Looking Back, Looking Ahead!

The year is almost over

This year 2009,

And looking back to what has been

And what has marked the time;

I am so very thankful

That God is in control,

Nothing takes Him by surprise

And this I know is so!

Because He is forever

Has been since time began,

Nothing new beneath the sun

Makes Him react like man!

He is mighty, He is power

He is Creator over all,

There is nothing, there is no one

That can ever make Him fall.

He is higher than the heavens

He is strong and will prevail,

No matter plans for evil

They are always going to fail!

He is our God, our Savior

And is the Refuge that we seek,

He is our mighty Warrior

Though THE lamb who's also meek;

He is tough and He is tender

And has love for everyone,

2010 might be the year He'll see

Many souls receive His Son!

But they and our fathers dealt proudly,

and hardened their necks, and hearkened

not to your commandments, and refused to

obey, neither were mindful of your wonders

that you did among them; but hardened their

necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain

to return to their bondage: but you are a God

ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to

anger , and of great kindness, and forsook them

not. Yet many years did you forbear them, and

testified against them by your spirit in your

prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore

gave you them into the hand of the people of the

lands. Nevertheless for your great mercies' sake

you did not utterly consume them, nor forsake them;

for you are a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:

16-17, 30-31

...Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall he

find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8b

Christmas Reminder!

This was a Christmas to remember

But then - aren't they all?

Because Christ the Savior was born

To save men from the fall!

We look back to His birth

With wonder and thanks and awe,

And thank Him for forgiving us

For taking the sin of all!

We need this Christmas reminder

Because we oft forget,

That Jesus coming to earth

Allows sinners to repent.

His birth and life and death

Brought hope and a future sure,

Sin could not destroy man

'Cause Christ is sinless and pure.

His life in you and me

Could only be obtained,

By One who is perfection

But took our sin and shame!

Thank You Jesus, for all You've done

For dying for all and not just some,

For offering salvation to all mankind

For coming to earth to give us life!

God sent His only begotten Son, so that

whosoever believes in Him should not perish

but have eternal life. John 3:16

Christ Is Christmas!

We have a Savior of such great worth

And are grateful for His birth,

For all He came to do for man

In His obedience to God's plan.

He lived and died to set us free

Our souls to save both you and me,

From babe He was so soft and sweet

Then growing to the man He'd be.

The Son of God went to the cross

Took our sin and suffered loss;

To gain the way for us to find

Our Father God for all time.

This Christ that Christmas is about

We welcome here and have no doubt,

He is the Gift our Father gave

To rise above His earthly grave.

To take our sins there to leave

To seek us out so we'd believe,

He is the miracle our God sent

We can't deny and must repent.

Then to Him we sing our praise

Our Christmas songs to Him we raise.

....................................................................

Not in a box

Nor under a tree,

But in our hearts

Is where Jesus should be!

"And she shall bring for a Son, and

thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He

shall save His people from their sins."

Matthew 1:21

Our greatest need was forgiveness, so

God sent us a Savior - the most beautiful,

wonderful Gift we could receive - at Christmas

and forever!

*****

An Invitation To THE Birthday Party!

Invitations are going out

It's almost party time,

Everyone's getting excited

To attend this event so fine.

The celebration soon will begin

There's much to anticipate,

It's time for us all to RSVP

There's really no need to wait!

It's actually a birthday party

Though it comes at Christmas time,

And everyone asked to attend

Is welcome to come and dine.

We usher in this special birth

This joyous occasion for all,

The glorious One we celebrate

Strikes us with absolute awe!

This time of rejoicing and honor and praise

To the One who was born from above,

The gifts we give can't compare

To His gifts of forgiveness and love!

"The virgin will be with child and will

give birth to a son, and they will call

him Immanuel" - which means, "God

with us." Matthew 1:23

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

We Sing His Praises!

We sing His praises to the world

As we sing the Christmas songs,

Our hearts cry out as we rejoice

With voices loud and strong.

He is the One who was born to die

His glory is all around,

Our voices raise to our King on high

And make a joyous sound!

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth

be glad. Psalm 96:11

The Tree In The Downtown Square!

The tree stood alone in the downtown square, the people hurried by not seeing it there.

But the tree had a story it wanted to tell, of Jesus, the Savior, 'cause the tree knew it well.

It readied itself as the lumberjacks came. "We've found just the one!" they loudly proclaimed.

They worked with the tree and made a manger and bed, for the baby Jesus to lay His sweet head.

They then added Mary and Joseph, His dad; the animals, too, with the wood that they had.

The wise men were carved and a star painted bright; they placed it there to light up the night.

The job was done and the men left the scene; the tree was most happy, at peace and serene.

The tree looked around from his place in the square, and saw people coming to see what was there.

They exclaimed upon gazing at the wonderful sight; "This manger reminds us of God's love on this night."

The tree thought ahead to what he could do, how he could help in the town that he knew.

"I could be fashioned into a cross, it's where Jesus died to save those that are lost."

Again he would be in the downtown square, it would be Easter with love in the air.

Now he was happy, as the snow softly fell; he was part of the story that he loved to tell.

Remembering the manger and the cross - Christ' birth and death - at Christmas

Originally published - 2004

Beverly Alfonso

Christmas Calls Out!

Toys for little boys

Dolls for little girls,

Some people say that Christmas

Is for the children of the world.

But I say that Christmas

Is for God's children everywhere,

Playthings won't be needed

When we understand His care.

His care to send His Son

From heaven's reality,

To a desperate lonely earth

To save sinners - you and me.

Christmas calls out to us

Brings hope where there was none,

Quickens life within us

Until this life is done.

The joy bubbling in our hearts

That comes from deep within,

We owe to Christ, our Christmas Gift

The Savior of all men.

How great is the love the Father

has lavished on us. 1 John 3:1

My Christmas List!

What do I want for Christmas

Does anyone care to guess?

I want so very many things

And they all begin with bless -

Bless my friends and family, Lord

With what You know they need,

A relationship with You first

I pray that they will seek.

Bless them in their hearts

With deep love and tender care,

And the satisfaction in their lives

That You are always there.

Bless them with good health and then

Keep them from all harm,

See to daily needs they have

That keep them safe and warm.

Bless them with the joy and peace

That come from knowing You,

Help them make a difference

And bring glory unto You.

Bless them with the truth

That's found within Your Word,

And help them share the message

That they've read and seen and heard.

Bless them with all they ask for

When it is Your will for them,

Father, I ask these "blessings"

For my family and my friends -

And all because of HIM!

I thank my God every time I

remember you. Philippians 1:3

And pray in the Spirit on all

occasions with all kinds of

prayers and requests. With this

in mind, be alert and always keep

on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18

Jesus, The Star!

The Christmas tree is lit

The candles are aglow,

Everything seems brighter

I know why this is so -

We welcome all the beauty

Of this very "merry" season,

And prepare our hearts and homes

For Jesus, who's the reason!

We look so forward to

And anxiously await,

This special Christmas time

And the day we celebrate.

He is the Gift we love

God's Best to us by far,

He is the Light of life

He shines brighter than a star.

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel

to testify to you these things

in the churches. I am the Root

and the Offspring of David, the

Bright and Morning Star."

Jesus Came For Us!

A star shines brightly in the sky

All the world is still,

The promise of a Savior

Is soon to be fulfilled.

Baby in a manger

Is glory from above,

From a Father of compassion

Filled with a lasting love.

He knew we need redemption

And knew there was a way,

That man could be forgiven

Through the baby in the hay.

Rejoicing over Jesus

We praise His holy Name,

We give Him all the glory

And are thankful that He came!

"And suddenly there was with the

angel a multitude of the heavenly

host praising God, and saying, Glory

to God in the highest, and on earth

peace, good will toward man."

Luke 2:13-14

Thank You, Jesus!

Joy to the world

No matter what else befalls,

We have a God who loves us

And who gave His BEST for all.

Christmas is a blessing

When we're reminded of,

The birth of the Savior of mankind

Because of our Father's love.

It's up to us to share the news

To let the world know,

That He came to earth to free us

From sin's danger and its' woe.

No matter how we celebrate

Worship Him we must,

He gave His life so we can live

In Him we place our trust.

THANK YOU JESUS!

The light shines through the

darkness, and the darkness can

never extinguish it. John 1:5

REJOICE!

His Birth!

The journey across the desert, to the inn, they traveled afar

The night sky was bright and beautiful, lit by the moon and the stars.

We'd look for a Bed & Breakfast with a comfortable, soft warm bed

But Jesus was born in a manger, with straw for His tender head.

The animals all around Him, watched as His birth took place

His Mom and Dad were awestruck, as they gazed at His precious face.

His humble start on a quiet night came without fanfare

His welcome into the world, we know, was cold and lonely and bare.

But He came because God loves us, He was born to set us free

To live and die, be buried and rise - To live in you and me!

"The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and they will

call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

Jesus On High!

O, the joy that Jesus brings

He is the One who makes me sing.

I thank my God for His lowly birth

For knowing His love and all that He's worth.

He came to me and He gave to me

Something I can't buy,

He answered all the questions

And is the reason why -

I have a future and a hope

Because He came to die

And bought for me, eternity

I love my Lord on high!

I'm thinking "Merry Christmas"

As excitement builds for me,

Thanks, my God and Savior

I praise and worship thee!

Greater love has no one than

this, than to lay down one's life

for his friends. John 15:13

...if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus

'tis now. William R. Featherstone

December!

December 1st - preparations begin

Our home is made ready to celebrate once again -

The birth of the Savior, God's love gift to all

The salvation of mankind from our sad, sinful fall.

In the hustle and bustle of this busiest of seasons

There are constant reminders that He is the reason;

He is the One and why Christmas is

He's God's only Son and His perfect gift,

Sent from above to give a new start

To overcome sin and live in my heart.

Midst all that makes Christmas special this year

Is knowing that Christ knows He's welcome here!

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling

among us. John 1:14

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord..." Luke 2:11

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men." Luke 2:14

Peace From Pain!

No matter the pain

Or the heartache we bear,

We never can say

"You've never been there."

Though circumstance differs

And details are varied,

Life is what it is

And hard burdens are carried;

Not just by a few

'Cause grief has no bounds,

It hits all in some way

Until solace is found.

Our Lord is that solace

He brings peace midst the pain,

He gives hope and the promise

To restore joy once again.

There is only one way

To arrive at the place,

Where we fall to our knees

Before our Savior's sweet face.

It is to let go

Of our heart's many storms,

To give it all up

And fall into God's arms.

This we must do

And repeat again and again,

'Cause the lives that we live

Will always have pain.

But the answer is there

And always the same,

Release can be found

And is found in One Name -

Jesus!

You hear, O Lord, the desire of the

afflicted; You encourage them, and

You listen to their cry. Psalm 10:17

Cast your cares on the Lord and He

will sustain you; He will never let

the righteous fall, Psalm 55:22

My God will meet all your needs

according to His glorious riches

in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Happy Thanksgiving!

That's what we say

As we count the many blessings

God has sent our way.

He's done so much for each of us

His love goes on and on,

We always should be thankful

On Thanksgiving and beyond.

No matter where we eat our feast

Or what it even is,

The meaning of the gathering

We hopefully won't miss.

Family and friends together

Thanking God above,

For faith and His provision

Sent with all His love.

Let them give thanks to the Lord

for His unfailing love and His

wonderful deeds for men, for He

satisfies the thirsty and fills the

hungry with good things.

Psalm 107:8-9

Who I Am Because Of Who He Is!

God, please direct me

Show me what I can do,

To be more pleasing to others

While I am pleasing You.

Help me be more disciplined

In the person that I am,

Help me with conviction

To be willing to take a stand;

To fight against the enemy

Who attacks from every side,

Who desires to see me fail

And to run and duck and hide;

From hard things and difficult

To overcome and change,

From things about my life

That You could rearrange.

Please change me from within

And how others may perceive,

The person that I am

Because of what they see.

My heart is what matters

The very most to You,

And what is on the inside

Reveals the real and true.

Might I present a picture

Of one with confidence,

That on the inside and the out

You are who I represent!

I can do all things through Christ

who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13

Help me, Lord, to be the person I can

be to best represent You in my life. I

yield myself to You. In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Hugs!

Hugs. Children always need them

Moms and Dads do, too

Grandmas and Grandpas love them

And pets need just a few!

Most every heart is soothed

And spirits always soar

When hugs are given and received

'Cause that's what hugs are for;

To make that other person

Feel acceptance and pure love

Which is always a reminder

Of our Savior from above.

We should never fail to show

Our love in just this way

And think of all the hugs we give

As brightening up each day.

We need to know there is someone

Who sees our worth in God

And appreciates and loves us

Even if we're flawed.

Our hearts cry out for love and care

This is the way they're tugged

And many can say "Amen" today

"My prayer was answered. I was hugged"!

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,

forgiving one another, even as God in Christ

forgave you. Ephesians:4:32

Pray!

Pray:

Pray when you are weary

Pray when you feel lost,

Pray when your heart is heavy

Pray as you count the cost.

Pray for understanding

Pray for wisdom, too

Pray for love for others

Pray in all you do.

Pray for God to be honored

Pray for this world of His

Pray that souls will come to Christ

Pray especially hard for this!

Pray that your faith grows stronger

Pray for God's will in your life

Pray that He can use you

Pray for all that's right.

Pray to be filled with His Spirit

Pray for times to share

Pray for a heart for others

Pray for the Savior's care!

pray without ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Life And Light!

We often get bogged down

In life lived day to day,

Stumbling, bumbling along

Trying to find our way!

Wondering if there's purpose

In the direction that we take,

And if there's "rhyme or reason"

In decisions that we make.

And then we come to Jesus

And see light upon the road,

He is there to greet us

And lighten up our load.

The life that seemed so heavy

With burdens hard to bear,

Now brings hope and promise

From a Savior filled with care.

He puts His arm around us

Walks with us on the way,

Never leaves us or forsakes us

As He guides us every day.

In Him was life, and the life

was the light of men. John 1:4

Grace!

Grace is not just happenstance

It is given by God as a second chance.

Going to Him, repenting of sin

Turning to Christ, the Savior of men;

This is the way we can be saved

There isn't another way,

God calls our name and took the blame

Our debt of sin to pay.

What love He has to extend such grace

To send His Son to take our place,

It is never too late, but why would we wait

To accept God's love, to receive His grace?

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of

His great love with which He loved us, even

when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive

together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

and raised us up together, and made us sit

together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

that in the ages to come He might show the

exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward

us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been

saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it

is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should

boast. Ephesians 2:4-9

Joy-Full!

Sometimes my joy is full

Full to overflowing,

And I know then that it's so

Christ is so worth knowing.

Everything of beauty

Is who this Jesus is,

Think all power and might

The glory that is His.

Each new day of dawning

Reveals His majesty,

And when the darkness falls

He is there for you and me.

Behold, my Lord will reign

Forever and a day,

I opened up my heart

And He entered there to stay!

"These things I have spoken to

you, that My joy may remain in

you, and that your joy may be

full." John 15:11

The Right Way!

Why does my heart burst with such love?

I know it's because God came from above,

To save me and free me from sin's strong sway

To love me and help me find the right way.

And the only right way is the Right One

He is the Savior and Jesus, God's Son;

No other life and death man has known

Has come with a promise to all of God's own.

That turning to Him, repenting of sin

Saves us to spend eternity with Him;

Who can deny as questions arise

That the only right way is Jesus, the Christ?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if

any man hear my voice, and open the door, I

I will come into him, and will sup with him,

and he with me." Revelation 3:20

Yielding To Him!

I always come to You, Lord

For answers to be found,

To make certain that I'm certain

I stand on solid ground.

When the questions overwhelm me

And my mind goes to and fro,

You're the One I run to

To You I always go.

I lay myself before You

Opening heart and mind,

Seeking what You'll show me

In Your way and in Your time.

Letting go of all that's in me

Yielding everything to You,

Asking for Your wisdom

And direction, straight and true.

This is the only way

I ever want to be,

Giving You control

Over all You have for me.

For my thoughts are not your

thoughts, neither are your ways my

ways, saith the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than

the earth, so are my ways higher

than your ways, and my thoughts

than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Lord, I Love You!

Lord, I love You

Let me count the ways,

You are so deserving

Of all honor and all praise.

My life would be so empty

My heart would be bereft,

If You weren't always with me

In my waking and my rest.

I love You, Oh I love You

No matter what may come,

I put my trust in You

When all is said and done.

There are so many reasons

And so very many ways,

To give You all my gratitude

To worship with hands raised.

You are my life, my being

My Redeemer and I'm in awe

That You love me, too, forever

With my sin and every flaw!

You are my God and Savior

And go with me everywhere,

I couldn't live without You

Or Your love and precious care!

