Garbage Mouth

Garbage Mouth

Almost every day "garbage mouth" is fed

from excess that grows in my garden beds.

Today it gobbled up borage

with blue flowers and green foliage.

Garbage mouth especially likes to eat weeds

like chicory, purslane, sorrel, and bindweed.

Garbage mouth never has a stomach ache

no matter what is served to its palate.

Yesterday it dined

on cucumber rinds

and tomato skins -

consumed with a grin.

Sometimes apple cores are eaten

and banana skins, they sweeten.

It's been known to eat peach pits.

It's okay to feed it plain grits.

Would you believe egg shells

also go over well.

Everything tastes yummy

in its big, fat tummy.

It will devour

any given hour.

Garbage mouth might consume

tomorrow afternoon...

but its soon hungry again

when the dinner bell rings.

By morning it yearns for a feast.

Garbage mouth really is a beast.

 

Yes, garbage mouth is a vegetarian

but will never be a barbarian.

That means no meat

it will eat.

Garbage mouth has been known to guzzle.

Have you solved this little puzzle?

I think it will be bring a smile.

Garbage mouth is the compost pile.

* * * * *

There is another garbage mouth

that causes everyone to pout.

It never encourages when it speaks

for its many words are never sweet.

It always tears down

and leaves a frown.

This garbage mouth is a person

who makes unpleasant conversation.

They are often loud,

bringing a black cloud,

raining vile words

that should be unheard.

Some garbage mouths are gossips,

filled with spiteful malice.

Other garbage mouths are slanderers.

Bringing dispute, these wrongdoers

also tear others down

all around their towns.

Other garbage mouths call people names.

They belittle as they seek to gain

the upper hand

or so they plan

but these garbage mouths will never win

for what goes around, comes around again.

Yes, we learn by example.

So beware: words can trample,

injure others and produce no good

or they can edify for good.

May your conversation be full of grace

bringing a glow to everyone's face.

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness,

evil, greed and depravity.

They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.

They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters,

insolent, arrogant and boastful;

they invent ways of doing evil;

they disobey their parents;

they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

Romans 1:29-31

Let your conversation be always

full of grace.

Colossians 4:6

 

Another type of "garbage mouth," I suppose.

(It was collecting nesting materials.)

 

 

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Sun

Was editing this afternoon when came across this poem that tells the Easter story,

just in time for Easter this coming Sunday.

 

 

Sun

There's a brightness on the horizon

coming up over the mountain.

This brightness turns a rosy glow

as it welcomes today with "hello."

The shroud of night dissipates

as sunlight takes its place

filling the sky with light

from the sun's rays so bright.

Another glorious beginning to today

as the sun dispels the nighttime shroud away.

How the sun is missed in January

and throughout the month of February.

In another hour the sun will rise

as it ascends higher in the sky

bidding late sleepers to arise,

to enjoy the new day's sunrise.

And as the sun rises

there's another surprise.

The coldness of night

is warmed with delight.

The morning chill evaporates

when the sun incorporates

its rays

today.

Yes, it's going to be a great day.

Hope you enjoyed the sunrise today

then can get outside to enjoy the sunshine

as you listen to the birds singing in the pines.

* * * * *

Today's application is about another son,

specifically God's one and only beloved Son,

named Jesus meaning "the Lord saves us"

and Immanuel which means "God with us".

God's Son was born to save us from our sins

as we all were born with sinfulness within.

A sin that rules our life

and begets unending strife.

But God in His infinite wisdom

had a plan to save us humans.

Jesus became our sacrifice

when He died upon the cross.

Which means Jesus took our place,

our substitute for sin's disgrace.

He bore our deserved punishment

when up Calvary's hill he went.

Purposely He endured

God's plan that would ensure

salvation

for all humans.

And there He gave His all and died

before His false accuser's eyes

for you and for me that day,

now known as Good Friday.

The darkest day in recorded history

as darkness descended at noon that day

perhaps signifying the black nature of sin.

A day satan, the Prince of Darkness, thought he did win.

But God had a plan to triumph,

quietly, that would circumvent

satan's joy

with a ploy.

Hallelujah! Jesus did not remain in that tomb

for He's alive in heaven where He is enthroned

and is now our intercessor

with God, our heavenly Father.

Through Jesus, who conquered death,

we have the promise of new birth.

That's why Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.

A day that brings promise and hope everyday.

So sing and shout out

this "good news" about.

Give praise to the Lord

and stand on His Word.

"He is risen, just as he said,

Jesus Christ is no longer dead."

If we believe, our old nature is dead

and we are given a new nature instead.

This new nature is matured

when we read and obey God's Word

and we have God in us and with us

to help us live a life of trust.

We are also instructed to "go and tell"

this "good news" that will save others from hell.

We are called to be ambassadors,

to share the gospel with our neighbors.

We are also encouraged, "Do not be afraid"

when we tell others their sin debt has been paid;

that Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us,

when we believe in Him and live a life of trust.

God with us in life's trials and temptations.

God with us in impossible situations.

God with us to help us to endure.

God with us strengthens us for sure.

May the promise of Easter Sunday

be celebrated each and every day

as you recall the resurrection: “He is risen,”

which made a way for our sins to be forgiven.

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel – which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23

From the 6^th hour until the 9^th hour darkness came over all the land.

Matthew 27:45

Sing to the Lord,

for he has done glorious things;

let this be known to all the world.

Shout aloud and sing for joy...

for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.

Isaiah 12:5-6

Christ Jesus, who died –

more than that, who was raised to life –

is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Romans 8:34

He is not here;

he has risen, just as he said...

go quickly and tell his disciples:

He has risen from the dead...

Matthew 28:7

Those who live according to the sinful nature

have their minds set on what that nature desires;

but those who live in accordance with the Spirit

have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Romans 8:5

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,

as though God were making his appeal through us.

We implore you on Christ's behalf:

Be reconciled to God.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,

so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

II Corinthians 5:20-21

"Do not be afraid. Go and tell"...

Matthew 28:10

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.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:16-17

 

Sunrise out my front door.

 

 

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Broken Pieces

Tuesday I was sharing with a friend from Matthew 14 about Jesus feeding the 5,000.
The disciples picked up 12 basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (NIV)
I shared with my friend that my life is a pile of broken pieces
and that my writing Life Is a Garden Party perhaps is putting the pieces back together.
God had a plan and purpose for allowing the broken pieces after all. 
(When I shared with a friend, I was struggling with my purpose.)

Thursday evening I was surprised with a gift of When God Doesn't Fix It by Laura Story.
God's perfect timing!  I read it Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
Considered Saturday afternoon reading a vacation day and now feel refreshed.

If you feel that your life consists of broken pieces,
I would recommend you read Laura's story.  It is very healing.
I've stated before (as learned through my journey through the wilderness): 
"Don't ask God, why?  Ask God, what are you teaching me?"
Laura states it differently, but with the same end result.
Do consider your journey "for God's glory" and look for His presence.
Asking God "why" will cast doubt on your faith.
Asking "what is God teaching me" will grow your faith.

In reading Laura Story's story, I was reminded of poems I wrote years ago.
Sharing a couple here:

Strong Love
Lord, it's just too hard.  I've lost my strength.
Child, I love you to the width and length -
feel my mighty hands and outstretched arms
holding you and keeping you safe from harms.

Lord, I just can't take it any more.
Child, I have only good things in store.
My mighty hands will help you endure.
My outstretched arms contain the sure cure.

Lord, I need help right now.  Help me, Lord.
Child, I have what you need.  I can afford.
My mighty hands willingly give without measure.
My outstretched arms contain boundless treasures.

Lord, no one understands what I'm going through.
Child, I understand even better than you.
Take my mighty hand.  I will guide you to the end.
Feel my outstretched arms around you to protect and fend.

Lord, where is the good in my life.
Child, you're making problems and causing strife.
My mighty hands have the solutions you need.
My outstretched arms will satisfy any greed.

