In The Gladness For God's Goodness...

Psalm 5:3

In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; 

at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

Psalm 119:147

I rise before dawn and cry for help;

 in Your word I have put my hope.

In the gladness for God’s goodness, grief finds joy, and worry, peace

Longing finds sweeter contentment as counted blessings increase

Hope is more than optimism; like a rose that does not fade

Goodness and mercy unfold the bud of this day He has made

In the morning, He will hear us as we lift each humble plea

All day long His goodness cheers us as we wait expectantly

In the comfort of each promise, He turns despair to delight

In the beauty of creation God gratifies faith with sight

In the gladness of good tidings of great joy for all mankind

Jesus, Author of salvation beckons all to seek and find

Sin’s eternal absolution, hope which cannot be dismayed

Because of love’s restitution, through the debt that Jesus paid

Hark! The herald angel’s message of great reason to rejoice

Lucid as the light of morning, the sheep know the Shepherd’s voice

Step by step He goes before us; bids us cast on Him each care

In the gladness for His goodness life becomes a living prayer

Janet Martin

Ps.118:24

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart;

 the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 97:11
Light shines on the righteous,

 gladness on the upright in heart.

Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of Your words gives light;

 it informs the simple.

Perfectly Possible

All goodness is a gift from God!

All the goodness of this life, without God, could not be possible!

God gives us much more than we could ever earn or deserve.

Who, besides Him can we direct true thanksgiving to?!!

For passages that helped inspire today's poem click HERE and HERE

This morning as I opened my eyes and sensed 

life's impending and immense weight of care

the first line of this poem whispered into my heart...

All things are possible with He who made the heavens and the earth

Whose perfect law of liberty when heeded, frees a blessing-feast

He helps us; nothing in this world compares with Him; He grants true worth

His love/flood, at Calvary unfurled to pardon sinners, has not ceased

All things are possible with God; His goodness oft misunderstood

Because our feet have never trod the rocky road to Calvary

To break sin’s curse and pay its debt while nailed upon a cross of wood

To prove our love; love we forget too often and too easily

All things are possible with He whose power raised Christ from the dead;

The same power that sets us free and instills all who have believed

So, we may overcome faith’s foe and put to subjection, the dread

That else would seek to overthrow the joy and peace we had/have received

All things are possible with God; do not despair when sorrows roll

The comfort of His staff and rod delivers us from evil snares

Where the tempter seeks to destroy, God, rich in mercy cheers the soul

And runs its cup over with joy as we trust He who hears our prayers

Janet Martin

Lord, it is yours. It is not mine. 

This life you breathed your life into

Is a gift You ordained to shine

All glory to its Giver; You

God's Way is Best

Author *Charles W. Naylor

1 God’s way is best; if human wisdom

A fairer way may seem to show,

’Tis only that our earth-dimmed vision

The truth can never clearly know.

Refrain:

God’s way is best, I will not murmur,

Although the end I may not see;

Where’er He leads I’ll meekly follow,

God’s way is best, is best for me.

2 Had I the choosing of my pathway,

In blindness I should go astray,

And wander far away in darkness,

Nor reach that land of endless day. [Refrain]

3 He leadeth true; I will not question,

Though through the valley I shall go;

Though I should pass through clouds of trial,

And drink the cup of human woe. [Refrain]

4 God’s way is best; heart, cease thy struggling

To see and know and understand;

Forsake thy fears and doubts, but trusting,

Submit thyself into His hand. [Refrain]

5 Thy way is best, so lead me onward,

My all I give to Thy control;

Thy loving hand will truly guide me,

And safe to glory bring my soul. [Refrain

*Naylor, Charles Wesley. (1874--1950). C. W. Naylor was born in southern Ohio and reared in Ohio and West Virginia by grandparents. At the age of nineteen he left the Methodist church for the Church of God. He worked for a while at the Gospel Trumpet Company in Grand Junction, Michigan and on some evangelistic tours. He was ordained in 1899 in Springfield, Ohio. He was first injured in 1908 in Florida while moving timbers from under a meeting tent. He suffered a dislocated kidney and other internal injuries. A year later he was in a bus accident that left him an invalid for the rest of his life. Naylor wrote eight books, many articles and pamphlets, many hymns and gospel songs, besides being a columnist in the Gospel Trump

Thanksgiving's Hymn (for silver linings)

“The world catechizes us to worship an unholy trinity:

 the lust of the eyes,

 the lust of the flesh, 

and the pride of life. 

But Jesus shows us another way.”

 —Greg Morse

Below, stunning bouquet from Lucy's daughter-in-law...

purchased at...

This past week my sister Lucy's daughter-in-law,  

eager to have some hands on lessons in canning,

spent a day at my house...

I commented to her how bittersweet it is to be 

doing the things Lucy would have loved to do.

She replied how it truly is the silver lining in the cloud;

how, in all likelihood we would not be enjoying

this beautiful connection otherwise. 

And as I pondered her reminder of silver linings

I was awakened to a multitude of silver,

lining my valley/storm cloud of sorrow

with the light of God's loving-kindness! 

Ps.92:1-2

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,

These beauties from...

 ...were dropped off by a beautiful lady

who has experienced firsthand, the bitter deeps of grief,

and heeded the prompt to drop by with flowers and a hug

and I am still in awe at her thoughtfulness,

as the one year mark, of the loss of Lucy draws near.

Just now one of Lucy's friends, (now one of my friends),

dropped by for some dill and we had a quick and awesome chat.

 I mentioned how I just read

'His truth shall be thy shield and buckler' in my devotions,

and she replied 'oh!! Psalm 91!' and quoted part of the chapter!

as joy unspeakable and full of glory glowed

like the golden September morning that bathed us.

Ps.91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers,

 and under his wings shalt thou trust: 

his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

We give God thanks, for love expressed in favours undefined

His thoughts and ways surpass the best logic can mastermind

The debt of gratitude we owe for more than tongue can tell

Rushes rationale's ebb and flow like oceans in a shell

To count the frames God's goodness fills transcends thought's meager hold

Each storm cloud, He kindly instills with linings, silver-gold

God always meets us where we are to satisfy our needs

Beyond human standards, sub-par, His kindness intercedes

To overflow our gaping souls with worship, wonder-awed

As through faith's battered bearing rolls thanksgiving's hymn to God

Janet Martin

We sang this hymn at the wedding of Lucy's son and daughter-in-law

on Oct.5, 2024

Goodness Of God (Lyrics) 

For Whatever Today Holds (our whole life through)

John 21:1-14

1Later, by the Sea of Tiberias,a Jesus again revealed Himself to the disciples.

 He made Himself known in this way: 2Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus,b 

Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, 

and two other disciples were together.

  3Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.”

“We will go with you,” they said. 

So they went out and got into the boat, 

but caught nothing that night.

4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore,

 but the disciples did not recognize that it was Jesus.

  5So He called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

6He told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” 

So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in 

because of the great number of fish.

7Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” 

As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment

 (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea.

  8The other disciples came ashore in the boat. 

They dragged in the net full of fish, for they were not far from land, 

only about a hundred yards.c

9When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it, and some bread.

10Jesus told them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 

11So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore. 

It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn.

12“Come, have breakfast,” Jesus said to them. 

None of the disciples dared to ask Him, “Who are You?” 

They knew it was the Lord.

  13Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, 

and He did the same with the fish.

14This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples

 after He was raised from the dead.

***

Don't you love this story?! 

Recently a few of my devotions have pointed to the richness of its details!

How dreary the disciple's return to hum-drum life must have seemed,

 in light of the past three years spent with Jesus! 

How discouraged they must have been after a night of  'fruitless/fishless' net-casting!

but Jesus cared about them in their common tasks, calling from the shore!

(Calling them 'children like a tender-loving Daddy/Abba-Father)

 Not only did He meet them there but had gone ahead of them to prepare a fire,

 knowing there would be fish! 

They didn't recognize Him right away

but oh, the joy when they did!

What a beautiful picture for present-day

disciples and fishermen to cherish and draw encouragement from!  

I captured the delight of this fisherman on the weekend!

This joyful moment followed the frustration of the loss of a lure

after his line snagged and broke,

and he needed to mend it and cast again!

