Until Open Doors Close...

Still struggling to feel top-notch

but still, so much to delight in!

Thankfulness brings to simple things a wellspring of delight...

A few delights from yesterday and today.

Keepsake kindnesses ...

Bushes a-bloom with birdies

Just chillin' whilst snoozin' in the sunshine

Compromises...

I'm thankful that, in spite of strife this life runs rife with cheer

Love’s font consoles and fills want’s holes with goals beyond this world

It authors hope and helps us cope with words like ‘nope’ and ‘fear’

Love snuffs the noise of bluff's/stuff's decoys with joy’s glad hymns unfurled

Thankfulness brings to simple things a wellspring of delight

The pleasure of the treasure of the measure of God's grace

Always enough, no matter what, Love fits us for the fight

And turns our eyes toward a Prize beyond the whys we face

I’m thankful for the open door that each new morning metes

Where faith is wrought and trust is taught by what we cannot see

But surely know, come high or low, no want or woe defeats

The kindness of the Giver’s/Father’s love, enough eternally

How lovely Is the gift of This, His mercy new each morn

A fount that spills four-season-thrills as hills and hollows brim

With flawless laud to gracious God where awed hearts, weary-worn

Join nature’s throng in joyful song; all praise belongs to Him

This blunder-full, heave-ho, push-pull is wonder-full because

We recognize with each sunrise grace undisguised; it flows

In molten ink across earth’s brink in pink and gold applause

To cheer us on from dawn to dawn until open doors close

© Janet Martin

1 Chronicles 16:34 (ESV)

Oh give thanks to the LORD, 

for He is good;

 for His steadfast love endures forever!

Love's Crown

This morning's love-letter from God was gold-gilt-etched 💗💖

Happy Valentine's Day!

For a beautiful love story click this link

to todays Daily Bread Devotion

(I just learned what an octogenarian is!)

Many waters cannot quench love.

Song of Songs 8:7

Oh-ho this hard      -knock, soft-kiss,

 flying-falling dosey-doe... Oh-    ho  this happy, hurting holding on 

and letting go...Oh-ho this yearning-learning-earning wisdom starred and scarred...

No easy street to crown the ups and downs on love’s postcard...Oh-ho this giving-taking, 

caring-sharing quite-a-fight... Oh-ho this multitude of sorrows to sweeten delight... Oh-ho,

 the humble joy of feeling like our hearts could burst... Becomes the Prize that crowns

 love’s sacrifice of others first... Oh-ho, we are so startled by how much 

true love can hurt... Oh-ho, the heart holds artwork made 

of diamonds set in dirt... Oh-ho, what we know 

about love leaves us both vexed 

      and awed... At ups and

 downs boundlessly

crowned with

the kind 

love of 

God

<3

© Janet Martin

(or traditional stanza form)

Oh-ho this hard-knock, soft-kiss, flying-falling dosey-doe

Oh-ho this happy, hurting holding on and letting go

Oh-ho this yearning-learning-earning wisdom starred and scarred

No easy street to crown the ups and downs on love’s postcard

Oh-ho this giving-taking, caring-sharing quite-a-fight

Oh-ho this multitude of sorrows to sweeten delight

Oh-ho, the humble joy of feeling like our hearts could burst

Becomes the Prize that crowns love’s sacrifice of others first

Oh-ho, we are so startled by how much true love can hurt

Oh-ho, the heart holds artwork made of diamonds set in dirt

Oh-ho, what we know about love leaves us both vexed and awed

At ups and downs boundlessly crowned with the kind love of God

© Janet Martin

Or this...

Oh-ho this hard-knock, 

soft-kiss, 

flying-falling 

dosey-doe

Oh-ho this happy, 

hurting 

holding on 

and letting go

Oh-ho this yearning-

learning-

earning wisdom 

starred and scarred

No easy street 

to crown 

the ups and downs 

on love’s postcard

Oh-ho this giving-taking,

caring-sharing 

quite-a-fight

Oh-ho this multitude 

of sorrows 

to sweeten 

delight

Oh-ho, the humble joy 

of feeling 

like our hearts 

could burst

Becomes the Prize 

that crowns 

love’s sacrifice 

of others first

Oh-ho, we are so startled 

by how much 

true love 

can hurt

Oh-ho, the heart 

holds artwork 

made of diamonds 

set in dirt

Oh-ho, what we know 

about love 

leaves us 

both vexed 

and awed

At ups and downs 

boundlessly crowned 

with the kind 

love of God

© Janet Martin

How Lovely Is This Day of Grace

My prayer is that this poem wakens me/us to want God more!

(and a side note; So thankful for this first morning in a few weeks 

that I feel like happy-dancing

rather than pulling the covers over my head and saying

 'Day! Go away!')

It's a blustery beginning to a hungry-bird Friday!

(refilling these feeders every day right now!)

Yes. Bigger ones would be nice but have you seen the price on large bird feeders?!

We will make do with these till they break then see what we can find.

Seems we are in a season where tears and prayers mingle constantly for

so many struggling and suffering!

