PHYLLIS LABRIE MORNEAU - POEMS

Phyllis Labrie Morneau was born in 1953 in Manchester, NH and was blessed with a loving Mom and Dad and 2 wonderful Sisters. She has been happily married to her husband, Rich, for almost 45 years and is blessed with 3 sons, 1 daughter, 1 daughter-in-law, and 7 grandchildren. The desire to write a personal memoir for her family, especially her grandchildren, was the reason for writing her 1st book "From My Heart to Yours: A Legacy of Love". She wanted to share her family's story and their love and also share God's story and His amazing love, too. It was originally published in May 2011. Her 2nd book "My Season of Writing" was also written with her grandchildren in mind. It is a collection of Bible Bedtime Stories, Poems, Prayers, and Songs written during a recent season of her life. Her grandchildren enjoy reading before going to bed so have enjoyed reading the stories and poems from each book. 

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​                           WRITING YOUR MEMOIR . . .
 
Many people have asked me how I wrote my book - how did I even start?
Well, it first began as a small seed - a desire from deep within my heart.
 
I simply wanted to share with my grandchildren the love of our family,
Through stories of their ancestors recorded for them as a loving legacy.
 
The first thing to do in writing your own story is to pick out a simple theme,
It might be easy for you or it could be more dificult than it would actually seem.
 
Love was the theme I chose but then should "Love" be simply the title as such?
Maybe "Mem's Memorable Memoir" but then thought that would be a little much?
 
I chose the title "From My Heart to Yours: A Legacy of Love" - that would be the name,
And, after 9 months of writing and sharing from my heart, I would never be the same.
 
I began by asking the Lord to lead me, guide me, and help me each step of the way,
He was faithful as I trusted Him to give me the words that I should write each day.
 
My desire was that the story of our love for God, family, and country would be known,
But, more importantly, that God's story of His unconditional love for all would be shown.
 
The process of creating the book began with an idea - a small seed or desire inside of me,
Growing over time, day by day, until the time that the book was finally ready for all to see.
 
I was very passionate about writing and could easily spend many hours losing all track of time,
And I can make a short story long so I'm happy that I didn't write the 280 pages of my book in rhyme.
 
However, there were times that I was so busy contemplating more eloquent words to share with you,
That I didn't take time for breakfast, lunch, and then what would I make for dinner? I didn't have a clue!
 
There was no time for cleaning the house or using the new vacuum my husband had bought for me,
All my time was spent sitting in my recliner, writing, then getting up, I found I couldn't bend my knee!
 
My husband came home from work and saw that I was trying to walk around but with difficulty,
So, with his typical quick wit and wisdom, quipped "Was I actually writing my own obituary"?
 
Being the obsessive-compulsive-perfectionist that I am, I asked "To be so focused - is it a crime"?
However, I understood his concern that I might be going downhill as I tried to meet my dead-line!
 
Hopefully, this inspiring poem and tale of the adventure writing my story of love for my dear family,
Will not stop you from writing your own story and leaving for them a cherished and precious legacy.
 

 

                               WHEN YOU RETIRE . . .


Every day is a holiday;
No longer needing to work;
Now you have time to play.
 
Time to watch movies with my hubby,
And play a very frustrating memory game;
Where we recognize an actor or actress,
But then can't remember his or her name!
 
Another daily frustrating memory game,
Where I frequently rush around to and fro;
Searching everywhere for my eye glasses,
Wondering, "Where in the world did they go"?
 
Having finally found my eye glasses,
Taking time to read is my heart's desire;
Reading the Bible and also inspirational books,
Helps to fan the flame in my soul into a holy fire.
 
No longer content with short and rushed prayer,
I now have the time to just sit still before the Lord;
Quiet, waiting,and  listening for His gentle whisper,
Then praising God  that I am so beloved and adored.
 
There is also more time to spend with my husband,
With a good cup of coffee, we can just sit and talk;
Taking the time to focus and really listen to each other,
We, holding hands, go on our daily brisk 1-hour walk.
 
We also take time each day to do something by ourselves,
My husband loves to work outside - mowing, weeding, pruning;
While I love to work inside the home - cooking and also cleaning,
Then, taking time to express and share what's in my heart by writing.
 
