Martha Choose What's Best

Martha hurried and scurried
About all the details she worried.
The meal must be perfect she thought
While Mary listened as Jesus taught.

Martha asked Jesus a question.
“Can you give Mary a suggestion.
Please tell her to help me with the guests.
I’ve worked until I’m feeling stressed.”

“Martha, Martha, don’t worry and fret
Or live a life filled with regret.
Mary has chosen the better part
To listen and give me her heart.”

He wanted Martha to learn
Her heart for God must yearn.
She should be still and wait
And on His word meditate.

I can Worship

I can Worship

I will sing and pray
Worship God today
He made the earth and sky
And the beautiful butterfly.

With His mighty power
He made the rain showers
The booming of thunder
Fills my heart with wonder.

I thank Him for food to eat,
Fruit, vegetables and meat.
Thank Him for our family
Mom, Dad, sister, brother and me.

Remember how Jesus died
On the cross He was crucified.
His body represented by the bread
Fruit of the vine reminds me that He bled.

We give money with a cheerful heart
To help others by doing our part.
We send people to foreign lands
To tell of God’s wonderful plans.

I love to read the B-i-b-l-e
It tells that Jesus loves me.
I will learn to trust and obey
Walk with Him every day.


(Trying to come up with a worship poem for
children's Bible class)

A Look Back

Take a look at your life. What were you like
as a teenager and what are you like now? How
has God worked in your life? Isn't it amazing
that He can take our weaknesses and use them
for His glory.

Are you doing things in your life now that
you never expected to?

I was an "extremely shy" teenager. I blushed
when someone even looked at me. I hated standing
in front of people at school and giving book
reports or even answering questions from teachers.

But God gave me some amazing friends and new
opportunities for growth. Those friends encouraged
me to be a cub scout den mother, a missionary in
Zambia, a teacher at the prison, and a writer
of poetry. (ok, I'll never be an Emily Dickinson
or other famous poet)

Now look back over your own life and share your
experiences. Where has God brought you from.

Now, am I an extravert now? NO!!! But He has
helped me grow a lot. What an awesome God we
serve!!

Sharing More Prayer Experiences

Many of you may already know about this answered
prayer, but thought I'd share. Also, have a couple
of others to share with you. Feel free to share
yours and we can encourage one another.

Before going to Africa I was petrified. The thought
of moving so far from family and friends and going
to a place I didn't know anyone was frightening.
Each evening at supper I would feel so sick from
worry that I couldn't eat. That's very unusual
for me.

I told Fred, my husband, that I just didn't think
I could go. He told me that was ok, but he felt
that it was what God wanted him to do. So I prayed.
It was kind of a Gideon throwing out the fleece.
God, if this is what you want, then help me get
over this feeling of fear. I think we were actually
on our way to Zambia when I realized God had answered
my prayer. It's amazing. I think I had one episode of
feeling lonely after arriving. God's answers can be
so powerful.

I would not trade my experience of living in Zambia
for anything. The people were amazing and taught me
so much about love, faith and hospitality. I went
to teach them, but I think I received even more
than I gave.Yes, I missed my family, but people
there became my family. I wish I could see them
again.

I'll share some more answered prayers later. Please
share yours. We can strengthen each other.

Looking Back on God's Answers

Can't go to sleep tonight so I was thinking back
about God's answers to prayers about my own job
hunting experience.

When we returned from Africa it was difficult for
Fred and I to find jobs. I hadn't had a phone in
my house to answer for 5 years. I felt like a
stranger here.

My first job was a job during the holidays at an
Anthony's Department store. Fred and I both got a
job there thanks to a member at Westwood. I felt so
helpless and foolish. My next job was a temporary
job for the post office. It was at night. It was
hard going to work when my family was getting ready
to go to bed.

Then God blessed me with a job at Landmark books
with Norma. What a wonderful sister-in-Christ and
great friend.

Then God blessed me with a job at Alva Roofing where
I now work. Another blessing working with more
Christians and working part-time.

Isn't it amazing the way God works things out! It's
not always all at once. Look back in your own life.
How has God worked? I'd really like to hear your
stories.

