Lakewood's Finest Lose 4 officers to an Ambush

Sorrow burdens us today;
Lakewood bows it's head and weeps for our fallen heroes.
Too many lost overseas, too many lost here at home.
Too many widows will spend this night sleepless and alone.

Find the killer, punish him, honor the fallen.

Officer Greg Richards; leaves a wife and 3 children
Sgt Mark Renninger; leaves a wife and 3 children
Officer Ronald Owens: leaves a daughter
Officer Tina Griswold; leaves a husband and 2 children

Happy Thankgiving 2009

Cinnamon soon will scent the air
And day's chaos will start,
Right now it's just the misty dawn,
Me and my thankful heart.

I'm thankful for this peaceful day
And all its noisy cheer.
I'm thankful for the family
And all whom I hold dear.

I'm thankful for my freedoms held
By friends across the sea
And those who guard our streets at home,
Who serve so willingly.

I'm thankful for the coming feast,
The hands that make work light,
The laughter that will fill the day
And warm the chilly night.

I'm thankful for the loving friends
Who get me through each day
And for the problems that I face,
They've taught me how to pray.

I'm thankful for this Christmastide
That's just about to start.
I'm thankful for the fresh new year
as this year we depart.
And all these thanks I lift to Him
Who fills my grateful heart!

A Cold Night

Bitterly cold the winter night;
Cruel and hard are the stars,
Pinpricks in the unending black,
Cold and perpetual scars.

Night winds creeping past the dark wood
Where the deepest shadows lie,
Dry leaves rattling beneath the feet
Of the night winds passing by.

Empty the arms of winter trees,
Barren of life and of leaf,
Cracking beneath the winter winds
And stripped of all but their grief.

Hard the winter and hard the night;
Freezing and bitter the wind.
Is there fire and faith enough
To last me until night’s end?

Crying Out in the Dark

Fire and ice tear at my brain
My heart is cold with fear
I’m falling into dark despair
Oh Father, are you near

The cold of fierce, impending doom
Can freeze thought into fright
I have no hope of breaking free
Oh Father, where’s your light

The searing heat of loss and grief
That fills my mind with flame
Is burning hollows in my heart
Oh Father, hear your name

I call out in my suffering
Punished by my false will
Oh Father, are you listening
For I am broken still

And when, at last, no tear remains
And all the fires have died
Oh Father, will you love what’s left
Will you care that I cried

Oh Child, I feel your deepest fears
I count each tear you’ve cried
And each prayer prayed has touched my heart
Yes, even those denied,
For though you cannot see me through
Your sorrow and your pride
I have never left you, My Child
I’m always at your side

Veterans Day 2009

This moment of peace brought to you by the men and women of our Armed Forces. The Heroes who serve without peace that we may live within its embrace here at home. Thank You, Veterans!

Taken on the morning of November 11, 2009, just before sunrise, and posted in celebration of my father, my hero and the Honorary Regimental Commander of the 68th Armour Regiment.

Psalm 65:8

where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.

Sunrise and Silhouettes

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word
Psalm 119:147

Marigolds in Winter

The marigolds remembering

The drowsy summer days,

Nodding in sleepy little rows

Where fall’s debris now lays.

The happy little memories

Of sunlight through the trees,

Bobbing contented yellow heads

Beneath a summer breeze.

The marigolds remember spring

Here, in the autumn rain,

And dream of days, bright as their smiles,

When summer comes again.