These Present Sufferings

Reflections on Trials and Pain

2011-04-06T21:27:00.000-04:00

Written April 2010

I've been going through some difficult times recently, and for a while I was quite content to wallow in my sorrows. But then God graciously brought it to my attention that during this difficult time, I was not being faithful in seeking him. Not simply in prayer and other spiritual disciplines, but in actively seeking his hand in hard times. So, after some soul-searching, I have found contentment in his faithfulness. This is not to say that my pain is gone, or that I can suddenly be instantly happy, but that I have found a peace in my soul knowing that I can trust God, and that he is working through me for my benefit, and ultimately for his glory.

My trials teach me to rely more fully on God - Not in the F.R.O.G. sense - you know, those pithy little acronyms, "Fully Rely On God." While there's nothing wrong or unbiblical about this phrase, we must be careful not to reduce our trust in God to short phrases that can often cause us to dismiss rather that reflect on our situation.

While in trials I must find contentment in the Word - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28). Often, we quote this verse to ourselves and others as a comfort that someday we will look back and see the hand of God that has been at work in the narrative of life. But it should not be limited to that - while I can see the hand of God the past, I must also be active in searching for the good work of God even in the moment of our trials - what good is he working in me at this very moment, and on this very day? He good work must not be reduced to something in the distant past or future. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (He. 4:12). It is not so much that God will work out everything for my benefit - but that he is working for my benefit.

So this begs the question - How is God working in me today? Often pain forces us to a point of decision - will I let my heart be hardened, torn, bitter, wounded, and bounded? Or will I chose to let God soften my heart by giving me kindness, repair my heart by granting me rest in him, sweeten my heart by overfilling me with joy in all circumstances, heal my heart with love, and free my heart with forgiveness?

God is working in me to increase your dependence on him for his sufficiency. Often the things I claim to believe I don't really life out in my lives. My pastor, Rich Powell preached a great sermon on this some time ago which I believe was titled, "Living as a practical atheist." I may claim (and think I believe!) that truely all I need is Christ, but I can live in a manner that shows my absolute dependence on other things or people. In the midst of my loss, my pain, my confusion, I cry out, "God! I can't live without this!" And God replies,

"Yes, you can.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

The incredible thing about this verse (2 Corinthians 12:9) is that is goes so directly against the ideas of this world. Anyone who listens to popular music can see this. Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown's duet, "No Air" is a prime example of a catchy song propogating the message that the lifegiver is, well, not God (Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air/Can't live, can't breathe with no air/That's how I feel whenever you ain't there/No air, no air). But God's grace is sufficient - God's grace is my "air". Even Rascal Flatts inspirational song "Stand" subtlely goes against the Biblical model of the right response to weakness - "You get mad, you get strong/Wipe your hands, shake it off/Then you stand". Yes, it does look like power is made perfect in weakness, but whose power? Am I stronger? Or is the power of God stronger within me?

God is teaching me that I don't need to understand to trust - Maybe, I think, if I just understood what was going on, I could see what God was doing and then I could trust him. It may seem simplistic, but God puts us through situations that we don't understand (including circumstances, and the motives of others) so we can learn to be content even when we don't understand - which means: 1) not obsessing over the fact that we don't get it, or 2) being preoccupied with figuring things out, when perhaps God wants us to focus on something else (like what He's teaching me). Both of these things represent a poor use of the resources He has given me - my time, and my mental and emotional capabilities.

One of the difficulties I'm sure everyone faces (I know I have have) when it comes to dealing with hardships is the issue of forgiveness.

The bottom line comes down to this: My ability to forgive others is reflective of my understanding of how great a deed God did when he forgave me through the sacrifice Christ on the cross. Again, my ability to forgive others is reflective of my understanding of how great a deed God did when he forgave me through the sacrifice Christ on the cross. There is no one in the world who has been wronged more than God, and yet he faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9).

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matt. 6:14-15).

When the Bible says "Forgive, or you will not be forgiven," it does not mean that if I am an otherwise decent Christian who just won't let go of a few grudges I will lose my salvation (that would be salvation by works). What it means is that if I claim to know Christ, but refuse to forgive others, I don't actually know the God I claim, because I don't understand salvation. This is made clear in 1 John 2:9-10: "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble". How much better would it be for my soul to be a great sinner, forgiven by a great savior, that to be a holy hypocrite who knows not the God I claim?

That being said, the ability to forgive goes against the flesh, and is therefore not necessarily an easy thing to do. However, when we are forgiven by God, he gives us the ability to forgive others. It is important to ask God to grant you a heart that forgives others, both on a general basis and specifically for various situations.

