Elk County Forum

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it.

Touching words from the mouth of babes..


A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds ,

'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined

See what you think:


'When my grandmother got arthritis , she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.. So my grandfather does it for her all the time , even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'

Rebecca- age 8



'When someone loves you , the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4



'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5



'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6



'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4



'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him , to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7



'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing , you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that.
They look gross when they kiss'

Emily - age 8



'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents
And listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)



'If you want to learn to love better , you should start with a friend who you hate , '

Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)



'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt , then he wears it everyday..'

Noelle - age 7



'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6



'During my piano recital , I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8



'My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6



'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5



'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford .'

Chris - age 7



'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'

Mary Ann - age 4



'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'

Lauren - age 4



'When you love somebody , your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.'(what an image)

Karen - age 7



'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross..'

Mark - age 6



'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it , you should say it a lot. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8
And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry , the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard , climbed onto his lap , and just sat there..

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor , the little boy said ,

'Nothing , I just helped him cry'



When there is nothing left but God , that is when you find out that God is all you need. Take 60 seconds and give this a shot! All you do is simply say the following small prayer for the person who sent you this.

Heavenly Father , please bless all my friends in whatever it is that You know they may be needing this day! And may their life be full of Your peace , prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with You. Amen .

Then send it on to five other people , Within hours you caused a multitude of people to pray for other people. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life.

P. S. Five is good , but more is better..
God Bless You!

  :angel:






=

 





 

Live Give Love


Do live,
just for today.
Find joy and happiness
In everything you do and say.
Do not worry about tomorrow's plight.
This may be your very last night.
Live with lots of gusto,
Joyful; active!
Do live!

Do give,
With all your heart.
Don't hold back anything,
Make someone smile each single day.
This is God's will for us; it is His way.
Give comfort and kindness to all,
No matter how big or small.
God shall be pleased,
Do give!

Do love,
With all you have
To give to all people.
Love your Friends and your enemies.
Giving your love freely; no reservations,
As God has taught us through his Son
We are many nations
Yet we're all one
Do love!


James R. Greene © 11-01-06

:angel:

January's Jubilee

A new year's begun, in a blanket of snow
And we're glad for every joy to know
The memories that a winter's chill
Restores of every special home



The gentle nights of fireside glow
Flames leaping in a log piled grate
All receiving needed warmth
Together in God's wondrous grace



Embers roasting hot marshmallows
Mugs cupped in frosty hands
Peering out the misty window
Artwork of a cute snowman



Being thankful for each little joy
The tender love that comes each day
Safety for the longest journey
Kindest friends along the way



Comfort through dark windy nights
Provision for each pressing need
Our Father God delighting us
With all the joy He loves to give



Soft whispers for January from
Derry's Heart Poems ©2008
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

Winter, a
lingering season,
a time to gather
golden moments,
embark upon a
sentimental journey,
and enjoy every
blessed hour.
~John Boswell~

:angel:

 



The Shining Star

January sixth is the feast of the wise men
It was on this day the shining star
Led them to Jesus at night,
When the earth was still and all was silent
There came wise men,
Looking for the baby surrounded in light.

Angels were softly singing in the background
The sky had a wonderful light to behold
The earth was a pathway to The Christ child
For people to come from all over
To give such gifts untold.


When the wise man came
There was such joy
I wish I could have seen the baby boy
They had with them frankincense, myrrh and gold
Given with love,
I did not have a gift, so I gave the child
to be forever His,
My heart and soul.

The King of Kings thanked the wise men and blessed them
And for those who did not have a gift
The baby Jesus smiled and there was a glow
Everywhere you looked
It started to snow,
As the poor people saw..a miracle happen,
Wonders falling from the sky
Each one with the baby Jesus that day,
Received a gift from on high,
Joy, be in the highest and peace on earth to men
The wise men as they left saw this sight and then,
They bowed their heads and prayed.


Thank you God for making January sixth
A most wonderful day.
© 2005Linda Ann Henry
Do you remember me
The people's poet




May Jesus hold you close to
His heart during this
Blessed Christmas Season
and throughout the New Year!

:angel:

I am the way, the truth, the light
I am the bliss on summer night.
I am the wind, the sun, the rain
I am the splash on windowpane.


I am the sleet, the hail, the snow
I am the mighty winds that blow.
I am the fog, the mist, the dew
I am the rainbow shining through.


I am the tree, the grass, the vine
I am the fragrance in the wine.
I am the pond, the lake, the sea
I am the buzzing honey bee.


I am the stars, the moon, the sky
I am the eagle flying high.
I am the rose, the hue, the spring
I am the tiny birds that sing.


I am the width, the breath, the height
I am the way, the truth, the light.


© 8-20-05Marilyn Ferguson


Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6

:angel:

In a land so full of winter
Sometimes it seems we are alone
But God puts us in this ride together
So friendship we can know

In the warmth we have between us
We can share in heartfelt prayer
Here connected, one in spirit
We can feel that someone cares



As we pray for Him to fill our lives
With the comfort of His touch
So we will know the presence of
His very tender love

Then in that care, we find each day
(And through the lonely night)
The peace of our Heavenly Father
With the faith of inner sight



As we pray for one another
To know that in the cold He comes
To wrap His arms around us
And bring to us His love



Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©2008
Poetry From The Heart


I will never walk alone, He holds my hand.
He will guide each step I take, and if I fall,
I know He'll understand.
Ev'ry tear He wipes away and ev'ry heartache shares.
I will never walk alone, He holds my hand.
'Till the day He tells me why He loves me so,
I can feel His hand in mine,
That's all I need to know.

:angel:

 I know that I could use an extra prayer this weekend - and I figured all of you would as well!  May you feel the power of a loving God and answered prayer!  Love, Judy

His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
I pray that you will feel the presence of God as you read this email.

This is so beautiful!
John 3:16

A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold.

The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said,  'Mister,
you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could
find a warm place to sleep tonight would you?

You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay.'

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, 'You go down the street to that big white house and you knock
on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in.'

So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked
on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, 'John 3:16 .' The lady said, 'Come on in, Son.'

She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off.. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself:
John 3:16 ....I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.

Later she came back and asked him 'Are you hungry? 'He said, 'Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food,'

The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat anymore. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16...                   


Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub
filled with warm water, and he sat there
and soaked for a
while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16 ...
I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy
clean... You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.
The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room,
tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the
window at the snow coming down on that cold night,
he thought to himself: John 3:16 .....I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.

The next morning the lady came back up and took him
down again to that same big table full of food. After he
ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom
rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible.

She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face..
'Do you understand John 3:16 ? ' she asked gently. He replied,
'No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it,'
She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain
to him about Jesus . Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 –I
don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either,
how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer
and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life....

If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions .

Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father.' Pass this on only if you mean it.

I do Love God . He is my source of existence... .. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Phil 4:13 If you love God and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you, send this on..

Take 60 seconds & give this a shot ! Let's just see if Satan stops this one.

All you do is:

1) Simply say a small prayer for the person who sent you this, 'Father, God bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day.  In Jesus' Name, Amen ! '

2) Then send it on to ten other people.  Within hours ten people have prayed for you, and you caused a multitude of people to pray to God for other people. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves

 

Thank you for ALL who believe!
:angel:

Jesus The Door Of Hope

The door to Heaven is always open
A voice says, Come up higher
Come and sit around my throne,
With God you are never alone.



Step by step moving closer to God
Knowing that He gave His best for me.
When we reach our home in Heaven,
Our precious Lord will outshine them all.



God has conquered death and hell
So we could live with Him and dwell:
Stay close to God don't lose your joy,
A mansion awaits you in the by and by.



We'll see the beauty of Jasper and stone
A rainbow of clouds circling God's throne,
Our God is such an awesome God,
We'll walk and talk where He has trod.



Jesus still calls, Come up hither
And sit around the throne of Heaven,
We'll worship and praise our Lord and King,
Love, Honor, wisdom, and PEACE He brings.


Bernice's Inspirations
Bernice Ward ©2005

Bernice's Inspirations

:angel:

Today With Jesus


Although the days are long and weary
We can trust in Jesus to see us through,
God gives each day a new beginning
So we start again and make things new.
God is bigger than all our problems
All we have to do is lay it at His feet,
And with our hearts we'll praise Him
For all our needs He will meet.


We need to toil hard to make heaven
Sending up prayers each day to the throne,
From up above the Father watches over you
He is our refuge and His promises are true.
We don't need a special time to spread cheer
For everyday is special and God given,
He depends on us, His love to share
Not just one day but all through the year.


This wonderful friend my helper so true
He loves me and stays by my side,
His Love for me is oh.... So sweet
I trust in Him what 'er betide.
God is our souls strong refuge
He will protect us through this journey,
If you are searching for higher things
Just fix your eyes upon the coming King.


When my time on earth is ended
And the storms will be no more,
I'll stand in His beautiful presence
On God's Celestial peaceful shore!


©2006Bernice Ward
Bernice's inspirations
:angel:

It's In The Valley I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble, and woe.
It's then I have to remember,
That it's in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.



I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.



My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross.
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.



Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know;
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

Written by Tracy Mayfield
used with permission

:angel:

Lord I Ask


Lord, I ask thee for my daily strength
So I will seek your will to do
You bought me with your precious blood,
You are my Lord, I love you too.

This world cannot offer any enjoyment
Jesus offers eternal life for evermore
Hallelujah, Jesus broke the bars of sin
At last, at last, you and I can enter in.



Jesus gives to all a life of happiness
Fills our hearts with praise and singing
We can drink from God's full supply
His boundless grace will never run dry.

Jesus often waits to sit you upon His knee
Hold us with His loving strong arms
He says, come, rejoice with me my friend,
Your life with me will never end.



May you feel God's gentle loving touch
Look into the heavens, give Jesus a smile
Living in His presence, is sweet relief
On His sheltering wings you can rest in peace.

Bernice Ward ©2005
Bernice's inspirations

:angel:

God shall supply all your needs,
His word tells me these are all free.
My eyes look above,
where God brought down His love.



Such wonder makes me stop and think;
Each day is filled with much to drink,
From the wells of Jesus' grace
I long to look upon His face.



God supplies my every need;
Takes care of me
With His glorious riches,
not worldly wishes.



At this moment I have what I need.
I'm thankful for what I receive.
Be anxious for nothing,
give God all your suffering.
God shall supply all your needs.

~*~

Janet Ford © 2009
fordjlf6@aol.com

Don't worry about anything.
Instead, pray about everything!
Tell God what you need
and thank Him for all He has done!
~ Quote by Janet ~

:angel:

You Are Never Alone

When others forsake you
leaving you all alone
When you're feeling lonely
far away from your home
Remember there is someone
who sticks closer than brothers
He died on the cross one day
to save you and all others


When the world seems filled
with evil and much cruelty
Hope seems completely lost
peace is not part of life's reality
Your faith is fading rapidly
helplessness fills your soul
Remember the Savior gave
his all to make you whole


Upon bended knees confess
everything that you have done
Place your trust and faith within
the Father's only Begotten Son
Live your life more abundantly
let Him direct all your ways
Reach out to others and share
God's blessings all your days

Norma Duncan ©2007
God's Rock of glory

:angel:

What Can I Do For You?

You've given me many blessings, Jesus
All the years of my life
You've stood by me in hard times
You've carried me through strife

You've comforted me in sadness
You've held my hand when I cried
When I lost both my parents, Jesus
You never left my side

You have always guided my steps
In everything I do
I ask you Jesus, with a humble heart
What can I do for YOU?

The Bible teaches of an old rugged cross
And a place called Calvary
You were tortured with a crown of thrones
In pain, You died for me

You gave Your life to save the world
Wash our sins white as snow
The anquish you suffered on the cross
We mortals will never know

You have always guided my steps, Lord
In everything I do
I ask you Jesus with a humble heart
What can I do for YOU?

In reverence and love I kneel
I bow my head and pray
For all the blessings You've given to me
I could never begin to repay

You've never asked for anything, Lord
But you always know my need
Dear Jesus, you know I'll follow you
Wherever you may lead

You have always guided my steps, Lord
In everything I do
I ask you Jesus with a humble heart
What can I do for YOU?


Linda Hill ©2005
Authorsden

:angel:

The only real peace that I have dear Lord is in You
The only real peace that I have dear Lord is in You,
Through all life's frustrations, I need You, and I know I do,
For The only real peace, that I have dear Lord is in You!!

The only real peace we have is in Jesus
We owe Him so much for His unfailing love,
God's love is higher than the heavens,
God is faithful and sends blessings from above.

His word is our guide from day to day
He keeps us safe in the hallow of His hand,
His blood still flows, for me it did atone,
May we boldly kneel daily before His throne.

God's streams of love is always flowing
His love and peace he gives to thee,
As we walk close to Him, and let Him lead,
Oh, how He longs to supply your every need.

He shed His blood and claimed me as His jewel
His love, peace, and strength, He pours out to me,
How we need to share the story of the Lamb,
Hold on to Jesus, He is reaching out His hand.

Oh that we would tell of this great peace
Tell of His wonderous love and saving grace,
As we look by faith, we see Him on the tree,
Hear His sweet loving whisper, It was for thee!

Bernice Ward ©2005
Bernice's inspirations

Come and walk with me in His footsteps.
Do make Jesus the Lord of your life today !
:angel:

Jesus is my living flame
His kindling love sets me aglow,
He offers to all His loving flame,
He is your hope, just seek His face.

More and more He stirs our hearts
He waits to give you, His sweet love,
He is the Lamb for sinners slain,
He took my pain, He'll come to reign.



How wonderful to talk to Jesus
My beautiful Savior loving with grace,
Let us worship and praise heavens diadem,
Someday we will view His lovely face!

Breathe upon me today my Lord
Fill me with your love and power,
Let the mighty winds from heaven,
Keep me safe, til' I reach my haven.



My hurting heart God will mend
He will shelter me under His wing,
He came to be my Savior and friend,
I am His, "I'm a Child of the King"!

I can trust heavens diadem to lead me
Under His strong wings I feel so safe,
I'll stay within my Father's care,
He promised to be always near.

~**~

Bernice Ward ©2006
Bernice's inspirations
:angel:

Be Still

God is watching over earth and sky
He is in our trouble and in our joy,
He is the cup of redeeming grace,
Stay warm in Jesus, In His embrace.

God speaks through the singing of birds
He comes to us in His still quiet ways,
May we be still, as He speaks again,
Giving Him thanks for He took our pain.



God's love reaches over all the earth
Our mighty God so still and supreme,
He is my beloved Savior and friend,
He is with me from the begining to end.

Friend, don't assume God doesn't love you
He is just waiting for you to ask,
His love is deeper than the sea,
Oh the love, He has for you and me.

©2006 Bernice Ward
Bernice's Inspirations

:angel:

Light of the Lord



Sunlight streaming
Brilliant and warm
Dancing through trees
While shadows do form
Light and shadow
Darkness and day
Both contrast and divide
In a powerful way



For God is Light
He is radiant and pure
In His brilliant Truth
We can walk secure
In His Light may we be
In His Truth remain
In the warmth of Love
Living never in vain



Let the Son Light warm
Let it pour in your heart
Let its brilliance embrace
That from God you never part
You may walk in valleys
Of shadows of death
You will fear no evil
For Light sustains breath



As shadows are nothing
Forms without light
Shapes without substance
Dark as the night
Fear not then the shadows
Cower not in the trial
Cringe not in the darkness
Light remains all the while



For if Christ is within you
Light lives in your soul
It brings you Life eternal
It uplifts and makes whole
Celebrate then, Christian
Rejoice in the glorious Light
As the sun rises in the east
Praise God for the sight



See His Message in the beams
See His Word in the sunrays
See His Gospel in the sun
As its light speaks of His Ways
And let the Son Light warm
Let it pour in your heart
Let its brilliance embrace
That from God you never part

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

  :angel:

Angel Friend Of Mine


Like the freshness of a summer breeze
Scent of roses in the air
I do not see transparent wings
Yet I know my angel is there.

