Joyce C. Lock

Home

Advent

Angels

Calendar

Christmas

Church

Contact

Community Announcements

Easter

Health

Heaven

Heroes

Humor

Joyful Noise Music School

Leadership

Luther Research

Modern Mystics

Pastor

Poetry

Prayer

Scripture

Sermons

Stories

Submissions

What Is Happiness?

George Herbert

John Donne

William Cowper

William Wordsworth

William Blake

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Emily Dickinson

Henry Vaughn

Christina Georgina Rossetti

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Francis Thompson

Evelyn Underhill

G. K. Chesterton

T. S. Eliot

C.S.Lewis

Jan Caroll

Robert Frost

My Child

Each time you come to me in prayer,
I rejoice to hear the sound of your voice.
Whenever you think on my name,
My heart doeth abundantly rejoice.

As oft as your heart bows to worship,
I hear a most wondrous melody.
It's as if all of heaven and earth
Are in a most perfect harmony.

When circumstance disallows
From the busyness of life,
Come share that time with me.
It's with you I want to abide.

God's Creation

However God created you,
He didn't make a mistake.
Adding gifts and talents,
Passion is His to create.

Out of weakness,
His strength is ours to take;
Multiplying His precious seed,
All for the Kingdom's sake.

True Happiness

Whatever problem, worry, or care -
Bring it to Jesus. He's always there.

Whenever your heart does meet with His,
Then, you know what true happiness is.

ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24

Happiness Is ...

WALKING WITH THE LORD.
FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE.
OBEYING HIS WORD.

HAVING A CLEAN HEART.
FORGIVING OTHERS.
GETTING A FRESH START.

PRAISING HIM.
SWEET ADORATION.
BEING A BLESSING.

WATCHING YOUR SEED GROW.
IN HEART FELT SINGING.
DEFEATING SATAN.

GOD'S ANSWERING PRAYER.
HEALING FROM WITHIN.
LEARNING HIS TRUTHS.

KNOWING THAT JESUS
SHOWED HIS LOVE TOWARD YOU.

Isaiah 66:14

Heal the Inner Man

Lord, we want to be a witness.
You are our very best friend.
We love you so truly;
Our paths to never end.

Send a revival,
Touching souls within.
Open hearts to worship,
Sing 'til battles you win.

Come, with your Spirit.
Heal the inner man.
Let us rejoice, together,
And love you, once again.

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

A voice crying in the wilderness,
"Help make my path straight."
For, one who is lame
Can't make if through the gate.

A heart full of pain,
A life full of woe;
None sought his name.
Where else could he go?

Falling on his knees,
Making prayer his aim -
Then came the MASTER,
Who led him through the flame.

Tears of sorrow vanished
When paths were made straight;
Never to be the same,
Walking through Heaven's gate.

Romans 10:20

None Considered

When I observe Heaven - the work of the Master's hands;

The foundation and the wall - the measure of a man,

The pearly gates - devotion being ever so real,

His lovely jewels and glass that's crystal clear,

Walking down streets paved in pure gold ?

None considered what Heaven is to the LORD.

Matters of the Heart

When your heart aches for something
Most precious to your life,
God has placed that heartache -
As He grieves in your strife.

When your heart aches for something,
God wants that for you, too.
For, He sent His Spirit,
Who resideth in you.

When your heart aches for something,
It's time for a fresh start;
As He forever cares
In matters of the heart.

Proverbs 4:23
I John 3:21-22, 24

THE VERY BEST CHOICE

The Holy Spirit (that voice within)
Will answer us, when we ask of Him.
He is our conscience and our guide.
His word is true and Satan can't lie.

We have confidence, when we ask of Him.
For, His answers are wiser than men.
Thus, when we obey that inner voice,
We know we've made the very best choice.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you,
and ye need not that any man teach you:
but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
1 John 2:27

OPEN DOORS

I came to your doorstep, all tattered and torn;
Regretting the day I was even born.

You opened the door wide and said to come in.
You talked of Jesus, said I could trust Him.

I got down on my knees and began to pray,
Still am rejoicing you were there that day.

Your seed has blessed me much more than you know.
I'm giving you thanks by helping it grow.

Someone came to my door, just the other day.
I gladly opened the door all the way.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal:
that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
John 4:36

Your Best Friend

When you've lost everything that your whole life you did win,
And there's no way you can begin to pick up again;

There's only one way to take control of your life
And be victorious over all of the strife.

Give your heart to Jesus. Just give your whole life to Him.
All He ever wanted was to be your best friend.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:29

IF I WERE CALLED

If I were called to teach,
I'd give it my best.

If I were called to preach,
I'd better pass the test.

If I were called to reach,
I'd do it with much zest.

If I were called to each,
I'd surely need some rest.

© by Joyce C. Lock
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:29

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them;
that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:22

The Man on Your Throne

People are everywhere,
Yet walk alone, it seems.

God wants to love you
In ways you've never dreamed.

He'll go with you, protect you,
And call you His own.

Let God be your husband,
The man on your throne.

For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name;
and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel;
The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
Isaiah 54:5

A Blessing to You

Minister to the saved.
Minister to the lost.
Minister to each other
Without counting the cost.

Be there for each other,
As God asks you to do.
Showing His love toward others
Will be a blessing to you.

Sharing

Share your seed and watch it grow.

Then, you'll know the joy of giving.

Share yourself and your whole life.

Then, you'll know the joy of living!

http://www.theeaglesgarden.com/

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4

Children of the King

If Birds can Sing
and Fly with Wings,

Enjoying the Ping
of Mountain Springs.

Hearing Nature Ring
of Melodious Things,

How much more can we,
Being Children of the King.

Changing the World

You can change the world
By the thoughtful things you do;
Making a difference,
Letting God's love shine through.

Reaching out to help others,
With compassion He gave you,
Multiplies His seed;
Making hearts brand new.

by Joyce C. Lock

Before God Can

Before God can give us more,
We must learn to appreciate where we are.

Before God can help us grow,
We must learn in Whom the answers bestow.

