Heaven, Upside Down or Such Is Love

Such is life, we often say, as plans change 

and carefully arranged schedules run awry!

Sometimes love pours a cup of tea, ‘with milk and honey, dear?’...

As I finished this poem I returned and traded the word 'life' for 'love';

 it was originally going to be a 'such is life' poem because

 this was a week rife with changed plans...but

as the poem evolved so did the realization the 'such is life'

 is often more aptly expressed  'such is love!'

The ultimate plan of Love, for man's redemption

God fulfilled at Calvary!

Love appeared in that hour, to have lost!

Heb.2:10

For it was fitting for Him, 

for whom are all things 

and by whom are all things, 

in bringing many sons to glory, 

to make the captain of their salvation 

perfect 

through sufferings.

Isa.53:10-11

Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him

and to cause Him to suffer;

and when His soul is made a guilt offering,g

He will see His offspring, 

He will prolong His days,

and the good pleasure of the LORD 

will prosper in His hand.

11After the anguish of His soul,

He will see the light of lifeh 

and be satisfied.

By His knowledge My righteous Servant 

will justify many,

and He will bear their iniquities.

Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed?

Sometimes what first looks like love’s loss is Heaven, upside down...

Love suffers long and is kind...1 Cor. 13:4

Oh, if only love more often,

 suffered longer 

and was kinder

 how much more lovely,

and much less broken

 this world would be!

Sometimes we find it, sometimes not; such is love’s want-list, hon

Sometimes love is a little tot that keeps us on the run

Sometimes it caters to our plan but often not, it seems

…love’s give and take twixt God and man far outmaneuvers dreams

Sometimes love is a graceful glide, a ballet’s perfect hurt

But oft it is a wild slide to home-base; face down, in dirt

Sometimes love pours a cup of tea, ‘with milk and honey, dear?’

But oft it startles you and me with sudden, bitter tear

Sometimes love's havens that we seek must first weather love's gale

Sometimes love’s kiss upon the cheek is crushed in love’s travail

Sometimes love's payoff that we thought should bear visible fruit/loot

Gets lost; often love’s prize is not a made-to-measure suit

Sometimes, we would forget to pray; I think love's push and shove

Must be God’s higher thought and way to teach us ‘such is love’

Whoever does not bear love’s cross is not fit for love’s crown

Sometimes what first looks like love’s loss is Heaven, upside down

© Janet Martin

Here Is Love, Vast As The Ocean...

Of (Fleeting) Time and Place

I'm currently working at painting and preparing a vacant bedroom

as a spare bedroom (aka grandchildren's sleepover room😊😉💓)

Two coats of primer later, Matt's old room colour, 

the colour of a basketball, is simply a memory!

painted during the boyhood basketball phase of his life;

 a phase long overtaken by more pressing matters, (like mortgages,😅)

Proof of the fleeting POOF!! 

of stages and ages, interests and passions!

Reminding us to build on the eternal 

rather than the temporal because...

 ...the things which are seen are temporary, 

 the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Cor.4:18

I finished listening to this book yesterday as I painted...

God's Smuggler

The book is filled with profound thoughts and experiences 

but the one below, near the end of the book

made me put down my brush and jot it down!

Starkly relevant for the age we are in...

(When, after gaining access to a country through great effort and pains,

 he (Brother Andrew) proceeded to hand out Bibles, but no one seemed interested)

And he was struck with this revelation-

'Persecution was an enemy the church had met and mastered many times.

Indifference could prove to be a far more dangerous foe!'

**

Pray, we do not slip into indifference, 

but live, deeply aware that we are all 

on a very impending verge... of  eternity

***

Jude 1:3-4

Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share,

 I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith

 entrusted once for all to the saints. 

4For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—

ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. 

They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, 

and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

***

 

The blessings we enjoy

The heartaches we endure

Grievances that annoy

Dreams loosed from the mind’s moor

The ups and downs we face

The fights twixt faith and fear

Are all hallmarks of time and place

And temporary, dear

Love’s holy exercise

Of hold-and-letting-go

Of glad hellos and hard goodbyes

Of retrospect’s slideshow

Of choice, for better-worse

And not all it appears

Of consequence we bless or curse

With laughter or with tears

Pleasure’s brief blitz of bliss

Suffering’s griefs and pains

All pass way; the genesis

To all that yet remains

Of everlasting gain

Or everlasting loss

These moments in the sun and rain

Are but bridges we cross

That lead away from This

Brief encounter with grace

Where soul alone transcends What Is

Of fleeting Time and Place

The fool rejects this truth

The wise take heed and pray

Because death is the living proof

Of this world’s little stay

Then, while we can, prepare

To meet Thy God, before

We step from time’s fleet thoroughfare

Into Forevermore

© Janet Martin

Why We (Believers) May Go Forth With Joy Each Day

 Because only the blood of Christ can wash us white as snow...

