Inspirational Poetry of Joy and Peace

Artistry of Summer

2018-08-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

The artistry of summer is
graced by blooming flowers,
Their colors and aromas have intoxicating powers.
A warm breeze carries the perfume in the air
Of roses, honeysuckle and others here and there.

The morning glories open with the rising of the sun
And four-o’clocks indicate when day is almost done.
From morning’s first light, flowers wet with dew,
Until the evening darkness, they provide a lovely view.

Hollyhocks, geraniums and hydrangeas too
Create a masterpiece of pink, red and blue,
While sunflowers, daisies and marigolds grow
With a bright golden touch to add to the show.

What delight flowers offer on a warm summer day,
As petunias, phlox and zinnias brighten up our way;
The colorful display of the Master gardener’s art
Brings delight to the senses and gladdens the heart!

© Connie Arnold

Excerpt of summer section of A Symphony of Seasons

A Glimmer of Hope

2017-12-13T06:55:00.000-08:00

A glimmer of hope slipped into the world,

arriving with love at our Savior’s birth,

a promise fulfilled that was long foretold,

with divine light piercing the darkness of earth.

That hope leapt into the hearts of shepherds

at the angel’s appearance with great news of joy.

It swelled with the praises to God in the highest

because of the coming of this holy baby boy.

The shepherds hurried to find the infant

lying in a manger filled with hay.

Hope overflowed with love and amazement

on seeing the precious gift from God where He lay.

This hope gleams on in us today,

flickering, growing, steady and bright,

bringing joy and peace that Jesus conveys

into lives receptive to God’s holy light.

© Connie Arnold, 2017

Each New Day Offers a Gift

2017-10-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Each new day offers a gift,
Something special about the day
To give the heart and soul a lift
And make life better in some way;
If you seek then you will find
That each day's gift will come to mind.

It may be sunshine through a cloud,
A rainbow glimpsed after the rain,
A friendly face in the midst of a crowd,
The sudden easing of a pain;
If you look around with a hopeful view,
The gift in your day will appear to you.

A gift may be in what you see,
Things you touch or what you hear,
The joy in simply being free,
The love of someone very dear;
If you take time to quietly pray,
God will reveal your gift today.

© Connie Arnold

Like Flowers in the Spring

2017-04-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Through the winter bulbs are hiding in the shelter of the ground,

waiting until spring for their beauty to be found.

The tulips and the daffodils, with the hope they contain,

are filled with a promise that their beauty will remain.

Although they seem quite lifeless while their beauty cannot show,

when spring returns they slowly start to rise, bloom and grow.

We too can have the promise of springtime in each life,

when we can grow and blossom after facing pain and strife.

Although we often suffer, God will lovingly fulfill

His promise to creation that He is faithful still.

As we hold onto the hope, like flowers in the spring,

we will burst forth from our sorrows with a joyful song to sing.

© Connie Arnold

Excerpt of A Symphony of Seasons

http://conniearnold.webs.com/

Don't Worry About Tomorrow

2017-01-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

Don’t spend your time worrying

About what will come tomorrow,

Anticipating trouble

With dread or with sorrow,

Or let your anxieties

Keep you awake at night,

Cowering in the darkness,

Filled with pain and fright.

There’s no need to worry

Or to have a troubled soul,

But put your trust in God,

Knowing He is in control.

Release your anxieties

And get some peaceful rest,

Give your troubles to the Lord,

Who always knows what’s best.

Connie Arnold

Christmas Hope

2016-12-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hear the jubilant tones
of Christmas bells ringing

And the magnificent echoes
of angel choirs singing,

See the beauty and splendor
of a starlit sky gleaming,

Feel the joy and wonder
in a peaceful night’s dreaming.

Envision in your mind
a baby laid on a bed of hay,

The glory that beamed from heaven
on a star’s bright shining ray,

The amazement of the shepherds
at what the angels had to say,

The shepherds kneeling to worship
the holy infant where He lay.

Reflect on the great significance
of that life changing night,

Feel your heart being pierced
by God’s love beaming pure and bright,

Find hope that the gift of Jesus
brings salvation, peace and light,

And assurance of God’s mercy and grace
making all things right.

© Connie Arnold, 2016

Autumn Changes

2016-11-03T11:31:00.001-07:00

In autumn the leaves start changing

to colors rich and bright,

and soon they all

will begin to fall,

creating an artistic sight.

