My Favorite Holiday Flick

AMAZING CHRISTMAS

Christmas---It's still Amazing
So many good reasons to give;
It's Love, It's Joy---It's Jesus
His grace gives us a reason to live.

Angels singing, Heaven bringing
Salvation to the whole human race;
Christmas---It's still Amazing
Thank God for His great gift of Grace.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

UNWRAPPED CHRISTMAS GIFTS

There are many unwrapped gifts
That we can give each other;
No need for red paper and green bows
Just Christmas Love for one another.

Forgive an enemy--release a grudge
Speak kindly to the store clerk;
----Apologize now if you are wrong
(These are pure Christmas perks)

Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion
Write some letters long overdue;
---Take the time to keep a promise
An old lost acquaintance renew.

Smile a little, and laugh a lot
-----Give your friends some slack---
It's time to share these unwrapped gifts
Help bring the real Christmas spirit back.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

Jesus Christ is My Greatest Hero

Build yourself a better future by attacking it with faith

My Greatest Hero of all time is Jesus Christ. If we accept and live by the sayings of Jesus, we will become like that wise man who built his house upon the rock against which the storms beat in vain. People can feel beaten by life's difficulties, but when they listen to Christ they feel inner serenity, strength, courage and wisdom that defy all the storms of life.Because He lives, we too shall live!

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER FOR THE DALLAS COWBOYS

NFL Football teams come and football teams go
That's the gospel truth for Heaven's sake----
Say a Thanksgiving Prayer for the Dallas Cowboys
America's Favorite Team sure needs a big break!

Quarterback Romo's out for the whole season
It's turned into a real Turkey of a Game---
Lord, take us back to the old Texas Stadium
-----Where we can win again.

God Bless the Dallas Cowboys this they need
Help us save America's Team's winning name;
Say a Thanksgiving Prayer for our Dallas Cowboys
Please miraculously put them in the Superbowl game.

2010 by DRR
Member Academy of American Poets
Member Texas Historical Association

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER

Dear God,
I am Thankful for Thy bounty
For the sun, the rain, the wind;
But most of all dear Father--
I'm Thankful for my Friends.
I am Thankful for all the seasons
For Winter,Spring,Summer and Fall;
But most of all I Thanks Thee again
For my forever friends, one and all.

2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets
Grand Prairie, Texas

A TEXAS RANGERS WORLD SERIES PRAYER

God Bless the Baseball Texas Rangers
God Bless them this week for sure;
It's a World Series Game of all Games
For this week 39 years we've endured.

There sure shouldn't be any problem
We've already put the Yankees on the run--
Here in the Bible Belt we believe in prayer
SO GO TEXAS RANGERS--FOLLOW THE SUN!

2010 BY Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets
Grand Prairie, TX.

STRENGTH FOR TODAY

Today I'll live bravely and patiently
I'll work hard for just one more day--
I'll carry my burdens until nightfall
God's promised me Strength for Today.

I'll have no problem with living today---
With strength for the mountains to climb;
Just for Today I'll be brave and strong
Living just one great day at a time.
2010 by DRR

My Greatest Achievement

They shall shine like the Stars of the firmament

To teach our children the right way to go and then see them successful in the eyes of their peers and God. I am so thrilled to see how our son and daughter have followed their 'roots" that they learned in childhood. Now I see them teaching them to their children, and the wonderful process being repeated. To me, that is life's greatest achievement---to observe our children following the right path and becoming a blessing to others. Thanks, God for making our wonderful children and grandchildren like bright stars that shine afar.

A WILD RIDE WITH BONNIE AND CLYDE

If you live here where I do in Texas
You've heard much about Bonnie and Clyde;
They roamed all over our Texas towns
---By the Law---they just could not abide.

They ran from the law and State Troopers
Shooting machine guns at U.S.Marshals too;
They spawned colorful manhunts in the '30's
But robbing banks was their true waterloo.

The FBI laid great plans for catching them
Wanted for murder, robbery, kidnapping too;
Even stolen cars were their infamous forte'
More cold cash is what made them this do.

Though Bonnie and Clyde now lie buried
And all their greedy cash money is long gone;
Every now and then there's another 'bank-sighting'
---And their rip-roaring story lives on and on.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Texas State Historical Society

AUTUMN PRAISE

It always seems to restore my Faith
So I look forward To Autumn rain;
---It happily beams blessings to me
Walking under wet-dripping tree lanes.

In November rain I'd love to stay
To me it holds such Thanksgiving bliss;
It seems to elegantly wash away
-----Every melancholy gray mist.

