Flaming Visions In the Hearth

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1. One evening at the end of a
productive day I made
a roaring fire in the fireplace,
by which I stayed.
I REFLECTED as I gazed 
at flames so warm and bright,
cozily and warmly on
this cold and winter night,

2. I passed the evening in a state 
of wonder, so content.
To ponder and to write this poem
was never my intent.
I was amazed at all the thoughts
that filled my mind with peace.
Feeling so SERENE, the words
flowed through my pen with ease.
What did I see within that fire
the night that time stood still?
The things that I will share now 
gave my heart a gentle thrill.

3. I felt the warmth of God's care
blanket me with healing love,
as I was wrapped in radiant,
tender flames from up above.
The burning fire PURGED me
of my sins and every fear.
It proved to me, without a doubt,
our loving God was near.
Concerns, now burned to ashes,
lied beneath each crackling flame,
while worldly desires rose,
like smoke, weightless and tame.

4. I watched the fire lick and curl
around the logs and dance,
as my heart skipped light and FREE,
so joyfully enhanced.
It seemed as if my spirit
was transcending earth and sky,
though strangely never leaving
my beloved hearth nearby.
Feeling enveloped in the happy flames
that seemed to smile,
I sensed a soothing harmony
with earth and sea and sky.

5. The fire's sound turned from
a crackling, to a gentle hum,
just like a melody within my heart
was being sung.
As my soul was cradled
and so gently rocked, I knew
that I should share some of these calming,
peaceful thoughts with you.
At times when HEALING
and illumination you desire
just cozily relax before 
a warm and crackling fire!

The Small Country Town Deep Within

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1. Within me there dwells a small country town, 

I reflect upon many a day.

While traveling along the pathway of life, 

it brightens and eases my way.

I meditate freely on life in this town; 

its SIMPLICITY, peace, and good cheer.

The healing derived from its warm atmosphere, 

has made this town grow very dear.

2. The people are FRIENDLY but always respect 

your privacy when you’re alone.

Each time that I ponder this town in my heart, 

its merits have flourished and grown.

In life it is easy, when tension draws near, 

to be carried away by its thrust.

If we are not careful, its current can easily 

swallow our faith, hope, and trust.

3. In order to conquer this danger in life, 

we must find a retreat all our own.

It must be a place of such quiet and calm 

we can access when we are alone.

For me it’s the small country town deep within, 

where I can find healing and peace.

SERENITY fills me while pondering it, 

as all tensions and fears quickly cease.

4. Whenever I'm caught in a state of confusion, 

or pressured by people around,

retreating within to my small country town 

is the best way to make peace abound.

I hope you discover your own special town, 

where you will find peace for your soul.

I know when you do, all its love and its CHARM 

will bring healing, and make you feel whole.

5. Fly to it often, for life is too short 

to be smothered by stress or by strife.

Your small COZY town and its warming embrace 

will be your safe refuge for life.

Wherever your journey may lead you, my friend, 

do not let your spirit grow dim.

Allow it to be lit, and rekindled again, 

by your small country town deep within!

"Live in harmony with one another. 

Do not be proud, but be willing 

to associate with people of low position. 

Do not be conceited."  Romans 12:16

Take Some Time to Dream

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1. Whenever you have trouble sleeping, 

take some time to dream

of things that will create  

within your heart a warm sunbeam,

like a charming COTTAGE 

with a garden of fresh flowers,

where you could stroll or sit relaxing 

peacefully for hours.

2. A luncheon with a friend

with dainty sandwiches and TEA

and pastries served on antique china 

would inspire me.

Thoughts that bring you happiness 

will fill your heart with song

and lighten up the load you carry 

as you stroll along.

3. Something that might bring you joy 

could be a sunny sky

adorned with a bright rainbow, 

as some birds fly gently by.

Perhaps a BOAT serenely floating 

on the water blue,

in gentle breeze and warming sun, 

is pleasurable to you.

4. Often we might find our minds 

are wandering about,

causing us to be distressed 

and filling us with doubt.

If we ponder, at those times, 

our fondest hopes and DREAMS,

our minds will be illumined,
imaging the lovely scenes.

5. We never should extinguish 

all the dreams we hold inside,

for on their wings our HOPE takes flight 

to where happiness abides.

Certain hours of the day 

though empty they may seem,

are really but a golden chance, 

to take some time to dream!

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

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1. When you begin to worry, 
try to use that time instead
to create a COZY atmosphere
in ways which you are led.
Plant some lovely flowers 
in your yard near a front porch.
At evening sit outdoors 
beside a fire or flaming torch.

2. Eat meals on your patio 
with a SERENE decor,
one that will entice your spirit 
to return for more.
Shop around for lovely things 
that add warmth to your home.
It is less expensive 
than the need to always roam.

3. Spend time wondering 
how you can BEAUTIFY your yard.
Browse and get ideas 
from a charming greeting card.
Photograph attractive houses 
that will help you see
how cheerful and delightful 
your own house and yard can be!

4. Use your imagination 
to create your very own
unique ENCHANTING refuge 
which can only be called home!
If you follow my advice 
I’m certain that you’ll see
you will begin to feel happy, 
light, and more carefree.

5. Spend your CAREFREE moments there 
enjoying time alone,
lightening your schedule 
and not answering the phone.
Make your home a place 
that friends and family will love,
that will mirror all the joys 
awaiting us above!

"To be self controlled and pure,
to be busy at home."
Titus 2:5

In the Darkness

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1. In the darkness I can see 

more bright, the light of God,

Shining and illuminating, 

all the paths I've trod.

It's only then I realize, 

that what l once had thought

Were detriments are actually, 

the LESSONS God had taught.

2. In darkness it’s much easier, 

to see a candle lit

As before its gentle flame, 

in quiet PRAYER you sit.

In the busy rush of day, 

with lights flashing around,

We’re easily distracted, 

by their brightness and each sound.

3. Search into the quiet darkness, 

every single day.

Awareness of God's presence there, 

will help you find your way.

Peacefully He waits to smile, 

and COMFORT you with love.

He desires to shed 

His wondrous graces, from above.

4. As the world distractedly, 

decides to pass Him by,

He continues contemplating, 

just the reason why.

His profound SERENITY, 

He'd like to share with you.

He wishes every moment, 

to create your life anew.

5. Allow the darkness to relax you, 

with its HEALING balm, 

And you will reach a state 

of great contentedness, and calm. 

Eliminate things that prevent, 

some extra time each day

To rest within the darkness, 

so God's love can light your way!

"But when you pray, 

go into your room, close the door

and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  

Then your Father

who sees what is done in secret, 

will reward you."  Matthew 6:6