In Every Heart

 

In every heart there dwells a dream;

With every dream there's hope,

And everywhere we chance to go

God sends us strength to cope...

 

In every heart there dwells a smile;

With every smile there's love,

And everywhere we chance to go

God sends blessings from above...

 

In every heart there dwells a glow;

With every glow there's light,

And everywhere we chance to go

God sends a starlit night...

 

In every heart there dwells a friend;

With every friend there's glee,

And everywhere we chance to go

God sends joy to you and me! 

 

~ Hope C. Oberhelman

 

A Little Tenderness

 

Who would not wish to leave behind

A bit of tenderness,

A sum - of their endearing heart

And memories to caress.

 

And too - a wish to be remembered

In such a haunting way,

For deeds and works of our September

As if it were today.

 

To leave a line to catch the heart

A smile, a laugh,  a tear,

A presence felt as once it was

To feel - forever near.

 

And when we leave this world - prithee -

I would hope that one could say

He gave a little tenderness -

To me - along the way.

 

~ James Joseph Huesgen

 

Nothing Is So Strong

 

Nothing

is so strong

as gentleness;

nothing

so gentle

as real strength.

 

~ St. Francis de Sales

Country People

 

It's country people, I believe

Who are so close to God,

For it is they who pioneer

The land and work the sod.

 

Yes, they are very near to Him,

Depend on Him for rain,

For sunshine, and for strength to till

The land and grow their grain.

 

Ah, country people are the salt

Of earth kind, it's been said,

And I suppose it's true because

We look to them for bread.

 

~ Luther Elvis Albright

 

The Gift

 

There is no greater gift than love

In giving... or receiving.

The world has always plenty of

Hatred, pain and grieving.

 

Make Christlike love your private cause,

A vivid light that lifts the pall

Scornful of human lives and laws,

A flame so caring it conquers all.

 

Love will not keep, so spend it fast

As lavish as a millionaire

In word and deed, until at last

It multiplies to bring your share.

 

~ Maurice Bochicchio

 

Dawn's Holy Light

 

The snowflakes fell

in lacy flight

All through the day

and into night

And in the morn

the ground was white

And all the world

seemed clean and bright.

And though our sins

were washed away

The soul cleansed

by the snow that lay

Upon the ground

in virgin shite

And blessed us

with dawn's holy light.

 

~ Dolores Karides

 

Let My Soul Sing

 

O, let my soul sing

And joy in every rainbow,

In every graceful floating

Of the birds in flight.

 

Let my soul thrill

To the leaping of the doe,

And my heart be in tune

With crickets in the night.

 

Let variety of colors,

motions and tunes,

Align my sense

With spontaneous praise.

 

Let my responsive soul sing

To  my gracious Creator,

All of my earthbound days.

 

~ Ruth C. Grace

 

Crumbs Beneath His Table

I know that I'm unworthy, Lord,
of all You've given me.
I don't deserve a single crumb
You give me constantly.
For what is man that You should care
enough to send Your Son
When all have sinned and gone astray
and hurt You one by one?

Forgive me, Lord, for thorns I placed
upon Your sacred brow,
For nails I placed into Your feet
without meaning to somehow.
Forbid it, Lord that I should boast
of anything I've done.
For the crumbs beneath Thy table,
have fed us everyone!

~ Clay Harrison

A Second Chance

 

I might  not have a second chance

So I'd better do today

The deeds that I've been thinking of

That would help one, in some way.

 

I'd better try to make amends

For thoughtless words of mine,

And right the wrong as best I can,

While there is precious time.

 

There may not be a second chance

For what I'd like to do,

So I'd better not procrastinate -

Then there's nothing left to rue.

 

The saddest words of tongue or pen,

That I can contemplate,

Are the words we often have to use -

I'm sorry, it's too late.

 

~ Rachel Hartnett

 

The Autumn Years



These I count the sweetest days

 the Autumn of my years

It seems they pass so rapidly

Or...so it... appears...

