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Is it a refuge from today's cares? Do you joyfully anticipate My church and your church is all of these,
My Church and your Church
Jeannette Rankin Byers
Paris, Texas
Is it a building of marble, stone
and stained glass, with a cross
in the sky of wood?
Is it a place to gather for songs,
and prayer, and classes
to learn the good?
hustle, worry, and doubts,
a world of strife?
Does worship there renew the spirit,
rekindle zest for Life?
going to the sanctuary
on the Sabbath day?
Hearing the Scriptures and the Lord's words,
and joyful songs of praise
lifting hearts as we pray?
an earthly edifice
on the side of the hill;
That resounds with cheer and greetings,
songs of joy and praise,
as people come that will;
A place to listen, to lend a hand,
to proclaim His words;
together we share
and feel renewing spirit of faith;
and good will towards all;
the power of prayer.
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About six o'clock in the morn,
By their brother **Frank and a pal* of his,
And by them was the glad news born.
They were asleep when they found them,
And were side by side we're told.
Donald had lost some of his clothing
And was, no doubt, shivering from cold.
**Frank and his pal* didn't wait for a car,
They carried them home in their arms;
Yes, took them home to their mother and dad
Where they felt safe from harm.
Little boys and girls, take warning
From this story sad and true,
When you take a stroll at sunset,
Take mother or dad with you.
On March 3rd near Pelican
A sad incident we recall:
'Twas just before nightfall.
The boys were Paul and Donald Rankin
The former only three years old,
And Donald, the younger of the two,
Is only two we're told.
The family, when they missed them,
Searched the house and premises too;
And after having searched in vain,
They hardly knew what to do.
Sheriff J. J. McFatter, with his bloodhounds,
Could find no trace of them,
But we are sure he did his best,
The fault was not in him.
**Frank is Frank E. Rankin, Jr.
March 4, 2008 was the 70th anniversary of Donald and Paul's being found
An honored guest he is
visting me once a year
as one of four callers who
brings new wardrobes for my household.
Last child brought dresses of autumn leaves.
Next will bring robes peppered green.
I love them all.
Child of my winter
who opens the bat of crystals
and covers the house in a white blanket,
invent a giant toyland
of icy baseball fights
and colored tree lights.
I love you best.
Soon you must fold up the white blanket,
and put away your treasures
to visit me next year
with you knapsack of snow
and moist kiss of delight;
for I see my next visitor
wearing a fresh green gown
coming over the hill.
by Johnnye Ruth Rankin Griffin
Writer and Member -
Lebanon Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Lebanon, OH
I built a castle in the sand, I worked to make it larger still. And as the sun began to set I sadly saw my fallen work;
And forged its details with my hand.
To see you crush it was my fear;
I didn't let you venture near.
I built a moat and let it fill.
I selfishly ran you away.
I wouldn't let you come and play.
I still was building on it yet.
But when the sun sails out of sight,
The rising tide fulfilled my fright.
But worst of all its you I'd hurt.
Now as I start to build again
I don't have you as my good friend.
by Daniel F. Rankin, Jr.
Pastor and Professor of History
Angelina Community College
Lufkin, TX
More to come - rankinotes