MY HOPE, MY STRENGTH, MY JOY
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HE SENDS ME A RAINBOW
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HE SENDS ME A RAINBOW
TO HELP MY SORROWS MEND,
WHEN MY BODY'S SORELY ACHING
AND MY TROUBLES KNOW NO END
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HE LIFTS ME UP AND CARRIES ME
HIGH ABOVE THE STORM,
THAT THREATENS TO OBSCURE MY PATH
WHEN DOUBTS AND FEARS TAKE FORM.
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HIS MERCIFUL LOVE ENFOLDS ME
AS I FACE THE RAGING TIDE
THAT SEEKS TO OVERTURN THE BOAT
WHEN MIGHTY CRESTS I RIDE.
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HIS GUIDANCE HELPS ME STAY AFLOAT
TILL I REACH THE DISTANT SHORE,
THEN LEADS TO THE SOOTHING REST
BEYOND A FRIENDLY DOOR.
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By Catherine Jannsen Irwin
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We need to be joyful and expectant. Our work, leisure, play, prayer, provides us with unlimited possibilities for satisfaction and joy. Joy is a gift-a grace from God. sometimes it becomes a grace that we need to work on-and very hard. Humility and a positive affirmation, that we are valuable and loved by God are powerful incentives to acquire true joy.
On rare occasion I get depressed as does everyone in this mad world. Depression does
not stay with me. I may feel sorry for myself over something so insignificant that soon after I will say to myself, "Why did that even bother me?" I may ponder the cause, seek a reason, try to change, overcome and become a better person in the eyes of the Lord. Three years ago I became depressed on Christmas day, all because I couldn't be home on that Holiday. I got "teary eyed," but didn't cry. I counted my blessings, that I was where I was being looked after, someone was feeding me and cutting my food because I couldn't, due of a severe injury to the right arm and elbow. I soon got over it. That doesn't mean that I liked my situation any better, but I looked for the JOY OF THE SEASON. Joy is a definite grace and it is also a state of mind that comes with the acknowledgement that God loves us, one and all, even the sinners that repent and seek heaven. Ask the guy on the cross next to Jesus, for Jesus told him that " this day you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 33: 43)
I think that in every Cristian life it is the JOY in and of the Lord that feeds the flock and the flock follows the shepherd. Christ said, "Feed my Sheep." Are we good shepherds, living and teaching the gospels, "The Good News"? Can we always be joyful? No, but we can certanly give the wheel a good spin and pray that the arrow points to "joy,"
faith, hope and charity.
This day has passed quietly. I bought a new, cheap watch for $4.00. It should last for a while. I picked the (almost) last green peppers. There are a couple very small peppers holding on to the last of the summer sun. The peppers are really good in scrambled eggs in the morning. There are two fair sized green tomatoes clinging to the vines, back where I can't reach them. I also got new CD with Andy Griffin singing good, gospel songs...songs that you can actually understand...LOL. Remember ol' Andy from Mayerry? He can sing, too!
I think that in every Cristian life it is the JOY in and of the Lord that feeds the flock and the flock follows the shepherd. Christ said, "Feed my Sheep." Are we good shepherds, living and teaching the gospels, "The Good News"? Can we always be joyful? No, but we can certanly give the wheel a good spin and pray that the arrow points to "joy,"
faith, hope and charity.
This day has passed quietly. I bought a new, cheap watch for $4.00. It should last for a while. I picked the (almost) last green peppers. There are a couple very small peppers holding on to the last of the summer sun. The peppers are really good in scrambled eggs in the morning. There are two fair sized green tomatoes clinging to the vines, back where I can't reach them. I also got new CD with Andy Griffin singing good, gospel songs...songs that you can actually understand...LOL. Remember ol' Andy from Mayerry? He can sing, too!
END
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