Forgiveness also places retribution, or vengeance, in the hand of God. - I do not need to (and should not) act, whether in word or deed, or even thought, to repay a wrong done to us. Today I heard the song "I Can Only Imagine." While it is not one of my favorites, it brought to mind the idea that the imagination too, is a gift of God that needs to be brought under the control of the Spirit. My thoughts and imaginations should not dwell on and be distracted by possibilities of revenge - satisfying the flesh while convincing myself that I have done nothing wrong. The things I dream about and the ideas I toy with are reflective of the state of my heart. It is written that to hate your brother is to be a murderer (1 John 3:15), and to lust is to commit adultery in the heart (Matt. 5:28).

I would even extend this as far as to say that our hearts should desire mercy for the people who have wronged us. Proverbs 24:17 exhorts us, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles." Our hearts should desire mercy for the person who has wronged you - How could we A) be so selfish as to desire to withhold from others the thing that we have done nothing to deserve ourselves, and/or B) be so proud as to think that we are so special that God's mercy should only be extended to us and the people we think should have it?

Forgiveness is inextricable tied to love - it begins with, is wrought through, completed, and consummated in love.

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).

When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12b).

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

There are also some benefits of forgiveness. Inability to forgive is most certainly a sin, but when we forgive we are released by the power of Christ from the captivity of that sin and the separation from God that it entails. "Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness" (Romans 6:16-18). We also have the opportunity to repair relationships with others. Corrie Ten Boom, accurately stated, "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."

Forgiveness does not seek personal refuge, but reconciliation. Love, according to 1 Corinthians 13, keeps no record of wrongs. As I was looking for a verse online, I came across this statement: "Until real forgiveness takes place, the offense is "in our faces" as regards that person, and it is the same with God. The sin comes between us, and cannot be "forgotten" until dealt with. If and when we enter into true forgiveness, we can then regard the person without the "offense" looming first and foremost between us." I think that statement accurately sums up the practical application of what it means that "Love keeps no record of wrongs."

****

Those a really just a few thoughts of mine that have been comforting to me as I deal with some difficulties right now. Whatever the trial we face, it is certain that our hearts will be restless until we find rest in Him.

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (Ps. 27:13-14)

The Lady

2007-12-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

Two poets walking by a field,
Did spy a lady there,
One thought her stripped and barren,
The other thought her fair.

“Do see her face,” the first proclaimed,
“It's cold and hardened – pale,
“What might have held two lovely eyes,
“Is shrouded by her veil.”

“Her body's dry, her skin is peeled,
“So frail, yet thick – so dead.
“To think! To think! What soon will come,
“O'erflows my heart with dread.”

The second poet softly mused,
His gaze out o'er the sky,
Then turned he to his saddened friend,
To give him this reply:

“Are not the roots that quiet'ly grow,
“Her hidden, inner beauty?
“I see wherewithal bloss'ming here,
“Is not it blatant to thee?”

“She waits for that which soon will come,
“How eagerly she sings,
“But thou, O friend, the winter sees,
“While I dost see the spring.”

Suyin

2007-11-29T19:49:00.001-05:00

Communist China 1994

“They wanted me to kill you, Pastor.”

Suyin grasped the bars and tried to pull herself up so she could see into the next cell. She was very young, still in her teens, but from her treatments her face was aged beyond her years. Her hands and back ached and she slumped to the ground, content to converse from the floor.

“They wanted me to shoot you, and they would free me.”

“Did they beat you much?” the pastor replied from the other cell.

“I could bear it,” she said.

“So, they did.”

“Don't let it trouble you. Have they done the same with you?”

“Yes.”

“Did they-”

“Child, I am tired, let us both rest.”

I listened to the conversation as I stood by the gates to the inner cell space. I was ordered to suppress all discourse from the cells, but I tried not to if possible. The Christians' speech intrigued me at the very least, and struck me at most. Today I expected to hear some sounds of defeat, considering the treatment I had watched them go through.

No! No! Suyin's earlier screams echoed through my head. We had first drawn her by her limbs, then sliced a razor across her back. No! No! We then forced needles under her fingernails, and pounded her hands to a bloody mass. No! No! Finally, distressed by her stubbornness, the torturer simply beat her head and body over and over. No! No!

I was afraid to admit that I never wanted to be promoted. I never wanted to torture. Weakness! They made us younger soldiers watch whenever an important prisoner was to be tortured. I almost admitted to myself that I felt more broken than the prisoner, but I couldn't; I wouldn't let myself. I would not be weak.

