Who really knows what Labor Day means?
Myself, I really don’t have a clue.
Google may be able to help me,
let me look and see what I can do.

From the days of the Haymarket Massacre,
labor has taken many changes.
It hasn’t happened all at once,
but happened in many stages.

May 4, 1886 was a very sad day,
lives were lost when it need not be.
Workers were looking for better living,
and it makes perfect sense to me.

Someone among the people threw a bomb,
as the police tried to disperse the crowd.
But even through all the chaos,
they would forge on, they vowed.

24 hours needed dividing up,
workers were looking for a break.
Eight hours of work was just enough,
sixteen hours was for us to take.

8 hours of family time,
and 8 hours for sleep.
Made for 24 hours,
and made the day complete.

What was the biggest change?
It would give the people a voice.
Now companies & workers,
each would have a choice.

Through all the years from then to now,
you’d figure everything would be perfect.
But still, problems continue to exist,
because man against man will always have a defect.

According to the Word of the Lord,
Labor is not in vain.
When the work is done for Him,
eternity will be the gain.

Today is World Lung Cancer Day. This poem is dedicated to the victims of lung cancer & their families.

A day set aside,
for people who care.
Some are gone,
yet others are there.

The first day of August,
is World Lung Cancer Day.
Those who are survivors,
carry on, come what may.

Father-in-law, brother-in-law,
just to name a few.
Non-smoker or smoker,
it can still affect me and you.

Even my wife’s uncle,
and my older brother.
They’ve lost this terrible fight,
as lung cancer takes another.

More than any other cancer,
even the three most common combined.
Approximately 1.37 million worldwide,
their families and loved ones lives realigned.

I was with my brother and watched him suffer,
wanting to know why it was so.
With all the cancer foundations and research,
by now, a cure someone would know.

Yet this fight still rages on,
it just seems like it will never end.
But because of World Lung Cancer Day,
you have survivors to be your friend.

They understand more than we know,
they have battled and seen it through.
Because of this they have a compassion,
that can be a comfort for both me and you.

So on this day may it come to be,
as we need a cure for this uphill fight.
So on this August the First,
may the future begin by looking bright.

May the breakthrough be so clear,
that we see the forest through the trees.
May it be soon and very soon,
we find a cure for this horrible disease.

Oh, what a glorious morning,
oh, what a beautiful day.
Jesus Christ is risen,
our sins have been taken away.

Salvation’s plan has come to pass,
on that old, rugged cross.
the tomb is empty, He is not there,
death defeated, Satan’s loss.

In preparation for this joyous season,
what are you going to do?
Give up chocolate, or some other treat,
or something really good for you?

40 days & 40 nights,
in the wilderness, you’ll see.
Prayer and fasting to the Father,
as Jesus prepared for ministry.

If Jesus needed His time in prayer,
how much more should we?
After all, He was the Son of God,
and like Him, we want to be.

Make yourself a better person,
by giving up a nagging sin.
Praying daily to the Lord,
and in His time, you’ll win.

So take heed in this day,
and all you will face.
You are embraced in His love,
and under His grace.

No problems too big,
or mountains too tall.
He Is Who He Is,
and in control of it all.

So put a smile on your face,
and hold your head up high.
Mount on eagles’ wings,
and soar ever so high.

The Son has risen,
He is Bold and Bright.
Darkness diminished,
by His glorious Light.

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.