All Earth Praises Him

The trees in autumn splendor sing
a song of praise to Christ our King.
They praise Him with their colors fair
and His mighty power declare.

Thunder and rain join them in song.
Their happy voices ring out strong.
The stars light up with grateful praise
and fragrant flowers share their bouquets.

Listen now every girl and boy.
Can you hear their songs filled with joy?
All animals exalt Him, too.
Earth thanks Him for the morning dew.

Now all you people jump right in;
little children, women and men.
Thank Christ who saved us from our sin.
Praise your God again and again!

Day Dawns Full of Grace

Day dawns bringing much needed grace
to strengthen me to win the race.
Lord, only by your power and might
will I stand up again and fight.
Hope you give gets me through the night.

Faith is tested through each trial,
but you will help me walk each mile.
Your hand brushes away each tear,
I know that you are always near
to help me overcome each fear.

God's Fingerprints

He paints a sunny golden ray
and gives each day its special worth.
His masterpiece is on display.
God’s fingerprints are seen on earth.

His brilliant colors which reveal
the story of each season’s birth
make us before our Father kneel.
God’s fingerprints are seen on earth.

Abundant blessings He bestows.
His smiles of children bring us mirth
and after the storm His rainbows.
God’s fingerprints are seen on earth.

Lessons From a Walk in the Dark

This morning I went for a walk while
it was still dark. I don’t like walking in the
dark, it’s rather scary. I wonder what might
be around the next bend in the road or
behind a bush, but I decided to go anyway.
God certainly teaches us lessons in the
daily activities of our lives. I wanted to share
those with you.

Walking in the dark reminds me of
walking by faith because I can’t see what’s
coming up, but I just have to trust that God’s
with me. Then when I’m walking all of a
sudden there’s a streetlight shining and
lighting up my path. In the dark moments
in my life God shines through. He’s that
Light that I need.

This morning I also took a small
light with me that’s attached to my key.
Once in a while I would turn that on and
it reminded me of Psalm 119 – Thy Word
is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my
path. I can carry God’s light with me by
storing His Word in my heart and it can
guide my life.

Also, this morning I took a different
path. In life there are times when there’s
a twist or turn in my life. It’s scary when
you don’t go the usual path. During t hose
times I can depend on God to lead me.

I hope this gives you something to
reflect on and remember when you have
those challenging moments in life. Keep
walking by sight and God will lead you.

Thumped by God

Alright! Have you ever felt it? That thumping
on the top of your head. Maybe some of you are
old enough that you dad used to thump you when
you did something you shouldn't. Kind of brings
you back to reality.

So have you ever been thumped by God. Yea! You
know what I mean. You have those moments when
you say, "I quit. I can't do this. It's too
hard." You get thumped. That little reminder.
God's telling you ok. You have a way to get
more power and strength. Listen up. Talk to me.
Pray. I'll be right there.

It seems I've had that thumping several times
lately. Only takes me a minute to realize God
will help me out. I know with my strength I
can't do it. But you know my Father is sooooo
powerful and mighty. He can do it and He will.
I'm gonna start talking to Him more. How about
you?

Eyes on the Goal

You must keep your eyes on the goal.
Never look back!
Look at your life, give God control
and keep on track.

Don’t be discouraged, don’t be blue.
Lift up your eyes,
With all your heart, your God pursue.
Don’t lose the prize!

When you feel you’re losing the race,
Think of God’s love.
Then you must pick back up the pace.
Praise God above!

You must keep your eyes on the goal.
Never look back!

Growing Closer to the Father

I'm very excited. It looks as if we will have
a ladies class on prayer starting in December.
I have had many studies on prayer during my
life, but I always am ready for another.

I remember on the movie "Facing the Giants"
that the coach, Grant Taylor, wanted to finish
the season of football well. I think he also
meant he wanted to finish his life with God well,
his race. I also want to finish well. I want to
grow closer to my Father.

I am starting my study on prayer early. Our sermon
lesson this morning made me realize. One thing I
need to do more of is pray for forgiveness. This is
something I'm going to work on.

Also, contentment with the way God answers my prayers.
I think of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego. "Even if
God doesn't rescue us" we will not bow down to any
other god. We will remain faithful to our God. What
about those moments in our lives when God doesn't
answer our prayers the way we want, what then? Do we
choose to continue following Him and putting our
trust in Him. Just some things to think about.

Creation Sings to Me

Tall green pines whisper God is here,
there's nothing more for you to fear.

Chorus: All creation praises God above
as they sing His song of love.

The ocean depths reflect His grace,
in them I see my Savior's face.

Chorus: All creation praises God above
as they sing His song of love.

Oh twinkling stars, please speak to me,
tell of the one who set me free.

Chorus: All creation praises God above
as they sing His song of love.

Heaven's Gate

Oh heaven’s gate I stand outside,
please hear my plea and open wide
that I my Savior’s face might see,
the one who died on Calvary.

Let me walk down the streets of gold
and listen as the story’s told
of my sweet Lord who left His throne
to die and for my sins atone.

