Another Porch ...A Poetry Blog

Dear Lucy, Here You Will Always Be...

2026-06-08T17:45:12.678-04:00

Lucy, I was in the middle of some late spring cleaning doing the upstairs windows...

missing you missing my 60th birthday fuss and love...

Oh, I can almost hear you exclaiming how 60 sounds surreal and wowing, and half-listening

as I explain 'things', how sometimes out of nowhere

a poem just seizes my senses and needs out!

and then we talk... in breathless mostly half-sentences between questions,

catching up on each other's lives...

and laughing and weeping and praying...

depending on the joy or grief of love...

Lucy, the grief of our parting has sweetened/refined my joys.

I sense you in a harvest of deepened friendships...

you opened my eyes to a world of outstretched arms...

two of them, mine...

because its the hard times that remind us how much we need each other.

You are teaching me the bitter-sweetness of this verse, dear Lucy...

John 12:24

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies,

it remains only a single seed.

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

What?! oh! you're asking 'why so many ellipses?!!'

That's where I was pausing to gather my thoughts...

and words! 😅😘

Dear Lucy,

In one sense, you're not here

and in that sense its true

But somehow I still feel you near

in every thought of you

in every want to hear

more than echoes to trace

in every peony my dear

I press against my face

In every memory

That pray, Time will not steal

In every aching void of 'we'

That Time can never heal

In every hope renewed

Because God loves us so

In every prayer of gratitude

In spite of tears that flow

In spite of sight bereft

For God bid we should part

There is a sense of you still left

To hold within my heart

To comfort sorrow's tear

To remind me again

That in one sense you are not here

But in one you remain

...and here you'll always be

In ever younger years

You slipped beyond the reach of me

Save in my smiles and tears

Janet💔🙏💝

The Older That We Grow...

2026-06-08T11:58:13.305-04:00

Yesterday we celebrated my turning 60!

I was young...

but now I am old(er);

...yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken.

Ps.37:25

***

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,

until I proclaim Your power to the next generation,

Your might to all who are to come.

Ps.71:18

***

Sometimes we may be tempted to lament the grunt and groan

That Time is bound to introduce if given time enough

But age is not all doom and gloom, for all we may bemoan

The older that we grow the more we cherish those we love

The older that we grow the more we find to thank God for

Aware that life at best, is like a flower; it will fade

That days are laid like steppingstone we traverse to a Door

All will pass through, and none knows when death's Farewells will invade

Thus, each day is a gift from God, filled with loving commands

With beauty and duty's sacred accountability

Because what matters most is not what we hold in our hands

But in our hearts, with reverence and kind humility

Growing older grants far more than what meets the eye, my dears

Where steps may slow and any resemblance to youth is spent

But loss has deepened love for those still privy to our tears

And prayers. Joy is refined through grief and laughter through lament

...and even if given the chance to turn back time somehow

Not many would choose to re-weather life's lessons once more

Far better this, to find happiness in the gift of Now

For happiness is found in what we find to thank God for

The scenery of looking back, the older that we grow

Becomes a panoramic view of things we cannot change

And things that never will; though generations come and go

God's love and promises, no passage of Time can estrange

Janet Martin

Amos Raber - The Older I Get - (LYRIC VIDEO)

The Joy of June (makes glad the heart)

2026-06-06T10:00:09.368-04:00

Nature's fingers are threaded through with petal-floss...

and gossamer scarves, trailing skylines, misty-blue...

Ps.150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

May swept by in a busy blur without opportunity

to grapple its gladness for spring-things to page!

Finally a rainy June morning allows time for the Poet

to purge Her soul of pleasures to share

and hopefully bring joy to fellow June-lovers!

Nature’s Artist breathes upon

Earth’s stage, with leaf-refurbished isles

And coral light of early dawn

God...gilds fronds with jewels of rain...

