Category Archives: Inspiration

Mercy~Five Minute Friday

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“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

Mercy

I remember standing in front of a classroom of rowdy Second Graders and thinking it. Or whispering it under my breath as a toddler lay screaming and kicking at my feet. More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve shouted it from behind the wheel of my car. And now, in the midst of a pandemic, with storms raging, and people choosing sides, the words have flowed from my heart and across my lips again: “Lord, have mercy!” Have you been there?

“Lord, have mercy”:  Three words that slip easily from the tongue without much thought. The reality though, is that they are life-changing words we need to say with intention, not in our frustration when we’re at the end of our rope with others, but when we find we’re finally at the end of ourselves.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but when I look around, I’m reminded of what the world has to offer: a pandemic of sin, storms of discontent raging, and brothers and sisters standing divided rather than together. The world needs saving. WE need saving!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Are you at the end of doing it on your own? Have you said the words? If you haven’t, now’s the time. Whether you think them, whisper them, or shout them, let “Lord, have mercy” flow from your heart to God and step out of this world and into His living hope.

If like me, you’ve accepted the mercy of Jesus’ sacrifice, then let’s challenge one another to share the love we’ve received with those around us, on our social media feeds, and with those who are watching from afar. Like Paul, we were shown mercy so we can offer His mercy to others.

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

Life changing words. World changing words. Eternity changing words.

Lord, Have Mercy!

 

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Mercy” and I’m joining with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to share our thoughts about just that. Click over to read more. Thank you for taking your time to stop in. Your presence is a gift to me. Do you have thoughts about Mercy? I’d love to hear them. Just drop them in the comments. God Bless!

 

The Light Makes it Right ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, ‘I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.’ ” John 8:12 (CEV)

The Light Makes it Right

WARNING: Whining in the forecast. You may want to take cover……

See the picture above? Well, that sunless, gray, gloomy, threatening a downpour kinda sky, accurately represents just how I’ve been feeling lately. Things seem to be going every which way but right. Cut into a seedless watermelon to find it full of seeds: clouds of dissatisfaction move in. Gifts ordered and promised to be delivered by a special date end up being delayed: clouds grow grayer with frustration. Plans hoped for, aren’t going to work out: the sky is obscured with disappointment. And now, heartbreak and tragedy have happened too close to home: the gloom of discouragement hangs oppressively in the air. There’s a storm brewing in my heart and a deluge of tears has been looming. Life feels dark.

From trivial inconveniences to life changing events, I have let the dreariness around me be all that I see. Let’s look at the photo again. Notice what I’ve been missing?

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

Yes, the Light in the midst of the storm is exactly what I’ve been missing! While I’ve been looking around and focusing only on the “overcast” circumstances surrounding me, I’ve forgotten to look up and see the Son shining through.

“I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.”
John 12:46 (CEV)

Jesus didn’t come so that we’d have sunny days all our lives. He came to help us through all the unexpected storms we’d face.  I think we know more about that now, than ever before. How easily I forget in times like these, that I don’t have to remain standing alone in the darkness of my moods and feelings. Maybe you’ve been standing there, too.

“The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-9 (CEV)

In writing this, I now realize that I got my title all wrong. Instead of “The Light Makes It Right”, it should be, “The Light Makes ME Right”! Our life situations aren’t necessarily going to change: the clouds will roll in, skies will get gray, and rains will pour down, but when we rely on God’s power to weather our storms and the Light of Jesus to show us the way when we’re in the dark, WE will be what is changed.  And that change? It will then be a light in us, shining The Way for others.

