Wide Long High and Deep

He came from heaven 
To tour earth below
Humbled in form
His love to show


First in His word
Then in His deed  
Greater love has no other
He was willing to bleed


He laid down His life
In the most sorrowful death
Not a common suffering
For ALL in earth's nest


On behalf of ALL
Not only family and friends
On behalf of ALL
Even those who reprimand


Jesus defeated the dark
He did not stay dead
Rose up 3 days after
Just as He had said


In this single act
Scriptures were unveiled
Truths never realized
Stench of death just bailed


If we could bottle it up
All of earth's love and trust
It would still not compare
To God's love in Jesus


His love sacrifice
Was His invitation
To an eternal inheritance
Through reconciliation


Can't measure it Wide 
Love that's too Long
Up over what's High
Love Deeper and strong 


Michelle Fozounmayeh
1-29-2012

Scripture Reference:

John 15:13 

Ephesians 3:18
Philippians 2:8
Luke 24:25-27

Discovering Little One

Discovering Little One

She’s a special one

Worth the find

Placed by the base of a hedge

Protected until her time

“Listen up little one

You hold that treasure tight

It’s going to take a special seeker

To find your shinning light

"The first wont appreciate

The second will over look

The third will quickly loose patience

The forth holds a bitter root

"But one will take the time 

Thoughtful in His search

Turning over every stone

I have not left you in a lurch

"Trust me my Little One

You want to wait for Him

He’ll hold you up high

Look at your heart and grin”

The whistle rang out

Kids ran every which way

The first stomped next to little one

Dirt covered her that day

The first grabbed an egg

That was vibrant and in plain view

Tossed it in a basket

With hungry eyes she splashed dew

Hidden but not lost

While the other eggs were found

Little one was stuck in the mud

Buried in the ground

The second saw little one

But he didn’t think her an egg

Probably nothing good in there

He moved on with a twist of his leg

Who will take their time?

Most scrambled on by

If the treasure is too much trouble

Just leave her where she lie

The third picked little one up

Annoyed with her dirt and grime

Then her shell was too hard to open

“I’m done with her kind!”

Tossed away she fell back

To the very same spot

Maybe she was better not found

Protected just to rot

The fourth lashed out

A thorn made him bleed

“Why should I pick you up

If I get hurt while I reach?”

Hidden in this space

Told to trust, rely

But it’s so hard

When a little one cries

Sounds start to fade

The kids have gone to a feast

Eating up what they have gathered

Little one seems like the least

The hunt for eggs was over

Others had their day in the light

But little one remained

All through the night

The hedge of protection

Surrounded her very soul

Little one had to trust

That God had a goal

Not at all forgotten

The finder had to be tall

To see God’s perspective

And recognize His call

She needed time too

While the brush was secure

He couldn’t come too soon

Inside little one matured

The leaves started to rustle

A face peered through

His eyes lit up

His smile grew

An egg!  An egg!

What a wonderful find

The color was perfect

After all this time

“Out of the box perfect

No other will do

Who can ever compare

To the jewel I’ve found in you

“I believe in you Little One”

Is all He had to say

Inside the shell

New life gave way

He gently opened her up

And gasped at the sight

She held a true treasure

To His joyful delight

He had found Little One

Held her up high

Golden feathers in the daylight

Wings ready to fly

Kids gazed in amazement

Was this what was missed

“I’d give all my eggs back

For that sparkle, that bliss”

Breathing in air

Discovered at last

Little One’s heart took flight

The past was the past

His promises were true

She soared with the wind

God’s spirit around her

A new story begins

Michelle Fozounmayeh

1-24-2012

Saint Sadie

I’m in front of her writing

Hands I lick while they’re typing

Personal space, what’s that?

I’m just a curious cat!

Meowing until she looks

Pushing my head on her books

I want to be the center

But only in the Winter

As well as in the Summer

And it really would be a bummer

If in the Spring and Fall

I couldn’t be princess of the ball

So all year round

I’ll wear my crown

And she’ll just pet me 

Every time I asky

She pushed me to the side?