I've counted all the skies of blue

 And all the skies of gray,

 And I have counted blessings

 Thro' my life, have come my way.

 All the woes I've thrust aside

 I have tried to see the good

My life it flows near eventides

 Or... in that neighborhood

And I shall spend my pining years

 as life has me addressed,

And I can say throughout my years

 That I've been truly blessed.

 

~ James Joseph Huesgen

A Time For Listening

 

A quiet time between the hills

to listen to the birds,

The world is soft and mute and still

a time to hush my words.

 

A time best spent in listening...

the breath of God is grand,

How softly doth He guide my ways

with His own loving hands.

 

And when I reach His heavenly home

within His realm above,

I'll know, at last, 'twas He who came

to guide me with His love.

 

~ Faye Mettam

 

The Best You Can

 

When other get ahead of you
In everything you try to do,
Don't give up trying, don't feel blue...
Just do the best you can.

When those you trusted let you down
And greet your smile with scowl and frown,
Don't turn and run right out of town...
Just do the best you can.

Though other people criticize
The things you say, your work despise;
Just straighten up and raise your eyes...
And do the best you can.

When sorrow strikes with crushing blow,
When day by day you lonelier grow
Remember, there is One who'll know...
So do the best you can.

He'll never let you down, be sure,
Although His purpose seems obscure
Just trust in Him, keep your heart pure
And do the best you can.

So when the course of Life is run,
Though fame and wealth you have not won,
He'll say "That was a job well done"...
So do the best you can.

 

~ Alice J. Christianson

There Are No Endings

 

This I have found among the twisted ways,
The narrow paths converging into one,
Somewhere beyond the setting of the sun,
When dusk lends softness to
the web of days,
And weary hours sink to blend among
The quiet peace, wherein a silver star
Reminds me heaven isn't all that far,
Whose ladder Hope has fashioned,
rung by rung.
Where reason seeks the meaning of a man,
Hearts can sense the things
eyes cannot see,
Though life remains the greatest mystery,
Love holds the clue within a gentle hand.
"There are no endings, only pauses when
We look for new beginnings once again."

 

~ Grace E. Easley

A Passing Of Days

 

Autumn leaves are lovely things,

IN shades of red and gold,

But they presage another time,

When summer has grown old.

When frost paints silver fantasies,

Upon the bare, brown hills,

The green in summer, freely spent,

The gold of daffodils;

When brittle leaves in burning heaps,

Perfume the keening breeze,

That searches aimlessly, a wraith,

Among the tattered trees.

Unlike the autumn leaves that fall,

And sadly fade away,

Love blossoms brightly in the heart,

To warm each passing day.

 

~ Julie E. Jones

All But Man

 

A lovely flower in full bloom

Lifts its petals toward the sky,

But then within a few short weeks

It withers and it dies.

 

The kingdom of the animals,

The birds that fill the air,

Have only one small space in time

In which they all can share.

 

The same hold true for everything

That dwells upon this earth,

Except for man and man alone,

God has granted him rebirth.

 

Created in His image

With a soul that never dies,

By His grace we live forever

If in Him we do abide.

 

~ Albert N. Theel

 



A Prayer For Those We Love

 

"Our Father who art

in heaven,"

Hear this little prayer

and reach across

the miles today

That stretch

from here to there,

So I may feel much closer

To those I'm fondest of

And they may know

I think of them

With thankfulness and love,

And help all people everywhere

Who must often dwell apart

To know that they're together

In the haven of the heart!

 

~ Helen Steiner Rice

Replenishment

 

Your night will be filled with rejoicing,

With the cares that unfold the day,

The angels will be gently voicing

The blessings coming your way.

 

Your sleep will experience sweet dreaming,

Where those angels hover to bless;

New strength in your soul now streaming

As you feel God Fortune's caress.

 

These blessings accrue to your pleasure,

Because you accomplished today

The tasks that assured you a treasure

That the Master is sending your way...

 

So, sleep to replenish the store

Of strength for the burdens you  bear;

When your long journey is o'er,

You'll dwell with the Savior up there.

 

~ W.R. Goodman

 

The Snow Is Here

 

A winter wonderland

A cotton candyland.

A blessing grand, so grand.

The snow is here.

'Twas but a night ago,

the green was all about.

Yet, now without a doubt,

the snow is out.

Marshmallow world, indeed.

My heart was so in need

of such a winter scene.

So fresh. So clean.

And all the green is gone,

till sometime later on.

But for today, the white

is quite a sight.

And I am filled with love

as showers from above

continue to adhere

The snow is here.

 

~ Dolores Dahl

 

 



With Thankful Heart

 

For all the simple things of life

We thank Thee God this day;

For tender fragile moments

So soon do pass away.

 

For all the treasured, cherished things

Which give our heats delight;

The magic warmth of Christmastime

And glow of candlelight.

 

For signs of spring and birds that sing

Tho' winter winds still blow;

The robin comes when first we see

A crocus in the snow.

 

For pleasing scent of burning leaves

From autumn's golden store;

And sweet caress of summer

With walks along the shore.

 

For gentle sleep which eases care

When we are tired and worn;

And coffee brewing on the stove

Upon a winter morn.

 

For welcome laughter of our friends

The touch of baby's cheek;

For those who pass us on the street

And smile when'ere we speak.

 

For soothing strains of music

Which fall upon our ears;

Compassion shared by those we love

And flow of healing tears.

 

We thank Thee God for hands and feet

For eyes with which we see;

But most of all, Dear Father

For joy of loving Thee!

 

~ Sancie Earman King

 

 

 



Call Of The Wild

 

The call of the wild is a restless voice

Of wind and sky and sea;

Beckons all - both great and small

With the yearning to be free.

 

It drives snow geese in autumn skies

And answers the coyote's cry;

Blows in the mist of mountain crests

And lifts the eagle high.

 

The thunder of the river's plunge,

The whisper of the desert dune;

Nature sings a thousand songs

To her jeweled and mystic tune.

 

The call of the wild is a will within

To venture where few have trod,

With a captive sound that makes hearts pound -

It must be the voice of God.

 

~ C. David Hay

As Autumn Fades

 

The birds in loud and plaintive cry

In flocks begin to southward fly.

The leaves in shades of red and brown

To earth come softly floating down.

 

The filed of green begin to turn

And look so stark and bare.

The flowers begin to fade and die

As frost shows everywhere.

 

The air grows colder day by day,

A change is taking place,

As fall is soon to be replaced

By winter's snowy face.

 

~ Harold F. Mohn

Color And Hue

 

Whoever could devise

Such color and hue?

As Summer turns to Winter

Like God can do?

So fine the weather

And lovely the breeze,

So many colors

Among the trees.

Oh, Autumn!

A tribute to you I express,

One of the Seasons

Which brings happiness!

 

~ Margie Dorenzo

God's Artistry

 

With flash of crimson, blaze of gold

The autumn days start to unfold;

And every day a little more

Of beauty lies outside our door.

Soon myriad hues of rainbow lace

Are seen across the landscape's face.

The world's aglow 'neath sky bright blue -

A painting only God can do.

 

My soul enriched, I watch it all,

The splendor of the gorgeous fall.

So thankful for the eyes to see

The glory of God's artistry.

 

~ Beverly J. Anderson

Praise Him...

 

For temptations met

From day to day,

and trials encountered

Along the way,

Praise Him!

 

For the opportunity to go

To Him in prayer

To relieve your burdens

Toils and care,

Praise Him!

 

For grace bestowed

And blessings received,

For forgiveness of sins

And heartaches relieved

Praise Him!

 

For the refreshing rain

And the evening's sun,

For a crown of life

When our tasks here are done,

Praise Him!

