In His Loving Arms

 

 Who can make a sunbeam

Sparkle in the sky,

Put a magic in the dawn,

Send a butterfly,

Singing birds in springtime,

Gentle April showers,

Lend a touch of fragrance

To the Junetime flowers?

Who can form a rainbow

When the storm is through,

Place a lovely cloudstep

In the skies of blue,

Build the highest mountain,

Form the wondrous sea,

The miracle of Autumn

Each colored leaf and tree?

Hold us, oh, so firmly

In His loving arms,

Forgive our each transgression,

Lend us angel charms,

Walk beside us always,

Patiently to trod,

Give us life unending...?

No one - only God.

 

~ Garnett Ann Schultz

 



His Presence Within

 

 God never sends sorrow without joy,

Nor the sun without the rain.

He never gives us a cross too heavy

That we can't bear the pain.

 

He is always present within our hearts,

Whispering encouragement to you and me.

He lifts us up when we are down

And listens to our humble pleas.

 

Who else would have the patience

To listen to our complaints,

Yet hold us close to His gentle heart

And love us without restraint?

 

There is always another river to cross

And another mountain to climb.

If we but put our trust in Him,

We'll be filled with His love sublime.

 

His arms are always opened wide,
Waiting patiently to embrace

Troubled souls like you and me

And to fill us with His grace.

 

When despair and sadness come our way,
Just always remember this...

Tomorrow or another day soon

We'll be filled with happiness and bliss.

 

~ Shirley Hile Powell

 

You have made known to me

the paths of life; You will find me

with joy in Your presence.

Acts 2:28

 



Spring In My Heart

 

The grass will soon be turning green

And new leaves shall soon appear.

It's then I'll know within my heart

That Spring is nearly here.

My heart yearns for the colors

And the sweet fragrance that flowers bring.

The birds will be returning home

And the streams will once again sing.

The sun will no longer hide behind

The clouds of Winter's snow.

It will bring us warm and sunny days

As it highlights Spring's new show.

Thank You, God, for sending us

The season of Spring.

It's an offering of Your love for us

Through the beauty and pleasure it brings.

 

~ Shirley Hile Powell

 

It is good to give thanks to

the Lord, to sing praise to

Your name, Most High.

Psalm 92:2

 



At Heaven's Doorstep

 

 So many signs of Spring are here;

Hyacinths are dancing in the sun,

Daffodils are adorned in lacy, gold gowns,

Brooks murmur and sparkle as they run.

The skies ring forth joyous melodies;

Tree leaves burst forth as songbirds sing,

A feather floats down upon the breeze -

It's the robin's calling card of Spring!

Petaled faces are opening eyes to the sun

As the tulips flaunt their colors grand,

I marvel silently as such miracles occur;

At Heaven's doorstep, I must surely stand.

Wild violets push upward to the sun

And drink in the rays of sunlit hours.

God, who fashioned Eden's enchantment.

Created such lovely trees and flowers!

 

~ Barbara Cagle Ray



Spring Is

Happy 2nd Anniversary to this Blog!  :)

Spring is morning birdsong,

Crocus and daffodils,

Blossoms blowing in the breeze

and pies on windowsills.

Spring's a gentle warming

After Winter's thaw;

It's Nature's resurrection

That leaves us all in awe.

Spring is Nature's promise

Of hope and rebirth,

A time when God's angels

Redecorate the earth.

Spring's a time for planting

Tomatoes and corn,

A time for thanksgiving

Just because you're born.

Spring is morning sunshine

And afternoon delights

When Mother Nature celebrates

Her God-given rites.

~ Clay Harrison 



God's Great Love (A Child's Prayer)

 Today I looked up to the sky

And watched the clouds go drifting by,

I thank You, God, for Your great love;

You made the sun and stars above,

The big round moon that shines so bright -

They light the way both day and night.

I thank You for the things we share

And for the beauty everywhere.

~ Pearl Jennings

Then the Lord looked

upon the earth, and filled

it with His blessings.

Sirach 16:27

When I Grow Tired

 Sometimes when I grow tired and long to rest -

Wishing I could lay aside my load,

Feeling I have given life my best,

Smiled so that my heartache never showed -

I am sorely tempted to complain,

Especially when blood and bone grow weak,

But then I take a longer look again,

And my lot doesn't seem so cold or bleak.

For I have memories of lovely things,

Returning to me at a moment's call,

In dead of Winter there's a bird who sings

And morning glories climbing up a wall.

I have stored securely in my heart

The vision of a thousand Summer days,

So life and I just walk a bit apart

That I may hear the forest when it prays.

~ Grace E. Easley

At dawn let me hear of Your kindness,

for in You I trust. Show me the path I

should walk, for to You I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:8

Because It Shows

 I do not doubt a minute

God is present every day.

