Pure Thoughts Vol. 2

By Darren B. Rankins

Pure
Thoughts, Volume Two is the second of four books written by Darren B. class=SpellE>Rankins. This volume
contains dreams, short stories and inspirational poetry which are all part of
Darrens testimony that God lives and directs our lives on a daily basis.

http://www.purethoughts.net

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 15, 2003
• ISBN: 9781414010205

Darren B. Rankins

Darren B. Rankins was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and is one of seven children.  He began writing poetry in the sixth grade. He attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he took part in his first poetry slam in 1994.  Darren began to submit his poetry to newspapers and magazines and has been published in the Nashville Banner and Daily News Journal, as well as chapbooks and poetry books across the country. Darren’s passion for writing has given him the opportunity to share his beliefs with others in the form of a successful Christian T-shirt ministry.  The shirts are designed with a combination of original poems, beautiful graphics, and timely Bible verses. Darren loved writing as a hobby, but wanted to have a greater effect on people. He started his own business, called Pure Thoughts, in 1995 to sell his products and expand his circle of influence.  He has sold or donated over 6000 t-shirts worldwide.  He has contributed to various charities such as the Salvation Army and Feed the Children, as well as many local causes. He truly believes in continually seeking knowledge from others and takes part in group studies in several area churches. He is seeking to find a better way to love himself and others around him. He is able to share the knowledge he receives in the new designs he creates and the poems he writes. Darren has spent a lot of time meeting with the public to share his message. He has participated in book signings and public speaking engagements, and has been interviewed on the radio. He enjoys speaking about Pure Thoughts and reciting his poetry whenever he is given the opportunity. Darren is very pleased with the success of his first book, Pure Thoughts, Volume One. He has already begun work on his Volume Three. This will be a totally different approach to poetry than his first two books. His goal is to take his readers to places only the human spirit would dare to go. He has completed the CD version of Pure Thoughts, Volume One, which will be released later in 2003. He also has an excellent Digital Teardrops Video Biography of his life and accomplishments on DVD. Darren continues to resides in the Murfreesboro area and is the father of four children: Joshua, Michael, Ashley, and Amy. More information is available on Darren’s website at www.purethoughts.net.

Book preview

© 2003 by Darren B. Rankins.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

ISBN: 1-4140-1020-6 (e-book)

ISBN: 1-4140-1019-2 (Paperback)

ISBN13: 978-1-4140-1020-5 (e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number 2003097427

1stBooksrev.10/07/03

Contents

Feedback from Pure Thoughts, Volume One

Acknowledgements

Favorite Scriptures

Chapter One

A Letter to the Lord IV

A Letter to the Lord V

A Letter to the Lord VI

A Letter to the Lord VII

In Twenty-Four Dark Hours

Last Interview

The Wrong Reason

The Thug

Oppression

Up to Date

Within Your Wilderness

Unseen Hunger

Moon Watch

Chapter Two

Time Lapsed

Ownership

Lost Souls

Who’s in Control?

Lost For a Lifetime

Missed Opportunities

The Last Goodbye

Move On

Loneliness

Boundaries of Its Borders

Here Alone

Illumination

Chapter Three

Language of Love

Your Return

If Only

Flashing Lights

Desires

Dance

If I

Burning Flames of Love

My Love Forever

Pictures

My Parents

Chapter Four

Invisible Words

Racial Identification Association

Chapter Five

Resting Place

Have You Ever?

Trying to Get Through

God’s Love

Call From Heaven

The Way Home

Come With Me

Unconditional Faith

A Short Journey

Do You Trust Me?

Revealed

Healing

Soaring Spirits

God’s Help

A Week of Thoughts

When He Calls

Chapter Six

Running Through Time

Separation

Shortcuts

We Can Make It

God or Satan

Red Light, Green Light Don’t Lose the Faith, Part 2

Chapter Seven

If You Had

True Purpose

Seasons

Haiku

Friends

The Wall

Freedom

FREEDOM Follow-up

We Are a Nation

Day’s End

Pure Thoughts

Back of Book

About the Author

Time has passed since my first book and the seasons have changed. As I continue on my journey through this wonderful life, I dedicate this book to Jesus Christ, my four children who are always in my heart, and to my parents, James William Rankins and Barbara Elizabeth Rankins.

Feedback from Pure Thoughts, Volume One

A very positive message related to faith and Jesus Christ that gets a great response.

Sonny Anderson

Positive expression that relates back to religious meanings.

Kim Akins

Great book! Inspirational poetry with deep, profound meaning. My favorite is Don’t Lose the Faith. I expect even greater things from Darren in the future.

Dr. Barbara Hodges           Murfreesboro, TN

Beautiful, heart-felt thoughts!

Pam Stamps

Inspiring, provocative, and humbling.

A. M. Thomas

Simply breathtaking! I have never encountered such a collection of poetry. This is truly amazing.

J. Maxwell

This collection of poetry exceeds all expectations. Pure Thoughts is incredibly intriguing. It’s always a blessing to see young black males doing good to uplift our community and make a difference in others’ lives. God Bless You!

Dawn Harrington Nashville, TN

They are all good—the t-shirts and poems.

Tonya Streeter      Murfreesboro, TN

I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate my Keep the Faith t-shirt. Wherever I go, I get compliments on it—