Lord, sometimes I live in my own little world
And I close my eyes tightly to outside events
There's no point in getting involved in debates
It's easier, more pleasant to sit on the fence.
The politics bore me, the figures confuse
At the touch of a button I switch off the news.
My neighbours are strangers, I just shout "hello"
I ask them "how are you?" but do I want to know?
Lord, I know it's not good enough, but that's life today
But what's your opinion, God, what is your way?
I know my indifference is breaking your heart
Oh show me your will and let me play my part
Lord stir up your Spirit within me again
And open my eyes to a world that's in pain.
For people are bound up in evil and strife
whilst others are starving, just clinging to life.
Lord show me the darkness but in me be light
Show me the evil but teach me what's right
Show me confusion but through me bring peace
Show me oppression but in me release
Your power, your goodness, your strength and your grace
Your compassion and love for the whole human race.
And Lord, if there's some way that you can use me
To bring about justice, to set people free
If I can bring truth to a world full of lies
Or point out the answer to some of life's "why's"
If I can untie the cords which ensnare
or help lift the pressures that people can't bear
If I can speak softly without accusation
If I can speak kindly without condemnation
If I can let God direct each conversation
Then surely each day will be different
And surely Your will may be done in some way
Lord teach me to listen and help me obey.
Karen Holmes.
Wednesday 27 August 2014
Coming to You
I'm coming in poverty,
God be my treasure
An empty clay vessel
Lord fill beyond measure
I fall by the wayside
Lord, cause me to stand
No longer alone
I hold fast to your hand.
I'm coming in brokeness
Desperate for healing
In body and mind
Lord, you know how I'm feeling
I'm weakened by struggling
I'm weary with pain
I fall down before you
Restore me again
I'm coming with sadness
With burden's laid low
My tears you have witnessed
My heartache you know
I've found no relief
Though I've looked everywhere
I know that You love me
I know that You care.
Turn ashes to beauty
Turn sorrow to dance
Erase all my failures
Give me a new chance
Bring wholeness and healing
Transform and renew
That's why I am coming
Dear Father to You.
Karen Holmes
June 18th 2007
God be my treasure
An empty clay vessel
Lord fill beyond measure
I fall by the wayside
Lord, cause me to stand
No longer alone
I hold fast to your hand.
I'm coming in brokeness
Desperate for healing
In body and mind
Lord, you know how I'm feeling
I'm weakened by struggling
I'm weary with pain
I fall down before you
Restore me again
I'm coming with sadness
With burden's laid low
My tears you have witnessed
My heartache you know
I've found no relief
Though I've looked everywhere
I know that You love me
I know that You care.
Turn ashes to beauty
Turn sorrow to dance
Erase all my failures
Give me a new chance
Bring wholeness and healing
Transform and renew
That's why I am coming
Dear Father to You.
Karen Holmes
June 18th 2007
Tuesday 26 August 2014
Birthday Gifts
Written for our pastor's birthday some years ago......
You're wife told me,"just bring yourself,
a present doesn't matter
don't buy him chocolates or sweets
they'll only make him fatter"
She said "he doesn't garden,
so don't buy tools or plants
And please don't buy him alcohol
he'll start to sing and dance.
books are no good, they'll gather dust
as on a shelf they sit.
Don't buy him running shoes or weights,
he don't like keeping fit.
He isn't into cufflinks,
they're just not cool these days
He's got a stack of DVD's
and music that he plays.
He doesn't need a carriage clock
or watch to tell the time
they'd only drive him crazy
with their ticking and their chimes.
He has a wardrobe full of clothes,
so please, no socks, no ties,
no garments that we must return
to get the proper size.
No flowers, they will make him sneeze,
no ornaments to dust.
He won't be disappointed
cos he's not the type to fuss.
Just bring yourself, just come along,
enjoy the birthday bash
and make sure that you bring a card
and fill it full of cash!"
Karen Holmes.
You're wife told me,"just bring yourself,
a present doesn't matter
don't buy him chocolates or sweets
they'll only make him fatter"
She said "he doesn't garden,
so don't buy tools or plants
And please don't buy him alcohol
he'll start to sing and dance.
books are no good, they'll gather dust
as on a shelf they sit.
Don't buy him running shoes or weights,
he don't like keeping fit.
He isn't into cufflinks,
they're just not cool these days
He's got a stack of DVD's
and music that he plays.
He doesn't need a carriage clock
or watch to tell the time
they'd only drive him crazy
with their ticking and their chimes.