She doesn't fly or fade away
As sometimes angels do
There is no skepticism at all
The angel I speak of is you.


A friend so kind and very dear
Someone I dearly love
Sent for me to cherish
From Heaven up above.

Please know you are so special
Our friendship means so much to me
Today, tomorrow and always
Close friends we'll always be.


© 2005 Ginny Bryant
Gift Of Love

:angel:

Comfort of Christ


Cherished is the comfort
That I know in my Lord
He embraces me with love
Strengthens me in His Word
The fierce storms may come
The winds may blow with rage
Yet my dear Lord comforts me
All my fears He does assuage

Sweet is this divine comfort
Blissful to know it full well
So of this precious Gift
My lips cannot help but tell
For darkness does come
In this world we now live
Yet our Father in Heaven
To us Light does give

For when we embrace Truth
We embrace God's comfort too
When we make Christ Lord
We find peace we never knew
Christ knows how we feel
He suffered more than do we
He became a man like us
Suffering pain to set us free

Amazing that our God
Is not one aloof and afar
Truly He knows our pain
For He became as we are
We find in the Almighty
Compassion infinitely deep
We can cry on His shoulder
On His lap we can weep

And wipe from our eyes
He will each and every tear
He comforts with eternal love
Perfect love which casts out fear
Great comfort we find then
Through each and every trial
Each challenge we embrace
Rejoicing all the while

For even the challenges
Our Lord does make sweet
It is in the trials of life
That cross and crown do meet
With the comfort we receive
Let us then comfort one another
May we rejoice in our Father
As we console sister and brother

And praise our God on High
For this comfort we receive
How precious this gift to know
For all who in Christ believe

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Follow the Light of Jesus



In the darkest of the night,
when it's most difficult to see,
I follow the light of Jesus . . .
It's the only path for me.

He shines His light of goodness,
upon the narrow way.
He gives me Hope eternal,
at the break of each new day.

Whenever I'm lost and stumble,
without direction, and in despair.
I follow the light of Jesus,
knowing He's the One Who truly cares.

Whenever afflictions strike me,
and I'm sick and feeling defeated;
I call upon His strength,
whenever mine is depleted.

Whenever trials and tribulations
seem to oppress and blind, so that I can't see,
I follow the light of Jesus,
the only light which sets us free.


© 2006 Sandra Lewis Pringle
The Heart And Soul


Following the light of Jesus Christ is the path to seek.
It is His light which reflects all truth before us,
and leads us into the one sure way.

:angel:

God's Umbrella of Love

God stands close with His Umbrella of Love
So you and I can draw strength from Him,
He is our guiding Light for each new day,
Will you take time for Him and pray?

I just want to sit under God's Umbrella
And thank Him for loving me so much,
He wraps me in His Love and Grace,
And gently wipes the tears from my face.



We cannot see our Precious Lord
But we know He is always near,
He walks and talks with me always,
I will give Him all my Praise!

Let's stay under God's Umbrella of love
He wants to be your dearest Friend,
He'll walk with you along life's path,
And stay with you until the end.



Our Father in Heaven sends His Umbrella
To protect His children from all trials,
His Love and Grace have rained on me,
I'll Praise Him throughout Eternity!

I feel His Love so deeply within,
He protects and watches over me,
I'm not worthy of His Love and Grace,
Yet His marvelous Love has set me free.

~**~

Bernice Ward ©2011
berniceward@eastlink.ca
Bernice's Inspirations

"Let us aways stay under
God's Umbrella."

:angel:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John chapter 14 verse 6




Rest in me
You won't find comfort in this world
Let me put my arms around you and hold you up
Put those worries aside
I have it all under control



What seems so huge to you is very small to me
If I can stop the storms and calm the seas
Do you not think I am able to handle your crisis
Look for my purpose in your storm



There is a greater good at hand
Be still and rest in me
I know your needs
Remember, I care for all creation



I feed the sparrows and keep the stars in place
I created you and I will not forsake you
I know your name and your thoughts
I know when someone hurts you
And I hear every tear you shed
Won't you just rest in me



Let me have you and your cares-
ALL of you and ALL of them
Just rest

***

©Debra Hopkinson
Tennessee Treasures

:angel:

Remember Me from Jesus


Did you think of Me
When you saw the beautiful sunrise
I sent you this morning



Did I come to mind
When you saw the rainbow
I set in the sky
This afternoon



Do you recognize
That I'm the one
Who gave you a safe journey
Home today



Will you think of me
Tonight when I tell the sun to hide
And place the stars in the sky



I think of you often
I know your name
And even how many
Hairs you have on your head
At this moment in time



I created you wonderfully
You were formed
Just as I wanted you to be
I pray for you when you struggle


Mabe tomorrow I will cross your mind
In the meantime
I'll send angels to camp all around you
To keep you safe
From all harm



With my life,
Jesus

~**~

©Debra Hopkinson
Tennessee Treasures

:angel:

In the Garden

I come to the garden alone
while the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses



And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the Joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known



He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing



And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
and the Joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known



I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho' the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling



And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the Joy we share
as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Written by C. Austin Miles



:angel:

My Lord My Shepherd

How can our hearts be troubled long
When we know in glory Our Lord does reign?
Nothing can separate us from His Love
No trial, no challenge, no pain
Jesus is my Joy and my Comfort
My cup indeed overflows
I sing of my Savior and His Love
Not of the trials nor of the woes



Praise the Lord, Praise His Glorious Name!
Praise Him who created mountain, lake and sea
Sing of His Good Will, Sing of His Love
Yes, I will do so gladly and joyfully
My soul bursts with joy when I contemplate
All that my Savior has done for me
How could He have? How would he have?
Died for such a one, a sinner only be?



Love teems in my heart for Him
Gratitude and joy abound
Yes, my hope is in my Lord
Grateful His salvation I have found!
Thank you, My Lord
For your love, for your grace so kind
Let us rejoice, let us be glad
That sin no longer does us bind



We are led by the Spirit
And showered by blessings from Above
Let us share the Good News with all
And sing hymns of His Everlasting Love!

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

The wintry winds arrive
With forces swift and cold
The winds speak of cycles
Of patterns dating to old
Spring, summer, soft and sweet
Have now come and passed
The season of endings has
Arrived here at last



Burying the earth in white
Nipping life with the freeze
What can we hear in her voice
The sound of the winter breeze?
For although the cold does brace
And the frost does sting
What is it in the winter
That makes the heart sing?



Sovereignty of God
In the patterns He does create
The cycles of spring to winter
Do never one year abate
And the world covered
With blankets deep and white
A picture of perfect purity
They do make for the sight



So in this season
Which buries grasses and flowers
God's wondrous Word touches us
In dancing flakes of snow showers
Just as Life came in Christ's death
And new birth from burial deep
God whispers in the winter winds
Of precious Promises He does keep



So when the winter winds
Arrive and fiercely blow
We see promises of new life
In dancing wind drifts of snow
For God transforms the cold
And, to the dead, life He brings
So let us sing in the winter winds
Of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

There's a garden where Jesus is waiting,
There's a place that is wondrously fair;
For it glows with the light of His presence,
'Tis that beautiful garden of prayer.

Oh, the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer,
Oh, the beautiful garden of prayer;
There my Savior awaits, and He opens the gates
To the beautiful garden of prayer.



There's a garden where Jesus is waiting,
And I go with my burden and care
Just to learn from His lips words of comfort,
In the beautiful garden of prayer.

There's a garden where Jesus is waiting,
And He bids you to come meet Him there;
Just to bow, and receive a new blessing,
In the beautiful garden of prayer.



Oh, the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer,
Oh, the beautiful garden of prayer;
There my Savior awaits, and He opens the gates
To the beautiful garden of prayer.

Oh, the beautiful garden of prayer.

written in 1920
by Eleanor Allen Schroll & J.H. Fillmore

:angel:

It's my dream this very moment
For your day to be most blessed,
May your Sunday be most beautiful
And full of all God's best.



I pray for you a gladsome time
Of worship, praise and prayer,
May your Sunday be so special
Overflowing with God's care.

~*~

Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems @June 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart



The sovereign God wants to be loved for Himself
and honoured for Himself,
but that is only part of what He wants.
The other part is that He wants us to
know that when we have Him we have
everything - we have all the rest.
~A. W. Tozer~
:angel:

God's Love....

God has stamped our name on His hand,
Yet so often we go our own way,
We fail Him so often yet He still loves,
He is always watching, He waits today.



Our Mighty God is a God of love,
That's why He gave His son to die.
So many things we do not understand,
God died to take away sin and shame.



So often we hear His Whispering Voice,
"I want to give you the desires of your heart.
I've come to heal your broken Spirit,
Into your life, My Love to impart."



He waits to clothe us with His love,
He still prays for you and me.
His love is deeper than the sea,
His Precious Blood still flows to set you free.

~***~

Bernice Ward ©2004
Bernice's Inspirations

Walking close to Jesus I'll never be alone,
Friends may fail me, He'll remain my own.
His hand will guide all of my days.
Walking close to Jesus is a house of Praise.
Lord help me be a Master Piece of Grace.
Take my life Lord as Your Spirit leads.
~ Written by Bernice ~

:angel:

Wherever You go, Lord
Grant that I may go too
For my greatest desire
Is to be always with You
If You travel the mountains
Let me climb them by your side
If You sail seas and oceans
Let me remain through each tide



If into the heavens You fly
Lord, may I reach this great height
If into the dark valleys You go
Lord, remain always in my sight
Through joy and through tears
Through darkness and light
Grant that I may be with You
Through each day and each night



For who knows me like You do?
Who loves me with a love so sweet?
Who gives everything to me
As You have since we did meet?
To the Love and Life You give
Nothing will ever compare
So my every moment with You
Lord, I do long to share



The heights are much higher now
Bright even are the valleys low
Everything You make new and lovely
Your strength in our weakness does show
So my heart is one with Yours
I abide in You, and You in me
Transformed I am inside and out
A new woman You made me to be



Glorious it is to be Your daughter
Sweet to be one whom You love
You share with me every moment now
Just as You will when I live Above
Rejoice in Your Name I will always
Sing to you sweet songs of praise
How can I contain my joy for Jesus?
His love continually does amaze



So wherever You go, dear Lord
Please grant that I may go too
For my greatest desire is
To be always with You

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Born Again, Jesus answered....


Lest a man be born again
The Kingdom of God he will not see
Such a glorious Truth to know
Yes, such a wondrous mystery
But what is this second birth?
A mother does not carry a child twice
How can we heed Christ's words?
How can we follow sacred advice?

The birth of which our Lord speaks
Is not of the flesh and blood we know
It is a birth of the spirit from Spirit
Following then wherever the Spirit does go
Sweet is this second birth
Blessed are those who in Spirit live
These taste the bliss of eternity
These savor the grace God does give

For God so loved the world
That He sent His only begotten Son
Whosoever places His faith in Christ
Knows salvation through the Holy One
In surrendering one's self to Christ
In giving Him everything and all
One finds Life and victory sweet
Following ever his dear Master's call

For to enjoy the resurrection of Christ
First one must with Him also die
A death of denying the desires of flesh
In order to spiritual heights then fly
Rejoice then in this second birth
Celebrate the Spirit Who now lives in you
Praise God for the Gift of eternal life
Thank Him for His love enduring and true

How glorious it is to live this Life
I count all lost in previous life as naught
I long to live always fully in the Spirit
For Christ's blood my redemption bought
Let us tell one and all of this story
Let us tell everyone about spiritual birth
No sweeter story is there to share
Than Christ dying to save all on earth

So may we embrace Christ each passing day
And fan the flame of the Spirit in the heart
May we lift our prayer and praise to God
Who loved each and all of us from the start
For so very sweet is this second birth
Blessed are we who in Spirit live
We taste each day the bliss of eternity
Yes, we savor the grace God does give

Praise the Lord we have been born again
The Kingdom of God each one of us shall see
Such a glorious Truth to experience and know
Yes, such a wondrous and glorious mystery

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

Jesus answered and said unto him.
Verily, verily I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3 KJV
:angel:

Sweet Angel

As I sit in my solitude
Quietness all around
I hear the tiny footsteps
A soft and gentle sound.

The silence hardly hindered
By the flutter of little wings
Soft melodious voices
In harmony they sing.

We came to watch over you
And do not wish you harm
Mesmerized by their presence
As I sat there in the calm.

They sprinkled the room with star dust
Particles sparkling in the air
Busy with their loving work
I could not help but stare.

Fragrances of lilacs
Surrounds the room serene
Cutest little angels
That I have ever seen.

Do you believe in angels?
One thing I know, I do
They are comforting and loving
And it's true they watch over you.

Ginny Bryant @2007
Ginny's Gift Of Love
:angel:

Watch and pray, said our Lord
That into temptation we do not fall
Alert and prayerful may we be then
Eager to answer our Master's call
For even the most virtuous
Is wretched without God's grace
Yet with His strength we can endure
With His power we run the race



In our very weaknesses
His strength He does show
When for Him we empty our all
Fullness of Spirit then we know
Sweet it is to know this power
Beautiful to feel God move
Blessed we are to be His temples
Truth of His Word in us does prove



Watch and pray I will then
Each passing day, each moment too
For by keeping wide my eyes
I discern between false and true
And prayer connects me to Him
The Eternal God on High
Communing with Him always
That to my heart He is nigh



Lead me not into temptation, Lord
Prayerful and watchful may I be
Clinging to you, my Master
Of Satan's shackles living free
For faithful You are to lead us
Lord, loving You are to save
Merciful to strengthen us
In Your Name we can be brave



Full of evil is this fallen world
Yet overcome this world did You
Nothing separates us from Your love
When we cling to all that is True
I thank You, dear Lord and Savior
I praise You for holding my hand
Next to me You walk each moment
Leading me to Your Promised Land



Love You more each day I do
To understand You more I want so
That I may love you deeper, Lord
And Your love to all I may show
Watch and pray I will be then
That into temptation I do not fall
Alert and prayerful will I be then
Eager to answer my Master's call



And sweet it is to know Your power
Beautiful to feel You move in me
Blessed I am to be Your temple
Set apart to live with You for eternity

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

NO ONE
falls in love by choice,
it is by CHANCE.

No one
stays in love by chance,
it is by WORK.

And no one
falls out of love by chance,
it is by CHOICE

If you love this man
please forward to 10 people.

He did
something for you,
now do something for Him.

Spread his word,
And you'll be rewarded.
How?

Matthew 10:32...
'Whoever acknowledges Me before men,
I will acknowledge him
before My Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns Me before men,
I will disown him
before My Father in heaven.'

God is going to
shift things around
for you tonight
& let things work
in your favor.

If you believe, Pass it on
Do not ignore him.
You must have
unwavering faith.
God bless you!
  :angel:

This is a beautiful song. I hope you can find it on YouTube

I stand by the strength of Jesus
I walk just holding his hand
With Him by my side, every need is supplied
By the power of God I stand.
I know how it feels to lay by the road
while the rest of the world goes by
I know how it feels to be helpless and scared,
left without one ounce of pride


And I know how it feels when God reaches down
and with his touch lifts my burden away
I've been down it's true, but I'm living proof,
that God still works today.
I stand by the strength of Jesus
I walk just holding his hand
With Him by my side, every need is supplied
By the power of God I stand.


