" A MAN NAMED ART "

A man named Art was sitting on the edge of his bed
Seeing him there alone we were strongly led
To go in and greet him with a warm "Hello,"
He looked a bear of a guy, an appealing fellow.

He was a black man as black as a man can be.
In that hospital room it was obvious to see,
He was staring at the blank green wall,
Leaning on the table cupping his jaw.
We told him we were led to call.

He smiled and told us his name
We smiled and did the same.
As we left we said, "God bless you, Art."
He in kind, said, "Thanks from my heart."
He thanked us warmly with a twinkle in his eye
This benevolent seeming very tall guy.
He made us smile, this gentle giant;
To the Lord's wish we were compliant.
Thank God Mena and I went;
I know Art was heaven-sent.

For the little we did for him, He did for us so much more;
We couldn't know the blessings that were in store.
We saw Jesus in him and in his smile
So happy we visited him for a while....
The memory of a man named Art
Is forever etched in my heart.
Thank God
for that man named Art.

© Mel Patterson, 9-1-08

There are 12 of us who go out two by two each week
to do two hours of works. We visit nursing homes,
the hospital, shut-ins, and we evangelize.
Hence, it was Filomena and I who visited
the hospital this week.

Our Lady of Knock Praesidium

St. Charles Borromeo Church

PA

" FIND our VOICE "

When things go well, it is easy to be of good cheer;
Life seems good, we're happy, no time for a tear.

When the good times are over and we wear a frown,
When problems weigh upon us and wear us down,
Find our voice, give thanks for the blessings given;
Pray to the Lord for whom the soul has striven
We will be blessed and Holy Sprit driven
To Praise Him morning, noon and night
Even if life seems a plight
Soon troubles will take flight
In Him we will delight.

Find our voice !
He's our Choice !!
We Rejoice !!!
Find our voice !

© Mel Patterson, 8-31-08

" A Briney Sea "

I see the rolling waves undulating in the deep blue ocean,
I hear the gushing, the rushing and the turbulent motion;
While many of us are in the waters thrashing all about

Frighteningly and frantically, "Save us! " we shout.

Our vessel has sunk; we were tossed into the rough sea;
How could that upset have happened, how did it come to be?
Life boats filled to capacity, life rings clung to in a death-grip
Help comes, rescuers arrive to lift us onto another ship.

I taste the salty brine and choke on what I swallow;
I drift in and out of consciousness and helplessly wallow
In waters of oblivion, with others just like me ~ in that sea
Until I hear the sound of a bell ringing in the distance
Ringing and ringing with great persistance.
It snaps me out of that horrific situation;
I find blessed relief without hesitation.
A new day has dawned,and I stretch with a yawn.




© Mel Patterson, 8-9-08

" Living Water in an Arid Desert "

Empty, depleted, withdrawn, and dry
From the depths of one's heart comes a cry;
What does one do when caught in this lie
Where satan wants one's soul to die?

Nothing negative is of God we know
So how can the tempter deceive us so?
He gains entrance easily in susceptible souls
Who strive for worldly rather than heavenly goals.

While we see where the wrong may lie,
Jesus and satan for valuable souls do vie;
The battle is between principalities and powers
Our Lord's, far above satan's,indeed, towers.

Lean not on our own but upon the Lord's power
And believe His Majesty demands satan cower;
The Blood of Jesus covers us stem to stern
And saves us from the hell-fires that burn.

Rejuvenated, renewed, restored and healed
Thru the precious blood of Christ we are sealed;
The desert aridity is now replaced by living waters
Gifts He gives to His sons and daughters.

While peace of mind does indeed wax and wane
As life sends us the sun as well as the rain,
Be uplifted to know we can come to Him in prayer
And believe no matter what, He will always care
Lord, into Your Everlasting Life, we wish a share.



© Mel Patterson, 8-9-08

" HOLY MASS "

Opening up before me
a panorama I spiritually see
of Thy Mother, Thy Saints,
Thy Angels and Thee,
gathering 'round Thy Altar,
in prayerful, peaceful Psalter.

O my Lord, Thou art wholly Divine!
The gift of wheat and the gift of wine,
bread of heaven, grapes sanguine,
by the Celebrant are consecrated
into Thy Body and Thy Blood
And Thy graces upon us flood.

Do bid us "Come," to Thy Table
While we are able
to receive Thee in Communion
the Gift of Holy Union.

When we are at Mass and fully attentive
and in worship and prayer are sensitive
we are as close to Heaven as we can be
this side of the veil unto Eternity;
Lord, God, we exalt Thee.

Lord, we are not worthy to receive Thee in this fashion
Please fill our souls with spiritual passion
for
we are as close to Heaven as we can be
this side of the veil until Eternity;
Lord, God, we exalt Thee.

© Mel Patterson, 7-20-08

" DON'T ASK ME "







Don't ask me about myself if you please
Unless you want to see me drop to my knees,
For I cannot share what is deep within my heart
Because to bare it would simply rip me apart.

I do better when I serve many others
Like you, my sisters and my brothers;
I don't do well to focus upon only me,
Try to understand and try to see
This is how I've got to be.

The Lord made me this way I dare say;
I can function with Him close by my side,
Leaning upon Him day after day after day
In Him forever I want and need to abide.

So, don't ask me if I am okay.
Just accept that I am this way;
The best way to help me is let me help you
And upon us both His favor He'll imbue
Pouring blessings down from heaven above
Gracing us with His everlasting Love.







© Mel Patterson, 6-30-08

" THE AUTUMN of my LIFE "






In the Autumn of my life it's a hill that I see;
To others a huge mountain it seems to be.

We are in shadow, black figures in the dark,
Moving upward with few eyes on the mark.

Some are stalling, sitting, resting, sleeping,
Others are beaten, backtracking and weeping.

Yet many move on and upward no matter the cost
Supporting others who otherwise might be lost.

At the top of the mountain is a brand new day,
Where the sun shines brightly holding me sway.

I see the mountain is only a hill and no more;
What once was, no longer holds store,
Past work is no longer a chore,
Peace blesses the core.
Rest, my soul, the job is done;
Look, He's coming, the Son,
For the little soul He has won.
© Mel Patterson, 6-21-08

" THE VISITATION "








When Gabriel announced to Mary she was to bear a son,
She wondered how on earth it could be done.
For a virgin she had been and intended to remain;
She thought of her betrothed's and her parents' pain.

The Angel told her she would be infused by the Holy Spirit,
That she would remain a Virgin and not to fear it;
With this knowledge Mary acquiesced to God's Holy Will
And the gracious Vessel who was Mary is honored still.

Gabriel told Mary that cousin Elizabeth was with child,
Expecting a boy, the Forerunner of Christ-undefiled;
Mary journeyed to visit her cousin, each expecting a boy,
When John sensing Jesus' Divine Presence leapt for joy.

By their meeting, though yet unborn, the boys connected;
Little was it known both, eventually, would be rejected.
For now, however, the mothers would lovingly prepare,
Each in her own time, the child each would bear.

Hail, Mary, the Lord is with you,
Woman so full of Grace;
Blessed are you who nurtured Him,
And Kissed His adorable Face




© Mel Patterson, May 30, 2008

HSSSSSSSSS





Hasten, time's a wastin' !
No time for procrastinatin' !
Get it done now, get it done quick ~
See the clock tock 'n tick!
Get the job done in a flick!
Snap to it lickity split!
Hsssssss.

Run here, run there !
Be swift, no one'll care!
Do the job fast and furious!
Slow down? Are you serious?
No time to putter and sputter;
Don't grumble and mutter!
Job might as well be in the gutter!
Hsssssss.