How lovely is this day of grace!

Lord, establish our focus not on what we see 

but on You, Who we know is faithful

far beyond our comprehension

Oh, hear our prayer and convict us of our sins!

'Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors'

How crucial is the call to be careful, steadfast, sincere

How subtle is the slippery slope that camouflages truth

How sacred is the sparkle composing the soul’s veneer

How soft the soil of innocence and fleeting green of youth

How steadfast wanes the breadth between birth and death’s on and on

How unknown the longevity that numbered days afford

How utter is the verdict when the final breath is drawn

How dire is the destiny of salvation ignored

How certain are the promises kept by the Word of God

How stable is hope’s anchor though we are tossed by life’s gales

How hard the hardships of this world without faith’s staff and rod

How wonderful to know God’s love never falters or fails

How beautiful the feet of they who preach God’s gospel, peace

How temporal the clay that molds the jars that hold our tears

How everlasting is the One whose mercies never cease

How comforting to know that when we cry to Him, He hears

How near and dear the day is drawing when all will behold

God, Alpha and Omega, who Is, Was and Is To Come

How crucial are the moments that so steadily unfold

Until no earthly tie remains, only life’s sacred sum

How quickly then before death’s summons we ought to reply

How awful to repent too late when mercy’s gate is barred

How lovely is this day of grace God gives to you and I

How patient are His hands outstretched, how perfect, oh, how scarred

© Janet Martin

Rev.1:1-7

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him

 to show His servants what must soona come to pass. 

He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,

  2who testifies to everything he saw. 

This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

3Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy,

 and blessed are those who hear and obey 

what is written in it, because the time is near.

(John Greets the Seven Churches)

4John,

To the seven churches in the province of Asia:b

Grace and peace to you from Him who is and was and is to come, 

and from the seven Spiritsc before His throne,

  5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, 

the firstborn from the dead, 

and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,

  6who has made us to be a kingdom, 

priests to His God and Father—

to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! 

Amen.

7Behold, He is coming with the clouds, 

and every eye will see Him—

even those who pierced Him. 

And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. 

So shall it be!

 Amen.

8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,d” says the Lord God, 

who is 

and was 

and is to come—

the Almighty.

Unthwartable Helper, Unthwartable Hope...Hallelujah

 

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

 for he who promised is faithful.

Heb.10:23

River Valley Worship - Hope Has A Name (Lyrics)

This post is inspired once again in part

by today's Daily Bread Devotion

entitled His Amazing Help

(click on the link to read an awesome account of His help!)

He spreads the snow like wool...Psalm 147:16)

Our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1)

What confidence to know

Beyond the means earth can afford

God will His help bestow

We are never alone (Deut. 31:6, Heb. 13:5)

The sacred company

Of He who sits on heaven’s throne

Chaperons you and me

We may be of good cheer (John 16:33)

Midst trying test unfurled

For He who bends a listening ear

Has overcome the world

Though evil schemes and roars (1 Pet.5:8, Job 1:7))

It cannot overthrow

We, who are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)

Through He who loves us so

Our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1)

Maker of earth and skies

Who, through the wellspring of His Word

Sustains and satisfies (Psalm 107:9)

As we trust in (wait on) God’s will (Psalm 27:14)

May good courage endure

As the joy earth cannot fulfill (1 Thess.4:13-18)

Keeps our hope secure

© Janet Martin

Psalm 121

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to [a]be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, He who keeps Israel

Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your [b]keeper;

The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall [c]preserve you from all evil;

He shall preserve your soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve[d] your going out and your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore.

So We Proceed in the Proper Posture-A Prayer

 

This morning's prayer is inspired in part 

by today's Daily Bread Devotion scripture reading;

James 4:7-17

and in part by mediating on the Beatitudes

while we struggle in this noisy world to

be meek and strong!

The Beatitudes

Matt.5:3-12

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, 

persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, 

for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In the face of creature conflict, Lord, remind us of our place

Make us strong yet make us meek; season the words we speak with grace

Grant us wealth of wisdom only Holy Scriptures can provide

So, in the heat of the battle Your name will be glorified

As we walk and talk together help us weather what we must

Let tethers of utmost kindness bind the wounds of dust-to-dust

Keep us from becoming bitter when life throws a brutal curve

Lest we forget, through You, Father, we have more than we deserve

Blessed are the poor in spirit, the merciful and the meek

Lord forgive us when we stumble and don’t turn the other cheek

When rather than being humble we want to retaliate

With word-weapons not befitting we who walk in love, not hate

Help us Lord, to thirst and hunger after righteousness so we

Do not trouble our spirits with wants of futility

Lead us beside quiet waters where this world does not applaud

Help your sons and daughters to be still and know that you are God

Amen

© Janet Martin

Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations,

 I will be exalted in the earth.”

For Wonder-seekers

Not recovering quite as quickly from whatever I have

(not even worth the mention compared to people with really hard hardships,

but still enough to knock the wind from my sails this past week+)

has challenged me to treasure-hunt/wonder-seek! 

