God Has Healed Me From Horrible Rhrumatoid Arthritis Pain!

Forgive me, Lord, Forgive Me

As I awakened early this morning,
This thought came to me …
You’ve given me relief from the horrible pain …
Forgive me for not giving You the glory.

For such a long time I prayed to You,
“Lord if You grant me relief from pain,
I’ll give you the glory, for You are the Healer,
I’ll praise You and thank You as I gain –
Strength, peace and hope for my days,
And the relief that I have craved.
I’ll glorify You howe’er You answer –
My prayers, my life to save.”

As I prayed, I knew You could use
Many ways to answer my prayers,
You could heal me outright, giving relief,
Or use doctors, for I know that You care.

As You’ve granted this much-needed relief,
I’ve gone back on my promise
To give You the glory in granting to me
Healing, as it’s been accomplished.

Father, forgive me for not giving
You credit as credit is due,
For you used the doctors and medicine,
To answer my prayers, and my body to renew.

I know I made the promise to You
That no matter how You choose –
To answer my prayers as I sought You,
Your blessings not to loose.

I know that in my heart I was amazed
That the pain that had plagued me so long
Was so greatly relieved, please forgive me
For not glorifying You, I was wrong.

I truly didn’t see the relief You’d granted,
As being an answer to my cries to You;
Lord, I promise to You right now, today,
To give You praise, for praise is due.

I will give You the honor and the glory
For Your answer to my many cries,
You’ve granted me healing in Your way, Your time,
My Lord, You are so wise.

I’ll share with others the healing grace
You’ve bestowed upon one such as me,
For I know that it’s only because of You
I finally have relief!

"To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Has Done!"

Poem For Our Daughter, Julie's Baby, Due Mothers' Day!

Amelia, Won’t You Come Out and Play?!?

Amelia, Amelia, Amelia Noelle Fink!
Listen up! Pay attention! Don’t take time to think!
Your Grandma and your Grandpa are ready for you to come out and play!
So what are you waiting for, little one, please come out today!

Amelia, You’ve been growing for almost nine months now,
I’m sure your Mommy and Daddy are ready for you, and how!
We’ve read their blog … their “Fink Bambino 1.0” blog,
Grandpa’s read it, Grandma’s read it, even Sampson, the dog!

Four weeks after conception, they said you were the size of a poppy seed!
By November 29th your Mommy could feel you move, probably your feet!
At week eighteen, Amelia, you were the size of a sweet potato,
You were inches big and very light, but you were kicking with your toes!

When your Mommy and Daddy visited us, after Christmastime,
They announced they were expecting a girl, and that suited us just fine!
Then they announced your name … Amelia Noelle Fink!
Grandpa was touched, Grandma was overjoyed! Both of us love pink!

Amelia will take on her Grandma Jackie’s real name,
And her Mommy’s middle name, Noelle, of “Noe fame!”
Our whole family is tickled pink to add Amelia Noelle Fink!
And Amelia, you will carry on Daddy’s “Fink link!”

Back to your size, Amelia, at week 25 you were the size of an eggplant,
I pray you weren’t offended, I think a new vegetable you should demand!
Towards the end of January, we got to hear your heartbeat!
We listened to it over and over, rejoicing in sweet relief, we did weep!

Soon, Mommy’s tummy is in full motion, a shimmerin’ and a shakin’,
And she’s eating cupcakes by the dozen, yes, she can smell them bakin’!
At week 28, during an ultrasound, you became a movie star!
Grandma and Grandpa decide you win the academy award, as an up and coming star!

Amelia, would you believe a blizzard cancelled your Mommy’s baby shower?!?
But you’re active, with “baby earthquakes,” girl, do you have power!
At the eight-month point, you are the size of a honeydew,
And then with four weeks to go, finally Grandma gets to feel you!!!

