FROM HIM, TO ME

During my early years of childhood, our family was very poor.  We lived in a ratty old house with plaster walls, most of which was missing.  My mom would stuff old rags in between the cracks to keep the cold out.  I wore hand-me-downs until I was eight years old, and slept in a crib until I was six.  Christmas for us was very different indeed.  We struggled to have food on the table, so my brother and I rarely had presents.  This poem came from a memory of one Christmas in particular.
 
 

A ratty old shack

On the poor side of town;

No Christmas lights

Anywhere to be found.

 
Inside it’s doors,

Lived a family of four;

Wanting…and hungry…

So very poor!

 
I remember it well,

‘Twas the house of my youth.

Folks would laugh and point…

They thought us odd, and crude.

 
But I remember one Christmas,

Particularly well;

And that’s the story

I’m about to tell.

 
On Christmas morn,

I awoke with a start,

Excitement galore

Pounding through my heart!

 
No tree to be found…

Too poor, you see;

But a tiny wooden crate

Addressed to me.

 
I opened up the tiny crate,

And there inside I saw,

A tiny babe, looking back at me

Nestled in the yellow straw.

 
Daddy hoped I wouldn’t notice,

For I was very small,

But the babe inside the wooden crate,

Was my old baby doll.

 
My face must have shown

The disappointment I felt,

For dad’s eyes began to tear,

As his heart did melt.

 
He said, “Forgive me honey…

I doubt you’ll understand,

But daddy has no money

For presents like he’d planned.

 
So I searched the whole house over,

And gave you the best I had…

This tiny babe within the straw…

With love, to you…from dad.”

 
As the years flew by, I came to love

The memory of that night.

It is a time I will never forget,

For it brought me to The Light!

 
The Light held within that wooden box,

That first Christmas so long ago,

When God sent His Son to be born in a manger,

Here, on this earth below.

 
That’s how my daddy first introduced me

To my Heavenly Father above;

With that tiny doll, in the wooden box,

Given, with all of his love.

 
But, that baby Jesus, in the wooden manger

Is who God sent to me…

He’s the gift of love,

From God the Father, above…

 
A gift from Him…to me!
 

By:  Anita Mondragon      



MARY’S LITTLE LAMB…

MARY’S LITTLE LAMB…

I am always reminded of the verse in John 1:29 that says this:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

That Lamb…Mary’s little Lamb, is Jesus!
 

One day, I was watching my grand-daughter, Audrey.  She came to me in the kitchen, and tugged on my dress… 

 “Grandma…will you read me some nursery rhymes?” 

 I told her to go get the book.  As she crawled into my lap and I began to read, the first five words struck me to the heart! 

 “Mary had a little lamb…”  

 At that very moment, God’s voice was almost audible, as I heard Him say to me… 

 “Yes…she did, and HE was the Son of God!”

 After she left, Jesus and I sat down and wrote this poem together.  

 Hope you enjoy! 

 A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
 
 
 

Mary had a little Lamb.

He was the Son of God!

That Christmas night He came to earth,

The angels did applaud!

They KNEW He would for sin atone,

And die upon a tree…

And by His blood, WASH all men clean,

And set their spirits free!

A light shined bright outside the door,

Where naught but darkness was before;

To light the way…to show the path

Of incarnate love, that would quell God’s wrath.

 

In stable low, while shepherds watched,

And cattle were a lowing…

The King, lay sleeping in the hay

Even though a child, yet knowing;

His PURPOSE for mankind was clear…

It was the REASON He appeared!

 

He went from sitting on a throne,

To lying in a manger.

From being worshipped and adored…

To being but a stranger.

From hearing angel voices singing,

Holy!  Holy!  Holy!

To hearing sounds of sheep and cattle,

In this stable, lowly.

 

From eyes of adoration

From redeemed, in eons past…

To shepherds, staring on in awe…

Bewildered…amazed…aghast!

From having Heaven as His domain…

To finding no place at the Inn.

 

Long before that night, He’d flung the stars,

And put them in their place;

Now, from that lowly bed of straw…

He gazed into his mother’s face.

 

When they looked down…

They saw a babe, lying in the hay;

When He looked up,

He saw a race, lost…and gone astray!

 

They saw Him helpless…meek and mild;

He saw them lost…undone…defiled.

