No Rest And Greatly Blessed

 
I

I thought that I would have one day
When I could simply rest,
But You turned my plans upside down…
And that was for the best!
 
Instead of rest I visited
With family a while,
Then, went to sit with a sick friend,
To share joy and a smile.
 
Then I came home and found a gift
Of absolute beauty,
Hand crafted by another friend
Especially for me.
 
I mowed the yard, I cooked the food
That I’d need through the week,
But when I sat down to complain,
I had no words to speak.
 
I realized my busy day
Had not left me too stressed.
This day without a moments rest,
Was well and truly blessed!  
 
My prayer for you, as this day ends,
Comes down to this request,
May you find your day was as mine…   
No rest, and greatly blessed!
 
Psalm 115:15
May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Perfect Peace and You

It’s Friday, Lord, I look to You
As my week ends at last.
The busy pace is winding down,
The worst of it, now past.
 
I settle into solitude,
To rest within Your peace.
I gaze upon Your creation
And feel my stress release.
 
What is it, Lord, about Your works
That soothes my restless mind?
A moth, a mountain, the wide sea,
In each, Your grace I find.
 
Such wondrous beauty on display,
And some too vast to see,
But that which You know I need most,
You always give to me.
 
Tonight I sit in breathless awe
And let Your peace wash through.
Tomorrow may bring fresh chaos,
Tonight, it’s me and You.
 
Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

In Looking Back

 

I feel as if I’ve been off track
The past few days or so.
I’ve struggled to keep my eyes fixed
On where I’m meant to go.
 
I haven’t really gone astray,
Overwhelmed is the phrase
That I think best describes my mind
During the past few days.
 
Though I may have lost sight of You,
I know You’ve kept Your eye
Upon Your wayward servant, Lord.
For I’ve felt You nearby.
 
I heard You tell me, take a breath,
And felt Your peace wash through.
Though I was running circles, Lord,
I’m now at rest in You.
 
As I look back, I recognize
That You were always near.
I simply needed to be still
To hear You loud and clear.
 
Psalm 119:176
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Live In His Light

The God who called light from darkness,
Then gave that light to man,
Is the same God who calls to us.
Listen, while you still can.
 
Don’t linger in those dark delights
Thinking He’ll never know.
As He is the true source of light,
He knows the dark will grow.
 
Don’t let darkness lay claim to you,
Reach quickly for His light.
For the dark is not inclined to
Let go without a fight.
 
Let His light fill your soul once more
And burn away the dark,
Until you shine before the world,
Your life a joyous spark!
 
1 John 1:5-6
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 

Reflect On His Word

 

Reflect upon the word of God,
Remember His teachings,
Keeping it always in your thoughts
For the wisdom it brings.
 
Ponder within your heart and mind
His truths you’ve often heard
That you may draw closer to Him,
Reflecting back His Word.
 
2 Timothy 2:7
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

I Know I'll Soar

 

I long to soar on eagle’s wings
Above life’s shifting winds.
Though that is not my fate right now,
It’s how my story ends.  
 
I travel this world through the gales
That rise up now and then,
Trusting in You to lead me through,
Whether I lose or win.
 
There will be troubles in this life,
You’ve told us that is true.
I’ll gladly walk through all of them,
If they lead me to You.
 
For my hope lies not in my strength,
But in You, Lord, alone.
In Your promise I know I’ll soar,
Beyond mere flesh and bone.
 
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Shout and Sing For Joy

 
Sing songs unto the Lord, oh earth,
Let your voices be heard.
From mountain top or ocean deep,
Lift up praise to The Word!
 
Rejoice in His enduring grace,
Sing songs of His mercies.
Lift up His praise to heaven’s heights,
To Him who hears your pleas.
 
Sing out all creatures, praise His name
In joy or deep sorrow.
For He shields you within His love,
His grace, an endless flow.
 
Let, then, your songs of praise arise
That He who loves you still
May know that this earth praises Him
And that it always will.
 
Isaiah 49:13
Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Time Shared Together

We gathered, gladly, together,
In prayer we praised Your name.
Then, shared the laughter and the hope
That, in You, we can claim.
 
