January 2005 Peggy Hood Poems

Icy Wonders

O what wonder here beneath my feet:
Grasses seem fitted for a royal ball!
Glimmering, shimmering icy coats
Are lovely apparel for these all.

A temporal, fragile, lovely carpet,
This crystal beauty, won't last long.
The sun is faithfully at its duty.
Against it, how could such be strong?

Not often do we have such scenes
Of crystalled grasses on the ground;
Nor, of such sculptured icy branches
On the trees and shrubs around.

Red-twigged dogwood's branches shine
Through their cloaks of thick clear ice.
And, new growth on the rose shrubs
In clear adornments, interest, entice.

Camellias, too, ice-bound beauties,
Elicit thoughts of GOD on high.
How these beautiful icy wonders,
Seem, GOD's NAME, to magnify!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-31-2005] * Back *

This poem is posted by Peggy Hood. Please freely Copy, Paste and Repost it to all who are interested in receiving it, so long as it is sent intact - including this message. My e-mail address is hoodcp@alltel.net

Branches of Light

I stand here in this lovely morn;
And, look toward the sky
So clear and blue and beautiful;
And, at trees laden with ice.

Branches shine like brilliant lights
Against the blue of sky,
There, between the sun and me,
Works of our Maker on high.

WHO has made this wondrous scene,
Before my eyes, beneath the sun?
WHO has privileged me to see
But GOD, Almighty THREE-in-ONE!

Already, the ice's glory fades,
As it begins to melt and fall.
Thank YOU GOD for blessing me!
Thy greatness doth my heart enthrall!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-30-2005] * Back *

Icy Day Thoughts

A build-up of ice, sure and slow;
Over the landscape, now, does grow.
Pebbles, asphalt, bridges, and ramps
Are wearing "treacherous" winter stamps.

Ice is lovely to look at; but don't be naive;
We must take care during such a freeze.
We have "black ice", as it's often called,
Which wreaks havoc, causing traffic stalls.

The best thing to do, for all who can,
Is to stay at home; just to settle right in.
Settle in and watch squirrels and birds feed.
Relax; for, to fret, there's really no need.

Have a hearty breakfast; perhaps, some cocoa;
Soon enough, back to your routine you'll go.
Take out a good book; and, have a nice read;
Or, order yourself some gardening seed.

If you can't be still, then organize something:
Or, have a "down to brass tacks" cleaning fling!
Clean the shower curtain; wash some walls;
Do various things, as freezing rain falls.

O but there's a really good thing to do,
Good for the spirit, and comforting too:
Look outside often; consider GOD's ways;
Thank HIM for blessing us all of our days.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-29-2005] * Back *

Hearken My Spirit

My spirit, hearken, to Godly things;
Let gratitude flow from this heart,
Unto GOD, my Creator-Sustainer,
WHO doth, righteousness, impart.

For, have I not been kept in HIS care?
Have I not been sheltered, clothed and fed?
Have I not found great comfort in HIM?
Isn't Salvation by Christ's bloodshed?

Has Love not encircled me always?
Does GOD not beautifully clothe the day?
Has HE not promised to ever be with me,
To never forsake me; but, with me, stay?

Then, spirit, you have Cause to praise!
You have Cause to shout and sing!
You have much to be thankful for,
For life, breath, LOVE; for everything!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-27-2005] * Back *

Let Me Praise THEE

O GOD, I can't measure Thy greatness;
YOU exceed my greatest thought.
I can't ascend to Heaven's glory;
For, I'm by mortal weakness fraught.

I cannot look upon Thy brightness
Which exceeds the sunlight by far.
I cannot measure Thy great power
Which holds the earth and every star.

I cannot conceive how great Thy reach!
My mind can't comprehend its bounds.
I cannot fathom Thy pure Love's depths,
But, let me voice praise of THEE sounds.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-26-2005] * Back *

From Eggs to Kool-Aid

Eggs? We had more than we could use,
From the hens outside which we kept;
So, the extra eggs went into a basket;
To be traded for something else.

Sometimes Mother sent us up the hill,
On the winding, dusty, country road.
Gibson's store awaited at the top,
The destination for our basket's load.

Mother made a list of what she needed:
Perhaps flour, sugar, vanilla, cocoa.
Barefooted, and happy to run the errand,
Off, together, we children would go.

First things first, Mother's items were bought;
Usually, we had just a few cents left,
So we could buy gum or lollipops,
Or, Kool-Aid in flavors we liked best;

In the summertime's heat and haze,
Kool-Aid, to us, was a delicious drink.
We liked grape and strawberry flavors;
And, orange and cherry, too, I think.

One day, in particular, I recall:
When a friend, and Polly, Perry, and I
Took a gallon of Kool Aid with us
For a picnic 'neath the wide open sky.

