Saturday, January 28, 2006

When Grandpa Said the Blessing

Mom did all the cooking
To make sure that we were fed
And asked Grandpa to say the blessing
And in a prayer of thanks he led.

He thanked God for the dinner
Named each item one by one
The kids were nigh to starving
By the time Grandpa was done.

We smiled and nodded through the taters
And grinned a bit about the beans
And approved the thanks for turkey
(The best we had ever seen!)

The kids were a bit antsy
When he began to bless the bread
Hoping that to bless each roll
He would not feel led.

But now when dinner time rolls round
His chair sets beside the table without him
And not a single one of us
Is not thinking about him.

And when Daddy says the blessing
He smiles at us and starts
With the kind of blessing
That was born in Grandpa's heart.

Father, bless the family
That is gathered here
Bless those who are far away
And bless those who are near.

Bless the food that Mom prepared
And bless the children you have given
And bless our dear Grandpa
Who now dines with you in Heaven.

Now, Lord, bless the taters
And bless the lima beans
And bless that big ole roast Mom cooked-
The best I've ever seen.

Bless the food you've given us
And the family too
And fit us for Thy Kingdom, Lord
So that one day we may dwell with you.

Amen
Thena

A Poem a Day

Mom's Cooking Alert!

The smoke alarm is going off
The firetruck's on our street
No, the house is still intact
But Mom's cooking something good to eat!

It's either something fancy
Or something cooked in grease
Thank goodness, it's the firemen
Instead of the police!
Thena

A Poem a Day

The smoke alarm is going off
The firetruck's on our street
No, the house is still intact
But Mom's cooking something good to eat!
Thena

Friday, January 27, 2006

For Coffee Lovers

I gt up nd hve my coffee
Be4 I strt my day
Unteel then I'm knot responsible
Four wht I du or say!

But once I've had my coffee
My day will somoothly roll-
I can stop coffee any time
I'm always in control!

Thena

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

A Poem a Day

I know we have a date
But it is very late
So my dear, it is my fear
That surely you must wait.

Thena

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Scrapbooking my View of Life

My Mind

I fear my mind is leaving
Don't know where it is going
But yesterday I went to mow the lawn
And realized it was snowing.

I put the dishes in the cupboard
And others into the sink
Then I took out a glass
To get myself a drink.

I realized my mind at sixty
Was not the same as it was at thirty
For the dishes in the sink were clean
And the ones in the cupboard dirty.

I took the dog to the carwash
To get a wash and shine
But didn't stay to get it done
For there was too long a line.

I cleaned and scrubbed the car
Using a new flea shampoo
So that now it looks so lovely
Just as good as when it was new!

I think I'm aging gracefully
I like my life just fine.
The only regret I have--
I really miss my mind!

Thena
Sept 12, 2004

Friday, January 20, 2006

A Poem a Day

We Are Here....

We are here for you if you need
A shoulder to cry on
An arm to lean on
A leg to stand on
An ear to listen
And a heart that cares.

We are here and we want to share
Anything that is important
Or anything that is hard to bear
We will cry with you when feel as if
Some things just aren't fair.

We are here to share every milestone
And rejoice with you in any accomplishment
And any progress or remissions
As well as to hold you and share your tears
Listen to your sorrows and your fears.

We are here for you no matter what
And here is where we will stay
God sent us here to you
And He will provide the strength to see you through.

Thena

Thursday, January 19, 2006

A Poem a Day

Today

I'm going to concentrate
On being happy today
And on brightening the path
Of others who come my way.

I'm going to be kind today
To people I meet and greet
And I won't say anything at all
If I can't say something sweet!

I'm going to be wise today
And learn from those around me
For I know that in my world
Wise people may surround me.

I'm going to be myself
And not pretend or put on airs
But will just try to be a better me
As I attend to my daily affaris.

Thena

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

A Poem a Day

Our Love for You (Downs) (Loss)

We listened as the doctor told us that you had "Downs"
And we had no idea what that would mean to us or you.
We only knew that we had wanted you
and waited for you
and loved you.

We listed to what the neighbors said when they saw you
and how they sympathized with us that you were not "well"
We only knew that we had brought you home
and needed you to be with us
and that we loved you!


We listened to well meaning friends when we lost you
and how it was better because your health had never been quite right...
We only knew that God in Heaven loved you
and wanted you
and was waiting for you
and you were perfect in His sight.


Thena


Our Love for You (Downs)

We listened as the doctor told us that you had "Downs"
And we had no idea what that would mean to us or you.
We only knew that we had wanted you
and waited for you
and loved you.

We listened to what well meaning folks said when they saw you
and how they sympathized with us that you were not "well"
We only knew that we had brought you home
and needed you to be with us
and that we loved you!

We are so grateful to our friends who share our love for you
and who never say how sad that your health will never be quite right...
We only knew that God in Heaven created you
and sent you to us
and loves you
and you are perfect in His sight.
Thena

Visit My Webpage

http://www.thenaspoems.com/

A Poem a Day

Autism, you Said...

You said you had spoken to the doctor
And I could tell by the look on your face
Before another word was spoken
That your heart was broken.

"Autism, " you said in almost a whisper
And I had to look it up online
A definition or explanation
I had to know and had to find.


I didn't know how to comfort you
And stumbled for the right words to say
But I knew that you hurt
With pain that won't go away.

All I could do was hug you
And cry with you
And you accepted the situation with grace
For you knew it was your place.

It was your place as mother to love and nurture
And do what needed to be done
And like every mother
You wanted the best for your little one.

I watched you research and work with others
And I listened to each new thing you learned
And more and more my admiration you earned
As for a cure, a breakthrough you yearned.

You are such an inspiration to me and to others
To all of those fathers and mothers
And even though I hurt so much for you
I know that this you will get through.

I won't say the usual trite things even though
I catch myself in the middle of those trite sayings
As if my heart I am obeying to try to make it ok
By something I can do or say.

I know you don't want sympathy
You don't want to pass out blame
But you want your child to see
Just how wonderful life can be.

You want those little every day things
That most parents take for granted
And I want them for you, my friend
And I will pray for that gift until then.

Thena

A Poem a Day: A Poem a Day

Autism

They said you had autism
And I had no idea what it meant
And was so sad when I couldn't reach you...
How then could I teach you...

About life and love and happiness
And how could I get into that little world
Where you seem to dwell
And how could I make you well?

I do not yet know the answers
But I do know that God above
Sent you to me my precious child
For me to shower you with love.

Thena


When You Changed

We were so happy and excited
And when you were born
We were so delighted!
But soon we notice that you
Were not doing things
That other kids could do.
We love you so much
And we wanted you to be whole
And of your little mind be in control.
But we learned that this is something
That will not suddenly go away
And we must live with it from day to day.
So we teach you, nurture you love you
(oh, how we love you!)
And we pray....

Thena

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

A Poem a Day

We are Family

This is our family
And each one is great
With special talents
And cool family traits.
We all love each other
And each have our share
Of unique little quirks
That give our personailiies flair.
We stick together
In sunshine or rain
"We are family"
Is our refrain.
Thena

Monday, January 16, 2006

A Poem a Day

I Have This Day
I have this day to smell the roses
And feel the wind against my face
To bask in God's warm sunlight
And to feel my family's sweet embrace.
I have this day to view the ocean
And stand upon the shore
To ponder all the mysteries
That eternity has in store.
I do not take it lightly
And always when I pray
I thank the Lord in Heaven
That I have this day!
And when the day is over
And the sun indeed has set
I thank Him for the morning
That I have not seen as yet.
And if I should rise upon the morrow
And have yet another day
Then it is just another blessing
That the Good Lord sent my way.
Thena Smith

God Gave Me
God gave me a sense of humor
And let me enjoy so much fun
With all of the friends I've made
And all the things I've done.
God blessed me with a family
And friends who mean so much
Who reach out in joy or sorrow
And give my life a special touch.
I have had both tears and laughter
And in hard times I will surrive
Because of all the friends like you
Who help me to succeed and thrive.
I love my life and living it
Brings me joy each day
Joy that not even a bit of illness
Could ever take away.
Thena

Today, Let's...

Let's smile and laugh a bit
Try on clothes and see if they fit
Let's go outside and dance in the rain
And if we fall down, let's get up again!
Let's talk about life
and those we love
Those on the earth
And those in Heaven above.
Let's bake some cookies
And pick out all the chocolate chips
Let's buy big bags of snacks
And eat fattening dips!
let's have fun just being
And living today
And enjoy all the sunshine
That God sends our way!
Thena

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

What kind of world
Would this world be
If all of the people
Were just like me?

