The wind and the lion

It's very cold once again in Ontario. We've experienced a few spring like days but winter is back. I felt the winds blow through the cracks of our house and feel thankful for shelter. There are open fields behind our house and as I watched the white snow blow about like steam coming off the ocean I put together this poem. If you're looking forward to spring as I am, remember that God has given us the earth and the sky, the sun and the wind, the snow and the rain. Let's enjoy all he has given us in the moment.

I look out onto the fields and see a lion.
He's roaring with a mighty blast.
I watch him lean back and crouch
And jump through the air smooth and fast.

Suddenly, the lion slaps the air and laughs.
He sees me hiding inside.
I shiver and feel exhilarated with his speed
And the strength and width of his stride.

As his snowy mane whips about his face
His giant paws, makes not a sound.
Swiftly, he tramples the grass so it lays flat
All the while whistling a tune deep and profound.

Then just as icicles form on the branches
Of trees that bow as he passes by,
The silvery sky opens and the sun begins to shine
Causing the lion to run away with a sigh.

Just Smile

My good friend from high school visited me on the weekend and we had a lot of fun laughing and smiling about silly things. My kids see a different side of me when we get together. What I like about my friend is that she smiles a lot even though she has had a difficult time in the last few years. Her son and my son enjoyed hanging out together, too. I saw a lot of ourselves in them. It made me think of how dull life would be if we couldn't smile. Isn't it wonderful God gave us the ability to smile and laugh.

Like bread without jam
or fried eggs without ham.
Like a house without doors
or a grandpa that snores.
Like a ship without sails
or a beach without pails
and no sand found for miles
is a face without smiles.

Like a school without blocks
or doors without locks.
Like a nest without eggs
under tall ostrich legs.
Like a clock with no chime
that can't tell the time,
is a face that won't smile
even once in a while.

Like spahgetti without sauce
or a small dog that's cross.
Like a bird without song
or nights that lasts long
is how people would feel
If none gave a smile that's real
For the smile on each face
is what brighten's the place.

What is Yellow

When I talk with young kids the question often asked is, what is your favorite color. Although I like all color I always say yellow. Yellow goes with everything. Getting along with people is important, too. Instead of trying to get your way by losing your temper or getting depressed use a quieter approach. There is a story of three big men, who tried to push a donkey through a gateway, but the stubborn donkey wouldn't budge. A little girl held out a carrot and the donkey followed her. The moral here is a little patience and encouragement does wonders.

Yellow is buttercups
Dancing in the breeze.
Yellow is friendship
And autumn leaves.

Yellow is a party
And chocolate sauce.
Yellow is banana
And candy floss.

Yellow is a crayon
We can’t do without.
Yellow gives courage
To sing and shout.

Yellow is peaches
And cream on top.
Yellow is pie
At the coffee-shop.

Yellow is glad.
Yellow is strong.
Yellow is sunshine
All day long.

Yellow is the fur
Of a brand new chick.
Yellow is the light
On a candle wick.

Yellow is a tiger's eye
In the twilight hour.
Yellow is shocking
With its power.

Yellow is clean
And lemon soap.
Yellow is springtime’s
Dash of hope.

A Smile

It's a new year and a perfect time to wish everyone a great year. But if things don't go as planned remember there is One who is with us in everything we do, to help us, to comfort and to guide us each and every day.

My wish for you is health and strength
All through the year two thousand and ten.
I hope you'll be happy in all that you do
And you'll want for nothing again.
But if some things turn sour for you,
What good will moaning and groaning do?
Life will be kinder if you give a smile
Just smile till things turn better for you.

The Christmas Tree

As you prepare for Christmas with shopping and baking and cleaning I'd like to remind you of Romans 13: 8. I like this verse. It says a lot in few words. "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."

Keep that in mind as Christmas is near. So what if Aunt Jo or Uncle Bob says a comment that doesn't agree with you. Will it really matter if Grandma Jones gives a nice gift to another family member and not to you. Smile if cousin Jim brags about how many presents he gave or received. Remember, you are a child of a Heavenly King if you celebrate His birth. And Jesus didn't have a great start or an easy time here on earth either. He understands like no one else can.

In a corner of the room

a lowly pine tree stands.

Like a tiny piece of forest

with uplifting hands.

As children gather round

they place on branches green

ornaments and sparkling lights.

The best you've ever seen.

Once squirrels and busy chipmunks

and birds with folded wing

had graced your fragrant branches

and listened to you sing.

Once snow and rain and dust

had glistened on each limb.

Now you stand beside a window

dressed as for a king.

Oh little tree don't be sad

and take no time to sigh.

You're chosen to remind each one

of a king that came from high.

Oh little tree let's celebrate

the birthday of a king.

Hold your branches high; be proud

while children dance and sing.

What is Christmas

Recently, my husband and I spent a week's vacation in Cuba celebrating our 25th anniversary. I found Cubans friendly and eager to please. They lead simple lives and are paid by the government for their work. If they want to make extra money there are rules they need to follow. Still, visitors can easily be taken advantage of. While going through customs the ticket agent offered us roomier seats on the plane for 30 peco's (almost 34.00). He must have seen from my passport that I didn't travel much. What he didn't know was that God had already planned where I was going to be seated. We refused his offer and he lost some easy money. (I'm sure we would have gotten the same seats if we accepted his offer). I on the other hand met and talked with people that God wanted me to meet. It was wonderful. A word of encouragement, don't let your fears ruin God's plan for you.

Christmas is music
And carol singing,
And chimes of the bells
ringing, ringing.

Christmas is bright lights
On evergreen trees,
And candles in windows
That say, “Come in please”.

Christmas is welcome
A wreath on the door.
And hearts over flowing
With love for the poor.

Christmas is laughter
That starts in your toes.
And bubbles till it reaches
The tip of your nose.

Christmas is fragrance
The spruce and the pine
And fruitcake and puddings
That, taste so divine.

Christmas is giving
Gifts made by hand
And all given with love
Whether small or grand.

Sleep

Today was a great day. I read my new book "The Angel's Message" to a group of children at the local library.What an honor that was. It was a great experience and the staff was wonderful, too. I feel very blessed. After supper I wrote this little poem. If you wonder why I chose to write about sleep I'll have to be honest and say I'm not sure why. It could be because I didn't sleep well night last night. Too excited about today. Anyways, here's a parting thought to think about. Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord gives life, security, and protection from harm.

When I can’t sleep and it’s time for bed
I wait for stories to enter my head.
Stories that take me far and away,
To unusual lands to play all day.
And there I will dream with the wind in my hair.
And I’ll float on clouds without worry or care.
And if monsters try to steal a glad song,
I'll tell them a secret and they’ll soon run along.
And if a storm cloud enters my dream,
I’ll smile and offer a dish of ice cream.
And if I’m challenged to climb a high wall,
I’ll find a ladder that’s ten feet tall.
Then I'll open my eyes and give thanks for the day
And wish all a good blessing in the merriest way.