Tag Archives: Joy

THE TRIAL

17 Sep

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 KJV

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I couldn't pray today,

The words wouldn't form in my heart.

※

The Scripture made no sense,

Blocks of words and numbers.

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I didn't know who to call,

It all seemed so confusing.

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Crying out - Lord,

What to do,

What to do.

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Simple words,

A simple sacred sacrifice.

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I praise You, Lord,

I thank You for this trial.

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Then, in a moment,

The miracle occurred.

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It was Joy,

In the height of the storm,

It was Joy.

 

 

 

※   Written  9-1-1991

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TO BE 50

17 Sep

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and depise not thy mother when she is old. 

Proverbs 23:22 KJV

❤

Oh, what enjoyment to be 50.

At the stroke of midnight,

I went from rebellious to eccentric,

Opinionated to wise,

Distant to decisive.

❤

I’ve seen the joy of a new century,

And remember the fear of nuclear fall-out.

❤

Saw a man walk on the moon,

Which disproved a childhood belief,

That the moon was a ball of green cheese.

❤

I’ve seen skirts go up, and down, and up again,

And pants that bell, then snuggle, and bell again.

❤

I’ve started a life without TV

And now enjoy home theatre,

In my own living room.

❤

I started with out-houses,

And ended up with 2 wonderful bathrooms,

One totally “Mickey” and one totally “Sports”.

As long as the water continues to go down,

And not come back up,

They can stay in the house.

❤

I’ve grown up to big bands,

Country/Western,

Folk Songs,

Rock & Roll,

And Rap.

I’ve heard it loud, I’ve heard it soft

– I prefer it soft.

❤

I’ve seen my children born and grow,

Laugh and cry.

❤

I’ve seen things that were once

So important to me,

Rest in boxes headed for a thrift shop.

❤

I’ve found the value of a 2-hour nap,

And the treasure of eating out.

❤

I still love reading a good book,

While sitting in front of a warm fire,

If it’s winter.

A cool air conditioner,

If it’s summer.

And out on the deck if it’s spring.

❤

Have I changed?

Maybe a little over the years.

But, I still wear Mickey Mouse shirts

And Eeyore overalls.

❤

I have overindulged in surrounding myself

With pets,

Still treasure my family,

And covet my “free” time.

❤

What has changed?

The way you look at me.

❤

I slipped quietly into the next level of life,

And it made this wild ole’ grandma acceptable,

With just the stroke of a clock.

❤

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be accepted

Without having to grow old?

 

❤  Written 11-28-2000

 

❤  Wow!  That was 20 years ago!!!

Other than longer naps,

nothing much has changed!!  ❤

 

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Pandemic 2020 – What Should You Do??

12 Jul

Coronavirus: What is a pandemic? - CBBC Newsround

 

So, I am going to share a little of my point of view. Folks are sharing posts saying that they believe the Rapture is almost here – I disagree. I firmly believe Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Yes, these times have been hard and even a bit unfair – but God!!

* How many times in years past have you said that you wished your family was all together for meals? Able to spend time together playing games and just talking? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you prayed to God for more time to pray, seek, read the Bible and study? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you say that you wished you had time to try new recipes or start canning or make a bunch of different sorts of desserts? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you said (or thought) that you wish you had more time to connect with distant family and friends – send a card, send a letter, start a texting conversation? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you wish that you had time to start a backyard garden or repot house plants or start a new hobby that you have always wanted to start? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

I understand the oppression and depression that has come with this time of our lives, I really do – I fell right in with everyone else. I had to stop watching the news on TV. I had to block pages on my FB that was FB spamming all sorts of negative things. I had to tell myself to get out of bed and make a difference in this chaos!

What can YOU do? Get out a piece of paper. Make a list of all of the things that you wished you could have done in the past, but never had the time to do.

* If you don’t have the supplies for some of the, post a note on FB or the Online Yard Sales for supplies for – for instance – painting. Make a note that you needs inexpensive supplies – I bet folks will send them to you for free or for very little. You would be surprised at the number of people who will step up along side you – because – well – they are in the same pandemic as you !! Also, the dollar stores always have a small section of crafting supplies for really cheap – then as you get better you won’t mind spending a little extra on good supplies.

* Send an encouraging email – or MEME on FB – or a text message to someone every day! Doesn’t have to be the same person, just pray and see who God puts on your heart.

* Read a new book – lots of your friends will give you suggestions of great books to read, I have seen it over and over again lately.

* Bake that dessert!! YUM.

* Google a recipe for something you have always wanted to try – you will get a dozen hits! Read through to the ones that find your fancy and give it a shot.

* Build that tent fort in the living room and gather the family for story time or desserts or old fashioned kids songs or ??? Well, just take a nap!!

* Get that Bible out and a good Bible Study (hundreds are online) and a good “read the Bible in an year plan” – And Get Started!!

* – Your Turn: Put suggestions in the comments below – be “G rated” please.

What are you waiting for. What if you find out that there are actually wonderful things you can do while locked in at home. Yes, it is scary at times. Yes, financial burdens can be overwhelming. Yes, it isn’t always fun being alone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

I am praying blessing over you. I am praying an enhanced imagination over you. I am praying peace over you. I am saying “Seize the time!” Refuse to live in fear. Refuse to live in depression. Refuse to live in oppression. Make every day count.

Feel free to share!

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HOLD US CLOSE

12 Apr

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”  Luke 24:32

…

 

We come to you, Oh, Lord,

Our hearts we open wide,

Sweet angels guide us home,

Through prayer we’re safe inside.

…

Keep hunger in our souls,

Sweet fillings every day,

We’ll gently teach your Word,

And live you ways.

…

Please hold us close, Oh, Lord,

The way is dark and steep,

We comfort in Your love,

With joy we weep.

…

Please walk with us, Oh Lord,

You’ve sent us to the world;

Their lives are dark and lost,

We’re here to stop their hurt.

…

Put mercy in our souls,

Your perfect love we seek;

For danger stands nearby,

Each time we speak.

…

We represent Your truths,

Our Joy must never dim;

That all may want to know,

The peace within.

…

 

We drink Your word, Oh Lord,

Our hearts and souls are filled.

Your teachings guide our steps,

Our fears and hurts are stilled.

…

We come in daily prayer,

Our vigils never cease.

We gladly intercede,

To bring our brothers peace.

…

Please guide each step, Oh Lord,

To keep our witness true,

Your Spirit lights our path,

Each faithful step renews.

 

 

Written 9-3-91 as a song

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FORGIVENESS

5 Apr

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Matthew 6:14

…

There’s a fire deep inside,

That spreads,

That dwindles,

That spreads.

…

No one else can see it,

No one else can feel it,

But it eats like a canker,

Into my peace.

…

Someone set the fuel in place,

Another provided the spark,

But I set the flame,

I keep it alive.

…

It isn’t a warming thing,

Based on love,

Although it replaced love,

A long time ago.

…

It is a burning thing,

Based on hate,

I can’t let go of,

I won’t let go.

…

And though I know,

Others can sense it,

Others shy from it,

I am the only one,

Who truly suffers.

…

As much as I want,

To be free of this sin,

It beckons me back,

It calls me friend.

…

It keeps me from growth,

It harnesses my joy,

It alters my path,

It chains me to me.

…

Lord, help me forgive,

The pains of the past,

That I might have freedom,

To live.

 

 

Written 6/26/98

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A BRAND NEW DAY

4 Apr

 

“For now we see in a mirror, darkly, but then face to face.

Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13: 12-13

 

Steam from the frigid water,

Rises up to kiss the sun.

Birds shake loose the morning dew,

And sing the sweetest song.

The leaves and petals raise their face,

To drink the first rays of day.

Music fills the air, chasing away the cold darkness,

Of the night.

Clouds part, allowing the gold and purple hues,

To dance across the sky.

Webs glisten in intricate geometric patterns.

Tiny footprints grace the fresh morning soil.

It’s a brand new day and God has given His first gift.

Lord, teach me to see with spiritual eyes,

The same daily beauty I see in the natural.

Remove the scales of circumstance,

That cloud my spiritual vision.

Help me to receive Your morning kiss,

With more joy and admiration,

Than simple nature.

Help me to receive the miracle of NOW.

 

Written 6-15-2002

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JOY

22 Dec

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”  John 17:13

—

I hold in my hand,

the gift of Joy.

—

It’s my gift,

to do with,

what I will.

—

I can place it in my pocket,

hide it from the world,

enjoy it only in my private place,

where no one else can see.

—

Or I can choose to share it,

with a friend,

with a stranger,

with you.

—

It takes courage to remove it,

from my hand,

and place it,

into my heart,

where it can be criticized,

ridiculed,

shared.

—

It’s my gift,

and it’s my choice.

—

God gave it to me,

to do as I will,

In hopes that I will do,

His will,

and give it,

to you.

 

 

—

Written 11-21-98

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HUMBLE DILIGENCE

15 Dec

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18

—

Against hardened hearts,

practiced tradition,

perverse generations,

– You stand.

—

Humble, yet determined,

Diligent, yet patient,

Tender, yet firm,

– You stand.

—

Weeping for souls lost in unbelief,

Weeping for generations to come,

following the curse of their father,

Weeping for each and every battle

that you are not prayed into.

Weeping for the souls that will not cry out,

– You stand.

—

Your Word does not change,

Your love, everlasting,

Your message is open and free,

You are life,

You are joy,

You are peace,

– You stand.

—

Diligently waiting,

– You stand.

—

Tenderly calling,

– You stand.

—

Lovingly listening,

– You stand.

—

Standing on truth,

Standing on the Word,

Standing on the side,

Waiting,

– For Me.

 

—

Written 10-20-94

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GENTLE SPIRIT

19 Nov

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Acts 9:15

—

Oh, Jesus,

work through this vessel.

Spread peace through this church,

settle your children.

Precious Jesus,

precious Jesus.

 

Close you eyes church,

listen with your spirits,

listen with your souls.

Do you hear it?

Do you feel it?

Gentle Spirit blow.

 

Feel the cool breeze,

flowing between the saints.

Feel the billow of His robe

caressing you cheek as He passes by.

 

Reach out to Him,

reach out.

He hesitates a moment,

He turns and touches the tips

of Your outstretched fingers.

Only a moment,

the gentlest touch.

 

What Heaven.

What joy.

What peace.

 

Blow, gentle Spirit.

Touch your children.

Precious Jesus,

precious Jesus.

—

Written July 15, 1993

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A LITTLE BIT MORE

3 Nov

 I will declare your righteousness and your salvation every day, though I do not fully understand what the outcome will be.  Lord God, I will come in the power of your mighty acts, remembering your righteousness—yours alone.    Psalm 71:15-16

—

Lord, in my temptations you hold me,

Thru sorrows and tears You are there.

When all of the world is against me,

I truthfully know that You care.

 

As each day unfolds I find trials,

And burdens to heavy to bare.

I humbly come in Your presence,

And lay them before You in prayer.

 

I’m nothing without You beside me,

You teach me Your words that I share.

When falling, I pray that You’ll guide me,

And I’ll shine just a little bit more.

—

Lord, each day you give life new meaning,

My old life’s a memory gone past;

My worldly possessions lose value,

Your love is all that will last.

 

You touch me each morning with fire,

And rivers of water run thru;

I can’t even think of tomorrow,

Without knowing that I have You.

 

You’ve lifted me out of dark shadows,

And endless confusion and strife;

Your mercy and grace has renewed me,

And shown me the beauty of life.

—

Lord, now has come time to witness,

And share the beauty I’ve found;

It’s happiness, free for the asking,

Where joy and blessings abound.

 

I’ll teach with honest persuasion,

Myself, an example of praise;

Teaching Your word and Your promise,

Your miracles, works and sound faith.

 

I’ll conquer if You stand beside me,

No enemy dares to cause harm;

Your children will follow in victory,

Wrapped in Your arms safe and warm.

—

Written 1991 as a song

—

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