Lady Cady

Faith * Family * Life

Poems

The Beauty in a Mountain Pass

I grew up in a desert climate, but I’ve always loved the mountains. We frequently drive over the beautiful Cascades to visit my husband’s family who live a few hours away. Even though we have taken that drive more times than I can count, I always find myself in awe of how beautiful they are each time we take that drive. (Also keeping my eye out for Sasquatch 😉 ) How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful world!

As I drive the Mountain Pass
I contemplate the things that last.
My heart refilled with gratitude
As I appreciate the altitude.
I soak in the beauty all around.
Find answers that, here only found.
Watch an elk as it wanders by.
Watch a bird fly through the sky.
Admire the complexity of a waterfall
And watch its paths – the big and small.
Breathe in the fresh clean mountain air.
Let the breeze mess with my hair.
Wonder at the majesty
And humility beneath each tree.
Enjoy the stillness faraway
From the hustle of my day.
Once again, my soul renewed
As I enjoy this solitude.
Grateful for each mountain high
God sought to make, personify.
With beauty that’s beyond compare.
God’s touch is clearly everywhere.
How blessed we are by this great earth.
How blessed we are to see its worth.

To the Inventor of Dirty Dishes

When I was in college, I remember being amazed at how often the sink was full of dishes. And how often I found myself being the only one to clean all the dishes… It often felt as soon as I left the room the sink would magically refill itself.
And then a few years later I became a mom.
My oldest two kids are now becoming more and more independent in the kitchen (which I love) but it also seems to be increasing our dirty dishes each day exponentially. The last few months, over the holiday season when they’ve had more free time, there has especially been a big increase. And so, I remembered this silly poem I wrote ages ago and decided to share here for anyone else you knows the pain. 🙂

Who invented dirty dishes?
And do they know they never stop?
That they just keep getting dirtier
and piling on the spot?
The water makes my fingers wrinkle
and it never stays too hot.
And the dirtier the dishes,
the dirtier the pots.
And everyone I know
seems to have a dish disease –
every time they see a dirty dish
it makes them sneeze and sneeze.
So here I stand once again,
with dishes stacked up to my chin,
and here’s my wish, my wish to you,
–wouldn’t self-cleaning dishes do?

I’m On the Right Road

The past few years have been challenging for many. Our family included. The thing with life is – it will always be challenging at times. So why not learn from each challenge and trial that comes your way and choose to lean on Christ to get you through.

Today I received some startling news
And now I am left standing at a place I must choose.
One path is anger and bitterness too.
Resentment and choices I can’t ever undo.
The other is narrow and incredibly straight –
I’m not sure my sorrow can even fit through the Gate.
And if, somehow, I manage to take it,
Do I have the strength to full undertake it?
Do I have the power within to do what it takes?
To fully forgive, let go, my sorrows forsake?
How much easier it’d be to simply hold on –
Hold onto the pain till my life is all gone.
But, oh, how heavy – my sorrows to bear.
If I don’t make it through with the right kind of care.
So, with that in mind, I’ll choose the straight road
With kindness, forgiveness, and love a la mode.
For Jesus is there waiting to greet.
To help and to lift these travel worn feet.
And I’ll pass on to him this new heavy load
And with peace I will know – I’m on the right road.

Always Be Loved

We recently celebrated the two youngest Cady Kids birthdays. (They share a birthday which is so fun!) It’s hard to believe how fast the time is going and how big they are already! Of course, my babies growing up caused me to reflect on life, where they’re all going, and who they’re becoming. Each of my kids is so unique in their personalities. I know each will go different places in life and do great things but for now, I’m going to love as many moments as I can – even through all the crazy, blue paint episodes. 🙂

One by one my babies grow.
Where they’ll go – I don’t yet know.
But this I guarantee to you
Each will be loved through and through.
Through each broken picture frame.
Through each family night board game.
Through each forgotten set of chores.
Through each trip to the grocery store.
Through each night while sick in bed.
Through each silly thing they’ve said.
Through each crazy sibling fight.
Through each crazy Halloween night.
Through each homecooked meal uneaten.
Through each card game that I’m beaten.
Through Sunday evening scripture study.
Through wet gloves and shoes all muddy.
Through lots and lots of piano practice.
Through all the little things that distract us.
And yes, perhaps even through
The times my walls are drawn on in blue.
And through it all as they grow
I’m grateful for one thing I know –
No matter what may come to be,
Our family is Eternally.
What a blessing, what a gift.
How much the knowledge gives a lift.
For this little clan of mine
Is a part of God’s design.
And though one by one my babies grow,
They’ll always be loved – this I know.

In Faith I Serve

Are you ever weighed down by your trials in life? Do you ever find it hard to serve others? Been there done that right there with you friend. It’s not always easy. I think it was meant to be that way. Anyone who has ever been served during their own hard times (hopefully) can understand the value and appreciation of service to others. Never fear what you may be sacrificing when you serve others, for when you serve you share the Savior’s light and that is always worth it.

Sometimes I wonder just “Why me?”
And if someday I’ll ever be
More than lost within the fray,
More than what I am today.
Will I have more strength to bear?
Will I have more love to share?
Then someone kindly reaches out,
And stays with me all throughout,
And again, I feel the Savior’s love
That strengthens me to let go of
The hurt, the pain that weighs me down.
The feel of being complete broke down.
And in the place where pain once filled
I feel strength and love have been refilled.
Gratitude, humility,
And faith with a bit more unbreakability.
My eyes then open – see the worth
Of these hard times I’ve had while here on Earth.
Of the person that I am
Of the strength of that lowly Lamb.
And I realize what he needs of me –
To strengthen others on bended knee,
What his followers try to convey,
What we each should try to portray –
Kindness, love, humility,
And a great willingness just to be
His hands to those who feel run down,
His hands to those who feel weighed down.
To serve with great tenacity.
To love with great capacity.
When we understand these things
We’re lifted up on angel’s wings.
So, with this faith I go to serve –
Maybe more than some deserve –
But in the end, it’s all alright
Because I shared the Savior’s Light.

Take Heart

Ever have one of Those Days? Or maybe a whole week or month or year – it’s one thing after another? It’s so easy to get discouraged, isn’t it! (Please tell me it’s not just me!) Sometimes when we are deep in the struggle, we just need a little reminder to hold on tight, to keep fighting and not give up. Because in the end, it will all be worth it.

When life doesn’t go your way
How do you smile, what do you say?
Is there sun to dry the rain?
Is there hope to heal the pain?
Where do you turn to heal your burns?
Will life always seem so stern?
What will you do if “today”
Will always be a “different way”?
Through the fog, do you see the light?
Do you need to borrow, to use His Sight?
This life is trying to build your soul,
Enhance your beauty, your self control.
So don’t let despair fill your heart
For God’s just given you a big head start.
He wants you back within arms reach
And Hard Times are the best way to teach.
Take a breath and get back in the fight.
Hold your head up, shine your light.
For today will soon be a moment past.
So cling to the important things that last.
And though today didn’t go your way,
Take heart – you’re the Master Potter’s clay.