Cleaning House

Last Week I threw out Worrying,
it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me;
I couldn't do things God's way.

I threw out those Inhibitions;
they were just crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth,
got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with New Goals,
started reading it today.

I threw out hate and bad memories,
(remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too,
threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too,
called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, You should've seen the dust.

I ran across an OLD FRIEND,
haven't seen him in a while.
I believe his name is GOD,
Yes, I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning
and added some things Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH,
Yes, I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing
and placed it at the front door.
I FOUND IT - it's called PEACE.
Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble
there just isn't any place.

It's good to do a little house cleaning,
get rid of the old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter;
maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.

Author Unknown

Consider... Him

When the storm is raging high,
When the tempest rends the sky,
When my eyes with tears are dim,
Then, my soul, Consider Him.

When my plans are in the dust,
When my dearest hopes are crushed,
When is passed each foolish whim,
Then, my soul, Consider Him.

When with dearest friends I part,
When deep sorrow fills my heart,
When pain racks each weary limb,
Then, my soul, Consider Him.

When I track my weary way,
When fresh trials come each day,
When my faith and hope are dim,
Then, my soul, Consider Him.

Clouds or sunshine, dark or bright,
Evening shades or morning light,
Be it Greatest Joy, or Sadness Grim
Then, my soul, "Consider Him".

Author Unknown

Don't Look Back

As you travel through life
there are always those times
when decisions just have to be made
when the choices are hard,
and solutions seem scarce
and the rain seems
to soak your parade!

There are some situations
where all you can do
is to simply let go and move on
gather courage together
and choose a direction
that carries you toward a new dawn.

So pack up your troubles
and take a step forward
the process of change can be tough
but think about all the excitement ahead
if you can be stalwart enough!

There could be adventures
you never imagined
just waiting around the next bend
and wishes and dreams
just about to come true
in ways you can't yet comprehend!

Perhaps you'll find friendships
that spring from new interests
as you challenge your status quo
and learn there are so many
options in life,
and so many ways you can grow!

Perhaps you'll go places
you never expected
and see things that you've never seen
or travel to fabulous,
faraway worlds
and wonderful spots in between!

Perhaps you'll find warmth
and affection and caring-
a "somebody special" who's there
to help you stay centered
and listen with interest
to stories and feelings you share.

Perhaps you'll find comfort
in knowing your friends are
supportive of all that you do
and believe that whatever
decisions you make,
they'll be the right choices for you!

So keep putting one foot
in front of the other
and taking your life
day by day.

There's a brighter tomorrow
that's just down the road.
Don't look back-
you're not going that way!

Author unknown

Faithful

Is He who has promised
Are you passing through a testing?
Is your pillow wet with tears?
Do you wonder what the reason.
Why it seems God never hears?
Why it is you have no answer
To your oft-repeated plea.
Why the heaven still is leaden
As you wait on bended knee?
Do you wonder as you suffer.
Whether God does understand.
And if so, why He ignores you,
Fails to hold you in His hand?
Do black doubts creep in, assail you,
Fears without, and fears within,
Till your brave heart almost falters
And gives way to deadly sin?
All God's testing have a purpose---
Some day you will see the light,
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight,
Do not fear when doubts beset you,
Just remember---He is near;
He will never, never leave you,
He will always, always hear.
Faithful is He who has promised,
He will never let you fall,
Daily will the strength be given
Strength for each and strength for all.
He will gladly share pain with you,
He will gladly give you peace,
Till your tired and weary body
Find its blessed, glad release.
When the darken veil is lifted,
Then dear heart, you'll understand
Why it is you had to suffer,
Why you could not feel His hand
Giving strength when it was needed,
Giving power and peace within
Giving joy thru tears and trial,
Giving victory over sin.
So till then just keep on trusting,
Thru the sunshine and the rain,
Thru the tears and thru the heart-aches, Thru the smiles and thru the pain Knowing that our Father watches, Knowing daily strength He'll give, Victory for each passing hour, This is life, so let us live!

Author Unknown

Food For Thought

God didn't promise days without pain,
laughter without sorrow, sun without rain,
but He did promise strength for the day,
comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road bumps,
they slow you down a bit but you enjoy
the smooth road after they're gone.
Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get
what you want, just sit tight and
be happy, because God is thinking of
something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad,
consider what it means -- don't be sad.
There's a purpose to life's events, to teach
you how to laugh more, or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you,
all you can do is be someone who can be loved;
the rest is up to the other person
to realize your worth.

