Christmas Begins With Christ
Don't wait, limited offer
order now the catalogues enticed
as I looked for food bargains
hoping some would be marked down to half price!
During weekly shopping I am confronted
at every turn
with supermarket shelves filled to overflowing
with Christmas confectionery, cakes, biscuits
turkeys and ham
Christmas trees, lights
cards, ribbon and wrap
row upon row of children's toys
where excited little girls and boys
were telling mother what they wanted santa
to bring them for Christmas
Where does it all end I said to a friend
what happened to the true meaning of Christmas
why all the fuss
when families meet only once a year
it's supposed to be a time of joy and happiness
whilst being together and sharing family time
not stress caused by too much food
the wrong gifts
too much wine and beer
mixed with very little cheer!
What happened to the true meaning of Christmas
if a homeless man sits huddled on a street corner
cold, hungry and sad
why not go over and invite him home for Christmas lunch
it would help bring a smile and some cheer
into his life once again
at this special time of year
What happened to the true meaning of christmas
when church bells ring out the good news
in celebration of the birth of our saviour and lord
Jesus Christ?
It is a time for rejoicing
spreading peace and good will
and sharing the good news with all people
searching for more than money can buy
Remember we Christians are God's catalogue
his illustration to the world of what he has to offer
far greater and more precious
than silver and gold!
Christmas blessings to all readers!
AMJB 14 12 2008
Christmas Begins With Christ
Posted by AliByrnes at Sunday, December 14, 2008 0 comments
Labels: Christ
Last Escapade Of The Little Black Hen
It was time to be fed
and put to bed
but the little black hen
would not be led
back to share the evening quarters
with a domineering rooster in his pen
as more exploration of her new yard
was required
the little black hen could not be coaxed inside
and seeing an opportunity to elude capture
she flew up high to an overhead tree bough
then dropped down quietly to a neighbouring yard to hide
Early next morning the owner
after searching the grounds
was dismayed to find a pile of shiny black feathers
scattered around
it appeared the poor black hen had been plucked
and was nowhere to be found
alas! a heavy price to have been payed
for her last escapade.
AMJB 27.06.08
Posted by AliByrnes at Friday, June 27, 2008 0 comments
Beyond the Gate
wooden gate lay broken
drawing me closer and encouraging me
Posted by AliByrnes at Friday, May 09, 2008 0 comments
Labels: dreams nightmares cats rainbows beauty of nature in all things
Just Bubbles
To feel the warmth from jets of water
flowing against tired feet, limbs and body
after a day out exploring in the Australian bush
was a blissful thought.
I dreamed of floating in a bath of soft sensuous
soapy bubbles and tried to entice my friend to join in!
Back once again in our snug secluded cabin
on Misty Mountain
surrounded by the heady smell
of the eucalypts and the call of the many parrots
feeding from bowls of seeds outside under the verandah
I began my preparations!
Letting the water flow and fill the large spa tub
around me I watched as bubbles rose, higher
and higher, unaware of the danger of having
emptied almost a full bottle of soap into the soft
mountain water in my enthusiasm to begin.
Suddenly realising I was about to become
submurged, I called out in fright to my friend
help! help! I'm drowning in bubbles!
I couldn't see as now the room was full of steam
and a rapidly growing mountain of bubbles were
tickling my nose and in my ears and eyes.
Iwatched in horror and fascination as bubbles
rose up the tiled walls, then escaped over the
edges of the bath and down the steps spreading
across the floor.
Quick hand me my towels I cried in distress
my thoughts now centred on how I could escape
from the insidious clutches of those rapidly growing
bubbles that were filling the room.
This is no laughing matter I said with a slight attempt
at haughtiness, although I could really see the humour
of the situation I had landed myself in.
Suddenly the bubbles popped and slowly subsided
as I slipped and slithered across the wet floor.
Champagne glasses lay forgotten on the floor
where they had fallen in my panic to reach safety
there had been no cause for celebration!
After all who would want to celebrate
the great escape from a mountain of only
soapy bubbles?
AMJB 30th April 2008.
Posted by AliByrnes at Wednesday, April 30, 2008 0 comments
Sunrise At Middleton Beach
Sunrise colours Gold, Pink and Blue
reflections of God's everlasting love
for me and you
beaming down upon the earth
touching land and sea
and entering in to the very heart of me
As I gaze in awe upon this scene
across a wide expanse of golden sand
where white lace edged waves
ebb and flow
and silver gulls fly low
No human presence on the beach
to disturb the peace
and serenity of early morn
as another new day dawns
Slowly I descend from the cliff tops
down many steps to the shore
where I begin to explore
finding empty shells littering the water's edge
tossed aside by strong ocean swells
all shapes, sizes and patterns
once the home of tiny sea creatures
now lying abandoned
A colourful fish lay dead
I paused to admire it's shape and body patterns
wondering why it had been cast aside!
Looking across the azure blue sea
I thought how nice it would be
if I could only see
the many secrets hidden from view
deep down on the ocean's floor
I paused to reflect upon all God had revealed to me
at the beginning of this new day
It's beauty, It's splendour
life, death
Taking a deep breath
I gave thanks, my spirit rejoicing
in His reassuring presence
and with these vivid visual reminders of His love
I moved onward and upward
with my strength and faith renewed!
Posted by AliByrnes at Monday, April 21, 2008 9 comments
REFLECTIONS FROM A HEART
which was surrounded by shady trees at the edge of a forest of Pines where birdsong filled the air. All this I saw as we crossed a small wooden bridge leading to a waterfall.
This heart lay cold and bare until caught in the reflected sunlight, sending a message to me as we passed above.
I retraced my steps for a closer look and noted how the reflections of the wooden hand railing formed a criss-cross pattern in one corner which was then enhanced again by a soft pink flowering creeper along the same edge adding colour and beauty to this small tableau.
I believe many fellow humans hide feelings of rejection and deep hurt and hopelessness behind hearts of stone which they use as a facade when they cannot find a solution to problems.
We Christians must look for opportunities to help bring light and hope, joy and peace to those seeking release from the hopeless situations many find themselves in and what better time than the season of Easter!
With Jesus Christ's victory over death on a cross cancelling out all sin and in his resurrection we have been given a promise of eternal life for all who believe in him.
New life in Christ abundant and free
what glories shine
what joys are
mine
what wondrous blessings I see
My past with it's sin
The searching and strife
Forever gone there's a bright new dawn
For in
Christ I have found new life.
Posted by AliByrnes at Saturday, March 22, 2008 0 comments
At The Ocean's Edge
Along the Great Southern Ocean's edge I lingered
absorbing sights, sounds and smell
this has become a daily ritual
and starts my day's off well
The sound of wind across the water
whipping the wide ocean into a swell
of foaming, writhing, breathing energy
tossing tangy sea spray high
against rugged rocks along the shore
Overhead skies are cloudy and dark
With the threat of much needed rain
But they soon pass, leaving skies clear
and blue again
Walking briskly along hand in hand
we enjoy our great southern land
the salt laden winds dampening our clothes and hair
nothing can compare with the gentle whisper of the waves
rolling towards shore, then the hushed tone as it receeds
leaving lacy paterns from frothy bubbles
along the ocean's edge
As I look upon all God has created
in this special corner of of his wonderful world
I am filled with joy and gladness that I am able to share
these moments with others passing by along golden sands
leaving footprints interwoven with seaweed
shells and ocean sounds
Memories to treasure as we return to daily living
reminders to us of his abiding goodness and love
and his promise of life everlasting for all believers.
AMJB Feb 9th 2008
Posted by AliByrnes at Monday, February 11, 2008 0 comments
Labels: Great Southern Ocean