No darkness lasts forever. And even there, there are stars.
If you evade suffering, you also evade the chance of joy.
Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) was an American author who achieved success in the realm of science fiction as well as fantasy.
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.
From the words of American-born philosopher, Pema Chadron: “Be kinder to yourself, then let your kindness flood the world.”
Waiting in life’s shadows, another year
Thinking conscious thoughts, ready to embrace
Setting aside more time for daydreaming
Leading to tomorrow’s energized space
Allowing positivity to shine
Sowing today’s seeds, filled with future hope
Reaping lasting harvest of inner peace
Looking ahead through New Year’s vivid scope
Finding humor’s lessons in life’s darkness
Focusing on single tasks, without more
Filling each day with heartfelt gifts of joy
Witnessing blessed year, coming ashore
Creating reservoirs of lasting light
Passing each on to others taking flight
Trust
God’s promises
His actions awaken
Life’s wilderness shall blossom
Hope
Hope
For Savior
God’s desires fulfilled
Bethlehem stable’s Holy ground
Peace
Peace
Father’s gift
Lying in manger
Emmanuel, God with us
Joy
Joy
Angels proclaim
Humble shepherds attest
Christ comes to save
Love
From Isaiah 35:10: “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Facing constant waves
Overwhelming despair
Father seeking to save
Eternal grace cares
Bethlehem manger
Looking beyond today
Savior, joy’s game changer
Mercy’s light conveys
Hope breathes, Son of Man
King of Kings, Prince of Peace
God opens His divine plan
Joy’s new centerpiece
Angels’ choir deploys
Always singing above
Reflections full of joy
Peace filling with love
Scaling highest slopes
Locating lasting peace
Rebuilding life’s new hope
Joy shall never cease
Peace restored, anew
Joy’s steady, beating drum
Tomorrow’s hope accrues
Salvation to come
With lyrics composed by renowned English hymn writer, Issac Watts, “Joy to the World” has become the most published Christmas hymn in North America. These verses were penned in 1719, and they share an interpretation from Psalm 98. In this Advent season, the hymn holds a special place with its emphasis on the joy we have been patiently waiting for.
God’s
Magnificent creation
Praising every sunrise
Worshipping His blessed peace
Sustaining
God’s
Sustaining spirit
Sunset never closes
Reaching for tomorrow’s hope
Awakening
God’s
Awakening message
Endless joy sings
Mercy delivers His love
Forgiving
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.
We do not always feel joyful, but we are always to count it joy.
From James 1:2-3: “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
A. B. (Albert Benjamin) Simpson (1843-1919) was a Canadian-born pastor, theologian, and Christian author. He founded the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
From Psalm 84:3-4: “Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Happy are those who live in Your house, ever singing Your praise.”
Dwelling in God’s house
Joy of worship sings
Grace always flowing
From eternal springs
Lord ever present
Blessing living things
Promises now filled
Trust in Lord shall ring
Sparrows and swallows
Building each new nest
Creation’s new home
God never at rest
Signs of Father’s love
Worshipping with praise
Spirit of hope breathes
Strength in Him shall raise
Walking with Jesus
Peace never departs
Favor and honor
Love fills every heart
With lyrics inspired from Psalm 32:8 (words of David) and Matthew 8:26 (words of Jesus), the Gospel-rich hymn of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” shares a stirring and encouraging message. Civilla D Martin wrote these lyrics in 1905 with the composition from Charles H. Gabriel.
Recalling life’s preciousness
Cherishing every moment
Savoring family’s past
Dreaming of tomorrow’s hugs
Recounting lasting blessings
Beholding father’s wisdom
Echoing voice of knowledge
Conquering each new challenge
Reflecting on nature’s gifts
Catching creation’s newness
Framing winter’s white portrait
Tasting another sunrise
Waking to morning coffee
Embracing daily treasures
Mapping out daily shortcuts
Visiting newfound places
Gathering of long-time friends
Revealing closeness of all
Enjoying hours filled with joy
Discovering something new
A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks.
The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.
Richard Bach (born 1936) is an American writer, who is well-known for his literary masterpieces from the 1970s. One of his biggest sellers has been JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL (1977).
Big Sky Buckeye 