Thank You for Feeding Me~ Emily Ciszewski

I see this world, I see people rushing and running to work.
They want peace and fulfillment. They’re hungry. They’ve never been fed.
I see all the little girls.
I see all the little boys.
And they all grow up.
Without the love.
Without the hugs.
Without the stories.
Without the tears.
Here are all the Fathers,
Without Fathers to lead them.
Here are all the Mothers,
Without Mothers to teach them.
Here are all the little boys, the little gents, the handsome men,
Without the Leaders.
Here are all the little girls, the little ladies, the beautiful women,
Without the Teachers.
Here are all the people,
Without.
Without Father.
Without Mother.
Without love and hugs and stories and tears.
　
Thank you for the love Mother and Father.
Thank you for the hugs Mom and Dad.
Thank you for the stories Mama, Pa.
Thank you for the tears Mommy and Daddy.
　
I just want to say,
Thank you for feeding me.

Thank you for life.

Thank you for love.
Where would I be?
Without you?
Thank you.

Adoption~ Cassie Stout

As a tear rolls quickly down her face,
She fears she'll never find her place.
 She had just received the news,
That she won't be the one they choose.
 She said to her guardian, "Why does no one seem to want me?"
Her guardian said, "I guess they don't see exactly what I see."
 Through her tears, not able to see,
She said, "I don't understand why nobody loves me."
 Not wanting the girl to fear,
Her guardian bent over and said in her ear,
 "When you're alone and all out of options,
God loves you with or without adoption."

Safe and Sound~ Cassie Stout

 Bad experiences come and go,
But to everyone else, your scars don't show.
Only God knows what you feel,
And that to you, the pain is real.
When you're going through those dark times,
And you can't seem to hear heaven's chimes,
Just ask God to make it clear,
That there's no reason at all to fear.
Often read the Bible and sincerely pray,
And you'll start to know Him more every single day.
You might think you're all alone,
But God will make His presence known.
Lay all of your burdens down,
And in His arms, you're safe and sound.

Did you know that Cassie's favorite animal is a horse?

Wandering Wonderings~ Nataleigh Robinson

Death, Pain, Anger, Humiliation

Why all of this complication?

Why must there be such devastation?

If God is a God of adoration

Then why is there such speculation?

I scream up to the sky

Begging for some kind of answer

But the heavens are silent

You refuse to speak

Refuse to let down an answer

I’ve done everything you’ve asked

But still you let this happen

In your love I basked

Now life’s all misshapen

Why can’t you just do what I first asked?

Then I hear your voice from up above:

“Have I not loved you with an everlasting love?

Did I not create you from the dust?

Did I not command that in me you trust?

Yet here you sit and fuss and fuss

Now I am reminded who is in charge

I know that his love is large

Though I do not always understand

He holds my life in his right hand

I will trust in him!

I know he treasures me

I know he values me

His love is beyond what I can see

But is it wrong for me to have these questions?

Is my anger a transgression?

Though his sight is better than mine

Though he sees my first and last

Though he knows things I cannot

Though he loves me a whole darn lot

Through all these things I can’t help questioning

Is it wrong to seek answers?

If so why do we think?

Is it wrong to be angry?

If so why do we feel?

Are these not gifts from God?

I think God must love our questions

Is he too big that he doesn’t care?

Or too small that he cannot listen?

Not at all! He can take it

I feel closer when I question

I will not be afraid to question

I will not be afraid to rant and rave

I will not be afraid to cast the blame

I will not be afraid to shout

My God is a big God!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Abby Whear.

Get to the Other Side~ Haylie Gregory

So, I was trying this writing style and this is sort of what came out. I wrote this when I was just sick and tired of my hanging on to the past, but I gave it to God and I feel SO MUCH better :) It's called Get to the Other Side

Get to the Other Side

What does it take

To get to the other side?

Tell me what it takes!

I’ve tried so many times

To cross this bridge

To get over it

To move on

To go to something more pleasant

Than this.

What does it take?

 To get to the other side?

To leave

To take the first stride

To walk away

To say goodbye

To live a life

Where I will no longer cry

Over you.

Tell me, what does it take

To get to the other side?

Tell me what it takes!

I no longer want to ride this ride.

 

Did you know that Haylie worries about everything?!?!

Fall on Your Knees~ Cassie Stout

Fall on your knees in prayer, you will be heard.

Fall on your knees in pain, you will be healed.

Fall on your knees in repentance, you will be forgiven.

Fall on your knees in worship, you will be up-lifted.

Fall on your knees in tears, you will be comforted.

Fall on your knees in selflessness, you will be rewarded.

Fall on your knees in disbelief, you will be amazed.

Fall on your knees in sorrow, you will be cherished.

Fall on your knees.

You WILL be loved.

Did you know that Cassie loves video games?

So Shy~ A Poem by Hogan Stevens

Quiet. Alone.

Always feeling out of place.

Afraid. Nervous.

Trying to hide her face.

She is so shy, self conscious,

not sure how to blend in.

Never talking, off alone

wondering how to make friends.

Don't judge her or

mistake her for rude

She's just timid,

not sure what to do.

There is laughter

underneath all her quiet.

She has a voice,

wants so badly to use it.

Will you be the one?

The one to set her free?

The one to befriend her,

choose to truly see?

Will you be the one?

Did you know that Hogan was saved when she was eight years old?!

Can't Be Sad~ A Poem by Cassie Stout

 Life can be pretty tough,
Just pray to God when things get rough.
 You might be mad when things go wrong,
Just start to hum a Christian song.
 People might mock and scoff,
Just sing a hymn when they tell you off.
 You might be sad all day tomorrow,
Just fall on your knees when you're in sorrow.
 You might be down and depressed,
Just talk to God when you feel stressed.
 Over all, when things are bad,
When you're with God you can't be sad.

Did you know that Cassie is addicted to Mountain Dew?!

Winter Walk~ Emily Ciszewski

My legs, my face, my fingers are all feeling frosty, but this walk is sweet.

As I move my feet over the street, our hands are locking tighter, and we’re not letting go.

The snow-flakes keep falling, and we stop and look up - white clouds, pale blue sky - our heads touching and our eyes on the same distant star, the first one of the evening.

I smile, he smiles right back.

We turn the corner, a small park in view - like children we race to the swings, our hands are locking tighter, and we’re not letting go.

I hold unto the rusty chain with one hand as he sits in the rickety swing beside me, soon we’re kicking our way up. I giggle and he breathes deep, our hands are locking tighter, and we’re not letting go.

More stars are appearing, each one so bright.

I let my head rest on his shoulder as we head back home, he strokes my hair and kisses my cold forehead with his warm breath. Our hands are locking tighter, and we’re not letting go.

We sit on the porch steps, looking at the world through the haze of a rosy new love,

We’re not even talking, and yet I feel like we’ve just had the most committed conversation I’ve ever known. I turn to look him in the eye - he nods.

It’s true.

It’s really us together.

This must be love.

Our hands are locking tighter, and we’re not letting go.

Did you know that Emily named her guiater Jabez?!

Did you know that Lauren woke her entire family up at 3am last Christmas?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken my Lauren Jaji.

To Often Forgotten~ Haylie Gregory

I sit here on your old nightstand,

Forgotten like a 60’s band.

Abandoned, neglected, cast aside

Discarded, over looked, not worth trying to find.

I’m collecting dust and growing old.

My pages yellowing at the fold.

I’m buried underneath your stuff

That you once thought would be enough.

How long has it been since you’ve opened me?

How long has it been since you’ve felt free?

Free from your worries? Free from your sin?

Free from your heartache and your fear within?

Open me. Let His Word come in.

Please! Open me! Let His work begin.

Did you know that Haylie loves spicy food?!

Sweet, Sweet Love of Jesus~ Emily Ciszewski

Sweet love of Jesus, my cloak for winter nights,

He hides me in His Holy Hill, until the morning light.

Sweet love of Jesus, my counselor and friend,
He holds my hand, helps me stand - and leads me through the plight.

Sweet love of Jesus, my lover - my deliverer,

He speaks to me, He cleaves to me - he will never leave me.

Sweet love of Jesus, the One who holds my hand,

He will always reach for me, teach to me, cry if I fail..
Sweet love of Jesus, the Fire I Desire,
He touches me, He clutches me - He pulls me from the mire.
Sweet, sweet love of Jesus, the Well from Whom I drink,
I will ever lean on Him, for on my heart’s His ink.

Did you know that Emily loves peppermint mocha lattes?!