It makes me feel warmly connected
To my dear Creator each rainy day;
It's then I thank God for my Blessings
----And I give Him Autumn Praise.
by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

SWEET SEPTEMBER

September hangs her purple grapes
On branches of awesome fruit;
She touches the jewels in every garden
With her wet shiny morning dew.
She meditates along with the Red Roses
She's the month between Summer and Fall;
Hail to thee my silken Sweet September---
You're the most prized month of them all.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, TX
Member Academy of American poets

Me, Renamed

When things get boring in high school, just change your name to Randy!

When I was in junior high school I decided I needed a 'newscaster type " name if I would be a success on television sportscasting. So instead of Doug Rose, I told all my teachers to call me Randy Rose. (It does sound COOL, right?)

All of them agreed, and a major problem quickly surfaced when the principal called me into his office for successive absences.We quickly figured out that when the teacher made the roll-call I could never remember to answer to Randy. Bad move.

I decided Doug wasn't so bad after all, and I probably never would be a newscaster anyway. Now that I'm a writer I've discovered the joy of using my middle name (I'm named after my father Raymond)--so now I gladly answer to Douglas Raymond Rose----and actually raise my hand when my name is called.

TIMELY TIP: Never change your name unless you can remember to answer roll call to it!(:)

A NINE-ELEVEN PRAYER

On the Anniversary of Nine-Eleven
We pause to give God praise;
You have spared us all from like disaster
-----To Thee our voices we raise.

We give you all of the glory
Our sacrifice of praise we raise;
You've rocked America in the Cradle of your Love
-----For this we owe you eternal Praise.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, TX.

ODE TO TEXAS PIONEERS

Here's to our brave Texas Pioneers
Passionate Pilgrims who knew no fear---
Hopefuls who aimed their wagons south
----And westward their wagons did steer.
Following Indian Trails day by day
Watching known civilization disappear;
Dodging dancing elk and bear and deer--
-----Here's to our passionate Pioneers.
Off they rode into the scarlet skyline
Scarring soft bosoms of the soft Texas sand--
Pressing thru sagebrush 'til they could no more
Pioneers---who homesteaded on famed Texas land.

AMERICA'S MELODY

America is a mighty melodious Medley
Composed of many different tunes;
With classical,country and Dixieland
----And most everything in between.
America displays all beats of people
From countries around the world;
All singing "God Bless America"
---As Old Glory is proudly unfurled.
So let's all labor now and sing together
----Come on and sincerely sing along
America is a harmonious melodious Melody
-----Singing together keeps us strong.
2010 by DRR

ADOPTED BY FATHER GOD

All of us are divinely adopted
Into the growing family of God;
Once we are there, we're all equal
---the great love of God to share.

Pharaoh's daughter adopted Moses
---Down by the river waterfall;
Jesus himself was adopted by Joseph
Christmas Angels witnessed it all.

None of us are naturally born His
We children heed His Kingdom Call;
Adoption is how we become His own
--Father God comes and claims us all.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose

What I'd Say to My 16-Year-Old Self

Life is full of choices

Remember that Life is full of choices. Some are made for you, the rest you make. You cannot choose to be born, but you can choose how to live. You are not free to select your own DNA, but you can choose to pursue an MBA. The choices you make shape the life you will live. Live it especially for God!

A DAZZLING ROSE

A daily choice I must make
(It keeps me on my toes)
I can either touch the prickly thorns
----Or delight at the Dazzling Rose.

I love daily walks in my garden
Enjoying fresh flowers row upon row;
But just for today I'll ignore the thorns
---And enjoy the Dazzling Rose.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, TX.
Member Academy of American Poets

WORLD-CHANGERS

The power of positive thinking
Is of awesome importance today;
Change your thoughts---
And you'll change your world
---Do it today when you Pray.

The elevator to success is broken
You must use the steps today---
Change your thoughts---
And you'll change your world
---It happens as you Pray.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

The Funniest Thing I've Ever Heard a Child Say

"Out of the mouths of babes"---

It was when my wife and I were on our honeymoon and the person looks at us both up and down and says: "Yep, I think you both did as good as you could!

(Thank God for that!-ha)

My Neighbor

The Golden Rule: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you

I have this First Class neighbor

That's also my best friend;

Always there to help and share

----And loyal to the end.

God also reminds me daily

I'm to love my neighbor as myself.

I do my best to return the favors

No matter come what may;

----I also hope to meet them

Up in Heaven some sweet day.