The joy of June makes glad the heart

And stirs a soul-sweet psalm of praise

Where bliss time cannot change imparts

The happiness of summer days

This is the Time of singing birds

Of cheery chime of flower-bell

Of hundred hues of green that girds

The sunny hill and bowered dell

Of gardens reaching for the moon

Of days that linger gloriously

Beneath awnings, where azure noon

Kindles dusk’s drawn-out panoply

Nature's fingers are threaded through

With petal-floss and gossamer

Scarves, trailing skylines, misty-blue

And woven with hymn-tinctured shirr

A universal childhood smiles

As Nature’s Artist breathes upon

Earth’s stage, with leaf-refurbished isles

And coral light of early dawn

Winter-weary spirits once more

Soar with hope, burgeoning and hale

Where, like each joyous June before

God tips a lily-laden grail

…and gilds fronds with jewels of rain

And fuels blossom-to-fruit boon

And makes hearts humbly glad again

With summer’s sweet, sweet joys of June

Janet Martin

Of gardens reaching for the moon...

(With this rain the garden grew overnight!!)

This is the Time of singing birds...

Dawn's/Worship's Alabaster Flask, Refilled!!

2026-06-04T08:21:02.381-04:00

See what great love the Father has lavished on us...1 John 3:1

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. Lam.3:22-23

Today, Lord let me recognize the alabaster flask I hold

Lowered from extravagant skies of purple mist and blushing gold

Wherein like precious ointment of great value, moments will reveal

The nature of my deepest love by at whose feet I come to kneel

And at what cost I prove the part that words alone do not disclose;

The sacred throne-room of the heart, and whose reign my devotion shows

Lord, pray Thee when today is spent; the alabaster flask of dawn

Broken, and its utter content of priceless love lavished upon

The feet of my Lord/lord You will say with kind and tender sympathy

'she has done all she could today to show her heart of love to me'

Or else, as too oft the case, Lord (and here ashamed, I bow my head)

Forgive me, where I dumbly poured love's perfume on myself instead

Today, Lord, grant me eyes to see Dawn's Alabaster Flask refilled

With mercy for humanity, before Worship's Spikenard is spilled

And lavished on the head and feet of that which I most dearly love

Where rationale of talk is cheap, as I my lord/lord and Master/master prove

By how the moments of today are perceived, measured and outpoured

Either to howls/jowls of dust and clay or with grateful praise to Thee, Lord

What love you lavish on us Lord; whether we love you in return

Or turn our backs upon your Word, grace shatters dusk's dust and ash Urn

And brushes eternity's brink with virgin hues beyond compare

The perfume of mercy runs pink-blue-gold through daybreak's supine air

Lord, before we start today's tasks and face the foes that vex faith's guard

Tune us to alabaster flasks where worship waits to spill its Nard

Janet Martin

Great Is Thy Faithfulness with Lyrics | Lydia Walker

Mark 14:1-9

Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away,

and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.

2 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper,

a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.

She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another,

“Why this waste of perfume?

5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a]

and the money given to the poor.”

And they rebuked her harshly.

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her?

She has done a beautiful thing to me.

7 The poor you will always have with you,[b]

and you can help them any time you want.

But you will not always have me.

8 She did what she could.

She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world,

what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Where Marriage Is Concerned or Day-by-Day 'I Do'

2026-06-03T09:10:52.525-04:00

Celebrating 38 years of marriage today,

by the grace of God!

As far as marriage is concerned

Love’s law is nothing new

And anniversaries are earned

By day-to-day ‘I do”

Marriage has much to teach, it seems

As ‘I’ is turned to ‘we’

As imagination and dreams

Meets plain Reality

For love, in all its loveliness

Is wrought at a great price

Its prosperity and success

The prize of sacrifice

As love learns about unity

(for love’s vows never cease)

