Life's Little Ways...

Yesterday our pastor asked me if I have any poems in the works 

and I am always caught completely off-guard when someone refers to that topic 

and I think I stuttered something about

 'usually I have something in the works because its just the way I 'tick' or process life',.

(I wish I was witty and could have thought of something to say like,

 'do you have any sermons in the works?',

 but on second thought, that might come off as a bit smart-alecky...sigh. here I go,

 second-guessing and over-thinking. Two of my main weaknesses) 

I then added, referring to his message that I just got a lot more to process

.(I didn't add, 'hopefully into poetry', but it's what I partly hoped God would allow. 

Poems turn lessons I might otherwise forget into keepsakes.

One of his points in yesterday's message was

 'whose agenda are we/am I focused on, mine or God's?' 

 It ties in well with a book I just started reading by Andrew Peterson entitled, 

Adorning the Dark...

The writer challenges us to 'seek first the kingdom of God' not

only in everyday life but also especially when it comes 

to the creative part of our being such as writing.

Life lends us lots of little ways to prove who we love most

The Giver of our numbered days tests desire and boast

Where godliness/holiness and gratitude/attitude must war against the flesh

Lest passions, sly and unsubdued inveigle and enmesh

How wily is the voice of Want; it beckons and beguiles

How subtle the silver-tongued taunt that first thrills, then defiles

How careful, prayerful we should weigh ambition’s catalyst

The tempter sweetly stalks his prey with poison, sugar-kissed

Life lends us lots of little ways to learn what it would teach

Mercy heaps morning’s gleaming trays, no one beyond His reach

He is a gracious God of love to we, accountable

For all the little ways we prove who we love most of all

© Janet Martin

Seek ye first

the kingdom of God

and His righteousness

and all these things

shall be added

unto you.

Matt.6:33

Every day God shows us in so many little ways 

how much he loves us

Oh, may the same be true about us, for Him!

Waiting For Covid-19 to Pass

 PAD Challenge day 17: For today's prompt, write a waiting poem.

Every so often I crank up this song by Johnny Cash

These Things Shall Pass

 

Because of soaring numbers in new Covid-19 cases

Ontario tightens restrictions even harder for 6 weeks!

This prompt Waiting, feels like the first thing we talk about 

even before the weather these days!

(and we're Canadian!) 

We feel like we have been waiting for things to

return to 'normal' for more than a year, and now this;

Seemingly worse, not better in spite of vaccines?!!

It's discouraging!

So, the word 'wait' can be a millstone around the neck

 or a steppingstone beneath our feet/knees.

It's up to us.

(My heart esp. goes out to small businesses!

Hang in there as you weather open to curbside-takeout-closed..)

Within the walls of circumstance, we wait; the gate is barred

To Freedom’s Ballroom; numbers soar while hope hits new lows hard

But, let’s not forget what we have though we feel far apart

We have each other and God’s Word to cheer the faint of heart

Wisdom chisels its masterpieces not on Easy Street

Our faith is not refined until its mettle feels the heat

Then, though fear grips us by the throat as we wait anxiously

We have each other and God’s Word; how thankful we should be

Technology for all its faults helps us to keep in touch

While we wait for Restriction to release its strangling clutch

Let’s take a deep breath, keep the faith though hope is battle-scarred

And be so grateful that we have each other and God’s Word

Selfishness is a monster; it wreaks havoc in the world

It desecrates the banner of morn’s fresh mercy unfurled

So, let’s love one another while we wait, though walls apart

We have God’s Word in which to trust so we do not lose heart

© Janet Martin

1 Peter 4:7-10

The end of all things is near. 

Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

  Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins

.Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God,
each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

These verses really hit home right now.

even now we can show hospitality by dropping

a meal to a needy family, by sending words of cheer via text, emails,

cards, phone calls, yes, even when it feels

like we are growing weary of doing good (Gal.6:9)

This week my I received a package from a friend in another country!

The surprise of its sweet love brought much needed joy

to a hard week! 

Thank-you Sasha for the gift from

The World of James Browne

Enough

We love, because love never fails

...then trust the Author of it

 to work out the veiled details

Love takes pleasure in other people's happiness-es... 

and big or small successes

Do you ever feel like there's no way, in the girth of need, to do/be enough?

