A Small Town Christmas

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1. COZY homes all topped with snow.
Evenings with no place to go.
Sparkling snowflakes falling down,
softly covering the ground.
Smoke from chimneys circling high,
drifting to the starlit sky.
Warmed in front of blazing fire,
families sit and chat awhile.

2. Coffee, tea, HOT CHOCOLATE brews.
Fire light casts charming views.
Gentle sounding breeze outside,
makes it comfier inside.
Later reading as they rest.
Every home a cozy nest.
From the hearth comes crackling sounds.
In each heart such love abounds.
Restful sleep throughout the night.
Dreams take souls on peaceful flight.

3. Waking at the break of dawn,
with the rising of the sun.
BREAKFAST cooking with appeal.
All sit down to tasty meal.
Sweet aromas fill the air.
Meals begun with solemn prayer.
Christmastime brings special cheer,
when the holidays draw near.

4. People in the town prepare,
as their daily tasks they share.
BAKING cookies, pies, and tarts.
Soon the celebration starts.
Christmas morning here at last.
Anticipation now surpassed.
Packages beneath the tree
are all unwrapped on bended knee.

5. Smiles and twinkles on each face.
All receive a warm embrace.
Families gathering in church,
where each heart, for God, can search.
WALKING home then through the town,
past a snowman smiling down.
Luscious meals and tasty treats
all will be remembered feasts.
Hearts that treasure simple things,
a small town Christmas always brings!

One Lovely Starlit Night

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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. 

2. 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 souls a thrill. How their poor hearts melted at the thought that Jesus chose, them to be the first to share His presence and repose. When the shepherds joined them such humility and love, filled that lowly stable strewn with graces from above. 

3. 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. 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 the love and PEACE that you instill within my soul and mind.” 

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

Bring a Little Sunshine

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1. Bring a little sunshine into every rainy day. It will chase away the clouds and brighten up your way. Put a little sunshine into every SMILE you give. It will lighten someone’s heart and change the way you live.

2. Bring some sunshine with you wherever you may go and scatter it with HAPPINESS to everyone you know. Just a pinch of sunshine that you add to every rain will brighten someone’s garden making flowers bloom again.

3. When you scatter sunshine you light a gloomy day. The clouds roll back.  The sun peeks out.  The heavens seem to say, “The sun is always shining above the clouds you know, so take a little sunshine with you EVERYWHERE you go!”

4. It all depends on whether you look up or down you see, so why not look above the clouds to where the sun will be. Then take a little sunshine every day right from the start, to plant a GARDEN of God’s love down deep within your heart. 

5. The flowers that will bloom there grown in soil rich with love, and watered with angelic grace of kindness from above, will bask within the warmth and sunshine of God’s tender care, to be a sweet reminder that His LOVE is always there!

God Only Calls the Saints

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1. God only calls the saints to bear His heavenly cross of love, for they have true compassion that our world is in need of. They teach us how to SACRIFICE ourselves for all mankind. Their strength to persevere is the most difficult to find. 

2. They view as very minuscule the things that weigh us down. It is within their VIRTUE that we see God’s love abound. When others give up hope the saints tread lightly on despair. They have the grace and sense to know that God is always there.

3. They easily abandon worldly things to God in love, and equally are showered with His blessings from above. They focus and do not lose sight of every prize and goal, since they are motivated by God’s STRENGTH which makes them whole. They go the extra mile as easily as others breathe and when we give up hope they never fail to believe. 

4. The saints on earth are often overlooked though God can see, their loving sacrifice enabling others to be free. Grace and courage are their banners clothing them in love, and when their lifetime ends they rise to GLORY high above.

5. Their greatness ceases not but shines for all the world to see, from God’s almighty throne through every age ETERNALLY ! Let us hail these wondrous souls who bless us with their love, and praise God for when we will live with them in heaven above! 

In the Garden of Gethsemane

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1. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for you and me. Falling down upon His knees, God embraced His loving pleas. With a few disciples near He soon began to faint and FEAR.  

2. Anticipating certain DEATH He labored with each weary breath. suffering He would have to die while those He loved would wonder why.  Sweating even drops of blood, fear consumed Him as a flood.  His disciples were asleep while His concern grew ever deep.  

3. They awoke at His command. Their hour to pray was now at hand. How very seldom we reflect, and therefore we should not neglect, what took place that LONELY day when Jesus prayed our fears away.

4. He placed upon His cross our cares and to this day our SORROW bears. Desiring that we lean on Him He took away our every sin.  Giving us fullness of life His love dispels our doubt and strife. Go to Him and meditate His blessings and your wondrous fate!  

5. Ask Him to renew your heart. The time is now that you should start. In the SUFFERING of that hour, ponder Jesus' mighty power, and how He bid Satan flee, that night within Gethsemane!

Humiliations

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1. Thank you for humiliations Lord, of every kind, including those that wound my heart or soul, body or mind.  In life we often try to flee from suffering and pain, and can forget to contemplate the VIRTUES we might gain.  

2. You demonstrated while on earth that if we are to be, an empty vessel for your love we must set ourselves FREE.  The deep selfish desires that we hold within our heart, can cause us to repel your love and keep us far apart.  

