Masquerade

 

MASQUERADE

There's a party on Saturday.

I plan to dress up silly

or maybe I'll choose spooky.

Perhaps something pretty.

What will I decide to be?

I really can't wait to see.

Will you think I'm cute?

Maybe you'll laugh and hoot.

Will you look afraid

or a little scared?

I'll try to confuse

with what I choose.

Perhaps I'll be a clown.

Should I smile or frown?

A red wig and big shoes?

What get-up should I choose?

I might put on makeup

after I eat my sup

because when I masquerade

I wear a disguise to dissuade.

Or when it's dusk

I'll put on my mask

in order to surprise someone.

I won't tell because I'm mum.

But I'll tell you about my friends.

They're also known as pumpkins.

Have you seen my friends?  They're cool!

They like to masquerade too.

Yesterday my friends were found in a field.

Today they smile with orange teeth drilled.

Maybe they'll look surprised

looking through their two eyes.

All summer long they're known as orange pumpkins.

October 31^st they're called jack-o-lanterns.

I like this game of masquerade.

At school there'll be a parade.

The most original might win;

perhaps a big blue ribbon.

They'll be candy corn to eat

as an annual sweet treat.

October 31^st is Halloween

when witches with green faces are queen

and orange jack-o-lanterns gleam

when the darkness of night is seen.

* * * * *

Do you tend to masquerade?

Do you pretend, though you are afraid?

Do you wear a disguise,

but there's hurt hidden behind your eyes?

Does no one know the real you?

Does no one know when you're blue?

Does depression haunt you

like a bad case of the flu?

One sure way to beat the blues

is to offer praise to God who

has a solution

to all your problems.

You'll find that "giving God the glory"

will bestow blessings and bring glory

to the Almighty Creator of everything, God,

who will always remain with you when life is hard.

You're not alone

with Jesus along.

Wherever you roam

be sure to sing this song:

Safe am I, safe am I,

in the hollow of His hand.

Sheltered o'er, sheltered o'er

with His love forevermore.

No ill can harm me,

no foe alarm me,

for He keeps both day and night.

Safe am I, safe am I,

in the hollow of His hand.

(Mildred Leightner Dillon)

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;

therefore I will remember you.

Psalm 42:5-6a

I remember my affliction and my wandering,

the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them,

and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind

and therefore I have hope...

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;

it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:19-20, 25-26

Life Is a Garden Party

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Crunch

 

CRUNCH

Snap, crackle, pop, crunch -

not popcorn for lunch.

Outdoors underfoot

when a stroll you took

snap, crackle, pop, crunch heard

on the earth's carpeted floor.

Carpeted in red, orange, gold

before turning into a brown load

to be raked one sunny afternoon -

autumn's last bouquet of blooms are doomed.

Snap, crackle, pop, crunch -

into a pile a bunch

of leaves raked

then relocate.

Leaves recycled into free mulch

put on the garden to produce much

for over the winter they'll decay.

You'll find composting does well pay.

Late summer you'll hear snap, crackle, pop, crunch

when green beans are prepared for lunch

or snow peas eaten under the sun -

a snack straight from the garden.

Autumn's dead leaves became

nutrients for the garden's gain.

Snap, crackle, pop, crunch -

decomposed leaves add a punch.

Snap, crackle, pop, crunch!

Rather raking leaves into a bunch

or fresh vegetables for lunch,

enjoy today as you crunch.

* * * * *

There is no waste in God's economy.

He planned earth to renew itself, you see.

Leaves are given new birth

when decompose into the earth.

These nutrients are then fed

to grow our daily bread.

There's a more wonderful new birth

waiting for all humans on earth.

We have the opportunity to be born again

when we believe Jesus came to die for our sins.

This new birth becomes our eternal salvation

that God provided for all men and women.

Just believe

then receive

God's plan of salvation.

It's our regeneration.

Your new birth awaits. Just pray.

Don't delay. Do so today.

Dear Heavenly Father, I believe

and right now I pray to receive

your gift of salvation that's free

because you died on Calvary for me.

You made a way

for me that day.

