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Lord, give me strength... (Words of a "Southern Gospel" song, author unknown.) Lord, give me strength for the journey That is facing me today. Without you, I can't make it on my own. I need you, walking close beside me Every step along the way. We've walked many miles together, But until I reach the end.... I'll need your strength, Lord, For the journey up ahead. I need you, walking close beside me Every step along the way. |
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The prayer of John N. Todd IV, at the wedding rehearsal dinner... on the night before his marriage to Libby Coleman. God.... Thank you for the many blessings you have given us, And for bringing us all together tonight, as family. We are grateful for your presence in our lives.... Your presence, which we can see every day. We pray that you will watch over us this weekend, And be with us, throughout our lives.... And exhibit your will in and through each of us. In Jesus' name we pray.... Amen. |
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JNT and PJT "letter-poem" of 10/9/05, to Britt and Jane Coleman, about the marriage of their daughter, Libby, to our son, John N. Todd IV. (Read this, out loud.) Dear Britt and Jane,
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Nobody knows what I go through... (A song, in memory of Billy Moore.) Nobody knows what I go through. Nobody knows, 'til he's been there too. Nobody knows what I go through. Nobody knows... so how could you? How could you.... how could you? |
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5/6/04 Another personal prayer-thought... by JNT Stay with me, Lord. Stay with me, I pray. And help me to stay with you. Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me, I pray. O God, have mercy on me. |
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Grow old along with me (The words of a beautiful song; author unknown} Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. When our time has come, We will be as one God bless our love. God bless our love. Grow old along with me.... Two branches of one tree. Face the setting sun.... When the day is done. God bless our love. God bless our love. Spending our lives together; Man and wife together. World without end.... World without end. Grow old along with me; Whatever He decrees. We will see it through, For our love is true. God bless our love God bless our love God bless our love. |
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The PRAYER of ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI LORD,
make me an O
DIVINE MASTER, |
11/9/03 An oft-quoted beautiful prayer |
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Granddaddy's prayer... at lunch, at a regular meeting of the Rotary Club, in Montgomery, Alabama (circa 1945): Almighty God, thank you for this food, and for all our other blessings. Help us to remember that thou art God. Amen. See link Granddaddy's Wisdom. |
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Another "personal" prayer by JNT "Let us see you" Lord God -- Let us see you, when you are near. Let us see you, when you're here. Let us recognize you, When you appear. And, let us hear you, When you are speaking.... And help us, Lord, to "get the message", From you.... "Energize" us; encourage us; Reinforce our efforts, And our thoughts, and plans. Hear this prayer, Almighty God -- "Our strength, and our redeemer". Amen |
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A JNT thought; a hope; a prayer... Lord, may I please turn this problem over to you.... This heartache, this loss, this disappointment. O God, help seems to be so far away; And I feel so alone. Please allow me to see you, and to hear you, And to sense your presence.... As I face this challenge, Along with you. |
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1/22/03 Personal prayer by JNT Stay with me, O Lord God.... And help me to stay with you. Guide me, and strengthen me.... To use correctly All the marvelous gifts (link) from you.... Gifts indeed -- that you have Allowed me to use, in this life. Everything I have is from you; Everything I am, is from you. Stay with me, Dear God.... And, grant that I may respond (link) To you, quickly.... and properly. |
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"Light Shining out of Darkness" A poem by William Cowper Posted 11/28/01 God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill, He treasures-up His bright designs; And works His sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take ! The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy -- and shall break In blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace. Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan His work in vain. God is His own interpreter; And He will make it plain. |
8/24/01
A hand-written prayer, found on the body of a fallen Confederate soldier:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything I had hoped for.
Despite myself, my prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
"A Prayer"
by Max Ehrman
8/2/01
Let me do my work each day;
And if the darkened hours of despair overtake me,
May I not forget the strength that comforted me
In the desolation of other times.
May I remember still the bright hours that found me
Walking over the silent hills of my childhood --
Or dreaming on the margin of the quiet river,
When a light glowed within me.....
And I promised my early God to have courage
Amid the tempests of the changing years.
Spare me from bitterness,
And from the sharp passions of unguarded moments.
May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit.
And, though the world know me not,
May my thoughts and actions be such
As shall keep me friendly with myself.
Lift my eyes from the earth,
And let me not forget the uses of the stars.