Thena

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

A Poem a Day

Getting My Act Together

I've got to get my act together
BeforeI take it on the road
I have so much to think about
That I'm on system overload!

I have to pack my luggage
And get to the airport ahead of time
So that all the security folks
Can go through these bags of mine.

It's hard to be there so early
Sohard to wake up from my sleep
And to start counting hours in line
When I would rather be counting sheep!

But I do it when I travel
In order to abide
By all the rules and regulations
So aircraft they will let me ride!

Thena

Monday, January 09, 2006

Birthday Verses for Teens

Happy Birthday Daughter

May roses kissed with sunshine
Glistening in the morning's dew
Be only half as wonderful
As the day in store for you!

For you fill our lives with sunshine
In everything you do
And we enjoy the adventure
Of sharing our world with you

You think this day came slowly
But to us the journey was so swift
As we thanked God every day
For His most precious gift.

My heart is always with you
And my arms are open wide
And you will never be too old
To perfectly fit inside!

Thena


Look at You, Daughter (teen)

Look at you daughter
You are a full fledged teen
No longer a child
And not an in between
Oh, my just look at you
You are a young lady completely
Doing wonderful things
So sweetly and uniquely.
But the love in my heart
Will always be the same
With baby, child or teen
Prefacing your name.
And when you are an adult
And go off on your own
Just remember darling daughter
That my heart was your first home.
Thena Smith

Birthday Verses for Teens

Happy Birthday Daughter

May roses kissed with sunshine
Glistening in the morning's dew
Be only half as wonderful As the day in store for you!

For you fill our lives with sunshine
In everything you do
And we enjoy the adventure
Of sharing our world with you

You think this day came slowly
But to us the journey was so swift
As we thanked God every day
For His most precious gift.

My heart is always with you
And my arms are open wide
And you will never be too old
To perfectly fit inside!

Thena
Kissed by Angels

Look at the smile
On your sweet little face
Are you being held
In an angels embrace?

You're so fresh from Heaven
That we don't want to miss
A single sweet moment
Or memory like this.

They say when a baby
Smiles while asleep
She's not dreaming of teddy bears
And not counting sheep...

But that angels in Heaven
This sweet baby miss
And lean over from their stations
To give baby a kiss.

Thena

Sunday, January 08, 2006

The Window

The Window

My window opens up
To a wonderful sight
Sunshine in the morning
And twinkling stars at night.

My window is rarely closed
Even when I go to sleep
For if I awaken in the night
At the moon I love to peek.

They say the eyes of a person
Are like a window too
Lighting up the soul
For other folks to view.

Thena

Saturday, January 07, 2006

A Poem a Day

We Don't Own Our Tomorrows

We don't own our tomorrows
And God loans us our todays
Reminding us that in an instant
He could call us away.
Let me spend the time I have here
Dwelling on this earthly sod
Being obedient to His calling
And a servant to my God.

Thena

A Poem a Day

God Bless Those Who Work the Mines

God forgive us for neglecting to pray
For those who work in the mines each day.
It is for our country and our comfort they toil
While we are at home on more solid soil.

We are forgetful of them when things go well
And there is no tragedy of which to tell
But instead we let them go their way
Without thinking of them or remembering to pray.

We know that this is a dangerous task
And someone is needed to do it
Remind us to join the ranks of family and friends
Who daily pray to God to see them through it.

God bless the families who wait at home
And who delight when they see their husband's face,
Those who joy at that car in the drive
And the sweetness of their daddy's embrace.

God bless the men who work in the mines
And keep them safe as they go about their task
And we will be eternally grateful
As our prayer in Jesus Name we ask.

Thena

A Tribute to the Lost Miners

Only a few days ago we didn't know you
And your families we had not met
But now your footprints are on our hearts
And your lives we will never forget.

For you were like each one of us
Working to take care of those we hold dear
Doing the same task you have done
Day after day and year after year.

Perhaps you kissed your wife that morning
As you left to work the mine
Or maybe you let her sleep as you left
As you did from time to time.

Your heart may have full of joy
Over new babies or wedding plans
You may have been struggling with things
That we don't know or understand.

