Author: peterbaldwinpoet

Survive & Succeed

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Survive & Succeed

The Spirit of Evil is strong in this place,
I see it reflected in the patients’ face.
Drugs and alcohol and substance abuse,
depression, anxiety, what’s the use?

We’re all here for reasons beyond our control,
times when our feelings become ice cold.
Knowing life’s issues never seemed fair,
we shelter ourselves in utter despair.

We finally have reached the depths of Hell,
nowhere to go but die or get well.
Dying seems vicious, as the only way out,
but that’s what life truly about.

There is no medication or magical pill,
to change our pasts or alter our will.
Our means of survival lies deeply within,
the Spirit within us, it’s desire to win.

There’s the battle that seem to tear us apart,
it’s the Spiritual battle to control our heart.
We are the victim in the midst of the fight,
we need to emerge from the Dark to the Light.

The choice is ours to survive and succeed,
but the wounds are deep, and we need to bleed.
I know it’s not easy to make that first choice,
but we all must listen to the Spirit’s still voice.

The first step’s the hardest to grab hold of your life,
it’s scary and frightful- full of turmoil & strife.
But the benefits greatly, our way- I repeat,
the surrender of life in accepting defeat.

So reach deep down into your heart,
wake for the battle you’re about to start.
Rile your life up- get out of your funk,
God created you, and He does not make junk.

Chorus of Life

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I reach out for help,
but no one’s there.
Time and time again,
does anyone care?

I have a cane,
to help me walk.
I have a brain,
to help me talk.

I have meds,
for the way I feel.
Sometimes they work,
sometimes they heal.

But I need something,
to help me cope.
When dealing with life,
I sometimes lose hope.

I feel left out,
like I don’t belong.
This chorus of life,
makes a horrible song.

Memory upon memory,
haunts me day by day.
I just wish,
it would all go away.

I faced life,
I didn’t understand.
Again I reached out,
for a helping hand.

Psychiatry and psychology,
don’t answer my call.
Don’t pick me up,
when I fall.

I’m told to hang in there,
times will get better.
Someday, they say,
it will all come together.

I don’t see it happening,
I just keep getting older.
I’m running out of time,
sadly turning colder.

But, finally I find hope,
in all this despair.
Someone who says,
“I’ll always be there.”

“Come with me,
on solid rock I stand.
All the ground,
is sinking sand.

“I’m the answer,
you have been looking for.
Put your hand in Mine,
you don’t need any more.

“I’ve never allowed you,
what you can’t bear.
You’ve never been,
out of my care.

“My name is Jesus,
and I’m your friend.
I’ve never forsaken you,
time and time again.

“So reach out for help,
stretch out your hand.
I’ll lift you and hold you,
because I understand.

“I’m all you need,
I’m your sure hope.
Trust My strength,
I’ll help you cope.

“Never give up,
you’re more than a friend.
You’re a child of God,
SECURED, AMEN.”

Listen

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I can write about any subject,
my limits are not bound.
Not because of who I am,
but in Who I am found.

He’s given me great potential,
to write the words I hear.
As the Holy Spirit whispers softly,
and I turn a willing ear.

Sometimes the words are for me,
crystal clear and bright.
Other times, they are to comfort,
a soul that’s in a fight.

Sometimes the words come quickly,
I can’t write them fast enough.
Other times, it seems a battle,
my flesh just makes it tough.

Most times I really struggle,
when the Message is for me.
I need to read it with my heart,
and eyes that really see.

I never know the outcome,
when the words begin to flow.
I just listen carefully,
and let the Spirit go.

This time is a little different,
I know it’s not for me.
But I know the Spirit will lead it,
to wherever it needs to be.

God is always faithful,
He’ll never let you down,
He’ll hold you in His hand,
and wipe away your frown.

The Holy Spirit comforts,
gives peace you can’t understand.
Open your spirit and listen,
whether in the water or on land.

He always knows what is best for us,
though we may not agree.
Yet He cares so much He gave His life,
so that we might be set free.

So take hold of the peace He is offering.
and know it’s meant for you.
Because God is faithful to all of us,
He’s always watching over you.

