Thursday, December 31, 2020

Welcome Newness!

As the year comes to an end, what better thing to do than affirm to Jesus Who He is in your life?  It makes more sense than you may think, and it is quite healing, as well!

"In You, alone, I put my trust--
it cannot be discussed!
You are the Truth, You are the Light--
none other be so bright!
You are the first, You are the last--
You'll NEVER be 'the past!'
You are my Life, You are my breath,
and even past my death!
For You are God--the only One;
though others try, they soon are done!
And even, Lord, as You remain,
there's no diminishing Your reign!

Oh, when will mortal beings learn
You're more than time, and You'll return
for them that trust in only You--
that sweet reunion...overdue?
And we will meet You in the air,
defying logic, fair and square,
to be with You in Paradise,
where all is PERFECT--more than 'nice!'
It is availed in only You!
To Your Own, every day is new--
another opportunity
to live and help the blind to see!!"

Yes, each day IS brand-new when you have Jesus alive inside your heart!  Do YOU?  What better way to start a new year than to ask Him to be your Savior and dwell inside your heart?  All you have to do is ask!  God will do all the rest!

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Treasured Times!

Aahhh...breathe!  So it feels as I am away from the fray for a few days with a very special treat: our grandchildren are here!  When distance separates, trust me, you treasure EVERY moment God grants with them!!

Simplicity and children--

the two go hand-in-hand.
There is so much in this life that they
don't have to understand!
And so much we deem 'little things'
that, to them, mean so much...
who could put a price tag or
a value upon such?!

An afternoon of bowling.
The score, it matters not!
What counts are precious memories
and the times that we have got!
Not always are they with us, nor
will they stay this age;
capture every wondrous moment
before 'life' turns the page!

At the bowling alley with
grandchildren from afar--
such to be beyond all price,
regardless when they are!
Laughter, fun and family...
I wish it could be more!
I praise my God, though, for this time
and all that it stands for!
For HE provides such memories,
as He knows where and when
we need pause from 'the every day;'
and He's ALWAYS 'now' and 'then!'

Making lifelong memories out of 'everyday' events.  NEVER lose sight of the value of it and, surely, NEVER take it for granted!  For the days go by too fast to miss such times so wonderful!
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Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Christmas...finally!

On the road...a car full of gifts heading for a park just past the state line.  Christmas...FINALLY!

Up and at it early--
6 a.m. somewhere...
Out the door and driving east,
heading...who knows where?!
I only have 'coordinates,'
almost 4 hours east;
a glowing horizon greets me,
along with occasional 'beast!'
And those with me, we're excited,
It's Christmas Day once more!
We'll meet our kids and grandkids--
it is what Christmas is for!

We could not be together
to celebrate Christ's Day;
schedules and situations,
they got in the way.
But this day, naught will hinder,
together we shall be
to celebrate this blessed Event
with fervor, love and glee!

Whenever be YOUR Christmas or
wherever it must be,
celebrate with all you are
and praise Him joyously!
Life may get in the way sometimes,
but let it hinder not
the Truth and Joy of Jesus Christ
and the fulness He has got!

Yes, life gives and takes, but let it not affect the Joy and Wonder that Christmas is: JESUS CHRIST!  He is worthy of all adoration and praise as we go through the days that are!
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Saturday, December 26, 2020

Jesus Constantly!

The day after.  All too often we go through life listening to how relieved folks are that Christmas is 'finally' over for the year.  Why is that?

After celebration?  No!

Festivities go on!
Joy to the world to dwell within,
not ever to be gone!
Jesus Christ on Christmas Day...
but Jesus without end:
Wonderful, Counselor,
Master, Savior, Friend!

Too many do I know so glad
it's only 'once a year!'
They may not know the Christ I know,
so constantly right here!
And constantly I celebrate Him
throughout EVERY day!
He is worthy of all adoration--
all we do and say!

