Denise's Poems

It's Wednesday, a cool rainy winter's day My legs need resting, so another day at home, what can I say I can grumble and complain all I like or I can be grateful instead What are the thoughts inside my head? I do get a bit sad when I'm in pain and can't physically do what I'd like to Then I remind myself I have so much to be thankful for, I'm sure we all do I have a wonderful family, and I love and appreciate them all so much Even if the majority are not here on the Gold Coast and I can't feel their loving touch I have incredible friends, oh how special you all are Although you are all spread out, both near and far At present my Lara spoils me in so many different ways I even get breakfast in bed on some days I have a loving church family who encourage me and pray Thank you God for Zoom prayer meetings we are doing today Lastly, but oh so importantly, I have a loving Saviour, Jesus, who died for me Who'll never leave me nor forsake me and has prepared a home for me in Eternity So, please enjoy your day, whatever you do Knowing there is a special Someone who is so in love with you

I haven't composed a poem for quite a while But a memory on FB today made me smile It was a video of me being welcomed 8 years ago to Montreal My beautiful grandchildren were then quite small Now they're all adults/young ladies and ever so tall I haven't seen them for seven years, I think it is My heart is pounding and I'm all in a tizz They are arriving back on the Gold Coast in eleven days I'm so so excited, what more can I say To have both my daughters living on the Gold Coast Let alone my four granddaughters and of course my son-in-law, that really does deserve a toast!! I'm very grateful when God told them to come home to family I said 'Yay, thank you God' (He's being very kind to me) And of course to other family members, including Andrew's Mum, Grandma We love our family deeply, wherever they are But to have them close by and not overseas Will be such a blessing which we are so happy to seize Thank you God for loving all of us so much Thank you for being real and allowing us to feel your touch God, we are so grateful for all that you've done And we look forward to the future and what is to come Please bless all the family as they say their goodbyes Give them comfort where needed and hugs when there are sighs We know that your plans for each one of us are all for our good May you be with each Hoyes family member as they return to their neighbourhood

Today we celebrate Good Friday You may say 'What's good about that day?' It was a very sad day for Mary and Jesus' disciples and friends too I wonder what Good Friday means to me and to you? I'm reminded of how much God loves each one of us, even though we have all done wrong things He showed that through sending His only Son Jesus to die on the Cross, the One who has never sinned He took our punishment upon Himself that day 'It is finished' were the last words He did say This was His declaration that the debt for the sins of all mankind was fully paid The shedding of His blood meant we can accept His sacrifice, as God's punishment on Him was laid So let's be grateful to Jesus for loving us so much Let's open our hearts to Him and allow Him to flood our hearts with his loving touch Happy Easter and God bless you all, Denise

I've written many poems over the years But probably none that drew so many tears We would all know someone who fought in one of the Wars Some came back, some didn't, others returned and for some time stayed indoors One cannot even imagine the trauma those young people experienced in different ways For them there would have been so many dark and difficult days They left with pride to defend country and home They had no idea where they would roam The length of time they would be away they did not know They went where they were ordered to go Our hearts go out to the parents and families who were left behind as well They too were brave and would have many stories to tell So it is with gratefulness we salute them all this day No words can articulate what we all want to say Thank you seems so inadequate to express what is in our hearts this Covid19 Anzac Day We owe our freedom to you and for those who are still with us today MAY GOD BLESS YOU in every way. Being Covid19 we were unable to celebrate the way we normally do. No large gatherings were allowed but people stood on their driveways with candles to say Thank You

It's Easter Thursday, everyone has been rushing to the shop Let's take a moment to quieten ourselves and maybe even stop We can take time to pause, reflect and remember what it's really all about Is it the Easter Eggs, being with family, a holiday or just a day out? It's such a special time of the year that reminds us to say Thank you to Jesus for being willing to die in that terrible way Love for us compelled Him to give up His life all those years ago There needed to be retribution for all the things we've done wrong and rightly so He died in our place, took that punishment instead of each and everyone one of us All He wants is for us to have faith in Him and give Him our trust So, in these difficult and uncertain times in which we live today All we need to do is accept His forgiveness and say.... Thank you Jesus for what you've done Thank you God for sending Your only Son I trust You with my today and with my future too I'm so grateful that I will have a home in Heaven with you. God bless you, each one.

