Give to God what is His.
He made it a loan to you.
He wants to see our faithfulness,
our cheerfulness too.
Honor God in praise
as He so deserves.
He has no pleasure
in being reserved.
Honor one another
as He has us.
Patience, mercy, forgiveness
are just.
Give to God what is His
without His needing to ask.
His pleasures are forever.
His love will always last.
11-4-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
There is so much coming our way
one horrible and final day.
Anyone not under the blood of Christ
will be given to believe Satan’s lies.
Death and destruction, torture forever
will swallow those who think they’re clever.
God does not wish for any to perish.
What He created, He loves to cherish.
He wants all to love one another
and to rescue our dying sister or brother.
Encourage one another in these hard times.
Protect and guard our own wayward minds.
Beloved, don’t get distracted with woe.
For the blessed hope of eternity we know.
Keep our mind’s eye on the things above.
And rest in knowing God’s faithful love.
10-29-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
Attention! Attention!
Can everyone hear?
This is a message
from someone so dear!
There is a feast
to celebrate the found.
Those who are freed
are no longer bound.
Make your presence clear
to honor the King.
He won’t take a no.
It’s a mandatory thing.
Show your love and respect
by showing up there.
He’ll be waiting
to see that you care!
10-28-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
Inspiration: Luke 14:12-24 & 15:4-32 KJV
God sends messengers to relay His message.
May be a prophecy or to quote His passage.
But in those words are what He is saying.
He doesn’t want editing or someone playing.
He especially hates when someone flat out lies,
saying it’s from God just to add to their disguise.
This misleads the people and angers God.
When they say, “He said” and He did not.
To cause people to rebel or go stray
will bring judgment eventually their way.
So it’s important to guard our hearts
and keep our relationships strong with God.
That way we will be able to hear
“Walk not with them” or “Do not fear”.
Stay in His word and remain just.
God is mighty and able to trust.
10-28-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
Absentminded according to Webster’s 3 definitions are
1. lost in thought and unaware of one’s surroundings or actions
2. tending to forget or fail to notice things
3. indicative of or resulting from preoccupation or absence of mind
All these describe where I have been… at least to those whom I’ve been in the presence of physically with my mind completely somewhere else, Lord. No matter how hard I try to stay present or attentive, I can’t seem to be where I am. Even when praying or trying to read Your word, I’m so distracted that I cannot think or read. Maybe it’s too soon for the organic sunflower seeds to help, but they still taste good! (Thank You for Brandy’s tip).
Seriously though, this is very annoying considering I am trying to finish a book due back at the library pretty soon, and need to start the one I just checked out. And annoying doesn’t begin to properly address not being able to take in Your word.
To make matters worse, my mind goes where it does not need to be. It thinks on thoughts not healthy to think on. I’ve not given up on trying to give this to You. That is why I write now. So we can deal with this. Face it head on. The best thing to do is to bring this to You, this inattentiveness, this absolute absentmindedness, and leave it at Your feet.
I so easily miss conversations, needed information, cues that my name was called upon, too easily confuse my meds and their timings, and neglect priorities and individuals. Trying to respond, or keeping on top of things feel so impossible. But I know who is on top of all things and that is YOU! You are not caught off guard by anything that gets by me, nor forget anything I fail to even hear. You know what is going on… around me… and inside of me… better than I do.
This confusion and escape seems to be too often for my comfort, as I would like to have no problems at all. But as I know You are the God who hears, heals, and answers, I will trust this into Your hand, and keep listening to the songs You use to minister to me.
For just like the song says,
I know You’re able and I know You can.
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand.
But even if You don’t. My hope is You alone.
I know the sorrow and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You just say the word.
But even if You don’t. My hope is You alone.
– Even If – MercyMe
Clinging so tight to God’s word,
I cling to His heart.
I hold onto His promises
that He will never depart.
His word does not fail us
like we fail Him.
When He makes promises,
He keeps them.
Endurance, mercy, patience
He knows so well.
In His presence
I long to dwell.
Jesus said He prepared
a place just for me.
I believe so strong.
I’m eager to see!
10-26-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
Who would’ve thought
the bugler is a minister,
called to serve God
amidst the sinister?
Heading out to war,
he is to make the call.
It draws God nigh
and makes the enemy fall.
Irving Berlin
and all his songs.
God bless America
keeps us strong.
Thanks for the song,
the alarm, and words.
Such an awesome way
to say You’ve heard.
