Lessons Learned and Spiritual
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "America's Morality"Do good and feel good poems
43 total reviews
Comment from Spitfire
A wonderful entry. Sadly true that kids have no working ethics today. I especially liked the line about having respect for 'fellow men.' The last three lines are like a punch in the gut!
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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A wonderful entry. Sadly true that kids have no working ethics today. I especially liked the line about having respect for 'fellow men.' The last three lines are like a punch in the gut!
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Hi Shari,'l thank you for this awesome review and kind comments for my faith poem. They are so appreciated, my dear friend
Comment from karenina
It's almost redundant to say you've written an excellent poem with a clear and honest point of view. This is who you are and I respect you for speaking out, even when you may get some blowback!
With the observation that it is not only America, but our whole world that seems to be suffering a crisis of morality...and one further observation; that I know and love some wonderful people who have different beliefs than I, but are rooted in the tenets of faith (as they practice it) and kindness, charity, humanity to all...
Yes. Yes, we need to wake up and listen rather than shout. Learn rather than judge. Reach our hands out rather than shove other folks away.
I appreciated that you use lowercase for satan/ I always do the same thing, commenting he is not a proper noun and gets no respect from me!
I wonder how we went so far astray as to find ourselves left with voting for the "lesser of two evils?'"
Looking at my grandchildren I worry so much about what kind of world they will have left...
Regardless of who is commander in chief, it's going to take a grassroots effort by all citizens to realize the truest power lies in what we do, and how we act...
What an image! It does seem Uncle Sam in moments away from expiring...
With faith, we resuscitate! Faith in one another, faith in the morals upon which this country was built, and the tolerance to recognize that "faith" may look different for some very good people.
Blessings,
Karenina
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2023
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It's almost redundant to say you've written an excellent poem with a clear and honest point of view. This is who you are and I respect you for speaking out, even when you may get some blowback!
With the observation that it is not only America, but our whole world that seems to be suffering a crisis of morality...and one further observation; that I know and love some wonderful people who have different beliefs than I, but are rooted in the tenets of faith (as they practice it) and kindness, charity, humanity to all...
Yes. Yes, we need to wake up and listen rather than shout. Learn rather than judge. Reach our hands out rather than shove other folks away.
I appreciated that you use lowercase for satan/ I always do the same thing, commenting he is not a proper noun and gets no respect from me!
I wonder how we went so far astray as to find ourselves left with voting for the "lesser of two evils?'"
Looking at my grandchildren I worry so much about what kind of world they will have left...
Regardless of who is commander in chief, it's going to take a grassroots effort by all citizens to realize the truest power lies in what we do, and how we act...
What an image! It does seem Uncle Sam in moments away from expiring...
With faith, we resuscitate! Faith in one another, faith in the morals upon which this country was built, and the tolerance to recognize that "faith" may look different for some very good people.
Blessings,
Karenina
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2023
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Thanks my wonderful friend. I appreciate everything you said. Now I would like to hear what you didn't say. I feel there was something missing in your very kind voice as you were agreeing with me, but were hesitant. I just feel I know you well enough to sense that. And I am always ready to hear anything from you. I know you don't have a cruel bone in your body. I have changed this so many times already as not to offend anyone, but I do need to hear from you. You can't hurt my feelings because you have that respect that I talk about??
I just want you to know that you can always be honest with me.
And if I am being a complete fool and imagining things, I apologize.
I just have been hearing so many things about this poem that I think it has me on edge. Truth is I wrote it because I am so fed up with our own MN governor. He is telling the young people that they are welcome to come into our state to have their abortions and gender change surgeries and no parents will be notified. It just has me so upset with the system and ashamed to be from what used to be known as MN Nice.
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I'm generally pretty clear when I opine and review, Deb. I wasn't holding back a thing! I was merely stressing that this does seem to be a whole world issue -- although I understand your focus was on our USA! Also, because I perceived your theme to be primarily based on Christian faith (which may be my interpretation)-- I have friends of different faiths who are as upset with the erosion of morality and ethics in our society and politics as I...or you..or so many Christians. Politicians have tried to usurp the morals and faith of the masses. I think we need new leadership ~ and that, in the end, will come down to our own involvement and activism!
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It is me hon and I hope you know that I just wanted to make sure that was what I was hearing. I had others that gave me a hard time for it and just wasn't ready for it right now. Thank you and I figured that was what you were saying, but thank you for clarifying about the other religions. Ulla who is a dear friend did ask me what religion and respect had to do with each other and I just said that it isn't about religion with me, it is about my faith and believing that God has to be in control or something on the order of chaos happens. And that is what has happened. I know it is all around the world but here is where my grandkids are, so decided to take on a smaller area, especially for the first time in my life, I am angry with both state and national government. I was taught to respect our president and governor and I am sickened by both and don't like myself much for that. So I pray and it helps a little. Also having my second surgery tomorrow and this one is a little more in depth with the shingles damage so they will be putting me under more like other surgeries and the last few had trouble coming out. And I know all will go well but do always get apprehensive so never mind me. But I will ask for a few prayers as my emotions are getting the best of me. After all these surgeries are so easy. Lol, I just hope for no more Ferris wheels. So far so good in the first eye, it really was a piece of cake. And sorry for not understanding your review completely. I just know that we are close enough that you would rather I ask you than to wonder. Thanks for listening to my ramblings as I just have a lot on my mind. Love ya Sweetie!
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I'm glad you asked! I'm praying for your surgery tomorrow...
You're one of the strongest women I know, Debi.
Hang in there and know the prayer brigade is marching for you!
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You are proof that God sends special Angels to be here on earth to help others. And there is no wonder why I love you so. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. I do feel better.
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Then that's all that I hoped for!
Smile...
Comment from Regina Elliott
Hi Dearest Debi, this is such
a truthful and heart-rending
poem on the current state of
our America. Too many people so extremely angry.
I've seen so many photos of
people screaming at each
other. Little League parents
fighting with each other in
the stands while their
athlete children look on
so embarrassed. We, the
people need to get a grip.
There's acrimony in some
houses of worship too.
No church congregation can
be perfect, but when there is
differences of opinion it can
tear at the fabric of the church. Some congregants
get all worked up over minor
things. Some church members expect the pastor
to "fix it" for them. Pastors
aren't perfect either. I can see
how some pastors, deacons,
youth ministers, music ministers, etc. have job
stress. Years ago in the
church my late husband, my
daughter and I went to there
was a lot of discord between
adult leaders over how the
youth group should be
run. My late husband was the
lay person youth minister
for about 3 years. There were
three other church members
that wanted it run differently.
My late husband was doing
the best he could while he
still had an outside full time
job. I went to our pastor
about it 3 times. On the 4th
phone call I made to him,
he told me he was tired of
hearing about it. And at that
moment I certainly finally
understood he was stressed.
I apologized and didn't bring
it up to him again. I'm sorry
I got so long winded. But,
our U.S.A. is in the same
situation. Fighting and
people being physically
assaulted praying in front of
abortion clinics. Terrible.
Debi, your poem here speaks
to this. Thank you so much
for writing this great work.
Many blessings, good friend
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Hi Dearest Debi, this is such
a truthful and heart-rending
poem on the current state of
our America. Too many people so extremely angry.
I've seen so many photos of
people screaming at each
other. Little League parents
fighting with each other in
the stands while their
athlete children look on
so embarrassed. We, the
people need to get a grip.
There's acrimony in some
houses of worship too.
No church congregation can
be perfect, but when there is
differences of opinion it can
tear at the fabric of the church. Some congregants
get all worked up over minor
things. Some church members expect the pastor
to "fix it" for them. Pastors
aren't perfect either. I can see
how some pastors, deacons,
youth ministers, music ministers, etc. have job
stress. Years ago in the
church my late husband, my
daughter and I went to there
was a lot of discord between
adult leaders over how the
youth group should be
run. My late husband was the
lay person youth minister
for about 3 years. There were
three other church members
that wanted it run differently.