Forbid that I should judge other,
Lest I condemn myself.
Let me not follow the clamor of the world,
But walk calmly in my path.
Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am --
And keep ever burning before my vagrant steps,
The kindly light of hope.
And, though age and infirmity overtake me......
And I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams
Teach me still to be thankful for life,
And for time's olden memories that are good and sweet....
And may the evening's twilight find me gentle still.
Wedding prayer; July 2, 1959
From the wedding of John N. Todd III, to Mary Phyllis Jackson.
Our wedding ceremony was performed in the chapel of the First Methodist Church, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Dr. Paul Hardin, Pastor, performed the ceremony. There were only four invitees.... the parents of the bride, and the parents of the groom.
Dr. Hardin composed the prayer, shown verbatim, below.... and he gave us a typed copy of the prayer, after the ceremony. We framed the prayer; and we have always prominently displayed it, at home, for quick and easy access and review.
Our first daughter included this prayer in her wedding ceremony, in 1981.
Posted here 3/3/01....
42 years (and 4 children, and 4 grandchildren) since our wedding ceremony in 1959....
and we are still just as grateful to God, now, as we were in 1959.
Eternal God, our Father, look with merciful favor, we pray Thee, upon this marriage which we bless this day in Thy Holy Name. Hear we beseech Thee our supplications that John and Mary Phyllis may surely keep and perform the vows between them made. Give to them, we pray Thee, such everlasting love, such sacrificial devotion, such unselfish thoughtfulness, that each may forever think first of the other, and that each may always desire the other's happiness.
May they walk so close togeher in love and so close to Thee in faith that they may forever know joy and peace.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you peace; and may you so live together in this life that in the world to come you may have everlasting life. Amen
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Author's prayer of devotion.... By John N. Todd III, M. D. 2/11/01; 8/30/03; 1/31/07 Almighty God -- Everything I have is from you -- and is yours. Everything I am -- is from you. You created me.... and I belong to you. Forgive me, Lord, For my sins and errors. Stay with me, Father.... and help me to stay with you. Lord, help me to know you better -- And to see you.... and to hear you.... And to feel your presence, (And to remember that you are always so near.... so close). And "remind" me, Lord, ( Gently, I pray....) whenever I look away from you.... And when I listen to the world. Father, bless those you have given to me -- And those you will place in my path.... Every day. Help me to be an example for them. Allow me not only to teach them, But to learn from them.... each of them. Help me to share with the world -- And to give to the world. Lord, you have given me so much. Thank you for the marvelous and dear And sweet "human-beings", That you have allowed to be with me In this life. Bless and love them -- and protect them. And include them, Lord.... I do so earnestly pray.... Include these dear ones that you have brought to me.... Include them with your chosen ones (link).... Your children (link).... in your Kingdom (link). In your Almighty Name I pray..... Amen |
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A Thanksgiving-Dinner Prayer... by John N. Todd III 2/27/01; 2/12/03 Almighty God.... We are so blessed. Thank you for this food, And for this splendid family That you have gathered here today. Lord, we know that everything we have Is from you.... And that everything we are Is from you. Indeed, Lord -- We are so blessed.... And we are very, very thankful. Amen |
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Fraternity prayer; 1946-1947 The author of this website, in his first college days, attended Auburn University In Alabama. He became a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.... and lived in the fraternity house. At the evening meal, each day, all members (who lived in the "frat-house") were required to eat together in the dining room. The "Commander" of our chapter always sat in a designated seat. Before each meal, the Commander would call upon a member to initiate the prayer, which is quoted, below: Posted here 3/3/01 We thank thee, Heavenly Father, for this food. May it nourish our bodies.... And help us to believe in a life of love; To walk in the way of honor; And to serve in the light of truth. Amen. |
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"My Prayer for Bob Tanner" by his physician -- and his friend, Dr. John Todd (Composed 4-24-Th-97) (Bob Tanner died on July 21, 2000; as a result of carcinoma of the colon. He lived for more than seven productive years after the initial diagnosis.) (This prayer should be read out loud)