I sure am glad most of you haven’t had to be around me in my whiny state these last few days! Is it ever time for a change in my “weather outlook”!  What a “God-incidence” that I took this picture a few evenings ago, the prompt this week at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  is “Right”, and that He would give me these words just when I needed them! I love when He does that!  I’d love for you to share in the comments how you handle the dark, gloomy times in your life. For me, I’m going to begin focusing on that Light of the world that cannot be overcome! God Bless You and thank you for stopping in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respect ~ Five Minute Friday

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” Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:15 (TLB)

Respect

Respond with kindness  (*Ephesians 4:32)

Embrace the differences  (*Colossians 3:11)  

Serve with a willing heart  (*Romans 12:9-11)

Pursue righteousness over being right (*Proverbs 21:21)

Earnestly care for people, nature, and yourself (*Titus 2:7)

Choose integrity even when it isn’t easy (*Galatians 6:9)

Treat others better than they expect you to (*Philippians 2:3)

* “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.” Ephesians 4:32 (TLB)

* “In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all.” Colossians 3:11 (TLB)

* “Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:9-11 (TLB)

* “The man who tries to be good, loving, and kind finds life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 (TLB)

* “And here you yourself must be an example to them of good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect your love of the truth and the fact that you are in dead earnest about it.” Titus 2:7 (TLB)

* “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.” Galatians 6:9 (TLB)

* “Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.” Philippians 2:3 (TLB)

As I thought about the prompt today, I realized I could never write words better than The Word itself can; so let me leave you today with this:

“It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power. You are free from the law, but that doesn’t mean you are free to do wrong. Live as those who are free to do only God’s will at all times. Show respect for everyone. Love Christians everywhere. Fear God and honor the government.” 1 Peter 2:15-17 (TLB)

On this last Friday of July I’m joining once again with others over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt “Respect”. Click over to read more! I am grateful for your presence here. Know that it means so much to me! God Bless You! 

 

Share Four Somethings ~ July 2020

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Has anyone seen July? I mean where did it go? Time these days seems stuck and fleeting all at the same time! Well, one good thing about being at month’s end is that means it’s time for “Share Four Somethings” at  http://www.heathergerwing.com  Here are mine:

Something Loved

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

We are now able to count down in days until baby Sutton makes his appearance. I’m so thankful I was able to go be with my daughter and family this month. There were several jobs on my to-do list, including to help in getting our little one’s bedroom ready. Being able to have a hand in preparations means the world to me and I loved feeling useful and needed while I was there.  We accomplished many things and I think they are now in pretty good shape for becoming a family of five. My sleeping accommodations were a little different on this visit. Two little munchkins requested that “MiMi” camp out in the their room each night and so of course, I did. Loved that, too!

Something Read

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

In the midst of all this social distancing, I’ve been invited to several virtual parties and who doesn’t like to party? So of course I joined in and had fun seeing new and different things for sale.  One of the purchases I made was this devotional, “100 Days of Joy and Strength” by Candace Cameron Bure.  Originally, I thought I might give it as a gift; but after looking through it, I decided to keep it for myself.  Am I ever glad I did!  Reading the short daily entries is both encouraging and challenging. Included each day are also an accompanying Scripture verse, room to jot down your own thoughts, and a prayer.  I’m enjoying it so much that I think I will buy a few more to actually give as gifts this time!

Something Treasured

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

A God wink and timing are everything! Let me take you back to my visit to my daughter’s this month. When we set the dates for it, I had no idea that my daughter’s sweet friends were planning a surprise baby shower for her at that very same time.  When they found out I was going to be there, they didn’t hesitate to include me in on the surprise.  While it was stressful to try and get her there without giving it away, I will always treasure the memories of being able to be there and experience the surprise standing by her side! The shower began with a prayer that was so precious we all had tears running down our cheeks. Those tears didn’t last too long because the “Taco ‘Bout A Baby” evening included a taco bar, beautifully decorated fiesta cookies, a delicious piñata cake, lovely gifts, and lots and lots of laughter. I’m so grateful July included this surprise for my daughter… and me!