The shower that was snowed out in February was rescheduled to Mommy’s ninth month,
Great-Grandma and Grandma, and Mommy’s friends got you all the right stuff!
So now, Amelia, I tell you the truth, listen to what I say!
All the Grandmas, Grandpas, and the Greats, want to celebrate today, your birthday!
… Today!!! Love, Grandma Cathy – 4/26/08

Poem Written Early 2006

God, Please Bless America

God, please bless America,
God, bless the USA,
No matter how we pray it,
That's what we want to convey.

Our country struggles with war,
It even struggles with weather,
Our government is struggling
To bring us all together.

God blesses America,
Yes He blesses the USA,
All we have to do is look around,
And we see His blessings in many ways.

We must continually pray to our God,
That our country be one
That brings unity with mankind,
For it to continue to be strong.

So God, please bless America,
In any way You see fit,
And God, bless the USA,
Keep “Lady Liberty's” fire lit.

Poem About My Grandson, Ethan

Ethan, You’re a Big Four Year Old!

I was told by my Mom and my Dad,
When I turned four years old,
“Cathy, you’re a big girl now!”
That’s not what I wanted to be told.

You see, I wanted to stay little!
I wanted to play all day!
I knew that the bigger kids
Had to go to school someday!

You know what I found out?
Even when I got “the big” –
I still got to play outside!
I could even dance a jig!

I loved to roller skate fast,
And ride my bike around the block!
As long as I was careful
To keep my bicycle locked!

Then when I got even bigger,
I loved to play softball!
I loved almost every sport,
My favorite was volleyball!

It turned out that being older
Was nothing of which to be wary!
I got to meet your Grandpa!
And we decided to get married!

So Ethan, no matter how old you are,
You can always have fun and play!
You can even play when you’re older;
Grandma enjoys playing to this day!

Happy Fourth Birthday, Ethan, Love, Grandma & Grandpa Roberts

Poem Written 4/11/08

We Can “Do” Contentment … Better!

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians,
Chapter four, verse eleven, he said,
“… I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
Therewith to be content.” Yes, Paul was led –
To write this to his friends in Philippi,
For he had received gifts from them,
Yet he knew that we “brought nothing into this world,
And it is certain we can carry nothing out.” Amen!

What a wonderful example Paul was
To his friends and supporters in Philippi,
He’s still a great example today for us all,
Through God’s inspired Word, so wise.

Yet one thing that rings clear as a bell to me,
Is that that even Paul had to learn to be content!
This helps me understand it’s a lesson we must all learn,
It’s not something that comes easily, that contentment!

So this state of contentment does not come naturally,
Even to this writer of the Philippian letter.
It helps me to realize it’s a state in which to strive,
That eventually we’ll do contentment … better!

I believe that being content is a choice I can make,
For when I’m not looking for something more exciting,
I can hone-in-on what I have before my eyes,
Or in my heart, and for me that will be a “God sighting!”

I Choose to Be Content!

Scripture Quote (2nd): 2 Timothy 6:7

(I was in a Bible study that talked about “God-sightings!”)

Humor Poem Written 4/15/08

An Unfortunate (Feet) Feat!

Last night as I was readying myself for bed,
I had a most unfortunate occurrence!
I smashed my fingers in the drawer,
I tried not to say bad words in front of my Laurence!

Well, fortunately this feat did not involve my feet,
Just my hand, yet I pointed my finger at --
The drawer, which was the culprit
Of this feat, as upon the bed I sat.

The problem that I have right now
Is that I cannot draw, due to this feat!
For my fingers are quite sore, and
There’s no way I can draw with my feet!

So tonight, as upon my bed I sit,
And contemplate opening my drawer,
I’ll remember last night’s unfortunate feat,
And ask for help from my Lord!

I’ll say, “Lord, as I open my drawer tonight,
Please protect my fingers abd my feet
From the unfortunate, aforementioned feat,
And help me to slip quietly into sleep!”

Humor Poem Written 4/1/08 - No Foolin'!

The Book of Laminations

After watching the movie, Evan Almighty,
My friend, Judy awakened with new understanding
As to why the book of Laminations is so important
Let me tell you what I mean …

You see, when Noah built the ark
Before the earth was covered by the great flood,
In that 125 years he depleted
The earth’s supply of gopher wood!

