother kicks, On a table bear, Lay but one item placed with care. An Hour Glass; Simplistic, yet, Handled with utmost respect, Its presence leaves some, who fret, And yet As each granule of sand does seep, Oh so slow, but with utter assurance, Time does fleet. We cast our lots into the air, And wait to see how in life we’ll fare. But wait . . . . Who’s in charge of “Our Hour Glass” laid there Do we realize the significance of such design? T’was it just a man Who did lay it on that table bare?

With that of a human hand And that of a human mind Or is it in place by means of a higher plane, That which is in need of No Man to explain In order to “Rekindle Love”, One need not time to produce Money, Deed, nor Fame, For let us not forget why Jesus came. T’was not to cast stones, nor to hold blame, Not to say that all mankind can live without shame, But, still, to redeem his loved ones all the same. From afar He watches as “Our Hour” ticks by, Keeping of all things, which is why We need not worry nor fret over this or over that, ing by faith things can change In a twinkling of an eye It may look to us like the sands near gone And “Our Hour” is up, But who sets the boundaries above and beyond. Of course, it’s the one, who is almighty in power, Who can say to the clock “Stand Still?”

Or to the glass “Refill”, For yet One more Hour!

Inspired 5/3/98 J. C. Vance

Uninvited! . . . . No! . . . . Unconceivable!

“Free Will” has been the “Missing Link”, For until this moment, I refused to think, That such a test would be given, In order for us still living, To taste “The Gloriousness” Of which is Divine Only in the end to find, You’re no longer invited to dine, A “Hope” which was once mine Uninvited, No, Inconceivable! To entertain such thought is but a fool. Uninvited, No, Inconceivable! I “Refuse” to be a “Missing Link”, Due to “Free Will” I Know I will one day drink, Yes with you to one day Dine Will forevermore Be this eternal “Hope” of mine! Your Spirit came along one day Unexpected and touched me,

Opening my mind now to see, Uninvited, No, Inconceivable! A Completed Book of convincing thoughts, Have branded your promises into me As forevermore, Unforgettable!

Inspired 12/98 J.C.Vance

With You On My Mind

Jesus, I stand before you, Broken into a million pieces, Fragmented, torn, perplexed, blemished too. Send forth your finest of angelic troops With eyes of the eagle to gather me up, Sweep me into my skin bottle you’ve been saving, Where all my tears have been kept uncorrupt Ashes for beauty, an eye for an eye, Grant me my wings that I may now fly, Over my rainbow, leaving behind, All sinfulness and daily matters of every kind Your goodness shines before me, A light of warmth calling me free, I long to come home now please, it’s time, For the magnitude of options used to refine, Has replenished my thoughts, Giving me strength for my heaven bound trip, With you on my mind

Inspired 6/17/98 J.C.Vance

Papa

A dark cloud fills a room with unexpected “Stark Reality” Something is amiss here within me. The coldness of a frosted winter’s night Would be as a warm kiss of summer’s sunlight, Compared to the frigidity felt today, Emitted by a loved one In such a harsh disrespectful display Piercing stabs to my heart, Mentally ingrained now, Permanently etched as hypnotic art Papa, why can’t I see what lesson you’re trying to teach me

Inspired 2/7/99 J.C.Vance

Not Any Ole Shoe Will Do

Thus we wisely try to fit our shoe For comfort we must find! Wise you say . . . . , No, not in the Lord’s Day, So little we know The shoe of comfort will not always measure the distance we can go, Nor who we really are, our pretty shoes doesn’t always show, But “True Wisdom” comes from wearing that tattered shoe too, This I know for sure, It’s not always walking in comfort nor appearing in a beauty shoe. Surely by now you too can see; not any ole shoe will do, But only wearing that insignificant haggard shoe Your brother’s worn for any length of time; loyal and true. Yes, for this alone will determine the innermost you!

Inspired 2/12/99 J. C. Vance

A “New” Covenant

Lord God, I enter into this Holy arrangement With my mental faculties intact, Listing all reminders you’ve given me Knowing “My Calling” and “New Hope” is a fact. I humbly lay before you, With arms outstretched, asking your forgiveness in lieu Of my need to be cleansed brand new, Yes, cleansed from head to toe, As I enter into this Sacred Arrangement, I willingly go, Giving myself over to you to show As a witness before friend and foe, That all may undoubtedly know That I belong to the Christ as my husbandly owner, A “New” Creation now united To forever obey, respect and honor, Till death we not part, But together, forever, I promise to Love with all my heart. I thank you Father for all’s been taught, Again, I beg your forgiveness That I now be bought

From amongst all the nations, For “My Battle” has been finally fought, Yes, 5 years long.

Inspired 3/21/99 J.C. Vance

A “Supreme” Justice

A “New” life begins following a sacred night, Where the Holy Spirit allowed all to be right, But now comes another day, beginning my new life With many more lessons to yet be learned, As Christ Jesus symbolic wife (Ish.54:5-8) Yes, discipline to wipe clean any “Old” blemishes “Still Showing”, Which are left over from a sinful course, “All Now Knowing”, That along with this “New Covenant” comes a “Supreme” justice, Giving my “New Hope” a reality forever branding us, Leading “The Way”, as Our Lord always has done, Not knowing the future, but still in the race I do run. I pray, Father, you shorten our time as to be tested, For I now realize, more than ever, how weak is my flesh, Even though I’ve rested, But I’m filled with rejoicing from within my spirit, For Lord, I feel you here within me, but not due to my merit, But in Christ I am joyous, that he has made clean, All sinfulness we as humans contend with and to all mankind is seen. But happily I accept your Heavy Judgment of Loving Discipline, That once I’ve been reckoned with,

Hopefully this race I’ll yet win! (Rom.6:11 & Rom.6:1-23) Praise be to Jehovah my Father and his Son, Christ Jesus, The Most High “Supreme” Judge throughout all the earth (PS.83:18)

Inspired 4/16/99 J.C.Vance

(DEDICATED TO BECOMING “BORN AGAIN” IN CHRIST)

While I Lay Sleeping

A phone chimes, a poem rhymes, Spiritual instruction speaks from within, As my enemy prepares a snare fertile for sin Sunrise comes without letup, Dangers lingering ready to erupt, In this death-like state, I strive to survive, But I had to experience death in order to come alive, For in Christ, a Kingdom soon to arrive Years of momentous events now unveiled, Days lasting long beyond what I beheld, A necessary arrangement made in my behalf, In order to redeem me, that none may laugh, (Ps.78:42) Much wisdom comes, just in time, As foretold in advance, Time answers all crime! An awareness now bringing me into place, That my long awaited “Marriage” illustrated by Pearls & Lace, Can soon begin anew, a life as Jesus’s symbolic wife, So much has been taught; I had to grow to gain eternal life. May I never again find myself left “Lone”, For now My Lord’s seed has been permanently sown.

Inspired 5/20/99 J.C.Vance

Based on {Matt.13:24 to 30}

The Invisible Thread

So rare, this cord; mi’nute in width, Dangles from above, the longest in length, Connected together by means of a chain, Link after link, extending into our world From our heavenly father’s domain The strength of this thread is what staggers me most, Suspending me high, alongside our most heavenly host Though seeming weightless, this invisible thread Is capable of holding me in place; Keeping me from going ahead! As each storm begins to erupt, Its wind shows its anger as it tries to corrupt This thread like substance, finer than fine, Continually holds me in place, with an “invitation to dine” As I drink from this cup. This intricate lace, fragile-woven thread rope, Cannot even be seen under mankind’s most scientific microscope, But, oh how it would fascinate the most intellectual of minds, If they were only aware of its existence, Yes, aware of the times.

But this remarkable thread was not given to them To see or to know, Their wisdom is not wise as those “in Christ”, They are not his friend, but an unknowingly foe, But to the insignificant one seen as having little value, It is given this privilege to behold what is visible To only a select few! The path we walk is narrow and does cramp, But as his bride, we are auspiciously given each our own lamp, For every year the Lord’s evening’s meal arrives on time, As we prepare ourselves to meet our bridegroom, How keenly we are aware that to allow our lamps to go out Would be the ultimate crime! It’s not long now before we unite, With our minds on his kingdom, ing that our lamp’s purpose is to shed “new” light! Now as His healing ransom holds us in place, By means of this divine thread, We too know by his holy spirit we are continually fed. At long last, When his long awaited day and hour does arrive

Then; all mankind, “a new creation”, will once again thrive. As his bride, we so long for his day, To be forever together; by his side to stay! Until then; by faith not by sight, We will continue to walk in “the way”!

Inspired 4/12/2000 J.C.Vance

Expectations

Just keep breathing, step by step, No more grieving, time’s up, you’ve wept, Surrender to acceptance with gratitude, On your road to recovery, begin renewed, Dislocated Love is a fact, no looking back! A continued journey far reaching in sight, Steadfast with My Lord, doing what’s right, Follow the path as he lays it straight, Knowing all is in his hand, not left to fate. Make life count, what time is left for you, ing: A “New Creation” now long overdue No expectations, Our Fathers magnificence overrides, As my depression, anxiety & stress subsides.

Inspired 8/6/00 J.C.Vance

Listen To The Silence

Three a.m., my feathered friends, not a chirp! Not a cricket to be heard. Listen to the stillness . . . . My mind continues to replay & record, Words formally taught by my Lord. Listen to the fear . . . . It’s loudness, excruciating to my ear, Coming to , accepting with gratitude, That which is foreign, I try to allude. Listen to the sadness . . . . It seeps out through the walls, Something heavy, someone calls. Listen to the joy . . . . Myriads of angels in mid heaven, Wings clamoring, The stirring of a soft breeze they employ. Listen to the peace . . . . Jehovah, my Father speaks; His Holy Spirit surrounds me, Jesus my Lord smiles upon me

His sweet release!