Reflecting on the years that have gone by and how blessed I have been,
I now realize God's love was always pursuing me when I truly take a look;
His amazing and unconditional love for me and for my family and my friends,
I shared when I wrote "From My Heart to Yours: A Legacy of Love" - my book.
 
Recently, I  wrote some Bible bedtime stories, poems, prayers, and songs,
To share with  my precious grandchildren - that was the main reason;
Doing something significant is my goal rather than to be a success,
During my retirement years - a  wonderful, exciting, and joyful  season!
 
 
 

   ODE TO MY HIGH-EFFICIENCY WASHING MACHINE
 
You might think it strange to write a love poem,
To something so mundane as a washing machine;
But in the daily household task of doing laundry,
It has been a big help getting our clothes clean, clean, clean!
 
Our old washing machine would sometimes spin,
But sometimes, for reasons unknown, it would not;
So, often-times, when the machine beeped that it was done,
I looked inside and a heavy wet soggy mess was what I got!
 
I complained to my poor husband each time it failed to spin,
And mumbled my sad and frustrating tale of woe;
With a heavy sigh, I would set the cyle to spin again and again,
Grumbling, "Doing laundry this way each day is slow, slow, slow!
 
I'm happy now with our new high-efficiency washing machine,
And, when shopping for detergent, buy only high-efficiency Tide;
It has electronic sensors that weigh the heaviness of the clothes,
And a glass lid so I can watch the clothes as they spin around inside.
 
You will hear noises that are different from a regular washing machine,
There is clicking and humming and whirring - a strange variety of sounds;
And I caution to not put your son's waterproof rain jacket in your washer,
For then it will spin at such a high speed that it will shake and violently pound.
 
My ode to my new high-efficiency washing machine has come to an end,
In the daily task of doing laundry, It has become my new best friend;
Doing laundry effiently is important to me as a happy housewife,
Or maybe, just maybe ---  I .  . .  need . . . to . . . get . . . a . . . life!

                     HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT
                          (based on the 23rd Psalm)
 
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD . . .
We can trust in an unchanging God, a still point, in the midst of a turbulent world,
We can trust in His love and goodness, in spite of the evil that has been unfurled.
 
We are His sheep, depending on our Shepherd, to carry us with strength and might,
Leading us on the right path, with His truth and His holiness, shining its bright light.
 
I SHALL NOT WANT . . .
What we have in God is far greater than all the material stuff we could get in life,
Realizing "godliness with contentment is great gain" will save us from much strife.
 
Surrendering to our Shepherd -  we have grace for every sin, direction for every turn,
A candle in the darkness, an anchor for every storm - Lord. help us understand and learn.
 
HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES . . .
As Shepherd, God is in charge and  leads us, His sheep, to a place of peace and rest,
He will care for us, protect and provide for our every need, as we trust His way is best.
 
When our anxious thoughts turn and  stay on Him, He will keep us in His perfect peace,
With our eyes fixed, not on what is seen but on what is unseen, then all our worries cease.
 
HE LEADS ME BESIDE STILL WATERS . . .
He provides the pure living water of His Word to quench our thirst and refresh us as we go,
He also promises His grace to help us no matter where we travel each day, going to and fro.
 
We can trust that God is in control, promising to be a Lamp for our feet each and every day,
Even in the midst of life's mishaps and tragedies, w do not fear but trust His will and His way.
 
HE RESTORES MY SOUL . . .
In the midst of failing health, broken hearts, and empty wallets, He will restore our hope,
In the midst of complaining people, demanding bosses, and busyness, He will help us cope.
 
Our Shepherd rescues us from loneliness, despair, pain, and confusion when He does appear,
From life's jungle, with so many scary beasts threatening us, He guides us safely out of there.
 
HE LEADS ME ON PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS . . .
Along the narrow winding trail, up a steep hill,  to a cross, where His life He sacrificed and gave,
Because of His love for His straying and lost sheep, His desire is to seek, pursue, find, and save.
 
When we wander, He finds us; when we fall, he carries us; when are attacked, He will defend,
When we are hurt, He heals us; when we are helpless, he helps and protects as a trusted Friend.
 
FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE . . .
God loves to hear us call him Father when we come before him each day to spend time and pray,
Pouring out our hearts before Him and also desiring to bring glory to His name each and every day.
 