I know what it's like, to cry out in fear,
"O Lord, why this, why me?"
I know what it's like when all I can hear,
is the silence of my misery
And I know what it's like when that whisper breaks thru
and He says, "Child, I've been here all along
I know now you're weak, but come, lean on me,
And with my strength I'll make you strong."


I stand by the strength of Jesus
I walk just holding his hand
With Him by my side, every need is supplied
By the power of God I stand.

Written and Music by Phil Morgan.
Sung by Pam Morgan
@2001 Phil Morgan
Jammin Gentile Music, BMI. All Rights Reserved.
Directly licensed in place for Internet public performance
at A Lighthouse.com

:angel:

~ Joy of Jesus ~

Joyfully I arise each day
Knowing You are there to greet
Lord, You have brought joy ineffable
Since You and I did meet

Joy which uplifts me in the dawn
Joy which embraces me in my sleep
Joy which gleams from my eyes
Joy which shines in the dark deep



Joy which makes my heart sing
Joy which warms my body and soul
Joy which fills me to overflowing
Joy which make me beautifully whole

Joy which flows as living water
Joy which wells within me
Joy which brings prayer and praise
Joy which grows throughout eternity



Oh, sweet joy You bring, my Savior
Joy known by only those knowing You
Joy experienced by Your children
Who discover all You said is true

Faithful You are to Your promises
Prophecies are fulfilled time after time
Those who trust in Your Word, Lord
Find then a joy sweet and sublime



We will go out in joy and be led in peace
The mountains and hills will burst into song
Everlasting joy will crown our heads
For with our Father we always belong

This joy of Jesus I sing each day
This brilliant joy which does abound
Ever since the day I called You my Lord
Ever since the moment Your love I found



Join me, Christian, in songs of praise
Join me in thanking our Father Above
Join me in singing of the everlasting joy
He gives to the children He does love

Joyfully then we journey each day
Knowing our Savior walks by our side
Our Lord has brought us joy ineffable
And so in Him we will always abide

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Knowing God


My heart rejoices in You, O God
My soul lifts You in constant prayer
How blessed I am to be Your daughter
To feel Your Presence is always near
So sweet to know You, Eternal One
So lovely to feel You next to me
So beautiful to hold Your Hand each day
So wondrous that Your Way I see

Lifted to new heights I am each day
For I know You, the Creator of us all
I see the world so clearly now
For You raise me to mountains tall
Yes, You opened my eyes to truly see
How blind I was before I met You
You share with me eternal wisdom
You confide in me all that is True

Those who seek You earnestly, Lord
You indeed they will joyously find
Those who set their hearts upon You
Experience transformation of the mind
Suddenly these see more than the seen
They find a world unseen yet real
Clearly they discover that life is eternal
Strongly Your love they do feel

Blessed are those who know You
Overjoyed I am to be of them one
A dear daughter of Yours, Almighty
Purchased by the blood of Your Son
My Father, my Daddy, is Jehovah
How can my joy I ever contain?
Your Name I raise continually in song
Your love is the beautiful refrain

Abba, Abba, my Father, loves me so
Indeed He sent His Son to die for me
Behold the love of my God on the Cross
More than my eyes can bear to see
Faith I have in the Sacrifice of the Lamb
Confident that His blood makes me clean
Pure and holy I am in my Father's eyes
Justified by faith I have in the unseen

Bursting with joy and thanksgiving
I find myself now each day and night
Thank You, Father, that I am to You
Precious and priceless in Your sight
Rejoice, dear brother and sister, with me
Our Daddy on High loves us so much
How can we not sing of His goodness
Of the way our hearts He does touch

For each of us knows the Eternal One
So lovely to feel Him next to you and me
So beautiful to hold His Hand each day
So wondrous it is His Way we see

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

 

The Love of Jesus
There's no love more precious,
more costly, more kingly.
There's no love that's greater-
that's more wonderful, more wild,
more passionate, more powerful-
than the love of Jesus.

Believe, receive, and rejoice forever in the greatest love the world has ever known!

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38, 39 NASB




:angel:

No Greater Love
There's no greater love than the love of Jesus.
There's no love that's wiser,
that's stronger, that lasts longer,
that's more willing or thrilling.

There's no love more beautiful, more bountiful,
more bold, more basic and unbiased.
There's no love more caring, more sharing,
more daring to risk all in danger for sinner and stranger.

There's no love more gracious, more giving, more living,
more sacred, more selfless, more soul-satisfying,
more pure and undying.
There's no love more verifiable, more valuable,
more validating, more victorious, more glorious.

:angel:

Lord, I commit my all to you
Each passing day and night
I long to walk upon your Way
Always in your perfect Light

For to be one with you, Lord
Is to be one with joy and peace
Indeed to walk with you, Lord
Is to each and every fear release



Your perfect love casts out fear
It brings peace and comfort divine
You bring nourishment to Life
In Your spiritual Bread and Wine

For You are the Bread of Life
You sustain the heart and soul
Your blood is the precious Wine
Cleansing us to make us whole



You are the Way, Truth and Life
No other pathways to God lead
You allow us kinship with the Father
While You fill richly our every need

Such a joy I have found in You, Lord
I cannot stop my heart from singing
I raise my arms in praise to you, God
For Love and Peace You keep bringing



Oh, that each soul would know You
That each person would Your Love feel
May each heart soften to Your Word
Ever true, ever powerful, ever real

For to know closely the Son of God
Is to know intimately the Father Above
To be one with the Word made Flesh
Is to unite with eternal Peace and Love



So many Names you have, Lord
So many roles You gloriously play
Truth, Word, Bread, Wine, Love
King, Lamb, God, Life and Way

Yet on me You have set Your sights
And upon all the children You adore
May we grow to know You deeper, Lord
May we love you each day all the more



May we spread your Message to all
The Gospel of Peace may we share
That all may rest in Your divine peace
That all may know Your loving care

May I lose myself entirely in You
For in losing ourselves we find true Life
To think that You are our Bridegroom
And Your Church your radiant Wife



To think of these truths, Lord
Truly amazes and overwhelms my mind
How humbling that You love me so
No sweeter truth I will ever find

So I commit my all to you, Lord
Each passing day and night
I will walk with You upon Your Way
Abiding always in your perfect Light

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Faith



My Lord, My God
Forgive when with faith I do not see
Help me, O LORD,
To appreciate the unseen with clarity

For our faith lies not in the seen
But rather in those things beyond sight
It is in those with deep faith
That You give favor and find delight



So often I stumble
Because I do not see
I see the world around me, yes
But forget the unseen of eternity

Grant, O Lord, that I may see
As you do, seen and unseen, both
For it is to You and to Your Kingdom
That my life I will always devote



Guide me, Lord, and show me
The path of life abundant and pure
With only You as my Compass
Can the course of my steps be sure

Let the depth of my faith surge
As the deep and beautiful sea
Let never the doubts and worries
Wash over a faithless me



For with faith I will live
And with faith I will die
Only to find eternal promises
Granted from the Most High

Thank you, O Lord, for your grace
To grant me the faith to live
I pray that you increase my faith
And more to me each day You give



For I will please you with faith
And I will serve with hope and love
Knowing You so closely here, Father
And even more so when we meet Above

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

He could have called 10,000 angels

They bound the hands of Jesus
in the Garden where He prayed,
They led him through the streets in shame.

They spat upon the Savior,
so pure and free from sin,
They said, "Crucify Him,
He's to blame."



He could have called 10,000 angels,
to destroy the world, and set Him free.
He could have called 10,000 angels,
but He died alone, for you and me.

Upon his precious head
they placed a crown of thorns,
they laughed and said
"Behold the King."



They struck him
and they cursed him
and mocked his Holy name,
and all along he suffered everything.

He could have called 10,000 angels,
to destroy the world, and set Him free.
He could have called 10,000 angels,
but He died alone, for you and me.

Written by: Ray Overholt in 1958
Sung by Loretta Lynn
Directly licensed for
internet public performance on A Lighthouse.com

:angel:

God Sent A Butterfly ~

God sent to me a butterfly
It landed very near,
He said to me all will be well,
There is no cause for fear.



It hovered there so softly
With fold of pretty wing,
I sat and watched its prettiness
And felt a warmth within.



I love it how God sends me
A butterfly or bird,
To whisper little secrets
The promise of His word.



He never fails to come
In ways I cannot guess,
I love my Father dearly
The ways He loves to bless.



For when life has its questions
Its confusion, doubts and tears,
God says to me, keep trusting
Your every cry I hear.



There's always so much more
Than we can see or know,
And He must have His reasons
When we are hurting so.

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Oct 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

May not a single moment of my life
be spent outside the light, love,
and joy of God's presence and not a moment
without the entire surrender
of my self as a vessel for Him
to fill full of His Spirit and His love.
~ Andrew Murray ~

Charles Haddon Spurgeon said meekness
is being submissive to God's will
and responsive to His Word.
When He directs you to do something,
He will tell you the manner in which to do it.
If His will requires gentleness,
He will help you to be tender.
If it requires boldness,
His power will surge through you
to accomplish what He asks.
~ Joy Strang ~

:angel:

A Valentine For All The World

A valentine for all the world to span down through all time,
Was the heart that God, through Jesus gave, the heart of love sublime.

The heart that beat within the body that bore the pain,
The heart that let itself be still, that I might heaven gain.

The heart that pumped the blood that flowed and dripped from Calvary's cross,
That everyone who claims this blood be saved, none need be lost.

The heart that breaks when we turn away,
Putting off salvation until another day.

I thank God for His infinite love for all He's done for me,
For His love that lives beyond all time through all eternity.
@Lillian Carol Russell
:angel:

Sweet Valentine, Sweet Love of mine

Sweet Valentine, Sweet Love of mine
I give my all and my heart to Thee
So precious are You to me, LORD
Your Love is all I know and see

Never have I known a man
To love me more sweetly and true
Than You, my beloved Savior
In all You ever say and do



Truly you are the Love of my life
You are the One for Whom I sing
Great is the joy, the peace, the comfort
That every day to me You bring

Stay with me, my Beloved
I plead that You never leave my side
Betrothed I am, with all Your Church
To be Your pure and beloved Bride


You died for me, my Love
On Calvary You poured out Your all
How can I but answer and follow
When You, my Lord, do call?

Bind my heart to Yours, my Jesus
Grant that You and I may never part
For to know You is to know love
So I give You my all and my heart



On this Day of Saint Valentine
I celebrate You and the love You give
Wondrous it is to be in love with You
To be one with You is to truly live

May each one know you, dear Lord
May each one experience Your love sweet
May each one find You and Your Heart
May I express Your love to each one I meet



Life Eternal and Love Unceasing
Both I have found in You, the Son
You are to me everything, yes, all things
You are my meaning, my passion and my One

So a song of Valentine I sing to You
My heart beats for You as I sing rhyme
I have found my eternal and my true Love
Yes, He will be with me until the end of time

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

Happy Saint Valentine's Day !

:angel:

 

The First Valentine Message
For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him
should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

The first Valentine message
is still the best one ever sent.
God bless you Today and Always


:angel:



From My Heart to Yours
You're loved-
not just a little, but a lot...
not just on this day, but always...
not just by God, but others too...
(me, for example)

Happy Valentine's Day
from my heart to yours.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God.
I John 4:16 NIV
:angel:

The Sweetest Valentine is Love Divine

Celebrate now we do
The season of Saint Valentine
A season of sharing our hearts
And expressing love divine

We commemorate the Saint in Rome
Who with Valentine went by name
A Saint martyred for Jesus Christ
Giving all for love and not for fame



Valens itself in Roman times
Meant worthy, powerful and strong
Thus this worthy martyred Saint
With our dear Savior does now belong

What is this Day of celebration then
Of candy, roses and sweet greeting?
Is it one of passionate romance
Of feelings powerful yet fleeting?



At its core and at its essence
This Day is far more than these
It is a Day of love pure and holy
One which brings us to our knees

For God Himself is love
Christ embodied love in His Life
He is our beloved Bridegroom
We, the Church, to be His Wife



Oh, glorious is this truth indeed
It touches and warms my soul
When I give my all to Christ
He completes and makes me whole

So strong is the love I have for Jesus
So passionate, so deep, so wide
Yet even greater is His love for me
And for His Church, His beloved Bride



Sing to sweet Jesus, then, on this Day
Sing of His love perfect and pure
Sing of His unending and undying love
In which you and I can rest secure

For greater love has no man
Than to lay down his life for friends
Our dear Lord died for us, mere sinners
We know then His love never ends



This, dear Christian, is the meaning
The heart of the Day we now celebrate
It is a day of sacrifice, of true love
It is a day of expressing agape great

Such is the agape-love expressed
In the martyred Saint Valentine of Rome
He poured out his life as a love offering
For his Father in his Heavenly home



And such is the love shown by Christ
Yes, by our sweet Savior on the Cross
All I have known before meeting my Lord
I consider all merely but waste and loss
So sing, dear Christian, on this Day
Lift your heart to the Eternal One
Raise your voice in songs of praise
To the Father, the Spirit and the Son



For sweet is the love we know in Christ
Precious, priceless, undying and true
A love that He shows today and every day
To me and, yes, dear friend, to you

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

Happy Saint Valentine's Day !

:angel:

Longing for Love

Glorious this love to know
Joyous this love to feel
Sweet this love You show
Inspiring this love is real

Love streaming from my Savior
Love lavished by my God on High
Love poured out on mount Calvary
Love which draws me to Christ nigh



Love existing before the stars
Love gleaming before the first man
Love long foreknowing salvation
Love which laid the merciful plan

Love who is God Himself
Love knowing me before my birth
Love wondrously stitching me
Love setting foundations of the earth



Oh, sweet Love, please fill me
Lord, may Your Spirit in me overflow
Father, let Your love shine in me
Let my life Your love always show

Your love warms and embraces me
Your love lets me soar to new heights
Filling me with passion and peace
Brightening my days and my nights



Powerful is Your precious love
Opening my eyes and bending my knees
Lord, I long for You and Your love
I desire that You I will always please

For Your love has changed my life
Your love has transformed my mind
Your love has renewed my spirit
My heart to Yours, Lord, forever bind



Sing joyously of Your love I will
I will dance and sing your praise
Let Your love consume me, Lord
For to You my heart I raise

Come with me, dear Christian
Come, let us sing with joy great
Glory to God in the Highest
In Him we rejoice and celebrate



Glorious is God's love to know
Joyous is the love of Jesus to feel
Sweet the love You, dear Lord, show
Inspiring to know Your love is real

Oh, sweet Love, please fill me
Lord, may Your Spirit in me overflow
Father, let Your love shine in me
Let my life Your love always show

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

              Hope

Great is our hope, dear Christian
A hope which endures beyond time
Hope through the resurrection of Christ
Hope sacred, spiritual and sublime

Yes, our loving Father gives to us
A wondrous birth in living hope
It transcends our understanding
Eternal and all-encompassing in scope



Let us wear this hope as our helmet
A sure and steadfast anchor of the soul
Yes, through the joy and peace of believing
Hope abounds in us to make us whole

So my hearts sings praises to our Savior
For His hope does carry me above trial
Yes, rain and shadows may encompass me
But His hope keeps me joyful all the while



Things external cannot overcome me
No, my eyes are fixed on hope of eternity
For hope that is seen is not hope at all
I instead wait for what I do not see

Christian, then, do not grow discouraged
Do not quench the Spirit living in you
Fix your eyes instead on God's Promises
Set your heart upon the eternal and true



Then surely hope will well in your soul
Surely it will burst forth as a fountain
It will embrace, uplift and encourage you
Both in deep valley and on towering mountain

So join me, dear Christian, in praising God
May hope keep our eyes fixed on Heaven above
For nothing is more beautiful or more sweet
Than to experience Christ and His eternal love



Rejoice we do in the hope Jesus has given us
It is a hope which endures beyond time
Hope through the resurrection of our sweet Savior
A hope sacred, spiritual and sublime

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Our Lord made quiet time for prayer
How much more then should we?
He withdrew in the morning while dark
So that with His Father He could be

The Word made flesh, the Son Himself
He relied upon His hours of prayer
For in prayer we commune with God
We speak to Him, and Him we do hear



Oh, so precious is this gift divine
So lovely it is for you and I to know
We can speak freely to our dear Father
In all things to Him we must go

Rejoice, my heart, in this gift
Be ready always my lips to pray
Eager to commune with my Father
Incessantly each night and day



My spirit touches His Spirit
In prayer I feel this, yes, deeply so
God wraps me in His eternal arms
And Heavenly things I see and know

How could we ever be lazy in prayer?
How could our hearts not long for this?
How could we not want to see our Daddy?
How could we not want to feel this bliss?