3. If we convince ourselves humiliations just may be, a sign of your rejection then we clearly will not see, we are not farther from the truth since from your throne above, you ponder how to draw us to your unconditional LOVE.  

4. Just as on the cross you died to save our souls from sin, you taught us how to die to self and find true PEACE within.  

5. Help us imitate you Lord in sacrifice and love, so we can share eternal life in ecstasy above.  Glorify in us humiliations large and small, which all contain your mighty GRACE and power to enthrall!

Lord Why Me?

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1. I think you’ll agree that the worst times in life we all may have said “Lord why me?” FRIGHTENED and lost we start wondering why He seems not to answer our plea. In a dilemma with nowhere to run we wrestle with darkness and night. Despondency might trigger feelings that now we are ready to give up the fight. 

2. The words “Lord why me?” spin around in our minds while our energy depletes as well. How to survive this trial much longer we just are not able to tell. At that very moment we are giving up hope His grace seems to fill to the brim. Then WEAKENED and faint devoid of all strength we are saved as we reach out to Him. 

3. In His embrace we are nourished and fed by His warmth and each consoling word. As we are STRENGTHENED and lost in His love we rejoice that we finally are cured! 

4. When we return to our previous state of happiness and total trust We once again ask only this time with love “Why me Lord? It seemed so unjust.”  Reverently listening in silence to Him we may hear Him speak tenderly  “So that on my darkest most desolate day you might SHARE what it felt like to me.

5. For all of your sins and the sins of the world I died on the cross in dismay longing and hoping you would understand how my death wiped all your sins away!” So friend TRUST in Him for He’s right by your side and nothing but He can suffice. Be thankful that He has allowed you to share in some small way His great sacrifice!

Offer God Your Hardships

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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. Every sacrifice is a small offering of love, that God will change into a BLESSING straight from heaven 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. Sacrifices show God our unselfish love for him as they demonstrate that we are not focused on sin.

4. There is no greater love than when we sacrifice our self, which procures for others a great spiritual wealth. God respects each act of love returning it with HOPE enabling us to find it so much easier to cope. Adding sacrifice to prayer is like a lovely flower from which God plucks its petals, that float back to us each hour.

5. Every petal is a facet of God’s love and CARE that He wishes we acknowledge and 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

Believe That Your Loved Ones Are Safe in God’s Hands

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1. Believe that your loved ones 

are safe in God’s hands with 

the angels all hovering near.

Picture them very secure in His 

love then eliminate worry and fear.

Acknowledge their lives don't depend 

upon you since they each have a path 

of their own, where they will receive  

heavenly GUIDANCE and grace and

the paths of their lives clearly shown.

2. Assuming their gladness depends 

upon you is doubting the power of God.

The times you’ve let go you might now 

recognize how He blessed every path

they have trod. Our loved ones are really 

so safe in God’s hands for His power is

strong and immense. The depth of 

His pure unconditional LOVE is

unfathomable, profound and intense.

3. Image your loved ones at peace with 

themselves and filled with God's 

STRENGTH every day. Visualize them 

surrounded  by grace that protects and is 

guiding their way. Believe there is nothing 

that can ever thwart God’s awesome and 

majestic power, while letting it settle down 

deep in your soul as  it comforts you every hour.

4. Say to yourself “I am bountifully blessed

overflowing with grace from above.

My loved ones are safely protected by day

and the entire night by God’s love.”

Do not be afraid of illness or death

since we have God’s promise that He

will COMFORT, enlighten, strengthen, 

and guide us through life and eternity.

5. Try to reflect for a moment each day

how the angels will come from above

to guide us to heaven in unending light

where we will be wrapped in God’s love. 

Have faith you have always been cared 

for and guided along every  path you have 

trod. Then have  complete trust that your 

loved ones are SAFE and secure in the 

strong hands of God!

Do Not Be Afraid of the Darkness

1. Do not be afraid of the darkness,

for to God it is bright as the day.

If you rest and you listen in silence,

assuredly you will hear Him say,

“My child, when you're frightened or lonely, 

and you feel you are put to the test,

have FAITH I am there close beside you

as you rest your head upon my breast.

 

2. Do not feel dismayed or forsaken

but come quickly to my warm embrace.

If with your heart you look closely

you will see radiant love on my face.

There is nothing you should be afraid of

in this earthly life or in the next

for I will enlighten and guide you

and with my great POWER protect.

 

3.  The darkness is filled with my 

presence.  Light and dark are alike 

to Me. The more you reflect on this 

concept the sooner you will be set FREE. 

 

4. My child do not fear of the few times

in your life when you might feel afraid

for I am attempting to show you that

 even the darkness is made by my hand 

and is filled with my presence for to 

me dark and light are the same. You 

can rest in my arms so PROTECTED

safe from danger, confusion and shame.

 

5. Remember I formed you with great 

love, so gently in your mother’s womb

to enjoy earthly life to the fullest

then in heaven where it will resume.

Together as we live forever

in happiness HEALTH and good cheer

ever joyfully we will be giving

our love to all those we hold dear.

