What Love Means

[Judy Harder]

~ 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 ~

[Judy Harder]

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

[Judy Harder]

 
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

[Judy Harder]

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.



 

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





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

[Judy Harder]

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~




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

[Judy Harder]

~ 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 '

[Judy Harder]

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

~*~

[Judy Harder]

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 ~

[Judy Harder]

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.

[Judy Harder]

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 !