FOR SUCH a TIME AS THIS

 

FOR SUCH a TIME AS THIS

Everyone you know

knows heartaches and woes -

physical,

emotional,

financial,

relational,

spiritual.

Heavy burdens

and real concerns.

Refrain:

For such a time as this

 
God has you on His list.

There is someone you know whose wish

is “please, someone care,” so don’t miss

this opportunity to be like Christ.

God has appointed you for such a time as this.

Everyday someone

loses someone -

fathers, mothers,

sisters, brothers,

husbands, wives -

from their lives.

Their tomorrows

are filled with sorrows.

Refrain

Rather spring, summer,

autumn or winter

every season

there’s someone

who needs Christ in their life.

For such a time as this

you can be like Christ.

Chorus

Be a Barnabus -

an encourager, yes -

someone needs you

to be like Christ, to

hold a hand,

send a note,

to give a gift,

or spirits lift.

Refrain

Someone encouraged you

so be an encourager to

your neighbors,

and strangers,

your old friends,

and new friends.

Today don’t miss

such a time as this.

Refrain

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

Esther 4:14

...Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)...

Acts 4:36

(Barnabas was referred to as a greathearted leader to the early church.)

GOD'S GIFT TO US - CHRISTMAS

 One readers review of God's Gift to Us - Christmas

"Janowski’s writing is so unique. She artfully weaves humor, joy, character and conviction into each delightful vignette, that describes another piece of the Story that changes our lives. Everyone should have a copy of this gem. It would be a great addition to any advent tradition, An inspiring devotional read. The depths of feeling in this book come from a soul that has followed the Savior on hard rocky climbs, and flower lined pathways, and found Him faithful, and trustworthy!

Available via Amazon

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 Because many will be too busy to read the day before Thanksgiving, sharing now:

The Day Before Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving

in this blessed country we’re living

our kitchens are a-flutter.

Don’t forget the butter.

The day before Thanksgiving

there are pies baking in the oven

with cinnamon and allspice.

Doesn’t it all smell nice!

The day before Thanksgiving

the turkey’s still defrosting;

butternut squash is ready for roasting

when the pies come out of the oven.

The day before Thanksgiving

there’s day-old bread for cubing

to mix with poultry seasoning,

causing some to be sneezing.

The day before Thanksgiving

celery and onions are sauteing

to be added to the stuffing

or do you call it dressing?

The day before Thanksgiving

the refrigerator’s stuffed with everything.

In fact, each one’s favorite foods for eating,

as everyone is preparing for a day of feasting.

The day before Thanksgiving

the pretty company dishes need a quick washing,

perhaps the tablecloths or linens need pressing –

and there doesn’t seem to be time for everything.

The day before Thanksgiving

our country is preparing

for a day of feasting

with much thanksgiving.

* * * * *

The day before Thanksgiving

with thankful hearts we’re intent on giving

a prayer of gratitude overflowing

for much more than the food we’re busy cooking.

We’re thankful for our loved ones,

those near and those far from home,

for those added to the family

and those now in eternity.

We’re thankful for everyone’s health

irregardless of what has been dwelt -

for adversity teaches us to trust,

growing our faith, which is God’s good plan for us.

We’re thankful for freedom to worship

with others in like fellowship,

to pray for one another

and encourage each other.

We’re thankful for God’s Word

which helps keep us moored

in choosing to do what’s right,

to stand firm in faith, not sight.

We’re thankful for God’s Word which keeps us nourished

so that our faith will grow strong and flourish

as God’s Word is food for the soul -

sustenance to keep us well and whole.

We’re thankful for …

(be sure to discuss what you’re thankful for).

Foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving

by those who believe and who know the truth.

For everything God created is good.

I Timothy 4:3-4

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

GOLD BLANKET

 

GOLD BLANKET

Yesterday's surprise snow storm

covered the ground like a white blanket.

This morning under the maple tree's crown

spread out all around is a gold blanket

for the snow-weighted leaves piece-by-piece drifted down

as if quilting a gold blanket on the ground.

One-by-one the gold leaves float

like stitch-by-stitch quilters poke

a quilt to one day comfort someone

taking many days as stitching is done,

piecing together the seams,

ensuring corners are reamed.

An autumn breeze might rearrange,

like a quilter who rips out seams,

but in the end the quilt will please

as the leaves are teased by the breeze.

This breeze also makes the quilt of leaves fluffier,

almost as soft as a downy comforter.

Soon the maple tree will be bare.

The grass covered with angled squares.

The tree's limbs stretching upward toward the dark sky

where the full moon will play peek-a-boo by and by.

Quilts also are known to play peek-a-boo

as they shelter one from the winter blues.

On a perfect autumn day

this gold blanket will be stowed away

when leaf rakes are busily employed

raking a pile to be enjoyed

for someone to jump in

this pile of bedding.

Then it's time for the quilter's quilt to be employed,

perhaps with a bowl of popcorn to enjoy.

Piece-by-piece one feeds themselves

as piece-by-piece the quilt was stitched

with a bit of love in every stitch

as the quilter quilted this gift.

* * * * *

Rather an afghan, a quilt, or a comforter,

we know these coverings provide comfort.

We also know that kind words provide needed comfort.

It costs nothing to be an encourager, to relieve someone's hurt.

Everyone is facing battles unimaginable.

You can encourage them even if you don't know their troubles.

Make it your habit to find something positive in everyone you meet.

Compliment them on their attire or simply smile when you greet.

Perhaps send a note in the mail "just because"

to someone needing encouragement - it does.

A basket of fresh garden vegetables shared

will show someone you know that you care.

Be there as a comforter

or an encourager

through life's many ups and downs.

Turn someone's frown upside down.

Above all, go to God for comfort

when life has caused you troubles and hurt.

If there is a purpose in our troubles,

II Corinthians 1:3-5 contains the solution, for God is able.

You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly...

Ruth 2:13

...a kind word cheers him up.

Proverbs 12:25b

...how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:23b

Their father...mourned for them many days,

and his relatives came to comfort him.

I Chronicles 7:22

...heard about all the troubles that had come upon him,

they set out from their homes and met together by agreement

to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.

Job 2:11b

As a mother comforts her child,

so will I comfort you.

Isaiah 66:13a

Praise be to the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion

and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

II Corinthians 1:3-5

...live in harmony with one another;

be sympathetic, love as brothers,

be compassionate and humble...

be a blessing, because to this you were called.

I Peter 3:8-9

 

1. Autumn Rain

When autumn rains rain,

you’ll see colored leaves rain

tumbling down

where on the ground

they silently lay

until the sun’s rays

return again

one morning.

When autumn rains rain

the tree’s canopy strains.

Branches and limbs

from up high within

an old tree covered with lichen,

from plain sight remaining hidden,

may tumble down

dead and brown.

When autumn rains rain

eaves troughs now drain

into rain barrels

that recycle

rain water

for gardeners

who are wise

gals and guys.

When autumn rains rain

the weathered weather vane

turns around and round

as quite often wind rebounds

from the sky

way up high

and cannot be contained

or at all restrained.

When autumn rains rain

time and time again

a breeze may come through

then these fallen leaves blew.

A whirlwind seen

leaving grass green.

There’s no need for afternoon raking,

which is a yearly undertaking.

When autumn rains rain

it waters the fields and grains.

The grass turns a vivid green,

a beautiful refreshing scene

for rain enriches the earth –

it’s hills, valleys, and turf,

and is a blessing from God

who created the sod.

When autumn rains rain

some gardeners have more pain

for the barometric pressure

causes aches and pains, that’s for sure,

as muscles become tight;

but when sunlight

returns it’s heard tell

by many, “all is well.”

When autumn rains rain

there is a muffling refrain.

When the sun does return

colored autumn leaves, we learn,

turn brown and crisp

heard when we scuff

walking through

then – a-chooo!

When autumn rains rain

trees undress again

shedding their leaves.

This sight doesn’t please

for autumn is over

ushering in winter

when rains turn to snow and ice,

sometimes not at all nice.

* * * * *

When autumn rains rain

in valleys and on mountains,

it’s a sign of God’s blessing

because God is loving.

Have you counted your blessings recently?

I know you, as well as I, have plenty.

Our blessings are a reminder that God loves us

and faithfully provides and protects us.

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today –

to love the Lord your God and to serve him

with all your heart and with all your soul -

then I will send rain on your land in its season,

both autumn and spring rains...

Deuteronomy 11:13-14

...the Lord our God,

who gives autumn and spring rains in season,

who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.

Jeremiah 5:24

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.

Joel 2:23

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop

and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5:7

Ornamental Cherry still wearing her party dress.

Golden maple leaves on the ground in the background 

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

AFTER

 

AFTER

After Jack Frost came

leaves fall down like rain.

The grass is now stained

with multicolored leaves lain.

When you look out the windowpane,

you'll hear raking calling your name.

After Jack Frost came

expect to feel some pain

for raking causes strain

and a blister you'll gain.

You might lean on the rake as a cane.

You'll take a break if you have half a brain.

After Jack Frost came

you'll need to deadhead canes

for flowers will look wane

and foliage looks drained

for Jack Frost is not vain.

He causes autumn bane.

After Jack Frost came

there might be some rain

on the worn weather vane

running down the drain

then drains into the rain

barrel filling up with rain.

After Jack Frost came

shorter days reign.

Trees, now leafless, strain

against the gray sky stained.

Snow flurries mixed with rain

come after Jack Frost came.

After Jack Frost came

snow falls down like rain

outside the windowpane.

I'm under an afghan, lain.

Seed catalogs call my name.

Dreaming of spring I feign.

* * * * *

What comes after life?

There's everlasting life

for those who believe in Christ.

It's too late after you die

to believe then decide

for death is a final bye.

Bye to your loved ones

when your life is done

then deciding is gone.

Bye to eternal life

free from damning strife

which pierces like a knife.

Please, make the right decision today

before death comes to call you away.

“I believe in Christ” is all you need say.

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Christ,”

and believe in your heart

that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.