April 2009 Peggy Hood Poems

Be Still -- Hands Off!

"Be still and know that I am GOD"....
Of this passage, we've heard said --
The LORD was saying to keep hands off --
Stop striving -- see HIM exalted, instead.

Stillness, letting go -- why, so hard?
O so often we attempt to pray,
White-knuckling to our problems,
As if we'd solve them some way.

Like worry beads some choose to hold
And roll in hands, round and round,
We tumble cares about in minds,
As worries, what ifs, and dreads abound.

"Be still and know that I am GOD" ...
O to learn, HIS words, to obey;
To see the LORD - always the answer,
Steadfastly trusting HIM with all we pray.

Heart, be still! Thy will be done, LORD.
Heart, be still; cease worrying and fear!
Be still! GOD forever-able and exalted
Is Way, Peace, and all-wise -- it's clear!
______________

Psalms 46:10-11 "10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-30-2009] * 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

LORD, Draw Them Near

Bless Thy poor struggling children, O LORD!
Bless all Thy dear ones who're crying;
Bless those who feel to be 'most alone;
Bless Thine who're grieving and dying!

We pray, uncommon strength for the weak --
Be Strength to them, LORD unfailing!
Lift high their spirits, lest their hope should die --
Be PEACE to them through storms raging!

O manifest Thyself - HOPE in each one;
Embrace and enwrap in Thy tender care
All of Thy children suffering heartaches --
To Thy loving heart, LORD, draw them near!

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-28-2009] * Back *

GOD's Unveilings

Several lily plants are growing
In nature's hardened rocky bed;
Big hosta leaves are unfolding.
Hopefully, Spring's chills have fled!

Ornamental maples are shining,
Both chartreuse and dark-red kinds
With their intricately-carved leaves --
One type appears floating-on-air fine.

And, money plants are now in bloom.
These will have coin-shaped seed discs;
Their lovely purples edge the walkway.
Bright delights are things like this.

I like the Creeping Jennie vines,
All golden green -- in pots, on ground.
I like Silver Streak ground cover too,
And Goose-neck Loosestrife growing 'round --

Little, white, stretched-out goose heads
Will float on spreading sea of green.
Aptly named, these lovely beauties,
As are snowballs of near shrub seen.

Pansies bloom; roses are budding.
What a happy landscape change!
Constantly, GOD's works delight us
In unveilings, HIS to arrange.

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-25-2009] * Back *

Thankful for Spring

Thankful for trees' buds and flowers --
And, yes, for the pollens of Spring;
Thankful as well for rain showers
And winds the season may bring.

O is it not good GOD washes away
The pollens that sift and fall?
Isn't it good that HE cleans the earth,
His winds refreshing air for all?

Thankful, too, for the warming sun,
And, thankful, for life that springs
From ground unto lushness again,
Transforming land with living green.

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-23-2009] * Back *

A Joyful Chorus

Have you heard it -- the happy chorus
That welcomes day with praise?
I think it's praise all-joyous.
What else, such resounding lays?

Gladness rings, full-throated, clear.
What else in Creation could compare
To voices of the winged chorus,
Ringing, singing everywhere!

How, describe the glory of its song?
It's richness of tones, I can't tell.
This I know -- GOD blesses the birds
To reverberate joy -- early and well!

If you're in a neighborhood where lots of birds live and nest, I encourage you to take time to stand outside and listen to GOD's winged chorus right before & as light breaks to the East. Makes me think of this line of Julie Andrew's song, "The hills are alive with the sound of music." But, this music is written by the LORD!

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-23-2009] * Back *

LIFE Leads and Carries Us

A line from Robert Frost's poem, Out, Out --
" No more to build on there. And they, since they
Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once I read in lines of Frost --
About a boy who tragically died;
How, his family went back to their affairs,
The boy's bonds to earth being untied.

"Since they were not the one dead" --
Did it read? Yes, something to that effect.
The necessity of seeing to daily concerns,
Was certainly one poignant fact.

LIFE leads us onward -- we cannot go back.
LIFE bears us up when we would fall.
LIFE comforts us -- the LORD HIMSELF!
LIFE is eternal -- GOD - ALL in all!