Do more and do it now;
Don't fool around, pal!
Get with the program, man!
You can do it, yes you can
according to my time plan!
No break, no time!
Breaking your back for a dime?
You say it's a crime?
Hsssssss.

Well, I don't care 'bout you!
I want to break you, I do!
I snarl and bark and hiss,too.
If you don't know by now,
I'll get you somehow
and to only me will you bow!
I'm your worst enemy you see!
Legions swarm around me!
You're down? I'm happy
so full of glee...
Hsssssss.

Only one thing makes me flee!
When you get on bended knee,
get smart and so prayerfully
call upon Him who cast me out,
out of Eden for tempting Eve;
O, how I did seethe
Hsssssssssss.

Don't do that! Don't pray!
Overtaking you needs one more day!
Don't worry 'bout what God'll say!
Don't call upon the One who died,
Him who was crucified!
His Blood is on me now
He calls me "foul!"
I growl!
Hssssssss!

My pinions release you..
Let HIM please you..
He grabs you from the rim.
You're safe with Him.
I scurry along
slithering away,
looking for other prey,
another I can hold sway ~
Today!
Hsssssss!



© Mel Patterson, 5-26-08

BURNING the MIDNIGHT OIL

How many times does one burn the midnight oil,

from a problem which one might wish to recoil?

I daresay there are many too numerous to count

and, seemingly, too very many to ever surmount.

Often in the wee hours of the early morning it seems,

when the body is weary but the mind indeed deems

it is required to burn that midnight oil again,

this particular poem is being written thru' my pen.

If there were no hope and there were no tomorrow

this life would be pitiful and full of sorrow.

When, however, there is faith in a Supreme Being,

then comfort and consolation is what one is seeing.

There is a soul encased in the body of skin and bone,

of blood, sinew, muscle tissue made by God Alone.

To lift one's mind, heart, soul and spirit to God above

Is to experience God's comforting and everlasting Love.

So, whatever may cause you to burn that midnight oil,

keep the Lord God in your heart with you thru' that toil,

and you will see the dawning of a brand new day

full of hope and encouragement to hold you sway

as you fold your hands and to our God pray,

Lord, teach me to do it your way.



© Mel Patterson, 5-19-08

FIRE RING

(Jesus' heart afire came to me during Mass
in an inner vision - triggering this poem)

My spiritual eyes see You standing before me,
Your heart is ablaze with leaping flame
Ignited with love for all of us;
Out of deep burning love You came.

Now in the middle of a large ring of fire
Whipping up all around me,
I am untouched by the fire-tongues
Of eternal love that surround me.

It's my sense, O Lord this is Your Love ring
Encapsulating us within Your burning Heart;
How can our spirits not shout and sing
For the infinite Love You bring
It's consummation to impart?

Send Your Ring of burning flame over the world
Engulfing satan and to hell have him furled,
While we are protected from harm and pain;
Thru Your Heart's fire heaven is our gain.

Your love burns so deeply, Lord
Showing us in ways we cannot measure;
When we praise You in one accord
You fill us with heavenly treasure;
Such is Your Holy Will and pleasure.

© Mel Patterson, 5-16-08

THE UPPER ROOM

(PENTECOST)

In the Upper Room there gathered
were those who greatly mattered
being followers of Jesus who died
waiting humbly, devoid of pride.

The Lord bid them be present there
and they were in quiet deep prayer
when they heard a wind-like rush
envelope the room in a mighty gush.

Upon each one alit a tongue of fire;
they wondered what would transpire.
It became evident as they began to speak
in other tongues they did not seek.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, each one
could proclaim how God's only Son
came to save all men, Gentiles and Jews
who would listen and follow His cues
for in their own native tongues
They all could hear ~
the Good News.

So the apostles set out two by two
Preaching to many a Gentile and Jew
Romans and thousands of others, too
Spreading the Gospel of Salvation
To every people and nation
As the Holy Spirit ~ inspired them to do.




© Mel Patterson, 5-10-08

" TIMES THREE "

I heard my name called in the early morning rising,
a call to prayer or an action to take I am surmising.
There was no accompanying dream I can recall;
it was the voice of a man and no vision at all.

Whose voice could it have been that I heard
that summoned me to wake, my sleep deferred?
Why was I called in the wee morning hours,
this cool cloudy morn with sprinkling showers?

I did not know the voice of the man who spoke
but I wondered if was it me the Lord woke?
I still hear my own name called one times three
And I wonder, Lord, could it have been Thee?

I will take from the mention of my name
that it was a call from Thee, Lord, who came
bid me rise and begin the day with prayer
for our world which is in need of repair,
that national resources we share,
that everyone for all will care.

Until we learn to love one another
As sister, brother, father and mother
the way Thou knew before the start,
O Thou Loving Sacred Heart,
cleanse us of all that is not of Thee
Thy Blood to bathe us, ah Sweet Purity,
Help us grow in spiritual maturity
Lord, I Praise and Thank Thee
For Thou didst call me ~ one times three.



© Mel Patterson, 5-10-08

" ASCENSION "

O Lord, you have risen from the dead
Exactly as you have said.
We miss the YOU we came to know
Yet we wonder why it must be so

That you will again leave us
When You're taken will they believe us?
Will they understand why You came
Will anyone ever be the same?

We see You, Lord, as You appear
Your soon leaving evokes a tear.
We wish you could longer stay
Please just for one more day?

To the Father You must return
With deep ardor my soul does burn
We approach the place of your leaving
Already my poor soul is grieving

The sooner You go to the Father
Without further adieu and bother
The Holy Spirit will light His fire
Then our spirits will never tire

To spread the good news of salvation
To every soul in every nation
So, take Your leave Lord, if You must
In You forever we shall trust

We see You leaving fading from view
And after You go we'll take our cue
To go back to our family and our friends
Rapt in Your Love that never ends.

We await with Faith, Hope and Love
Holy Spirit blessings from above
To light our souls with ardor and fire,
To spread the Kingdom as You desire.
Per Your command all will transpire
And to that great call we do aspire.




© Mel Patterson, 4-30-08

"OUT of CONTROL"

No, I am not my own universe
The world does not spin around me
Thinking so is utterly perverse
Why has it taken me so long to see?

How is it scales covered my eyes
And I refused to listen to good advice?
The evil one wore an angel's disguise
And seduced me with so many lies.

I was bitterly tossed and torn
I didn't know if I was coming or going
My mind, heart and soul were worn
Confusion and fatigue were showing.

Darkness overwhelmed me
And nothing existed for a short time
I felt as though I ceased to be
Then a tender hand helped me climb

I was lifted out of that black hole
Into the daylight of His eyes
He healed and restored my soul
And for Jesus my spirit sighs.

I relinquished my being and now am seeing
That I was out of control ~ clearly!
I repented deeply from the core of my being
And now cherish the Lord ever so dearly.

No one living soul is yet lost forever;
Jesus forgives the repentant sinner.
Pray for the lost, a noble endeavor;
Pray that every one will be a winner.

There is a battle raging right now
One we may not want to face;There are those who to satan bow
Pray they receive God's Grace.

The time is coming have no doubt
Jesus is coming as in Revelation
Be done with the evil one, the lout!
Unite under Christ Jesus as one holy nation.



© Mel Patterson, 4-25-08

" A Child Needs...."

We are products of our environment it is said
and from birth through life we are variously led
From infancy to childhood others are in charge
When you are little, others seem rather large.

