Inspired to write...

Many years ago, my husband and I traveled to Estes Park, CO for a Christian music conference. It was a delightful time away from home, but we missed our kids. While we were there, we attended a songwriter's showcase, with one of our favorite Christian artists, Chris Rice. (If you don't know his songs, please listen to "Lemonade" and "Smell the Color 9.") We were inspired to write song lyrics. I'm not a writer, but I was inspired then.

I am a word-lover. I love word games. I am a good speller. I love grammar. I was not an English major in college, but sometimes I wish I could have been! In high school and college, my friends always asked me how to spell everything. If you wanted the thesaurus, you asked another friend. 😁

Anyway... When we left the showcase, there was a huge torrential downpour of rain. It was a real "gully-washer." That rain was coming down quickly! It was one of those times when the sky just opened up and beat down rain. I mean, a bigtime downpour! What struck me about that time was watching the rain rinse and clean everything. There was no more dirt on the blacktop roads. There was no more dirt on the sidewalks, it was all washed away by this rain! The leaves on the trees were clean. Of course, our shoes got clean too! Thankfully we had an umbrella and made it back to our room safely.

There are not many things that I remember about our time in Estes Park. I remember hummingbirds at a feeder there, fighting for the food in the feeder. I remember seeing Chris Rice perform in concert. I remember hearing and meeting Sarah Kelly, a singer-songwriter. And I remember the rainstorm. This all happened about 14 years ago, so it must have been quite the rainstorm, am I right?

There have been many times that I have thought about that song, and what I wrote. If I really dig, I'm sure I can find the lyrics somewhere. I know it was about the cleansing rain. Just seeing the rain clean the ground, reminded me of God, and how he cleans our hearts. If we open our heart to Him, He will come in and cleanse us. He can take away the dirt, grime, and darkness of our sin in our hearts and lives. He can renew us, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And only God in heaven, through Jesus His Son, can remove the old and make us new. (Read verses below. If you are interested in learning more about this, I am happy to talk to you. Please contact me!)

The problem with the cleansing rain idea was that Michael W. Smith's song "Healing Rain" had just come out. I knew I couldn't compete with the likes of Michael W. Smith with a similar song called "Cleansing Rain." But I still remember the idea and the time when I was inspired to write a Christian song.


What about you? Have you ever been inspired to write a song? I've written other poems, some of which you can find on my blog under the tab to the right called "Poems and Quotes."


Psalm 51:2
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:7
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Work while you work...

I heard this quote from a speaker at MOPS a few years ago, and I love it to remind my kids about doing their work doing school time. It may be a good one for you to print out too!

Work while you work, 

Play while you play;

This is the way

To be happy each day.

All that you do,

Do with all your might;

Things done by halves

Are never done right.

Reminds me of this verse:

Colossians 3:22-24

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.


Psalm 90:17
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

Thankful poem

Thankful poem
These are a few of the many things I am thankful for this year...

photo by Rebekah N

God blesses and He gives
All things so we can live
Family, friends, fun and laughter
Homes, food, time together

Sunshine, bees and flowers
Singing birds fill the hours
Long, sunny summer days (&)
Cozy, snuggling winter phase

Books, football, music too
Baseball, school and movies
A free country to worship God
Soldiers, flags and patriots

Dishes, jewelry, crafts and fun
Raking leaves, running in the sun
Rainy days, playing games
Animals, walks, new babes

Phone calls from sweet friends
His great blessings never end
He cares for our every need
When we give hearts He leads

Beauty is in and all around (us)
Beauty from God abounds
Jesus died for all you see,
Jesus died for you and me.

-An original poem by Jill N.,  11/24/13
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I do not consider myself a writer, but I hope you enjoyed my little poem!


Ephesians 1:3

[ Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ ] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Isaiah 40:11

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.

Mark 15:39

And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Faith is what if...

Do you enjoy reading good writing which makes you think? This is from an email that I received several years ago that I have kept to read over again. I hope you will enjoy these questions and think about them.

image found here

FAITH IS WHAT IF...

  What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?

    What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

    What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

    What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?

    What if, God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?

    What if, God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger? <==(think about this one...)

    What if, God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?

   What if, the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?

    What if, God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

    What if, God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?

    What if, God answered our prayers  the way we answer His call to service?

    What if, God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

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Makes you think, doesn't it? Are you listening and following HIM today? Have you thanked HIM today?