Thinking of those who are feeling the effects of this virus and the resulting isolation.... I am just writing a very short poem To remind you that although you might be in isolation, you aren't alone You may not be able to hug or kiss Of course, these are things we will definitely miss Let's make this a 'positive' for all of us too I am thinking of other ways to communicate with you A text message, a phone call, or even a note Remembering that we are all 'in the same boat' So let's give God our fears and any stress Let's look to Him to give us His peace and rest He doesn't make light of how we each think or feel He understands and cares as He knows for us it's very real His heart is saddened by the pain this is causing each one He knows what this virus has already done Let's trust for it to go as quickly as it came Let's believe that peace not fear will in our hearts remain

Today is International Women's Day If no one else is celebrating you today I just want to remind you with what I am about to say You are special, you are loved, there is no one else in the world just like you You are amazing, gifted, talented and unique too No one else can take your place, so just be YOU God is very much in love with you, I know that much And He is always there with His healing touch If life has not been fun and dealt you terrible blows too Come to HIM and let His love comfort and bring healing to you You are His creation, His masterpiece, the apple of His eye That is why His Son Jesus chose to die To give us peace through forgiveness of our sins All we have to do is thank HIM and invité HIM in So be blessed, my lovely ones, and that means You Not just today but all year through.

Happy Valentines Day to one and all today I have composed a short poem so that I can say Whether we are celebrating and give or receive a rose or two Or are spending it on our own as many of us do Our Heavenly Father wants us all to experience His everlasting love Which He expressed to us by sending Jesus to earth from above He paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving His life for each one of us All we need to do is respond, say Yes to Jesus and give Him our trust May we celebrate His never ending love on this Valentines Day May He fill our lives with love, peace, joy and purpose each and every day Have a great day knowing how special you are Love from Denise.

I absolutely love Christmas time, donʼt you? It's a time for gathering together of family and friends too In Australia the weather is usually steamy and hot Where my family lives in Canada, most definitely not It's very cold there and on Christmas Day they often have snow I'd love to visit them then but sadly for me it's too cold to go It's often thought that Aussies celebrate Christmas Day on the beach too I have never done that, I'm not sure about you? Some of us choose to have the more traditional Christmas meal Hot turkey/roast vegetables/ Christmas pudding - it's a really big deal Others feel it's too hot to put the oven on so it's salads all round The good thing about that is they probably won't gain 'a pound' I am sorry if Christmas brings sadness and pain It may be a reminder of those we have lost or not with us again As we ponder afresh about the Christmas season May we be reminded again of the real reason It's all about gifts of course but not just about the ones we unwrap on Christmas morn It's about Jesus who long ago in a stable was born He became a man and at the age of 30 began his earthly ministry Then willingly gave up His life on the Cross for you and for me He was without sin, He had never done wrong This was God's plan for mankind all along Jesus took the punishment for our sin on Himself that day So we can come to God and say Thank you Jesus for dying for me Thank you for forgiving my sin and setting me free So as we are unwrapping our presents, both big and small Let's acknowledge Him, the most precious gift of all. Have a wonderful Christmas Season and if it brings sadness may God comfort you. Love, Denise.

For the Disciples and Mary it was a dark day full of despair After the betrayal and handing over Jesus, death was in the air Even the sun was hidden and blackness covered the Earth Satan and his angels were celebrating and full of mirth As he hung on that Cross that fateful day many years ago Those who loved Him thought that was the end, and their grief engulfed them so BUT WAIT, SUNDAY IS COMING, a day to weep no more Jesus, our Saviour, defeated death and rose again for sure He died willingly on that day, that was His plan To take upon Himself the punishment for each sinful woman and man So while we all remember His death today On a day that the world had named Good Friday Easter Sunday is a day of celebration and speaks of hope too He provides Resurrection life for all, including me and you Oh what peace and joy receiving His forgiveness brings Accepting Jesus changes our life and makes our heart sing

Cross = Love That's the wonderful message from above Every person is the apple of His eye For the wrongdoings of each of us Jesus chose to die No matter what you have or haven't done in your life Whether you have sown love or caused lots of strife His death covers every sin we have ever committed, big or small He wants us to experience His love and forgiveness, one and all He rose again on the third day He sits on the right hand of the Father praying for us always His love is immeasurable, His grace never ending Through the Bible, His Word, encouragement He is always sending May you experience the amazing love He has for you today In a fresh, real, powerful and personal way With his peace and joy in your heart, and the realisation of how much He cares You will live a life that is full of purpose, meaning and beyond compare God bless you and your families!