A child needs benevolent and respectful care
As well as being taught to love and play fair.
If a child is taught to respect God and others
He will love himself and likewise his brothers.

Whether our childhood was nurturing or not
Comes the time when we must deal with our lot
The decisions we make will color our future
And show what we're made of as we mature.

If victory is to be won, it's upon God we trust
Knowing, loving and serving Him well we must.
Getting through life is hard enough we all know
Traveling with the Lord is the only sure way to go.

Guide the little ones in the ways of the Lord
So they, too, will praise Him, and to Him accord
All Honor, All Glory, and All Adoration
hearts full of joy and expectation,
toward the day of eternal jubilation
and
infinite exaltation.




© Mel Patterson, 4-22-08

A PLACE

In centering upon God in prayer I am made aware
of the music of a heavenly choir
accompanied by angelic flute and lyre;
of so lovely a sound I never tire.

It is by God's grace my soul is released and pleased
to accept within my spiritual hearing
celestial reverberations so endearing
and I praise God for their appearing.

I bask in the midst of a surround of sound
taken out of the shell of my physical being
transported to a place of also seeing
that Light and Music are ever agreeing.

May this transcendent moment never end,
this heavenly place blessed with every grace
where one can be lost in time and space
taken away from the daily chase
that seizes the human race.

O, Love so tender, you radiate splendor;
may these moments be evermore mine
transport me often to that place divine
where music and radiance combine
and where Thy Light does ever shine.

May all Praise and all Thanksgiving
always and everywhere
be Thine.




© Mel Patterson, 4-16-08

"YOU SHOWED ME A CHASM"

O Lord, you showed me a deep dark chasm
Between good and evil this very morning.
Then I heard you bid me " spread the warning."

On one side was the Cross of our Salvation,
On the other, dank, black, putrid degradation.

The gap between good and evil truly exists;
Contamination by the evil one stubbornly persists.

He defies Purity and Holiness; he keenly drives wedges,
And gloats to see people sliding to the gap's edges

On the side of Salvation, souls are reaching out
Grasping the weak souls who experience doubt,

Trying to save them from falling into the chasm;
With temptations satan still wants to dazzle them.

The battle between good and evil is being fought
What is it our lives and efforts will have wrought?

Are we riding the slippery slope to a bitter end
With sludge, filth, sulphur, and fire our souls to rend?

Or are we on the road to Jesus who loved us to His Death
Will we love Him and be faithful to our last breath?

Come to grips all you who search for life's meaning;
Stay away from every evil thing that is demeaning.

Choose good over evil at every single chance!
The Lord looks upon us with His Loving Glance;
Do you not already see it, perchance?

The chasm is wide, deep and steep,
Evil ones shirk , lurk and creep,
They are snide, riddled with pride,
They want to take you on a joyride,
Then laugh at you all askew
Don't let it happen to you.

Choose our Creator Who willed us to be
Imitators of Jesus Who is the Key
To life with the Holy Trinity
For Eternity.

As the end of time approaches
And the closing of the gap encroaches,
Be aware of the Lord's exhortation
Heed his call every nation.
He tarries not for much longer;
Pray to be made stronger,
For the battle is not yet done.
Bring many to God's Son
In unity all for One.

Finally, the day will come
To hell many, to heaven some;

Choose God Who willed us to be
Imitators of Jesus Who is the Key
To life with the Holy Trinity
For all Eternity.



© Mel Patterson 4-9-08

WAYWORD SOUL

O wayward soul where are you going?
What heavy crosses are you towing?
Into the wind are your dreams blowing?
Do you think that you are all-knowing?
What kind of seeds are you sowing?

When we can do no more to set things right
When what we want seems beyond our sight
Let's fall to our knees in the dark of the night
Pray to God with every bit of our might
Watch the evil one swiftly take flight.

Let's stand back and re-evaluate our lives!
With numerous trials the soul in pain writhes;
It's toward God Almighty every Christian strives,
Into His limitless pool of Mercy each soul dives
To soak up the forgiveness
and love God gives
For from infinity to infinity
His Divine Majesty lives
And He gives
and gives and
gives.

© Mel Patterson, 4-4-08

" MY BLOOD "

As my Blood coursed through my veins
I was forced to suffer horrendous pains;
I was beaten with cruel whips of fire,
Humiliatingly disrobed of all my attire.

The crown I wore they savagely applied
The Agony so great, I silently cried.
Dragging that cross upon my shoulder,
The crowd's taunts became much bolder.

I beheld the loving face of my mother
My heart was wrenched; I loved her.
Veronica kindly wiped my face
Giving me brief rest from the pace.

Three times I fell on jagged stone
Ripping my knees and shins to the bone.
Soldiers summoned Simon from Cyrene
I was the most pitiful sight he'd ever seen.

Bloodied and battered I looked a fright
Women and children wailed at the sight.
As we made our way to the fateful hill
Spittle and jeers were hurled at me still.

They threw me onto that cross of wood
Mobs of onlookers curiously stood
Watching the nails being pound
Hearing my mournful sound.

They saw the Cross raised;
In a frenzy they were crazed,
Hanging around glaring
Not one of them caring
Except my loved ones who were there
I wondered when I died how they'd fare.
I gave John and my mother
One to the other
So they would have one another.

For those who judged me
For those who crucified me...
Father, forgive them;
They know not what they do.

I thirst..........I thirst.

Father, into your hands
I commend my spirit.

It is finished.


~ Blood coursed through His veins ~
He was forced to suffer incomprehensible pains;
Through His Blood Heaven for us He gains.
~ Now in Heaven Our Savior reigns ~



© Mel Patterson, 3-24-08

WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?

What is it that is in your wallet?
Is it stuffed with ones, fives and tens?
Is it filled with ID's and credit cards?
What is the message your wallet sends?

What do you carry around with you?
What do you have in that wallet of yours?
Do family pictures take a place of honor?
Are there any stubs from evils' lures.

If today you are taken in an untimely fashion
In an unexpected event and/or place
Will your wallet tell more than you wish it would?
Will you be found honorable or found in disgrace?

We don't know while we still walk this earth
If and when we might be caught off guard;
Why not inspect what we carry with us
And not make our parting unduly hard?

Scandalizing others is so hurtful a sin
Let's not be found dishonoring friend or kin
By their finding out evil places we've been.
Listen to the still soft voice within
Through God's Grace, we can win
With HIM let us begin.

Our wallets tell a story of how we live,
What we love and to whom and what we give.
Let's keep those wallets neat, simple and clean
And polish them to a fine luster and sheen;
Let's care for them as we do for souls
And meditate upon far loftier goals.

This little admonition is not meant only for you
It is meant for yours truly, too.
For in poetic form the lesson I convey
Teaches me how to walk the right way.
I hope our souls have been gently seeded
Triggering thoughts that may be needed
And that together God's plan is heeded
By bettering our lives with the passing of time
And reach the heavenly home ~
- O how sublime.

Lord, for You,

I penned this rhyme.



© Mel Patterson, 3-18-08

THE WINGS OF PRAYER

Do you feel as though you are being tossed about,
As if in high seas with the storm's pounding clout?
Do you feel battle weary, fatigued beyond all reason?
Do you wonder if you'll ever reach a peaceful season?

As the rolling waves of the ocean ebb and flow
And the fierce winds blast your life to and fro
Know you're in a temporary and not permanent place
And ask the Lord to fill your heart with His Grace.

The storms of life are many; this we know as fact.
We've tried every conceivable thought, word and act
When all has been said and done seemingly for naught,
We pause finally and listen to God's renewing thought.

At times we wonder why no one comes to our rescue
Feeling defeated and deserted, our lives all askew.
We come to the realization that God truly does care
And we can see a new horizon on the wings of Prayer.

© Mel Patterson, 3-16-08

"WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?"

My beloved, who do you say that I am?
Do you believe that I AM The Pure Lamb?

Are you blinded or do you truly see
That you could become an image of Me?

Who do you really think I am, Dear one?
Do you think when I died my work was done?

Do you believe you are my My hands and My feet
And that I guide you from Heaven's Holy Seat?

If you truly know my love belongs to you
It will affect what you think, say and do.

For if you truly love Me and follow my ways
You'll find My Peace will bless your days.

Who Am I to you? I really want to know.
Do you know I lift you when you are low?

Can you imagine the expanse of my love
That spans eternity, earth to heav'n above?

I AM the GOD who willed you to be here
Before anything that ever came to being;
My child, I AM yours, you are Mine
I've removed the scales and you are seeing.

Now ~Who do you say that I Am?
Do you now believe
I AM
The Pure Lamb?

© Mel Patterson, 3-12-08

"As the Lord Draws Near"

In the prime of my life I did not think about where I was going;
I had not the sense to be aware of what I was sowing.
Gradually the obscure became clear as our Lord drew near
The cloud of indecision faded from my sight
Away from my soul left the long dark night.


If you see through the glass rather darkly these days
And cannot make out even one of the sun's rays
The obscure can become clear as our Lord draws near
Open wide your heart and permit the Lord do His part
Upon your precious soul His Image He will impart.

© Mel Patterson, 3-9-08

" TIME to Take STOCK "

Do we want it all and do we want it right now?
Do we become frustrated trying to figure out how?
Do we demand and require many needless things?
Heartache and tears are what selfishness brings.

Do we pass the beggar by and give him an evil eye?
Do we look down on the poor with a snickering sigh?
Do we think we'll never walk that particular mile?
Do we go our own way with a sneer and a smile?

It's time to put the skids to that kind of thinking,
Or deeper down the slippery slope we'll be sinking.
It's time to take stock of our soul and our spirit,
Or the scorching hot flames of hell will sear it.

Open the eyes of our soul to see as Jesus can see,
He who gave His life up for the likes of you and me.
He gently chides us and within His heart hides us
To protect us from satan who desires to fight us.

Open the eyes of our hearts and think kindly of others;
Be in tune to the suffering of all our sisters and brothers.
Love them as Jesus teaches us how to love them rightly;
Learn and pray the Lord's Prayer daily and nightly.

Every provision we need the Lord will provide
As long as we travel our long journey by His side.
He came that we might gain eternal life with Him;
Through His Blood we are freed from satan's whim.

The Lord's is the earth, mountains, sea and sky,
As well as sun, moon, stars, and clouds rolling by.
Expand our minds, hearts, spirits and souls;
Immerse ourselves in loftier goals.
It is time to tend to Heavenly Fare
A Banquet awaits us there,
Lord, hear our prayer.




© Mel Patterson, 2-25-08

" BIDDING US "

You call us to a closer union with you
A place we have never been before;
You beckon us to follow your every cue
Upon us every good grace you pour.

You extend your hand and gently lead
Taking us on the journey of our lives;
One day at a time you bid us proceed
To be with you, Lord, the soul strives.

We see your hand outstretched toward us
Bidding us lovingly, "Come follow me."
Lord, with plenteous blessings award us;
Hear us, O Lord, and answer our plea.

Graciously hear us, O Lord, when we cry,
Cry out to you in prayerful petition;
Be our stronghold we prayerfully sigh
As we submit to you in humble contrition.

Unite our hearts with yours forever more
Assume us, Lord, into your own Heart afire
Then will our souls and spirits ever soar
Praising you with heav'nly harp and lyre.

© Mel Patterson, 2-19-08

" HAVE FAITH in ME "

Have faith in Me and you'll see
It is wise to come, follow Me.

Weary from the walk and the steep climb,
How much longer and how much more time
Must we travel this long, hard, rocky road
And shoulder this large heavy load,
Before help is given
And we are driven
to the depths we could possibly sink
Lord, we are at the brink
of drowning in the seas.
O, save us
please.

Have faith in Me and you'll see
It is wise to come, follow Me.

I come to you when you cry out
When you don't listen, I have to shout
In ways you cannot yet understand;
It is with deep love I reprimand.
Be still and know that I am the Lord
Trust and Mercy to Me accord.

Have faith in Me and you'll see
It is wise to come, follow Me.

Have you walked my way and my steep climb?
Did you know that it was my appointed time?
Did you travel the long, hard, rocky road I did?
Did you shoulder the wood of the Cross as I did?
I asked my Father to lift the cup I was to drink
But it was not to my own will I would think
It was to my Fathers' I would say yes
To His will only I did acquiesce
to my last breath
Even to death.
all for you
As I was born to do.
Why? you want to know?
Because I love you so.
I want you to be where I am
with greatest affinity
Infinitely
For all eternity.

Have faith in Me and you'll see
It is wise to come, follow Me.

© Mel Patterson, 1-29-08

"ALL THINGS NEW "

My Son told me He would make all things new;
How could I have known what that would ensue?
He told me He'd die for a cause that was just
And the suffering He would endure, He said He must.

When He grew from a tiny baby into a child.
With Joseph His Father, much wood they piled,
To make many a frame, a door, a table and chair;
Working together they were quite a pair.

For a time after Joseph passed on we were grieving,
And after some years later, my Jesus was leaving;
It was so hard to see Him go off into the world,
I felt my heart was ripped out and hurled.

He must be about His Father's business He said;
So many men and women to Heaven would be led.
Within I knew God had designed and planned
That all would all come to pass at my Jesus' hand.

If only people would listen and heed Him
And realize they desperately need Him;
He wants them to recognize God our Father,
And not feel that salvation is a bother.

The joy that awaits those who obey His Law
Graciously given to those who heed His call
Is unconditionally and everlastingly given
To every soul that is Holy Spirit driven.

When my Son was arrested and tortured, I cried,
"My sweet and beautiful Jesus they crucified."
The hole in my heart was mended in three days
As Jesus was resurrected; to God I sang praise.

Praise God with me everyone who loves my Son!
Your precious souls my Jesus has won;
Victory's with Him now and forevermore.
One day we'll all Praise God on Heaven's shore;
Only Him for all eternity we'll adore,
Where every soul will blessedly soar.


My Son made all things new

Especially

~ for you ~

~~~

© Mel Patterson, 1-16-08

" Teetering on the Edge "

We stand on a precipice and teeter on the edge
O Lord, help us not to slip and fall;
Let satan not draw between us a wedge ~
Speak loudly that we may hear your Call.

Lord, we are so weak and growing very weary
We stumble, fall, drag ourselves hour upon hour
Our eyes are swollen shut, tired and teary;
O lift our crosses with your almighty power.

We can't live up to our own expectations
Let alone try to live up to Yours;
Help us to revel again in jubilation,
Help us fight off satan's lures.

Our bodies, minds, hearts, souls and spirit
Suffer under the weight of the cross we carry;
Your humble submission, may we mirror it,
Permit your guiding hand not to tarry.

It becomes clear to us that we are to blame
For the position in which we find ourselves;
In soulful petition we call upon Your Name,
Lord, forgive us and hold us to Thyself.

~ Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you bring ~
~ Thank you for removing sin's sting ~
~ In gratitude and Praise to you we sing ~
You are our Lord! You are our King!
~ In Heaven and earth Praises ring ~
In Adoration we all sing!
You are Lord and King!!!

© Mel Patterson, 1-11-08

" THE VEIL THINS "

O my people the veil thins
Between goodness and sins;
It draws nigh that swiftly I come
Loving all, taking some,
I mete out justice over all.
If only all,
would hear my call.

I come to you in the night
When you muse upon my might;
I chase the spirit of darkness and gloom
I protect you from sins' vacuum
I lift your soul in my hands
And gaze upon you with heart aflame
Would that you truly understood
why it is.......I came.
Ponder what is above
Come with me, my love.

Upon a steed, in armor adorned,
I come soon; you are warned
Prepare your soul for my visitation
All will know of my justification.
Soon the hour of completion will be done
Be ready for me ~ I AM ~ God's only Son.

These things I tell you out of deep love
I'll take you to my Father above
O my people the veil is thin
I break forth, come in,
Where our souls wedded will be
For ever and ever in eternity.
Come....
Come
with
Me.

© Mel Patterson, Jan. 3, 2008

" SOARING "

Why is it sometimes I feel strong
And other times everything seems wrong
Yet, there are times, I break forth into song
Knowing the Savior to whom I belong?

The ups and downs of life I know
Often have me heaving to and fro;
The fact of the matter is that life is so,
Thank the Lord to whom I may always go.

The seesaw of life springs me up and down
You might see on my face a doleful frown
Yet here is Jesus adorned in golden crown
With a red mantle over his long white gown.

He keeps me focused on the things above;
Filling my emptiness with his everlasting love.
It is through Him, with Him and in Him
I have the strength and courage to live
Thru the grace His Holy Spirit does give
Boundless blessings upon me alight
I praise the Lord with all my might
He is sheer Heavenly Delight
It's Joy to be in His Sight
My soul takes flight
Soaring ...
ultimate height.

© Mel Patterson, 1-1-08

" JOY and PEACE and LOVE "

Year's end is swiftly encroaching,
Leaving the present year behind,
The New Year is fast approaching,
The goals we sought, did we find?

Were we satisfied with mediocrity?
Did we strive for so much less?
Did we flaunt an air of superiority?
Did we make of ourselves a pitiable mess?

The time is coming for a new resolution
The New Year offers new promise and hope
We plead with God for His absolution
And trust in His mercy to help us cope.

Starting afresh, let us begin the New Year
By recalling His Tenets and His Law
Remembering that He is always near
Ready to catch us if and when we fall.

Seas may rage and oceans may heave
And fall we shall ~ but do not always fear it
For Jesus told us that He will never leave
Through the Power of His Holy Spirit.

Spiritual things are seen and unseen
It is within the soul we come to know it;
In evaluating our walk we see where we've been
Growing in holiness ~ or ~ wallowing in sin
Forgiveness is needed without a doubt
And when it is given we want to shout
for and with
Joy and Peace and Love
All Blessings from God above!
Joy and Peace and Love !!
Joy and Peace and Love!!!

Let's begin the New Year
with renewed
~ JOY and PEACE and LOVE ~

© Mel Patterson, 12-28-07

" SING, SING, SING "

The Season's fast arriving;
For what are we striving?
Gifts are sought
and bought.
No time
for things sublime
Rushing here, there
Nerves threadbare
Care rare.

Buying, wrapping
Resource-tapping
Sleepless nights
Nocturnal lights
All's done;
race won!
Not fun?

Christmas Eve is here
Christmas Day is near
Hurrying and Scurrying
now behind us
How will the Baby Lord Jesus
find us?

Let us kneel in adoration
Rejoice in jubilation
At Bethlehem's stable
While we still are able
Time is of the essence;
In The Babe's Presence
We sing Songs of Joy,
Adoring the Baby Boy,
JESUS, Little King,
Salvation He'll bring!
Sing !
SING !!
S I N G !!!

© Mel Patterson, 12-23-07

" CHILLY TODAY "

Chilly! It's very chilly today!
Whistling winds sweep the air
Playing havoc with one's hair
Scarves pulled tightly
Coats buttoned rightly,
Brrrrrrrr.
It's very chilly today!

Chilly! It's getting more chilly today!
Whirling winds surging even more
Twirling, remaining leaves soar
Like a hundred birds flying in the sky,
An awesome view to delight the eye.
Brrrrrrrr.
It's even more chilly today!

Chilly! It is most chilly today!
Winds are calming slightly now
Got through this rough day somehow
Reddened cheeks and nose tip frozen
Now swiftly to home, I have chosen,
Brrrrrrrrr.
It was extremely chilly today!

Chilly! It WAS chilly today!
Warming up by the hearth's fire
Feeling toasty, beginning to tire
Hot chocolate tasty and luscious
How I love it so muchous.
Ahhhhhhh,
It WAS chilly today!

Time now to hit the hay
but not before I say
Thank you, Lord
For this invigorating day.

Lord, it WAS chilly today!

© Mel Patterson, 12-16-07

" Thy Love I Have Sought "

For Thou alone my heart sings
O Lord of Lords, King of Kings;
How can I love Thee as I ought~
Thy love I have so long sought.

When I contemplate Thy goodness to me,
I am in awe and enveloped in humility
That Thou O God from infinity
Saw fit to create one like me.

My heart overflows for love of Thee
Like swelling waters of the blue-green sea
Like the roaring waves splashing ashore;
It is Thee O my God whom I adore.
Permit that I may love Thee evermore.

When my earthly life comes to an end
My sinful wounded soul wilt Thou mend?
May I one day behold Thy radiant Face
And reap the joy of inestimable grace?

How I pray this will be so, O Lord,
As to Thee alone all Praise I accord;
To be in Thy company one of these days
Hearing choirs resound in Praise
To Thy Holiness and Grace
In that heavenly Place~
And behold, I gaze
upon Thy most
beautiful~
Face.

© Mel Patterson, 12-3-07

" COME INTO HIS PRESENCE "

Come into His Presence
And be blessed by His essence;
He's close as we permit Him to be
If we realize this we can see...
He's been close to us ~ actually ~
Being aware of Him is the key.

Find a quiet place to stay and pray
And listen to what God has to say;
His Joy can be ours for the asking,
In His Son's Love we're basking.

Open the heart, soul, and spirit,
Quiet time and silence, endear it
Listen as God speaks to the heart;
Graces and blessings He'll impart
From us He wants never to be apart!

Union with You, Lord, is our heart's desire;
Lift us up out of the filthy mire,
Forgive our sin;
~ Again let us begin
To know, love and to serve You,
We truly do not deserve You,
Nothing is anything without You;
To You we cleave
Never wanting to leave
Help us perceive
Your unconditional love
Straight from heaven above
We come into Your Presence
Blessed by the transcendence
Of Your Purest Essence,
O Thou Holiest Eminence.


© Mel Patterson, 11-3-07

" Noise! "


Shattering peace is the disturbance of noise
Which invades the soul from its prior poise,
As the soul soars in heavenly contemplation
It's then catapulted into painful vexation.

Where is the peace that once was mine?
The Gift given to me once upon a time?
It shall come again; of this I am very sure
As I release my spirit to God so pure.

In the meantime I patiently and hopefully wait
For the blessings from the Keeper of the Gate
He lifts my heart, my soul and my spirit;
For temporary loss of peace, I'll not fear it.

I'll continue to pray to Him without ceasing
For to the Lord our God it is most pleasing
To ever thank Him and lift His Name on high
Keeping eyes fixed upon His azure blue sky.

Once again, His peace does blessedly visit;
When it leaves briefly next time I'll miss it.
For now, through His Grace, I attain it;
O my Sweet Jesus help me to sustain it.

Grant that I may ever bask in your love
Amid any noise be buoyed by your Dove,
The Dove of Peace fluttering His Wings
Blessed Lord Jesus, how my hearts sings.




© Mel Patterson 10-14-07

"..A-thon Thoughts "


They gathered for cancer ~ survivors as well,
Amassed to aid thousands in that insidious hell;
Many the people running and walking on
Going the distance in that run/walk-a-thon
They raised awareness and money for good cause
And were filled with our praise and applause
For we marshaled each corner as they went by
Under that sunny and cool September sky.

All completed their task, mother, father, child, teen, senior
And two wheelchair-bound ladies in a most happy demeanor;
Everyone accomplished the task to the finish line
Amid the cheers of peers for having done so fine.

Accolades to those behind the scenes
Those who exhausted all means it seems
To help others realize their dreams.

What a wonderful day to have been out and about
For on that day we all wanted to shout:
" See you next year same time same place "
To gather again and be blessed ~ by God's Grace.



© Mel Patterson, October 1, 2007

" GOD'S PROMISES "

Our Heavenly Father has willed we live

And has laid before us promises galore;

Many are the blessings He wants to give ~

Wait 'til we see what He has in store.

When we are in the trial of doubt,

If despair is there to haunt us,

When the seas of life toss us about

And the pinions of satan taunt us...

Lifting us up there is Jesus ~

And if our sins we sincerely confess,

He forgives wishing to please us;

He is The Lord we boldly profess.

Behold the Cross on the Church steeple!

The Lord promises peace to His people!

He promises the bliss of everlasting life ~

For His faithful an end to all strife.

Be of good courage and cheer

Jesus Christ is right here!

No need to hopelessly weep ~

Our Savior has promises to keep;

And unto his beloved sheep

His Love runs deep,

Deeper than the sea

For you ~

and

for me.

© Mel Patterson

" FLY ME, LORD "

I see the swaying of the trees in the breeze -
I see their branches reach high in the sky;
In His Praise I'm brought to my knees -
My soul soars and I breathe a sigh.

I want to leap out of my body and run with my soul -
I want to fly like the song birds of the air;
I want to be with You, Lord, my ultimate Goal,
Not content simply on a wing and a prayer.

Fly me through white clouds in the azure blue -
Fly me there, Lord, I humbly beg of You;
Fly me ever closer to where You are
Higher than the highest star;
Near to you my soul do take
Lest a detour I foolishly make.
Fly me high above the tempter's snare -
To You, Lord, my very soul I bare;
I come to You in heartfelt prayer -
I read Your Word with great care,
O my Lord, God, So Fair.

Take me now if it be Your Will -
I know You are God and I'll be still.
I love you, O Lord,
and I joyfully accord,
through Your Blessing and Grace,
HONOR, GLORY, WORSHIP and PRAISE
In an Eternity of Heavenly Days
Beholding Your Adorable Face.

© Mel Patterson, 9-6-07

The Flowering of a Soul

Deep within the recesses of my being
The unfolding of pink petals I'm seeing;
Continually they open petal after petal
And blessedly within my soul they settle.

How lovely this sight that delights my eye
My breath is spent in a long soulful sigh;
I imagine the fragrance of this blushing flower
And my senses praise God's creative power.

The flower can be likened to an opening soul.
The more it opens the closer to its' Goal;
The closer to the Goal who is God above
The more He fills it with His infinite Love.

While the flower blooms it is full of life
It sees all that is good not dwelling on strife.
It needs sun and rain to nurture its' growth
It needs enough nutrients and good soil both.

The soul thrives on the radiance of the Son,
And the reign of God which through Jesus was won.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Presence
And inviting me to partake of your Holy Essence.

While the soul is in a constant state of becoming
It hastens expectantly toward its' Beloved running
Toward arms open wide, enclosing the soul inside;
The Bridegroom, then, lovingly embraces His Bride.



© Mel Patterson, 8-28-07

" O Lord, Thou Art "

O Lord, Thou art
Radiance Divine
Rapture Sublime
For all time.

O Lord, Thou art
All Holy and Pure
Rock -Sure
Come to cure.

O Lord, Thou art
Heaven sent
For souls rent
Your life spent.

O Lord, Thou art
Crucified Lord
Blood poured
So Adored.

O Lord, Thou art
Risen from the dead
Holy Spirit fed
Our souls to wed.

O Lord, Thou art
Love Giving
Ever Living
Forgiving.

O Lord, Thou art
Our deep desire
To aspire
Higher.

O Lord, Thou art
Coming on a cloud
Spirit endowed
All are bowed
O the crowd
On Holy Ground
Trumpets Sound!
We are Heaven bound!!
Joyous praises resound!!!

O Lord, Thou art
Radiance Divine!
Rapture Sublime!!
For all time!!!

© Mel Patterson 8-24-07

" Let's ardently pray for God's Divine Mercy "


How close is Heaven you might ask?
Explaining it is not an easy task.
I dare say mine is simply speculation
But makes sense to me in retrospection.

As heaven is at hand so also the devil may be,
Let's ardently pray for God's Divine Mercy.

I believe the Kingdom of God is at hand;
The thought of it is as God has planned.
I believe the Kingdom of God is within me
For this realization, Lord, I truly thank Thee.

As heaven is at hand so also the devil may be,
Let's ardently pray for God's Divine Mercy.

A thin invisible veil divides heaven and earth
It begins at conception through the day of birth,
And when death upon us make its' visitation
Will we respond to God's or Satan's invitation?

As heaven is at hand so also the devil may be
Let's ardently pray for God's Divine Mercy.

The blessings of Heaven and the curses of hell
Are very real I am compelled to tell
Let's not our precious souls sell
To brief moments of pleasure
At the sacrifice of Heavenly treasure.

As heaven is at hand so also the devil may be,
Let's ardently pray for God's Divine Mercy.

If, then, a thin veil separates us from Glory,
How well will we write our own life's story?
Will we realize Jesus' Presence is near
That He wants to dry each tear,
Cherish the love He brings,
And hear the songs He sings,
This Lord of lords, this King of kings?

As heaven is at hand so also the devil may be,
Let's ardently pray for God's Divine Mercy.

Let's Thank and Praise the Lord
For His Divine Mercy.




© Mel Patterson, 8-20-07

" I AM HE "

Oh Lord,
in the wee hours of the morning I think of you~
For a time sleep escapes me
Wakefulness overtakes me
The thought of you shakes me
To pray
And I hear you say
To my heart,
" Be my counterpart."
With you, Lord, I want to be a part.

Then I hear,
"My Dear....
Tell my own I love them forever,
I want to hold them ever;
They are more valuable than gold
Make sure they are told
For 30 pieces of silver I was sold.
For love of them
Each one a priceless gem
I came to save;
My all I gave
As a slave
To die,
I...
AM
HE,
Me,
The Lord,
Jesus,
The Christ!"




© Mel Patterson, 8-18-07

" REACTION to DISTRACTION "


Why is it when we are drawn into prayer
Distraction and noise can be found there?
Our minds easily wander from our good intention;
Refocusing upon Jesus is a necessary prevention.

Distraction undisciplined carries a price;
A soul's more valuable than a toss of the dice.