10-24-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
Inspiration: Numbers 10:9 KJV
“His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether LOVELY. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” – Song of Solomon 5:16 KJV
How absolutely LOVELY You are, Dear Lord, My Jesus, LOVELY of LOVELIES! You have given me so many LOVELY BLESSINGS! Starting with my LOVELY Australian sister Anita of Discovering Your Happiness! LOVELY Anita. LOVELY A. Miss LOVELY! She is always so thoughtful of others, taking such care and time to research and share. And she always makes sure to tell everyone,
“Wherever you are in the world, have a LOVELY day! ❤ “
Now You have had her touch my heart by nominating me with the One LOVELY Blog Award, as well as allowing me to read her LOVELY answers in her acceptance post. As soon as I see the word, how could I not think of Miss LOVELY A and LOVELY Australia! How could I not think of the LOVLIEST of all that is LOVELY… YOU! ❤
I know LOVELY A would not be the least bit offended! She loves you too! She too knows that You make the LOVELY in her possible, and the LOVE in Gail Loves God. So this post will be a bit long while I Love on You! You have opened the treasure box of my heart, and Your Love is pouring all over the place. May it flow wherever You want it, and touch whom You will touch. Thank You for being Love! And for sharing it with me through Lovely Anita!
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are LOVELY, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8 KJV
The Rules:
Thank the person who nominated you and link their blog
Add the One Lovely Blog Award to your post
Share 7 things about yourself
Pass this on to as many people as you like
Include this set of rules
Inform your nominees
My 7 Things About Myself are my current favorite songs.
1. As You know I have been struggling at times with my anxiety, sometimes my depression, and quite often the frustration of physical challenges. This song Even If by MercyMe has ministered to me day & night since You introduced me through a friend.
2. The first song ended with a reference to the hymn It Is Well With My Soul. Everyone should hear a hymn every once in a while… sung to the tune the Lord gave it… and with a choir/congregation. At least once… sing the whole song! This motivates my soul! It Is Well With My Soul by Sovereign Grace Music.
3. Ohhh. *Gasp, and silently waiting for a breath to return!* Dear Lord. How do I find words for what You allow this song to do for my soul? If You had not come! Where would I be? ❤ Love Came For Me by Northland Church. Thank You for coming for me! ❤
4. Joy! LOVELY Lord! This song absolutely lifts me, motivates me, and makes it feel impossible to quit smiling and clapping, tapping my feet. Joy, Lord! Unashamed Joy! Oh the joy of a choir/congregation! And this one! I Love the leading voice! You hear and feel the pure joy! Leaning On The Everlasting Arms by The Church of God.
5. How could I not hear the word LOVELY and not think of Here I Am to Worship by Worship? It sings the very words “You’re altogether LOVELY, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.” ❤
6. Oh by the way, Lord. When it comes to Your precious Son Jesus Christ, did I mention that I Love Him? How I worship and adore Him? When I can’t see no way, He makes a way. And did I mention He’s been faithful to every promise He’s ever made me. I Love Him. That’s all I want to say. I praise you for Did I Mention by The Rochesters!
7. Lastly is my all time favorite video. I wish I could fly along with the camera… and You! I like to pretend I can. It’s such a beautiful collection of scenery… Your creative artwork comforts my soul! How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin.
NOMINEES:
Anabel of Lebana’s Journal
Hiraa of Hiraa Chaudhry
Paula Psicologia of Moonlight Psychology
Lize Bard of Haiku Out of Africa
Hiraeth of Hiraeth638
Tracie of Single and Redeemed
Sage of Letters to Myself
Sayer Teller of Oaken Reed
Brandy Thurlow of Sunflower Holistic Health
Ali of A Certain Sign of Grace
Elan Mudrow of Elan Mudrow Photography
Girly Christian
Dr. Andrea Dinardo of Thriving Under Pressure
Traci Smith of Unshakable Faith, Unquenchable Love
Ali Bolsover of Humble Mumblings
May each one of you LOVELY nominees be blessed in the Lord, as your LOVELY blog obviously is. Please do not feel obligated, nor rushed to participate. I just want others to know how LOVELY you and your blog are. ❤
May each one who reads this post be blessed in “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:19-20 KJV 🙂
Farewell my childhood friend.
It’s time to let you go.
You have been such a comfort,
more than you’ll ever know.
It’s sad seeing you leaving.
I’m sure it must be best.
Life has long been the teacher
that keeps giving us the test.
May you find happiness
in all you venture in.
Take good care of yourself
and don’t forget your friend.
11-5-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
PS… for someone no longer here 😦
Here is a day and time
to celebrate you!
I’m so excited.
I don’t know what to do.
This joy for you
brings joy for me.
I enjoy
seeing you happy.
Time to celebrate
for such a good friend!
Hope your happiness
never ends.
11-5-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
So scared to leave,
Yet no desire to stay.
Just going with
Whatever comes my way.
Scared to be alone
Even right beside you.
So secure of myself
But so unsure of you.
So caring and concerned.
Determined to drive fear away.
Soon pride and insecurity
Seem to wish me away.
Yet if I make
One step to the door,
You are quick to insist
Evermore.
What are you trying to say?
Why do you question?
What do you want me to say
If you want to teach me a lesson?
Don’t want me to love.
Don’t want me to hate.
Don’t want me to belong.
Don’t want me to wait.
How confused your message.
How confused you are.
You expected me to flee
When you’ve raised the bar.
Imprisoned in your confusion.
I victimize myself.
I no longer escape you
When I become your help.
9-2-17 Saturday
Written by Gail Brookshire
Conversational influence
He laughs, Lord, but he has no idea.
That horrible feeling of I must.
Was it for the affection?
Or simply out of lust?
The imprisonment of
I just can’t get enough.
Contentment escapes me
even when there’s love.
Or was it even me?
As now I can finally see
the pleasure love had
to have control of me.
Why must one who has
every part of my flesh
insist on my sanity
not belong to myself?
And regardless of his intent,
where was my control?
It was my body.
It was my soul.
Even now I can feel that fear
that seemed to cripple me.
A fear so manipulated
it secured with need.
This new voice
has so much faith in me.
I hope he’s right
Because I still can’t see.
9-2-17 Saturday
written by Gail Brookshire
A conversational influence
Lord, what about this covenant You keep whispering in my ear?
What is it You want to make new? between You and me? and why?
Am I falling beneath the mark?
Do I need saving? – Always.
Am I letting You down?
Do I need protection?
I wave the white flag. I absolutely do.
I surrender my strength to Your will…
my strife to Your strategy…
my sanity to Your peace.
This battle is beyond me.
I cannot fight it alone, I struggle just to fight.
You touch this soldier and say, “Go home.”
You want me to trust that You are aware, in charge, and on guard.
Your action speaks louder than my words.
So what is it? As You are once again on this subject?
Have I matured? Do I need to grow more?
Is it time? Do I need to be prepared?
Am I capable? I want to be.
A covenant is an agreement, a vow, a promise,
to be faithful to a commitment,
to trusting no matter what happens.
I want to hide in the shadow of Your wings.
I want to hold You yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Forever, I want to stand beside You,
and to have You by my side.
If this covenant is to enter another,
what are You asking of me?
What are You asking of them?
How can it not mar what is?
What exactly is what stands?
How do You see things?
How do You want things?
What do You desire?
You deserve so much,
far more than I’ve ever given You,
far more than I can,
yet I still cherish every moment
that I can praise Your Holy name!
Lifting up Holy hands to a Holy and righteous God.
I cherish just being with You.
You are everything to me.
I wait, Lord, on You
to show what this covenant is
that You want to make anew.
It is between You and I,
so I will wait for Your answer.
Love You… Amen.
9-1-17 Friday
written by Gail Brookshire
Boo! I see you peeking.
What are you seeking?
Is there something to find
To ease your curious mind?
I hear you speaking.
Who are you seeking?
Will I satisfy
With a friendly, “Hi.”
I feel you breathing.
It’s a strange greeting.
Forgive me if I
Choose to say, “Good Bye!”
8-15-17 Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
Leashes break and dogs bite,
so the speaker said.
If you’re going to play with fire,
you know what lies ahead.
Is that what I’ve done
in returning to a danger zone?
Should I not know by now
to leave well enough alone?
Are my actions of kindness
what triggered the mines?
Do I mistake helping
for crossing the line?
God is a guide
who wants to lead,
who tells me to kick the darkness
until daylight starts to bleed.
May I follow in faithfulness
while being gentle with all.
May I be present and ready
when He gives the call.
10-20-11 Written by Gail Brookshire
(by the grace of God)
I wrote this 6 years ago. I don’t remember exactly what I was thinking, but I know it was to conceal my own thought while being brutally honest about surface material. I did a good job of concealing it from myself. 😉
gaillovesgod 