Wherever we are,

whatever today holds, 

let us not lose heart

for the One who overcame the world is with us!

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, 

so that in me you may have peace.

 In this world you will have trouble. 

But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

He cares for us; and does not leave us to fend on our own

God never sends us out to ‘fish’ or fight faith’s fights alone

But takes a tender int’rest in our labours here on earth

For no task is too commonplace when filled with love’s great worth

He comes to us; no matter where the call of duty lies

He does not leave us comfortless to feast on futile sighs

But cheers us onward, for His grace will always be enough

To bear us up beneath love’s charge with hope and joy and love

He comforts us; into grief’s valley streams of mercy pour

When we are heavy-laden, look He beckons from the shore

To 'come'; no matter who we are He loves us all the same

His Spirit ministers to all who call upon His name

He carries us; like a Shepherd He tends His precious flock

And lifts us to His bosom when we are too weak to walk

His love will never fail, each morning His mercy is new

To fit us for whatever today holds, our whole life through

© Janet Martin

This song kept going through my mind on the weekend as

I marveled at the way trees grow out of rocks!!

Sweetly Resting (In the Rifted Rock)

To The Likes of Us

Each day is a little like a flower

that unfolds, blooms and fades, so fast!

A little like summer flowers, which

is why I am sharing another flower-garden meander today,

because this garden will not stay this way for long!

I like picturing God at daybreak,

with a watering can in his Hand

showering the earth with goodness and mercy!

Does that image fill you with

hope, joy and peace too?

Lowered to the likes of we

Through star-studded canopy

Rushing night’s dazzling veneer

Till its tea-lights disappear

God, so rich in mercy grants

A new day filled with fresh chance

To track records, vile and grim

As we disregarded Him

While we craved the fading fruits

Of this world’s grave-doomed pursuits

God so rich in love bestows

Daybreak, like a dew-kissed rose

Above our wayward bent

He unfolds a blush-gold tent

Grace affords to likes of we

Unmarred opportunity

Fills thoroughfares, still untrod

Lowered from the Hand of God

Thus, may the likes of us be

Thankful, with humility

Earth and sky thunders with Him

Where goodness and mercy brim

From God, patient, kind and true

To the likes of me and you

© Janet Martin

Isa.40:6-8

(read the whole glorious chapter HERE)

A voice says, “Cry out!”

And I asked, “What should I cry out?”

“All flesh is like grass,

and all its glory like the flowers of the field.

7The grass withers and the flowers fall

when the breath of the LORD blows on them;

indeed, the people are grass.

8The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God stands forever.”e

The Good and Perfect 'Changeless'

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

The cup that holds life’s sparkle of delight

Praise God, still spills to gladden taste and touch...

The innocence of tot, eager to learn

The priceless charge of we who teach and train...

(Helping gramma make *Lemon-raspberry-blueberry muffins)

Recipe at the bottom of this post

Grandson is learning,an egg beater is not as easy as gramma made it look 😊💖

Forever, licking the bowl is the best part of helping

well, almost!

The sweeping lyrics of soft summer rain...

(I hope the corn rows recover  from some 

VERY sweeping, not always soft, 

remnant of hurricane Beryl 'lyrics', yesterday!)

Mingled warble of songbirds, free of care...

The happy, smile-reward of ‘dishes done’

The unspeakable awe of lilies fair

And fine vesture of fields, wildflower-spun

The best things in life do not change, in spite

Of rise and fall of centuries and such

The cup that holds life’s sparkle of delight

Praise God, still spills to gladden taste and touch

The innocence of tot, eager to learn

The priceless charge of we who teach and train

God’s tutelage, that we could never earn

The sweeping lyrics of soft summer rain

Mingled warble of songbirds, free of care

The happy, smile-reward of ‘dishes done’