Isa.1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:

 though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; 

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

May we, believers, rejoice every day

as we reflect on God's goodness and mercy,

but all the more as we approach Easter season,

and meditate on what it cost God to purchase

 the gift of salvation, and what it means for all who

believe and receive it!

Hallelujah! Praise the name of Jesus!

 ...and you are to give him the name Jesus, 

because he will save his people from their sins.” Matt.1:21

Because goodness and mercy follow us our whole life through

Because God never forsakes us, because His word is true

We may go forth with joy each day, because, though all else fails

Nothing can sway God's promises; His steadfast word prevails

Because greater is He in us than this world’s greatest threat

Because, though all armies amass, our God is greater yet

We may go forth with heart content in what The Lord has done;

For redemption’s requirement, God gave his only Son

Because only the blood of Christ can wash us white as snow

Because God rich in mercy sacrificed himself to show

How much He loves us; thus, we may go forth in victory

Armed with the power of the cross; ‘not I but Christ in me’

Because the love and word of God abide, faithful and true

And everlasting; faith will not fear what mere man can do

Because, not man, but God is bringing us through everything

We may go forth with singing, because He is Lord and King

© Janet Martin

Jesus Saves!

The Wonderful Season of Spring

 Happy First Day of Spring!☔🌞⛅🌷

You wouldn't know it from looking outside today,

in southern Ontario, but...

...(For) lo, the winter is past,

The rain(or snow?) is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth;

The time of singing has come,

And the voice of the turtledove

Is heard in our land.

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

This 'turtledove' is thinking...'shoulda brought my skates!'

This is the season of birth; earth awaking

Of somber landscapes donning garb of green

Of seed-sized hope renewed; of undertaking

Sowing’s rush hour, stoking dusty sheen

Of barren bowers clothed by nature’s seamstress

Of bud-looms bursting with God-woven lace

Of yellow flares of forsythia bushes

Of sunbeams kissing a smile to each face

This is the season so fondly awaited

Welcomed with wide open windows and doors

When Old Man Winter’s ego is deflated

Slowly but surely he softens his roars

Robins return, with lusty chirrup-hellos

Fresh bounce buoys the gait of Farmer Brown

The stream lures fishing-rods with whistling fellows

Daffodils wander through country and town

Blossoms, like blush fireworks flare and fizzle

Gardens grant glimpses of Eden-like winks

Dream and dirt merge with zeal’s refurbished sizzle

Faith is the substance of planting, methinks

This is the season of green-gladdened laughter

Of showers and flowers and mornings that sing

This is the season summer follows after

This is the wonderful season of spring

© Janet Martin

Last week we enjoyed some pre-spring celebrations...

This is the non-stop action outdoors today!

A Love Beyond Compare

One of my Sunday School students presented this artwork to me yesterday;

a picture she drew (with permission😇) while listening to the lesson!

I love my class of smart, beautiful, eager, full-of-potential school-girls!

Thank-you K.S.

My earnest prayer for all our Sunday School students,

is that the Holy Spirit would begin to waken and nurture,

as we gather weekly, (and as weeks turn into years,)

not just a belief in God but a love for God.

That they would get more than an education in Bible stories and facts,

but that the plan and gift of salvation would begin to unfold

a lifelong awe, reverence and wonder for God's love and grace!

Will you join me in praying too?!

They are little for such a very little time!

I also pray that we, their teachers, parents and grandparents 

live pure and humble testimonies

of genuine love for the Saviour of our souls

and the Lord of our lives!

***

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works, 

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

***

Let's live love over and above

What Duty delegates

Let's love God, wonderfully awed

By His goodness and grace

Let's live aware of eyes that care-

fully watch every move 

Where actions shout and leave no doubt

About who we most love

Let's live a life of joy, not strife

Let's pay most earnest heed

To what we sow, because we know

Soon fruit follows the seed 

Soon innocence will climb time's fence

And leave childhood behind

Let's live love over and above

With every child in mind 

Before the heart grows hard, let's start

To plant, with tender care

Awareness of God's wondrous love:

A love beyond compare 

Janet~

Ephesians 5:1-2

 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 

 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,

 a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

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

 The Greatest Love of All!

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)

1 Corinthians 3:10

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.