Inspired 8/7/00 J.C.Vance

Spiritually Saddened

Today marks a sound from above, One that comes in the way of love, Long sharp tongues laughing in tune, How can I understand this soon! A dear one long past, long gone, Pain reeks from within as I sing my new song, From here I walk along, Knowing everything seems so wrong, Will I continue to walk before the throng? Mysteries upon silence leading to this day, As always, My Heavenly Father Continues to lead the way, A word, a thought from out of nowhere, Letting me know how much he does care! My tears flood my inner most soul, Questions never ending, filling an empty hole, How much I gave up in behalf of this test, How will I fare as I continue to do my best. Trust has now disappeared from the face of the earth, Everything I have nurtured to this day from my birth,

All is in question, all is suspect, All that was pure has now turned derelict! I’m saddened beyond anything I’ve known, As I continue to reap what I have sown, I’m shackled with an invisible bond, Keeping me safe from any oncoming con, I thank you, Father, for all battles won.

Inspired 11/7/00 J.C.Vance

The Dream Of A Dream

Dreams are what come deep in the night, Some are so sweet Some leave you in freight. But the dreams of the day Are the dreams of the light, Giving one knowledge and much insight. We long for righteousness To extend earth wide, To see an end to this madness, To sit by our Lords side. A sadness that holds me In bondage to this day, Forever may God’s Name Along with his Son, Be vindicated beyond this decay! A “new creation” underway! Through Christ Jesus The dream of a dream Forever and a day!

Inspired 11/8/00 J.C.Vance

Living Waters

Our soul remains unavailable to the wicked one, Onward we walk toward you, my God, Longing for “only you” this day A “New” Millennium underway Bringing us closer to your “New” Day, When all will benefit from your provisions, That of a suring love. A free gift, you’ve extended to us, A beautiful gem floating, floating, Within the limitations of your “living waters,” Brilliantly arrayed within its surroundings Of a camouflaged background Creating an image only a select few can ire. Waters all aglow beneath the mire, Hatred & strife mare this life But soon, “The Beautiful Thing” will transpire Ridding the surface of its scum, its dross, Then crystal clear, all will be, Leading to perfection intricately By your side, Lord, before your throne,

A grand orchestra arranged for this occasion, Angelic hosts with their harps Strumming, strumming, Cords never heard before as we kneel at your feet Singing our “New Song” Gratification will fill the atmosphere,Vindication will be known everywhere, For you Alone, Lord God, are our Living Waters! Walk with us, your sons, until then, Guide our every step, Grant us salvation by means of your wisdom, Give us a measure of your Ultimate Love, That we may bring our gift to your altar pure! Something lies ahead, we must endure, Our mustard seed of faith, Oh so small, But a mountain, by means of this, will notably fall Leaving some “under the rubble” As your “New” reigning king, Christ Jesus, you’ll install!

Inspired 12/31/00 J.C.Vance

This Lump Of Clay

Lord, please do take this mixture of dirt & dust, Add your “living Waters” to loosen this crust, To form a mold in the likeness of the Christ, Giving us our needed instruction and advice, In order to meet your desired requirements, Come this memorial to again Partake of our recompense. (2 Cor.5:17) So insignificant we stand “alone”, We humbly kneel before your lofty Throne, As we beg your forgiveness for all past wrong, That we may continue to walk along the throng, With our tears, add these too, this very day, To moisten yet evermore this rough crusted clay, Giving us a clearer understanding of your Divine Purpose, That we may all be united with you, your Son, yes, all of us, Together we stand, so imperfect; we accept your reprimand, That we may be found faultless by means of your loving hand, Remind us of your all inspiring ways, That we never take for granted what we see as only haze, Until your grand finale, unlocking that final door

To your “New Creation” where we shall reside With you forevermore!

Inspired 3/15/01 J.C.Vance

Thy Healing Balm

May you extend to me your hand today That I may feel thy healing comfort come my way, Thy Healing Balm to pour upon my head, Washing away my sorrows from which I’ve fled, Now, a need for a healing all the more, Not truly knowing what’s next in store, That I may gain the strength to overcome, Life’s unexpected surprises, Never knowing where they’ll come from, Please comfort me, please comfort me, Comfort me please! Please comfort all, May Thy Healing Balm our pain please ease.

Inspired 3/20/01 J.C.Vance

Ragged & Torn

Another day, it comes it goes, Finding my way to finally fully know, What comes in phases, another level I now will go Spring has now approached, leaving behind many a woe. A bird sits perched, his head held high, In search of “his food”, away he does fly. My spirit does soar, now made into “New”, But I drag along my flesh, for my color remains “blue”! Five years long, yes ten years now come & gone, To awake today, facing another dawn, A forward movement is pushing its way from within To leave behind all pain stricken sin. My spirit heals from a promise I now make, All memories of sadness, I nail to the stake, A “New” beginning for this flesh ragged & torn, Bathed in “Living Waters” and “New” clothing now worn “Faith” is the only “Key” that opens the door, To trust and serve only My Lord & King; forevermore!

Inspired 4/21/01 J.C.Vance

The Impossible Dream

Once upon a derelict time, I dared to dream a dream, But only to become numb instead, To become steadfast not, it does seem. Then the dream of faraway places Continued in my head to spin, Leaving me alone to listen and learn What Christ wanted for me right then! Now I’m left with only memories gone awry, Left to contemplate over it all, Leaving me breathless at times, As to the pressures causing me to fall Never again to be held so dear, Never again to be known in fear, But to awake to the reality, It was Not an “Impossible Dream”! I Am “In Love” With Jesus!

Inspired 5/20/01 J.C.Vance (Based on a real dream I had in 1975)

The Dove

Pure as the white driven snow, Is the Dove we have come to know From above it ascended on time Through baptism Christ replenishes the earth And all mankind Then on that Day of Atonement, All came to know of it. A flash before their eyes, As Jesus finishes his course, all realize. He truly was “His Fathers” beloved, His only true son came to us That we be spiritually fed. Before returning home alas, The earthly tabernacle was replaced with a heavenly class. Anointed by means of a New Covenant now binding, Beginning anew “from all the nations” now finding, Their rightful place beside this King now installed, Millions of selected ones now being called Sheep like ones, meek & mild, Now become complete & reconciled.

A new birth of heavenly chorus, Overlooking a “New Creation” living as tourists Dove-like creatures just visiting this earth As did Christ their King, A fugacious stay as they continue to sing Their “New” song, of course, all in unison, Keeping in tune with Kingdom wisdom As their truest friend; Along with their Heavenly Father to lead the way, With his eye upon them, directing, refining, multiplying, Right on up to that final Judgment Day!

Inspired 6/26/01 J.C.Vance

Tears Of Fear

How strange, how absurd, How I longed for that once heard. A man of value, of character! Now grief stricken & in pain, I myself, so disdain Forever humbled, I’ll remain. Nebuchadnezzar, you have nothing over me, I’ve been laid even lower, you see, As low as any human could be. Let the parade begin again, Bring out the clowns to now resend, Please Lord God forgive me this most insidious sin! I’m left stunned in remorse, Looking back on my misguided course, I long for your Holy Spirit, Your Active Force, To raise me up, that I may again stand. I want to go home to receive instruction & reprimand, That I will forever to keep your command! What have I done? As in this spiritual race I do run,

As did Peter, I unknowingly betrayed your most precious son. Send me your Angel most strong, To keep me from all that’s wrong, That I may please sing my “New” song! A present I leave on your altar pure, “My Promise” to today & always to endure, Flee all things this world does offer and allure. I deserve so much more punishment, In spite of the ransom for which my Lord was sent, A mediator for me he does become as I repent. How representative that the curtain Of the earthly Tabernacle was then in two rent! A “New” covenant of a Spiritual Tabernacle in Heaven Then becomes Father Jehovah’s tent Your Supreme Justice I do fear, But pray your “Comion” on “someone” dear, As for me, I’m left with only a tear.

Inspired 7/11/01 J.C.Vance

Surrendered

Another step on my ladder of refinement, I find myself there today as to a “New” assignment, Outwardly so weak & frail, I’m in fear at times of this never ending trail. I close my book to another attempt at happiness, Allowing Solomon’s wisdom to impress The fact this life is fugacious. I search my way to you, My Lord, Nothing earthly is any longer held in esteem, Since you’ve called me out that you can redeem. “Letting go” is what it’s all about, Even love of an earthly kind is left in doubt. Music lends itself as my sanctuary if it’s pure acoustically, For it takes me away from here to a place I’m free. “A friend” is no longer of serious concern, For all things are irrelevant, this is what I’ve come to learn. Mankind is wicked in nature in light of our struggle, But for us, called & reconciled, we know to live frugal, As true lovers of Our Heavenly Father, We’ve come to know him as our Father, Abba, Papa, no other.

His “Superlative” Love is sufficient at this sign of the times As he promises to cover all our imperfect crimes, But at the end of all our thoughts should come just one “alone”, We can only know what we think we’ve known, Our faith, the size of a mustard seed, Causes us to permit “The Truth” continue to lead. I myself have been humbled as I needed to be, How else could I possibly be now in this position to see? What becomes clearer as each day closes, Life’s divan we rest upon is not a bed of roses. To surrender ourselves wholeheartedly, Is to aver what we feel inside most soulfully. We appreciatively receive what is given our way, But be prepared to let go when it’s taken away. Surrender ourselves in behalf of our Hope, Whether it be earthly or as the Bride to Be, Forevermore in the Heavens, Beside our King we will rule eternally. Surrender is what has come to be, A feeling of warmth and comfort shines radiantly. A freedom from all that has kept us enslaved,

Peacefulness as I stand at the door now saved. Perceptions & judgments thrown about Like confetti after a war, Vomit and hypocrisy; I implore, Who can know the mind of Jehovah, our Father God? Only He alone knows what’s in store. Surrender now, while there’s still time ahead, There is nowhere else to run, All this life offers is now defunct, officially dead! Accept His Son, Christ Jesus Only through personal relationship With Him Will you be properly spiritually fed.