In the Old Testament they passed down the stories
about God's mighty deeds. They had different ways to
remember what He did. Don't we also need to keep
remembering our past and where God has brought us.
I know I do. Sometimes I forget. I get scared and
wonder how He's going to work out problems in my life
or in my loved one's life. I need to constantly look
back at God's mighty deeds in my own life. This is
just one small look at how God worked in my life.
I wanted to share it so you'd look back, too. Let's
remind one another over and over of how God works in
our lives.

And God, Thank you!!!!

Where Do I Run

Where do I run when I can’t see;
When the darkness surrounds me
When I’m alone and afraid
Who will come to my aid?

No one cares what I’m go through
They all have problems, too.
Who can I run to, who will care?
I need an answer to my prayer.


I’ve cried out to every friend,
Now I’m at my wit’s end.
No one has time to hear.
They all just disappear.

Then I hear a quiet voice,
“Be still, make me your choice.”
He brings peace to my heart
And He’ll never depart.

“Child, my heart is aching
When I see yours breaking.
I’ve been here waiting
Standing and anticipating”

“Waiting to feel you in my arms,
to keep you safe from all harms.
I love you, but don't you know
that I’m not your foe?”

“When you’re weary or sad
Feeling hurt or just mad;
Come to me and share.
I’ll lift you from despair.”

Whenever I go away or roam
He begs me “ come back home.”
Where do I run when I can’t see?
I run to my Father who loves me.

Joyful Celebration

God, you are my inspiration,
My rock, my solid foundation.
Your word is my meditation
So I’ll overcome temptation.

I find beauty in your creation.
It brings joy and elation.
Your works evoke adoration,
jubilation and fascination.

My heart answered your invitation
To change my eternal destination.
Jesus died so I could have salvation.
Every day is filled with celebration.

Because He Loves Us

Because He loves us
God put in motion a plan.
He wanted to save
Every woman and man.

Because He loves us
He sacrificed His Son;
His beloved one and only.
A victory over sin was won.

Because He loves us
He longs to hear our voice.
We can pour out our hearts;
Spend time with Him and rejoice.

Because He loves us
He bestows mercy o’er and o’er.
What an amazing Father,
One I love and adore.

Because He loves us
He will wait and wait.
He’ll be filled with joy
To see us at Heaven’s gate.

A Long, Long Journey

I’m on a long, long journey
traveling down a dusty road;
at times I get so weary
carrying this heavy load.

Then I see a man ahead,
reaching out a nail scarred hand.
He tells me of His love for me
and speaks of a heavenly land.

He touches my shoulder,
then I am filled with peace.
He assures me one day
my cares and sorrows will cease.

He’s the precious Lamb of God
whose blood cleansed and set me free.
Never will I be all alone,
together we’ll always be.

The road seems shorter now.
My journey soon will end.
Waiting for me with open arms
will be my Savior and my friend.

Running

Running from you LORD,
Oh please help me.
Running back to you Jesus,
your blood will set me free.

I can’t fix myself,
Can’t do it on my own.
I need your love and grace.
Only you can atone.

Why do I seek help
From any other place;
I’ll run back to you
and seek your face.

Where else can I go,
There’s no where else to run.
No one else loves me like you
I’ll run back to the Son.

No Other One

Lord, be with me through the valleys
Walk beside me hand in hand
Carry me through the desert
Don’t let me sink in drifting sand

When tears flow like a river
Please wipe them from my face
I need your gentle touch
The feel of your warm embrace

When life seems to keep
Dealing blow after blow
You are my strength
The one who saves from any foe

You lead me directly through
The battles, not around
I look forward to the day
When I will be heavenward bound

No other friend is there to comfort
Through the darkest night
Or lift me from deep despair
To the most victorious height

What words can I possibly use
To thank you, my God and King
I’ll lay my life at your feet
And forever to your Word I’ll cling

No other Master is worthy
Of my devotion and praise
You alone will I worship
Today, tomorrow and always!

He Rescued Me

Floundering in a sea of darkness,
Water slowly rising up to my chin,
Grasping for a life preserver.
Will I reach the shore again?

Tears rolled down my cheeks.
I reached for a helping hand.
I needed someone to save me
From the sinking sand.

A light pierced the darkness,
Hope poured into my soul,
Love snatched me from harm’s way.
I felt peaceful and whole.

Almighty God heard my cry.
He sent His Son to rescue me.
Oh what a glorious Savior
Finally, I am free.

