FEAR vs TRUST

Somehow/somewhere my document Life Lessons disappeared so am rekeying this wintery afternoon.  Sharing this one now.

 FEAR vs TRUST

How fickle the human heart

right from the very start

to often be afraid

when fear comes and stays

for anxious fear

in the form of doubt jeers.

Yes, fear comes in the form of doubt.

Doubt isn’t quiet. It wants out.

It comes out in the form of worrying,

disturbing our happiness and well being.

Not being content

is what is meant.

Not being content

brings discontent

of heart and mind

grown over time.

Dissatisfied.

We’re divided.

This division from fear

makes one’s mind unclear

and one’s heart lonely

for one dwells on only

one’s self.

No one else.

We’re at wits end

without a friend

for we’re depressed

wearing distress

when fear comes to stay,

coloring our world gray.

Fear disables us,

it negates our trust,

then we look for human ways

to solve problems our own way

instead of relying in trust

on God alone, whom we should trust.

It’s when we do trust we learn

that it’s for God that we yearn

to solve our daily troubles

for we know God is able.

And in God’s time His solution

is better than our solution.

“Fear not,” God has said over and over again

for all of us need to be reminded – we’re human,

fickle – basing our fears on feelings

instead of trusting God with our dealings.

Feelings are fickle, you see,

sometimes doubting, other times lovely.

Next time fear comes along

tell fear “you’re not welcome,”

Place your trust in God alone

who longs to make your heart His home.

He will be with you through every storm

as you learn to trust in God alone.

...then they were at wits’ end.

They then cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

and he brought them out of their distress.

Psalm 107:27-28

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all you ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

So do not fear, for I am with you,

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Read II Corinthians 11:23-33.

Paul persevered despite hardships unimaginable,

near-death experiences many times over.

We don’t know how God intervened,

but assuredly with believing faith and trust,

Paul did not give in to doubt, worry, or fear.

Read vs 33. Read the BUT - but, God had a plan!

It involved a basket “of blessing”

and a window “of opportunity.”

Two objects most of us have available

to be a “guardian angel” to someone in their need.

Whoever God nudged to assist Paul remains nameless,

but the eyes of their hearts were open to God’s leading.

Allow God to open the eyes of your heart

to be a basket of blessing or a window of opportunity

and become someone’s guardian angel.

No one knows the plan God has to deliver you,

BUT be assured, He does have one,

involving your own “guardian angel” -

and it will be a creative one.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

FEBRUARY WEATHER

 

February Weather

Yesterday more than 60 degrees.

A torrent of melting ice in the eaves.

The sound of running water in the eaves

off the snow-covered roof certainly did please

as did reaching for a lighter jacket

to chop up the thick sidewalk ice now wet.

It seemed that lagging energy levels picked up

throughout this winter day as the bright sun warmed up.

Even the chickadees were as happy as could be

as they sang a sweet chorus of dee-dee dee-dee.

This longed-for balmy weather

made everyone feel better.

The thick ground cover of ice disappeared

into ice-cold puddles of water clear

from the unusual warmth of the sun

this day in February that has come.

A perfect day to walk the dog

though puddles she did not dodge.

But then the wind came from around the bend,

though no one knows from where it had been.

Harder and harder it blew in gales

awakening sleeping guys and gals,

downing many small limbs

from tree's canopies within.

In the morning the puddles were gone

as the wind blew the whole night long

and flakes falling from the sky

brought winter back, why oh why?

All day long snow piled up

as these frozen flakes were dumped.

Today the thermostat was hiked up

and sweaters were again buttoned up.

Yesterday people were anxious to get outside.

Today everyone was content to stay inside.

Was yesterday a mirage? A spring fling?

Or just a tease as we're all longing for spring.

Flakes swirled and piled up as winter returned again

but each new day we see more evidence of spring

as morning gilds the skies earlier

and sunsets close each day somewhat later.

You'll see more birds return

announcing spring's return.

You'll hear everyone counting the days until spring.

Especially gardeners who can't wait to begin

a new season filled with fresh beginnings,

green shoots appearing then flowers blooming

decorating the earth for a party.

When spring comes, no one's ever sorry.

* * * * *

Weather is unpredictable; even weathermen are wrong.

But spring is coming and we'll see its return before too long.

If you remember, less than four months ago

we were quite excited to see the snow.

See the beauty found in new fallen snow,

even when rearranged by winds that blow.

It sparkles and glitters in the sunlight

and hurts our eyes when the sun shines bright.

We need the sunshine's warmth and light

as it brings with it such delight.

Then needed rains come as a blessing

to water the earth and welcome spring.

When one or the other is lacking

quite often you'll find God's people praying

to send sun or needed rain again,

which was God's plan from the beginning.

God, your Father, longs and loves to hear from you

rather weather related or what makes you blue.

Make it your habit to offer praise to God in word or in song.

Before you know it, heartfelt praise will mature your faith before long.

Blessed be your glorious name,

and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

You alone are the Lord.

You made the heavens,

even the highest heavens,

and all their starry host,

the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them.

You give life to everything,

and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

I will send down showers in season;

there will be showers of blessing.

The trees of the field will yield their fruit

and the ground will yield its crops.

Ezekiel 34:26-27

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.

Joel 2:23

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Alas!

It's bascially been a green winter here - 70+ one day this week; today rainy.

Will an old timer say it will be a late winter when spring arrives next month?

Alas!

At last, at last,

winter is past.

When winter is past

it's springtime – at last!

There's a red or blue flash

from songbirds doing the dash

who joyfully sing with each task,

a Capella, not heard in vocal class.

Colorful spring bulbs pop up in mass

causing happy smiles to be cast.

Bees return at last.

Don't touch or you'll sass!

There's much to do when winter is past.

Each year we long for spring to come fast.

Soon we'll be busy with spring tasks

as warmer days come to pass.

Time to open the window sash

and spring clean the window's glass.

Then shine the front door's brass

door knocker when going past.

Earlier each morning the glow of the new day's sunrise is cast

as gardeners stretch and determine to complete each day's tasks.

Later each evening disappearing sunsets paint a rosy repast

while lullabies are sung by songbirds as dusky twilight is cast.

Yes, spring is here at last

as temperatures warm up fast.

Some can't wait to go fishing for bass

then prepare a fish fry at last.

Happily, we see the greening of grass.

Soon we'll need to buy lawnmower gas.

We forget about dandelions amassed

until more return each year despite last year's task.

Everyone's glad to see winter has passed.

Especially we who garden in mass.

Rather a garden lad or lass,

we're happy winter has passed.

Spring is here . . . at last -

until a surprise blast

of arctic air is cast

upon this country vast...

and lasts and lasts and lasts.

Will this winter ever pass?

We're aghast!

Alas! Alas!

* * * * *

Shakespeare wrote, "Parting is such sweet sorrow,"

but not when winter continues to burrow.

We long for spring after months of snow.

Spring can't come too soon, we often crow.

It seems that the birds radar was off

for their return signaled spring's takeoff.

Perhaps their song woke up the crocus

and even bees who gleefully buzz.

Then surprisingly more snow...

and it's too cold to melt the snow.

Will winter ever be past?

When will spring come – at last?

Yet spring’s arrival is an unknown

as our days on earth are unknown.

We don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Hopefully joy and not suffering.

We seem to long for what we don't have,

always hoping for the best life has.

Our focus is on the temporal

instead of on the eternal.

It's what's done for eternity that lasts.

So when you come to an impasse

this question you should ask:

will my faith live on and last?

Hebrews 11 talks about faith that lasts.

Faith that generations could not unmask.

Faith that continues to hold fast

irregardless of what comes to pass.

Faith is a certainly that will surpass

daily doubts that often harass.

Faith will turn your weakness into strength that lasts

for faith is the key that always removes doubt's mask.

See! The winter is past.

Song of Songs 2:11

The length of our days is seventy years -

or eighty, if we have the strength;

yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,

for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Psalm 90:10

...for such a time as this...

Esther 4:14

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Valentine's Day Bouquet

 

Valentine's Day Bouquet

I'm sending you a bouquet

filled with flowers today

that in their own shy way say

you're loved each and every day.

Your bouquet is filled with

these flowers I chose to give:

as orchids mean beautiful lady,

I chose these for you, beautiful lady.

Red roses that ensure you're loved

by me and by God in heaven above.

These zinnias mean thinking of you

which I find is always nice to do.

A hydrangea to say thanks for all you do.

You are a blessing to others and to me too.

Some daisies for I know you'll act innocent

when someone thanks you for the gift of your presence.

These hibiscus

mean filled with grace

which is seen on your beautiful face

and bestowed on all you embrace.

Tiny blue forget-me-nots do remind me of you

and your faithful friendship to me through the years, so true.

A sunflower will bring uplifting sunshine

even on days when the sun doesn't shine.

Blue and yellow

go so well together

whatever the outside weather

as we’ll be friends through whatever.

Sweet faced pansies for remembrance

of your gentle spirit emoting sweet fragrance.

Surrounded by lily-of-the-valley bringing happiness to you

as I know from time-to-time circumstances make you feel somewhat blue.

Accented with ferns that signify sincerity

and ivy that indicates friendship between you and me.

May this little nosegay

bring you much joy today.

Be sure to give your own bouquet

to those near and far away

for they all need a bright ray

to remind them they're loved, okay?

* * * * *

Flowers in my yard remind me of someone kind

for many were given to me once upon a time.

My friend, Connie, gave me lily-of-the-valley.

Thinking of my dear friend makes me happy.

Pansies were my gram's favorite which I yearly purchase

even though I don't need pansies for remembrance.

A package of zinnias is planted to attract monarchs each year.

You'll find me chasing with camera in hand when they appear.

Next time you see these above-mentioned individual flowers,

may you be reminded of their sincere meanings, thereafter.

Not only do flowers beautify planet earth yearly,

they provide nectar for bees producing honey.

Flowers please our senses - our sight, our smell, our touch;

they also speak, silently that is, with an unspoken flounce.

Flowers speak to our hearts with a message of love

direct from God, the Creator, who loves you. Hugs.