As love agrees to disagree

For simple sake of peace

As love learns how to stand on guard

Where ‘little foxes’ lurk

Where their play ruins love’s vineyard

Without love’s lifetime work

…and its holy, unglamourous

Crash-course in how to pray

As love discovers faithfulness

Is ‘I do’ every day

‘I do’ through life’s laughter and tears

‘I do’ through gray and gold

‘I do’ until days become years

And youth has lost its hold

(And we have come to sacred terms

About each other’s quirks

His hat will land where’re it lands

In Her head, Poem lurks)

Thank God for Three Strands in love’s Cord

To aid when we go wrong

He helps wounded love be restored

To keep it going/growing strong

Because, where marriage is concerned

Love’s law is nothing new

And anniversaries are earned

By day-to-day ‘I do”

Janet Martin

1 Cor.13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails

Love never fails but we do!!

thank-you Lord, for your mercies new each morning,

For your forgiveness that makes possible ours!

Care-cure

2026-06-02T08:31:27.961-04:00

Matt.11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” ~Jesus

1 Pet.5:6-7

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,

that He may exalt you in due time,

7casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Matt.6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about its own things.

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ~Jesus

Today's devotion was a timely command and reminder for me!

Maybe it will be for you as well...

Whether personally,

or in our immediate families,

or extended family,

or friend-'family' or church-family,

or community-'family'

there are immense cares and needs, aren't there?!

There is a cure for care

In a world trouble-torn

There is a steadfast solace where

Courage can be reborn

There is a cure for care

(for care is bound to be)

And we all need a refuge where

Fear and dread’s shadows flee

When disappointments sting

When pain and loss oppress

When body and soul suffering

Afflict hope’s happiness

There is a cure for care

Where faith and mercy meet

God bids us come to Him in prayer

And lay them at his feet

His feet, scarred with prints of

The cross of Calvary

He beckons with unfailing/undying love

‘Come, cast your cares on Me

My all-sufficient grace

Will prove faithful and true

Through every creature-care you face

Because I care for you

Pour out your humble plea

Each burden that you bear

Until, with joy you taste and see

There is a cure for care

Janet Martin

Oh Lord, how we need Your guidance,

Your provision and Your perfect will to work in us;

in every resisting, erring, selfish, doubtful, impatient part

work your wonder in our hearts!

Near to the Heart of God

JIM REEVES HAVE THINE OWN WAY LORD

A Birthday Poem for The More 'Seasoned' Stage of Surprises!

2026-06-01T11:10:38.118-04:00

Happy 62nd Birthday, Jim

God bless you, guide you and protect you

as you roll and chug/plug down and up life's highway!

(literally and metaphorically)

My dear, the years keep hasting by

Where once upon green youth

We thought we had a lot of time

To learn life's changeless truth

And once upon far younger Thought

We dared Time's sleight of hand

By thinking somehow it would not

Heed Father Time's command

And in spite of what 'Old Folk' said

About how years unfold

With gathered speed, we tossed our heads

And winked, youth-and dream-bold

But now, with much more 'seasoned' stance

And sass and strut subdued

We take each new day that God grants

With humbler gratitude

...where, as spent sun-up and sun-down

Weathers youth's girl or boy

Pray we find in time's wizened crown

Sweet surprises of joy

Trading the fast-fading façade

Of face and form, my dear

For truer, purer love/awe for God

With every passing year

Counting, not loss, but gain, dear friend

And blessings beyond score

So that we cannot find the end

Of things we're thankful for

Love always, from your wife

Janet Martin

A blast from the past!!

Time-Don Williams

Yesterday's Sunday morning message passage

is the perfect prayer for today and every day of the year!

Phil.1:9-11

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more

in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best

and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—

to the glory and praise of God.

From Here to Him

2026-05-29T10:47:28.595-04:00

Whether we live a day or a hundred years

(like my friend's grandma who lives in Switzerland

and traveled to Brazil recently!!)

our final breath dissolves Time in eternity!

What was, whether a day or a hundred years,

then, forever turned to what is!!