It's not the end -- the last shovel to grave;
It's not the end -- removal from our sight.;
It's not the end -- perfect life is reality
For those in Heaven and GOD's Light.

So, then, dry tears that fall unbidden.
To the Covert of all comforts turn --
Lay your heart's cares before the LORD.
HE is the answer for every concern.

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-22-2009] * Back *

Fine Dining

There - a'singing; there - a'building;
There - a'feeding baby birds;
There - a'twitter; there - a'fussin
Hungry little ones are heard.

There - a'scratching; there - a'calling,
Little rooster sings to mate,
Making much to-do about it,
As if, to dine, she might be late.

Many critters ought be hiding --
Bugs in danger; so are mice!
Soaring over with sharp vision,
Hawks, a'searching from on high!

Feathers grow; tummies fatten.
Is that a twig? No, it's a worm --
For nested siblings, fine dining.
Too late! O too late to squirm!

Blessed to observe GOD's wonders,

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-22-2009] * Back *

Heritage of the LORD

With big brown eyes which melt my heart;
Her heart as big as all outdoors,
As she cares for pets and others;
Loving, artistic, and so much more --
Our Megan.

Understanding written in her clear-blue eyes,
Quick-witted beyond her years,
She cooks, laughs, helps care for siblings,
And is not often seen with tears --
Our Abby.

He likes his quiet times, but is full of fun;
He likes swinging, the outdoors; and, he plays
Captain Hook and Peter Pan jousting --
Or, chases about with Abby each day --
Our Joseph.

This handsome one is a bundle of sweetness;
Yet, seriously, studies people well,
As if it's his job to figure them out.
Twinkle of eye, his humor, tells --
Our Baby Jack.

By the mercies of God,
Thankful to be Grandma/Maw-Maws --
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-21-2009] * Back *

Blazing Promise of the Day

Clouds, a little rain, some winds -- they say.
And, yes, I expect these will come;
But, blazing promise of the day, orange-red,
Crests mountains to East, in rising sun.

Crowning with light, North to South,
Dawn brightens prospects for today.
Let clouds and winds be on its menu --
GOD's Light is sufficient, as always.

Burning in brightness unfailing,
Beautiful to sight-- the morning sun!
Be lifted up and rejoice, my spirit,
At the beauty of this day begun!

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-21-2009] * Back *

Onion-Setting Time

Chilly! Cool this morning,
After the humid warmth that passed
With the storms of last night,
Away with rains and lightning flash.

I'd thought to set my cabbage plants;
And get my onion sets in ground --
Not that I've had good success.
Not a full-sized onion I've grown!

O I know -- barely cover the roots,
Keeping bulbs above ground to grow;
Lots of sunlight; weeds to a minimum --
O yes, those things I know!

Perhaps the secret is long, hot days
In a garden without trees near.
Perhaps we have too much shade --
Not good for onions -- 'round here!

Well, I'll try -- I'll plant'em anyway!
And, hope and pray the LORD will bless
My little efforts to grow onions.
HE does impossible things, I confess.

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-19-2009] * Back *

May The LORD Bless You

May The LORD bless you this very moment;
The LORD grant healing and fill your need;
The LORD enwrap you in His arms;
The LORD comfort you as you plead.

May the LORD's smiles warm your heart.
May His Light, all darkness, transcend --
May His Spirit permeate your being.
May you drink of WellSpring Without End.

May Christ be magnified - Hope within you;
May His joys supplant heartaches that come --
May the LORD lead, guide and guard you
And bear you at last to His blest Home.

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-14-2009] * Back *

Stop or Chop

Your shining red garb doesn't fool me --
Mischievous marauders, you are,
Pluck, pluck, plucking my hostas;
Cluck, cluck, clucking through yard --

Rhode Island Reds! I say -- Scram,
Yankee chicks in my suth'n yahd!
Such fancy feathers don't fool me!
Bronze-gilt pranksters, you are!