Something Ahead

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

I don’t know about you but planning ahead seems impossible right now. Last month I talked about my blank calendar page and nothing has really changed since then. But, even though I’m not stepping out the door to do something, I am stepping out of my comfort zone. Before the day’s end I will have sent the first children’s story I’ve written to be critiqued by someone I don’t know….a professional!!!  As I look ahead to the next few weeks of waiting for the results, I feel a mixture of excitement and dread. I’m not sure how I should prepare to receive remarks that may be hard to read, except to remember they are remarks that will help me make this little, baby stage story grow into a better one.

From a baby’s room to a baby shower to a baby story: July has been a month about birth, I guess. And, just like any birth, it’s been hard, exhilarating, exhausting, joyful, and a little scary.  That’s life isn’t it? How about your July? What things will you remember from this past month? I’d love to know.  Just leave them in the comments if you’re willing.  As always, I so appreciate you stopping in to read the ramblings of my scattered mind.  (I’m afraid this pandemic has only made it more scattered, too.) I hope this finds you happy and well. May God bless your August!

It’s About the People ~ Five Minute Friday

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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)

It’s About the People

A week ago today I was sitting on the beach, under my umbrella, watching my young grandsons play in the surf. For over twenty years we’ve journeyed to the same peaceful shore each summer. We weren’t sure we’d get to go in 2020, being what it is, but we were blessed to make it down.  As you might guess, it wasn’t the same as years past, with masks, distancing, disinfecting and the like; but we still had a wonderful time.

“Come follow me”, Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17 (NIV)

While there, I had a small revelation. My daughter was worried that she wouldn’t get to have her favorite seafood dishes from the restaurants we usually visit. Once there, she quickly went online to see who was offering carry out while adamantly stating that you can’t go to the beach without having fresh fish and shrimp! The boys on the other hand could care less about eating fish, they were all about catching fish. Some people focus on collecting shells; others, getting a tan. But I realized while sitting under the above mentioned umbrella, that for me, my yearly pilgrimage to the beach has always been about the people!

For many years we traveled caravan style from West Virginia to North Carolina with 12 or more of our closest friends. The ocean is my happy place! I do love seafood and finding shells, but it has been the time spent talking about nothing and also having deep, meaningful conversations that were highlights of my trip.  I looked forward to laughter at the game table, songs sung together, and posing for way too many photos with one another.  Friendships were bonded when we’ve grieved with the ones grieving and were anxious with the ones anxiously awaiting news.  And now, sharing this place with my grandchildren is  such a gift! Yes, for me at the beach, it’s about the people and each time we pack up and pull away, I say goodbye to the ocean but carry lifelong memories home with me in my heart.

I’ve pondered this idea (as you know I do) and it’s occurred to me that not just my vacation but my everyday life should be about the people, too and of course, there’s no better example of living for people than the one Jesus sets for us!

“During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.’ ” Mark 8:1-3 (NIV)

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34 (NIV)

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept.” John 11:33-35 (NIV)

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ ” Luke 18:16 (NIV)

In these snapshots of His life, we see Jesus engaged in interactions similar to those I experience  during my beach vacations: food, deep conversations, grieving with friends, and time spent with children. Jesus was a people person. But what I’m beginning to understand is that for Jesus, it wasn’t about life long memories, but rather, about life eternal.  Each encounter Jesus had, ultimately pointed others to God. For Him, it was, and is, always about people’s salvation. And the truth is, whether standing on the shore of the ocean or in the grocery line at the store, that’s how we should always be about people, too.

“Then He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;”  Mark 16:15-16a (GNT) 

Writing this post to the  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com prompt “People”. Click over to read more. As always I appreciate you taking your time to read my wandering thoughts and my pondering. What do you look most forward to on vacation? Let me know in the comments!

 

How? ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Jesus said, ‘You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.’ ” John 9:3-5 (MSG)

How?

How’s it possible to love
When there’s so much hate?
How can one voice be heard
Above all the angry debate?

How can healing begin
After so much pain?
How will understanding ever come
When it’s all so hard to explain?

How might common sense
Replace all the fake news?
How can believing the best
Not the worst, be what we choose?