Inspired 7/24/01 J. C. Vance

A Cloud

A nebulous mass of humidity collecting in the distance, Like mounds of snow caps at first glance, A beautiful sight, a glorious light, does glow from behind, As we approach this cloud, it does remind, What we think we see by & by Can change in a twinkling of an eye. A cloud floating effortlessly in thin air, So very tenuous, without a care, A slide show extravaganza, As it changes its faces from shape to shape, Leaving observant onlookers in much debate, A Cloud can be whatever one thinks one does see, But its divine plan and purpose Is to remind us only by God’s hand are we led to one day be free. A remnant now being gathered to reign, In Our Lord’s Majestic Kingdom forevermore Knowing not all has been in vain, For the vindication of His Awe Inspiring Name Is what we live for in the days which remain!

Inspired 8/4/01 J.C.Vance

Violins In The Dark

Acoustical sounds; Astounding to the sins of the mind, As they walk through life, needing to find, Their way home, alone! Violins in the dark, They clear a path for a need so intense, Their struggles so immense Violins everywhere, Violins in the dark, How? Why is there no one to hear what they hear? Where can they go to heal? To their inner soul of fear A pushing from within, A demon causing sin, Warring against everything good Inner twined within the cords of their heart, As they continue to follow the Violins in the dark! Their pain, they reek of it, Their minds, gone insane, no longer seem fit, They cry out, but no one hears,

Only judgments, only tears! But there is always tomorrow, Another “New” day to conquer & grow, Without a friend, Only foe; who of this can know, Only the Violins, As their heart wrenching musical notes Now plunge, hitting an incredible low, Pulling them down deeper Into the earth’s blackest ground, A place desolate, without a sound, This is where they can be found, Violins in the dark, all around, all around!

(Dedicated to the misunderstood) Inspired 8/12/01 J. C. Vance

Spiritual Incense

In my most silent innermost parts, This is where it all starts, I laud you Jesus all day long, As I continue to walk along the throng, My incense ascends to you, My Father, As I sing my New Song as your spiritual daughter. Yes, incense upon your altar pure, I continue to beg your forgiveness as I have before. Innuendo from the crowds I again face, To Follow You, Lord, I must more fully embrace, I’ve become a spectacle to be judged, They don’t know my faith in you cannot be budged. Nothing is impossible with you, My Lord And God, Only you can truly distinguish reality from facade Who among us are not victims? Clinching to a hope that sometimes dims, Struggling, warring with our imperfect flesh, Our spirit groans & with your spirit does mesh, To one day be free of this erroneous curse, To live only for you all thoughts are immersed,

Changing our garments from crimson red to white as snow, We’ll be transformed that all may know, In our imperfections we were made perfect, Defying all frivolous dialect Please do read our hearts beating in pain, Teach us to follow You, that we may be spiritually sane. Faithful & True, We belong to you!

Inspired 8/27/01 J.C.Vance

If Only . . . . If Only You Want To

If only you want to, A woman thought as she showed herself one day, Reaching for the fringe of a garment leading the way, Daughter, your faith has healed you; A soft voice was heard to say, The comion of a man who wanted to; Healed her without delay The crowds were astonished and in dismay To witness this miracle for an ailing woman, A message HE did convey, For such appreciation was not among Those formally pushing the woman away, They had no understanding of how Our Lord felt her touch with so many in the way, If only . . . . If only you want to was the key, If only . . . . If only you would see, As that woman’s faith was known that day to be, Today that woman is me!

Inspired 8/27/01 J. C. Vance

Broken Child

A Child is born into our World, Empty of knowledge, he is then hurled, Into a life which does mold Many a generation now being told, They are wicked, evil, no “Hope” to hold! A Child, innocent, credulous, sweet, The criteria seemingly necessary for Satan’s defeat A Child, trusting, in need of “Much Love”, Surrenders to circumstances permitted from above. A sinfulness of insanity, Creating each child’s identity The clock rudely ticks as the years roll by, From a far off distance, one can’t hear their silent cry! Worlds within worlds, And round and round it twirls, A never ending trail, Just to survive another day, they become so frail. Awareness, wisdom, they know not, They are what they are, leaving them fraught. But “Hope” belongs to the child that weeps,

For Jesus’ Love explains, one sows before one reaps, He learns along the way, by means of an inner voice, Now gaining this knowledge and wisdom, each child has a choice, Coming to with the obvious is “The Beginning” of a “New” life, One of peace, not of strife, Relying on your Heavenly Father’s strength, Removes obstacles beyond any length The heart of the inner child is what will make the difference, Of whether they will be willing participants, Of a sinful life due to the damage caused commencing at birth, Or choose to Accept Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, In order to one day rule or live forever upon a righteous “New” earth!

Inspired 8/29/01 J.C. Vance

Jesus

Hey all you little ones, come sit at his feet, There are marvelous things in store for you; Only one qualification you must meet. Ask Jesus To Come Into Your Heart Yes, this is all, Yes, even if along the way you stumble & fall! Trust In Jesus, Listen For His Mighty Call Come to your senses; follow “The Way”, Forever by his side may you stay! Know Jehovah Father God Too, be “His Child”, See how “His Love” can make you smile, Happiness Complete as the day is long, You can listen & learn as we sing our “New” Song. Hey little ones, come sit by his side, Yes, Love Jesus, Comion for you he will not deny. Watch as he transforms “All Things” from his Heavenly Throne, His message will be heard, even if it must come from a stone. Yes, Believe On Jesus, all you little ones! Become “A New Creation” In Him. As you ask forgiveness of all your sin.

Inspired 8/29/01 J. C.Vance

Just Glimpses

A “Holy” Nation coming our way, Nailing all hearing, not afraid today; To a Cross once used, Our Lord did not refuse! T’was granted many a privilege that day, For a “Hope” of something beautiful, Ridding our earth of all decay Wisdom and insight discerns many a mental vision, “Just Glimpses” of a future, Drawing us to our final decision! A whisper from within, Speaks of “Removal of Sin”, Starting with a Heart steadfast, Ending with a Faith that will last Look intently for the Light, That which will give insight, As to what direction to take, In this final hour, there is No Room for Mistake! Prayer, Supplication, Beg if you must, To shed another layer of this musty latent crust

Just breathe, just breathe, Soon all will be freed! Solomon’s wisdom is my desire, If only a small portion, I do require. Silence is my lot in life, Whatever it takes to keep out strife Placid emotions lull me to sleep each night, Awakening to additional insight

Inspired 10/30/01 J. C. Vance

Unplugged

Disconnected words of verbosity to a song unsung, With a taciturn hunger, heavy upon this tongue, Insight of nebulous meanings, Captured relentlessly to knowledge feedings No one to nurture my personal cravings, I’ve had to deposit my thoughts Into an of spiritual savings A wall is what my people have become, A structure held together seemingly robotic & numb. Wisdom is needed to accept my fate, A faith stronger than “my will” before it is too late. Empty speech may I not become, Vomiting my thoughts as they come, as do some True understanding is my desire, Only by Father God’s law he does require!

Inspired 11/26/01 J. C. Vance

Prestidigitator

A magician with a slight of hand, The world’s universal master, Satan, at our door does stand, A vigil he arranges day and night, With his bag of tricks hidden out of sight Illusions, delusions, he creatively demonstrates, The choices we make determines our fates. But; if not for our one sure hope, With weighty consciences, who could cope? Keep moving forward step by step, Being reassured our Heavenly Father’s Promises will be kept, A free gift, a ransom covering all our imperfect sins, Our innermost spirit desiring to please; our life depends. A faith stronger than anything else, Beg forgiveness; seek wisdom for spiritual good health. Our Lord is merciful & good as to never forget, All that we are that has made us fit, To enter his court yard on his celestial terrain, To forever be part of his heavenly kingdom domain,

With the glory of the Christ we will one day reign.

Inspired 1/5/02 J.C.Vance

Extraordinary

The potter takes the clay into his hand, He adds needed water to mold at his command, A beginners piece of work Looking lopsided in nature, But as each day es, Its form begins to mature. Much needed care and patience is needed As each day does , For this lump of clay Is somewhat hard to mold, alas T’would take but an amateur To bring about something ordinary, But an expert of artistic ability Adds texture in layers Creating something extraordinary Our Heavenly Father knows the recipe, A secret kept for many a century A little of this, a little of that, Extraordinary, extraordinary in nature Is where I’m at

A journey of long winding trails Hath left me now with many tales, But extraordinary is all I can say, To be left whole in a state of a spiritual oasis, Come what may. Another memorial of Christ death arriving soon, To partake of his holiness this next full moon, Leaving me joyful with many a thought, Taking me to another “new’ place To continue to be taught, Something extraordinary, extraordinary!

Inspired 1/6/02 J.C.Vance

Cesspool Of Betrayal

Where did it start? With an angel of beauty Who thought himself smart! A prestidigitator of mystical art A woman perfect but naive, The rebellious one does deceive, Her name was eve. A brother jealous of his other, Murders him, goes insane, His name was Cain. Holy angels fall, one by one, Like stars from the heavens, Satan thinks he has won. Craziness of evil upon the earth, Angels taking women as wives; To Nephlim give birth. A covenant needed to begin anew, Jehovah God tells Noah what he must do. A rainbow, a promise, Begin anew, oh no, looks hopeless! Betrayal continues with each generation on down,

With each & every nation, no good could be found. A favored nation was chosen, As Jehovah’s elect possession, But their betrayal decimates All in denial, primal illusion! King after king, Doing their own thing, David born to be great, Yet betrayal was present, he didn’t hesitate To take another’s mate. Then came Peter, one of the twelve, Once told of betrayal, he dared not delve.

Of course, most famous is Judas, we’ve come to know, For 12 pieces of silver, betrayal became his woe. Husband against wife, sister against brother, Friend against friend, and on and on we go. A cesspool of betrayal, from beginning to end, No man, other than Jesus, was without betrayal & sin. Whether they are immortal angels made of holiness, Or the first man on earth not knowing badness, Or family member with a close bond, Or an entire nation favored by Jehovah as fond, Or mighty kings powerful with even a good heart, Even the heart is guilty of betrayal, tearing the king’s spirit apart. So with Peter, overflowing with love & devotion, Falls prey to fear, causing betrayal, against his wildest notion. And Judas, for so little money he threw away, Caused betrayal in a prophetic way And down and down we go, a cesspool swirling, Gravity pulling through an opening, Spewing out into a universe of space, Expanding beyond our earth’s renewed placid place.

