Poetry & Prose ~~ "Thank You, Lord"

"Thank You"

(A Prayer)

Lord,

Your grace so freely given

Your fruit so generously shared

The best wine poured daily

Your living water forever pure—

Suitable only for the purest—

You, your heavenly hosts—

But not for me.

Still

YOU struck the Rock

That I might drink freely.

Some days sipping

Some days thirstily, greedily.

Never offended

You are always eager to share and to bless.

Tonight

In this wee morning hour

My lips moistened with Your sweetness

I thank You.

You love me

And I love You.

YOU love me, MORE

And I love you more.

Thank You.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contributed by Terry Finnerty who believes that God has created each of us for a personal, intimate relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ; and He communicates with us, now, through His Word and Holy Spirit, through nature, and through His inspiration of others; and that we respond to Him, if we choose, literally, through the medium that is unique to each of us-- written words, prayers, music, art, silence, and sometimes, tears. I wholeheartedly agree with Terry's belief and statement in this regard.

For this guest blog, Terry shares a prayer in the form of a poem that he wrote late one night or early morning almost two years ago.  He hopes God likes it, and that you do, too!  

Terry lives with his wife of 37 years, Terri Anne.  He's journaled for years with the intention of sharing thoughts with their two sons and daughter-in-law, surviving siblings, and friends.  Much of what he's written lately has been conversations with God from devotional periods of Bible study and other inspirational reading, prayer walks, and photography sessions.  Writing helps to deepen his awareness of his life and his relationship with Jesus Christ. Pens and pencils -- Michelangelo's chisels that reveal the Davids (or Davidas) that God has created all of us to be.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Give Thanks"

Think about God’s wonderful gift of love,

Having sent Jesus, His only begotten Son.

Always rejoice with thanksgiving in your heart.

Never give up for He holds you safe in His arms.

Keep your eyes upon Jesus in the midst of the storm.

Stand strong in faith and give praise to our saving Lord.

Grant mercy and grace to others in their time of need.

Inspire others to reach out and be filled with His peace.

Value and treasure His gift of eternal life He freely gives.

Invite others to open their hearts to believe and receive.

Now and forever give God all the glory for all He has done.

Give thanks forevermore for His wonderful gift of love.


Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  All of us have so much for which to be thankful.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "As We Celebrate Freedom"

As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy,
       with our fireworks lighting up the midnight skies,
Let us not forget all of the brave men and women who gallantly fight for freedom,
       many sacrificing their lives.

Let us pray each and every day for our great land,
       asking God to bless our leaders, guiding them along the way.
Praying God will be a shield for all those who protect and serve,
       with His hand of protection on them every single day.

May we speak words of kindness, of comfort and peace,
        giving thanks to God always with a humble heart.
Let us be bold as a lion to stand up for what is right,
        and be gentle as a dove, God's love to impart.

May we bring hope and healing to all mankind,
        and be a light to the nations, a city on a hill.
Let us ring the bells of liberty and freedom all over this land,
        returning to God our Father for He loves us still.

For it is in Christ alone that we are truly free,
        even when terror comes knocking at our door.
It is the Light and Fire of God that will heal us all,
        and enlighten the darkness as we proclaim Jesus is Lord.


Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

Let Freedom Ring on the 4th of July!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Abba, My Father"

Abba my Father, thank You for giving me life,

            For making me Your child, filling every need.

Your joy is my strength, and You are my song in the night.

            Come fill me up now with Your love and peace.

Abba my Father, thank You for sending Your Son.

            Jesus paid the price for a debt I could not pay.

Your awesome Love for me is more than enough,

            Showing me Your mercy, giving me Your grace.

Abba my Father, Your Holy Spirit sets my heart on fire.

            Breathe upon me now like a mighty rushing wind.

Being filled with more of You is my heart’s one desire.

            You are my Comforter, Savior, and my closest Friend.

           

Abba my Father, I will forever praise You,

            I come to You now on bended knee.

I worship You now in Spirit and Truth.