How misunderstood; for there is no dearth when it comes to love

It is when Self stands in the way we sense love's lack thereof

No, we don’t need to know the details when it comes to love

So, we pour out our heart-and-soul, then God makes it enough

We give out of what His love grants (ah, nothing is our own)

As we entrust the circumstance to ‘Lord, Thy will be done’

Love does not count amounts and tally up dollars and cents

It does not keep track records of ‘the heart’s full abundance’

But rather replies humbly in the way only love can

Love does not seek itself, but firstly God, then fellowman

Love does not doubt the Author and Perfecter of Faith’s ‘yes’

But takes a flying leap and lands upon His promises

Where a small glimpse of Heaven spills as need relies on trust

Knowing full well that hell on earth is greed inflamed by lust

Love does not barter to augment miserly treasury

Love is an ardent benefactor, grieved by poverty

Love does not need to know the why and wherefore of it all

Learning that in the giving IS living love’s miracle

Love lacks nothing and does not ask for recompense for deeds

But is a sower that goes forth and scatters fruitful seeds

Knowing though needs are many, we will always have enough

Not by the worth of penny but by the Birthright of Love

© Janet Martin

Col.3:12-14

 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, 

compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 

 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, 

forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

  And above all these put on love, 

which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Let's Leave Allowances (for a miracle!)

Due to the explanation here (Poem Tango) I am extending (Love willing)

  the lease on love poetry,

because after all is said and done/won

Love is poetry clamouring to be written!💗😊

This poem applies to marriage or

Love's Common Carriage called 'us'

"Let's keep in mind, storms never stay

the sun will shine again..."

Last week's sunshine-soak-spot😀

(side note; looks like our snow dugout in the background needs digging out!)

Weather is one way of reminding us how swiftly life's landscape can change,

and the only abiding Anchor is Love!

Let’s leave allowances, my love, for fumbles, slips and such 

And smooth out shouted wrinkles with a kinder kind of touch 

Let’s be good friends and not give up where cups of grace ran dry 

Let’s weather life together and give love another try 

Let’s be to one another what we wish others to be 

The golden rule is not a rubric of antiquity 

But is a foolproof principle for people, young and old 

And able to work wonders in a badly broken mold/world 

Let's keep in mind storms never stay, the sun will shine again

Let's not get so caught in the moment we forget the 'Then'

As much as we are able let's soften often harsh tones

And prove that we are grateful by not hurling verbal stones

Let’s forgive one another and release the bitter grudge 

Let love be of sound judgment, then, not quite so quick to judge 

What good is pointing fingers when we all bear part of blame 

Let’s remember Life’s Author and the love from whence we came 

…and leave allowances because we are all learning still 

Then let’s love one another on life’s road, often uphill 

Instead of clenching angry fists let’s join our hands until 

The love of God has worked in us His greatest miracle 

© Janet Martin 

Heb.13:1 NKJV

Let brotherly love continue

or NIV

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters..

Let's Not Keep Love A Secret

The worst secret to keep

is our struggles in love!

'Because love is the fight of all fights, all right'!!

And its success depends on you and me

Yesterday's Post, Betrayal, The Chief of Grief

 has hit closer to home in the past year than ever before

Making me wonder perhaps if we should be better acquainted

with Love Himself!

Photo below taken a year ago when life was still 'normal'

(this would be our annual getaway weekend)

I will be the first to admit I/Jim and I could plaster a massive wall with mistakes made,

and mementos of 'failure' BUT we commit to never quit forgiving each other

to keep our marriage vows and remain faithful to the finish!

Maybe all women should be asking this poem of our Lifelong-Love-to-be

Love flows like fire in a pen 

It tugs heartstrings with mute amen 

Where farewell often steals the show 

And love must learn how to let go 

While ever honing the fine art 

Of keeping motive pure in heart 

Love is more than ‘my happiness’ 

Or a costume worn to impress 

Love suffers much and bears in mind 

That to be strong love must be kind 

It does not harbour for itself 

Some idol on a secret shelf 

Love is a weapon and a shield 

A mountain and an open field 

It weathers, tethers and equips 

With iron will, and gentle lips 

And in its sacred ties that bind 

We leave words like ‘my, me’ behind 

Love intertwines with its cohort 

For love is not a solo-sport 

But cleaves to its betrothed ally 

To keep vigil with watchful eye 

For when love lets its guard grow lax 

It invites enemy attacks 

Love seems to be the favoured prey 

Of dreams and lies and cunning sway 

Then our greatest goal should be 

To protect it ferociously 

And defend love’s holy ought 

Lest we fail it, for love does not 

Love is far more than meets the gaze 

Of those who wonder at its ways 

Love is a front-line, prayer-immersed 

The aftermath of ‘others first’ 

It does not covet, does not steal 

It does not trust the dust of ‘feel’ 