Before God can give us love,
We must learn that all blessings are from above.

Before God can answer prayer,
We must learn to keep our motives always pure.

Before God can give us might,
We must learn to not ever give up His fight.

Before God can give us pow'r,
We must learn to remember just Who's we are.

There's No Place Like It

There's no place like forgiveness,
Down deep within your heart.

There's no place like cleanliness,
Where sin first got its start.

There's no place like some laughter,
Where sadness once contained.

There's no place like having joy,
Where contentment remains.

There's no place like fulfillment,
Where emptiness once lived.

There's no place like living,
Once you've learned how to give.

Children of the KING

We are royalty, children of the KING.
He gives us power over rulers and things.
The world's our oyster. God is our shell,
To help save people from a horrible hell.

When building His Kingdom as we are told,
God is ever bringing in the fold.
Together, we make a perfect team.
May we remember, we're children of the KING.

A Losing Battle

Satan seduces with Sin.
Sin gives way to Hurt.

Hurt excuses Wounds.
Wounds give way to Hate.

Hate reduces to Evil.
Evil gives way to Battles.

Battles execute Death.
Death gives way to Repentance.

Repentance introduces Hope.
Hope gives way to Forgiving.

Forgiving introduces Healing.
Healing gives way to Faith.

Faith increases Peace.
Peace gives way to Contentment.

Contentment develops Love.
Love gives way to Happiness.

Happiness generates Fulfillment.
Fulfillment gives way to Joy.

Joy accentuates Victory.
Victory gives way to Sharing.

Sharing reproduces seed.
Multiplied seed reaches others.

You'd think Satan would learn,
You can't defeat God!

Changing the Score

Walking on Water ~ as Turbulent Tides Soar

Trapped in a Den ~ the Hungry Lions Roar

Being Confronted ~ with Oil Boiling Sore

Midst the Woods ~ Facing a Wild Boar

Falsely Accused ~ Your Garment Tore

Locked in Prison ~ Tribulation In Store

Attacked and Bleeding ~ Sawn to the Core

Lost in a Desert ~ Famished and Poor

Conversing with God ~ an Open Door

Hope and Victory ~ Trials no More

Overcoming Satan ~ Changes the Score

Finding it All

We search to win life's battles, to climb Mount Everest,
To give our best in all we do, and let God do all the rest.

We learn of power, strength, and might - searching for victory);
Determining to not give up the fight, as it maps our destiny.

We search to be more Christ-like, in all we say and do,
And to reach out to help others by using the Master's tools.

We find, to overcome Satan and the storms that rage within,
When sea monsters come to shore, we can always run to Him.

We search for happiness (of a lasting kind)
And know that, even through trials, pure joy we can always find.

We search for Heaven's treasures. We fight the roaring sea.
We search for Peace, Hope, and Love - and find it all in Thee.

Made Perfect

The gift of fellowship is bestowed from above;
Devotion, adoration, sharing God's love.

For, when rejoicing souls exchange praises of Him,
God comes to dwell in the midst of them.

His Spirit takes over. Love begins to flow.
His presence is so awesome, producing magnetic glows.

Responsive hearts warms both God's and theirs,
Uniting them as one; the ultimate gift to joint heirs.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 17:3

Don't Laugh at Me

I'm God's little miracle, born into a world of sin.
Though life can be cruel, I get by as best I can.

My heart is so tender. My hopes are in you
To tell me who I am, to guide what I'll be.

My load is heavy, not at all like yours.
Though I may falter, don't close the door.

Created like God, a soul, don't you see?
You laugh at Him when you laugh at me.

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man.
Genesis 9:6

The Warrior is a Child

Wounded in the Battle,
He carries me in His arms.
As we journey together,
the trumpet sounds alarm.

Casting all my burdens
And sharing all my cares;
Leaning upon His shoulder
As he answers every prayer?

Kneeling down before Him
While basking in His love,
Cherishing His presence
As to angels above?

Reaching out to touch His hand,
He puts His hand in mine.
Ready for the next journey,
With the LORD by my side.

Heaven's Army

A Symphony of Cherubs,
A Harp and a Chord
(Praising in Tempo)
Sharing Joys of the LORD.

With Biblical Lyrics march
A Heavenly Choir,
Stepping in Rhythm
As His Blessings transpire.

With Vision of an Angel
And Wings like a Dove,
Playing Stringed Instruments
In Our Mansions of Love.

God Still Comforts His Own

If angels can speak great words from above
And fly with wings of God's given love ...

If chariots can ride over dark clouds,
And instruments can sing praises out loud ...

If sparrows can stand on the housetop alone,
Then God still comforts His own.

Heaven's Gate

Perhaps the greatest of all miracles of healing
is when we reach our eternal destination ...
where the only tears are of those left behind.

May we embrace and comfort each other in our time of loss.
But, may our lasting memory be a Spiritual celebration;
envisioning our loved one walking through Heaven's gate.

Were they able to speak, today,
I suspect our loved one would say,
"In deepest sympathy ... to those on the other side."

A Proud Father

T'would be joyous to view God
Holding a newborn in His heart,
Looking over fingers and toes
As He checks out every part.

Work begins at the potter's wheel,
Fashioning him into a man;
Preparing against evil,
Giving him two legs to stand?

Redesigning the eyes to see,
Producing ears that hear His words;
Redeeming souls to His beloved,
Making wings to soar like a bird.

The wonder of each creation
A proud Father must feel within,
To be watching His children grow
As into the image of Him.

God Looks Upon the Heart

God reaches down to love you
When no one knows your name.
Whether in a pool of blood
Or a mountaintop estate,
He loves you just the same.

The appearance on the outside
Says nothing of the heart.
With the potter's clay
And the Master's touch,
He gives a brand new start.

God saw, from the beginning,
A diamond in the ruff.
Knowing who would wear and uphold His name,
He could choose whom
He would love.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Proverbs 8:17

Blinded by Choice

When God decides a matter,

The first place He will start

Is not upon the circumstance.