Thus, said book of Laminations
Was born of necessity,
For now laminating was the only way
They could build things. No, I’m not jesting!

As many years passed,
The laminations would no longer be a need,
Because gopher wood would be back in great supply,
They’d no longer be laminating!

You may be thinking, “The book was Lamentations!”
You are right, my thinking was twisted!
I think I should tell my friend, Judy,
To head back to bed!!!

Poem Written About My Hubby

My Life, My Love, My Lar

Me-oh-my-oh-me!!!

My “my's” o'er took the title!
Yet this poem is about my Lar,
My life and my love, ooh, what style!

My Lar, he's a hunk, if you ask me,
With that rugged beard, silver gray hair,
I love him so, and he loves me, too,
I think we are quite a pair!

Lar, I love when we have our special days
Together, just you and me!
It doesn't much matter where we go,
Or what we do, with you is where I wanna be!

I love just vegging in our family room,
Either watching TV aimlessly, or an OSU game;
I just love sitting with you, no matter what,
Especially when, outside, it's rainin'!

I love our times of intimacy,
Yes, those times, to me, are sweet;
Just let your imagination wander,
Being with you is a glorious treat!

My life, my love, my Lar,
Your Cath's never been so happy!
I find myself smilin' a lot these days!
Just even thinkin' about you and me!

Poem Written 3/08

Dear Heavenly Father,
I may fall
Flat on my face,
For when I fail
I’m old, beaten.

Yet You will hang
In there with me
And wait for me to
Come running back to You.

May I do so before
Much time lapses

For I know that You
Want me talking to You.

Also, You want
For me to listen
To You lovingly
Minist’ring to me.

I choose to
Run to You!
For I long for
Your tender mercies

May we meet
Together as one,
Your Spirit and mine,
All heaven and earth
Rejoice!

Poem Written 10/04

Shoulds, Oughts and Musts

So many shoulds, oughts and musts
In this busy life we lead,
To aim to please our Master
'Twould be a relief, indeed!

Go to God before going to others,
Go to Him before trying things out,
He is quietly waiting
To bring things about.

To trust Him with our very lives,
I'm sure He'd be pleased!
That's why He sent His Son,
That, in Him, we'd be freed!

Put all the unnecessary hassles
Of these shoulds, oughts and musts,
And truly aim to please our Master,
And He'll help us to adjust!

Scripture Reference: “When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7

Poem Written 2/08

“No!” – “Okay!” – “Okay Lord!” – “Thank You, God!”

Sometimes when the night hour is o’ertaking,
And I’ve got no more energy, and I am aching,
I say, “No!” to my computer and think about going to bed!

It’s hard to stop typing when words keep coming,
If I don’t type them out I’ll lose them – they’ll be nothing,
I say, “No!” to my computer and think about going to bed!

Sometimes it’s amusing when I find myself nodding --
Off to sleep in the middle of my jottings,
I say, “No!” to my computer and go to my bed!

Then there are times when I do head off to bed,
And those words keep running over and over in my head,
I say, “Okay!” and back to the computer I head!

Then as I sit there furiously typing, before I forget --
What I was so impressed with that up in the bed I did sit,
I say, “Okay Lord!” and obediently type what He puts in my head!

And He is always faithful to give me insights about Him,
And about myself, and He convicts me of my why’s, where’s and when’s,
I say, “Thank You, God” and know that it’s finally time to head to bed!

Good Night God! Amen!

Humor Poem Written 3/08

Aback, Amok, Afar, Unabashed, Uncouth

If there’s one thing that get on my nerves,
And really takes me aback,
It’s drivers that simply run amok,
It seems that common sense they lack!

The unabashed behavior of these morons
Seems basically aloof,
They don’t seem to understand
That taking others aback is uncouth!

Their unanimous alarming antics
Are rude and unseemly!
Taking us “normal” people aback seems to cause
Them to run amok with unabashed behavior!