Love is a God-begotten tryst 

Without Him, love does not exist 

For God is love, in Him we trust 

All else is hate’s accomplice; lust 

And whether we believe or not 

All who have loved have witnessed God 

Love never fails; lust desecrates 

What havoc Selfish Yes creates 

When it is seduced by the lies 

That masquerade as love’s disguise 

Behooving us to reassess 

Who and what brings True Happiness 

Darling, let’s commit to the fight 

For This is what love is, all right 

White knuckled grit to hold on so 

While we submit to letting go

Of all that does not benefit 

Love’s long and short and whole of it 

Love has no trophy wall or shelf 

It never succeeds by itself 

But exceeds all else, above all 

Though its accolades may seem small 

When weighed with the success Fame hails 

Where love commits, love never fails 

Love, let it be our sole/soul intent 

Let it be the humble cement 

That binds the mason-work of days 

With devoted, trustworthy ways 

So that when death our last breath drains 

The legacy of love remains 

© Janet Martin 

In this community, recently Death has drained so many, suddenly

of Last Breath, leaving behind Love/life's permanent legacy

which is why, in these very troubled times

 I am choosing this simple song by Don Williams to remind us

of what really matters!

We Should Only Have Time For Love

Love IS

 

Love is a flower garden in a bower full of snow...

Love is God's beaming banner of daybreak and grace unfurled

Love is a hand that finds a hand when it’s too dark to see 

Love is a candle in the window of the ageless soul 

Love is a shared umbrella, picture-book or cup of tea 

Love is a kind reminder of God, who is in control 

Love is a flower garden in a bower full of snow 

Love is the jewel in the common crown of day-to-day 

Love is the tender duel between hold and letting go 

Love is humble surrender to trust God, come what yet may 

Love is a second-mile on feet that have seen better years 

Love is a hearty handshake, hug, blooms on a windowsill 

Love is a mother’s faithful prayer, the wellspring of her tears 

Love is a Father watching over children of free will 

Love is anything given without thought of recompense 

Love is the smallest kindness in a big, crude, clumsy world 

Love is a leap of faith that disregards fear’s phantom fence 

Love is God’s beaming banner of daybreak and grace unfurled 

Love in an invitation to be willing to be wrong 

Love is a celebration of small words like ‘us’ and ‘we’ 

Love is the recognition of bigger words like ‘belong’ 

Love is a purposed vision because God loves you and me 

Love is the time it takes to make a fellow-fellow hope 

Love is the eyes to prize each day God lends to our touch 

Love is the age-old gold that melts the gray from heart or slope 

Love IS; the proof of God in a world that needs Him so much 

© Janet Martin 

Love is the age-old gold that melts the gray from heart and slope...

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love one another deeply, 

because love covers over a multitude of sins.

And the Winner Is...Love!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us-Selah 

  

A Few more Love-Hymns...

Ascend the Hill- O, Love That Will Not Let Me Go

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling 

It would kill joy; All the anger, 

Criticism, blame’s push-shove 

Prejudiced assumptions, 

Judgments, Finger- 

pointing 

But for 

Love 

It would kill cheer; hostile slander, 

Slights of love misunderstood 

It would get the best 

Of wonder but for 

this; God 

is still 

good 

It would kill peace; pride’s cold 

shoulder, Spite’s insensitivity. 

but for this; these are no 

match for God’s love 

poured through 

You and 

me 

© Janet Martin 

Luke 6: 32-36 NIV

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? 

Even sinners love those who love them. 

33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? 

Even sinners do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, 

what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

 35But love your enemies, do good to them, 

and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. 

Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, 

because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Fulfilling Love's Holy Call

1 Peter 2:21

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you,

leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

2 Timothy 1:9

He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our own works, 

but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us 

in Christ Jesus before time eternal.

Celebrating the Wonder of Love

Here is a song from Charlie Pride who 

stepped from this world to the next last week!

He is gone from us, but not his music!

The First Christmas Morn

 

Because of the hope brought to this world on that first Christmas morn

we are able to experience true and lasting joy!

