Archive for category Poetry

DJB Chapter Three: Seeking Goodly Pearls

Posted by Lacy in Stories on Thursday, February 11, 2010

Chapter 1 – Five Minutes to Ten
Chapter 2 – Ten O'Clock
Chapter 3 – Seeking Goodly Pearls

CHAPTER THREE:
SEEKING GOODLY PEARLS

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

"Why, it's a Bible!" said Doreen to herself as she carefully lifted the Book out of the box. "And to think that I threw it across the room like that!
"And what a beauty it is!" she went on. "Look at the gold edges with the red shining through! And what thin paper and lovely leather! It's just like a jewel box, anyway."
Inside, on the first blank page, Doreen read her name and the following message:
"To our darling Doreen on her tenth birthday from Mamma and Daddy."
Underneath that was a text:
"Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from His mouth, and lay up His words in thine heart." Job 22:21,22

Doreen ran downstairs. "Mamma dear, have I found the first jewel?"
Mamma smiled. "I believe you have," she said.
"But how can I find some more?" asked Doreen.
"Why not look for a string of pearls?" said mamma. "And while you are looking for those, you may come across diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones."
"But how shall I find them?" asked Doreen.
"Oh, you won't find them all at once," said mamma, "but put them down on a piece of paper as you come across them. Keep on the lookout for beautiful texts and sentences beginning with 'P.' They will do for pearls. Those beginning with 'R' will do for rubies, 'E' for emeralds, and 'D' for diamonds. See?"
"Yes," said Doreen, "what a lovely idea!"
"I can think of a pearl," said mamma.
"Tell me," said Doreen.
"It is in the fourteenth chapter of John," said mamma. "'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.' John 14:27. Then there's another beautiful pearl: 'Perfect love casteth out fear.'" 1 John 4:18.

"I think I know one," said Doreen. "'Praise ye the Lord!'"
"That's right," said mamma. "There's a whole string of those pearls in the Psalms. You must see how many of them you can find. Open your jewel box about Psalms 112 or 113."
Very carefully Doreen opened her beautiful new Bible, turning the thin leaves as if they were made of gold. "Yes," she cried eagerly, "I can see two, three, four pearls all at once!" Then a moment or two later, "And I have found another. Listen, Mamma; this is a beautiful jewel."
"Read it to me," said mamma.
"'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.'" Ps. 116:15
"Yes, that is a beautiful pearl indeed," said mamma. "and I have just thought of another: 'Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into his harvest.' Matt. 9:38. That means that we should always be asking Jesus to sent out more and more missionaries to help tell the black boys and girls of His love for them."
"Tell me where I can find some more pearls," said Doreen.
"Let me think," said mamma. "I know. Read carefully through the sixteenth chapter of Proverbs and tell me if you can find any there."

"I will," said Doreen. There was silence for a little while, then a cry of delight. "I have found a ruby!" she said.
"Have you, dear? What is it?" asked mamma.
"'Righteous lips are the delight of kings.'"
"Splendid," said mamma. "And that means that Jesus is pleased when the speak the truth, for His is a King, too. Now look for some more."
"Here is another pearl," cried Doreen. "This chapter is a little jewel box all to itself. Isn't this a beautiful one: 'Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones'?"
"Yes," said mamma. "That is beautiful indeed. And don't you think that this sort of jewel box is really much more lovely than one filled with just ordinary pearls and diamonds? They would sparkle and shine and seem very pretty while we looked at them in the box, but we would have to shut them up and put them away. But these jewels from this wonderful Book we can carry about with us all day long, and they become more and more beautiful the longer we look at them."
"Yes, Mamma," said Doreen, "they sort of go on sparkling in our heads afterward, don't they?"
"I believe you are right," said mamma with a smile. "That's just what they do."

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

3 Comments

Why?

Posted by Lacy in Stories on Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Why?

~ Fireside Tales ~

Betty Ann was a plump, fair-haired, blue-eyed little girl just past six. She was beginning to think things out for herself. When the teacher told her that six and three make nine, she could not believe it just because Teacher said so. She had to slowly count it out on six and three plump little fingers and thumbs. And then when the answer came–nine–she was perfectly satisfied. Best of all, she never forgot anything she had figured out in her slow, careful way.

"It's good to want to know things for yourself," said Mother one day, "but there are lots and lots of things little girls have to do without knowing why; just because Mother says so."
"Yes, I know," said Betty Ann, nodding her yellow head wisely, "like when you say, 'Hurry, Betty Ann' — not 'splaining that Jack as eaten all his ice cream and is about to start on mine."