Let us grow deeper in prayer each day
Let us make time for it all the more
Let us approach the Heavenly throne
Let us rest with our Father secure

In the quiet, dark hours of the morn
May we like our sweet Savior be
May our Father find us deep in prayer
With lifted arms or bended knee



As sweet incense may our prayers rise
As the fragrance of flowers sweet
May our prayers ascend to our Father
Pleasing to Him when they do greet

Join me, dear Christian, in sweet prayer
Raise your heart to our Father with me
Grateful I am to pray with you, dear one
Let us commune with our Father joyfully



Yes, so precious is this gift divine
So lovely it is for you and I to know
We can speak freely to our dear Father
In all things to Him we must go

And rejoice we will in this gift
Be ready always our lips to pray
Eager to commune with our dear Father
Without ceasing each night and day

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

The Cross of Christ
Intersection of death with Life
Overlap of justice and mercy
Union of joy with strife

The Cross of Crucifixion
Beams vertical and horizontal meet
Divine mercy flowing downward
Scales of justice balancing sweet



The Cross of our Lord
Altar of Sacrifice lifted high
That all looking to Jesus Christ
May to the Father be nigh

The Cross of Calvary
An expression of highest Love
God dying for His creation
That man may be with Him above



The Cross of Jesus
Heavy, yet it He did embrace
Suffering condemnation and cruelty
To save from sin the human race

The Cross of Golgotha
Water and blood from Christ did flow
That all cleansed by His Sacrifice
Would divine love and mercy know



The cross of my life
Small when to my Lord's I compare
Sweet to share His suffering
With me eternal riches He does share

The cross, the divine intersection
May we embrace with grateful heart
For in the moment we accept it
Flow of God's graces do then start



The Cross of Christ
May it convict the heart and mind
For in repentance and transformation
Divine joy and peace we find

The Cross of my Lord
May it remind me continually
Of the unending, undying love
That my Savior has for me



Behold the Cross of Calvary
Expressing my Lord's Love
He died for me, His daughter
That I may be with Him above

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"The Cross so heavy
Christ did lovingly embrace,
suffering condemnation to save the human race
~ Reflection by Caroline ~

:angel:

February 18

No Longer Hungry, But Satisfied

"The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever." Psalm 22:26

Have you ever wondered why people stumble into pornography? Perhaps you even struggle in that area. It's because they are not feeding on Jesus. They are seeking satisfaction in the evil pleasures of this world, rather than the eternal promises of eternity.

Suppose you just finished a wonderful meal and somebody knocks on your front door. You answer it, and they hold forth a plate full of stale crumbs saying, "Take this. Eat." You would say, "No thank you, I don't need that. I'm already satisfied."

When you feast on the goodness of Jesus, you won't be down a dark alley eating tin cans with the devil's billy goats. "And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).

:angel:

Vineyard of the Lord
Land delightful and divine
Sweet are the grapes therein
Precious is their wine

Wondrous, joyous, eternal
Beautiful, lovely and fine
Such is the sacred Vineyard
Yes, such is the chosen Vine



For Christ is the true Vine
His children in Him abide
Taste we do eternal Life
As we remain by His side

Lord, sweet is Life I know
The true Life I find in You
Grant that I remain forevermore
A branch in Your Vine true



Apart from You I lose life
Apart from You I have naught
Abide in me, then, and I in You
For I am Your daughter blood-bought

Your blood is the Wine we drink
It is the Drink of eternal life
You shed Your precious blood
That the Church may be Your Wife



Rejoice then we do in the Vineyard
Sing praises we do of the True Vine
Drink we do of the cup You give
Delight we do in Your Wine

So humbled I am by Your love
My heart quivers to think how vast
Pouring all of Yourself for me
You, my Lord, the First and Last



Tears of joy well in my eyes
My Master, my Creator, loves me so
Glorious to feel Your arms embrace
Wondrous to feel the love You show

Lord, I long to give You my all
To pour of myself as You did for me
For it is Your wine that delights
It is Your love that brings all to be



Let me then be always one with You
A branch of Your eternal Vine
Let me bide in You, and You in me
For I am Yours, and You are mine

How I love my Lord Jesus
My lips from praise I cannot refrain
Each day I delight in being with You
Each moment my joy I cannot contain



Dance I do in the Vineyard of the Lord
Rejoice I do in the land divine
For sweet are the grapes therein
Priceless and precious is their wine

Lord Jesus, sweet is Life I know
Lovely the true Life I find in You
Grant that I remain with You forevermore
A branch in Your Vine timeless and true

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Christ is the true Vine,
and in Him we abide;
We taste eternal Life
as we remain by His side."
~ Reflection by Caroline ~

:angel:

 

In Your Hands
Heavenly Father, my life is in Your hands.
Yesterday, today, and forever, I am safe and secure in You.
Lord, please help me to know that You are in control.
Help me to believe You are at work in my life right now,
even when I don't see it.
Help me to trust in what I do not see,
when what I see is so painful.
Please help me to know You are taking care of my needs.

Lord, thank You for listening to my cries for help.
Thank You for loving me so much.
Help me to believe You and the promises You have made.
Forgive me when I doubt You and Your love.
I believe, Lord. Forgive me for my unbelief.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Devotional excerpt by Jill Kelly, from her book Prayers of Hope for the Brokenhearted.
:angel:



God Cares About Every Detail
God cares about every detail of your life...
He collects every tear in a bottle. (Psalm 56:8)
He numbers every hair on your head. (Luke 12:7)
He knows every hurt in your heart. (Psalm 34:18)

The Lord knows all you are going through.
He loves you, He cares for you,
and He will make sure not one detail is overlooked.

Thinking of You and Praying too

God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
James 5:11 The Message

Did God bring someone to mind that needs to know they are loved?
:angel:

Son Light

At times the day may seem
Gray and dreary so
My heart seems to sag
And my energy runs low

Suddenly I realize
How foolish I've been
To allow the externals
To seep within



Change my focus
I must now do
Shift it to the Eternal
To the Beautiful and the True

Light then pours
Into my world so gray
Hope suddenly streams
Into a once dreary day



Focus on Christ
And on His Love so pure
Think always of Him
And peace will endure

Sun will fill the days
Yes, each and every one
When we choose to see Light
From God's only begotten Son

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"You opened my eyes,
blind I was before I met You;
You share eternal wisdom
and reveal all that is True."
~Reflection by Caroline~

:angel:

~Loving You Lord Jesus~

This day of life o'erflows with love
God's blessing is on you and me
We're safe in Him, He's with us yet
There's so much more to see

His heart's our rest, His word's our life
He is the way of truth
Come praise His name, this very day
In Him, we're born anew



The joy is ours, that none can steal
No man, nor circumstance
For God's own hope renews our heart
And sets our soul to dance

God fill our days, with all He is
And everything we need
As all our moments overflow
His amazing love and peace

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems © 2008
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

Lord, I come to You with prayer requests,
for I know You always know what's best.
The plans I make, I leave with You
that You may change them if You choose.
An answer from You means so much
for those who need Your healing touch.
For those who fear, please grant Your peace
- their faith in You to be complete.
And Lord, whate'er I do, where'er I go,
Your love to others help me show.
~Millie Torzilli~

:angel:

That I May Know Your Will


I didn't know quite what it was
But this I sought to know,
How Jesus could be all to me
So grief I'd overthrow.



I read a quote that struck me so
That struggles we will hoard,
In the seeking of a thing
Other than the Lord.



So, that is such a ponder
What then do I seek,
What of the self I nurture-
Would God in me defeat.



For if I might discover
The burden then may lift,
(Not the problem, but the burden)
Lord, grant wisdom as a gift.



For I am tired of this struggle
That has me tied in chains,
Tired of the agony
Of all I cannot ascertain.



There's much I need sustain
And from much I must abstain,
But not to hug my friends and family
Is the biggest heart felt pain.



Dear Lord, I pray reveal to me
What now I need to learn,
That I may trust Your heart
And of Your will discern.

Free my mind from torment
May the heartache cease,
May I feel Your love
That I may know Your peace.

~**~

Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Feb 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from the Heart

Let your condition be ever so extreme;
human friendship not meet the need,
earthly supplies fail,
sympathy removed, dark
despair enthroned grimly
and coldly upon your heart;
there yet is hope in God!
~ Octavius Winslow ~

:angel:

Fellowship with the Father
Wondrous and divine
Communion with the Creator
Yours and mine

Friendship with the Eternal
Sublime and sweet
Connection with Christ
Overjoyed to meet

Conversations with God
Powerful and of the heart
Dancing with the Divine
O, how great Thou art



Could all this be real?
Can these things be true?
Could God live in me,
My spirit to renew?

Yes, more real than life
More true than all I see
Is my connection with Christ
My friendship with Divinity

Inspiring awe and wonder
Comfort and joy embrace
For my Best Friend is the King
Through His mercy and grace



He walks with me each day
Yea, each moment by my side
He lives in my joyful heart
While in His heart I abide

So delightful is this fellowship
Lonely will I never be
The Creator loves me so
And Everything is He

Rejoice, my heart, in this truth
Sing praise to God on High
My Beloved is with me always
To His heart He keeps me nigh



I can sing then in adversity
I can thank God amidst trial
For He is with me in all things
His arm around me all the while

Deserving of this friendship
Never I am on my own
It is the blood of the Lamb
My sins which do atone

Pure, white and radiant
My Father sees these in me
Cleansed by Christ's blood
From sin He has set me free



An eternal crown waits for me
Heavenly treasures in store
So I sing of the joy of Jesus
Each passing day all the more

Brother and sister, let us sing
Let us rejoice in the Great I AM
Let us proclaim His wonders to all
Let us sing of the Precious Lamb

How amazing it is to know Him
How wondrous to feel Him near
How sweet to hold His hand
How beautiful His voice to hear



Eternally we shall live with Him
The New Jerusalem does await
My heart cannot contain its joy
My lips from sharing His story great

Yes, more real than life itself
More true than all we see
Is our connection with Christ
Our friendship with Divinity

He walks with us each day
Yea, each moment by our side
He lives in our joyful hearts
While in His heart we abide



Fellowship with the Father
So wondrous and divine
Communion with the Creator
Yes, yours and mine

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Truer than life, truer than all I see,
is my connection with Christ,
my friendship with Divinity.
'Reflection by Caroline'

:angel:


 



   




















 

   






     


 



     

Unto the Throne of Grace
Boldly my soul does go
Boundless mercy and love I find
The King of kings I know

Whither shall I ever go
Than here at my Master's feet?
Whither shall I find myself
Than wrapped in His mercies sweet?

Oh, wondrous joy
Yes, endless wonder do I find
No one more lovely than my Lord
No one more gentle, meek and kind

For the Creator of the universe
Bids that with Him I should be
How could He have, how would He have
Ever set His sights upon me?

Made of dust am I
A vapor, a mere breath but fleeting
How can I then account
For my Master's wondrous greeting?

His love, His glorious love
Yes, this is the answer to it all
His love is without limit
Ever my soul to enthrall

Sweet to be in my Savior's arms
Grant, Lord, that I grow closer to You
Sweet to drink of Your eternal love
Your Living Water refreshing and true

Approach then I the Throne of Grace
With heart humble and eyes of wonder
Heavenly love and mercies I find
Upon which my heart does ponder

Rejoice I do in my Lord
I give to Him all of me
You, Lord, are my Everything
You, Lord, are All I see

Praise You, Almighty Jehovah
Praise You, Son on High
Praise You, Spirit of God
My spirit and Yours are nigh

And unto the Throne of Grace
Boldly my soul does go
Boundless mercy and love I find
For the King of kings I know

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

To the Throne of Grace boldly my soul does go;
Boundless mercy and love I find,
the King of kings I know!"
'Reflection by Caroline'

:angel:

Worthy I am not to be here
Worthy not I to be at Your feet
Worthy not I to be with You
Worthy not my Master to greet

Wondrous You are, dear Lord
Wondrous are Your ways
Wondrous that You love me
Wondrous You love always

Worship I do with all my heart
Worship with psalms and song
Worship with arms lifted high
With You, O Lord, I belong



O, sweet melody fills my heart
A song of joy and praise
My Savior redeems and renews
To Him my heart I raise

The King of kings, the Almighty
He suffered a crown of thorns for me
The Shepherd Himself led as a Lamb
Sacrificing Himself for humanity

Precious Lord, what did You ponder
As they led You Calvary Way?
You embraced the Cross they gave
That I may be with You one day



Sweet Savior, what thoughts were Yours
When they pierced Your hands and feet?
You thought of the children You would save
In Heaven someday each one to meet

My God, my Master, what did You say
When You they did scourge and mock?
You asked Your Father to forgive them
As You longed to gather Your flock

Tremble with awe does my heart
Both humbled and amazed am I
My Savior thought lovingly of me
When Him they did crucify



The depth of Your love is unfathomable
Could indeed these truths be so?
Yes, my Savior's love transcends thought
He loves me more than I can know

Rejoice, my soul, in my Lord
Stand in awe of His eternal love
Enthrone my King in my heart
In glory He reigns Above

Lord, nothing I can give to You
Will come close to all You give me
Please accept the gift of myself
For I give all of myself to Thee



Love You more I do each day
Closer I long to be with You
I desire to know Your Ways
To cling to all that is True

Master, I kneel before You
Take all I have, all who I am
I pour of myself for You
As You did for me, Precious Lamb

Worthy I am not to be here
Worthy not I to be at Your feet
Worthy not I to be with You
Worthy not my Master to greet



Wondrous You are, dear Lord
Wondrous are Your ways
Wondrous that You love me
Wondrous You love always

Worship I do with all my heart
Worship with psalms and song
Worship with arms lifted high
With You, O Lord, I belong

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Trembling with awe, humbled and amazed am I:
My Savior thought lovingly of me
when Him they did crucify.
'Reflection by Caroline'

:angel:

Song of Celebration


The song of a bird
The clapping of streams
The waving of leaves
The dance of sunbeams

Glorifying God
Each one, they do
Singing songs of praise
Of His Love ever true



But what dance do I make?
And what song do I sing?
Praise for my God
Does my song always bring?