Wash down this land with your purified rain, Allow another hour for our putridness to drain, Begin anew one last time, By means of one righteous king do align, Eradicating all creations grime. Thank You Jesus! I Love You So and pray your mercy on all of us.

Inspired 1/21/02 J. C. Vance

Immeasurable Variables

A love so strong as the day is long, A love immeasurable, as the most cherished love song, A love nestled in a hidden place, Cannot be hidden, cannot erase, The vision beyond “Heart’s” window space So many things, so many issues, Our world winds down as a “New Day” imbues. Where to begin, where to start, I’ve learned today it’s in the heart! A methodical web we’ve woven thus far, Crippling our Heart; blinding us as to who we are, Inside, inside, Inside, where the real you does reside, Inside, inside, Inside, where the real you does hide Be washed clean of all life’s pain, Allow yourself to be ordained, Cast out Satan’s lies, so insane, Become whole to the Christ to beside him reign, Clear out the final cobwebs, continue the fight,

Become whole toward Him who calls you into His light, Give up sadness, give up fright, Give into gladness, give into wisdom and insight. Ask where to go and you’ll be shown, Ask how to get there; He’ll make it known, ing you’ll be reaping what has been sown. Immeasurable variables is what you must overcome, A challenge most hearts never aspire to, only some!

Inspired 1/30/02 J. C. Vance

Raw Emotions

Reddened eyes can’t cry anymore, Life’s stress has closed her door, Questions relentlessly will arise, Somehow causing our demise Let it go, let it ride, Allow God’s Spirit in your heart reside. Heal tonight what’s been pried open & left raw, Don’t look behind; leave it with a bounty call. All torturous emotions lie dormant now, It’s time; it’s time to make your vow. Another Memorial of Christ death Draws closer to you, Embrace it with a new life in view. Lessons taught, lessons learned, 2002, a year of significance now confirmed. A double, a double, A year full of strength to tackle life’s trouble Firmly established by its number, Time to awake from life’s daunting slumber An angel strong, your beaconed call,

A healing process, emotions no longer raw!

Inspired 1/30/02 J. C. Vance

Precious Jesus

My Lord, Precious Jesus, I so implore, Please that you never leave me, Though with my imperfections mounting, As You stand knocking at My door, Many a day I’m left lonely and forlorn; But knowing my place is beside you in your kingdom, As your bride to one day be adorn, Reminds me daily of the reason I was born. Otherwise life’s battle scars would continue To leave me tattered & torn Instead; I listen for your angel’s trumpet horn, To sound out throughout the earth, A garment of “Hope” has been given to me to be worn!

Inspired 5/6/02 J. C.Vance

Strike Me Down

Strike me down Hurl the first stone With angry angels all around Call out to me Tell me of your displeasure Make me see Beyond this flesh in which I reside Create within me a fire of zeal For righteousness to abide Lord God, set matters straight Remove the wicked one standing before my gate. Whisper to me again Your promises of a heavenly tomorrow That I may be reminded how earthly happiness Can turn to sorrow My heart is torn beyond repair, I am left standing alone and I no longer care. Life is but a fugacious flicker in the dark A fleeting “hope” of something rare As we continue our quest to embark.

Inspired 5/28/02 J.C. Vance

Soft Whispers From Behind

Soft muffled sounds of wisdom, Do come softly from beyond this realm of reality. A whisper of this, a whisper of that, Year after year, reminders of fear, What once was just co-incidence Is now without doubt substantial evidence A love so rare, a bond so strong, To leave would be so wrong. Impossible gesture this is to think, Our lives continue to change in only a wink. There is nothing to look to, No knowledge to be found Outside of our Lord’s name A whisper so sweet; Jesus on his royal seat, Looking down upon his flock, Caring, knowing our fates, As the clock goes tick tock. Leading us with his soft whispers, If only we would heed and sow good seed.

But alas, says he, have no fear little flock, From the beginning of the world’s genesis hour, It is why Satan and his followers were hurled down To the earth, because of you my bride, As beautiful as a rare delicate flower Satan rampages to devour you, yes you; He desires to expunge you, But to no avail, In the end he utterly will fail.

For I am with you, for I am your refuge, For I am your salvation, for I am your rock Keep your eyes looking up for me, One day soon all will see, The dearness of you to me Come, All you faithful and true Come, Partake of my spiritual table, all of you!

Inspired 3/14/05 J.C. Vance

What Is Thy Worth

Once upon a twilight eve A babe was born that thy might receive Thy worth! Yeah, but what truly is thy worth today? What dictates thy worth you say, Education is a sanctuary of a sort, Plus silver & gold the proud does snort, Thy castle which sits for all to ire And the things thy work so hard to acquire Yeah, but what truly is thy worth today? If all knowing is counted as true worth, Then what of the saying “ignorance is bliss”! If countless dollars saved for a rainy day is worth, Then what of the poor bloat born blind & mindless; Hypocrites I say! For once upon a twilight eve, A babe was born that thy may receive, For a paragon was he As he grew for all to see Not of schooling did he aspire,

Nor did he have a place to lay his head, Much less an empire, Rather, preaching his kingdom message was his desire. He choose an ass as his mode of transportation, And ate with sinners such as Mary Magdalene As for the rich, what did he feel? It would be harder for thee to enter his kingdom, Than for a camel to get through the eye of a needle He walked a path of righteousness as straight as an arrow, He even gave his life because of our sinful decay, But, given his lifestyle, today some may dare say . . . . He was the “bottom of the barrel”

Inspired 5/17/05 J.C.Vance

A Nugget

A nugget of wisdom is worth its weight in gold, Yes, over 2000 years ago, for only 30 pieces of silver Our Lord was actually sold, And down to this day this story continues to be told. So hard to imagine, since Christ was here for only one reason, To redeem you & I and all who would listen, Who among them back then could commit such a sin? Just a story you say; or maybe this was done in a prophetic way; What does it matter anyway? The fact remains our Lord Christ Jesus: Judas Iscariot did betray, So many years come & go, As Jehovah’s eye upon us continue to direct us In what way we should go. (PS, 32:8) over is but a week away, I’m left here deep in thought over should I go or should I stay. As an angel stands before my face, Reminding me of a wedding made up of pearls & lace. Tick tock goes the clock, ing now how Christ was betrayed by Peter, As he was reminded by the cry of the cock

I suppose the wonder of it all lies in the fact That despite our efforts to hold on to our “Hope”, Our flesh remains weak, What was Judas thinking as he hung from that rope? All he had to do was ask forgiveness in order to be saved from his plight, Instead, his shame caused him to kill himself on that fateful moonlit night. But due to his blindness of faith, we are given sight, Insight!

Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Our Savior, Our Husbandly Owner, Our King, Our Friend, His love covers all our imperfect sin, not just me & you, all men. His Spirit surrounds me, His Spirit engulfs me, And His Spirit inspires me, His Spirit unites me . . . . To Him!

Inspired 3/26/07 J. C. Vance

Touched

Many a day, it es by, So many thoughts, I stopped asking why, Now painless, still, quiet loitering, A relentless smile from within, An invisible shield guarding me to the end A world in chaos whirling in circles, A centrifugal force Keeping all on course, A plan of the ages of which we know not, But as for I, only in peace do I abide. An invisible fence surrounds me How odd! I’m home . . . . untouched by outside forces, Now insight given to a question I’ve not asked, I’ve been touched! I was told for I’ve known for some time, But the wonder of it all leaves me in tears, Not of sadness, or of fear, but of joy, Christ Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, In union as your heavenly bride,

I’ve moved along in such an unknowingly way To finally be confirmed today, I’ve been touched!

Inspired 8/19/07 J. C. Vance

(In remembrance of my experience in May 1994) See testimony

Life Strikes Midnight

Our Tower Clock chimes radically, With its face watching over us; Eyes once closed, now awake & wide open, It begins to bellow even louder As life’s stroke of midnight approaches The Angels kneel As they see its hands begin to clasp both together, Erect, pointing north toward a heavenly endeavor Silence now blankets the earth; A deafening, infinite moment, Causing “Time itself” to stand still To what seems like forever. Helplessly we stare out into a void of nothingness, All thought process is abruptly stifled, now more than ever, In awe, all eyes turn to see, As our Tower Clock’s historical wise eyes Begins to fill up with pools of water; Like a dam preparing to burst forth into a raging flood, Made up of its sympathetic teardrops, Sadness we now encounter.

We are stunned into a quiet place of dismay, Awaiting an understanding behind this erupting volcanic display What personal demise does “Our Tower Clock” know of today, As it stands high above us with a midnight’s dark cloud overcast, Now revealing our life’s secrets, Being made known to us without delay We feel startled, as we gaze out into our universe so vast, Our clamoring voices finally become muffled at last, While our minds begin to linger as we visit a place of insanity.

We are made aware of our fragile existence & the excruciating feeling of emptiness, when alas, Life ultimately Strikes Midnight; saying “this too will ”, For “Our Tower Clock” will close his eyes & tick away One more minute, bringing in a “Brand New Day”!

Inspired 4/12/08 J. C.Vance

Platinum Grace

The finest of the fine, Many seek it here today, Looking, longing for things made of gold & Gems that sparkle for us to wear & hold But the “grace” given to us is a jewel Set in platinum for all to see, For as we walk in Christ footsteps Our journey is long, day after day. Many will view the dazzle of light Reflecting off us as we continue To walk in “the way” For instead of wearing a jewel so beautiful, We become a gem set in platinum The finest of the fine, Due to Christ’s amazing grace All our flaws, once in Christ, become flawless, As a new born child is a brand new creature, We became a “brand new creature” As we became reborn in Christ! Born again as Christ said we must become!

