The fixed facades, the masks in place
Yet troubled eyes shine through,
The restlessness, the hopelessness,
The shadowed eyes construe.
The masks perform their empty tasks,
For life, it just goes on,
A seeming carousel they ride,
The same from dusk to dawn.
Enduring life, hour by hour,
Repeating one more day,
What was done the day before
Done once again today.
No purpose in the plodding,
They live, so they exist,
No joy performing all the chores
That daily make their list.
They own so much they must maintain
And still the need for more,
To prove they are successful
With jobs that are a bore.
The masks in place, few people see
The emptiness inside,
Few people know they yearn for more
Or hear the moans they sighed.
Pretending happiness and joy
They hide the inner pain,
Frustrating tears we'll never see,
Convinced their life's in vain.
But there is hope and they must hear
There's purpose for each one,
Designed by God with gifts and tasks...
A race that must be run.
The fake fore'er forgotten,
The masks removed at last,
Perceiving purposes and plans...
Abundant life forecast.
This life a preparation,
Eternity's ahead,
A future of no pain or tears
But joy and peace instead.
For hope lies buried 'neath the soil
Of anxious, fearful hearts,
For we are certain our God reigns
And peace He thus imparts.
With every dawn there is fresh hope
That nurtures life anew,
A new beginning for the masks
If we tell them of You.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Seasons Of The Soul
The soul too has its seasons
But we don't realize
That just as winter follows fall,
The lows must follow highs.
We cannot live on mountain peaks
Or we would not relate
To those whose hearts are crying out
With burdens that are great.
It's through the desert seasons
We've found that God is real,
It's in the wastelands of our lives
Where we have learned to kneel.
For when we reach our limit
And find we can't depend
On anyone or anything
We finally comprehend...
Our props have been our idols,
We've given them first place,
It's then we recognize our need
And finally seek His face.
It's in the desert season
We truly see our need,
For only He can send the rain
That nurtures heaven's seed.
With springtime comes the flower,
The blooming of the soul,
For living waters He pours forth
So we in turn console.
The soul must have its seasons
For growth, for His embrace,
The green upon the mountain height
Is just a resting place.
But we don't realize
That just as winter follows fall,
The lows must follow highs.
We cannot live on mountain peaks
Or we would not relate
To those whose hearts are crying out
With burdens that are great.
It's through the desert seasons
We've found that God is real,
It's in the wastelands of our lives
Where we have learned to kneel.
For when we reach our limit
And find we can't depend
On anyone or anything
We finally comprehend...
Our props have been our idols,
We've given them first place,
It's then we recognize our need
And finally seek His face.
It's in the desert season
We truly see our need,
For only He can send the rain
That nurtures heaven's seed.
With springtime comes the flower,
The blooming of the soul,
For living waters He pours forth
So we in turn console.
The soul must have its seasons
For growth, for His embrace,
The green upon the mountain height
Is just a resting place.
Hold Me Near
God of comfort hold me near,
gently wipe away sorrow's tear.
Strengthen me through this trial.
Walk with me each and every mile.
When Satan tries to discourage me;
LORD, hear my fervent plea.
Answer me quickly when I call
ere I stumble and fall.
Be with me through darkest night.
Renew my hope with morning light.
Sustain me with your peace
until this life and sorrows cease.
Restore the happiness I once knew
as I continually praise you.
Then forever to be with thee
from earthly cares I will be free.
Judy Wood
gently wipe away sorrow's tear.
Strengthen me through this trial.
Walk with me each and every mile.
When Satan tries to discourage me;
LORD, hear my fervent plea.
Answer me quickly when I call
ere I stumble and fall.
Be with me through darkest night.
Renew my hope with morning light.
Sustain me with your peace
until this life and sorrows cease.
Restore the happiness I once knew
as I continually praise you.
Then forever to be with thee
from earthly cares I will be free.
Judy Wood
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Satan's Greatest Weapon
The overwhelming sadness,
The tears that blind the eyes,
The weariness though unexplained,
The barely hidden sighs.
The heaviness of heart and soul
That bends one to one's knees,
The tears that come at any whim
That no one ever sees.
