I’m Just Fine with Chipped!

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1. We find joy in buying 

all the things we love the most

like lovely China dinner plates 

and crystal, used to toast.

As we decorate our home 

it brings us great delight

choosing things that bring 

a touch of HEAVEN to our sight.

Everything looks new and shiny, 

charming, fresh and clean.

The thought of things becoming old 

is often unforeseen.

2. As our dishes become chipped 

we may give them away

then we spend more money 

on a brand new set one day.

This can seem alright at first

 but then our view might change,

and our OUTLOOK 

we may just decide to rearrange.

3. It is very difficult 

to welcome faults and flaws,

so that is why I ask you now 

to just reflect and pause.

Compare ourselves to our belongings 

and I think you’ll see

we all have IMPERFECTIONS, 

but our God loves you and me.

Maybe He is teaching us 

the value in things flawed.

If it brings humility, 

it’s worth sincere applaud.

4. I have found, as years go by, 

the value of the old.

Passing time gives way

for newer blessings to unfold.

When we calmly try accepting 

changes in our life,

it will have a strong impact

 on dealing with our STRIFE.

5. One step further, if to faults, 

“I love you” we reply,

we’ll have found the SECRET

of true happiness and joy!

I try to appreciate 

my old things more and more,

finding coziness and charm

in my lovely décor.

Even if my favorite tea cup 

happens to be chipped,

a fresh baked cookie still 
tastes as delicious when it’s dipped!

Whenever Something Ends

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1. Whenever something ends my friend, 

a new thing will begin.

This should ease uncertainty, 
enabling you to grin.

Wait for, it with great ANTICIPATION, 
to unfold.

You may be surprised, what you 
might rapidly behold!

2. Put a little faith in God, 
and TRUST Him with your fate.

He has promised all good things, 
if patiently we wait.

See Him smiling down at you, 
from His almighty throne,

with a scepter in His hand, 
revealing the unknown.

3. Even though you feel confused, 
when the familiar ends,

if you’re faced with desperation, 
HOPE always transcends.

Every time a window's closed, 
a door is opened wide.

Take the opportunity.  
Do not remain inside.

4. Something special waits for you, 
outside the open door,

that promises to be much grander, 
than ever before!

Step out in expectant FAITH.  
Relinquish doubt and fear.

Let your senses lead you, 
and the answer will appear.

5. God desires we wait in patience, 
with a trusting smile,

until He shows to us the plan, 
He knows is so worthwhile.

Each time you are aware, 
something is just about to end,

have CONFIDENCE that something new, 
is just around the bend!

“The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, 
His mercies are not spent; they are renewed 
each morning, so great is His faithfulness.” 

Lamentations 3:22-23

Floating Down a River

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1. Floating down a river 
on a lovely summer day,

all your cares and worries

drift so peacefully away.

Fears about the future dim,

and quickly disappear,

now that quiet CONFIDENCE

and happiness are near.

2. Sunshine and SERENITY

begin to soothe your soul,

filling you with healing,

and the grace to make you whole.

As you drift and float

in gentle stillness you behold

the beauty of creation,

watching all its power unfold.

3. You dismiss the past

and cling to joy and future dreams.

All that's bright and beautiful

surrounds you now it seems.

Lifted by their promise

you feel buoyed by HOPE and love,

strengthened by a warm embrace

and safety from above.

4. Future days seem bright now

with a light that shines within.

HAPPINESS awaits you

as a new life you begin.

5. This PEACEFUL lovely image

deep within your heart will stay,

of floating down a river

on a lovely summer day!

"In quietness and confidence

will be your strength."

Isaiah 30:15

The Bear Family Vacation

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1.  During the mid-summertime, 

when sunshine warmed the earth,

the Bears decided a vacation, 

would be of great worth.

Not only would it be such fun, 

but so relaxing too,

and there would be so many things, 

that they could choose to do.

After swimming, BARBECUING 

hot dogs by the lake

would be delicious, followed 

by a slice of Mama’s cake.

