Home

Up in the tree house you'll find the home
of someone who conveys a sweet song.
Their melody can be heard early a.m.
You'll hear their tune again in the p.m.
for a bird's nest is now seen
in the tree's leaves of green.

It might be speckled brown wren who trills
or robin redbreast whose chirping now thrills.
Could it be the titmice you hear cheep?
It might be chickadees who tweet, tweet, tweet.
Cardinals have been known to join in
with blue jays heard cawing in the wind.

Whoever it is you hear
may return year after year
to their home in the trees
found under the green leaves.
Their home is a nest
where they find sweet rest.

I like to think the same birds return
year-after-year to their tree house home
to rebuild their round nests
with twigs or dried grass dressed.
More tree house homes are discovered in the fall
after Jack Frost visits and leaves begin to fall.

* * * * *

Continuing on the house theme,
another house can daily be seen -
for our physical body is a house
when by the Holy Spirit its indwelt.

When we ask Jesus into our hearts
the Holy Spirit comes in, He's indwelt.
He is our Counselor that will always guide
us in make decisions that are wise.

Your body is then a living sacrifice
that seeks to please God through the years of your life.
Your heart, mind, and will desire to worship through
whatever happens - in all you say, think and do.

You are made new - transformed!
Your thoughts and will are formed
through the Holy Spirit guiding you
to do what's right, honorable and true.

Being transformed is a process.
It's a lifelong journey, yes.
You become born again when you believe and receive the gift of salvation
and indwelt by the Holy Spirit who is in the business of transformation.

I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God -
this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:1-2

Crows

I saw a dead, skeleton of a tree with a black, cawing crow atop one summer which inspired this one...

Atop the weathered, dead skeleton of a tree
sits a black form of a crow cawing freely.
Apropos, this lifeless tree -
a perch for this vulture greedy.

Dead, without life, this tree
now a skeleton of what it used to be.
Black, as night, this crow
born to be many creatures unsuspecting foe.

There he sits surveying his kingdom
inbred with an inbuilt wisdom,
searching for a free dinner
as his beady eyes tour.

Caw-caw he loudly yells.
His greediness soon quelled.
This crow once still
spies roadkill.

Spreading his wings
he swoops in
to dine
on his find.

Answering the call of nature,
knowing tomorrow there's more,
while thinning out over-population naturally,
this gluttonous crow fills his greedy belly.

His hunt successful
until tomorrow.
He lifts his wings and flies
off into the gray skies.

* * * * *

Solomon stated there is nothing new under the sun.
From the beginning of time crows have a purpose under the sun.
Something becomes their victim
though that thought isn't welcome.

Despite our best attempts, life isn't always fair.
Many unforeseen circumstances being about despair.
It's life's joys that keep us going
when it seems our boat isn't rowing.

There's a daily choice to make:
do we focus on what we hate
or do we look for what's right
instead of the darkness of night.

Consider the black and white keys of the piano,
producing music, both major and minor together.
Instead of discord, together pleasing to the ears
with more white (major) keys, just as in life appears.

Choose joy.
Enjoy.
Your circumstances are temporary.
Your outlook on life complimentary.

Yes, we live in an evil world.
All around us is discord.
Yet there is joy to be found.
It's what makes the world go round.

From crows
to pianos!
Each has a lesson.
Each is a blessing.

I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.
Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come:
As fish are caught in a cruel net,
or birds are taken in a snare,
so men are trapped by evil times
that fall unexpectedly upon them.
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth:
righteous men who get what the wicked deserve,
and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve.
This too, I say, is meaningless.
So I commend the enjoyment of life,
because nothing is better for a man under the sun
than to eat and drink and be glad.
Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life
God has given him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 8:14-15

Here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13

Cycles

For my friends in the south who are enjoying blooms while we in the north had another snow storm last night...

Spring is a time of sowing
seeds that will start growing
as rain and sun causes it to sprout
enticing the life within it out.

You see, in each seed is a miracle
planned that way from creation for all
to again recreate
what God did create.

Born in the the dark womb of earth,
this sowing of seed gives birth,
establishing roots below
and green growth which above ground shows.

Dependent on the weather
determines whether
these seeds will grow
fast or slow.

Countless days and weeks go by
then eventually these seeds vie
for the attention of the grower
as the seeds bear fruit or flower.

A flower within a seed!
A miracle indeed!
Then the flower becomes a berry or fruit
or vegetable or seed fed through its roots.

What an awesome Creator is our God!
That a seed germinates within the sod
and will thrive though survival is hard.
It's like each seed can't help but give God laud.

It's now time for harvesting,
also known as reaping,
with another miracle continuing
as vegetables contain nutrition.

Some seeds are saved for sowing
to ensure a new harvest growing.
Provision for the future
each little seed ensures.

Sowing and reaping -
a cycle worth keeping,
producing daily miracles
that from the earth each year grows.

* * * * *

Miracles.  Everyday occurrences
that richly blesses and enhances
our daily lives though often overlooked in our busyness.
Even often taken for granted, we'd probably confess.
Do take a minute right now to thank the Lord
for everyday miracles often ignored.

A man scatters seed on the ground.
Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up,
the seed spouts and grows,
though he does not know how.
All by itself the soil produces grain -
first the stalk, then the head,
then the full kernel in the head.
As soon as the grain is ripe,
he puts the sickle to it,
because the harvest has come.
Mark 4:26-29

Pot of Gold

Perhaps you've heard the story told
about the illusive pot of gold
found at rainbow's end.
It is true, my friend.

My little plot on planet earth
where I often dig in the dirt
when flowers and vegetables I tend
has been nicknamed by me "Rainbow's End".

My Rainbow's End includes
colorful flowers and food:
red geraniums and red tomatoes,
orange lilies and orange carrots down by my toes.

Yellow coreopsis and yellow summer squash,
green hostas and green pole beans grown next to the squash.
Blue forget-me-nots and blueberries I once did plant,
two purple butterfly bushes and purple eggplant.

This rainbow changes
as the season changes.
Later in the summer there's a rainbow of zinnias
enticing a rainbow of butterflies from afar.

Late fall another rainbow is seen
when Jack Frost changes leaves of green
to shades of orange and amber hues
and the sky is the bluest blue.

So where's the gold?
If truth be told
it's in the vegetable garden
filled with golden blossoms.

Sunny summer mornings butternuts,
zucchini, summer squash, and buttercups
fill the vegetable garden with pots of gold
where bees are found seeking pollen of gold.

Priceless, these trumpet-shaped golden pots.
Too many to count - there's a lot.
Precious to me and my beloved bees.
These pots of gold please the bees and me.

* * * * *

That ever illusive pot of gold
sought after by millions untold.
Money in the bank, so to speak,
strived for week after week until weak.

On plant earth materialism seems to describe
if one is rich, as in wealthy, or not, in the world's eyes.
The focus being on owning more
though God has something better in store.

What could be more valuable than gold?
Long life and honor according to God's Word.
Who receives honor?  Those with wisdom.
They also gain understanding.

Wisdom offers joy and peace resulting in health.
As you can see, wisdom is much better than wealth.
Wisdom bestows emotional peace
and you'll find financial burdens cease.

Those who seek after wisdom are content
for God has a plan that is heaven sent.
They've learned that God is faithful
and they are ever grateful.

The secret to contentment is not in owning more,
it's in recognizing God's blessing which daily pour.
Yes, our loving God knows what is best for us.
Wisdom is granted when we learn to trust.

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
Proverbs 3:13-18

Songfest

Visiting chickadees today reminded me of this story...

Yesterday stormy,
blustery, flurries
in my county.

Today it's sparkly
as it turned out quite sunny
though frosty and icy.

Someone sounds lovely,
cheery, lively, bubbly.
Heard singing brightly.

I think you'll agree
though you cannot see
who's singing to me.

Because they're hungry
they sing sweetly
filling their tummies.

With breasts downy
and knees knobby
chirping loudly...

sounding merry,
they eat seeds oily
at this party.

They try oranges tangy
and millet tasty
while chatting happily.

Oh no!  Someone haughty
comes acting rowdy,
sassy, not friendly.

Sounding off key,
shrewd and shrilly.
Cawing sharply.

Can be feisty.
Might be huffy,
grouchy, grumpy.

Doesn't act nicely.
Does eat hearty
and caws loudly.

For blue jays greedy
and somewhat snooty
yearly scares black-capped birdies.

Little birdies
become chatty.
Away they hurry.

These sweet tweeties
fly away quickly.
They're not happy.

Miss their beauty.
Little pudgy
gray chickadees...

bring much delight to me.
A winter jubilee
when they come say 'howdy'.

Singing sweetly,
sounding lovely,
lively, bubbly...

happy, merry,
cheery, yearly
as they journey.

A joyous chickadee
songfest jubilee
is pleasing to me.

* * * * *

...the time of the singing of birds is come...
Song of Songs 2:12

Songs

Do you know why birds often sing?
Other animals are mostly quiet.
Do they have a lesson to bring?
There's really no doubt about it!

Do birds go to bird singing school?
It seems baby birds take singing lessons.
They must learn to follow the rules -
to spread cheer whatever the season.

Some birds hit high notes,
others reach low notes.
All sing a chorus
in harmony - yes!

Some will thrill
with their trill.
Some birds seem to keep the beat;
though probably not with their feet.

Do birds sing about how the Lord provides?
To those listening do they now confide?
Do they teach us to be thankful for shelter,
food, water, family and the Creator?

Do they teach us to be cheerful
instead of being so fearful?
Is that why they sing all day long?
Teaching us that life is a song.

* * * * *

Of what songs can you be overheard singing?
One of encouragement, one of thanksgiving?
One of contentment, one of satisfaction?
One of a life filled with God's loving blessings?

Or do you sing a song of worry and fear?
Is your song off key and sometimes appears drear?
Is your song a song one no one wants to hear?
Is it the same old song year after year?

Take a lesson from the birds -
sing your own song to be heard
loud and clear
the whole year.

Sing a song of encouragement
for someone's needs you will have met.
Sing a loud song of glad thanksgiving
for God has blessed the life you're living.

Sing a song of contentment
for peace and joy is heaven sent.
Sing a song now of satisfaction.
Count your blessings, a daily action.

Don't get stuck in the rut of fear and worry.
If you remain there, you will end up dreary.
Your faith will not grow.
Your prayer life will slow.

You will not see God's faithfulness -
His provision and protection,
given each day for your very best.
Do not fear, trust - put your faith in action.

Sing to the Lord a new song.
Psalm 96:1

New Beginnings

Under its blanket of crispy brown leaves
there's an unfurling of wrinkly green leaves
forecasting an ending
and a new beginning.

This new beginning contains
a return of hope again
for with the unfurling of each new leaf
spring's joyful return quietly speaks.

Even though the refrain might be sappy,
"sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy".
Apparently I'm not the only one
for this refrain in song is sung.

The sun calls this dormant plant
to come forth, winter is past.
There's the expectation of good things to come
sprouting up each spring in the brown earth warm.

Excitement is in the air when green leaves appear.
Over the winter you've forgotten how dear
but their return every year
renews hope far and near.

What is this unfurling green leaf
of which this newborn story speaks?
It has red stalks
and can be tart.

It's often paired with strawberries then baked
though it can be sauced or made into a cake.
It's a springtime star.
Did you guess rhubarb?

Another new beginning, or a hopeful start,
is of pie or cake or bread, of which a part
will be shared with you
if you'd like me to.

* * * * *

Winter ends.
Spring begins.
You'll find that every ending
makes way for a new beginning.

An excited expectation awaits
not only with each calendar date
but through the beginnings and endings in life
though at the time if fills us with stress and strife.

Consider, though, even a plant endures stress
as through the hard, dry earth it must daily press
but it will endure
and new life ensure.

Stress is needed to make us grow stronger
so we endure and begin over.
Better for it in the end
as a new chapter begins.

Have you experienced an ending in your life?
Get ready for a new beginning to take flight.
Today's a new day.
God will make a way!

Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way...
Isaiah 43:18-19

Roots

Each year when one plants seeds or plants with roots
much emphasis
is placed on the condition of its leaves which boosts
photosynthesis
but not much attention is paid to its roots.

Yes, it is a good sign when the plants roots,
their genesis,
are growing out of the bottom of the pot like boots
but there's a crisis
if round and round the pot grow the tangled roots.

In this case, these pot-bound roots
cause paralysis
choking the plant from sending shoots,
lacking osmosis,
and from drinking in needed juice.

After removing the circling roots
from it's nemesis
one must de-tangle and/or cut the roots,
a needed prognosis,
so that new growth the plant will boost.

Rather these roots
feed coreopsis
or grow slender cucs,
roots basic catalysis
is to produce fruits.

Flowers and edible fruit
need photosynthesis
to grow new shoots and roots
so the synopsis is
nurture

those roots.

Begin by giving the soil a boost,
a nutritious oasis,
so that the roots will deeply shoot
during hypothesis
growing pretty flowers or fruits.

Soon you'll be enjoying these fruits,
perhaps sharing with brother and sis,
when blossoms mature into fruit
(yes, home-grown is the most delish)
for dinner, dessert, or as juice.

* * * * *

Deeply rooted plant roots
will one day produce good fruits
just as our spiritual roots
will one day produce
good fruits.

If our spiritual roots
are not nurtured from the root
they will not produce
beneficial fruit.
These forsaken roots
will become useless shoots.

To nurture your spiritual roots
they need to be fed nourishing juice
daily from God's Word to grow deep roots.
Then healthy roots will grow producing fruit
benefiting many as healthy fruit will boost
and encourage yourself and others by your fruits.

I pray that out of his glorious riches
he may strengthen you with power
through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep
is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Scents

Ahhh!

The spring fresh scent of daffodils
will our noses fill.
Yellow with their center frill
or even white, pleases still.
Enjoy today for it will be 11 months until
they bloom again - their scent reminding us of spring, it will.

The spicy aroma of lilacs,
alluring and liked by most a lot.
You must plant one in your garden plot
the water before it gets too hot.
In white, lavender, and purple; pots
are found in the local nursery lot.

The sweet fragrance of pink peonies.
You won't need to get down on your knees.
Their fragrance is known, you see,
by you and me and the bees.
Pick a pink bouquet then invite me
to come over for a cup of tea.

The perfume of blooming roses
delighting everyone's noses.
Do they realize their sweet message in prose,
of saying "I love you", or so the saying goes.
Think of that tonight as you doze
next to a vase containing a rose.

The heady smell of tomatoes.
A seasoned gardener just knows.
Each year they hoe a row
then late summer stows.
Perhaps into canning jars goes
tomato sauce for pizza dough.

The essence of pepper plants.
To have too many, you just can't.
To wait, you just do not want.
A salad or a sauce will enhance.
Some are too hot, you pant.
Milk might reduce your rant.

What was that whiff?
It surely reeks!
It's a (p-u) skunk!
And it stunk!!!!

Ahhh Choo!

* * * * *

God made many scents for our enjoyment
as He gave us common sense for discernment.

Most garden scents are pleasant and make lifelong memories
for when you get a whiff you'll recall bygone memories.
Some scents warn us of danger, to beware.
If you're not aware, a skunk's scent you might wear.

Common sense also tells us to be sensible,
to make good decision, to avoid trouble.
Those without much sense make errors in judgment.
Those with sense are know to be intelligent.

God's Holy Spirit, which does dwell within,
will guide us in making right decisions.
The Holy Spirit is our conscience,
our voice of reasoning that makes sense.

...have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14

Tracks

Saw this in my front yard yesterday morning...

Yesterday it snowed
a white fluffy load
of frozen crystals
which now sparkle
as today's sun
shines upon.

Today's sun also shines upon
tracks left late last night by someone
uninvited, a trespasser,
whose telltale tracks today tattle
where they strolled
through the snow.

They're looking for something to eat.
Perhaps evergreens taste sweet.
But these trespassers are in for a surprise
as in the fall the evergreens were sprayed, that's why,
with stinky deer-terent...
so the trespasser left.

This deer-terent smelled like rotten eggs.
Not pleasant, I assure you it wasn't, ugh,
as the evergreen shrubs were sprayed
and the azaleas were also sprayed
with hopes to deter this winter
these uninvited critters.

Their tracks continued on.
Someone else they would con.
Someone's evergreens
would be eaten
late last night
in the starlight.

* * * * *

Have you been conned?
Has something happened
that left you stricken,
perhaps sickened,
or a hurtful demise
because of someone's lies.

Realize that Satan uses people
to accomplish his conniving goals.
Also realize that unforgiveness
is also one of Satan's demises
for unforgiveness separates
and will usually lead to hate.

Hate is not God's plan for you.
God's plan is one of love, it's true.
Love and unforgiveness are opposites.
Unforgiveness will cause hardness of heart.
This is what Satan planned.
It's time to stay is hand.

Forgive as God lovingly forgave you.
Realize Satan uses people to
act out his plan
to harm humans.
He uses people as pawns.
Be on the alert.  Run.

Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:27

Forgive us our sins,
as we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
Luke 11:4

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another.
Colossians 3:13

Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
I Peter 5:8-9

Frosting

In the still of the cold, dark night
something white and fluffy takes flight.
It won't come until the temperature is cold.
So cold it will give everyone a red nose.

You will not hear it come
for silently it comes.
Gently it does pile.
It gives children smiles.

It covers everything by morn,
like a calm shelter in the storm.
Perhaps the weatherman forewarned
of this approaching winter storm.

There is a hush afterwards
whenever it comes, unheard.
You might find bunny tracks
in the garden out back.

