My Golden Retriever

You encourage me to obtain the exercise I really need,
And enjoy walks leisurely but even more with speed.

Born from a genuinely loyal and devoted breed,
You make me feel like I will always succeed.

What did you want to say to me as your tail happily moved?
I know you love me but I’d like to have any doubt removed.

You are very friendly to any child you happen to meet.
Helping to dry crying tears by being so funny and sweet.

When thunder comes the world gives you such a scare,
It seems you just need to know I’m nearby and care.

It is so remarkable that you’d rather give up your bone,
Then spend one extra moment outside and all alone.

It seems you can never get enough walks with me,
Or the opportunity to chase a squirrel up a tree.

I’m grateful that God above created your kind,
And if you lived in heaven I sure wouldn’t mind.

Inside your big cuddly body is a heart of gold,
Though now you are young soon you will be old.

And when your time comes to leave me I will not forget,
And it will be difficult to have any other dog for a pet.

By Alan T. Stokes
October 1, 2001

Note: Written about my 2 year old Golden Retriever, Shalom’s Benjamin Jacob. A.K.A. B.J.

A Cat I Will Smooch

Misty mesmerized by something on the computer

A cat knows how to always keep clean,
And how to avoid dogs that seem mean.

She will purr steadily when she is happy.
Unwanted advances will make her snappy.

She'll sit in the window and take in fresh air.
Or cuddle up so cute in a lady's soft chair.

It is true that I am a fan of a golden pooch,
But sometimes my cat and I will smooch.

I have cats because of my dear wife,
But they give to me too a better life.

It's been said that cats have nine lives,
And I hope that mine smiles and thrives.

By Alan T. Stokes (April 26, 2002)

For Misty
Note: Misty lived to a very old age and passed away from Kidney failure on June 8, 2014.

His Holocron

In a time when the truth takes a back seat
In many churches and the halls of government,
We must make sure that every day we meet
The Savior who is revealed in the New Testament.

Healing hands and words of truth
Were the choice technology of His day.
His sinless life was irrefutable proof
There is a God who created our way.

And God wants each one of us to seek
The way of truth, life, and hope,
And make it permeate all we speak
Because it provides the only way to cope.

In our generation's search for wisdom.
We don't have to find a secret holocron
To help us keep step with God's kingdom.
Because the Holy Bible is His Holocron.

I'm sure that nothing new can improve
Upon the Savior's free and golden grace,
Or equal the way His Holocron will move
Mountains in the life of one who turns to His face.

So before you waste years living for self,
Or spend hours searching the internet
Looking for the key to peace for yourself
Remember what Jesus said God meant:

 "All things that the Father has are Mine;
Therefore I said that He takes of Mine
And will disclose it to you." (John 16:15)

By Alan T. Stokes (October 12, 1998)
For my friend Matt Trease.