He looks upon the heart.

? for the Lord seeth not as man seeth;
for man looketh on the outward appearance,
but the Lord looketh on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7

HE'S BY OUR SIDE

Moment by moment and day by day,
Our Lord goes with us all the way.

We need never fret. We need not fear.
We should not worry. Our Savior is near.

When we feel anxious, Satan has lied.
May we remember, He's by our side.

? I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5

Words to Share

Walking in the Spirit,
Talking with the Lord,
Hand in hand together -
Proclaim His Holy Word.

Satan cannot touch you.
Never tremble or shake.
God stands to protect you
Through all quivers and quakes.

God is altogether righteousness.
He never ceases to care.
In everything He calls you to do,
He'll give you the words to share.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
1 Th. 5:24

The Place to Be

The Garden of Eden * Sweet Hour of Prayer

The Place to Be * In the MASTER'S Care.

Walking With God * Away From the Tempter's Snare.

Throughout Eternity * His Love to Share.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Step at a Time We Climb His Golden Stairs.

Alone With God

Being alone, on a desert shore,
All of time stands still.

Making God's presence even more known,
The depths of His heart you can feel.

To know and be known is a place of peace.
Darkness, within, He will fill.

Hand in hand, with the LORD by our side,
Heaven couldn't be any more real.

---------------------

For when we die to the flesh
And live by the MASTER'S rule,
We find we never lost anything,
But Satan - vicious and cruel.

The Cross

None awoke at Gethsemane.

They

None who'd carry the cross.

Only Loved

None to be a help meet.

Jesus

None who'd stand at all cost.

For What

None to be an intercessor.

He Could

None who cared for his soul.

Do For

None by his side at all.

Them.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that,
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

A Time for Every Season

There's a time for every season,
Sorrowing when death gives its' call,
A reality of living that eventually come to all.

But unless one dies to themselves,
It's a life never lived; a life with selfishness,
A heart that never learned to give.

The things we held on to,
We thought we couldn't live without,
Were the very lies Satan fed us
To keep us trapped in death's cloud.

Through the Night

Did you seek Him in the darkness
As you praised Him in the light?

Did the song of your daytime
Last you through the night?

In tribulation, did you
Still carry His name?

With the good and the bad,
Did you love Him just the same?

When Doors Don't Open

One cannot blame man when God has not revealed the way.
One cannot blame God when man has yet to obey.

One cannot blame man when God hasn't opened the door.
One cannot blame God when man lingers all the more.

One cannot blame man when God's timing isn't right.
One cannot blame God when man waits, due to fright.

One cannot blame man when God wisely says, "Not just yet."
One cannot blame God when man hasn't passed the test.

Only Two Paths

Either we're spreading our seed
Or, we're letting people die and go to hell.

Either we're forgiving
Or, we're holding a grudge.

Either we're standing for right
Or, we're standing with Satan.

Either we're loving
Or, we're hating.

Either we're patient
Or, we're impatient.

Either we're serving
Or, we're disobeying God.

Either we're living by faith
Or, we're living in sin.

In every 'either or' situation,
There are only two paths.

One of them leads to destruction.

Will We Ever Learn?

Lions were born to roar.
Grownups act the same.

Lambs are dumb.
Children get the blame.

Jesus' rod brings comfort.
Adults carry the shame.

When will we ever learn
To wear His name?

? Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one

of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:40

STILL THE SAME

If 'ere ye be self will denied and,
Though through the fire, one's faith is tried;

The aching heart about to burst,
Or blisters form in plight of thirst ?

And from the stripes no flesh remains -
God's promises are still the same.

Joy Comes In the Morning

When in need of hope, God gives a song

And holds our hand all the night long;

'Til light overshadows, changing the view,

And morning comes - strengthened anew.

What Would You Give?

If help had vanished and love were lost,
Hope turned to sorrow before a cross?

Songs gave way to cries and screams,
Children were lost (as well as their dreams)?

Fire and flood had taken its' toll;
What would you give in exchange for their soul?

Giving Your Best

Be a doorknob, if that is the need.
Be a planter that is planting seed.

Be a blessing, so that you can be blest.
Be a Christian whose giving your best.

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground:
for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
Hosea 10:12

Waiting

Walking to the front door, the porch light shined upon.
There's no remembrance of turning it on.

The deadbolt left unlocked, a deterrent to prevent.
Leaving it for mother, an every day event.

The front room spoke silence. A light appeared there, too;
Where the TV often blasts to the next room.

Looking out the window, ground covered in white,
Twelve inches predicted; a winter storm in flight.

No matter what type of storm's rage, it seems,
Everyone is vanished; upon God to glean.

A look to the watch, a rough road comes to mind;
Time to be home, that family of mine.

The telephone rings. A friend knows when to call.
Passing the time makes waiting shorter for all.

Though it wasn't as special as time with the LORD,
There's hope for tomorrow; that friends will love more.

Wondering how many times promises retain as yours,
Again, the family comes walking through the door.

Prayer

When you go to the LORD in prayer,
Make sure to take your praises there?

Preparing your heart to meet with His;
United as one by what you give.

My Gift

Father, Creator, all ever you are;
I find you Holy and lovely by far.
Your presence is awesome, more than words can describe.
You're perfect and gentle, my souls long desire.

You love beyond measure and mend every part.
Ever thankful to know you, I give you my heart.

Giving glory and honor to your precious name,
I present you an offering; the sacrifice of praise.
Oh, MASTER of everything that gives life and breath,
I'll love you for always. To the world I confess.

Appearing before you, myself a gift to you;
To be your humble servant so more can know you, too.

Absent in body, present with the LORD.
Throughout forever, it's you we'll adore.

Amen.

God's Holy Word

Words of Wonder,
Words to the Wise.
Words to all Creation.
Words to Wise Guys.

Words for our Families.
Words for our Friends.
Words for our Neighbors;
World without End.

Words from the Father.
Words from the Son.
Words from the Spirit,
Loving us as One.

The Candle

Like the light of a bright candle
And the warmth of a fire's glow...

We brighten every corner
When we let God's love show.

Think of God

When the World Seems Shallow - LOVE

And Everything's Amiss - PEACE

Just Think of God - TRUTH

And Remember Who He Is - JOY

LITTLE BABY JESUS

Little Baby Jesus, He is not far away.
He was a gift from God that keeps giving every day.

You see Him in others that show their love toward you.
You see Him in trials that you could not, alone, do.

Little Baby Jesus was not a one-time gift.
He is there, every day, giving you a helping lift.

You see Him in blessings, on you He does bestow.
You see Him in weakness, when He does faithfully show.

You see Him in sad times and in the glad times, too.
Little Baby Jesus, yes, He is still there for you.

What Kind of Friend Will You Be?

If I called you on the phone,
Yet your answering machine stayed on...

If I had great news to share,
But, you really didn't want to hear...

If I knocked on your front door
And you pretended not to be there...

If instead, on my birthday,
You invited another to play...

If you had a big party,
In honor of my worst enemy...

If, invited, you slept in
Without visiting me, your best friend...

What kind of friend would you be?
Christ said, "You have done it unto me."

When have you done this to your Lord?
Neglecting prayer, not reading the sword,

Ignoring His words to you;
Christmas, Halloween, and missing church, too.

What kind of friend will you be?
All Jesus wants for Christmas is thee.

GIVE JESUS A GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS
All He Wants Is Your Heart.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:1

Miracles Still Happen

Some 2,000 years ago,
In the town of Bethlehem,
Was born a little baby boy,
Of a virgin --

They called Him 'JESUS'.

Miracles Still Happen!

God's Gift

God's gift to you, this Christmas,
Is a present from the heart.

A present that is...

So special, it can't be bought.

So priceless, it can't be sold.

Of such quality, it will never let you down.

So rare, it's one of a kind.

So precious, you'll want to share it.

There's only one gift that's all these.

It's JESUS.

He'll make your life complete.

All you have to do is receive.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

God Gave

Jesus

So He

Could

Give Us

God.

SLEEPLESS CURES

When you have a tired, restless, night
And there's no reason, worry, or fright...

There are two types of sleepless cures.
One is calcium. The other is prayer.

Together, Again

Hand in Hand - Side by Side,
Walking Together - In Him to Confide.

Hearts united - Friend to Friend,
God and Man - Together again.

HE JUST WANTS TO TALK

When you go to bed
And the pillow wins, instead;

When you cannot sleep
Because of the tune you keep...

Be still for a minute.
Almighty God is in it.

He gets lonely, too.
He just wants to talk to you.

A God Worth Serving

I asked the Lord to bless me.
Thankful, He does so more each day.
Inviting the Lord to hold my hand,
"Guide me toward victory," I'd pray.

Inspired to follow His lead
As He clears paths along the way,
I'll trust Him forever and always;
Even with storm clouds, black or gray.

Finding a God worth serving,
He's faithful, come whatever may,
And perfect in all that He does;
Forcing Satan to go away.

Taking journeys together,
A road that never leads astray;
Walking hand in hand, with the Lord
By my side, a comforting stay.

Serve the Lord with all your heart.
Fixed on Him, His heart He'll convey;
Finding life that merits living,
Blessings that continue to pay.

Ask God

If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
Who giveth to all men liberally.

"I'll go with you.
I'll go before you.
I'll be by your side.
I'll be your comforter and guide.

Walk with me and you'll never walk alone."

Love,
God

The Real Thing

How do we love Thee, Oh, Lord?
Let us count the ways.

We're loving you when we worship you,
Praise you, and our service is for you.

We're loving you when we're honest,
Open, and real.

We're loving you when we walk with you,
Talk with you, and glean upon your every word.

We're loving you when we have compassion,
Show mercy, and forgive.

We're loving you when we believe in you,
Wait upon you, and take steps of faith.

We're loving you when we're meek, humble,
And are not offended with another's weakness.

We're loving you when we seek you,
Obey you, and see things through your eyes.

We're loving you when we keep our heart,
Actions, and motives pure.

We're loving you when we meet needs,
Give you credit, and allow you first place.

We're loving you when we don't see stature,
Gender, religion, education, or color.

We love you in, oh, so many ways, Lord.
But, when we love you enough to feed your sheep,

IT'S THE REAL THING.

Teamwork

Don't walk behind God.
Don't run ahead.

Just walk by His side
And you'll ever be led.

CODEPENDENTS

Codependents master denial.
It's where they hide in the face of trial.

Don't rescue them when they're in the fire.
They must be there or they won't look higher.

For them to grow, they have to unlearn.
Their hiding place is with the Holy One.

And, then they learn they don't need to hide
Because, in Him, they learn how to abide.

They Didn't Know Love

When captives crawled
And revolters were stoned,
He mended their wounds
As they were never alone.

When children were sick,
Crippled, and lame;
He fought for them and
Loved them just the same.

When looking over Jerusalem,
His bleeding heart wept.
Pouring our His soul,
He committed unto death.

Singing praises to Jesus,
While they pierced His side;
They mocked and scourged Him
'Til His broken heart died.

When the judgments came,
Thus did the angry mob.
They couldn't know love
Because they didn't know God.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God:
therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1 John 3:1

WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

Where is your faith when you need it most,
When Satan's works instead you do boast?

You've placed your eyes on catastrophe,
Taken them off God's sovereignty.

If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,
ye shall say unto this mountain,
Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove;
and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Matthew 17:20

WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR FAITH?

In your job or in your God?
In your money or in Him, honey?

In your fight or in His might?
In your toy or in His joy?

In your spouse or in God's house?
In your lease or in His peace?

In your smarts or in God's part?
In your plot or in His lot?

In your best or in His test?
In your friends or in just Him?

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified,

and not by faith only. James 2:24

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Constructive criticism ought not to be.
For, it has no place in Christianity.

In looking beyond yourself to meet their need,
They'll become stronger and their heart you will feed.