Oh that men would praise the

Lord for His goodness, and for His

wonderful works to the children of

men! For He satisfies the longing soul,

and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 107:8-9

Be Ready!

Are you ready? Am I?

For our returning Christ?

When He comes for you and me

Will His face we want to see?

As He opens His arms wide

And gathers us all to His side,

Can we imagine how it will be

In His presence for eternity?

No more tears or grief we'll bear

No more sin, no more despair

Open hearts and joy complete

Sitting at our Savior's feet!

Our only care to honor Him

The selfish desires now are dim;

In heaven's home we'll sing His praise

With continuous worship all our days.

The King of Kings He'll ever be

We'll bow to Him on bended knee

And as our life on earth is done

Really living has just begun!

Being ready, being prepared

Looking ahead to "going there"

Watching for Jesus expectantly

Is such excitement for you and me!

Dear children, continue in Him, so

that when He appears we may be confident

and unashamed before Him at His coming.

1 John 2:28

Jesus said, "You also must be ready, because

the Son of Man will come at an hour when

you do not expect Him." Luke 12:40

Look, He is coming with the clouds, and

every eye will see Him. Revelation 1:7

Hope in Christ!

I wonder, I wonder

Where would I be

If I didn't know Jesus

And He didn't know me?

I'm sure I'd be lost

And without any hope

Wandering around

With no place to go!

But I'll thank Him forever

With a heart filled with love

That my present and future

Is sealed from above.

The Gift of the cross

Gave me new life

What joy there is

Because I know Christ!

This is the testimony: God has

given us eternal life, and this life

is in His Son. He who has the Son

has life; he who does not have the

Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:11-12

Raining Tears!

I watch the pouring rain

Falling from the sky;

And wonder if I'm seeing

Tears my Lord must cry!

Sadness for the world

For all the sin and strife;

Are these many raindrops

Falling from His eyes?

Even in the sorrow

And grief that God must feel;

We can know that overall

His control is real.

He knows when He's ignored

When all is said and done;

He still will be the Answer

And He will overcome!

Life could be so simple

The world a better place;

Jesus is still waiting

And offering His grace!

The Lord knows the thoughts

of man; He knows that they

are futile. Psalm 94:11

Jesus said, "Trust in God; trust

also in me." John 14:1

Dear God!

Dear God, please

Restore my peace

Open my heart

To sweet release.

Create in me

A heart that's new

Fully focused

Relying on You.

Forgive my sin

For failing to trust

For forgetting that You

Are faithful and just.

Help me bring glory

To the Name above all

Help me respond

To Your gentle call;

Change me and use me

So You receive praise

Fill me with love

To last all my days!

Thou wilt keep him in

perfect peace, whose mind

is stayed on thee: because he

trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Give to the Lord glory and

strength. Give to the Lord

the glory due His Name.

Psalm 96:7b&8a

God, My Guide!

It's best to give it all to God

To let Him have His way,

To yield the things I think I want

Each and every day.

To start each day allowing Him

To be Who He can be,

To bless me in the ways He knows

Are always best for me.

When I take my hands off

And I get out of His way,

It's then that I am well aware

That He'll orchestrate my day.

If I ever could control

The way my hours go,

I'd make mistakes and go my way

Running wrongly, to and fro!

But God keeps me steady

And when day's end arrives,

I know as I look backward

Moving forward, He's my Guide!

Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires

of your heart. Psalm 37:4

A Friendship Prayer!

Sometimes when friends are low

And needing prayer, that's when I go,

To the One who knows the need

More than I, 'cause He can see -

The pain, the hurt, the anguish there

And knows just how to show His care,

He covers the one I bring to Him

With love and mercy and peace within.

His reaching arms hold them tight

Whispers comfort in the night,

Takes the hurt in to His heart

And gives a fresh and lasting start -

To faith and trust that only grows

As hope and joy replace the woe,

As a weary heart turns to praise

And thanks our God for His healing ways!

The Lord upholds all that fall, and raises up

all those that be bowed down. Psalm 145:14

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all

kinds of prayers and requests. With this in

mind, be alert and always keep on praying

for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

Highs and Lows!

The highs and the lows of the mountains

Remind me of my life;

The excitement of knowing God

Blends with the stress and strife.

When I get to the top and look down

To the valley far below;

I gaze up higher to the One

To teach what I ought to know!

