One Lovely Starlit Night

Click on photo to enlarge

1. One lovely starlit night
there slept a little child,
dreaming peaceful dreams,
with heart so meek and mild.
Cradled in His mother's arms,
safe from worldly care,
comforted and so secure
just knowing she was there.
In a lowly manger He was
warmed by sheep and lambs.
The ANIMALS drew closer
to be near His little hands.
As they watched Him lovingly
they snuggled closer still.
Being in His presence
gave their tender hearts a thrill.
How their poor hearts melted
at the thought that Jesus chose
them to be the first to share
His presence and repose.

2. When the shepherds joined them,
such humility and love
filled the lowly stable
strewn with graces from above.
Tender hearted JOSEPH,
who was chosen from all men
to be the Savior's guardian
by His Father up in heaven,
was the humblest man on earth
and worthy to protect
the Son of God and offer Him
the most profound respect.

3. MARY purest maiden, who
would serve her infant son,
cared for Him devoutly as
His heart she deeply won.
That was the first Christmas
while a star shown bright above
the manger that was blest
and filled with mystery and love.

4. In my solitude, I travel there
within my heart,
reflecting on the graces
He will lovingly impart.
As I gaze into His eyes
away from worldly care,
I nestle in His presence
and bow down in humble PRAYER:
"Jesus, meek and humble,
please stay with me 'till the end.
Be my dear companion
and my everlasting friend.
I will be your servant
and will offer to mankind
all the love and peace you bring
within my soul and mind."

5. Keeping the first Christmas
deep within my heart I know
Jesus will stay close to me
wherever I may go.
In His gentle presence
I will never be afraid.
For my sins and frailties
He generously paid.
So my friend remember
on that lovely starlit night,
there slept and infant Savior,
who brought with Him endless LIGHT!

Offer God Your Hardships

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Offer God your hardships 
for your friends and family.

They will surely benefit 
from it I guarantee.

To each fear and sorrow, 
love and HEALING God will send,

so every situation will 
turn out well in the end.

2. Sacrifices offered will 
intensify your prayer,

and God will send a confirmation
He is truly there.

Sacrifices given are 
all offerings of love

that He changes into BLESSINGS 
showered from above.

3. Just like Jesus has obtained, 
from dying on the cross,

salvation for humanity, 
preventing heaven’s loss,

we also, by our sacrifice, 
can purchase heavenly GIFTS

while being reassured that God 
is dwelling in our midst.

4. Sacrifices show God 
our unselfish love for him,

as they demonstrate that we
are not focused on sin.

There is no greater love 
than if we sacrifice our self.

This procures for others 
a great spiritual wealth.

God respects each act of love 
returning it with HOPE.

It’s only then that we will find 
it easier to cope.

5. Adding sacrifice to prayer 
is like a lovely flower.

As God plucks its petals, 
they float back to us each hour.

Every petal is a facet 
of God’s LOVE and care

He wishes we acknowledge 
and that we become aware.

So the next time that you pray 
for someone, try to make

a little sacrifice of love, my friend, 
for heaven’s sake!  

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, 
in view of God's mercy, to offer 
your bodies as a living sacrifice, 
holy and pleasing to God, which is 
your spiritual worship."  
Romans 12:1

It’s Ever So Cozy Inside!

 Click on photo to enlarge
g

1. After a wintery walk in the snow,

it’s ever so cozy inside!

It doesn’t matter the places you go

or if it is just for a ride.

PARTIES are fun with pastries and treats

and people you’re so glad to know.

Whether you’re dancing or sitting in seats,

conversation can easily flow.

2. Every season brings fun things to do,

but one of the happiest times

is when the festivities are finally through

and you’re home where it’s cozy inside.
FIRES in winter can be so relaxing

when it is a cold wintry day,

especially after things have been taxing,

it’s the most pleasant place you can stay.

3. During the autumn the leaves are all changing

their colors to red, orange, and gold. 

But once they have fallen they soon begin fading

from shades that were brighter and bold.

Autumn's a time to be skipping and romping

in crackling leaves  on the ground,

or drinking hot COCOA right after a hayride

with colorful leaves floating down.

4. The weather is changing, becoming much cooler,

a time to begin dressing warm.

But that cannot lessen the beauty of autumn

as it brings us its magic and CHARM.

5. Whether it’s spring, summer, winter, or autumn

we must never have a regret,

but draw on the source of each mystery contained

and their glory not ever forget.
ENJOY all the seasons and wonders of nature

and happily with them abide,

but realize too that for every creature

it’s ever so cozy inside!

A Little Bit Lazy

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Sometimes it's fun to be lazy,

and give obligations a rest.

Focusing on lighter PASTIMES

enhances our vigor and zest.

2. Why do we neglect the PROJECTS

that we have been wanting to do,

whether creative or practical,

inconceivable, older or new?

3. FULFILLMENT clearly awaits us,

accomplishment, pleasure, and fun;

things that we don't always capture,

when our duties keep us on the run.

4. It just might surprise you how many

so called chores you can really POSTPONE.

Some even should be discarded,

which would give you more time to be home.

5. HOME really should be your haven

of rest that you cherish each day;

a place family loves to come home to,

whether working or also at play.

So shine up the pastimes you've hidden,

and ever so long kept at bay,

And promise yourself you'll be lazy,

just a little bit every day!

Stop Your Rushing!

1. Stop your rushing. Settle down.

Let it dissipate your frown.
Why your frenzy? Why such gloom?
SMILE and brighten up the room!
Keep life peaceful.  Keep it bright.
Let Jesus light both day and night!
You're protected.  You are loved.
All your sins you've been cleansed of.

2. It's the Christmas Season now.
Look to Christ who will endow.
He's Almighty Lord of all.
HEAR His tender loving call.
As a child he came to earth
through a humble virgin's birth.
Learn humility and love
to bathe in grace sent from above.

3. He chose a manger to abide
with animals close by His side,
who breathed their warmth upon His face,
this child who'd save the human race.
COME much closer, friends and foes.

See how pure His presence glows.
Healing waits for you at last.
Peace that cannot be surpassed.

4. Do not fear and turn away.
EMBRACE your Lord in love today.
Time moves quickly while He waits,
as He holds our hopes and fates.
Ever gentle, ever true,
He governs us in all you do.
Trust the only one who can
lead you to His glorious land,

5. Bow before this Holy Child
resting there so meek and mild?
He transforms earth, seas, and skies,
as quietly in peace He lies.
A little heart inflamed with love
possessing healing from above.
Together let us PRAISE and sing
To Christ Our Lord, The Infant King!

"And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,

and laid him in a manger; because

there was no room for them in the inn."

Luke 2:7

The Seasons of Your Life

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Every season of one’s life 
should fully be enjoyed.

And all the FACETS life presents 
one never should avoid.

Babies may shed tears responding 
to their many needs.

When a toddler learns to walk they 
can scrape both their knees.

Children find it hard to share 
with others all their toys.

Adolescents’ awkwardness 
is meeting girls and boys.

2. Teenagers are frustrated 
with parents’ many rules.

Young adults can feel 
opposing views are bred by fools.

People in their thirties raising 
FAMILIES can feel worn,

and when they reach their forties, 
from their jobs can feel forlorn.

Fifties may cause sadness when 
their children all leave home,

followed by their sixties when 
they might feel quite alone.

3. In their seventies, some may 
have thoughts of journey’s end,

and in their eighties ponder how 
they would live life again.

Nineties can bring feelings that 
one’s friends now all are gone.

And if they reach one hundred that 
their life on earth is done.
These thoughts should quickly be dismissed, 
so fleeting they will be,

assuring us each season we’ll 
ENJOY contentedly.

4. The springtime brings us our new life 
on earth from God above.

In summertime we grow in stature 
as we grow in love.

When autumn comes we should reflect 
on all the things we’ve done,

and then rejoice each day of life 
for every morning sun.

The winter of our lives should be 
the most rewarding though,

if we allow the warmth within 
our hearts to OVERFLOW.

5. In this way we will ENRICH 
all those we chance to meet;

whether they are young or old, 
are humble or elite.

Please enjoy each phase of life, 
with God’s love shining through,

so you can pass His heavenly gate 
as He waits there for you

Make Your Life Peaceful

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Make your life peaceful in all that you do.

Everything quiet and TRANQUIL pursue.

Follow your heart and confusion avoid.

Treasure life’s moments that you most enjoyed.

Flee from confusion, upheaval, and noise.

Focus on all of your favorite joys.

2. Appreciate animals, flowers, and trees.

Thank God for everything, down on your knees.

Find a safe haven from each daily care.

Create deep within you a refuge of prayer.

Sweep away cobwebs of fear from your soul.

Employ faith and HOPE to remain in control.

3. Smile when you feel you might easily cry.

Believe in yourself and your spirits lift high.

Brush away thoughts of inferiority,

and acknowledge your strengths in HUMILITY.

Offer your talents to people in need.

Encourage your loved ones and help them succeed.

4. Spread joy around you and lighten your load.

Create in your heart a celestial abode.

Each day spend time quietly all alone.

Enjoy a new venture sometime on your own.

Make others happy by giving them CHEER.

Spread peace and comfort, by just being near.

5. Trust and have faith in your own destiny.

When life becomes difficult remain serene.

Spread warmest sunshine wherever you go.

Let your true FRIENDSHIP and love freely flow.

