The Lake Below the Hill

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1. Sitting by the lakefront   

on a hill with beach below,

I hear the sounds of gentle WAVES

and watch them as they flow.

On the beach their splashing sound

is like a gentle hush.

I receive such healing

from these things I love so much.

2. As I feel the soft warm BREEZE

caress my arms and face,

I enjoy such privacy

while at this peaceful place.

Branches high above me

wave with such majestic ease.

They sway in such contentment

as they flutter all their leaves.

3. Watching lovely SEAGULLS fly

so gracefully above,

I begin to sense a freedom

filling me with love.

Butterflies that hover

over wildflowers nearby

paint a lovely picture

on the backdrop of the sky.

4. On the grassy hill

upon a GLIDER as I swing,

I ponder all the peace

that this experience will bring.

Tranquility is sure to linger

long after today,

as it seeps into my soul

in the most healing way.

5. When it's time to leave,

a satisfaction fills my soul

with a calm SERENITY

that makes my being whole.

I will fondly cherish

this refreshing time until

once again I look out at the lake

below the hill!

When I Was Young

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1. When I was young my life was filled, 

with happy MEMORIES

that I have stored within my heart, 

to comfort and to please.
My mother cooking in the kitchen, 

with a pleasant smile,
would chat with me about her dinner, 

for a little while.
The homey, oval, marble 

kitchen table had six chairs
with black wrought iron backs 

and light pink seats, so quaint and rare.

2. I loved our little HOUSE, 

nestled upon the country road.

The rooms were small and cozy, 

in our safe village abode.
Our yard was of an ample acreage, 

of grassy green,
and behind us was the school, 

though partially unseen.
The trees on both sides of the road, 

were tall and sheltering.
As you drove beneath them, 

it was such a charming scene!

3. When Father arrived home from work, 

the table was all set,
and we sat down to DINNERS, 

that we never would forget.
Tempting meatballs and spaghetti, 

were served every week,
setting taste buds watering, 

so we could barely speak.
Another was a scrumptious roast, 

that cooked for several hours,
with carrots and potatoes, 

placed on table set with flowers.

4. Quiet evenings reading, 

or enjoying some TV,
were such a variation, 

of the fast pace now we see.
Dad would mow the lawn on weekends, 

while Mom cleaned the house,
as each of them enjoyed their chores, 

as quiet as a mouse.
My very favorite recollection, 

was Mom baking her PIES,
so delicious, on the weekends, 

causing heartfelt sighs.

5. How I wish I could relate to you, 

those blessed days,
which brought me joy and such CONTENTMENT, 

in so many ways.
If you do not have memories, 

or dreams as fond as these,
I hope this message that I wrote, 

will set your heart at ease.
Then with the reminiscences, 

of this endearing poem,
begin creating memories, 

all of your very own!

Marsha Santos Books Click Here:

There’s a Lesson in Every Trial

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1. There’s a LESSON in every trial 
God allows to come your way.

You may not learn it right at first, 
but surely will one day.

At times you might be lonely, 
afraid or feeling blue,

thinking, in adversity, 
God has abandoned you.

2. Remember these imaginings 
are only in your mind.

If you search within your heart 
I’m confident you’ll find

that angels are accompanying you 
and hovering near in peace,

while quietly, with comfort, 
bid your worries all to cease.

In loving kindness, God who always 
knows what’s best for you

is MOLDING gently, in great love, 
your character anew.

3. Perceiving what will bring contentment, 
happiness, and peace,

He knows your present trials 
will help the future ones to cease.

They will bring you closer to our God 
and to His love,

so He can safely GUIDE you 
to His heavenly home above.

4. Please don’t feel forsaken 
the next time you feel blue.

Remember God is with you, 
in everything you do.

It’s possible the lesson 
you will learn from time to time

is that you only need His love 
to access the sublime.

So lift all vain ambitions, 
and let them all take flight.

You will see that God’s great LOVE 
will brighten every night.

5. Thank Him for the loved ones 
that He sends your whole life through

to lend refreshment and support 
when you are feeling blue.

They truly are the richest TREASURE 
God will ever give

and this the greatest lesson 
for as long as you may live!

The Power of Prayer!

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1. Never underestimate the power of prayer, 

of which many people are so unaware.

As troubles come and troubles go, 

there are certain things that we should know.

Just as wind blows leaves from trees, 

and rivers carry ships to seas,

prayer can whirl our cares away, 

and safely GUIDES us through each day.

2. As love’s strong power conquers hate, 

deep faith and prayer ensures our fate.

Fire can warm our body’s chill, 

but answered prayer HEALS every ill.

God’s love is a spiritual fire, 

which satisfies every desire.

He created us to be, 

fulfilled in our own ministry.

3. In the richness of His love, 

we are clothed with heaven above.

If we look into His face, 

we will feel His warm embrace.

How can we show doubt and fear, 

when God’s own healing love is near?

As shining sun melts winter snow, 

all care DISSOLVES in love’s warm glow.

4. Prayer LIFTS us upon its wing 

to the throne of heaven’s King,

our humble caring Majesty, 
who longs to answer every plea.

So hear His beckoning, longing voice.  

It only takes a simple choice

to say a prayer of faith, then trust

in God who’s merciful and just.

5. He desires our happiness, 

and died to remove all duress.

His light ILLUMINATES the mind.  

In him our peace and joy we find.

As He takes us by the hand, 

and leads us to His holy land,

all His riches we will share, 

just by the simple power of prayer!

"Ask and you will receive,

seek and you will find, knock

and the door will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

Delete!

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1. In life we all have various thoughts 

that seep into our minds.

Some of them can even have 

adverse effects at times.

We WORRY about the future, 

and sometimes regret the past.

It is a shame how long that we 

allow these thoughts to last.

2. We often might review 

the conversations we have had,

and by the time we’re finished, 

it can leave us feeling sad.

At times we ponder people’s faults 

or their particular mood,

which often makes us FRUSTRATED 

or causes us to brood.

When pain approaches, or we sense 

an illness drawing near,

we allow our minds to be 
immersed in doubt and fear.

3. The list of things is endless 

that our minds may entertain.

The simple REMEDY is from 
these thoughts we must refrain.

For those of us who use computers, 

we are well aware

that we can access websites, 

some of which we should beware.

4. When it's apparent to us that

these websites we should clear,

we press the “delete” button, 

and at once they disappear.

The ANALOGY of the computer, 

to the human brain,

shows us almost boundless data

we can ascertain.

To master staying focused, 

and take charge of mind and soul,

we must create a method 

that ensures we’re in control.

5. When lacking concentration

and your thoughts all go askew,

I have a simple remedy 

to quickly see you through.

With each unwelcome thought 

there is no need to be discreet.

Just press that little button in your mind 

labeled “DELETE”!