Romans 12:3

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

 The Potter's Hand

and to bring Him glory!!

Oh My God, Since Thou Art With Me

When I am tempted to despair

God bids me lean on Him in prayer

There He tramples the enemy

As He whispers His peace to Me

The world may sometimes seem like a different place

 than in 'the good, old days'

 but it isn't really. Evil has always been evil 

and God has always been faithful and good!

1 John 4:4

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:

 because greater is he that is in you,

 than he that is in the world.

Greater is He

Ps.18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; 

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; 

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

The Lord is By My Side

Oh my God, since Thou art with me

Thou who givest life its breath

Thou who walked the way to Calv’ry

Thou who bore love’s cross, to/through death

Thou, whom death could never conquer

Thou, whose Name grants hope its goal

Thou, the Victor of grave’s plunder

Thou, the Saviour of the soul

Thou, who satisfies Want’s hunger

Through Thy everlasting word

Thou, who fits us with faith’s armour

Thou, whose will is undeterred

Thou, who orchestrates each season

Thou who numbers all our days

Thou, whose ways transcend our reason

Thou, whose love never betrays

Thou, who never will forsake us

Thou, whose promises secure

Thou, whose favor longs to make us

More like Thee; holy and pure

Oh, my God since Thou art with me

To commune and commandeer

Thou, whose Light transcends death’s valley

What have I to dread or fear?

Oh, my God, since Thou art with me

Thou who suffered for my sin

Thou whose blood out-poured, redeems me

Thou, whose Spirit dwells within

Thou, my Comforter in sorrow

Thou, my fortress, come what may

Thou who bidst me not to borrow

Morrow’s troubles for today

Thou who cheers me in the struggle

Thou, who guards me from despair

Thou, who is my help in trouble

Thou, who hears my earnest prayer

Thou, whose purpose will not falter

Thou whose power will prevail

Thou, who beholds worship’s altar

Thou, whose Ransom will not fail

Thou, who receives my confession

Thou, Forgiver of sin’s shame

Thou, who keeps no record of them

To crush joy with guilt or blame

Thou whose Goodness overwhelms me

Thou whose mercy overrides

Oh my God, since Thou art with me

What have I to need besides?

Oh my God, since Thou art with me

Thou who holds Time in Thy hands

Thou, Cradle of eternity

Thou whose Supreme Say commands 

Thou, whose Provision is perfect

Thou, whose judgments never err

Thou, who is changeless in edict

Whose love is beyond compare 

Thou, who stepped from Heaven's glory

To be sin's Atonement Lamb

Author of Salvation's Story

I AM who I say I AM

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet

Thou, Redemption's Once-For-All

Thou, who broke the curse sin beget/begot  

Thou, who saves us from The Fall

Thou, who did not spare His body

But with selfless sympathy

Put on flesh, became nobody

Suffered in all ways, as we

Thou, who rent the veil to ritual 

Thou who saves us by His grace

Oh my God, since Thou art faithful

Who could ever take Thy place? 

© Janet Martin

He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me

John 17:3
And this is life eternal, 

that they might know thee the only true God, 

and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;

 and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 93:2
Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

First Signs of Spring

Blue and gray canopy 

laden with showers

Bashful green filigree 

kindled with flowers...

Landscapes the color of weathered burlap...

Bird-warble wakening earth from its nap...

Robins return with their antics and lays...

Treetops still barren are ringing with praise...

Bleak garden canvases start beckoning

Exciting artists with first signs of spring...

Blue and gray canopy laden with showers

Bashful green filigree kindled with flowers

Lengthening daylight and dusk lingering

These are a few of the first signs of spring

Landscapes the color of weathered burlap

Bird-warble wakening earth from its nap

Stiff breeze and soft zephyr tug-of-warring

Thrilling our thoughts with the first signs of spring

Robins return with their antics and lays

Treetops still barren are ringing with praise

Bleak garden canvases start beckoning

Exciting artists with first signs of spring

Raindrops plip plop in a wild hip-hop dance

Sun-kisses tease eager hearts with romance

Sugar-shacks teem with maple-tree’s sweet fling

Drizzling warm pancakes with first signs of spring

Windows edge upward to let in fresh air

South-facing porches are graced with a chair

Pretty pussy-willow bouquets are purring

From front hall tables with first signs of spring

Refurbished rivulets ripple and glim

God, its great Maestro and joy, its glad hymn

Unfurled, like silver ribbon-song shimmering

Winding through meadows in first signs of spring

© Janet Martin

Pretty pussy-willow bouquets are purring

From front hall tables with first signs of spring...