Poems by Bettina Van Vaerenbergh

I imagined, though ever so brief, that I was a leaf;
And the wind blew me off my tree.
I was excited - even delighted,
Because of the wonderful sights I would see.

I swirled and twirled high in the air,
And I landed on top of a hill.
The view was astounding, with flowers abounding;
It was such an incredible thrill.

Hours passed, and then, at long last,
The wind remembered me.
I played with a child, and we both smiled;
We were so happy and so free!

We chased each other, not a care or bother
Was on our minds.
But good things end, and my newfound friend
Had to go and leave me behind.

We said goodbye, I journeyed on through the sky;
But at midday I needed a rest.
In a meadow I lazed, amidst cows that grazed;
Until the wind blew me out West.

I flew over houses, I skimmed over towers;
Then I landed on top of a train.
The sun shone bright, I was enjoying my ride
When the wind blew me into a drain.

Dark clouds came along, and not before long,
The rain was pouring down.
Into the sewer I went, my heart quite content;
For a leaf, I had been around!

When I first held you in my arms,
You were so perfect and so small.
You are a full-grown woman now;
And I am proud, oh how!

I saw you change throughout the years,
With awe and fascination.
To think that you will soon leave home-
It's a strange sensation.

No matter where you may end up,
Close to home or far away,
Know that I will always pray
For your happiness and luck.

I pray your dreams may all come true.
I pray you may be happy.
I pray your heartaches may be few
And your blessings many.

When you need some good advice
Or just a listening ear,
Dad and I will always make time
For your problems to hear.

You are talented, beautiful, and bright;
I know you will do well in life.
You've got what it takes to succeed,
And God will help you when in need.

One last thing I want to say:
No matter your age,
No matter where you go,
No matter what you do,
You are my girl,
And I will always love you!

Start off with faith and trust in God.
Then add courage; you'll need a lot.
Take a few dreams and lots of inspiration;
Mix them with passion and dedication.

Flavor with a spoonful of optimism,
As well as with sufficient vision.
Throw in some rewarding work,
With satisfaction as a perk.

A pint of perseverance is necessary,
While the amount of patience may vary.
Don't forget an ounce of thankfulness,
And a full cup of love and tenderness.

Add a few quality friends to the mix,
And a pinch of adventure, just for kicks.
Also, you need three cups of good thoughts,
Zested with a million smiles or thereabouts.

Joy and laughter are indispensable,
And a tad of hope, to be sensible.
Throw in heaps of understanding,
Because folks can be demanding.

Season with lots and lots of time,
And some deep questions to ponder.
Then pour over a sense of awe,
And lastly add some childlike wonder.

Top off with family and readiness to forgive;
This is the recipe for a life well-lived!

We have but a short time
On this earth,
So value your life
For what it's really worth.

Your life has purpose.
God sent you on a mission.
To live, to love, to learn -
Is His commission.

The world needs you.
Believe me, it's true!
Some things need doing
That only you can do.

Character matters;
Be your own person,
Your own original self,
Not someone else's version.

Develop your talents;
They are unique.
Use your time well;
Listen only to positive critique.

Go after your dreams.
Be bold. Be brave.
Swim against the stream;
It's more than okay.

The time is now
To find your passion.
Time waits for no one,
So get into action.

To be free of regret
In your old age,
Never ever forget
To fully live today!

No matter what happens in my life,
Sorrow or joy, rain or shine,
Whatever befalls me, it's all right
Because in Jesus I abide.

With His presence, He shelters me
From many dangers all too real.
Like a lamb, He carries me
Over steep hill and stormy sea.

In the midst of pain and hurt,
When I feel confused and stirred,
To Jesus I can always turn
And find solace in His Word.

His is the only voice I hear,
So familiar and so dear.
I know that I can trust in Him,
So to Him alone I cling.

Jesus keeps me from going astray;
I'll always follow in His way.
Forever loved, secure and safe,
I stand in His amazing grace.