            You are altogether lovely, so beautiful You are to me.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence & Happy Father's Day!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Let Us Not Forget"

Let us not forget what Memorial Day is all about,

            And remember the men and women, who without a doubt

Gave of themselves to serve, many giving up their lives

            To defend our God given freedoms by their sacrifice.

Freedom is not free, it comes with  a very great cost

            By the many battles won and by some that have been lost.

Freedom is worth defending, something we do not want to lose.     

            Peace is what we long for in our present and in our future too.

So as we celebrate this day with family and friends,

            Remember those who fought for our liberties to the end.

Let us give thanks for those who served and paid the price,

            That we may enjoy our freedoms everyday of our lives.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

Submitted by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

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Poetry & Prose - "The Light of Your Presence"

The Light of Your Presence and the Fire of Your Glory set my heart ablaze.

            Forever I will love you and for all eternity I will sing Your praise.

My spirit is refreshed in the Water of Life flowing from Your Throne.

            Gladness of heart and fullness of joy are found in You alone.

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills where my help comes from.

            You are the Rock upon which I stand and into Your Presence I run.

For You alone are my hiding place and I put my trust in You.

            You lift me up on Eagle’s wings and my strength is renewed.

When the storm clouds gather with waves crashing all about, 

            You are a very present help in trouble removing all fear and doubt.

Even in the midst of the raging seas and all hope seems to be gone,

            You fill my life with joyous laughter and my heart overflows with song.

Your refreshing Wind blows over me like a gentle breeze,

            Touching my heart with Your mercy, grace and peace.

 Your loving kindness breathes new life into my soul.

             The sweet Rain of Your Spirit revives me and makes me whole.

You fill me with Your song in the midnight hour and You are my living hope.

            You mean everything to me for You are my eternal home.

 Let Your Light shine through me as I learn to walk in your ways.

            Lord, let me live in the Light of Your Presence every single day.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.  Used by permission.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence

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Poetry & Prose - "The Work of Your Hands I See"

In all of Your creation, it is the work of Your hands I see.

            Your fingerprints are everywhere, proclaiming Your majesty.

You hold the universe together by the power of Your spoken Word,

            And all of creation cries out in praise proclaiming Your matchless worth. 

When the morning sun rises and is ever shining bright,

            I am reminded that You alone are the light of my life.

When I gaze into the midnight sky and see the countless stars,

             Knowing You named them one by one overwhelms my heart. 

In the early spring when Your gardens burst forth with vibrant flowers,

            I see Your awesome wonders and I sense Your mighty power.

Rainbows remind me of Your everlasting covenant, Your promises forever true, 

             And what You have said in your Word, You are faithful to do.

  

Just like the summer rains that fall upon the desert sands, 

             Your love rains down on me and I am safe in the palm of Your hand.

 And just like the waters of the sea that needs the oceans’ shore, 

             Oh how I need your presence in my life,  I need You more.  

 Even in the midst of a raging storm and all hope seems to be gone,

            You fill my life with laughter and joy, my heart overflows with song.

In all of Your marvelous creation I see an intricate design and plan,

             I feel the power of Your love, and I see the works of Your mighty hands.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures

All  rights reserved.  Used by permission.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Inspirational Twelve Days of Christmas"

On the first day of Christmas                                        

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Faith for any situation.                               

On the second day of Christmas,                                

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.                                                

On the third day of Christmas,                                     

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.   
                                         

On the fourth day of Christmas,                                 

My true Lord gave to me:                                                               

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                           

                                                                                                 

On the fifth day of Christmas,                                      

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Character built in the crucible!                                                        

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                            

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me.
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                

On the ninth day of Christmas,  
My true Lord gave to me:                                                                          

Truth to speak in love,                                                    

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                   

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                            

                                                                                                 

On the tenth day of Christmas,                                    

My true Lord gave to me:

Understanding of His word,                                        

Truth to speak in love,                                                   

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                    

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Peace that passes understanding,
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                     

Isaiah 9:6 ~~ “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

Jesus is the King of Kings, and there is nothing like the life He brings!   By Him, In Him, and Through Him we have our faith, grace, abilities, perseverance, character, hope, love, joy, truth, understanding, discernment and peace. 

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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