Wednesday, December 31, 2014

A Prayer

 
Let the lowliest task be mine,
Grateful, so the work be Thine;
Let me find the humblest place
In the shadow of Thy grace;
Blest to me where any spot
Where temptation whispers not.
If there be some weaker one,
Give me strength to help him on;
If a blinder soul there be,
Let me guide him nearer Thee.
 
Make my mortal dreams come true
With the work I fain would do;
Clothe with life the weak intent,
Let me be the thing I meant;
Let me find in Thy employ
Peace that dearer is than joy.
Out of self to love be led,
And to heaven acclimated,
Until all things sweet and good
Seem my natural habitude.
 
~ John Greenleaf Whittier
 
As God's chosen ones,
holy and beloved,
clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, meekness
and patience.
Col. 3:12
 
 


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Precious Windows

 
When I think of windows
this thought coms to me,
"I own precious windows...
My eyes, that I can see."
 
They grasp for all beauty.
They labor in sight.
They whisper in darkness,
Acknowledge delight.
 
When I think of windows
I give thought to mine.
God gifted me two eyes
Each healthy and fine.
 
I hope most sincerely
I never abuse
This privilege of "seeing"
God gave me to use!
 
~ Tee. Lowrey
 
 


Monday, December 29, 2014

Be Like the Bird

 
Be like the bird that,
pausing in her flight awhile
on boughs too slight,
Feels them give way
beneath her and yet sings,
Knowing that she hath wings.
 
~ Victor Hugo
 

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Gentle Jesus

 
Gentle Jesus listen closely
To the words that I would say,
'Tis with love that knows no limits,
That I come to thee today.
 
For without You life is empty,
With no comfort anyplace,
I have naught save You to help me,
Do not turn away Thy face.
 
Gentle Jesus teach me patience,
Take away this foolish pride,
Grant I only be permitted,
To continue at Thy side.
 
Though my heart is sometime weary,
And my eyes are filled with tears,
I have only but to tell Thee
And my sorrow disappears.
 
Gentle Jesus, Lord and Master,
Deep within this human shell,
Lives a soul which Thou hast ransomed,
It would love Thee long and well.
 
You have felt as I am feeling,
Who could better understand,
Than the One who meekly listened,
To their "crucify the Man!"
 
~ Grace E. Easley
 


Saturday, December 27, 2014

Life's Race

 
Life is a long cross-country race
Where Christ our Lord once set the pace,
And taught us how "Life's Race" is run -
Not only run, but truly won.
He taught us of His Father's Love
Which floweth freely from above.
By His example He did show
The way to live and the way to go.
And, yes, how maudlin is the minds
That ever seeks yet seldom finds,
That "strait and Narrow Course" to run,
Where life eternal may be won.
 
Yes! Life indeed, is like a race
Where thy own conscience sets the pace,
So let thy conscience be thy wealth,
And "Love thy neighbor as thyself!"
Oh, Love! How wonderful this word!
How sweet it rings when often heard!
Its truth is found in God above,
For Love is God, and God is Love!
Now, tired runner, slow thy pace,
For Christ has won Salvation's Grace.
Yet let it not be said of me,
That Christ once died quite needlessly.
 
~ Clayton G. Moseley
 
 

Friday, December 26, 2014

Oh, Maker of Beauty

 
Tonight as I look
Toward the heavens above,
I see in the moonbeam
A wonder of love.
It seems to be saying
I've traveled and far,
Yet I stay in the presence
Of the lone evening star.
This lovely old moonbeam
Has kept company,
Shined down from the heavens
For the world all to see.
 
And if one should be looking
Toward the east or the west,
To the north or the south
You can still see it best.
Oh, Maker of moonbeams
And starshine of love,
Designer of earth
And of heaven above.
Oh, Artist of beauty
You give and for free,
Your wonders of glory
For the world all to see.
 
~ Katherine Smith Matheney
 
 


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Peace


 My home is never empty,
Although I be alone
I hear the voices of angels
To God, - their love intone!

I feel His very presence
In wind and storm or rain
That beats upon my window
And quiets all my pain!

I see His face in every nook
each cranny of my room
I know He's ever near to me
To chase away - my "secret gloom."

I'm sure He'll never leave me,
His promise He'll fulfill
To keep me close - In home and heart
And softly whisper "Peace - Be Still."

~ Kathryn Wiesenhoefer


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

God's Hand


 When Jack Frost dips his frosty toe
Into the greenery below,
'Tis when all of nature bow their heads
In pots, on hills and flower beds.