(oh boy, sometimes when I return to re-proof-read it's quite evident

that these are posted midst much interruption!

 thank-you for your understanding)

Ah, we could hang our heads where waves of dread and sorrow roll 

We could be beaten down by cruel words that take their toll 

We could be crushed when pressed by those who wore clothes ‘of the least’ 

Before the knife of strife severed the sheep’s wool from the beast 

We would crumble in dark despair, but the True light abides 

We would be overcome with care, but His True Word provides 

We would be prisoners of fear but True Faith sets us free 

As love’s True Hope, True Peace, True Joy defeats the enemy 

Then we should be tender and kinder, meeker as we trust 

We should not be downcast while prophecy fulfills its Must 

But we should rejoice and be glad, no matter what the price 

As love fulfills its calling through true, humble sacrifice 

We cannot do the things we ought to without Greater Love

We will have no desire, a higher calling to prove

If we do not love first the one who loved us first of all

Where only through true love can we fulfill Love's Holy Call

The more the world takes from us the more of Himself God gives

Nothing can separate us from the Truth whereby faith lives

Then sing a song of worship to He who sustains man's joy

And fills us with purpose that even death cannot destroy

© Janet Martin

Test-Run

This test-run offers no 'test-run'!

We are all first-timers to each day

and its come-what-may.

Let's be kind.

The success of life's tests

depend greatly on the attitude/gratitude

 of the 'Student'.

How often life's greatest tests are wrapped in

the common cloth of day-to-day!

Pray, on our Pilgrim-progress, we press with reverence 

'toward the mark for the prize of the high calling 

of God in Christ Jesus.'

Phil.3:14

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. 

But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; 

rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Gal.5:13

Everything is a test 

Weighed on a scale of love 

The way we treat our fellowman 

Is the law that will prove 

By how we spend our time 

The heart of you and I 

With what we have and what we do 

And who we serve and why 

Everything is a test

Our onus of reply

That may seem small is always hinged

To more than meets the eye

And presents everyone

With a subtle exam

Where often the way we respond

Reveals the hidden man

 

Everything is a test 

This moment-marathon

Runs rife with 'second-miles' where life

And time wait for no one

Thus, it is up to us

To choose right here, right now

Who we will serve and worship with

Today's momentous How

 

Everything is God’s grace 

All that we have is lent 

And in case we forget our place 

We all are called and sent 

Not to earn Heaven’s pass 

But humbly do our best 

To honour He who grants each day 

Where everything is a test 

© Janet Martin

Mission Manifesto

 

Lord, let the Certainty of what we know

guide us through all we do not!

I love you, Lord

We stand so small beneath the tall outpouring of the sky 

Ah, what is man that God, who spreads yon span knows you and I 

And loves us still, and bids us trust in His unfailing care 

While round about the world seems bound with doubt, hate and despair 

If God is for us who can be against us; hence we go 

In kind humility to bind the wounds of our foe 

For if we simply love our own, we mimic pagan spec 

Ah, who can stay afloat with hate’s millstone tied round the neck 

We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of our God 

And who are we, if God loves us that He should spare the rod 

For a father who loves his child will discipline and chide 

Lest by omission we perceive his blessing on our pride 

We cannot understand the thoughts and ways of He who gave 

His sinless Son to suffer unto death our souls to save 

But by his grace (and only by His grace) we will succeed 

Because His love will be enough to supply our need 

Lord, grant us wisdom through your Word to see through evil’s lies 

Lest, by conceit or folly we fall prey to truth’s disguise 

Lead us not into temptation; deliver us from vice 

And thought’s unrighteousness into love’s law of sacrifice 

© Janet Martin 

Psalm 8

Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

in the heavens.

2 Through the praise of children and infants

you have established a stronghold against your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]

and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.

6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

you put everything under their[g] feet:

7 all flocks and herds,

and the animals of the wild,

8 the birds in the sky,

and the fish in the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

May Love Be...

“A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon 

without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.”

-Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

I 'borrowed' this quote from my friend Cyndy's blog!

Have you benefited from her GORGEOUS Montana-pics 

and food for thought therapy recently?

I've noticed something after years of living...

loving/humble people have a greater sense of humour.

So may humility/love be our greatest quest

not only for the sake of happiness of others

but as we love, we ourselves become best-blessed beneficiaries!

Joy and peace are by-products of love!

Due to the misfortune of misunderstanding 

Victoria and I were quarantined for eight days...

thankfully we were healthy and happy 

and did a whole LOT of fall-cleaning

in places suffering a whole lot of neglect.

And to top it off my sister Lucy

 sent of box of 'love'  to spoil us!

all the above, plus spinach and cheese which turned into next day's lunch!

