March 2009 Peggy Hood Poems

Made Pure in Christ

Now grows sweeter, the Love of GOD.
Wholly comforting, His Peace.
Precious Hope of soul -- our Lord
Who purchased our full release!

Yet, what mortal could possibly see
These things in their full worth?
We see as through a glass darkly,
Being sinful creatures of earth.

O but too wonderful to describe with words --
We're purified by Christ's righteousness!
GOD looks upon us with eternal Love.
Joyfully, His Grace and mercies, confess!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-31-2009] * 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

Thanks for Loving Parent's Hands

For loving parents' work-worn hands,
We thank THEE, LORD.
For the times they blessed us so,
Making our lives sweeter below --
Our thanks to THEE, O LORD!

For touches on our fevered brows;
For labors in both field and house;
For those that held us safe on laps --
For loving hands, gentle and stout,
We thank THEE, LORD.

For the hands that dried our tears --
Protective hands that kept us near;
Corrective hands that changed our minds --
Hands directing to chores on time;
We thank THEE, LORD.

For those appointed unto our keep;
For hands that laid us down to sleep;
For hands of parents willing to work --
Busy hands -- duties not to shirk,
We thank THEE, LORD.

For hands pointing to sky and ground --
To Creation's wonders spread all around,
Pointing out, as were spoken the words --
Everything's made by, and is, the LORD's! --
We thank THEE, LORD.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-31-2009] * Back *

Miss Cluck's Ambition

Purposely taking big steps across driveway,
She walks as if having one thing in mind --
Toomph, Toomph -- one step, quick -- another;
Off she goes, a better banquet to find.

Perhaps she was the one upon a flower pot,
Precariously standing some days ago,
Stretching her neck to taller planter,
Searching, pecking for seeds to and fro.

Amy thought she was eating my flowers;
So, I stood and watched her for a bit.
She'd found there, beneath the bird feeder,
Was a smorgasbord to taste -- a good fit!

So, early today, at the first sign of light,
Must've been her marching o'er driveway --
Quickly across it to descend the hill.
I s'pose she'll visit other feeders today.

By now, the sun likely glints from her head;
Fat and healthy, she does her breed proud.
P'wock! P'wock! P'wock, she happily sings.
Rhode Island Reds roam where they're allowed.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-30-2009] * Back *

The Way

What think we of The Way?
The Way of Truth, of Hope, of Peace;
The Way of Light and wisdom and Love;
The Way of strength, comfort and joy;
The Way of Grace -- mercies, forgiveness;
The Way of Redemption; the way of Salvation;
The Way of perfection - - of righteousness;
The Way of tenderness, caring, shepherding;
The Way of healing, good health -- Life;
The Way Eternal, unfailing surety;
The Way -- Holy Covert -- protection;
The leading Way; the guiding Way;
The Way which chastises and directs GOD's chosen;
The Way -- Designer/Creator of all that is;
The Way of Living Water;
The Way of Holy Manna;
The Way unparalleled;
The Way which is called beautiful, the Lily of the Valley,
the bright and morning star, Savior, Lord and Master;
The Way -- Conqueror of sin, death, and the grave;
The Way -- perfect Sacrifice for our sins;
The Way -- the risen Lord, Jesus Christ our Savior --
How, describe HIM, measure His worth and all His works,
tell all His beauty and glory? How, thank HIM as we ought?

May we meditate daily upon Christ and His Love;
Carry songs in our hearts to His praise;
Ever live thankfully unto GOD for the gift of knowing that HE is,
that HE loves us -- that Jesus Christ is The Way.

Thankful for The Way,

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-29-2009] * Back *

Be Still and See

Be still. See the LORD's beauty --
How HE arises -- Peace -- in our hearts;
How fully HE provides every hour;
How sweet -- the hope HE imparts!

Be still. Breathe of His kindness;
Thank HIM for richly blessing today.
There's no place but HE's ever present.
Be still. Meditate. Humbly pray.

Humbly! -- for the LORD is Holy!
All Creation, His beauty exceeds.
The whole earth is full of His glory.
Be still, things of GOD to better see.
________________

HOLY BIBLE, KJV, Isaiah 6:1-3 "1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. "Isaiah 40:-31 "31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-28-2009] * Back *

Out on the Front Porch

Out on the front porch, sit in a rocker,
Enjoying warm and pleasant Spring breeze.
Talk with your kinfolk, visit with neighbors;
Survey GOD's wonders about, if you please.

Out on the front porch, little cousins gather --
Getting acquainted, enjoying their world,
Playing together, their laughter ringing --
A gaggle of gigglers, small boys and girls.

Out on the front porch, watch children outside --
There, on the swing or running on lawn;
Playing with kittens; collecting pebbles;
Soaking up sunshine; catching a ball.

Out on the front porch, listen to birds sing;
Watch bright goldfinches come for their fill;
Tune in as nature turns up the volume --
Warbling and trilling 'round yard and on hill.

Out on the front porch, give Grandma's curls a trim --
Catch up on latest news -- what's going on;
Talk about flowers, how seedlings are growing --
Out on the front porch of countryside home.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-25-2009] * Back *

Mercies of GOD

[Using some melody that you like, this could be sung. I often write making up one in my mind or using an old melody.]
______________________

Mercies of GOD, yes, mercies of GOD!
We'd perish but for mercies of GOD!
May His Holy Name ever fill our song.
High praises, sing of the merciful GOD.

With tender mercies, we know that HE leads.
Mercies of GOD, HE hears that we plead.
Mercies of GOD -- HE is our life Supply,
Raining great blessings into our lives.

Mercies -- HE's Light to redeemed of man.
Mercies -- Christ fulfilled Salvation's plan!
Mercies of GOD, HE gives life anew.
Mercies of GOD - Peace to me and to you!

Mercies of GOD, HE's brought to our sight --
We were once lost in most-piteous plight;
But, HE loved us before we were formed;
And, by HIS mercies, we'll ne'er be forlorn!

Mercies of GOD -- mercies of our GOD --
Of the GOD eternal, the GOD of all power!
Mercies of GOD, HE is wonderful comfort.
Mercies of GOD WHO keeps us each hour!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-23-2009] * Back *

Crowing, Chorus, & Woodpecker

E -e-Ur! E-e -Ur! -- crowing of cock,
Of the little bantam one that is,
Right outside our bedroom window.
Quite shrill, the little voice of his --

And, powerful -- O my, how it carries!
But, I enjoy the boasting he makes,
During brightness of morning.
I've been up for hours, fully awake.

There's also quite a chorus about --
Many birds trilling, high in trees,
Waiting for me to fill the feeders.
I'll soon take time to serve these.

Near late evening, two days ago,
Rhode Island Reds scratched near pen;
When, a bit further, out in the woods,
A wildling stirred. A turkey hen?

I strained to see.... it flew from ground,
To alight on stump of dead tree.
Ah, I thought -- a big woodpecker!
A healthy fellow, he seemed to be,

As he clung and searched the trunk,
His splash of red became clear.
Rat a tat! Rat a tat! Wow, he was big!
A well-fed fellow, for sure!

by mercies of GOD near to woodland;
by mercies of GOD, given drink;
by mercies of GOD, fed daily;
Knowing, GOD excels all man can think,

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-23-2009] * Back *

The One Place Apart

Tell, where shall center our hearts?
O that we may find the LORD -
The Guide for our very thoughts!
For His leading, then, fervently pray --

That HE hold us in His paths;
That HE bless with words of grace;
That we faithfully perform duties;
That,to evils, we yield no space.

Dear Holy Covert, O let us find
In THEE - the One Place apart,
The fountain of peace and joy --
Healing Balm for our hearts!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-23-2009] * Back *

In Jesus Name

Confessing, yielding cares to THEE --
Bless me to be found O LORD --
Seeking Thy will for our lives,
And trusting truths of Thy Word;

Let me relinquish my will and way
Wresting about in my mind;
And,, then, let my trust and devotion
Rest in Thy will and way divine.

O hear my cries, in Jesus Name!
For, HE is perfect righteousness.
My pleas surely fall empty, but for HIM.
HE is all my hope, I confess.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-20-2009] * Back *

Spring Abounds

Now, grasses are growing, reaching,
Up through soil, slipping, peeping
T'ward the sun and heavens o'er - -
Greening, brightening landscape more.

Little acorns with long tap roots
Now burst forth their sprouting shoots,
From the soil where they have lain.
Newness - - Springtime begins again.

