The Best Way to Become More Thankful...

Wishing you a day filled with thankfulness-revelations!

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.

In light of so much suffering and loss recently,

suddenly potato salad fixings for a belated birthday supper tonight

seem sacred, the ground beneath my feet, holy!

The best way to become more tuned to gifts we else might overlook

Is to have them withheld a bit; how dearer then the thing we took

For granted. How purer the joy we often gave no second glance

Until means we could not control reminded us of gifts God grants

The best way to become more glad and grateful for the gift in hand

Is to suffer the loss of it to gain a better understand-

-ing of love’s meeker thankfulness for gifts we did not recognize

Until God’s higher thoughts and ways took heedless postures by surprise

The best way to become more sympathetic and more humbly kind

Is not from fortune’s pedestals, but in the reeling, hurting grind

Of heartache’s holy ground, where mingled prayers and tears and groans implore

To waken us to gifts that we had not given enough thanks for

© Janet Martin

Someone reminded me of this verse recently...

a treasure to cherish as we trust in the Giver of every good and perfect gift!

Eph.3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably/exceedingly more 

than all we ask or imagine,

 according to His power that is at work within us,

 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

 throughout all generations, forever and ever. 

Amen.

Here's To Today's Measure of Gladness

Here's to spring rain; it’s drops unchain a well of poem-ink...

Here’s to morn’s feast, mercy-released, that bids us eat and drink

After a beautiful sunrise yesterday it clouded over and

rain, previously forecasted for today, altered my plans;

mowing lawn, weeding and edging.

But, as of now, 

today is sunny 

and I am glad

(because there are weddings happening💖

one in our neighborhood

with an outdoor service planned!)

Today's poem is inspired in part, as I ponder 

the funeral I attended the other day; 

as husband/daddy and children broke 

their eulogy into three categories;

mad, sad and glad.

They each shared a reason they were mad and sad

acknowledging these two very real emotions

that come with loss, especially sudden loss,

but then they focused on glad for the remainder because

there is SO much they are glad aka grateful for!!

Please, keep these dear people in your prayers 

as they begin moving forward without beloved wife/mom.

Here's to today's portion of gladness...

from my vantage point.

From your vantage point details may vary but gratitude

is a universal common ground🙏

Here's to spring rain; it’s drops unchain a well of poem-ink

Here’s to morn’s feast, mercy-released, that bids us eat and drink

From the buffet we call today, by God’s kind grace unfurled

A treasure-trove of hope and love outpoured to all the world

Here’s to a bite of sheer delight, a crumb of happiness

Here’s to the bliss of smile and kiss and laughter’s blessedness

Here’s to the blooms that burst from looms beneath and overhead

Here’s to the joy that shouts ‘ahoy’ after grief’s tears are shed

Here’s to the sad, that makes the glad much gladder than before

Here’s to He who makes all things new and who all should adore

Here’s to the cup that we hold up; faith’s chipped and scarred affair

Mementos earned through lessons learned, turned into humbler prayer

Here’s to ‘hello’ and yellow daffodils; here’s to sweet May

Here’s to the limbs that throb with hymns of green and feathered lay

Here’s to the splurge of leaves and birds to cheer us where we are

To boughs festooned with blossoms spooned from nature’s perfume jar

Here’s to the child, pure, undefiled, wide-eyed and curious

Here’s to we who teach them to be true and industrious

To revere He who cares for we, instilled with deathless soul

Here’s to God’s Word; truth undeterred as ages wage and roll

Here’s to the earth in spring as birth wakens the slumb’ring sod

Here’s to the sky that you and I oft gaze on, dumbly awed

Here’s to the sea that sweeps the lea yet by the shoreline stayed

Here’s to each voice as we rejoice in this day God has made

Here’s to ‘us’, dear, the now and here that slip-slips through our touch 

Here’s to (un)common wealth of health and happiness and such

Here’s to the kings of simple things that never lose their thrill

As seasons run beneath the sun in ink that poet’s spill

Here's to each 'glad' to counter sadness with meek gratitude

Here's to the cares that mortal bears by God's mercies renewed

His Word assures, His grace secures the final curtain-close  

Here's to God's love, the treasure trove from whence all blessing flows

© Janet Martin

Aren't you glad

because of salvation's plan

when we believe and receive

the gift of the promise 

there is no futility in life

and no fear in death.

Thank-you, dear Heavenly Father

Here’s to the blooms that burst from looms 

beneath ...

and overhead...

Here’s to the sky that you and I oft gaze on, dumbly awed...

Here’s to the child, pure, undefiled, wide-eyed and curious...

Here's to a bite of sheer delight...

Here’s to the splurge of leaves and birds...

This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:24

As Long As There Is 'Us'

Yesterday morning my mom, sisters and sister-in-laws 

gathered in a joyful celebration; a birthday...