In the morning when you awake
you'll find white frosting on a cake.
Everything looks new and clean
then the sun comes out and it gleams.

Look!  There's vanilla ice cream cones
on top of the fence posts there formed.
A party is waiting to begin
with cake and ice cream so let's dig in...

for snow covers everything
in the gardener's garden.
A winter covering,
protection offering.

A winter wonderland snow makes
looking like frosting on a cake.
Enjoyed by all
the first snowfall.

* * * * *

Do you dread the coming of cold snow
or like a child, can't wait for snow?
Why do adults see problems, drawbacks, and chasms?
Why can't we maintain childlike enthusiasm?

To believe in God, who is the great Creator,
then made a way for us to receive the Savior,
we must all come in childlike faith and simple trust
for it's not a matter of the mind, but of the heart.

Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
I tell you the truth,
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child
will never enter it.
Mark 10:14-15

Conversation

Birds seen sitting on a wire -
of chatting they never tire.
A telephone party
sounding quite chatty.

Listen to their chit-chat.
About what?  This and that.
Some bird's chirp sounds quite sweet -
a heavenly tweet tweet tweet.

Other birds cheep,
some heard peep.
They chatter
when gather.

Some repeat chit-chit-chit.
Listen for a bit.
They sing the same song
the whole day long.

Some dish the dirt,
while others flirt.
When there are thistles,
you'll hear whistles.

Today they share their good news,
talk about how baby grew,
warn about stalking cats a lot,
tell about the best eating plots.

Heard thanking their Creator again and again.
They have much to teach us.  Take time to listen.
You can be certain birds never worry
because God has stated so in His story.

* * * * *

Birds have no reason to worry.
Read about it in God's story.
As we're told God numbers every sparrow,
He also knows all about your sorrow.

"Do not worry" is a command
for all humans - men and women.
Worry is the opposite of faith believing.
Faith believing is to trust in God unseeing.

Is your conversation filled with worry?
Do your words of worry bring God glory?
Worrying will never change the outcome
but through prayer your answer will one day come.

Then wait for God's solution.
Waiting is your faith believing.
Let God surprise you.
You'll be blessed anew.

Don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:31

Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
So do not worry, saying,
"What shall we eat"? or
"What shall we drink"? or
"What shall we wear"?
Matthew 6:26,31

Broken

Here's the application of a rhyme entitled "Broken".   As the application is rather long, I'm only sharing the second half of the rhyme (the first half is the observation about broken tools).  May these words encourage and bless someone today.

The Lord can use broken people.
He can repair damaged goods.
He can take all your broken pieces
and turn them into something good.

Just by your being wiling to let go
of your anger and bitterness that grows
from your disappointments and failures,
poor choices, slanderers, and more.

The Lord will mend our broken pieces together
one-by-one until we are no longer tattered
but not until we ask in prayer
and tell Him the burdens we bear.

For the Lord is the repairer of broken hearts.
He loves you unconditionally no matter what.
The Lord can use all of your old broken pieces
to encourage another - as a teacher.

You are precious and your life does and will have meaning
even though you might think it doesn't seem worth redeeming.
Give the Lord Jesus Christ a chance.
He'll always give you a second chance.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Romans 8:28

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called.
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were influential, not many were of noble birth.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,
He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -
and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are
so that no one may boast before him.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who has become for us wisdom from God -
that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written:
"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord,"
I Corinthians 1:26-31

Underline "God chose" and circle "foolish",  "weak",  "lowly",  "despised".
Does that describe you?  Do any of those words describe how you feel inside?
God uses you - and me - despite our foolishness, weaknesses, feeling lowly or despised.
Do you know God has a wonderful plan and purpose for you?  You are precious in His eyes.

Also underline these words:  "you are in Christ Jesus".
To become a believer all you need to do is confess;
that is, believe in your heart and confess with your mouth
that you believe Jesus is your Savior by having faith.

Now you are in right standing before God - righteous because Jesus paid the penalty.
You are holy or set apart, and you are redeemed through Christ - no longer guilty.
Not because of what you have or haven't done
but because of what the Lord has already done.

Let the Lord set you free
because salvation is free.

Don't you just love that God knows us so well
that He repeats himself in the Bible?
God knows we are prone to forget
so He reminds us a lot.

"Truly, truly" or "verily, verily" you'll find
written in the Bible, called the Scriptures, time after time.
So if you didn't catch it on the previous page,
this page also contains advice from the Old Testament that's sage.

The verse in the New Testament was I Corinthians 1:27-28
stating God chooses the foolish, the weak,
the lowly, the despised
instead of the wise.

In the Old Testament God used those in distress, in debt
or discontented.  They became the future king's army.
Down through the ages and still today God uses the distressed,
the debtors, and even the discontented in His army.

Not necessarily the strongest, the smartest, the most perfect.
God uses us - broken confused, worried, fearful, as He sees fit.
If you think you have to be perfect to serve God,
don't believe that lie from Satan - get rid of that load.

If God used only the perfect, He wouldn't have chosen me
to write these rhymes about how God faithfully teaches me.

All those who are in distress or in debt or discontented...
I Samuel 22:2

Ups and Downs

Spring rains rain down
Greenery grows up

Flowering plants cheer up
Whenever one feels down

Bending down
To pull weeds up

Weeding on one's knees, down
Now hard to get up

Weekly mowing May grass down
Dandelions quickly spring up

Bending down
To pick stones up

Cutting limbs, stretching up
Then pickup, bending down

Come August hot sun beams down
Grass eventually dries up

There'll be produce to put up
After stretching up or down

A shelf with vegetables filled up
Keeps one's spirits from feeling down

After putting down
Forgot where put up

Raking leaves falling down
In a pile to pick up

Snowflakes drifting down
Bundled up, then shovel up

* * * * *

Life is filled with ups
and oft times downs

Celebrations come up
A new pillow filled with down

Appliances break down
Septic systems back up

Emergencies come up
Worries get one down

Rains come down
Floods rise up

Prayers rise up
Blessings rain down

Prayers rise up
Blessings rain down

Prayers rise up
Blessings rain down

Repeated for emphasis.
Prayer is more than a wish.
Prayer establishes relationship
with God Almighty, whom we worship.

The blessing isn't necessarily the reward.
It's the growing relationship that's the better reward.
To know that God keeps His promises.
To stand on a foundation of trust.  Yes!

Isn't it ironic that we don't recognize God's faithfulness to us
until we hear about someone else's troubles and genuine mess.
Yes, God keeps His promises to us.
Keep praying.  Keep living a life of trust.

Blessings are surely coming.
Keep praying.  Keep trusting.
Stand firm in faith.
God will keep you safe.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine
and puts them into practice is like a wise man
who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose,
and the winds blew and beat against that house;
yet it did not fall,
because it had it foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25

Blessings crown the head of the righteous.
Proverbs 10:6

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3

Treasures

Do you have a collection of gems?
Jewels are another name for them.
Something cherished of great value
that perhaps was a gift to you?

Though many do not own these jeweled treasures
they are content with other treasures.
Buried treasures born each spring
with more each and every morning.

Little white pearls in the form of snowdrops.
Later in the season white lilies will pop.
Who doesn't love daisies each year, so carefree.
Or a white bouquet from the snowball bush, so pretty.

There's amber yellow daffodils.
For weeks this treasure will thrill.
Later golden brown-eyed susans.
Each one a jewel, we reason.

Red ruby tulips
that bees visit.
Or red geraniums
found in your collection.

Purple globes of alliums like amethysts
late spring make a pleasing statement.
Or the purple butterfly bush
where bees and hummingbirds seen rush.

In the spring, blue sapphires appear.
It's those forget-me-nots, so dear.
Delphiniums are an exclamation point in blue.
In your assortment be sure to include something blue.

The colors of coral appear in many lilies.
Soon orange monarch butterflies will visit these lilies.
These flying flowers will love your collection of treasures.
To see a flying flower is always a treasure.

Emerald green hostas and ferns.
Foliage before Jack Frost returns.
More than beauty is found sprouting each year from the ground.
There's the process of photosynthesis all around.

A package of zinnia seeds contain a whole array  of jewels:
red rubies, purple amethysts, orange corals, yellow ambers, and pearls.
Whatever jewels are in your collection of treasures,
I'm sure they'll provide you with years of joyous pleasure.

* * * * *

Did you know the Bible says you are treasured?
In fact valued, cherished, loved beyond measure.

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant,
then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.
The Lord your God has chosen you
out of all the peoples on the face of the earth
to be his people, his treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 7:6

The Bible also says not to lay up for yourself treasures
though most people think materialism will bring them lasting pleasure.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where moth and rust do not destroy,
and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-20

Godliness with contentment is great gain.
I Timothy 6:6

So what are treasures in heaven?
Here are examples to be practicing:

Command them to do good,
to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share.
In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves
as a firm foundation for the coming age,
so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
I Timothy 6:18-19