Only as you bless others, then, can they see
All God has in mind and their service redeem.

A Father's Example

The best example of what a father should be...

(Begins with the heart and bended knee,

Asking the Father for guidance to see,

Teaching each step - a humble plea,

Nurturing the soul, then setting it free)

To love and be loved, as God loves thee.

FRIEND TO FRIEND

As friends oft do for each other,
I'm lifting you up in my prayers;
That God be with you through trials,
Knowing how much He really cares.

As friends oft do for each other,
I'll give you a listening ear;
To help you work through your problems,
So the answer you can quickly hear.

As friends oft do for each other,
Yes, I'll be there for you today;
Being God's tool to fill your needs,
So you can help others to find the way.

As every man hath received the gift,
even so minister the same one to another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10

His Best to You

Give your best to the Master.
That's all He asks of you.

If you'll give your best to Him,
He'll give His best to you.

Few Greater Joys

There's few greater joys
Than having a friend,
To nurture and cherish,
To love and to tend?

The joining of hearts,
Sharing God's love;
Becoming soul mates,
A gift from above.

What Would You Give?

If help had vanished and love were lost,
Hope turned to sorrow before a cross?

Songs gave way to cries and screams;
Children were lost, as well as their dreams?

Fire and flood had taken its' toll,
What would you give in exchange for their soul?

The Maker of Us All

Birds in the spring,

Mums in the fall;

The Lord God, Creator,

The Maker of us all.

God's Wonder

It's a wonder, in the sky, tonight,
To gaze toward Heaven's starlight.

The sun, the moon, and the stars, so bright,

Shining love on all in sight...

Bringing truth from the night;
God, Master Creator, the Father of Lights.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time?
Ec. 3:11

One

One Belief, One Religion, One Law, One Throne,
One Doctrine, One Father, One Master, One Savior,
One Friend, One Hope, One Call, One Faith, One Life,
One Love, One God.

His Name Is "One".

And the Lord shall be king over all the earth:
in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.
Ze. 14:9

More Than Words Can Describe

God's love for you is more than words can describe;

Higher than any mountain that can be climbed,

Deeper than any waters can go,

Wider than you will ever know.

Imaging the Earth

Pretty Pictures,
Paper on the Wall,
Flowers in the Grass,
Horses in the Stall?

Ocean Frontage,
Tender Brooks;
Mountains and Trees
Imaging the Earth.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time?
Ec. 3:11

God Loves You!

If pumpkins were yellow and birds were green,
Apples were orange or autumn turned spring?

If turtles could fly and artichokes ate goats,
Violets could jump or lead could float?

There's no phenomena, imagined or planned,
That could take away God's love for man.

Nothing is Impossible

Achievement - Passion - Happiness - Redemption - Fulfillment - Peace
Tenderness - Insight - Grace - Courage - Love - Satisfaction - Mercy
Freedom - Hope - Affection - Holiness - Influence - Assurance - Knowledge
Joy - Success - Righteousness - Understanding - Compassion - Salvation
Consistency - Diplomacy - Serenity - Forgiveness - Victory - Wisdom
Faith - Contentment - Boldness - Enlightenment - Comfort - Harmony

There is no need too hard for God.

The Difference

LIKE DEW UPON A PETAL,
LIKE LIGHT UPON THE SNOW,
LIKE BIRDS IN THE SPRINGTIME,
LIKE FLOWERS IN A GARDEN SHOW,
LIKE MOUNTAIN SPRINGS OF WATER
AND CLEAR CREEKS BELOW;

GOD MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
HE LONGS TO LOVE YOU SO.

Obeying God

God says, "Butt out."
God says, "Butt in."

Do whatever He says
And you'll always win.

Searching for Happiness

You've things to do, people to see,
Plans to build, places to go,
Dreams to dream, things to become,
And your collections to show.

Do you have any idea
What it is you are looking for?
You search afar for happiness,
When it's just outside your door.

Psalms 126:5-6

Tells us how we can find this.
Read for yourself what God has said.
It tells where happiness is.

Ps. 144:15

The Father

The FATHER above,

FAITHFUL from the start,

sheds HIS SPIRIT on doves;

TOUCHING every heart

with glorious wings of LOVE,

HEALING every part.

Oh, How I Love Him

Oh, how I love Him,
Master and Friend?

Savior, Redeemer,
Joy without End.

Heavenly Father,
God, from Above;

Heals my Whole Being
With His great Love.

A Glimpse of Heaven

Just close your eyes, imagine yourself
Seeing Jesus right next to the shelf.

Envision Him on your very wall.
Draw yourself in. You can have a ball.

What the picture might could be about -
You and Jesus by a waterspout.

Maybe you see He is carrying you
Through your trials, as He's always true.

Remember when He knocked upon your door.
Worship, Praise, and in Him Adore.

You can see all He has done for you.
You can tell Him that you love Him, too.

When you're in this special awesome place.
You can reach up - touch His Holy face.

This is what I call Heavenly Bliss.
It's just a glimpse of what Heaven is.

HEAVENLY BLISS

What passion, what romance, what love this is...

When you live your life in a Heavenly Bliss.

Adoring the Master, you shouldn't miss.

Being in His presence, Heaven's like this.

Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas,
and every thing that moveth therein.
Psalm 69:34

Kitchen's of Love

Apples, Oranges, Cantaloupe, and Pie -
Pumpernickel, Zucchini, Banana, and Rye -
Wings, legs, Breast, and the Thigh -
Onion Rings, Cheese Sticks, Hash Browns, and Fries;
Food for the Body, You Can't Deny.

Grace, Never Ending Love, Mercy, and Peace;
A Table Prepared with Good News to Each.
Sharing Burdens, A Weight of Release.
Hearts United, No Longer Diseased.
Food for the Soul - A Heavenly Feast.

God's Love

The Holy Spirit,

Descending like a dove,

Shines upon us;

Remitting God's love.

The Garden of Love

The Presence of God,
The Essence of Doves;

Wings Unveiling
Light from Above,

Embracing each Soul
In His Garden of Love.

Beauty Tips

It takes less muscles to smile than to frown.
It is worth looking up instead of down.

Because, if you keep smiles upon your face,
It will keep wrinkles from taking their place.

Singing is something that's even more good.
Joining the choir, we sure wish you would.

I guess you do know the reason for this.
When some look older, you'll still be a dish.

But, in the meantime, you'll make some new friends...
Maybe some that you will keep to the end.

Prayers are Effective

Absent in body,

Present in Spirit;

Whenever you pray,

Know that God is in it.

John 14:1

Don't let your heart be troubled,
When you can't seem to find the way.

Just bring your cares to Jesus.
He will carry your need today.

The Rose

Once, just a sprout, amongst weeds and vines;
Braving nature's storms and winter's cold blight.

Repressed and pierced in the thorns of life,
God sprinkles with dew, replenishing in the night.

Ascending beyond trials, affliction, and strife,
A bud launches growth ... toward God's own light.

Restoring in His warmth (tranquility sublime);
Strengthened in the journey, to continue with might.

Reaching ever upward ... Heavenly inspired;
Divine radiance descends. Sun and flower unite.

A delicate bud (beautified and refined)
Blossoms into a rose, then climbs to new heights.

FREEDOM

Freedom from Finance,
Freedom from Woe -
There is no Freedom
When you've no place to go.

Freedom from Worry,
Freedom from Care -
Freedom is Living
Because He answers Prayer.

THE FINAL AUTHORITY

We will all answer to someone, be it foe or be it friend.
But I'm happy to say, "We answer to God in the end."

While others are much too busy judging our own very life ...
God, in His mighty great wisdom, has a plan beyond sight.

Though words do not always explain what He has called us to do,
To Him we should ever obey and forever be true.

If we will only follow Him, we will be blessed with His grace.
If we choose to follow mere man, we'll fall flat on our face.

God's the final authority, as His word does plainly say.
If we'll only look to Him, He'll reward on judgment day.

~ Marriage ~

A marriage is to have and to hold,

Divine protection out of the cold.

For, one cannot be warm all alone.

We need one special, to call our own.

ABANDONMENT

Absence makes the heart grow fonder,
I think not.

Absence makes the heart grow weary.
Void is wrought.

Absence makes for temptation...
To be fought.

Absence produces estrangement.
Love will rot.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time,
that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer;
and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
1 Co. 7:5

MOMS

God gave us Moms to help fill our Need;
Bandaging our Wounds when we really Bleed?

Teaching us of God's wonderful Love
And of our Savior who came from Above?

Helping us grow in Wisdom and Grace
And Preparing us for a better Place.

The Thorn and The Rose

One is a thorn, another a rose.
Few are friends. More be foes.

Having compassion, others impose.
Many shed gloom. Less spread glows.

You needn't touch or detect by nose.
Every heart knows a thorn from a rose.

Beautiful

If you want to feel beautiful from without and within,
Remember you're royalty and chosen by Him.

If you want to be beautiful so your face really glows,
Just let Jesus take over and let His love show.

When you do not feel beautiful, there is sin in your life.
If that isn't the reason, then Satan has lied.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/

Just Ask

You spend your life in give and take,
When you'd rather make no mistake.

You can live your life without the mess,
If you ask God what His will is.

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them,
and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth,
and gavest them water for their thirst.
Ne. 9:20

Worship God

Some worship the Sun,
Bathing for a Tan.
Some worshipping the Moon,
In Darkest hours Span.

Some worship the Stars,
Their Destiny placed in Man.
Some worship Knowledge,
With great Formulas and Plans.

Some worship Rock Stars,
Following the Latest Bands.
Some worship Possessions,
Flaunting great Houses and Lands.

Some worship Leisure,
Partying in the Sand.
'Tis best to worship God,
The only Great I Am.

Missing the Best

If I had a nickel or dime
For every time I made a rhyme,
I'd make money ... as you can see,
Having enough for you and me.

We'd climb mountains to heights unknown,
Sailing oceans where winds have blown,
Sowing wild oats, searching for fun,
Leaving no party left undone.

When our time be finally through,
Having nothing left to do,
Though our lives might have been a ball ...
We'd have missed the best life of all.

JUST REMEMBER

When you feel tested and tried
And all worn out inside,
Just Remember...
God is by your side.

When you have lost your best friend
And it feels like the end,
Just Remember...
Another He'll send.

When you feel like a good cry
But you just don't know why,
Just Remember...
God is standing by.

When the day seems to grow cold
Because you're getting old,
Just remember...
Your hand He will hold.

When there's a heart you can't mend -
That needs someone to tend,
Just Remember...
Jesus will be their friend.

God Gives A Song

When in need of hope, God gives a song
And holds our hand (all the night long)...

'Til light overshadows, changing the view,
And morning comes - strengthened anew.

God Always Wins

If ever there was a night so wrong,
It's giving praises to Satanic thrones -

Giving him credit when everything's amiss,
Forgetting God and who He is.

For, in the night, there should be song -
Rejoicing in light until it is shone,

Letting God carry you through,
Until He's shown His love toward you.

It doesn't matter the tactic or scare,
Our Heavenly Father is always there.

For when the battle comes to an end -
We're reminded again, God always wins!

A Heavy Load

If people are trouble, and life is woe,
Tornadoes are worse than cold blasting snow?

Plants decay, the car gets towed,
Money is lost - no need to sow?

The oar does break - nothing to row,
Wherever you turn - it's the wrong road...

There's only one course, for such a heavy load,
That'll turn your gloom into a Holy Glow.

No matter the problem, or how low you go,
There's one way out. Just walk it with the LORD.

Good News

Storm in flight
- The Son's bright ray -

Thorns piercing the night,
Love that lights the way

- Making wrongs right -
Good News of the day.

NEGATIVE THINKING

If I were a hammer, I'd miss the nail.
If I were a knife, I'd cut a finger as well.

If I were a letter, I'd be lost in the mail.
If I were a criminal, I'd be stuck in jail.
If I were a student, I'd miss the bell.

If I were a boat, I'd have a torn sail.
If I were a beaver, I'd have lost my tail.

If I were in a storm, I'd get beaten with hail.
If I were a gossiper, I'd forget the tale.

If I were a farmer, I'd roll wet bale.
If I were a salesman, I'd lose the sale.

If I were a painter, I'd drop the pail.
If I were a boy, I'd be named 'Gayle'.

If I were a sinner, I'd go to hell.

Pessimism produces Self-defeat.

Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ep. 6:11

The Oddest Things

Money, houses, cars, and their dreams -
People chase after the oddest of things.

A boat, cabin, truck, or a farm -
Or ladies dangling upon each arm?

Alcohol, parties, power, or greed;
Not one of these ever fulfills your need.

Thank You, God

Thank you, God, for giving me many Gifts of my very Own.
Thank you, God, for giving your only Son for to Atone.

Thank you, God, for giving me Salvation, Full and Free.
Thank you, God, for giving me a Beautiful life, Knowing Thee.

Thank you, God, for giving me the Holy Spirit, Three in One.
Thank you, God, for Everything. For, you left Nothing yet Undone.

In Loving Memory ...

To have loved one, then lost,
is still better than to have never been so blessed.

To have been enriched by one's cheerfulness,
their memory lingers on.

Their hopes and ideals in the crevices of your mind,
their wisdom is there when you need it.

Whatever was good and noble within your loved one,
they still live through you.

May their life have had purpose and meaning
by keeping their good seed alive.

Only then can we truly say,

"In Loving Memory."

Next Time ...

I'm all alone, now,
Don't know what else to do.
Can't look you in the face
'Cause it's all red, black, and blue.

I should have watched my mouth.
I could have done my best.
Next time, I'll be more careful.
I'd better get some rest.

If you see him in the church choir,
Don't tell him you were here.
A wife must be obedient.
Things will be better next year.

<>~~<>~~<>
Love has no limits.
Abuse has no barriers.
Next time could be the last.
<>~~<>~~<>~~<>

... God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5

Misunderstood Love

Paul was often explaining
To whom didn't understand.
He was only fulfilling His call
In God's holy, infinite, plan.

Others did try to judge him,
Trip him up if they would.
It was a waste of precious moments
Fulfilling all that he could.

Comfort

As I look to the heavens
And gaze at the clear blue skies,
I know there is a Savior
With love in His wondrous eyes.

If you look close, you'll see Him.
His arms are opened so wide,
Greeting new comers
To their home on the other side.

Tranquility

When you don't know the reason

And can't discern the rhyme,

Just bask in His presence ~

Feeling the warmth of Sonshine.

I Am

I Am above all Kings.

I Am above all Lords.

I Am above all rulers of the universe.

I Am all there is.

I Am all there ever was.

I Am all you really need,

As I Am for you.

I Am your Creator.

I Am your Counselor.

I Am your Savior and Friend.

I Am supreme, unconditional, Love.

I Am God Almighty

And I AM here to say,

"I Am completely in love with you."

~ My Lamb ~

Once, frightened and confused,
My God I did fear;
Thinking He couldn't love,
Or so it appeared.

With all my ugly sin,
Ne'er could I surmise
His Son would be transformed,
Right before my eyes.

He came, my Lamb, to know
His love takes my place.
Restoring such losses,
He gives back with grace.

Trading His life for mine,
And loved as I am,
I humbly bow ~ in awe
To become His lamb.

Love Never Fails

"Father, forgive them;
for they know not what they do."
Luke 23:24

How many times do you suppose
We've hurt people and not realized it;
To have reacted without thought;
To have deemed another not ready ...

Worthy, capable, or spiritual enough;
To have picked our favorite over another;
To have excluded one who didn't measure up;
To sit by one more attractive, popular, or fun ...

To have been in such a hurry to greet one
That we bypassed another;
To have closed our heart to someone
Whose words we didn't want to hear ...

To think we've done God a favor
By getting rid of someone we thought
Difficult, different, or wrong?

How many times do you suppose
This prayer has been prayed for us,
"Father, forgive them; for
They know not what they do?"

Were we to ask God to open our eyes,
To see ourselves as He sees us;
To examine our heart, actions,
Attitudes, and motives ...

God would be faithful
To show us how we
Are hurting His cause.

Once we've found our sin
And corrected it,
We can ask God to show us
Another and, then, another.

One step at a time,
We'll be weeding out the flesh
And Satan's power over us
While winning the world to Christ.

Love never fails, I Co. 13:8.
It's guaranteed!

Can You Walk the Walk?

Can you walk the walk,
Talk the talk;
Put your money
Where your mouth is?

We've all heard phrases
That challenged us to greatness.
But instead of being challenged,
What a difference it could make
If we challenged ourselves ...

If, every day, we awoke
To hopeful expectations;
Searching for another mountain
To climb and obstacle to pass ...

While actually looking
Forward to the ruff spots
(Knowing they'll only
Help us grow stronger) ...

To be "all that we can be" and then
To be totally contented there,
To be determined to make a difference
And be the difference ...

To reach out to our fellow man,
And to look forward to every
Breath of life God has given.

We'd soon discover
That our entire world
Had suddenly changed.

And when we'd look around to see
How such a miracle had happened,
We'd discover the miracle
Took place inside.

The Real Thing!

The truth is, this world sucks.
If we're waiting for anything
(Outside of ourselves)
To make a lasting difference,
We have a long wait ahead.

Love, peace, happiness,
Joy, and the like exudes
>From the inside out,
If it can be found
Anywhere at all.

It is our outlook and
Up look that makes any
Dreary day glad. Only,
It is not about our goodness.

It grows as our
Relationship with God grows;
Replacing darkness with light,
Despair with hope, sadness
With joy, and hate with love.

We do not read the Bible,
Pray, do good deeds, and such
For any measure of works.
We do whatever feeds the soul
Because we want it!

