adminTHINK BEFORE YOU WEEP
By Dorothy Metcalf, MN
If your arteries have hardened
And arthritis slows your gait,
If your tired blood is stubborn,
Not inclined to circulate;
If your aerobic days are over
And you cannot do the “twist,”
If your time is spent in brooding
O’er the many things you’ve missed;
If you’re constantly complaining
On your rocker or your couch,
If you’re ornery and cranky
And becoming quite a grouch;
Well, if this is your condition
And you get no sympathy,
Then it’s time you started trying
A new kind of therapy.
Though you have your share of trouble,
Think of others with more pain,
Like that fellow in his wheelchair
Who will never walk again.
Take time to write a letter
And while pen is in your palm,
Thank the good Lord up above you
For the use of that right arm.
Try relaxing in the sunshine,
Note each flower, bird and tree,
Then appreciate your eyesight –
There are many who can’t see.
When you tune in television
And each sound is loud and clear
Just think of those who’d give a lot
If only they could hear.
Yes, I’ve practiced what I’m preaching
And I’ve learned there’s joy to reap
If you stop and count your blessings
And just “think before you weep.”
-The Bible Friend (Vol. 106, No 6, July 2009) p.4
One of the things I have discovered in life is that there are always people around me who have it worse than I do. It really works to ‘count your blessings!’ When we do, we find we truly are blessed people and have much for which to be grateful. Even if we have had hardship and pain, we can worship our God because He is there to help us through these difficult times.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
By Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1922)
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the LORD has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God has done.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
The month of December is one of the most difficult months for many people. There is massive depression and disappointment. People are striving to please their family or are having enormous expectations that are unfulfilled. It seems to be a time of extremes in indulgence and emotions. Dad has a wonderful slant on this ‘Strange Season’.
THIS STRANGE SEASON
By Charlie Grier
Christmas is the strangest season
People just forget to reason;
Everyone is buying – spending –
Doing up their gifts and sending
To their friends, both far and wide,
Just because it’s Christmastide.
There is something in the air
Just makes people want to share;
I’ve seen folks accused of hoarding
Buying, giving, and according
To the spirit of the year
Helping to spread Christmas cheer.
What’s the meaning of this season?
Have men really lost their reason?
Or, is it that on this day
In a manger far away
God’s best GIFT to man was given,
Hope of earth, and joy of Heaven!
-Homespun Poems (Charlie Grier 1973) p.29
We have already plunged into this month of frenzy but let’s take time to worship God for Who He is and what He’s done for mankind. The next few weeks will fly by but we need to see what’s important. It would be good to emulate Evy Reis’s way of bringing warmth into her life!
CHRISTMAS RECEIPE
By Evy Reis
Take a bit of cheerfulness,
A pinch of laughter, too,
Next take a cup of thoughtfulness
And stir them through and through.
Add to this tranquility,
A verse of “Silent Night,”
That ever quiet we may be
When God sends His holy light.
Gently fold in some tenderness,
A handclasp or smile will do.
Perhaps it could be a fond caress,
Or a rose with a drop of dew.
Set aside a moment while you go
For spices, herbs, a scent of pine . . .
For music and fun, a candle’s glow,
And a star that was the sign.
Now mix and stir and fold again,
Then add some mistletoe,
A bit of faith, and love, and then
Into the oven your cake must go.
Where warmth and affection will combine
To make this cake come true.
Garnish with happiness, truth so fine,
Enough for you and you!
Cut a piece, but save some too
For every day of the year.
Serve with a prayer for peace on earth,
And a heavenly kingdom near.
Christmas Ideals 1966
I find it enjoyable to deliberately be kind to clerks waiting on a frantic public in December. A smile of appreciation brings joy to their faces and warmth to our hearts. Praising God each day gives us the peace and joy we need to encourage others.
An unknown author gives us a thought to ponder.
Praising God for blessings
Extends them.
Praising God for troubles
Ends them.