Merry Christmas celebrations
ebbing everywhere,
all the while, His Holiness
is right beside them there!
O keep His Light aglow as you
press on each day ahead;
each one of them to be a 'gift'
if you are Spirit-led!

The Spirit of Christmas.  May it never leave us!  May we be 'giving' to our fellow man all throughout the year, AND honor Jesus each day that we go through!
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Friday, December 25, 2020

WAKE UP!!

4:30 am.  What am I doing awake?!  Then the words start to flow, and I must rise and capture the words that He is giving me...

Wake up!  Wake up, ye ones asleep!
A prophecy, this day, to keep!
For unto us a Child is come!
His birth--it is our total sum!
He comes as Babe--so frail and small,
and, yet, the greatest gift of all!
To every person anywhere
God demonstrates His awesome care!


The very Best to send now He
to be our life and victory!
No matter where you are or who,
He does this of His love for you!
Jesus Christ, of great discord,
is born to be our sovereign Lord!
So humble, cuddly, innocent--
our lone way truly to repent!

Yea, wake up!  Wake up and see him now,
there in a manger,  safe somehow,
in perfect peace for time being--
soon, for His life will they be fleeing!
But, for the moment, where you are,
wake up and see Him not afar!
For all will see Him face-to-face,
over and above this race!

WAKE UP!  And celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Emmanuel, God with us, Messiah, King of kings...there, in a stable tucked away as there is no room at the inn.  Is there room in YOU today as we celebrate His Birth?
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Thursday, December 24, 2020

Gifted and gifting

Jesus Christ is come!  Jesus Christ is reigning in the heart that is availed.  That said, those hearts availed are so equipped with gifts that cannot be purchased.  Are we willing to give them away?

In the solemn Presence, oh so
valuable, so real;
ANYWHERE be sanctuary
with a heart appeal!
And faithful is He to attend,
wherever one may need;
His glory and His Majesty
to ever intercede!
He is aware of everything
that happens now and ever.
It is a sweet connection that
no thing could ever sever!
He knows the heart, He knows the feelings
each of us goes through,
therefore, He meets us where we are
and makes our lives anew!

Wherever you may find yourself
when the Spirit calls,
avail yourself unto Him, even
if there be no walls!
The Spirit is a gentleman
and KNOWS your time and day;
give to Him those moments and watch
blessings come your way;
especially this time of year
when giving be so broad,
that which you expend heart-wise
The Master will applaud!
And necessary be the gifts
that each of us contain!
Life--it is a give-and-take,
and NEVER is it 'plain!'

This year, it seems, more than any that I can recall, there is more NEED in this life than there is WANT.  Those of us belonging to Him Who is Everything are so equipped to provide some of that...whichever it be.  And we don't have to look far!  We must only be willing to share.
Merry Christmas to you and yours everyone!
Jim

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Call to Worship!

Surely, this time of year is a time to gather and connect with family and friends.  There is, however, a much greater purpose to 'Christmas!'  Are YOU aware of it?

O come!  O come, ye faithful!
Commemorate His birth!
Set aside a time with Him
Who establishes our worth!
Celebrate!  Acknowledge Him!
Ensure that time beyond price!
O give to Him Who gives His all--
The ultimate sacrifice!

Yes come, oh come and gift Him with
your time...your life...your love!
HE IS CHRISTMAS!  More than season--
Hope and Peace and Love!
Eternal be the same will He
in Paradise above!
That Place that's filled with that which we
have yet no concept of!

Yes, come...while He is yet availed,
and sing all glory ye!
Set aside all schedule so that
you may clearly see 
the wonder and the Truth of Christmas--
that not of this place!
It's found alone in Jesus Christ--
epitome of grace!!

Yes, freely come to Jesus Christ--Life Alive!  He is so availed unto all...for now!  The Day is coming when such an amazing offer will no longer be.  However, right now He freely accepts one and all who call His Holy Name!  Let nothing stop you!  For He is MORE than 'season!'  HE IS LIFE!!

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Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Now and for Always!

What a glorious day!  What a wonderful time to be alive!  In spite of 'what's on the news,' there is so much to be grateful for and so many reasons to celebrate Him this Christmas...AND ALWAYS!

The Lord, so kind and caring,

so wonderful and wise,
He's painted one more glorious day
across eternal skies!
He paints such bright emotion through
the hearts of one and all;
it brings us to this holy point,
in Bethlehem, to fall!

In Bethlehem--The King is born,
so humble, meek and mild.
The world in its entirety
to take note of one Child!
Note Him, though, but daily as
He reigns and saves and heals!
Each and every moment, something
new His Grace reveals!

"Jesus--One and only King,
we'll celebrate You ever!
Your love--it is eternal and
there's nothing that will sever!
We celebrate You now with gifts,
but then with adoration
as we serve You beyond all time
there in Your grand Creation!"

Celebrating Christ Jesus in this temporary creation.  He is worthy!  Oh, but there is a time ahead that is perfect and will not end!  THERE will we celebrate and fete Him perfectly!  WON'T IT BE WONDERFUL THERE?!
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Monday, December 21, 2020

Closer the days!

One day closer to Christmas.  That wonderful and beautiful time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior!  Four days away.  But then what?  Is that ALL we have to look forward to?

Celebrating Jesus Christ--
He is worthy of it all!
Sing out!  Sing out with all you are! 
Join in the yuletide call!
The Son of God...God the Son
come to us as a Man!
So to fulfill all prophecy,
accomplishing God's Plan!

But Jesus, He is MORE than Christmas,
He is ALL of living!
Celebrate Him all the day--
His adoration, giving!
There be no limit to the praise
He is deserving of--
The Prince of Peace, the King of kings,
epitome of love!

O celebrate His birth, ye people,
but do not stop there!
Celebrate Him ALL THE TIME,
and fete Him everywhere!
For He is with you constantly,
He is beyond all time!
Praise Him even when You cannot
find reason or find rhyme!

Yes, glorious are the days and wondrous is the 'season' of Jesus, but mere 'season' can NEVER define Him!  HE IS TOO WONDERFUL!
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Sunday, December 20, 2020

Last-Minute Trip

Five days until Christmas.  Winter all around me.  I find myself travelling to a destination to get a few last-minute things done before I take a week off to spend with my family.  But I am NOT alone in this truck...

On a two-lane highway,
early in the morn,
the sun begins to peek at us:
another day is born!
So slowly, light develops
revealing more and more
of God's glorious creation
for vision to explore!
And, in stealth, the deer to disappear
from the meadows to the forest;
should I ignore this time with God
but I would be the poorest!!
To start the day without the Lord
would be so sad indeed
as He creates such wonderments
causing joy be freed!
And I receive instruction, even
as I drive along:
words of wisdom...sights divine.
even blessed song!
All from Him Who makes the day
with His very hand...
all for to prepare this man
to firmly take a stand!

On a two-lane highway,
assignments all ahead.
I KNOW success will be the sum
as I am Spirit-led!

Yes, victories await ahead...already settled before time began!  They must be taken care of, however, before I spend that precious time with my wife and children as we celebrate Jesus' birthday!
Merry Christmas to you, whatever road you may be on today!
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Saturday, December 19, 2020

Hiccups

Getting the day over with.  All has gone well until...

When 'luxuries' turn into major headaches...
when 'day-to-day' gets all turned upside-down..
when I sit down at the desk to write His message
and find out that the internet is down!
I breathe in deep, sit back and look around me
and realize we are so blessed anyway!
And even if I cannot send out what He tells me,
there is life in everything He has to say!

Too many times of late come disappointments,
yet we remain alive with shelter fine!
And even if you and I cannot get together,
I have beautiful ones with me to sup and dine!
Yes, this year has been a challenge like no other!
And these 'holidays' are like we've never seen!
But CELEBRATE anyway as best that you can
the birthday of the Truth, the Life, the Way!

The challenges in life, they will continue.
The setbacks even may become far worse!
But love the ones you're with as long as you can,
and see NOT the 'holidays' as but a curse!

Some of us will not be able to be with the ones we want to be with this Christmas, but love the ones you're with regardless!  The internet may be down...or crash completely, but let it not hinder the Joy that this time of year is all about:  JESUS!!
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Friday, December 18, 2020

Celebrate First!

Rising up.  Cold December morning.  A full day ahead--filled with people who all want everything their way.  Isn't THAT something to look forward to?!  Oh, but I know how to start before that begins...

Celebrate Jesus!  He is worthy!
King above all kings!
His reign--it has no measurement
as every angel sings!
His value so transcends all issues
anywhere this day!
To one and all, He yet remains
THE TRUTH, THE LIFE, THE WAY!

"'Tis the season," so they say,
but all day long, each day,
His glory and His majesty
are truly on display!
And the love, His perfect love
for everyone around
so fills each moment we go through,
as grace and peace abound!

Celebrate, ye people!  Fete Him 
with all love and praise!
He is the ONLY Answer to
these complicated days!
The Truth, the Life, the Way so comes
in ways we understand;
adorn Him with all adoration
all across the land!

Yes, CELEBRATE JESUS!  Even if celebrating is the last thing you FEEL like doing, do it anyway!  For He is worthy of it, and you will be the better for it!  After all, celebrating Him shall we be throughout eternity.  Why not start now?
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Christmas Surprise

God is so good!  He opens doors that no man can open, and He arranges 'things' that man calls 'impossible!'  Such happened today.  We met relatives that we have not seen in almost 40 years years...and they only live 30 minutes from us!!

There's One alone Who can arrange
what man fathom not!
'His ways are not our ways' they say,
and no limit has He got!
He brings together families
who've drifted far away,
and times to have with moments such,
but they will last for aye!

Do YOU face the impossible?
You think it's 'too far gone?'
BUT GOD, He's always keeping track,
so, in hope, carry on!
NEVER is it too late to find
or fix relationship;
all you need is hope, desire,
and that unfailing grip!

No, don't ever give up.  God doesn't!  And He is The One Who can bring it about! He did today and, though painful is the event that brought us together, beautiful are the results!
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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Foreversong

SING OUT!

No matter what's going on, it is temporary.  Regardless what the plans are, they are temporary!  If life is going wrong, it's temporary.  If life is going right, rejoice, but know that it, too, is temporary.  Jesus Christ, however, IS ETERNAL!  And He is worthy of our song!

Come, come ye voice of celebration!
Wake up, ye chords of joy!
That song suppressed for oh too long
now, now you must employ!
A KING IS BORN!  A King of which
the likes has NEVER been!
His reign--it is eternal, and
His love is for ALL men!
And His celebration--it goes on
without end, all the day:
"HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! HOLY!"
endlessly, they say!
And we, we are encouraged to
join that eternal song
from the heart, the voice, the hands,
that more, they might belong!

Yes, come, ye jubilation voice!
Sound out above the noise
of everything of every day
that constantly annoys!
So temporary is the trial,
eternal, the reward!
JESUS CHRIST IS COME THIS DAY--
SAVIOR, CHRIST AND LORD!!

Let us ever keep this in sight as we press on!  In spite of viruses, diseases, economies...anything that the enemy may use to detract us from pressing on...NOTHING can hinder the joy of the Lord...a joy that conquers all!
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Monday, December 14, 2020

Celebrate, ye People!

With all that is happening, every one of us have something stealing away our time.  This is NOT the time of year for that!  No, this is a time to CELEBRATE!!

O celebrate with jubilation!

We have every cause!
CHRIST THE KING IS BORN TO US 
to rid man of his flaws!
He's come, fulfilling prophecy!
He's come, all joy to bring!
He's come in might and majesty:
THE EVERLASTING KING!
And He comes so humbly, in a stable,
no room at the inn;
fulfilling further prophecy--
the jubilee begin!!

Yea, celebrate His riches--greater
than the world can know!
Celebrate His liberty--
all fetters to let go!
Celebrate His company
to never be without!
Yea, celebrate Him everywhere,
and do not ever doubt!
For soon, our celebration, it
shall happen face-to-face,
and we'll be with Him evermore
due His amazing grace!!

Yes, celebrate with jubilation
Christ this Christmastide!
Jesus, Jesus, Lord and Savior--
Friend so verified!
For there is not another that
is like Him anywhere
and, with Him living in our hearts,
someday we will be there!!

There is so much going on in this busy, fast-paced life right now.  But there is even more that is worth celebrating!  And JESUS is atop that list!  Join me, won't you?
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Sunday, December 13, 2020

Doing our part

The days and times in which we live.  They are like no other!  Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.  Will YOU do YOUR part?

Catastrophe...pandemic...
epidemic or a plague...
with so many disappearing, 
identities grow vague;
but each one be a family member,
each one be a friend;
someone, somewhere is in great pain
due relationship to end.

So what be there for servants
at such a time as this?
Because we're His, all warnings and
precautions to dismiss?
"The Blood of Jesus covers me,"
therefore, no fear have I!
But we are to be vigilant,
trust and not defy!

All wise do we possess as we
press on, press on and trust.
The dangers of the day are REAL,
and CANNOT be discussed!
BUT GOD is real, as well and, 
by His Spirit, we are led,
doing as instructed by Him
as we press ahead!

Strange and dangerous times are these my friend.  I'd love to spend some quality time with you, but I have to wear a mask to do so.  Have to?  YES...if I love you!  God is well aware of what is going on and what we are going through.  Continue to trust Him.  He will do more than His part, but each of us must do ours, as well.

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Saturday, December 12, 2020

That Precious Daily Time

First thing.  Wondering what today holds.  Knowing it will require greater power than this man has!  Therefore, I turn to God...

Minor flurries flit about
in the morning air
as we slowly rise so early--
for such we prepare.
It shall not hinder all the tasks,
but time will I so share--
time with God, watching snowflakes
drifting through the air.

So busier the days become
as year draws to an end;
but I set aside the 'busyness'
and visit with my Friend.
He sees and knows of all as we
are scurrying about,
and yearns for us, this precious time,
to NEVER go without!

Regardless of the weather...
regardless of the pace...
so essential is this time
that we spend with His Grace!
It makes the day to fit together
whatever be the tasks,
and He is so available
to anyone who asks!

This precious, valuable, essential time set aside each day.  The same becomes more and more necessary as the days progress.  Jesus said it would be that way, and He avails Himself to ALL constantly!

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Thursday, December 10, 2020

Overheard...

Listening to conversations...eavesdropping?  Well...yes.  But all about the town, I keep hearing the same thing...and the same pain.

Where have gone 'relationships'
that, sacred, used to be?
Even 'relatives,' they get
neglected easily!
We get too caught up in 'careers'
or 'issues of the day...'
Is that a 'reason' or 'excuse?'
The heart can only say.
Yes, many are the issues and
activities around;
even more so, the 'distractions'
that would so abound!
All to steal the time away
and keep us busy so;
that, details about one another,
we neglect to know!

Yea, too many are the factors that
would keep us each apart.
The very same factors work
at hardening the heart!
Relationships take effort and
lack comfort often so;
and just how willing are the ones
that 'extra mile' to go?

Relationships--rewarding when
they're guarded and revered;
and wealthy they who find the same
and see them to be feared!

Love takes effort.  Friendship takes time.  Care requires work.  Again, how many are willing to do such, KNOWING that the same might hurt?  God has great reward for them that persevere!
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Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Timing

The year is winding down.  Folks are scrambling all about trying to get as much done as possible before ________!  Are YOU one of them?