Thank you. Guide me to live your way

as I seek to live for you everyday.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 2:21

Since the creation of the world

God's invisible qualities -

his eternal power and divine nature -

have been clearly seen,

being understood from what has been made,

so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

you will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,

and it is with with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Life Is a Garden Party

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Sunrise 10/18/2020

 

May they who love you

be like the sun

when it rises in its strength.

Judges 5:31

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Proverbs 4:18

Where morning dawns and evening fades

you call forth songs of joy.

Psalms 65:8

His glory covered the heavens

and his praise filled the earth.

His splendor was like the sunrise.

Habakkuk 3:3b-4a

Those who are wise

will shine like the brightness of the heavens,

and those who lead many to righteousness.

Daniel 12:3

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 87:5

As a light shining in a dark place,

until the day dawns and the morning star

rises in your hearts.

II Peter 1:19

Ah, Sovereign Lord,

you have made the heavens and the earth

by your great power and outstretched arm.

Jeremiah 32:17

For since the creation of the world

God's invisible qualities -

his eternal power and divine nature -

have been clearly seen,

being understood from what has been made,

so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest

Rainy weather or fair

fall is in the air.

Daily, leaves falling

as if trees undressing.

Never in a hurry, though,

for the process is rather slow

as one by one leaves float

sometimes laden with rain, soaked.

Quiet, except for the song

of plopping leaves on the lawn.

Something calming about this sound

as leaves pile up in a mound.

Other trees showcase their autumnal bounty

with red, yellow, or green apples pretty -

Cortland, Empire, Macintosh, Northern Spy,

Yellow Delicious, Granny Smith...my oh my!

When autumn rains cease,

Jack Frost shows his face

causing the leaves to fall faster

even as dusk arrives earlier.

Before Jack Frost comes to visit, though,

the garden is cleared of what still grows.

A cornucopia awaits

to one night fill your dinner plate.

Potatoes, winter squash, cabbage, carrots, and beets,

colorful nutrition grew under the summer heat

soaking in the goodness of summer.

Flavors to be savored this winter.

A bountiful harvest

of the garden’s finest

produce

for our use.

Oktoberfest, filled with activity,

though not from busy pollinating bees

for cooler temperatures

mean bees no longer tour.

Dates await one day soon

on sunny afternoons

when with rake in hand

these leaves are banned.

The quiet activity of drifting leaves

is replaced with raking up these decaying leaves.

The end of another season

has come too soon again, we reason.

It’s Indian Summer

according to old timers

when temperatures daily rise

thanks to the bright sun in the sky.

All too soon trees are bare

showcasing their underwear.

Skeleton limbs against the sky

outlined when the moon shines by and by.

Other skeletons seen late October

just before the advent of November.

Maybe a goblin or two

or a witch stirring ghoulish brew.

That means it’s already Halloween.

October 31st. Someone screams

“trick or treat,” “trick or treat.”

Oktoberfest, it’s a treat!

* * * * *

Despite physical or emotional anguish

everyday is meant as a celebration, a fest,

as God’s gift of creation

is bestowed on us humans.

Creation which gave us sunlight

to provide warmth and to give us light;

nighttime for needed sleep

when stars twinkle as the moon rotates.

The refreshing rain that waters the earth

and brings forth the miracle of new birth

from seeds and plants which miraculously grow

for God intended that we reap what we sow.

The harvest of what we sow

carefully tended to grow.

A good return on our investment,

with a thank you prayer heaven sent.

Yes, we find, creation

is a celebration

of God’s many blessings

warranting thanksgiving.

You’ll find when you are thankful,

instead of being fearful,

that those doubts and worries will disappear

as a grateful heart will appear.

In the beginning

God created

the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

...he who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,

who gives breath to its people,

and life to those who walk on it...

Isaiah 42:5

Everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

whom I formed and made.

Isaiah 43:7

A man reaps what he sows...

Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:7b,9

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you

in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:18

Harvest of scarlet runner beans the day before frost.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 

Ring-around-the-Rosie

After needed rain came down,

soaking into the ground,

one moonlit night

when it was bright

surprise visitors came

to play once again.

These visitors do not come out to play

on days when the sun shines bright, no way.

They only came after showers of rain

poured down on the valleys and mountains.

They only come when everyone is sleeping inside

sung asleep by the lullaby of rain outside.

These visitors had a midnight party with dancing

and they played ring-around-the-rosie, chanting,

as they frolicked in the grass

until the clock struck half past,

then they were magically gone;

that is, until the next rain storm.

How do you know they came?

What gives them away again?

They quickly leave when morning comes,

but they leave behind white mushrooms

in a ring-around-the-rosie seen in the lawn

that you’ll see when the new day’s morning becomes dawn.

Who dances at night

under the moonlight?

Though quite contrary,

it’s the fairies.

Even if you look quick

you won’t see them, they’re magic.

Next time you see mushrooms in your yard,

you’ll know fairies came after it rained hard.

Though you won’t hear them singing in the rain,

you might start to sing a little refrain

of “Singing in the Rain”

and thank God for sending rain.

* * * * *

Do you think God has a sense of humor?

Is that why fairy rings develop or

does God desire that we laugh

and sing and dance and frolic?

Don’t let the burdens of life weigh you down.

Wear a smile. Get rid of those frowns.

Let laughter replace any stored up bitterness

and happiness take the place of sadness.

Don’t let ill will come in to dwell.

Eliminate it so you’ll feel well.

You’ll even feel lighter when you let go

of what causes you sorrow and woe.

Cast any burdens.

Let your heart be open

to the good things God has planned

for God does have a good plan.

The One enthroned in heaven laughs.

Psalm 2:4

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Psalm 126:2

Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you.

I Peter 5:7

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

The oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

Isaiah 61:3

Who's your mission field?

A cousin's husband has been doctoring for many months.  I wrote a note this morning reminding him that God places us where we are, that the people he is coming in contact with need to hear his testimony of God's goodness, despite difficulties.  He's meeting a lot of new people.  His mission field.

Learn to see others as souls - souls that need encouragement or souls that have never heard about God's plan of salvation.  

I have also suggested to people going through difficulties, whether health or finances, to keep a journal of God's daily faithfulness.  Focusing on God, vs the circumstance, will grow your faith.  Just a note in your daily appointment book will do.

This morning's beautiful sunrise reminded me that God woke me up for a reason.  Sunrises remind me of:  When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakening cries - may Jesus Christ be praised!  Who can I inspire today, who can I encourage?  I did prepare 4 cards to mail to those having health issues. Will keep the eyes of my heart open for other opportunities.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened

in order that you may know

the hope to which he has called you,

the riches of this glorious inheritance in the saints,

and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Ephesians 1:18-19

For the Praise of His Glory

Paul writes in Ephesians "for the praise of His glory."

We, who were the first to hope in Christ,

might be for the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:12

To the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:14

A few thoughts on praising God:

Praising God is worshiping Him, thanking Him.  We praise God through prayers, songs, sharing Scripture, telling others of God's watchcare over our lives, living our lives according to His principles - as a few examples.

When we praise God out loud to others they too are blessed.  We are making known God's goodness and faithfulness.

...that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

Romans 1:12

Telling others what we learn from Scripture is another way to praise/worship God.  

At this junction of currant world events, Scriptures have mapped out what to expect.  Scriptures written many hundreds of years ago, inspired by God, speak of Christ's return to earth to gather Believers, those who believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, bore our sins on the cross.  Those who have not believed in God or God's plan of salvation, will be left behind enduring great tribulation.  It's all recorded in God's Word.  Check out the major prophets of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, plus Revelation and other scriptures regarding tribulation.  

But...God has made a way to escape this judgment:

We do not want you to be ignorant...

We believe that Jesus died and rose again...

According to the Lord's own word,

we tell you that we who are still alive,

who are left till the coming of the Lord...

The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command,

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God,

and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left 

will be caught up together with them in the clouds

to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever.

I Thessalonians 4:13-17

Those who believe that Jesus died and rose again, whose who are in Christ, will no longer be on earth but with the Lord in heaven.

Please, please, please:

Do not show contempt for the riches of God's kindness, tolerance and patience.

Realize that God's kindness lead you toward repentance.

Romans 2:4

Sometimes what we have been led to believe about God is not based on Scripture.  Take time to search for yourself.  God will give you wisdom and understanding.

Salvation is simple:

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

you will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,

and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

Gala

 

Gala

Everyone's dressed in their finest

in burgundy, golds, and rusts

as a celebrated guest

each year come Oktoberfest.

You'll see some, though,

wear emerald

and come as they are

to the gala.

The gala is held on a sunny day

and is free to all, there's no need to pay.

This gala might last for a few days.

Some travelers come from far away.

What is it these travelers come to see?

What is it that brings a sense of glee?

These travelers are sightseers, you see,

come to see the colors of the autumn trees.

For in autumn the trees are ready to party

dressing in pleasing colors, never gaudy.

There's goldenrod yellow to maize-tinted gold,

bittersweet orange to mulberry red, so bold.

Mixed among these autumn colors

are emeralds in multi-colors

of pine or forest green evergreens

towering throughout this stunning scene.

Soon the trees colors will change and drop

when brown siennas, and umbers, and chestnut

leaves fall

each fall.

Make a date today

to view the vast array

of autumn leaves this year.

Your spirit will be cheered.

* * * * *

And when you do go to this gala

take along some Gala apples

for an autumn picnic

or maybe you'll go pick.

Do something special to celebrate autumn.

You'll find there's so much to do for fun -

apple picking, leaf viewing,

pumpkin craving, Thanksgiving.

A thankful heart

is just the start

of a celebration that lasts

long after autumn is past.

Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his loves endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

Give thanks to the Lord Almighty,

for the Lord is good;

his loves endures forever.

Jeremiah 33:11

A morning view out my back door.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Fall Rain

 

Fall Rain

Raindrops

heard plop

on treetops

then leaves drop.

Leaves drop

like raindrops -

plop, plop, plop

then stop...

resting atop

grass and rocks

in my lot

round the clock.

Morning rain stops

though raindrops drop

from the leaves atop

trees wearing lots.

Squirrels come out and hop.

Seen hop, skip, jump, hop.

They play in my lot

while the clock tick tocks.

Up the treetop

they nimbly hop

from limb to limb atop,

then a walnut drops.

Then down the treetop

the squirrel hops

to find where the nut dropped.

Off he goes – hop, hop, hop.

You'll hear the leaves pop

when the squirrel hops

as the leaves dry out and rot

on this cool day, not hot.

Crows seen when the rain stops.

Their black wings flop as they drop

down from the sky in my lot

for they saw something they sought.

Squirrels scamper then stop

to watch crows in my lot.

Will they share or not?

Crows heard caw and mock.

When raindrops

again drop

squirrels hop

and crows flock.

Raindrops drop,

more leaves drop.

Soon treetops

are bare on top.

* * * * *

Rain is one of the Lord's many blessings,

so why is it we're often found cursing

when rain rains

on our plans.

Our plans, temporary in nature,

while rain benefits all of nature

causing gardeners crops to grow

becoming sustenance below.

We often forget God's plans

are higher than our plans.

He also sees the bigger picture

which contains a plan to bless us, for sure.

Next time it rains, look up rain in your Bible's concordance.

You'll find rain was ordained as a good thing, of importance:

for our sustenance

and our continuance.

If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands,

I will send you rain in its season and the ground will yield its crops

and the trees of the field their fruit.

Your threshing will continue until grape harvest

and the grape harvest will continue until planting,

and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.

Leviticus 26:3-5

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.

Hosea 6:3

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;

it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds.

He gives showers of rain to men,

and plants of the field to everyone.

Zechariah 10:1

Be glad, O people of Zion,

rejoice in the Lord your God,

for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.

He sends you abundant showers,

both autumn and spring rains, as before.

The threshing floors will be filled with grain;

the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

Joel 2:23-24

Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,

and as I have purposed, so it will stand.

Isaiah 14:24

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,

declares the Lord.

As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower

and bread for the eater.

Isaiah 55:8-10

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.