We spoke of those who needed help,
Our fellows in the church,
And even shared tales of the lost
Still mired in their search.
 
We broke bread and we shared a meal
As You called us to do.
A time of company and love
Shared with those who love You.
 
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. 

Your Garden Of Grace

 

It ain’t no bed of roses, Lord,
This life You’ve given me,
But I rejoice in You each day
For the bright blooms I see.
 
The blossoms of pure gratitude,
Sweet, fragrant buds of joy,
And fresh patience in bright array
When thorns tend to annoy.
 
The garden of Your mercies, Lord,
Amazes and delights.
I find I’m often overwhelmed
By all the wondrous sights.
 
I may not sleep on rose petals,
But You have given me
A life, a garden filled with grace,
Blooming abundantly!
 
Song of Songs 2:12
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

Resting In Safety

 

He calls us all to walk with Him
And in His Word remain,
But many prefer their own way,
And, His calling, disdain.
 
While those who turn to follow Him
And walk as He commands,
Will find the peace for which they long
Rests in His loving hands.
 
The quiet moment, the respite
From all our pain and fear,
We find when we turn back to Him,
Who loves and holds us dear.
 
Simple to say, but hard to do…
That truth I have long known,
But I’ve seen how, trusting in Him,
Both hope and peace have grown.
 
Now when the world starts whispering
Of all that might go wrong,
I listen to His Word instead
And, with faith growing strong,
I pray that those still wandering
Turn back before too long.
 
Job 11:18
You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

Learning To Listen

I called to You in my worry,
I asked for Your advice.
I knew that if I just listened
You’d speak, clear and precise.
 
I followed the path You showed me
And here I stand tonight,
Not sure if it’s better or worse,
But I’m sure it was right.
 
The hard things always hurt the most,
I give those up to You,
For, often there’s nothing that I
Alone can really do.
 
You have a greater view of things,
You know what I can’t see.
Your understanding far exceeds
What I might think should be.
 
I have a sense of peace tonight,
That I lacked yesterday.
I’m grateful that I’m learning, Lord,
To listen when I pray.
 
Luke 11:28
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

This sweet photo is a gift from AC and her trip to Africa. 

My Prayers Tonight

 

I call upon the Lord, my King,
The God who formed the stars,
Who healed the sins of all mankind
And bore for us the scars.
 
I lift my voice in prayer tonight
To cry out for Your grace,
For one who knows You, but is lost,
In need of Your embrace.
 
I lift my voice in prayer tonight
For one who needs healing,
Too many sorrows, born too long,
Without the peace You bring.
 
I lift my voice in prayer tonight
For one who shares Your Word.
Despite the dangers he will face,
He speaks what must be heard.
 
I call upon the Lord, my King,
The God who formed the stars,
Who healed the sins of all mankind
And bore for us the scars.
 
I lift my voice in prayer tonight
To thank You for the love
And for the mercy You pour out
From heaven up above.
 
Psalm 103:11-12
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Trusting In Your Light

 

A broken heart, a broken world,
And nothing I can do
To make it any better, Lord,
Except give it to You.
 
I see some light break through the dark,
But clouds come rushing in
To block my view and steal my hope
That light will ever win.
 
Yet, even in times of despair,
When all that I cling to
Is Your promise that You are near,
That promise remains true.
 
That’s why I gave all of my fears,
My tears and my despair
To You, Lord, in full trust and faith,
You heard me and my prayer.
 
You knitted up my broken heart,
And offered me a view
Of the unending light of life
That’s burning bright in You.
 
You brushed aside the cloudy night
To give me a brief peak
Of what lies beyond these dark days.
Yours is the Light I seek.
 
Let this world do all that it can
To block You from my sight,
But I’ll hold to the truth I’ve seen;
Your Light is shining bright.
 
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
 
Psalm 97:11
Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Sunset And Rest

 

My heart is filled with peace tonight,
My mind rests and is still,
For I know all heaven and earth
Still move within Your will.
 
You call the sun to burst at dawn
And fill the day with light,
Then it reflects back Your glory
As it moves toward night.
 
My busy morning gave way to
An even wilder day.
Yet I held on hoping I’d find
Some rest along the way.
 
