Friday, October 11, 2019

Concerning Thankfulness...





Our very fragile happiness
Depends, it seems, on thankfulness
Where very certain trouble tries us
With its sundry shapes and sizes

Our very unsure circumstance
May change its music middle-dance
Where Very Sure God never changes
In spite of what time estranges

Our very tender ties that bind
Soon leave each present prize behind
Where very little moments meter
A lifetime of bitter-sweeter

Our very vulnerable mold
Is filled with very gifted Hold
From Very Gracious God who blesses
Very humble thankfulness-es

© Janet Martin

 In every thing give thanks: 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thess. 5:18


Wednesday, October 9, 2019

For The Love of Laughter...


Of all the blessings we recall
That strew fond echoes after
I think the very best of all
Are those that ring with laughter

© Janet Martin

I really appreciated this gift of laughter tonight
 at the expense of hubby's frustration as he talk-texted to me...
I had asked him if wants a thanksgiving dinner at noon or for supper on Sunday
and he was trying to tell me it depends where he needs to drive to on Sunday night to load pigs early  the next morning...either to Kincardine or Ingersoll...
That talk-text translator was having a little trouble understanding😂






Keep Your Eyes On Jesus...


Isn't this true for us too as it was for Peter...
if we keep our eyes on Jesus he will help us 'walk on water'
 but if we look around and focus on the dark waves
we will sink in fear!

When grief wreaks havoc in our form
And dreams in shambles lie
Pray that we hear within the storm
“Take courage, it is I”

When hope is tempest-tossed about
Where faith and fear-lords vie
Pray that we hear beyond all doubt
“Take courage, it is I”

When Love draws loved ones out of reach
And leaves us wond’ring why
Pray that we hear a Voice beseech
“Take courage, it is I”  

And when we that last strait must brave
Where death’s dark mysteries lie
Pray that we hear across the wave
“Take courage, it is I”

© Janet Martin

 But Jesus immediately said to them:
 "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Matt.14:27

Let's Pray


Unrest+ war +sickness+ sorrow,+ slander =suffering
Suffering +surrender = prayer

oh, so much to pray about in this broken down, sinful, old world!


Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil.4:6

What are these words that we lift up
These thoughts expressed in groan
Where the heart like a broken cup
Is poured before God’s throne

What are these stutters that take flight
(But not to who knows where)
To find within the darkness, light
And hope, lest we despair

To hear the Shepherd’s gentle voice
And feel His tender care
And cause believers to rejoice
Why, my dear, it is prayer

© Janet Martin

Sacred Bric-a-Brac


 Does death not stoke in us a sacred sensitivity for life?!

There is something about death that makes the simple things in life sacred...

...and what may look like plain old mess at first glance 
are actually music-notes in a momentous montage!


There are mouths to feed, hands to hold and help,
and feet that feel at home enough to kick off footwear and run!



The wand that wakens flowers
And woos them into bloom
And stokes the soundless showers
Of petals from the plume

The lowered moat of morning
That moves twixt God and man
And metes the miles adorning
Past’s ever-never span

The rod that rules the Reason
Beneath the rush of days
And runs season to season
Through Time’s unyielding ways

The wow that bursts with wonder
And chauffeurs Hope from hurt
Where love and longing thunder
Where hunger rakes the dirt

The font that fills the pages
With aftermath of rose
And authors from the ages
Life’s poetry and prose

The music made of messes
The crumbs of broken bread
The humble happiness-es
That bow the heart and head

The law that lends the ladle
That blends laughter and tears
And rocks the baby’s cradle
Soon lost to yester-years

The tray that tips with treasure
Soon tendered to farewell
That strews gossamer measure
Where death’s white diamonds fell

The song that deepens dearness
With every fading This
Because we sense the nearness
Of what no longer is

…becomes, this side of Heaven
The sacred bric-a-brac
Of the life we are given
Until God takes it back

© Janet Martin

 Titus 2:11-15 BSB
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.
It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, 
and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,  
as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself 
a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority.
 Let no one despise you.