By the Fireside

~Tongue of Steel

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Can’t anyone see the sword that lies
So easily within their grasp?
Don’t they realize just how often,
They unsheathe and quickly clasp?

Can’t they see the blood run down
From the hearts they nimbly shred?
Instead, they sharpen blade and steel,
And plunge again instead.

Can’t they see the falling tears
That run from lid to cheek?
Instead, they wipe their blade again,
Admiring the shape so sleek.

Can’t they see the shoulders bow –
Know the searing they inflict?
Instead, they simply seem to see
Another victorious conflict.

Can’t they see – oh! can’t they see? –
The hidden, ripping pain?
When they unsheathe their tongue – their sword!
And thrust it in again!

They rip and tear, hack and saw
Without a thought or taking heed;
If only, in their bringing down,
They might happily succeed.

Don’t they realize – don’t they see? –
That they have gone too far?
There is a time to use their sword –
But in love, not just to mar!

There is a better purpose for
This intrinsic work of steel.
There are times to cause a wound,
But, oh! so many times to heal!

To help to stitch the heart in shreds
And assist to dry saddened tears;
To strengthen shoulders, easing pain,
And praying during aches and fears.

To use our swords, in love and wisdom,
Daily – can not we strive and pray?
Wounding in love, but healing more,
As we go from day to day.

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of the sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18

To the KING be all the glory!

Save

~James…

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“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-3

~He’s Blessed Me!

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So, the New Year is here… I posted this on FB yesterday and thought I’d post it here as well.

As I reflect on this last year… wow! I am thankful for so much! The LORD has blessed me far beyond what I could deserve! He’s blessed me with my family, allowed me to published a novel and let me experience the joy of seeing others enjoy my work; He blessed me with the Homeschool Convention experience back in June, lead me in paths to meet new friends, even at times when I wasn’t sure I wanted to meet new friends; He’s provided for my needs – ones that I brought to Him and others I didn’t even think to ask for; He has provided for our familiy’s needs in rough times; He blessed me with my stay in the Marr house for the last part of the year, where I learned so much; He’s stretched me in ways I never dreamed possible, grown me in ways I wouldn’t have chosen yet truly needed, shown me just how weak I am and, yet, I am beginning to see His strength. He blessed me by answering my prayers to be home for Christmas and even the guests that I hoped to be there, were able to come. Thank you LORD for your blessings!! Praise the LORD for all these and so much more that I haven’t even mentioned!! Praise the LORD!

Happy New Year!! I pray that 2014 is more productive for the KING’s glory than any year yet! May He guide and direct the steps my steps where He wants me to go!

To the KING be all the glory!

T’was the Twentieth…

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photo

T’was the twentieth day of December
And t’was the night of the Christmas Tea!
The annual gathering of ladies and children –
And this year it included me!

The tables were set with everything
And spread with cranberry cloths.
Teapots resided at perfect intervals,
Between candles fluttering like moths.

Tea, with the option of milk and honey,
Fingers foods and treats galore!
There was plenty for every person present –
Aye, plenty and then some more.

We sang Christmas hymns together,
We talked as we drank our teas.
We attacked the mess like an army –
Or maybe a hive of busy bees.

It was a lovely evening with fellowship,
Food, tea,music, and song.
I’m thankful I got to be a part of it.
I hope the memory stays with me long.

To the KING be all the glory!

~Am I Beautiful?

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– – –

“Every girl asks herself, at one time or another, whether or not she’s beautiful.”

I don’t remember who I heard say that or why they said it, but I do remember my response: “Not me! I don’t ever wonder! I don’t care!”

I wonder how old I was? Fifteen? Sixteen? Maybe. I meant it too. In fact, not only did I mean it, I felt a wee bit proud of it! I didn’t care – and that made me feel a tad superior. That is…

Until the day I happened to look in the mirror and wondered, “Am I beautiful? Does anyone think I’m beautiful? Even if they do, am I truly?”

My ever logical brain quickly responded, “What is beauty? What defines it? Who decides it? And you know, it doesn’t really matter in the course of life. Not really.”

That conversation has been repeated in my head,  too often. Not exact every time, of course. There have been twists.

See, while I’ve rarely had anyone tell me what they thought of my beauty or lack thereof specifically, I have had people refer to my sisters and I as “lovely” or “beautiful” – and sometimes my entire family has been called both.

Sure, I think my sisters are pretty and my little brother is about as cute as they come! Granted, I know I’m biased, but still, I wondered about me. Do they generalize – because I am one of the sisters or part of the family? Does anything think I am pretty alone – or just with the others?

It doesn’t help that I look rather younger than I am. At twenty-three, strangers often think I’m sixteen – sometimes younger. And while that doesn’t offend me in the least – I usually laugh – it added to my mental conversations. Do I just look like a little girl? Or do I actually have some womanly beauty?

Looking at myself in the mirror yesterday, the newest version of this talk echoed through my head – until something struck me. There is one thing that always, always comes up in these wondering thoughts. Two words: I and me.

My focus is on… myself. What I look like. What others think I look like. I’m supposed to “set my eyes on things above”, “seek first the kingdom of God”, and “whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”… My focus should be on the KING and His Kingdom – not me.

Now, I don’t think it’s wrong for a girl or woman to wonder if she’s pretty. I think that it’s probably natural. But, that question should never define me – and I had begun to let it. I had begun to linger on that thought far too often. I should never sit and dwell on it, as if my beauty or lack thereof, changed my worth in the slightest degree.

On my own, I’m still a worthless sinner and in Christ, I’m God’s beloved child, no matter what I look like; ugly, beautiful, or somewhere in-between! May the LORD above help me to keep my focus on Him, to bring Him glory, being happy to leave any questions of my beauty in His hands! After all, He made me as I am. Let me be happy and content!

“Charm is deceitful and beauty if vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 30:30

To the KING be all the glory!