I don't remember the goodies we ate
With our jug of Kool Aid that day;
But, we chose a wide rock in the pasture,
On which to sit and eat and play.

I think of that day so long ago;
When there was too much Kool Aid to drink;
Our friend poured the remainder of it out
In the edge of Nimblewill creek.

We four kids and too much Kool Aid;
Playing in sunshine, safe and secure;
A picnic on a rock in country-fresh air;
Simple pleasures, but pleasant for sure!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-23-2005] * Back *

Trust GOD

Trials, dark; and, valleys, deep;
Waves that crash upon life's shore;
Winds that howl; storms that sweep,
Cause us, for mercies, to implore.

Fears and doubts divert our minds
Away from the Holy Covert of rest;
Away from comfort we could find,
If we'd but lean on Jesus' breast.

Then, turn, O turn, heart, unto GOD.
Trust HIM during every care.
Trust HIM when the way is dim;
Trust HIM when all's bright and clear;

Trust HIM! HE alone is worthy
Of all glory and all praise.
Thank HIM, praise HIM, love HIM!
His Grace is sufficient for all your days.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-23-2005] * Back *

Healing

Healing, healing, healing, constant,
We must have if we're to live:
Healing, replenishing, of our cells,
Which, only the LORD can give.

How much thought do we really have
About GOD's constant healing power?
Do we take time to realize
HE is healing us every hour?

If we had not this constant renewal,
Soon our cells, our bodies, would die.
O then, how we ought to praise GOD,
Our Sustainer WHO reigns on high!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-23-2005] * Back *

All-Worthy ONE

What worth have we O LORD our GOD,
In the eternal scheme of things?
Art not THOU our Almighty Cause,
Of WHOM we pray and praise and sing?

O shine Thy light here in each heart;
Make clear the way that we should go;
Graciously, LORD, wisdom impart;
Till Love divine, be all we know.

O wash away dark doubt and fear;
Speak peace unto our hearts within;
Bless us, that we have faith unfeigned
In THEE, the Conqueror of sin.

Thanks be unto THEE from our hearts;
Praises be Thine forevermore!
Thine is the glory, GOD of Grace,
All-worthy ONE WHOM we adore!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-19-2005] * Back *

Winter, Meesha, and Me

Frigid temperatures fell last night
Here upon our quiet hill.
I walked out early, just before dawn,
With our dog, in the morning chill.

Made me think that in days to come,
We might be out in ice and snow;
And, Meesha, our lively Labrador,
Could even have me in tow.

She has the strength to drag me along
If I should give her too much reign;
If she really understood this,
Commands, she'd ignore with disdain.

I might oughta look for some traction boots
In case winter storms should roll in.
At my age, I don't relish the thought
Of slipping and falling on ice in a spin.

Winter musings
By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-17-2005] * Back *

All Praise to Thee

We're so greatly blessed to meet
In this Thy church, LORD, today;
As united members, so very blessed
To sing praises to THEE, and pray;

We're blessed to hear good news again
Of Thy rich and redeeming Grace;
Blest that Thy servant so faithfully stands
Before us, now, here in this place.

But, better than these treasures, LORD,
Is knowing THOU art present here,
Thy Spirit's witness abiding within us,
Renewing hope, giving us cheer.

Praise be to Thine almighty Name!
Thanks be Thine for abounding Grace!
Praises for Jesus; for Thy Holy Spirit!
All praise be to THEE in this place!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-16-2005] * Back *

Consolation in Jesus

In the valleys; on the mountains;
In the deserts; on the plains:
There is no such consolation,
As that found in Jesus' Name!

Though we have loved ones and neighbors,
And good friends in our lives here,
We have found more joy in living,
Realizing, GOD is near!

No such comfort, nor peace to heart,
In any other name, we've found,
Than that of Christ our Righteousness.
O let us join, His praise, to sound!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-14-2005] * Back *

Free in Christ

Remembered no more, my sins, against me;
But, put away as far as west is from east,
Never to return wretched guilt upon me;
That its condemnation I never meet.

How can it be, such freedom from guilt?
And, by whose authority am I free?
Who has erased my sins and shame?
How is it that GOD's Grace I see?

I'm freed, redeemed, by Jesus Christ,
Who shed His life-giving blood;
Who is the Victor o'er sin and death.
Who poured forth the cleansing flood.

Praise be to GOD for Jesus Christ;
That, in and through Him we live!
Praises for mercies full and free;
For, wondrous Grace, GOD gives!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-12-2005] * Back *

Sabbath Morning

In the quiet, before others arise;
Before the phone rings, early today,
Let me turn unto the LORD
To thankfully and humbly pray:

For, HE has kept us all in safety;
And, now brings the morning light;
Peace was in and all around us
As we slept through hours of night;

Let me thank the HOLY SPIRIT,
Indwelling, giving my heart a song
Of Grace, of Love, of great mercies,
Reminding, unto GOD, we belong.