But you are just like us in this life's journey
And any day each of our lives could end
We waited, watched and prayed for your rescue
Because suddenly you were family and friend.

I pray that those who lost you briefly
Will not focus on the loss as we are wont to do
But soon be able to rejoice in the gift
That God had given them in you.

For I trully believe that there's a Heaven
And a God who loves us more than we can ever know
A God who will welcome home His miners
Hold them close and never let them go.

I believe that He will comfort
Those who need comfort today
And that they will be reunited
When they join loved ones in Heaven some glad day.

Thena

Friday, January 06, 2006

Father of the Bride

He stands by her side
Once known as "Daddy"
But today "Father of the Bride"
And through silent tears
His heart is full of pride.
She was his baby only moments ago
His darling little girl
Now she marries her sweetheart
And he says she is a rare treasure-a pearl.
They both love her in different ways
But she will be Daddy's precious little girl
To the end of their days.

Thena

For the Doll Collector

Dolls

They are so lovely to look at
So beautiful to hold
But for a serious collector
Worth their weight in gold.

Kept in original boxes
And lined up on shelves
They are too valuable to play with
And must stay there by themselves.

Kids look at them longing
And wish they could play awhile
But these are Mom's treasures
And you don't mess with Mama's dolls!

Thena

The Family of Dolls

There are so many of them
In every size and nationality
And some made to look like
What we think the future might be.

There are baby dolls with curls
And fashion models so svelte and glamorous
And a few handsome male dolls
Looking so debonair and amorous!

They are so much fun to collect
And finding the perfect one is a thrill
Some of them are so very much like
People that I know for real.

I love to make up stories
That go with each personality
For that just adds to the fun
Of doll collecting for me!
Thena


All Over the House

They are perched on the piano
Setting on the bed
Looking down from shelves
That are high overhead.

They are dressed in sundresses
And serious formal attire
Made to look like movie stars
Or workers ready to hire.

They are young and single
With cutesy pets in tow
And others are crafted
To look like famous people we know.

They have taken over the study
And rule the dinning room too
My doll collection is growing so big
What is a collector to do!

Thena

Looking to the Future

I see the two of you sitting there
Playing together and unaware of me,
It's more than just the present
But the future that I see.

I see you looking sweet and innocent
And enjoying the time with each other
As two little friends today
As well as sister and her big brother.

You are so protective of her
As you sit there in the sand
Taking time to teach her
And hold her baby hand.

I see the future in you both
For you are only little for awhile
And it's love I see in your sweet face
And tenderness in your smiles.

Thena

Thursday, January 05, 2006

My Life is a Magazine

Alas and alack I'm all out of whack!
My body is now "National Geographic"
All thanks to gravity
But my mind is "Mental Floss"
And my vision is "Optometrist Monthly"
My house is due any day for a "Clean Sweep"
And "Martha" would go into shock
If on my cluttered house's door
She should decide to knock.
I love "Crafts" and "Scrapbooking, etc"
And that's why my study is such a mess
And here I am on the "PC"
While my sins I confess.
"People" would suggest "Better Homes and Gardens"
Might be the "O"nly way to go
But my secret pack rat life
Only the "Enquirer" knows... Thena "

What Can I Do Today?

What can I do today
To help make life better?
Perhaps I can make someone happy
By sending a note or letter.

Perhaps there is a child somewhere
That needs someone to care
Or a friend who is hurting
For whom I can say a prayer.

Each day on earth is special
And I don't want to waste a one
And it makes me feel happier
When something for others I've done.

Thena

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Wednesday is Here

Wednesday is here already
And I am far behind
My house is a mess
And I must confess
I don't know how to make it shine!

There is too much stuff on the counter
And the dishes are still in the sink
The brocolli in the crisper
Is brown and beginning to stink!

My office is so full of stuff
In shelves and on the floor
That last night as hard as I tried
I could not close the door.

I called Goodwill and others
And told them to send trucks to me
So I can send away all of clutter
And the floors of my office could see!

The new year has brought resolutions
To do better at managing my mess
But so far I'm still overwhelmed
And have not made a lot of progress!

Thena

A Poem a Day

I thought it might be fun to start each day
By sending a bit of verse your way.

There might be more than one at times
But I will try to post daily rhymes.

If there is a subject for which you're looking
Perhaps these will help you with your scrapbooking!

Thena