How can one person
Make a difference today?
How, is the question,
The only answer is to pray!

How can this world
Find a way that is new?
How? By seeking God first, then
Letting His light come shining through.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.” Matthew 5:14 (MSG)

Adding my poem to the other selections at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where we’ve written to the prompt “How”. I don’t know about you but there seem to be so many unanswered questions in the world today. God used this prompt to remind me that “I” don’t have to have the answers because HE IS the Answer! My prayer is that we cling to Him and together shine His Light everywhere we go! Thank you so much for stopping in.  I pray you find a little encouragement when you do.  You are truly a blessing to me! 

 

In The Bag

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“I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NLT)

In The Bag

Many years ago, I found myself with a group of fifth graders and their teachers at Environmental Camp. It was something this “stay inside, comfort zone loving, faint-hearted” girl was not at all prepared for and much to my dismay, my fun-loving, push-the-limit supervisors were very much aware of it! Even so, challenges were met, tasks accomplished, and conditions endured that I never thought possible. But, the real test came with the arrival of a canvas bag!

Being placed in the front row, should have alerted me that something was amiss. While the students listened attentively to the presenter standing in front me, I scarcely heard a word.  Instead, my eyes were fixed on the large, squirming canvas bag that lay at his feet. The longer I sat and stared, the faster my heart beat, the more difficult it felt to catch my breath, and as the guest began to untie the rope that held the twitching bag closed, I wanted nothing more than to escape; but there I was, face to face with fear!

As you might have guessed by now, the Herpetologist had pulled an enormous Boa Constrictor from the sack. As he spoke about the winding creature he held; he moved so that he strategically stood where the reptile and I were literally cheek to scaly cheek. My stomach in knots, beads of sweat on my forehead, and screams building in my throat, I sat frozen in my chair. Hearing snickers from the back of the room and feeling all eyes on me, I was determined not to give those who plotted this plan, the satisfaction of seeing fear get the best of me!

Truth be told, this wasn’t the first time I’d been consumed by fear, and sadly, it wasn’t the last, either. Fear has camped out with me for as long as I can remember. It’s difficult to think about the many times being afraid has kept me frozen not just in my chair, but in life. Maybe you can relate. How many times have we let fear wrap around and hold us back from meeting new people, responding to a need, experiencing adventure, following our dreams, and so much more? And now? We find ourselves sitting face to face with a time when every newscast, case update, restriction, symptom, and distanced day leaves us open to fear slithering in, making our new found, smaller lives feel even more constricted.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like dwelling in small, tight places, however, when we’re in fear’s grip, it can feel as if there’s no room for anything else. And guess what?  Feeling confined and believing there’s no way out is all part of the serpent’s plan! BUT…here’s what I’m learning: Fear can’t trap us because we have an Escape, One who is with us always, and wants the best for you and me!

“When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.” Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV) 

When we fix our eyes on God and lay our fears at His feet, He not only frees us from their grasp, but He also brings us into a “spacious place”. A place where our hearts beat to the rhythm of His peace, we can breathe deeply in His Spirit, and where with his help, we can finally put our fears back “in the bag” where they belong! 

I was honored to write this post as part of a series called “Praying Big Prayers to Our Amazing God” at    http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.org

Each post in the series is based on a prayer prompt from the new book “#Instaprayer” by Kelly O’Dell Stanley. I encourage you to click over for 14 days of insight and encouragement!

I hope you know how much I appreciate you and the fact that you take time from your busy day to stop in here! God Bless Each You!

 

Born Again ~ Five Minute Friday

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“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Sprit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11b (NIV)

Born Again

I cry over many things but a pile of laundry? Yep, this one recently did me in. Tractors, police cars, and Paw Patrol reminded me that those who were wrapped in and tucked in are back home and I’m here, left to neatly fold and put away the precious memories until next time.

