Peace in the Storm

The water gently swells and ebbs away from the side of the boat.
Soft sounds of drips and drops coax my hand
beneath the surface of the water
to feel the coolness
and make slow ripples in the calm.
For me the storm is over.
It still rages somewhere
but I have found a place of rest.

I remember the storm’s intensity,
the fearful sensation of drowning,
breaking masts, torn sailcloth and
the frantic flailing to keep myself aright.
The fierce gales pulled at my very soul
and wrenched my hands from
all I was holding on to.
I cried out to God and He heard me.
He held me within His gaze as
the painful torrents of pelting rain
became gentle showers of His love.
I relaxed into His firm and careful grasp.
My tears of exhaustion, regret and renewal flowed freely,
but He dried them all and brought me here.
I will stay, always in Him.
The storm may go on around me but here in Him is
security and peace.

Now my boat creaks quietly
as the sail is filled anew with
a breeze from heaven.
A new direction we will sail together maybe.
But I lay back and listen to the voice of my Master,
I understand that wherever we go,
this is where He wants me.
I will stay, always in Him.

Trish Deaton
2004

This Morning

This morning an old acquaintance of mine stopped by.
Why I welcomed her, I'm left wondering why.
I recognized her voice but she caught me off guard.
I should have locked the door when her toes touched my yard.
I can't believe I ever called her friend.
And thought the last time we parted would be the end.
But without even knocking, she walked right in.
Before the argument started, she promised to win!
Every time I see her I like her less and less.
The last day I see her will be a day called blessed!

When she came over all the lights went dim.
My eyes were averted to her and from Him.
I felt completely powerless to fight her away.
So I just sat there and listened to all she did say.
Before long she convinced me that she was all right.
And that I should share her views with everyone in sight.
There were plenty of bitter, hurtful words to go around.
My attitude of unforgiveness was spread without a sound.
Before her visit was over she helped me stir up quite a mess.
My husband and boys were all filled with great stress.
With great pleasure they were glad to see us both out the front door.
And we sped away rudely with the pedal to the floor!

I don't remember if it was past block seven or eight.
But the remorse that overtook me was much more than great.
I looked her up and then down out of the side of my eye.
And said to myself, "this girl's gotta die!!"
To fight her off I knew it would take every weapon I knew.
So I started sharing scriptures with her and singing them too!
While I was praying she couldn't think of anything to say.
She just slipped out the window, and blew away!!
Since then my day has been great, since then my day has been fine.
My heart has been cleansed and I'm filled with New Wine.

Now I'm no hero or soldier of merit
Just a girl like you, (you know, like, buy me a new dress and I'll wear it!)
I can only hope you don't have an acquaintance like this
Her familiar voice pattern is as smooth as a hiss
So be on your guard, post a watch at your gate
Be prayed up and filled up and your armor triple plate!!!
Fight against temptation and put doubt in its place
And Jesus will put a smile on your face!
His Word is true, His presence is real, His love is for all

Trish Deaton
08-18-2004

Those Strings on your Guitar

So many childhood memories
years played by in sweet refrain
stories read and written
lose their shine with passing days

But those strings on your guitar
gave a gift that lasts forever
through the stormy nights and cloudy days
God's word to chase my fear away
Precious strings on your guitar

Now the stars are gladly echoing
those carefree tunes with words of gold
hearts no longer broken
joys are lived and praise is given

For those strings on your guitar
gave a gift that lasts forever
through the stormy nights and cloudy days
God's word to chase my fear away
Precious strings on your guitar

Those strings on your guitar
gave a gift that lasts forever
they mean more to me than any part
God's word was played into my heart
By those strings on your guitar
Precious strings on your guitar.

Trish Deaton
December 16, 2004

You Are the Lord of My Life

You're my light and my salvation,
of whom shall I be afraid?
I have tasted of your waters,
by your rivers I have laid.

I didn't always know for sure
your presence in my heart.
But now when I draw near to you,
I find you waiting from the start...

of my days, of my nights,
of my prayers and of the hopes of my heart.
You are,
oh You are, the Lord of my life.
You are, oh You are, the Lord of my life.

You said I would know the Father
when I truly knew the Son
There's no doubt to be found in me
that Jesus, You are that One.

You loved my soul enough to die
two thousand years ago
All my days I'll live for you and
pray your living waters flow...

through my days, through my nights
through my prayers and through the hopes of my heart
You are,
oh You are, the Lord of my life.
You are, oh You are, the Lord of my life.

In my days, in my nights,
in my prayers and in the hopes of my heart.
You are,
oh You are, the Lord of my life
You are, oh You are, the Lord of my life.

Trish Deaton
August 18, 2002

Looking to Christ

A lot of people would have thrown in the towel
Maybe even left the ring altogether
A lot of people would try to drown their disappointments
Maybe even sever all ties to shore
A lot of people misunderstand life's ups and downs
Maybe even trading in their Range Rover for an easy chair

But then there are those people...
who look to Christ for their strength
who look to Christ to keep them afloat
who look to Christ to carry them through

And one of those kind of people is you!

Trish Deaton
September 2004

You Are Faithful

You are faithful, right and true
Let all the heavens praise you

You are faithful in all you do
Your faithfulness surrounds you

I will sing of Your salvation
Faithful are the works of your hands

From generation to generation
Your faithfulness knows no end

Faithful and True, Word of God
You have the name above all names

Crowned with many crowns, eyes of flame
You come to rule and reign

Trish Deaton
November 2004

Clouds

Hello cloud pictures in the sky
Do you hold any answers as you blow by?
Oh puffs of white on perfect blue
The questions will have to keep changing
To keep up with you!

Trish Deaton
July 2005

Camping

Different sun
Yellow moon
Peace and quiet
Coming soon
Fading voices
Fewer choices
Open spaces
Clearer faces

Trish Deaton
July 2005