He is Jehovah-Raah, our caring Shepherd, and also Jehovah-Jireh, the One who does always provide,
He is Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord is peace, and also Jehovah-Nissi, our refuge where we are safe inside.
 
YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH . . .
Our Shepherd gathers us in His arms and carries us so close to His heart on the narrow trail,
Sometimes the trek is long, the path is dangerous, and the valley is dark but He will never fail.
 
But there will come a time for each of us when our Shepherd will lead us on our last and final journey,
Even then we can have peace for He promises that He has been busy preparing a place for you and for me.
 
I WILL FEAR NO EVIL . . .
When we constantly hear news of so many terrible evil acts happening and we don't know what to do,
It is then that we need to focus, not on the scary circumstances, but instead focus all our thoughts on You.
 
When anxious thoughts of what might happen next threaten our peace and bring turmoil and unrest,
It is then that we need to cast down all fearful imaginings and trust Almighty God to care for us best.
 
THOU ART WITH ME . . .
Lord, You sit upon the stars and make Your home in the deep, but You are also right  here with me,
You rule in Heaven above and also on the earth below - knowing and realizing this sets us all free.
 
No matter what we face in this life -sickness,  unemployement, loneliness - You will never leave,
 In the midst of the terror of night and the arrows of the day - we can find rest when we do believe.
 
YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME . . .
Our Shepherd knows each of his sheep by name - He sees each face and He knows each story,
He has written our names on the palms of His hands - for His tender love we give Him all glory.
 
His rod does prod and direct us where to go and His staff does protect bringing comfort and hope,
Knowing God as our faithful Father and Shepherd, even in these scary times, we can still cope.
 
YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES . . .
God is the Shepherd, Who provides; the Lord, Who provides; and the Voice in the storm bringing peace,
Trusting Him to care for us and for all of our needs - our turmoil, our troubles, and our worries do cease.
 
He has called us to Himself and invited us to His table to sit at a permanent and prominent place,
"In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly world" by his mercy and grace.
 
YOU ANOINT MY HEAD WITH OIL . . .
With high hopes and a humble heart, we come before God to pray to our trusted and best Friend,
Bringing him all our struggles, our disappointments, our hurts and wounds for his healing oil to tend.
 
In spite of all the terror alerts and the evil threats constantly flooding our thoughts and our soul,
We can come to God to lift our heavy burdens and restore us and make all our hearts truly whole.
 
MY CUP RUNS OVER . . .
God blesses us with so many gifts of His love - there are beautiful sunrises and glorious sunsets at night,
There are majestic mountains, the fragrance of flowers, the melody of birds, and the twinkling stars so bright.
 
Our hearts are not large enough for all the wonderful blessings that God wants  to coninually give,
He will pour and pour out blessings until they overflow our cup so that we may truly abundantly live.
 
SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE . . .
Goodness to supply for our every need - God promises us and on that we can depend and be sure,
Mercy to forgive our every sin - God promises to forgive and pardon us and make our hearts pure.
 
God makes sure promises of goodness and mercy that will follow us all the days of our life,
His abiding presence enables us to live safe and secure without doubts and worries and strife.
 
AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER . . .
When we feel restless deep inside, there is a sense that this earth is not our true home,
We feel a longing deep inside our hearts that is not satisfied no matter where we roam.
 
God's Word says "Our true homeland is Heaven" and "He has set eternity in the hearts of men",
God's Promises give hope and encouragement to us on our Heavenly journey. Amen and Amen.
​

CINDERELLA - MY LIFE STORY

 
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago in a land far, far away (in Manchester, NH)
There lived a young girl, about 12 years old, who watched the tale of Cinderella on TV;
It was a fairy tale story of a young maiden who was degraded, her beauty undiscovered,
But, in the midst of the sorrow and ashes of her life, she longed for more, just like me.
 
In Cinderella's story, her mother died, and later her father married a lady with 2 daughters,
Sadly, her father soon died, then her stepmother and stepsisters caused her much strife;
I didn't have a wicked stepmother for my Mom and Dad were devoted and loved me always,
I also didn't have 2 mean stepsisters for my sisters cared and shared during all my young life.
 