What the heart gives away is never gone...
It is kept in the hearts of others.
Remember that great love and great
achievements involve great risks.

Secure a special place in your heart.
A certain place only you can enter.
There will come a time to find yourself,
and only your heart will show you the way.

The measure of love is when you love without measure.
In life there are very rare chances that you'll
meet the person you love and who loves you in return.
So once you have it don't ever let go,
the chance might never come your way again.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love,
than to lose the one you love because of pride.
We spend so much time looking for the right person
to love or finding fault with those we already love,
when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults,
you don't look for answers, you don't look for mistakes.
Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults,
and you overlook excuses.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never
find one who can take his or her place.
Friendship is like fine wine,
it gets better as it grows older.

Five rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

Addendum --John 15:12 (NKJ) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

Author Unknown 

God Is Always Near

One thing can always cheer me
When I’m feeling sad and low
When I tired of daily trials
That I have to undergo,
When those who should
Seem closest, seem like
People I don’t know,
One thing can always cheer me
I know that God is near me.

One thing can always cheer me
When I do not understand
How pain and sadness
In our lives
Can get so out of hand,
When the best of human efforts
Doesn’t meet the days demands,
One thing can always cheer me
I know that God is always near me.

One thing can always cheer me
More than anything I’ve known
And show me I will never
Have to struggle on my own
For no matter what might happen
I will never be alone
The thing that will always cheer me
Is just knowing God is near me.

Our lives are in God’s loving
Hands, in everything we do
He is with us constantly,
He always sees us through.
And if our faith is strong enough
We’ll never walk alone,
For with His great and perfect love
He takes care of His own.

Author Unknown

Growing in God’s Joy and Peace

O help me Lord, help me Lord,
Godly joy to be restored.
I place myself in thy control,
For my worries flood my soul.

Help me Lord to thee confess,
All my faults and weaknesses.
All my worries, all my fears,
They are Satan’s wicked snares.

Help me nevermore complain,
For doing so has been in vain.
Help me never ever blame,
Other people for my pain.

Convict my heart of any sin,
That I must confess to man.
Satan then will truly flee,
And my soul shall be set free.

May I grow in grace divine,
Make me whole and only thine.
May I be graffed into the vine,
Of my Savior, so sublime.

May I in true meekness be,
An example for others to see.
May this true joy never cease,
May I grow in Thy true peace.

May thy light in me shine bright,
May thy peace keep me tonight,
From all doubts and worries freed,
For I have thy joy received.

Praise thy name forevermore,
Peace and joy thou dost restore.
Convict my heart and show me where,
Evermore this joy to share.

Author Unknown

Hold On To Your Dreams

Keep all your dreams so close to your heart,
and never give up, when your life's falling apart.
Let your dreams give you strength to carry on,
and help you find the future, you feel has gone.

Build on those dreams that you hold so dearly,
and you'll be able to see, your life more clearly.
These are your tomorrow's you can make today,
and through the darkness, you'll find your way.

Nothing is impossible, as long as you believe;
those felt unreachable are possible to achieve.
Have faith in yourself and trust in God's love;
reach for the stars blessed by Heaven above.

Author Unknown

In Christ We Have

In Christ we have . . .
A love that can never be fathomed,
A life that can never die,
A righteousness that can never be tarnished,
A peace that can never be understood,
A rest that can never be disturbed,
A joy that can never be diminished,
A hope that can never be disappointed,
A glory that can never be clouded,
A light that can never be darkened,
A purity that can never be defiled,
A beauty that can never be marred,
A wisdom that can never be baffled,
Resources that can never be exhausted.
Jesus is our all in all!

Author Unknown

I Refuse To Be Discouraged

I refuse to be discouraged,
To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted,
and here's the reason why...

I have a God who's mighty,
Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful,
Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable,
My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening;
Beginning to the end,
His presence is my comfort,
He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,
To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God;
Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten
to rob me from my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast,
Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me,
and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms,
He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me,
My life is in His hand,
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope,
It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,
My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,
To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God,
I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything,
My eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory is mine;
He'll help me win the race.