As if God waved a lofty hand
And changed the color of the land,
But we again will see His power
Through winter as we count each hour.

Soon, the peeking sun will bring
A warmer sun, that sign of spring,
And as this season comes along
'Tis like an old familiar song.

It is as if all souls realize
Each day we're here is a special prize.
And as time grows, we understand
The magic love of our Father's hand.

~ James Joseph Huesgen

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

In Need


I need His grace to take my thoughts
From worldly things I love
And set my heart on lasting gifts -
The treasures from above.

The precious peace and love and joy
That only He can give
I need to value more each day,
The longer that I live.

Through every day I need His help -
Temptations wait for me -
If I am going to become
The one I ought to be.

~ Rachel Hartnett 


Monday, December 22, 2014

A True Friend


 Time can hang so heavy
On a heart that's filled with grief,
The days go by so slowly,
And the night brings no relief.

"How can I face another day,"
I've heard so many say.
The answer lies within us,
We must kneel to God and pray.

We must ask our Lord to help us,
And to lift this load we bear.
There is nothing He can't render,
If we come to Him in prayer.

Oh, my friends, do not forsake Him
When your burdens weigh you down,
Though you look the wide world over,
No friend truer can be found.

~ Albert N. Theel


Sunday, December 21, 2014

A Season of Change


 With awe I stand and welcome
November's mystic skies;
and its multi-textured canvas
that is crowded with surprise.
The harvest has been gathered,
fresh cider, too, is pressed,
silence reigns across the vales
and fields have earned their rest.
How classic are the orchards,
with their branch without its leaf;
and vines of twisted starkness,
of their burdens now relieves.

The pines, I know, are anxious;
their droll bleakness tells me so,
impatient for warm blankets
pieced with fleecy flakes of snow.
While the hills appear despairing,
now unshrouded of their grass;
and yet with hopeful voice proclaim,
"We know this, too, shall pass."
For now the winter's frosty wings
are swiftly flying near
and with the coming season
flows new music to my ear.
So to each season's symphony
I bid farewell and yearn
to greet each new performance
in its fanciful return.

~ Don Beckman


Saturday, December 20, 2014

There is Beauty in the Forest


 There is beauty in the forest
When the trees are green and fair,
There is beauty in the meadow
When wild flowers scent the air.
There is beauty in the sunlight
And the soft blue beams above.
Oh, the world is full of beauty
When the heart is full of love.


Friday, December 19, 2014

Lonely Places


 Often there are times in life
We need to be alone
To pray and find that inner strength
That God would make our own.

We need to seek a lonely place
To speak to God at will,
Where only in this solitude
Our minds and hearts are still.

And sometimes it is humbling, when
We seek a safe domain -
For needing lonely places, where
There's solace from our pain.

But oh, those tender moments
When we draw ourselves apart,
And find in lonely places...
God has healing for the heart.

~ Sister Miriam Barker, C.D.S.

He restores
my soul.
Ps. 23:3


Thursday, December 18, 2014

Beside Still Waters


Beside still waters may you rest
Secure as a bird within its nest.
Listen, friend, perhaps you'll hear
"The still small voice" that's always near.

Relax and set your spirit free;
Explore the fields of memory
And soar like an eagle high above
Remembering the ones you love.

Hear the babble of the brook,
And read again some cherished book.
Renew your faith, and spirit,too,
And walk barefoot in morning dew.

Watch the sun set on the shore...
These simple things we can't ignore.
Beside still waters may you find
Rest that comes with peace for mind.

~ Clay Harrison

...He leads me
beside still waters.
Ps. 23:2

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

A Place We Share


 My haven for heartaches, sorrows and griefs
Is a place I share with you -
Though we may be ages and miles apart -
We share a common pew -
For pains of my heart are no different than yours
I cry - and we suffer the same -
And the place where I pray for peace and relief
Is the same where you pray, in your name.

It's a place of salvation that both of us share -
In moments of trial or despair -
And the pleas that we whisper, for God to endear,
Are the pleas of a common prayer.
So - though we are ages and miles apart -
We are one, in His love and embrace,
Whenever we kneel - Wherever we kneel -
To pray for His comforts and Grace.

