A Poem from Sara

Often times as we reach out to love and encourage others.....

we are the ones that receive the greatest encouragement.

 

A  POEM  FROM  SARA  BENTON

 

Spring has come with hopes of sun; instead, it just brought rain.

And still the winter doldrums stayed with all my aches and pain.

Then one day in the mail, there was an envelope bright.

Someone who prays and cares for me had decided a note to write.

Their words were welcome with encouragement, showing God's love that day.

And then, an added message---they knew it was my birthday !

The next day, a few more cards appeared in the mail.

Lavendar and pink and yellow and green; spring colors did prevail !

And then the cards did "grow" like seeds from a garden flower.

The blessings were multiplied, showing more of God's love and power.

Oh, what joy they bring me that the Son was shining through,

That God is again blessing me from the card that came from you !

Please keep your blessings growing as seeds you planted here and there

To many others who are in need: It's God's love that you share !

 

........and once again Sara Benton has multiplied blessings.....

and returned them to us.....

As she dances on streets of gold.....with our Savior's hand to forever hold.

 

The Fog by Donna Ensign Woods

                                                  
                                                   

In the midst of fog---so eerie and dense

I desperately cling to the fence.

Afraid to risk letting go

Stepping into a future, I do not know.

Imagination plays endless trick....

Mind tortured by fog so thick.

Clutching the fence....familiar and sure

Fearful of dangers I might endure.

Beyond the fog, I hear a voice call

"Trust Me, I won't let you fall"

Frantic, I search the fog for Him

Through my eyes cloudy and dim.

I struggle desperately to see

From where the voice calls to me.

Uncertain if I can stand

.....Should I reach out to take His hand ?

Is the danger lurking where I cannot see ?

...Or is it really closing in on me ??

In reality is my fence a dangerous ledge ?

Am I slipping from a jagged edge ?

...Or am I consumed in a cavern deep

Beneath mountains narrow and steep....

Do I stay?....Or do I go ??

.....Safety of this fence is all I know

The fog so painfully dense...I cannot see !!!

But I feel the Lord is nudging me.

Do I let go and take His hand....

Forever trusting what he has planned ?

He promised I have nothing to fear

....How I wish the fog would lift and clear.

It grows thicker the longer I wait

Why Oh why....do I hesitate ??

To a worthless fence I cling

Instead of trusting my Savior King !

Cowering in the fog....clinging to the fence

....It simply makes no sense !

The moment I trust and let go....

Glorious blessings I will know

Each day......a step of faith

Do I cling to the fence ?

                 ....or leave this place ?

Bless Others, Bless Yourself by Susan Shull

Walking with Christ is the most interesting journey! The Lord amazes me time and time again with the blessings of the Christian life. Those blessings often come at unexpected times and from unexpected places. For me, they have often come because others have stepped out of their comfort zones and taken a leap of faith.

Donna Woods has been journaling and writing her prayers for years. These written prayers are a legacy to her children and grandchildren of her Christian life. A few years ago, Donna listened when God tugged on her heart and taught an Introduction to Journaling class on Wednesday nights at church and began organizing journaling retreat.

I thought the cabin sounded really interesting and I like to do new things, so I signed up, never intending to really do anything with it. We headed to Olney on a wintry Friday afternoon and stayed in an adorable cabin in the middle of the woods. We were only a few miles from home, but it seemed as if we were states away. We talked and ate, talked and ate, and eventually settled in with our journals. Donna introduced many types of journaling and then we grabbed our brand new notebooks and pens and began. We put our prayers to paper, following the acronym ACTS- Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supposition. The words flowed and we wrote until our fingers were about to fall off, and I loved it!

God was also speaking to Julie Short during this time. Julie had discovered after the death of her only child, Kyra, that writing was one way of coping with horrific grief. While attending a Christian writer’s conference, Julie began to sense a need to encourage others to use their words for God’s glory. So, as the journaling class ended, a writing class began, using Write His Word by Marlene Bagnell as our guide. We have been writing ever since.

What fun this has been! Each of us has grown in our individual Christian walks, and we have bonded in a great way. We are learning that words-even our words-can have an impact on others. Each of us has been through some typical and not-so-typical life experiences, and we hope to use the lessons we have learned to help others. We know first-hand the comfort, solace, and encouragement that a sincere word can bring.

None of us may ever write a bestseller or even write something that is read by more than a handful of people. That isn’t the important thing. Perhaps our story will encourage others who are feeling a nudge from above to step out and use their talents. Just one or two people can bring so much joy to the lives of those in their sphere of influence. I am so grateful to Julie and Donna for enriching my life.

Don’t cheat others out of the good things God may have for them by being afraid to follow his nudging in your life. You may be the person God uses to start the snowball that changes everything for an individual or the world. One thing we know for sure, Christ has given the Body of Christ the gifts needed to overcome the “wisdom” of this world.