I won’t give up and hide!

No way I’m right back

Until she gives me a snack

Then I’ll forget she exists

Touch me and I’ll hiss

And I’ll even get demanding

Telling her about my fanny

Won’t poop in the box, it’s full

Won’t take her no-scoop bull

If she gets a little POed

I’ll talk in cat code

Purring real loud

No way she can frown

Turning on my charm

Turns off her alarm

Since I got the royal bow

I think I’ll nap now

November 22,2011

Dedicated to our aging cat Sadie

Afraid of What?

AFRAID OF WHAT?  

PRAY THOSE FEARS AWAY!

October and its accompanying Halloween holiday is the one time of year when the “fear monster” is allowed to run rampant.  It’s said to be just fun and games, but the “fear monster” likes to find a home in our hearts after the holiday has long since passed.

One of my favorite movies, the 1965 major motion picture “The Sound of Music”, has a scene about fear.  After hearing thunder as a storm passed by, each of Captain Von Trapp’s 7 children ends up in Maria’s bedroom for comfort.  The upbeat song, “These are a few of my favorite things” follows which seems to cheer the kids right up!  I love the song and it might help for a bit of thunder.  But when fear grips my heart in the deepest way, it’s not all fun and games!  Thinking of raindrops on roses, kitten whiskers, woolen mittens, sleigh bells or even GEESE does not cut it.  In fact, when fear is embedded in my heart the song I find myself singing sounds more like this...

Raindrops on windows and thunder unending…

Bright colored lightning and candle wicks dwindling;

Brown branches swaying, what will this night bring?

These are a few of my scariest things.

Hospital doctors and long pokey needles…

Bumble bees, sting rays and stinky butt beetles;

Black creepy spiders with red diamond spleens,

These are a few of my scariest things.

Ghosts in white dresses with blue glowing chains…

Fear thoughts that stay on my mind and my brain;

Silver stone walls that are trapped in my dreams,

These are a few of my scariest things.

When I don’t pray -

When fear gets in the way -

When I forget to trust my “Dad” …

I’m simply remembering my scariest things,

And I’m caught up in what feels so bad.

Fear beyond a few cracks of thunder is crippling.  I’ve been afraid of who might come through my children's windows, of failure, of someone not liking me.  Years ago I struggled with fear in such a way that it seemed to be a living monster in my body.  One day I gathered up the courage to tell a near stranger about my fears.  She was sitting at a boutique reading a bible and after revealing my fears to her, she promptly shared a good thing with me.  She encouraged me to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

As I memorized and constantly recited 2 Timothy 1:7, I experienced that transforming power first hand. “Dear Lord,” I would say in the face of fear, “You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  Day by day God answered my prayers and my anxious feelings were replaced with confidence in Him. 

The “fear monster” has left the premises, but it continues to peek its ugly face out of unexpected dark corners.  This past week I found myself fearing the worse would happen while my husband was away on business.  I recognized it and the powerful Word of God at work in my life sent the “fear monster” running with its tail between its legs.  

The word for "fear" in 2 Timothy 1:7 is not referring to general fear as it is commonly known, as in fearing a bit of thunder. The word in the original greek language is not 'phobos' (foboV) but rather 'deilias' (deiliaV) which means "cowardice". God has not given us a spirit of cowardice. The actual context of the words found in this passage refer to partaking in Kingdom work, that is God’s Kingdom, and not to wimp out.

Fears that keep us from Kingdom work are more crippling than a passing storm or a hunting holiday.  By praying and claiming this scripture for so many years it has led to opportunities to leave cowardice in the dumpster, where it belongs! To confidently share a good thing where I otherwise would have let fear win.  