So if you encounter the darkness

do not fear for in just a short while

it will be lit in a moment

by my tender and warm loving smile!”

“If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me. For even darkness cannot  hide from God; to you the night shines as bright as day.  Darkness and light are both alike to  you.”

Psalm 139:11-12

The Great Destroyer

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1. Worry is the great destroyer of

good HEALTH and cheer.

It feeds on and anticipates 

your every doubt and fear.

It never does a bit of good 

and cannot help your mood.

If anything it makes you want 

to sit around and brood.

2. I challenge you to think of 

one thing worry can resolve,

or a specific problem 

that it easily will solve.

No my friend, I highly doubt 

that you will have success.

The only thing that worry seems 

to cause us is DURESS.

3. It is the great destroyer of 

our PEACE and faith you know.

Ironically, we carry it 

wherever we may go.

4. Does that make sense to you 

when we can quickly lay it down,

along with our anxiety, 

DESPAIR and useless frown?

Patiently, a smile awaits you

at your beck and call

and will begin to cheer you up 

no matter just how small.

5. Why not shine it up a bit 

until it’s sparkling bright.

It will lighten up your MOOD

and bring you sheer delight.

Remember worry is the great 

destroyer of your soul.

Annihilating it should be 

your first and foremost goal!

Faith

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1. Plant a little FAITH in every

fear that comes your way,

then water it with hope and feel

it brighten up your day.

Fear is just the absence of 

the trust that we will be

protected from all harm and be 

kept safe on stormy sea.

 

2. Whenever strong winds blow 

put up a veil of TRUST in God.

He will lead you safely down 

the path where saints have trod.

Embracing you with love 

your every fear will melt away,

as He walks beside you 

smiling each and every day.

 

3. God is powerful and can make 

health and wholeness flower

where once was barren land and all 

was destitute and dour.

When you are confronted with 

confusion, grief or fear,

seek the face of Jesus and 

His words of COMFORT hear.

 

4. He will chase your doubts away 

dispersing them with love,

as He showers every blessing 

down from heaven above.

You will realize that all your

fears must bow down low

before the face of God from whom 

all grace and HEALING flow.

 

5. He is the only one who can 

decide your destiny,

so plant some faith in every fear 

and you will be set free.

Water them with HOPE which will 

add strength to all your days,

as you reflect God’s image 

giving Him eternal praise!

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Hope

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1. HOPE believes that things you wish for

soon will come to pass

in spite of any sacrifice

or complicated task.

Often we rely upon our

own strength as we plan,

but it could take a greater force

than that of any man.

Sometimes doubt or sickness

can discourage all our dreams.

We could lose our hope and courage

suddenly it seems.

2. When we start to feel weak

from illness, strife or pain,

trusting with ACCEPTANCE 

will return our peace again.

It may be difficult to think

relief can come from dread,

but we can find such hope

from what we know the bible said.

Jesus' death brought life

to the entire human race,

and He will guard our lives until

we meet Him face to face.

3. If you BELIEVE that Jesus freed us

from all death and sin,

then you should know for certain

He will give you peace within.

Do not flee from crosses

but embrace them all with love,
imitating Jesus when 

He came from heaven above.

Embracing every cross 

will make us happy once again

as gold refined and polished

soon becomes a treasured gem.

4. The more that we accept the crosses

we receive each day,

the quicker they will lovingly

support us on our way.

As we become enriched by all

the WISDOM that they teach,

we will find new light

and God Himself within our reach.

5. Do not be discouraged

when dismay or sickness comes,

but trustingly be NOURISHED

as you rest within their arms.

Soon your fear will vanish

and your hope will brightly shine,

as God makes all things beautiful,

in His appointed time!

^“He has made everything beautiful 

in its time.”  Ecclesiastes 3:11

The Little Flower That Spoke

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1. One day in early morning, 

shortly after I awoke,
I had a brief encounter 
with a little FLOWER that spoke.
Though this may seem outlandish, 
please allow me to explain
my story to you now, 
as I recall it once again.

2. I was feeling burdened 
with a need to be refreshed,
and so I took a morning WALK 
to help relieve my stress.
The path I chose was strewn 
with wild flowers all around,
that swayed in very gentle breeze 
without making a sound.

3. I saw a Queen Anne’s lace 
that seemed to capture my attention.
I sensed its charming delicateness 
came right down from heaven.
I stopped to feel its soft white petals, 
as I gently smiled.
To my surprise, within my heart,
I felt it then REPLY, 

4. “My friend, remain at peace 
and do not fear for those you love,
for God will help each one of them 
right from his throne above.
Just FOCUS on enjoying your own life 
from day to day.
Smile and be happy 
as you travel on your way.”

5. I can’t express the peace I felt 
as joy flooded my soul.
I felt a calm replenished 
that my worrying had stole.
I pray my own experience 
will help someone in need,
if only insignificantly 
to plant a hopeful seed.
Remember if you ever need 
a little ray of HOPE,
you might recall my story 
of the little flower that spoke!

"See how the flowers of the field grow. 
They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you 
that not even Solomon in all his splendor 
was dressed like one of these." 
Matthew 6:28-29

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, 
for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." 
Matthew 6:34