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 ~~ "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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ICAN Assists Idaho Author, Elaine Oostra

Five years ago, if you would have told me I would publish two books and work on a third one, I would seriously think you were hallucinating.  Even though I had thought of writing, I saw too many obstacles, and I felt inadequate. My grammar and spelling are terrible! I did not know a thing about how to even start to write a book, let alone publish it. There was this yearning in me to tell my story. I had different parts of it written down, so I started to put it together. Now, what do I do?  I prayed!  

A friend told me about a writers group called ICAN. Two times a year they have writing conferences where you can submit 1500 words and have it critiqued, and you may win a prize for the category in which you submitted your work.  I submitted what I felt was the best part of my story.  I didn’t win anything.  Honestly, I was disappointed and even mad at myself for thinking I could write.  I was going to give up. 

My friend that I went with encouraged me not to give up but to talk to one of the ICAN co-founders.  I did want to find out what I did wrong.  JoEllen, one of the editors, let me see my critiqued paper.  I scored badly on anything that had to do with grammar. She reassured my story was wonderful and please don’t give up. I hired JoEllen as my editor. ( It's why God created editors for people like me). She has been wonderful.  I know she is a gift from God to me and has been patient and long-suffering with me.  Each one of the ICAN women is gifted and eager to help any new author who wants to write.  I love encouraging others to attend an ICAN conference or event when they tell me they want to write but don't know what to do.

My first book, One Brick at a Time, is my life story about being raised by a mother who suffered from a mental illness. I wrote it to encourage others to trust God with trials in their lives. God does have a plan! It’s a story about emotional healing from bitter roots that are buried deep and need to be exposed and pulled out.

My second book, In the Same Way, Teach, is a Bible study for women which is taken from Titus 2:1-5. As mature women, we are to lead holy lives so that we can teach younger women and girls by example and by words. It’s a 13-week study which covers being secure and confident in Christ, knowing truth, the meaning of love, marriage, what is submission and more.

The third book I am still working on is also based upon Titus 2:1-5.  It is titled In the Same Way Learn.  I have been leading Bible studies with teen girls for over 15 years.  This study will be a collection of what I have taught them.  It will be similar to the women's study but geared toward teens.

I have a deep desire to write more Bible studies. I am learning not to listen to self-doubt but listen to the Holy Spirit. He will supply all my needs!

If I had never gone ( I almost didn’t go!) to that first ICAN conference, my book would still be under the couch unfinished. I have learned so much, and I have more to learn about writing! I have learned not to let my inadequacies stop me. I still do not like grammar, and my spelling isn't great.  There are so many wonderful tools out there to help. I know more than I did two years ago. I know how to publish a book. I know I can publish a book.

In His great Love,

Elaine Oostra

Idaho Creative Authors' Network (ICAN) is hosting a one day writing event on July 8th, 2017 at Givens' Hot Springs to assist new authors or already published ones.  The four co-founders, JoEllen Claypool, Sheila Eismann, Carol Green, and Phyllis Nettleton have collectively published over 30 books to date.  They have a heart to help authors succeed.  Here's the web link to register for the upcoming event which includes a bar-be-que lunch, drawing for fabulous door prizes, and access to the wisdom and knowledge of the four co-founders.  

Relax and Refresh Writers' Retreat

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ican-relax-and-refresh-writers-retreat-at-givens-hot-springs-tickets-32607924179

Happy Reading & Writing.  ICAN Teamwork makes it happen!

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Poetry & Prose ~ "The Eyes of My Heart"

Mom, the eyes of my heart will forever see,

            Just how special your love will always be.

Throughout the years you were always there,

            With gentle smiles and many heartfelt prayers.

Unwavering in your unconditional love for everyone,

            Your embraced us in the warmth of your love.

When the storms and trials of life came our way,

            You always had words of wisdom for each new day.

You freely gave of yourself to give us a better life,

            Putting aside your own desires, making many a sacrifice.

You laughed with us through the joys we shared,

            And cried with us showing how much you cared.

Now that you've gone home to be with our Lord,

            I know that I will see you on Heaven’s shore.

You are with that great cloud of witnesses watching from Heaven above,

            Cheering us on in prayer, surrounding us with your love.

           

From the depths of my heart, I thank you once again,

            For being my mom and for being my friend.

For it is the eyes of my heart that will always see,

            Just how much your motherly love means to me.

From your loving daughter, forever.

       

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures. 

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

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Beverly"

Whose name means

        dweller at the beaver meadow,

Walked into my life thirty-three years ago

        to say more than a mere hello.

Her sweet diligent spirit

        inside her five foot frame,

Keeps her working heartily

        as for the Lord without blame.

Green eyes portray kindness

        along with a gracious hospitality.

When you sit at her dining table,

        she treats you just like family.

Blessed to be a Christian from

        nine months in Lila’s womb,

Beverly remains rest assured

        during these days of doom and gloom.

She’ll be the first to encourage you

        to stay on the narrow road,

Leaning on your Lord and Savior

        will help to lighten your load.

We never encounter anyone by chance

        as God ordains every meeting.

My life has been enriched for decades

        by a blonde with a friendly greeting.

Our friendship was forged through

        laughter, prayer, and tears.

The Holy Spirit within us

        calmed all of our fears.

Thanks be unto God for His

        eternal gift of friends.