~ Michael Dubina


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Whose Name I'll Call


 I know I'll stumble, I know I'll fall;
but I also know Whose Name I'll call.
And He will lift me to my feet,
and help me through the trials I meet.
He'll lift the burdens from my back,
and guide me onto life's "right track."
He'll make me feel so good inside,
when He reminds me why He died.
And why from death He rose again,
to wash me clean of all my sin.
So when you stumble, when you fall;
Jesus is the name to call,
And He will answer to your need,
if for forgiveness you will plead.

~ George A. Hellard Jr.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Help Me Lord!


 When my little boat is sinking,
And the shore is not in sight,
And I have two broken paddles
To contribute to my plight,
It is not the time for weeping,
Though it surely crossed my mind,
What is needed here is action,
Of the very quickest kind.

So I called out, never thinking
Just what I was about,
"Lord please bail out this
little boat,
...I almost am without!"

~ Grace E. Easley

Sunday, December 14, 2014

How To Be an Angel


Do you want to be an angel?
Let me tell you how to start,
Plant a tiny mustard seed
of flowers in your heart.

They'll grow in great proportions
To the planting that you sow,
Water them with kindness
And all the faith you know.

Then put your trust in God above
To show how much you care,
He'll send you untold blessings
And all your burdens share!

~ Kathryn Wiesenhoefer

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Reflections


If hearts were a little more caring
And eyes were a little less blind,
We might see, through the magic of sharing,
How easy it is to be kind.

If minds were a bit more revealing
And hands were more willing to greet,
We might give to each other a feeling
Of friendship whenever we meet.

If we could tear down all those roadblocks
That separate races and creeds
We might free from doubt's rusty old padlocks
Our oneness in hopes and needs.

If we would let tolerance guide us
Where ignorance has not let us go,
We might turn back the foes that divide us,
The evils that weaken us so.

Then somehow we might find that highway,
Fog-hid by our own foolish pride,
And, shoulder to shoulder, some bright day
March up it to God's love-lit side.

~ John C. Bonser

Friday, December 12, 2014

The Greatest Gift


Do you ever think you walk alone
And find it doesn't seem to end?
The gloomy days grow longer
And it seems you have no friends?

Do you ever sit and wait
For the telephone to ring?
And hasten to the mailbox
To see what the postman brings?

Arise, my friend, and telephone
Another in your town,
Write a cheery note or two,
Look up instead of down.

Hurry now and get a start,
Waste not another minute,
Life is surely worth the living
If you put something in it.

There is an old saying
That is often tried and true -
Do not ask, "What can I get?"
But, "What can I do for you?"

~ Mildred H. Bell

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Praise God


Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below...

~ Thomas Ken

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Where Did All the Decades Go?

 
Where did all the decades go?
Time is quickly traveling on.
We're born, we play, we love, we learn
And then, too soon, all this is gone.
 
Every day we're growing older;
None escape it here on earth.
Like Springtime trees become Autumn leaves,
We all start aging right from birth.
 
Time is like a railroad train;
A one-way ticket - no turning back.
And the prayer of every passenger
Is to stay securely on the track.
 
Where did all the decades go?
Just like the twinkling of an eye,
And like a bud becomes a rose,
We blossom forth; still all must die.
 
But, there's victory over fleeting time,
Anxious moments, fears and strife.
Just trusting God to lead our way
Brings decades of abundant life.
 
~ John and Edna Massimilla

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A Quiet Place

 
Just find a quiet "hiding place,"
A sunny little nook,
Where you'll forget the busy world
With sewing or a book.
Green, potted plant upon the sill,
Kit cat beside your chair.
Now, who's to see you nod your head
While you are napping there?
Hot cup of tea, cold dish of fruit
Will add their special blend,
And you will learn you're not alone,
For Jesus is your friend.
That nook can be a favored place
To think upon the Lord
By praying to Him every day
Or reading from His word.
 
~ Norma Childress
 

Monday, December 8, 2014

Look Up

 
Face the sun and each tomorrow
Will grow brighter day by day.
Leave the shadows there behind you
As you travel down life's way.
 
Greet your friends with God's light shining
In your eyes, your voice, your heart.
Help the weary, unbelievers,
Lend your strength to help them start.
 
"Believe in Me" is all He's asking.
Have faith and you will see
God is walking there beside you
To change your life and make you free.
 
Have courage and you will conquer
All the fears that life can hold.
Jesus came and died to save you,
To cleanse your soul and make you whole.
 
Face each day and share each sorrow
with Him, as you travel down life's road.
Your burdens will seem far lighter
When you share another's load.
 