Like the singing sparrow
And the flowing water
May my rhythm be of God's
As His grace-bought daughter



For the birds and the sun
And the streams and the trees
Exude God's Divine Nature
And so Him they do please

Lord, may my life
Sing sweetly to you
May it echo Your love
And the life you renew



Holy and humble
Kind and full of love
Let me reflect the Light
Of my Father Above

For then I'll sing with birds
And dance with leaves
Such is the life celebration
For each child who believes

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Victory of Surrender

I offer You my heart
My mind, my soul
For only you, Lord
Can make me whole

Oh, that your Spirit
Would fill me always
Oh, that my lips
Sing forever your praise



May my every moment
My every thought and move
Bring You great delight
As You gladly approve

Yes, this is my prayer
Today and tomorrow
I give you my all
And release all my sorrow



For to let go of me
And to be filled with You
Is to experience Joy
With Peace and Love True

No victory more sweet
Has one ever known
Than to surrender to Christ
And be fully His own



Paradoxical that victory
And surrender are one
Yet such is the Truth
Of living one with the Son

So a fragrant offering
May my life ever be
A sweet sacrifice
May my days be to Thee



And love You more deeply
Each passing day
Experience You more fully
Yes, all this I pray

While I was a sinner still
Lord, You poured out Your All
You accepted the Cross
To save us all from the Fall



Blood poured from You that day
For humanity and its sin
A sacrifice beyond thought
That New Life would begin

So aromatic and sweet
May my life offering be
A humble gift to my Lord
Giving Him all of me

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Psalm 91


I won't be afraid anymore
Of the terrors by night
Or the arrow that flies by day
And though a thousand may fall
At my side
And though ten thousand may fall
In Him I'll put all my trust



He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow
He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow



I will hide in Your wings always
Your angels stand by to keep me
In all my ways
And though a thousand may fall
At my side
I will say in Him I trust



He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow
He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow



And though a thousand may fall
At my side
And though ten thousand may fall
I will say of the Lord
That in Him I put all my trust



He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow
He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow



He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow
He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow



He who dwells in the secret place
Of the Most High
Shall abide in the shadow

\
~**~

Psalm 91,
music written by Lincoln Brewster
sung by Lincoln Brewster
directy licensed for internet public performance
on ALighthouse.com

"Dedicated to our gracious and merciful
Lord Jesus Christ
whom we worship and adore."

"Click to download" Scripture Psalm 91:1

"Click to download" Scripture Psalm 91:4

:angel:

Garden of The Heart


"And why do you worry about clothes?
See how the lilies of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin."
Matthew 6:28

Whispering winds
Speaking Your Word
In the breeze
Truth can be heard

For You created winds
You created the earth
The stars, the oceans
You caused their birth



Nature glorifies You
By keeping Your Way
The winds and the birds
Keep the commands You say

And what about me?
What about the life I live?
Do I glorify You
Adhering to laws You give?



May my heart ever be
One with Your Word
May my song be one
With the wind and bird

May I search Your Truth
May I follow Your Way
May I cling to Christ
All this I do pray



May my voice lift high
With my heart as I sing
It is the LORD who creates
And good gifts He does bring

The winds do not worry
The birds do not toil
The flowers do not struggle
Breaking forth from the soil



This life of ease
Of beauty and of peace
This is life we experience
When to You all we release

For the Life of Eden
Awaits us this moment now
Sweet fellowship with You
Children in Christ You allow



Walking closely with you
In the Garden each day
I experience Your Presence
As I sing and as I pray

My God is my Father
My best Friend too
He fills my heart with love
And reveals all that is true



I raise my arms then
And lift my voice in song
With the flowers and the birds
Yes, this is where I belong

We join to sing praises
To our God on High
His treasures He shares
And His heart to us is nigh



Yes, the whispering winds
Speak Your precious Word
And in the gentle breezes
Your Truth can be heard

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

  :angel:

Lead me, Lord,
Wherever You do please
I long to bring You glory
To You all things I release

If You lead me to the mountain
I will follow with gladdened heart
If You lead me to the shores
I will rejoice from the very start



If You lead me in the valleys
To You, Lord, I will cling
If You bring me to dark waters
I will celebrate the Light You bring

Throughout my lifelong journey
I will heed Your voice each day
No path is of beauty and grace
Unless it is upon Your sacred Way



So lead me, my precious Lord
My life, each day, is fully Thine
Sweet to live for You, my Master
To abide in Your will divine

I will follow Your lead, Lord
Whithersoever You may go
It is You, only You, Jesus
Whom I long to know



I will follow You always
No matter where the path may lead
May I always be with You, Lord
For this I pray and plead

For, as a Lamb, You followed
The lead of Your Father Above
You submitted Yourself to His will
A Vessel of His Light and Love



You followed Him to the desert
You followed Him to Galilee
You followed Him to the temple
You followed Him to Gethsemane

Every word of Your Father
You embraced and did fulfill
You drank the cup He gave You
Submitting humbly to His will



As they nailed You to the Cross
You, Master, retained full power
Yet You accepted crucifixion
For it was the appointed hour

Sinless Lamb, pure and white
Sacrificed for all on Calvary
My soul quavers at the sight
For my Lord died for me



So You, my Master, I follow
I know not what else to do
You gave all of Yourself to me
I give all of myself to You

Lead me, beloved Lord,
Wherever You do please
I long to bring You glory
To You all things I release



Yes, lead me, my Jesus
My life, each day, is fully Thine
Sweet to live for You, my Master
To abide in Your will divine

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Sinless Lamb, pure and white, sacrificed on Calvary;
I quaver at the sight, for my Lord died for me."
Reflection by Caroline

:angel:

Love From Above

What is love?
This word we often hear?
Has its meaning been diluted,
Made cryptic and unclear?

Is it a feeling,
A warmth in the heart?
Is it a spark from which
A romance does start?

Or is love much more,
Does it transcend all these?
Is it sublime and sacred,
Bringing us to our knees?



Sublime, spiritual, sacred
Yes, love is all three
For God Himself is love
Love is the Trinity

Love is patient and kind
Selfless and humble too
Love pours of one's self
And aligns with all True

Look at Christ closely
And know love complete
He accepted the Cross
Pierced hands and feet



Love is giving one's all
Pouring of self for another
Great must our love be
For our Father, sister, brother

Yet to give of one's self
Does not empty the soul
For God fills those who love
With His love perfect and whole

Rejoice then, dear Christian
Praise your Father Above
Feelings are fleeting
But perfect and eternal is love



When all passes away
When this earth is no more
Faith, hope and love remain
And love the greatest to endure

Dear Father, fill our hearts
Make them with love overflow
Let us share this love with all
That You all may know

And love You more deeply
I will each passing day
To be more like Christ
This I earnestly pray



May I see and know love
May love I show and live
May love be my fragrance
The sweet aroma I give

And I will express love
This word we often hear
I will proclaim Truth
That love is evident and clear

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Lenten Journey

Setting out upon a journey
A journey I joyfully embrace
A Lenten pathway before me
Adorned with love and grace

Forty days in the desert
Our Lord began His ministry
He fasted from all food
Tempted, yet sinless, is He

Wondrous gift, lovely path
Thank You, Lord, that I may tread
Pondering Your precious heart
Which for me generously bled

Humbled, falling to my knees
I marvel my Savior's love
To die for me and my sins
Is why He left His throne Above

Worthy I am not
Of Your love sublime and sweet
I crave Your wondrous Wine
Your Word I long to eat

Man lives not on bread alone
But on the Almighty's every word
Nourishing, renewing the soul
Precious truths, told and heard

Lord, please take my hand
Lead me wherever Thou desire
You are the joy of my spirit
You are in my heart a burning fire

Little I have to offer You
Nothing worthy of love You give
Take me, all of me, my Lord
My life is not mine, but Yours, to live

Precious Savior, Lamb of God
You loved me while I was still blind
To fathom the power of Your love
Transcends all thought of mind

So, in this Lenten journey
I vow to give all of myself to You
To be completely Yours, Master
Is to live life abundantly and true

On the Via Dolorosa
Lead me, beloved Lord, to see
How they treated You, my Master
On the way to Calvary

On the hill Golgotha
At the Cross may I stand
Weeping for You, sweet Lord
Pierced feet and pierced hand

At the Holy Sepulchre
The stone moved may I see
Resurrection triumphing over death
My Lord is Risen, to Him all Glory!

Lenten journey lovely
Pathway of contemplation
Lord, how much You suffered
That I may know salvation

Wondrous gift, lovely path
Thank You, Lord, that I may tread
Pondering Your precious heart
Which for me generously bled

In this Lenten journey and always
I vow to give all of myself to You
To be completely Yours, Lord Jesus
Is to live life abundantly and true

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Lord, take my hand,
lead me wherever Thou desire;
You are the joy of my spirit,
my heart's burning fire.
'Reflection by Caroline'
:angel:

Glimpses of Heaven

Thank you, dear LORD,
For glimpses of Heaven you give
Those moments we connect
With future eternal bliss to live

A preview we see in
Towering snow-capped mountains
In foliage and flowers
In rushing waterfalls and fountains



And we hear Heaven's voice
In the sweet notes of a soprano
Vibrating with our souls
An experience of our tomorrow

Images of angels and glory
Rush to the mind
Immersed in endless love and joy
As we will one day find



The fragrance of flowers too
Conjure a sense of Elysium
Hinting of fields of glory
In Your Kingdom to come

Even the feel of soft silk
And the taste of delicacy
Heighten our awareness
Of the Beauty that will be



So many whispers
Of the World that does await
So many signs of Heaven
For us to contemplate

Let us savor those moments
Sweetly speaking of You
And praise You for Promises
Of our eternal Home true



These moments remind us
Of the life yet to unfold
One of unceasing joy
Of love and ecstasy untold

Yes, thank you, dear LORD,
For glimpses of Heaven you give
Those moments we connect
With future eternal bliss to live

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Let me always walk in Truth
Teach me, Lord, Your Way
The sum of Your Word is Truth
Guiding my journey each day

The world deceived sees truth
Relative to the opinions of each
Yet You prove that Truth is absolute
Its perfection to me You teach



Truth is constant, unchanging
It shifts not when the wind does blow
Truth is pure, righteous, eternal
Hearts transform when Truth they know

Christ Himself is the Truth
His Life embodied the Eternal Word
He lives in those who live in Truth
Those practicing what they heard



He brought His beloved children forth
By Truth in His perfect divine Will
That we may be born again in Spirit
And that all our needs He would fill

Though the Law came through Moses
Through Christ came Truth and Grace
His Message spreads across the world
A Gospel of salvation for the human race



Dear Lord, sanctify me in the Truth
Purify me in the Word You speak
May I grow ever more kind and loving
Ever more courageous, joyful and meek

For sweet is Your Word, my Father
Precious the Word that You give
Powerful in changing hearts and minds
That every soul may eternally live



I lift my heart to you, Eternal One
I sing my Father's praises all day long
How I love Him for leading me in Truth
So I share with all this glorious song

Seek the Truth, embrace its Beauty
Let it fill your heart, transform your mind
Eternal, Pure, Just, Loving and Living
So treasured is Truth when it we find



So may we walk always in Truth
May our Lord teach us His Way
For the sum of His Word is Truth
Guiding our journeys each day

*~~*

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

The Honor of Humility


Humility: soft and gentle
Lowly, kind and meek
Exalting God and others
Never one's own to seek

Humility: lovely and true
Grounded and of the earth
Such defines "humilis"
Sweet ingredient for rebirth



Humility: cloak of saints
Beautiful robe of white
Humility comes before honor
Virtue precious in God's sight

Humble may my heart be
Meek, gentle and kind
Filled with Your Holy Spirit
Fully transformed in mind



Humble may my words be
Lifting God and others
Glorifying my Father
Blessings sisters and brothers

Humble may my actions be
In them God's work display
Letting go of myself
To fully embrace God's Way



Wisdom comes with humility
Pride is followed by disgrace
Embrace the humility flower
Blooming of fragrant grace

Our Lord, our God, our Creator
Humble more than anyone is He
Sacrificing Himself as the Lamb
That free of sin we may be



Sweet Savior, Precious Master
King of kings, yet humble too
My heart is humbled by Your love
Lord, I long to be one with You

A humble heart make for me
Cleanse with humility pure
Cloak me in radiant meekness
All things for You may I endure



For I live no longer for myself
I give my everything, my all, to You
Lowly may my heart ever be
Ever faithful, ever gracious, ever true

For You, Lord Jesus Christ, are my All
You, my dearly Beloved, define my life
Pure and humble I then don myself
With Your Church, Your betrothed Wife



May I be then humble and gentle
May I be lowly, kind and meek
May I exalt God and others
Never my own to seek

I vow to be lovely and true
Grounded and of the earth
I vow to embrace "humilis"
Sweet ingredient for rebirth



And I rejoice to wear the cloak of saints
Humility: beautiful robe of white
I rejoice in the humble King of all
For I am precious in His sight

~***~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Humble may my heart be,
meek, gentle and kind -
filled with
Your Holy Spirit
and fully transformed in mind."
~ Reflection by Caroline ~

:angel:

~ Rainbows Break Through ~

Oh yes, we walk in sorrow, upon this cursed earth,
We can't escape the sadness
Beginning at our birth.
For, life is trapped in accidents, illness, aging, pain,
The clouds will always gather
To shower us with rain.



But, light glowed in that darkness, the sunshine's broken through,
When Jesus came to live, to die,
He rose for me and you.
And by that death, He broke the chain, that fettered us to grief
He cut the rope with passion
That you and I might live.



And now there's hope in sorrow, it has a purpose true,
To lift our souls to Jesus
That He will see us through.
We cannot live without Him, for life's a hopeless end-
Unless He lives within us
To be our dearest friend.



We might think that we can cope, by seeking what we will,
Yet every moment is but fruitless
In the craving of true love.
It's only when we give up trying, struggling to win,
God comes with life's fulfillment - He comes to dwell within.
And then He soothes the sorrow
We are no more alone, as we see His rainbow break,
The burden's then His own

~*~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Feb 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

Let your condition be ever so extreme;
human friendship disappointing
earthly supplies failing,
human sympathy refused,
dark despair enthrone grimly
and coldly upon your heart;
there yet is hope
in God!
~ Octavius Winslow ~

:angel:

Learning From Leaning Flowers

Gentle flowers
Leaning toward the sun
Longing for light
Bowing before the One

Towering trees
Arms stretched high
Hailing the King
Embracing Him nigh



Singing sparrows
In symphony soar
Proclaiming His Majesty
Each day all the more

Leaves of Spring
Budding and green
Bursting with rebirth
The Unseen in the seen



Waves of the ocean
Splashing on the shore
Rhythmic tides certain
For God's ways are sure

Glorious rainbow
Colorful prism above
Reflecting God's beauty
Splendor of His love



Grains of soft sand
Countless and vast
Bespeak God's eternity
The First and Last

Shimmering stars
Compasses of night
For in the darkness
Our Guide is God's Light



Brilliant sun star
Around which revolves earth
For God is man's Center
And in Him is rebirth

Galaxy immense
No mind can comprehend
Yet greater is God's love
For His Son He did send



Creatures tiny
Living on earth and in sea
Too small for our sight
Yet all the more so are we

For compared to God
Nothing is man
Yet He loves us so
And created His Plan



For though we are dust
Mists and vapors fleeting
Our Creator died for us
Endured death and beating

Creation proclaims Him
Nature bespeaks the King
So glorious is our God
Sweet Life He does bring



So sing, my soul, with Nature
With the trees and the sparrow
Surrender all to my Lord
Walking upon His Way narrow

And rejoice, my heart, in Him
Embrace His undying love
I am nothing yet beloved
By my eternal Father above



With the gentle flowers
I lean toward the Son
I long for His Light
I bow before the One

With towering trees
My arms stretch high
I hail my King
Embracing Him nigh



I sing with sparrows
Who in symphony soar
We proclaim His Majesty
Each day all the more

My Creator, my Beloved
I follow forever Your call
For although I am nothing
You are Everything and All

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"As do towering trees,
my arms stretch high;
I hail Christ, my King,
embracing Him nigh
Reflection by Caroline

:angel:

 
God's Little Dove



I found a little dove, so hurt
Beneath our mulberry tree,
I cradled her within my hands
and whispered tenderly.

Come, little one, I'll love you so
And God and I will care,
We'll keep you safe and feed you now
And try to just be there.



I felt that God had sent this dove
To touch me with His love,
To let me know just as I saw,
He sees me from above.

And just as how I cared for her
He's caring for me too,
Gently cradling me with love
My every hurt to soothe.



And so, with tears I nursed the dove
With dropper gave her drink,
And tucked her warm within a box
But, her neck she couldn't lift.

How weakly she would swallow
How wan she lay there, still,
Her tiny breaths so soft
I prayed for her God's will.



Two nights and then she learnt to suck
And coo-ed a little bit,
I gave her mushy seed
Oh my, she had some pluck.

For her neck was drooping so
I didn't think she'd live,
Beneath her swollen eye, a hole
I knew that soon I'd grieve.



Third day and she was fading fast
Gasping through her beak,
Her little body colder now
I knew she was too weak.

Midday as I came to her
I knew that she'd be gone,
And sure enough, the little dove
Had flown where she belonged.



And so I tucked that empty shell
Beneath our guava tree,
There' I said ' My little dove
You'll give us fruit to eat.'

The sunflower mush that I had made
I found is good for lunch,
I snack on crackers, and tear up
On how my life she touched.

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©March 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart



Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Psalm 84:3

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart
from the will of your Father.
So don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Luke 12:6-7

Indeed, the very hairs of
your head are all numbered
Don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows
Luke 12:7

:angel:

Jesus,
the Light of the World,
came so we could find our way to God.

Jesus,
the Lamb of God,
died upon the cross
so we could receive the Salvation of God.

Jesus,
the Bright and Morning Star,
rose from the dead
so we could live forever with God.

:angel:

 

Let Your Light Shine
You're here to be LIGHT.
God isn't a secret to be kept.
We're going public with this,
as public as a city on a hill.
If I make you light bearers,
you don't think I'm going to hide you
under a bucket do you?
I'm putting you on a light stand.
Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, SHINE.
Keep open house,
be generous with your life by opening up to others.
You'll prompt people to open up with God,
this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 The Message

:angel:



Devotions for Easter
We love because He first loved us.
I John 4:19

Devotions on Jesus & Preparation for Easter
For the next few weeks we will be sharing a second Devotional Email every Wednesday with messages focused on Jesus, the Cross, His Resurrection, and the New Life we celebrate this season. We invite you to join us in preparation of a Christ-filled Easter, and to help us share the hope of Jesus with others.

CLICK HERE for Week 1: Jesus is Hope

CLICK HERE for Week 2: The Resurrection and The Life

:angel:

Little Lady Bug


God sent to me a little lady
A ladybug so sweet
Walking in among my seedlings
That she would softly speak
 



Telling me God's guarding me
Exactly as she does
Guard a seedling from the pests
Yes, God bids her to come


He walked her in the pretty leaves
To show His ever present hand
He sent her as comfort
So I would understand




That He always girds me 'round
Protecting me from harm
Every moment of my life
He is always here to guard

He'll grant to me resources
I need, just when I do
To strengthen and restore
And give me gratitude
 



So, I'll sit here and listen
To hear His secret touch
And thank God for His ladybug
Sent to me with love


Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Aug 2011
Heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from the Heart

All God wants of His followers
is that we love Him
with all our heart, soul,
mind and strength
and that we trust His promises
and obey His commands.
He will then give us wisdom,
grace, favour, manpower,
--everything we need--
to accomplish all that
He has called us to do.
~Bill Bright~

:angel:


Everything You are to me, Lord
Yes, Everything indeed
You are my longing and my desire
You richly fill my every need

The Sun You are to me, Lord
The dazzling Light in my days
You warm me with Your brilliance
You embrace me with Son rays



Nourishment You are to me, Lord
You are to me sustaining Bread
I live on every word of Scripture
I hunger for every word You said

My Refreshment You are, Lord
Living Water eternal and pure
Bursting forth from my heart now
Is Your Water forever to endure



My Compass You are, Lord
My Map and my beloved Guide
Lead me, Lord, wherever You please
I will cling always to Your side

My Hope You are, Lord
Your Resurrection makes hope abound
I rejoice in Your Promises
To me Treasures since the day I found



My Joy You are, Lord
My bubbling joy unceasing
Euphoric it is to do Your work
To know my Master I am pleasing

My Love You are, Lord
The Reason my heart sings its song
Take all of me, my Beloved
For it is to You whom I belong



My Meaning You are, Lord
My Purpose, my Passion, my Vision
Fulfillment I find in following You
Breathing every breath for Your Mission

My Friend You are, Lord
My Best Friend, Beloved Brother
To commune with You is pure joy
Sweeter Fellowship not to find in another



My God You are, Lord
Master, Deity and King
Worship You forever I shall
With angels Your praises I sing

My Life You are, Lord
My breath, my heartbeat, my being
You are my very existence
All I know now, all I am seeing



Everything You are to me, Lord
Yes, each and every thing to me
Lord, I offer everything I am to You
I am entirely Yours for eternity

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"You are my Everything,
yes, You are all things to me;
I offer everything I am, Lord,
as I am Yours for eternity."
Reflection by Caroline

:angel:

~ As My Treasure ~

The grief I have is not,
mine, for grief I did not choose,
For life thrust it upon me
So I think it's here to use.

The grief belongs to Jesus
He placed it in my hand,
My child use it for good
There's much to understand.



Please trust Me, it's a gift,
I gave with all my love,
You didn't seek it, want it
For it will not be fun.

But, I will show you secrets
Not gained another way,
You'll find me in the darkness
By needing me all day.



You won't breathe any breath
Except by what I give,
You won't move hand nor limb
But by the strength I live.

There won't be parties, pleasure
The world speaks gaily of,
There won't be fame nor wealth
Your name won't gain aplomb.



But, you will know The Father
And He will dwell within,
The Holy Spirit of the heavens
Content to you will bring.

You'll learn to sing in sorrow
Your dreams will all come true,
Beloved as my treasure
Forever-lives in you.

~**~

Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Feb 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from the Heart

Where reasons are given,
we don't need faith.
Where only darkness
surrounds us, we
have no means for
seeing except by faith.
' Elisabeth Elliot '

:angel:

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea

We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
We turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came



And he said, "Friend you may not know me now."
And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight."

And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer,
"I asked Jesus in my heart."



Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you
And said, "Remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry."



You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway
"Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today."

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave



One by one they came
Far as the eye could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity

Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed



And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes

As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, "My child, look around you
Great is your reward."



Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave



I am so glad you gave

~*~
:angel:

The Hi Diddle Middle ~

In life, there are a bunch of drawstrings
The pulling of so many things,
But right here in the middle sits
A love to make me sing.



An abundance always greets me
A wonder fills my days,
The very special beauty God has given
Shines out in awesome ways.



Within life's fullness overflowing
Above everything I see and do,
To treasure and remember always
~Is the very pretty heart of you~

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Feb 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

"When you least expect it,
a common thread
-golden at that-
begins to weave together
the fabric of friendship"
~ Mary Kay Shanly ~

:angel:

Friends Are More Than Special

Friends can enter through our doorway
Quite suddenly and touch us in very special ways
And as we never know how long they will remain
Or when our time with them may be over.
We revel in the need to give all that we can
Sharing thoughts and gleaning loveliness
To store as treasures that never can be bought.



All we know...is that we have today to enjoy
So make the most of every moment
To feel and learn from someone special
Who has been on another journey
And gathered pearls of wisdom
That we discover are so very real.



From this we uncover things
About ourselves that we didn't know
And learn to appreciate the wonder
Of the beauty that clings to them,
Like the fragrance of heaven
As we find how the hurts of life
Have made them so very gentle and kind.



Thus we are encouraged to endure also
Because of the trusting faith
That we see in their loving heart-
And all we can do is thank our dear Father
For blessing us with a friend that has
Given us more of Himself-
And we begin to see they have helped us
Become more of what we so long to be.

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Feb 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

A part of you has grown unto me.
Together forever, we then shall be.
Never apart - well, maybe in distance,
but not in my heart.

:angel:

An Irish Blessing



May the blessing of light be upon you,
Light on the outside, Light on the inside.
With God's sunlight shining on you,
May your heart glow with warmth,
Like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike.
May the light of the Lord shine from your eyes,
Like a candle in the window,
Welcoming the weary traveller.



May the blessing of God's soft rain be on you,
Falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul
With the sweetness of litte flowers newly blooming.
May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you,
Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean
Sparkling after in the sunlight.
May the blessing of God's earth be on you,
And as you walk the roads,

May you always have a kind word for those you meet.



May you understand the strength and power of God.
In a thunderstorm in Winter, And the quiet beauty of creation,
In the calm of a Summer sunset, And may you come to realize,
that, insignificant as you may seem in this great Universe,
You are an important part of God's plan.

May "HE" watch over you and keep you safe from harm.

Words and Music By Phil Coulter,
narration by Roma Downey



Happy St. Patrick's Day !
:angel:

An Irish Rainbow Of Blessing

Red is for love of those we hold dear
Our kith and kin, both far and near.

Orange is for Irish wit and mirth
and the cleverest jokes o'er all the earth.

Yellow is for joy in simple pleasures
The heart's delights, the spirit's treasures.

Green stands for Erin, the shamrock land
It's customs and heritage, glorious and grand.

Violet's for heroes throughout history
The noble patriots of our history.

Blue is for loyalty to family and friends
and to the Lord, whose love never ends.

May God shower you with Rainbow Blessings
and grant you many, many years!


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

:angel:

May God Keep You



My Dear Friend
May God grant you many, many years to live;
For sure He must be knowing the earth has Angels
all too few and Heaven is overflowing.

And, until we meet again,
may God keep you in the hollow of His hand.


Happy Saint Patrick's Day !

:angel:

The Lord's Love


Love pours from my heart
Love streams from me to You
In response to the love You give
What else, Lord, can I but do?

For You, my God, are love
Beautiful, eternal and vast
Sweet to those who know You
The I AM, the First and Last

Joyfully my heart sings for You
Gratefully my lips sing of love
Thankfully I lift my arms in prayer
Rejoicing in my Father Above

Your love is deeper than oceans
Your love spans higher than the sky
You love extends beyond the universe
This love I receive but who am I?

Who am I, Lord, that You love me?
Who am I to receive such wondrous favor?
Your creation, Your handmaiden, I am
And Your sweet love I will always savor

Who am I that Christ should die for me?
Who am I that He should suffer so?
Undeserving yet beloved I am
Yes, this love His Cross does show

Kneeling at the foot of the Cross then
With my dear Lord at Calvary
The breadth, depth and height of Your love
In Your pierced feet and hands I see

Blood and water gushing forth
Cleanings the sins of all who believe
No greater gift of love can we ask
No sweeter love can we receive

And love pours from my heart
Love streams from me to You
In response to the love You give
What else, Lord, can I but do?

You died for me, my precious Lord
Yes, this is how much You love me so
For eternity I will love You, my God
May my life of Your love always show

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

You're Always On My Mind


As I bent to breathe the rose
I thought of you alone,
The fragrance overwhelmed me
The more of you I know.



My fingers fluttered on the petals
Soft, velvet like your heart,
Enfolding all around me
Affection you impart.



My gaze immersed in gentle hue
Pink, apricot and cream,
Mauve, fuschia, gold delight
You are in my dreams.



I touch the pretty bud
Encircling... the dance of us,
You are always on my mind,
Always in God's love.

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©March 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

Joy comes from the delight
of feeling deeply,
enjoying simply, hoping always,
thinking freely, giving much...
being loved.

:angel:

Spring Comes To The Mountains


In the mountains spring is beautiful,
the beauty all bursts forth
As soon as snow is gone,
new life is at the door.
In the mountains, we can see new life,
a prettiness to find,
We just gaze upon the fields
and there is life divine.



In the mountains we can watch the color,
the color's beautiful,
As soon as God's bright sunshine glows,
new color's ours to view.
Skies turn from grey to blue,
and heaven we can see,
God's marvel, power and glory,
where we all want to be.



In the mountains bulbs all spring alive,
Just like our bodies will,
When Jesus comes to take us,
and time is all fulfilled.
Yes, the mountains are a picture,
of death becoming life,
The winter's chill, becomes the spring
of everlasting life.

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Feb 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

Our Lord has written the promise of
the resurrection, not in books
alone, but in every leaf
in spring-time.
~ Martin Luther ~

:angel:

Spring of God's Glory Sing



Sun rays of brilliance
Flowers of Spring
Glory, glory to God
All do sing

Grass shooting forth
Leaves budding green
Bursting with birth
The world to be seen



Perfume of flowers
Symphony of birds in sky
Proclaiming sovereignty
Of our Savior on High

Springtime speaks of Him
Springtime sings His song
Springtime reminds us
That with Him we belong



For on the third day
Christ arose from the grave
He endured the Cross
All mankind to save

Yes, He is Rebirth
He is eternal Spring
He is Renewal
Yea, Life everlasting



Glory, glory to God
Sings joyfully my soul
Glory, glory to You
Lord, You make me whole

As birds sing in the air
As flowers bloom bright
I rejoice in You, Lord
In Your radiant Light



Warmer than sunshine
Lovelier than blooms
Is Your love, my Lord
It embraces and consumes

Reborn in Spirit I am
Lord, by faith in You
Your Spirit lives in me
All things You make new



As the Winter cold
Freezes the earth
So too I die to myself
To experience rebirth

The frost of Winter in time
Yields flowers of Spring
In turn, death to our flesh
New life does bring



All to You, my Savior
All to You I humbly give
You are my very Meaning
You are the Reason I live

Fragrant sacrifice I offer
In all I say and do
Sweeter than the flower
I pray my life is to You



Glorious King on High
One who died for me
You are Joy to my spirit
Now and for eternity

So as perfume of flowers
And symphony of birds in sky
I proclaim the sovereignty
Of my Savior on High



As grass shooting forth
And leaves budding green
I rejoice in my rebirth
For the world to be seen

As sun rays of brilliance
As fragrant flowers of Spring
Glory, glory to You, God
My heart does joyfully sing

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

Sun rays of brilliance
Flowers of Spring
Glory, glory to God
All do sing
' Reflection by Caroline '

  :angel:

Sweet Morning Dew


Morning dew
Kissing the earth
Glistening garment
Bespeaking rebirth

As morning dew
In the early hour
Are God's graces
And endless power



Yea, stretching wide
As blankets of dew
Are God's blessings
For me, for you

As coverings of snow
Broad and deep
Vast are the Promises
Our Lord does keep



As raindrops falling
Watering the ground
So is Living Water
Bubbling joy to abound

As Sunlight warming
Embracing the earth
The Light of the Lord
Brings spiritual rebirth



Sweet Lord Jesus
With me always do stay
Wherever You go
I shall follow each day

More vast than the dew
Far more deep than the snow
More refreshing than the rain
Is the love You do show



I am forever Yours, Lord
Yes, eternally Yours to keep
Nourished by Bread of Life
Revived by Living Water deep

Sing Your praises I shall
Yea, Lord, each day all the more
You are Everything to me
You are the One whom I adore



Stretching wide and long
As blankets of morning dew
Are Your blessings and mercy
Purest love I find in You

As the soft morning dew
In the dawn's early hour
Are Your glorious graces
And Your endless power



Yes, Lord, as morning dew
Kisses gently the earth
You kiss me with blessings
You are sweet love and rebirth

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Sing Your praises I shall,
Jesus, each day all the more;
You are Everything to me,
the One whom I adore."
' Reflection by Caroline '

:angel:

