Steph's Poetry Corner
by Stephanie Fries
 Steph's
Poetry Corner takes an honest look at the raw emotions that
challenge today’s women, and seeks to offer guidance and comfort
through Jesus Christ.
Stephanie
Fries currently lives in Manitoba, Canada with her husband of a year and a half. She teaches Sunday school, and participates as a member of
the music and worship team at her church. She has been published both by the Winnipeg Free Press, and
in an anthology released by Poetry.com.
After
living both her teenage life, and the first years of adulthood
as a non-believer, steph developed an understanding of how
intense and intimidating life can feel without the help of Christ in
your life to guide you.
Email
Stephanie
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Chance
Stephanie Fries, April 2006
I sat cross-legged on the old blue couch glaring across a Monopoly board at
my opponent. My brother had just finished signing the hotel construction
contract for Park Place. He now owned every property on the last leg of the
game board. Unless luck would have me landing on chance I was doomed, and
he knew it. I was six, maybe seven at the time, but my age never seemed to
change how the game would end. In the world of Monopoly, my big brother was
a real estate guru--his patience and timing, always had me sorry I had
wasted my money on Baltic Avenue because I knew the six dollars rent off my
slum apartment wasn't even going to begin to pay for my stay, if I stopped
off on Boardwalk or Park Place.
"Chance, Chance, Chance" I chanted as I rolled the dice.
 My brother watched with a smile as I counted my spaces. He had done the
math and knew where I would land.
"Four, Five, Six" I said with a sigh, realizing where my luck had landed me.
"Aw Steve!" I whined in protest, "Cant you just let me have a do-over or
something!"
Stephen's smile grew wide and dollar signs filled his eyes-- He was in this
for the win.
"Sorry Steph," he began "that's not how you play the game."
He was right, and I was a broke six-year-old with a temper to match my fiery
red hair. And so, ending the game the way most board games between my
brother and I ended--I folded the board to scatter all the pieces, and threw
the game board on the floor.
I have made many choices in my life that have left me feeling as unfulfilled
as the dreaded purple purchase of Baltic Avenue have often caused me to
wonder, if it would just be easier to fold up the board, scatter the pieces,
and throw in the game. That is until I learned of the Salvation of God--the
one big 'do-over.'
God has given each of us the chance for a 'do-over' a chance to leave all
your sin behind you and exchange it for a fresh start. This is a gift that
all the Park Places and Boardwalks in the world couldn't even begin to
match. I am thankful that God gave me my 'do-over'. Without it, I'm not
sure where I'd be.
"Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God's gift
is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master." Romans 6:23,
The Message
I was once a lost lost soul
Searching for something to make me whole
Serving the world and sinking in to sin
Unaware that God could see
All my sin- but He came to me
Now He fills my emptiness within
I'm free-
It makes me want to dance
I know that now I have
The chance
To be the person God wants me to be
My love-
For God I will not cower
I'll stand strong
I am a tower
Built with love of God for all to see
He is in me
And I'm free!
The chains by which I was once bound
To the world- shattered on the ground
At my feet as I dance and praise the Lord
Through His people He has saved me
And this wondrous gift He gave me
All from Jesus' blood that was poured
I'm free-
It makes me want to dance
I know that now I have
The chance
To be the person God wants me to be
My love-
For God I will not cower
I'll stand strong
I am a tower
Built with love of God for all to see
He lives in me
And I'm free!
_______________________________________
Underneath
Stephanie Fries, March 2006
Underneath the reality you portray
Is a child who dreams of seeing brighter days
One with laughter excitement
Free of constant worry
Where you can go somewhere
But not in such a hurry
Underneath
Underneath the emotions you bare
Is a someone who's willing to admit that their scared
Yet not afraid to seem obtuse
Not afraid to tell the whole truth
Underneath
Underneath the words that you speak
Is an intellect that wishes for just one week
That you could forget all they ever knew
And think the way they did when they were two
Underneath
Underneath the clothes that you wear
Is a body that still shakes when its bare
A bundle of neurotic impulsive joy
Who at times is still timid and coy
Underneath
Underneath the lie she feeds the world
Pretending she's not just a little girl
Wishing and dreaming that she could digress
Wishing she could be free of this mess
Underneath
Underneath the person you see
Is this person who stretches her reality
To be a brave adult in a world of fear
Who often wishes she weren't here
Underneath
 Despair is an emotion that can often creep up at the most unfavorable times.In my life I have found that change--both good and bad, will almost leave me
feeling like my world is spinning out of control.
Having been married at quite a young age, I have often felt as though I am
being forced to grow up--to morph overnight from a 20-something into a
responsible 40-something. I have since learned that no matter how old I may
be I will always be a child to my Heavenly Father. When my world feels like
it is spinning out of control and I want nothing more then to be a carefree
child once more, I can curl up in my favorite Spongebob pajamas with my
Abba. It is there I can feel safe and secure wrapped in His love, warmed by
His presence, and awestruck by His wisdom.
_______________________________________
When Butterflies
Flutter By
Stephanie Fries, February 2006
 On the drive to
work one morning as my husband was driving and I was resting
my hand on the center consol he wrapped his arm around mine to hold
my hand.
For a brief moment butterflies filled my stomach and nostalgia
filled my heart as I remembered those first years of dating
when he would do the same. I remember how the touch of his hand used
to fill my stomach with a fluttery butterfly feeling. As we
continued driving I wondered why-- though I love him with all my
heart and soul, my stomach no longer flutters by when I see my guy.
I suppose there is a big difference between the love that we share
today, and the way that I pined yesterday.
Each time I'd had a crush in the past I was filled with a sense of
uncertainty-- butterflies filled my stomach and I never knew what to
expect. My mind overflowed with "what ifs", my nerves were
frayed, and though it seemed exciting, it was tiresome.
After being in a loving relationship I have learned that with love
comes comfort and security.
When I first became a Christian, I remember having a conversation
with a friend from church. I told her that Jesus was on my mind so
much and I was so excited about Him--it felt like I had a crush on
him.
I had the fluttery butterfly feeling and excitement with everything
that surrounded Him. I once feared that I would lose my butterflies
for Christ, and that I would just become "comfortable"
with God.
Over time I have come to realize that my love for the Lord has not
fluttered away, but that it has simply changed. Perhaps as long as
my comfort doesn't cause me to take Christ for granted, this change
in my relationship with Him, is not such a bad thing.
I can imagine the kind of basket case I would be at this point; if
after four years of knowing my husband I still was only crushing on
him and never got a chance to develop a deeper relationship. I know
that I would much rather be comfortable with God, feel secure with
Him, and develop a deeper
relationship with Him then get an exciting feeling in my stomach.
And just the way that every now and then Trevor and I can relive
that nostalgic feeling as I feel a few butterflies flutter--I know
that when the time comes--I will get butterflies when I see my Guy.
Love God like you love your best friend
Friendship will bond you to Him
Have a friendship with an undying faith
And openness from within
Love God like you love your spouse
With passion and fire in your soul
Know that god completes you
Know that he makes you feel whole
Love God like you love your parents
With respect honor and love
Just as them he watches over you
From his heavenly kingdom above
Love God like you love your children
With nurture, care and concern
And just as you protect your children
Protect God's mighty word
Love God with all that you have
And all that you will ever be
Love him with every ounce of your being
Love him unconditionally.
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