New Year’s Resolutions to Stick To...
by Laurie Kolp

A new year, a new decade
the chance to improve
myself.
The biggest goal is
to keep my new year
resolutions,
most of which involve
partaking in healthier
habits;
exercising again, but
this time listening to my
Achilles tendons,
eating a more well-rounded
vitamin-enriched
diet,
finishing that book
before it becomes
forgotten,
and sending off my
piled-up set of
writings.
Of course, what
goes without saying-
do everything in
love,
gratitude,
forgiveness,
and good will
to all;
most importantly
and number one-
my family.

Who Needs Viagra?

Dear Whoever-Keeps-Trying-to-Leave-Viagra-Comments,
I wish you would have the gumption to say your name instead of remaining anonymous. Your harassment is getting annoying, so leave my wife alone. We don't need any Viagra in this house. Go pester someone else.
~Mr. K.

Christmas Eve
by Laurie Kolp

Is it really Christmas Eve?
Sometimes it's hard to tell.
People flit and rush all day
acting like they're from hell.

Just try to make it to the mall
or to the grocery store,
and you will find rude people
perusing the streets galore.

No patience or kindness have I seen
in the last minute rush,
everyone seems real panicky
their manners are like slush.

Yes, it's really Christmas Eve
and nobody can spoil my joy
because I try to keep in mind
the birth of our savior boy.

...Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today...a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.
~ Luke 2:10-11

FLY AWAY
by Laurie Kolp

Can you see my cardinal
singing so sweetly to me?
This is just one of the many
whom the other day I did see.
They cheer me up with their chirp,
I watch in humble revere;
as my cardinals enlighten my day
and I watch them with such glee
until they fly away.
Thank you, God, for setting me free.

Don't forget to hop on over to the Christmas party of the year. Click here for details. Hope to "see" you there.

GIVING
The best thing to give to:
Your enemy is forgiveness;
An opponent, tolerance;
A friend, your heart;
Your child, a good example;
Yourself, respect;
All men charity.

~F.M. Balfour

SO DO I
by Laurie Kolp

I put apple juice in your cereal
as the dogs chewed up the carpet,
why do you always turn the other cheek-
ignorance is bliss,
or is it some form of laissez faire?

I put your shirt on inside-out
but my feelings were on the sleeve;
why, oh why do you act that way
with your holier-than-thou attitude,
or is it insecurity?

I drove my car off the road,
the day is too cold,
I wish I had mittens-
or is it I just want
some kind of recognition?

Why don't you live up to
your good intentions-
butter on the bread,
or is it bread on the butter?
I think Dr. Seuss knew what he was doing.

So do I (maybe)...why don't you?

CHRISTMAS
by Laurie Kolp

Children singing on the go
Happy faces all aglow
Red cardinals in the snow
Images of mistletoe
Santa making presents grow
Tree’s aroma tickling so
Many miracles to bestow
Angels dancing in the know
Smile’s never-ending show

Oh, how I love Christmas!

Four things to learn in life:
To think clearly without hurry or confusion;
To love everybody sincerely;
To act in everything with highest motives;
To trust God unhesitatingly.
~Helen Keller

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.
~Matthew 6:33

You're Invited

You’re Invited to the Online Holiday Party of the Year!

The authors of CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, Marley Gibson and Cecil Murphey, along with the book's 50 contributors, will be the featured guests at The Knight Agency’s annual online holiday party! This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with writers who’ve truly been inspired by the Christmas spirit! Also, TKA Santa has more than a dozen prizes to hand out, including copies of CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, titles from other Knight Agency authors and a first chapter manuscript critique with a ONE WEEK turnaround!* Make sure you mark your calendars for this event!!

EVENT DETAILS:
What: Online Chat with the Authors and Contributors of CHRISTMAS MIRACLES
Where: TKA Chat Room
When: Thursday, December 17th @ 9pm ET
How To Chat: (1) Click on this link: http://client1.sigmachat.com/sc.php?id=115545 (2) Enter a username and password (any combination) (3) Click Login

*The winner of the first chapter critique will not be able to submit their work for the one week turnaround until after our holiday break (agents need a holiday too!). So, anytime after January 4th, 2010 this prize can be redeemed. If you have questions about this contest or chat, please email info(AT)knightagency.net.