HIS NAME IS JESUS

HIS NAME IS

JESUS

By: Tyararr J. Jones

Do you know Him, this man of whom I humbly speak?

He meets the needs of the strong, the rich, the poor and the weak.

I was a lover of many men when I met Him at the well,

He forgave my wicked sin and saved me from a greedy hell.

His voice I heard before my eyes could vastly see,

Not knowing at first whom it was that stood in front of me.

Lame since birth lying here in everybody's dust,

The day I walked, I gave to Him my trust.

A leper among men, a stranger to my family and land,

He cleansed me of my filth and led me by the hand.

A victor over a giant when I was just a lad,

He made me a king, gave me more than I ever had.

A persecutor and bystander was I when Stephen was laid to rest,

He changed my name to Paul and I think you know the rest.

I needed to see His hands and feet to believe He fulfilled His promise,

The man who died upon the cross, for me Doubting Thomas.

At the bottom of the ship He slept, as the sea tossed and roared,

He calmly awoke and spoke a word, the waves bowed to Him as Lord.

Possessed I was by demons, my actions I could not control,

He spoke to them with authority to release their binding of my soul.

I am just a sinner saved by His marvellous grace,

What a day that will be when I see his blessed face....

....His name is Jesus!

SMILES FROM A PRINCESS

SMILES FROM A

PRINCESS

By: Tyararr J. Jones

Unveiled like the warmth of a quiet summer morning, I saw your smile.

I had never noticed it before like I did today.

It brought the feeling of joy like opening your first Christmas gift as a little kid.

A fresh, new, exuberant feeling as if never expressed before.

The anticipation of each smile is like discovering the treasure after much waiting and searching.

I am captivated by the beauty of the canvas of your face, which has chosen to release from its grasp; the smile of a princess.

I am paralyzed within by your gentleness.

Every harsh bone within me is bound by the sparkle of your smile.

Embraced in thought I am to be the recipient of such a gift.

May I never tire of seeing something so precious or become the one that causes your face no longer to shine.

All in one glance, a poor man has become a king as he experiences the richness and glamour of your presence.

Though his heart may have been heavy, though his bones have been weary; for an instant, that is all forgotten as he becomes the recipient of a smile from a princess.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A SOLDIER

THROUGH THE EYES

OF A SOLDIER

By: Tyararr J. Jones

I have encountered my enemy on more ocassions than I have taken a breath. He has followed me on countless fields whether home or foreign. He has appeared in many forms, which at times has caught me unguarded and unprepared. His tactics are highly skilled and desperately wicked. I have been wounded many times outwardly and inwardly. The scars from our vicious battles remind me of my losses and my victories. I have experienced the mountaintop of victory, as well as the hiding and preparation of the valley and in the trenches.

At these times my desire to fight was tested. Why don't I just give in to this enemy who shows no sign of retreat? I grow weary at times during the constant battling and ever so present commands from my leader. The offense of my enemy is fierce and deceptive. The offense and defense of my leader is unmovable and strong. How I use and carry out my leader's instruction determines my outcome for that day of battle. I find confidence in the immutability of my leader whether I fail or succeed. He is unlike any leader I have ever had.

He fights by my side on the field.He lies with me in my trenches. He kneels with me when I am weary and lose sight of the hope that is ever so present. He comforts me when I miss my family. He fills the void when I am alone. he carries me when I stumble. Today, I find myself facing my familiar foe. I am confident not in myself, but in the One that leads me. I am alert today and focused. I am not afraid of the outcome, because my leader and commander is in complete control. I stand not only as a soldier, but as a humble servant, a warrior in a war that has already been won.

May I press on with joy in whom I am led by. May I follow through with my responsibilities with DILIGENCE, DEVOTION, DISCIPLINE, AND DISCERNMENT.

THE TREASURE OF OUR FREEDOM

THE TREASURE OF OUR

FREEDOM!

