WHERE THE STRENGTH LIES

When the limbs of our mind

seems to lose its fervor, where

do we look for refuge? Through

the prisms of a lighted fantasy.

The challenge of finding our way

in the dark, gives us pain and pleasure.

Our minds are consumed with the

idea of reaching our goals and destination

through the easiest path of resistance.

In doing so, we lose the opportunity

to learn from struggle, which would

improve our ability to survive. We have

been duped in believing that the quick

fix is the best solution.

We refuse to believe that we are spiritual

beings rapped up in a physical body for

the purpose of doing the will of our Creator.

How long will we continue to struggle before

we realize where the strength is.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2011

The Journey/Dedicated Christian

Dedicated to my Pastor, The Rev. Gregory P. Nelson

On his 50th Birthday, July 9, 2011

You have since your early years

looked toward heaven for your reward.

Knowing that only the Creator of all

things could keep you marching forward.

You always knew that the Devil's mission

of destruction was not God's will.

That is why he prepared you as a

child to climb those troubling hills.

You have dedicated your life to

God and his commandments.

You have labored with Christ

and your will has not been bent.

It is my prayer that you continue

this journey of love for the church.

That you may continue giving to

those that have given you so much.

May god continue to bless and keep

you wrapped in his mercy and grace

as you march onward in hopes of

meeting the Father and the Son face to face.

It is true that your Birthday should be celebrated,

but the true joy is your journey to your

destination and to whom your life is dedicated.

This poem of celebration also serves as a note of

thanks for your dedication of service that

you have given so unselfishly and to celebrate

a mile stone in your life, your 50th Birthday.

May your 50th Birthday be bless

with the goodness and mercy that

God has showned you thru the years.

May your next (50) years continue to be dedicated

to the saving of souls and may the goodness of

God continue to be your shield.

BETHEL AME-WHERE THE FIRE BURNS

Poet Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2011

The Journey/Dedicated Christian

At my Pastor's Birthday party, The Rev. Gregory P. Nelson