“The Altar Will Alter You” is a collection of poetic devotions describing Lorraine's Christian walk with the Lord. In life there are good and bad days, good and bad times. Lorraine shares good days and better days in her journey through poetry and reflections.
Excerpt
Long Ago on Calvary
Where would I be
Had You not died for me?
Had You not hung on that tree
Long ago on Calvary?
My soul would still be lost
Had You not been willing to pay the cost
To wash my sins away,
You paid a price I could not pay.
You took my pain and made it Your Own.
You never murmured, nor did You groan.
You internalized my sin.
And cleansed me from within
Long ago on Calvary.
Because You’ve set me free,
I’ll serve You through eternity.
It’s the least that I can do
To show my gratitude to You.
Where would I be
Had You not died for me?
Had You not hung on that tree
Long ago on Calvary?
II Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Long Ago on Calvary – Reflections
It was Easter morning, 1999. As a member of a growing church congregation then located in Somerdale, NJ, having Easter church service at our church was not going to happen. On a “normal” Sunday, we had three church services – 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30am. Each service was packed to capacity. The only building that would hold us on a day such as this was the local civic center.
As I drove the 30 or 40 minutes to the civic center on this calm, sun-shiny Easter Sunday morning, my thoughts went back 2,000 years to the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Where would I be had He not died for me? I know I was headed to hell until Jesus touched me in a way I had never before been touched. I was lost, but I didn’t know I was lost. I was blind even though I thought I could see where I was headed. I was imprisoned in a bottomless pit that had no beginning and no end. I needed Jesus, but I didn’t know I needed Jesus.
Where would I be had He not died for me? I have no clue. What I do know is that I don’t want to find out where I would be if there were no Calvary and no sacrifice. Jesus paid a price that we would never be able to pay. He died so that we could live. He saved us. He saved me. And if you let Him, He will save you.
Jesus, thank you for taking me into your bosom. Thank you for rescuing me from the pits of hell. I don’t want to spend another second away from you. I don’t want to think about life without you. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
Professional Reviews
A Ministry of Triumph
“I tell you," Jesus replied, "If they (the disciples) keep quiet, the stones will cry out." -
Luke 19:40
“The Altar Will Alter You is a ministry of Triumph! Lorraine has clearly decided no Rock will speak on her behalf. Pen to pad her Pilgrimage is poetically documented for All the world to see. May you be Blessed as I have been blessed by her Praise.”
~~Sylvia Sampson, Poet, Spoken Word Artist and Author of “Freeze Frame,” a Spoken Word CD
What the Altar Will Do For You
“Lorraine begins her poetic writing with what the altar (not the book) can do for you. Lorraine's poems reflect the love our Savior has for us, and what He has done for us, showing His love.”
~~Rosemary Worthy-Washington, Author of “Exposed: I Will Not Be Ashamed,” President of Healed With Scars
Lorraine's Writings Will Touch the Heart of Others
“God's Love, Grace and Mercy prevail in this grand book of poetry and testimonial devotions. From the thought provoking, ‘There was a Time,’ to ‘Can You See What I See: Commissioned,’ my thought processes have been Altered. I do indeed see and hear the souls crying out. ‘Commissioned’ has re-awakened urgency in my spirit to reach out and touch others, by any means possible. I have no more time to waste! Without a doubt, Lorraine’s writings will touch the hearts of others and promote positive changes to their lives and circumstances.”
~~Pauline Lawrence, Poet and Author
“The Altar Will Alter You” is a collection of poetic devotions describing this Christian’s walk with the Lord. With life there are good and bad days, good and bad times. What is consistent throughout is faith that through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I am equipped to handle whatever situations come my way.
My desire is to share some of my struggles with others who may have the same or similar struggles. Struggles are often found in the midst of victories. Experience taught me that keeping my eye on the Prize reduces or diverts the impact of struggles.
My desire is that my writing demonstrates that my faith in the Lord is the difference between failure and victory.
Reflections and Nature Watercolors is a collection of Margaret's spontaneous positive thoughts in celebrating and reflecting on life and her nature watercolors.