As I behold the crystal sea
as it flows clear and by the tree
of life, Lord let me live with thee
and love thee throughout eternity.

Keep Your Eyes on the Goal

Keep your eyes on the goal,
Let God be in control.
At times it’s a slow pace,
But you can’t lose this race.

Let God direct and guide.
He will be on your side.
So you’ll stay right on track,
Don’t you ever look back.

To win the precious crown,
Throw off what weighs you down.
Keep your eyes on the goal,
Let God be in control.

Where Do I Turn?

Where do I turn when my heart aches
or when I’m overwhelmed with care?
Can I handle it all myself
or will someone my burdens share?

As I cry out during the night,
who listens to my urgent plea?
Why do I forget my Father
is always waiting to help me?

There is sorrow within my heart
that only God can understand.
He will comfort my weary soul
as we walk through life hand in hand.

Going Hme

When we were at Omaha with Franklin,
Tracy and their family we went out several
times driving to see the sights. Every time
we were barely gone from the house when
Garrison, who’s almost 3, started saying,
“When are we going home?” Home means a
lot to Garrison. I started reflecting on what
home means to me. I love going to visit my
family, friends, and new places, but I’m
always ready to go home.

For Christians this life on earth is temporary.
It’s just our temporary home. Heaven, that’s
really our home! When we think about God
and Jesus being in Heaven, do we ever think,
“When am I going home?” Isn’t that the place
we want all of our family and friends to be, too.
One place where we can all be together with
our Heavenly Father and our Savior. No place
can be better than that.

Sweet Time of Prayer

Sweet Time of Prayer
When sorrows come,
where must I run?
Sweet time of prayer,
you call me there.

When at His throne
I’m not alone.
He hears my plea
and comforts me.

When faith is weak,
it’s Him I seek.
Though fear assails,
my God prevails.

He Counts the Stars

My Father paints with lovely hues
of pink and blues
across the skies,
a golden prize.

His nature scenes are so sublime
that even time
and winds that blew
won’t change the view.

He counts the stars at end of day
and makes them play
a lover’s tune
neath smiling moon.

You Ran With Me

You Ran With Me



The race of life you ran with me.

You kept your steps in tune.

If e’er I stumbled you were there

To help me reach the goal.



Your love gave me courage,

when any trial came my way.

I knew you’d cheer me on.

A loyal friend you’ve been.



You’ve been my constant helper

A shining star to light my path.

We’ll cross the finish line because

The race of life you ran with me.

Tangerine Sky

His message in the sky said, “I love you”.
A tender written love note for my eyes
He painted with tangerine and yellow hue.
A splendid sunrise of divine surprise.
His presence made known in the sparkling dew
and the bounty of blessings He supplies.
My Savior died for me, He took the nails.
His fragrant off’ring showed how love prevails.

Forgiveness is the Key

To be forgiven, you must forgive.
Christ shows us, this is how we must live.
There will be bumps on the road of life,
when relationships are filled with strife.

Maybe someone has offended you.
They may not even have a clue.
Do you become bitter and hold a grudge
or the intentions of their heart judge?

Forgiveness in relationships the key
to restore peace which sets you free.
Free from a bitter and weary heart,
grace to another soul to impart.

Christ is our example to follow.
In self-pity don't ever wallow.
Pass on the precious gift of grace
as forgiveness and love you embrace.

New Life

Lacey blossoms of pure snow white
bring abundant joy and delight.
In this white against leaves of green,
God's handwork is clearly seen.

Season of Spring, a refreshing time,
when my spirits begin to soar and climb.
God shows me His amazing love
by the beauty around me and above.

I love the bright, bold colors of Spring.
My heart wants to praise God and sing.
I'm thankful for this season of year.
It helps make His message crystal clear.

Jesus died, then He arose from the tomb.
Flowers remind me of this when they bloom.
I have new life because of God's Son.
The victory over sin has been won.

Thank Him Today

What do you think of the weather today?
Do you grumble and complain?
If the day is hot and sunny
do you say, "Why doesn't it rain?"

If you're eating cornbread and beans,
do you whine, "I wish I had steak."
Are you being so ungrateful your
thoughtless words make God's heart break?

Don't dare be a grumbler today!
Lift up your eyes and look around.
Do you see what God has done for you?
Look how your life with blessings abound.

Get on your knees right this minute.
Name all the gifts He's given you.
Tell Him thank you for every one,
even the rising sun and the morning dew.

Praise Him for the gift of abundant life,
for the sacrifice of His Son, His one and only,
for the people He's surrounded you with.
With God by your side you'll never be lonely.

Now you're finally getting the true picture.
Watch for those blessings every day.
You'll see how rich your life really is.
Praise and thank Him by the words you say.

Valleys and Mountaintops

My LORD and Savior is with me
each and every day.
Through all of life's seasons,
He hears me when I pray.

He's with me in the valley of weeping
when I'm in the depths of despair.
He's with me on the mountaintop of joy.
I can always see His tender care.