 

~ Janice George

The Light

 

I walked alone in darkness,

no hope at all I could see -

Til Jesus stood before me;

The brightest light was He.

 

He said, "Just take my hand,

I'll lead you from the  dark.

Then we'll start out together -

a journey to embark."

 

I've now been on this journey

for many years with Him.

At times, I tried to lead the way,

but the light began to dim.

 

For when Jesus wasn't leading,

there wasn't enough light -

To keep me on the pathway

that leads from wrong to right.

 

One day we'll end the journey,

just when I do not know.

But until then, I'll try to let

my Lord before me go.

 

~ Diana Sue Lindley

A House That's Built with Love

Without love, a house is just a house---

a ceiling, walls and floor,

But fill that house with faith and love

and it becomes much more.

 

A home is where your dreams come true

for love abides, you see,

And love makes a house a home

regardless of pedigree.

 

Home's a shelter from the storms of life

and sanctuary too,

For loved ones wait behind the door

to hug and comfort you.

 

It's a home where God is honored

and the Bible's often read,

And there the children seek Him

before they go to bed.

 

Home may be a simple shanty

beneath the stars above,

But blessed are those who dwell within

a house that's built with love!

 

~ Clay Harrison

 

As for me and my house

we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15

 

Hearts And Hands Of Love

 

Graced with love are hearts and hands

That serve our Holy Lord

And point to peaceful ways of life

He blesses with reward;

Through works of labor and of art,

They serve His sacred wills

And light the joys of Christian faith

That comfort human ills.

 

The painter paints, with Heaven's hues,

The glory of His arts;

The poet pens, with humble words,

The glories He imparts;

And Christian souls - of common fold -

Embrace Him with their deeds

That grace His love, on every road,

Where humans cry in need.

 

And there are those who also serve,

Through charities of heart,

By giving of their stores and wealth

To better human lot;

Each one a servant unto Christ -

By deeds of heart and hand -

That make Him dearer to each life

And nearer to each land.

 

~ Michael Dubina

 

Water The Flower

I picked a flower yesterday

And put it in a glass.

I filled the glass with water,

In hopes that it would last.

 

Its beauty overwhelmed me,

And its fragrance filled the air,

That it could last forever,

Was the wish that I declared.

 

But, alas, the day had ended

And as tomorrow came,

Its beauty was all faded,

It would never be the same.

 

How great that God's not like this flower,

That dies when it's been cut,

Each time we trip and stumble,

He is there to pick us up.

 

He's a friend who won't forsake us

If we water Him each day,

With our love and adoration,

And our willingness to pray.

 

~ Albert N. Theel

Don't Worry

 

Don't worry, your life is in His hands,

He knows and He loves and He understands.

So what if you stumble now and then,

He always picks you up again.

Don't sigh and fret and spoil the day,

Nobody always gets his way.

Think of your blessings, Heaven knows

Folks have a way of forgetting those.

 

Don't squander years that you could fill

With such tremendous worth until

One by one the chances pass,

Like sand within a hour glass.

Don't worry and wish and plot and plan,

Remember the mighty oak began

From nothing more than one small seed,

...And God is aware of what you need.

 

~ Grace E. Easley

 

Why God Made Puppies

 

When I was a young girl and death stole my pet

It brought on a trauma I'd not soon forget.

I hid in my room and no food would I take,

I wondered if God hadn't made one mistake:

He granted a puppy with whom I had grown,

But gave her a life span far short of my own.

 

Then when I matured, as if God had a plan,

I soon settled down with a dog-loving man.

We took in the homeless, the frail and the weak;

We also converted the vicious to meek.

I learned the Great Lesson is not years they bear,

But strong bonds of trust and the love that you share.

 

And so as we've journeyed down life's winding road,

A number of puppies have shared our abode.

Both large ones and small ones with long floppy ears.

We've cherished the joys which were tempered with tears.

And now as I thank God in Heaven above,

I know He made puppies to teach us to love.

 

~ Toni Fulco