The Old Oak Trees

A row of old oak trees

shades the neighbors’ yard,

as well as mine:

for years on end,

through thick and thin.

Now falling limbs and branches

a threat to house and home.

They’ve become a burden now. 

Rain and drought has brought them

to rottenness and shame.

Weary and worn from years gone by

to be destroyed at the hands of men.

JOY

JOY

Sometimes we get so busy with life we forget what we are living for. Will we be disappointed at the end of life because of decisions we made early in life?

Every day we make decisions. We made a decision to get out of bed, to go to work or school. We made a decision to eat or not to eat. Did we make the decision to make peace? There comes a time to put down the gauntlet to stop and choose peace over mayhem. Do we really “win” we get “our way?” Or do we win when we see another’s point of view and compromise. Is our true joy when we choose another’s happiness over our own way?

Does the time come when we say to God as David, “return unto me the joy of my salvation” and do we say, “Return unto me my joy in others.” Can we find true joy in making ourselves happy or by making someone else happy? Who means the most to me? Am I going to bring joy to the people in my life that mean the most to me?

I’ve been reading in Colossians 3:12-13. It says, "…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive grievances you may have against one another.”

Our life begins when we forgive others and ourselves for grievances we’ve held on to for many years. Forget the past. Joy comes in the present and future.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.” (Colossians 3:15 NIV)

Changes

There’s a story on the Lucille Ball show, “I Love Lucy.” She travels through a small town and gets a speeding ticket and decides she’s going to talk her way out of a fine.

She enters the little police station and behind the desk is the Constable that cited her. She is determined, so she asks for the Chief of Police. He changes his cap that says “Chief”. She then asks for the mayor, the man changes his cap again and becomes the Mayor. To save her life, she can’t talk her way out of paying the fine.

Are we like that man? Do we change our cap every day? Do we wear the cap of, “certainty” one day, the next “uncertain”? We must wear the whole armor of God, putting on the helmet of salvation. Being certain God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We must be aware of God living in us each day and follow through with our actions.

Each day we must face the battle with the Devil and his angels. The joy of the Lord is with us each day; we must only receive it. The savior is waiting to open the door, why don’t you let him come in?

(John 17:15) “My prayer is not that you take them our of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

Held Captive by Strongholds

We are held captive at some time in our lives. The strongholds of our life can hold us captive. There are strongholds of our mind, body and spirit.

First our minds are alerted to the mind by our thoughts. Our thoughts can deceive us. Have you ever thought and thought and thought about something, only to talk about it out loud and find yourself asking, “Where did that come from?” or “That’s absurd.”  Our thoughts don’t always make sense until we express them.

Our bodies can fool us into thinking we are hungry when we are not. Can we really wait on the Lord to ask for blessing before we dive into that plate of steak and potato? I’m guilty. Eat because I am overcome with the thoughts that I can’t wait.

We can become like Esau who sold his our birthright for a moment of pleasure.

I find that when I get busy I can forget to eat. It’s hard to believe, I who have been feeling starved for many years should come to a point when I can eat because it’s good for me. Eating is for sustenance, for energy and for good health. Not eating can be bad for you when you have ailments that make you eat, such as diabetes but that is not the case for most people. Overeating is just one of the strongholds I’ve had in my life.

Being a writer and poet has intrigued me for a long time. I’ve written for a newspaper, a Christian On-line publicist, and my two blogs. I led in some Bible Studies at church. I took up being a secretary for a church school and a department store for a few years of my life. It has not come to anything significant.

Another is my desire to “Be Somebody.” My relentless pursuit of making something of my life besides being just what I am: A homemaker, a stay at home mom, wife, and or housekeeper. Those are the main titles, even if I was nurse, cook, bottle washer, seamstress, crafter, psychiatrist, consultant, baby-sitter and/or teacher. Why oh why wasn’t I satisfied with just that? Well, here I am finding myself being all except a baby-sitter and there are no more babies around to baby. Is that me saying, “PTL”?

I’m 72 years of age and have finally found my “nitch”. Right back where I started and desired from childhood: wife, mother, and homemaker.  I belong to some clubs and have met a lot of people along the way that have blessed my life. I lead a blessed life.

God is here for me. I couldn’t always see Him working in my life, but He was there.

PTL

Sky View

when life gets overwhelming
God is able to provide
for unseen things and others
with which our soul longs to abide

understanding Gods message
as we travel life's highway
that opens up new meaning
as new horizons we seek

in the beauty of the sky
bright and blue
the sunset
red and yellow
in our sight
the moonlight
subtle sometimes
silver lining
in the sky
all everlasting lights

in the Lord we find
encouragement
hope and life abundant
in the beauty of the sky

MOM'S LAST CHRISTMAS GIFT

     Christmas was my mom's favorite time of year. She gave to each family member: Aunts, Uncles, nieces, (no nephews exist) sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, she even gave to friends and their family who couldn't give back.

     Her last days on earth, she was given a Christmas gift she didn't wear. My aunt had given her a nice, pink robe because mom was ill. She had not worn it three days after Christmas when she died December 28, 1969.

     I remember my aunt asked to return the robe.  I remember it was a curious request, but did not jump to judgment. Years later I realized the two women's viewpoint. They were from the "Great Depression" era. They were frugal. "Waste not, want not," was evident in their decisions.

     Mom knew the thought behind the gift was genuine love. She loved back through a last gesture of frugality.

     I see this same quality in her grandchildren as they have grown. They love to shop. They love to give, even when the recipients can't return the favor. Praise The Lord for a giving family.

 …."It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) NIV

God Will Provide

Whatever comes your way

God is able to provide

For unseen things and others

our soul longs to abide

We see Him in the beauty of the sky bright and blue

We see Him in the sunset, magnificent though it be

We see Him in the moonlight, subtle it may be.

We see Him everywhere in our lives.

Understand His mercy we must see

as we travel life's highway

that opens up new meaning as

new horizons we like to seek

Your life is a mystery

for you to perceive great humanity

In the Lord we find no discouragement

But hope and love and life abundantly.

Games We Play

     We all enjoy playing games with each other. It is challenging to see how strong we are on certain information that can be entertaining or serious.

     Recently, well actually about a year ago. We went to a retreat with the family. We played “Scategories”. It told us a lot about each other. The men were better than the women choosing more words when it was about cars. The women were stronger with words about history.

     However, when it came to “Pictionary” the women could guess quicker than the men. However, the roll of the dice the men were better, therefore made their game piece go at a quicker pace to end the game. So they won that one.

      Playing games can give us insight to people by their actions or reactions. Some people are silent and others noisy. Some people are passive and others passionate.

We can approach life like that some time. At times we are passive and other times we become very passionate.

      However, often times in life our actions or reactions revolve around the gospel.  We live what we learn, and when we learn the word of God we react better to situations in life. When we meditate on the Word, we can be better players in the game of life. We can be passive or passionate about the word.

     Sometimes we are very passionate about God and Jesus. Sometimes we can be passive. We can be silent or noisy about Jesus. But we always act or react to the Word.

     I pray we will be active with other people, yet when we react it will be with kindness toward them.

“And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

LIFTING

Lifting a load of a ton of clothes

I wonder if a life will unfold

From a paralytic life I'll hold 

God was good you might say

My luck will hold

 A life well staid

To live in God's kingdom 

And foresee the need 

To tell others of God's great love for thee

ANIMAL CRACKERS

Animal crackers

Wouldn't you know 

A healthy snack 

For young and old

Babies teethe on them

Toddlers too

Enjoy the heck 

Out of three or two 

On the go

Or in the know

Animal crackers

Healthy

For young and old

Neighborhood Growing Up

Baseball, kickball, football

Well played in the vacant lot

By neighborhood kids

Of all ages

From eight to teen years 

Back in the '50’s lean years

In the neighborhood 

Growing up

Back when kids went barefoot

Catching fireflies at dusk

Before kids were not scared

Of "catching bugs" of a different kind

Where butterflies flew freely

For all to see and admire

In the neighborhood

Growing up

FLAGS FLYING

Several years ago my husband and I took a trip to Waco from Beaumont area headed toward the north central Texas. As my husband drove, I became engaged in the view. Taking highway 69 North to Woodville, then Highway 287 Northwest toward Crockett, then Highway 7 to Centerville to Highway 6 that leads on into Waco.

On the route Highway 287 Northwest, there were several ranches with fences that led to gates from which hung the American Flag and the Texas Flag on either side. It was a grand sight to see, and glory shone through the patriotism of these Texas people.

The sight inspired me to write these poems. I hope they inspire you too.

FLAGS

Flags flying in the wind

Going to and fro,

The U.S. flag, the Texas flag

Between two gates unknown

As we travel Texas roads.

A ranch among the pine tress flow

We dare not be dismayed.

The U.S. flag, the Texas flag

Waving in the wind

As onward we travel through this land

Bought by blood and sweat and tears.

TWO FLAGS

I see two flags a flying,

   high up in the air.

Over gates wide and strong,

The U.S. flag so proud and proved she hangs

    above the clouds

The Texas flag beside her also hangs

Just as proud as she ever was in years gone by

     bought with blood and sweat and tears,

     also bought with hands very tried and true.

The Anniversary

     We drove for about 40 minutes down the highway to Al T”s Seafood and Steakhouse. It was a cold day but, we enjoyed getting out after two days of rainy weather being cooped up inside.

     As we were seated in the non-smoking section that led down a small hallway, there were windows on the outside wall. In the window was a shelf with metal sculptures. One in the shape of a chicken, the other had a miniature pitcher that would have been used for watering pot plants. In the middle was a miniature washtub with a flower arrangement in it.

     Out side the window were picnic table for bright sunny days. They looked like several people could share a meal there. The food was delicious with just the right amount of proportions for us. Inside was warm and cozy. The waitress was attentive, yet gave us our quiet time.

     The date ended when we returned home to take a quiet evening just quietly meditating with each other just as we had begun the day.

Tribute To My Daughters

Tribute to My Daughters

Romans 12:2 do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

When I sewed garments for my children, I remember looking for the right pattern.

A pattern is to guide you, just as God guides you through His Word.

Dorcas was well thought of because she sewed garments for people.

Sewing is a talent. You either catch on to it or you are lost. My first daughter tried it and it was just not her area of expertise. It frustrated her to no end. Her area of expertise is caregiver to patience with heart problems. She minister to her patients in the hospital about Jesus.

My second daughter had the talent and could sew vests for her son’s proms. She even sewed the bow ties that matched the girls’ dresses. She can be proud of her accomplishments in life as a mother and seamstress, like Dorcas in the Bible.

My third daughter couldn’t catch on except to mend cloths. She is a furniture designer by trade even if she did end up on the business end of the trade. However, she has designed gardens and has been awarded “yard of the month” in her neighborhood. Growing things is her area of expertise. She sees that her work is alongside God’s beautiful creation of flowers and shrubs.

I think they all have that peace only God can give. Praise be to God for children.

God has a pattern for each of our lives. When we use those talents, He awards us with a peace that passes all understanding.

In His Care

There is the me

  I want to be.

There is the me

  I am.

Ever seeking God,

 To lead me in ways

  I ought to understand,

  forever in His care.

Vast Expanse

Looking at the world around us

Can bring so many sights

It can bring us to our knees.

For God’s vast expanse of the sky

Which surrounds us with the beauty of

Creation we do not fully understand.

For God created earth and sky

For all to understand,

His beauty deep and wide.

We dare to understand.

How He brought a man and woman

Into this land to live and die

By honoring Him with their presence

This vast expanse of earth and sky.

