My Walk with God

 When my busy week has ended

To the country I will trod,

Just to feel the closeness of Him

As I take my walk with God.

Hand in hand from hill to valley

Sweet the smell of fresh turned sod,

Sweeter still my joy and pleasure

As I take my walk with God.

Every creature pays Him homage

Trees and flowers bow and nod

In the presence of their Maker,

As I take my walk with God.

Oh the rapture of this moment

Guided by His staff an rod

Lifted now are all my burdens

As I take my walk with God.

~ Albert N. Theel



Everywhere I Look

Everywhere I look I find

Some wondrous handiwork of Thine,

Every single day I see

Some lovely thing You've given me.

My heart almost overflows,

At the sight of velvet rose,

Lacy fern, and birds that sing,

Lord, You give me everything.

As the early morning breeze

Softly stirs through leafy trees,

Comes the dawn all steeped in gold,

More than my two arms can hold.

Silver stars throughout the night,

Purple shadows, pale moonlight

Turn my thoughts again to Thee,

Lord, I fear You're spoiling.

Everywhere I look I find

Beauty of the richest kind,

Little joys throughout the day

Almost take my breath away.

How very precious I must be,

That You should have such love for me,

And in each cranny, smallest nook

I find You, everywhere I look.

~ Grace E. Easley

...The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament showeth HIs handiwork.

Ps. 19:1

Assurance

God knows all that you face today. 

He is Compassion and the Way;
He understands your fear, the threat
That looms in circumstance you've met.

He is your shelter in this storm,
Rely on Him and faith is born
To lift you up and set your sail;
To see you safely through the gale.

Fear not! For God is at your side,
Beneath His wings you shall abide;
Recall  His love and tender care,
Whisper His name...and He is there.

And as your prayer to Him is made,
Release your fear, be neat afraid:
Be quiet...listen...hear Him say,
"My child, I am with you always."

~ Anna Lee Edwards McAlpin

As We Contemplate the Harvest

Once more the rain is falling

like tears from angry clouds,

And the verdant days of summer

are wrapped in charcoal shrouds.

Soon frost will wrap the meadow

in tiny shawls of white,

And the yellow rose of summer

will vanish out of sight.

The aspens now are golden

and the maple's face is red

In the season we call autumn

when humble "thanks" are said.

For truly we are grateful

for the bounty of God's love

As we contemplate the harvest

and praise His name above!

~ Clay Harrison

He Cares for You

When the way seems hard you are called to tread,

When the dark'ning clouds gather overhead,

When despair and grief all about you spread,

Remember: He cares for you.

When your friends cannot help

When you need them most,

When temptations rise as a mighty host,

When you face defeat and the fight seems lost,

Remember: He cares for you.

Then look up to Him, Who the way can show,

He will guide through joy; He will guide through woe;

For his promise holds and it shall be so.

Remember: He cares for you.

~ Aaron Markuson

Cast all your cares

upon Him, for He

cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7



Without The Way There Is No Going

Without the Way there is no going;

Without the Truth there is no knowing;

Without the Life there is no living.

~ Thomas à Kempis

I Give Thanks

 I gives thanks for Autumn days

and for Springtime's flower displays;

Mist that rises in the early morn -

And a sun filled day new-born.

Murmuring brooks and streams that flow

Shining stars and bright moon-glow

Shelter from a frightening storm -

A happy home to keep me warm.

Loved ones ever close to me,

Friends to keep me company;

Twilight time that's all aglow -

Memories that overflow.

I give thanks that I reside

In the American countryside;

For happiness as twilight nears -

As I enfold life's souvenirs.

~ Nora M. Bozeman

Give thanks

to the Lord,

call upon His name,

make known among

the people, His deeds.

1 Chr. 16:8

Be Alone with Jesus

God directs us in His word

To spend time alone in prayer.

When we sincerely call His name

He's always waiting there,

Ready to listen to our plea

And to comfort our broken heart.

He gives us guidance for each task.

Whenever we draw apart

From others and our daily cares,

And give Him our rapt attention.

He frees us from our worries,

And eases all pent-up tension.

He soothes each hurt we suffer

With His healing balm.

He anoints us with His oil of love,

And leaves us serene and calm.