Like when they’re following aclose,
Definitely not from afar!
I just step lightly on my brake
To slow down my van or car!

We shouldn’t have to adjust to their seeming
Aloofness when we challenge their amok-ness,
Their uncouth, rude and unseemly antics
Take me aback ... goodness!

Let’s vote to rid ourselves of those who run amok
Taking us aback with their unseemly, uncouth behavior!
I vote to unanimously rid ourselves of their alarming-ness,
And to (una) bash their unseemingly uncouth noggins!

Poem Written 12/06

The Master Artist

When an artist begins his painting
He begins with a clean slate,
He usually is not sure
What will be his completion date.

He may have preconceived notions
Of what the subject will be;
Other times he has not a clue,
Abstract art will be the theme.

Usually he has a favorite color
Or subject matter he paints best,
Sometime he is surprised
How it ends up, nonetheless!

I am blessed that I was created
By the Master Artist of all time,
He knew exactly how I'd look,
That I'd seek Him, and that Him, I'd find.

He knew the color of my eyes and skin,
That I'd have a “shock of red hair,”
He even knew the number
Of my days on earth, for He cares.

My Master Artist knew all about me
Before I was even conceived,
He knew that I would be His own,
For He knew, in Him, I'd believe.

Scripture References: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find' knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; And in thy book all my members were written ...” Psalms 139:16a

Poem Writtem 9/05

My 'Lights' At the End of My Tunnel

I praise God I've got 'Lights' at the end of my tunnel,
I'm writing specifically about two,
My first 'Light' is my Lord,
He hears my cries, even at a quarter-past two!

He carries me in this midnight time,
When pain overtakes a good-night's sleep;
He gently picks me up,
And give me peace, despite no relief.

Only He knows what this is all about,
Lord don't let me miss Your leading,
What and how will You use me?
Will it be to help another who is needy?

I trust You, God, with my body, my life,
Use me however You can;
Mild me like clay, on Your potter's wheel,
I place my life in Your Hands.

My second 'light' in this dark, painful time
Is my husband, Lar,
He's patient, loving, kind and caring,
Thank You Lord, I'm not being a bear!

He gently massages my hands and feet
Each night as we go to bed,
He tenderly says, “I love you,”
Then, as praying to our Lord, our spirits are fed.

It's so wonderful to lie beside him,
Listening to his breathing as he's sleeping,
Waking up periodically, with him next to me,
Gives me comfort, when my strength is fleeting.

These 'Lights' at the end of my tunnel,
Me, Lar and our Lord,
To me, this is perfection,
Together we're a three-strand cord.

Scripture References: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my god thou art very great; Thu art clothed with honor and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment;”
Psalms 104:1-2a
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with al perserverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6: 18
“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

Poem Written 5/05

Be Ye Satisfied

“Be ye satisfied,”
Is the word I hear,
Over and over
It falls on my ear.

“Be ye satisfied
On Me, place your trust,
I will not forsake you,
Give Me all your lust.

I love you, my dear child,
I hold you close to My heart,
You're the apple of My eye,
I will never depart.

I'm your joy, your hope,
I'm your strength, your shield;
Dear one, depend on Me,
Your spirit to yield.
Be ye satisfied,

Accept my every gift,
I've placed in your life,
Your spirit to lift.”
Yes, “Be ye satisfied”

Is the word I hear,
Over and over
It falls on my ear.

Scripture Reference: “For he satisfieth the long soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalms 107:9

Poem Read at Our Son & Daughter-in-Law's Wedding

It’s Obvious Meredith’s Someone Special

It’s obvious that Meredith’s someone special
You prayed for someone special, didn’t you, Brent?
And in God’s timing, and within His will,
He put her into your life, she is heaven sent.

I pray you keep God at the center
Of your lives together, seek Him in all,
For He will direct your path if you let Him,
And when you stumble, He won’t let you fall.

He loves it when we come to Him as a couple,
Sharing our joys, struggles and fears;
He loves to hear us raise our voices out loud,
And it’s a great, safe place, together, to shed tears.