By: Tyararr J. Jones

We gather today as family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, and countrymen. Many of us have never met face to face, but we have met at the same door of pain, loss, hope, love, anticipation, patience, and hardship. Our outward shell is distinctly different, but the things our hearts have experienced; bring us as close as friends. We gather today each in our own distinct way to celebrate that which has come by the way of priceless sacrifice. The gift for those who have given their lives before us and now; is to cherish and respect the freedom which we hold close to our hearts.

May we not forget nor neglect the memory of those whose blood once flowed in the valleys and fields of which now represent places of solitude and rest. Today, let us put aside our differences that we may help those that are in need, help those that cannot help themselves, and help those who cannot see; to see the gift which today we embrace. Today, there will be those who will harness their pride and hate beacause they have not experienced that which we gladly proclaim today. May we lift the blinds of our eyes that we may see people for who they are and not for what we judgementally percieve.

Today, may we lift the shades of our hearts that the love we show have no respector of persons. May we open our minds so we may clearly reflect on the countless steps that have led us to the peak of the ladder of: Independence, commitment, faith, honesty, courage, wisdom, fervency, sacrifice and iniative. Our past and present leaders are not unordinary, but ordinary people that strive for that which burns in their hearts. It is a burning that has passed from heart to heart until every person has tasted the quenching of the thirst of independence.

There are many today that are standing thankful as free Americans and others who ridicule everything that is just, honest, and free. Though as Americans we are no longer bound by tyrants; we have found ourselves bound by an enemy that seeks to keep us bound from within by sin. We owe our freedom as Americans to those who have died before us and those who daily place their lives in harm way. To whom do we owe thanks for our opportunity to be no longer bound by sin? His name is Jesus! His death broke sin's shackles and His resurrection quenched death's sting. He loved us so much that He died for us so we may have freedom from sin. No, like others who have died, he was not an ordinary man. He was the Son of Man. He is the Son of God. He left the throne of Heaven so He could come to a sinful world that despised, persecuted, mocked, criticized, beat, and crucified Him.

All this He knew would happen. He recieved what came with open arms so that man may have the experience of being in the arms of a loving Father. Today, as you pause and reflect on the many things to be thankful for: Yes, remember those who have gone before us so we may have our independence as Americans, but remember to thank Jesus Christ for the independence he provides that which man cannot. What then is the treasure of our THANKSGIVING? The treasure of our thanksgiving is Jesus Christ and what He has done and what he can do for you.

HIGHLIGHT OF MY RESTRAIN

HIGHLIGHT OF MY

RESTRAIN

By: Tyararr J. Jones

Unaware you are to the smiles and joy you release from the shackles of my frustration. A stones throw you are in distance, yet I hold you close to my heart. I hesitate toward the emotions that draw me to you. My closes and steady highlight at this point of my journey. So much is shared in the quietness of our expressions. Your gentleness is hidden by your tension and the strength of your emotions. Awakened I am more to your sweetness, though it is sheltered by your competitiveness. I am restrained in my focus on my own unsettledness, because I am distracted by you. Should there be more? Are these walls we fortify building blocks or hinderances to the compassion we wish to share? I am thankful for you. I am thankful that you have been placed as a jewel in the path of my journey. You are the highlight of my restrain.

TEACHER AMONG US

TEACHER AMONG US

By: Tyararr J. Jones

Who is this man that walks among us in these walls of challenge?

A stranger to our eyes but a brother in service to the King.

Welcome him with extended arms of understanding as he enters the unknown.

May preparation join him during his hours of silence.

The treasures of wisdom lay at his feet from those who have gone before him.

The seal of newness has been broken as he is no longer just a face among his pupils.

Guided by an eternal motivation, for a reward not worthy of acceptance in this realm or the next.

When time has released him of its reign, may he not be remembered for what he said, but for whom he served.

For now, he is a teacher among us as part of God's plan.

Just a pilgrim passing through and doing the best he can.

A lifetime student of those around him and forever a seeker and pupil of the King.