Inspired 8/07 & 5/08 J. C. Vance

Deep Waters

Allow me to walk into your deepest waters Allow me to walk, as did Christ, upon the waters, Due to the deepness, that I might not drown, But grant me the vision of all these written things, That I may be among all your priests & kings, That I be worthy to take the scroll, As did John & eat That my belly be made bitter & my mouth be made sweet, For I long to know at last your most sacred secret of all, That at your “final hour”, I might hear your mighty call, To see fulfilled the manifestation of your most precious son, Coming back to reign after all is said & done, To watch over all devastation upon the earth, Bringing about an end to satan’s worldwide curse, To be among the holy ones set on high, For among them their was no lie, To know of your immense love beyond measure, & Your judgements given out to all those who endure. I beg for this vision as given to John, For the love you had for him was of the greatest bond.

Inspired 5/26/08 J.C.Vance

Falling Down All Around

Be still; and let Jesus show you the way; So what, you may be sad today, More important things lie ahead, Keep your mind on this instead. Jesus promised soon all things new, So today it’s ok to be blue, Someone special has gone away, Someone special has gone astray, Go into your inner room, Where peace resides, no tragedies loom. Let it all fall down, all around, all around, As raindrops fall & hailstones come down, As all nature moans, let it all fall down, all around, Put faith in what you know, keeping your mind sound, Safe in you inner room, Safe with Christ, your bridegroom. He is your true love, your betroth, your beloved, He is your escape, your rock, Go into your inner room and turn the lock, No one can enter, unless they knock,

Christ alone carries the key, Wait on Him to see Who he himself allows in, Someone with your same precious dreams within.

Inspired 7/30/08 J.C.Vance

“Come” Happy Are Those Invited

A gesture made so clear, A thought one need not fear, A place one needs to go, In order to all show. A call so very clear, A whisper in one’s ear, So simple is this call, To blink would be remiss for one & all. A New Jerusalem begins its rule, Coming down from Heaven as a Jasper Jewel, To begin anew all that was once lost, Our Messiah, “Christ Jesus” will begin his reign at great cost, Choose now, in this final hour, before it is too late, Choose life through Christ, or except your fate. (Rev. 19:9 & Rev. 22:17)

Inspired 8/28/08 J. C. Vance

Go Ahead

Go ahead; make all of your judgments, Go ahead, make your defense. Go ahead, let me be broken, That I be set free! Go ahead; bring in your witnesses, Go ahead, pray over me, Go ahead; shake your heads rudely, That I be shamed by you incessantly! Go ahead, spread this news widely, Go ahead, bring in the wise, Go ahead, show your displeasure, That you cast me out forever! Go ahead, do what comes natural, Go Ahead, rise yourselves up, Go ahead, trod your feet upon me, That I may be worthy to walk with my Lord Endlessly!

Inspired 9/14/08 J.C Vance

Dedicated to the witnesses of the watchtower society

What Is It?

It is what it is, It can’t be what it wasn’t, All our shoulds & our woulds, Are only . . . . if we coulds! Our dos & our don’ts Were shrouded by our won’ts Our cans & our can’ts Always end in maybes. Our yesterdays & todays Never meet tomorrow, For to commit to something of importance Just may bring sorrow.

Inspired J.C.Vance

I Just Can’t Get Enough

My mind is open and requires information. It searches though out the universe, From the beginning of creation. My cup runneth over with anticipation Of some small tidbit to lend way to a spiritual sensation, The alpha and the omega, beginning and the end, This is our Lord’s connotation. Once coming to know him, Regarding knowledge about him, There is no limitation. I am filled up and flowing over, Yet I am always thirsty, longing for more. There is no end in sight! I even dream about Him deep into the night! My love for him swells up as I read. I long for his everlasting presence, Within my heart, that I once again can breathe His Holy Air from His Lungs into mine, Leaving me feeling satisfied, Saturated with His Holiness Divine!

Inspired 1/26/09 J. C. Vance

A Place Defined

A fondness beyond any other emotion Now becomes mine. A place I’ve prayed for, I now can find. From within my spirit, I’m aware of a secret From the beginning of time. A secret so sacred, It’s Holiness sublime. My spirit today is erupting with love For all mankind. A need and longing to share this insight With whomever I find. My joy overflows, happiness enters my soul, Due to this Divine Secret it now knows!

Inpired 2009 J.C.Vance

Left Behind

Millions upon millions Breathing in their diurnal air, Without a purpose, without a care, Then; an explosion occurs, All stop, all stare. Smoke covered debris thickens the air, Until finally through all the muck Shines through the sun’s glare Annihilation of wicked mankind is at hand, As Christ Jesus sifts through all mankind As grains of sand The birds on high are beaconed, To come & eat throughout the land, A banquet feast left behind From all unbelieving humankind Heed this warning today, a treasure you will find, By asking Christ to come into your heart, Will bring you peace of mind!

Inspired 3/2/09 J.C.Vance

Dedicated to the lost, those who do not acccept Christ’s Invitation

What Is The Color Of Hope

A rich color made up of many hues, So that depending on the day A kaleidoscope of color Will be laid out for your display What color you’ll see Depends on what your spirit tells you is to be. Each and every haze has its own significant color, Reminding you of yesterday’s sorrow! Look not in vain to man To help you stand; But the hope from within your spirit Will burst into a fireworks display, Giving you an everlasting hope Of a promised precious tomorrow!

Inspired 3/18/09 J.C. Vance

I Can Only Imagine

I wonder; what will it be like to one moment be here And the next moment be there, There with you, my Lord, You, who all my life I’ve adored, In a twinkling of an eye, With you in heaven my future does lie. Will I miss my earthly loves? From human relationships to nature’s turtle doves. Will your light shine so bright? As I kneel before you with a new life in sight? The past will have vanished, What I see will seem outlandish. But I know I’ll embrace, This new home in heaven as I take my place, I’ll leave behind my human existence, And embark upon my new life with no resistance. I can only imagine seeing new scrolls open, Hearing the names of my brothers spoken Bowing before your royal throne, Being told what I did reap on earth is now being sowed.

A judgment Divine Will become mine. I can only imagine!

Inspired 6/26/09 J.C. Vance

Learn To Listen To His Voice

Soft whispers come & go, I mentally heard, yet I did not know, Jesus was my Shepherd, not man, Jesus’s sheep hears His Voice and Come! Recognizing His Voice was a long process, Today I am aware of a picture, My thoughts no longer a mess A puzzle of so many small pieces, All lie before me; to sort and place strategically! I was told of this puzzle I’d have to complete, But so many pieces, so many lies I had to defeat. Christ Is My Shepherd; this is the final picture So simple an answer, But I was left to dig, as one would for treasure. How amazing; once again I reply, How beautiful through your eyes. Wolves in sheep’s clothing, all in disguise, I had to be captured to “In Time” Finally realize.

Inspired 7/09 J.C.Vance

Captured & Set Free

A Silent announcement one night was declared to me; A scripture read by another; spoke to me, Vividly, precisely, a meaning oh so clear; As the Lord said to me, “With mine own eye upon you, I will direct you in the way to go”. With these few words I knew not then But I now know so well, “I was captured and set free”! Little did I know what purpose my Heavenly Father had for me, Yet as each day, month, and year has ed, So much has been revealed for me to see. I was captured and set free! Free from fear of Man, Released from man’s words and now being taught by God himself; In silence, Him and I, that is how it all began. Soft whispers of this and that, regarding how we must become fit; Of such importance it had to be written So as to never forget Christ Has set free his Father’s children, All these promises, bit by bit!

Inspired 7/09 J. C. Vance

The Amazing Thing

The beauty behind the amazing thing Is that when a thing becomes sooooo amazing As it becomes such an immense blessing That the mind cannot contain its magnificence, One can only become statuses as they gaze in awe At the preciousness of this moment, now frozen in time, Of its Holiness, now left behind, That lingers like the finest perfume, Left over from royalty as it leaves the room A fragrance so unique all thought process does cease, As its aroma gives way to its sweet release! Then, miraculously & mysteriously the impossible thing becomes reality, The Hope of the Hope becomes serenity, Leaving the dream of the dream no longer just a dream We bow our heads to sanctify its celestial beam, We weep for joy as we hear “it is done”! At long last, Christ’s Love does overcome, For in his Father’s Name, he causes to become.

Inspired 8/17/09 J.C.Vance

Our Standing Ovation

A revelation has been given to me this day, That a great revival of hearts is coming our way, Due to the fact that Christ our Lord & Savior is on his way. As Daniel was told to seal up the book until the end, For at that time the knowledge of Our Lord God will become abundant Due to His Holy Spirit He will send. Then all nations, indeed, in His Name, will have Hope, It will take much Faith in which to cope, Many will rove about, And praise his name with a mighty shout, Many will receive Christ into their hearts And together they will stand, shoulder to shoulder; hand in hand, Looking up for Christ’s arrival As they hold their worldwide revival, And as God’s Son, Our Messiah makes his appearance Of clouds on high, We all will give out a mighty, joyful cry, Saying in unison, our victory is won, At long last, God’s will has been done, As we all Rise to give Our Standing Ovation!

Inspired 6/1/2010 J. C. Vance

SHORT STORIES

Heir To His Kingdom

If you received an unexpected message that you were chosen to be Adopted by a king who heard about you and came to love you as One of his own children, how would you react? What thoughts would you have? First The news may come as a great surprise, Shockingly so! Why? Because the first thought to come to your mind would be Me? Not Me! This would be too great an honor and I am hardly Deserving of such Second Once being convinced, after many months of Denial and Questions and Prayer You begin to notice that all you think about is This King! But now in a “New” and “Different” Way! A more Personal Way!

When you read letters concerning this king, you find yourself Emotionally involved. Your interest in his “Kingship and Kingdom” Heightens! You become full of new questions you never concerned yourself With before! You are drawn to Every Segment of this Rulership with “Great Awareness”! Your subconscious even is affected, because you find you even dream About things involving this King and the “New Things” Which will be affected soon due to changes being made?