One of the “good things” I like to share about is Moms In Touch International (MITI).  http://www.momsintouch.org/  A few years back I heard about groups of praying moms that focus on prayers for their children and for schools.  It did not take long for me to research it and find a praying partner, Julie Paik, to start a group.  It is a place where we partner with God on behalf of our children who, in turn, get to experience the same power of transformation while us moms, being aware of the benefits, actually do the praying.  Every week moms pray specific scriptures over their children’s lives that cover a multitude of concerns.  This allows the concerns to be handed over to a God that is willing and able to do more than we can imagine and definitely more than can be done on our own.  Being constant and deliberate in prayers directly effects our children with their constant and sometimes deliberate struggles.  What child does not have struggles as they walk onto their school campuses every weekday?  

When I first stepped up to be a MIT Co-Leader with Julie for our children's school (Yerba Buena)… it was an opportunity for me to set aside cowardliness and take on courage.  I remember loving the prayer time but was sort of a wimp about sharing this “good thing”.   Would people think I was “religious”?  Even worse would people think they couldn’t be real around me because I was one of those Christians?  Yes, the “fear monster” tried to keep me immobile. I remember praying for courage with Julie and He delivered a cup of courage all right!  In fact our cups overflowed and we now have over a dozen praying moms at Yerba Buena Elementary School.

I was then asked to step up to be a Moms In Touch Area Coordinator (an AC).  Why not, we had seen God's power unleashed!  "Why keep a good thing all to myself'" I prayed, "let's get every school in my area prayed over!  Lord raise up Moms with a desire to pray for their children and use me to be an encouragement to them!"   It was again an opportunity for me to set aside cowardliness and take on courage.  Right on que the “fear monster” tried to keep me immobile with a variety of fear oriented thoughts.  But if it had found a home in me concerning MIT, you would not be reading this today.  I am sharing this “good thing”!  As a MIT leader and AC  a courageous player in Kingdom work is on the field!  Taking action can be exhilarating!

Richard DeHaan put it into perspective when he wrote, "If God has given you some special work to do that frightens you, it is your responsibility to jump at it. It is up to the Lord to see you through. As you faithfully do your part, He will do His part."

My Aunt Janet (Brown) puts it this way, “When we experience tasks that are daunting... He meets us there with His sustaining power and all-consuming courage.”

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels, as the song, “These are a few of my favorite things” recites, can never compete with what God gives.  The “fear monster” can’t flee fast enough when it comes face to face with God’s immeasurable power.

Philippians 4:8 talks about how to step out of crippling fear thoughts. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I often think about this lovely truth, us moms hold a common thread that weaves us all together.  It is a deep desire to see our children persevere through life challenges, to accomplish great things, to grow in their faith and live out their God-given purpose to the fullest.  Our mom-hearts ache when life comes in hard at them.  Our mom passion is put on fire when our child is flourishing in a talent or a unique gifting.  We share the common desire for wanting what is best for our children.  Praying for them, their schools and classmates is one of the more pro-active and “cowardLESS” parenting moves we can make.

So then...you are AFRAID OF WHAT?  What "good thing" is God asking you to do for His Kingdom's sake? Pause for a moment and lay down those fears. Lay down whatever frightens you; what you see as scary.  In short... I encourage you to PRAY THOSE FEARS AWAY!  Then we can sing a new October song...

Rainbows from heaven and courage to start…

Bright Calvary's cross and peace in my heart;

Brown leather bibles and His perfect timing,

These are a few of my God’s promised things.

Unending love and new seasons of joy…

Provision for family and healing my boy;

Spirit filled moments by praising the King,

These are a few of my God’s promised things.

Girls in white dresses dance with the bridegroom…

Forgiveness, deliverance, changed lives are in bloom;

Silver white winters that melt into springs,

These are a few of my God’s promised things.

When I need shelter -

When I seek comfort -

When I’m afraid or sad…

I get on my knees and claim God’s promised things,

And then I don’t feel so bad.

