After an enthusiastic reception of the author’s first book, "Poems for the Common Man," readers wanted more of these down-to-earth, compassionate, and encouraging poems. This new volume combines not only her meaningful poetry, but also some humorous glimpses at life, and engaging essays for daily living.
You will not find esoteric verse expounding the virtues of some obtuse philosophy. What you will find are simple, thoughtful insights into life’s daily journey by a fellow sojourner, which comfort and bless the common man. These are writings which empathize with real people, while offering hope and reassurance as they point us to the ultimate provider of compassion and love—the Lord of Glory.
Betty Jo lives in Garden Grove, California, with Rowland, her husband of almost 60 years. She has three children and six grandchildren who all love the Lord. She started writing poems as a child, about the same time she received God's gift of eternal life.
Her poems and writings have been published in numerous magazines such as Child Evangelism, Heartlight, S.O.L.O., Bible Advocate, and international publications such as Apuntes Pastorales magazine. Her poems have also been featured in books, magazines, and other periodicals, as well as dozens of sites on the Internet. She was recently inducted into the Aviation Poetry Hall of Fame. For many years she sold personal Custom Poems, written for special occasions, as well as poems in decorated frames sold in Bookstores.
Having recently become an octogenarian, Betty Jo continues to write poems that come straight from her heart -- poems which honor and reflect her love for the Lord.
Her writings are also available on her personal Website: www.BettyJoMings.com
MORE POEMS FOR THE COMMON MAN
I feel compelled to write more rhymes,
And still I long, so many times,
For just a touch of eloquence,
Instead of my incompetence
At being able to express
Majestic thoughts with great finesse.
Though maybe not the way I plan,
My poems are for the Common Man,
With phrases such as "saved by grace,"
And seeing Jesus "face to face."
Just simple words to touch a life,
And help to heal heart-rending strife.
I'm sure the critics still agree
That no great poet I'll ever be.
Yet I'll keep writing for my Lord,
And seek His blessing as reward.
For I could have no greater gain
Than knowing I have eased some pain,
Or helped someone who's gone astray,
To come to Christ, the only way.
So words still flow -- each one a prayer
That God might somehow use, somewhere,
To do His will, and fill a need.
Ah, that's the source of joy indeed!
LORD, WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Lord, what do You see when You look down at me?
Do You see a blest soul that desires to be free,
To meet You in Heaven and join the vast throng
Of those who are singing redemption’s glad song?
Or do You see one who is looking for fame,
And money, and power, and worldly acclaim;
Who scarce gives a thought to the Heavenly things,
But loves first the world and the pleasure it brings?
Lord, what do You see?
Lord, what do You see when You look at my hands?
Do You see they are quick to obey Your commands,
To lift up a brother who’s fallen astray,
And help him find Jesus, the only true way?
Or do You see hands that are holding on tight
To allurements of sin and the darkness of night;
So busy with projects there’s no time to pray,
While building more idols to worship each day?
Lord, what do You see?
Lord, what do You see when You look at my feet?
Do You see they’re attuned to a Heavenly beat;
And following closely the path that You trod,
To bring them at last to the presence of God?
Or do You see feet that just follow the crowd
To altars of evil, with knees that are bowed?
Feet that travel the road that seems fun at the start,
But leads to destruction and hardness of heart?
Lord, what do You see?
Lord, what do You see when You look at my deeds?
Do You find me aware of the world and its needs?
Do I pray for Your guidance from Heaven above,
While holding on tightly, secure in Your Love?
I pray that my deeds will be pleasing to You,
And all of my life I’ll be faithful and true.
And may I with love complete every task,
So when life is over, I’ll not fear to ask,
Lord, what do You see?