If I can leave a legacy of my thoughts
About some of the things my life has taught,
And express in very simple terms
The beauties I have observed and learned,
That these few words will some eyes to see
The grandeur in each flower and tree
And look at human kind,
And creatures large and small
As the works of he who made us all,
The comforter of night.
Sunset brings us the coverlet of night
Then darkness comes to tuck it in tight,
What a gentle quiet comforter the darkness makes,
As it calms our thoughts and our tiredness takes.
Then dawn begins to break and lights the black,
And sunshine quickly pulls the covers back.

Tribute to A Friend

She is gentleness, wisdom, giving and caring.
She is kindness and laughter, memories and sharing.

She is beauty, both inside and outside you see.
She is friend, more than a friend, a sister to me.

She is, not was, all of these qualities
She is mine, in memory, whenever I please
I'll remember...a sweet face, a warm smile,
a comforting hug, a cheery hello.

I'll remember...generous with love, not a faultfinder,
eager to learn, anxious to teach,
slow to anger, quick to forgive.
She is not gone---
She is just "graduated" ahead of some
of the rest of us.

She is advancing and learning according to God's plan.
She is.....Ann.

(Ann Gibson Noffsinger)

Sweet Lady

You are a special lady
I'm glad to know
From your sweet face
There shines the light,
The Gospel's loving glow.

This radiance of love you share
With those with whom you dwell.
And more than that
You bless the lives
Of those you serve as well.

Thank you for being you...

To Alda

Let's not talk about years that have passed,
Let's not mention that time's gone by so fast.
Don't speak of wrinkles, gray hair, or aches,
Shoot anyone counting the candles on cakes.
For you and I know we're still real young inside.
Who's getting older? The calendar has lied!

The spirit and sparkle, the warm loving glow,
Your great sense of humor, these things I know.
They're the best part about you, they don't change with age.
They just shine out more brightly, as time turns the page.

Girl With Seashell-Listening

What would she hear if she'd listen?
What could she see if she'd look?
If into life's future she'd venture,
Opening up pages, like a book?

Well, for sure, she'd hear crying and sorrow,
For sure she'd see troubled times come.
But she'd also hear laughter and a soft lullaby
A contented sweet mother would hum.

Life is blessed with few joys, these are precious and rare.
They're more valued when balanced against sorrow and care.

From girl into woman, she'll grow and she'll find
True happiness comes when you have peace of mind.

Thoughts by Cheryl Cooper

I have never been encouraged to have faith in my own judgement.

          ***

Lots of life is a part of dying... most people don't die all at once...
they die a little bit at a time... first the dreams and the hopes...
and then most of what they used to believe in dies.

          ***

In some way I couldn't understand, some people got themselves back under control very quickly.
I was too young to understand that the calm exterior was the thinnest facade our emotions
rubbed raw by anguish and uncertainty.

          ***

Sleep is no cure - you escape from the truth in sleep,
but awake to instant awareness of it.

          ***

All comfortable things lose
their comfort, beautiful things
their beauty, when you realize
someone dear will never feel, or
see or hear them again.

          ***

How cruel age can be unless
some quality of character shines
through the body's deterioration.

          ***

All you have to do to conquer death is to die.

          ***

I'm really not the wealthiest,
I'm not listed in the Who's Who.
But I have something pretty special--
I have a friend like you.

Time and Christmas

When we were children,
Do you recall?
Each Christmas seemed two years apart!
We'd count up and cross off
Those calendar days.
Excitement in each childish heart.
Now we've grown older,
Doesn't it seem
That the seasons turn faster around?

Years whirl on past now.
Don't you think so?
Speaking of times past,
Remember when...

First we'd have a big Thanksgiving feast,
Then came the shopping.
We'd never begin
'Till the first of December, at least!

But what matters most,
Don't you agree?
Is our joy at this time of the year.
Most everyone's happier,
Isn't that true?
The miracle of Christmas is here!

Our hearts glow with love.
Doesn't it show?
The world puts on her very best manner.
To feel just this way
All the year through,
Is the wish of our great master planner.
We could work harder.
Can't we all try?

Put good will in our hearts all year long.
When we sing of joy
And peace unto all,
Let's make it a year-around song.

Nothing to Send

Today I cannot send you my love
For this you've always had.
I just can't think of a thing to send

So you'll know just how I'm glad.
Health you have, joy in life, and a beautiful spirit too,
Vibrant glow and faith in God has also come to you.
A future filled with life's good things

Is clearly what's in store -    

So can a mere mother
Wish for you more?

On Top of Mount Wheeler

(Sung to tune of On Top of Old Smokey)

On top of Mount Wheeler
All covered with Scows
Ask which is the smart one
And everyone bows.

We've journeyed and traveled
Across hot dusty miles
But when we get together
Most everyone smiles.

Three to five generations
With one set of grandparents
Not a one that we know of
Was ever named Clarence.

We are glad for the reason
We can all get together
In this hot summer season
Hooray for cool weather!

Let's hope that each summer
We will all congregate
The Scow Family reunion
Our families are great!