~ Fern Hanlin Coberly

Our World is God's

 The universe belongs to God

And that includes our earth,

With every form of life there is,

Whatever be its worth.

The lion and the smallest flea,

Each baby that is born,

The flowers in a garden and

The fields of wheat and corn.

Whatever living thing there is,

Almighty God created,

And only as it serves His will,

Can it be compensated.

Our plants and fish and animals,

Have nothing now to fear,

Because they have no way to voice

Or show they are sincere,

But we, as human beings with

A will that is our own,

Must honor His commandments as

We bow before His throne.

~ James J. Metcalfe

A Change of Color

I walk among the meadows,

grasses deep and shiny green.

Wildflowers paint the landscape,

none so fair I've ever seen.

As I take in all this beauty,

my breath's near taken 'back,

To think of the Creator, all He's made,

there is no lack.

For He can paint the meadows,

wash them clean with heavenly rain,

And He can take a hurting soul

and bind up all its pain.

He can take the vilest life

and cleanse it for His pleasure.

He can take the coldest heart

and warm it beyond measure.

A broken spirit He accepts,

a contrite heart He'll mend

If we'll but give our lives to Him

and all our burdens rend.

He'll paint our lives anew, afresh,

with colors brightly shining.

Our lives once dark, in pain so drear'

will glisten with refining.

~ Lynda Bryan Davis

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits.

Ps. 103:2



Wishful Dreams of Greying Years

 

Our greying years are seldom kind

To hopes and dreams of heart and mind

For we grow tired - in greying years -

And fill with aches and doubts and fears

But, still, we dare to wish and dream

Of racing winds and wading streams

And chasing joys we used to know

In youthful years - so long ago.

 

And it is meant that this should be -

As Heaven's gift to you and me -

To bring us smiles, against the truth

Of, once again, re-living youth

For - in such reveries of glee -

Our hearts are young and fancy free

And we are dreamers, Heaven blessed,

To wish and dream in God's caress.

 

~ Michael Dubina

 

Do not cast me off

in the time of old age;

forsake me not

when my strength

fails me.

Ps. 71:9

The Joys of a Happy Home

 

May the sun shine in your windows

And reflect its golden rays,

To bring you happy moments

And bright new sunshine days.

 

May all the love that can unfold

Fill each and every room,

Every day throughout the week -

Each morning, night and noon.

 

May your doors that open daily

Bring happiness inside,

Along with lasting friendships

That you regard with pride.

 

May your roof give faithful shelter

Under stars that shine above,

Your walls stand strong and stately,

This house fit like a glove.

 

May sweet peace and joy abide

Within your chosen place,

Compliments of God on high

Through His endearing grace.

 

~ Catherine Janssen Irwin

Blessings!

 

I've health and home and family...

That's plain for all to see,

I count each as a blessing

...For God's so good to me!

I marvel at each sunset

And sunrise that I see,

I revel in their beauty

...For God's so good to me!

 

When cooking in the kitchen

Or drifting on the sea,

I have that peaceful feeling

...For God's so good to me!

It's not because I'm worthy

For that could never be...

I'm grateful for His mercy

...For God's so good to me!

 

Secure within His wisdom

I'll follow faithfully,

By love and peace surrounded

...For God's so good to me!

Now, looking to the future.

Contented I will be,

So long as He is leading

...For God's so good to me!

 

~ Anna M. Matthews

The Architect

 

Do not plan your future,

God knows what to do,

Build your house with the plans

He gives to you!

Do not be afraid, He will lead you on,

He can see the future,

Trust Him with each dawn!

His rock is your foundation,

His corner-stone your shield,

If the root of your faith

Is grounded in Him,

A strong house will be your yield!

Let your four walls

Contain these gems,

A calmness of spirit

And a love for all men!

Root out anguished thoughts,

Let your joy increase,

And the roof of your house,

Shall be made of God's peace!

 

~ Anna M. Roos

Surrounded by Beauty

 I'm surrounded by beauty

wherever I go.

Both sunrise and sunset

are a wonderful show.

Each season's a treasure,

a sight to behold,

From the roses of summer

to autumn's first gold.

From the lilies of Easter

to winter's first snow,

I'm surrounded by beauty

wherever I go.

Both mountains and valleys

bear witness to me

That God's in control

of all that I see.

From the stars high above

to the oceans below,

I'm surrounded by beauty

wherever I go.

~ Clay Harrison



Evening Prayer

 Dear God, what have I done today

To help another on life's way?

Preoccupied, did I not see

Those needs You placed in front of me?

I feel an emptiness tonight

Because I failed to do the right.

 spent my hours selfishly

And Now I come on bended knee.

I sought for happiness my way,

But found a joy that did not stay.

Dear God, forgive my waywardness,

My sins to you I now confess.

Tomorrow, Your love I will spread,

And by Your will, I pray be led.

I'll try my best in every way

To make it, God, a better day.

I'll take time for another's need

With thoughtful word and kindly deed;

And then when comes the eventide

Within my heart peace will abide.

~ Beverly J. Anderson

If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just

and will forgive us

from all wrongdoing.

1 John 1:9

Abide with Me

 

 Abide with me my Savior,

When clouds Thy dear face hide;

When shadows seem to lengthen,

Oh be Thou by my side.

 

Abide with me my Savior

And give me sweet repose;

In Thee my soul has blossomed,

From bud to full-blown rose!

 

Abide with me dear Savior,

And keep my hand in Thine;

That I be in Thee nurtured

As branch attached to vine!

 

Abide with me my Savior,

And let me never fear;

What life may hold tomorrow

As long as Thou art near!

 

Abide with me my Savior,

That darkling clouds depart;

My strengthening, sturdy fortress,

To be Thy loving heart!

 

~ Sancie Earman King

 

O Lord,

my rock,

my fortress,

my deliverer...

2 Sam. 22:2

 



The Little Creek

 I sat beside the little creek

and watched the water flow

across the stones and wend its way

to the husky river below.

 

I sat here in my childhood

with my books and dreams to grow

and all the while the little creek

ran to the river below.

 

The small stones got more polished,

my books were set aside,

my dreams did not all come true

but the little creek kept its glide.

 

As I grew older and more mature

one fact I could bestow,

the little creek would always run

and join the river below.

 

Our life is like the little creek

that travels on and on.

It carries us to a greater end

and we are never really gone.

 

~ Florence L. Miller

 

My Quest

I do not seek glory, Lord,

nor do I seek wealth or fame,

and what little good I do,

I do, Lord, in Thy name.

There are lost and lonely souls

who cannot find their way,

but a bit of love and kindness

could help them through each day.

Please let me be Thy messenger,

and all I'll ever ask of Thee -

is to save a little place

in heaven - just for me.

I shall try to earn that place.

Such has always been "my quest,"

I'll do the very best I can,

and to Thee Lord, leave the rest.

~ Doris A. Orth

Oh, Walk with Me...

Oh, walk with me, my precious Lord;

Come, walk with me today -

The day is bright; the air is fresh;

Take my hand and lead the way...

Oh, talk with me, my precious Lord;

Come, tell me what to say -

The birds are nesting in the trees,

And the children are at play...

Oh, teach me, oh my precious Lord;

Come, teach me of Thy love -

I feel Thy warm and tender care

That comes from heaven above...

Oh, pray with me, my precious Lord;

Come pray with me tonight -

The starts are twinkling in the sky,

And it's such a lovely sight...

Oh, sing with me, my precious Lord;

There's music in the air -

I hear the heaven's happy song,

And joy is everywhere!

~ Hope C. Oberhelman

Chosen Children

In our trust and faith in Jesus

We are safe from earthly harms

And, forever, bless'd with Graces

That are glories of His arms

For we are His chosen children -

He has sanctified by birth -

To be messengers and teachers

Of His ways to live on earth.

It is meant, for us, to serve Him

And do honor to His Name

By performing Christian duties

He has sanctioned or ordained

And we must - as chosen children -

Be disciples to His wills

That promote the loves and mercies

Christianity instills.

~ Michael Dubina

Blessed is the nation

whose God is the Lord,

the people chosen

as His very own.

Ps. 33:12



The Home

 It need not be a fancy home

To please our latest whim.

The plainest home is beautiful

Where love dwells within.

Where the family lives together

In a warm and caring way,

Who share each other's burdens

And little joys each day.

Where the children grow up  happy

Because they know they're loved,

Where God is honored in the home

And prayers are sent above.

It matters not a mansion,

Or a cottage that we own;

Every home is beautiful

Where love's the corner stone.