(Sisters know things about sisters that others may not like

she knows how much I LOVE spinach and cheese😍)

May love be the sweet instilling in the fulfilling of tasks 

May it make us more than willing to do more than duty asks 

May it be the flawless fuel in the battles that we brave 

Where sly adversaries duel with satisfactions we crave 

May we model, just like Jesus, compassion for fellowman 

Spread the glad tidings of Christmas all year through to all we can 

May love be a wordless witness in a walk worthy of Christ 

Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light 

May love, without reservation, be the fortune that we seek 

May we shun discrimination and the pride that makes us weak 

May we look with humble honor to the author of our hope 

As we cherish one another so that everyone can cope 

May love be the flame that kindles what refills our cups of joy 

When goodwill or patience dwindles, may love its forces deploy 

Transforming the ‘ordinary’ into honor’s role renewed 

May love be mercy’s outpouring that fills us with gratitude 

© Janet Martin 

and last but not least,

a LONG sentence of thanks for the love of fellow-believers😇

Col.1:3-8

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

praying always for you, 

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus 

and the love which you have for all the saints; 

because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, 

of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 

which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit 

and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also 

since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 

just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, 

who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 

and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

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.

God Is Love. Love is not God

Declaring the end from the beginning, 

And from ancient times things that are not yet done, 

Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’

Isa.46:10

His Love Cannot Fail...

Love does not annul the law.

Love is the fulfillment of the law.

Seems sometimes like we live in a world

that wants the fruit of righteousness 

without the righteousness

...wants the blessing of obedience

without the obedience

...wants the love of God

without the law of God

"well, I believe in a God of love"

said someone defending an immoral life-style.

God is love. Love is not God 

Love does not wrong-doing applaud 

Love is patient and Love is kind 

And true love keeps God’s decrees first in mind 

God is love. Love cannot lie 

Or wink at sin with easy eye 

Love does not defend negligence 

Or ignore blatant disobedience 

God’s love and grace are absolute 

His holiness, none can refute 

His love grants no excuse for pride 

Through Love’s/God’s righteousness man is justified 

God, author of salvation gave 

His Son the soul of man to save 

Love does not seek the wants of ‘me’ 

But is the pinnacle of true humility 

Love leaves no room for jealousy 

It honours God’s authority 

Love does not carelessly approve 

Of counterfeits masquerading as love 

Love is preeminent and just 

His confidence worthy of trust 

For love is noble, sincere, true 

Love needs not fear what a mere man may do 

Love fulfills; it does not annul 

The law and prophecy, faithful 

Love is the Perfect Judge because 

He, the perfect example proved love’s laws 

God is love. Love is not God 

Lest we love’s purity defraud 

We ought to repent of our sins 

And find the only place/grace where love begins 

© Janet Martin 

Love has no 'gray' areas...

Heb.13:4

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; 

but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, 

for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 

9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,”

 “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] 

and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command:

 “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 

10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. 

Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:8-13

World-menders

We gape at Autumn's candelabra! 

Here's to carrying our candles with like-fervour!

This broken world needs mending, more befriending of the weak 

A few more folk more willing just to turn the other cheek 

This world, so full of beauty groans with humankind’s appeal 

Rather than worship’s anthems that ought never lose their zeal 

This world so full of trouble needs the best that we can give 

In this very brief bubble of one single life we live 

As we bear pressing burdens; this is the price tag of love 

Where hearts and dreams oft broken are cupped in skin’s fragile glove 

And faith, hope’s firm foundation is considered obsolete 

As instant gratification seeks something soft and sweet 

While weeping at the woebegone condition of mankind 

Where we need reappraising of love’s state of heart and mind 

Lest the light of God’s mercy seems too feeble and too dim 

For He made us the lampstand to lift up love’s flame for Him 

Because this world needs mending, more befriending of the lost 

A few more folk more willing to love without counting cost 

To lean on God's sufficient grace rather than mortal strength

Where His love has no limit in its height, depth, breadth and length

© Janet Martin 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, 

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matt.5:16

He has told you, O man, what is good;
    and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,[a]
    and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Force To Be Reckoned With...

 

For there is always more to It than that which meets the eye
Then grace, not judgement ought to fit Observation’s reply
Where what we hold in common should gentle response’s rod
Remember, there is no one who is not precious to God

…and we are not able to see beneath outer veneer
What disappoints with misery; what fathers rage or fear
The heavy loads we shoulder are not fastened to our backs
Remember, we’re all soul-diers prone to enemy attacks

To be part of the human race is not an easy ride
We all need love’s kindness and grace to reach the other side
Life; a force to be reckoned with, needs more than noble nod
Aware that each breath is a gift to we, precious to God

Therefore our prayer should ever be a plea, humble and true
That God so rich in mercy would make us merciful too
For judgement without mercy is a bold, cold dare to brave
For so much more than meets the eye unfolds beyond the grave


© Janet Martin

Eph. 2:4-10

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

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