They saw the manger where he lay.

He saw the CROSS…crucifixion day!

They gave thanks for the fruit of the womb…

He praised God, for the empty tomb!

They were excited to tell the story…

He was content to give God ALL the glory!

 

Yes!  Mary had a Little Lamb

Born on Christmas day;

The Sacrificial Lamb of GOD…

The Truth, The Life, The way!

From Heaven’s glory, to manger low…

Finally, dying on the cross…

He came that night for ONE reason only…

To SEEK, and to SAVE that which is lost!

 

ARE YOU LOST?

Then, He’s seeking for YOU!

But the question is:

What will you do,

With this wonderful gift,

Sent from God’s own hand…

With this little babe…

Mary’s Little Lamb?

 

By:  Anita Mondragon  December 2007

 
-Anita Mondragon


Christmas – Acrostic Poem

Christmas

hristmas is

ere once again to

emind us, that this

s the day, the King of Glory, our

avior, Jesus Christ, chose to leave the

hrone of Heaven to dwell with

ankind; and

ll for the purpose…that He might

ave us from our sins!
 
– Anita Mondragon


‘TWAS THE MORNING AFTER CHRISTMAS

By Anita Mondragon
 
The following poem was written the day after Christmas as I found myself still cleaning up from Christmas Eve!  
 

 

My son, Joe, keeps reciting,  ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, so I found it easy to write about the morning…and days after that wonderful holiday.

 

I’m sure all the mom’s out there can identify!  Enjoy!-anita

*****************

‘Twas the morning after Christmas

When all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring

Dog… cat…or mouse!

 

Well…except for me, of course; I’m mom!

 

The house was a mess!

Paper…ribbon…and bows,

Cluttered the floor,

And got stuck in my toes.

Half-filled glasses of Eggnog,

Paper plates…napkins too,

Littered the counter,

Making me quite “blue!”

But then I thought of the smiles

On each happy face;

And the mess in the house

Became a magical place!

As I wadded through piles

Of stuff here and there,

I remembered the love

That everyone shared!

Then I thought of “THE GIFT

God sent long ago…

Wrapped up in a manger

Found in stable so low.

I fell to my knees

To thank God above,

For that first Christmas night…

When He sent ALL His love!

I remembered a time

When I, myself was a mess,

But Jesus, in mercy,

Forgave…and did bless!

He cleaned me up,

As He hummed, all the while;

And when He was done…He gave a big smile!

I looked at the mess

Through different eyes now.

I made a promise…right then,

Before God, I did vow;

To clean up the “mess”

Made by family and friends,

And always thank God for them

When each day ends!

For they brighten my world

With the memories they leave

Every Christmas that passes…

And each Christmas Eve!

As I thought to myself…

To have that kind of love

Is the best kind of wealth!

To be blessed with love

Is all one can ask;

So I hummed, and I smiled

As I went to my task!

 

By:  Anita Mondragon  -December 2016



My Friend

By: Anita Mondragon
 
MY FRIEND
 
To the human eye, I was already grown,
But to Him, I was only three.
 
He bent down to kiss my hurt away,
Then He sat me upon His knee.
 
He watched me throw a tantrum,
He saw me cry and pout;
 
He held me tight within His arms
While mine flailed all about.
 
I strayed from Him for many years,
I caused Him anguish, pain, and tears.
 
But He saw THIS day, and knew I’d yield
And come back like a child.
 
So with arms opened wide,
 He welcomed me back…even though I was defiled.
 
He brushed His finger on my tear-stained face,
And all my fears He did erase.
 
This One, who formed me in the womb
And chose to die, to halt my doom.
 
He saw me in the good and bad;
I am His child.  He is my dad!
 
He’s made me happy!
I’m no longer sad!
 
JESUS…YOU’RE THE BEST FRIEND
I’VE EVER HAD!!!
 


God Said…

By: Anita Mondragon
 
 
I found this among my favorite writings.  I don’t even remember from where, or from whom I got it, but it’s OH SO TRUE!  Take a look, and let it sink in…
 
GOD SAID…
 
If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I’m a Healer?
 
If you never went through difficulties, how would you know that I’m a Deliverer?
 
If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?
 
If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I’m a Comforter?
 
If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I am Forgiving?
 