Lord, Thy will be done.
Child, welcome home -
here in my outstretched arms safe and sound.
From my mighty hands, blessings are found.

You saw with your eyes the great trials,

the miraculous signs and wonders,

his mighty hand and outstretched arm,

with which the Lord your God brought you out.

Deuteronomy 7:19

 

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm,

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:12

 



Without Number

Refrain:
As countless as the sands on the seashores
your blessings on me continually pour.
As numerous as the stars in the sky
from the day I was born to the day I die
you continually show me I am treasured.
Your love for me cannot ever be measured.
Without number you love me more and more.
Everyday your blessings continue to pour.

No one but you, Lord, showers all creation
with loving kindness and tender compassion.
No one but you, Lord, is abounding in love
and is daily faithful from heaven above.
No one but you, Lord, is always forgiving
and satisfies me with your many blessings.
There's no one like you, Lord. No one. No one.
There's no one like you, God's one and only Son.

If  I should ever doubt your ways and ask why
I'll just look up at the stars in the night sky
or I'll think of all the sands on the seashores
then I'll know that your blessings on me will pour
because you shower your loving kindness on me
and have more compassion than the deepest sea.
I know your love, faithfulness, and forgiveness
is without number - numerous and countless.

I need not ever fear, no, for you are nigh.
I know your love is much bigger than the sky
and greater than all the sand on the seashore.
Though I'm undeserving your blessings still pour.
You will bless me with love 'til the day I die
when I will arrive in heaven by and by.
On that glad day I will see you face to face
surrounded by everlasting love and grace.

Hardships and trials in life will seem worth it
on that day when I arrive at heaven's gate
for to see your nail-scarred hands and feet, will speak
of your loving kindness from your mercy seat.
You had me in your mind that sad but glad day
even when you knew I would drift far away.
Glory to God!  Your love endures forever!
It's numerous and countless - without number.

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They're Back

They're Back

There's music in the air

this winter day that's fair.

Not from a flute or a piano.

Not from a violin or a cello.

Not even from a trumpet

though this music trumpets

this chilly winter morn

like a just-tuned horn.

Where is this music coming from?

From someplace outside in the sun.

It's chirps and tweets I hear

pleasant to my ears.

When I investigate

inside the garden gate

there's a flock of chickadees

which are quite pleasing to me.

They're in the butterfly bush

sharing seeds, they do not push.

Also in the shrubs they hide

where red berries abide.

I take a minute to watch

their little black-capped thatch

atop their gray-feathered form

this chilly winter's morn.

Quite festive they are

singing from afar.

I am glad they stopped by

with their welcome lullaby.

I listen to their song

but not for very long

for they take off again

taking their song with them.

In the dead of the winter I do miss

the various songbirds and their music.

I'm thankful to hear their return

as they promise spring's return.

* * * * *

Be sure to listen for the birds

whose music is daily heard

returning joyously

every morning quite early

then again in the evenings

with a lullaby forthcoming.

I heard two mourning doves cooing this morning.

There they were on the maple tree's limb singing.

They hadn't heard

what I had heard -

that tomorrow it will be snowing.

I wondered where they would be going?

That's how it is with the arrival of spring.

It teases one day, the next day it's snowing.

I wonder if spring bulbs start crowning

when they hear the birds returning?

All I know is a miracle is seen

when spring flowers finally start to preen.

I still don't know,

do you know,

where the morning doves will go

tomorrow when it starts to snow,

but I do know they will be together

whatever commences with the weather.

See! The winter is past;

the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth;

the season of singing has come,

the cooing of doves

is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit;

the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Song of Songs 2:11-13

 

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Vol III

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Melodies

MELODIES

A wren woke me this morning

with a melody forthcoming.

Several notes were heard sung

strung together into a run.

Was it practicing a concerto

with an audition in alto?

It didn't seem to follow the rules

as so many musicians are taught to.

It was up and down the scale

as the melody sailed

through the air,

a loud blare...

for it got my attention

through the window open.

If only I could imitate the melody,

I know you too would think the song was lovely.

