DISCONTENT

 

Discontent

Most people can't wait for the hot days of summer.

Somehow people associate hot as funner.

But when they come, they want the hot days over.

A season of discontent seems to take over.

It's too hot to be outside.

Everyone's stuck inside.

Fans are employed

or AC's enjoyed.

But we'd rather be outside

perhaps by the poolside,

but it's too hot.

Happy we're not.

So rain cools the earth,

but mugginess springs forth.

Everyone's sick of being sticky

from the humidity. We feel icky.

It feels tropical,

which is typical,

when the humidity soars

which supersedes the temperatures.

On those humid days of summer

perspiration drips faster.

Heatwave and dewpoint is to blame.

Humidity is another name.

We're not happy when it's too hot.

When it's too humid, happy we're not.

If it were to rain, would we be happy?

Are we ever content? Not likely!

So it rains as we desired.

Then how we perspire.

Our energy is drained

and so is our brain.

Discontent we are.

Unhappy by far.

Definitely restless.

In fact, quite useless.

All because of the "dog days" that arrive each summer

named after the dog star “Sirius”; which has stars for fur.

Those hot days between early July and September,

which many look forward to each year, known as summer.

(Do take a moment to look up the constellation of Canis Major. It really does look like a canine in the night sky. The brightest star in that constellation is named Sirius,

which according to mythology is the bringer of the summer heatwave.)

* * * * *

I'm wondering if those discontented in I Samuel 22:2

were so because they were up to their eyeballs in distress because of debt too.

I would be, wouldn’t you?

Would you feel blue?

Here are other "d's" that discourage

in this generation, at any age:

death, depravity, despair, destitute, detestable, disability, disappointment,

discrimination, disease, disgrace, distress, downcast, drought, disillusionment...

(the list is endless).

Other "d's" are "do not's"; i.e. commandments.

For our well-being and long life they are meant.

Do not: deceive, defraud, defile, be dishonest, be devious,

dishonor, disobey, disown... - this is a short list, it's obvious.

And many other negative words

often discourage then bring discord.

How can one overcome

the damage that's been done?

There is a solution, it's: DELIGHT yourself in the Lord.

In doing so you'll find God's blessings will continually pour,

but not what the world thinks as affluent.

God's blessings are peace and contentment.

These blessings are yours to enjoy

when DELIGHT in the Lord you employ.

On the Lord rely.

Give it a try.

All those who were in distress, or in debt, or discontented.

I Samuel 22:2

Have no other gods before me...

You shall not make for yourself an idol...

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God...

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy...

Honor your father and your mother...

You shall not murder....

You shall not commit adultery...

You shall not steal...

You shall not give false testimony...

You shall not covet...

Deuteronomy 5:6-21

Delight yourself in the Lord

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Life Is a Garden Party

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STORMS

 

Storms

Clouds gathering in the sky,

the sun now hidden by and by,

distant thunder draws nigh,

lightning flashes by and by.

The wind comes from who knows where.

There's the smell of rain in the air.

Raindrops

start to plop.

Raindrops turn into sprinkles, than

sprinkles turn into showers, than

showers turn to pouring rain.

Will the sun ever shine again?

The temperature cools

as the storm moves through.

Vegetation

takes a beating.

Limbs sway

every which way

as trees take a shower

from nature's awesome power.

Torrents of rain

and thunder reigns

as this afternoon's storm

leaves leaves and limbs torn.

Puddles form

before too long

then flooding from the downpour

as thunder continues to roar.

The sky is laden slate gray.

Nervous dogs are heard bay.

Although rain was needed, "enough already."

The storm turns into a shower steady.

Sooner or later the storm blows through

then gray clouds make way for skies of blue

for behind the clouds, the sun

was waiting to shine all along.

When the sun does finally shine through

a rainbow's spectrum will surprise you

with a promise,

nature's kiss...

lovingly bestowed

on everything below

assuring that God is in control

even when storm clouds continue to blow.