He knows just how to comfort me
through times of sorrow and grief,
bringing peace to my heavy heart,
granting me gracious relief.

During difficult times He never leaves.
He will always be right by my side
loving me and holding me close.
With Him I always will reside.

A Longing for Home

Thinking of home makes
my heart beat joyously.
The very word on my lips
tastes deliciously sweet.

A picture is created
of a magnificent place
where love and devotion
are evident on each face.

There's a longing in my heart
to return to that special abode
where cares and troubles
shared make an easier load.

We all love our families
and our home here on earth,
but what about heaven
with its joy and mirth.

Heaven is on my mind now,
I'll see my Savior before long.
He'll welcome me home saying,
"This is where you belong".

Waiting

Waiting is never easy for us. Remember when
you were a kid waiting for Christmas. That
time between Thanksgiving and Christmas
seems to go soooo slow. It's hard waiting
for that special gift, but remember how
wonderful it was when you finally did
receive it.

We wait all our lives for good gifts:
birthdays, graduations, that special person
to marry, our children to be born, a house
to buy, grandchildren. Wait, wait, wait,
but oh what blessings come when we wait.

God has many gifts for us, but sometimes He
asks us to wait. When you finally receive
that special gift, how very sweet it is.

Giver of All Good Gifts

I enjoy giving those I love a treat of
some kind or taking them special places.
I want them to know how very much they
mean to me.

God enjoys giving me special blessings
because He loves me and because He can.
He showered my life with: loving parents,
a faithful husband, 3 fantastic children,
2 amazing daughter-in-laws, 5 darling
grandchildren, special friends everywhere
we have lived, a precious church family,
and my treasured work family.

God loves to bless my life, to give me
those sweet and precious gifts that make
each day memorable. He doesn't have to,
but He wants to.

My life consists of many special people
and memories that I cherish. Every
person God has placed in my life has
left an imprint on my heart.

I don't deserve all these marvelous gifts
from His hand, but I'm so thankful He has
given them to me and it thrills Him to
give me what He knows I need. How about
you? What's He given you? Take joy in
His amazing gifts today!!!

Open the Door of Your Heart

God sees you, His child, as you stand far away.
He cries as He knows you have wandered astray.
Where is His sweet and precious little lamb,
Wonders the marvelous awesome I Am?

For you He continues to shed many a tear,
Wanting to hold you close and draw you near.
Gone are the days when you called on His name.
Whatever happened and who is to blame.

He sheds blessings on you every day.
Remember how your debt He did pay.
He loves you beyond all measure.
Why won’t you make Him your treasure?

He gently whispers in your ear o’er and o’er.
You turn your back on the one you should adore.
Don’t you realize how much He loves you?
Won’t you come back to Him and your love renew?

He’s still standing there knocking at the door.
He wants you to live with Him forevermore.
Open the door of your heart while you still can.
You’ll see for your life He has a wonderful plan.

Who's Following You?

What kind of example will you be?
Someone is watching, what will they see?
They see what you do and hear what you say.
Where will you lead them on the pathway today?

Is it your children who see every step you take;
or maybe it's the friends in life that you make.
Do they hear you talk of Jesus, God's son,
but in your actions you mistreat everyone?

What kind of example do you want to be?
Someone is watching you, what will they see?
Show by example from God never to roam.
Lead and welcome them to a heavenly home.

Silver Thread of Love

Love binds us together like a silver thread,
Weaving a message by thoughtful words now said.
It gives off a golden luminescent light,
Joyously transcending us to a new height.

Love is more valuable than any gem on earth.
Who can measure the abundance of its worth.
Its fragrance more potent than any flower,
Transforming our very lives by its power.

Love, like a key opens treasures of the heart,
Freeing the soul to share as it imparts
Kindly actions to its cherished ones so dear;
Whispering the words a loved one wants to hear.

Tell Them, Don't Wait!

Tell them how you love them before
It is too late.
Do it right this very minute,
Don’t you dare wait!

Tell when they were little and sick
You held them tight.
You rocked and sang sweet songs to them,
Couldn’t sleep that night.

Tell them about their first day of school,
The tears you shed.
How that night when you tucked them in,
You kissed their head.

Tell them of all the times you prayed
Down on your knees,
When they were out with friends.
“Keep them safe, please!”

Tell them when they married you were
Proud as could be.
Then how a precious grandchild filled
Your heart with glee.

Tell how each achievement is
Stored in your heart,
Of the deep sadness which you feel
When you’re apart.

Go ahead, tell them you love them,
Before it’s too late.
Do it right this very minute,
Don’t you dare wait!

Nuggets of Blessings

I will carry my treasures
with me into the new year.
The ones God blessed me with
I will always hold these near.

My treasure chest isn't filled with gold
but with memories, some long ago.
Faces line the treasure chest:
family and friends, but no foe.

The heartaches of this year I'll forget
as I bid them all adieu,
but the treasure of your sweet smile
will be kept forever in my view.