Gratitude
Gentle morning rain
Freshening landscape’s spirit—
Reverent stillness


Harmony
Gentle morning breeze
Rejuvenation’s spirit—
Everlasting peace
Replenishment
Gentle morning light
Infusing nature’s spirit—
Outlook’s warm design

Gentle morning rain
Freshening landscape’s spirit—
Reverent stillness


Gentle morning breeze
Rejuvenation’s spirit—
Everlasting peace
Gentle morning light
Infusing nature’s spirit—
Outlook’s warm design

From Matthew 5:1-3: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He began to speak and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'”

Christ’s devotion to teaching sprouts
Spirit stirs within, reaching out
God’s people face darkness and mourn
Jesus rises, mercy reborn
Humbleness fills each grateful heart
Jesus delivers life’s fresh start
Righteousness quenches every thirst
Jesus fills hunger, love immersed
Forgiveness offers Living Bread
Jesus leaves Spirit in His stead
Purity in heart brings God near
Jesus offers breath of grace to steer
Peace sown in trusting hearts of man
Jesus offers hope from God’s own plan
Children of God shall overcome
Jesus blesses kingdom to come
Christ’s motivations never cease
Spirit’s fruits cherish joy-filled peace

From Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

For what has been, thanks! For what shall be, yes!
From Proverbs 24:14: “Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, you will find a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961) was a Swedish economist and diplomat. He served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations (1953-1961).

Reflections from French Archbishop, theologian, and writer, Francois Fenelon (1651-1715): “Faith is letting down our nets into the transparent deeps at the Divine command, not knowing what we shall draw.”
A well-seasoned fisherman had been casting his nets throughout the night. Unfortunately for him and his family, there would likely be no fresh fish by morning.
As he gathered his empty nets, a light beam shone across the waters on the left side of his boat. He felt the Spirit’s quiet nudge, “Cast the net over here.”
The gentle man was suddenly filled with peace. Without hesitation, he cast his nets over the side of the boat. As the light receded, he felt the boat being drawn deeper into the waters.
Elated with his good fortune, he began pulling in nets heavy with a monumental catch. Indeed, there would be enough fish to feed his family for many days to come.
As he pulled in the final feet of net onboard, he was surrounded by a sea of fish. Filled with gratitude, his eyes moved to witness the rising sun, and he paused to pray to God above. His tone of thankfulness praised the Lord for His goodness.
From John 21:4-6: “Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.”
Stepping
From shadows
Leaving enemy’s darkness
Christ rises for us
Trusting

Strengthening
Faith’s heart
Building core values
Discipleship in Christ matures
Following

Sharing
Infinite love
Flowing with grace
Christ’s own daily delight
Interacting


Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.
Hope is sweet-minded and sweet-eyed. It draws pictures; it weaves fancies; it fills the future with delight.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.
Morning rendezvous
Meeting best friends for coffee—
Grace fills every cup

Daily morning breath
Coffee, you always do it—
Another cup please

Morning’s fresh muffin
Tasting sweeter with coffee—
Way over the top!

From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Charles Swindoll: “Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection . . . an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.”

National tradition
Year’s intentional pause
Coming together as one
With purposeful cause
Nation’s heart now gathers
Thanksgiving welcomes all
Putting aside differences
Mercy’s blessed call
Family’s homeward steps
Cherished goodness brightens
Strengthening tomorrow’s bonds
Grace shall enlighten
Love fills another home
Peace refreshes outlook
Praying with one single voice
Heaven’s warm chinook
Harmony writes new psalm
Tranquility’s fellowship
Sharing gratitude today
Praise from every lip

From Revelation 7:12: “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
Faith’s
Divine garden
Seeded without weeds
Nourished with Living Water
Maturity

Hope’s
Fertile soil
Cultivated with grace
Sunrise offers endless bounty
Harvest

Joy’s
Fruitful journey
Sustained with love
Sown with trusted hands
Gratitude

From John 15:10-11: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Rejoicing with Father
Peace quiets every storm
Joy’s spirit transforms heart
Nurturing, always warm
Learning from Father’s Word
Faith nourished, always trust
Joy sails on eagle’s wings
Bringing light, always just
Receiving Father’s grace
Precious gift of each day
Joy cascades from His love
Rising sun, never gray
Walking in Father’s steps
Hope breathes with every stride
Joy’s anticipation
Filling outlook with pride
Kneeling at Father’s feet
Gratitude sweeps ashore
Joy flowing with gladness
Entering Heaven’s door

From the words of American evangelist, Bill Bright: “The joy of God is experienced as I love, trust, and obey God.”