It also seems to be the time of year I have to dig/drill a little deeper

to find poem-oil/ink

This Feathered Friend, Red-bellied Wood-pecker, though very bashful

delights us on a daily basis right now!

Thank-you God for daily wonders...

we will find them if we seek!

Songs of joy are not depleted, sustained by the One who made

Beauty’s birthplace, undefeated by time’s four-seasoned parade

From founts faithfully replenished earth and heavens overflow

With His wonders undiminished in a world of want and woe

What a friend we have in He who does not weary of our prayers

Constant confidante for we who oft must suffer creature cares

He abides, steadfast and righteous, in spite of calamities

Oft His handiwork delights us, oft His promises appease

Earth and sky showcase creation’s masterpieces without pause

In the face of altercations Mercy does not cease its cause

But brings to the due of duties, nature’s gifts to thrill our gaze

Where each season brims with beauties to surprise us into praise

© Janet Martin

Psalm 65:8

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; 

where morning dawns, 

where evening fades, 

you call forth songs of joy.

For Faith-Olympians

Whether our 'fight/race' takes us to the Olympics, Ottawa,

across the world or close to home, the ultimate finish line is the same!

Face to face with He who is the author and perfecter of Faith!

This is not for nothing

This race of faith we run

For all who remain faithful

Will hear God say 'well done'

Though full of test and trouble

This race of faith we run

Is for the joy still waiting

When God will say 'well done'

Then, though we may grow weary

We spur each other on

So we may all be present

To hear God say, 'well done' 

Could any Prize be sweeter

After faith's race is run

Than to behold faith's author

And hear Him say, 'well done'

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

 let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,

 and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

  2looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, 

who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, 

despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb.12:1-2

In the Olympics, competitors see the finish-line or at least its proximity...

not so with faith; faith is certain of what it cannot see!

Heb.11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen....

2 Corinthians 4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Let Us Run by Alex MacQueen (Sung by Christina Macmillan)

Oh God, you know our first impulse is not to honor You

Human nature is not humbly inclined to pray things through

Faith is the substance of things hoped for before we receive

Where we would rather touch, taste, see, hear, smell, than just believe

To keep desire tamed and tuned to righteousness and peace

Requires us to seek You first for love’s faultless increase

The Mystery of things not seen confuses and deceives

If first impulse prevails and doubts You rather than believes

The greatest of these, love, adapts to every shape and size

Where the race set before us does not guarantee the prize

The Author and Perfecter of faith helps us to achieve

The victory only if we love, obey and believe

Oh God, You know our first impulse inclines to vindicate

When confronted with evil injustice of greed and hate

Help us to love our enemies lest we Thy Spirit grieve

For the joy set before us let us endure and believe

Let faith fuel in us an Olympian energy 

To run toward the Evidence we know but cannot see

God, free us from the sin that would a worldly view perceive

Fuel us with the certainty You give when we believe 

© Janet Martin

Of Love's True Joy

Recovering from the bug I had last weekend has left this poet a bit beaten in mind and body

(thus a few fewer poems this week)

But not without much laughter and joy amidst love's/life's lows/ frustrations. 

Yesterday I enjoyed the company of two favorite tots. 

Here they are waiting with Auntie  for some lovin' from the oven...

a little later, when asked if it tastes yummy Grand-sonny replied rather mildly,

'um, it's okay. They're not crumbly and they are homemade'

Kids are so delightfully honest 😂

These two fill this grandma's heart with utter delight and also sometimes utter frustration. 

This morning I couldn't understand why the house was FRIGID. 

Turns out my two favorite tots turned the furnace off! 

My frustration comes from thinking they are old enough to know better! 

How often God must shake His head at us 'tots'

 who are also 'old enough to know better'

 but we are a trying lot to train. 

Love covers a multitude of sins! hallelujah!

1 Pet.4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, 

because love covers over a multitude of sins.

The heavens laugh, His autograph always a perfect work of art...

Though yearning-lorn and learning worn we rise and shine and press toward

The places where God’s graces flare in the face of love oft ignored

Kindled anew, the gold and blue of mercy’s dew anoints the hour

And overflows yon height that glows with outer fringes of His pow’r

Life’s bubble-burst is trouble-cursed; joy’s sorrow is as old as time

The grin and groan of skin and bone all part of love’s rhythm and rhyme

Its highs and lows comprise, compose the faith that grows into a seed

The goodness of God’s love enough to exceed the vortex of need

The rise and fall of beck and call would crown a hollow undertow

Where bitter-sweet litters a beat of holding on and letting go

Where ebb and flow of yes and no would fuel a futile employ

But for the One that wills the dawn and fills its fount with love’s true joy

We, weighed with care thus made for prayer are darlings of our Father’s heart

The heavens laugh, His autograph always a perfect work of art

Though scoffers scorn, He authors morn, soft, soft above sight’s fret and fuss

Fresh fathoms of goodness and love cascade from God to likes of us

© Janet Martin

Off we go on a morning full of new mercy!