I pray, Lord, that you will bless Bob Tanner; and love him, and guide him, and comfort him -- as he goes through whatever travail you may have planned for him. Lord, strengthen Bob, and allow him to see your presence -- your hand, your purpose, your intention -- in all of this distress that you have allowed to befall him. Lord, forgive Bob for whatever errors he may have committed, and for whatever "flaws" you may have recorded in your "book", concerning his actions and his performance, during his journey in this world -- the journey that you assigned to him. Almighty God, my hope is that you will cure Bob of this disease that has infested him. Lord, I accept your sovereignty in all matters of human existence, both in this World, and in the life-to-come -- in the Kingdom of Heaven. I know that with one word, "Heal", you have the power to remove Bob's illness. My prayer is that you will speak that word, now, Lord; and that you will cause this dreadful illness to disappear..... and to be gone from Bob's body, forever. Lord, help Bob to understand that you "discipline" your favorite sons. My prayer is that you will include Bob among those whom you love the most.... those that you protect, and favor..... and I pray that you will allow Bob to sense -- to know within his very "soul" -- that you are in him..... and with him. We remember, Lord, and we understand, that you created each of your people for your plan, and your purpose -- and for your pleasure. You caused Bob Tanner to come into this world.... to be born into this life..... for a reason -- for your own plan. Don't leave him now, please, Lord. Allow Bob to become free of his illness, so that he can complete the work that you have assigned to him, and so that he may finish those activities for which you created him. Almighty God, I do
not pray that you will swap my earthly and humanly
requests for the divine plan and purpose that you have for
Bob. I do pray, however, that you will empower Bob to
tolerate his illness..... and to see
you, peacefully, in whatever you have in your
design for him. And, most of all, I pray that you will accept Bob, to be among your "chosen" ones, for eternity -- in the company of God's people...... both now, and in the life-to-come. Father, help all of us -- your people -- to remember that "it is not for this life only that the Christ has given us hope". Lord -- in your Book of Truth, your Bible, you say the following words, to comfort your people.... and to instruct us about yourself. Help us always to recall your counsel:
Almighty God, I pray this prayer in your holy and all-powerful name. Amen.
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"Bishop Doane, on His Dog" Posted here, 5/3/01 See link to related tablet: "ANGELS" I am quite sure he thinks that I am God -- Since he is God, on whom each one depends For life, and all things that His bounty sends -- My dear old dog, most constant of all friends; Not quick to mind, but quicker far than I To Him, whom God I know and own. His eye, deep brown and liquid -- Watches for my nod. He is more patient beneath the rod, Than I, when God His wise corrections sends. He looks
love at me, deep as words e'er spake; |
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"The Cross in my Pocket" By Verna Thomas A printed copy of this simple but beautiful poem came with each of several "pocket-crosses" that my wife and I bought for ourselves, and for our four children, and for certain friends -- more than 20 years ago. I carry a Cross in my pocket -- A simple reminder to me Of the fact that I am a Christian, No matter where I may be. This little Cross is not magic, Nor is it a good-luck charm. It isn't meant to protect me From every physical harm. It's not for identification, For all the world to see. It simply is an understanding Between my Savior, and me. When I put my hand in my pocket To bring out a coin or key, The Cross is there to remind me Of the price He paid for me. It reminds me too, to be thankful For my blessings day by day -- And to strive to serve Him better In all that I do and say. It's also a daily reminder Of the peace and comfort I share With all who know my Master, And give themselves to His care. So, I carry a Cross in my pocket, Reminding me -- no one but me -- That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life, If only I will let Him be |
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My Phyllee (A poem by Dr. John N. Todd; for his wife, Phyllis J. Todd) 7/2/01 It was many and many a year ago In our kingdom on the lea, That a maiden there lived Whom you many know, By the name of P-J-T. She was a child.... I was full-grown.... But I wanted this "Dear Pearl" To be my own -- Just for me.... mine alone. I now call this beauty "My Phyllee".... And, after 42 years -- plus three, (In our "Kingsway" on the lea) She still belongs to me. She has lived.... and lives 'til now.... With no other thought, Than to love, and be loved by.... me. Just PJT -- with JNT. By: John (Edgar-Allen) Todd (7/2/01) |
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Song to Mary Alton.... when she was a child (Recalled, November 2003) She's my honey, She's my sweet. See her walking, Down the street. She's so nice, And she's so fine. She's my little VALENTINE. Maaaary Alton ! ! |
