Moments of Reflection

Preface

Through the years, as I have read my Bible or listened to a teaching or sermon, words for a poem or ideas for an essay would begin to form in my mind. Sometimes it would be during a time of admiring God’s creation in all things around me. As soon as I could find a piece of paper and pen or pencil, I would begin writing. Sometimes it was on a scrap of paper, a napkin, or a church bulletin or it might be an actual page in a notebook. In many situations, I felt God guiding me to use the gift of writing that He had given to me. It is to His glory that I have been encouraged to put these words in print to share with whoever will read them. It is my hope that all who read these will be blessed by them.
At many times in our lives we seek to know what to do or say, or we seek comfort, and God’s word is our way to faith, comfort, and joy to carry on in our lives day by day. Sometimes we just need to express our appreciation to Him for being present or for painting a beautiful picture in nature for us to enjoy. Through these writings, I have attempted to show Him my love in return for all that His word and His world have given to me.
Whether we are going through painful changes in our lives or walking on a smooth road, we can have faith that He will bring us through the changes in His time and we can hope it is all for our good. In Romans 8:28, we can read that “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” It is my hope that all who read these pages will be encouraged in the faith and hope He gives to live in peace and joy in every circumstance.




The Beginning
I like to watch the world change at dawn,
When with the greater light of the sun,
The stars begin to disappear into heaven
To await their turn to shine again,
Keeping watch another night.
The hues of sky and earth are streaked
With the interchanging lights:
Night blue to mauve, then morning red
At the horizon,
While the higher dome prepares
For the light beams to reach up and paint it too.
Shadows begin to put on life,
And finally I see them for what they are.
I wonder if this is how it looked
When God’s creation settled down into the day
When there was first light.


My Lord’s Day
Psalm 118: 24—This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Mark 11:24–26 — “Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Today is the day my Lord has made,
And through whatever this day may hold,
I know that He loves me
And always is near,
So in praise to Him I’ll be bold!
No half-hearted thank-you will I offer to Him
Nor shy little voice in shame;
But I’ll open my heart,
And I’ll open my mouth
And sing loud hallelujahs to His name!
If I ask for things in line with His will,
Just as He promised me,
He’ll answer my prayer,
And not a thing withhold.
What wonders I will see!
But first I must go and forgive anyone
Against whom I hold ill will
Then my heart will be free
To accept His grace
My cup filled ‘til it starts to spill.
Yes, today is the day my Lord has made,
And it is good, for it is His.
He’s prepared the way
For me to go,
And I shall be glad in it as it is.