He has a wardrobe full of clothes,
so please, no socks, no ties,
no garments that we must return
to get the proper size.
No flowers, they will make him sneeze,
no ornaments to dust.
He won't be disappointed
cos he's not the type to fuss.
Just bring yourself, just come along,
enjoy the birthday bash
and make sure that you bring a card
and fill it full of cash!"
Karen Holmes.
But
You've seen the way things are Lord
For nothing gets past you
As to where my life is headed
Well, I haven't got a clue.
I can only see the obvious
And the outlook's not too great
For my body's frail and damaged
Let alone my mental state!
When we gather on a Sunday
Some can barely lift their eyes
Our human hearts are broken
and our pain we can't disguise
There is darkness all around us
Each day throughout the year
BUT the Spirit of our God
is alive and hovers here.
A "but" that changes everything
"Oh Spirit stay" we plead
"Baptise us, fill us, overwhelm us,
Make us free indeed.
Transform us and restore us
inspire our hearts once more
Be God's own seal upon us"
our longing souls implore.
"Replenish us with power
and drench us, soak us through
for we've lost hope in anything
that doesn't come from you."
"And I can't live on crumbs God
when a feast You have prepared
and I'm fed up of being hungry
and I'm weary of being scared.
Oh come and make a difference
Come find me on my knees
and make that "but" reality
Come change things for me please"
Karen Holmes
17th January 2012
For nothing gets past you
As to where my life is headed
Well, I haven't got a clue.
I can only see the obvious
And the outlook's not too great
For my body's frail and damaged
Let alone my mental state!
When we gather on a Sunday
Some can barely lift their eyes
Our human hearts are broken
and our pain we can't disguise
There is darkness all around us
Each day throughout the year
BUT the Spirit of our God
is alive and hovers here.
A "but" that changes everything
"Oh Spirit stay" we plead
"Baptise us, fill us, overwhelm us,
Make us free indeed.
Transform us and restore us
inspire our hearts once more
Be God's own seal upon us"
our longing souls implore.
"Replenish us with power
and drench us, soak us through
for we've lost hope in anything
that doesn't come from you."
"And I can't live on crumbs God
when a feast You have prepared
and I'm fed up of being hungry
and I'm weary of being scared.
Oh come and make a difference
Come find me on my knees
and make that "but" reality
Come change things for me please"
Karen Holmes
17th January 2012
Guardian Angels
Written a few years ago for special friends, I am sure they won't mind if I share this more widely now.
You're protected by my angels
Placed like sentry's at their post
Guardians of my precious children
Of the ones who need them most
Wings outstretched, none dare to pass them
Lest they're vetted and approved
Once appointed by the Father
These protectors can't be moved.
What a sight - a mighty vision
Huge and tall, their wingspan vast
Only my most trusted angels
Are deemed worthy of this task.
Day and night they keep their vigil
And the air by them is stirred
With each move of Holy Spirit
As each faithful prayer is heard
drops of Holy Spirit's power
healing ointment, soothing balm
Bringing peace in fear filled moments
And an inner sense of calm.
Oh my dearest, much loved children
You're held safely night and day
Rest secure in firmest knowledge
My protections here to stay.
Always guarding, never sleeping
Dearest ones safe in my keeping.
Karen Holmes
June 1st 2012
You're protected by my angels
Placed like sentry's at their post
Guardians of my precious children
Of the ones who need them most
Wings outstretched, none dare to pass them
Lest they're vetted and approved
Once appointed by the Father
These protectors can't be moved.
What a sight - a mighty vision
Huge and tall, their wingspan vast
Only my most trusted angels
Are deemed worthy of this task.
Day and night they keep their vigil
And the air by them is stirred
With each move of Holy Spirit
As each faithful prayer is heard
drops of Holy Spirit's power
healing ointment, soothing balm
Bringing peace in fear filled moments
And an inner sense of calm.
Oh my dearest, much loved children
You're held safely night and day
Rest secure in firmest knowledge
My protections here to stay.
Always guarding, never sleeping
Dearest ones safe in my keeping.
Karen Holmes
June 1st 2012
My Stroke Victory
This poem was written as a competition entry on the theme of victories. It didn't win! Lol. But I won. I got on the train, I did it.
And whilst I am making this poem public, might I add that there is a very special lady who works at the ticket office at Kidderminster. She observed my nervousness on that day of my first journey (long before the date of this poem) and so I explained. She was very enabling and encouraging and still asks me how I am each time I travel. Never underestimate the difference you might make in your routine daily job.