The second Sunday in May is celebrated as Mother's Day For some that will bring joy, for others, sorrow along the way Whether you are a woman who has or had children born to you Or you are a Mumma to others in your world and in your work place too Maybe you have a fur baby to take care of who loves you oh so much There are many ways to be a Mother and to share your loving touch May God comfort you if Mother's Day brings loss and pain to you Please know you are special, very loved by Him and highly valued too May God bless each one as you help make this world a better place in which to live May you know his peace and joy as you sow unconditional love and where necessary choose to forgive. I pray today will be significant to each and every woman reading this A day where you will know just how precious you are and receive this poem as a "Jesus kiss". "I have loved you with an everlasting love" - Jeremiah 31:3

On 14th February some celebrate Valentine's Day For others it is a very normal average ordinary day Not everyone has someone who will bring them flowers and sweets Or hear the words "I love you" and receive special treats We may not receive a card, flowers, chocolates or anything Or get taken out for dinner or surprised with an engagement ring But one thing I am very sure of and definitely know There is a God in Heaven who absolutely loves us so Hè expressed that love by sending His only Son To die on the Cross, taking our punishment for the wrong we have all done So please know how special you are this Valentine's Day And experience Jesus love which Hè gives freely today. May you feel whole, complete and totally brand new Special, valued, cherished and forgiven too And walk around with a smile knowing the greatest lover of all time is in love with YOU. "I have loved you with an everlasting love". God bless you, Denise.

Friends are very precious and they've come in different ways Some are for a season, some are for special times or days One or two I've met through knocking on their door many years ago Mutual friends have introduced me to others whom I am very happy to know There are friends I have known from childhood and from living next door While I'm blessed with many friends, there's always room in my heart for more I have special friends who have become family to me too And lovely family that are such good friends, I'm glad this is true I have met friends through church and where I have worked and lived as well I have met them on trains, and buses - too many ways to tell I have friends in all States in this beautiful country, I know I have wonderful people overseas - oh how I miss them so I thank God for the people He has brought into my life over all these years I am so glad that we are there for each other - in happy times and when there are tears So thank you God for beautiful friends and the ones who are still to come too I am also especially grateful for my BEST FRIEND FOREVER - Jesus - the one and only YOU!!!

Thank you Jesus, I woke up today The sun is shining, it looks like it's out to stay I am reflecting on my life this morning I am so grateful for this new dawning You have blessed me so much, I am overwhelmed as well As I express it in words, there is so much to tell Thank you for leading me to you at 14, such a young age And you have kept me on your path at every stage I have had beautiful friends who have encouraged me on the way Thank you so much for keeping me safe each and every day Yes, there have been traumas in my life as You know But You have promised me you would never leave me or let me go You have been so kind to me, and gracious too It's hard to know how I can express my thanks to you You have done it all, You died for me You have forgiven me and set me free So Thank you again for everything and for family and friends too I am so grateful and I just want to say again how much I love and appreciate You.

It's December already, I am sure we have all put up the Christmas tree I've not quite finished all my shopping yet, between you and me It has been a big year, I am sure for all of us too My health has been up and down, how about you? There have been many good things that have happened over this year Though sadness surrounding the loss of friends of course brought many a tear Thankfully we have a Friend who loves to listen to us each moment of every day Jesus doesn't mind how we express ourselves or what we say There is no right or wrong way to talk to Him, no rules to follow at all He just says - Come to me and I will give you rest for your weary soul He wants to have a close relationship with each one of us, his daughters and sons too Oh, how He loves all of His creation, He so adores me and you So, have a beautiful time with family and friends as well May it be particularly special, with much to share and tell If this season brings you sadness especially on Christmas Day Please know I'm always only a text or telephone call away As part of our Hillsong Prime family I always want to keep in touch You are all very special and loved very much

I've just seen a video of Cher and her Mum, beautifully singing The words they sang really 'hit home' as I was listening It's about a Mum and her daughter and not 'hanging on' After the mother's life on earth has ended and she has gone It brought tears to my eyes and led me to this prayer Dear Lord, please look after my daughters when I am no longer there May they continue their lives with joy in their heart Knowing that my leaving this earth is really just the start Of my new life in Heaven in Eternity with you They can also look forward to seeing me when they eventually join me too I want them to have a life well lived Of loving you, their family and friends as they daily give Of themselves, as this is the way to have a wonderful life Hopefullu a life of peace and joy, with very little strife May they be a blessing to all those they meet too May they continue to journey through life with You Love you, my precious daughters.