My late husband was doing
the best he could while he
still had an outside full time
job. I went to our pastor
about it 3 times. On the 4th
phone call I made to him,
he told me he was tired of
hearing about it. And at that
moment I certainly finally
understood he was stressed.
I apologized and didn't bring
it up to him again. I'm sorry
I got so long winded. But,
our U.S.A. is in the same
situation. Fighting and
people being physically
assaulted praying in front of
abortion clinics. Terrible.
Debi, your poem here speaks
to this. Thank you so much
for writing this great work.
Many blessings, good friend
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Hi Regina, thanks for this awesome review and kind comments for my faith poem. I appreciate it so very much, as well as the gift of six stars. They are all so appreciated, my dear friend
Comment from Monica Chaddick
My dear friend, another great read, as always. There is a comedian (I believe it was Chris Rock) that said in one of his stand ups that we should be able to 'rent a president'. He said rent them for a short time, then if they don't do a good job, 'return' them and rent another. I have been in agreement with him since I heard him say that. If they knew it was that easy to replace them, maybe they would try to actually do more of God's will instead of their own.
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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My dear friend, another great read, as always. There is a comedian (I believe it was Chris Rock) that said in one of his stand ups that we should be able to 'rent a president'. He said rent them for a short time, then if they don't do a good job, 'return' them and rent another. I have been in agreement with him since I heard him say that. If they knew it was that easy to replace them, maybe they would try to actually do more of God's will instead of their own.
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Hi Monica, 'l thank you for this awesome review and kind comments for my faith poem. They are so appreciated, my dear friend
Comment from lyenochka
I understand your concern, Debi! That's why Fern Nichols started the Mom's in Prayer organization in the 70's and now mothers and grandmothers are praying for future generations around the world. Even in the countries where believers are persecuted, God's powerful Hands are protecting His Church. Best wishes in the contest!
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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I understand your concern, Debi! That's why Fern Nichols started the Mom's in Prayer organization in the 70's and now mothers and grandmothers are praying for future generations around the world. Even in the countries where believers are persecuted, God's powerful Hands are protecting His Church. Best wishes in the contest!
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Hi Helen, 'l tha'nk you for this awesome review and kind comments for my faith poem. They are so appreciated, my dear friend
Comment from royowen
When a country is young and being built on a foundation of godliness and pioneering adventurousness, it thrives with the innovative settling, particularly by Christian communities escaping persecution, or refugees from hunger and deprivation it thrives. Similar to Australia, but like all great empires founded on adventure, energy, youth and growth, But the comfort of riches and prodigal living and hedonism will negate that. Standards are lowered, I noticed there is a sense of entitlement, and a lack of innovation, and godlessness, even in the church. But individually that doesn't have to be the norm, beautifully written Debi, God is coming to save mankind, not just America, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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When a country is young and being built on a foundation of godliness and pioneering adventurousness, it thrives with the innovative settling, particularly by Christian communities escaping persecution, or refugees from hunger and deprivation it thrives. Similar to Australia, but like all great empires founded on adventure, energy, youth and growth, But the comfort of riches and prodigal living and hedonism will negate that. Standards are lowered, I noticed there is a sense of entitlement, and a lack of innovation, and godlessness, even in the church. But individually that doesn't have to be the norm, beautifully written Debi, God is coming to save mankind, not just America, blessings Roy
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Hi Roy, 'l thank you for this awesome review and kind comments for my faith poem. They are so appreciated, my dear friend
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Most welcome
Comment from LateBloomer
Yes, our Nation is in decline in more ways than one, including the love and respect of God. Your poem has silky rhyming and great sensory appeal. Of special note:
No matter who was President, Dear Jesus was our King
Without faith in our country, we are holding by a string
(The above is so true. Our Country was founded on religious freedom--something that is currently being eroded by one forced changed after another.)
Excellent photo choice--albeit very sad. We should rejoice that we lived when we did. I pray for our Nation and our grandchildren. What is the/their Future. Well done. LateBloomer
p.s. Where did you get that photo?
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Yes, our Nation is in decline in more ways than one, including the love and respect of God. Your poem has silky rhyming and great sensory appeal. Of special note:
No matter who was President, Dear Jesus was our King
Without faith in our country, we are holding by a string
(The above is so true. Our Country was founded on religious freedom--something that is currently being eroded by one forced changed after another.)