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

John 3:16
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.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Poem: "Graduation Day"

Do you have a graduate this year? I have a few more years to wait until my own child graduates, but I have several friends with children graduating this year. Enjoy this poem!

Graduation Day

Me at my college graduation- 1997

Graduation Day is the climax of a dream.
A parental dream that began when a child is born,
And their hope come true it would seem,
A triumph held after periods of forlorn,
A feeling of pride and euphoria years away
For a daughter or son - Graduation Day.

It is a peak of success for the graduate,
Not only for the graduate but parents too.
A joyful event after many years they had to wait,
Realizing the glorious thrill of a dream come true,
A genuine smile accompanied by a deep sigh,
Often a handkerchief in hand as the class goes by.

Graduation is a deserving, hard earned goal
With mortarboard and gown as foretold,
A gratifying service of the mind and soul
In a simple and beautiful sheepskin told
That the graduate fulfilled the educational rule.
At last, for the mother and father, a dream come true.
Graduation Day!

-Joseph T. Renaldi


1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Poem: "Give this Child"

Do you have a child and sometimes wonder what he/ she needs?
I found this poem and I liked it...

GIVE THIS CHILD WHAT SHE NEEDS

Give this child what she needs
Love
Give this child what she needs
Shelter
Give this child what she needs
Prayers
Give this child what she needs
Some food and water
Give this child what she needs
Good parents
Give this child what she needs
Good manners
Give this child what she needs
A smoke free home
Give this child what she needs
Peace and happiness
Give this child what she needs
To know God
Give this child what she needs
Your guidance
Give this child what she needs
Clothes
Give this child what she needs
Your support
Give this child what she needs
Some family time
Give this child what she needs
A nice bath every day
Give this child what she needs
Some discipline
Give this child what she needs
A warm bed to sleep on 

-Aldo Kraas

I find this to be true-- that a child really does need all those things-- clothes, a bath, bed, a smoke-free home, but also love, discipline, support, family time, helping them know God and more. I hope I am giving my children these things with the help of God!

Psalm 113:9
He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.


Psalm 127:3-4
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.


Proverbs 13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Poem: Middle Schooler

Poem: Middle Schooler

Do you have a middle schooler? I have one who has nearly completed middle school and a son who will begin in a year. My nephew will begin middle school this year too. EEK! I found this poem in my files and decided to share... maybe you can relate as a parent, relative, teacher, youth group leader, or just a friend...

Image found here.

What is a middle schooler?
I was asked one day.
I knew what he was,
But what should I say?

He is noise and confusion.
He is silence that is deep.
He is sunshine and laughter,
Or a cloud that will weep.

He is swift as an arrow.
He is a waster of time. 
He wants to be rich, 
But cannot save a dime.

He is rude and nasty.
He is polite as can be.
He wants parental guidance,
But fights to be free.

He is aggressive and bossy.
He is timid and shy.
He knows all the answers,
But still asks why.

He is awkward and clumsy.
He is graceful and poised.
He is ever changing,
But do not be annoyed.

What is a middle schooler?
I was asked one day.
He is the future unfolding,
So do not stand in his way.

Source: The Essential Middle School 


1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

1 Peter 5:5

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

HKAATA5S75QP

Quote I like...

A few years ago, we had a speaker at MOPS who shared this quote about mothering...

"You reap what you sow.

You reap later than you sow.

You reap more than you sow."

Good idea to keep in mind in this planting season and when working with children... be careful what you "plant" in their lives!

Jeremiah 12:13
They will sow wheat but reap thorns; they will wear themselves out but gain nothing. They will bear the shame of their harvest because of the Lord’s fierce anger.”


John 4:36-37
Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.

Mom Quotes

Here are some things that I say in our house, that may not be said in other homes...

1. Did you check the chickens today?

2. It's school time, do your work!

3. Please obey right away, with a smile.

4. Do what's right, with all your might.

5. Be kind all the time, even when it's hard.

6. How long did you play football outside? (FOUR hours one time!)

7. Put your shoes IN the basket!

8. Show Daddy your lapbook...

9. Mallory, the neighbor's sheep are calling you...

10. Yes, I'll get your blanket and baby Elmo so you can sleep with them.

Some of these are things said to encourage godly behavior (see #3, 4, 5), while others are said to encourage cleanliness, good sleep (#10), and chores getting done (#1). But they are all honestly things that I say or have said in our home! I love our busy homeschool, chicken farming, somewhat rural, Christian life with kids!

Writer's Prompt #4: Write a list of 10 things you have said to your kids that other moms might not say.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”