Book

He was not the kind of book you left upon the shelf…
He had lived seventy years before I met him myself.
Playing the fiddle, spoons, and glasses of water,
His music filled the room, and stories and laughter until soon
Dancing broke out bringing joy to full bloom.
My Great Uncle Book was a tall, lanky man.
He didn’t have any teeth; so, he’d crack nuts with a hammer in order to eat.
He drank his coffee in a bowl poured over one of my granny’s delicious homemade biscuits…
Bless his soul…
A master storyteller and riddle-maker, why he’d lived a lifetime
before I knew him…he was my best friend…
Sitting on the old, porch-stoop, he’d whittle and spit chewing tobacco
hitting a fly as it flew by…
Cut out newspaper articles and glued em in a big scrapbook.
Every now and then I’d take a look…Oh the thrill of him was all it took
For me to sit for hours and listen to my Uncle Book!
Groomed by granny, she cut his hair and gave him a shave
He wasn’t afeared he was always brave…
And then when he was seventy-nine, he was called to heaven and left us all behind.
I’ll never forget this man called Book, named after The Great, Old Holy Book.
It’s been sixty-three years, I’m now seventy-two.
Uncle Book was a kind man and that’s who,
I think of often when I write.
~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 23, 2026
2 Timothy 1:6-7 King James Version
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I couldn’t find the picture of Uncle Book and I but here he is with my granny Sallie, and three of her children. (My mama, Uncle David and Uncle RL.)

The Holy One

The mind of man cannot comprehend the Holiness, of God.
The one who is, I AM that I AM!
His glory is displayed throughout eternity, and yet, our eyes cannot see, the One who is, and forevermore shall be!
He walks in pure light!
He is Love without blemish, sacred delight!
He’s unafraid of the darkness!
But no one can draw near, without the Blood of the Lamb!
Oh listen, please hear!
Coming into this putrid, dirty, fallen world, where the stench of death has taken control, like lepers we troll in an unclean, place.
Everywhere in everyone, unclean, undone~
The Holy One, has come.
He is Savior from death, Deliverer from hell and has overcome the grave…
It is His Holy Blood that saves~
~Marla Shaw O’Neill, January 12, 2026
1 Peter 1:15-17 King James Version – But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Romans 5:8 King James Version – But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Abba Are You There

Daddy! Daddy!
You who formed me in my mother’s womb,
Planted trees, hung the stars and the moon…
You who spoke and light was formed; the darkness could not comprehend…
It was your hands, that formed humankind
You breathed life into a clay-man…
A gardener, tending animals, overseeing the land…
Daddy, Oh, Daddy~
You who redeemed mankind, healed the sick, raised the dead, restored sight to the blind…
Even now your arms open wide, you call, “Come to me child, you’ll be safe inside,
My Love for you, never dies… be still, abide~ “
Hold on to the Father, where peace and joy you’ll find,
Grace and mercy follow closely behind…
Holy Spirit whispers, “Child, You are Mine…”
“Abba, are you there?”
Child, I’m everywhere~
Daddy, Oh Daddy…
~Marla Shaw O’Neill, January 5, 2026
John 1:5 King James Version – And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Romans 8:15 King James VersionFor ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Galatians 4:6 King James Version – And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Mark 14:36 King James Version – And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

A Life Worth Living

Little boy, little girl, living in a broken world,
Do you feel lost?
Do not run, do not hide.
There is One who’s not broken; He is Truth and never lies…
You’re in a grown-up body, but you’re a child just the same
Adulting is hard, but there’s one who overcame.
Fear and anxiety follow you all around, there in the darkness
You know the sound…
But darling’s listen, there’s one who calls you found!
Cares of this life, I know can get you down, living on a spinning-wheel
twirling, ever bound.
Remember this little one, there’s someone bigger, He’s defeated those old hounds.
What he did Eons ago, he’s still doing today…
Stop! Be still! There’s a better way…
See the stars in the darkness? They keep shining and won’t go out.
See the planets spinning? They don’t wander about…
Look at the rivers and the mountains and the trees, see the forever sky?
They were made to last; they don’t question why.
When trouble comes, they never lose hope or cry.
Life is a cycle it goes on and on…
Sun brings the sunrise. Evening brings the night.
If you’ll listen to Holy Spirit, you’ll stay in the light…
For the one who made all these things, His mighty arms will hold you tight…
He hasn’t lost a battle, it is He, who…
Surrounds you with power, love, and a sound mind…
So little boy, little girl living in this broken world
Rise above the darkness, sing the victory song!
Hosannah in the Highest…Be brave, be strong!
He’s called you with a purpose, live for him, and soar.
Like eagles, take flight!
Nothing less, he gives so much more!
Storms will come; death will knock at the door…
Faith and grace will guide you safely to the Lord!
Wisdom is realized through heartache and pain
With Jesus as your anchor all that you will gain,
Isn’t found in what you buy, or sell, or try to control…
Your treasure will be found In Christ alone!
Every minute you fret, the enemy gains ground…
But every minute you stay in Jesus’ presence, there you’ll be found!
Immovable, steadfast, possible, creative, loved and bound, not by your, thoughts
But by the blood of Jesus, that, is a life, worth living!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 20, 2025
Philippians 4:8 King James VersionFinally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I dedicate this poem to my granddaughter, Olivia Liverio. She inspired me to write this. I love you sweetheart!

Words

Words are very important how we use them can either heal or destroy. With everything that has happened recently. I’ve pondered about many things. Tears flowed as I watched the horror that has taken place in my country, and I shake my head. How God? How could this be happening? I know evil is ever present and I’m not naïve enough to think that all is butterflies and roses. Life is hard and challenging and downright cruel at times. In my seventy-one years of life, I’ve seen many terrible things, but this, people laughing and mocking and joking and lying about a young man, whose life was just taken, senselessly is beyond comprehension. A young woman murdered in cold blood, and no one did one thing to help her.
As others have said this is not about religion or politics. This is an all-out-evil-war with an enemy so putrid and diabolical who is becoming more and more blatant in his attacks. This is a spiritual war. It’s been going on since time began and will not end until Jesus returns. So, we put on God’s armor. We don’t back down. We pick up our Sword of the Spirit, choose our battles wisely, be led by the Spirit of God and fight. If God is for us who can be against us! God is greater!!!
This is what was on my heart, WORDS are extremely important!
God, spoke the word. (Gen. 1:3; Ps. 33:9; Hebrews 11:3)
Jesus, is, the word. (John 1:1-14)
Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Ps. 119:11)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. (Ps. 119:105)
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. (Proverbs 25:11-12)
When you’re a witness in a court of law, you’re under an oath, you swear or affirm that what you are about to say is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
You’ll be held accountable for your words.
God’s word says, we will give an account for ever idle (careless, or unprofitable) word we speak. Matthew 12:36
I’ve heard this saying many times, “What you do speaks so loud that what you say I cannot hear.”
Words are important. God has a lot to say about words in the scriptures, His Holy Word.
Be aware and take captive every thought because thoughts become words and words become actions. Words can kill or they can bring life to the hearer. We speak words to communicate. Choose your words wisely.  Reference: (1 Corinthians 10:5)
Practice self-discipline: Taking every thought captive is an active process that requires personal discipline and commitment.
In scripture it is written: Let your yes, be yes, and your no, be no. Matthew 5:37 and James 5:12.
When you speak from a heart that is honest and trustworthy your life proves your integrity. When you speak people will know and trust what you say is true. Your words are not manipulative or spoken with outlandish promises, which is seen as deceit and is considered to be from the “evil one.”
Your yes, means yes and your no, means no.
By your words you’ll be justified and by your words you’ll be condemned. Matthew 12:37
Matthew 12:37 means that your words reveal your inner heart and true beliefs, and you will be held accountable for every word on judgment day, either being acquitted or condemned based on whether your speech reflects truth and righteousness or falsehood and malice. This verse, part of Jesus’ stern rebuke of the hypocritical Pharisees, highlights that a person’s speech is a clear indicator of their inner disposition.
Speak life. Speak God’s word in love sometimes his word can sting. But truth sets us free.
The words of Jesus:
  • “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34 (King James Version).
  • In context: The statement “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” serves as a principle that a person’s words reveal the condition of their heart.
Sometimes it’s wise to keep silent and sometimes you must speak with boldness and courage even if it cost you everything. Because in the end if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will gain all!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 17, 2025
Some references were copied from Google.

The Song of Freedom

If the eagle never left his nest, he would never see the vast oceans and mountains
He would never soar among the stars or travel thousands of miles over valleys and streams.
He wouldn’t find food or meet his mate.
You, are an eagle, called by God to soar! Don’t let fear keep you from the call…
God is calling, Come up higher! It’s time to soar…
The power is within you, but if you never leave the nest, you’ll never know the heights and depths and width of my great love for you.
Step out in faith, and fly beyond the heavens, you are an eagle, created for more…
Let the wind of my Spirit lift you higher and farther than you’ve ever gone before…
I’ve given you mighty wings and strength to fly, beyond your wildest dreams…
Be bold! Be brave! Be courageous!
Don’t settle for the barnyard when your playground, is in the skies …
Don’t cluck-cluck with the chickens…
When I’ve given you the song, of FREEDOM!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 27, 2025
Psalm 103:5 King James Version Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
 Isaiah 40:31 King James Version But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
 Isaiah 40:31 The Message Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.
Eagles are efficient long-distance travelers that conserve energy by using specific flight techniques. 
  • Thermals: Eagles ride columns of rising warm air called thermals to gain altitude without having to flap their wings.
  • Gliding: Once at a high altitude, they can glide for miles, slowly descending until they catch the next thermal.
  • High-altitude wind: Migrating eagles often fly at higher altitudes to take advantage of faster, steadier winds to conserve energy.
  • Speed: A Bald Eagle typically averages 30 mph during migration but can glide even faster. Tracking studies show that some migrating eagles can travel as many as 225 miles in a single day, though the average is closer to 98 miles. 