2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose

Member Academy of American Poets

AN IMMIGRANTS PRAYER

Although I was born on foreign shores
In a silent, seaside town---
My goal was soon to cross that sea
A better future to be found.
I crossed the ocean valiantly
Working my way from shore to shore;
I landed in New York Harbor
Greeted by Lady Liberty's open door.
Now I know no other homeland
The USA is the place for me---
I pray God's grandest blessings
Upon this nation founded to be free.
Bless O Lord, all creeds and colors
As they also to America roam;
God please keep on blessing America
-----My Home Sweet Home.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, Texas
Member Academy of American Poets

A PRAYER FOR THE GULF SPILL

Dear God,
I pause to pray a prayer today
For my friends along the Gulf Sea;
I pray that you would protect them
Bringing an end to the assault of BP.

It says in the Book of Genesis
That you created all living things;
We pray now that you would heal them
From the evil this oil spill brings.

We know that you are all powerful
Ruling our land and sea and air;
So we thank you now Our Father God
For answering this Gulf crisis prayer.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, Texas

The Best Advice I Ever Received

When I was 9, my Grandmother wrote in my autograph book her name and the verse from Proverbs that says: "A Merry Heart does good like a medicine, but a sad spirit destroys the bones."

She lived to be almost l00 years old and so far its working for me too!

It's sure worth a try!

BAREFOOT IN THE GRASS

Of all my childhood memories
That I categorize as First Class;
The Summertime's sweetest one---
Is running barefoot through the grass.
Sizzling days when I raced the wind
Catching the kiss of the August sun;
Running barefoot through the grass
---Kept me busy 'til day was done.
Now I know that Fishin' and Swimmin'
Are loved by many a June lad and lass;
But still Summertime fun for everyone---
Is running Barefoot through the grass.
2010 by DRR
Grand Prairie, TX.

CELEBRATE THE FOURTH

Come On!Let's Celebrate the Fourth
From sea to shining sea;
There's not a nation we love more
It's America for me!
Let's honor America's great heroes
Brave soldiers both living and dead;
And pray for troops still fighting on
That they shall be divinely led.
Let's sing again 'God Bless America"
From North--South--East--and West;
Of all the nations beneath the sun
It's America, we love best!
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, TX.
Member Academy of American Poets

CELEBRATE THE FOURTH

DUCT TAPE DAD

My Dad can fix almost anything
That's a fact---simple and pure;
Just give him a roll of Duct Tape
And he can repair it, that's for sure.

If maybe something's broken---
And you think there is no cure;
Just give him a roll of Duct Tape
And he'll fix it--that's for sure.

Daddy may not be a licensed plumber
Or an electrician that endures;
But with a roll of old Duct Tape--
He can fix anything--that's for sure!
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose

SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR FATHERS

Here are some survival skills
I recommend---use them or not;
Work to keep your eyes wide open
---and your mouth, mostly shut.

Follow your heart where it leads you
Be true and faithful to those you love;
---Tell the whole truth no matter what
Spend time daily praying to God above.

Treasure your own fatherly sense of humor
Love God and Country with all your heart;
These aren't all a Dad's Survival Skills--
---But a great place for us to start!
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

AMERICA ON PARADE

Babe Ruth---Abraham Lincoln
Thomas Jefferson----Willie Mays
----This is America on Parade.
George Washington---Betsy Ross
The Roosevelts and Kennedys
---This is America on Parade
Billy Graham---Martin Luther King
Bob Hope,Johnny Carson,Lucille Ball
------This is America on Parade.
Army--Navy--Air Force--Marines
Firemen---Policemen---Politicians
-----This is America on Parade.
Football---Baseball---Soccer
Hockey---Basketball--Volleyball
-----This is America on Parade.
Truck Drivers, Doctors and Nurses
Plumbers, Builders and Teachers too
This is our great America on Parade
God Bless the Red-White-and Blue.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose,
Member Academy of American Poets
Grand Prairie, Texas

SHRINE OF HOME

There's a sacred institution
The star of this important poem;
A place welcoming you with open arms
---It's called the Shrine of Home.

The Home is the first Family Altar
Where God could have fellowship sweet
Where personal prayers are offered
And with the Family, God can meet.

It's a place of warmth and welcome
Offering a special healing balm;
The model God himself instituted first
---It's called the Shrine of Home.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, Texas
Member Academy of American Poets

MEMORIES OF MOTHER

A Mother's heart is a child's classroom
A Mother's warm eyes---his soul;
A Mother's sweet lips can kiss away
-----All picky problems and woes.
A Mom can heal all hurts
Between our friends and brothers;
Mother is a holy 'Healing" word
Thank you God for marvelous Mothers.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

A MOTHER'S ARMS

Through the years as we all grow,
Our mother's arms we come to know.
When first we're born these arms enfold us
At other times they simply hold us.
They are there when first we fall----
To pick us up while we are small;
To push us while we ride a swing;
To receive the little gifts we bring.
Sometimes they wipe away our tears,
While other times they quell our fears.
That feeling of their warm embrace
Oft puts a smile upon your face.
Sometimes it is their strength we see
When lifting us to mend a knee----
Sometimes their subtle softness shows
As they brush our cheek while we doze.
Always there to assist or aid us,
Countless things they've cooked and made us;
Tiring not of providing care---
Assuring us that they're always there.
Our mother's arms they will defend us
From all those who would offend us.
In her arms we may find peace---
And sorrow's sting they will release.
The mem'ry of these features all
With fond remembrance we recall.
'Til that blessed touch we knew
Shall one day hence be ours anew.
2010
By Guest Author Timothy Wheeler
Grand Prairie Warmack Library Assistant

ODE TO TEXAS STADIUM

There's a small spot of Dallas Cowboy history
That's nestled in between the freeways wide;
A place where fathers and sons have gathered
That special sports 'Bonding Place" to hide.
-----Although it's true that it's in ruins
We still possess the most important part
It's now located in another special place
----Right down here---within our hearts.
2010 by DRR

EASTER DANCE

The sun comes a-dancing
On awesome Easter Morn
It dances up the milky-way
The tomb is empty, my soul's reborn.
The sun comes a-dancing
Early on Easter Morn
Butterflies and birds and bees
All know the tomb is now torn.
The Sun comes a-dancing
On awesome Easter Morn
Inside my soul is dancing with it
Because it is divinely now reborn.
2010 by DRR
Member Academy of American Poets

GOOD FRIDAY SONNET

Good Friday was no sort of sweet peace
For it brought upon Christ dire woe;
The flow of blood brought my sin's release
My sins stood shattered as His red blood flowed.
Good Friday brought the devil distress--
As Christ's Kingdom he sought to overthrow;
But Christ's Victory caused death to cease,
God white-washed the world whiter than snow.
Because of Good Friday my soul is now fed
My heart is stirred--my future bright;
God has done just what He well-said---
Good Friday proved Christ's awesome might.
Bad Friday for Him, was Good Friday for me
Come to the Savior and you too shall see!
2010 by Rev. Douglas Raymond Rose
Ordained Assemblies of God minister
Member Academy of American Poets

BASEBALLS IN HEAVEN?

I wonder--are there Baseballs in Heaven?
Planning to go there is a father's task;
My son loves to play "pitch and catch'
----So I just thought I'd stop and ask.

I wonder if there are Baseballs in Heaven?
(Baseball means so much to us guys you know)
Guess I'll say a prayer before we get there
If Heaven has Baseballs--we sure want to go!
2010 by DRR
Member Academy of American Poets

BASEBALLS IN HEAVEN?

I wonder--are there Baseballs in Heaven?
Planning to go there is a father's task;
My son loves to play 'pitch and catch'
---So I just thought I'd stop and ask.

I wonder if there are Baseballs in Heaven?
Baseball means so much to us guys you know;
Guess I'll say a prayer, before we get there
If Heaven has Baseballs--we sure want to go.
2010 by DRR

BLUE-BONNET ECSTASY

God took His finest blue azure thread
Angels wove it with satin circle-ettes;
He sprinkled them over emerald Texas fields
And God called them---Texas Bluebonnets.

God made oceans of His finest flowers
He flung them far as the Eyes of Texas could see;
A reflection of the blue Lone Star State skies
He called the spectacle: "Blue-Bonnet Ecstasy".
Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, Tx.
Member Academy of American Poets
Member Texas State Historical Association

BLUEBONNET ECSTASY

THE TEXAS LONE STAR BAR CHURCH(A Texas Tale)

The Cowboy preacher was a 'preachin'
-----His round face rumpled and red--
"Now lay those pistols down here boys"
'Cuz we're havin' church in here" he said.
The Texas Lone Star Bar grew quiet
Ok now--we're going to stop and pray
-----"O Lord" said the Cowboy Preacher
Touch this bad bunch of boys today."
They say they don't need a church Lord
But we know that You think they do--
So right now God, I'll give a hunnerd bucks
------And I know all these guys will too!
Lord, you know my horse is fast and furious
And I'm real handy with raw cowboy ropes--
So make these fellas mighty generous, Lord
----As I pass my hat among these Cow-pokes.
Soon the offering was Texas Lone Star history
Cowboys at gunpoint--their best buck did give;
---That's how Pecos City got their church-house
'The Lord taketh away--and the Lord doth give!"
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets
Member Texas State Historical Association

THE WONDER OF EASTER

Witness the Wonder of Easter
It's powerful presence is here;
With the singing of early birdsong
-----And red tulips hovering near.
God writes the promise of new life
In every greening leaf we see;
Not only in holy books alone
-----But in Springtime's jubilee.
So relish the rustle of emerald leaves
Watch the waxen Easter lilies unfold;
Witness the wonderful Wonder of Easter
-----That shall never ever grow old.
2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie,TX
Member Academy of American Poets

VIVA LA DIFFERENCE

Let's celebrate our many differences
Some plants look good in gold or green;
Be glad we have more than burgers and fries
---Crispy taco's can sure taste supreme.