We love because he first loved us.

I John 4:19

Let us love one another,

for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God

and knows God.

I John 4:7

How great is the love

the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called

children of God!

and that is what we are!

I John 3:1

Awake, north wind, and come, south wind!

Blow on my garden,

that its fragrance may spread abroad.

Song of Songs 4:16

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

WAITING

Written during a snowy winter.

It's basically been a green winter so far in the northeast.

Waiting

For the beauty of the snow,

piling high in valleys low...

Decorating trees and earth

with a cover of new birth...

Yes, there is beauty in the snow

but there comes a time, you know,

when it seems "enough already!"

as for spring we're more than ready.

Enough of the below zero temperatures.

Enough of being frozen to the core.

Enough of shoveling.

Enough of sniffling.

We're tired of sunless mornings.

We're tired of long, dark evenings.

We're tried of the wait for warmer weather.

We're tired of the wait to feel better.

We can't wait to put away our boots, scarfs, and mittens.

We can't wait to be rid of this weather that sickens.

We can't wait for spring.

We can't wait to garden.

We're quite antsy

which is funny

for we couldn't wait for winter either.

Our minds quite often are helter-skelter.

Though come February

we can't see snow's beauty.

We are weary of this weather.

We seem to think spring is better.

We forget weather is temporary,

although it sometimes makes us contrary.

When winter does give way to spring

we forget there's more work to begin.

Then there'll be something else to complain about.

It's a wonder we don't wear a permanent pout.

Are we ever content?

Or do we just vent?

Enjoy the beauty of the snow

for it's temporary, you know.

In a few weeks the birds will again sing

when they announce it's here – finally: spring!

* * * * *

Bottom line, though,

snow is a gift for

its an insulator

to the plants below.

Without the freezing snow

many bulbs wouldn't show

their brilliant beauty each coming spring

for bulbs need this time for hibernating.

Yes, beauty is found in the snow's offering.

Take a moment to watch it quietly falling.

See it covering the trees,

that is, until there's a breeze.

On sunny days it melts

then puddles come out

to water the earth

wherein lies new birth.

Next month it may be gone

then you'll have to wait long

for snow to return again.

You might find you'll be welcoming!

So enjoy it today.

Make today a play day

for snow is a gift, a present,

then gone when spring is present.

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'...

so that all men he has made may know his work,

he stops every man from his labor.

The animals take cover;

they remain in their dens.

The tempest comes out from its chamber,

the cold from the driving winds.

The breath of God produces ice,

and the broad waters become frozen.

Job 37:6-10

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 55:10

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

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Out of Hibernation

 

OUT of HIBERNATION

Yesterday a winter wonderland

as snowflakes piled up like white sand.

Creatures hibernated outside

as people hibernated inside.

Too cold to venture out.

A snow day so stayed put.

Traffic minimal.

View sensational.

A delight to see -

peaceful and pretty.

Looks like a white Christmas

has descended on us.

Tree limbs frosted white.

Evergreens now iced

like white frosting on a wedding cake,

while creatures hibernate underneath.

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.

Dozens seen descend

to feed 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 and every sparrow,

blue jay, cardinal, chickadee, 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.

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow,

'Fall on the earth.'

Job 37:5-6a

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?

Matthew 6:26

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

GOD'S LOVE

 

God’s Love

God’s love is like an anchor

in a safe and secure harbor.

A haven where one is moored

through all life’s difficult storms.

You’ll find life’s trials and troubles

make you feel like you’re in deep waters,

but God’s love will remain secure

and will enable you to endure.

There’s always something, it seems,

that rocks our boat of dreams,

leaving us adrift -

rudderless.

Disappointments weigh us down.

Failures somehow increase and hound.

Rejections everywhere abound.

Sorrows deepen facial frowns.

Weighed down, we sink more often than swim.

Topsy turvy. There’s less yang and more yin.

The sparkly, calm blue seas

are now boisterous lees.

We know constant worry and fear

are not sent from God each year.

The enemy of our souls appears

then we become weighed down with fear.

Batten down the hatches with cords.

Don’t let doldrums come on board.

You’re get stuck in the sand pit.

Keep looking up. Don’t quit.

“In this world we will have trouble”

is found written in the Bible,

“but be of good cheer” also follows.

Allow Jesus to carry your sorrows.

You will find life ebbs and flows

with much joy and many sorrows.

But God’s love will remain the same -

unconditional – and will not wane.

Yes, God’s love is like an anchor.

It’s a safe and secure harbor.

No matter what happens today

be assured, God loves you always.

In the end life’s many billows

and troubles in which we wallow

are meant to strengthen ebbing faith,

to grow in us believing faith.

One day our finite view

will cease wondering why.

God’s love saw us through.

Our faith will sail free, high and dry.

Get on board the faith boat.

God’s love will keep you afloat.

God’s love is like an anchor -

secure and never falters.

In this world you will have tribulation

but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm,

and He guided them to their desired haven.

Psalm 107:30

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Hebrews 6:19

Sunrises and sunsets reminds me of

God's glory touching earth.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.