Then, let me go forth joyfully trusting
That HE'll be with us through this day.
But, not before I humbly thank GOD
For blessings, this Sabbath day.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-8-2005] * Back *

January Warm Spell

Unusual warmth in North Georgia,
Has caused some hyacinths to bloom
Outside my door; and, just last month,
The temperatures were far below cool.

Today I turned the outside spigot on,
And, unwound the hose from its reel;
Rinsed the porch, carport & driveway,
In the balm of today's spring-y feel.

I did some raking out on the front lawn,
Much needed raking, I might add.
Leaves and small twigs from the trees
Had the yard looking really bad.

We turned down the thermostat,
Using enough heat to ward off the chill
Of this January morning in the mountains,
In our home on this countryside hill.

A reprieve, it seems, this warmer weather;
Perhaps, so we can enjoy the sun,
Outside, doing some task or another,
Before throes of winter have begun.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-8-2005] * Back *

In My Heart

In my heart, desiring
GOD's richest blessings for you;
Praying that angels, untiring,
Safeguard you, the hours, through;

Asking, that great peace and joy
Give comfort to your heart;
And, that your Hope burn brighter,
These things, for GOD to impart.

Trusting you feel HIS presence
During each trial and care;
Holding a prayer in my heart
That GOD uphold you there.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-7-2005] * Back *

Hope Stayed in Jesus

I'm not trusting in this world's wealth;
For, the Source of life is richer by far
Than all the men of earth combined.
GOD owns the earth, the sun, each star.

We need not spend a moment worrying
How our lives will be sustained;
Because, wonderful promises were made
By Jesus Christ. Praise to His Name!

He did not leave us here forsaken!
He said the Comforter would come.
We know in our hearts, this is true:
GOD's Spirit is with us; we're not alone!

So, let's turn to GOD, the Owner of all
The heavens, the earth and its seas,
When we're met with problems,
Whenever we have any need.

There is no "red tape" to get through;
Interceding for us is Christ!
Let us pray, in His Name, believing,
GOD hears our prayers, day and night.

GOD is richest, all-wise, and merciful!
HE's proven His Love again and again.
Then, let our Hope be stayed in Jesus;
Not, foolishly, in any works of man.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-7-2005] * Back *

Praise GOD Early

While heavenly hosts, without ceasing,
Of GOD's pure holiness do sing,
Shall we neglect to render praise
Unto the Giver of our days?

By abject neglect, will we fail
To praise HIM WHO does all things well?
GOD gives us shelter, food, and drink,
And so much more than we can think.

Holy! Holy! All-Holy LOVE,
Is GOD WHO ever reigns above!
Since, all in Christ, HE doth approve;
Then, shouldn't we thankfully move,

In early morn to give HIM praise?
O, joyfully, let voices raise
In awe, with thanks, while we have days;
To sing of GOD, His works, and ways!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-6-2005] * Back *

Prayer for Sister Janes

O LORD, we pray mercies of THEE
For this dear one in need;
For miraculous healing of Thy Hand,
For comfort and relief, we plead.

We own not the power of healing;
We confess, LORD, we are weak.
O THOU WHO art eternal LOVE,
Blessings for our sister, we seek.

Please hold her in Thine arms;
Bless her with much-needed rest.
Be it Thy will, grant her good health;
And, let all, to Thy power, attest.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-5-2005] * Back *

Colors of Thy Handiwork

For the rose colors at daybreak;
For pink skies at evening light;
For the gold of twinkling stars
Which so beautifies the night;

For the greens of swaying hemlocks;
For blues of heavens o'erhead;
For the purples of the mountains;
For golden grains with which we're fed;

For the browns of leaf-mold carpet
Underneath the woodland trees;
For the multicolored fishes,
Birds, and flowers, fruits on trees,

For Creation's diverse colors,
All tinted, painted, by Thy Hand;
For all the beauty we have seen,
Of heaven and sea, upon the land;

All thanks and praises be unto THEE
For handiwork THOU hast done,
For all things wondrous, beautiful,
Revealed to us beneath the sun!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-04-2005] * Back *

Praises at Morning Light

When I'm met by morning sunshine,
Let my thoughts become a prayer
To JEHOVAH, GOD the FATHER,
WHO doth keep me in His care.

Let me thank HIM: for His mercies,
For the riches of His Grace;
That His Love is everlasting;
For the smiles of His dear Face;

For food and drink; for all provision
Of shelter, rest, and strength to soul;
For His Word; for precious Jesus,
Who hath cleansed and made us whole;

For HIS Spirit now indwelling
The temple of my joyous heart;
That praises swell at thoughts of HIM:
O LORD, my GOD, how great THOU art!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 1-04-2005] * Back *

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