Wisdom can be found in the Bibles we read
The Word of God within we'd do well to heed.
Open up often to Proverbs and Psalms
The wisdom inside soothes and calms
Far better than sensual balms.

We can pray in a quiet room or a sandy beach
Listening to the Holy Spirit gently teach,
Urging us to do all that is right and good
Loving others and ourselves as Jesus would.

There seems to be much ado about nothing,
When what we ought to do is do something
That raises minds, hearts, and souls
To much higher and loftier goals.

Folding our hands or kneeling in prayer
Deep in our hearts our souls we bare,
If we come to the Father with true contrition
Confessing sins of omission and commission,
We are forgiven and must make amends
To those we've hurt in the flock He tends.

There is one Shepherd and one flock
Some day soon the gate He'll lock.
Not one more to enter, nary a one;
When the mighty trumpet blast is done
The flock of sheep will follow the Son.

Let us not be caught off guard
Nor from heaven eternally barred.
Get right with God before it's too late
Do it now; don't procrastinate.

Ready the soul with reverent care,
Stifle distraction by heartfelt prayer.
Focus upon the things of God often
Pray a hardened heart may soften.
Be a disciple and evangelize
We can do it, let's visualize
And realize
It's all about Jesus
Who loves to please us;
THANKS and PRAISE
be to
CHRIST JESUS !



© Mel Patterson, 8-13-07

" Longing for You, Lord "

Lord, you know my heart and soul,
That you are my passionate goal;
Show me how to serve you
Even though I don't deserve you--
Permit not evil to take its' toll.

Lord, you know me far more than I do,
And every morning you make me new;
Show me how to rightly love you --
Protect me from evil acts and desires;
O, Lord, to you my very soul aspires.

I dream of you, Lord, night and day;
Your holy and sacred heart hold me sway --
For intimate communion with you I pray.
O keep me faithful and keep me true;
Blessed Lord Jesus I love and Praise you.

I long for Heaven and all things above
Pondering being encapsulated
in your everlasting love.
Bring me to the Cross upon my knees;
It is you I ever want to please.
Route out all that is not pure,
I beg my soul you will cure,
So one day I will sinless be
Finally to dwell in Heaven with Thee.
Thank you for the joy that awaits me.
I love you, Lord, for eternity.

© Mel Patterson, 8-10-07

" With Thee I Want Always To Be "

Lord, teach me balance in my life,
How to weigh what is good and what is right,
How to see beauty and not dwell on strife;
Be Thou my everlasting Light.

Lord, I look to Thee every Morn,
Greeting Thee with thanksgiving and Praise;
Thy Hand was upon me 'fore I was born,
Thou hast blessed me with Thy grace.

Keep me forever close to Thee
Permit me not to stray;
With Thee I want always to be,
For this I so fervently pray.

Take the seeds that I have sown,
Make them blossom to full grown,
Take my heart, make it like Thine own;
Take my soul, wed it to Thee alone.

O Lord, may I better image Thee
More and more toward eternity;
With Thee I want always to be,
And dwell with Thee eternally.


© Mel Patterson, August 6, 2007

" NATURE PRAISES GOD "

Captured in the Psalms are the most eloquent Praises
And to read and ponder them affords one great graces.

The Lord's is the earth, and the sea, and the sky;
His is the moon, stars, sun and clouds rolling by.

His Seasons glorify Him each in their own way.
Think of the hope in the beauty of a Spring day,
Thunderclaps and lightning of Summer at play,

Fall's russets, browns, and yellows in breezes sway,
And Winter's cold, chill, and ice, with snows that lay.

Ponder the land with rocks, hills and mountains,
Rivers, streams, and geysers spewing like fountains.

Consider the lilies, roses, shrubs and trees
Which cause one to thank God on bended knees.

Think about the creatures on the land and in the sea
And Praise God for everyone that has come to be.

Praise the Lord morning, noon and night
Sing out His Praises with all of our might.

Keep a book of prayers within easy reach;
Devour everything it is meant to teach.

~ Let's remember ~

captured in the Psalms are the most eloquent Praises;
To read and ponder them affords one great graces,
For the Word of God throughout all ages
Is contained in our Bibles' well-worn pages.


© Mel Patterson, 7-10-07

" GUARD the TONGUE "


Guard the tongue;
Do not speak ill of anyone.
If nothing nice can be said,
Put negative thought to bed.
Rebuke the evil one's bait
And find a positive trait.
Say only what is kind and good
To build another up as we should.

Let your light shine upon others;
Bless your fathers and your mothers,
As well as your sisters and brothers.
Be a beacon in every storm one faces;
Be open to God's blessings and graces.

Be Jesus to all whom you meet;
Be his arms, his legs and his feet.
Speak warmly, always with a prayer;
Show them Christ's love and his care.

Forgive others as you would be forgiven.
Pray to be Holy Spirit driven.
Thank and Praise God for all he has given.
It is for Eternal Life we have striven.
It's Paradise we wish to live in.

© Mel Patterson, 6-29-07

" Invoking the Holy Spirit "


Unbridled thoughts imposed on the mind
Cloud the eyes of a soul that is nearly blind;
Where the spirit is almost thread-bare,
We invoke The Holy Spirit in solemn prayer,
" Do Thou shed Thy Light in there."

With soul illuminated by the Light
The evil one must take his flight;
Strengthened by Divine Power
Graces upon the soul God will shower.
We give You Thanks and Praise,
O High and Mighty Tower.


© Mel Patterson 6-19-07

" WITH MY BLOOD "

I see you in the distance and tremble with fear
As I thrash and splash flailing about in turbulent water
You come toward me and say, "I am here, my daughter,"
And you firmly say to the evil one, "I have caught her!
Depart you son of darkness, with my Blood I bought her!

"O, ye of little faith," I hear you say;
"When you doubt I respond to your plea.
When you flounder and feel like you're drowning,
I rush and reach for you in Love abounding,
Hold on, it is me, Jesus, I am He."
In the raging waters of the stormy sea,
Even then, Lord, you come to save me.

You still the turbulence and the sea becomes calm;
Your Presence soothes my soul like comforting balm.
Your Heart and my heart cleave together in love;
It is why the Father sent you from above
Sent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove
Lost in your love is all I can think of.

Peace has come; my soul can rest now;
Before you, O Lord, I gratefully bow.
In worship and praise all of my days
My spirit is renewed through your grace;
To you be all glory, honor and praise.

Depart you son of darkness, with my Blood I bought her!
Depart you son of darkness, with my Blood I bought him!
Depart you son of darkness, with my Blood I bought them!

© Mel Patterson 6-19-07

" GOD, OUR FATHER "

God, Our Father, Father of all fathers,
We thank you for the innumerable gifts you give
You bless us with the sunrise and the sunset
We'll thank you and praise you as long as we live.

If not for you, El Shaddai, Abba, God and Father,
We would never have been born nor ever know you;
You have loved us with an everlasting love for all time
We shall praise you ~ and glorify your Holy Name, too.

To reconcile us to yourself, you sent your only Son
To save us from the slavery of evil and of all sin;
If not for your love and plan in the fullness of time,
We shudder at the thought of where we might have been.

Your glory shines all around and about you, Father;
Your radiance and majesty fill us with joy and elation
When we contemplate your goodness and mercy
We praise you with unbridled jubilation
and
We await in anticipation
the grand celebration
When with the mighty trumpet blast
You will come again, at last
And take us to the place you have prepared
Simply because you cared
For us,

lowly children...

O FATHER,
THANK YOU
and
PRAISE YOU
for ever and ever!
AMEN!

© Mel Patterson 6-16-07

The Spirit's Teaching Me


O Holy Spirit, you teach me many things
About what your Divine nature brings.