MY STROKE VICTORY
When the doors closed behind me on the train
I was taking control of my life again
Refusing to falter, despite pounding heart
Reclaiming my life, the beginning, the start
Of living unflinchingly with hope
The way I had before my stroke
Victory sought, Victory mine
When I met my friend at the end of the line.
Karen Holmes
April 4th 2012
And whilst I am making this poem public, might I add that there is a very special lady who works at the ticket office at Kidderminster. She observed my nervousness on that day of my first journey (long before the date of this poem) and so I explained. She was very enabling and encouraging and still asks me how I am each time I travel. Never underestimate the difference you might make in your routine daily job.
MY STROKE VICTORY
When the doors closed behind me on the train
I was taking control of my life again
Refusing to falter, despite pounding heart
Reclaiming my life, the beginning, the start
Of living unflinchingly with hope
The way I had before my stroke
Victory sought, Victory mine
When I met my friend at the end of the line.
Karen Holmes
April 4th 2012
Unmarked Day
If I knew then, what I know now
I'd have made a note of that day somehow
Perhaps on the calendar with a marker pen
I'd draw a star to show "that was when"
I wouldn't have had a mobile phone
Or I'd set a reminder with a special tone
But each anniversary a cake on a stand
would be promptly delivered to all in the land
There'd be street parties, laughter and great celebration
To echo my own hearts resounding elation.
If I knew then, what I know now
I'd never unwittingly allow
that day to pass without a glance.
Alas I have no second chance
to rectify my careless ways
And so unknown that moment stays
lost, shrouded in the mists of time
forgotten in your thoughts and mine
A moment when my world was changed
goes unrecorded. And it's strange
To wonder how such gaps exist
when other memories still persist.
If I had known the part you'd play
I'd save each detail of that day.
The day we met, exchanging names
To think we treated it the same
As any day before or after
brings me to tears or raucous laughter
If only I had known, I'd not
throughout my lifetime have forgot.
Karen Holmes
17th January 2011.
I'd have made a note of that day somehow
Perhaps on the calendar with a marker pen
I'd draw a star to show "that was when"
I wouldn't have had a mobile phone
Or I'd set a reminder with a special tone
But each anniversary a cake on a stand
would be promptly delivered to all in the land
There'd be street parties, laughter and great celebration
To echo my own hearts resounding elation.
If I knew then, what I know now
I'd never unwittingly allow
that day to pass without a glance.
Alas I have no second chance
to rectify my careless ways
And so unknown that moment stays
lost, shrouded in the mists of time
forgotten in your thoughts and mine
A moment when my world was changed
goes unrecorded. And it's strange
To wonder how such gaps exist
when other memories still persist.
If I had known the part you'd play
I'd save each detail of that day.
The day we met, exchanging names
To think we treated it the same
As any day before or after
brings me to tears or raucous laughter
If only I had known, I'd not
throughout my lifetime have forgot.
Karen Holmes
17th January 2011.
Love is...........
This poem was written for a Home League rally at the Salvation Army in Kidderminster in 2008. They told me their theme was love and so I wrote this.
Without love I'm just a noise
There's no relevance, no sense
Without love my deeds are worthless
Just an empty, sad pretence.
Without love, life has no meaning
There's no value, there's no point
Holy Spirit move upon me and my heart of stone anoint.
Without love there's only darkness
and I cannot find my way
Without love there is no melody
Only clashing notes are played
In disharmony the world goes on
the tune no longer clear
Without love there is no place for hope
Just deep unyielding fear.
Oh I love you Lord, but your word commands
that I love my fellow man
And that's where I am struggling
Cos I don't know if I can.
Without love we cannot know God
For love is His very being
And with love the scales fall from our eyes
We've a different way of seeing
Lord take my poor, dim vision
Bring clarity of sight
Let me see the world with your eyes
Bring compassion for our plight
Without love I am an empty shell
A cold, unfeeling heart
Now I'm crying out, "Holy Spirit,
come your tenderness impart"
For this life has numbed all feeling
I'm all frozen up inside
But the nail scarred hands of Jesus
Are still stretched open wide.
And His cry is "whosoever"
For the lost He came to save
There was no greater price to pay
His very life He gave
If God in all His mercy
could die for me and you
Then surely we must show His love
In all we say and do.
Oh I love you Lord, but Your word commands
that I love my fellow man
And it's only through your grace in me
That possibly I can.