2.  Then a stroll along the tide, 

barefooted in the sand,

with sunshine beaming from the sky, 

would certainly be grand!

They would rent a quaint and cozy 

COTTAGE, of their choice,

and one that they had all agreed, 

would be so very nice.

They invited Grandma Bear, 

and Grandpa Bear to come,

which would make it twice as nice, 

and ever so much fun!

3. Since Grandma always loved to cook, 

and Mama loved to bake,

their meals would be delightful, 

every time they sat and ate.

Whether they fried chicken, 

or barbecued some ribs,

the happy MEMORIES remained, 

until snug in their beds.

The cottages they rented, 

always had such cozy yards,

with charming outdoor patios, 

bright flowers, and songbirds.

4. On bright sunshiny days, 

brother and sister loved to rest,

in the backyard, with board games, 

or a good game of chess.

At times when it might drizzle, 

happily they played inside,

molding clay or coloring, 

until the yard had dried.

Also, during their vacation, 

SHOPPING was a must.

It was fun to browse, followed

by Grandpa’s great rib roast!

5. Afterward they all contentedly

watched some TV,

before a crackling FIRE, 

sipping hot cocoa or tea.

The Bear Family’s vacations 

were relaxing, and such fun.

They wished that their delight 

could be enjoyed, by everyone.

The lovely drive back home, 

was even more exciting still,

since they would soon be peeking out, 

over their window sill!

Stroll Along the Beach

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1. Stroll along the beach 

and find enjoyment in the SAND

as it reflects gold sunbeams, 

and sifts softly through your hand.

The sand grains feel like velvet 

as they cushion every step.

You’ll enjoy the cool refreshing water 

as you let

the gentle tide flow to your feet 

with every step you take.

Notice the formations in the sand 

the tide will make.

2. Watch the SEAGULLS hover 

on the beach looking for food.

So happily they skip 

as you enjoy their cheerful mood.

Look at the horizon 
and imagine far beyond,

where other lands have precious treasures 

you can reflect on.

3. Feel the burning SUN 

upon your arms and on your face.

Sense a healing remedy 

within its warm embrace.

Notice tiny shells 

that once were vibrantly alive.

Marvel at the miracle 

of how all things survive.

4. Lie upon a blanket 

and inhale the warm fresh air.

Thank God for the gifts 

He’s given us in quiet prayer.

Smile and go on walking 

as you see the TIDE roll in

away from distant boats, 

and feel the breeze upon your skin.

5. When it’s finally time to go, 

remember every scene,

tuck this MEMORY away, 

for when you’ve time to dream.

If you choose to stroll along the beach 
some summer day, 

vow that you'll appreciate 

its wonderful display!

I'm Captivated By Beauty

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1. I'm captivated by beauty

in this GLORIOUS world around,

in every burst of color

and unique intriguing sound.

With rolling hills and grassy slopes

and wooded country paths.

As thunder speaks its might

I'm awed by every lightning flash.

Clouds that billow through the sky,

each with their unique shape,

form a picturesque formation,

only to escape.

2. Snowcapped mountaintops
with lush green valleys miles below

are strewn with creeks and rivers

where the wildflowers grow.

Certainly the list goes on and on

throughout the earth,

and I am overwhelmed with

nature's marvelous REBIRTH.

3. Rainbow tinted flowers

add such color and delight.

Stars and pale moonbeams

all lend radiance to the night.

Morning sunshine gently helps

REVIVE our drowsy minds.

Songs and chorus lift our spirits

with harmonic chimes.

4. In this world of inspiration

and diversity

we should offer constant thanks

in prayer on bended knee.

The earth, the sky, and seas look up

to heaven shouting PRAISE

demonstrating how mankind

should live throughout their days.

5. Just one moment of such beauty

should cause us to be

THANKFUL for our earthly life

and for eternity.

Never be ungrateful

for your blessings upon earth,

for they will cause rejoicing

at your heavenly rebirth.

I am captivated by
the beauty all around,

for in each facet of this life,

God's glory I have found!