The green that in summer was seen

on the branches of every tree

has now turned to gold

and reds quite bold;
this change is delightful to see.

The exquisite beauty of nature
when leaves begin to die,
as vibrant shades abound,
covering the ground,
leads us to wonder why.
Why such a glorious tribute
to what is almost past?
Crackling leaves drying
in this season of dying;
their splendor cannot last.

Changes come into each life

in what has happened before.

Though all things must end,

on God you can depend

to bring beauty to life once more.
excerpt of A Symphony of Seasons
© Connie Arnold
http://conniearnold.webs.com/books.htm

Inspiration and Beauty

2016-07-14T08:40:00.001-07:00

My newest poetic venture is in writing verses for greeting cards. Here are some of the new ones my publisher, RPJ & Company, has recently had printed. They also have my photos on the cover. I'm excited about having these little cards to share a bit more inspiration and beauty with others!

Here is a verse from the Thinking of You card. The photo on it was taken on the trip my husband and I took to Ireland last year with our son and daughter-in-law. Blessings to you!

I wish for you a day filled with light,

And a day that is filled with love,

From the morning until night,

Blessed by God above.

May this day, filled with light

That shines sweetly on your face,

Help you feel that all is right

Through God's mercy, love and grace.

If you are interested in these cards or want more information about them and a discount, feel free to email me at conarnold@gmail.com.

On God You Can Rely

2016-05-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sunshine returns when the clouds roll away,

Spring comes once winter is through,

After the night comes the following day,

After showers a rainbow comes into view.

On the beauty of nature we can rely

As surely as God creates birds to fly.

Again joy returns following sorrow,

Healing can come after suffering pain,

At the day’s end we have hope for tomorrow,

And enjoy blooming flowers after the rain.

On God’s comfort and blessings we can rely

As surely as there is a sun in the sky.

Excerpt from Abundant Comfort and Grace
by Connie Arnold

Finding Peace

2016-02-24T08:35:00.004-08:00

Moving closer to God

may bring peace into one’s life,

gravitating towards serenity,

away from the stress and strife.

The essence of peace is found

in knowing God is in control,

trusting that God will calm the storms,

bringing peace to a troubled soul.

No matter the situation

or how uncertain life may seem,

with God we experience hope and love

far greater than what we dream.

© Connie Arnold

Love and Light Came for All

2015-12-16T07:32:00.001-08:00

Love and Light came at Christmastime,

a gift from God, divine and sublime,

offered freely to everyone,

the gift of God’s only beloved Son.

The light of a star shining radiantly

glittered with hope for humanity,

a glimpse of the peace that was meant to be

and of God’s power and majesty.

The world was trapped in the darkness of sin

until the Light of Christ entered in,

revealing God’s mercy, love and grace,

shining on people of every race.

The world was changed by this Love and Light

when Jesus was born on that special night.

Through the centuries, celebrating His birth,

joy is found in the miracle of God coming to earth.

Beauty and Splendor

2015-10-26T12:10:00.001-07:00

The beauty spread for you to see

Across the land, sky and sea

Are glimpses of God’s majesty

And creative power that caused all things to be.

Whenever you watch the clouds drift by

Or view the stars in a moonlit sky,

Remember the One who reigns on high,

Hears each prayer and mournful sigh.

As the darkness slowly turns to light

Reveling the wonders within your sight,

As the sunshine touches you, warm and bright,

Be filled with the strength of God’s power and might.

In the splendor of creation when you look around,

In the music of life and each joyful sound,

In the rushing water, blue skies and the ground,

Glimpses of God’s grace are waiting to be found.

© Connie Arnold

This photo is from our recent trip to Ireland, where we saw many glimpses of God's majesty!

Lessons of Life

2015-08-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Although we enjoy sunshine,

We know there must be rain,

And though we long for pleasure,

At times in life there’s pain.

The chaos of the world

May lead us to despair,

To wonder why bad things occur

And feel that life’s not fair.

We yearn to find more joy,

To never suffer sorrow,

But though today the clouds may come

There’s hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The lessons of each day,

If they are to be learned,

Can lead us to the joy and peace

For which our hearts have yearned.

When we in faith seek God,

Who has all things in control,

Healing and strength can flow to us,

Shining beauty into each soul.