He has given us something

        that never really ends.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Choices"

CHOICES

In the beginning when God breathed His life into man,

He had a specific purpose and eternal plan.

He gave us a free will choosing how to live our lives,

Giving us the choice to believe in Him and do what is right.

 Knowing that many opportunities will come my way,

I will try to make the right choices every day.

Learning to listen to the Spirit’s still small voice,

He will guide and direct me to make the right choice.

 Choosing life over death, love instead of hate,

Mending relationships before it’s too late.

Living a selfless life by taking up my cross,

Serving those in need not counting the cost.

Showing those around me that I care.

Spreading joy and gladness instead of despair.

Speaking life giving words of encouragement,

Bringing hope in times of discouragement.

Telling others about God’s love and gentleness,

Extending mercy through thoughtful acts of kindness.

Seeing the best in others, not looking for the worst,

Praying for blessings instead of speaking a curse.

Trusting in His Spirit, resting in His mercy and grace,

I want to make the world around me a better place.

Although I may stumble and fall, which no doubt I will,

I will always run to Jesus knowing He loves me still.

  Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence!

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Poetry & Prose ~ "Recipe for Daily Living"

                         
                                                               
                                                   "RECIPE FOR DAILY LIVING"

Mix together:

10 cups of good thoughts

10 cups of good deeds

10 cups of consideration for others                

20 cups of sacrifice for others

20 cups of well beaten character flaws

30 cups of forgiveness

This is to be mixed thoroughly with tears of sympathy.  Flavor the mixture well with gifts of love, mercy, and grace.  Top with prayer and faith to lighten the ingredients and to raise the texture to great heights in daily living.  Bake well in the heat of human kindness and serve with a smile. 

Serving size is 100 cups per person per serving to be used when needed, contains all the nutrients for a healthy life, and is calorie free.

GUIDELINES FOR DAILY LIVING

Rejoice forevermore

Pray without ceasing

In everything give thanks

Doing good to all

Speaking evil of no one

Hearing all sides before deciding

Thinking before speaking

Withholding an angry tongue

Asking forgiveness for all wrongs

Forgiving others

Being patient towards all

Disbelieving evil reports

Praying for those who despitefully use you

SAYINGS

Love and forgiveness is Christianity in action.

God loves to work when nothing and no one else will.

The law says “I have to” 
Love says “I want to” 

Grace says “I can and I will”

Happy Reading & Daily Living!

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Faith Filled Friday: Filling A Prayer Box

How is your faith level these days?  I wanted to share how a little 3.5 x 2.5 inch metal box sent my faith soaring this past Saturday.

Ali Faith’s Faith

What a blessing to be living during the days of the technological boon of Ipads, Iphones, Iclouds, and on ad infinitum.  All of the aforementioned certainly help us to stay connected when our loved ones are far away. 

At 8:55 a.m. on Saturday, January 16th, I received the following text from one of my daughters,

“Good morning momma!   How ru guys?  We are great!  We have about 8 inches of new snow here and snowing now.  There’s a huge praise re pastor saaed!  Check out my FB post!”

I immediately dialed up her Facebook post which read,

“God DOES answer prayer!! So thankful that the 4 imprisoned Americans are free.”

Those of you who know me would agree that I am not always the calmest person on the planet, so when this news registered with my already caffeinated brain and nervous system, I was praising the Lord as loudly as I could. 

Suddenly, I remembered my birthday and Mother's Day gift from my precious granddaughter, Ali Faith.  It felt as though I was walking on air as I entered our bedroom, opened the top drawer to my dresser, and retrieved the little prayer box. 

After opening the lid (or as Ali Faith used to pronounce it, 'lib'), and reading the top prayer request, my eyes welled up with tears which freely flowed down my weathered cheeks.
                               

                                        

Implementing my trusty Iphone, I propped the little prayer box next to my ceramic coffee cone, snapped a few pictures to achieve the full effect, and texted them back to my daughter who shared them with her family.  Ali Faith and her younger brother were in awe of how God had answered a specific prayer that she had uttered so many times.  She attended the Prayer Rally for Pastor Saeed on the steps of our great state capitol building along with many other people.  In addition, during the summer months, Ali would round up some of the younger children in her neighborhood and invite them to her little tree house.  After making a lunch of sorts, she would read to them from the Bible, after which they would pray for Pastor Saeed. Yes, these would appear to be very early signs of an evangelistic anointing arising which is music to this grandmother’s ears.

On Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem, He came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan River.

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”  [Mark 10:13-16.]

Children portray a profound sincerity of heart, trust, exuberance, child like faith, and total dependence on their parents.  The kingdom of God is comprised of those who respond to Him with that same type of trust that a young child renders to a parent.

While there have been a multitude of sermons preached on the subject of faith and libraries full of books regarding the same, there’s just nothing like first-hand experience that increases our faith and compels us to testify.

I would encourage you to read this blog post to your children and grandchildren and comment below with their responses.  Who knows?  Perhaps they might like to start a little prayer box of their own as they grow in their child like faith.  And I can only imagine how happy Pastor Saeed’s children and family members are to have him back home after 1,000 days!

Here's a freebie regarding the number 1,000: in a Biblical sense it is symbolic of divine completeness and the glory of God.

Are we giving glory to God for the release of Pastor Saeed along with the other three Americans?  You better know we are!

Happy Reading and Keep the Faith!


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