How to live in joy

This Poem depicts how to live in joy, not only in 2018, but every day: 

Life goes by in the blink of an eye.
It's too short to live upset, angry, resentful or ungrateful.

If you look for the good, you'll find it. 
Choose to be happy, to be at peace. 
Decide that each day is going to be a great day
And grab each moment and make the best of it. 

Refuse to let negative thoughts take root in your mind
And refuse to let negative people and situations drag you down.


Trust your journey and know that if you make a mistake, it's okay.
See it as a lesson learned and keep moving forward.

Spend less time worrying and more time being grateful 
For those who love you and all life's goodness. 

Choose to live in joy!

--Charity M. Richey Bently

I hope your 2018 brims with joy!

How God Sees You--It's Better Than You Think!

How God Sees You

Where you see

A weak sapling, bending in the wind,

Near breaking from fierce storms,

Your Father sees

A strong oak, roots travelling deep,

Drinking long from the springs of life

That flow from His throne.

Mighty, majestic,

Offering shade and rest

To many weary ones.

Where you see

A sickly waif, barely covered in rags,

Almost crippled with the pain

Of past regrets

And soul-piercing arrows from the evil one,

Sent to destroy your destiny,

Jesus sees a princess

Standing erect and healthy.

Bright eyes and hopeful heart aglow,

Radiating His glory,

Basking in His love and beauty.

You are destined for success.

You are made in His image.

Creative, strong, brave of spirit. 

You are precious to Him

For He is your true Father,

Your eternal source,

Your life and crown and joy.

If you believe Him

More than anyone,

If you hear His voice of love

And value

You will soon, but perhaps not suddenly

See you

As He sees you.

©jel 2016

Do you sometimes find it challenging to believe what Jesus thinks of you, rather than trusting your own thoughts or feelings? Me too. 

P.S. The winner of Diana Savage's devotional book 52 Heart Lifters for Difficult Times is. . . 

Lynn Simpson! Congratulations, Lynn! I will mail your book to you after my next paycheck. . . 

 

My Christmas Greeting for You, Dear Friend

No star too bright

To herald the birth

Of the One

Who scattered them

Across the heavens;

No song too jubilant

To proclaim the glory

Of the One who sings His love

From eternity

To forever.

Dance, sun and moon!

Clap your hands, you trees!

Exult and cavort, oceans,

Seas, rivers and lakes!

He who spoke you

Into time

Embraces life

As a man-child

That all mankind

May sparkle as jewels,

Sing with joy

And dance as new creations

With Him. 

 - JEL, copyright 2011

May Your Christmas be filled with Jesus,