Author Unknown

Learn To Lean

It took me forever, Lord, to learn how to lean.
To leave my friends — as you lovingly began to wean.
I know I was stubborn, and I dug in my heels,
And when you applied pressure — did I ever squeal.

It was a concept, Lord, that I just hadn't learned,
And obviously . . . I was not too much concerned.
But as my old leaning-posts were taken away,
Routine confidence . . . began rapidly to fray.

Then your Holy Spirit, made it abundantly clear,
To you alone, Lord, must I ultimately adhere.
Only in your word and Spirit, may I ever grow strong,
As you continue to teach me, a blessed new song.

It is not in friends and others, that I will understand.
All my strength and wisdom, must come to me firsthand.
No longer can another, walk me through the task,
For only in Your guidance, may I safely bask.

Keep on teaching me Lord, and keep me close to you.
(For without you beside me — I haven't got a clue.)
I belong to you Lord — I am your creation . . .
I want only to praise you — without cessation!

Author Unknown

Made New

Just like an old doll that nobody wants,
with blinded eyes and crumbly stalks!

Discarded, forgotten, left all alone!
Lost in a corner; never touched; face of stone!

I was that old doll, feeling no one cared!
Eyes blinded by tears, heart broken and scared.

The worlds closing in, sucking each breath I drew.
I thought I was useless; I felt my life through.

Life seemed so cold, so bitter, so cruel;
Ending it now, seemed all I could do!

As I raised the hand that would claim my fate,
I heard a loud Voice shouting, "I love you, Please wait"

"I'll take your old heart and make it like new!
I'll wipe your tears, and I'll be your new shoes"

"I'll not forget you; I'll always be near!
Just reach out and touch Me; I'm waiting, I'm here!"

"I'll be your shelter when the storms come!
I'll protect you, and keep you out of harm's way!"

I fell to my knees, body trembling with shame!
Cried out to the Lord, my heartaches and pain!

The dark clouds are gone, replaced by Light!
My eyes now all clear, I have a New Sight!

My emptiness now filled with Love and New Hope!
With God as my anchor, this world, I can cope!

Author Unknown

One Thing To Never Forget

Your presence, is a present to the world.
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be, what you want it to be.
Take the days, just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You'll make it through, whatever comes along.
Within you, are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself.
So many dreams, are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important, to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy, than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember, that a little love goes a long way.
Remember, that a lot of love goes forever.
Remember, that friendship is a wise investment.
Life treasures, are people... together.

Realize, that it's never too late.
Do ordinary things, in a extraordinary way.
Have health, hope and happiness.
Take the time, to wish upon a star.

And don't ever forget....
For even a day....
How very special you are.

Author Unknown

Precious In His Eyes

I will trust God today,
for I know He's still in charge,
My life is safe with Him today.
My path ahead is bright to Him,
Although to me it's dim.

I'll place my trust in Him each day,
Every second and every hour.
Though I am weak and have no strength,
HE is my God of power.

He'll lead and He'll strengthen us,
And He'll always stay by our side.
He will be my everything,
And in His peace I'll abide.

There's nothing in my life, my friend,
That'll take God by surprise.
He's in control and He loves us --
Cause we're precious in His eyes.

Author unknown

The Power Of One

ONE SONG CAN SPARK A MOMENT,

ONE FLOWER CAN WAKE THE DREAM.

ONE TREE CAN START A FOREST,

ONE BIRD CAN HERALD SPRING.

ONE SMILE BEGINS A FRIENDSHIP,

ONE HANDCLASP LIFTS A SOUL.

ONE STAR CAN GUIDE A SHIP AT SEA,

ONE WORD CAN FRAME THE GOAL.

ONE VOTE CAN CHANGE A NATION,

ONE SUNBEAM LIGHTS A ROOM.

ONE CANDLE WIPES OUT DARKNESS,

ONE LAUGH WILL CONQUER GLOOM.

ONE STEP MUST START EACH JOURNEY,

ONE WORD MUST START EACH PRAYER.

ONE HOPE WILL RAISE OUR SPIRITS,

ONE TOUCH CAN SHOW YOU CARE.

ONE VOICE CAN SPEAK WITH WISDOM,

ONE HEART CAN KNOW WHAT'S TRUE.

ONE LIFE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE,

YOU SEE, IT'S UP TO YOU.