It's when I'm high and when I'm low

That is when I learn His best;

On the mountain top or the ground below

In Him there is certain rest!

I have set the Lord always before me,

Because He is at my right hand, I will not

be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and

my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.

Psalm 16:8-9

This poem was inspired and I was reminded

of this verse as my husband and I traveled through

the mountains while on summer vacation!

God Created This!

Blue skies and sunshine coming down from above

Shining all over this land that I love.

God is the founder of this land of the free

His inspiration caused all that we see!

His gifts of nature across this great land

Bring beauty to life for beast and for man.

Looking around at all that there is

We humbly proclaim - "God created this!"

He is the One we should honor and praise

With grateful hearts and hands that are raised.

How will our nation endure and stay free

Without acknowledging God on oft bended knee?

God made the earth by His power; He founded the

world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens

by His understanding. Jeremiah 10:12

History Repeated?

History repeats itself

We've been told this again and again.

Which is the reason one has to ask

"What's in the minds of men"?

Have we not learned from the past

The signs so easy to see?

Can we so easily dismiss

Deception from the powers that be?

The struggle for power and greed

And trampling on lives that are free;

Not caring for justice and truth

But ruling humanity!

Where will it end this time

At this place in history?

Is it too late to wake up

Or do we prefer to sleep?

Will we ask ourselves some day ahead

Are we still free or is America dead?

Did we do what we could, did we stand strong?

To thwart all the efforts of those in the wrong?

Dear God above, hear us this day

It's for the nation we love

We so fervently pray.

Do what you must to get us to see

That the best place for us

Is on bended knee.

Might Your will be done

You're in control;

Whatever it be

Then might it be so!

Amen.

I ask this in Jesus Name.

Life!

Life has its ups and downs

Many reasons for smiles and frowns,

Often tears and many fears

Yet God is with us through the years.

He holds us close when life is rough

Makes us strong and makes us tough,

Helps us stand when we are weak

Restores our joy when all seems bleak.

He is the One whom we should trust

Whose every word we can trust,

I always know He knows best

And only He gives peace and rest!

How great is Your goodness, which You

have stored up for those who fear You,

which You bestow in the sight of men on

those who take refuge in You. Psalm 31:19

Life With Him!

I think this day was good to me

Filled with what God had for me,

He spoke His Word in ways to me

To show the love He has for me.

Each day is full of all He gives

All results are really His,

The kind of life I want to live

Is all because of who He is.

A heart that overflows for Him

A spirit filled up to the brim,

My love for God will never dim

All my life is lived for Him!

My soul finds rest in God alone;

my salvation comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my

salvation; He is my fortress, I

will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Summer "Son"

Summer is here

We've waited so long

For green grass and flowers

And birds with their song.

I thank Him on high

For the season of summer

For the beauty and warmth

For His creation and wonder.

Each day is a new one

To thank Him for sun

To acknowledge His glory

And the gift of His Son.

Jesus, the Savior

Where our growth comes from

He supplies all we need

He is the One!

This is the day the Lord has made. 

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:24

Both the day and the night are

Yours; You made the sun and the moon.

You set all the limits on the earth; 

You created summer and winter.

Psalm 74:16-17

And my God shall supply all your 

need according to His riches in

glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

God Is In The Wind!

God is in the wind

Because He is everywhere

No matter where I look

I know that He is there.

He is in the sunshine

And He is in the rain

He is always there for me

Even in the pain.

He holds me in the sadness

And in joy makes me smile

He goes with me through it all

And stays there all the while!

He never leaves me all alone

With emotions up and down

He bears me up and carries me

And takes away my frown.

I turn to Him because I know

He gave His all for me

And still goes on right by my side

And says, "just follow me."

It was a time of joy, gladness and

honor. Esther 8:16

The Lord is faithful, and He will

strengthen and protect you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Good News, Bad News!

Good news, bad news

What does it matter?

When all's said and done

And whatever the chatter,

There is One who knows all

And how it relates

To His purpose and plan

And His specified dates!

He'll carry through

And accomplish His will

And all speculation

Will become silent and still!

O Timothy! Guard what was 

committed to your trust, avoiding 

the profane and vain babblings and

contradictions of what is falsely

called knowledge - (empty chatter)

1 Timothy 6:20

Talk no more so very proudly;

Let no arrogance come from your

mouth, For the Lord is the God of

knowledge; And by Him are actions

weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3

Ups And Downs

Life has its ups and downs

And chaos and confusion

It tosses us around and 'round

Like waves out on the ocean.