Mother smiled. "And in bigger things, too, Mother can't always stop to "splain,'" she said. "Just keep your eyes and ears open, Betty Ann; things like that pop up 'most any time."

Just that evening, Aunt Mary and Uncle  Tom drove into the yard. Betty Ann was in the nursery making a wonderful and terrible-looking family of paper dolls. One who would do for the Giant that Jack killed was meant to be the brother of another whom you would naturally call Tiny Tim. And the little sister was so broad and short that she did not look nearly so much like a little girl as a sugar lump.

Betty Ann was just making the mother and daddy — for a wonder, they were about the same size — when Mother called.

"O Betty Ann! Come here, dear."
"Why?" called Betty Ann, a little crossly — for she was just then making the corners of Daddy's tall hat, and she did so want it nice and square.
Betty Ann half listened for a second call — but it never came. She was coloring the mother's blue-and-white checkered apron, when she heard someone coming up the stairs.

Throwing down her box of crayons, Betty Ann ran pell-mell — as she supposed, into Mother's open arms. But Mother's face was turned away, and she did not say anything.
Betty Ann caught her hand. "Did you want me, Mother?" she said, half ashamed. "I heard you call, but it's such a hard job to make a nice mother and daddy, and two brothers and a little sister. So I just kept on cutting while the scissors were working good, and thought I'd 'splain later."

"Yes, Betty Ann, I did want you," said Mother very soberly, "but I don't need you now."
"Why, Mother, what has happened?" cried Betty Ann, dragging her Mother to a chair and clambering up on her lamp.
"Only this," said Mother, looking straight into Betty Ann's eyes. "Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom drove away just a few minutes ago. They came to take you to the country for two or three days and let you go blackberrying and fishing and–"
"O Mother!" cried Betty Ann, her eyes filling with tears, "why didn't you tell me?"

"I call you, dear," said Mother sorrowfully, "and you only called back, 'Why?' I don't know what we can do about it now."
"If I'd only known!" cried Betty Ann, swallowing hard.
"You see this was one of the times when I couldn't stop to "splain'. Uncle Tom came up on business, and he couldn't stop even a minute. He just said, 'Where's Yellow-top?–let's go!' Jack came running out, and they whirled him off in your place, before you could say 'Scat!'"

It was a very sorrowful little girl that said to her puppy that night, "Puggy, dear, whenever your mother says, 'Come here, dear'–don't say, 'Why?'" A bright tear rolled on to Puggy's little black paw as his small mistress added sorrowfully, "'Cause maybe your mother can't stop to 'splain."

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

7 Comments

What Will You Say?

Posted by Lacy in Poetry on Tuesday, April 28, 2009

I was thinking last week of the many people I've encountered that call themselves Christians yet won't obey the commands that the Lord has given in Scripture, though they know they're there, they come up with tons of excuses as to why they shouldn't have to do it.. Many that say they're not called to obey this or that, or it isn't their conviction to do it, or even the "I'm under Grace, I don't have to obey!" type of responses.

So, with all that in mind, I wrote this poem entitled "What Will You Say?". On Judgment Day, will you say to the Lord that you weren't called to obey this or that or it wasn't your conviction? Will you tell Him that you were under Grace and didn't have to obey?

What Will You Say?

Why is it Christians think today,
that they aren't required to obey?
They say "I'm not called" or "It's not my conviction",
but giving things up would cause too much friction.

There are few who heed the Saviour's call,
to repent, forsake, and surrender all.
Why is that, I ask today,
because 'tis hard ~ that narrow way.

We all are called to bear our cross,
if we would follow Him.
Denying ourselves is part of our cross,
that we must bear for Him.

On Judgment Day, what will you say
to the One who died for you?
Or more importantly, on that day,
what will He say to you?

Will He say,
Depart from me
ye that work iniquity?
(For iniquity is sin.)

Or will He say,
Well done,
thou faithful one:
You may enter in?

Are you striving to be obedient,
to God's Holy Word?
The King James Bible, for 'tis the one
through which God's voice is heard.

So now I urge you to take up your cross,
denying self and sin:
to hearken unto the Lord's call,
so that you may enter in.

Else on Judgment Day, what will you say
to the One who died for you?
Or more importantly, on that day,
what will He say to you?

~ Lacy Self  -  April 2009

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

19 Comments

De-Emphasize The Outside Poem

Posted by Lacy in Poetry on Tuesday, April 21, 2009

De-Emphasize The Outside

Used from The Faith Once Delivered ~ Poems with Purpose

"You plain dressin’ people,"
the would–be scholar railed,
"The heart is all that matters.
On this point you’ve failed,"

Don’t emphasize the outward.
Man–made rules you give.
Don’t follow man’s traditions,
and in this bondage live.