© Connie Arnold

Hope Grows

2015-05-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

This is a poem I wrote for Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter as part of an attempt to share inspiration and hope for all of us living with lupus. I hope it will bless and encourage all, no matter what difficulties you may be facing!

Hope dwells in the heart

And flutters like butterfly wings,

Building strength of the spirit

To face the struggles life brings.

Hope glimmers and swells within

Even though the body grows weak,

And shines fiercely through the pain

As the comfort and healing we seek.

Hope bursts forth like flames,

Stronger than any disease,

And Victory is its name

For this hope will never cease!

© Connie Arnold

Joy and Peace

2015-04-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Jesus is risen; what joy that thought brings!

He lives in our hearts as our own King of Kings.

We need not fear death but can have hope and peace

for He is God's Son, and His love will not cease.

The sacrifice made leads the way to salvation

of all who believe, for each generation.

A song of thanksgiving and joy gladly raise

as we offer our hearts in grateful praise.

Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Easter as we celebrate Christ's resurrection and the new life we have with Him forever!

Olive and Friends

2015-02-19T18:46:00.001-08:00

As part of the Blog Tour for Olive and the Great Flood, I want to share with you this short video showing Olive as she interacts with her new friends on the ark with brief notes of what the book is about. You probably already know the story of Noah's Ark but not how special the little dove really was. This will also give you a glimpse of a few of the beautiful illustrations by Kathleen Bullock. Hope you enjoy!

The full schedule for the tour can be found at Connie Arnold, Children's Author. Be sure to comment to be entered to the prize drawings for a gold dove wind chime or a copy of my first children's book, Animal Sound Mix-up.

May you be blessed in remembering how God saved Noah and his family along with the animals (including Olive!) and celebrate the promise of the rainbow and God's abundant love and protection.

Olive and the Great Flood

Olive and the Great Flood is available from Amazon, Guardian Angel Publishing or a signed copy from my Children's Books website so you can share her story with the little ones in your life!

Christmas Star

2014-12-14T16:24:00.001-08:00

The Christmas star pouring its light

on the world, glittering, clear and bright,

directed the way to God’s gift of love

by its brilliance shining down from above.

The radiance of that glowing star

beamed more brightly than the others by far,

but its glory could not begin to compare

to the light of love that shone everywhere.

That star’s light focused on a stable stall,

on a tiny infant, the Lord of all.

The light of hope that this Child would impart

flickers and glimmers in each beating heart.

The light of joy and love beams on,

spreading salvation to everyone

who open their hearts so the light may come in,

with faith that Jesus will cleanse every sin.

Like the star that sparkled that holy night,

God’s love continues to shed holy light

as the light of hope that came at Christ’s birth

is shared through the centuries across the earth.

www.conniearnold.webs.com

October Peace

2014-10-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

True happiness can only begin

when peace and harmony live within,

anchored to your Creator above,

Who fills your life with joy and love.

This is the photo and verse for October on my new 2015 calendar, Moments of Peace. Each month is filled with colorful nature photos and verses about peace. See more at Inspirational Poetry of Connie Arnold or Amazon.

Life is Good

2014-10-05T16:11:00.001-07:00

Life is good in spite of pain,

For sunshine follows after rain.

When life at times is filled with sorrow,

Hope arises for a brighter tomorrow.

Without the struggles in life to bear

It might be harder to be aware

Of the gracious love poured into each soul,

Strengthening, healing, making it whole.

Look for the good things in life each day

And receive the blessings directed your way.

Discover the joy and love that abound,

And the heart of God is what you have found.

Connie Arnold

Beauty and Splendor

2014-06-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

The beauty spread for you to see

Across the land, sky and sea

Are glimpses of God’s majesty

And creative power that caused all things to be.

Whenever you watch the clouds drift by

Or view the stars in a moonlit sky,

Remember the One who reigns on high,

Hears each prayer and mournful sigh.

As the darkness slowly turns to light

Reveling the wonders within your sight,

As the sunshine touches you, warm and bright,

Be filled with the strength of God’s power and might.

In the splendor of creation when you look around,

In the music of life and each joyful sound,

In the rushing water, blue skies and the ground,

Glimpses of God’s grace are waiting to be found.

A Heart Filled With Love

2014-04-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

With a heart that overflows
I give thanks, Lord, today
for the many blessings
You have sent my way.

Without You I am nothing.
I can't make it on my own,
and I'm forever grateful
for the love that You have shown.

I thank You for your love
and the gift of your dear Son,
for your boundless grace and mercy
and all that You have done.

To You I give all glory
for all of life's good things
and for the special joy
that loving You brings.

The Power of Words

2014-02-27T07:52:00.001-08:00

Words have power to hurt or heal.

A cutting remark we unpleasantly feel.

Words may stab deep into the heart,

When spoken by loved ones may tear us apart.

We don’t always realize the harm that is done

By our words, and should carefully choose each one.

Condemnation should not be what others hear,

So why not speak words of kindness and cheer?

It costs nothing more yet can do so much good

To speak helpful words the way that we should.

Life is more pleasant when what is heard

Is a loving, gentle, encouraging word.

Inspirational Poetry of Joy and Peace

A Beacon of Hope

2014-01-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

When out on a ship in the stormy sea,

filled with fear and anxiety,

seeking a refuge in the night,

a strong and steady guiding light

to reassure and relieve the fright,

a lighthouse offers security.

As the lighthouse stands on a distant shore,

giving hope where there was none before,

providing a light that is steady and true,

helping the ship come safely through,

a strong fortress to navigate to,

it's a beacon of hope as the waves crash and roar.

When overcome by life's stormy sea,

frightened and filled with uncertainty,

God is a refuge in the night,

a sure, dependable guiding light,

providing a love that is always bright,

a beacon of hope for you and me.

Love and Light

2013-12-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Love and light, together as one,

revealed to the world through God’s own Son,

came that first Christmas, long ago

beaming from heaven to the earth below.

Love burst forth onto the earth

as a brilliant star marked the spot of Christ’s birth.

The heavens were filled with a radiant light

as angels came to the shepherds that night.

The glory that streamed from heaven above

was a beacon of God’s marvelous love.

As love and light pierced the darkness of earth,

the world changed forever at Jesus’ birth.

The love and light that the Lord displayed

is shimmering still on all He has made.

When we open our hearts to let it in

the beauty of Christ will shine from within.

www.conniearnold.webs.com

Blog Tour Conclusion and Prize Winners

2013-11-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

How do I begin to thank everyone who has been so important to my blog tour for Peaceful Moments of Love and Light and Count 1,2,3 With Me over the past two weeks? I appreciate so much each of the blog hosts and what you have shared, as well as those who left such lovely comments along the way. Also thank you to the hundreds that I see by my stats visited my blogs. I pray that all who came found something that was meaningful to them, and that this blog will always be a source of blessings to others and bring glory to God.

If you missed part of the tour, you can find the blog schedule on my previous post. I would like to encourage you to visit these blogs and discover the great things they each have to share!

When you are making your Christmas gift list, if you think of someone who would be blessed to have a devotional with short daily meditations to draw them closer to the Lord or a young child to enjoy the fun in learning to count, you can order Peaceful Moments of Love and Light or Count 1,2,3 With Me from my website or Amazon

Congratulations to the winners of the 3 prizes:

     Kim S. - Copy of my first book, Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace

     Robyn C. - Set of 3 candle holders

     Cathy S. - Framed sunset print with inspirational verse

Remember to always give thanks for all the many blessings of this life, and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Remember to offer thanks and praise
for blessings given in so many ways,
to express a heartfelt, grateful prayer
for all God’s goodness, love and care.

Inspirational Poetry of Joy and Peace

Artistry of Summer

A Glimmer of Hope

Each New Day Offers a Gift

Like Flowers in the Spring

Don't Worry About Tomorrow

Christmas Hope

Autumn Changes

Inspiration and Beauty

On God You Can Rely

Finding Peace

Love and Light Came for All

Beauty and Splendor

Lessons of Life

Hope Grows

Joy and Peace

Olive and Friends

Christmas Star

© Connie Arnold, 2014

www.conniearnold.webs.com

October Peace

Life is Good

Beauty and Splendor

A Heart Filled With Love

The Power of Words

© Connie Arnold

Inspirational Poetry of Joy and Peace

A Beacon of Hope

© Connie Arnold

Love and Light

www.conniearnold.webs.com

Blog Tour Conclusion and Prize Winners