You are the Love between Father and Son
O Triune God, truly Three in One.

The Word issuing from God's mouth was Jesus
With every teaching of His sweetly to please us.
Three in One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Wisdom of ages, may we wholly hear it.

If I listen carefully when you speak to me
You say your Presence is with me eternally.
The dimension in which I live here and now
Is only a thin veil away from you somehow.

That being the case it's like a mother's womb
With immanent birth issuing forth soon.
You're close as that mother and unborn child;
By this teaching my soul you have beguiled.

I wish to feel your Presence with me ever;
To be prayerful and reverent is my endeavor.
Keep teaching me the wisdom of your ways
That I may attain heaven one of these days.



© Mel Patterson, June 3, 2007

" Ah, Victory! "

Toying with a soul for his own malicious goal,
satan puts enmity between God and man,
But in the chase, through God's Grace,
he's been unseated, defeated, and depleted;
he's lost the race!!!

When Jesus Christ is the choice,
The soul can openly rejoice.
Victory is won through God's only Son
And after all is said and done
The race was well run....

" Ah, Victory! "

© Mel Patterson, 6-2-07

" FOLLOW ME "


Follow me wherever I am leading;
To my Father I am interceding,
And in my heart pleading.
I love you. Follow me.

Follow me wherever I am going;
Gifts of my heart to you I'm showing,
I am your Jesus, all-knowing.
I love you. Follow me.

Follow me; I want you where I am;
I am gentle and meek as a lamb.
I'll help you out of that jam.
I love you. Follow me.

Follow me, let's walk together
Side by side in all kinds of weather
Your burden will lighten as if a feather.
I love you. Follow me.

Follow me as did Peter and Paul
They were attuned to my call
And they gave their all.
I love you. Follow me.

Follow me joy of my heart;
I never want us to be apart.
Blessing and Grace I'll impart.
I love you. Follow me.

Follow me my beautiful bride;
Within my arms you may hide.
Within my heart ever abide;
I love you. Follow me.


© Mel Patterson, 5-25-07

" I RUN TO YOU "


I run to you, O Lord, in joy and in sorrow;
How can I face another tomorrow?
I cleave to your Word this day;
On bended knees I continue to pray.
Today the tears won't stop;
I am so weak I could drop.
My heart is breaking;
My soul is aching.

I run to you.

The future is unknown;
But you have shown
That there is hope beyond now,
Faith to believe somehow.
Your love is ours;
Above our own it towers ~
I count the hours
Through your mighty powers
To see that satan cowers,
And Victory is won
By you, God's only Son

I run to you.

Save me from the raging sea;
Grab my hand and hold onto me.
Be my strength while I am weak;
Yours is the true love I seek.
I nestle my head close to your heart;
Do Thou every grace impart.

I run to you.

I bare my soul, my sin confess
You are my Goal and I profess
You, O Jesus Christ, are Lord;
Praises to you, I do accord.
My Lord, my God, my All,
I'll ever abide by your Law.
O my Lord, my God, my All.

I run to you.




© Mel Patterson, May 16, 2007

" Gifts of Nature "

Clear azure blue sky,
Fluffy white clouds floating by,
Sun shining brilliantly,
God's gifts captivate me.

Gentle rustling of trees,
Undulating in the breeze,
Branches swaying as they please,
Gratefully I fall to my knees.

Fragrant flowers in many a hue,
Pink, red, yellow and blue,
All budding according to cue,
Praise to my Creator is due.

Melodious songbirds of the air,
Each chirping in unique flair,
Flitting and flying here and there,
With soaring soul I say a prayer.


© Mel Patterson, 5-3-07

" This Very Night "

Star-studded velvet midnight-blue sky,
Crowned with crescent moon up on high,~
Northern star exceedingly big and bright ~
My eye beholds this very beautiful sight,
And I'm in awe of this heavenly night.

Lost in the wonder of its' magnificence,
I resist going inside with utmost reticence.
I gaze at the grand expanse of sky God created
And am humbled His Son for my sin expiated;
By His Sacrifice my soul was emancipated.

A night such as this causes my soul to soar;
My thoughts take flight and I love Him more.
For a time everything around me fades away
And as Jesus' Presence captivates me I pray,
O Lord, help me greet a brand new day.

This beautiful night so peaceful and calm
Blesses my very soul like soothing balm.
Cool breeze brushing across my face
A hint of Holy Spirit breathing grace,
And I bask in this heavenly place.

This very night, may it never end
For my spirit it did transcend.
Long shall I remember,
From January to December,
This night,
This very night,
This heavenly night.



© Mel Patterson, 4-21-07

" Song of Praise on Resurrection Day "


As you lay in the tomb, Fruit of Mary's womb,
How did the Holy Spirit descend and engineer it
That your precious body be empowered to rise
Revitalized, Fortified, Glorified, Sanctified?

O Lord Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, we exalt you !
We Worship you, love you, thank you and Praise you !!
You are the Savior of the World !!!

Our Salvation has been won ~ by you, God's only Son;
From the Cross to the Grave to Resurrection,
No more doubts, no more insurrection.
Mighty is your Power; You are our High Tower;
We see satan glower and fearfully cower.
Gone is his hold over us !
Your Resurrection is Glorious !


O Lord Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, we exalt you !
We Worship you, love you, thank you and Praise you !!
You are the Savior of the World !!!

© Mel Patterson, 4-8-07

" BLOOD-BOUGHT SALVATION "

As we meditate upon Your Crucifixion, O Lord
We are drawn to Your Holy Head crowned with thorn
And our souls and spirits within us mourn
Seeing You so sorely afflicted;
It should have been us they convicted.


O Sweet Head so wounded and bleeding
Here we are for mercy pleading
That many lost souls begin heeding
The message you delivered to every nation
News of Your Blood-bought Salvation.


O Precious Blood trickling down and past Your brow,
Eyes burning mercilessly yet You bore it somehow.
Your Body aching and itching as I think of it now
Nailed and suspended in excruciating pain
O Lord anyone else would have gone insane.


O Sweet Head so wounded and bleeding
Here we are for mercy pleading
That many lost souls begin heeding
The message you delivered to every nation
News of Your Blood-bought Salvation.


Struggling to breathe with your back arched
Unfathomable suffering, thirst, lips parched,
Thank You, Lord, for suffering such horrid anguish
In expiation for the sins in which we languish.
Accept our heartfelt sorrow for our sin
For in the netherworld we might have been.


O Sweet Head so wounded and bleeding
Here we are for mercy pleading
That many lost souls begin heeding
The message you delivered to every nation
News of Your Blood-bought Salvation.



© Mel Patterson, April 4, 2007

" Questions and The Answer "

Are you so busy about many things
That you can't see what peace brings?
Is your mind racing here and there?
Do you have any time to spare?

Do you ever wonder what's it all about?
Do you get so upset you want to shout?
Is your life not so happy for you?
Have doldrums set in? Are you blue?

It would be well for you to take stock;
Slow down, be calm and hear His knock.
Jesus is tapping on the door of your heart;
Blessings and graces He wants to impart.

Take the time to settle down and pray;
You'll be glad you did one fine day.
You'll find the heavy load will be lightened,
Less and less will you become frightened.
The dark night of the soul will have brightened
Your love for the Lord Jesus will have heightened.

Be encouraged and uplifted, dear soul
You've had enough and paid your toll.
Now is the time for an earned spiritual rest
You've crossed the desert to reach your quest.

Jesus is here and longing to embrace you
With innumerable blessings He will grace you.
Welcome Him with your arms open wide;
In His Love you'll joyfully abide,
And at the appointed time
One day in Paradise you will reside.

© Mel Patterson, April 2, 2007