Now, I know that home is where they are supposed to be and that I can’t be with them in every part of their lives, but there’s no doubt that they’re woven into every part of mine! With the arrival of each grandson, I was born into a new life too! First, I entered MiMi life and then emerged into MiMi of two life, and soon with the birth of a new little one, I will begin anew as MiMi x 3!

Becoming a grandparent is transforming! Things I once deemed important now hold little value. I’ve developed a new level of commitment as I attempt to keep those mistakes made with my own children from being made with theirs. From the moment I encountered each perfect little person, I was forever changed. And now, a love like I’ve never experienced before fills a hole in my heart that I never even knew I had. It feels as if I’ve been born again!

There are many things in life that like grandparenthood, offer us a new beginning: a move, a job, a relationship, parenthood, even a world-wide pandemic. BUT, there’s none more important and life changing as new life in Christ!

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”
 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NLT)

Becoming part of the family of God offers the greatest transformation! When we encounter Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, we are forever changed: our sins are forgiven, we are empowered with the Holy Spirit, and we receive eternal life! And like my experience with becoming a MiMi, becoming a Christian causes us to look even more deeply at what we’ve made important in our lives and gives us a new desire to reprioritize them and to move forward leaving the mistakes of our past behind. We are, without a doubt, TRULY born again!

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,”
1 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 (NLT)

The MiMi love that fills my heart is overwhelming; but God’s love for us?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

God’s love is overwhelming too, but it’s also overflowing: streaming from the holes in Jesus’s hands to filling every part of us: heart, mind, and soul! Have you accepted the gift of being born again in Jesus? I pray you have! If you haven’t, this is a perfect time to begin anew!

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”  Acts 22:16 (NIV)

 Writing today to the prompt “Born” with the other gifted writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I am grateful for your presence here. I hope this finds you safe and well. I pray that we will all soon be living lives on the other side of the uncertainty of these past months!  God bless!

 

 

I’m Not Normal~Five Minute Friday

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“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:15-16

I’m Not Normal

Left-handed I am,
In a right-handed world.
Straight hair is “it”.
Mine is permanently curled.

Night owl, no doubt
I’m no early bird.
Rule follower, too
Which some find quite absurd.

Those “Goody-Two-Shoes”,
They are just my size.
And for playing it safe?
I’d surely win the prize!

I’ve never felt normal
Somehow always out of place.
“Maybe”, they’ve said,
“You’re from outer space.”

It took many years to
Learn “they’re” not wrong.
I Do have a home in the Heavens
Where I truly belong!

When saved by His grace
We’re not meant to fit in.
Being different from the rest
Shines a light upon Him.

No, I’m not normal
But see things in a new way.
The world may not accept me
And that’s really okay.

So, if you too are feeling
Set apart like me
Rejoice in knowing
It’s how God’s planned it to be!

“Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.” Romans 12:2 (CEV)

Better late than never! I’ve been struggling with the prompt “Normal” this week and this is finally the result. I’m joining the other writers (just a few days late) at  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
I hope you and yours are safe and well. I greatly appreciate you taking your time to stop in. God Bless You! 

 

 

A Mother’s Refrain

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“Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD.” Psalm 127:3 (CEV)

A Mother’s Refrain

There is no song so beautiful
No tune as pure and sweet.
A rhythm written lovingly
Echos her heart beat for beat.

It’s sung when they are tiny
Rewritten as they grow.
The lines are full of hopes and dreams
And love that overflows.

The verse not often spoken
But plays softly in her soul.
Composed of failure and success
A chorus of life made whole.

She lifts her voice in thanksgiving
When she sees all they have done.
And sings of them as always
Though they’re thirty-five and thirty-one.

This melody so enduring
Tells her stories of joy and pain.
Truly the greatest hymn ever written
None other than a Mother’s Refrain.

Offering this poem today as part of http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the prompt is “Refrain”. There are many meanings for the word and I’m sure just as many different writings for you to read if you click on over. Once again, I thank you for being here with me.  I pray you are well and safe. God Bless!