Make your life peaceful and calm as can be,

and you will be blest to the highest degree! 

Autumn Flowers

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Autumn flowers bring such cheer 

to every single day,

whether in their bright and bold

or own delicate way.

After summer flowers faded, 

new ones took their place,

each with what appears to be 

a cheerful unique FACE.

2. Seeming to be GLANCING at us 

each time we walk by,

their beauty and warm colors 

make us smile and gently sigh.

Of all their types and colors, 

I will mention just a few,

like orange hibiscus, marigolds, 

and mums of golden hue.

3. Red and white impatiens

give us still their vibrant color,

though hot pink geraniums 

seem the brightest flowers of all.

As the autumn leaves

are gently falling to the ground,

appreciate the glorious 

myriad COLORS all around.

4. Sometimes we forget 

the wondrous beauty autumn brings,

but when we truly notice, 

it can set our heart on wings.

Whether it is sunny 

or the raindrops gently fall,

the autumn season just might be 

the most UNIQUE of all.

5. In it lies the MYSTERY 

that all life goes on still,

even after it appears 

that death has cast its spell.

So find its buried treasure 

and embrace its mystery,

that even after death

we will live on eternally!

Trick or Treat!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Pumpkins, ghosts, and witches hats,
clowns and cowboys, and black cats,
fairy princesses and queens;
COSTUMES made for Halloween.

2. CHOCOLATE bars and lollipops,
candy corn and lemon drops,
caramel apples, good to eat,
with children crying, "Trick or Treat!"
Football players, majorettes,
kittens, dogs, and cuddly pets.
Dinosaurs and furry bears,
elephants and rabbit ears.

3. PARTIES, games, and family fun.
Yummy treats for everyone.
Donuts while and hot chocolate brews,
with prizes for the best costumes.

4. Trick or treating with good FRIENDS.
Laughter until evening ends.
Later cuddled with a book
Mother reads in cozy nook;
pirates, sailors, Peter Pan;
stories in a distant land.

5. Hugs and kisses late at night.
DREAMS of every sweet delight.
Waking feeling warm and snug,
greeted with a cozy hug.
Memories of the previous night;
trick or treating by starlight.
Looking forward to next year
when Halloween again is here.
Children dream while they're asleep
the joy of crying, "Trick or Treat!"

Everything Is a Blessing!

   

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Everything is a blessing,

each thing you say and do,

no matter how you're feeling,

or what you are going through.

You need to change your outlook,

and have a brighter view,

For everything is a blessing 
that brings God's LOVE to you.

2. When you are sad or angry,

just stop and close your eyes.

Envision ANGELS' presence,

like stars up in the skies.

If you are ever lonely, 
imagine you will be

surrounded with their wondrous

loving songs in harmony.

3. If loneliness or sadness

you never ever feel,

your deep desire to search for God

would soon lose its appeal.

Even anger can allow us

to despise ourself,

so we can more easily

into God's MERCY delve.

4. Though time and age may take their toll,

the blessings that they bring

are true compassion and concern

for every living thing.

When we are weak we're really strongest,

for God stoops so low,

to pick us up when we are down,

to help our STRENGTH to grow.

5. Even when we sin

it is a blessing to our souls,

for from our sorrow and defilement

God's forgiveness flows.

If you will see through eyes of FAITH
you'll find it's really true,

that everything is a blessing

that will bring God's love to you!

Pinegate On a Rainy Day

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Pinegate on a rainy day

chases all my blues away.

Driving peacefully along,

raindrops chime a cheerful song.

Cozy HOUSES on each street,

with pleasant yards so trim and neat,

on curving streets with lovely trees,

brings peaceful feelings that appease.

2. While driving I anticipate

arriving HOME, as I await

entering through my front door

to view my pastel rose decor.

A haven for tranquility,

and refuge of serenity,

the pitter-patter of the rain

falls upon my window pane.

3. Thoughts how FLOWERS bloom in spring

are soothing and so comforting.

Sauntering from room to room,

happy thoughts begin to bloom.

Lighting in the hearth a fire,

I lounge in my relaxed attire.
As evening nears and sunshine fades
I'm warmed and soothed by crackling flames.

Sipping sparkling champagne,

I count my blessings once again.

4. Pondering my plans and dreams,

all is well and blest it seems.

Feeling SAFE and wrapped in love,

I'm clothed in grace from up above.

Affirming that my life will be

cherished to the utmost degree,

I sense contented feelings calm

my spirit, with their healing balm.

5. Now the glittering drops of rain

patting on my window pane

transform my home the warmer still,

dispersing every evening chill.

As I warm before the FIRE,

thoughts of how I'll soon retire

keep me blanketed in love

and wrapped in grace from heaven above!