Oh, pray somewhere along The Way from Here to Him

we prepare to meet God who loves us so much

He paid the debt/fare we owed to purchase

The Way to be saved from

the consequence and penalty of sin! John 3:16

And we are all sinners in need of a Saviour!

Josh Turner ~ I Serve a Savior

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

The Way of the Cross Leads Home - Hymn with Lyrics

Life's way varied in its topography brings everyone, ultimately,

back to the Giver of life...

no matter who, where, how old or young we are

when we leave this world

by one way or another, from the four corners of the earth,

we all come from Here to Him!

Oh, that we would 'know' Him before

we meet Him face to face!

How brutal often, seems the way that draws us dearer and nearer to Him!

By passageways through vale and mount that forge, from faith's leap, hope renewed

And stirs in souls, a hallowed fount of deeper, purer gratitude

By struggles on a way called 'straight/Strait', as self-will and surrender spar

As love weathers lessons of 'wait', while we learn who we really are

By secret prayers in private rooms where God alone can enter in

To cup confession's tear-stained bloom, to forgive and cleanse us from sin

By way of Ebenezer's stone, where worship erects monuments

Of praise; 'Thus far the Lord has shown His help, and His deliverance

By the way of the cross, we find, past Golgotha and Calvary

Faith's birthplace where once we were blind, but by the grace of God, we see

By the way to Damascus, where, bent on some mission, boldly braved

For worldly laud, God met us there, and by his mercy we were saved

By the way of faith undeterred, by the way of love's battles grim

By the way of His faithful Word, God gathers us, from Here to Him

Janet Martin

1 Sa.7:12

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen,

and called its name [a]Ebenezer, saying,

“Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (lyrics & chord) Chris Rice

Perspective Pause...

2026-05-28T08:36:30.416-04:00

If, in all that we do, we view the One who grants the life we live

Then we will find love's purpose kind, and give the best we have to give

What joy to know he loves us so and helps us do the best we can

With thankful heart, to do our part to love Him first then fellowman

This is the day the Lord has made, like an alter beneath our feet

What will the price of sacrifice reveal as we, love's charges meet?

Will we be weighed with joy dismayed, or will we rejoice and be glad

To know God's love will surely prove faithful through both life's good and bad

Janet Martin

Wonder-Thunder

2026-05-26T07:32:51.363-04:00

God talks to us in every bloom

With matchless eloquence

In great and small, earth's garden-room

Heralds His evidence/excellence

Without a syllable or sound

He tells us of His might

In petal-designs that confound

Awed gaze with pure delight

He chooses hues beyond compare

And woos us to be still

And rest in Heaven's foothills where

Hints of His glory spill

Janet Martin

Psalm 111:2
Great are the works of the LORD;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Psalm 104:24 BSB
How many are Your works, O LORD!

In wisdom You have made them all;

the earth is full of Your creatures.

Ps. 104-KJV: v.24& 31- 35

O LORD, how manifold are thy works!

in wisdom hast thou made them all:

the earth is full of thy riches.

...31The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever:

the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

32He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth:

he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.

33I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live:

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

34My meditation of him shall be sweet:

I will be glad in the LORD.

35Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth,

and let the wicked be no more.

Bless thou the LORD, O my soul.

Praise ye the LORD.

The Consequence of Spring

2026-05-25T10:47:47.682-04:00

On Friday we had our annual potato-planting with our grandchildren💚

My, the years do fly...

2024

2025

2026

(This year youngest grandson gave up in disgust,

being literally left in the dust 😂💖)

Whether planting Soul-sod or Earth-sod

Spring is a brief and precious time of very sacred toil...

Spring is a brief and precious Time of very sacred toil

As we redeem its hasting chime with seeds set into soil

How swift sweet planting season skims to Bygone’s soldered keep

And once-upon-barren-plot brims with fruit, ready to reap

Spring is life’s bright and beautiful fresh opportunity

To seize the day with dutiful delight’s humility

And ask He who instills the seed with awesome opulence

To help us plant with earnest heed and careful diligence

Spring is life’s hopeful time of year; as to the broken sod

We scatter seeds and feel so near to the heartbeat of God

As the substance of fruit hoped for and harvest still unseen

Soon bares/bears Evidence by the score, where barren plots had been

…for we reap what we sow; the loom of Spring is brief indeed

The Substance of The Hoped For Bloom begins with planted seed

Its beauty (or the lack thereof) unveils the Consequence

Of Spring, and faith’s consciousness of Harvest and Providence

Janet Martin

2 Cor.9:6

Remember this:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Gal.6:7-10

Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked.

Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

8The one who sows to please his flesh,

from the flesh will reap destruction;

but the one who sows to please the Spirit,

from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

9Let us not grow weary in well-doing,

for in due time we will reap a harvest

if we do not give up.

10Therefore, as we have opportunity,

let us do good to everyone,

and especially to the family of faith.

The Greatest Wonder of the World

2026-05-22T10:11:55.757-04:00

The longer we live

the surer we see

Truth never lies.

Psalm 40:4
Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,

who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

John 17:17

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Isa.55:1

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters;

And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat.

Yes, come, buy wine and milk

Without money and without price.

Come As You Are

A fountain springs eternal and tis not the fount of youth

It is the undefeated, un-depleted Fount of Truth

The truth that love will never fail and God is always good

And He is patient as we learn to love the way we should

The truth is, as long as we live there is something to learn

Each new day is a one-time gift, to which none can return

Who we love most we serve; action needs no words to explain

The tree grows stronger as it weathers the wind and the rain

The eyes and ears of children are quick, curious and keen

Absorbing what they see and hear with hearts tender and green

With mind astute, soon the first fruit of influence will tell

Pray, we weigh what we do and say and teach our children well

For the Truth IS; it cannot change to please vain folly's whim

We will reap what we sow; and every knee will bow to Him

God is not mocked; His glory is declared by heaven's throng

Where none can interrupt or mar their firmamental song

Truth is the bedrock of sound teaching and integrity

Its jurisdiction as far-reaching as eternity

It does not shift or alter in a world, compromise-bent

Its verdict does not falter in the face of argument

The truth speaks without words; wisdom’s immutable defense

It galvanizes courage; girds our words with confidence

It gleams, untarnished by the lies that lord but cannot faze

The Fount that pours from God, all-wise, to fill our souls with praise

His Word is truth; a Fount sourced from I AM, ageless and First

He beckons everybody come and satisfy their thirst

For knowledge from a Source unfurled for both the aged and youth

The Greatest Wonder of the world; it is the Fount of Truth

Janet Martin

Jude 25

To the only wise God our Saviour,

be glory and majesty,

dominion and power,

both now and ever.

Amen.

Psalm 1

1Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.

3He shall be like a tree

Planted by the [c]rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

4The ungodly are not so,

But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (lyrics & chord) Chris Rice

Call of Beauty

2026-05-21T08:58:27.562-04:00

In answering love's call of 'duty'

we are given opportunity to

to turn it into a call of beauty!

Serving one another in love;

is there anything on earth more beautiful than this?!

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,

I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy,

and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,

and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains,

but have not love, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,

and though I give my body [a]to be burned,

but have not love, it profits me nothing.

1 Cor.13:1-3

Jesus came, not to be served, but to serve

and give his life as a ransom for many! (Matt.20:28)

We have a perfect example of love from Him.

What a privilege, each new day

to heed life's call of Beauty!

Eccles.12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God, and keep his commandments:

for this is the whole duty of man.

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.

35By this everyone will know that you are My disciples,

if you love one another.”

Today's call of beauty will be spring cleaning with my sisters

at our mom and dad's house 💕🙏

I'm on for bringing the salad for lunch 😋

Each new day bears upon its pier of grace and love and light

Fresh opportunity to cheer each other on life's way

To be the hands and feet of He who taught us what is right

And bids the likes of you and me to trust Him and obey

Each new day spreads a welkin wing of Refuge overhead

And ushers to love's suffering, God's kind mercy renewed

The riches of His promises will minister to dread

Arousing hymns of happiness in hearts of gratitude

Each new day sweet and kindly grants Duty's/Beauty's replenished call

A shiny, like-a-new-bike-chance to try and try again

To serve God in all that we do, however great or small

To labour with love, meek and true and glad honour. Amen

Each new day, like a trumpet hails; pray, how will we reply

To God, whose favor never fails as faith its need confides

Whose might equips us for the task; tis up to you and I

To look to Him and humbly ask; He faithfully provides

Love's call of beauty sometimes appears common and mundane

Because it looks like duty lacking luster or appeal

But love turns duty's plain disguise to living's greatest gain

Transforming what would otherwise depend on how we feel

Janet Martin

Seems we go from dusk to dawn in a wink....

As We, Want's Cases Plead

2026-05-20T09:24:53.161-04:00

Lord, where we err

in our thinking,

teaching, serving,

seeking, worshipping,

reveal it unto us!

Lord, wherever

and in whatever circumstance

we find ourselves today,

you care for us!

Lord, a deeper fear

and thus love for thee,

work in us

Thou, Holiest of holies

and Best of the best

***

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs:

heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—

if indeed we suffer with Him,

so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ

not only to believe in Him,

but also to suffer for Him,

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

when you encounter trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith

develops perseverance.

Acts 5:41

So they departed from the presence of the council,

rejoicing that they were counted worthy

to suffer shame for His name.

A bud is but the waiting room

of the unfolded Flower...

A prayer is like a bud; it's bloom

awaits its perfect hour

Last week my neighbor-tots eagerly bent over buds

While I reminded them; 'no picking!'

Yesterday they 'visited' me while I was working.

suddenly shrieks of delight were heard!

The buds had turned into flowers!

Oft we want answered prayer

Without full-yielded hearts

In our logic, oft we err

Where trust its test imparts

Oft we want finest fruits

Without Love's pruning rod

To tear away at sinful roots/shoots

That choke the Word of God

Oft we defend the cure

Without probing the cause

Until motive is wholly pure

Without self-serving flaws/clause

Oft we want faith's reward

Without faith's suffering

As witnesses for Christ, out-poured

Like a drink-offering

Lord, show us where we err

As we, Want's cases plead

Teach us to trust as you prepare

Faith's fallow ground, for seed

Janet Martin

Philippians 2:17
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering

on the sacrifice and service of your faith,

I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

I Thank Thee, Lord, For Home, Sweet Home

2026-05-18T10:36:40.889-04:00

Happy Victoria Day, Canada!

In Ontario it is finally warm and both people and nature

Are 'leaping' with joy...

Recently I've been contemplating the beautiful blessings of Home

since my friends moved to their first purchased home

a week ago in another province(eager to put down roots on unrented soil)!

When I messaged her last Monday, in their travels to see how they were faring

she said all was going fine but they were very travel-weary,

and as I tried to cheer her on by reminding her every mile behind them

is a mile closer to home-sweet-home, I was struck with a picture,

of all who are travel-weary; how every mile behind us

is a mile closer to Home/Heaven/Him!

John 14:1-4

“Let not your heart be troubled;

you believe in God, believe also in Me.

2In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions;

if it were not so, [b]I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and receive you to Myself;

that where I am, there you may be also.

4And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going,

and how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through Me.

***

It's Victoria Day weekend in Canada, a weekend where many of us

enjoying working around our homes and getting them summer-ready after winter!

A weekend of thankfulness and contentment as tulips pop...

...and birds in a rainbow of colour drop by!

Makes me want to put this song on constant replay...

