Clayton Desjarlais ~ Natasha Dostal - all addicts and ex-addicts

Clay, words cannot explain the depth of hurt that I felt when your life on Earth ended so abrubtly, so lonely and cold. I saw how your life was not ideal and how you always had that smile that made people believe everything was okay. As a kid, you raised yourself the best you could. I saw. I want to apologize to you for not doing anything more to help you other than the few words I would jokingly say to you when I saw you. "Smarten up," "that crap will kill you." "you have a lot to live for yet." "You can quit, Clay. I did." And then the last words, "Take care of yourself, Clayton," as you looked back, smiling and saying, "I will."

The day you died, I had no one to share what I felt with. So I wrote this to you. You are in a better place, I know it, the son that the Lord sacrificed for all of us has now welcomed you to the eternal love and happiness that you deserved here on Earth.

PRAISE YOU IN THE STORM
~ Casting Crowns

I was sure by now,
That You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away.
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say, "Amen."
and it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls,
I barely hear Your whisper through
the rain, "I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls.
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away.

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands,
For You are who You are
No matter where I am.
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand.
You never left our side
And though our hearts are torn,
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled
in the wind,
You heard me cry You raised me up again.
My strength was almost gone
How could I carry on
If I can't find You in this storm?

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls,
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away.

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven on Earth.

When You call my name, I'll run to You
I'll do anything You ask me to
Falling on my knees I worship You.

God Bless and help the many addicts, parents, families, friends and forgive the dealers that are suffering because of Satan's drug. God help us extend the hand and help to people who need us. Remember, it could just as easily been someone you loved, people, crack cocaine isn't particular about who it romances and kills.

Satan knows all the tricks to lure you back to the lifestyle. I've been there. He's had thousands of years of practice at tricking you. For you, I say accepting Jesus as Your Saviour is the only way. Don't beat yourself up if you slip up but keep trying. Open your heart to JC and He will help you. He will lead you but remember that Satan is right there beside you fighting just as hard to keep you. Reach out please, there is hope and love.

DON'T THROW ME AWAY
~ Brenda L'Hirondelle

I looked at you so tall and
handsome that day;
although not my son, you always made me
feel special in a special way.

"How's it going?" I would always say.
You would smile and look back at me;
and say, "it's okay."

The last time I saw you;
you walked in my house.
You came to us just to say, "hi."
"I was in the neighbourhood and I
decided to stop by."
Mom, I said, "this is Clayton."
You remember, "Debbie's son."
Look at how tall he is.
Hasn't he grown?

"I gotta go Brenda," and then you
left my home.

"Take care, Clayton."
I shouted as you darted away.
"I know, I know, Brenda"
Just don't throw me away.

You can beat this you know.
"We'll talk later."
You always hurried to go.

God, You saw him suffering and
decided that day, "My son, you come to
me and I'll take all the suffering
away."

Now Clay you are with Him.
Your suffering is gone.
The demons that plagued you
here on Earth have no chance in
your new home.

Who Am I?
~ Casting Crowns

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the Earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?

That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light my way,
for my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am,
but because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am.
I am Yours.
I am Yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look at me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

I am Yours.
I am Yours.

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
"Cause I am Yours."
I am Yours.

Submitted by: Brenda on June 22, 2006