Something For the Soul
by Sherri Martinelli
Summer is finally here … though it might look different than any summer we have experienced! Here are three poems to hopefully help you GAZE at God and His promises and GLANCE at all else.
MY PURPOSE
The world around us sure has changed!It seems like it happened overnight.We have to wear masks and be careful,Cafés and stores have been closed up tight.
We can focus on all we can NOT do,Like giving hugs, parties, and sitting side by side;Or just jumping on a plane or a train,Without planning for this simple routine ride.
But sometimes today when I get caught upIn the news, and negative stories each day,I often forget to praise YOU, give thanks,And take time to follow Your plan and way.
It’s easier to think about my plans,My pleasure, my health, my prosperity;Not focused on serving You or othersAnd what You’re trying to say to me.
Though it is hard to see Your sovereign plan now,Open my eyes and ears, I don’t want to miss …My purpose, and how you’ve designed to use ME,My talents, my gifts, for such a time as this!
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“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place … And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”Esther 4:14 NIV
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ALWAYS THERE
I was having a tough day today,So decided to give my friend a call.But it went to voice message, so instead,Texted her the basics of it all.
Yet, still no answer.Then Lord, you stopped me in my tracks,Reminding me You’re always there … listening.Help me not forget this fact!
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Be strong and courageous.Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,for the Lord your God goes with you;he will never leave you or forsake you.Deuteronomy 31:6
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MY NEW HABIT
I’ve started a new habit that is getting me through my week.While doing my normal chores I’m praising You, the One I seek.I praise you Lord, for my children, who get dirty having fun at play.I focus on their growth and strength, when I’m doing laundry each day.
I praise you Lord, for my children, who are growing tall from food they eat.I focus on their health, while washing dishes and wiping crumbs off their seat.I praise you, Lord, for my children, who are finally sleeping through the night.I focus on their growing changes, when I’m tucking clean sheets in tight.
By choosing to change my gaze, praising and thanking You in this new way,I find my load is lighter; I almost look forward to chores each day.
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Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness;come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God.It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Psalm 100:1-3
You will find a total of 366 original poems in Sherri Martinelli’s latest gift book: MOM’S MOMENTS ~ Smiles to Remember. It was designed to encourage, inspire, share parenting tips, and bring smiles to moms-to-be and moms of all ages and stages. This keepsake memory journal can last from newborn through teen as moms record those milestones and special moments of each of their children. It is also a perpetual daily devotional with an accompanying Bible verse for each parenting poem.Sherri created and hosted two weekly Christian radio shows for moms, is a motivational speaker, and has written and performs one-woman dramas of women of the Bible. Presently, she serves on the Board of Directors of a Christian non-profit, Love INC of Littleton. After 17 various ministries in New England, Sherri now lives in Littleton, CO with her husband and is a mother of three and grandma of two.You can purchase her hardback book at the best reduced price on Amazon or through the links on her website, www.joyinparenting.com. Sherri is also one of our featured speakers in the by design Speakers Directory. If you are looking for a Christian speaker for your special event, please visit our online directory or contact us to request a hard copy.