Leaving droppings on driveway,
Sometimes into carport, you come.
Hot on scents -- like bloodhounds --
Searching perimeters of our home.

In carport, there was a rattle
In bottom of tool cabinet yesterday.
I found you, you red-combed snoop --
There, most likely, an egg to lay.

Dumplings, anyone? Chicken, suth'n fried?
Rhode Island Reds, shoo! Off to your pen!
You feathered fancies have no clue --
Danger lurks at places you're walking in.

Stop or chop!

By the mercies of God,
© :) [Peggy Hood, 4-9-2009] * Back *

April Wonders

O the sun was a'shining,
As the snow was a'falling
Through the morning, yesterday.
Gus was all excited --
Just a'racing and a'leaping,
Enjoying the weather, at play.

Peach trees -- already blossomed;
Perennials had budded;
The roses wore blush-hued growth.
Pansy blossoms were chilled a while
On tough plants surviving the cold.

Today, in early morning --
A while before the dawning,
'Round 5 or 6 o'clock, the time --
26 degrees, the temperature read,
This cold April morning so fine!

The far pasture hill
Had taken quite a chill,
Draped in white blanket of frost.
But, morning sun swept over the hill;
And, soon, the frosting was lost.

Is this Blackberry Winter?
No, it isn't here yet.
Dogwood Winter? Might be.
The dogwood trees are blooming about.
Aren't April wonders fun to see!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-8-2009] * Back *

The Fat of the Land

Eating of the fat of the land --
Of its trees, its roots, its vines;
Fruitful delights with colors bright --
Eating of the good of the land!

Eating of the fat of the land --
Seed grown in pod or on ear;
Of shoots, leaves, and berries near --
Eating of the good of the land!

Eating of the fat of the land --
Milk and cheeses, honey of comb,
Sugar of cane, breads of grain --
Eating of the good of the land!

Whence, this goodness of the land?
It's wholly of the LORD blessed!
Every good thing comes from HIM.
His tender mercies, confess!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-12-2009] * Back *

Ignoring GOD is Foolhardy!

Some people hate and ignore the LORD,
As if they're holding destiny in hands.
Surely they can't see -- Life's provider
Has power over atmosphere, seas, lands!

In blindness, they ignore the LORD's wisdom,
Heaping debts toward the skies.
They deny truths of His teachings
And take from prudent for the unwise.

Some hate GOD's Name and His WORD --
Blind to His wisdom, mercies, and Grace,
Despising His commands and exhortations.
Even His children neglect seeking His Face!

Ignoring the LORD is foolhardy!
Denying His WORD diminishes HIM none!
GOD - right, true, omnipotent! - owns wisdom.
In this nation, may HIS will be done!

May the LORD have mercy and yet shine upon us!

Living, moving, breathing by mercies of GOD,

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-8-2009] * Back *

Kneeling Humbly

O for GOD's children in this nation
To be found kneeling humbly before HIM,
Giving thanks for mercies HE's shown us --
Humbly! -- not a people puffed and proud!

But, with a spirit of prayerful hearts
That we would joyfully praise GOD,
Knowing everything good is from HIM!
O for more turning unto His WORD!

To be faithful children, in Jesus Christ,
A people wholly trusting GOD for our care --
Singing the Name above every other name,
Rejoicing, truths of the LORD to hear!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-6-2009] * Back *

Little Gus's Plight

Families are happening units, aren't they?
Always something going on - -
Joys, growth, illness, laughing, struggling.
Truly Happening places - - homes!

The countryside is place of happenings.
There's never a dull moment, here.
Family and pets always need tending.
Crises arise and sometimes bring tears.

Have I shared news about Little Gus - -
Our Australian Shepherd, that is?
He's going blind, or mostly is.
What a heart-wrenching thing is this!

Of late, he's become Little Gus to me.
He seems little and lost on dreary days - -
Staying inside and moping around,
Adjusting to life through dark haze.

How he raced the big hills around,
Trying to herd horses, running for fun!
But, lately, we'd see him bumping into things,
Furniture, other pets, sometimes - - even us.