I only needed to step back,
Be still and call Your name.
That’s when I heard You remind me,
Your peace was mine to claim.
 
No matter what the day’s pace was,
This evening’s filled with peace,
And I can rest, as the sun sets,
Knowing it will not cease.
 
2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

This gorgeous moment of peace is another blessing from ATF. 

Be Strong and Courageous

 

Oh Lord, I watch the storms roll by,
The raging winds abound.
Yet I will stand strong, undeterred,
Within the faith I’ve found.
 
The world may tell me to believe
As they demand of me,
But I’ve seen Your truth in my life.
That’s all I need to see.
 
There is no other choice to make,
Nothing I’d rather do
Than walk this path, ride out the storms,
And hold in faith to You.
 
The tempest will rage on a while,
Before its winds subside,
But I will still be standing here,
When those storm winds have died.
 
For I live within Your command:
Be strong, live not in fear!
The Lord, your God, has called you His
And He is ever near.
 
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Help Me Watch My words

 

I woke up grumpy this morning
And wishing I could sleep,
But I had chores I had to do
And promises to keep.
 
I found myself fussing at things
That didn’t work just so,
I even snarled at a car
That was moving too slow.
 
That’s when I heard You call to me,
Remind me of the grace
That I’d received and now should share
To others in my place.
 
I felt You bid me mind my words
And the heart that formed them.
Our words reflect what our hearts hold,
And mine were harsh and grim.
 
I stopped and bowed my head in shame,
And asked You to help me
To find the heart I’ll need today,
Then be who I should be.
 
Lord, help me take that kinder heart
And find each loving word
That I would rather hear from me,
Than those I’d said and heard.
 
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

This wonderful photo of an owl watching us is a blessing from TWT and beautiful Wyoming!

Blessed By Faith

 

Each night my final prayer has been
Please guard me while I sleep.
I know that it’s a wasted prayer,
For I am Yours to keep. 

You’ve promised us Your love endures,
Your mercies will not fail,
And I can sleep without worry
That Your grace will prevail.
 
Though I have used up so much grace
By the end of each day,
Your mercies are renewed each dawn
And always on display.
 
Even when I have failed You, Lord,
Your love has not failed me.
I have no need to pray for grace,
It’s mine abundantly.
 
Please help me pray each night instead
In thanks, not in request.
Your faithfulness is enduring,
By faith in You, I’m blessed.
 
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Braced For The Fight

Each day the world brings some new pain,
Struggle or frustration
That often leaves me overwhelmed,
Doubting how to go on.
 
I tell myself to buckle down,
Don’t give up in dismay.
I brace myself for what is next,
What life’s sending my way.
 
As I am bracing for the fight,
I hear You remind me
That I can take refuge in You,
You’re always there with me.
 
It doesn’t mean the fight won’t come,
But I won’t fight alone.
I’ll have the shelter of Your grace,
Stronger than steel or stone.
 
I can walk into what may come
If I walk by Your side.
You are my refuge and my strength,
In You my hopes reside!
 
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

A Flow Of Blessings

 

So much grace, so many blessings,
Far too many to count.
Your mercies, Lord, have overflowed,
A swift and rushing fount.
 
Floods of Your grace wash over me,
I stand within the flow
Praising the name of heaven’s King,
The Lord who loves me so.
 
I don’t deserve Your love, Your grace,
Nor even Your mercy,
But You have poured them out on me,
Flowing abundantly.
 
Oh, Lord, Your mercies overflow
Exceeding every prayer.
Please help me share Your flowing grace
With others in despair.
 
Teach me to channel that same love,
Which You’ve poured out on me,
Onto others who’ve not yet heard
Of You or Your mercy.
 
Oh Lord, I stand here overwhelmed
Amid all Your blessings,
The best of which is, without doubt,
The joy sharing it brings!
 
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

To See You In Me

I always hope I’ll see You, too,
When I’m looking at me.
Though I will never be like You,
In some ways, I should be. 

I need to see Your grace in me,
I need to see Your strength.
I need to see the kind of love
That goes to a great length.
 
I need to see the patient heart,
And mercy for the lost.
I need to share the redemption
That You bought at such cost.
 
