Showing posts with label kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kindness. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

Monday Medley of Meditations


There's nothing quite like love's heartaches to remind us
of the Living Hope found in the Healer of the human heart
and rouse reflections on how our own lives reflect

Saturday night awed hearts with art
only God can orchestrate/accomplish!






So did Sunday morning!!!
(after a 'sheepish' snowfall overnight.
It was a bit like walking on fleece; soft and soundless)





By the grace God has given me, 
I laid a foundation as an expert builder, 
and someone else is building on it. 
But each one must be careful how he builds.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
 Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, 
but think of yourself with sober judgment, 
according to the measure of faith God has given you.

***

Oh, self-inflicted agony
Oh, cruel way to live
Clinging to hate's hostility
Unwilling to forgive

Oh, what an awful way to face
A new day, mercy kissed
Greeting the goodness of God's grace
Not with praise, but raised fist

Oh, pray we do not waste each chance
To love each other, for
Today is like a gift God grants
To love Him more and more

How much we love Him, none can hide
Love's language plain to see 
By how freely self is denied
In light of Calvary

© Janet Martin 

***

We never will get it quite right
Human nature is bound to err
Better to forgive than to fight
Better to be kind than to swear

Or wield a vengeful, verbal knife
Darkening thought with bitter darts
Better to hold the gift of life
In gentle hands and thankful hearts

How futile, the vile mastermind
That plots ways to retaliate
Better to be patient and kind
Better to love, my dear, than hate

© Janet Martin

***

When All That Remains Is What Was...

We pass this way but once, my love
How long the way will be
Until the soul slips from its glove
No one can know or see

Thus, we do well to live each day
As if it were the last
To cheer each other on life's way
Ere death's shadow is cast 

...and all that remains is What Was
With those we leave behind
Pray, life's echoes are sweet because
They are gentle and kind 

© Janet Martin

Every test God allows in our lives is but an opportunity
to yield to and trust
and to bring Him glory!!







Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Maybe Their Ball of String Got Caught...


Are you having a reaching-for or reaching-out
a helping hand kind of day?!
My challenge in this poem was thoroughly tested as soon as it was written😅😂
Muffin-maker had a vegetable oil mess!



Be kind, where today’s grind unwinds the hours of its charge, but once
Where we are all still learning through the yearning drill of woes and wants
Where Circumstance is like a chance/dance God grants to test alacrity
Of love, with push and shove to prove devotion’s authenticity

Be patient; goodness, graciousness and compassion are always right
Be one less brute; wisdom’s recruits cannot yield ripe fruit overnight
Apples of gold and growing old are no laconic enterprise
The recompense for diligence not gained through negligent half-tries

Be gentle; Learning’s mental ball of string bounces across the floor
Unraveling as we give chase, tangling in stubborn knots galore
Testing grace in a thousand ways, while teaching us to take command
Of angry fists we raise, and instead to reach out/reach for a helping hand

So then, let’s try to be kind when we find fellowmen, not quite so
Maybe their ball of string got caught, and the taut knot will not let go
Maybe all they need is a tender word or deed to cheer their heart
Kindness unfurled can change the world; let’s try harder to do our part

© Janet Martin


This month the memory verse/s for my Sunday school class is
Gal. 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is 
love, joy, peace,
 patience, kindness, goodness, 
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 
Against such things there is no law.

We are never too old to consider what fruit our life is yielding!


Mess cleaned up! All is well.
 Frustration-frenzy crisis averted! 
I offered a rag instead of a lot of
unnecessary, aggravated 'counsel'.
 thanks in part to today's poem😄

Monday, August 7, 2023

Because All Is Not As It Appears

 


Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
 but only what is helpful for building up the one in need 
and bringing grace to those who listen.

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, 
and things wherewith one may edify another.

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day;
 lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Sometimes when we get an 'inside story' on a situation
we are reminded, nothing is ever completely as it appears.
Hopefully then, we strive to be kinder because who knows
what hidden cross our fellow-pilgrim is bearing!