He searches the house for his toy hedgehog;
And, it's harder to find - - more and more.
It blends so well against the hardwood,
To find it has turned into a chore.

It's a wilderness world for Little Gus.
He's working his nose overtime,
Following scents instead of vision;
And, his hearing? - - getting more refined.

Blindness is a bane found in his breed.
And, sadly, there's no known cure.
Progressive retinol atrophy, it's called.
RX? Kindness and love - - for sure!

Rat Terrier Brownie gets him running;
Side by side, off to pasture they go,
To participate in another grand chase;
Then, panting, winded, they come home.

Little Gus finds his leash a comfort now.
He sometimes noses it as if to say
He wants company along on a stroll.
So, lotsa walking with him each day!

Thankful to GOD that He's given us
hearts to tend and care for our pets.
Little children learn so much about life, caring,
and acceptance from them.
Good pets love us, no matter what!
Saddened at Gus's plight, but expecting to learn
much at his adapting to challenges.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-4-2009] * Back *

Conferring with Dawn

Again I awake; again I arise - -
Cognizant, but with reluctant eyes;
I'd sooner shuffle around just a bit;
No quick steps, lest something I hit.

A little more sleep really wouldn't hurt.
For one thing, I'd sure be more alert,
More energetic - - I'd have more zeal!
That comforter would hold less appeal.

A very busy, longish yesterday - -
The very reason I'd so like to stay
Cocooned in bed for just a while more
To snooze, to slumber, perhaps to snore.

But, daybreak calls! There's much to do - -
A list for indoors; one for outside too.
There's leaves to rake, mostly of oak trees.
I've closets to organize - - I bet I'll sneeze!

Mmmm! Coffee's good, comfortingly warm.
My eyes cooperate with lovely morn.
Now to get my muscles and will to concur.
No doubt about it - - I ought be astir!

Have a lovely day in your neck of the woods - -
whether in suburbia, city, mountains, hills, desert, or plains,
whether you have cement patio, lush lawn -- postage-stamp size or otherwise --
giant trees or shrubs, wind-swept and baked ground, or if you live
in a veritable rain forest.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-4-2009] * Back *

Joy Cometh in the Morning

Have we not worn sackcloth of grief?
And, have we not for mercy cried?
Did the LORD not bring us to joy?
Have we praised HIM for mercies supplied? [read: Psalms 30]

Please hear, dear LORD; have mercy on me,
I cried to THEE; To THEE I cried!
What worth, my blood, when I'm buried?
Shall the dust lift Thy Name up high?

My mourning, THOU hast turned to dancing.
Let us join, saints -- sing to the LORD!
Give thanks, remembering -- HE's holy!
My night's weeping, GOD turned to joy --

At the dawning! Yes, in the morning!
His anger lasts but a moment here.
And, in His favour is life abundant.
Rejoice, children, HE dries our tears!

HE took my woeful raiment from me;
And, with gladness, enwrapt me 'round,
To the end that my glory praise HIM.
Let me, with thanks, to HIS praise, be found!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-1-2009] * Back *

Look for Joy in the LORD

HOLY BIBLE, KJV, Psalms 30: " 4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. 7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. 8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. 9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? 10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. 11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Look for Joy in the LORD

Dear children of GOD, suffering loss - -
All who're enduring trials here;
All who're seeking for true Light,
Look up; trust the LORD for cheer!

We're never alone; GOD is with us!
HE's ever-present, everywhere!
At looming clouds, O then fear not;
But, remember - - GOD is near!

When others are calling evils good,
Let's be faithful, GOD is near!
And, let's trust HIM as we should - -
Calling on His Name most dear!

Some would blot righteousness out,
Perversely, all good things to change.
If satan were not impotent to do so,
Heaven above, he'd rearrange.

But GOD, omnipotent, be our strength!
HE is the Way, the Truth, the Life.
Whatever befall us, HE's safe Haven.
HE'll lead us through, by His light.

Look past darkness; for, GOD is shining.
Look beyond pain. Trust to be healed,
Soon, or ultimately. GOD is our Healing.
Look for joy in the LORD - revealed!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 4-1-2009] * Back *

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