~ Kay Hoffman



Oh the Depth of the Riches

Oh the depths of the riches

and wisdom and

knowledge of God!

Romans 11:33



The Sun is a Pleasant Sight

 

 

The Art of Winter

 

 

Looking through the window

Into the sunny day,

I see the touch of winter

In all its great array.

Deserted nests in tree tops

Are topt with snowy lids,

And a frosty snowman's standing

In a sea of snow-white drifts.

 

White clouds that match the snowfall

Are blown by gusty winds,

And tiny snowflakes find a roost

On trees with leafless limbs.

Looking through the window

Into this sun-filled day,

I see the art of winter

Majestically displayed.

 

~ Loise Pinkerton Fritz

Today

 

Today - I must delay my labors

And the chores I do each day

To commune with God and Jesus

For Their gifts of yesterday.

I must take the time to worship

And to thank Them for Their Grace

That has kept me safe from evil

And endeared me, in embrace.

 

Just a little time together -

In the bonds of whispered prayer -

That will tell Them how I love Them

For Their guidance and Their care;

I must also ask Their blessings

On the paths I walk today -

Like the ones They graced upon me

And my paths of yesterday.

 

~ Michael Dubina

 

May my words

and my thoughts

be acceptable to you,

O Lord, my rock

and redeemer.

Ps. 19:14

Snowfall

 

In the silence of the moonlight

Snowflakes tumble to the ground,

Weaving winterland enchantment

As they fall without a sound.

 

Snowflakes, tiny, pristine petals

Knitting coverlets of white,

Magically transforming hillsides

Into scenes of sheer delight.

 

In the quiet of the moment

With this frosty, tranquil view

Of a world now hushed by snowfall,

God, I feel so close to You.

 

As I gaze out from my window,

Hear, oh Lord, my whispered prayer,

Thanking You for all this beauty,

I find Your Love and goodness everywhere.

 

~ Polly Thornton

So Many Blessings

 

My blessings are so many

I cannot add them up,

God showers them down upon me

And daily fills my cup.

 

As gentle rain from heaven

Descends upon the ground,

So His love and mercy

Everywhere are found.

 

So when I feel like grumbling

I just pause for a while

And start to count my blessings,

And the I have to smile.

 

Recalling all God's goodness

Dispels my gloom and woes,

My heart wells up with praises

And my cup overflows.

 

~ Rosemary J. Tivey

 

My cup runneth over.

Ps. 23:5

Church Bells

 

The sound of church bells

Fill the air

They're here; they're there

They're everywhere,

They call us in to prayer.

 

Church bells ring

And church bells peal,

They make us sing

They make us feel

His presence everywhere.

 

Church bells ringing

Out at dawn,

Church bells

In the early morn,

Let's revel in their sound.

 

May church bells help us

Start the day

With happy thoughts,

Oh Lord we pray,

As we all gather round.

 

~ Marilyn McNeil de Latour

Winter Magic

 

What spirits haunt these silent woods,

With snow piled deep?

This vaulted sky of grey whose flakes

Fall while I sleep?

These marble hills and crystal lakes,

And frozen springs?

Of what forgotten time and place,

This forest sings!

 

The hills and hollow beckon me,

As hearthfires glow,

Outside my frosty windowpane,

A castle in the snow,

Tall trees stand like silver knights,

To lead the way,

Into a fairy kingdom, on

This winter day.

 

A drawbridge made of fallen limbs,

Spans silver moat,

Of narrow stream, beyond whose banks,

The magic wrought,

In vanished past awaits to claim

The hearts of those

Who enter here, as north winds sigh,

... Who goes? ... Who goes? ...

 

~ Grace E. Easley

Weather

 

I love to see the snow flakes fall

And cover everything in sight,

I feel an inner sense of peace

And safety when the world is white.

It seems I'm in a special spot

Wrapped in a blanket, soft and warm,

So nothing from outside this place

Can enter in and bring me harm.

 

When rain and wind both come at once

And thunder rolls across the sky,

The lightning's boney, burning hand

Pokes jagged fingers in my eye.

My very soul is now content

I'm free of all my fears and woe,

A thunderstorm can cleanse my heart,

I am enraptured with the snow.

 

~ Lavonne Childers Minigh