"The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it!" Thessalonians 5:24

"All honor and power to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us."   Ephesians 3:20

My Annoying Little Brother and The Knock Song

If you have ever experienced an annoying little brother's attempt to de-rail a moment that at the time meant the world to you, then you might like to learn about my successful recording of The Knock Song.  A song that was written by yours truly at the young and sensitive age of 10 (or maybe I was 11, not sure) I wrote it with my heart, the writing itself was saved by my grandma Reiboldt for the past 28 years.  She recently gave it to my mom and just today my mom read it to me over the phone.  Oh yes, The Knock Song!  Before she could finish reading it, I was already singing it.  How could I forget my first song?  I remember it like I wrote it yesterday... the tune to it and everything.  I also remember trying to record it on a little cassette tape recorder while my brother did the dishes in the kitchen not far from my recording space.  I remember that I kept having to stop and re-record because my brother kept interrupting me by singing along, adding a few more "knocks" to mine or saying some remark that completely made me loose my place.  "Randy, this is serious to me!  Just stop interrupting and do the dishes!" I would yell.  And then, turning from my anger I would again attempt to return to my humble and most serene place. Because after all, the content was serious and to record it I had be calm and focused.  But he couldn't help himself, he had to get his voice in one way or another at every recording attempt I made.  The more serious I sang, the more mischievous he became.  Again and again I would snap out of my serene place and yell,  "MOM!  Would you make him stop!"  Of course he got a kick out of me loosing it.  My mom stepped in to save my recording session from my annoying little brother.  Finally he was silent and I got through the whole thing.  I couldn't wait to listen to the finished product.  As the tape rewound I replayed my song in my mind.  "Oh, Just perfect," I thought.  As we listened back we enjoyed my first (and what ended up being my only) recording of a song I wrote.  About half way through something caught my attention.  Those dishes in the background were quite noisy.  Couldn't my brother do the dishes a bit more quite?  But wait, as I listened I realized that they were knocking in a very particular way.  Almost like a rhythm.  One that matched my song completely.  My brother's "silence" seemed a bit too loud and a bit too perfect to me.  It hit me fast... he was actually playing the dishes as drums and "knocking" them around to my "knock" song while I sang.  As I came to the revelation I swung my body around to face my little annoying brother who stood in front of the sink grinning from ear to ear.  At first I was upset that he was making a mockery of my honest recording.  But then we all couldn't stop laughing.  I mean, it sounded really good.  No wonder he is now a drummer in a band and I am a writer and not a singer.

At any rate, here are the words for you.  I'm sure you will be able to "hear" those clanky knocking dishes in the background as you read all of the "knocks" in my song.  Enjoy!

The Knock Song

By Michelle Jordan (10/11 years old)

Written in 1984

God wants my heart in tune, yes in tune

I hear a knock knock knock, in my room

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, “Let me in”

Knock knock knock, “You’ll be free from sin”

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, “Don’t be afraid”

Knock knock knock, “You’ll be saved today”

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock

Knock knock knock, I finally let him in

Knock knock knock, Jesus had a grin

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, sin is banging on the door

Knock knock knock, he can’t take it anymore

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, satin is leeeeeev-in

Knock knock knock, this is the end

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

(fade voice away)

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock...

70th Wedding Anniversary

Happy 70th Anniversary Poem

Nick

Shirin

Lexi

Frederick

In 1941 they said “I Do” with a kiss

Now its been 70 years of bliss

He married the girl next door

Lillian proved she was no bore

A smile that lit up the room

A laugh that brushed off doom

She liked him too

He was a cool dude

Armond was the Italian man

Who provided for the “fam”

With his hands he worked to the top

Owning a high class hair dressing shop

Soon they had two more pearls

Cecilia and Phyllis, the Pilone girls

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

And not one more

In 1958 they moved from shore to shore

To Carmel California from Long Island New York

The Pilone girls grew up the same

It wasn’t too long when grandkids came

Cecila had three cutie pies

Phyllis did too, I’m telling no lies

3 + 3 = 6

5 girls & 1 boy in the mix

Then came the great-grandkids, so much!