This song from my younger days still makes me laugh😂
because most of us at some point can relate to at least one of
the frustrations he highlights😅




Be gracious, because everything is not as it appears
We all carry a hidden world beneath mortal veneers
And often what we might surmise by the posture of sheaves
Is but a glimpse of much more than the naked eye perceives

The aches and breaks of love and life are not splayed in bold font
For all to see the bare bones of necessity and want
Of tug of wars we weather as heart-tethers strain and groan
Of prayers poured out in secret tears, witnessed by God alone

Surely the common ground of stumbles and mistakes and such
Should sweeten words and soften hearts and gentle thought and touch
And make us far more patient with each other than we are
Where low blows from life’s hard knocks leaves many a hidden scar

Love’s lessons-in-the-learning do not spill for all to see
Therefore, we should defend each other with kind empathy/ sympathy
Rather than hurling insults, or quick judgment’s sharpened spears
We should be gracious, because all is not as it appears

© Janet Martin

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Awesome Dividend (of Kindness)


May our lives be rich with the gentle joy
of many a kindness both given and received!



It may not seem like much, all told;
The gentle word, the cheerful smile
The hug, the prayer, plan put on hold
To walk a secret second mile

The helping hand, the listening ear
The cup of tea shared with a friend
It may not seem like much, my dear
Yet, yields an Awesome Dividend 

For oh, we cannot know how far
Ripple effects of kindness flow
Therefore, no matter where we are
Let’s find some small kindness to show

Because big differences start
Not in the limelight of success
But in the love that lifts a heart
Through countless little kindnesses

It may not seem like much, all told;
But love is never commonplace
The small kind deed worth more than gold
As it puts a smile on God's face

© Janet Martin

Eph.4:32
And be ye kind one to another, 
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, 
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

A Gentle Reprimand (mother or not!)


Below, a bit of conversation between my daughter and I
as she lamented some not-so-shining-parenting-moments earlier today💓
(my comments in the blue)



The quote my daughter shared reminded me that we sure shouldn't 
point an accusing finger at anyone
before we have walked a mile in their shoes...should we?💖💕

Until we’ve worn each other’s shoes and borne each other’s cares
And struggled with each other’s dues and prayed each other’s prayers
I think the point that lingers is love’s gentle reprimand:
Instead of pointing fingers let’s reach out a helping hand

© Janet Martin


Wednesday, November 16, 2022

(Not) Changing the World


We may not, in the grand scheme of things, change the world
but we can certainly do our bit!

 A reverence for angels that are growing up too fast...




An eye to see the beauty in each season’s works of art...

A note of thankfulness, even when the song is off-key
A traveling companion with a heart of sympathy
A word of consolation and a patient ear to hear
An air of celebration no matter the time of year
Because, though we may never change the world, we can begin
To make it a bit better in the corner we are in

A love for one another that makes every day worthwhile
A joy that comes from blessings like a home, a hug, a smile
A cup of tea with you and me, awareness of a page
We fill with today’s memories, no matter our age
An eye to see the beauty in each season’s works of art
Where though we may not change the world, we may cheer/change a small part

A reverence for angels that are growing up too fast
A prayer for grace and guidance as we face what soon is past
A sweeter disposition as the days to years run rife
A deep appreciation for the simple things in life
Where, though we may not change the world with our rhythm and rhyme
We can gladden the place we are, one kindness at a time

Awe, as we consider the birds and learn what they would teach
Hope, as we trust God’s outstretched hand, always within our reach
Humility as we become older and pray, more wise
And soften our answers, often much to our surprise
Because we realize, although we may not change the world
Right where we are, we can add to its loveliness unfurled

Endeavoring to grumble less and sing a little more
And savoring soul-happiness, like wreaths on a front door
And wondering at wonders that never cease to amaze
Where earth and heavens thunder with a smorgasbord of ways
To author praise and turn a meeker gaze to fellowman
Where though we may not change the world, we can change what we can

© Janet Martin

Awe, as we consider the birds...



Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Life's Finest Work of Art



PAD Challenge day 8-For today’s Two-for-Tuesday prompt:
Write a form poem, and/or...
Write an anti-form poem.

Form: Shakespearean sonnet


This poem was inspired by the driver of this truck
that pulled over and offered a regular biker to his job, a ride
on this clear, cold, crisp morning!
The biker accepted😊💓

(nothing sets a sweeter tone for the day than acts of kindness)

a smile is a gift anyone can give
a helping hand, life's finest work of art
beauty is found, no matter where we live
if kindness is the first-fruit of the heart 

although no hall of fame or gallery
will showcase, what some may call commonplace
no one can leave a finer legacy
than that of love, humility and grace

no name in lights, no wild applauding cheers
for this is not love's mission or its quest
but to mingle laughter and prayers and tears
and thus become the blessing and the blessed

today, oh, what a perfect place to start
to make another Finest Work of Art

Janet Martin


Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, 
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.







    

Monday, January 31, 2022

Perfect For Love



The evils of this world cannot keep kindnesses at bay
Then give utmost attention to its Beauty every day
And live as if this life was heaven-lent for love alone
To be part of a mission that cannot be overthrown
To bite our tongue when stinging words could slip and hit their mark
To never mind if no one sees but God (He sees the heart)
And to do unto others as we would they do to us
To be gentle and patient; rather than shake fists and cuss
Because kindness is something that this world could use more of
No matter where we are, today is just perfect for love

© Janet Martin



Wouldn't it be wonderful if when God opens our
ledger of deeds on That Day it would reveal
one recorded kindness after another?!

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; 
that every one may receive the things done in his body, 
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

I have been the recipient of a few kindnesses already today!
My sister and daughter texted to ask how I am feeling 
after a few days being 'under the weather.'


Though not completely recovered 
I am thankful to be feeling a bit better today.


Two of my sisters and I went on a walk on Friday afternoon.
It was very cold but beautiful.
I got a bit chilled as we sat in this gorge(ous)spot and chatted for a bit.
Maybe, if I was vulnerable that was the final nudge.



Eph.4:32
And be kind to one another, 
tenderhearted, 
forgiving one another, 
even as God in Christ forgave you.



Saturday, May 1, 2021

Word Percolator...(written while the coffee brewed:)

 

We pour water into a coffee percolator and out comes yummy, black coffee
We pour all matter of material into our minds and out come all manner of words!



We set words free yet in a sense we take them with us too
For new words always percolate where former words dripped through
But if used wisely words can change the course of someone’s day (just like a good cup of coffee😋)
And in a sense, a life, as kind words cheer us on our way

Think gently then, for thoughts are always on the verge of speech
Who knows how far the ripple of its spoken touch will reach
To teach, to tear, to build, to break, how swift our words become
A hug, a blow; therefore fill well the fount they will flow from

© Janet Martin

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, 
be acceptable in thy sight, 
Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Friday, December 4, 2020

Thumbs Up (face to face or screen to screen)

We, the more mature students in the School of Life have learned or are learning 
not to base self-worth on how many likes or thumbs-up we get, 
but it doesn't mean a little 'thumbs up' isn't kind of like a big cyber
 (or face-to-face) smile/hug/ pat on the back.
Sometimes when I'm tempted to think that someone really couldn't care less
whether I 'like' it or not I think about the big boost of courage
some of those little thumbs-up have given me over the years💗

Our love/hate relationship with social-media, like it or not,
for better or worse, carries a weight of response-ability with it.
So whether to the people we meet on the street, in our homes,
or on social media, let's spread some high-five, smiley-face, thumbs-up love!