Back to the simplicity

of Jesus--only Him!
So much of life is happening,
it seems, upon a whim!
BUT GOD--He is the bedrock
not a thing in life can shake!
Time for Him, in EVERY day,
but everyone must make!

Jesus, Jesus, only Him,
above...inside...beyond...
Know ye not that, of yourself,
He is so very fond?
And the speed of life these days
is a concern minute!
Stay focused and move straight ahead
and naught shall He impute!

Yea, busy are the days that be,
with speeds so out-of-whack!
But do your best, ye chosen ones
and, quietly, sit back
KNOWING that the days that are,
for they are FULLY known
to Him Who set up time itself,
and you, YOU ARE HIS OWN!

Yes, busy are these days, and much is there to do.  But there is only so much that YOU can do about that!  You must do your best and TRUST Him with the rest!  Did you hear that?  TRUST and REST!
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Monday, December 7, 2020

What SHOULD Be!

"Oh, that wonderful time of year!"  But I meet too many who see it otherwise.  I counsel with many who stress out most this time of year.  Such out not to be.  For GOD certainly did not  intend it to be that way!

Decorations and decor
now everywhere around!
Joy and jubilation to
abundantly abound!
It is that time of glory when
we celebrate His birth--
God Most High come as a Man,
reminding us of our worth!

So celebrate His birthday knowing
what He's done for you:
giving hope, giving joy
and making life anew!
As we gather with our loved ones
invite HIM to be there!
Acknowledge Him as The Reason
that, such joy, we share!

Jesus, Jesus, Loving Lord
and Savior to us all!
Sing Him out with all you are!
Send forth His saving call!
He is The Reason for the season
we all know and love,
and one glad morn we'll celebrate
in Paradise above!

"Decoration and decor,"
do it for HIS glory!
Adorn Christ first and Christmastide
will be more than just 'story!'

It's Christmas!  IT'S JESUS!  And He is worth celebrating, not stressing out over!  If you are scrambling about trying to get everything for everyone, STOP!  Take a deep breath and focus on WHO it should be all about!

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Sunday, December 6, 2020

Invisible?

Invisible.  Some people feel that way.  Maybe even YOU feel that way.  It is a painful feeling, and it is so unnecessary!  We are all in this together!

"Please don't see me as 'just different.'
I'm just the same as you in every way.
You step aside when I start to walk toward you,
thinking you must 'get out of the way.'
I'd really like for you to be 'just you,'
to say 'hello' like you do to others;
after all, in the eyes of Jesus,
we are equal as sisters and brothers!
What I have, for it is not 'contagious,'
except the love I have inside my heart.
Avoiding me is utterly outrageous!
Who knows, a lasting friendship, it may start!
I know you're busy and you have a schedule;
I am, too, but I just want to say 'Hello!'
It doesn't cost a thing at all to anyone
to just acknowledge me as you go!"

Many people have these feelings.  Most of them will not share them, they will just go about their day...trying to do their best while living the pain.  Go out of YOUR way to find them.  You don't have to look far!

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Saturday, December 5, 2020

This Challenging Time

Here we are, at the end of the year.  A very CHALLENGING year!  Going through a crisis, the likes of which some of us have never seen!  So what do we do?  Give in to it?

In times of greatest challenge,

the greater good takes place.
Though sales and numbers suffer,
abundant would be grace!
Traditions that we've held so dear
for, lo, so many years,
now cannot happen as we'd like,
so the challenge--it appears!

We cannot be together in
the numbers we have known,
BUT GOD--He makes it possible
that we not be alone!
The dinners that we would attend
if normal be the days,
we can yet attend, but in
a myriad of ways!

Thanks to the great technology
that God has shown to man,
there are so many of us learning
of another plan!
Via media we visit
friends and family;
so many ways to keep in touch
here in the days that be!
And by the folding of the hands
to Jesus Christ in prayer,
we can be transported and
have fellowship anywhere!
Truly, it is NOT the same,
but we are NOT alone;
and soon, solution to this crisis,
somehow, will be known!