What’s Around the Bend Mommy

    19th Century American Artist: Mary Cassatt

What’s around the bend mommy?
What’s around the bend?
Don’t look to see around the bend honey,
Watch the flowers in the fields, the clouds changing shape,
See the lovely trees and the busy little bees
And as we go along our way
Spend this time with me.
I know mommy, yes, I can see all that,
But I wonder as the drive goes on what’s just around the bend.
Live in the here and now, baby; enjoy the ride until we go around the bend.
There are curves and bumps and hills and thrills more than I can tell.
If you focus on the bend honey, you’ll miss the here and now.
Feel the sunshine and mist of the rain,
Watch for the moments of time we gain.
Not looking to the bend honey, that’s a mystery that remains.
There’s so much twill be missed on our journey, if you look only to the bend.
Right now, we’ll find joy and sweet peace within, darling, patience until then.
So, little one take flight and let your spirit soar.
You’ll miss this moment, if you look for something more.
But what’s around the bend mommy? What’s around the bend?
We’re around the bend honey; we’re around the bend.
I’ve gained a lifetime of memories and joy that gives me peace.
And just around the bend honey my journey has to cease.
Enjoy your life my little one and love everyone you can.
Soon we’ll be around the bend honey, and our journey will come to an end…
You’ll see the mystery of life unfold as you travel on your way.
And then you’ll see him face to face, Oh what a glorious day!
He’s just around the bend honey waiting for you and me.
Upon the winds of time, he rides and soars, the roads of victory.
And when we go around the bend he’s waiting patiently.
I can see him now mommy, as we go around the bend.
I’m so happy our journey doesn’t end.
I see Jesus in the clouds; his arms are opened wide.
Now I know we’re never alone, he’s always by our side.
We’ll live and love and laugh and shout, and then.
I know what’s around bend mommy ….
I’ll see you, and Jesus around the bend.
Inspired by HS – Written by Marla Shaw O’Neill: 7/22/2012 revised 4/10/2013© revised 8272025

Bit of History: A well-known painting depicting a woman and a child in a horse-drawn carriage is Mary Cassatt’s Woman and Child Driving (circa 1873), a 19th-century impressionist work that can be found in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This oil on canvas shows a mother holding the reins, leading a horse with her daughter seated beside her in the vehicle, and was painted before the widespread use of modern cars and was intended to be a depiction of contemporary life in Europe. 

If You Knew

Hear your heartbeat, feel your chest as it rises and falls?
Still, your mind and understand, the life flow, comes through me.
The great I AM!
“I Am the Way!”
Watch the trees as they blow in the wind, yet they remain steadfast.
Listen to the morning-dove cooing at rest, she is loved and truly blessed.
See the tide come and go, it knows its journey’s end.
The river stays within boundaries; you’re headed for the promise land.
“I Am the Truth!”
In desert places, wells are dug, En Gedi is, an oasis.
Weary nomads in the desert, search for water to thrive and survive.
This water never runs dry!
But only one has the living water, it flows from the one above!
He offers you to drink freely, the assurance of his great love.
Come drink of me, says Jesus and you’ll never thirst again…
“I Am the Life!”
Lord, give me this living water from the well that never runs dry.
Flowing from this endless well, then, I will never die!
“Come and drink! Tis free.
Then rest under the shade of my love for thee.
Cool, refreshing water, is a gift, given abundantly.
I, am, the Living Water.”
~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 17, 2025
John 4:10 King James Version10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
The oasis provided refuge and sustenance, representing God’s provision and care for those in need.

Turn the Page

Life is like a book, it’s a first edition, a rare find, turn the page.
The story unfolds and it never ends…
You don’t want to miss a single word.
Chapter one, the story begins…
From that first new-born breath we cry; we don’t understand.
We were content to stay in our safe place but then…
Tucked in a tiny place we needed more room so, we begin,
Traveling through a tunnel not knowing where it will end.
We learn to walk and learn to talk, young women, young men.
Turn the page, we’re entering a new place again.
Ten, twenty, thirty-two, forty-five, some stagger some thrive…
Turn the page, and before we know it, we realize we’re nearing
Our journey’s end.
Chapter eight, we’re still quite a way from the gate.
Some not so fortunate. Their story ends before it begins.
So, you read on and find, many twists and turns, your story is not over yet.
The author takes his pen and writes all that you’ve gone through and as each page turns…
There is a brand-new adventure, we’ve lived and learned.
Some with defeat and regret. Some of winning, hard work and sweat, turn the page…
Life is not a gamble or a bet…it takes faith to live.
Not knowing when the final chapter will come.
Turn the page and remember where you’ve come from.
Fifty, sixty, seventy-one…
Look to a new horizon, your story is still being written and when,
The final chapter is won, and the last page is done…
The cover is closed, and the book is set upon the bookshelf of life…
You’ll enter into another brand-new place.
The genre is not a fairytale, it’s no mistake, your story is filled with love and grace…
You’ll finally understand, because all those pages ago, you’ll see and know the one who, wrote your story.
It’s a best seller; it’s one of a kind.
You’re right there, written in the Book of Life!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 13, 2025
Psalm 37:25 King James VersionI have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Ecclesiastes 3 King James VersionTo everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
 Isaiah 34:16 King James Version – Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.