If someone would memorize than record,

it would be a #1 hit record.

A heavenly melody

sung without harmony.

Until a cardinal joins in.

What a happy way to begin

this weekday morning -

with joyous singing.

The air is filled with tweets,

chirps, twitters, and cheeps.

This feathered band

awakens humans.

Be sure to start your day with a song.

Before long you'll be singing along.

Your day will be better for it,

if there is a song in it.

* * * * *

Keep a song in your heart

no matter what

for you'll find cheerful singing

changes your disposition.

A joyful attitude

brightens everyone's mood.

Turn some music on

and sing to the song.

You'll feel better.

Your heart lighter.

For music soothes the soul

and fills your heart full.

Not a song of heartache and despair.

A song of joy and hope should fill the air.

Learn a lesson from the birds.

Start each morning in accord

with an attitude of gratitude.

Try it. It will change your mood.

Sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;

proclaim is salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:1-3

Sing to the Lord a new song,

for he has done marvelous things;

Psalm 98:1

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and the sound of singing,

with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn -

shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Psalm 98:4-6

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

out tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:2-3

Is anyone happy?

Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:13

...as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16

 

NIV: Psalms refers to the OT psalms, some of which may have been set to music by the church. Psalm could also describe a song newly composed for Christian worship, where hymn is literally psalm in the Greek text.

A hymn was a song of praise, especially used in a celebration, much like the OT psalms that praised God for all that he is. A song recounted the acts of God and praised him for them, much like the OT psalms that thanked God for all that he had done.

Seasons

SEASONS

It's winter

and burr

but gardeners

are not deterred

for in their dreams

they often dream

of gardening under the sunbeams

after the rain leaves the earth fresh and clean.

It's spring

which brings

gardeners outdoors

to joyfully explore

the flower bulbs giving birth

from the newly awakened earth

and they look to see

the fat buds on trees.

It's summer

and gardeners

are busy everyday

weeding under the sun's rays

or gathering the garden's bounty.

Each year God provides with plenty.

So much to be thankful for.

God's blessings everyday pour.

It's autumn

when the sun

sets earlier each day

painting sky blue pink rays,

when gardeners harvest -

there's no time to rest -

the fruits of their labor

over which they labored.

Come winter, spring, summer, or fall

you'll find gardeners are joyful

and thankful too

for God's kindness through

another filled-with-surprises year

when flowers and vegetables appeared

from the earth

giving birth.

When the earth

does give birth

it's God, the Creator, showing kindness

to each and every one of us

for God planned it that way

when he spoke that day:

“Let the earth

bring forth..."

* * * * *

O the kindness of God!

A thousand times more than we deserve for God is merciful.

He is patient beyond human understanding.

On the path we trod

we all doubt, we want our own way, not content, and ungrateful

yet God remains unconditionally loving.

We run around in a fog -

without seeking God - until heavy burdens fill our cup full

then we find ourselves seeking God and praying.

O the kindness of God

that He was waiting all the time, despite our being prideful,

to be our burden bearer for God is caring.

You'll find in your journey through the wilderness

that when times are bad and your life is a mess

that you will seek the Lord more and more

and you'll find He has good things in store.

It's when times are good that you need to be on the look out

for that's when we neglect to pray as we go about.

We take the kindness of God for granted.

Our relationship with God becomes slanted.

Just as the Israelites were in their journey through the wilderness.

After being obstinate, they would draw near to God and confess.

They learned about God's kindness when seasons were hard.

When seasons were good, their hearts became hard.

Take note of the kindness of God today.

Let it envelop you like a hug and stay.

If you need to confess, don't delay.

God is waiting to hear from you today.

And God said,

Let the earth bring forth grass,

the herb yielding seed,

and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind,

whose seed is in itself, upon the earth;

and it was so.

Genesis 1:11

He (God) has shown kindness by

giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons;

he provides you with plenty of food

and fills your hearts with joy.

Acts 14:17

Do you show contempt

for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience,

not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

Romans 2:4

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