Jesus Rode Shotgun

By Xlibris US

This is not an extraordinary life but is a very heartfelt journey over the rough roads and the good ones, with Jesus beside her all the way. Ride with her through the pages of this book, and feel the presence of her traveling companion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499051230

Book preview

Shotgun

Dear God, grant me the wisdom

To know what’s right or wrong,

To be passive when I should be,

And when needed, to be strong.

Life has its little skirmishes,

Many moments of unrest

And though I’m sometimes doubtful

I try to do my best

Growing up seemed easy

I always kept in pace

I had no big decisions

My mistakes I could erase

But now that I’m an adult

And supposedly mature

I feel less and less so grown-up

Not nearly so secure

So, please, dear Lord, ride shotgun

As I travel down life’s road

I need a friend beside me

To help me tote the load.

Grandma Could Walk

The kids were sleeping but they would have to be told when they got up. How do you tell your small children that Grandma just died? They loved her. She had played Whiffle Ball with them just a few months ago. She had fixed Ricky special bologna sandwiches before each Little League game so he’d hit a homerun. Who knew what Teresa would be feeling after just having been there? I couldn’t face this. Richard had gone to work knowing that he would have to take some time off while I went to a funeral. We needed the money!!!! The kids were up by now and it was time! I somehow stumbled through the words and then broke down. Matt and Cyndi were full of questions. They were crying. How could I handle their grief when I was so full of it myself? I saw Ricky gently kneel down in front of Matt and Cyndi and explain to them how Grandma was in heaven and she could walk and talk and play whiffle ball again. He made it sound so glorious. He told them that Mommy was upset and that they needed to be especially good today and go play. I cried harder to see this child of 12 trying to explain death to a 4 year old and a 6 year old. Like I said, my emotions were so raw and rampant. I was so proud of my all too grown-up boy trying to be a man and doing it quite well. He was just a child himself.

A Giant of a Man

I remember my Daddy,

A giant of a man!

Quiet and serious.

But I was his fan

He taught me the states

Their capitals and all

And about green persimmons

That drop in the fall

He gave me three spankings

I’ll never forget.

I quickly forgave him

But remember them yet.

He held me in his lap

And gave me his love

But to excel in life’s challenges

He gave me a shove.

He laughed with me often

And understood when I cried

He made life seem simple

If only you tried.

Now that I’m grown up,

Six foot three’s not so tall,

But a giant of a man

In my eyes I recall.

An Intruder

As I scurried from work early one morn,

In the dark it seemed a haven was born.

A quiet peacefulness lay o’er the town.

No bustling noises were now around.

As I ambled lazily down the street,

I heard only the patter of mine own feet.

I sensed the feeling of someone near

And then the clamor of a noise so queer.

Who was this intruder in the still of night?

There was no one near within my sight.

Another sound brought panic to me.

Alas! Was only the wind in the tree.

I heaved a sigh and moseyed along.

I knew I’d be home before too long.

But a thought kept dancing around in my mind,

A thought that just wouldn’t be left behind

That all around this locale of slumber

Were unique works of God without number.

The towering trees that climbed so high,

The diamond like stars that twinkled the sky,

The gay little shadows waltzing o’er the ground

Made me realize He was here and all around.

’Twas not an intruder playing this part,

But God, our maker, observing his art.

A Call Back

Many times I’ve come this way

I’ve traveled down this road

Chasing down the blessings

The Lord on me bestowed.

He gave me first redemption

For the sins I did commit

And then he gave me inner peace

So needed I admit

But I left behind some loved ones

Stumbling down the path back there

Lord, teach me how to help them

To show them I still care

Help me lead them through the shadows

When souls seem dark and bleak

Help me be that strong conductor

When salvation they do seek.

I want to hear their voices

Singing praises to my God

Let me help attract them

Let me be a lightning rod.

I want to be a lighthouse

A beacon shining bright

A welcome home my children

To guide them through the night

Lord, so many of your angels

Appeared along that road

When I was still just struggling

Carrying such a heavy load.

I hope you help me Lord

I need words that they will hear

And words so they will listen

Make this simple message clear.

Grandma’s Cheerleading Tryout

Tryouts for Varsity Cheerleader are always stressful. It was so in the 1950’s and is so today I’m sure. Those wishing to be a cheerleader when I was in school signed up in the spring and were then put into a group of girls assigned to a current cheerleader. The active cheerleader would then work with the girls to teach them cheers to do at tryouts. Jumps and pyramids were learned. Everyone worked very hard for several weeks to perfect their style. Leg muscles would be so sore that a girl could hardly walk for the first few days. Eventually tryout day would arrive. Everyone goes to the gym and all are excited and chattering. It was said that chocolate would give a burst of energy so there were many Hershey Chocolate bars on hand. Tension was mounting as each girl was given a number and pinned it on her clothing. Girls were taken out in groups of 6-8 to cheer. Once through all the girls, the judges got busy. We were waiting, waiting, waiting for their decision to be made regarding finalists.

While waiting there was much nervous talk about how well someone had done or how they had messed up. There were tears for some who knew they had blown it. Everyone was eating more Hershey bars. Soon they would call the names of the finalists. We had to be ready. How long would this last?

When I heard my number called as a finalist I was so happy, nervous, scared, and relieved all at one time. One more cheer and this madness would be over. Once they call your name you had to run back out on the gym floor and be prepared to do another cheer. No time to waste. I jumped up quickly and ran down the steps only to hear a lot of laughter. I could not imagine what was going on but obviously someone had done something funny. I got in place and the