Author Unknown

The Race

Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye,"
There's no sense running anymore- three strikes and I'm out- why try?"
The will to rise has disappeared, all hope had fled away,
so far behind, so error prone, closer all the way.

"I've lost, so what's the use," he thought "I'll live with my disgrace."
But then he thought about his dad who soon he'd have to face.
Get up, and echo sounded low, get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here, so get up and win the race.
With Borrowed will, "Get up!", It said, "You haven't lost at all,
for winning is not more than this, to rise each time you fall."

So he rose to win once more, and with new commitment he resolved to win
or lose, at least he wouldn't quit.
So far behind the others now, the most he'd ever been,
still he gave it all he had, and ran as though to win.
Three times he'd fallen stumbling, three times he rose again.
To far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner as he crossed.
First place, head high and proud and happy, no falling, no disgrace.
But when the fallen youngster crossed the line, last place,
the crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last, with head bow low, unproud.
You would have thought he won the race, to listen to the crowd.
And to his dad he sadly said, "I didn't do so well."
To me, you won, his father said, you rose each time you fell.

And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,
the memory of that little boy helps me in my own race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
"Quit! Give up you're beaten," they will shout in my face.
But another voice within me says, "Get up and win that race!"

Author Unknown

The Road

There is a curve called Failure...
A loop called Confusion...
Speed bumps called Friends...
Red lights called Enemies...
Caution lights called Family...
You will have flats called Jobs...

BUT

If you have a spare called Determination...
An engine called Perseverance...
Insurance called Faith...
A driver called Jesus...

You will make it to a place called SUCCESS!

Author Unknown

Whatever Your Cross

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
There will always be sunshine after the rain.
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready to answer your call.
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
A word from His lips can calm every fear.
Your sorrows may linger throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish at dawn's early light.
The Savior is waiting somewhere above,
To give you His grace and send you His love.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
God always sends rainbows after the rain.

Author Unknown

When

When you are the neediest,
He is the most sufficient.

When you are completely helpless,
He is the most helpful.

When you feel totally dependent,
He is absolutely dependable.

When you are the weakest,
He is the most able.

When you are the most alone,
He is intimately present.

When you feel you are the least,
He is the greatest.

When you feel the most useless,
He is preparing you.

When it is darkest,
He is the only Light you need.

When you feel the least secure,
He is your Rock and Fortress.

When you are the most humble,
He is most gracious.

Author Unknown

When I say..."I am a Christian"

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved."
I'm whispering "I was lost!"
That is why I chose this way.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are all too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

Author Unknown

Worlds Greatest Chef

I love the taste of T-bone steak,
Delicious every bite,
But there's nothing like the Word of God,
For my spiritual appetite.

The Word of God has milk and meat,
And even ice cream and cake.
Take a slice of the Bread of Life,
And coffee to keep us awake.

Open your Bible and turn to Psalms,
For David's famous buffet.
You can drink all the wine of the Word you want,
And still feel fine the next day.

There's enough of the Word for everyone,
And no one has to cheat.
The Word of God is a smorgasbord,
So take all you are able to eat.

Let's have a little long suffering,
Job gives the recipe.
Patience is the main ingredient,
Self denial is the fee.

Wrap that up in temperance,
It may not make much sense,
Cover that with contentment,
Then add some Joy for strength.

Let's have Love for dessert,
Jesus made this dish,
Cream of joy and peace together,
Sift out all selfishness.

Add some deeds of righteousness,
Enough to make it sweet.
Humility is the frosting,
That makes the dish complete.

Or are you on a diet,
Cause the race seems hard to run.
For a weight losing menu,
Try Hebrews 12 and 1.

Are you suffering from malnutrition,
And don't know what to do?
Your spiritual growth seems hindered,
Try I Peter 2 and 2.

If when every time you battle,
the enemy always wins,
Try some Holy Ghost Protein,
And spiritual vitamins.

God's Word can feed millions,
And still have plenty left.
Because the Word of God is Soul Food,
Sent from the World's Greatest Chef.

Author Unknown

You’re in the Care of God

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in happy giving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without God’s love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking God for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of “Self Complaining”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Prayer can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To “thank” is a command
Until we get blessings
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
Xpect from God most high
Yes, there will be some bad times and there will be some good, but…
Z zzz peacefully at night… you’re in the care of God!

Author Unknown