The need for isolation,
To fight this all alone,
Forsaking friends and family
When faith cannot be shown.
The stresses mount with increased pain,
There's trouble on all sides,
But all alone you wage this war
And dry the tears you hide.
Your work no longer interests you,
It's hard to concentrate,
The things that once brought you such joy
No longer contemplate.
The clouds that hover overhead
Can blind the mind as well,
And blocks the beauty of each day,
On negatives you dwell.
Wake up, my soul, you're in a war,
This battle you must win.
The enemy's deceiving you,
Don't take it "on the chin".
These are his greatest weapons
To conquer Christian hearts,
The helplessness, anxieties,
His often favorite darts.
To make us ineffective,
No longer filled with joy,
We've given him his greatest gift
When faith he can destroy.
Wake up, my soul, and listen
For these are just his traps,
You need not fight this on your own,
God's weapons we unwrap.
It is a battle of the mind
And you must take control,
For attitude's a choice, you see,
If you would be made whole.
Some "garment" you must wear each day,
Your choice, it's up to you,
Will praise or pity be your thought,
On what will your mind chew?
To worship or to worry,
Where will your focus be?
Remember God is still in charge,
So blinded eyes can see.
You are a gift God wants to use,
Effective you must be,
Remember all He's promised you
And Satan's traps you'll flee.
"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace (be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-8 (Amplified Bible)
"And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts--deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds--(in that peaceful state) to which (as members of Christ's) one body you were also called (to live). And be thankful--appreciative, giving praise to God always." Colossians 3:15 (Amplified Bible)
The tears that blind the eyes,
The weariness though unexplained,
The barely hidden sighs.
The heaviness of heart and soul
That bends one to one's knees,
The tears that come at any whim
That no one ever sees.
The need for isolation,
To fight this all alone,
Forsaking friends and family
When faith cannot be shown.
The stresses mount with increased pain,
There's trouble on all sides,
But all alone you wage this war
And dry the tears you hide.
Your work no longer interests you,
It's hard to concentrate,
The things that once brought you such joy
No longer contemplate.
The clouds that hover overhead
Can blind the mind as well,
And blocks the beauty of each day,
On negatives you dwell.
Wake up, my soul, you're in a war,
This battle you must win.
The enemy's deceiving you,
Don't take it "on the chin".
These are his greatest weapons
To conquer Christian hearts,
The helplessness, anxieties,
His often favorite darts.
To make us ineffective,
No longer filled with joy,
We've given him his greatest gift
When faith he can destroy.
Wake up, my soul, and listen
For these are just his traps,
You need not fight this on your own,
God's weapons we unwrap.
It is a battle of the mind
And you must take control,
For attitude's a choice, you see,
If you would be made whole.
Some "garment" you must wear each day,
Your choice, it's up to you,
Will praise or pity be your thought,
On what will your mind chew?
To worship or to worry,
Where will your focus be?
Remember God is still in charge,
So blinded eyes can see.
You are a gift God wants to use,
Effective you must be,
Remember all He's promised you
And Satan's traps you'll flee.
"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace (be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-8 (Amplified Bible)
"And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts--deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds--(in that peaceful state) to which (as members of Christ's) one body you were also called (to live). And be thankful--appreciative, giving praise to God always." Colossians 3:15 (Amplified Bible)
Friday, August 13, 2010
He Gives Sweet Peace
I need your peace to soothe my soul
And make me whole.
Please be my guide,
With me abide.
Come walk with me down lovely trails
Where calm prevails.
Sun rise greets me.
Birds sing to thee.
Sense of tranquility you send
by whispered wind.
My cares did cease,
Sweet Prince of Peace.
Judy Wood
And make me whole.
Please be my guide,
With me abide.
Come walk with me down lovely trails
Where calm prevails.
Sun rise greets me.
Birds sing to thee.
Sense of tranquility you send
by whispered wind.
My cares did cease,
Sweet Prince of Peace.
Judy Wood
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Small Price Of Pain
We are not called to happiness,
We're called to live for Him,
And sometimes it's through thorny ways
We're asked to walk with Him.