Do not hide your light from others,
Show them what God's love can do.
Help the sick, the heavy laden
God will help up if we're true.
 
Take the time to thank Him often,
Every minute of the day.
I know for I have suffered, fallen;
And my God has shown the way.
 
~ Julia Parsons MacDonald

Sunday, December 7, 2014

My Birthday Gift


I gave myself a gift today -
A quiet walk beside the sea.
I watched dawn streak the sky with fire
And heard a gull cry wild and free.

I felt the salt air blowing warm,
Then skipped a stone out in the bay.
And never once did I give though
To those dark clouds of yesterday.

There was no time to shed a tear
 As simple pleasures came my way,
And when at last my day was thru,
I bowed my head and knelt to pray:

Dear Lord, I know You gave this gift
With tender watch from up above.
You gave this day for me to share -
In all I touched, I felt Your love.

~ Helen M. Motti

This is the day
the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and
be glad in it.
Ps. 118:24


Saturday, December 6, 2014

Faith


Faith sees what our poor sight cannot,
knows truth which we, at birth, forgot.
Faith reads a script that has no lines
and follows paths unmarked by signs -

Rejects what scornful cynics say
and kneeling in the dark to pray,
perceives that far-off dazzling light
that pierces death's despairing night!

Faith swims against time's ruthless tide;
It leaps across doubt's chasms wide
and, link by link, it welds the chain
that draws us close to God again.

Strong is that chain, Faith will not die
though all our mortal senses try
to hush its brave, persistent voice,
we hear it cry: "fear not - rejoice!"

Rejoice, God will not take away
His promise made to men of clay;
on wings of Faith our souls shall rise
and see forgiveness in His eyes!

~ John C. Bonser 

Friday, December 5, 2014

The Silence of the Soul

 
Lord let me know the silence,
The silence of the soul,
That I may hear Your voice
And make Your will my goal.
 
Let silence then take over
The one and only me,
That charity may enter
And set my spirit free.
 
For silence did prevail
When earth and sea were made,
When Jesus, Lord, was born
And in the manger laid.
 
Please lead me to compassion
And so to charity,
And finally through silence
Grant me humility.
 
~ Marilyn McNeil de Latour
 
The words of the wise
are heard in quiet...
Eccl. 9:17

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Power of Faith

 
My Lord, my God, my Master,
Whene'er I feel despair,
I turn to You for solace
And always find You there.
 
Whene'er it seems my trials and woes
Are fare too great to bear,
I find new faith and inner strength
In answer to my prayer.
 
I know the faith that I possess
In You, each newborn day
Will be my ever guiding light,
Each step along the way.
 
~ Harold F. Mohn

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The Thoughtful Things

 
 So many friends and loved ones
Bless our lives each day
In just the little thoughtful things
They often do and say.
A neighbor comes to visit
And brings a word of cheer
It's like a ray of sunshine
Your day had been so drear!
The friend who telephones to ask
How you are getting on,
The thoughtfulness that warms your heart
And lingers all day long.
That special one who came to help
When you were feeling ill,
Her deep concern was comforting,
You think about it still.
So many friends and loved ones
Who help our hearts to smile
In just these little thoughtful ways
That make this life worthwhile.
 
~ Kay Hoffman
 
This is my commandment,
that you love one another
as I have loved you.
John 15:12
 


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Christian Giver

 
Blessed is the Christian Giver
Who will give - with joy of heart -
Gifts of charity and kindness,
God endears and love imparts;
His reward is holy bounty
Of God's tenderness and care
And the Grace of Heaven's blessings
On his daily life and prayer.
 
Through his gifts of Christian kindness -
That provide another's need -
He is giver and disciple
Of God's mercy, love and creed;
And his soul, of faith and virtue -
Serving God, in Christian ways -
Is a soul of promised glory,
God will Grace on Judgment Day.
 
~ Michael Dubina
 
Above all
have love among yourselves,
for love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
 


Monday, December 1, 2014

And Gently I WIll Go


 I do not have the courage
to claim with boastful voice
that I am master of my fate
and captain course and choice!

Nor will I heed the challenge
"to rail against the night,
to not go gently toward it
but curse the fading light!"

For I recall another
who meekly bowed His head
and, lamb-like, to the slaughter
permitted He be led!

And no one is a coward
who follows faith's commands
and places life and very soul
in God's almighty hands!

And somewhere waits His Heaven
beyond our tiny sky,
where night's, forever banished,
and only death must die!

~ John C. Bonser