Christmas Without You~ Lauren K

Two left that day.
Two bells rang, and my angels flew away.

It's almost Christmas night, but, unlike you,
my heart can't take flight.

It won't be the same without you here.
I'll remember you, and somehow make you appear.

You're celebrating in your own way now;
I'll see you again—
just not right now.

Well, I must go and find some Christmas cheer.
But don't worry, I'll find it when I remember you so clear.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author!

Lauren is a teen girl living for the Lord! She loves turtle lattes, traveling, and watching info-mercials! She loves watching Disney movies and singing Christmas songs all year long. Through all of her life experiences (good and bad), God has never left her side, and she believes that nothing is too big for God! She wants to become a psychologist one day but is excited to see what other plans God has in store for her life!

Whiter Than Snow~ Lea Sadler

Icy breaths of chilly demons lining up

taking turns assaulting with deceit.

Her glassy eyes see exactly that they throw

her own failures and pathetic conceit.

They show no mercy, they don't give up

surrounding, laughing, prodding

taunting her with past regrets, past mistakes

twisting her thoughts from worth to accusing.

Footprints imprinted in the frozen ground

to show her where she's heading

where she's been, where she's drowned

in disgusting, sinful lies of her own doing.

Icycles hang ready to strike

pure into her poor, oppressed heart

Glacial knives just waiting war-like

to rip her misled, worn-down life apart.

But soon a soft, light rain of ice will pass through

and she will find beauty in her midst

the beauty of love, and peace, and truth

and most of all a second chance

A second chance, a new start to be clean

another opportunity to be all she's dared to hope

to fight her demons, to toss them out of scene

to grasp a branch to be saved from the slippery slope.

A small light will break through the clouds

and the blaze of sun will blind her enemies

she will call on the one she has found

to be the only one to offer eternal peace.

She has only to hang on and be patient

for her old life is ready to go

her second chance is now on its way

and she will become whiter than snow.

Did you know that Lea is fasinated by cryptozoology?!

Did you know that Sarah changes the color of her nail weekly?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Sarah Ford.

Indian Sumer~ Emily Ciszewski

It’s perfect weather.

I view the world from my window;

The leaves are a blanket of orange, yellow, red and brown – like my Grandma’s old quilt.

The cotton ball clouds slowly moving over the sun, the light shadowed and then bright again.

Each tree speaks – warm barky tones whisper – ‘tis almost winter, but not yet.

I pull my heavy comforter from my bed and race out the door to the yard, lay it out on the green wind swayed grass and then fall into it – heaven’s peace must feel a bit like this.

I laugh softly – to myself and to my God, at the worries and burdens of yesterday. They are but a sprinkle of pepper in this life of cinnamon and spice.

My nose is filled with the scent of crushed maple leaves, a taste that is only savored when the wind blows over the land this way.

A whisper…a messenger touches my ear…here is his peace….he says….I sigh.

Eyes closed to the steady light – it’s warmth like the breath of a baby – I give in to his open arms and know – this is true love.

Did you know that Emily

Did you know that Jess loves singing?! There isn't a day where she doesn't sing!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Jess Mc.

The Difference~ Rachel Allen

Smile and they think you're happy.

You say "I'm fine" and they believe you.

If you don't let them look into your eyes

No one will know the difference.

They're all too blind to see your pain

Or the inner turmoil churning inside.

You are at war with yourself

But no one knows the difference.

You tell yourself that you'll tell someone.

"I'll talk about it. I'll get help."

You swear you will but you don't

And no one knows the difference.

Sometimes you wonder if you're not invisible.

If you vanished, would anyone notice?

You think that you could disappear into thin air

And no one would know the difference.

Did you know that Rachel only likes birds of prey?! Say bye bye birdie!

Alive~ Lea Sadler

Soft whispers in my head of elegant content

Grow vines of wisdom from heaven sent

As ancient lyrics of old songs sung

Chime the bells on one once rung.

Sweet scents of sorrow fill the lungs while

Bitter words of loss weigh down the tongue.

Your hands of comfort grip all pain

And destroy all regrets, finally slain.

Walking through the darkness, stumbling on every stone

You lift the feet and assuage the soul with a soothing tone.

Cursed with affliction and trapped in agony

Your presence is the only thing that brings forth the key

To a happy life filled to find

This sincere peace of mind.

Free of sin, free of death

Life inhaled with every breath.

I’m alive.


Did you know that Lea is 25% Korean?!

Blue Sash~ A Poem by Emily Ciszewski

Little girl,

Wrapped in sack,

Twirls across the dust floor.

Knees bent,

Head erect,

As she curtsies at the barred door.

“Dance with me,” says the she,

Then straightens

With a smile.

Clothed in rags,

She lifts her hands,

And hums a minuet.

Eyes are closed,

Thoughts so bold,

As she fingers the soft lace.

Safely bound,

Her waist around,

A wish upon her face.

Her heart does sing,

Fairy bells ring,

As the steps go by they fly.

Higher, higher, higher, high!

Her spirit soars with Joy.

The two small jewels,

Bright colored with liberty,

Scan the tiny room.

Her hands fall limpidly,

Her feet - back on the ground,

Her hair - a royal crown, gleams in victory.

The Dance now done,

The girl swirls on one last wing,

Her soul now sings a Song;

“I am bound eternally,

To this grace that sets me free,

For I have my Father’s love,

That He’s sent down from above…”

The door once barred,

Is now ajar,

The child now -redeemed.

From Your Little Girl~ A Poem by Lea Sadler

The day of dread has come around
where the old might be forgotten and the new is unknown
where heart pounding worry is fully abound
and what might be reaped is what you’ve sown.

I betrayed your trust and defied your help
but you always forgave when you heard my pleas
Even through our screaming I could, no doubt, tell
that your love would always come with ease.

For the eighteen years of tragedies, trials, and troubles
there were kisses to calm what gave me a whirl
When I leave, I can see that your heart will severely crumble
But don't worry, Mommy, I'm still your little girl.

You always understood what life was putting me through
and never second guessed my made-up choices
When I say, "I love you," know it's the grateful truth
and yours is one I will always choose out of many voices.

We didn't always get along, and our battles silenced us both
but I knew you would listen to the things I kept personal
and you walked me through to the end of my growth
but don't worry, Daddy, I'm still your little girl.

So as an adult, here's what I will first say:
I'm grown up and moving on to a scary world
and you know you can trust me to do better than ok
but don't worry, Mommy and Daddy, I'll always be your little girl.

The Princess and the Stable Biy~ A Poem by Rachel Allen

'Twas custom for the knight in armor

To save the damsel in distress

Trapped inside a dark stone tower

With not to wear but maiden's dress

Waiting for a dashing prince

A' riding on a valiant steed

Sword in hand and clad in steel

To slay the witch who did the deed.

Or possibly, a duel was held

Of jousting, swordsmanship, or bow

To win the hand and heart of princess

In which two suitors then would show

Skill with weapons against each other

Until the best man won the bride

'Twas not a matter of love divine,

But of which man was stronger and which man died.

Inside the castle a maiden fair,

And a stable boy of charm and honor.

Two hearts trapped in forbidden love

Seeking the approval of her father.

A gentle hint, a quiet question.

A firm refusal, turned away.

Anger, wrath, and hatred all.

Banished both, sent far away.

My Salvation Stands~ A Poem by Rachel Allen

When my heart fails me and strength escapes me,

My salvation stands.

When night finds me all alone with no one else to turn to,

My salvation stands.

 And when the darkness closes in and all other lights go out,

My salvation stands.

For when the light goes out, and darkness overcomes all things

God is the light. He does not falter, He does not sway, and He cannot be extinguished.

He is my light, my lamp, my path.

He leads me through dark passes,

And He guides me in the light of day.

No place is too light for Him to be present

And no place is too dark for Him to shine.

When I cannot bear to see the suffering of others,

My salvation stands.

When I am weighed down by doubts and worries,

My salvation stands.

And when my feet grow weary and I cannot hold myself upright.

My salvation stands.

For when all others fail me, all mortal men are weakened by desire, and all other kingdoms are brought to their knees,

God is strong. He does not fall, He does not forsake me, and He is not weak.

He is my rock, my strength, my shield.

He protects me from the toils and trouble of everyday life,

And He protects me from the giants that makes the battlefield to tremble.

Nothing is too small for Him to care about,

And nothing is too big for Him to take upon his shoulders.

When I am weak, when I am tired, when I am brought down by those around me, and when everything in the mortal world is not worth living for,

My salvation will always stand.