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Poem for Doggie-Pearl January 2004 She's my doggie, She's my Pearl. Cutest canine In the world. She's so sweet, And she's so smart. That's the way she won my heart. (Largely human.... we know.) |
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7/6/03
A poem, by John Todd, written in 1991, after the death of a dear canine friend. |
FLOWERS
FOR PENELOPE A poem
by John N. Todd III |
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Posted
here
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"White Shoes"
Now, the
shoes.... Joe-Baby
loves the shoes; He comes
in. Joe-Baby
understands: Joe-Baby
loves it; |
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"SUNSHINE" IS MY NAME Remembering a dear canine friend, a Sheltie, who died in 1995. By John N. Todd III, M. D. 6/27/92; 8/30/03; 9/1/03; 9/21/03; 3/1/06 CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format of this poem "Sunshine" is my name. (Sometimes, they call me "Sunny".) Actually, my name is "Golden Sunshine". My last name, they say, is Todd.... For I bear the name of him who directs me, And teaches me, And guides me, and watches over me, and protects me -- My Master. (Sometimes, I hear my humans call him "Dad", or "Pop".... And, with a smile.... sometimes they call him "King".) They tell me I'm a "dog"; They call me a "Sheltie". I don't know exactly what that means. Sometimes I think I may be a "human"; A lot like (or, kinda like) the Master -- Him.... whom I serve. But, really, I know that I am different from the Master -- My thoughts are not his thoughts; My ways are not his ways. But, within my self, I try to be like my Master. (I'm beginning to see why they call him "King".) Sometimes I think that I am doing right.... And that I am "responding" as the Master wants. Other times, I know that I am falling short -- Far short! Sometimes, the Master leads me by my collar. To show me his way. And, lotta times, I pull on the lead -- To tell the Master where I want to go. Occasionally, the Master jerks me by the collar.... When I don't agree-with what he wants me to do. He leads me where he wants me to go... And, truly, that's okay with me. (I keep trying to learn his ways.... And to do what's right.... in his eyes.) My Master takes me places. He takes me where he wants me to go. Sometimes he lets me know where I'm going.... At other times, I have no idea where he's leading me. But.... this I have found out -- The Master is always there with me, at my side.... If I don't see him, I feel his presence, close to me. At times, we go the easy way.... Like going for a ride, in a car. Other times, we just start out.... (The Master and I).... Going wherever he chooses to take me. I always enjoy going with the Master. I feel safe -- and I have fun, and joy. The Master (The "King") is in charge of the doors, In my life. Sometimes, he opens the door, for me.... To free me.... to let me explore new horizons.... "outside". At other times, he closes the door.... When he knows there is danger.... out there. He knows what is safe, for me.... And he knows what's best for me.... Because he really loves me. If I do something wrong, I hear the Master say "NO", In a loud and booming and scary voice. So, I quickly learn what I can do.... And, I've figured-out a lotta things I can't do. When I'm good, and when I respond correctly, the Master says, "Nice doggie".... And he pats me on the head. And that always makes me feel good.... And, a lot better. The Master takes care of me. Everything I have is from him.... And belongs to him. I don't really "own" anything; But, whatever I possess, whatever I claim to be mine, Is really his -- The Master's, that is. The Master is always busy. I don't really understand what he's up to -- But, then, I guess I'm not really supposed to understand. After all, I'm not like him, yet -- Try as I may! I know that my Master loves me Just as I am. And I know, that one of these days, As I grow, and learn.... And as he guides me, and trains me.... And as he helps me to mature in my thoughts.... I'll get to be like him.... just like him. Maybe, then, he'll call me one of his "children". For now.... It's like I said before.... They tell me I'm a dog. A puppy-dog. But, still.... I'm not sure. I believe that I am growing, and changing.... And that I'll soon get to be Just like my Master. Then, I'm hoping.... I'll be with him All the time.... forever and ever. |
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Words to a sweet and sad lovesong. I learned this song, many years ago, when I heard it sung by Perry Como.... on a recording on an old "LP".... in about 1950. Read these words out loud: "Goodbye, Sue" They were standing in a crowded station.... So unaware of all the people there. I didn't mean to hear their converstion, But anyone could tell, It was their last farewell. "Goodbye Sue, All the best of luck to you. You've been my only gal; What's more, my best pal. Please don't cry. Smile until the clouds roll by. Don't kiss me, dear.... Just walk away; Or I could never ever say, Goodbye.... Goodbye, Sue." |