There's no half measures, no excuse
and no-one is excluded
If we think that we can pick and choose
I'm sorry - we're deluded
for love is all encompassing
Love's arms remain outstretched
Enfolding those whose pain is great
Love always gives it's best.
Love is patient, love is kind
Love won't give up or change it's mind
Love risks it all, love reaches out
Love always hopes and never doubts
Oh I love you Lord for You first loved me
And I long my fellow man might see
Your love extends to them as well
Lord speak through me, your truth to tell
Oh move my heart with fervent zeal
To show the world a love that's real
such love as you poured forth for me
Upon that cross at Calvary.
Karen Holmes
April 30th 2008
Without love I'm just a noise
There's no relevance, no sense
Without love my deeds are worthless
Just an empty, sad pretence.
Without love, life has no meaning
There's no value, there's no point
Holy Spirit move upon me and my heart of stone anoint.
Without love there's only darkness
and I cannot find my way
Without love there is no melody
Only clashing notes are played
In disharmony the world goes on
the tune no longer clear
Without love there is no place for hope
Just deep unyielding fear.
Oh I love you Lord, but your word commands
that I love my fellow man
And that's where I am struggling
Cos I don't know if I can.
Without love we cannot know God
For love is His very being
And with love the scales fall from our eyes
We've a different way of seeing
Lord take my poor, dim vision
Bring clarity of sight
Let me see the world with your eyes
Bring compassion for our plight
Without love I am an empty shell
A cold, unfeeling heart
Now I'm crying out, "Holy Spirit,
come your tenderness impart"
For this life has numbed all feeling
I'm all frozen up inside
But the nail scarred hands of Jesus
Are still stretched open wide.
And His cry is "whosoever"
For the lost He came to save
There was no greater price to pay
His very life He gave
If God in all His mercy
could die for me and you
Then surely we must show His love
In all we say and do.
Oh I love you Lord, but Your word commands
that I love my fellow man
And it's only through your grace in me
That possibly I can.
There's no half measures, no excuse
and no-one is excluded
If we think that we can pick and choose
I'm sorry - we're deluded
for love is all encompassing
Love's arms remain outstretched
Enfolding those whose pain is great
Love always gives it's best.
Love is patient, love is kind
Love won't give up or change it's mind
Love risks it all, love reaches out
Love always hopes and never doubts
Oh I love you Lord for You first loved me
And I long my fellow man might see
Your love extends to them as well
Lord speak through me, your truth to tell
Oh move my heart with fervent zeal
To show the world a love that's real
such love as you poured forth for me
Upon that cross at Calvary.
Karen Holmes
April 30th 2008
Oh Thou Who Changest Not.........
Same tune - new words.
Abide with me for sometimes I get scared
Often in life I feel so unprepared
Nothing is constant, nothing stays the same
Oh thou who changest not, I call your name.
Abide with me for I can't cope alone
Don't leave me helpless, don't leave me on my own
Stand by my side, and take hold of my hand
Oh thou who changest not, please understand.
Abide with me through every single day
Stay with me always, please don't go away
Though I mess up and often get things wrong
Be always present, God, and make me strong.
Abide with me for all my hope's in You
Though I can't understand the things you do
Sometimes I falter, Often I am weak
Then, through the silence, let me hear You speak.
Abide with me my one unfailing friend
Abide with me until life's very end
Unchanging God, Unfailing King of Kings
Help me each day your wondrous praise to sing.
Karen Holmes
17 October 2010
(written 2 months after I had a stroke when fear was very present and uncertaintly became my only certainty)
Abide with me for sometimes I get scared
Often in life I feel so unprepared
Nothing is constant, nothing stays the same
Oh thou who changest not, I call your name.
Abide with me for I can't cope alone
Don't leave me helpless, don't leave me on my own
Stand by my side, and take hold of my hand
Oh thou who changest not, please understand.
Abide with me through every single day
Stay with me always, please don't go away
Though I mess up and often get things wrong
Be always present, God, and make me strong.
Abide with me for all my hope's in You
Though I can't understand the things you do
Sometimes I falter, Often I am weak
Then, through the silence, let me hear You speak.
Abide with me my one unfailing friend
Abide with me until life's very end
Unchanging God, Unfailing King of Kings
Help me each day your wondrous praise to sing.
Karen Holmes
17 October 2010
(written 2 months after I had a stroke when fear was very present and uncertaintly became my only certainty)
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