My Thoughts to the

Family of  Walter David "Butch" James

This day brings forth my darkest night
and I feel I’ve lost my way,

Because I’ve lost my guiding light,
 my lifetime companion today.

Today will close this chapter of my life
as now I’m a widow . . . no longer a wife.

Life here on earth comes without guarantee,
 this life now has ended, no longer are “we”.

God is so merciful and loving to all,
 providing us life . . . until his call.

We know not when our timeline will cease,
or journey to heaven to live there in peace.

Death brings such grief to those left behind,
 we’ll have days we feel out of our mind.

Sadness abounds and our hearts scream with pain,
 but we know deep down, we will see him again.

In God’s wisdom and mercy, for He’s in control,
and knew the exact time he’d call for this soul,

He feels our pain . . . broken spirit . . . crushed heart,
 as this soul, from this earthly world departs.

This is the circle of life we often times say,
 and we barely manage to get through this day.

Our pillows are stained with sad tears that flow,
we feel there is nothing left in our life now to show.

God knew well all the sorrow and heartache
 that would occur when this soul he would take,

He provided us with a special ability,
and this he called “personal memory”.

Throughout our lives there are those special times
 when we take pictures, storing them in our minds.

They are still there . . . of laughter and leisure,
 to be relived again and this at your pleasure.

We can look back on the good times in life,
 when we were together as husband and wife,

It is not quite the same as it was back then,
but it gives some relief to live over again.

We remember the good times; it helps us move on,
striving so  hard to meet each new dawn.

But life must go on as we struggle each day,
we know this is life and we must make our way.

If he could speak, he would tell you today:

“Don’t let my parting darken your way.

I say to you further your life must go on,

And soon you’ll be able to greet each new day.

I know I am not with you while you continue your life,

But I know God will help you  to get through this strife.

Place our memories in a special corner of your heart,

And if need be, review them on each new day’s start.

To all my children/grandchildren whom I love very much,

Review all of your memories . .  they’ll keep us “in touch”.

Memories are there for a reason you know,

They help you through life when a loved one must go.

I’ll miss many milestones yet to come in your life,

But just keep me in mind  on those special nights.

Life sets no guarantee  when a soul shall depart,

But know you’ll always be there,  so close in my heart.

Now as I leave you on earth to continue your time,

Please understand that I will be fine.

The future is yours now . . . please live it right,

And we’ll see each other  in His beautiful light.

Though it seems my death  came without reason or rhyme,

Please understand fully  . . . this is my time.

Don’t let this world sway you away,

‘Cause I look forward to seeing  you in heaven some day.

And now in parting, I speak to you all,

Be strong in the faith and wait for your call.

Let your tears flow but just for today,

For this is my time and this is His way.”

 For the Butch James Family

on his departure from this world

By: Ruth Miller - © January 15, 2012

This was written to a very close friend and a fine Christian gentleman who recently passed from this world to the next.  It is so sad to lose a friend, but we all know and understand that this is going to happen to all of us at some point in our life.  I wrote this for the family to help to encourage them  as they are now in the group known as  "those left behind" and hope life will get a little easier as time marches on.  This has left all of those who knew him with a void in our lives, but as noted in the writing, he would be the first one to say we must continue on with our lives and follow God's word so we can see him again some day when our life has reached the end of our earthly timeline.  Yes, Butch, we will all miss you!

MY FRIEND BOBBY . . .. Just a Christian

My life is like a crayon box, I suppose one might could say,

with colors of orange and red, for hot; and blues for calmer days.

Green was signaling me to go and search the world for all of life,

I was ready for this fun and play, as a kid flying a new kite!

My youth was not perfection with my teenage years and fun,

I tried to have direction, but ‘twas my time for “fun in the sun”.

I’ve done a lot while on this earth, most for family, friends and me,

I can not say it was all with mirth, and kind of like a swelling sea.

Yellow was not my color, because that might just slow me down,

I was too much of a busy bee, being in and out and all around.

My lifestyles changed a little when I reached maturity

Soon after I was married and began a family.

And I did the usual things that a business man would do,

My life was full and busy . . . I watched as my small family grew.

And I really didn’t give much thought to life beyond the blue.