The man was easier. He was broken by the razors. Simple, weak man. He screamed yes.

There was no more talk that night.

The next day the leader brought Suyin and the man outside to the courtyard. They waited against the high stone wall as the young soldiers filed to the side in silent straight lines. I was second in the first line, close to the prisoners.

“I suppose we shall die together, friend,” Suyin turned and smiled at the pastor. He did not look at her, and his face remained as stony and silent as the wall. “Fear not, we shall meet again,” she encouraged. Still the man was silent. Suyin began to sing:

The Lord is my Shepherd,
I'll walk with Him always,
He leads me by still waters,
I'll walk with Him always.
Always,
Always....

The leader walked past Suyin and jammed the butt of his gun into her stomach. She collapsed on the ground.

“Get up,” the leader ordered. “You!” He pointed to me and motioned to the girl. I stepped from formation, grabbed her arms, and roughly pulled her to her feet.

Suyin looked at me and smiled, a gentle but pained smile. “Thank you,” she breathed. She straightened herself and lifted her drooped head.

I was taken aback by her smile and her words. I tried to hide my emotion as I marched back to formation. The soldier beside me looked intently at my face from the corner of his eye. I glanced back. We are human.

The leader took the gun and loaded it. He walked to the prisoners, grabbed the man by what remained of his shirt, and pulled him forward. “Today,” the leader proclaimed, “you are about to witness what happens to those who do not comply with the law, ...and what happens to those that do.” He shoved the gun at the pastor, who raised it with both hands, eye level, pointed at Suyin. She looked at the cold, hard ground. The air was dead already.

“Before you shoot, I would like you to know... that I thank you. You have led me as a faithful servant of the Gospel, and helped me learn the truth. Be it known that I do not die with bitterness or hate, but only with gratitude. I pray, here in my last moments, that after I am dead you will not be overcome and hang yourself as Judas did, but as Paul, repent and live. I die humbled as a servant, with the name of Jesus Christ on my lips!”

The pastor pulled the trigger. Suyin crumbled to the ground.

The leader wrenched the gun from the pastor's frozen hands. Without word or warning he pressed the barrel of the gun to the man's skull, and fired. The pastor too fell, the hope of freedom still on his lips.

A cruel smile spread across the leader's face. “That concludes our demonstration today.”

It was not only I, I am sure, who heard a song, and not the gunshot, echoing in the air. All the men's heads turned round and round, unsure where to look. But the song was there, ever bright and clear:

Always,
Always,
I'll walk with Him always,
The Lord is my Shepherd,
I'll walk with Him always...

Integrity is an overused word and an underused principle. It comes as a “be real” message without any solid foundation, like a pretty package with nothing inside. Too many churches have reduced their message (especially to youth) to this “pretty packaging” preaching.

“Don't do drugs.” “Abstinence before marriage.” “Be 'nice kids'.”

These messages are not bad, but they undercut and deemphasize the one necessary truth for their execution: a foundation. The paint, the roof, and the windows are the pretty parts of the house, not the brick foundation; the icing and decorations are the pretty parts of the cake, not the actual cake itself. Yet these basic parts are the most necessary. Without them, everything built ultimately, and literally, falls. The same happens with many teenagers today. When they head off to college, many leave the church under the pressure of the academic community. They have no foundation; there's no cake under all that icing.

Jesus told a story of two men who built houses. The one who does not heed his word is like a man who builds his house on the sand, which is washed away by the storm. But the one who heeds his words is like the man who builds his house on a rock; his house is not blown away in the storm.

The story of Suyin is fictional, but it is based on the stories of millions of martyrs whose faith did not waver in the greatest of storms. Theirs are stories of true integrity. Their integrity was like a deep root which brings forth a flower, not like a flower put in a vase, beautiful to see but which soon withers and dies.

Those who build on the firm foundation will not fail. They will grow. They will prosper. They will “walk with Him always”.

I Roamed Away

2007-11-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

I roamed away down to the sea,
Where the dolphins live and the mermaids be,
Twas light and airy, twas airy and free,
But I'll ne'er go wandering again, again,
I'll ne'er go wandering again.

The waves – they beckoned, the wind – it called,
So pleaded me to join them all,
And in their midst was I enthralled,
But I'll ne'er go wandering again, again,
I'll ne'er go wandering again.

The voices carried on the gust,
“Come out, come out, and follow us!”
Felt I compelled that dare I must,
But I'll ne'er go wandering again, again,
I'll ne'er go wandering again.

Deep blue – the sea, fair blue – the sky,
Jewels and shells which feed the eye,
More precious than the love that's thine?
But I'll ne'er go wandering again, again, again,
I'll ne'er go wandering again.

I roamed away down to the sea,
But traversed I back, to come to thee,
For thou, my love, holds all of me,
And I'll ne'er go wandering again, again,
No, I'll ne'er go wandering again.

Mary's Other Song

2007-11-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

Recent manuscripts have discovered that Mary the mother of Jesus wrote another song that did not make it into the Bible because it was widely believed to lack divine inspiration. Yet, in all its full motherly glory, it is presented here, for your entertainment and enjoyment, in honor of the beginning of the Christmas season.

When Jesus was born, I thought, “Hooray!
“This must be my lucky day!
“And nothing can rain on my parade,
“Cuz I tell you, I got it made,
“I'm raisin' the Son of God.”

But He already knows his ABCs,
His “Three Little Bears” and His 123s,
Sometimes I wonder if He's teaching me,
And life's a little tough you see,
When you're raisin' the Son of God.

But I never need to spank Him or shout,
Cuz He never whines or fusses or pouts,
He keeps the straight and narrow route,
Yet it makes me wonder what motherin's about,
Since I'm raisin' the Son of God.

Sometimes I just yell at the others,
“Why can't you be more like your brother?”
And they just roll their eyes at each other,
And I wanna scream, “I'm only a mother!
“Who's raisin' the Son of God.”

So don't look at me like my job's all fun,
It's pretty hard work that needs to be done,
And then I'll break open my retirement fund!
(But don't get me wrong – I love my son),
I'm raising the Son of God!

Paradox of Liberty

2007-10-22T15:50:00.000-04:00

Liberty! -man's great desire,
Engraved on every heart afire,
All fulfilling of the soul,
'Tis liberty that makes men whole!

Liberty! -man's deepest fear,
Where obligation's dread comes near,
Merit's debt commands its due,
For liberty demands virtue.

Disdain Me Not

2007-10-17T19:17:00.000-04:00

Disdain me not!
Tho wandering sinner I,
In my dire state,
Do not abhor my cry!

I, a prodigal,
Oppressed within, without,
In cruel despair,
Desire to quench my drought.

For with those,
Who holy precepts keep,
I am not counted,
But for the tears I weep.

Can I offer
A spirit clean and whole?
Nay, but Thou dost love,
The broken sinner's soul.

At the Name of Jesus

2007-10-14T00:45:00.000-04:00

Philippians 2:9-11
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Jesus
The very name inspires!
That represents a soul's desire
The word which sums up all the grace
Hope, peace, love, joy, and holiness
Into a single phrase
When formed by fervent lips
Such power holds
And though all names
Of princes, kings, and lords
Shall pass away
One name shall be the same:

Jesus
My Lord!
The very name brings tears
When in anticipation
Falls on listening ears
The word, the name
That makes the spirit long
To shout!
And be silent
Here in awe
Of the majesty and power

Commanded at the name

Jesus

Tribute to Martyrs

2007-10-07T20:34:00.001-04:00

Jesus
I could not but hope
To die for Your great name
To throw this worthless body
Into that Holy flame

What blessing is such sweetening death
What joy to me untold
What honor to Your Blessed Name
To die for You, my Lord

Jesus
Just one thing I ask
It is to love Thee more

Drowning

2007-10-05T00:59:00.000-04:00

A little different than most of the others, perhaphs even to the point of being odd, but I'd love to hear any comments...

Drowning

Oct. 3rd, 2007

2 Corinthians 4:8-12, 16
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you....Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. "

In the swirling, churning waters,
Here I lie and here I drown,
Tis' such blissful, sweetening sorrow,
In this river that's been found.

This the fountain deep and trickling,
This the gushing, roaring current,
Yet still deeper, deep I'm sinking,
Tho' flesh wanting to be buoyant.

But the tow is strong and pulling,
And it drags me downward yet,
It's ferocious, steady, gentle,
Til' the bottom I have met.

Now the pressure is so mounting,
From the water all around,
Soon my body must be bursting,
My flesh throbs and my heart pounds.

I am crying and rejoicing,
As the warmth o'er me surrounds,
As my lungs are filled with water,
As my body slowly drowns.

Yet fight I not, nor strain I,
In this fulfilling flood,
Tho' dying, it is peaceful,
To be drowning in Christ's love.

I Need No Other Comforter

2007-10-02T16:28:00.000-04:00

This is my most recent and favorite poem so far. It is also the first poem I have made an effort to put to music. The video is the accompaniment to the first verse. I wrote the melody, and my piano teacher did all the rest (which was most of it). This is him playing.