Your questions frighten you. You’re feeling you have no right to ask, But through Prayer, and Supplications to the Lord, Many answers come with “New Understanding”. It’s a Slow Process Going from Shock to Questions through Denial to Answers to Acceptance You wait in expectation of how you will fit into this “New Arrangement” Of things. It is also a time of Cleansing. Many, Many Changes!

Inspired 1/22/96 J. C. Vance

Rendezvous With Mozart

Elegantly etched crystal glass filled with your finest wine? Why, thank you kind sir, of course, yes, before we dine! Such a grand orchestra! What exactly is it you offer? Yeah, you say; A peace which exudes unlike no other. Yeah, I say; a sacred pureness of beauty sound for sure. May I sit awhile & listen, as this seductiveness does allure? This is, I assure you, unlike any music ever heard by me before. I ’m taken back, I must it, If ever a masterful genius was, you surely are it. How is it you harmoniously each & every cord, To connect such melody, so sensuous, my lord, From a peaceful slumber to that of a blissful dance, As you blend thunder with tender caress. Such a powerful transition, this evening does enhance. So graceful also, as to never suspect, The conveying of a message defying all dialect May I close my eyes sir, yes to be In touch with this story your music does reveal to me. Yes, I ’m still here, yes, I’ve been far, An obscure parallel of worlds I ’m privilege to see

I confess, you’ve spoiled me; but also have enlightened me; I bow before you, my musical genius that you are. You leave me speechless, now engaged in a daze, Every question within me utters now the answer to amaze Any inquiries I could possibly ever in my lifetime raise. Bought at a modest cost, yet so priceless, I must justify The dynamics I hear, ing a realm to mystify Even damsels who sit with heads held high. From where is it you have come, Maestro?

I demand you inform me, I must know! You’ve enriched my wretched life within one hour, Are you aware of your serenity verses power? I implore you kind sir, tell me your hidden secret, Allow me this knowledge that I not forget The hearing of such acoustical notes creating mists of color, Yes bursting into a rainbow of hues all the more, For all those willing to intently listen, thank you again kind sir. Your graciousness has exceeded anything in life left to explore. My mind climbs anticipatively to a pentacle, As far high as the eagle does soar; Breathtakingly navigated as far wide as our most distant shore This dubious manner In which you have affected my life, I cannot ignore. Tis true; your artistic music has bonded my flesh to you my lord, But as for My Spirit, it belongs to Abba, my Father, forevermore!

Inspired 1/25/98 J. C. Vance

Itsy Bitsy Little Spots

In a world which lie at the feet of all mankind, Live a great multitude of God’s grandest & most Unique creature This is a story of two of such unique creatures! The “Lady Bug” & the “Dragon Fly” One creature is a simplistic, Yet somewhat elegant bug named “Lady”. Now “Lady Bug” is one of God’s most colorful, Arrayed as bright red/orange She sports her colorful cloak proudly, For she knows many would give much To wear this outer garment Given to her by her heavenly Father So sweet and precious in the eyes of some, Who in the past did behold her! In addition to her colorful personality, “Lady Bug” also displays another Unique trait worn for All to see Itsy-Bitsy little spots! To “Lady Bug”,

This was a look familiar among her colony, For All her ancestors had spots! For this rare species, this was a look of dignity Worn throughout their history, That came by means of many tests Which once taught and learned, Brought about much wisdom

But more than anything, “Lady Bug” longed for the “Promised Day” When her delicate velvet soft shell covering, That can be easily crushed by the heavy load Of a mere human Without them ever even knowing, and sometimes sadly, Not even caring, would one day be safe From any such “Fear”

One day, “Lady Bug” heard of an Unknown creature. He bore the name of the “Dragon Fly”! The name alone implied “Power”, His reputation; Greatness While sitting along the bay side one day, “Lady Bug” found herself surrounded by a handful of Dragon Flies! She immediately was very impressed by their appearance And noticed how unique they too were made By their heavenly Father

Oh how intrigued “Lady Bug” was to sit quietly by and watch As they danced blissfully in the wind, With their wings, fluorescent green in color, Fluttering busily doing the work of their father, Not realizing their beauty was being Observed and ired from afar. “Lady Bug” was so taken by their relentless speed, She saw it as “a knowledge” she longed for. Unexpectedly, “Lady Bug” received a visit from a particular “Dragon Fly” He sat beside her day after day sharing things From “his world”, telling of things, That many from her colony would have no knowledge of.

This is how it all began for the “Lady Bug” & her New friend, the “Dragon Fly” Now, with “Dragon Fly” by “Lady’s Bug’s” side, She stopped worrying about the possibility of One day being crushed by a human. For she now had a friend of such inner beauty and value, She now felt “safe” and to her, that was all she could see. As time went on, however, The rest of “Lady Bug’s” closest associates In her colony came to hear Of Lady’s newly found friend, the Dragon Fly. They continued to warn her of impending doom, For they found his presence unsettling But as for the “Lady bug”, no one could deter her. Her eyes could not see. “Lady Bug” remained by “Dragon Fly’s” side loyal and true. Time es . . . . Life progressively became more and more troubling And confusing for “Lady Bug” and Dragon Fly” The harder they tried to figure things out,

The more confusing things became. When out of the blue, “Dragon Fly” realized He had solved the problem between them. He became obsessed with the notion that his friend Now of 3 years had all these Itsy-Bitsy little spots All over her beautiful, radiant, brilliantly colored cloak!

“Dragon fly” felt compelled to point this “fact of life” Out to his “Lady Bug” friend, Hoping she could one day see how these “many spots” Were seen by others as ugly blemishes Marring her stately appearance It became “Dragon Fly’s” sole mission in life To convince “Lady Bug” how sad he was for her And how he only wanted to help remove her lifelong Itsy-Bitsy little spots After many long drawn out discussions, “Lady Bug” became very discouraged and tired and Felt the need to lie down for a spell. But, something terrible began to occur within her. While trying to rest, “Lady Bug’s” fear returns! Yes, her fear of “being Crush” by the heavy load Of another coming her way in the “Lord’s Day” How could she show herself ever again with all these Itsy-Bitsy little spots “Lady Bug” concluded she must Never Speak Again to anyone

For “fear” of what they’d think. Her fears began to grow deeper and deeper Until the moment came when her friend The “Dragon Fly” Came at her “full speed” With his wings fluttering faster than ever before For it was “his own fear” which caused him to Always rush ahead, Leaving his “Lady Bug” friend helpless and defenseless Against his accusations and his power

But, as strangely as this sounds to some, A miracle happened due to the tornado-like winds Created by her “Dragon Fly” friend’s majestic wings Their last night together You see, the winds created by “Dragon Fly’s” wings Began tossing his “Lady Bug” friend, Emotionally speaking, hither and thither Alas, Her velvet soft shell-like body opened from the sides, And she realized for the very first time in her whole life, She too had wings to fly! All by herself! Today “Lady Bug” resides back in “her world” Peacefully amongst her colony, Where ALL have many Itsy-Bitsy little spots Worn for all to see, And at last, “Lady Bug” Is loved for all she’s capable to be, “Me”!

Inspired 2/25/99 J. C. Vance

A Wounded Little Sheep

An arrow is placed inside its bow, Intending to send its death-like blow, A pasture nearby; a multitude of sheep, Their shepherd so tired, in the warmth of the sun, he falls asleep. Then comes the unexpected thing, The arrow hits a little sheep, now wounded with a sting, The pain causes a screaming noise & a shriek, But no one hears, no one sees; Its fellow sheep continue to walk through the pasturage, all so meek. As the day grows long, The shepherd awakes refreshed & leads his fold in song. With the light of the sun now beginning to dim, The shepherd is not aware of the arrow’s sin, Or the excruciating pain the little sheep is in. Night falls, And in the darkness, the little sheep calls, But alone & afraid is the place he’s in, Where were his brothers & sisters from this morning’s sun light, As he looks around, not even his best friend is in sight. From a distance is a fire that burns for awhile,

But not bright enough, for after counting his sheep, the shepherd wipes his brow, He doesn’t notice one is missing; for again he is tired, he needs to rest now! Morning comes quickly & once again on the move, The shepherd leads his sheep forward & onward to prove, Though the heat of the sun is scorching at times to his special fold, As for the little wounded sheep, how differently his story is told. I’ll try to eat today, the little sheep thinks, Then rest awhile with just a few winks, Tomorrow I’ll be stronger I know, By then my friends will find me, and with them I’ll again go.

Years have now ed for the little wounded sheep, Now crippled by the sting that arrow did him bring He now begins to pray for help as he at times does stumble & fall, But in answer to his prayer, he hears a “New” call. It’s the voice of a shepherd from afar beaconing, COME! He says “You’ve been called”! The little wounded sheep now becomes numb. For this is a “New Shepherd”, more superior then before, Seemingly summoning him to endure. I’ve watched over you day by day, limping all the way. I’ve waited until now to give you the news, For a little wounded sheep like you, I can most surely use. I’ll lead the way for you to find, a little flock I’ve made sons of mine. A great and wonderful work is underway, A New Creation, clean & righteous, with no decay! I need just a few to lend me a hand, For the resurrection at that time are likened to many grains of sand. They’ll need to be taught a “New” language for sure, I need little wounded sheep that were able to endure, To teach one & all that my Father’s Day has come,

A thousand years will lie ahead for many, not just some, A great judgment will take place, But for my Little Flock is not the case, For my little wounded sheep were tested thru & thru, Endurance on your part has made them “brand New”! You were bought with a price, My ransom will suffice, Your imperfections of crimson red are now white as snow instead. The key to this decision is not for you to understand, You need only to listen & learn & keep this command, Love with comion; leave the judging to me, My Father is reading all the hearts, What he wills, will come to be! Faithful & true, This is my promise & covenant with you!

Inspired 9/10/01 J.C.Vance

Heavenly Oasis

A mirage looming over the horizon, Protruding through the glare of the sun, A long awaited “Hope” soon to be realized, As an opened book, answers to all questions, now finalized. A tree hangs heavy with foliage as I look around The fruit it bears is pregnant, giving birth, I’m given a crown! Love, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, are only a few, Of the luscious buds of fruit I did not eschew. Memories of my journey now fading, fading away, A smile from within tells me I’m awaking to a “New Day”! T’was so long ago, I pondered tediously, To find myself now here in Christ’s Kingdom, bondage free. I await instructions as to what to do, For at this point, I haven’t a clue. A Celestial City lie ahead, I see someone coming, it’s time to wed. The Bridegroom awaits all invited, A Bride Class chosen, now to be guided. An arrangement in motion, A procession measuring the length, breadth, height & width

Beyond that of an ocean A Ceremony to begin, For all who are present, now guileless, without sin Glittering jewels dance their way around his Throne of Supremacy, As we individually approach, exuding our gift of humility. A Brilliance of white linen is given us as a robe to wear, So as to be ft in appearance, A garment worn for this occasion rare A wedding suring any other, A uniting together, brother with brother, A blessing beyond the realm once known, As we observe our husbandly owner as King being enthroned.

As heirs with him, we unitedly stand, Encircling his throne, forming our eternity band At long last, forever is in sight, A Completeness as closure, turning the darkness into light. A “New “Beginning for all, By means of a trumpet call, Singing praises of appreciation to our Almighty Father, Jehovah, Jah. (PS.83:18)

Inspired 5-2002 J.C.Vance

The Gift

I have a gift for you A stranger softly whispers. A sleeping man hears, As he awakens, his throat clears, A gift? The man does proclaim! But who knew I lie here, blinded & lame On my hidden dusty hillside, Latent with briers & thorns I do reside I come to accept this place as home, For visitors, neither friend nor foe Do know This secret hidden place Where ferocious creatures surrounding me Do roam. There’s no way in, there’s no way out, There’s no path to follow, Only multitudinous trees, Which hide my dusty hidden hollow I feed upon unknowing specimen I hook From the vast great sea which lay before me,

My menu is endless, As I devour each succulent delicacy. I’m content to stand alone, to dream alone, to awake alone. I wake each day knowing Nothing I do own. Now a stranger out of the thick darkened thorny bush Arrives unexpectedly To tell of a heroic deed a certain man has done Which now gives way as a gift for me A hero he’d have to be To even find such a wretched hidden man as me I know him not, Yet a gift he beckons to beseech me! A gift? I ask intriguingly.

How large or how much does it weigh? What can it be? In reply, the stranger says; It’s too large to fit in our universe, It’s weight? It’s more than all the silver & gold, I’m told. As my senses are heightened, I’m also frightened. For such a gift just could not be, Much less for me! Well who is this hero who wants to grace me With such a priceless gift The hero is he. Now taking me by the hand, My hero stranger shows me a path to another land. He blows upon the thorny bush And I’m on the other side with the help of a windy push. I’m led away from the great vast sea That fed me my menu of succulent delicacy. Again, my senses are heightened,

And again I become frightened. For I find myself in unchartered territory, Outside my hidden dusty hollow, In this new place, I now begin to worry. The stranger places his hand upon my heart, He is the hero who tells me my gift I had access to right from the start. No longer would I feed On “the wicked worlds” vast great sea, But instead I’m filled to the brim With a priceless gift which sets me free Even from all ferocious creatures Which once surrounded me I realize I’m no longer blinded & lame, For beyond the multitudinous trees, An opening, Leading me to this brand new place I now can see.

My cane I once leaned upon as my crutch, I no longer need. My gift is given to me, A crown is laid upon my head, A gift worth more than all silver & gold, Yet it is weightless. As for its size, It could not fit in our universe From end to end Yet now this gift resides “within me”’ From a “glorious new place”; The home of our hero, Christ Jesus, in heaven! My hero is no longer a stranger. For now he is “my love”, my bestest friend! Once a stranger to me, Now I know him personally! Jesus is his name, To rescue me is the reason he came!

Inspired 9/18/06 J.C.Vance

That Little Ole Crumb

Once upon a time there was a little ole crumb, Who lay desolate & alone, Who felt worthless as a bum So minut’ & tiny was this little ole crumb, It was unknowingly kicked around & walked upon by some. Since this little helpless crumb could do nothing but lay around, He dreamed & longed for a time he’d one day be found. His thoughts lingered to a time now long gone, Of a larger piece of himself from where he had come. So very long ago, he hardly could envision, Yet a memory he held dearly in derision. One day he awoke to find himself laying in a wheat field, Lined with stalks of wheat to soon be ready for its yield, What was his purpose he wondered each day. Did he have one or was his fate only to lie there all alone & decay. Then the storms came & blew him onto a shiny thing, Where his reflection of himself was that of a king, Then the day came when a very poor man was hired To separate the weeds from the wheat until he became tired, As he rested his body upon the ground,

He happened to see that shiny thing laying around. As he picked it up, he let out a mighty cough, And low & behold, that little ole crumb went flying off. To his amazement, he found himself up off the ground, Then he thought to himself, where am I now? No longer being kicked around, He finds himself now laid on a table top safe & sound! To his astonishment, he realizes he has been found, As he sees many other little ole crumbs just like him, All being used as valuable wealth With a smile of relief, he feels at home with all the rest, When out of nowhere he hears a voice say, Little crumb, you have ed the test!

Yes, you can now be used to make a special bread, No leaven, Just little ole crumbs like you, molded together with water instead This bread will be made for a special occasion, Yes, our Lord’s marriage supper, Where “happy are those invited”, a new generation!

Inspired 3/2/09 JC Vance

Oh Simple Snowman

Oh simple snowman, How very blessed you have become Through the eyes of my heart within, Appearing as a pure man, unblemished, without sin You are made up of soft white crystals, A star burst of weightless dust-like particles, Being carried vicariously by your friend, the wind Purified flakes sent from heaven, Unblemished as was our Lord, Christ Jesus As a sacrifice for us, he too, for us was given. A perfect gift sent from heaven. This is how you come to be, Out of nothing at all, so simple is the key. So pure, yet simplistic, I pray to one day be. Pure white, glistening from God’s light!. Millions of glimmering dust-like fire flies Floating in the sky, ired by all; During the day; or all through the night So just like us, you too can be molded Into the likeness of a pure man,

Made brand new, “Once touched” by that of a molding hand We, God’s children, are used; to create you, Starting with a mystical crystallized ball, We mold carefully three times in all, Placing one atop each other, Forming your body, so you can stand tall Then come your eyes, made of coals of black, We can see you, but you cannot see back, A nose we give to you, but you cannot breathe, A mouth of silence, you cannot speak, How sad you cannot tell others of God’s coming kingdom; As God’s children we long for and tell others to seek.

Branches from a winter’s frost sleeping tree, We now placed strategically as arms outstretched So you can reach out to me. Now for a crown, a special hat is given, To be placed upon your head. Next comes your robe; woven into a scarf, A cloth made from the color of scarlet red. Red on red redeems you to become snow white. Oh simple man made pure as snow, You too will exist for only a season, Just like us we know. In God’s due time, you’ll return back into his earth, Melting away your dust-like particles, Ushering in spring’s “new birth”! A brand new day is what it’s all about, Snowman or human man; round & round we go; Year in, year out It all makes perfect sense, By means of even a simple snowman, We put God’s glory “on display”,

So no one can say at the end of the day; We were not mindful of God’s majestic existence, Giving “all creation” no excuse for any resistence May we not be like the snowman Who’s been given eyes, But yet cannot see, And a nose that is not blessed like us In order to breathe, Or take for granted our mouth, but will not speak, In this day of all days; learn from the simple snowman, Pure as the driven snow, each year he will come, then go.

But as for us, may it never be said, what a loss! We wasted away as he, without a word of utterance, Acknowledging our robes of crimson red Came at great cost, Due to Christ’s blood shed that none of us be lost, Now comes the wisdom from his throne on high, Our sins of crimson red will be made as white as snow, Oh simple snowman, may we appear pure as you, As we receive Christ invitation today, To become part of his bride class to beside him stay, By accepting him into our heart, Is only the start of the birth of a brand new day And that is what it’s all about!

Inspired 6/6/09 J.C. Vance

A Princess The Moral to the Story!

Once upon a time, There lived a girl who had no name. But, because she answered to many, One day In a far away land A Princess she became. Having no name left the girl always feeling Empty and sad, That now begins and explains this tale. For years, She mingled among her contemporaries, Day in and day out trying to fit into some type of status That would give the girl some identity But to no avail! Quickly, Years rolled by, leaving many memories Over which to cry, Her life had no meaning This was a fact she could not deny. One day,

The girl was approached by an unexpected visitor Who knew of a “special secret” she wished to share. The secret was indeed special, For upon hearing it, the girl immediately left her empty state And found purpose in her life, A message the girl too now would bear. Still nameless, The girl ed her new founded friend and many other families, And fled to a far away land unfamiliar, Yet so peaceful, she never wanted to leave. With her, she took all her belongings And continued to dwell there for many a year.

During this duration, the girl no longer empty, yet still so sad, For though she had been given a purpose, A name was yet to be had! Now, In this peaceful far away land, Also dwelt a Majestic King which was only heard about, For though this King and his son’s presence were quite known The King’s Royal family actually resided In a secured Jeweled Palace High on a Mountain top, overlooking the “peaceful land” Where the nameless girl had come to live so long ago This King was extremely gracious and loving, Merciful and kind, Watching over the land, Teaching, correcting and observing all the time! One day, The girl with no name received another unexpected visitor! This time offering a “Sacred Secret” to share from the King The secret was indeed Sacred, for at once, upon hearing of it, The girl no longer felt sad, but now only confused.

For coming to know of this” Sacred Secret” also came a precious gift A Name! It would be a Name worthy of the King and his son for reasons Only they themselves knew, but though this knowledge Was not given to the girl, At long last, she was being presented with her own personal Name. How very appreciative she became! Two years ed, Confusion remained with the once Nameless girl, Until she decided to ask the King to send “Someone” to her to explain all things So Alas, The King chose a prince from his royal court Who was journeying throughout the “peaceful land” below.