I pray that I will see the faith
I find in You each day,
Enough to strengthen me and some
To share along the way.
 
As wondrous as You are, Oh Lord,
I know I cannot be,
But I will pray with all my heart
To see more You in me.
 
Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

An Unexpected Place

 

We have been called to walk in faith
And that’s what I have done,
Though I get anxious, now and then,
In this walk I’ve begun.
 
I haven’t always understood
The places You’ve led me,
But I know You have plans in place
That are too big to see.

 

That’s why, when I find myself in
Some unexpected place,
I pause and lift my voice in prayer
For Your guidance and grace.
 
Then I listen to Your answer
Before I start again.
I trust You and I’ll walk in faith,
Though I don’t know the plan.  
 
Jeremiah 7:23
but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.

With Just A Prayer

 

Though I may stand upon the crest
Of earth’s mightiest peak,
I still will not be close enough
To find what I now seek.
 
If I should sail into the stars
And beyond heaven’s roof,
I still would find Your holy throne
Distant, Lord, and aloof.
 
Yet, when I simply bowed my head,
And called to You in prayer,
Then You heard and You answered me.
I have no doubt You’re there.
 
Though I can’t see You anywhere,
You’re everywhere I look.
From mountain peaks to distant stars,
And prayer was all it took.
 
Psalm 69:13
But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

I'll Keep My Eyes On You

 

My eyes are fixed upon You, Lord,
And that is where they’ll stay.
Through all the madness and the mess
That this world sends my way.
 
For though I was born in this world,
I’m a child of Your grace,
And I will keep my eyes on You
Until I see Your face.
 
I’ve heard Your Word and I believe,
Nothing can change that now,
But I know that this world will try
To distract me somehow.
 
As You have called, I wish to serve,
To share Your truth, Your Word,
To all who still walk in the dark,
Who have not seen or heard.
 
Lord, You sent me into the world
With work that I’m to do.
Father, please keep Your eyes on me,
And I’ll keep mine on You.
 
John 17:16-19
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Rend Your Heart

 

Oh Lord, I’ve led a sinful life,
As has all of mankind
Since Eve first disobeyed Your law.
Sin’s too easy to find.
 
You redeemed us upon the cross,
Our pain and shame You bore,
That we might have a second chance
To “go and sin no more.”
 
It is a choice we have to make,
Contrition or remain
Living in sin despite Your grace.
The choice is stark and plain.
 
In days long past tradition was
We’d rend our clothes in shame,
Then cover our head in ashes,
Your forgiveness to claim.
 
Yet, it does no good to rend clothes,
That’s not where sins abide.
Instead, I’ll rend my heart and leave
Sin with no place to hide.
 
For it is in the heart of man
Where sin dwells and holds sway.
We must open our hearts to You
To wash that sin away.
 
So, each day I will bow my head
And rend my heart anew,
Knowing that true forgiveness, Lord,
Is always found in You.
 
Joel 2:13
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

The Family Of Believers

 

The rough, wild lands spread all around,
But, in its midst, they stand.
Joined in their faith, sharing their joy
And living His command.
 
The family of believers
So often stand alone,
But they are tasked to share with all
The grace they have been shown.

Even when life is bramble filled,
There’s always joy to see,
And that joy grows abundantly
Within His family.
 
They’ll welcome you in from the wild,
And share with you His grace,
For that is what He did for them
When they were in your place.
 
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

These Ring of Fire sunflowers are another beautiful gift from ATF! 

Walking Each Day With You

 

I walk the shoreline in the dawn
That I may hear Your voice
Before the chaos of the day.
I listen and rejoice.
 
Your glory abounds all around,
Wondrous it is to see,
But even more wondrous, indeed,
Is that You walk with me.
 
I’m humbled that You take the time
To listen as I pray.
I know that You have many calls
Upon Your grace each day.
 
Yet, when I reach out, You are there,
You hear me when I speak.
You answer patiently and share
Your guidance, which I seek.
 
I praise You for Your boundless love,
More vast than sky or sea,
And for the quiet time You spend
Each day walking with me.
 
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

This sweet photo is another gift from ATF, this time from Semiahmoo.