The unspeakable awe of lilies fair

And fine vesture of fields, wildflower-spun

Each new day, rife with opportunity

A little like an ephemeral raft

Where the pleasure of pleasant company

Grants echo-measure to treasure long aft

The value of kindness, however small

To cheer someone. The joy of home, sweet home

A haven in a world of beck and call

To which, eager and thankfully we come

Sound slumber’s elixir, coffee, hot, black

The grace whereby we weather the ways of

Today; something we can never have back

Then, make the precious best of live-to-love

Because the best things time cannot estrange

No shifting shadow, God, whose mercies brim

In steadfast faithfulness, through constant change

Still, every good, perfect gift comes from Him

The pure contentment of a thankful heart

The happiness of words like ‘us’ and ‘we’

Each season, showcasing majestic art

By the author of perfect poetry

The thrill of a good book, good food, good friend 

Good morning dear, wherever you may be

We have a God whose goodness knows no end

 Trustworthy throughout all eternity 

© Janet Martin

This is how the book George Muller of Bristol ends;

the changelessness of truth makes its treasured text timeless 

and here is the above mentioned recipe

Janet's Raspberry-Blueberry Lemon Muffins

(originally they were going to be only Raspberry-lemon.

 but while Gramma had her back turned

half of the raspberries mysteriously disappeared!) 😂😉

21/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup white sugar (or less)

1 Tbsp baking powder

1 cup butter (or 3/4 cup butter and 2 tbsp. olive oil)

zest of one lemon

3/4 cup milk

squeeze in juice of 1/2 lemon

2 eggs

 1 tsp. vanilla 

1 cup each, frozen or fresh

raspberries and blueberries

slivered almond garnish, optional

Combine flour, sugar and baking powder in large bowl.

cut in butter peices till crumbly.

reserve 3/4 cup of crumbs for topping.

set aside.

Combine milk, eggs and vanilla

Add to dry ingredients, and lemon zest, 

and stir only till moistened.

gently fold in fruit.

Spoon into muffin cups.

Sprinkle with reserved crumbs (and slivered almonds)

Bake approx. 30 min. or till firm whe touched at 350 F

Yield: 12 large or 18 medium muffins

The Best That Boast Can Laud (begins and ends with God)

Happy...Friday?!! Already😅🙏💗

So many sweet photo-op skies this week...

Below, just a few!

Col.1:15-17

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

  16For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.

 All things were created through Him and for Him.

17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

All beauty we behold is divinely founded!

without God's mercy and might to hold it in place

it would all fall!

Artists, since the beginning mimic His creation,

all inspiration of God-breathed origin!

My poetic endeavors have been challenged this week

it seems. It flew by in a blink of blessing!

Mon.-Food safety and management course, 

Tues.-grand-sonny visit, appointment, small group gettogether,

Wed. finishing food prep and delivery for event mentioned here 

Thursday-Help my mom with spring-cleaning (forgot camera!!)😭

...and just like that!!! It's Friday!

Today I am prepping food and house 

for our youngest daughter's birthday celebration

on the weekend!

A whole bunch of friends staying over while 

Jim and I stay out😅💝

I began this poem yesterday morning!

The first line fell from Heaven as I stood admiring the sky

while rubbing sleep from my eyes...

Time’s fountain brims with life; it peals from belfries gold and gray

Its showstoppers run rife; God never takes a holiday

The Hand that tunes the tide that ebbs and flows with season-sweeps

Regales the countryside with color, crowned with boundless deeps

The best that boast can laud as brush and pen rush awe’s grandstands

Begins and ends with God; each work of art drawn from His hands

He grants the breathless dance of worship’s unrehearsed requiem

And cheers hope’s countenance with refreshment where mercies stream

In wonders of creation, from the wellspring of his Word

Reasons for celebration overflow and undergird

To kindle exaltation that is incomparable

Salvation’s invitation still extends to one and all

God’s goodness never ceases to thrill the soul that believes

Unrivaled masterpieces humble all mankind achieves

Thus, the best boast can muster as we meditate on This

Are endeavors to trust Him more because of Who He IS

His faultless Influence imparts the best that boast can laud

All art we woo from hands and hearts begins and ends with God

© Janet Martin

Every artist who ever has dipped pen or brush

 into inkwells and paint palettes

draws from scenes cupped and cradled in God's Hands!

Thus every work of art ought to be signed-

By His grace

For His glory!

He Sees the Little Sparrows Fall