"Now wait a minute friend,"
the plain old man replied,
“I’ve a word or two to say,
so won’t you step inside?”

"I think you are mistaken
to judge me as you do;
and if you’ll pay attention,
I’ll shed some light for you.

I see you in your fancy suit.
the latest shoes and tie.
My clothes are very simple,
the cheapest you can buy.

I see your hair is set and sprayed,
styled by modern device.
In all the time you’ve taken,
I’d comb my hair thrice.

We’ve no time to fix and curl,
no money for pearls and gold;
We must train our children
before they are too old.

We’ve no time or money,
no emphasis to give
on all your man’s traditions.
the worldly way you live.

We focus on the inside,
not getting human praise;
so we can be more holy,
and godly children raise.

Your heart is with your treasure:
the way you look and smell,
the car, the home, the holiday:
man’s praises you love well.

I also see your wife
is caught up in the race.
much time and money spent
just to keep the pace.

She’s hunting for a look,
no – not from God above.
Her emphasis is clear,
with self she is in love.

You see my home is simple,
with Scripture on the wall
to edify my spirit
and save me from a fall.

Just what exhortations,
pray tell me, that you gain
by money you’ve invested
so like kings you reign?

Man’s fashion and traditions:
by man’s rules you live
I live by what is simple,
to God my heart I give.

With principles of Scripture
my every step to guide
I don’t seek the worldly way,
to walk in foolish pride.

Side by side with you my friend,
it seems to me quite clear.
You emphasize the outside
and God you do not fear.

You say that I’m in bondage,
but friend its you that's bound
to popular opinion’s
relentless merry–go–round.

De-emphasize your outside,
flee traditions of men;
then you’ll see your fancies
as nothing more than sin.

De-emphasize your image:
your acceptance with the crowd.
Stop living by the rules
of the haughty, vain, and proud.

De-emphasize your pleasure,
entertainment, fun and ease.
Don’t be a belly–Christian,
seek only God to please.

De-emphasize your status,
though religious you may be:
religion will not save you,
while from truth you flee.

Repent and pray to Jesus
to cleanse that worldly stain.
He’ll wash your heart from vanity
and leave you clean and plain.

- MARK BULLEN

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

6 Comments

Dare To Do Right Poem

Posted by Lacy in Poetry on Thursday, April 2, 2009

Dare To Do Right

Dare to be honest, good, and sincere,
Dare to do right, and you never need fear.
Dare to be brave in the cause of the right,
Dare with the enemy ever to fight.

Dare to be loving and patient each day,
Dare speak the truth, whatever you say.
Dare to be gentle, and orderly too,
Dare shun the evil, whatever you do.

Dare to be cheerful, forgiving, and mild,
Dare shun the people whom sin has defiled.
Dare to speak kindly, and ever be true,
Dare to do right, and you'll find your way through.

I was scanning through one of my books (Choice Stories for Children) and happened to notice this short little poem at the end of one of the stories.

No author is named, so I don't know who wrote it, but I thought I'd share. :)

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [2 Timothy 2:22]

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. [1 John 3:7]

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Will you dare to do right?

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

Walk by Faith

Posted by Lacy in On the Farm, Poetry, Thy Word Forever on Saturday, March 28, 2009

Gabriel got to go to the vet today to get his stitches removed, or, what was left of his stitches, since he managed to chew a few off here and there! All she did was take a pair of scissors and cut the stitch and pull the thread out. If we would've known it would've been that easy (it took less than 5 minutes…), Mom & I would have done it here at home and saved ourselves a trip to the vet! :D

Philip's toe is slightly improving – the swelling has gone down a bit and he doesn't seem to be bothered by it as much, though since the infection is not gone yet, we're still putting stuff on it to help it get better. These guineas seem to be real good at getting foot problems…or perhaps it's sympathy pains? Whenever Abigail (guinea girl) notices someone else limping, she suddenly starts limping … very strange!

levi

A couple of days ago I redesigned Levi's blog ~ Diligently Seeking. I insisted he needed a new one ( :) ) and so he let me find a theme that suited him and re-design the entire thing. I think it looks great on his blog!! :D

And this morning I finally completed my newest WordPress theme called Blossom, and it's basically a Spring(ish) theme with green, blue, tan, and a nice bird header photo.

Well, I'll leave you for now with 2 Scripture Wallpapers that I made not long ago by request (one for Jessica and one for Kinzo). :)

walk-by-faith1 a-soft-answer1

#1 – Walk by Faith ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight:

#2 – A Soft Answer ~ Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

3 Comments