Maybe God will use you to write something that will make a difference to men and women searching for meaning in all the wrong places. Don’t hold back your gift from those God is waiting to bless when you share what he has given you.

For Such a Time as This by Donna (Ensign) Woods

I was created...for such a time as this.

A God-given moment...I shall not miss...

So many times God said "NO"

When a different direction, I was to go.

Rocks that made me stumble and fall

Because...flat on my face...I could hear Him call !

...Preparing me, so I wouldn't miss

Such a time as this.

He often allowed my broken heart.

To give me strength for a brand new start.

No such thing as "coincidence" or "luck"

...As I wade through life's mire and muck

...Equipping me...so I will not miss

Such a time as this.

Injury, Illness and Disease...

To toughen callouses on my knees

All part of God's wondrous plan

...A stairway to Heaven for mortal man.

For such a time as this

I do not want to miss.

Those fiery trials I must endure

Result in blessings...I can be sure.

...A beggar on the street...

Pricks my heart and moves my feet.

The cries of a friend in need

Provides the soil to plant a seed.

God prepares me...so I will not miss

Such a time as this.

All things work together for good

...In God's time...just as they should.

Creating a detailed history

For a perfectly planned destiny.

For such a time as this

I do not want to miss.

Though Satan labors to destroy

...He can never touch my eternal joy !!

He can never stand between God and me

...Or remove the blood that set me free...

My Savior's feet, I kneel and kiss

...For such a time as this !!

Late Summer Rain by Donna (Ensign) Woods

A sweet, soothing late Summer rain...

To caress and ease your pain.

Renews your strength to cope

Refreshes your sense of hope.

Washing away stressful care,

As it cleanses mind and air.

Sweet, soothing late Summer rain....

Hypnotic with it's gentle refrain

The treasured scent it brings

...As all nature sings

Hearts slowly beat with ease

While rain drops cool and tease.

It gently washes away....

The dust of a tiring day.

Blessings fall from the sky

...Tears of joy the angels cry...

Oh such sweet delight

...A lullaby for the night.

Music to my ear

...As Father God stands near.

Washing the remnant of Summer away

....And ushers in a blessed Fall day.

Don't Hold Back by Susan Shull

As a teacher of junior high kids, I am surrounded each day by young people searching for their place in the world. They are so full of potential and talent and I feel that part of my job is to encourage each of them to develop the gifts God has given them. Much of that comes from being willing to try new things. Sadly, some of them are already beaten down by past failures and the negativity of others, and they are scared to death to do something out of their comfort zones. Of course, then there is the thing dreaded by all 13-14 year olds-doing anything that might label them as “different.” At this age, the tendency is to be one of the flock- blending in, not standing out.

Wait a minute……that sounds amazingly like most adults I know, including me! However, if I don’t think it is the way for kids to behave, what about the grownups? God has graciously given each of us talents and gifts to use in His kingdom for His glory. Since I want to live a life that is pleasing to Him, why wouldn’t I use what He has given me?

I grew up playing the piano in church. I’m so appreciative that the great people who attend the Hidalgo Independent Christian Church were patient when they sang “Wonderful Words of Life” and “There Will be Showers of Blessings” over and over on Sunday night because those were among the only songs I was comfortable playing!

The piano has been a great source of pleasure and comfort to me over the years, so when I was asked again if I would join the Praise Band, this time I said yes. Believe me, it is a little scary to stand on the stage and play in front of all those people, and it is intimidating to be offering my praise to a Holy God with others watching. But, I have decided it isn’t about me and I’m going to do it even if I do have butterflies in my stomach and slightly shaky knees the whole time!

Can you imagine the blessings that would flow if each of us would step out of our boxes and live our lives 100% for His glory? God has promised a blessing to those who use their talents-they will receive more. Who wouldn’t want that?

Please join me on this journey. We probably weren’t gifted in TV watching, internet surfing, or criticizing others, (all things I am pretty good at) so let’s start today praying that God will show us the special traits we possess and the ways we can use them for Him.

Worship Spotlight 11 30 09 by Theresa Zuber

During this time of year when gift giving is on everyone's mind, let's take a little time to talk about giving as an act of worship. Typically, when it's time to give our tithes and offerings, we look to it as an act of obedience or perhaps obligation. Recently, I have looked at it as another act of worship.

Matt 2:11 On coming to the house, they (the Magi) saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

We are commanded to give a tithe to the church. Other passages refer to giving offerings over and above the tithe. This act of giving back to God is referred to as a pleasing sacrifice. Heb 13:16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Have YOU thought about giving as an act of worship? Perhaps this Christmas you could send a one time, or monthly donation to the Oblong Christian Children's Home - a local home for foster children that instills Christian values and gives kids the security of home and family. Or perhaps you'd like to support a needy child through Haitian Christian Outreach or Compassion International. The church has connections with several mission groups if you need help finding a legitimate organization.