The autumn of my life is now tapping at my door,

Time, I think, is telling me to complete just one more chore.

Darker shades of purple are also nipping at my mind,

And I think my life is getting to my personal end of time.

I know I wasted many years, and precious time galore,

I recognized this through my tears, as I rethink this o’er and o’er.

I know He loves us all so much, though this is hard to grasp,

And I’d let this slip right through my hands, while my life was fleeting past.

But one thing is for certain, I cannot leave, no not just yet,

Some one paid a price for me, and I’m still heavily in His debt!

I know I’ve heard from others that the truth will set you free,

But I am such a sinner Lord, how can I live with thee?

I need to know your word, so that I can better understand,

Just why you had to live your life, in this seemingly cruel land.

I know deep down, I must obey, with all my heart and soul,

And the Bible plainly tells me what exactly I should know.

I’ve heard your word my Lord and my sorrow is deep within,

I’ve confessed to those around me that I’ve lived a life with sin.

And my heart has great desire, to be washed all clean from them.

But, I have to find a baptistery or something that will do,

As now I know immersion is the only way to you.

The waters of baptism over me now, I give my life to thee.

And I now understand the differences between bondage and now free.

There is such great joy within my heart because as you now see,

My life is changed. . I’m just a Christian, and that means all to me.

As I think about the future, should I be granted additional time,

I would like to help others walk this straight and narrow line.

I think to myself, as I lay in my bed, so ill according to all,

God’s hands are entwined with the workings of life, so don’t fail to heed his call.

As the winter of life starts blowing my way,

 like a whisper of time soon to cease,

I feel a deep cold begin seeping inside

  . . . my body wants nothing but sleep.

As I close my eyes to the last ray of life,

my breath getting slower with time.

My lips are still moving and trying to pray

to my Lord who is now on my mind.

I hear the sweet voices of beings unknown,

they are signing a beautiful theme,

My body is lifted, so softly surrounded,

I hardly can fathom this scene.

I see from afar a bright ray of light,

its brilliance so radiant to view,

And the next thing I know, the Master is there,

and he’s saying, “I am waiting for you”.

And now to my family, my relatives and friends,

and all those who come here in sorrow.

Instead let your hearts shed all tears of joy,

for you know where I’ll be on the morrow.

For I’m just a Christian, and I am at home,

with the Father in heaven above,

And I will be there, just waiting for you,

to come join in His light and His love.

You  know I will be with you . . .if you just peep inside,

as your heart has corner in which I’ll reside.

Memories are made for this reason in mind,

and they will always be there for you just to find.

Now just one more thing to all of you here,

your life must go on through the rest of your years.

Don’t let my parting get out in your way,

for my time has ended and that is God’s way


 Written to Shirely on the

passing of her husband.

 © October 8, 2005

TRIBUTE TO A BEAUTIFUL LADY . . . MARTHA

I knew a lady with a beautiful face,

She carried herself with such dignity and grace.

She gave of herself, all that she could,

All to do for you, she most certainly would.

She loved her family, her children and friends,

She loved the world about her, everywhere she went.

She showed her love in so many ways,

She was so worthy of all of our praise.

Her eyes always sparkled . . . a deep shade of blue,

You could tell she was focusing them solely on you.

She could converse with you on any level,

And in her own way, she made you most comfortable.

She was a lady in every way, shape and form,

With her main focus being on her heavenly home.

If she were not there, when the church met together,

You knew she was home, sick, on her bed of feathers.

She did not take lightly, the Word of our God,

The Bible was her book, and through it she’d trod.

She walked the pathways of the disciples and all,

Learning all she could, so she would not fall.

She would read this daily and learn more in depth,

It was a great storybook, and one with her step.

She was a great teacher and firmly would stand,

On the Word of God, while living in this land.

She taught many children so many of His ways,

She would do it again if she could . . . this very day.

Her love of the Lord was as beautiful as could be,

Her sights on Him daily, hoping Him soon to see.

I see my friend now, so sick in her chair,

I look at her and think, it doesn’t seem fair.

She lived her life, an example for us all,

God, please take her fast when you come to call.

Don’t let her suffer much longer in this forlorn land,

And if Your Will be, come take her frail hand.

Let her eyes slowly close to life this one final time,

And her thoughts be with You in your home sublime.