We need it! We choose it!
The highs get higher.
The sun shines longer.
Our days are brighter;
Our joy increased.

It is addictive, though free.
We pursue it because
it is not a generic substitute.
It really is the real thing!!!

The more we discover
What is real and true,
The more we come to realize
That all mankind are idiots in
Having chosen any other way.

And, we were, once, ignorant, too.
The next time you see temptation,
Call it what it is
(A generic substitute)
Then, go for the real thing.

100% Return

One Hundred Percent Return
On Your Investment - Guaranteed!!!
And, you don't have to pay financial advisers,
investment firms, or risk being conned by ...

yet, another mail order advertisement.
In fact, there is no money required.
Isn't that cool? Jesus said,
"Everyone that hath forsaken ...

houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or
mother, or wife, or lands for my name's sake,
shall receive an hundredfold,
and shall inherit everlasting life."

So, there you have it! When you
Give God one hundred percent,
You get one hundred percent,
Guaranteed! It's that simple.

Either you spend a lifetime of
Tending to your business, your way,
Or you let God take care of it for you.
You either believe Him or you don't.

But, there is one thing
You can take to the bank:
God pays all His debts.

Only Two Paths

Once upon a time, there
Was a retarded young man
Whose heart's desire was
To go out on church visitation.

One might wonder
What good a retarded
Person could accomplish.
But, it was decided to let him go.

He walked up to a strange door, in a
Strange neighborhood, and knocked.
A man answered the door.
The young man asked,

"Are you going to Heaven?"
The homeowner answered, "No."
Then, the young man responded,
"Well, go to Hell, then."

They tell me this was a true story
And the stark shock of that incident
Caused the man to realize his need for God.
Thus, he became saved.

Though we might get our lights
Punched out for trying the same,
It would be just as good were we to
Look at the "either ors", in our life,
With just as much boldness and honesty.

Either we are spreading our seed or
We're letting people die and go to hell.
Either we are forgiving
Or we're holding a grudge.

Either we are standing for right
Or we're standing with Satan.
Either we are loving
Or we're hating.

Either we are patient
Or we're impatient.
Either we are serving
Or we're disobeying God.

Either we are living by faith
Or we're living in sin.

In every "either or" situation,
There are only two paths.

One of them leads to destruction.

Winners vs. Losers

Is gambling for winners or for losers?
Well, the answer to that question
Just might depend upon
Where you place your stakes.

Lev. 27:28 tells us,
"? No devoted thing, that a man shall devote
Unto to the LORD of all that he hath,
Both of man or beast ...

And of the field of his possession,
Shall be sold or redeemed:
Every devoted thing is
Most holy unto the LORD."

Perhaps one of the reasons
We don't devote our children to God,
And really mean it, is
Because we only want ...

Our children to be blessed unless
It means losing them as missionaries.
Maybe we serve God
But aren't entirely consecrated ,,,

For fear we'll lose total control
Of our lives ... that the idea of being
Slave to anyone, including Christ,
Is a little more than we can bare.

Surely, there is no one
We can depend upon, more than ourselves,
To fix our financial blunders
(Even if it means working Sundays) ...

And a tithe is all God
Has the right to ask for and,
Certainly, all we can afford to risk.
WRONG!

For every occasion we stand
With Satan in calling God a liar,
By our lack of faith in His promises,
We've gambled to lose.

We can't out give God.
Lev. 27:28 gives us an additional guarantee.
In EVERYTHING that is DEVOTED to HIM,
YOU CAN'T LOSE!!! So, choose to win!

You May Never Know
What You're Missing

Surely, most everyone
Who has ever attended church
Has heard a preacher say,
"Faith without works is dead,"

Only to hear echoes
In the background
Chanting, "Uh-huh."
He, then, proceeds with,

"Show me your faith without
Your works and I will show you
My faith by my works,"
Quoting James 2:18 ...

Which gets the
Amen Corner going,
"Amen! Right on! Hallelujah!
Preach it brother!"

Many sit there
(Feeling so superior),
Thinking they work
In the church all the time,

They've just been
Patted on the back,
And this sermon
Is for someone else.

Yet, I tend to wonder
If anyone,
In the congregation,
Understood its meaning.

Until we trust God enough
To take blind steps of faith,
We have not exercised
Faith at all.

But, instead of taking those steps
(When the miracles do not come)
We blame God by saying
He has changed.

Our works do not prove our faith.
Our works of faith prove our faith,
"Uh-huh! Amen! Right on! Hallelujah!
Preach it brother!"

When God speaks to you,
Try taking spiritual risks.
Otherwise, you may never
Know what you are missing.

You Can

When the silence is deafening and
you think you can't stand it any more ...

Listen to your favorite Christian music
or, maybe, turn on a religion channel;
focusing on things that are lovely.

When the nights are so cold
you think you'll never be warm again,
Turn on a heating blanket
and curl up with God's Word.

When legalities become so overwhelming
you feel buried under the load,
Find another way.
(My yoke is easy, my burden light.)

When days are ruff and
you think you can't go on,
Just take it one step at a time.

God requires nothing more of you
than to walk humbly with Him.

When you finally admit that you can't ...
You'll find that, with God, you can.

God must have a lot of faith in you!

Confounded

The Noblest of the Noble,

The Wisest of the Wise,

Have All Been Confounded;

Seeing Through Jesus' Eyes.

~ * ~

Wise men still bring gifts
To the King.

Report for Duty

When praying, "God, help me,"
We appear before Him as a victim.
In standing before God with such questions as,
"What would you have me do?" ~
We are reporting for duty.

The battle does belong to the Lord.
Though, we're a part of His army.
When we take the step God provides,
He does the rest.

Relax and Enjoy!

Don't close a door that isn't closed.

Don't try to pry open a door that is bolted shut.

God has everything under control,

He will do the most loving thing possible,

and He makes all things beautiful in time.

So, relax, live, and enjoy today ...

and let God take care of the rest.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/