It's a special day as it's my nearly son's birthday today It's hard to know where to start and what to say I love Wayne as if he were my very own son We have been through a lot together, including some fun We have hugged each other and shed many tears We've always been there for each other all these years Wayne is the stepson of Robyn, a good friend of mine I remember well when he came to babysit my daughters that first time We lived near his High School so he stayed overnight So I could go to a Bible Study, he came regularly every Tuesday night Then he stayed longer and eventually moved in to stay It wasn't til I sold the Galston house that he moved away I am crying now, as I think of the times we have prayed I cannot thank God enough for this man and am so glad in my life he has stayed So, darling Wayne, thank you for always being you A caring, soft hearted, loving man and a very special 'son' too. Love you darling. Happy Birthday. Have a wonderful one. Xxx

I've just got off the phone with my darling friend Rhonda today We speak very often and never run out of things to say She is without a doubt the bravest person I know That's one of the many many reasons I love her so She has been doing a journey with her health for a couple of years Mostly she says I'm fine but I'm sure there are days she has her tears To know this beautiful lady is to love her so much We have all been blessed by her kindness and gentle touch She gets on with her life despite visits to the hospital each Thursday She doesn't let her health stop her or get in her way We love spending time together and going to the movies too We ring each other and work out what fun thing we can do We went to see Hugh Jackman and Lisa-Gaye kindly drove us in her car Without her help, Rhonda and I wouldn't have been keen on driving that far Thank you beautiful Rhonda for being my good friend You're an exceptional person on whom I can always depend So may God bless you richly and abundantly, my dear And may each day you feel His presence and love extremely near

If you are reading this poem and you are a Ms, Mrs or a Miss I'd love you to receive these lines as a God- given hug and kiss God 'formed' you, and has plans for you as His wonderful amazing creation Each female born has a purpose, to love Him and bless a household, community or even a nation The Bible tells us He took a rib from man and created 'woman' out of that bone He took great pleasure in doing this and wants His glory through us to be shown Jesus died to forgive us and now He sits next to God in Heaven on His throne Jesus talks to the Father about each one of us, how special to realise we are personally known So, beautiful women, all over this world, whoever you are Please know in His eyes you are very precious and are a 'star' Not the 'star' that shines brightly in the sky above But one who knows Him personally and radiates His love So, rest in His peace knowing you are so valued and adored too Allow His grace to permeate your life in everything you do So just call on the name of Jesus, let His love totally consume you Then allow His beautiful plans to unfold as you trust Him as He wants you to God bless you all.

In Australia it's Fathers Day coming up this Sunday I would like to honour all fathers on their very special day To the Dads in our lives who have done their best To look after their children and hopefully 'pass the test' It's not always easy being a Dad these days Often children behave in all sorts of difficult ways They have to be the disciplinarian and lay down the law too In days gone by we've possibly been on the receiving end, would this be true??? I'm smiling fondly as I think about some of the times with my own Dad years ago I was the only girl in our family, perhaps I was spoilt, that's probably so Some of our Dads left this earth far too early, which left such a gap in our heart and soul My prayers are with those who have been sad ever since and don't feel whole Ask God to take away that pain, which is so hard for you to bear He wants you to give it to Him. He has so much He wants you to know and share For those who are Dads and are enjoying the journey each day May you continue to be a great example in every way May God bless each one of you and may you always know How to accept His love and strength and learn how He can help you grow He is our Heavenly Father who loves each of us without reserve His forgiveness and grace covers our shortcomings which we know we don't deserve So, dear Dads in this wonderful country of ours, enjoy your special Day May you seek His guidance and wisdom so He can help you to be the best Dad in every way God bless you all

'It is finished' - this was Jesus cry As the onlookers stood and watched Him slowly die That could have been such a sad refrain As His mother and disciples watched His agony and pain But that is not what He meant as his life blood drained away His work of salvation was 'finished' that day He loved us so much He willingly took the punishment for our sin So that we could accept the forgiveness He offers and be cleansed within Good Friday has such significance to us all today It's the day that all our sins were totally washed away Jesus was taken down from the Cross and laid in the tomb as well But wait, Sunday is coming and there is much more to tell He rose again on that third day He has conquered death and Hell and paved the way Through faith in Him we can have peace with God today. It's as easy as thanking Him and inviting Him into your heart to stay. When we love Jesus and our bodies die, death is not the end It's the beginning of eternity in Heaven with our Saviour and Friend

