Is My Rhyme My Reason?

By Donna Ayers

"Why am I here?" "What is my purpose?" "Would the world have been better or worse off if I hadn't been here?" Doubtless, I'm not the only one who's asked such questions. When I was really down, I even resented God for creating me, & prayed I wouldn't wake up the next morning! I reached out to God & friends through handwritten notes & poetry; that was the "safest" manner of expression. I can't think straight or verbally communicate effectively if I feel I'm being scrutinized; I'm sure I have company there too! So, at the request of friends, I'm publishing a sample of my writings. Don't worry, there's plenty of lighthearted subjects included too! I pray they will inspire, comfort, entertain & bless those who open these pages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889430346

Book preview

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Is My Rhyme My Reason?

Donna Ayers

ISBN 979-8-88943-033-9 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88943-034-6 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Donna Ayers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

In memory of Pastor Mark Trotter.

Introduction

You see, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. God demonstrates His own love for us in this—while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Justified by His blood, we shall be saved from God's wrath through Him! For when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son—our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ro 5:6–11)

Donna Ayers 5/18/10

Philippians 2:6–11

Glory to the Great I Am

Ephesians 3:20

Galadriel

Father Christmas' Gifts

(from the Narnia series)

The Carpenter's Song

Frosty's Lament

The Jolly Green Giant's Lament

TGIF!

1 Corinthians 13:12

The Intercessor (Romans 8:26)

Comfort in Loss, His/Her

Ode to Gracia Burnham

Tribute to Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)

The Pharisees' Rationalization

About the Author

In memory of Pastor Mark Trotter.

Introduction

There was no rhyme or reason for it!

Ever heard of that phrase? Ever thought it could be applied to your own life? Many of us have! I, for one, have struggled with insecurity, poor self-esteem, and depression for as long as I can remember. Like Job (not that I'm in any matter comparing my situations with his), I wished I could perish (Jb 3:11) or, better yet, had never been born (Jb 3:20). I longed for death (Jb 3:21); I felt like my existence had just been tolerated. I truly thought that my inferiority was a given! That just goes to show how minds can warp things, especially those of adolescents.

Like David, I cried out to God in writing for answers; and just like in the book of Psalms, God responded, so some of my poems are of that nature. Others were inspired by stories and characters from the Bible or from sermons I heard. There are some which were written for people I know who were going through trying situations, such as the death of a loved one. Not all are of such a heavy nature; however, detours are made to places such as Narnia, Middle-Earth, and Dodge City, Kansas. Some are written to a certain tune, some serious, some silly. Keep in mind that the illustrations were pieced together by a very technologically challenged person using the '90s tech! I pray that, together, they will bring comfort, reassurance, enlightenment, and of course, enjoyment. If so, then perhaps my rhymes are my reason!

You see, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. God demonstrates His own love for us in this—while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Justified by His blood, we shall be saved from God's wrath through Him! For when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son—our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ro 5:6–11)

Donna Ayers 5/18/10

As we bid another year adieu

Let us thank the Lord who saw us through

If through hardship, thank Him for the grace

He provided, each new day to face

If through sorrow, thank Him for the day

When He will wipe every tear away

Thank Him for the joy and peace He gives

While in this weary world we live

If your life seems more than you can bear

You can thank Him just for being there

If your heart screams I don't understand!

Thank Him that your life is in His hands

If the past year has been good to you

As you praise and give the Lord His due

Keep in mind, your lot may change quickly

Our next breath isn't a guarantee

So, let's pray for strength to persevere

Through the upcoming, uncharted year

And for faith to praise Him, come what may

That our lives may show others the Way

Donna Ayers 1/2/09

In majesty upon the Throne

(Ps 93:1, 2)

He vigilantly tends His own

(Ps 46:1; Rom 8:38, 39)

His angels guard, His Spirit guides

(Ps 91:11; Jn 16:13)

His Son within their hearts abides

(Eph 3:17)

Stars rise and fall at His command

The universe is in His hand

All planets and all galaxies

In minutest detail He sees

His glory the heavens declare

(Ps 19:1)

His kingdom is beyond compare

(Lu 13:20)

His mighty word sustains all things

(Heb 1:3)

For from Him living water springs

(Jn 4:14)

How could all that mere flesh contain?

(Col 2:9)

Humanity cannot explain

Infinity in finite form

Is way too far beyond the norm

And so we long to understand

The mystery behind this Man

And failing this, simply embrace

The paradox of righteous grace

Donna Adkins 9/19/06

Philippians 2:6–11

Lord, You affirmed our worth the day

You chose a manger full of hay

Above a mansion and a throne

To come and reconcile Your own

And You affirmed Your grace the day

You let the guards take You away

Allowing them to mutilate

Refusing to retaliate

Christ, You affirmed Your love the day

When on a wooden cross You lay

And let them nail Your feet and hands

It's more than I can understand!

Your power You affirmed the day

You defied death, and from the grave

Came forth to claim the victory

That You would share with even me

Holy holy is the Lamb!

Glory to the great I Am!

Praise and honor, majesty

To the One who is worthy!

King of kings and Lord of lords!

We'll proclaim in one accord

Changed into His image we

Finally, totally will be

Donna Adkins 10/27/06

Glory to the Great I Am

I alone Am worthy of your reverence

In awe do not hold anyone on earth

No one's opinion should have more influence

Upon your sense of purpose or your worth

You've crossed the line between healthy respecting

And idolizing when you do obsess

About gaining approval from another

And