When you pray together, hearing one another,
You get to know each other more personally;
It’s a type of vulnerability a marriage needs,
I can tell you this, for it’s worked for Dad and me.

It’s fun to watch the two of you,
Looking at each other longingly, often times;
I pray you’ll continue to revere each other realistically,
Not assuming the other knows what’s in the other’s mind!

No, I tell you, no one is a mind reader, for sure!
So if there is something you would like, or not like,
Just say it, allowing the other to do what you’d like,
Instead of moping, or shutting down, or “taking a hike.”

Yes, care for each other, as Christ modeled,
For He was the perfect Lamb, the Son of God;
He came to redeem us all in this fallen world,
And He wants you to walk together, as He did trod.

Brent, you are to be a Dad to Ethan,

This responsibility, do not take lightly;
You both must share in his discipline and direction,
Showing him that he’s loved by you, mightily.

May Your Marriage Be One That glorifies God,

And is an example to those in your midst;
You never know if they know Jesus themselves,
You may reach them for the kingdom’s, I promise.

Please forgive my sermon-of-sorts,
Yet this advice is what has helped Dad and I;
And marriage is hard work, I tell you the truth,
As hard as putting a camel through a needle’s eye!

So, Brent and Meredith, you’re both someone special,
At least that’s my opinion, and others agree!
Dad and I are so happy for the two of you!
May your wedding be what you hope it to be!

You Are Both Someone Special to Us, And To Each Other!
Love, Mom -- 2/23/08

Christmas Poem 2004-

This Star, This Man, Our Savior

That bright, wondrous star
Was a twinkle in the Father's Eye;
This star became a baby,
In a manger, He did lie.

This babe seemed so fragile
When at first, He came,
As the angel foretold,
Jesus was His name.

He grew into a young boy,
Amazing all around
With His love and His knowledge,
His teachings, they were sound.

This boy was a witness
Of His Father's grace,
As He served others,
Love shone on His face.

This star turned into a man,
Eventually died on a tree;
He gave His very life
To redeem you and me.

And now He looks down from up above,
Sitting by His Father's side;
Though once He was a baby,
In Him we can now abide.

Some day we will be
With this Star, this Man, our Savior,
And will nestle in His arms,
We'll rest in Him forever.

Scripture Reference: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Poem written 12/04

A Work In Progress

I am a work in progress,
Learning all the time,
Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly,
I try hard to be kind.

I am a work in progress,
Aiming towards God's plan;
The times I do best,
Are when in Him, I take a stand.

I try to listen to Him,
To others, His servants, too,
For guidance and understanding,
His love always shines through.

I am a work in progress,
I hide God's Word in my heart;
I pray to Him, continually,
Being with Him brings me comfort.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalms 119:11

My Very First Poem, Written 9/14/04

God's Masterpiece (A Song)

I am God's masterpiece,
His precious work of art;
Created in His image,
From Him I'll not depart.

I am a fallen creature,
Not a puppet on a string;
He cares for me, as always,
For Him I'll ever sing.

He gave His Son on Calv'ry's tree,
His arms were open wide,
He did the best, He won the test,
A thief on either side.

I cling to Him more than before,
My Savior, Lord, is He;
He gently leads me, off'ring peace,
From bondage I'm set free.

He gently leads me, off'ring peace,
From bondage I'm set free!

Scripture References: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his image, in the image of God created he him, male and female, created he them.” Genesis 1:26a, 27

***Note: God guided my hands as I wrote this poem.

Also, He gave me the music, and I've sung this song many times.***

Poem Written 4/11/08

We Can “Do” Contentment … Better!

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians,
Chapter four, verse eleven, he said,
“… I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
Therewith to be content.” Yes, Paul was led –
To write this to his friends in Philippi,
For he had received gifts from them,
Yet he knew that we “brought nothing into this world,
And it is certain we can carry nothing out.” Amen!

What a wonderful example Paul was
To his friends and supporters in Philippi,
He’s still a great example today for us all,
Through God’s inspired Word, so wise.