Springtime! Don't you thrill to see it?
Brand new life. Expect and seek it!
Look for purple martins returning;
Geese aflight, tropics - spurning.

Enjoy the bluebirds and the finches,
Note bluejay with food in clinches,
And the hardwoods' dapper nuthatch;
And, titmouse with its thatch.

Life is springing; life's a'flutter;
In grasses and in dogwoods, over;
Nest constructions all about - -
Most unnoticed, there's no doubt.

Soon, little eggs, the nests, will fill
In countryside, on many a hill,
As in suburbs, even in towns.
Pay attention as Spring abounds!

Happy Springtime!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-19-2009] * Back *

Tam and Bowtie

Chickadee, with tam and bowtie,
O how dapper you appear,
As you sit upon a branch
Of the Rose of Sharon near!

You seem such a studious fellow,
As you consider what I am.
No, I'd not harm you, nor alarm you.
I'll just be still, your style to scan.

And, over there, on feeder hanger,
I see a bright cardinal's flash.
He clings and shines at edge of wood,
Waiting his turn; then, off he'll dash.

Melodies all above, 'midst branches
Of both hardwoods and some pines,
Lend a sweetness to the morning.
I listen -- their joys become also mine.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-18-2009] * Back *

Center upon The LORD

Consider GOD, upon awaking - -
Thank HIM for the brand new day.
Speak of GOD unto your children,
As you're walking by the way.

Look to GOD when all's confusion;
Seek HIM in each trying hour.
Bless His Name for every wonder,
For every blessing, every flower.

With thankful heart, O kneel before HIM --
Thank HIM at His Throne of Grace.
There, plead for mercies and for guidance!
Center upon the LORD each day!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-18-2009] * Back *

Does It Matter?

Does it matter -- the way we live?
Do we truly make a difference here?
Do we affect any but ourselves?
That, no one's an island, it's clear!

Yes, behavior matters! We affect others
With our ways, works, shared thought,
Countenance/attitudes - - pride or humility.
Unto good or to evil, these are wrought.

Yes. But, why does it matter how we live?
Candles reflect light, if not darkened.
We know, speaking evil hurts others.
To GOD's WORD, then, let us hearken.

For, high-brow looks are meant to demean;
Scowls are used to promote fear;
Angry words tear down and frustrate;
Worldly ways wreak havoc, it's clear.

O that our actions be tempered of GOD --
GOD-honoring - - of truly thankful hearts.
Let's not place our candles under a bushel;
But , let us reflect HIS Love, as we ought.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-16-2009] * Back *

Gift of J.B. Parker

I remember the last time he came here
And the gift he'd brought along.
He was far advanced in years - -
Getting nearer the end of his song.

Amaryllis bulbs -- a large box of them - -
A gift for our Amy, he'd brought.
He'd driven from Gilmer County to here.
So kind and generous to a fault!

You see, it had been some years
Since his beloved wife, Opal, had passed.
He was giving us some of her flowers;
And, O how his gift of love still lasts!

That beautiful gift keeps right on giving.
I'm amazed -- he drove miles and miles!
When I see the huge blooms in profusion,
J. B. Parker's memory still brings smiles.

Holding sweet memories in heart
of J. B. and Opal Parker, who led
loving and exemplary lives.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-15-2009] * Back *

I Spied a Nuthatch

I tried spying on a nuthatch
That lit upon a tree;
It skittered down and 'round, head-first,
And escaped the sight of me.

How does he speed so, upside downward,
With abilities I can't understand.
Gravity bothers him not at all!
Excellent wonder that GOD planned!

So, gifted, little dapper nuthatch,
Just skitter on; and, I will steal,
Perhaps, a glimpse or two, later,
If you return to a spot, revealed.

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-14-2009] * Back *

Praise GOD Today

GOD be praised for His great LOVE!
Praise HIM for His drawing power!
Praise! - - join that of hosts above!
Praise in days, moments, hours!

Praise GOD WHO embraces His own!
Praise the Perfect Shepherd of sheep!
Praises! HE'll never lose even one!
Praises, His flock is in His keep!

His wanderlings can't escape His eye;
His hurting lambs, HE lovingly bears;
His rebellious ones, HE chastises.
For all His fold, HE tenderly cares.

