Some Days Are Like Flopped Cake

The first attempt (at a cake I've made numerous times before) flopped!

 ...and I felt like exactly like Brantley does when he wants someone to pick him up:)

...but, the next day, (early in the morning so it would be ready for birthday-supper) I tried again

with better results 

Some days we make mistakes, no matter what we try to do

And we are glad to brush away its fray when it is through

Until the morning ushers in Newness that none have trod

Like ribbons of redemption on life’s sorrow-sullied sod

This hurt-and-dirt-based try-again humbles with stumbles, oh

But by the grace of God and nothing else, onward we go

Where morning, like a fresh flower fills fists of push and shove

And paves past’s potholes with the gold of God’s redeeming love

Some days are like flopped cake; where we, primed for a pretty treat

Are offered up instead, a slice of humble pie to eat

Then morning sings a new song; praise the Lord, we are not bound

To time’s old come-along for one more second-time-around

This is the day the Lord has made; Heaven flings wide hope’s door

And frees from yon palisade Something like never before

Morning, like mercy’s messenger, bears glad tidings of grace

And always brings a new Today to take yesterday’s place

© Janet Martin

For those who have watering taste-buds, here is the recipe.

I think I took it out a little too soon the first time around. It takes a full hour to bake at 350F.

Of You

 I don't feel any different than I did three years ago, remarked Victoria on the morn of her 16th birthday.

I know exactly what you mean, I laughed! The calendar tells me I'll soon be 51 and a lot of the time I feel like twenty... until I look in the mirror;-) (so I don't:)

My dear, I’m glad that once a year

Midst all of love and life’s to-do

It grants the chance to sing and dance

And celebrate the joy…Of you

The busyness of life’s affairs

Seems not to tire of care’s rue

But once a year, I’m glad, my dear

We celebrate the life…of you

For as each day-to day slips by

We come to realize, tis true

Years pass, so swift, each with a gift

To celebrate the love... of you

© Janet Martin

Happy Sweet 16, Victoria!

This poem was inspired by her wondering as she left for school, when celebrating birthdays first began, and why.
So, I googled it...I felt happier in ignorance of its origin.
I believe a birthday is a great time to give thanks for each 'one and only you'!

Heaven's Hallelujah Hymn

‘Neath the baton of His Lordship

Chords of coral glory flare

Drawing weariness to worship

He whose wonder wows our stare

Hark, what striking composition

Spills to hills and rills of sod

Time, caught in sacred transition

Hails the majesty of God

Violet and copper vibrato

Melts from violins rose-gold

Sight is bright when glimpsing God, oh

We bow, awed on hope’s threshold

Flawless harmonies; dusk’s chorus

Builds in body ethereal

Soulful symphony immerses

Heaven and earth in its swell

Hearts and heights are set a-fire

Twilight’s Hallelujah Hymn

Transfixes eyes to God’s choir

Until the last note grows dim

© Janet Martin

The above photos were westward...

Below is Northward, Eastward, South-eastward and Southward!

A Psalm of Simple Joy

I sing a hymn of humble joy 

…for love of question-brimming boy

For hug from giggling little girl

For kitchen ballerina’s twirl

For kettles that pour more than tea

For supper-soup with family

I sing a melody of praise

For common, ordinary days

For common chores and mundane dues

For moody March-anointed hues

For prayer that draws us to God’s throne

For earth-havens of home-sweet-home

I sing a song of gratitude

For tide of morn and hope renewed

For happiness not bought but spun

For tasks still waiting to be done

For painted front doors, flower-pots

For violets and forget-me-nots

I sing a tiralee of love

For buds-in-waiting treasure trove

For ink to paint a poem, oh

For orange-pink-purple twilight-show

For almost April afternoon

Oh Lord, I sing to Thee a tune

© Janet Martin

Over and over the Psalms remind us to sing to the Lord! (here a just a few invitations)

 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 

 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.

Psalm 95:1-2

 Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth. 

 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:1-3 

 Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name.

Psalm 97:12

 Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things;

Psalm 98:1

 Let them praise your great and awesome name—
    he is holy.

Psalm 99:3

 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.

Psalm 100:1-2