Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland

Evergreens seen wearing powdery poufy gowns

for snowflakes piled during the night in my town.

No black winding ribbon streets seen

for the snow makes everything clean.

And silence settles

over the meadows.

Everything’s covered with a soft blanket

like the inner batting of a warm quilt.

A stillness can be heard –

earth being comforted

with this snow-white soft blanket spread

over the garden’s winter beds.

It’s quiet, no songs heard

from winter-time birds

for creatures are hibernating

hidden under this covering.

The sky’s heavy laden.

No bright sun peaking.

There are snow cones

on fence posts formed

and flower pots

wearing cone hats.

A party awaits.

Don’t you be late!

Out comes the scarves and mittens,

warm boots and woolen leggings

for a day of fun is planned.

Don’t forget the toboggan.

Snow cones are sampled.

There’s snowballs ample.

Soon Frosty takes shape.

With a bright scarf he’s draped.

He oversees his kingdom

until the temperature warms

then he disappears

until next year.

Someone else does appear

with two pink cheeks dear,

and a cold

red nose,

without a hat and clothes soaking wet

demanding a cup of hot chocolate.

Silence returns to the garden

now overseen by a snowman.

The undisturbed covering

now with footprints trampling.

A fun memory was made today.

That makes the cold of winter okay.

* * * * *

A snow day!

Hooray!

Rather you consider snow a trick or a treat

whichever you might choose – it still is neat!

Little frozen wisps of snowy white fluff

piled high might cause you to get stuck.

Created by God for our enjoyment

while others find extra employment.

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, “Fall on the earth”…

The animals take cover;

they remain in their dens…

The breath of God produces ice,

and the broad waters become frozen…

Job 37:5-10

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Shine

Woke up with this "story" in my mind this morning,
though written years ago.

Thought someone other than myself would appreciate it today.

Shine

Philippians 2:15 (NIV)

Shine in the midst of your troubles
proclaiming that God is able.
Others will see your example
for when life seems to be impossible
they need a light that shines forth
showing them troubles have worth,
giving hope in their heartache,
bringing God's peace to their hearts.

Refrain:
Always be loving, patient, and kind
for God's purpose for you is to shine.
Ambassadors in the family of faith
always illuminating God's truth.
God's purpose for you from your birth
is to shine like stars in the universe,
to be a shining light in the darkness
so be a light and shine, shine forth.

Shine in your words, deeds, and actions
for others you'll be attracting
as you shine bright with God's light
always proclaiming what's right,
offering encouragement
to those you have met
with loving understanding and
often giving a helping hand.

Others will see your passion
when as a star you do shine
so shine bright as the stars
today right where you are.
God's purpose for you from your birth
is to shine like stars in the universe
to be shining light in the darkness
so be a light and shine, shine forth.

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Late

Late

Late last night unwelcome visitors came

across the road in a single lane

leaving tracks in the snow

causing me distress and woe.

Whoever it was dined on evergreens

then quietly left the crime scene

leaving footprints behind.

I don’t think they are kind.

They sampled here and there

deciding the tastiest fare.

Was it bucks or does?

I do not know.

I had intended to drape some net

across the azalea – their favorite -

but I did not get to it.

Now I can see I’m too late.

Other shrubs are enclosed by a fence

to discourage late night visitors thence.

The azalea won’t be as pretty this year

for it was nibbled down by not dear deer.

All because I procrastinated too long

I now sing this sad woebegone song.

It’s now too late.

Deer I’ve come to hate.

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Out of Hibernation

Out of Hibernation

Yesterday a winter wonderland

as snowflakes piled up like white sand.

The creatures hibernated outside

as people hibernated inside.

Too cold to venture out.

A snow day so stayed put.

Traffic minimal.

View sensational.

Everything’s covered in white -

a pretty, peaceful sight.

Looks like a white Christmas

has descended on us.

Tree limbs frosted white.

Evergreens now iced.

Like frosting on a cake

while creatures hibernate.

Quiet and still.

No movement spills.

No birds are seen

in the evergreens.

Today, though, many black birds flock

in the crab apple tree out back.

Ravenous from yesterday’s fasting

they feast then are seen sharing.

For more birds wait their turn

this sunny winter morn.

Hundreds seen descend

to sup and then lend.

They seem to share this offering

found under the snow’s covering.

Listen? Joyous chattering.

No longer hibernating.

Ever thankful they sing grateful praise

to their Creator as songs they raise

for God provides their daily bread

as each and everyday they are fed.

Crows are now heard cawing in the distance.

God must have provided them sustenance

for God’s eyes are on each sparrow,

blue jay, cardinal, raven, and crow.

As God is concerned about the least of these,

then certainly He will your needs and wants appease.

In the meantime thank Him for His faithfulness

and in His daily blessings everyday rest.

* * * * *

Thank you, God, for the beautiful snow.

It comes as a blessing bestowed.

Thank you, God, for the birds that teach me

everyday your faithfulness to see.

Do not worry, saying,

‘What shall we eat?’

or ‘What shall we drink?’or ‘What shall we wear’…

your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Matthew 6:31-32

That's the crab apple mentioned in the center back of this photo.

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Leftovers

Though this story was written years ago, I saw it again today.

Canadian geese feeding this brisk January day.

Be on the lookout as to how God supplies.

You'll be in for a surprise!

Leftovers

Today I saw a flock of Canadian geese feasting

in the nearby shorn cornfield months after harvesting.

It's January 5^th

and there is snow in drifts.

It appeared it was the harvesters intent

to allow the geese to feed to their heart's content

for they were busy feeding their face

as a smile appeared on my face.

These stately geese

did not lease.

Their food was free

to gather, you see.

They were quite content

with food heaven-sent

for it was a gift from God this day -

a brisk January day.

The leftover field corn that had fallen

was as if a blessing from God had fallen

for God does provide for all His creatures.

Sometimes His provision is leftovers.

I was reminded of the story where the harvesters

in the Old Testament were instructed to leave leftovers

for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless to glean.

This was a commandment the harvesters esteemed.

Many were blessed by this practice for life is sometimes cruel.

There will always be the poor, the widows, the fatherless who

need encouragement from those who

gladly share what they have with you.

* * * * *

Nothing in life is certain

except for one's salvation.

Consider this this new year: you never know when you might lose your health.

If you lose your health it undoubtedly will affect your wealth.

Where once before you considered yourself independent

now you might rely on another as a dependent.

It might be the government's help

set up purposely for when you need help.

It might be second-hand items given

by those who share what they've been given

coming at the 11^th hour – just when you need.

You have no doubt God saw and provided your need.

Perhaps someone provided a bag of groceries

or cleaned their closet and blessed you abundantly.

These "leftovers" were meant to bless you

and show you God provides for you.

Traditionally you think of leftovers after a meal.

These leftovers come every time a good price – a deal.

However your leftovers come,

at some point you'll find they are welcome.

...pick up the leftover grain...

(Naomi) went out and began to glean in the fields

behind the harvesters.

Ruth 2:3

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New

 New

A new year, a new page, a new resolve, a new plan -

a chance to begin again

we all tend

to yen.

One-by-one days add up to become a year

filled with memories – some sad and some dear.

The old year has passed, the New Year begun

at midnight when "Auld Lang Syne" has been sung.

Did you know "Auld Lang Syne" means the good old times?

The ones left behind - and the ones to be born in time.

Each day dawns like a new blank page,

surprises await at each new phase.

Some anticipated and some are not

for no one knows for certain their lot.

Each day new memories are being made

that you might record on a new blank page.

If you have made a resolution this New Year

you have made a resolve to change in the new year.

Every day we have a new choice -

to choose how we respond is our choice.

Choices bring about change if one is steadfast.

Determination keeps us doing the task.

A new plan to begin all over again

is written in God’s Word again and again.

Don't start the New Year without knowing

God the Creator – who's all knowing.

He knows what you struggle with each new day

and has a plan to come to your aid.

God is as close as a prayer away

so start your New Year in this new way.

Simply say, "Dear Heavenly Father,"

for with God it's never a bother,

to hear and answer our prayers in His time -

with pages of memories for "Auld Lang Syne."

Behold, I make all things new.

Revelation 21:5

Sunrise 1/1/17

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