FROM GUIDEPOSTS ANGEL CALENDAR 2011

MYSTERY FIREFIGHTER
The new sanctuary of the church where I was senior pastor (Bettendorf, Iowa First Assembly)
was nearing completion. As we drove up, my wife and I saw smoke pouring from the open windows.
Dolly called the Fire Department while I ran into the church. Inside, I began throwing flattened boxes over the flames, stomping on top as fast as I could.
This was a losing battle.
Then a lone figure jumped through a window. I worked at my end, and while I had to run to the window periodically for air, my angel partner moved through the thickening smoke as if he had no need for oxygen.
Finally firefighters arrived and the building was saved. Amid news and police reports, I found no mention of my mysterious helper, so simply thanked the One who must have sent him.
Rev. Doug Rose

My Hometown

The Rose of Old San Antone

I was born and raised in San Antonio Texas. I gained a great appreciation for classic Spanish architecture like the ALAMO, and even lived there when John Wayne first filmed The Alamo movie near there. The Spanish Missions have always drawn me as has the San Antonio River Walk. I moved to Dallas to attend college but always return to San Antonio every chance we get. The Fiesta Flambeau is one of my favorite Night -Light Parades in America.

ODE TO DR. KING'S DREAM

Love---It comes in all colors
In People of all races, we daily meet;
Greet them with a sincere smile---
Love is the language that everyone speaks.

Love works like sweet magic in our minds
It's the unified thing that all races seek---
It gives and forgives, is right where we live
Love is the world-wide language we all need.
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2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets
Grand Prairie, TX

A PRAYER FOR ARIZONA

America's hearts are turning westward
Toward the saddened Arizona state---
We pray for all the shooting victims
And their families in this wailing wake.

We know the heart of God is touched
As we together stand hand in hand;
That God will heal this chaos---
That is sweeping throughout our land.

We know of no better answers
Or political strategy---or plans
Than to place every prayerful one of us
In the center of His holy healing hand.

2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets
Grand Prairie, TX

A Recent Epiphany

A Merry Heart does good like a prescription medicine

In life, pain is inevitable, the suffering is optional...

My grandmother shared her favorite Bible verse with me when as a teenager I asked her for her autograph. It was this:" A merry heart does good like a medicine."

When she passed away, I continued to re-read this verse. I experienced my 'AHA" moment.

I decided to make it my life verse too. After all, if it worked for my Grandma Schober for almost l00 years, it should work for me too. It reminds me to 'accenunate the positive" and look forward to our reunion in Heaven.

What I'm Looking Forward to in 2011

It's great to make fresh tracks in the snow of the New Year of 2011.

I am looking forward to writing new devotionals for two Christian Teen Magazines. It's a thrill to help youth find their right path.

A NEW YEAR GOAL

I'm Running the Race to Heaven
I'm leaving the world of sin;
My face is set, Win is my mindset
I'm never ever going to give in.
I'm Running the Race to Heaven---
Though the race gets rough and long;
My last step will be my strongest step
I pledge to finally finish strong!
2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets