Where the soul is full of peace and joy, outward surroundings and circumstances are of comparatively little account.
From John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Hannah Whitall Smith (1832-1911) was an American lay speaker and Christian author. She was an active voice during the women’s suffrage movement as well as the temperance movement in the United States.
Quiet fog whispers
Hanging above trees
Clouds resting on pines
Mist wanting to freeze
Landscape’s gentle peace
Transcending spirit
Now wanting to rest
Stillness, now hear it
Time ready to pause
Watching scene outside
Afternoon nap calls
Sleepy thoughts collide
Awake, look outdoors
Falling in rhythm
Fresh flakes floating down
Snow’s algorithm
White transformation
Mesmerizing view
Nature’s snowy blanket
Winter’s evening cue
What you remember saves you.
We are asleep with compasses in our hands.
William Stanley Merwin (W. S.) was an American poet with over 50 books of poetry and prose. Over his lifetime (1927-2019), he was honored with numerous awards: including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1971 and 2009) and becoming United States Poet Laureate in 2010.
From Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Living as God’s chosen
Accepting mercy’s grace
Forgiveness, divine gift
Choosing love to embrace
Filling self with kindness
Blessing this very day
Forgiveness, without strings
Following Father’s way
Bearing with each other
Sharing God’s priceless gift
Forgiveness, pass it on
Healing each heart adrift
Receiving peace of Christ
Dwelling deeply within
Forgiveness, Spirit fills
Transforming life of sin
Praising with gratitude
Walking with humble steps
Forgiveness, life’s center
Repenting each misstep
From Colossians 3:13-14: “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Readiness for God means that we are ready to do the tiniest little thing or the great big thing, it makes no difference.
From Exodus 3:4: “When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.'”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
Icy, foggy screen
Hiding wintertime’s next move—
Holding nature’s cards
Overnight snowfall
Friendly, gentle flakes falling—
Morning’s traffic slows
Lofty mountain peak
Let it snow, let it snow more—
Skiers celebrate
History repeat itself, but human nature remains the same.
There is no communication in this world except between equals.
Ken Burns (born 1953) is an American filmmaker who specializes in documentaries about American history and culture. Many of his works have been presented in PBS.
Photo by Jonas Ferlin on Pexels.com
From 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all our anxiety oh Him, because He cares for you.”
God, our Creator
In Heaven above
Standing powerful
Sends infinite love
Father in Heaven
Promises fulfill
Support and courage
His infinite skill
Read God’s Holy Word
Be bold, life begins
His love filled with care
Grace overcomes sin
Walking with our Lord
His strong hands extend
Trust always in Him
Whatever contends
Miraculous brings
Infinite outcomes
Filled with sacred love
Like a beating drum
Our finite minds weep
Lack of faith descends
Our infinite God
Holds, never to bend
Our Lord’s specialty
Impossible makes
Genuine and true
His love, no mistake
Rely on God’s ways
Hopeless turns to hope
Prayer lifts worry
Walking life’s tightrope
God’s eternal love
Endures forever
He holds on to us
With faith, whenever
Photo by Mike on Pexels.com
Originally published January, 2020.
If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life.
From Proverbs 16:16: “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
From Luke 2:10-11: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
Fling wide each window
Open every gate
God walks among us
Welcoming Savior
Choir of angels sing
From heavens above
City of David
Salvation’s bright light
Answer to prayers
Shepherds witness birth
Praise this King of Kings
Called Emmanuel
Trust God’s divine plan
Faith’s most Holy Rock
Fill hearts with gladness
Redemption paid for
Father’s act of grace
Eternity’s gift
Hope, peace, joy, and love
Welcoming Savior
From Galatians 5:22-24: “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Big Sky Buckeye 