Caress her gently in your strong, loving arms,

So that her soul will come to no harm.

Bathe her in your beautiful, bold and bright light,

Hold her so softly . . . hold onto her tight.

Breathe on her soul, the life of the blessed,

So you will be with her at her time to rest.

We love her and miss her, but we know where she lies,

In your loving care, above beautiful blue skies.

Written about Martha

(After visiting her at the nursing home)

October 2, 2006

©2006

MY THOUGHTS TO CAROL

Mothers are God’s special gift to daughters,

 without them we feel something amiss,

They loved us and taught us all through our life,

to be an appropriate “Missy” or “Mrs.”

We love them and expect them, to always be there,

to listen to us ‘bout our “when” and our “where”.

And what we accomplished in life day after day,

that is just done in a mothers’ special way.

They listen, smile, and chatter with joyous laughter,

they are proud to see the good “fruits of their labor”.

They know from what you are built . . . your character,

they have done their job well . . . you now they savor.

Your mother has lived a full-fledged life,

even though she’s felt some unhealthy strife,

However, her attitude was not one of despair,

although her good days of late were probably rare.

She had a lot of courage to continue her ways,

having lost her soul-mate earlier in life,

She had already endured many lonely ways,

the worst being ending of day and alone at twilight.

Sometimes it is a blessing when one is so ill,

to be taken away, no more pain will she feel.

Other times, we feel they’re in an unconscious state,

 but still bonding with us until death does them take.

We know life’s pathway sometimes can be rough,

and this ultimately gives one more strength.

But, sometimes they feel they’ve just had enough,

when their life appears at the brink.

But then we back off and remember God’s love,

we realize so quickly just who’s in charge.

We send our prayers to the one up above,

and our problems then seem no longer so large.

When it comes to the winter of a mother’s life,

and you recall all the good times you’ve shared.

You pray by her bedside with all of your might, that her life,

please Lord, let it be spared.

Life is frail and takes untoward twists,

sometimes it even seems to be “hit and miss”.

But, again, everyone knows at some point in time,

life on this earth is no longer mine.

I know your heart is broken and sad,

at this event that has now taken place,

You’ve cried all the tears you thought you had,       

but you have to remember, she’s finished ‘’the race.”

If she could tell you, your mother would say,

 my dear loving child, I will miss you as well,

But this is His way and this is my day,

we’ll again be together you’ll see . . . time will tell.

Written to Carol on the death of her mother
© Ruth Miller, December 2009

MY THOUGHTS FOR YOU BOTH

The Lord Giveth and He taketh away,

But why us, sometimes we say.

We know not why --  no rhyme, no reason,

But every soul does have their season.

A little soul we have here still, 

Residing peacefully in her cocoon,

We plead to know, O Lord your Will,

And pray we’ll be enlightened soon.

Our faith in you, O Lord,

Is strong, steadfast and sure,

We know that You will guide us,

Our situation to endure.

We believe Your love is always there,

More abounding than we know,

And we understand that You will guide us,

And keep our spirits from sinking low.

Strengthen us in our tears,

Guide us in our fears,

Uplift us in our sorrow,

Help us through each tomorrow.

And with this little soul we’re molding,

In our hearts, our soul and mind,

Should it be, this place she’s holding,

Is just special for a little time?

We think about her life to come,

And contemplate our joy,

But while inside her little home,

Can only with her future toy.

This little soul needs so much help,

Much more than we can give,

Her life is up to You, Yourself,

As just to how she’ll live.

If it be Your Will to hold her,

In your strong and so soft hands,

Then we’ll send her on her journey,

So her soul with You will stand.

She’ll not be from us far away,

Just right inside our hearts,

We just have to enter there,

And look back on former thoughts.

We’re returning Gabriella to You,

For her care ‘till we arrive,

“cause You know everything to do,

So her soul with You will thrive.

Yes, our hearts are deeply saddened,

And our eyes are closed with tears,

As we return this blessed bundle,

To keep You company through our years.

We know we’ll get to see her,

In the joyous bye and bye,

When our years here have grown dim,

And take our journey through the sky.

Written to a young couple

on the birth & passing of their  premature daughter,

By Ruth Miller

©2006