Like fingerprints He leaves His mark

All along the way.

Moist dew He splashes on the grass,

Veils diamonds 'neath the snow,

Buffets soft clouds in the blue,

Sends gentle winds to blow.

Sweet scents He adds to falling rain,

Paints flowers in brilliant hues,

The babbling brooks and singing birds

Are fashioned by Him too.

Each view He styles is a masterpiece

For each and all to see.

After the rain, the rainbow glows,

God's promised prophecy.

The joy He tucks in every heart

Evinces as a smile.

I know that God is ever near

And loves me all the while.

~ Ruth Scarbrough



Remember That God Cares

 When tempest-tossed and full of hurt

And life is hard to bear,

When nothing seems to satisfy,

Remember that God cares.

When you're fed up with life itself -

Yes, of the whole affair -

When feeling sad and unworthy,

Remember that God cares.

Reach out when it is hardest to,

When you want to give up.

For that's the time you need Him most,

When heartache fills your cup

He will not leave you comfortless,

We're promised in His word,

So don't hesitate to seek Him -

His help you are ensured.

And when the time comes once again

That sunshine fills your days,

Give thanks to Him who helped you through

And sent those golden rays.

~ Denise A. DeWald



Snowfall

I love to watch the snowfall,

Its fragile flakes descend

Like downy feathers fluttering

Upon the Winter wind.

The breath of beauty's whisper

Is light upon the air,

Before my eyes the miracle

Of whiteness everywhere.

No hand can hope to rival

The Decorator's skill,

Beyond man's meager magic,

Each ermine-covered hill.

And as I make a homeward start,

I see God's footprints on my heart.

~ Grace E. Easley

Be strong and take heart, all

you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:25

Outside My Door

Last night I heard the north wind blow;

It seemed to hum a tune -

Enchanting was its mournful sound

Above a silvery moon.

It's wintertime outside my door,

I love the seasons so,

When as the Master Painter calls

And paints the earth with snow.

The land He touches with His brush

Seems picturesque and pure,

He is the Artist of all time -

Of this I'm very sure.

He is the Artist of the night

That hung the silver moon.

~ Katherine Smith Matheney



To Winter

 

Winds that blow and falling snow,

Frost on every pane,

Touch of bliss, a snowflake's kiss

Winter once again.

Fallen leaves, naked trees,

Frozen creek and stream,

Quiet peace, joys increase,

Hearts now share a dream.

 

Every garden fast asleep

There beneath the snow,

Birds on wing await the Spring

When gentle breezes blow.

Little crocus dares to peek

Through the frozen ground,

Small an dear, lending cheer,

Yet making not a sound.

 

Nature shares her miracles

Throughout each magic day,

Untold charms, enfolding arms

Along tomorrow's way.

Home fires burning ever bright,

Hearts look ahead to Spring,

'Midst ice and snow, the cold winds blow

While Winter still is king.

 

~ Garnett Ann Schultz

 

I trust in Your faithfulness. Grant

my heart joy in Your help, that I

may sing of the Lord, "How good

our God has been to me!"

Psalm 13:6

 



God's Love

 

 God's love is like the Winter sky

O sot translucent blue,

It's like a picture painted

In bright midsummer hue.

God's love is like a drop of rain

That falls upon my hand,

It's like my scruffy teddy bear,

My childhood's faithful friend.

God's love is like a burning light

That keeps me safe and sound,

It's like the wild geese at flight

That soar - strong and proud.

God's love is like a country inn,

Grape jelly on white toast -

Of all the different kinds of love,

His love I treasure most.

 

~ Elizabeth Lyulkin

 



Thanksgiving

 

Bringing in the harvest,

Sweet gathering of fields,

Bowing heads and saying grace

For all that Nature yields.

Voices lift to praise Him,

Our Father high above,

Grateful for His blessings,

Joyful for His love.

 

~ Bea Lotz

 



When Autumn Days Are Here

 

 I count my blessings one by one

Whate'er the time of year,

And yet it seems I count them more

When Autumn days are here.

 

The nearby fields of ripened grain,

The harvest gathered in;

Rich bounty from the hand of God

To bless our land again.

 

I lift my eyes to Autumn hills

Of flaming red and gold;

A picture only God could paint,

So splendorous to behold.

 

The gentle hush upon the land,

Wild geese in southward flight,

The harvest moon hanging low,

A giant lantern bright.

 

I count my blessings one by one -

I'm thankful for them all -

And still it seems I count them more

When comes the season Fall.

 

~ Kay Hoffman

 



Vagabond

 

 Today I'll leave known pathways

To wander as time wills.

Bright autumntime is beckoning

To climb her flaming hills.

