Viola Parks Colorado Springs, Colorado

I was born April 26, 1922; traveled west in a covered wagon; was H.S. Valedictorian; attended Baylor University at Waco, Texas; and graduated from Columbia Bible College, Columbia, S.C., with B.B.E. I never married. Granted TOP SECRET clearance; worked and traveled in the U.S., Japan, Korea and Europe. I am now retired. I paint, oils on canvas, and have written three books of memoirs. I am a born-again Christian through faith in Jesus as the Son of God and my personal Savior, having acknowledged that I was a sinner and receiving forgiveness of my sins through His substitutionary death on the cross; and having passed from death unto eternal life, I am now indwelt by the Holy Spirit. I invite you to trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

Souvenirs Only a castle - in - the - air; Only a dream lying withered there, Covered with cobwebs fragile and grey, Gradually fading and crumbling away. Softly I tread the yesteryears; Echoes of voices fill my ears. Lingering perfume pervading the air Captures the past and imprisons it there. Precious and lovely the things that are found As sunshine streams in and dances around: Smiles and expressions, varied and dear, Mingling with memories all crystal clear. Only a castle? Only a dream? It's not what they are, but what they seem. Castles are beautiful; dreams are rare. I like my castle: I'll keep its fare --- as souvenirs.

A Prayer It's the things, I believe, that I didn't do That will cause my greatest remorse When I see my Savior face - to - face And account for my Christian course. It's the many things that I could have said, The things that I might have done, To encourage and help and light and lift On the course that I have run. My Father, I ask for the will to see And the wisdom to understand, And the grace to do what You'd have me to In extending this helping hand. I'm so grateful, my Father, for what I've received: For the smile, for the look, for the tone; For the understanding and loving concern Which others to me have shown. So, make my life a pathway of love That reaches to those in need, And heals and blesses wherever I go Sowing the precious Seed.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Viola Parks. All rights reserved.