Redeemed

Sunshine and blue sky

preceding afternoon storms

hope and peace – still mine

By Martha L Shaw – ©  6–2015

Branch Out!

If a tree were to resist

shedding her colorful autumn leaves,

when would come spring?

When would come summer?

If we resist change

we cannot question why

we do not grow.

Do not choose death – choose life!

By Martha L Shaw – ©  2015 Words and Image

Spring’s Thaw

It is cold in my sanctuary this morning

But so vast a choir sings so sweetly

That my heart is warmed

And my spirit renewed.

By Martha L Shaw ©2014

 

FROM CHANGE COME UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS

How blue is the sky

and how bright the sun!

Winter’s warm smile

brings unexpected joy

on this mid-season day!

Tomorrow’s cold air

won’t be so biting

after this early taste of Spring!

I complain?  NOT!

For the four seasons bless me;

each in a new and unique way.

I bask in the opportunities

each one brings!

By Martha L Shaw – © 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warmth In Winter

Though it’s still winter,

with you always in my heart

I celebrate spring!

by Martha L Shaw – Copyright 2016

TEACH US, LORD

You created us as unique creatures with a purpose.  Sadly, instead of giving yoou glory for this and learning from one another, we listen to the evil one and behave wickedly!  Help us to reflect Your love and behave as one mutually supportive body in you as you intended and please forgive us for our failings, In Jesus’ holy name.  Amen

 

UNWRAPPED

Ah,

the lovely Autumn leaves

clothe my tree

in loveliness!

Suddenly,

barren branches for a time.

Sigh . . .

As the dry, now colorless leaves

await raking

and burning

I scratch my head

and wonder why such beauty

contained for a season

in those deciduous leaves

had to fall??

Then,

I am reminded!

Like that tree,

I too have seasons

for which God has a plan!

As the leaves fall,

new ones

will come along in due season

with more strength

and beauty than before!

By Martha L Shaw – ©2018

 

 

ANSWERING AN AGE OLD QUESTION!

Happiness

is not a goal;

it is a by-product.

 

IF HE LEADS YOU TO IT . . .

 

 

HE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH IT!

*

“You can never cross the ocean

until you have the courage

to lose sight of the shore”

― Christopher Columbus

*

 

By Martha L Shaw ©2015

 

 

HE DID NOT CREATE US WITH LABELS

Unlabeled

The happy little dandelion

growing in the field

smiled toward heaven

all the while.

No one ever said

“you’re just a weed”

so he had no doubt

that he was loved.

Perhaps

there is a lesson

here for me?

by Martha L Shaw © 2015

WE ARE BORN WITH OPEN MINDS  AND LOVING HEARTS.

LET’S REMEMBER HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS!