Christmas Is Finally Over!

 

 

 

 

Christmas Is Finally Over!

Luke 2:20

Christmas is finally over!
Now you can go back to normal –
To “regular scheduled programming.”
Away from this Yuletide formal.

No listening to Christmas songs
Ad nauseam that noisily swell,
At the grocery store,
Like “Come On Ring Those Bells.”

Your eyes won’t be hurt
As you try to drive at night
By those overdone gaudy
Christmas lights.

Don’t forget the political news
That captures the airwaves –
Left, Center, Right and Between,
All that socially saves.

On Facebook,
Comments about polite posts again,
Making snide mocking remarks,
No more good will toward men.

As you walk by today
No irritating high-pitched bell
Rung by the Red Kettle person
Raising Heaven.

Christmas is really over!
You don’t have to go back to normal.
You can continue praising God
Even after this Yuletide formal.

— Charles B. Mayes

Christmas Is Finally Over!  © 2021  by Charles B. Mayes.  All Rights Reserved.

Graphic:  RobinHiggins – pixabay.com

I hope that my satirical poem helps us remember to think about Christmas all year and to continue praising God!

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”  (Holy Bible – Luke 2:20 – NIV)

Happy New Year!

_______________________________________ Announcement:
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com now has a new connected  website HisPoems.com.
HisPoems.com
is a way to get to ChristianPoetryPublishing.com more quickly.  It also makes it easier for you to tell people about the site.  But no matter what, we are still here to serve you at ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry.  As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’  It is very moving, and one of your best.”  Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

If these poems minister to you, I’d encourage you to pass the word along talking with your friends; when you write an email; or when you’re on Facebook or other social media to include a mention of http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.”

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, please fill out the Contact Form below.  To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’  As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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10th Anniversary

10th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com
[ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com / WordsOnTheWay.com / HisPoems.com]

November 2011 – November 2021
“To Rally ‘Round – A Little Closer to Heaven”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 (Holy Bible – NIV)
_______________________________________________  Announcement:
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com now has a new connected website – HisPoems.com.
HisPoems.com
is a way to get to ChristianPoetryPublishing.com more quickly.  It also makes it easier for you to tell people about the site.  But no matter what, we are still here to serve you at ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.
_______________________________________________

Anniversary 10 – Amen

By – Charles B. Mayes

IN 2008 SOME HARD CIRCUMSTANCES opened my eyes to my total dependence on God. From this emerged my ministry of writing Christian poetry readings seriously and frequently.

“I do enjoy the poems and they do always point to Jesus.” Anonymous

THROUGH THE YEARS as I’ve been on the website, I also distributed printed readings through individuals, churches, and the LifeWay Christian Store community center.

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

I WANT TO THANK all my email and WordPress followers, LinkedIn readers, and visitors to my website for your continued support.

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry.
As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

MY APPRECIATION also to Samuel Rondón Acevedo who has done an excellent job translating  some of my poems into Spanish.

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’  It is very moving, and one of your best.”  Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

ALSO THANKS to my sisters, Nancy and Cherry, and Pastor P.T. Mammen for their encouragement from the beginning.  I appreciate the excellent editing of my wife, Dolores.  I thank my nephew, William, for helping greatly with the domain.

“I really enjoy your poetry.  I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.”  Travis B., Asbury, WV.

LORD WILLING, I want to continue to minister through these poetry readings.

“You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!” Steven C., Oregon.

God bless!

TOP 20 POST VISITS November 2011 – November 2021 in Order from Greatest to Least

1. Home Page / Archives
2. A New Year Resolution
3. God, Help Me This New Year
4. Changes
5. The Old Country Church
6. About the Author
7. Children Praise the Lord: A Thanksgiving Day Reading (with Actions)
8. Children Know the Resurrection: An Easter Sunday Reading
(with Actions)
9. New Book Ministers to Readers
10. Harvest Festival Time
11. I Don’t Have a Father
12. Running to the Tomb
13. New Year
14. Mother and George Washington
15. When I Right a Poem – Rabid to Write / When the Blessings Come
16. Holding Jesus / The Day Before Thanksgiving
17. The Last Thanksgiving
18. A Prayer for America
19. I Prayed for You Today / Christmas Memories / Children Know the Gift: A Christmas Day Reading (with Actions)
20. He’s Already Taken Care of It / Joy in the Morning

TOP 20 POST VISITS BY COUNTRY November 2012 – November 2021 in Order from Greatest to Least [2011 – Not Available]

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. China
5. Germany
6. France
7. India
8. Indonesia
9. Philippines
10. Hong Kong SAR China
11. Brazil / Netherlands
12. Russia
13. Venezuela / Australia
14 South Korea
15. Japan / Finland
16. Italy
17. Kenya / Nigeria
18. Bahamas / Barbados / Mexico / Singapore / United Emirates
19. Spain
20. South Africa

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, please fill out the Contact Form below.  To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

POEMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

Graphic:  Stuart Miles – freerangestock.com

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Catchya Later, God

 

 

 

Catchya Later, God

Hebrews 2:1

I’ll catchya later, God.
I got so much to do.
Helping with my family.
Things going on, new.

Gotta do the budget.
Gotta wash the clothes.
Put them in the dryer.
Trim the outside rose.

Take care of the mail.
File those important papers.
Drive the kids to school.
Make time for holiday capers.

Plan a birthday party.
Head for the bank.
Help my neighbor mow.
Feed fish in the tank.

I’ll catchya later, God.
Just carelessly
Slip sliding away
From daily victory.

        — Charles B. Mayes

Catchya Later, God © 2021 by Charles B. Mayes. All Rights Reserved.

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1 (Holy Bible – NIV)

If you would like to use this poem on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”.  If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com

_________________________________

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011

ALMOST BECOMING FRIENDS

This poem [Reflecting] is wonderful!!!  As I think back I can reflect on the Bible lessons some since childhood. The characters almost become friends to us, knowing about their lives. Thank you for bringing them to mind again.”  Nancy R., Kansas, OK.

SHARING AT SUNDAY SCHOOL

“I really enjoy your poetry.  I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.”  Travis B., Asbury, WV.

VERY MOVING

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’  It is very moving, and one of your best.”  Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

_________________________________

If you would like to contact me, please fill out the Contact Form below.  To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Our USA Congress Prayer and Our American Prayer

icon033 - Praying Hands 5

Our USA Congress Prayer

We should pray for all in Congress
To know Jesus Christ as their friend.
To know Him personally from within.
To follow God’s Word, start to end.

Jesus Christ is their only Hope
For Salvation of their soul.
To live with God in Heaven
Should be their priority goal.

We need to pray for all of Congress
Who do not follow Him.
He is the only light they have.
Now their trust and Salvation needs to begin.

Our American Prayer

If we all follow Jesus in the USA,
Then our freedom will come back,
Just as it has been taken away.
Pray! . . . Pray! . . Pray!

— Charles B. Mayes

Our USA Congress Prayer and Our American Prayer © 2021 by Charles B. Mayes. All Rights Reserved.

Graphic:  GospelGifs.com – copyrighted and used with permission.

We should pray for our USA Congress and for each other as citizens of this country.  Our only hope is Jesus Christ.

If you have stopped by my site for awhile, I really appreciate you. I also thank my loyal followers who receive this by email or through WordPress. May God richly bless all of you!

If these poems minister to you, I’d encourage you to pass the word along talking with your friends; when you write an email; or when you’re on Facebook or other social media to include a mention of http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com which can be connected to from outside this site.

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

If you receive these poems by email, to use my form to answer me, just forget the form on the email and go to the bottom left and click on farsails which will take you to my blog. Then choose this poem and you can use the form with the poem.

Thank you and please pray for our Congress and country!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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On Tuesday I will elect . . .

election-day-04

This is my first time having a guest writer, but this is a timely and right on message!

On Tuesday I will elect…

On Tuesday I will elect…to get up before my kids do, fix a cup of coffee, and settle in for some quality time reading my Bible and praying.

On Tuesday I will elect… to cast my ballot with a calm centeredness, resting in the truth that God is my King.

On Tuesday I will elect…to look my family in the eye and, one by one, tell them why I love them.

On Tuesday I will elect…to pray for and shepherd this awesome flock God has placed before me.

On Tuesday I will elect…to refrain from negativity and cynical jokes. (This could be really tough.)

On Tuesday I will elect to…welcome the stranger, a small child, a hungry beggar. I will elect to look deep into their soul and remember that this day is not all about me, or what I want. I will look deep into their soul until I see the reflection of Jesus.

On Tuesday I will elect…to honor God with my speech.

On Tuesday I will elect…to love by being a good listener.

On Tuesday I will elect…to show respect towards people with differing opinions.

On Tuesday I will elect…to walk humbly, do justice, and love mercy.

On Tuesday I will elect…to not join the doomsdayers who wail and moan over election results. Instead, I will elect to read Psalm 46 reminding me “God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore I will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” and ‘my candidate’ does not ascend to office (verses 1-2). As our “nation is in an uproar” (verse 6), “The Lord Almighty is with [me]; the God of Jacob is [my] fortress” (verse 7).

This Tuesday, join me in electing to be the calmest and most uplifting of all people. On Tuesday, elect to bear the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

On Tuesday may each of us end our day with a satisfied sigh, resting in the mercy-filled arms of the Great God who elected to love us.

– Gary Taylor

On Tuesday I will elect . . . © 2016 by Gary Taylor.  All rights reserved.  Used by Permission.

[Image – allthingsclipart.com]

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ChristianPoetryPublishing.com -” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Riding in the Wheelbarrow

Riding in the Wheelbarrow

By – Charles B. Mayes

I am reminded of the preacher’s old illustration about an expert tightrope walker who was at Niagara Falls.  The rope was already stretched between his side and other side.  He said that he was going to cross the Falls on the tightrope pushing a wheelbarrow.  The crowd was amazed at his statement.

Then he asked the group, “How many believe that I can walk across this tightrope pushing this wheelbarrow all the way to the other side?”  Most of the people raised their hands.

Then he continued by asking, “Who will ride in the wheelbarrow with me pushing it to the other side?”

No one raised their hands.  One version of the story has one person saying “I will ride in it.”  Then the person did ride.  Another version has the person riding in the wheelbarrow, losing faith, and then the tightrope walker carried him to the other side.

What about us?  We have put our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to take us where He wants.  We have not only thought about getting in the wheelbarrow of faith, but we are now riding in it.

During these hard times, do we keep trusting Him as we ride?  It is not an easy ride.  It is a treacherous ride.  It is a ride where we don’t know our future.

But Who is taking the wheelbarrow across this harmful area?  It is our Master.  He not only keeps us on the swaying rope, but gently calms us all the way to the other side.

Riding in the Wheelbarrow © 2020 by Charles B. Mayes.  All Rights Reserved.

“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” [Holy Bible – Psalm 112:7 (NIV)]

If you would like to contact me, please fill out the Contact Form below.  To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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There Is A Bridge (Hay un puente)

bridges-03There Is A Bridge

Suspended over unfathomed depths,
There is a bridge, not very wide,
But people decide to traverse it daily,
Eyes drawn to the other side.

Some won’t travel this lean span,
But choose a different wider way,
“Plenty of room and safety
To get me across,” they say.

While others know that
This is the only way to go,
Across this stained wood,
Safely from the abyss below.

Of wood and nails,
This bridge was cheaply made,
But with toil and love
A big price once was paid.

You see this Bridge spans
The gap between mankind and God,
And has supported people
Who, one way, from past to now, have trod.

Salvation comes by the Bridge,
Laid down by Christ before,
As He gave His life on the Cross,
So many could cross o’er.

                                                                           — Charles B. Mayes

There Is A Bridge © 2020 by Charles B. Mayes.  All Rights Reserved.

The Bridge between mankind and God is the Cross of Jesus Christ.  Jesus Himself said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6 – NIV – Holy Bible)

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

Hay un puente

Suspendido sobre un vacío vasto
Hay un puente, no muy ancho.
Pero la gente decide a diario cruzarlo
Con la mirada puesta en el otro lado.

Algunos no cruzarán este trecho delgado,
Sino que elegirán un camino más amplio.
“Bastante seguro y mucho más espacio
Para cruzar sin riesgos”, dirán confiados.

Mientras tanto, otros estarán enterados
De que este es el camino para ir asegurados;
Afianzados sobre este material desgastado
Para no caer hacia el abismo de abajo.

De maderas y clavos
Este puente fue fabricado,
Pero con amor y trabajo
Un gran precio fue pagado.

Ves que este puente, celestial, bienaventurado,
La brecha entre Dios y la humanidad ha acortado,
Y desde siglos a gente ha sostenido y aguantado
Permitiendo que el camino fuese atravesado.

La salvación viene del Puente
Establecido por Cristo en antaño
Dando su vida en la cruz del calvario
Para que muchos pudieran ser salvos.

           — Charles B. Mayes

Hay un puente © 2020 por Charles B. Mayes. Todos los derechos reservados.