 

A panoramic view unfolds

As far as eye can see.

The Master Artist's left His trace

On meadow, hill and tree.

 

Crisp Autumn breezes whisper

Of fresh pine forest air,

And lure me to climb higher

And leave behind all care.

 

'Mid hilltops' golden silence

Where mild fawn dip in streams,

A peace floods through my being...

My heart holds only dreams.

 

~ Beverly J. Anderson

 

May the Lord give might to

His people; may the Lord

bless His people with peace!

Psalm 29:11

 



Like a Beacon

 

Softly glowing like a beacon

Through fall's gray and naked trees;

Golden poplars gently tremble

With each warm and whispering breeze.

 

Softly entering, Indian Summer

Swiftly moves cross the land,

Leaving magic where she touches,

Sprinkling gold on either hand.

 

~ Lola Neff Merritt

 

October Interlude

 

Oh, the colors of October
Are coming into town;
Wild geese are winging southward,
The leaves are tumbling down.
Oh, the woodlands are al glowing
When Autumn comes to call;
Fall's handiwork is showing
In sunset's fiery ball.
Oh, the fields are full of pumpkins,
The skies are brilliant blue;
The hills are like a wonderland
Of red and golden hue.
Oh, the colors of October
Display a multitude
Of flaming, floating brilliancy
For Autumn's interlude.

~ Nora M. Bozeman



God's Recipe

 

 A cup of joy

And a dash of love

Will keep God's happiness

Flowing from above.

A pound of hope

With kindness packed beneath

Will keep your heart

Tender and sweet.

A barrel of patience

And a spoon of peace

Will calm your soul

And your wrath will cease.

A yard of gentleness

And a foot of grace

Will keep you traveling

At a steady pace.

When these ingredients

Are mixed together

We can sail right through

Life's stormy weather.

 

~ Wilma J. Williams

 

Bless the Lord, my soul; do not

forget all the gifts of God.

Psalm 103:2

 



God's at the Table



 

 When the harvest has been gathered in

And the fields are stripped and bare,

It's time to relax beside the fire

In your favorite worn-out chair.

 

The jams and jellies taste so fine;

Fruit trees were bountiful this year.

The corn stalks were heavy-laden, too;

You even had enough to share!

 

Now comes the time for giving thanks

For the table that is overflowing.

The fields were fertile and you worked hard,

But God in Heaven did the growing!

 

~ Barbara Cagle Ray

 

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

generosity, faithfulness...

Galatians 5:22

 

To Win God's Grace

 Our hopes and dreams are in the prayers

We say to God each day,

And it is meant to be this way

Each time we choose to pray.

So we must pray with honest hearts

And live the Christian way

To win God's grace upon this earth

And on our Judgment Day.

For each of us there is a task

That God would have us do,

That will do honor to His name

And glory Jesus, too.

And we must find and do this task

Of love and Christian grace

To win His blessings on our dreams

And hopes that we embrace.

~ Michael Dubina



Birds

 

Birds move so deftly through the air,

And proudly spread celestial wings.

With forms and grade their bodies glide,

And no effort does it take, it seems.

 

Their songs can cheer the wistful heart

And make the saddest day seem fair,

And adorn the skies with such a joy,

That God saw fit to place them there.

 

~ Barbara Cagle Ray

 

Bless the Lord, all creatures,

everywhere in God's domain.

Bless the Lord, my soul!

Psalm 103:22

God's Great Power

 

 When God heralds the springtime

And greens all the grass,

Puts green leaves on bare boughs,

Grows bright flowers en masse,

Hides the darkness of Winter

Behind sunny skies,

We'll see God's great power,

Our God who's all-wise.

When God ushers in Summer

With bright-day bouquets,

With butterflies, songbirds,

And children at play,

With daisy-filled meadows

And wild Queen Anne's lace,

We'll see God's great power

In beauty Displayed.

When God opens the Fall door

To sights yet unseen:

The frost on the pumpkins,

The leaf-colored scenes...

The fields filled with bounty

To be harvested,

We'll see God's great power

As Autumn He set.

When God brings back the Winter

Before the year's close,

With snowflakes and snowdrifts

And harsh winds that blow,

With ice-covered streamlets

And icicles clear,

We'll know God's great power

Is present all year.

 

~ Loise Pinkerton Fritz

 

Be Thou exalted, Lord, in

Thine own strength; so will we

sing and praise Thy power.

Psalm 21:13

Splendors of the Silver Sea

 These singing days of dawn and dew

By shattered ocean's sunlit blue,

The gray-white seagulls poised on high,

Dark shadows painted in the sky.

The gliding gulls in spiral flight

Skim trailing clouds of dappled light.

Sea air is brisk and the wind blows free,

Mist links as one the beach and me.