But when we're trusting our great God

There is calm for troubled souls

He is there in the sea of life

Waiting to make us whole.

Fret and worry and anxious hearts

Are His to soothe and calm

The wind and waves can do their thing

While His care is a gentle balm.

Rest and think and pray and grasp

He wants us to come to Him

For all that we can think to ask

To bring our worries to an end!

You will keep in perfect peace him

whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts 

in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the 

Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 26:3-4

"All About Him"

I love my Lord

What can I say?

He takes me through

Each night and day.

When I fear

And when I doubt,

He shows me just

What "its" all about....

It is all about Him, His 

Word, His will, His Son 

Jesus Christ.

"Call to me and I will

answer you and tell you 

great and unsearchable

things you do not know,"

says the Lord.

Jeremiah 33:3

He Is There!

I love my Lord

What can I say?

He takes me through

Each night and day.

When I fear

And when I doubt

He shows me just

What "it's" all about.

He is my God

And my all in all

I follow Him

I heard His call.

God will deliver the needy

who cry out, the afflicted who 

who have no one to help.

Psalm 72:12

Fight The Fight!

I say a prayer each day and night
Asking God to help me fight
And asking just what I must do
To win this fight He's called me to.
The fight is won by His Word
He is victor, He is Lord
Standing firm I will prevail
With God's help I cannot fail.
He's my Guide through the battlefield
His are the weapons that I wield
I must be ready by His command
I am protected by His hand.

Put on the whole armour of God,
that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11

God Isn't Moving!

He cannot be shaken
And He cannot be moved
His Kingdom will stand
His Word always proved.
God is a fire
And He'll burn up things
He rules over all
Because He is King.
Listen to God
He speaks to be heard
And warns us from heaven
Through His Holy Word.
Time is now short
For all to decide
Will we turn to our God
And in Him abide?
We certainly should
I think that we must
It is only our Savior
We know we can trust!

Therefore, since we are receiving a
kingdom which cannot be shaken,
let us have grace, by which we may serve
God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:28-29

God Knows All

There isn't a secret
God doesn't know
Nothing is hidden
We know this is so.
Out of the darkness
And into the light
The truth is exposed
As His power shines bright.
Some like deceit
And some prefer lies
But God speaks to hearts
And God opens eyes.
He knows the time
When all will be clear
And He will make known
The lies that we fear.

By mercy and truth iniquity is
purged: and by the fear of the Lord
men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6
Blessed is the man that makes the Lord
his trust, and respects not the proud, nor
such as turn aside to lies. Psalm 40:4

God Reigns!

Another round of snow
As Winter winds still blow!

The cold, white view I see
Brings joy and peace to me!

No matter clouds or sun
The season or the sky
God is reigning over all
Including you and I!

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

Change!

Change is coming around the bend
America as we know it will come to an end.
We should have seen it, we should have known
But we were sleeping and now moan and groan.
We grieve the loss of what once was great
Our land of freedom from state to state.
All that men died for, for our liberty
Is being destroyed for you and for me.
Anger and sadness are frustrations to bear
Will we again include God, again turn to prayer?
He is the answer as He always has been
He holds our future and over evil will win.
But life will be bumpy, we're in for a ride
Midst confusion and chaos let Him be our Guide.
How long we will last remains to be seen
But God's in His heaven knowing what it all means!

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him
while He is near. Isaiah 55:6

He knows all!

Lord, You know all
What holds us up, what makes us fall.
You know this and You know that
You know what's fiction and what is fact.
You know the how, the when and where
And why You want for us to care.
You teach us how we can discern;
To stay on top of what we learn.
And then You guide us as we pray
To seek Your help from day to day.

This is a prayer as I yield my anger and concern
re:what is happening in and to our nation as the
enemy attempts to destroy us from within. We
need to pray more than ever - we need God's
help as much as ever!

God is our protection and our strength. He always
helps in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
Fools say to themselves, "There is no God." Fools
are evil and do terrible things; none of them does
anything good. Psalm 53:1
Everyone who wants to live as God desires, in
Christ Jesus, will be hurt. But people who are evil and
cheat others will go from bad to worse. They will fool
others, but they also will be fooling themselves.
2 Timothy 3:12-13
Dear friends, since you already know about this, be
careful. Do not let those evil people lead you away
by the wrong they do. Be careful so you will not fall
from your strong faith. But grow in the grace and know-
ledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to
Him now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18

I remember!