Don't lose hope.  Don't ever give up.  And for GOD'S sake, do not stop believing!  For He has seen us through quite a bit, and He's not about to stop!  TRUST HIM!
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Friday, December 4, 2020

The Fading Day

Home at last!  Day is done for me in town...and BUSY it was!  However, God has prepared a wonderful place for me to be restored...

As afternoon paints remaining foliage,
winter whispers to me in the breeze.
I scan the acres and the hills around me
and entertain my Guest with all of these.
Already He's familiar with creation,
as He is The Creator of the same;
as we converse at liberty together,
I praise and magnify His Holy Name!

Yes, Father God has joined me in the vespers
as I unwind from what the day contained.
Christmas blessings were dispensed so freely--
joy, love and serenity so rained!
And the Source of such, He joins me as I settle,
granting rest and restoration, too!
He is The Source of ALL that life requires,
He is The Reason life is made anew!

Yes, as afternoon turns into early evening,
God--so great and glorious--is on display!
He welcomes ANYONE participating
by giving us The Truth, The Life, The Way!
He manufactures beauty with precision;
how many are the grateful to take note?
O take His blessings not at all for granted,
and take some time, unto Him, to devote!

No matter what kind of day you have had, God has an exclusive retreat for you to relax and recharge!  NEVER take it for granted!  It is a very necessary time, especially in the days that are!

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Thursday, December 3, 2020

Daddy's Hands

Ooops!  Just found this.  Better late than never.
Think back...last week...I was out on the deck counting my blessings.  As I reflected, my daddy's hands flooded my memory...

Two days before Thanksgiving
I think of "Daddy's hands."
A base of gratitude so great,
on which he firmly stands!
Hands that never met a task
that they could not complete...
hands that would assist a total
stranger on the street!
Those hands of his--so many came 
from places near and far:
from helping with my homework to
to rebuilding someone's car!
Little seemed to hinder him,
save at the very end
when just the lightest handshake seemed
to knock him on his end!
But those hands, soft as I recall,
constructed many a thing;
and fascination mounted as
he told what each shift would bring!
And soft and gentle were they,
any year to matter not,
as love and comfort came from them
in all of what life brought!

Daddy's hands--I never shall forget
the feeling of his touch!
And, with each year that passes, I
miss that touch more so much!
Developing...loving...or
encouraging a life--
I thank God for my daddy's hands
but all throughout my life!!

Daddy could fix anything that was brought to him.  If something was missing a part, he could make it from scratch!  Most of all, however, I remember that he was always 'there' and had an encouraging word or hug.  Such a legacy could only be given to me by God!
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Tuesday, December 1, 2020

The Best Laid Plans

Each and every one of us has a plan for what the day will hold.  Most of the time, that plan is altered by something called 'life.'  THEN what do you do...

When things don't go as planned,

there is One to understand.
He knows each form of 'hurt,'
as He's walked in that same dirt.
The disappointment and the pain--
for He knows they are not 'plain.'
However, He is so very great
that He can fully compensate
for the 'let downs' in this life,
and the struggles that be so rife.
For when no one understands,
He engulfs us in His hands;
and in His firm embrace
we can fully state our case!

And all the 'let downs' as we live
He keeps track of for to give
compensation for the pain
and assure each one cause gain!
For He has walked each path before.
He knows how our desires soar
and what happens when they fail,
our each emotion to assail!

But great reward awaits the stern
who press to that for which we yearn
but, somehow, do not come to pass.
Life--the gamut to amass!
So live.  So live as best you can
KNOWING life may alter your each plan,
knowing God is fully aware
and that you are in His perfect care!

And as you live, do so unto God.  In doing so, those things which may be 'disappointments' will be fully compensated for...often in something far better than what we were expecting!  That's just how gracious our loving Father is!
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