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

ALONE, I FAIL AS A GARDENER, BUT WITH HELP …

De Colores – A Tanka Poem

Life in black and white.

Weeds grow in Eden’s Garden.

Original sin.

God’s compassion . . . Jesus Christ.

Garden blooms, living color!

by Martha L Shaw Copyright July 27, 2012

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Occas

NOT A SECRET ANYMORE!

 

Soul Kisses From My Savior

You introduced me to my heart

The day that I accepted yours.

I know now that true and lasting  joy

Was never before mine

Until that day I looked into your eyes

And found my very soul

Was looking back at me

In the pure love and grace

I saw reflected there.

You touched my hand

And led me to the place

That I’d been seeking all my life

Without ever knowing what I’d missed.

Suddenly, this secret of our love

Is one that I can no longer keep

To myself

And so I freely share it

Every chance I get.

A most amazing consequence

Is now so clear to me.

For every time I blow a kiss

You blow back two of yours!

by Martha L Shaw Copyright 2012, 2919

WE ARE FAMILY!

Scrappy and I had lunch in our screened porch amid birds singing, a gentle breeze, blue skies viewed between leaf filled branches and the wonderful sound I love to hear – the sound of a saw cuttng wood! The sound and smell is life giving to me and perfume to my soul! Daddy was so skilled at EVERYTHING since if he didn’t know, he self-taught and worked with perfection. Sadly the last 15 years of his life were spent sedentary due to Parkinsons. Lord, heal me and or show me the way to shine and to make my parents proud for the 3 of us!  We love you and hunger to serve with the treasure you bestowed!

 

THE CONCERT

I closed my eyes,

listened to the music,

and knew it came from You!

My drab day brightened

as the gray mist washed away

by the waves of color

drifted about my heart and soul.

Anxiety was quickly forgotten.

Hope’s brightness easily replaced it

like a love song . . .

while violyn kissed piano

and my soul drifted joyfully

in a dance that will never end.

By Martha L Shaw – © 2019

 

 

 

LIFE IS ASTONISHING!

I just bought a new devotionals book on praise so perhaps this is why my interpretation of the following quote made me think of my life as a Christian.  It is encouraging regardless of our individual interpretations.  Enjoy!

Instructions for living a life. 
Pay attention. 
Be astonished. 
Tell about it.

– Mary Oliver –

GIFTS

The quitessential artist

sees the sun behind the cloud,

the face beneath the mask

and reveals their splendor

to the world!

By Martha L Shaw ©2018

HUNGRY FOR MORE THAN BREAD?

 

Daily Bread . . .

The Aroma of Distraction

“There’s nothing I can do . . . “

Counting out cups of flour.

“How can I fix this mess I’m in . . . “

Measuring the salt,

Adding sugar.

“I’ve got nothing left . . . “

Sprinkling the yeast.

“It’s hopeless . . . “

Pounding the dough.

“I’m tired of feeling so . . . “

Noticing the scent filling the room.

“When will I ever . . . “

Absently placing the luscious loaves

On the counter.

“Hmmm . . .

Maybe a small slice . . .”

A little bit of butter  . . .

“Here, have one.  I made extra.”

Smiles.

Bread for today

He has plans for tomorrow . . .

“now, where was I?”

Off track

but now thankful!

By Martha L Shaw –©2016

Prayerful Thoughts Over Morning Coffee

WEEKEND EDITION

Acts 2:42

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

French Bread – 2 Pound Loaf

This quick to make, simple loaf is yummy, sure to please, and claims to be healthy.  The recipe has been floating about the internet for so long it is not possible to know where it originated . . . likely somebody’s grandma!

I made it in my bread machine opting for a light crust (color) and choosing the rapid setting.  If your machine doesn’t have a rapid setting, I am told the regular setting works fine.  Realize this will take much longer.  On my machine the regular (basic) setting is 3 hours compared to 1 hour on rapid.  I even sliced it while it was hot, being impatient to taste it!

Being watchful of the order in which your bread machine requires ingredients, here are all you need:

1 1/2 C warm water

4 C bread flour

1 -1/2 TSP Salt

2 -1/2 TSP Yeast

So simple and quick you’ll want to make extra to share!

Psalm 78:25

25 Human beings ate the bread of angels;
    he sent them all the food they could eat.

 

#Martha_L_Shaw – #Prayerful_Thoughts_Over_Morning_Coffee

 

 

TEAM WORK

Sunshine

And shadows . . .

So different,

Yet alike.

They share the same story

From the other side.

 

By Martha L Shaw – © 2014