Want to do something in our own community? Our food pantry touches many lives and we always need donations of food and also workers to help pack and distribute these packages. Perhaps our office staff could connect you with a family that would be blessed by an anonymous gift from a brother or sister in Christ.

Think outside the gift box. Give with a cheerful heart as an act of worshiping our God and Savior. When you worship with all you have-- your voice, your hands, your heart, your time, your commitment, your wallet - God will bless your life in ways you would never expect.

Mal 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

FYI: Have several Worship CD's you'd like to get? Check out http://www.yourmusic.com/ for $6.99 CD's with free shipping.

Before I Sleep by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Before I fall asleep
A moment with God, I keep.
To thank Him for the day
And the blessings along the way.
To tell Him how sorry I am...
When I failed in His plan.
I pray for those who crossed my path
Who shared a tear or made me laugh
I give to Him my dreams and fears....
And trust Him with my hopes and tears.
Before I fall asleep
A moment with God, I keep.

The County Fair by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Growing up...I loved a day at the fair,
Could hardly wait to get there !!
To 13 County Fairs we would go
Competing for prizes in each garden show
Vegetables...a plate of five
...For perfection we would strive.
Big tomatoes, juicy and red...
And cabbage...one perfect head.
Carrots, orange and straight,
For judging results, we could hardly wait.
Onions...red, yellow and white
And the county's largest pumpkin...What a sight !!
Small zucchini...tender and green
Plates filled with every kind of lima and bean.
Vegetables arranged in a basket display
A work of art...when Mom had her way !!
Ribbons awarded in red, white and blue
Grand champion trophies and prizes money too.
Hard work, good friends and competition
The County Fair, filled with anticipation.
When the veggie show was done...
It was time for me to have some fun...
Carnival rides, games and saltwater taffy
Everything to make a child happy
Excitement and noise of a carnival midway
Thrills and rides and games to play
Bells and buzzers, horns and lights
Little ones thrilled with sounds and sights.
Music pouring from a Merry-Go- Round
Laughter filled the skies with happy sound
The smell of cotton candy in the air
What wonderous delights at the County Fair !
Bumper cars and Tilt-O-Whirl
Thrills for each boy and girl.
The Ferris Wheel jolts to a sudden stop
And you find yourself...stuck on top !
Venders selling their wears
Toys, ballons and Teddy bears.
Harness racing...horses strong and fast
Trotting hard so they won't be last.
Wooly sheep, continually bleeting,
Clean, fat pigs ...curled up sleeping
Holstien cows mooing low,
All cleaned up for tomorrow's show
Families enjoying the day together
Making memories to last forever.
Thanking God, when day was done
For blessings, joys and simple fun.

WINTER by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Winter...a moment frozen in time,
To reflect upon this life of mine.
Giving thanks for colorful ways,
The Lord has blessed my earthly days.
...While snowflakes drift without sound,
Onto frozen, sleeping ground...
Reviewing mistakes I've made,
And sometimes the price I paid.
The painful lessons I've learned,
From hard knocks I've often earned.
...Hands encircling coffee hot,
...To gently warm that chilly spot...
With the sound of passing snow plow
My thoughts returning to here and now.
Thankful for blessings of today
...In each unique and special way.
Having food to eat and share
With family and friends who love and care.
Safe inside all warm and snug
Wrapped in a Heavenly, peaceful hug.
Watching little ones laugh and play,
...The highlight of each and every day.
...The fireplace crackles with dancing glow,
...Thoughts drift to a future I do not know.
Looking onward to the years
of distant joy and laughter...and tears...
Will I find hardships...or blessings galore ??
As I journey through tomorrow's door ??
Rocking in my "prayer chair"
Snowflakes dancing without a care.
What does God have planned for me ?
...In far away lands, I not yet see.
He promises...I have nothing to fear,
Whether those lands are far or near.
The Lord was with me yesterday...
He's here with me each step of the way.
When winter days are stark and cold
...I have my Savior's hand to hold.
Yesterday...Today...and Tomorrow too
I trust Him always to guide me through.
A winter's moment...frozen in time....
To reflect upon this life of mine.

The New Year by Donna (Ensign) Woods

New Years Eve with family and friends
...Thanking God for the blessings He sends.

Celebrate the future on that January day,
As 2008 fades away...

Making plans...excitement grows
Hopes and dreams...only tomorrow knows.

Looking back at the year gone by
Memories make us smile...and sometimes cry.

A time for New Year's resolutions
...Trusting God with all solutions...

GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU IN 2009

Sweet Words by Joyce Schafer

I remember an especially unfruitful harvest season. The combine would go all day with only a trip or two to the bins.

We sat our four children down and explained to them that we would need to cut down on expenses.

Later in the day, I was running to town for groceries and asked my husband if he had any cash. The next thing I knew here came my little one with his piggy bank saying, “Here, Mommy, you can have my money for food.” I was truly humbled by his thoughtfulness.


I sat the kids back down and explained even though we could not afford a lot of extra things, they did not need to worry about having a home or food.

It is amazing how God can teach us life lessons. I learned that day that we need to be content with what we have and true blessing can come in the form of a little boy and his piggy bank.

Phillipians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Daydreamer by Tana LeMay

One Christmas years ago, my dad and stepmom gave me a Norman Rockwell figurine. It’s a young woman sitting with her chin resting in her hands, leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. She’s staring dreamily into space. The figurine is called “The Daydreamer”. My parents were quite pleased with themselves for finding something that so aptly described me. At the time, I wasn’t amused.

With the passage of time and the gaining of wisdom, I can appreciate the gift more. For you see, I do like to daydream. To imagine the what ifs of life. What if my husband let me buy the shiny red Jeep Wrangler? What if we lived in a small beach side community? What if I lost those extra pounds? What if……

Daydreaming in moderation is ok, but too much time spent there could lead to discontent; to resenting, instead of enjoying, the blessings we do have. And, we have all been blessed in some way or other. Paul writes to Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1Timothy 6:6) In Philippians 4:11, Paul declares, “for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.”

How do we learn to be content in a world that bombards us with advertising full of young, beautiful actors? I believe the first step is daily prayer and time in God’s word. Take a moment to list what God has done for you. Review it regularly, and add to it as more blessings come your way. The next time you find yourself standing in a line with free time to daydream, count your blessings instead and thank God for each one of them.

Summer Blessings by Susan Shull

There are many things I love about teaching, but one of the best is a 90 day weekend (so named by Marvin Allison!) Here are 10 things I am loving about this summer:

1. Time….to read, think, piddle.

2. Swinging in our porch swing doing my “devotions.” I love having time to leisurely read my Bible, pray, journal, and take notes on whatever Bible help book I am making my way through. I love to take notes-odd, I know!

3. Freezing corn-if you disregard the biting flies and the feeling of having been dunked in a bottle of Elmer’s glue-all that sticky corn sugar, you know. We all gather at mom and dad’s house and spend the day working on it together. I enjoy the conversation, the yummy garden lunch mom always prepares, and the feeling of accomplishment when we are done. It is especially fun for me this year since I have two little granddaughters who are huge corn fans and who will be excited when I serve it to them this winter!

4. Speaking of granddaughters, we have had so much fun together seeing High School Musical at the Muny, the Cardinals, and just hanging out together. They are such a joy!

5. Sunday night-I love Sunday nights in the summer knowing that I don’t have to rush off on Monday morning unless I want to.

6. Nature-I love the smell of the corn as it is pollinating, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the haze surrounding us in the early morning.

7. The food….ah, the food! If there is anything better than fresh green beans, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, even zucchini, I don’t know what it is. I feel so sorry for people who only eat food from a can or package.

8. Fabric-I get giggly inside when I have the chance to sit at my sewing machine and work with fabric.

9. Project Runway- I love this show. It is filled with drama and people who like to sew. I’m almost embarrassed to admit how much I enjoy this program-one of the few I watch on a regular basis.

10. Having Brock home for the summer-I feel so fortunate that he has an internship in Effingham. Since he will be a college senior this year, I know our nest is truly emptying and I will miss having him home for college breaks. He is delightful to be around.

I encourage you to take some time out of your busy schedule and make your own list of summer blessings. God is so good and I am thankful.

I Didn't Thank Him by Donna Ensign Woods

The alarm sounded and I quickly started my day,
I only took a moment to half-heartedly pray.

I didn't thank Him for my physical health,
Or for my job, that gives me comfortable wealth.

I sang no song of worship and praise.
I just walked through the day, in my own selfish ways.

I didn't thank Him for my children today,
And for the wonderous joy they bring my way.

I barely noticed the blue Summer sky,
Or the magnificent wings of a butterfly.

I didn't thank Him for my nice, safe home,
Or for the beautiful sunshine that brightly shone.

No heart-felt words for family and friends,
Or gratitude for the blessings He sends.

I didn't thank Him for the gift of sight...
Or for standing guard over me as I slept last night.

I ate my breakfast and headed for the door
...mumbling, "Why couldn't I work less, and have more ??"

...........On my way to work, I saw a cross on a steeple....
And was reminded of the price, paid for God's people.

He took the punishment, for my failure and sin
...He died for me !!!...and I didn't thank Him !!!!!