Excellent photo choice--albeit very sad. We should rejoice that we lived when we did. I pray for our Nation and our grandchildren. What is the/their Future. Well done. LateBloomer
p.s. Where did you get that photo?
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 27-Jun-2023
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Hi Margaret, thanks for this awesome review and kind comments for my faith poem. I appreciate it so very much, as well as the gift of six stars. They are all so appreciated, my dear friend
Comment from Jim Wile
This is a thought-provoking and profoundly wonderful poem, Debi. I think your conclusions about the state of morality in this nation are correct, and the most important line is "If we can't respect our fellow man, we really are not free."
Too many, both on the left and the right (but mostly on the left, I think) want to suppress the voices on the other side. It's not enough for them to disagree and try to persuade people their way with sound arguments; they want to suppress all debate and deprive the other side of their freedom to be heard. This is antithetical to freedom which is no longer a value to them, thus contradicting what made this nation so great in the first place.
We, indeed, are on life-support now and need hope and a firm commitment to fight against those who want to strip us of our freedom and cause the country that we know and love to die. You said all this so well in your poem. - Jim
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2023
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This is a thought-provoking and profoundly wonderful poem, Debi. I think your conclusions about the state of morality in this nation are correct, and the most important line is "If we can't respect our fellow man, we really are not free."
Too many, both on the left and the right (but mostly on the left, I think) want to suppress the voices on the other side. It's not enough for them to disagree and try to persuade people their way with sound arguments; they want to suppress all debate and deprive the other side of their freedom to be heard. This is antithetical to freedom which is no longer a value to them, thus contradicting what made this nation so great in the first place.
We, indeed, are on life-support now and need hope and a firm commitment to fight against those who want to strip us of our freedom and cause the country that we know and love to die. You said all this so well in your poem. - Jim
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2023
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Thanks Jim for this very kind review and comments. I appreciate the fact that you have so many of the same views that I do. I just hate to see all of God's laws broken and thrown away because the president said so. I remember Obama telling that his girls came home from school and were crying because their classmates had same sex parents and they should be able to marry. So if I remember right, the president let his school girls make that decision for us. Makes me kinda ill if you know what I mean. ...... thanks again my dear friend.
Comment from Ulla
Hi Debi. I agree with you up to a point, but with all due respect, I can't see what treating people with decency has to do with religion. To be decent to others should become a natural part of anyone's upbringing and makeup. The world is sorely lacking on that aspect, in these days.Your poem is very well written, as always. A big hug, Ulla xx
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2023
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Hi Debi. I agree with you up to a point, but with all due respect, I can't see what treating people with decency has to do with religion. To be decent to others should become a natural part of anyone's upbringing and makeup. The world is sorely lacking on that aspect, in these days.Your poem is very well written, as always. A big hug, Ulla xx
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jun-2023
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Hey Ulla, I truly respect your feelings as a non-believer, yet I care so much for you and your friendship.
However to me, morality in our nation lacks mainly because lack of faith.
It's hard maybe for a nonbeliever to understand but with faith, a true faith, these things come natural. But your right that it does have nothing to do with religion. There is a big difference between the two. As always you are so kind. Thanks my dear friend.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
I have and will vote as suggested, but the nagging question is why are there not individuals with FAITH that have the faith to step to the plate and enter into the lion's den known as Congress or the White House?
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2023
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I have and will vote as suggested, but the nagging question is why are there not individuals with FAITH that have the faith to step to the plate and enter into the lion's den known as Congress or the White House?
Comment Written 26-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2023
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Thanks Tom, for this very kind review and comments. I appreciate the fact that you have so many of the same views that I do. I just hate to see all of God's laws broken and thrown away because the president said so. I remember Obama telling that his girls came home from school and were crying because their classmates had same sex parents and they should be able to marry. So if I remember right, the president let his school girls make that decision for us. Makes me kinda ill if you know what I mean. ...... thanks again my dear friend.
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Amen
