To My Children

We gave you life, but we cannot live it for you.

We can teach you things, but we cannot make you learn.

We can give you direction, but we cannot always be there to lead you.

We can allow you freedom, but we cannot account for it.

We can take you to the temple, but we cannot make you believe.

We can teach you right from wrong, but we cannot make your decisions.

We can buy beautiful things, but we cannot make you beautiful inside.

We can offer you advice, but we cannot make your decisions.

We can give you love, but we cannot make you return it.

We can teach you to share, but we cannot make you unselfish.

We can teach you respect, but we cannot make you show it.

We can advise you about friends, but we cannot choose them for you.

We can advise you about sex, but we cannot keep you pure.

We can tell you about the facts of life, but we cannot build your reputation.

We can warn you about drugs, but we cannot prevent you from using them.

We can tell you about setting goals, but we cannot achieve them for you.

We can teach you about kindness, but we cannot force you to be kind.

We can teach you about God, but we cannot place you in His family.

We can pray for you, but we cannot make you walk with God.

We can guide you, too, through life, but we cannot save it for you.

But most of all, we can love you unconditionally for all you life,

and we will.

-Author Unknown

Time and Again

Thankful we for Gods' unfailing love,

And His mercy that comes from above.

Time and Again

When our hearts are broken, God wept,

We can do naught but his compassion accept.

Time and Again

It is in His arrms that we are caressed,

With unconditional love we are blessed.

Time and Again

Mercy and compassion we must show,

This same love to others bestow.

Time and Again

God must be broken-hearted and sad,

When we refuse the plans He had.

Time and Again

by Wilhelmine Mitchell