But I did have a villain in my story - the devil - who put unkind and cruel words in my mind,
Thoughts that I was not good enough or was not pretty enough that caused me much pain;
I also had the world outside and the flesh inside that would enslave me at times with their lies,
To be accepted by the world, I became a people-pleaser, and to satisfy my flesh, I became vain.
 
Like Cinderella, I wasn't happy with myself or my life, and longed for something more,
Someone who would come along, see my true value, and then desire a life with me;
Lifting me from the sorrow and the ashes, to a new life of hope and peace and  joy,
Carefree and beautiful, transformed by his love, we would dance in perfect harmony.

 
I did meet my Prince Charming, my dear husband, whose love I truly treasure,
And, after a beautiful Wedding, we were soon blessed with a precious baby boy;
As a young girl, I would often dream of being a loving wife and a caring mother,
But, in spite of my perfect life, something was missing, I felt restless with little joy.
 
One day, I cried out to God and asked Him to please come and help me,
I surrendered all of myself to Him, including my fear and also my pride;
He took the sorrow and ashes of my life and cleansed my heart of all sin,
Jesus became my Savior and my Lord, Who lives in my heart - right inside.
 
There are still times that I listen to the devil's lies or to the world's clamor,
There are times that I listen to my own selfish flesh - thinking it's all about me;
But Jesus, because of His love, pursues me, even when I betray and turn away,
Until finally, with my guilt and regret, I repent and run to God and am set free.
 
Like Cinderella, I was an orphan in God's eyes, until my Father God adopted me,
I was lost in my turmoil and sin, until Jesus, my Prince and Hero, to my rescue came;
I was filled with fear, until the Holy Spirit, came into my heart with His great power,
They replaced my sorrow with joy and my fears with peace - I would never be the same.

 
I now dance in the arms of my God, Who leads and guides my every step,
His unconditional love is the magic that transforms me - the key to my story;
I am His beloved daughter, His beautiful Princess, His precious child - so adored,
I will live "happily ever after" - being changed into His image - from glory to glory.
 

A PASSION FOR LIVING
 

 
In this world in which we live,
With all the turmoil, chaos, and stress;
With so much sin without and within,
How do we cope in the midst of such a mess?
 
We can't turn a blind eye or a deaf ear,
To the terrible news from each new day;
But we can and should take the time,
To humbly kneel before God and pray.
 
When we are overwhelmed with a heavy burden,
We need to cast all of our cares on Him;
His yoke is easy and our burden will be light,
With Him our life is no longer so dark and so grim.
 
Life today can surely be hectic and busy,
It is a daily struggle just to survive;
But with the Lord to lead and guide us,
We can actually thrive and feel fully alive.
 
What are you passionate about?
What makes your heart joyfully sing?
What brings you delight and happiness?
What do you long for and desire more than anything?
 
Do you enjoy the beauty of nature,
And taking a brisk and refreshing walk?
Or do you prefer a good cup of hot coffee,
With a dear trusted friend and just sit and talk?
 
Maybe you find much pleasure,
Reading a romance novel or a great mystery?
Or maybe an inspiring story or fairy tale,
Where there is a brave hero for all to see?
 
Do you enjoy caring for your home,
And love to decorate it with such zeal?
With great music playing in the background,
And then create for your family a delicious meal?
 
Maybe you enjoy quiet time to sit and write,
From the depths of your heart you express;
By either song, or prose, or poetry,
Your love, your hope, your joy, and gratefulness.
 
Do you have the gift and talent of a great voice?
You can sing and make melody to the Lord;
Do you enjoy dancing for Him with such glee?
There is much freedom in knowing we are adored.
 
Maybe you have the wonderful ability,
To draw and paint and create great art;
Our world and that of others is brighter,
When we do everything with all of our heart.
 
Another person might find their special talent,
Is simply to put a smile on someone's sad face;
Just by an act of kindness and compassion,
Or a little humor at the right time and place.
 
Take the time to look inside the garden of your heart,
And see what kind of seeds are growing inside of there;
Then remove all the weeds, the stones, and the thorns,
Oh, the fruit of love, joy, and peace -
There is nothing else that can compare!
 
There is so much we can say and do,
To dispel the darkness with our light;
Lord, help us to shine Your great love,
On all the world and keep it burning bright.
 

 
 
 

A PASSION FOR LIVING
 

 
In this world in which we live,
With all the turmoil, chaos, and stress;
With so much sin without and within,
How do we cope in the midst of such a mess?
 
We can't turn a blind eye or a deaf ear,
To the terrible news from each new day;
But we can and should take the time,
To humbly kneel before God and pray.
 
When we are overwhelmed with a heavy burden,
We need to cast all of our cares on Him;
His yoke is easy and our burden will be light,
With Him our life is no longer so dark and so grim.
 
Life today can surely be hectic and busy,
It is a daily struggle just to survive;
But with the Lord to lead and guide us,
We can actually thrive and feel fully alive.
 
What are you passionate about?
What makes your heart joyfully sing?
What brings you delight and happiness?
What do you long for and desire more than anything?
 
Do you enjoy the beauty of nature,
And taking a brisk and refreshing walk?
Or do you prefer a good cup of hot coffee,
With a dear trusted friend and just sit and talk?
 
Maybe you find much pleasure,
Reading a romance novel or a great mystery?
Or maybe an inspiring story or fairy tale,
Where there is a brave hero for all to see?
 
Do you enjoy caring for your home,
And love to decorate it with such zeal?
With great music playing in the background,
And then create for your family a delicious meal?
 
Maybe you enjoy quiet time to sit and write,
From the depths of your heart you express;
By either song, or prose, or poetry,
Your love, your hope, your joy, and gratefulness.
 
Do you have the gift and talent of a great voice?
You can sing and make melody to the Lord;
Do you enjoy dancing for Him with such glee?
There is much freedom in knowing we are adored.
 
Maybe you have the wonderful ability,
To draw and paint and create great art;
Our world and that of others is brighter,
When we do everything with all of our heart.
 
Another person might find their special talent,
Is simply to put a smile on someone's sad face;
Just by an act of kindness and compassion,
Or a little humor at the right time and place.
 
Take the time to look inside the garden of your heart,
And see what kind of seeds are growing inside of there;
Then remove all the weeds, the stones, and the thorns,
Oh, the fruit of love, joy, and peace -
There is nothing else that can compare!
 
There is so much we can say and do,
To dispel the darkness with our light;
Lord, help us to shine Your great love,
On all the world and keep it burning bright.
 

 
 

BEHOLDING AND REFLECTING GOD'S GLORY

 
The Heavens declare God's glory, the skies proclaim the work of His hands,
Nature speaks of our magnificent God in all it's varied and beautiful array;
My prayer is that my life will showcase, not me, but my awesome God,
May I seek to behold and reflect Your glory, Lord, each and every day.
 
I pray that you, O God, will open and unveil my eyes,
And part the curtains of Heaven that I might truly see;
Your holiness and Your great love and goodness,
Your captivating beauty and Your awesome majesty.
 
When I focus my eyes only on You, my God,
Then my life becomes less about me;
You are the center and my first priority,
I'm no longer bound by self but am set free.
 
Free to boast only of You and all You do for me,
Your love is so compassionate and so kind;
Your power pursues, rescues, and saves,
So many reasons to praise that I can find.
 
You are always with me and are for me,
When I am at peace and when I am in distress;
I sing praise to You, my Almighty God,
You alone are my refuge and my fortress.
 
Even when the circumstances of life are difficult,
I can still praise You and reflect Your glory;
By persevering in faith through adversity and pain,
My testimony of trusting God is the key to my story.
 
I live and abide in You, my God,
I exist and was created for Your pleasure;
Your unconditional love, grace, and mercy,
Are my heart's absolute greatest treasure
 
Every day of Jesus' life revealed His Father's glory,
We should seek to imitate Him and do the same;
In the joyful good times and in the painful hard times,
We need to honor and magnify God's holy name.
 
All these words that I write are to reflect Your glory,
They flow from my heart that seeks to express;
The depth of my love for You, my Savior and Lord,
I sing a song to You of praise and gratefulness.
 
So let me behold and reflect Your glory, O Lord,
Let Your love and Your goodness be a great light;
Dispelling the darkness of our turbulent world,
May it shine on You and may it keep burning bright.