I remember when...
To have honor was honorable
To have integrity was preferable
To do what was right was good
To take responsibility was expected
To be dependable was also expected
...where all of the above was appreciated
and honored with positions of leadership.

But now I see...
To be dishonorable is accepted
To be dishonest is expected
To do what is wrong is now right
To be irresponsible results in rewards
To be corrupt, immoral and unethical
has become steps to achievement
...where all of the above are ways to take
positions of leadership!

But God says..."He who pursues righteousness
and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
Proverbs 21:21
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but
the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
Proverbs 11:3
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to
trust in man." Psalm 118:8
"The Lord guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:9
"Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord."
Psalm 119:1

God Has A Plan!

Who am I and who are you?
Why are we here and what do we do?
God put us here and knows who we are,
He knows our minds and looks into our heart.
Is He involved in our lives every day?
Does He see what we do and care what we say?
I believe it is true that God has a plan,
For every woman and child and man...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares
the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The Gift of Prayer!

I thank the Lord that I can pray
And ask for Him to show the way,
To bring before His royal throne
The needs there are among His own.
When nothing else seems right to do
I know it's best to pray for you.
And I do!

Prayer is indeed a gift and also a
responsibility we share.

By helping each other with your troubles,
you truly obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with thanks
giving, let your requests be made known to
God. Philippians 4:6

Speaking For God!

I asked my Lord for words to speak
To share His love for those who seek.
He filled my heart with a song to sing
Of the awesomeness of Christ my King.
And no matter where my feet may go
There is waiting ground for seeds to sow.
There are hungry hearts and needy souls
Who need a touch from one who knows;
There's a Savior with such love for them
And blessings that come from knowing Him.
Their lives will never be the same
When they reach out and call His Name.

While I live will I praise the Lord: I will
sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
Psalm 146:2
Praise the Lord, because He alone is great. He is
more wonderful than heaven and earth. Praise the
Lord! Psalm 148:13

Worry Not!

Oh, to live a life so free
To worry not, to be carefree
To "give it up", to "let it go"
To say goodbye to every woe!
I know I can, it's up to me
I want to be worry free,
To dance and sing with not a care
With only good things everywhere!
And if it can't be just that way
Even if for just one day,
Let me package all my fears
And send them off to the One who hears!

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and
learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy
and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Trust God, not man!

Oh, that man would trust in God
For all He can provide,
To receive His many blessings
We should be right by His side.
But no, we turn away from Him
And trust what isn't true,
Because we doubt Him and His Word
We miss His best for me and you!

Jesus said, "So do not worry, saying,
'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we
drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the
pagans run after all these things, and
your heavenly Father knows that you need
them. But seek first His kingdom and His
righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well." Matthew 6:31-33

It is Winter where I live!

What could be prettier
On a cold winter day,
Than new fallen snow
Making a lovely display?
The touch of God's hand
Making everything white,
And making all I can see
Such a wondrous delight!

God made the earth by His power;
He founded the world by His wisdom
and stretched out the heavens by His
understanding. Jeremiah 10:12
The earth is the Lord's, and all its
fullness, The world and those who dwell
therein. Psalm 24:1
All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,
And Your saints shall bless You. Psalm 145:10

I have a thought!

Why would our great God - the Giver of life,
the One we ask to bless our nation, our economy, our success,
our safety - deny His own commandment, His own Word, His truth?
In other words, why would a nation that supports, promotes and
accepts abortion expect God's blessings with the economy or in any area?
Something to think about. I do - often!

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.
Jeremiah 1:5
You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13
But...
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify
us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

God creates beauty!

I watched the sun on the snow today
Glistening and shining all through the day.
I said, "Isn't God just so good and so great?
His awesome power to form and create!"
All that is seen and no matter where;
Our wonderful God
Has such beauty to share.

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in His works
...Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 104:31, 35b

Open our hearts!

God, open our hearts and open our ears
To all that You have for us in this year.
Help us to focus on You and Your Word
To apply in our lives that which we've heard.
Give us new strength to carry us through
And help us be bold to tell others of You.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30