Child, are you weary? GOD is Strength!
Disillusioned? HE's unfailing Way!
Grieving? HE is perfect PEACE.
Praise! Yes, praise HIM today!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-14-2009] * Back *

Little Tipsi

Little Tipsi, I think I'll call her - -
You see, her balance is really off;
One of her wings is not quite right.
For her to walk, it's kinda tough.

She's fought a battle to survive,
From her earliest of days - -
Amongst her healthy siblings,
She struggled to scratch and graze.

She'd started staying inside the pen,
When the rest ventured out.
We fed her there and gave her water.
She mostly hovered near heat lamp.

Tipsi's vacationing in our house! - -
In a big, clear, crate-type box,
Enjoying extra warmth a while,
And pecking bites of red grapes - - lots!

A small crippled bantam - - Tipsi.
What will be her condition next?
We'll pamper her inside a while,
As, she's not strong by any pretext.

But, she's improving! Just a bit.
Charles says she needs some starter mash.
Tipsi's a fighter - - she deserves it.
Could such expenditure be rash?

Not at all. We've more fowls here - -
Speckled bantams, brown and black - -
And two jaunty sparring roosters,
Plus Rhode Island Red hens out back.

But, back to, and focusing on, Tipsi,
We really hope she'll improve
To scratch and peck around outdoors,
And run and flutter, on the move.

From the hills of Nimblewill,

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-4-2009] * Back *

Things I Believe

I cannot explain GOD's thoughts or HIS ways;
For, HIS ways are infinitely higher than ours!
And, HIS thoughts, too, are immeasurably higher - -
Higher than the heavens are above the earth!

But, these things I do believe - - GOD is all-seeing and all-knowing!
I believe HE wholly sees everything, everywhere, at all times - -
That, HE doesn't have to turn around or move as we do
To view someone, some thing, or some place.

I believe HE is all powerful and shall never tire.
I believe GOD is Creator, Sustainer of all living creatures
and the sands, stone, earth, sun and moon, planets and stars.
I believe HE is Creator of springs, streams, creeks, rivers, seas --
that, HE forms the clouds and sends the rains, snow, sleet, and hail.

I believe HE is the Power over winds, seas, and streams - -
and movements and positions of planets - earth, stars, galaxies, sun, and moon.
I believe there is no life without GOD - - and, that, HE is verily LIFE!
I believe we,HIS creatures, only live, breathe, and move by HIS power.

I believe GOD gives the seasons, the cold of Winter, the heat of Summer,
The warmth of Spring,and Fall's cool days of harvest.
I believe HE made trees, shrubs, flowers, fruits and vegetables;
I believe HE made seeds and is the power of life in them.

And, O the mountains! I believe GOD formed them, sustains them - -
That HE is the Power holding them in majestic ranges.
I believe HIS lightening sparks fires and that HE can kill any flame at will.
I believe HE hushes storms and stills the seas - - HE has power over all!

I believe GOD is TRUTH irrefutable, unchangeable.
I believe HE is PEACE and LOVE that cannot fail.
I believe HE embraces all HIS children and saves them, every one!
I believe GOD is eternal and is not bound by time or place.

I believe GOD IS - - The THREE IN ONE GOD - -
GOD the FATHER, GOD the Son - Christ our Savior,
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT - The Comforter.
I believe GOD The Comforter is with us;
That - - GOD is everywhere present and nowhere absent!

I believe Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD, is righteousness to HIS people.
I believe HE gave HIMSELF to die on Calvary for all their sins - -
That HE became sin and died in the stead of HIS chosen but fallen people;
And, that HE saved every single one of them to eternal life.
I believe GOD far exceeds all human thought and understanding.

Believing GOD IS and shall be forevermore!

______________________________

Isaiah 55:7-9 "7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-2-2009] * Back *

O GOD, Forgive!

GOD sees all; HE knows my thoughts
And the poisons of my tongue.
HE knows every hurt I've wrought.
O GOD forgive! Please forgive!

GOD sees my anger and my pride,
And all selfish desires of my heart.
HE sees all things I would hide - -
O GOD forgive! Please forgive!

O Lord Who died on Calvary,
For wretched ones like me - -
Of Thy Love, I gladly sing
Praises to GOD! Praises to THEE!

By the mercies of God,
© [Peggy Hood, 3-2-2009] * Back *

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