A New Year Prayer

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Grant us PEACE oh gracious Lord in everything we do. On our journey guide our steps and lead them all to you. Fill our minds with hope and light each moment of the day. As we travel keep your arm around us come what may. 

2. Brighten up our lives with your divine and healing smile. Spend some time with us each day in silence for a while. Give us more respect for every person that we meet. Let us speak your words of COMFORT to each one we greet. Help us smile more often and bring joy to those we know, brightening the world with sunshine everywhere we go.

3. Show us your compassion and then let us share your LOVE,  just as you have shared with us your blessings from above.  Strengthen us each morning and at night bring peace and calm. Heal our minds and bodies with your soothing restful balm. 

4. Give us confidence that you will guard us day and night. Keep our loved ones safe from harm protected in your sight. Gather all our friends around us with love and support. UNIFY the world to praise you all in one accord. Let the sun shine daily in our heart  our mind  and soul. May we count our blessings and your majesty extol. 

5. Lead us all to HEAVEN with our family of each race. Give us life forever wrapped within your warm embrace. On that day when earth has passed and we reach heaven’s shore let us sing your praises bathed in glory evermore!

A Christmas to Remember

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Soft falling snowflakes and crystallized panes. Inside the hearth a fire ablaze. PRESENTS tucked under the tree all aglow. Aromas of candy and fresh cookie dough. 

2. Polished brass candle holders that gleam, with flickering CANDLES on mantles of green. Anticipation of friends at the door, singing sweet carols as Christ they adore. Smoke from the chimneys a billowy white, adding a warm cozy feel to the night. 

3. Christmas mugs filled with HOT CHOCOLATE too, refreshing and warming our hearts all anew. Sleigh bells and one horse drawn carriages glide, over the snow-covered graceful hillside. 

4. Church BELLS in steeples that ring through the air, to beckon us come to the Lord waiting there. Bright smiles on faces of friends that we know. Happiness and good cheer wherever we go.

Sweetest of dreams as we sleep through the night, as all negativity drifts into flight. 

5. Finally more than these words can convey, Jesus Christ’s birth on that first Christmas day. All of God’s love born in one BABY boy. A Christmas that we should remember with joy!

Santa's Elves

Elf Photo - Public Domain Link: 

http://www.clker.com/clipart-531899.html

1. Busy every Christmas Eve, with chores and errands to achieve, Santa's elves labor in cheer for Christmas Day is almost here. Pies and cakes are welcomed treats with goodies made for all to eat. The Christmas TREE and star hung high is followed with contented sigh. 

2. Twinkling colored hues emit from lights all strung and brightly lit. Ornaments of glass all beam as on them shining sparkles gleam. Ribbons red with polka dots are tied with bows fastened by knots.

Christmas PRESENTS wrapped with care take many hours to prepare. 

3. Shining BELLS adorned with bows are soon to ring, as each one glows. Wooden soldiers with their drums will loudly play when Christmas comes. Trumpets, horns, and bugles shine, counting minutes until the time they'll trumpet in glorious way the majesty of Christmas Day!

4. Mrs. Claus by kitchen hearth has made hot chocolate and fruit tarts, for hungry elves who sit and chat as they enjoy their tasty SNACK. Santa strolls with cheerful smile and mingles with his elves awhile, so grateful for a job well done, ever since they'd first begun. 

5. With deep contentment on each face and fondness for the human race, Santa's elves are finally done while His esteem they truly won. With gratefulness we should rejoice and give our thankfulness a voice, for hope and CHEER we all receive from Santa's elves on  Christmas Eve!

When He Does Not Calm the Storm

Click on photo to enlarge

1. At times when we’ve been out at sea afloat on gentle wave, we may have recognized the parallel to life it gave. Our lives also have ups and downs and rarely stay the same, though as we try to flow with them we seldom are to blame. When having trouble with adjusting to each twist and turn, patience will ensure valuable LESSONS we can learn. 

2. Each wave is like a gentle prod that God has sent our way, to guide us in the right DIRECTION each and every day. They keep us on our course and help us all follow His path. With God our compass we discern exactly where we’re at. He always guides us safely to our destination when, we trust in His great power and put all our faith in Him. 

3. But what about those times that we encounter a great STORM, and when our boat is tossed about and we become forlorn? It takes such effort just to keep our concentration on, His strong and mighty power we rely so much upon. 