Yet one thing that rings clear as a bell to me,
Is that that even Paul had to learn to be content!
This helps me understand it’s a lesson we must all learn,
It’s not something that comes easily, that contentment!

So this state of contentment does not come naturally,
Even to this writer of the Philippian letter.
It helps me to realize it’s a state in which to strive,
That eventually we’ll do contentment … better!

I believe that being content is a choice I can make,
For when I’m not looking for something more exciting,
I can hone-in-on what I have before my eyes,
Or in my heart, and for me that will be a “God sighting!”

I Choose to Be Content!

Scripture Quote (2nd): 2 Timothy 6:7

(I was in a Bible study that talked about “God-sightings!”)

Poem Written 3/15/08

Lord, Be Merciful Unto Me

Lord, be merciful into me, for I trust You.
I cry to You, O Lord, as a babe cries for its mother,
May You give me Your attention, as I seek Your refuge.
I’ll wait to hear Your voice, as to me, You utter --
Words of encouragement, yes and Your mercy and truth,
I’ll wait under the shadow of Your Mighty Wing --
For my pain to lessen, yea even in Your perfect time.
I thank You and praise You for the relief You will bring.

I know that if it were not for You I’d be swallowed up
By calamity and pain that wracks my body, my mind,
I’m on fire, yes, even my bones and joints.
Rescue me from this pit, that Your peace I’ll find.

Lord, as Your work is done in me, may I give to You,
The One who has given relief, the glory that You are due,
Which is far more than any one of us humans here on earth
Could possibly offer up unto You, in whatever we say or do.

Lord, I choose to place all of my heart and mind
Into Your arms, where I may sing Your praises
All the days which are left in my life here on earth.
Incline Your ear to my voice, as Your glorious songs I raise.

Your truth and Your mercy have reached down to me
From the heavens … I know You’ve heard my voice,
I praise You for the glorious blessings You’ve bestowed
Upon me tonight! With all I have within me, I rejoice!

Praise God, Who Is Merciful!

Based on Psalm 57

Poem by Cathy Roberts Written 12/07

God Reached Down At Christmastime

God reached down from heaven at Christmastime,
As a baby with only hay for a bed;
He chose this lowly, sparse birthplace,
And the many who believed, He led.

God reaches down all times of the year,
Not only at Christmastime as some believe;
His loving arms reach down to the hurting and heartsick,
To each of us, for He knows all of our needs.

God reaches out to the needy, who are reaching out,
And to those who are weary and worn;
This is one reason He came to earth,
As our Savior, for He knew we'd be forlorn.

There are times that we feel discouraged,
And need to snuggle up in His arms of might;
I know that's how I'm feeling right now,
And praise His name, I know He's holding me tight.

I praise God that He reached down from heaven,
In the form of an infant who would become our shield --
From the pointy darts of Satan which come with a vengeance,
He knew we would need protection, comfort and to be healed.

I praise You, God, for reaching down at Christmastime,
Through Your only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord,
Who lived over 2000 years ago, and still lives in our hearts,
O Lord, You are truly One to be adored!

First Posted Poem, Written 6/05

I Am A Cracked Pot

I am a cracked pot,
Yes, I am a marred vessel;
He saved me, forgave me,
That His story I can tell.

Even though I am a cracked pot,
God can use my broken heart,
His light shines through my cracks,
His glory to impart.

He's molding me, shaping me
Into the woman He wants me to be,
As I surrender myself daily,
He can surely use me.

The messes I've made of my life
Have become my message,
To encourage others who falter
As they struggle through life's passage.

The messes have become my ministry,
For when I grieved Him so,
His plan for my life was perfect,
This I definitely know.

Yes, I am a cracked pot,
He seems all my sin and shame,
Yet He uses my story
To bring glory to His Name.

Scripture References: “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; We are the clay, and thou our potter; And we all are the work of thine hand.” Isaiah 64:8
“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? Saith the Lord. Behold as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:6
“ ... Take heed to the ministry which thou has received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Colossians 4:18b