Happy birthday, Karen 🎂🌷

(picture used with permission; photographer my sister, Lucy)

(click HERE for a record of some of the prayer requests

shared over the years for Karen and my brother Dave, her husband.

 

We were each invited to bring approx. 6 stems of white, pink and/or purple flowers to

create one big bouquet from all of us💗💜💗

Yesterday afternoon a community of mourners gathered

(after a tragedy mentioned HERE and HERE)

to remember the life of a dearly beloved woman; 

a wife, mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, neighbor, friend, 

mentor, counsellor, etc. to so many...

Gatherings like this are a solemn reminder to all of 'us' 

to be more mindful (once again) 

of something we can easily take for granted; 

each other.

As grieving friends and family shared

there was a common theme; to choose, above all else-

gratitude for the gift of her life 

and love they shared with her.

As long as there is ‘us’; mom, dad, spouse, sister and brother

Neighbors, friends, both far and near, we have a gift; each other

No two of us are quite alike, created tenderly

By He who's written all our days before one comes to be

As long as there is us, until that day when death doth part

We ought to live to love each other with all of our heart

Because life is a fragile thing; we cannot see how far

From farewell’s fond and unrelenting, rending reach we are

So then, let’s love each other without verbal fist-a-cuff

Let’s recognize the gift of now, and make the most of love

Because life grants no guarantees, let’s be patient and kind

For no one knows who next will leave love’s gaping hole behind

As long as there is ‘us’ let’s write Our Story with love’s ink

Rather than take for granted what can be gone in a wink

Let’s look each other in the eye and hold each other near

Before the gift of ‘us’ frames joy in sorrow’s tender tear

As long as there is ‘us’ let’s keep each other in our prayers

Let’s make moments to cherish in the thick of common cares

And be more humbly mindful of the gift we call today

Then, be a living ‘thank-you’ to the Giver, while we may

© Janet Martin

Psalm 139:16

Your eyes saw my unformed body; 

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

 before one of them came to be.

Yesterday evening this post (click link in title)

 from Ann Voskamp was in my inbox!

Especially profound in the light of recent events...

How Is Loss a Gift?

( About grief, gratitude and the gifts of God )

Gladness (in spite of sadness)

Today's prompt for poem-a-day from Robert Lee Brewer offers endless options!!

For today's prompt, pick an emotion, 

make it the title of your poem, 

and write your poem.

I have received so many kind words, 

messages, hug and heart emojis,

and prayers and I thank you all!

In spite of sadness mentioned HERE

there is gladness!

Grief keens awareness

 and renewed gladness for life's simple blessings, doesn't it?

In the midst of so much taken, always still so much remains 

Kindness and compassion waken where trouble and sorrow pains 

Time is ever but a Lender; have-and-hold, a sacred lease  

Gratitude, Time's humble Spender; Gladness is its masterpiece 

Gladness finds a tender foothold in hugs, kind words, tears and prayers

Where, in grief would be hope's threshold without these and God who cares?  

How could we survive joy's sorrow? Hark, sweet words of old proclaim,

'Yesterday, today, tomorrow, Jesus Christ remains the same'

Goodness and mercy still follow; Gladness grips the Shepherd's staff 

Without Him hope would ring hollow; love would forget how to laugh

Death's shadow would not release us; but God changes everything 

Gladness shouts the name of Jesus; through Him, Death has lost its sting  

© Janet Martin

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not [a]want.

2 He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures;

He leads me beside the [c]still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will [d]dwell in the house of the Lord

[e]Forever.

A Funny Business, This

 Today's Poem-a-day challenge from Robert Lee Brewer @ Writer' Digest

'For today's prompt, write a funny poem.

Keep in mind that funny isn't always "ha-ha" funny.

For instance, your poem could include a funny smell

or talk about a funny (or weird) person or situation.

And if you've ever hit your funny bone,

that pain is not making anyone laugh.

So write a funny poem, whether it's for a laugh or not.'

The other evening it was man (woman) against nature

as the lawn rollers showed up before I was quite finished raking

up pine cones etc.! Nature won and woman got drenched

but lawn is raked and rolled! Happy dance!

There is something exhilarating about racing against a storm!

Akin to the exhilaration of being surprised by a kind of joy

we can only discover as we grow older!

The kind of joy only humble gratitude grants!

Gratitude for life's simple things.

Like...

Sunsets...(an hour after the storm)

Supper...

and so much more!

A funny business this;

The older that we get

The more we find joy in what is;

This, not forgotten yet 😂

A funny business this;

The sense that humour grants

Like nicknaming Father Time's kiss

Reliable Romance

Let's laugh; be young at heart

Let's refuse to bemoan

The canvas that showcases art

That rankles/wrinkles skin and bone

Let's not waste happiness

In worry or regret

For every day leaves one day less

Of reasons to forget  😶

Yes, there are pains and aches

Social life turns into 

Gatherings at funerals and wakes

As death collects its due

Honing humble surprise

A funny business this;

The best of life cut down to size

Is Gratitude's sweet bliss

© Janet Martin

Ps.90:12

Teach us to number our days, 

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

I Like (or, So Much to Love)

A riot of snowflakes tumbling from welkin reservoirs... 

It feels SO good to get up and want to stay in the upright position 

after a few mornings of lying down again as soon as I was up...

thankfully the worst of the bug only lasted a few days! 

Still in slow motion, but at least I'm in motion!😅

There really is no end to a poem like this...

I began this poem after reading Brenda's post on Friday morning, HERE

before I was 'under the weather'.

The first line inspired by these little guys...

Thatch matted metamorphosis of finches turning gold...

Icicle-brickled eaves...

Because granddaughter is going to celebrate her birthday this year

 with her other set of Grandparents (in Nova Scotia!) 

we had an early celebration planned for Sunday but needed to cancel it. 😪

However, Granddaughter's/grandchildren's (well, everyone's)

 disappointment was cheered a little

 after being told she would still get her gift.

They did an outdoor 'deck drop-by'...

When they were ready to leave youngest Grandson came to me

 for his regular goodbye hug and kiss.

 When I told him gramma is sick, and better to skip hugs today 

he didn't move but just stood there with his arms held up 😂💗

gazing expectantly with his big blue eyes,

 so of course he got a big tried-not-to-breathe-on-him hug 

and a kiss on his hat 😂

Bird entertainment...

Robins.

Things I Like...

Thatch matted metamorphosis of finches turning gold

British accents; a patchwork quilt, laughter of young and old

The pleasure of an afternoon when to-do lists are tossed

Blush hush of dusk. Pale crescent moon. Babies. Dawn, dipped in frost

Old books that smell like years gone by; that stoke nostalgia’s kiss

Warm mug to wrap chilled hands around while lost in coffee-bliss

Nature's quieter pose, before spring flings ajar bud-doors

A riot of snowflakes tumbling from welkin reservoirs

Impromptu lunch date with dear mom and dad, while life allows

And cherishing them more and more as time its touch endows

Epiphanies while sipping tea with comrades, battle-scarred

(there is no ‘small talk’ when love trusts enough to low'r its guard)

An immense sense of gratitude no poem can curtail

A little lad, mud puddle glad where paper boats set sail

Flowers to give or to receive. April showers. Family

Enchanting lands of make-believe beneath the willow tree

A hand in hand stroll with a child. Icicle-brickled eaves

Worship hymns. Wisdom. Lilacs. Field full of hand-stooked sheaves

Autumn leaves. Winding backroads. Woodland trails. Old bridges. Trains

Thunderstorms. Horses running free with waving tails and manes

Gardens. Meadows. Babbling brooks. Bare feet and Butterflies

Spring peepers. Innocence. Lamplight. Old apple trees. Sunrise

Bible stories and Birthday cakes. Lakes, silver in the sun

Puppies. Long stretchy skirts. Winter rainbows. Workout done

Raindrop plip-plop. The humble joy of health after flu bug

Littlest grandson who won’t leave without a Gramma-hug

Bird entertainment. Robins. Rail fence. Tulips. Daffodils

A freshly cleaned or painted room. Vista of rolling hills

Window sills with flowers. Mother-in-law’s geraniums

Sea-song. Beach walks. Flip-flops. August. Crickets. Dahlias. Ripe plums

Poem-a-day-challenge, God’s glory that heavens declare

Grape arbors. Campfire cooking. Wisteria. Fix of fresh air

Lines filled with flapping laundry. 

Shadow-art on countryside

Scent of summer’s rain-tamed dust or fresh-mown hay. 

Bike ride

Music. 

Forget-me-nots. 

Mercies, too manifold to name

Sisters. 

Hot-cross buns. 

Easter. 

Hope through He from whence we came...

© Janet Martin

I wanted to mention more but the poem was getting too long;

little fists full of first dandelion bouquets

rosy faces framed in woolly hoods

a warm handshake

the meeting of eyes... no words needed

wild-flowered meadow

crisp apple (or, apple crisp!)

mellow, yellow pear

pussy willows

picnics

sap buckets brimming,

wood smoke curlicues,

neatly piled wood stacks,

cellar full of canning=thankful satisfaction

cookbooks,

supper soup,

weathered buildings,

front porches,

front doors,

and so much more

bee-butts, (their bodies  shamelessly burrowed in bloom-bells,)

zinnias, 

watering cans,

ivy,

wind-chimes,

snowmen,

okay, I will stop

Thank-you God, for filling this world with so much to delight us...

Ps.40:5

Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.