I Need No Other Comforter
Charli Mills
Sept. 6 2007

How blessed are we! Our Savior, Lord,
Has mercies overflowing,
That He descends to seek us here,
His blessings us bestowing.

I need no other comforter,
I need no other comfort,
'Tis Jesus, Yes! My all in all,
This peace is not my effort.

This Jesus He, who took on flesh,
And down to earth decendeth,
To pay for sin, each bloody man,
His glory to us accredits.

I need no other comforter,
I need no other Savior,
'Tis Jesus, Yes! My all in all
Who for my burdens labored.

How can I live but live for Him?
My love words can't describe,
He loved me first, that love so pure,
For me He came to die.

I need no other comforter,
His love o'er me enfolds,
'Tis Jesus, Yes! My all in all,
That love thro time withholds.

How can a man say he is strong?
His pride destruction sowing,
When strength so fleeting is soon gone,
We drink God's well o'er flowing.

I need no other comforter,
To Christ I cling each moment,
'Tis Jesus, Yes! My all in all,
His Spirit is my garment.

Lord grant me please, a humble heart,
To see I'm poor in spirit,
Perfect your power in my distress,
Alone I'm far from near it.

I need no other comforter,
My tears for sin can dry,
'Tis Jesus, Yes! My all in all,
Can wipe them from my eyes.

Christ, lift my head and lift my heart,
You are my single glory!
For you have rescued from the dark,
My soul! I need not worry.

I need no other comforter,
He will forsake me never!
'Tis Jesus, Yes! My all in all,
To Him the honor forever!

In Your Hands

2007-09-24T15:41:00.000-04:00

In your hands I commit my spirit,
In you arms I surrender my soul,
What once was mine was always yours,
To pour out is to be full.

In your hands I commit my spirit,
Let my heart wait not in vain,
I devote to you all of my being,
For this loss can only be gain.

In your hands I commit my spirit,
Let your beauty to me be known,
Keep me humble, I so undeserving,
In my dishonor your glory is shown.

In your hands I commit my spirit,
Let me follow you all the day long,
Lord be thou mine only fortress,
For in my weakness I am made strong.

In your hands I commit my spirit,
Let my soul be gentle and stilled,
For you always may I be longing,
For such desire is always fulfilled.

In you hands I commit my spirit,
In your arms I surrender my soul,
Take me, break me, mold me, make me,
To be broken is to be whole.

A work in progress....

2007-08-19T20:07:00.000-04:00

I'm still revising this one; bear with me.
_____________________________

See the sparrow fall from the sky,
As the flocks graze in the feilds.
The shepherd watches the sparrow,
On green pastures over the hills.

If the shepherd watches the sparrow,
Watches he not o'er his sheep?
As a father watches his children,
The shepherd his flocks will keep.

See the shepherd pick up the sparrow;
Gently cradles it in his arm.
And the shepherd carries the sparrow;
Carries it in his heart.

If the shepher carries the sparrow,
Carries he not his sheep?
As a father carries his children,
The shepherd his flocks will keep.

See the shepherd care for the sparrow;
Carefully mend its broken wings.
And his heart bleeds for his young one,
As softly his song he sings.

If the shepherd cares for the sparrow,
Cares he not more for his sheep?
As a father cares for his children,
The shepherd his flocks will keep.

See the shepherd, he loves the sparrow;
His compassion will never be swayed.
His devotion is always unswerving;
His great mercy never strays.

If the shepherd loves the sparrow,
Loves he not more his sheep?
As a father loves his children,
The shepherd his flocks will keep.

See the shepherd frees his sparrow,
Its bondage to pain is no more.
And stead'ly it follows its shepherd;
The sparrow on eagle's wings soars.

If the shepherd frees the sparrow,
Frees he not enslaved sheep?
In freedom sin's bondage is over;
Our shepherd he will us keep.

Remembrance

2007-08-08T15:58:00.000-04:00

Ecclesiastes 12:1a "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth..."

Remember your God
O young one
Remember Him while you are strong

Remember your God
O young one
While your days are peaceful and long

Remember your God
O young one
Remember Him in the fight

Remember your God
O young one
When you leave and take your flight

Remember your God
O young one
Remember Him while you are home

Remember your God
O young one
In the days you long to roam

Remember your God
O young one
Remember Him in life's joys

Remember your God
O young one
In the midst of hell's dark ploys

Remember your God
O young one
Remember Him in your fear

Remember your God
O young one
For He is always near

Remember your God
O young one
Remember him in your youth

Remember your God
O young one
For he remembers you

~Charli Mills
June 1st 2007