John Greenleaf Whittier Quote

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God’s providence is not blind, but full of eyes.

From Isaiah 46:8-10:  “Remember this and consider; recall it to mind, you transgressors; remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the outcome from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My purpose shall stand,’ and I will fulfill My intention.”

John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an American poet.  His Quaker background entrusted him to advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Charles Stanley Quote

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On our own, we can accomplish nothing.  But with God, we have access to power beyond our comprehension.

From John 15:4-5:  “Abide in Me as I abide in you.  Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who abide in Me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Mercy’s Tender Fields (Elfchen Series #208)

Timeless

Grace

Unconditionally planted

Rising with purpose

Faith’s emptiness now fed

Fulfilled

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Bountiful

Faith’s

Seeds scattered

Night and day

Growing fully, then ripening

Harvest

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Harmony

Sowing

Tiniest seed

Maturing into fullness

Faith nurtured by Spirit

Righteousness

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The German hymn, “We Plow the Field and Scatter,” was written by Matthias Claudius in 1782.  The lyrics were set to music in 1800 by Johann A. P. Schulz. The hymn was translated into English in 1861 by Montgomery Campbell.  

As you listen to this song, focus on the lyrics as they appear on the screen.  They add a meaningful visual image to this series of poems.  The hymn’s piano melody is played by Mary Munson.

Harmony’s Medley (Haiku Series #282)

Forward Looking

Today invites pause

Recalling yesterday’s strength—

Tomorrow brightens

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Lighter Load

Weighing life’s balance

Filling heart with confidence—

From every high road

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Sweetest Tidbits

More precious moments

Found in life’s smallest details—

Each child’s uniqueness

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Promised by God

From Psalm 107:1-2:  “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those He redeemed from trouble.”

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Overcoming one more trial

Patience seeking unsteady heart

Navigating life’s endless miles

God’s light insuring faith’s fresh start

 

Bringing lost sheep to green meadows

Darkness replaced with mercy’s hope

Meeting truth, forever aglow

Savior extends light’s righteous rope

 

Giving thanks to Christ’s steadfast love

Redemption proven, empty tomb

Releasing grace from high above

Spirit’s light, transforms every room

 

Fulfilling Word, promised by God

Thirst now quenched, hunger at last fed

Witnessing His love, never flawed

Light at cross, enemy has fled

 

Transforming life, away from sin

Faithfulness renewed, finding grace

Blessing Resurrection’s linchpin

Savior’s light takes its righteous place

 

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From Ephesians 2:4-5:  “But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which He loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”

From His Heart (Elfchen Series #196)

Abounding Glory

Mercies

Surrounding thee

Light sustains faith

Beholding Father’s wondrous deeds

Fulfilled

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Fertile Ground

Hunger

Empties spirit

Harvesting Father’s Word

From His eternal bounty

Nourished

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Finally Home

Feeling

Alone, forsaken

Father’s mission complete

Bringing every lamb back

Loved

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This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.

Eternity’s Light (Elfchen Series #189)

Prophecy 

Immanuel

Angel’s message

God with us

Living in human form

Jesus

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Mission

Child

Humble birthplace

Sleeping in manger

Destined to save world

Redeemer

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“It is finished”

Rabbi

Parables taught

Faith’s promised answer

Arriving on Easter morn

Resurrection

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Peace Transcending (Second Sunday of Advent)

From Luke 2:13-14:  “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors!'”

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Appearing to shepherds

Waiting near Bethlehem

Angels rekindle hope

Peace transforms world’s mayhem

 

Fulfilling promises

Trusting heavenly light

Hope overflows from grace

Peace shall be born this night

 

Vanquishing world’s darkness

Opening mankind’s eyes

Faith nurtured with new hope

Peace becoming lie-size

 

Favoring with goodness

Leveling each mountain

Hope sharing blessed gift

Peace fills mercy’s fountain

 

Blessing with grateful joy

Praising from high above

Savior’s birth bearing hope

Peace transcending with love

 

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Advent Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son.  Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas:  hope, peace, joy, and love.  Amen.

As we leave to go on with the rest of our day or night, here is an Advent hymn to send us out with reverent hearts filled with hopeful peace, “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night.”

Children of God (Elfchen Series #159)

Fulfilling

Hungering

For Father

Whole heart prays

Finding Him always near

Faith

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Witnessing

Coming

To Father

Focusing on Light

Following His trusted wisdom

Peace

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Assuring

Gathering

With Father

Restoring tomorrow’s hope

Climbing up mercy’s steps

Love

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This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.