Our actions speak far louder
When problems we endure,
His peace and presence are enough,
In trials we're secure.
For in our weakest moments
When we have lost control,
It's evident His strength is there
To lift and to console.
Our suffering may be the key
To bring someone to Him,
The price is small to gain it all,
I choose to live for Him.
If my pain helps another,
I will not, Lord, complain,
For You have given me a joy
This world cannot explain.
We're called to live for Him,
And sometimes it's through thorny ways
We're asked to walk with Him.
Our actions speak far louder
When problems we endure,
His peace and presence are enough,
In trials we're secure.
For in our weakest moments
When we have lost control,
It's evident His strength is there
To lift and to console.
Our suffering may be the key
To bring someone to Him,
The price is small to gain it all,
I choose to live for Him.
If my pain helps another,
I will not, Lord, complain,
For You have given me a joy
This world cannot explain.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
God Alone Makes My Heart Sing
When gray skies obscure my view
No human touch will do.
Sorrow so deep I cannot speak
God alone is the one I seek.
When teardrops roll down my face
I feel His warm embrace.
As He holds me near
Satan's whispers disappear.
He gently wipes away my tears,
Releases me from haunting fears.
Joy comes on silent wing
And God alone makes my heart sing.
Judy Wood
No human touch will do.
Sorrow so deep I cannot speak
God alone is the one I seek.
When teardrops roll down my face
I feel His warm embrace.
As He holds me near
Satan's whispers disappear.
He gently wipes away my tears,
Releases me from haunting fears.
Joy comes on silent wing
And God alone makes my heart sing.
Judy Wood
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Vine
He is the Vine, He holds me fast,
He nourishes and grows,
And as the branch I draw from Him
The strength that ever flows.
He is my sole provider,
My anchor, my life-line,
And all I need to flourish
Is found within the Vine.
The Vine's responsible, you see,
For life, for growth, for fruit,
For all provisions for the branch
Are found within this root.
And I am grafted in this Vine
By His sweet invitation,
And when the union is complete
The fruit is His creation.
The branch does nothing on its own,
It only must abide,
To put down stakes, remain in Him
And He is satisfied.
He takes responsibility,
There's blossoming, then fruit,
We've tapped into His faithfulness
And nothing can uproot.
John 15:1-11
He nourishes and grows,
And as the branch I draw from Him
The strength that ever flows.
He is my sole provider,
My anchor, my life-line,
And all I need to flourish
Is found within the Vine.
The Vine's responsible, you see,
For life, for growth, for fruit,
For all provisions for the branch
Are found within this root.
And I am grafted in this Vine
By His sweet invitation,
And when the union is complete
The fruit is His creation.
The branch does nothing on its own,
It only must abide,
To put down stakes, remain in Him
And He is satisfied.
He takes responsibility,
There's blossoming, then fruit,
We've tapped into His faithfulness
And nothing can uproot.
John 15:1-11
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Gilded Prayers
How precious are the prayers lifted.
Tis not the eloquence of words,
But how from loving hearts we’re gifted
With gilded prayers the Father heard.
TSV
Revelation 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Tis not the eloquence of words,
But how from loving hearts we’re gifted
With gilded prayers the Father heard.
TSV
Revelation 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Poem: Giving Tithes to God
Revelations of the heart
regarding how one's money is spent
echoes volumes about character
and our God-given talents.
For Jehovah is far from being poor;
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
He's not into ungodly extortion
to keep you from paying your bills.
By serving two masters,
one will be dearly loved - the other sorely hated;
so one can never be truly happy
until settling the God and Mammon debate.
The wealth of God lies in His Word.
His principle of tithing is a mechanism
to pour out financial blessings upon us.
Therefore, purge your mindset of secularism.
Jehovah desires our faithfulness
to fulfill our ministry to the Earth.
We won't be judged on our daily income -
Know that money can never define... Our true worth.
-----------------
Author Notes:
FYI - Mammon is the church term for the "God of money".
regarding how one's money is spent
echoes volumes about character
and our God-given talents.
For Jehovah is far from being poor;
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
He's not into ungodly extortion
to keep you from paying your bills.