Traducido por Samuel Rondón Acevedo.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – “Como ciertos poetas de entre ustedes han dicho: ‘Porque también somos linaje de él’.(Sagrada Biblia, Hechos 17:28)

Traducido por Samuel Rondón Acevedo.

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My Rescue

My Rescue

Psalm 107:17-22

 

The Rebellion

I was a fool
Rebelling against God
Going my own way.
Away from Him I trod.

The Suffering

The suffering was awful.
There was no hope.
Hating life itself,
I couldn’t cope.

The Cry

Crying out to God,
“Oh, hear me now.
I’m sorry for my sin.
To You I bow.”

The Rescue

He rescued me
Out of my distress.
He lifted me up
From all the mess.

The Word

His Word He sent
Speaking to me.
Touching my heart.
Setting me free.

The Healing

I was healed –
Mind and soul,
Physically and spiritually.
He’s in control.

The Thanksgiving

Thanking Him always.
Changed inside.
Forever more
With Him I abide.

The Telling

I tell others
What He did.
Singing for joy,
My sins He rid.

— Charles B. Mayes

My Rescue © 2019 by Charles B. Mayes. All Rights Reserved.

Graphic:  FreeRangeStock.com

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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There Is A Bridge

bridges-03There Is A Bridge

Suspended over unfathomed depths,
There is a bridge, not very wide,
But people decide to traverse it daily,
Eyes drawn to the other side.

Some won’t travel this lean span,
But choose a different wider way,
“Plenty of room and safety
To get me across,” they say.

While others know that
This is the only way to go,
Across this stained wood,
Safely from the abyss below.

Of wood and nails,
This bridge was cheaply made,
But with toil and love
A big price once was paid.

You see this Bridge spans
The gap between mankind and God,
And has supported people
Who, one way, from past to now, have trod.

Salvation comes by the Bridge,
Laid down by Christ before,
As He gave His life on the Cross,
So many could cross o’er.

                                                                           — Charles B. Mayes

There Is A Bridge © 2013 by Charles B. Mayes.  All Rights Reserved.

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7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com

 

 

 

 

7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com
[ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com]
November 2011 – November 2018
“To Rally ‘Round – A Little Closer to Heaven”

“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”   (Holy Bible, Psalm 12:6).

Anniversary 7 – Serving Heaven
By – Charles B. Mayes

IN 2008 SOME HARD CIRCUMSTANCES opened my eyes to my total dependence on God.  From this emerged my ministry of writing Christian poetry readings seriously and frequently.

“I do enjoy the poems and they do always point to Jesus.”  Anonymous

THROUGH THE YEARS as I’ve been on the website, I also distributed printed readings through churches and the LifeWay Christian Store community center.

“Love your poetry writing!  So complimentary in the common faith!”  Chanel B., DE.

I WANT TO THANK all my email and WordPress followers, LinkedIn readers, and visitors to my website for your continued support.

ALSO THANKS to my sisters, Nancy and Cherry, and Pastor P.T. Mammen for their encouragement from the beginning.  I appreciate the excellent editing of my wife, Dolores.  I thank my nephew, William, for helping greatly with the domain.

LORD WILLING,  I want to continue to minister through these poetry readings.

“You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!”  Steven C., San Jose, CA.

TOP 20 POST VISITS  2011 – October 2018

1.   Home Page / Archives
2.   A New Year Resolution
3.   God, Help Me This New Year
4.   Changes
5.   The Old Country Church
6.   About the Author
7.   Children Praise the Lord:  A Thanksgiving Day Reading (with Actions)
8.   Children Know the Resurrection:  An Easter Sunday Reading
(with Actions)
9.   New Book Ministers to Readers
10.  Harvest Festival Time
11.  I Don’t Have a Father
12.  New Year / Mother and George Washington
13.  Running to the Tomb
14.  When I Write a Poem – Rabid to Write
15.  When the Blessings Come
16.  The Day Before Thanksgiving
17.  The Last Thanksgiving
18.  A Prayer for America
19.  Children Know the Gift:  A Christmas Day Reading
(with Actions) / I Prayed for You Today
20.  Christmas Memories / He’s Already Taken Care of It

TOP 12 POST VISITS BY COUNTRY  2012 – October 2018
[2011 – Not Available]                        

1.   United States
2.   Canada
3.   United Kingdom
4.   Indonesia
5.   India
6.   Philippines
7.   Germany
8.   Netherlands
9.   Australia
10.  Hong Kong – SAR China
11.  South Korea
12.  Japan

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, please fill out the Contact Form below.  To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

POEMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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