Breakout

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Tradition, worry, and the stress of life,
will try to wear us down.
But we have a vision given us,
that God will cause to abound.

It’s so large and beyond our reach,
and in ourselves it surely is.
But we have a Master and a Friend,
who says it’s possible, the vision is His.

All things are possible,
especially in His sight.
Look at all He’s done for us,
salvation and a future bright.

We need to exercise our faith,
and wholly trust in Him.
Stop trying to balance on the wall,
living in a world so dim.

We need to remember that He is the potter,
and we are just the clay.
Wholly surrender your heart & will,
breakout in freedom today.

Breakout year is now at hand,
as it unfolds it’s master plan.
But breakout starts this very day,
deep inside our spirit man.

Be sensitive and let Him do the work,
step up and receive His grace.
Step out and let Him flow,
as you pray and seek your place.

So breakout and be bold,
and share the blessing of love,
that come from doing His will,
as He pours from Heaven above.

The River

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This poem was included in “His Precious Love”, an anthology published in the 1980’s by the American Arts Association, a defunct organization formerly based in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

In the mountains, on the highest peak,
the snow begins its sunny retreat.
The river begins from the melted snow,
as it winds its way through the hills below.

I, on my raft, have begun at the top,
a weary journey with no place to stop.
The river, it twists and turns as it flows,
and the speed of descent, still faster it grows.

I’m in the midst of turmoil and strife,
at the very points of fear for my life.
When around the next bend in the river I see,
the peace and tranquility of a glass covered sea.

As the raft begins to slow and to drift,
a powerful voice says, “May I give you a lift?”
The beauty of the sea is more than I can describe,
the Lord has joined me, here at my side.

I’ve asked Him to join me to my journey’s end,
to ride the river through every twist and bend.
I’ve asked Him to pile in and direct by my side.
He said, “Don’t fear! The Holy Spirit will guide!”

And so, once again, I begin my descent,
I thank the Lord that I took time to repent.
By putting my trust in His loving hand,
I know by faith that He’ll lead me to land.

So, whatever problems I face on the way,
I look back and thank Him for His glory today.
I know there’ll be falls and plummets still to face,
but now I will ride immersed in His grace.

Gambling Addiction

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Gambling is an addiction that tries to kill,
it crushes our spirit and breaks our will.
It causes us times when we can’t cope,
depression that deepens and loses all hope.

It changes our values and outlook on life,
causing nothing but anguish, turmoil, and strife.
We surrender this battle, no hope to survive,
Losing all desire to be alive.

But a way was made to turn us around,
and on a Higher Power, that way is found.
Without surrender, we haven’t the tools,
but why walk through life being fools?

If I rely on myself, I know I will fail,
and Satan will laugh as he drives the last nail.
But I’m a fighter who can take the heat,
I will not give up and accept defeat.

I’m looking for answers to turn life around,
and there is only one place that can be found.
The Gamblers’ Anonymous program helps set the course,
and God is our ultimate final source.

Happy New Year!

~ peterbaldwinpoet ~ Leave a comment

A New Year, a new beginning,
time for a fresh new start.
Last year is old, but not forgotten,
peace must reign within our heart.

We count our blessings every day,
as each new day is dawning.
As we remember all is in His care,
brighter becomes the morning.

Now to pray as Jesus taught us,
as He sets the course for our day.
Dress for work, and for battle,
able to keep Satan at bay.

We are ready for all we’ll face,
knowing Jesus is by our side.
He’ll shelter us in a time of storm,
in the cleft of His rock we abide.

Maybe today, someone will notice,
my smile is bigger and brighter.
I’m different and I’ll tell you why,
my worry is gone, my burden lighter.

Jesus carries all my burdens,
all His promises are true.
Come and get to know Him,
and He’ll do the same for you.

Come and seek forgiveness,
repent of all your sins.
Satan’s team is the loser,
Jesus Christ always wins.

So make this year a joyous one,
the choice is yours to make.
God is offering more than a change,
your very soul is at stake.

So become one that’s safe and secure,
with a great big smiling face.
And you can tell when they ask you,
you made a choice, accepted God’s grace.