Freed from guilt and shame,
By this amazing gift of grace.
Freed from the shackles of sin
To win this marathon race.

Victory is Mine

Father, I have a race to win,
A battle to fight against sin.
I need the strength you provide.
A Savior who will protect and guide.

LORD, my victory’s guaranteed,
From sin I have been freed.
You have restored and made me whole,
Oh Redeemer of my soul.

I won’t take my eyes off you
Or quite the race until I’m through.
At your banquet table I’ll dine.
The crown of life will then be mine.

Reach Out a Hand

Reach out a hand to someone today
notice their tears;
hear their cry;
feel their pain.

Take them to your Heavenly Father
kneel before Him;
plead for them;
lay them at His feet.

Would I Still Praise You

What if one I loved died
Or I had a serious disease;
Would I still praise you LORD
Would I still feel blessed?

What if I lost my job
Or had trial upon trial;
Would I still praise you,
Recognize you at work.

Would I see your faithfulness
Through my life’s valleys
Or only on the mountain top
Would I praise you God.

Show me your handprint
Each day that I live;
Your footprints in the sand
As you carry me to the shore.

I will praise you each day
For every blessing and trial;
For your mercy and love
Will bring me home at last.

Treasured Tuesdays

I am trying to get back into the habit of walking.
What a marvelous day to go out. The ornamental pear
trees are gorgeous. Flowers are blooming. Trees are
turning green.

I caught myself wanting to just do a short walk and
then I thought I need to do extra. So I did. I went
over into another neighborhood and walked a few
extra blocks.

I thought about how often do I just do what's expected.
I don't go "the extra mile", whether it's walking or
doing things for others. Anyone else out there who
needs to work harder on going "the extra mile"? I need
God to help me get over my selfishness and think of
others.

I know God has blessed me with at least one more day
to help someone. I could have died in our accident
about 12 days ago, but God has something more for me
to do. How about you? Maybe we can encourage one
another to do more than just what's expected. I want
to be more than just a lukewarm christian.

You Are My Treasure

God you never slumber.
Your blessings are without number.
God Almighty, God Most High,
You listen for my cry.

Father, I give you control
Over my heart and soul.
With you I’ll walk hand in hand
and with your aid I will stand.

Each breath could be my last,
but my soul won’t be downcast.
My Father’s love is beyond measure.
A home with Him will be my treasure.

I Want to Do It Myself

Esther Sue and Mama Judee had a great time at the park.
Esther likes to do everything herself nowadays. She wanted
to scale a wall to get up to the slide instead of just
taking the steps. So Mama Judee had to be right there with
hands stretched out to give her a push if she needed it.

Then coming home from the park about two blocks from the
house Esther decided she wanted to push the stroller. Mama
Judee became exhausted just watching her and trying to keep
her on the sidewalk.

If Mama Judee tried to help by pushing on the stroller Esther
was quick to say, "No, I want to do it myself". Then Mama
Judee grabbed the stroller and pushed it over the curb. That
was a definite no no to Miss Esther. She cried "I want to do
it." She tried pulling the stroller back up the curb and fell
down. Mama Judee picked her up and she was ready then to be
carried to Mama Judee's house.

Aren't we like Esther? We want the control in our lives. We
are stubborn and want to do it ourselves. When we've exhausted
our own strength and fallen we finally think to ask God for
help. Like Mama Judee He's standing right there waiting for us
to ask for His help.

God Will Take Care of You

Do not be afraid
God will come to your aid.
He is your creator.
There is none greater.

His love for you is strong.
He’s been with you all along.
He will not leave or forsake
and cares about each heartache.

He tells us not to fear
when our future’s unclear.
Put your hand in His hand,
Trust in what He’s planned.

What If

What if I thought about each action I took
And lived by the Bible God’s good Book.
What if the idols in my life I’d forsake?
What change in my life would it make?

What if I started out each day singing His praise
And continued doing this all of my days.
What if I declared God as my Master and King
Would it help others make Him their everything.

Could I help others see God, the great I am,
Open their yes to see Jesus, the perfect lamb?
God, I bow before you with this fervent plea,
Help me be more fully devoted to thee.

Instead of the world, I’ll depend on you,
Meditating on your Word will restore and renew.
I’ll think of Jesus who died to set us all free,
Then my life will no longer be all about me.