Monday, August 31, 2015

Seize the Moment


 Seize the moment when it comes,
It may never come again.
Do not waste it or cause regret
As you look back to "when."

Seize the moment, make it count,
Rescue some soul today.
Let lonely souls know of God's love
Whene'er they come your way.

Don't pass up opportunities
That God may bring to you,
For everything is planned by Him
And His every word is true.

He has a plan for you, my friend,
Each moment of your day,
So seize these moments, use them well
To give His love away.

~Helen Gleason

Conduct yourselves wisely
toward outsiders, making
the most of the opportunity.
Colossians 4;5


Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sunsets


 The constant crash of ocean waves,
A star-filled Autumn sky,
An eagle soaring through the air,
A sailboat drifting by...

The first snowfall of Winter,
A budding tree in Spring,
Raindrops on my window,
Birds that sweetly sing...

All these things I treasure,
Yet, I think the best
Of all God's rich creations
Are His glorious sunsets.

~ Mary Ann Jameson

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Thank You, Lord

 
Thank You, Lord, for giving me
The courage to face each day,
The strength to carry me onward
And the vision to light my way.
My burdens are sometimes hard to bear,
But they may be a blessing by far,
For I've found a light inside of me
That burns like the brightest star.
 
~ Nancy Moran
 


Friday, August 28, 2015

I Am Thankful for the Trees


The morning arose in a whisper of gold,
So tranquil and peacefully fair;
Mesmerized I watched its grandeur unfold,
Then I thankfully murmured a prayer.

From my window I watched the sun rising,
Easing slowly up out of the east,
And I saw a red-breasted robin
Alight on the feeder to feast.

The trees seemed to shimmer with foliage,
Greening and bathing in dew,
And my garden was bursting with blossoms
In colors of every hue.

How often we all take for granted
The treasures that only God made,
With never a thought to be thankful
For flowers and trees that give shade.

But if these were all taken from us,
What a colorless world it would be;
Therefore, from now on I will thank Him
For each flower, robin, and tree.

~ Ruth Gillis

It became beautiful and stately in its
spread of foliage, for its roots were
turned toward abundant water.
Ezekiel 31:7

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Troubled Heart


 When your heart is troubled
And no one seems to care,
Don't believe it for a moment,
For God is always there.

If trouble gets you down
And life does seem so bleak,
Lift your eyes to Heaven,
The face of God now seek.

In your soul you'll know Him
And peace will fill your heart,
If you believe in Him
And try to do your part.

He never will forsake you -
That's a promise He has made.
Lift your heart this very day,
Then watch your troubles fade.

~ Bernice Laux

Relieve the troubles of my heart;
bring me out of my distress.
Psalm 25:17


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Take Time


 It only takes a moment
To make a day worthwhile,
To say a word in kindness,
To flash a friendly smile.

It only takes a moment
To watch a child at play,
To stop and smell the flowers
That bloom along your way.

It only takes a moment
To offer God a prayer,
To thank Him for His goodness,
To know you're in His care.

~ Beverly J. Anderson

As for me, when I came to you it was not
out of any favor on my part, but because
it was God's will. So continue to thank
Him every day; praise Him with song.
Tobit 12:18


Tuesday, August 25, 2015

My Little Country Home

 
It's often that I wander back
To visit or a while,
Back to my little country home
Where things were out of style.
 
There were no fancy linens
Or carpet on the floor,
No crystal chandelier that shined,
But we had love and more.
 
Our quilts were sewn by hand with care,
Each patch a lovely sight,
And kept us warm and comfortable
Upon a winter night.
 
I still can see a lamplight glow,
A Bible by our bed,
I still recall its sacred trust
And scripture Mother read.
 
Our home was just a humble house,
But we felt safe, secure,
And children all, both large and small,
Knew love and kindness pure.
 
Our home is still my castle and
My treasured memories,
And I can visit now and then -
My family waits for me.
 
~ Katherine Smith Matheney
 


Monday, August 24, 2015

Wings of Faith

 
I know a little secret
Of how to make faith grow -
Fold each hand and bend both knees
With your head bowed low.

Keep prayer in both heart and mind.
With God communicate.
Remember you must listen
And for an answer - wait!

Have God centered in your life,
Surrender to the King,
Yield your life to God on high...
Your faith will take to wing!

~ Carol Zileski

For through the Spirit,
by faith, we await the
hope of righteousness.
Galatians 5:5



Sunday, August 23, 2015

The Blessings in a Smile

 
 A smile, it can do many things,
This I found is true.
It can say, "I really care,"
To someone who is blue.
 
It can bond to perfect strangers
As they pass along the way.
It can tell a weary soul,
"I send God's love your way."
 
It can touch a broken, hurting heart,
And bring it hope renewed.
You have this "gift" upon your face...
Today, use it for God's good.
 
~ Mary Ann Jameson
 


Saturday, August 22, 2015

Miracles

 
I believe in miracles... I see them every day -
When barren trees don leaves once more,
When waves caress a sandy shore
And seasons slip away.

I believe in miracles... I hear them everywhere -
The murmur of the talking trees,
And bird song on the evening breeze,
A small child's bedtime prayers.

I believe in miracles... I smell their rare perfumes -
Apple blossoms, clover fields,
The heady scents a vineyard yields
On Autumn afternoons.

I believe in miracles... the flavors tantalize -
Sun-ripened fruit on tree or vine,
A farm-fresh egg, a vintage wine,
Warm-from-the-oven pies.

I believe in miracles... the touch of Summer rain -
And after rain the warmth of sun,
Contentment when the day is done
And I'm at home again.

I believe in miracles... the simple and the grand -
The strength God gives to face life's woes,
The blessings that He bestows
With such a caring hand.

~ Alice J. Christianson

Therefore I tell you, all that you
ask for in prayer, believe that you
will receive it and it shall be yours.
Mark 11:24
 

Friday, August 21, 2015

Walk My Garden

 
I've no olives in my garden,
Nor figs upon my trees,
But I offer sun and shadow,
Fragrant blossoms, gentle breeze.
 
And the heart can swell with gladness
And the mind can take its rest.
There's contentment in my garden
Where no man is put to test.
 
In my garden there's no weeping,
There's no sorrow, there's no pain.
Take my hand and I will lead You
Through a peaceful world again.
 
You have walked in many gardens -
In the desert, by the sea;
Come, accept my invitation...
Walk my garden, Lord, with me.
 
~ Ruth Malan Clingerman
 
For a sun and shield is the Lord God
bestowing all grace and glory. The
Lord withholds no good thing from
those who walk without reproach.
Psalm 84:12
 


Thursday, August 20, 2015

River of Tears

 
There's a crystal river in Heaven
That catches each tear that's shed,
Then rushes past God's golden meadows
To His waterfall overhead.
This waterfall then forms a rainbow
Which covers our sky in a mist,
Then falls ever gently upon us...
A river of tears, Heaven-kissed.
 
~ Ruth E. McDaniel
 
Those who will sow in tears will
reap with cries of joy.
Psalm 126:5
 


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Valley of Flowers


 Memories of the valley of flowers
Viewed from the grassy knoll
Never fail to move me
And bring pleasure to my soul.

I can still vision the beautiful flowers
Shimmering in sun's bright glow
And see the birds soaring over
The valley of flowers below.

I remember the field of clover
And the smell of it, fresh and fair.
Memories are planted deep in me
And my mind still wanders there.

There is no place more beautiful,
Where the trees are looming towers
That grow beside the rocky stream
In the valley of the flowers.

~ Shirley Hile Powell


Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Blossoms

 
 I watched the blossoms of the trees
In colorful array,
And swaying with a gentle breeze
They seemed to softly say...
 
"Each blossom that our God hath made
Does beautify the land,
And every lovely, pastel shade
Is painted by His hand."
 
I loved to watch them on that day,
But knew that suddenly --
At season's end they'd fade away,
But saddened I'd not be...
 
For blossoms shed -- they come and go,
And others then appear.
New peace, new life, God does bestow
Each season of the year.
 
~ Edna Massimilla
 
Our days are like the
grass; like flowers of
the field we blossom.
Psalm 103:15
 

Monday, August 17, 2015

Snowflakes

 
 Snowflakes swirling through the air
Descend to dress the landscape bare.
Floating gently to the ground,
They come to rest without a sound.
Streaming from a  laden sky,
Whirling bows go drifting by,
Counting rooftops, dusting lanes,
Dancing by the windowpane.
Falling snow of frosted lace
Accents the glow upon my face
And thrills a child's heart with delight
To bring "Old Frosty" back to life.
Born of Winter, tempest tossed,
Forming blankets laced with frost.
Moonbeams catch your crystals bright,
Creating magic in the night.
 
~ Annette Lightbourn
 


Sunday, August 16, 2015

God's Grace

 
Whenever I'm discouraged or
Whenever I feel blue,
When life's blows seem too hard to take,
I turn, dear Lord, to You.
I know that You will understand
My human frailty,
That You will listen to my prayer
And always answer me.
And though the answer may not be
The one I want to hear,
I know that if my faith is strong,
I have no need to fear
Whatever Your plan is for me,
For You will help me face
The future, come what may, secure
And strengthened in Your grace.
 