I have a very dear friend in Sydney who is 92 today I want to honour her with a poem, so thank you God for the words to say I met Joan when she contacted the Single Again Group at Hillsong Church many many years ago She was added to my list of ladies whom I was to support with visits and calls to say Hello She and I became close friends, and have remained so even to this day We speak to each other most weeks and never run out of things to say She's having a really special day today with so many calls and visitors too She even had an interstate friend who came just for the day, what a lovely thing to do She has two sons, Greg and Paul whom I've of course met and often had a chat Greg lives interstate but coming to visit soon, she's so very happy about that She's an amazing woman in the things she does where she lives too Joan, if you weren't there, they would all have so much more to do So, my lovely friend, have a wonderful day May it be very special and beautiful in every way May God continue to give you His strength and joy too As you journey with Him and He showers His love on you.

2017, a year of joy with great celebrations for some friends and family For others there have been huge challenges, which made life far less easy For many reading this Christmas newsletter, it is contact only once or twice a year Please know that does not mean that I hold any of you in less esteem - to me, you are all very dear Life is very precious, and relationships are very special to me Feel free to email or ring me anytime if you have a need It would be my pleasure to lift you up in prayer to Another who loves you even more than I do His name is Jesus, and He is the One who can bring forgiveness, healing, joy and peace to you Andrew, Vanessa and the girls are doing wonderfully in beautiful Montreal They are so excited that Grandma (A's Mum, Carole) arrived in Dec and they are all having a ball I can't wait to go back to visit again in the Canadian summer, next July If this year is any indication, I am sure the time will fly by Resurgent Church and its amazing community is thriving, they're all family to me There are now two venues, one in the city and one on the West Island which I can't wait to see Lovely Lara turned 40 last month - I know that's so hard to believe She now lives in the Byron area - she and George (her dog) moved from the farm to the sea Peter lives on the Gold Coast and has a limo driving job which he really enjoys each day He has moved into a granny flat now which makes him feel more settled and seems inclined to stay Brian and Helen are really loving their apartment overlooking the Beach at Fairlight Geoff and Rose's Oliver and Michelle have a new baby, Arlo, who is such a delight Geoff has been amazing in his health journey this year too Craig and Adam's Airbnb business is thriving at Lullingstone Guesthouse with the beautiful view I still talk about selling (for those who know me well, please don't laugh at me) My villa is lovely at Arundel so haven't yet found another place where I would prefer to be I am trusting God to help with this decision as only He knows what my future will hold I know that when the time is right, I will know exactly what to do, and then I am sure I'll be "very bold" I am still worshipping at Hillsong Church and really love it so I lead a very full life - pastoral care, overseeing the Prime group etc etc - it all keeps me on the go I had a trip to Sydney in September for Luke and Jess's wedding and Joan's 90th birthday So probably not planning a trip for at least another few months I'd say It was a shorter visit so please forgive me if we didn't catch up then There is always next time, even if I don't exactly know when! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and every blessing for the coming year May knowing Jesus give you purpose and make your pathway clear He thinks you're pretty amazing and really loves you so He gave His life to prove it all those many years ago. Love and God bless you all Denise

Where has this year gone, can you please tell? I hope for you and your family it has gone well It's December again, the Christmas season has begun Last night at at our church Christmas Celebration, Carols were sung We are all in the throes of Christmas shopping again We are making a list of what to buy for boys, girls, women and men We want to bless those in our family and friends whom we love That reminds me so much of our Heavenly Father above For some, Christmas brings sadness as friends or family are not here anymore For others, it's a time of great joy as we celebrate with loved ones once more You are in our prayers, those who have suffered loss these last few years May God bring you comfort as you grieve and shed tears For some (like my family in Montreal) it will be a "White" Christmas this time While us in Australia and elsewhere we will enjoy the heat while we dine Wherever we live, in the midst of everything happening in our lives today I love that we can pause and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas Day This Season is all about giving - God gave us His only Son Jesus is the greatest gift of all - the most precious one When we acknowledge that He lived on earth, and died for our sins We receive eternal life, forgiveness, a purpose, joy and peace within Let's make this Christmas the most memorable one for you and me By saying Thank You to Jesus and look forward to being in Heaven for eternity