* * * * *

Yes, behind the storm clouds the sun

was hidden, but still there all along.

Yet our focus was on the storm,

of new fears being born.

Behind our personal storms the Son

is forgotten, but still there all along.

His focus is always on us

even when we forget to trust.

Sometimes it takes a storm

for us to finally learn

that the Son knows what is best.

It's when we learn His faithfulness.

Next time there's a rainstorm

think about this lesson learned,

that the hidden sun will again shine

and the Son is there for you - all the time.

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.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.

Psalm 107:29

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging water;

the storm subsided, and all was calm

Luke 8:24

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son

and believes in him shall have eternal life.

John 6:40

The life I live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,

and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.

This is how we know that we love the children of God:

by loving God and carrying out his commands.

This is love for God: to obey his commands.

And his commands are not burdensome,

for everyone born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcomes the world, even our faith.

Who is it that overcomes the world?

Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God

I John 5:1-5

Life Is a Garden Party

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JULY

 

July

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer (by Nat King Cole)

when our gardens display a rainbow of colors

when we celebrate July 4^th

our freedom and our nation's birth

when each morning we can't wait to see

what has bloomed, we're filled with glee

when birds serenade with song*

early morning then all day long

when bees hum merrily

among the gaiety

when butterflies flutter here and there

sampling the tastiest fare

when cumulus clouds float dreamily overhead

or maybe there's an afternoon shower instead

when the rainbow of flowers

welcomes afternoon showers

when berries ripen under the sun

and taste sweet on one’s tongue

when blossoms of yellow and gold

fill the garden with wealth like gold

when vegetables grow by inches each day

and you harvest almost every day

when a breeze feels refreshing

after non-stop sweating

when grass grows despite the heat

as children run with bare feet

when sprinklers produce laughs

and children forfeit baths

when there's a perfumed scent

that seems to be heaven sent

when fireflies flash s-o-s,

then it's bed time, at last

oh, the joys of summer

when life seems funner.

* * * * *

If your house

is like my house

there's much work to be done

under the summer sun.

But a lesson I'm learning

is to take time for enjoying.

I sit outside to compose.

About what? Who knows?

Today I saw an ant transporting a dead moth.

Although I didn't look closely, I assume via his mouth.

I thought how strong the ant must be

for the moth was much larger than he.

"Mighty men of valor" came to mind.

Let's see what God places on my mind

for I don't know what I'm going to write

when I start a rhyme on paper white.

Valor means courageous, brave, gallant, a hero.

Cancer victims or those terminally ill come to mind or

those with limitations, rather mental or physical,

are courageous as each and every day is a struggle.

Those who care for these loved ones are courageous, too,

for every day brings more challenges anew.

They all bravely face unlimited burdens with grace

and are often seen with a smile on their face.

Of course, those mighty people of valor in the military.

Each and every one, rather home or abroad, allow us to be free.

And those who protect us in our towns

for we know there's much evil to be found.

These and other courageous, brave, gallant protectors

who quite often are forgotten, unsung heroes

survive each day through God's mercy and grace

throughout the universe, in every race.

Do you know someone you consider a "mighty person of valor?"

Be sure to tell them they are appreciated for they are a hero.

A compliment will long be remembered,

as well as a good habit to be practiced.

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Gideon),

and said unto him,

The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.

Judges 6:12 (KJV)

And the man, Jeroboam, was a mighty man of valor;

and Solomon,

seeing the young man, that he was industrious,

made him ruler over all.

I Kings 11:28 (KJV)

And they helped David against the band of the rovers;

for they were all mighty men of valor,

and were captains in the host.

I Chronicles 12:21 (KJV)

*(Regarding birds singing in the morning, it is called “dawn chorus.” I’ve noticed birds actually call forth sunrise. I’ve read that male voices are the loudest. [I’ll admit I sometimes close the window as 4:30 is too soon to get up.] I hope you have opportunity to witness this songfest! Surely it will put a song in your heart. What better way to start the day.)

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