The Prince went at once, longing to comfort the girl And thereby complete his commission given to him By the Majestic King! Interestingly, At seeing the girl, the prince was taken by her qualities He came to know and love, For it reminded the prince of himself And the many qualities he had long forgotten existed. Now, Coming to know of her Name, He saw her as a “Princess”, Not for her beauty or stature, But for the beauty he related to “Within Her” That mirrored what he himself once had “Within Him”! Perhaps, This was why the King choose his particular “Prince” To go on this commission, For the King loved this Prince very much And wanted to teach the Prince something of value That only in time would become apparent.

Of course, The girl grew to also know and love the Prince For the beautifulness she saw glowing “from within” him, For she was aware he was very precious to their Majestic King and his son and felt privileged and anxious To have all things explained to her by him. In Time, The girl noticed the Prince had much to give, For he had a storehouse of riches, likened to shiny red apples, Which he had been saving for just this special occasion Over time, The Prince generously gave out of his storehouse Many gracious and loving gifts of knowledge and wisdom, Which he had formally acquired from the King himself

Eventually, The once nameless girl, Now Princess to the Prince, No longer confused, Became alive with Promises of New Hopes and New Dreams of a New Future Enchantingly, They now share a bond inseparable, As they continue to journey throughout the “land of peace”, Below the Celestial Jeweled Palace Of their Majestic King and his beloved Son, Who, together provided them with all of their heart’s desire, And so, The Princess, no longer nameless, Along with her newly found Prince Lived happily ever after!

THE MORAL TO THE STORY

You are “Unique” of all God’s Creations, Nothing can replace YOU!

Never give up, and don’t give in, For tomorrow will soon begin. Open your eyes, See things as they really are, For your hopes and dreams are not off very far. Be patient, do what is right, And you will continue to live “forever” in the “Light”, As for the nameless girl, She learned that once having received “A Name”, So Wonderful and true as the sky is blue, It was of such value to her That if she was to lose it, she would never be the same!

Inspired J. C. Vance

Lessons Taught And Learned

BAD ASSOCIATIONS “SPOIL” USEFUL HABITS

If you find yourself doing things that bother your conscience, you should discern whose company you’re in at the time and make needed adjustments.

THE HEART IS MORE TREACHEROUS THAN “ANYTHING ELSE”, WHO CAN KNOW IT?

I have learned not to trust my heart alone on matters in life. The Heart cannot discern what is false. I must rely on the wisdom of the LORD’S word only and wait on him to reveal truth to me.

BEWARE OF THOSE WHO ARE STANDING, THAT YOU DO NOT FALL!

I will never ever again say the words, “That would Never Happen to me.”

I have learned how very imperfect I am and how weak the flesh is and can be. “Though the flesh is weak the spirit is not” is a statement I did not fully comprehend. I always seemed to reverse this to mean . . . . since I feel my spirit is well and complete toward GOD, how could my flesh possibly become so weak as to go against my spirit. How well I’ve come to understand the meaning behind Paul’s words. (What I wish to do, I do not}

BE CAUTIOUS AS SERPENTS BUT INNOCENT AS DOVES!

I can no longer “BE TRUSTING” of anyone! I must have insight by sizing up situations and individuals by looking at the bigger picture of things. Shortsightedness allows for “Complete Trust” in all things based on “Love” alone! Though “Love” should believe all things, this does not mean we should allow ourselves to be open to everything and everyone who comes into our lives “in the name of Love”. This is folly and leads to Tragedy! Trickery and lies can come from the very ones you least expect it. Even Husbands and Brothers who come in the Name of THE LORD!

To sum up most what I’ve learned through MY JOURNEY is: “BEWARE”! Satan is as a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.

BUT GREATER IS HE WHO RESIDES IN ME THAN HE WHO RESIDES IN THE WORLD! I NOW HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH MY LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. MY LIFE CONTINUES TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER, THE CLOSER I GET TO JESUS!

In Summary

How Your Decision Could Affect Your Personal Life And Our Nation !

This publication never started out to become such an important book for our day in this stream of time we find ourselves traveling through. It merely started out as an inspired writing while in prayer to my Heavenly Father over some awesome changes in my life I was noticing once I had surrendered my life to Christ as my Lord & Savior, My Messiah, 22 years ago. I note this boldly because I, along with my fellow Christians in America, feel that the presence of our Lord could be seen on our world’s horizon in the very near future.

Why? To put it simply; all things are lining up exactly according to bible prophesy. Everyday news can almost be predicted ahead of time, echoing from the ministries on TV, to the news room of Glenn Beck, all chiming in to warn our nation of its possible impending doom.

Wake Up! Even movie producers are putting the destructive future before our very eyes, but to no avail. Still people continue to march to the beat of their own drum, something familiar, something easy, trying hard not to make any ripples that will be too noticeable to

the majority.

How Long? Our present worldly conditions are ever changing by the minute. Our economy is on the brink of collapse. Our future health care concerns for our children, grandchildren & aging parents are looking bleak. God is being expunged from our every day way of life, leaving millions of adult voters left scratching their heads at it all!

It Is Time! Time for What? Time To Surrender! Not to Washington’s elite, not to Iran, not to the threats of the Muslim zealot, not to our choice of drugs that deaden our spirits or to any other warfare from our enemy, Satan, who is blinding the eyes of the unbelievers, so that the glorious “Good News” about the Christ cannot shine through.

Surrender then to Whom? It is now the time for all to stand up for Our Lord, Our Savior, Our Messiah, Christ Jesus! Stand up for what is right, for what our nation was build on, by our Founding Fathers, FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY, yes, but most of all “LOVE” ! Jesus said we were to LOVE his Father with our whole heart, mind, soul & strength & LOVE our neighbor as ourselves. May we all come together, shoulder to shoulder, in LOVE, surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ.

Our Standing Ovation! What has been written will come to be. What God has purposed shall come to . But there is still time. Surrender yourselves to HIM & HIS WILL & become believers in HIM Rise up your heads & rejoice, for your deliverance is near. He is TRUE Royalty, worthy of our total reliance & HOPE. Accept HIS INVITATION, as he says:

“COME”, Happy are those invited! As a Nation under God, get prepared Now to give Our Lord, “Our Standing Ovation”!

A Love Story

HOPE There is always the chance that we can still turn things around. Pray with a deep sincere effort to please God & do his will with a complete surrender of ourselves unto him. This could make the difference!

A Message For Jehovah’s Witnesses!

Dear friends,

Please know I take no pleasure in putting down the teachings from the Watchtower Society. I know they believe they truly are teaching “Truth”! Since I also know they try to always back up their teachings with the Bible, let’s just do that to find out “The Truth” about “the truth” which they say they alone have!

Jesus said, I Am “The Truth”! (John 14:6) He also said, he was The Way & The Life! This was in answer to Thomas, his disciple, after he asked Jesus the million dollar question, What is the Way?

Now, In regards to Jesus being “The Truth”, he of course is referring to being “The Word” as found in the bible. He is Truth by being “The Word” so what He says is Truth.

So we now have established what & who the real Truth is and what the only Way is, right? It Is Jesus Christ, not the Watchtower Society. So it is not an organization made up by imperfect man that can lay claim to being the Only Truth on the planet. Jesus Christ said He is the only Truth, Way & Life & those who are not “with him” are against him. If you truly are living life according to “The Truth”, you would have to acknowledge the above fact. I am persuaded to go one step further regarding Jesus being the only truth, way & life, yes everlasting life In John 3:3, a man named Nicodemus asked Jesus another million dollar question! He wanted to know how anyone could get into the Kingdom of God. What was Jesus answer? Jesus said; unless a man be “Born Again”, he would not see the Kingdom of God. Jesus went on to say in fact, if a

man was not “born again” of water & spirit, he would not enter the Kingdom of God! Verse 6 goes on to say, those born of the flesh is flesh; but that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Verse 7 Jesus continues to repeat, “Do not marvel at this, you must be “born again”! Are Jehovah’s witnesses born again “In Christ”?

Do they put all their faith in his shed blood that blots out our sins by his grace. Do they live by the words in the bible which says it is By Grace we are given a robe of righteousness whereby we can now go before our Heavenly Father in prayer. Are they taught that we no longer are under condemnation but Grace which covers all our imperfect sins once we have given our lives over to Christ Jesus, as our Lord & Savior? Do witnesses have a testimony of how they came to Christ and how Jesus alone has changed their lives and how they now walk in the spirit, nailing their flesh to the cross as did Jesus. Jesus said at (John 6:53 to 58) Unless you eat my flesh & drink my blood, you have No Life in you. Those who do this dwells with me & I in him. Those who eat my flesh & drink my blood will have everlasting life & I will raise him up on the last day. Once again, we established what a true Christian, born again “In Christ” will do. This is according to Jesus own words, not man’s dictatorship over what a Christian should or should not do.

Jesus said, I am the door. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus is referring to being one with him as he is one with his Father in Heaven. To be one with Jesus you must ask him to come into your heart, that his Holy Spirit can lead you in the way to go. (Ps. 32:8) It is called the sinners prayer. (see front cover of this book)

Jesus is the Only Way to the Father. He died for All Mankind, not just some. He wants to have a personal relationship with All Of You. When you finally do meet Jesus, he will not ask you what organization or religion did you belong to, but he will ask you, did you have a personal relationship With Him. If not, he will say, I never knew you. Romans 8:9 tells us this: “If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His!” As a former witness, I can understand your confusion. But please know this; when Jesus touches you personally and calls out your

name; you will know his voice. He is your Shepherd, not a mere man. (John 10:1-18) Lastly, look up (2 Cor.4:3-4). Please just think for yourselves.

If Jesus returns tomorrow; Will You Be Ready? Today is the day of salvation!

May Our Lord Jesus who laid down his life for you with His unconditional Love, touch your lives as he did mine. Accept Him into your Heart! JUST SAY “YES” TO JESUS’S INVITATION!

Love, “In Christ”, Joanna