4. We all want to believe that He will make the storm clouds cease, but sometimes He has reasons to retain our longed-for peace. Each circumstance is different so we must completely trust, His loving wise decisions that are always kind and just. 

One day He will share the REASONS that He had behind, each circumstance and trial we had always yearned to find. 

5. When we embrace acceptance and abandon our denial, we become the wiser and much stronger with each trial. The one thing that is certain when He does not calm the storm, is we remain in His embrace where we are SAFE and warm. When the storm is over and the waves have all passed by, we’ll see His promise of a dazzling rainbow in the sky!

The Art of Saying No!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Learn the art of saying no

before it is too late.

It is better for your health,

so why decide to wait?

Every day brings new DECISIONS

that affect your life.

Saying no can be the surest way

to ward off strife.

Frenzy will accompany

all those who do not learn

that every new decision

we must carefully discern.

2. If you want to make

your cozy corner of the world

a place where deep contentment

and God's grace can be unfurled,

be sure to have INGREDIENTS

prepared that will ensure

a luscious growth of heavenly seeds

that thrive and will endure.

3. When we're overly involved

we choke important things,

just like weeds destroy the crop

a thriving GARDEN brings.

Remove the nonessential

to your health and happiness,

and you will feel God's peace

replace confusion and duress.

4. How many times have you walked by

a lovely fragrant FLOWER

when rushing to a needless meeting

that particular hour?

I think that we're all guilty of

not taking proper time

to just sit down and listen

to birds chant their lovely rhyme.

5. Make some time to stroll

when sunshine beckons you to come.

You will reap such rich rewards

if you choose to succumb.

If you'll now begin and learn

to seriously say no,

happiness and cheer will follow

everywhere you go.

It really isn't difficult

once you begin to start.

Saying no is such a

SATISFYING skillful art!

St. Nicholas - Feast Day December 6th

Click on photo to enlarge

1. St. Nicholas is commonly known as Santa Claus to all. For those who have an interest now his life I will recall. Born in the third century in the small town of Patara, he was appointed though still young as BISHOP then of Myra. When he was born it was all Greek in his land at that time, but presently it is on southern Turkey’s coastal line. 

2. His parents both were very wealthy and extremely wise. They raised him a devoted Christian, up until they died. An epidemic took their lives while Nicholas was young, but afterward in love and VIRTUE Nicholas grew strong. He cared for sailors and their ships in kind and thoughtful deed, using his inheritance to help the suffering. 

3. Assistance to all those in need he diligently sought, While comfort to the sick and needy faithfully he brought. When the Emperor Diocletian persecuted Christians, Nicholas was exiled and finally IMPRISONED.

4. After his release and his incarceration ended, The Council of Nicaea he is known to have attended. After eighteen years he died the sixth day of December, leaving us a legacy we always will remember. Buried in his church a liquid RELIC gathers there, possessing healing powers of which we should be aware. 

5. This was instrumental in creating such emotion, inspiring all to pray to this dear saint with great devotion. Remember every year when his great feast day comes along, to honor him with prayer petition joyfulness and song. He will be a strong SUPPORT for you on earth and then, in heaven will remain your faithful and eternal friend!

You Are Not Alone!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. When your skies of blue turn gray, you are not alone. If emptiness has filled your day, to tears do not be prone. ANGELS watch you come what may, everywhere you roam. They’re helping you without delay, though near or far from home. As they whisper words of faith that fill your heart with hope, they shed their grace within your soul to always help you cope. 

2. Whenever God seems far away He’s all the closer still, Just as SUNSHINE following rain peeks over your windowsill. Fear would have you doubt God’s love His care and constant grace, Because it can find endless ways to hide God’s loving face. Causing doubt fear turns emotions into coldest stone. Even at those times my friend you still are not alone! 

3. Loved ones who have gone before you fill your heart and home, as they whisper in your ear “You’ll never be alone!” God has things for you to do. Listen to His voice. Do not waste time feeling blue. Loving is a choice  Others have it worse than you so bring a little HOPE. A letter phone call flowers or smile can make their fears elope. 

4. Every single moment you spend feeling lost and blue, You can create in someone’s life such MEANING to imbue. When you are feeling all alone try writing down each thought, Like what that make you happiest and others more distraught. List things that eliminate the needless time you spend, worrying so you can bring your sadness to an end. 

5. Think of someone else who feels all alone like you, Then plan a special LUNCHEON or a cozy tea for two. It just might be that loneliness is part of God’s great plan, to cause us in our sorrow to reach out for someone’s hand. When we do we find that whether near or far from home, together hand in hand we are no longer all alone! 

"And remember that I am with you always even until the end of the world."  Matthew 28:20

Thanksgiving Day

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Plump roasted TURKEY with dressing inside. Fresh mashed potatoes and baked pumpkin pie. Hot rolls and vegetables salads and wine. Everyone having a wonderful time. Chatting with relatives long overdue, about fondest memories that gladness imbue. 

2. Clinking utensils and glasses in toast, of life's greatest treasures they value the most. TABLES all set in the loveliest way, that bring joyous pleasure to everyone's day. Embroidered  tablecloths with napkins to match, ensuring the holiday spirit they catch. 

3. Colorful china enhancing the feast, the family has looked forward to all year to eat. Luscious AROMAS filling the room, while everyone feeling so blessed to be home. 

4. Hearth FIRES blazing with crackling sound, as guests sense contentment has truly been found. Fresh coffee perking toward the end of the meal, has such a delectable cozy appeal. 

5. Moonlight through windows at night can be seen, while stars begin twinkling and so softly gleam. All are contented and calmly at peace, having enjoyed their Thanksgiving FEAST. Later that evening when all go their way, they dream of the wonder of Thanksgiving Day!

The First Snow of Winter

1. The first snow of winter is a blessing in disguise, that summons us to hibernate and let our prayers arise. It acts as an  AWAKENING of the entire earth, announcing the awareness of  

our coming Savior’s birth. 

2. A snowflake is symbolic of Jesus Christ Our Lord, who came to earth from heaven sweetly of His own accord. PURE and white, just as a snowflake, He was free from sin, leaving from His home above a new life to begin. 

3. As every facet of a snowflake tends to mesmerize, a kaleidoscope of VIRTUE Jesus’ presence fills the skies. He gave His life just like a snowflake melts into the ground, without any resistance quietly without a sound. 

4. A melted snowflake gives hydration to the plants on earth, as Jesus died to give us life and heavenly  REBIRTH. A vaporizing snowflake lifts toward heaven in the air, just like Jesus rose on Easter with new life to share. 

5. He freely gave His life for us and shed His Precious Blood,  through which His love and JOY within our hearts would ever flood. When springtime ends the winter and the earth sings with one voice, remember well the early snow of winter and rejoice!

"And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to Myself." 

John 12:32

Take a Little Vacation!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Vacations can be THERAPY for body mind and soul. They are the perfect remedy to make us feel whole. You need not hop into a plane or travel in your car. In fact you do not even have to travel very far.

2. If money is an issue or you haven't any time, when you DESIRE to go you still can make it there just fine. You do not need to pack your bags or book a fine hotel. It's not required to even plan your venture very well. 

3. Remove yourself from people and then find some time alone. Dim the lights around you after silencing the phone. In the peaceful quiet think of where you'd like to be, in a country village or relaxing by the SEA. 

4. You can browse in lovely shops with quaint outdoor CAFES, sipping cool refreshments  sampling wonderful en-trees. Small mini vacations can be taken every day. They'll bring you so much pleasure in the most delightful way! 

5. It's really limitless the places you can travel to, and these short vacations will enhance all that you do. Vacations are exciting but I think you soon will find, how fun and healing are the places right inside your MIND! 

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is praiseworthy, think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Healing Garden

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Picture lovely FLOWERS of every colored hue, in a vibrant garden made especially for you. 

2. Try then to imagine spending hours of delight, either on a sunny day or under stars at night. Sense the HEALING you receive from all their warmth and cheer, as you are bathed in pleasant thoughts like ones you hold most dear. 

3. Feel some form of LIFE exude from every vibrant flower, realizing they exist for you each happy hour. 

4. With some mental creativity you can design, a splendid flower GARDEN to withstand the test of time. You should be content just to create this lovely spot, whether it might be materialized or it cannot. 

5. View your garden often as you treasure all its charms, then bathe in its TRANQUILITY while wrapped within its arms!

A Cozy Neighborhood

Click on photo to enlarge

1. I'm going to paint a picture of a cozy NEIGHBORHOOD, where many happy families live in peace and gratitude. The winding streets that end in courts complete with lovely trees, are  picturesque and restful filling days with cheer and ease. 

2. The curved sidewalks are perfect for a stroll in summertime, while family bicycling in sunny weather is divine. Backyard BARBECUES are integral and such great fun, since neighbors know the value of not being on the run. 

3. Hot dogs HAMBURGERS and steaks potatoes corn and beans, cookies pies and homemade cake enhance the homey scenes. Torches lit when it grows dark breed such tranquility, while the sound of crickets adds a subtle melody. 

4. Sitting by an open FIRE as it grows darker still, grown-ups tell the children stories until they've had their fill. When yawns form on their faces and their heads begin to nod, parents coax them lovingly to bed with gentle prod. 

5. Later in the evening  underneath the starlit skies, parents chatting sipping COFFEE breathe contented sighs. Grateful for their every blessing family and friends, they thank God for this bounteous day as peacefully it ends. 

Mama Bear Visits the Country Store

Click on photo to enlarge

1. The SUN shone through the parlor window very clear and bright, as Mama browsed the newspaper after a restful night. It was a nice warm Saturday as Mama sat and read, while Papa and the cubs were all still tucked away in bed. The weather forecast was a picture perfect summer day, and Mama planned to spend it in the most delightful way. 

2. Papa had just cleaned the car the very day before, so Mama could enjoy her DRIVE down to The Country Store. Adhering to her weekly schedule she routinely went, to shop for needed items which was money quite well spent. Buying household items or the children’s school supplies, was so rewarding when she saw it light the children’s eyes! 

3. She dressed picked up her purse and shawl and hopped into the car, then backed out with the top down as she felt a gentle stir. Turning down the country road enjoying the fresh air, it felt rejuvenating as it gently blew her hair. The road was graced on both sides with small hills of grassy green, while large pink blossomed trees all helped adorn the lovely scene. With roadside FLOWERS blooming petaled faces seemed to smile, in a wide array of colors mile after mile. 

4. After a pleasant journey she began to catch a glimpse, of the quaint and cozy VILLAGE at a fair distance. Suddenly she realized that she was finally there, passing all the homey shops within the village square. Her favorite was The Country Store which suited all her needs, Like household, clothing, school supplies and even gardening. 

5. She spent a lovely afternoon just browsing through each shop, and for a hot fudge SUNDAE even made a pleasant stop. As she drove home leisurely she felt glad and content, thinking how delightfully the afternoon was spent. But the most rewarding moment she was waiting for, was when she’d be walking through her very own front door! 

You Are Not Responsible

Click on photo to enlarge

1. You are not responsible for others’ HAPPINESS, even when  you know of ways that could relieve their stress. At certain times when loved ones tend to show us their dismay, we might feel responsible to help them find their way.

2. With only so much we can do to help them see the LIGHT, it can be futile when we spend each moment day and night, giving our advice to others feeling that their fate, depends upon decisions that may carry little weight.

3. It seems at times when we are blessed with more insight and care, we feel obligated that our knowledge we must share. Up to a point it's fine but when our patience seems to end, in FAITH we must release our loved ones to the Lord my friend.

4. God gives every person all the GRACE they need to be, enlightened by His holy will to reach eternity. He guides them to the path that they should travel up ahead, with certain realization He'll be with them as they tread.

5. So please remember if advising someone seems to be, the proper thing to do decide a limit of degree. Then trust all the remainder to the Lord above and He, will bring success from failure. It’s His loving GUARANTEE!

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 

The Weight of the World

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Are you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Our God bids you to lay it down. By His sufferings He’s FREED you from worry and death and awaits with a heavenly crown. So take the world off of your shoulders my friend and along with it your every care. There is already someone who’s promised to carry your crosses and your sorrows share.

2. Why do we worry allowing such negative thoughts to discard happiness, when we have a Heavenly Father who’s promised to 

COMFORT and guide us through stress.

3. His love LIGHTS the universe causing all life forms to thrive and exist on their own. With one tiny cell we were born to this earth and miraculously survived and have grown. Reflecting on God‘s masterpiece of creation and His wondrous ingenious plan, it is perfectly normal to reflect on and question His motivation in creating man.

4. These thoughts should instill in our hearts and our souls an extreme sense of reverence and awe. With undying GRATITUDE we should respect and obey our Divine Master’s law.

5. However when carrying the world on our shoulders we all should regard it as loss, for Jesus has carried it here upon earth in the form of His most sacred cross. He came as a child wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger from heaven above. 

So take the world off of your shoulders my friend and caress now your CHILD God with love!

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7