Lord, increase my faith
Each and every day
For one can please you only
By believing all You say

Cast out every doubt
To all darkness bring light
Let my focus be not on the seen
But on all that is beyond sight



May my eyes see always Heaven
My heart be set on treasures above
Believing and obeying Your Word
Yes, this is how I express my love

Faith is being sure what we hope for
And certain of what we do not see
Through faith we can move mountains
With it righteous in Your eyes we can be



For to all who receive Jesus Christ
To all who believe in His Holy Name
You give the right to be Your children
Your Family and ours, one and the same

Glorious, miraculous, precious is faith
It brings life eternal, blissful and true
Faith draws our hearts ever closer
To knowing and experiencing You



How can we gain this precious faith
Of which its worth is far more than gold?
By listening to Your Word, O LORD,
Established from the days of old

I will immerse myself in Your Word
Let Your Truth fill my heart and ears
For blessed is the one who understands
And practices the Word she hears



Praise You, LORD, my God and Father
I praise You for Your wondrous ways
You determined how to save Your children
Through faith You save from darkest days

Inspiring it is to know You, Almighty One
Blissful it is to unite my heart with Yours
May I share Your message of love and faith
To those of distant lands and shores



And may my faith be pleasing to You
May it prove to be full, pure and complete
For to know You, love You and serve You
Nothing on earth could be more sweet

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"You are my Everything, yes,
You are all things to me;
I offer everything I am, Lord,
as I am Yours for eternity."
' Reflection by Caroline '

:angel:

Fruit of the Spirit


Father, may I bear fruit
Fragrant and sweet for Thee
Eternal fruit of Thy Spirit
Yea, fruit to last for eternity

Fill me with joy, my Jesus
May my joy in Thee be complete
May its waters bubble forth
Vibrant, unceasing and sweet



Imbue me with peace, Eternal Prince
Peace enduring when winds do rage
Peace which reigns throughout storms
Heavenly peace adorning age to age

Strengthen me with forbearance
Grant that I am patient amidst trial
Master, may I endure all things
Singing Thy praises all the while



Kindness may I show, my King
Charitable and concerned for others
May I pour of myself for Thee and
Neighbors, strangers, sisters, brothers

Goodness may I embody, my God
Of wondrous virtue may my life sing
Etch Thy Word upon my heart
That glory to Thee I ever bring



Faithful may I be, my Father
Abiding in Thee and in Thy will
May I align always with Thy Word
Obeying gladly all I have heard

Gentle may I be, Lamb of God
Mild and pleasant to all I meet
May I exude the Visage of Christ
Whenever others I do greet



Self-controlled may I be, my Savior
For Thee may I subdue each thing
Taking captive thought, word, action
That does not glory to Thee bring

Love may I express, my Lord
Thou art love, and Thou art in me
To Thee I give all of myself
That filled with Thy love I may be



Yea, humble vessel am I, Beloved
An instrument wholly Thine
I long to ever remain in Thee
To abide in Thy Eternal Vine

In Thy Vine of Eternity
May I bear for Thee precious fruit
My life is Thine to live
Thou givest life, Thou art the root



Overjoyed I am, Eternal One
That for Thee eternal fruit I bear
I praise Thee from the depth of my heart
Thy promises with all I do share

My Father, may I bear fruit
Fragrant and sweet for Thee
Eternal fruit of Thy Spirit
Yea, fruit to last for eternity

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"May I bear fruit, fragrant and sweet, for Thee:
Eternal fruit of Thy Spirit,
yes, fruit for eternity."
' Reflection by Caroline '

:angel:

Our Lord, Our God
Is the Living Bread
Giving Life Eternal
As our Lord has said

All who can accept
All who do believe
All who embrace Christ
Are those who do receive



For the Spirit brings life
The flesh counts for naught
Thus we seek spiritual food
And redemption blood-bought

We go humbly to Christ
And hunger never again
We discover eternal treasure
And where it has long been



Manna in the desert
Is what our forefathers ate
Sweeter bread than this
Our God does now create

For man lives not
On bread alone
But on God's Word
And flesh which did atone



Thus we seek true Bread
In the One who for us died
We eat of His flesh
That in us He will abide

And we rejoice in the Gift
The Gift of faith and life
We guard always our hearts
Even in challenge and strife



For Christ lives in us
As in Him we do live
We believe in His Sacrifice
And Eternal Life He does give

Rejoice in the Gift
Celebrate Divine Love
Embrace precious Manna
Bestowed from Above



And seek always the Bread
Follow always the Way
Cling always to Christ
Eating each Word He did say

For it is His Word
That nourishes and feeds
Precious and powerful
Filling all of our needs



Yes, praise God Eternal
Praise the Son on High
Through the Eternal Manna
Christ is to us always nigh

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"I am Yours, Lord, eternally to keep -
nourished by Bread of Life,
revived by Living Water deep."
'Reflection by Caroline'

:angel:

Rainbow of Radiant Promise


Rainbow of promise
Circling the sky
Reminder of God's covenant
Dazzling the eye

Radiant colors
Prismatic, to shine
Inspiring the heart
With promises divine

Vibrant hues
Violet, scarlet, green
Indigo, yellow, blue
Sweet to be seen



Rejoice, my heart
In the sight I see
The rainbow of Promise
Encircling me

For God promised Noah
And all mankind
Again a worldwide flood
Earth would not find

Wondrous truth
Yes, glorious to know
God's love for me
The rainbow does show



Yet a Covenant lovelier
Than the rainbow above
Is the Covenant of Christ
A Covenant of love

Yes, more incredible
Far more amazing to see
Is my Savior upon the Cross
On mount Calvary

More captivating to my soul
More stunning to my eye
Is my Lord who willingly
For my sins did die



Far more radiant is He
Far more lovely His Face
Sinless Lamb sacrificed
For the human race

My heart trembles
Humbled I am by the Cross
My Jesus is most Precious
All else I count but loss

Lord, I long to know
How could You die for me?
To suffer to such extreme
How could this ever be?



Light beams from Your eyes
Mercy pours from Your heart
You remind me of Your love
You whisper we will never part

The Cross of Calvary
On that day long-foretold
Displays Your eternal love
Far more precious than gold

Your powerful love, Lord
Transcends all thought
So much You love me
My soul is blood-bought



In Your eyes I see
A rainbow gleaming pure
Your arms embrace me
Your love will endure

Rejoice, my heart
In this glorious sight I see
My Lord's everlasting arms
Encircling me

Yes, a Covenant lovelier
Than the rainbow above
Is the Covenant of Christ
A Covenant of love



Vibrant hues
Violet, scarlet, blue
Yet far more beautiful
Is my Lord's love true

Radiant colors
Prismatic, to shine
More captivating is Your heart
Your mercy divine

Rainbow of Promise
Circling the sky
Reminder that You, my Jesus
Are to me always nigh

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"A Covenant lovelier
than the Rainbow above
is the Covenant of Christ,
a Covenant of Love."
~ Reflection by Caroline ~

:angel:

Hold me, my Father
With Thy arms eternal and strong
It is in Thy loving arms
That I forever belong

Guide me, sweet Jesus
Along Thy perfect Way
I shall traverse Thy path
With Thee each day



Fill me, Holy Spirit
In my heart overflow
I lose myself in Thee
It is only Thee I know

Love me, precious Lord
With Agape surround me
Thy love is my meaning
Yea, the reason for me to be



Strengthen me, my Master
Against temptation and snare
Grant me discernment
That I am alert and aware

Lead me, my Shepherd
To pasture lovely and green
You lead me in righteousness
In Thy paths pristine



Reign in me, Eternal King
Rule over my heart and thought
I am completely Thine
For my life is blood-bought

Nourish me, Bread of Life
Thy Eternal Word does feed
You alone give me life, Lord
You alone fill every need



Refresh me, Living Water
Pour into my heart Thy streams
That I may burst with love
That in my eye Thy light beams

Accept me, precious Lamb
My life is an offering to Thee
You sacrificed Thyself for my life
I no longer live, but You in me



Use me, Eternal Potter
I am Thy creation, Thy jar
I go anywhere for Thee, Lord
Yea, I travel near or far

And wherever I go, please hold me
With Thy arms eternal and strong
For it is in Thy loving arms
That I forever belong

~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

A Promise Forever


I didn't hear your footsteps
So didn't know you'd come,
'Twas God alone who sent you
Coddled by His love.

I didn't hear your whisper
Your words of softest tone,
But God has sent your words
So I won't feel alone.



I didn't feel your hand clasp
Gentle in its touch,
But, God has joined our hands
Through Him I feel your love.

I didn't see you place
The rose at my heart's door,
But, I still found it there
And knew what it was for.



I didn't hear you singing
Well, not in words so clear,
But, I could sense your joy
And knew that you were near.

I didn't ask for prayer
But, you prayed anyhow,
Bcause for me you wanted
God's angels all around.



I didn't know He'd planned
Before time came to be,
That you He would determine
To be a friend to me.

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©March 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

On a palette of words I will tenderly blend,
Colorful thoughts, with bright verses to send.
Painted, a rainbow in reds, blues and gold,
Stretching like arms, love to enfold.
And deep in the center of the most vibrant hue,
Etched from memory the essence of you.
Painted a rainbow, a bridge to my heart,
So being lonely can begin to depart.
I saw in the sky the rainbow God sends,
A promise forever, You'll be my friend.
~unknown~

:angel:

The Mind of the Heart


Beating faithfully
Pumping fluid of life
The heart continues
Even in pain and strife

Yet more than muscle
More than mechanics therein
The heart has a mind
Clinging to either life or sin



For a man indeed is
As he thinketh in his heart
It is from the heart-center
Growth of fruit does start

Thus we feel heart pain
When bad news we learn
Or feel our hearts lifted
When loved ones return



It is Christ's heart that aches
When sinners reject His love
For His heart pours blessings
From His throne above

The life-blood of His heart
Is the life-force of salvation
It purifies and restores
And strengthens in temptation



Guard carefully, then, your heart
Let it be of flesh, not stone
Sensitive to God's Word
Imprinted with Truth alone

For the Law of the LORD
Is written upon His child's heart
That he may live victoriously
And from God never part



So we protect our hearts
And lift them to the Most High
We embrace the love of Christ
Never our hearts to go awry

And we sing of God's love
We rejoice in His glory
Christ's heart bled for us
Salvation is His Story



Beating so faithfully then
Let the rhythm of our hearts be one
With the symphony of our King
Yes, music of Eternity has begun

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

May we follow carefully
The narrow and blessed Way
Entering the small gate of Life
As our dear LORD did say

For broad is the path
And wide the gate that leads
To destruction eternal
And why our LORD now pleads



How easy to think the broad
Leads to Heaven's door
As so many souls tread upon it
And each day all the more

Yet Jesus warned that only few
Will find the narrow Way
So may we heed our every step
As we worship, read and pray



Our earthly journey so transient
In the vast light of eternity
How important that we discern
The path where we may be

Seek God earnestly in prayer
In worship and in fasting too
These bring us ever closer
To the Creator of me and you



And ponder the Cross and pain
That Christ accepted and foreknew
For therein is the answer of Life
Yes, in His death, is Life true

The sting of death itself died
When Christ arose triumphantly
His Way leads to Life eternal
Let it be the only one we see



So as a new day unfolds
And the sun does brilliantly rise
Set out upon the narrow Way
Leading to the Crown and Prize

Yes, may we follow ever carefully
The narrow and blessed Way
Entering the small gate of Life
As our dear LORD did say

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

:angel:

Never Walk Alone



Are you walking through a lonely road,
Tired of its twists and bends?
Are you weighed down by a heavy load
And searching for a true friend?



Do you sometimes wonder and ask,
Why things happened as they did?
Does it seem now a heavy task
To be faithful in word and deed?



There's no need to walk alone
When on Christ you can call
He'll stay with you through the horizons
And keep you strong and standing tall.



Jesus Christ is a faithful friend
He cares and will your burdens share
A friend whose love knows no end
Call on Him today sincerely in prayer.

~*~

© Benjamin Anabaraonye
getbenjyu@yahoo.com

"What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer."
'Reflection by Benjamin'

:angel:

The Day The King Rode In


On the day the King rode in
We were among the milling crowd,
Curious, unsure, questioning
With hearts all full of doubt.

Because on the day the King rode in
We didn't know at all to praise,
With no grasp of why His death
Would give to us eternal days.



But on the day the King rode in
We realised our deep sin,
Though then, we called out crucify,
Now, to Him our hearts we bring.

As the day the King rode right in
He opened up our eyes,
To see we had no good within
Our self had need to die.



Yes, the day our King rode in
Was the time we did repent,
Falling down with broken hearts
For all the blood He spilt.

On the very day the King rode in
He set us completely free,
By taking on Himself, our sin
He became our life eternally.



Oh, the day Our King rode in
Though once we hid our face,
Now, we cry, Thank You Jesus, Lord
You saved us by Your grace.

~**~

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©March 2009
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

God made Him who had no sin
to be sin for us,
so that in Him
we might become
the righteousness of God
2 Corinthians 5:21

Wishing you a blessed Palm Sunday !

:angel:

Last April on a Sunday, we took one of our "nowhere" drives. My husband was quietly driving a back road and I was occupied in the front passenger seat watching the scenery.

I noticed out of the corner of my eye that my husband was straining to look out my window. This startled me, since his eyes should be on the road in front of him. I asked him what he was looking at out the windows, and he quietly replied, "Nothing." His eyes went back to the road in front of him.

After a few minutes, I looked over at my husband and noticed a tear running down his cheek. I asked him what was wrong. This time he told me, "I was just thinking about Pop and a story he had once told me." Of course, because it had to do with his Pop, I wanted to know the story, so I asked him to share it with me.

He said, "When I was about 8 years old, Pop and I were out fishing and that's when he told me that the Pine trees know when it is Easter."

I had no idea what he meant by that, so I pressed him for more information.

He continued on... "The Pine trees start their new growth in the weeks before Easter... If you look at the tops of the Pine trees two weeks before, you will see the yellow shoots. As the days get closer to Easter Sunday, the tallest shoot will branch off and form a cross. By the time Easter Sunday comes around, you will see that most of the Pine trees will have small yellow crosses on all of the tallest shoots."

I turned to look out the window and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a week before Easter, and you could see all of the trees with the tall yellow shoots stretching to Heaven.

The tallest ones shone in the sunlight like rows of tiny golden crosses.


Wishing you God's blessings today and always !

:angel:

Because I woke this morning
With you upon my mind, I knew
I had to send an Easter blessing
Love gathered up for you


I prayed you would feel restful
And know tranquil peace today
To touch your soul most 'specially
As you journey on your way


I asked the Lord enfold you close
Within His tender arms
So you would feel supported
And protected from all harm


To know light in the darkness
With hope to guard your heart
Faith to trust His promises
The peace of soothing calm


This prayer I whispered for you
As you're so sweet to me
May all your days o'erflow with grace
And love eternally


Soft Easter whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©2008
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart


All hope is yet rekindled
God cares in wondrous ways,
The resurrection life He gave
Brings Easter joy for aye.


Happy Easter !

:angel:

Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, To heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Jesus lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
My life is worth the living, just because He lives!


And then one day, I'll cross that river,
I'll fight life's final war, life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and
I'll know my Jesus lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
My life is worth the living, just because He lives!


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
My life is worth the living, just because He lives!


My life is worth the living,
just because He lives!

Words and Music by William J. Gaither
Recorded by William and Gloria Gaither

Directly licensed for internet public performance
alighthouse.com



Wishing you a blessed Easter
:angel:

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall
rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Jesus said unto her,
I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John chapter 11 verses 23-25

:angel:

I give thanks at Easter to God above,
So blessed to have all His great love,
I thank you Jesus that on this day
I hear birds sing and watch trees at play.

Thank you Jesus for taking my sin,
In dying for me
You help me to see all the beauty
that the world can be.



Thank you for giving me abundant life,
For friends I know,
and freedom to be
Whatever You want, to make it so.

An Easter blessing, is air I breathe,
Loving others when they are in need,
A hand to hold, a gentle hug,
Taking of my heart to give You love.



You have been so kind
That on your cross, for me You died,
Yet when You rose
angels sang and cried.

Peace be with me and friends so dear
Who stand with me another year,
I am grateful for You creating me
I see light from You, and in that light,



I thank You Lord,
for eternal life.

Linda Ann Henry © 2009
linda11231949@aol.com
Do you remember me
The people's poet

May God bless you this Easter
:angel: :angel:

April 6
The Greatest Loneliness
For reading & meditation: Psalms 119:17-32
"I will obey thee eagerly, as thou dost open up my life." (v.32, Moffatt)

Now that we have seen how crucial is the spiritual principle that life is preceded by death, we move on to consider some of the areas into which God leads us so that this principle may be put to work. If, as we said, this principle is "the deepest law in the universe", then we should not be surprised when God provides us with opportunities to demonstrate its effectiveness. The first area we consider is loneliness. Is this a situation in which you find yourself at the moment? If so, then you can respond to it in one of two ways: you can rebel against it and wallow in self-pity, or you can face it in the knowledge that God is with you in your loneliness and will help you turn it into something positive. Geoffrey Bull, when speaking of his lonely life in Tibet in his book When Iron Gates Yield, said: "The Lord had appointed me to stand in solitude upon the threshold of crisis, yet the only loneliness I had need to fear was that of a corn of wheat afraid to die." A corn of wheat afraid to die - that is the greatest loneliness. Just as there is one sin - the sin of making yourself God (all the rest are sins), so there is just one loneliness - the loneliness of being alone with a self that is not surrendered to God. You see, if you do not understand the principle that going God's way is always the best route to spiritual fruitfulness, then loneliness will hold tremendous terror for you. I say again: there is no greater loneliness than a self that is afraid to die.

Prayer:
O God, if You see that I am "a corn of wheat afraid to die", then uproot that fear - in Jesus' Name. May I echo the psalmist's words: "I will obey thee eagerly, as thou dost open up my life." Amen.

For further study:
John 16:17-33
1. How did the psalmist feel?
2. What was Jesus' testimony?

:angel:

Jesus Carried His Cross For Me,


God's redeeming work is done
He shed His blood, the battle is won,
He lives forever our Glorious King,
We share His love and praises sing.

He carried His cross for all to see
Up Calvary's rugged hill that day,
He gave His all and took my place,
Someday I'll look upon His beautiful face.


When I look upon a cross
It reminds me of the price He paid,
Such love He gave that day for me,
Died for my sin, and set me free.

Three crosses are empty on Calvary's hill
Jesus died and obeyed His Fathers will,
He bore the stripes, and took my pain
So no one will die for me ever again.


Behold your Savior of mankind
Who willingly, hung on the cross
Oh, How He took our sin and strife,
He gave the best, to give us life.

It's done the price has been paid
Forgive them Father, He cries,
He then bows His sacred head,
Gave up the ghost and died.


© 2005Bernice Ward
Bernice's inspirations


Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them;
for they know not what they do.
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Luke 23:34

Wishing you a blessed Easter !

:angel:

Missing You At Eastertime


It's at these very special times
I sit and miss my family, friends,
So here I have these special thoughts
To you I'd like to send.

I hope you have a blessed time
With all the ones you love,
Just being close together
In all that Christ has done.



I pray for you the hope of Easter
Blessed by wondrous peace and love,
Reflecting on our Saviour's death
The victory He has won.

Then on Easter Sunday morning
Great joy for you I pray,
As you celebrate the resurrection life
You live in Him each day.



Have a very blessed Easter
being glad in every way

Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems © March 2009
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart



I'm thankful Jesus has you near,
So I'd really like to say
How much you bless my heart,
With all your love each day
~Blossoms~

Happy Easter !

:angel:

Christ Arose

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:
not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

May the joy and peace
of the Risen Lord
fill your home and your heart
on Easter Day!



Happy Easter!

Treasured Tapestry

Moments interweaving
Intricately and by design
The fabric of my life
Woven by the Divine

Free will I have
In each stitch I make
Yet all of these together
His Hands do take



Stitches made in error
He perfects and beautifies
Stitches disconnected
He harmonizes and unifies

In the here and now
I often cannot see
The beautiful tapestry
He has woven for me



Yet in stepping back
I see the beauty of it all
My Lord has beautified
Each stitch, big and small

For He is the Maker
The Creator of all things
From sorrow and pain
Glory and joy He brings



And create a Masterpiece
He does for me, for you
Perfecting the imperfect
With Love infinite and true

The tapestry of my life
He weaves with all others too
Tapestries of billions
As only the Omnipotent can do



So delight in this tapestry
I will each passing day
Praising continually my God
For His ever perfect Way

It is a fabric of eternity
A tapestry precious and divine
That our Lord weaves with love
In both your life and mine



And in moments interweaving
Precious and by design
We praise the Eternal One
Creator, Master and True Vine

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"My ears, Lord, delight in Your voice;
in Your call, Jesus, my soul does rejoice."
'Reflection by Caroline'

:angel:

The Hand of Jesus

There is a day I know it's coming
When my life on earth will end
I praise God when my life is over
I've a better one I'll begin



This world hasn't anything to offer
As everything will turn to dust
I'll keep my eyes on Jesus
His is the precious blood I trust



I can see the lights of Heaven
Over on that blissful shore
I can feel the hand of Jesus
Holding mine forever more



On that day when I cross Jordan
Know I won't be alone
As the precious hand of Jesus
Will be reaching for my own



I just want my Lord to use me
While I'm living in this place
So that I might lead another
To His precious throne of grace



Nothing else could be of profit
but to be a witness for my King
Things on earth have no value
but His love makes my heart want to sing



I can see the lights of Heaven
Over on that blissful shore
I can feel the hand of Jesus
Holding mine forever more



On that day when I cross Jordan
I know I won't be alone
As the precious hand of Jesus
Will be reaching for my own

~**~

© Beulah Marie Starr
beulahthepoet@windstream.net

:angel:

Beauty Only God Can Create

Do you wonder?
How that flower was made
With all its intricacies
So many shades of color
With all its wondrous infinities

Do you wonder?
When you see the sky of blue
How were the clouds formed?
With graceful pillows of puff
Then they darken and stormed


Do you wonder?
How you and I were formed
In God's likeness
By the single thought of God
We have His similar aptness

Do you wonder?
With everything you see
All of its wonders
So delicate and real
How many are Gods believers?


Do you wonder?
Why God wants us to believe on blind FAITH
The word doubt is in the Bible over four hundred times
Because we are human, we question all that we see
Then we pray, and faith grows we get it sometimes

Do you wonder?
Why God chose you and me?
There is only one answer LOVE
All on Earth, sky and ocean created by God
From our Heavenly Father above


Joyce Ann Geyer © 2008
Poetnmysol


Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty
hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
~1 Peter 5:6~

:angel:

Look To Him, Look to Jesus


I know that the Bible says
When You've done all to stand, then stand
I know that it's hard sometimes
to look through those tear stained eyes
and still see those scars in His hands
but just you keep this in mind,
when hope seems so hard to find
surely you've not reached the end
when this whole world has let you down
Jesus can still be found
When you've tried it all
Look to Him



Look to Him, and Him only
when sorrows make you lonely
when all the days and the night closes in
He can vanish the midnight
and call back the sunlight
So how will it end
Look to Him



I know that questions can
Lord they can get so hard to understand,
yeagh but then
I know someone who knows it all
You know His eyes see the sparrow fall
Yet He holds back the sea with just one hand
He's so big He rides on the wind that blows
and in your heart He's the only one that knows
the heartache and all the trouble that you're in
So when life seems everything but good
Just look to Him, He's the one who could
when you've tried it all
Look to Him


Look to Him, and Him only
when sorrows make you so lonely
when all the days and the night closes in
He can vanish the midnight
and call back the sunlight
So how will it end
Look to Him
So how will it end
Look to Him

~*~

"Look to Him"
Written by Kenny Hinson
Sung by Kenneth Copeland
Directly licensed
for internet public performance on
ALighthouse.com

:angel:

Ever more like You,
Lord, I pray to be.
Ever more like You -
Jesus, reign in me.

Ever more loving,
Ever more pure,
Ever more patient,
All things to endure.

Ever more radiant,
Ever more bright,
Ever more humble,
Abiding in Light.



Ever more generous,
Ever more strong,
Ever more surrendered,
For to You I belong.

Ever more joyful,
Ever more in love,
Ever more captivated
By my Beloved Above.

Ever more obedient,
Yea, even unto death,
Ever more breathing
For You every breath.



Ever more like Jesus,
Ever more like the Son,
Ever more like Christ,
God's Chosen One.

Ever more lovely,
Ever more true,
Ever more beautiful,
Ever more like You.

Ever glorious You are,
Ever radiant You shine;
Ever lovely You are
With agape divine.



Ever Truth You are,
Ever You are the Way;
Ever freedom abounds
In the Words You say.

Ever humble You are,
Ever You in Majesty;
Ever the Lamb Risen
Reigns in glory.

Ever my heart
Beats, Lord, for You;
Ever I forget
All else I knew.



Ever my hands
Your work embrace;
Ever my lips
Sing of Your grace.

Ever my spirit
Longs to be one
With You, Beloved:
God's own Son.

Ever I worship
Before Your Throne;
Ever I rejoice
That I am Your own.



Ever I desire
To love You more;
Ever I express
How much I adore.

Ever Yours I am,
Ever I am my King's;
Ever I delight
In Life He brings.

Ever more like You,
I then pray to be.
Ever more like You -
My Jesus, reign in me.

~*~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"Ever more like You, Lord,
I pray to be; Ever more like You - yes,
Jesus, reign in me."
'Reflection by Caroline'

:angel:

~Love Of My Heart~

Love of my heart, Dear Jesus I pray
Help me through life, the rest of my days
Lead me to Heaven, put hope in my soul
Be all my life and all of my goal



Love of my heart, You keep me in You
And grant me the hope, I need to be true
Safe in Thy mercy, take all that I am
I remember I'm kept, held in Your hand



Love of my heart, Dear Jesus I pray
You paid my price, so I may be saved
Every tear I cry, is sent up to Thee
Where I'll live with You.... eternally

~**~

Linda Ann Henry ©April 2012
Do you remember me
The peoples's poet
linda11231949@aol.com

His name is Jesus
He is the Anointed One
He wants to heal your body
If you'll just touch Him
He'll Lift your burdens
He'll set you free
Just reach out right now
Act on your faith in Him

:angel:

God's Fragrant Rose


A lovely rose with leaves of green
Ascends upon the wall
With crimson red and floral spread
Does make one stand in awe.

A fragile thing, a breath of spring
Its petal doth enfold
A tiny bud so delicate
So beautiful to hold.


The perfume of its lingering scent
Does take my breath away
As sweet as lilacs on the bush
An intricate display.

A picturesque of summer bliss
Red roses on the vine
Doth lace its tender elegance
Around this heart of mine.


Could it be, God speaks to me
Through fragrance in the air
Am I not like the gentle rose
Wrapped in His loving care?

Marilyn Ferguson © 2005
:angel:

Sweet The Rain

Sweet the rain falling on the Rose
Caressing the green leaves so soft
Some say sorrowful the crystal flow
But joy to me in this intimate loft



Raindrops that touch, to bow the leaf
How gentle the Saviour in His Grace
Weathering the bloom to endurance
Blossoms of love, a harbored embrace



Summer's swelter and lengthened days
Brings insatiable hunger and more thirst
Send Your Holy rain on this wilted Rose
O' God of heaven Who is Last and First



Watch the blossom sparkle of blessing
Wafting sweet perfume of His holy love
Misty the morning of midnight showers
Beautiful the glory of our God above !


~**~

Judy L Wilson ©Oct.20, 2011
jlw7727@yahoo.com

:angel:

Lord, Show Me Someone

Lord Jesus, as I move about today
Show me one who needs Your care
Let me watch and listen
For Your love to share



As I walk along the path of life
May my eyes look to see
Someone all alone
Crying with a heartfelt plea



If my days are feeling busy
Let me never cease to love
May I always seek from you
Love to care enough



I know the less I think of me
The more joy springs a-new
Grant me Your heart and mind
So I will think as You



Fill me with Yourself, so I
Can flow with all that's true

Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems © 2008
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart

To do those things that count
as everything to God.
~Oswald Chambers~

:angel:

A Rose In Bloom


Lovely rose,
Brilliant in bloom,
Beautiful vision
My heart to consume.

Lord Jesus, may I be
As one of these:
Beautiful, fragrant
Your heart to please.



As the soft bud
Emerging from earth,
May I stretch upward
To claim rebirth.

As the petals
Colorful and bright,
May my beauty grow
From Your luminous Light.



As the pattern
Of the petals 'round,
May I circle about You,
Your love to abound.

As the fragrance of roses
Aromatic and sweet,
May my prayers rise to You
Lovely incense to greet.



As roses intertwine,
One next to another,
May my life bring joy
To sister and brother.

As amidst the beauty
Of the rose is the thorn,
May I recall Your agony,
The bitter Cross borne.



As the bloom withers,
As the petals do fall,
May I remember
Dust we are all.

As the rose petals
With earth become one,
May I recall the promise
Of You, God's Son.



Eternal life we find
When to ourselves we die;
We become one with You
When flesh we crucify.

Glorious truth
Expressed in the flower;
Over death my Savior
Holds eternal power.



Die with Him I shall
To live with Him too;
He died with love for me
What else can I but do?

Yes, I live for You, Master:
May I be to You a rose.
Fragrant and sweet,
As my love for You grows.



I recall always You:
Your pain on Calvary;
I envision always You:
Your agony in Gethsemane.

Lovely You are, Master
Loveliest of all;
Deepest of pain You embrace
To save me from the Fall.



As the soft bud, then,
Emerging from earth,
I stretch and embrace
You and Your Rebirth.

Lord Jesus, I vow to be
Ever as one of these:
Beautiful and fragrant
Your heart to please.



You are the loveliest Rose,
Brilliant in bloom,
Your love for me forever
Does my heart consume.


~**~

© Caroline Gavin
carolinegavinre@aol.com

"I live for You, Jesus:
may I be as a rose -
fragrant and sweet
as my love for You grows."
~ Reflection by Caroline ~

:angel:

God's Miracle

My eyes see the beauty
Of the ocean far and wide
The glow of the sunrise
Someone special by my side.

The vastness of the waters
Far as the eye can see
God's wounderous adoration
Seems to look back at me.



The rushing of the foamy surf
White caps peaking high
Waters softly flowing
On the golden sand near by.

This is one of many miracles
God's gift for us to keep
There are many more just like this
He would like for us to reap.



This beauty is not magic
An ordinary man put together
God's love made this possible
Ours to keep forever.

© Ginny Bryant
Gift of love

:angel:

Wishes For A Beautiful Day

I couldn't think of anything
More beautiful for you
Than red roses in the morning
To touch your heart anew



Red roses in the morning
Red roses for your night
Red roses for your midday
To fill you with delight



So, take these lovely roses
Breathe in their lovely hue
I chose them and I send them
Just for the joy of you

~**~

Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©August 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from the Heart

"A gathering of roses
a gift of love for you.
may all your days be filled
with God's everlasting joy
and all your heavenly dreams come true."

:angel: