My Blog Poem #20

"PAULA FAYE"

In Loving Memory Of

PAULA FAYE HARDESTY

(September 14, 1982 - Two Hours)

Jesus, we thank You for Paula Faye!

Thank You for letting her come our way.

Although her life on this earth was brief -

Knowing she's with You eases our grief!

Jesus, please tell little Paula Faye -

That she touched our lives in a special way.

Now her Mommy and Daddy and sister, Sandy Sue,

Need Your Love, Your Peace, and Your Comfort too.

Baby Paula Faye lived here but two hours.

Now she lives among God's flowers!

For God always claims a baby's soul.

By His mercy and love - He makes them whole!

Our Dear Heavenly Father knows what is best ...

When our souls leave our bodies - with Jesus we rest!

And If We Have Jesus In Our Heart To Stay -

We'll Be With Him And Our Loved Ones Some Day!

Written by Paula Faye's grand-aunt

(Thelma Decker Hill)

Mark 10:14 - "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:  for of such is the kingdom of God."  (King James Version - The Holy Bible)

My Blog Poem #20

Della "Dell" Decker

"BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR YOU"

Dedicated With Love To My Dear Sister-In-Law

DELLA "DELL" DECKER

On Your 85th Birthday - August 25, 2011

Happy Birthday, Dell, ... I think you're great!

And I wish you joy on your special date!

I'll always wish the best for you -

And hope your wishes all come true!

Have A Wonderful Birthday & Many More -

And I wish you Happiness Galore!

I hope all your future plans go well -

And Again ... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DELL!"

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Dell & Yours Truly (Thelma Decker Hill)

At The Bluffs of Sebring in front of our condo.



My Blog Poem #19

Bluffs Annual Anniversary Dinner Party at The Bluffs of Sebring

(Our 65th Wedding Anniversary)

"OUR LETTERS FROM LONG AGO"

Dedicated With Love To My Dear Husband

NELSON STANLEY HILL

On Our 65th Anniversary - August 18, 2011

"Let's save a few letters and read them some day ...

When we're old," - my young husband said.

It's been sixty-five years since our wedding day,

And our letters we haven't re-read!

They've been stored in a console table for years -

An item we purchased in nineteen-forty-nine.

It's a treasured heirloom we've kept through the years -

So perhaps it may stay in our family line.

On milestone anniversaries (since the time we met) -

We've planned to read the letters we wrote.

But on all those occasions ... we were "not old yet" -

At least that was my dear hubby's "quote"!

Happy Anniversary, Dear!  It's been sixty-five years -

And we're no longer young, you know.

Let's reminisce now about our yesteryears -

As we re-read Our Letters From Long Ago!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

From one of our yesteryears (1943).

(In Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee)



My Blog Poem #18

Our Wedding Day - August 18, 1946

(Belmont Methodist Church - Nashville, Tennessee)

Our 60th Anniversary Party - 2006

(Given by our daughter & son-in-law, Helen & Paul Bogus)

"SIXTY YEARS TOGETHER"

Dedicated With Love To My Husband

Nelson Stanley Hill

On Our 60th Anniversary (August 18, 2006)

You were twenty-five, My Dear, and I was twenty-three -

When we declared our wedding vows that day.

Now that you're eighty-five ... and I'm eighty-three -

We know how quickly time slips away!

Our meeting each other was destined to be -

And a knowing God planned it that way.

He chose me for you ... and you for me -

And He gave us "a love that would stay"!

We have honored our vows "to have and to hold" -

And surprisingly the time has gone fast!

We are thankful that together we are growing old -

With happy memories of the past!

In our 60 years ... we've had blessings galore -

And our family is The Very Best!

With loved ones and friends, our blessings soar -

And indeed we are Truly Blessed!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill



My Blog Poem #17

Our Golden Anniversary Party - 1996

"YEARS OF GOLD"

(A spin-off from "Years Of Silver" poem.)

Dedicated With Love To My Husband

Nelson Stanley Hill

On Our Golden Anniversary - August 18, 1996

Thank you, My Dear, for 50 happy years -

In our marriage on life's rocky road!

Through all of our joys ... and a few tears

Togetherness lightened the load!

Remember the dreams when our love was new

As we started our married life?

What happiness to know our dreams came true

Sharing them as husband and wife!

We're writing our own happy-marriage book

As we walk together hand in hand.

Our Creator guided every step we took

On our road into marriage land!

We've honored our vows "to have and to hold"

Through fifty years of true love!

Now God is blessing us with "Years of Gold"

His Gift From Heaven Above!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

My Blog Poem #16

Our Wedding Day - August 18, 1946

"YEARS OF SILVER"

Dedicated With Love To My Dear Husband

Nelson Stanley Hill

On Our 25th Wedding Anniversary - August 18, 1971

Thank You, My Dear, For Twenty-Five Happy Years -

In our marriage on life's rocky road!

Through many joys (and just a few tears) -

Togetherness lightened the load!

Remember the dreams when our love was new -

As we started our married life?

What happiness to know our dreams came true -

Sharing them as husband and wife!

We're writing our own happy-marriage book -

As we walk together hand in hand!

Our Creator guided every step we took -

On our road into marriage land!

On our wedding day - when we took that vow

To Honor ... To Cherish ... And To Love -

God Blessed us then - and He's blessing us now

With "Silver Years" - His Gift From Above.

Written By Thelma Decker Hill



My Blog Poem #15

Nelson with 12-lb. Bass caught in Lake Mary Jane, The Bluffs of Sebring (Florida) 4/7/08.

"The Best Catch"

Dedicated With Love To My Dear Husband

NELSON STANLEY HILL

(An Avid Fisherman)

On Father's Day - June 15, 2003.

Happy Father's Day To You, Dear "Best Catch Of Mine"!

I'm glad I found you in this great sea of life!

You're The Best Catch that stayed on the line -

And I'm glad you and I became husband and wife!

As a young girl I lured a few fish from the sea -

While fishing for my lifetime mate.

Then our Dear Lord selected the best catch for me -

And wisely led you to grab the bait!

Through the years we have found Best Catches of our own -

A daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren too!

All those years ago ... we could not have known -

That these wonderful dreams would come true!

I hooked The Best Catch in life's stormy sea -

The Prize Fish that didn't get away!

You're still The Best Catch, and your loved ones agree!

So we wish you The Best ... Today And Every Day!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

(Copyright 2003 Thelma Decker Hill)

(This poem was written with a play on words in the lingo of fishermen.)

Nelson Hill in front of the last boat he owned.



My Blog Poem #14

Helen Elaine "Pinky" Hill at age 5.

"MEMORIES OF MY LITTLE GIRL"

Dedicated With Love To My Dear Daughter

Helen Elaine Hill Bogus

Whose Childhood Nickname Was Pinky.

As I look back to your childhood days -

One thing I vividly recall.

Caring for you - in many ways -

Was almost like playing with a doll!

Helen at 13 months of age.

When I would hear a sound at night -

I would tiptoe down the hall.

I had to be sure everything was alright -

For I loved my real live doll!

Helen (Pinky) at age 2.

Quite often I glance at pictures of you -

Which are hanging on the wall.

I remember cute things you'd say and do -

You were such a charming little doll!

Pinky at age 3.

I also recall when you slipped on the stairs -

And took that terrible fall!

I still thank The Lord for hearing my prayers -

For my precious, adorable doll!

Pinky at age 4.

Sometimes when a mother and child are near

And I hear a sweet voice call,

"Mommy!" ... I wipe away a tear -

Remembering "My Own Dear Doll"!

Pinky at age 6.

Your "Little Girl" days have all gone by -

You're A Lady - The Dearest Of All!

I'll love you forever - and now you know why -

Your mother calls you "Doll"!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Helen Hill Bogus with her husband, Paul Bogus,

September of 2010.



My Blog Poem #13

The Resurrected Christ

"THAT HEAVENLY REUNION"

This poem is dedicated to The Glory of God

(God, The Father - God, The Son - & God, The Holy Spirit)

And to Friends & Loved Ones Everywhere.

When from these bodies our Spirits take flight -

What a wonderful adventure that will be!

We'll experience an awesome and glorious sight -

As The Lights of That Heavenly City we see!

Our Spirits will enter through those Pearly Gates -

And Our Dear Lord will welcome us home!

We can never imagine what happiness awaits -

As we see The Glory of God on His Throne!

There'll be no more death, nor sickness or pain -

And we'll walk on those streets of pure gold!

All of our questions The Lord will explain -

There with Him where we'll never grow old!

Angels will be singing on that Heavenly Shore ...

Praises To God Who Sets Spirits Free!

With friends and loved ones who've gone on before ...

What A GLORIOUS REUNION That Will Be!!!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

(Copyright 2004 Thelma Decker Hill)

II Cor. 5:8 - "... absent from the body ... present with The Lord."  (King James Version of The Holy Bible)

My Blog Poem #12

Charles Edward Rogers

The following poem is posted on my blog

with the permission of my dear friend, Betty Jackson Rogers,

who was Charlie's beloved wife for almost 67 years.

"GONE HOME"

In Loving Memory Of

CHARLES EDWARD ROGERS

(January 4, 1928 - July 9, 2011)

Our Dear Lord has lovingly called Charlie's name,

And his life on this earth is no more.

Now, as a Christian, he has earned the right to claim

His new life with The Lord forevermore!

"Lord, comfort Charlie's family in this earthly life

In the loss of their loved one so dear ...

And richly bless Charlie in his marvelous new life

With Your everlasting peace and good cheer!"

God has planned A Great Reunion In Heaven some day,

Where there'll be no more pain or sorrow!

What a joy it is to know that with loved ones we'll stay

There With Him In His Eternal Tomorrow!

Written By A Family Friend (Thelma Decker Hill)

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  (King James Version of The Holy Bible)

My Blog Poem #11

             A View of The Beautiful Bluffs of Sebring located in Sebring, Florida.

"A Touch Of Paradise"

Dedicated to all the wonderful people at

The Bluffs of Sebring

The Bluffs of Sebring is a lovely place -

Quiet, serene, and pleasing to the eyes!

A senior community with charm and grace -

It truly is a touch of paradise!

Just one of the fun times at The Bluffs Club House

A Kentucky Derby Party!

In the mornings ... God paints a glorious view -

With diamond-like sparkles on Lake Mary Jane!

A walk around the lake is pleasant to do ...

Breathing in the beauty of The Bluffs' terrain!

My hubby, Nelson, with a twelve-pound Bass caught in Lake Mary Jane.

If fishing is a sport that you like to do -

You can catch a big Bass from the bank or a boat!

Or you can take a ride in The Bluffs' canoe ...

On the lake - a place that's uniquely remote!

Our daughter, Helen Hill Bogus, and long-time friend, Charlie Rogers,

go for a ride in The Bluffs Canoe on Lake Mary Jane.

At The Bluffs there is privacy if you so desire -

Or enjoyable social activities galore!!!

It's a wonderful place for folks to retire,

And in this life ... who could ask for more?

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

(Copyright 2003 Thelma Decker Hill)



My Blog Poem #10

"The Way We Met"

Dedicated With Love To My Dear Husband

NELSON STANLEY HILL

In Honor of Our 65th Wedding Anniversary (August 18, 2011)

I remember the day when first we met - that young soldier boy and I.

(Really - how could a young girl forget? ... I had a big sty on my eye!)

Separately we strolled in a park that day - he & his buddies, my friends & me.

Fleeing from rain - we ran the same way - and met beneath a tree!

This soldier was tall (and somewhat shy) - with great big eyes of blue.

He served his country ... my GI - during World War Two.

He was a "gentleman Yankee", and I was a "southern gal".

There was no "hanky-panky" ... (he referred to me as "pal")!

That was over sixty-five years ago ... in Nashville, Tennessee -

Where we would go to "The Opry Show" - my soldier boy and me.

Whenever a weekend pass was due - my "Sweetie Pie" would call.

We attended Church and movies too ... by then he called me "Doll")!

The war ended in 1945, and my sweetheart returned to me.

Thanks to God he did survive - and sailed home across the sea!

By letters we had kept in touch - while he was far away.

We saved a few which meant so much - to read again some day.

"We'll read our letters," said my ex-GI - "someday when we're OLD!"

We didn't know how time would fly, but quickly the years unfold!

He was 25, and I was 23 ... when I married my Army "Vet" -

He's 90 now, and I'm 88 ... but he says, "We're not OLD yet!"

God gave us a lovely daughter - whom we raised in Delaware.

She and her husband have kids and grandkids - blessings for us to share!

Now at The Bluffs in the Sunshine State - we enjoy our retirement life.

With my marriage partner life is great, and I'm proud to be his wife!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill





My Blog Poem #9

"Comforting Words"

The Resurrected Christ

Remember ... God is by your side -

Wherever you may be!

His loving arms are open wide -

To comfort you and me!

God is never far away -

No matter where you are!

His ears are open when we pray -

In sickness, sorrow, peace, or war!

Remember ... God said, "Do Not Fear -

For I Am There With You!"

His righteous hand is very near -

And He will see you through!

So when life's battle rages -

Remember ... God is there!

He's been there through the ages -

And He Will Always Care!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Copyright 2003 Thelma Decker Hill

ISIAH 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will comfort thee; yes, I will help thee; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  (King James Version)



My Blog Poem #8

"Budded On Earth To Bloom In Heaven"

In Memory of Delbert Pershing Decker

The Brother I Never Knew

(March 28, 1919 to April 2, 1919)

There's a grave on a hilltop in Kentucky.

On the headstone - these words I read:

"Budded On Earth To Bloom In Heaven."

(It's only the body that's dead.)

The first-born of Solomon and Rose Decker -

Delbert's body lies beneath that sod.

He's the infant brother I have never seen.

As Mama said:  "Delbert's with God!"

God saves the souls of innocent babies -

And little children's sins He'll pardon.

Budded On Earth ... Now Blooming In Heaven -

He's another Flower To Brighten God's Garden!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

Mark 10:14 - "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."  (King James Version of The Bible)