Whispering Pines

     I heard a vice the other day, it whispered, “Come hither, come closer.” As I tried to refrain from listening it became more distinct. It said, “Come away with me. I will bring you peace. Spend some time with me in meditation of my Word. Stay the voices of busyness and rest within my arms.” The voice reached into my innermost being and bid me lead my heart to Him.

     Speaking further within me, he bid me, “Listen to the winds of the pines. They blow softly toward you, whispering, ‘I am with you to the end of time.’”

     I leaned in His everlasting arms for fear of never again hearing the small voice whispering.

     May I ever be mindful of the still small voice within that reassures me, “You can share with Me in the cool of the evening, ‘neath the whispering pines, just as Adam and Eve in the beginning.”

HEAVEN'S GATE

Do we look forward to being in Heaven? We hope we will be there someday, just not today. We hope Heaven’s Gate will open wide and welcome us there into that unfamiliar place. We hear of it in the Bible. We see people’s rendition of what Heaven looks like in pictures they have drawn from descriptions in the Bible.

We know Jesus is there. We know the 12 disciples are there. We know the 12 tribes of Israel reside there. How do we know? Because the Bible tells us they are there. Revelation is full of pictures what Heaven will be like.

We want to face life with Jesus by our side. We pray, we search scriptures; we seek people who know the Bible to help us understand the happenings in our life.

Yet, when we hear the “C” word for cancer, we are devastated. People know we live in an age when we can overcome the dreaded disease. However, we are still devastated because of what we have seen loved ones go through because of it. Yet God will give us hope to keep living life to its fullest for His sake. Only God will choose when we will meet with Him on the other side.

We can be reassured God has a purpose in all He chooses us to go through. He chose His son to die on the cross so that we may have life. Jesus even asked for this cup to be removed. However, He chose God’s will above his own.

May I meet you at Heaven’s gate with the love of God poured out on you.

Isaiah 60:11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never shut, day or night….

PROGRESS

I have made progress in the: Setting Captives Free: The Lord's Table. YAY! I am not as tempted everyday as I have been. Sometimes I slip and eat too much, but for the most part I am learning to discipline myself.
I am learning to discipline myself to perform other tasks instead of reaching for the snacks in the evening. I crochet, read a good book about the scriptures or the scriptures themselves.
Funny think happened today. In WMU (Women's Missionary Union) we studied II Samuel 12:1-4.
In Setting Captives Free we studied the same scripture.
David and Bethsheba, how many lessons cover this one sin. A multitude of lessons, believe it or not. Even overeating can bring out the lust of the flesh, as in this story.
This story brings out Psalm 51, which was David's cry when he had realized what he had done. How many times have I read this scripture and asked God to forgive me my sin. We can see the injustices of others but are lacking in our estimates of our own sin just as David didn't realize his sin until Nathan pointed it out.
Do you have a "Nathan" that can make you realize you have sinned? We all need a "Nathan" in our lives. Mine happens to be this month in Setting Captives Free. The mentor is ever mindful of my sinful behavior of over eating and does not hesitate to let me know. On the other hand the mentor is also ever mindful of encouraging me to do better, with God's help.

Victory or Not

"The first ad best victory is to conquer self." Plato.
Can I conquer this habitual drive to that leads me to fail in this task I have set before me? That's the question I ask myself this evening.

Will I do as Esau and sell my birthright for a few spoonfuls of porridge? Sell my birthright for a few moments of pleasure that will only end in disaster? My birthright being God has put this on my heart to do this task of eating properly. My birthright being, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

In my attempt to search the scripture, I think, "Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) KJV. My heart becomes troubled because I cannot discipline myself to accomplish that which The Lord has put on my heart to do. My heart becomes troubled because the doctor is troubled for the large number on the scale. Then I tell myself, "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4 NIV)

From what I gather the "victory" can be ours! It's there for the asking. We must depend on God in every aspect of life. May God grant you the victory when you seek his word and his will in your life's challenges.