Let's celebrate our colorful differences
Similarities are also present too;
Lives can be socially very similar
Much like varied colors of green and blue.

Let's celebrate all our great Diversity
Enjoy the colors of the rich Rainbow;
God is the great God of Diversity
---He made us all Himself, you know.
2010 by
Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie Texas
Member Academy of American Poets

TO DREAM AGAIN---

TO DREAM AGAIN---
Gen. 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream

To Dream again--yes, that's the thing
To keep on Dreaming on and on;
Until the Dream comes to pass----
And you have a hook to hang it on.

To Dream Again--yes, don't delay
Keep your Dream, no matter what--
Until God's Dream does come to pass
And you gain what for you He sought.
2010 by DRR
Member Academy of American Poets
Douglas Raymond Rose
Grand Prairie, TX.

MUSIC OF GOD

MUSIC OF GOD

I love the Musical words of God

The Creation Hymn of Genesis is so fine;

Sometimes I sing the Symphony of Psalms

Oft times for pure Proverbs I pine.

There's the Litany of Leviticus and

The Refrain of "Selah's Amen" too;

And discerning the Dirge of Deuteronomy

Can be a challenging thing to do.

I love the Harmony of the Gospels

The sweet Song of Solomon-----

Then there's the dramatic Ballad of Jonah

The Hymn of Hebrews is historic fun.

The Concerto of Chronicles is most melodic

To inspire us when day is done;

But the "Hallelujah Chorus" of it all----

Is the climactic--- Doxology of Revelation.

2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose

Grand Prairie,TX

A VALENTINE PRAYER

A VALENTINE PRAYER

Here's to your loveliness, my dear

I love your every curve;

Your smooth cream body next to mine

Calms my every nerve.

Here's to your golden hair, my dear

As it flows in the balmy breeze;

Touching your sweet skin next to mine

Makes be rather weak at the knees.

Here's to our eternal Love, my dear

May it grow from day to day;

Let nothing ever come between us

For you, my Valentine Love, I pray.

2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose

A NEW DAD

YOU MAY BE A NEW DAD IF ---

l)You're wondering how such a tiny thing can wake the dead

2) You're now wearing a back pack Baby carrier

3)You're sleepwalking thru nighttime feedings

4)You feel like you don't have the least idea what you're doing

5)You're learning to do new things one-handed

6)You're slipping a baseball into your son's new crib

7.)You feel great---if the diaper doesn't fall off

8)You know why you should read Spock instead of Sports ILL.

9)You think the most important word in English is 'DADa"

l0)You realize more than a baby is born---so is a new Dad!

2010 by Douglas Raymond Rose

DR.KING'S DREAM

DR. KING'S DREAM

Dr. Martin Luther King

Dreamed a national Dream

He dreamed Freedom for one

---Means Freedom for All.

No matter our race

Or color--- or call---

Freedom for one

---Means Freedom for All.

2010 by DRR

Member Academy of American Poets

NEW YEAR PSALM

NEW YEAR PSALM

When bills are high and funds are low

And days seem dark and long;

Just recall this perfect perscription

Let's fill our hearts with Song!

When King Saul's soul was grim and sad

He brought Psalmist David along;

Little David plucked his holy harp

And calmed King's rage with song.

No matter what may come or go

When midnight drags along----

Just put a Psalm upon your lips

And fill your Heart with Song!

2010 by DRR

NEW YEAR HOPE

NEW YEAR HOPE

Psalms 71

Lord, you are my eternal Hope

I need no one but you---

Whatever I will face this Year

I know you will see me through.

From youth you've always been there

My strong Fortress tried and true--

Lord, you are my Lifesaver Hope

My New Year Hope is in You.

2010 by DRR

A NEW YEAR TOAST

A NEW YEAR TOAST

Look thankfully back to the past

Happy New Year!

Take courage for the present

Happy New Year!

Grip ahold of Hope for the future

Happy New Year!

And may your path lead to peace.

Happy New Year!

2010 by DRR