Saturday, September 5, 2026

On Keeping Simpler Days Alive...


I LOVE simple things,
like bowls and baskets of freshly-picked garden-fare...







like the meals they make...



 like lines of clean laundry flapping in the breeze....


like puppies...


like almost dinner-plate-sized hibiscus...




The list really is endless, isn't it?!!

Sometimes we look back at the simpler way life used to seem
Where time has smoothed the bumps and twists and left a kind of dream
-world in its place; its weariness and brokenness forgot
As we trace precious yesterdays with sentimental thought

Sometimes we mourn Bygone's idyll of simpler, slower pace
And in life's seeming frantic quest for more, feel out of place
Forgetting for the moment, what remains no mystery;
To keep life's simpler days alive is up to you and me

Sometimes the wily ways of want seem to have seized control
Influencing a kind of pace that drains love of its soul
Too pushed to pause and let the beauty of creation awe
Too rushed to linger where progress does not enforce its law

Time's breadth of Day remains the same; twenty-four hour lease
The Word of God will never change; it leads in/to paths of peace
(For the unknown has always tried the hope and trust of hearts
Progress still cannot compensate for what God's Word imparts)

Sometimes we mourn the seeming loss of simpler yesteryears
Before technology seduced and enslaved eyes and ears
While just as it has always been, God's handiwork abounds
In evidence of He whose steadfast mercy still confounds

Sometimes it seems what mankind deems as progress, serves instead
To maim the mind, with chains designed to bind and leave for dead
But wisdom is still free for all to seek and find, if we
Remember what we leave behind is up to you and me
 (thank-you Wendell Berry)

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world; this is still so
Dear mother, homemaker, remember this when you feel low
And quite forgotten in a world where VIP's  compete 
The charge of keeping simpler days alive is no small fete
  
The charge of keeping home fires burning is a high call
For happy home-sweet-home is surely the best wealth of all
Where simpler ways are praiseworthy, and blaze contentment's trail 
Where gratitude is still the key to joy that cannot fail 

The simpler days had their fair share of trouble's portion too
As wisdom's worth was then it is today, and all time through
We are the master of our choices just as They were then
And simpler days can still survive if we so choose. Amen

Janet Martin

Prov.2:1-8
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones...

💗💙💚💛💜

If you still have zucchini and you're not sure what to do with it
the casserole in the above photo is a quick, satisfying supper,
Esp. with a side of freshly sliced tomatoes
or garden-medley salad.
The pictured salad is simply a blend of Greek salad ingreds.
tossed with a light dressing...

Zucchini Casserole
3 eggs, 
1/4 cup olive oil
Whisk then add
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
whisk till smooth then stir in
2 cups shredded zucchini 
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1/4 cup green pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 finely chopped jalapeño pepper (optional)
1/2 -1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (or desired amount) of meat 
such as cooked ham, bacon, sausage or pepperoni
(also optional)
Pour into a 9x13 or similar size casserole dish
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Part of the Miracle (that every kindness makes)


'Sometimes I wish that others could see how little it takes
 to make another person’s day and put a smile on their face' 
was a reply from a friend a few provinces away,
as I thanked her for sending a card to my dad for his birthday!! 
Her words were the inspiration for today's poem!

Last evening another thoughtful friend dropped a card and gift
 off for me to deliver to my parents today! 


Hello, new day, filled with fresh opportunities to be kind!






How little time it takes to make life's shadows disappear
A friendly smile, a warm handshake, a hug, a word of cheer
A greeting card dropped in the mail, a call to mom or dad
These timeless measures never fail to make a day more glad

A three-word note, 'thinking of you', a flower bouquet gift
A hand to help somebody through when down-days need a lift
A prayer, a compliment, a text to say 'love you a lot'
A cruel criticism checked by a quick, second thought

A tasty treat, a cup of tea over a heart-to-heart
How lovelier this world would be if we all did our part
To look for excuses to give what we are able, then
To discover to truly live begins with love. Amen  

My dear, the way to change the world is no strange mystery
One kindness at a time, unfurled, is up to you and me
So then, considering the little time one kindness takes
Let's be part of the the miracle that every kindness makes

Janet Martin



Ps.36:7
How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men 
put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.




Wednesday, September 2, 2026

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

The first line in today's poem was one of my first waking thoughts,
as I pondered the day at hand and all of life's varying lots...

Ephesians chapter3, verses 8-13
 (click HERE for the whole glorious chapter of love's Mystery revealed)

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, 
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
 9 and to make all see what is the [b]fellowship of the mystery, 
which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden 
in God who created all things [c]through Jesus Christ;
 10 to the intent that now the [d]manifold wisdom of God
 might be made known by the church 
to the [e]principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 
11 according to the eternal purpose 
which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 
13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart...