And we are 4 of the whole bunch!

Grandma Pilone likes to pray

She goes to Church each Sunday

Grandpa Pilone drives here there

Without a single moment to spare

She made my blankie

It makes me happy

We love you both and the way you are (s)

Happy 70th Anniversary from 4 of your stars!

Written by Michelle Fozounmayeh on July 24, 2011

Recited by Nick Oldham, Shirin Fozounmayeh, Alexa Oldham and Frederick Fozounmayeh at Armond(94) and Lillian(95) Pilone's 70th Wedding Anniversary party.

Blessed Be Your Name

It's easy to sing a song that blesses the name of the Lord

when things are going oh so well.

The challenge is singing this truth no matter how things are going.

It really becomes an act of submission.

A proclamation regardless of feelings.

Truth that no circumstance can deny.

Today I choose to bless His name!

If I don't, the rocks will.

BLESSED BE YOUR NAME...

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Poem to Mom in 2002

TO MY MOM ON MOTHER’S DAY 2002

Feeding Time!

But more than food you gave

Closeness and love you saw I craved

As I pinched your hair...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Bleeding Time!

But more than a band-aid you had

“That silly bee,” you saw I was sad

As I sat in the hall...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Shoe Time!

You watched me tie, on the first try

You watched me switch, a bit dyslexic

All the while I sang...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Story Time!

Major exaggeration, you had compassion

“Tell me when it’s fake, but go on and create.”

As my imagination grew...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Drama Time!

After every play, you gave much praise

Noticing God made, helped as you raised

So I proclaimed...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Paper Time!

After you typed for me all night

I got car sick on a rout, what a sight!

I sat in awe...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Laughter Time!

It would come without warning, so very frail

Dashing to the other room, leaving a trail

On the ground in hysterics...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Driving Time!

Friends with the road, there’s always a mode

“It matters to me, I want to come see.”

Feeling so special...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Giving Time!

You can never resist a daughter's plea

“Take this, take that, take all you see!”

Grateful in every way...

“I’m sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God gave me the best!”

Lasting Time!

Everyday I wake up and Pray...

“Thank you Lord for mom

builder her up as she goes along

remind her of who she is

and the gift she is to her kids

No one can take her place

Nothing compares to that face

I’m just sorry for all the rest,

Cuz God... you gave me the best!”

Happy Mother’s Day!

By Michelle Fozounmayeh

May 11, 2002

Treasures in the Darkness

The words held meaning

Soft and new from across the room

A girl that was paralyzed

Held hostage in a cocoon

Seemed distant I thought

A message I couldn’t quite grasp

A gift far greater?

Saying, “This too shall pass.”?

Those words stayed with me

Like a deposit in my brain

And came up again

When there was something to gain

“Treasures in the darkness

Don’t run, don’t try to escape

There are treasures in the darkness

It’s not a mistake

No matter the struggle

No matter the pain

You will always find

Treasures that change”

You said there was good

And I think it is true

I lived like it was

Then the fire grew

I was forced to stop

Long suffering that breaks

And I found myself asking

Why would I want to embrace?

A body that is halted!

A son that is in pain!

You watched your daughter die

On what planet is that ok?

My treasures were lost

And the bad had taken its place

Of what I knew to be good

Of all my time and space!

Walking the burnt grounds

Where all I had once stood

Reduced to black ashes

My breath took in all it could

Then down at my knees

Something caught my eye

The gift you gave to me

On the day you had died

I understood at last

That a life can be saved

If you are willing to persevere

If you are willing to embrace

I lifted my tear filled eyes

Grasping the gift in my hands

I gave over my pride

For the treasures of a new set of plans

Treasures from the darkness

I can’t run or try to escape

There are treasures in the darkness

It’s not a mistake

Beyond the cocoon

There’s no suffering or pain

The gift is far greater

Treasures that change

Michelle Fozounmayeh

Maundy Thursday 2009

4-9-2009