1 Thess.5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.



Thumbs up can give someone a lift when they are feeling low 
A boost of confidence perhaps, a little ‘way-to-go’ 
A ‘you are not invisible but worth a smile, a prayer 
A kind nod of approval to fend off fiends of despair’ 

Thumbs up can say ‘hey, you’re okay and worth the while God grants’ 
Thumbs up can put a bounce in steps that somehow lost their ‘dance’ 
So, whether face to face or screen to screen, let’s do our part 
To spill some ‘thumbs-up-happiness’ into somebody’s heart 

Thumbs up is so much better than an emoji to vent 
To satisfy our anger in that spurt of resentment 
Better to walk away than say something we will regret 
Better to give a thumbs up and leave scowls and slurs unsaid 

Time is a tireless teacher; age does not deter him much 
We never outgrow needing someone’s time or tender touch 
A teeny, weeny thumbs up might be all somebody needs 
To fan the flame of courage to wherever Today leads 

© Janet Martin

Friday, November 13, 2020

Imagine That!


Inspired by this golden nugget...


This lovely gem came out of a box of Kleenex my sister gave to me;
She had opened up the end of the box carefully, pulled out the stack of Kleenexes
slid poems, quotes, humorous stories etc. in the folds between the Kleenex, 
then put it all back inside the box and re-glued the side shut.
Voila! a great, sweet, long-enjoyed gift

I only take a  Kleenex from that box
to 'treat' myself.
The above snippet was last night's treat after feeling a little down after
some recent headlines and much quick commentary;
some not so very kind.

Imagine if in place of slights and bites and prejudice 
We simply treated others like we would, they treated us 
Imagine if, (because we have not walked in their worn shoes) 
We didn’t form conclusions based on our own point of views 
Imagine if we weren’t so quick to pick up Judgement’s rod 
But simply loved and left the repercussions up to God 

Imagine if we chose to grant the benefit of doubt 
And sought only good thoughts and strove to sweep all others out 
Imagine if we would be courteous, with cheerful face 
And valued one another with encouragement and grace 
Imagine if we only reached out with a Servant’s touch 
Instead of criticism, or of back-stabbing and such 

Imagine what a wonderful world this would start to be 
If I began to treat you like I hope you would treat me 
Imagine if, for no other sake but our fellowman 
We shouldered our ‘rise ’n shine’ and pursued our ‘plan’ 
Imagine, if we reined in scornful words, sarcastic quips 
And everywhere we turned were helping hands and smiling lips 

Imagine what a sweeter, kinder old world this would be 
If by God’s grace I loved you like I hope you will love me 

© Janet Martin 

The Golden Rule

Matt.7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 
do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Mouth-control

 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, 
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Prov.16:24

😊
 
Swallow hard and bite your/my tongue
Harsh words swift-spewed live so long
Breathe a prayer and count to ten
We all need grace now and then 
And soon you/I will be so glad
For sharp replies left unsaid
Where a bit of mouth-control 
Is like sweetness to the soul
 
© Janet Martin

Friday, July 31, 2020

To Live/Love Without Reserve...


It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives.
Samuel Johnson~

May we be a Son-flower/sunflower in the garden of life!
Happy last-day-of-July




 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, 
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Cor.13:4-8

The best we have to live
Exists right now, right here
All we may keep is what we give
It is enough my dear
To love without reserve
To brush insult aside
For we have more than we deserve
Hope lives because He died

Then daily death of pride
Should be our wholesome quest
To live a life of self-denied
To give our humble best
With kind and utter thanks
For all that He has won
And trust Him to fill in the blanks
Still gaping with undone

The sting of verbal slights
Of love misunderstood
Cannot distract He who delights
To work for our good
Love, long-suff’ring and meek
Does not ‘settle the score’
But rather turns the other cheek
To author peace, not war

…to honour He who gave
Himself to manifest
The way true love ought to behave
When it is put to test
Love is more walk than talk
It speaks evil of none
But turns a would-be stumbling block
Into a stepping stone

© Janet Martin