By serving two masters,
one will be dearly loved - the other sorely hated;
so one can never be truly happy
until settling the God and Mammon debate.
The wealth of God lies in His Word.
His principle of tithing is a mechanism
to pour out financial blessings upon us.
Therefore, purge your mindset of secularism.
Jehovah desires our faithfulness
to fulfill our ministry to the Earth.
We won't be judged on our daily income -
Know that money can never define... Our true worth.
-----------------
Author Notes:
FYI - Mammon is the church term for the "God of money".
Poem: Giving Tithes to God
Revelations of the heart
regarding how one's money is spent
echoes volumes about character
and our God-given talents.
For Jehovah is far from being poor;
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
He's not into ungodly extortion
to keep you from paying your bills.
By serving two masters,
one will be dearly loved - the other sorely hated;
so one can never be truly happy
until settling the God and Mammon debate.
The wealth of God lies in His Word.
His principle of tithing is a mechanism
to pour out financial blessings upon us.
Therefore, purge your mindset of secularism.
Jehovah desires our faithfulness
to fulfill our ministry to the Earth.
We won't be judged on our daily income -
Know that money can never define... Our true worth.
-----------------
Author Notes:
FYI - Mammon is the church term for the "God of money".
regarding how one's money is spent
echoes volumes about character
and our God-given talents.
For Jehovah is far from being poor;
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
He's not into ungodly extortion
to keep you from paying your bills.
By serving two masters,
one will be dearly loved - the other sorely hated;
so one can never be truly happy
until settling the God and Mammon debate.
The wealth of God lies in His Word.
His principle of tithing is a mechanism
to pour out financial blessings upon us.
Therefore, purge your mindset of secularism.
Jehovah desires our faithfulness
to fulfill our ministry to the Earth.
We won't be judged on our daily income -
Know that money can never define... Our true worth.
-----------------
Author Notes:
FYI - Mammon is the church term for the "God of money".
Poem: Moments of Clarity
Oh, how I desire more
of Your Light's essence,
to clearly penetrate
the core of my being.
How much can I endure
without Your Presence?
Though I may be frustrated,
it's You Lord, I'm believing.
It's been said before,
in Your Word's eloquence -
"nothing new" has been stated
and it agrees with what I'm seeing.
Moments of clarity, at the door
of Your Kingdom's brilliance,
are revelations of my faith's fate,
found under Your grace and loving... kindness.
of Your Light's essence,
to clearly penetrate
the core of my being.
How much can I endure
without Your Presence?
Though I may be frustrated,
it's You Lord, I'm believing.
It's been said before,
in Your Word's eloquence -
"nothing new" has been stated
and it agrees with what I'm seeing.
Moments of clarity, at the door
of Your Kingdom's brilliance,
are revelations of my faith's fate,
found under Your grace and loving... kindness.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Though I Don't Understand
Your methods I don't understand,
Your ways are hard to see,
And yet You hold the universe,
I know You're holding me.
It is not mine to question
The methods that You use,
But it appears the way You work
Is not what I would choose.
My healing seems uncertain,
The pain becomes so real,
I do not wish to stumble, Lord,
Or others' faith to steal.
Yet I know that You are working,
Your Word You do not change,
So I in faith will walk each day
This pathway that is strange.
You are the great Creator,
All power's in Your hand,
If this will bring the greater good
Then, Lord, I'll understand.
I give You, Lord, my body,
The pain, the doubts, the fears,
For You have shown me You are love
And I've no cause for tears.
Your ways are hard to see,
And yet You hold the universe,
I know You're holding me.
It is not mine to question
The methods that You use,
But it appears the way You work
Is not what I would choose.
My healing seems uncertain,
The pain becomes so real,
I do not wish to stumble, Lord,
Or others' faith to steal.
Yet I know that You are working,
Your Word You do not change,
So I in faith will walk each day
This pathway that is strange.
You are the great Creator,
All power's in Your hand,
If this will bring the greater good
Then, Lord, I'll understand.
I give You, Lord, my body,
The pain, the doubts, the fears,
For You have shown me You are love
And I've no cause for tears.
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