Generally when we hear the word riches we
visualize Things; opulence, excess, worldly wealth, etc.
How much we miss if we never discover
the unsearchable riches of God's glory!




We cannot trade our lot in life with someone else's so
Whatever be its care and strife, by God's grace we all go
In ups and downs of gain and loss, where unknown's verges brim
He bids us to take up our cross and trust and follow Him

In Him we find more than enough; and only faith can claim
The unsearchable riches of the glory due His name
Of love transcending thought-bound sphere, of knowledge that exceeds
The crippling realms of doubt and fear, to satisfy faith's needs

This temporal and broken world is full of trouble's woe
The curse that the first sin incurred only grace overthrows
As faith believes and thus receives the gift of God to man
Then the Holy Spirit achieves what mortal never can

Sin is the precursor to death and evil's tragedies
To blame God with our gifted breath must be the worst of these
Upon the cross of Calvary His Son/Jesus was sacrificed
To save the likes of you and me through the shed blood of Christ

Therefore, no matter what our lot, we share what matter most
We, with our whole being ought to make the Lord our boast
For all glory belongs to He who overthrew the grave
Who makes known the great Mystery of love, mighty to save

From the beginning of the world, salvation's plan was wrought
As He, the universe unfurled He knew what was His lot
To make known to the likes of us, riches beyond our ken
A Mystery most glorious through Jesus Christ. Amen

Janet Martin

In Him we have redemption through His blood, 
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Ps.29:2
Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.









Tuesday, September 1, 2026

The Moment September Arrives...



Welcome, 
mist-kissed,
Dusky, musky,
yellow, mellow 
September!

pink mums and sedums blush...







September sweeps us off our feet the moment she arrives
Draping a gauzy golden sheet across dawn's countryside
Creation hails us to partake of  its silver-gilt cup
Devotion, bowed in farewell's wake is sweetly lifted up
For each September God bestows is like a fount that brims
With wonder that thunders and flows in freshly-composed hymns

...is like a vine bent with the fruit of labour, hope and prayer
Is like the climax of pursuit as harvest spills its fare
Is like a sketchbook, compliments of nature's Artist, oh
Behold the goldenrod braced fence, and purple-aster snow
Is like a treasure trove that spills with summer's fading sighs 
Earth trembles beneath cricket trills, hummingbirds, butterflies

Is like a child returned to class after a holiday
Is like an awesome hour-glass run rife with petal-fray
Is like a plot of holy ground where we take off our shoes
to feel the peal of dust resound with impending adieus
Is like sweet summer's last hurrah; pink mums and sedums blush
And we are thrilled, and filled with awe that no farewell can hush 

September sweeps us off our feet with first pumpkins and such
Where visions of autumn compete with summer's ling'ring touch
Where gardeners are overcome with humble happiness
And thankful joy for bounty from He who delights to bless
And remind us each season has its purpose, place and time
Always with perfect reason to rejoice with voice and rhyme 

Always with wonders we forget while 'Yet' is held at bay
While we are in the thick of letting summer have its way
While we are making the most of love's soon-a-memory
Where what never seems quite enough, always turns out to be 
While farewell draws tears to our eyes as August slips to Yore  
The moment September arrives, we are in love once more 

Janet Martin

Eccles.3:1
To everything there is a season, 
A time for every purpose under heaven:

Earth trembles beneath cricket trills...






 

Monday, August 31, 2026

Like Bidding Farewell to a Friend...



It had to be...
one final farewell poem to my friend, August







It is like bidding farewell to a friend
August's departure tugs at love's heartstrings
So we pay closer heed to simple things
Because summer is drawing to the end

And we cannot afford to miss its bliss
As August days fly upward like a spark 
As cricket-minstrels fill the early dark
With a prelude to summer's parting kiss 

As fruited vines and orchards steal the show
And we are torn between gladness and grief 
So we look longer at each flower and leaf
Sensing the imminence of letting go 

A slice of heaven slips beyond our reach
As August fades into the blue bygone
And we count countless blessings one by one
Buttery cobs of corn, and juicy peach

Fat tomatoes and rainbows, zinnia-hued 
And lawns, where shadows pooled and children played
And heart-shaped frames filled with memories made
And happiness, speechless with gratitude

I love your butterflies and honey bees
Aw, farewells always seem to come too soon
Especially for each August afternoon
That wafts away like bubbles on a breeze

'I love you August, till we meet again'
Time's bittersweet demise is bound to be
But is the thing that draws you back to me
So farewell, darling August until then  

Janet Martin




 

Our Dad...



Last night we celebrated dear Dad's 85th birthday!
Thank-you to so many who have sent him a birthday card!
Both mom and dad are enjoying them
 and being kindly blessed by each one!
(note: we are having a card shower for dad!)
After last night's cards are counted mom said she thinks 
they will have received 85 cards! Thank-you again!
One day dad brought in 14 envelopes from the mailbox 
and he remarked to mom 'that it's never been like this before!'
(Dad is in the middle stage of dementia;
some moments/days comprehension is clearer than others)



Our dad lived out a legacy of faith and hope and love
Our dad led by example knowing words are not enough
Our dad, a man of principle, truth and integrity
Makes us so glad he is our dad and we his family

Our dad allowed his footsteps to be ordered by the Lord
He fellowshipped with God in prayer, and taught us from His Word
He worked with zeal and energy until time took its toll
He raised a family of ten, tending body and soul 

Our dad is dearly, deeply loved; the older that we grow
We cherish ever more the love he seldom spoke, but showed
And thank the Lord more often for the values he instilled
By serving conscientiously each role that he fulfilled 

We are so thankful for you, dad, and for dear mother too
Once you worked hard to care for us, now we want to help you
And count it a great privilege and blessing to return
The love that teaches us we are never too old to learn 

God bless you mom and dad, and fill you with His joy and peace
Knowing, whatever lies ahead His mercies never cease
His grace sufficient for each day, whatever cares assail
He cares for us with love and promises that never fail

Love, your daughter
Janet
and the whole Martin clan

Ps.37:23-26

The steps of a good man are [d]ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
26 He is [e]ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.

Friday, August 28, 2026

Perspective Pause


Jesus' words below are one of the most sobering
for all who profess to follow and believe in Him
Matt.7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ 
shall enter the kingdom of heaven, 
but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 
 Many will say to Me in that day,
 ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, 
cast out demons in Your name, 
and done many wonders in Your name?’ 
 And then I will declare to them,
 ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, 
you who practice lawlessness!’

We serve best
who we love best!

We cannot conquer hate with hate.
We can only triumph over hate
with love.
Only love can abolish hate.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not envious, boastful,
arrogant, rude, selfish,
irritable or resentful.
It does not rejoice at wrongdoing
but rejoices in the truth.
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never ends/fails.
1 Cor.13

Oh Lord, help us to truly love You
to truly seek your will
and truly do it!
Help us to truly love/serve you
 by truly loving/serving one another!


Proverbs 17:3
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, 
but the LORD is the tester of hearts.

Like a pale-yellow rose, dripping with Heaven’s flawless clime
The plush hush of first light crowns the tableau of daily grind...





Like a pale yellow rose that soon fades into Today
The plush hush of first light is eclipsed by the climbing sun ...







Like a pale-yellow rose, dripping with Heaven’s flawless clime
The plush hush of first light crowns the tableau of daily grind
And rouses us to tread upon the virgin Verge of Time
Where reservoirs of mercy overflow to humankind

Hope is a beacon hung from heights we cannot scope or scale
Love grants life’s Perfect Reason to weather its toil and strife
Because we are beloved by He whose love will never fail
Goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life

Behold the glory of the Lord who grants another day
To better love’s track record and forgive our fellowman
Lord, Lord, help us to truly love, in Jesus name we pray
Let our heart’s desire be to live love the best we can

Like a pale yellow rose that soon fades into new Today
The plush hush of first light is eclipsed by the climbing sun 
Where, pray the Lord, before we rush headlong into love's fray
We pause to yield our cause to His with 'Lord, your will be done'

Janet Martin

1 John 4:20-21
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar.
For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen,
cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
And we have this commandment from Him:
Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.
(Read the whole glorious chapter on discernment and love HERE)





Thursday, August 27, 2026

Faith's Security

Gen.3:1
Now the serpent was more crafty
 than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. 
He said to the woman, “Did God really say...?

Lord, pray our faith be established in You,
 so we are not misled by feelings!
Pray we know the truth of your Word 
so we are not swayed by our thoughts,
when the Tempter tries us with 'Did God really say...?

Heb.11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.




Lord, let Thy truth appoint 
Faith's steps, not blinding sight
And let Thy law of love anoint
Faith's patience and delight 

Lord, let faith's hopes and plans
Be subject to Thy will
Better by far Thy ways than man's 
Prone-to-self-serving skill 

...and let the thoughts faith heeds
Be ordered by Thy Word
So that Thy power intercedes
To keep faith undeterred 

So that the word faith speaks
Reflects Humility
So meditation's motive seeks
To ever honour/worship Thee 

O Lord, Thy faithfulness
Is faith's security
Thy loving kindness bound to bless
Each heart that trusts in Thee

Lest faith's footsteps backslide
(Lord, may it never be)
Let Thy eternal Word abide
To guide Faith home to Thee
Amen

Janet Martin

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,
And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
 For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
 Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.