Blessed In Aging Poem - Ester Mary Walker

Blessed In Aging

by: Esther Mary Walker

Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and shaking hand

Blessed, who know my ears today
Must strain to hear the things they say.

Blessed are those who seem to know
My eyes are dim and my mind is slow

Blessed are those who look away
When I spilled tea that weary day.

Blessed are they who, with cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while

Blessed are they who know the way
To bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are those who never say
“You’ve told that story twice today”

Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved, respected and not alone.

And blessed are they who will ease the days
Of my journey home, in loving ways...   Our Garden Path

My Friend - a poem by S Shultz

With everyones' life being so hectic and time being so precious, I would like to remind you to take the time to send a note or an email to all of your friends today. Before you know it, time will have passed and it may not make it to your to-do list. Here is one
of my favorite poems - in honor of my dearest friends...


My Friend

- by Susan Polis Schutz

You are always my friend
when I am happy
or when I am sad
when I am all alone
or when I am with people.

You are always my friend
if I see you today
or if I see you a year from now
if I talk to you today
or if I talk to you a year from now

You are always my friend
and though through the years
we will change
it doesn't matter what I do
or it doesn't matter what you do
Throughout our lifetime
you are always my friend








Our Garden Path

Whisper Jesus - Angela Murray

This poem has meant so much to me and I find when someone suddenly and strongly pops into your mind, it may mean they need a prayer or two. This is a wonderful, inspirational poem to send to a friend going through a rough time ...

Whisper Jesus

Today I got a burden,
And I felt that I should pray
For God's spirit seemed to tell me,
That you were having a bad day.

I don't know what the problem is,
But I sure do know the cure
And if you'll only let Him
God will keep you safe and secure.

In life there's always problems
Cropping up to spoil our day
But my friend you know the answer
All you have to do is pray.

If you still feel you're defeated
And you want to run and hide
Just reach out and I'll be there
Standing right there by your side.

So remember, Whisper Jesus,
For He's just a prayer away,
He's so close that you can touch Him
All you have to do is pray.


~ Angela Murray



Our Garden Path

Freezing whole Tomatoes - Fast and easy

Freezing Whole Tomatoes -
Quick and Easy

Fresh Tomatoes
cookie sheet
gallon freezer bags

Wash tomatoes and remove stem end
Place whole tomatoes on cookie sheet,
making sure they are not touching.
Place cookie sheet in the freezer.

When tomatoes are frozen solid,
remove tomatoes one by one and place in gallon freezer bags.

Freezing this way, you can remove as many or as few as you need. They will Not thaw well for sandwiches, but are perfect to use in stews, sauces, soups, italian dishes, chilis, etc.

variations;
if you prefer, you may also blanch tomatoes and remove the skin before freezing.



Our Garden Path

Potato Chips - inspirational story

Potato Chips
~author unknown

A little boy wanted to meet God.
He knew it was a long trip to where God
lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato
chips and a six-pack of root beer
and started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks,
he met an old woman. She was sitting in
the park, just staring at some pigeons.

The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase.
He was about to take a drink from
his root beer when he noticed that the old lady
looked hungry, so he offered her some chips.
She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty that the
boy wanted to see it again, so he
offered her a root beer. Again,
she smiled at him. The boy was
delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating
and smiling, but they never said a word.

As twilight approached, the boy realized
how tired he was and he got up
to leave; but before he had gone
more than a few steps, he turned
around, ran back to the old woman,
and gave her a hug.
She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his
own house a short time later, his
mother was surprised by the look
of joy on his face

She asked him,
"What did you do today that made you so
happy?" He replied,
"I had lunch with God."
But before his mother could
respond, he added,
"You know what? She's got the most beautiful
smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant
with joy, returned to her home.
Her son was stunned by the look
of peace on her face and he asked,
"Mother, what did you do today
that made you so happy?"
She replied,
"I ate chips in the park with God."
However, before her son responded,
she added,
"You know, he's much
younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power
of a touch, a smile, a kind word,
a listening ear, an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring, all
of which have the potential to turn a
life around. People come into
our lives for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. Embrace all equally!

Have lunch with God........bring chips.






Our Garden Path

Friendship Quote - Donna Roberts

another one of my favorite quotes -


---oOo---

"A friend knows the
song in my heart
and sings it to me
when my memory fails."


~Donna Roberts




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Friendship Quote -angels

"Friends are quiet angels
who lift us to our feet
when our wings have
trouble remembering
how to fly."

~author unknown



Our Garden Path

inspirational quote

Inspirational Quote of the month


"We can see how many seeds are in an apple,
only God knows how many apples are in a seed."


~author unknown

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God on the Mountain lyrics

God on the Mountain
~no author listed

Life is easy
when your up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind
like you’ve never known
But then things change and you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith for you’re never alone

For the God of the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good time is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night

You talk of faith when you’re up on the mountain
But the talk comes easy when life’s at it’s best
But it is down in the valley of trials and temptation
That’s when faith is really put to the test

For the God of the mountain is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good time is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night

The God of the day is still God in the night

Our Garden Path

May you always have...inspirational poem

May you always have...

May you always have an angel by your side
Watching out for you in all the things you do
Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days
Finding ways for your wishes and dreams
To take you to beautiful places

Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun
Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide
May you always have love and comfort and courage
And may you always have an angel by your side

May you always have an angel by your side
Someone there to catch you if you fall
Encouraging your dreams
Inspiring your happiness
Holding your hand and helping you through it all

In all of our days, our lives are always changing
Tears come along as well as smiles
Along the roads you travel,
May the miles be a thousand times more lovely than lonely,
May they give you the kind of gifts that never, ever end:

Someone wonderful to love
And a dear friend in whom you can confide
May you have rainbows after every storm
May you have hopes to keep you warm
And may you always have an angel
By your side...


~Emilia Larson

Our Garden Path

TRUE LOVE at CHRISTMAS - a poem

TRUE LOVE at CHRISTMAS
~ original author unknown

If I decorate my house perfectly with Holiday bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny bells,
But do not show love to my family and friends,
I'm just another decorator.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss your sweetheart.

If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a
beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
But do not show love to my family and friends,
I'm just another cook.

Love stops the cooking to share a hug.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of
Holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata
But do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love is kind, though some times harried and tired.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return -
but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love never fails.
Video games and toys will break,
jewelry may be lost,
golf clubs and other 'things' will rust in time.
But giving the gift of love - will endure.

Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.

Our Garden Path

Friends Are Like Angels

Friends Are Like Angels
author unknown

Our friends are like angels,
Who brighten our days.
In all kinds of wonderful,
Magical ways.

Their thoughtfulness comes,
As a gift from above.
And we feel we're surrounded,
By warm, caring love.

Like upside-down rainbows,
Their smiles bring the sun.
And they fill ho-hum moments,
With laughter and fun.

Friends are like angels,
Without any wings.
Blessing our lives,
With the most precious things!


Our Garden Path

What is a Soul Mate - Emily Matthews

What is a Soul Mate?

If you have found a smile
that is the sweetest one you've known,
If you have heard, within a voice,
the echoes of your own,
If you have felt a touch
that stirs the longings of your heart,
And still can feel that closeness
in the moments you're apart,
If you have filled with wonder
at the way two lives can blend
To weave a perfect pattern
that is seamless, end to end,
If you believe some things in life
are simply meant to be,
Then you have found your soul mate,
your heart's own destiny.

~Emily Matthews



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Do you have time ? - inspirational poem

Do You Have Time?

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.

All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.

I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.

God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...

But never found the time"


~author unknown~




Our Garden Path

Got Your Back - inspirational poem

Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child,
my dad's been sent to fight...
The only place I'll see his face,
is in my dreams at night.

He will be gone too many days
For my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud.
My daddy's got your back.

I am a caring mother.
My son has gone to war...
My mind is filled with worries
that I've never known before.

Everyday I try to keep
my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud.
My son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife,
my husband's soon to go.
There are times I'm terrified
in ways most never know.

I bite my lip, and force a smile,
I watch my husband pack...
My heart may break, but I am proud.
My husband's got your back...

I am the soldier who's been sent
Serving Proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine
by answering this call.

I do my job while knowing
the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I'll come home.
It's me who's got your back.

~author unknown~

Our Garden Path

DAWNING OF A NEW DAY - A poem

DAWNING OF A NEW DAY

Sometimes when I'm weary
And feel I can't go on,
I sneak off to my "special place "
In the light of early dawn.

My place is deep in woodlands;
"God's Country " it's called by some.
When my burden gets too heavy,
I hear my place call, "Come ".

I go there when I'm saddened,
And my heart is aching so;
The beauty and serenity
Help to ease my pain, I know.

It's there that I find comfort;
Sometimes I need solitude.
I feel so much closer to God,
And He gently lifts my mood.

I don't know if it's my special place,
Or the Lord above, Himself;
But somehow when I leave there,
I feel that I have wealth.

Perhaps it's just my being there;
Or maybe it's God's own way,
Of telling me to try again;
It's the dawning of a new day.

~Author Unknown~

Our Garden Path

God's Garden Must be Beautiful

God's Garden Must Be Beautiful

God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped His arms around you,
And whispered, "Come to Me".

You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only picks the best.

And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain,
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

Author Unknown


dedicated to my mom and daddy...

Our Garden Path

FIRST STEP - INSPIRATIONAL

FIRST STEP

Beginnings
are sometimes foggy.
The path is not always clear.

The end of one begets another.
To begin, put one foot
in front of the other.

Your foot knows where to land,
the one that moves forward first.
Forget about the best foot.
Just put it out there.

Stop traffic if you have to.
Go home if that is where it leads you.
Go back to work
if that is where your foot falls.

You don't have to
go anywhere
Just rest.

After you step,
take another.

Forget about the weather.

Step ~



Step again.



~Robin Heerens Lysne




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ROBERT FROST STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

"A poem begins with a lump in the throat;
a home-sickness or a love-sickness.
It is a reaching-out toward expression;
an effort to find fulfillment."

"A complete poem is one where
an emotion has found its thought
and the thought has found the words."


Robert Frost






STOPPING BY WOODS
ON A SNOWY EVENING
Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.




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MANSION OVER THE HILLTOP LYRICS

MANSION OVER THE HILLTOP


~Ira Stamphill

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that's silver lined

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I'm not discouraged I'm heaven bound
I'm but a pilgrim in search of the city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold.






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FAITH TO MOVE MOUNTAINS

FAITH TO MOVE MOUNTAINS

Faith Can move mountains,
no matter how steep.
Faith can calm troubled souls,
no matter how deep.
Mountains are whatever
is bothering you.
Mountains are whatever
makes you blue.

Check out a mountain
and see what it's made of.
The mystery of your problems
this will solve.

A mountain is made up of
one small grain at a time.
Your mountains are made up
with just the same kind.

The smallest problem
that bothers you the least
is the one that you quickly
bring down to defeat.

Each problem you do away with
brings this mountain down to size.
Mountains of problems
are satan's masterpiece of disguise.

Faith is reaching out to God
and knowing He is near.
Faith is holding on to God
and let Him wipe away every fear.


~~By Sharon Lambkin.~~

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