~ Alice J. Christianson
 
The grace of the Lord
Jesus be with you.
I Corinthians 16:23

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Life's Changing Seasons

 
 Often we ponder
What are the reasons
When heartaches assail
In life's changing seasons,
When teardrops fall
In the still of the night
And cries are not hushes
By dawn's early light;
In seasons of suffering
And days of deep sorrow,
When mounting uncertainty
Veils our tomorrow.
We ponder and wonder
And often ask "why,"
But the answers are hidden
With our Father on high.
He knows our affliction,
Its purpose and reason.
For all things on earth
There is a season.
But if we surrender
And trust and obey,
Our heavenly Father
Will show us the way.
 
~ Regina Wiencek
 


Friday, August 14, 2015

Look for the Wonder in Winter


 There's a certain magic about Winter -
Perhaps it's the snow everywhere.
Could it be the chuckle of children
Enjoying the crisp, chilly air?

The stately pines offer a scent of mint
As sleds tumble down the valley.
Snowdrifts pile high, roads are blocked,
Yet kind folks with their shovels rally.

We mustn't forget the sparrows need a nest -
Seems each home has a birdhouse of two.
Warm chicken soup, a kettle of tea,
And a cozy fire help men muddle through.

During Winter months remain an optimist -
Watch as good times appear on the scene;
Snowballs will roll, snowflakes will fall,
The earth unfolds like an artist's dream.

Look for wonder in Winter
And reach out, don't you shy away.
Discover the harvest that Winter bestows -
Not barren branches, but a "snow-bountiful" day!

~ Linda C. Grazulis


Thursday, August 13, 2015

Winter White

 
 Softly, silently the snowflakes fall,
And flannel-posted fences raise their heads
Along the winding miles of ermine shrubs,
Down roadsides lined with crystal flowerbeds.
The intricate design of frosted lakes
Gleams dully 'neath a matted sky of gray.
Pale pointed fingers of the north wind tear
The frozen branches roughly from its way.
Like a scene within a waterglobe,
The smallest hand need only shake to see
The dazzling swirl that breathlessly descends
To shape the world in fragile mystery.
So the world appears to me tonight
Dressed in a flowing gown of ermine white.
 
~ Grace E. Easley
 
Come and see the world of God,
awesome in the deeds done for us
Psalm 66:5
 


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

His Cathedral

 
Icicles hang like organ pipes,
Each one a different tone,
To peal out the snowflake symphony
Composed by God alone.
White robed choirs are all around
To sing their heavenly songs.
All the world is one big church,
Each member a part of the throngs.
 
~ Ronald Dietterick
 
 
 


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Autumn Tapestries


 The woods, ablaze with Autumn tints,
Are gay and colorful as chintz
As trees stand on display today
In Fall's new fashionable array.
The aspen dons a golden shawl,
The maple trees are dressed for Fall
In gowns of vivid crimson hue,
Bedazzling all within their view.
The pines and firs in emerald green
Lend their enchantments to the scene
While red-gold leaves swirl all around,
Then softly carpet all the ground.
Fall's beauty stretches far and wide
Across October's countryside.
I watch, spellbound, as Nature weaves
Bright tapestries of tinted leaves.

~ Beverly J. Anderson

Monday, August 10, 2015

Amazed

 
 I never cease to be amazed
By wonders God has planned...
The rising sun, the morning dew...
It's the work of a Master's hand.
Such perfect system of control;
Every month, in sweet array,
Some different kinds of flowers bloom...
God planned it all that way.
For in the early days of Spring,
The bright forsythias grow,
And then in June sweet roses come,
In Autumn pumpkins glow.
And when cold weather comes our way,
I glance up at the sky
And see formation of the birds
As to the south they fly.
It's just a fool who could deny
This power through our land.
I am amazed, but realize
It's the work of a Master's hand.
 
~ John and Edna Massimilla
 
Splendor and majesty go before Him;
praise and joy are in His holy place.
1 Chronicles 16:27
 


Sunday, August 9, 2015

October Is


 October is a signal
For trees to turn to fire
And show off crimson colors
Before they must retire.
October is a beauty
Dressed in Autumn's spell;
She walks in splendor everywhere
And wears the season well.
October is a treasure
She's rich beyond belief;
Her patchwork days of color
Are spectacular, but brief.
October is a painting,
A scarlet leaf display
Framed by a sky of sapphire blue
And wrapped in Autumn day.

~ Nora M. Bozeman


Saturday, August 8, 2015

Beneath October Skies


Autumn is strutting our way once more;
Trees are wearing shawls of red and gold.
There's a purple tint above distant hills;
Such beauty enriches the heart and soul.

Fall flowers are blown aslant by the wind;
Chrysanthemums are a delight to the eyes.
Jack Frost will soon show his pixie face
Beneath the glorious blue of October skies.

The forests are with brilliance massed;
Oaks are dropping their acorns with pride.
The squirrels gather them and swiftly run,
Scurrying up the trees to hide them inside.

God sends us beauty that is unparalleled
When Autumn's colors arrive on the scene.
Beneath the glorious blue of October skies
Is treasure beyond the riches of kings!

~ Barbara Cagle Ray

Friday, August 7, 2015

An Autumn Song

 
 Fall will soon be here again,
That special time of year
When colored leaves of red and gold
Will suddenly appear.
 
Fall will soon be here again,
And joyful I will be
Because it is the season
When my heart feels glad and free.
 
Fall will soon be here again;
Tomorrow it will start,
And I shall feel both happiness
And beauty in my heart.
 
Fall will soon be here again
And Summer will be done,
But Autumn is the time of year
When my life o'erflows with fun.
 
~ Hope C. Oberhelman
 
The whole earth rests peacefully,
song breaks forth.
Isaiah 14:7
 

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Reassurance


 When I'm overwhelmed with worry,
I turn my thoughts above
And linger in the presence
Of God the Father's love.
It's in this time of quiet
That I find a sweet release.
As I lay my burdens down,
There comes an inner peace.
Reassurance fills my heart
As I go about my day,
For I know that God is with me
And He will guide the way.

~ Kay Hoffman

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

His Healing Love


 In the quiet of the evening
When the chores have all been done
And there's time for meditation
As we watch the setting sun,
It is then we count the blessings
That have fallen down like rain.
As our God has walked beside us,
Guiding, caring, once again.
Was the road so steep and narrow
As we struggled through or day?
Were there obstacles to slow us
And to make us lose our way?
That was when God's love was strongest
For He heard us call His name,
And He held us all the closer,
Giving hope for us to claim.

For our Father's love is endless
And it shows in every way -
In skies awash with windswept clouds
And seas of foam-flecked gray;
We feel it in the evening breeze
And hear it in their cry
As gulls wheel freely in their flight
Across the evening sky.
As Spring awaits the Summer,
Then blends quickly into Fall,
And the coldest Winter breezes
All give way to robin's call.
We embrace all Nature's healing,
Put aside our cares and strife,
Hear the music of Creation
In God's symphony of life.

~ Helen M. Motti

So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
I Corinthians 13:13


Tuesday, August 4, 2015

June's Delights


 Roses cascade over fences,
Flowers bloom more brightly now;
Grass is greener, skis are bluer,
Snowy blossoms dress the bough.

June is shining on the hillsides,
Meadows, too, are fresh and fair;
Daisies, buttercups and clover
Catch gold sunbeams in their hair.

Dogwood shades the country pathways,
Birdsong fills the Summer air;
Twinkling violets fringe the booklets -
June's delights are everywhere!

Month of simple charms and beauty,
God's world's smiling, all in tune...
And I find my heart uplifted
By the loveliness of June.

~ Beverly J. Anderson

I will delight and rejoice in You; I will sing
hymns to Your name, Most High.
Psalm 9:3


Monday, August 3, 2015

God Made This Day


 God made this day for one and all -
The big and mighty, the meek and small.
This is the day to rejoice and sing;
This is God's special offering,
Showing His everlasting love,
Sending His blessings from above.
Treasure this day, enjoy every minute,
Put a full measure of living in it,
For this is the day the Lord has made,
From stalwart mountain to sunny glade.
Let us sing our praises to Heaven above
And thank our dear Lord for His eternal love.

~ Virginia DiTomas

This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad.
Psalm 118:24

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Friendship's Smile


Lord, thank You for loyal, loving friends
Who are there in Winter or springtime fair
New acquaintances are easy to come by,
But true friendship is extremely rare.

A friend always sees the best in you,
Although they've known you at your worst.
They laugh with you in the good times;
When storms threaten, they'll be there first.

They'll offer a shoulder to rest your head
When tears are welling in your eyes,
Take a walk down friendship's path with you
And help chase away those stormy skies.

Lord, thank You for all the gifts You give;
Each one makes our life seem more worthwhile.
But one of the finest gifts you've given us
Is the warmth of friendship's loving smile.

~ Barbara Cagle Ray

A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
Sirach 6:15

Saturday, August 1, 2015

When You've Abandoned Hope


When you've abandoned hope
And feel you've lost your way,
Remember God above loves you
And waits for you to pray.

Before you ever seek Him,
He is seeking you
And hoping you will turn to Him
So He can strengthen you.

~ Jan Kilby

You are my refuge and shield;
in Your word I hope.
Psalm 119:114