If you knew all, how would you know that I will answer your questions?
 
If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue?
 
If you were never broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole?
 
If you never had a problem, how would you know that I can solve them?
 
If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what Jesus went through?
 
If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure?
 
If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them?
 
If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you?
 
If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on Me?
 
If your life was perfect, then what would you need Me for?
 
THANK YOU GOD!
-Unknown


The Rock Of Ages

By Anita Mondragon
 

“Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  1 Cor. 3:11

“When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.  On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand…” – Edward Mote, 1834 / William B. Bradbury, 1863
****************

I sometimes tremble so faint of heart,

Though on the solid Rock I stand;

And while the tempest rages wild around me,

I’m held secure in the Father’s hand.

Though on the Rock, I sometimes tremble,

As the storm clouds of life are all I can see,

He says, “Hold fast to the Rock of Ages…”

And He NEVER trembles under me!

He’s always with me,

Come rain, or shine;

In the cleft of the rock,

He comforts me.

He covers me there,

With His mighty hand,

And reminds me,

I’ve been set free!

Though I shudder and shake,

And shiver from fear…

I’m held in the palm of His hand.

I’m ever secure, when within HIS grasp…

As on the Rock of Ages, I stand!



Where Would I Be?

By Anita Mondragon
 
The other day, I began remembering all the good things in my life…things that God has given to me.  Then, I remembered the days before I knew Him.  What a contrast!  Those days were sad, lonely, and full of despair.  So I sat down and wrote the lyrics to what someday I hope will be a song.  These words were written to the Lord, to express my gratitude for His gracious mercy to me.  They are more of a prayer than anything. 

 

My days before You, were empty…

Lonely, and filled with cries.

But You gave me a reason to live…

The first time I looked in your eyes.

You knew my soul needed saving…

That’s why You died for me.

As You hung on the Cross, between Heaven and earth

…There…on Mount Calvary!

Only You know what would have happened,

To this wretched, lost soul…namely ME;

If I didn’t have You in my world…

Then, where in this world would I be?

Oh what love!  What marvelous love,
 that You should die for me!
If I didn’t have You in my world…
then where in this world would I be?


Row Row Row Your Boat

By Anita Mondragon
 
Do you ever find yourself tired…weary?  Do you feel at times that you are the only one in the boat, rowing towards the shores of Heaven?  I must confess that I do have these feelings from time to time.
 
I look at folks around me that are in the boat-on their way to Heaven, but they don’t seem to be rowing as hard as I am!  I don’t “row” to keep my Salvation, I “row” because Jesus has saved me from an awful fate, and I am forever grateful to Him for being rescued; but I am also tired, and in need of encouragement!

But God’s Word says:

“Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, IF we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9

I read this little poem-I don’t even know who wrote it, but it gave me the strength I need, just for today!  It says this…

“Don’t stop praying, but have more trust;

Don’t stop praying; for pray we must;

 Faith will banish a mountain of care…

 So don’t stop praying!  God answers prayer.”

-Unknown

So, for today, I will keep my armor on…hold my sword, and be ready to strike the enemy should he come calling; and, while rowing, however tired I may be, I will look for lost souls upon life’s troubled sea, and be a life boat for those sinking in the waves of despair.



PRAISE TO THE CREATOR!

By: Anita Mondragon
 
I wrote the following poem one day while on a fishing trip in the mountains with my husband.  Not sure if I’ve ever shared it before…but I’m just having a thankful day. So grateful for all of God’s love and mercy towards me…including all the beauty He supplies every day if I’ll just take the time to stop and look…
 

PRAISE TO THE CREATOR

The grass so green,

The sky so blue,

The birds on wing,

All speak of YOU!

The soft blowing breeze,

The choir of birds,

Each sings their praise

Without any words!

But YOU of Lord,

Know the language of bees…

Of birds on the air,

And rustling leaves;

Of water that laps,

And waves that roar;

Of crabs that crawl

On the sandy shore…

Of butterflies that

Seemingly don’t make a sound…

Of tiny insects that crawl on the ground;

YOU know the language

Of trees and flowers

That dance on the breeze

In the moonlit hours.

Of sunlight that shines

On the rivers and seas,

The rippling water on the lakes

From the breeze.

Earth sings her song

To the Father above

Who created them all

In His infinite love!