Wind wings soar in mystic might,

Eerie cries echo airborne delight,

I watch them fly 'neath starry skies above,

Singing praise to God for His constant care and love.

~ Elisabeth Weaver Winstead

All you birds of the air, bless the Lord;

praise and exalt Him above all forever.

Daniel 3:80

Of All the Gifts

 Of all the gifts I'd ask of Thee

In any troubled hour 'twould be

The gift of quietness of soul

That makes a weary heart feel whole.

Amid the storms to know Thy calm,

And feel Thy soothing, healing balm.

Blest quietness that comes from Thee,

And steadies me on rocky sea.

My cares are strivings then wilt find

Release through quietness of mind.

How canst I fear? For worries cease

When God, Thou sendeth me Thy peace.

~ Beverly J. Anderson

You rule the raging sea; You
still its swelling waves.
Psalm 89:10

Our Bouquet

Within each human being

Lies a seed to share and give.

We must cultivate affectionately

If we want the seed to live.

With faith we must go forward

As God extends His hand

And bid each one climb higher

To a most inviting land.

The new land is a promise

Of our Heaven here on earth

It's a dream within our being

Which will give our seeds new birth.

We must pass along our friendship,

Sow seeds of love, of trust, of faith.

We must cultivate our garden

And reduce to nil the hate.

We know there is a power

That can make our garden grow

And mold each tiny seed of love

To make our whole world glow.

Glow in brightness like the dewdrops,

Like a prayer robed in jewels,

Like a cloud with a silver lining

And our priceless gift to choose.

Like a meadowlark in springtime

And our prized designed bouquet -

If we tie it with love ribbons

It is ours to give away.

~ Chris Zambernard

So faith, hope, love remain, these three;

but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Are There Hollyhocks in Heaven?

 Are there hollyhocks in Heaven

Ablaze in pastel hues?

Are there butterflies and hummingbirds

And pearls of morning dew?

Are there daffodils and roses

Dancing in the wind?

Are there apple trees and cherries

In orchards we may tend?

Are there fireflies in Heaven

Like diamonds born of light?

Are there moonbeams on magnolias

When the moon is full and bright?

Are there waterfalls and rainbows

Beyond the clouds somewhere,

And does springtime last forever

In God's celestial air?

These things are daily given

When day begins anew -

It's a sneak preview of Heaven

Unveiled for me and you!

~ Clay Harrison

The Harmony of Nature

 All Nature works together

To bring about the Spring.

Frogs croak,crickets chirp,

Birds build nests and sing.

The showers fall so gently

To moisten well the earth.

The warm sun does its portion

To give the seeds their birth.

The bees and breeze spread pollen

To fertilize the seed.

All Nature seems so eager

To fill each other's need.

Each complements the other

To live in harmony.

For them it comes so natural -

So why, oh why, can't we?

~ Martha Mastin



Made by Your Own Touch

 

 Oh, Lord, the earth is so beautiful

When springtime comes around.

The magnificent, glorious colors

Are everywhere to be found.

 

The lilac bush and redbud trees

And dogwoods are all aglow.

The little stream that barely trickled

Is now a steady flow.

 

The birds serenade so sweetly,

They bring music to my ears.

The grass is alive and green.

I think a little of Heaven is near.

 

All of Nature comes alive in Spring,

Oh, what a gift from You.

I breathe the clear and fragrant air

And gaze at the sky of blue.

 

Thank You, God, for the springtime

That I love so very much.

I know that all of the beauty

Was made by Your own touch.

 

~ Shirley Hile Powell

 



Sweet Perfume

 

 Sometimes I feel I'm sinking

Into sadness and despair,

No matter all the good I do,

The kindnesses and care.

I struggle to be happy,

To love, to laugh, to live,

To reach beyond the problems

And to others simply give.

Yet this sadness creeps upon me,

Surrounding me with gloom,

When all I really long for

Is the scent of sweet perfume.

The splendor of the flowers,

The grass so lush and green,

The sun and all its brightness,

The air so fresh and clean.

And though I'm feeling sad now,

I know the time will come

For sweet perfume, the flowers in bloom

And fields where I can run.

 

~ Gina Mazzullo Laurin

 

Our days are like the grass; like

flowers of the field we blossom.

Psalm 103:15

 

Little Feathered Friend

 

 Come, my little feathered friend,

The time is drawing nigh;

The last snowflake has melted;

There's a patch of blue on high.

 

Your birdhouse is spic-and-span

And freshly painted, too;

I now anxiously await

The welcome sight of you.

 

Winter days have ended,

But cheerless is the dawn;

Come, my little feathered friend,

And sing your happy song!

 

~ Kay Hoffman

 

...the birds of Heaven

nest; among the

branches they sing.

Psalm 104:12