Charley Pride & Dolly Parton God's Coloring Book

***

I thank Thee, Lord, for home, sweet home

A shelter from the gale

A port to which we gladly come

And from which dreamers sail

A hearth that kindles in our hearts

A hymn of joy profound

For favors only home imparts

Where loved ones gather round

Where pleasures are simple and sweet

Whatever they may be

Where earth and glimpse-of-Heaven meet

As we remember Thee

Where daily toil and nightly rest

Unfold beneath its dome

Where moms and dads feel humbly blessed

For the place/grace we call Home

Where childhood memories are made

As carefree years cartwheel

Through rooms where 'flowers' flare and fade

To frames, strangely surreal

Where joy and grief mingle, where cares

Teach us to trust and pray

As the bud of Becoming bares

The bloom of day-to-day

Where we are ever Homeward bound

From the first breath we draw

Lord, until we are safe and sound

With Thee, fill us with awe

...as here and there, a missing face

An empty chair or three

Begins to endear more, the Place

Of home, sweet home with Thee

...but till then, may we by Thy Love

Make home and family

A precious, peaceful foretaste of

The Home that waits to be

I thank Thee, Lord, for home, sweet home

When life on earth is through

The port to which each soul will come

Who puts their trust in you

Janet Martin

Some 'Forever-Home' Hymns...

Where the Soul Never Dies...

This World Is Not My Home (Lyrics)

O Think of the Home Over There - acapella hymn with lyrics

In the Sweet By and By-Redeemed Quartet

In the Quietude of Awe...

2026-05-14T09:36:00.036-04:00

Just as the body needs nourishment to thrive...

so too, the soul!

Ps.34:8

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Matt. 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

Ps.31:19

How great is Your goodness,

Which You have stored up for those who fear You,

Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You,

Before the sons of men!

Psalm 119:103

How sweet are Your words to my taste—

sweeter than honey in my mouth!

Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found, and I ate them.

Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight.

For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.

Ps.46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Isaiah 30:15

For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said:

“By repentance and rest you would be saved;

your strength would lie in quiet confidence—

but you were not willing.”

***

We have within, a sacred rill from which our spirits draw

But it runs dry lest we are still for God to will and do

His good pleasure of restoring our souls to holy awe

So we can face life's roaring tolls, refreshed by heaven's dew

Be still where living bread is found and living water flows

Take off your shoes where holy ground of earth and heaven meet

Like Elijah, drink from the brook the Word of God bestows

In life's wildernesses, ah look! Here manna, honeysweet

What profit this; to gain the world at the cost of the soul

To haste and miss the Fount unfurled, where healing tides are spilled

To discover the pure delight of faith cheered and made whole

As we hunger and thirst for righteousness, then and there filled

Be still and know that He is God; then let His love renew

Our strength so we can run and not weary; walk and not faint

For unless we are still, how can God fill the rill with Dew

That nourishes the soul of man and empowers the saint

On storm-tossed sweeps, dew cannot fall, but oh, when we are still

So still, we do not even call on Him with creature-cry

Then, in the quietude of awe showers of grace refill

The rill within, so we can draw and not find it run dry

Janet Martin

Be Still, My Soul-Libera Boy's Choir

Thank-you Lord (For Those We Still Have)

2026-05-13T09:26:11.007-04:00

Somehow in the course of conversation last week,

with my now 4 year old grandson something made him say,

'but Gramma, you're not going to die!"

and I told him 'no, not until God says, all the days I made for you

are done! then I will die.'

'ohhh, he replied, 'just like Lucy!' (My sister)

His comment caught me so off-guard I got choked up

as I said 'yes, just like Lucy. I still miss her so much.'

'Oh well, at least you still have Marlene!'

Grandson reminded me, and I smiled though my tears.

'Yes, and Carolyn and Cheryl!' (my other sisters)

Out of the mouth of babes...

Aren't you thankful for all those

'we still have' as we mourn together and comfort each other;

Family, church family, neighbours and friends.

(but, all this to say, no one ever takes the place fully

of the loved one we dearly miss!

and no earthly comforter can quite take the place of our Heavenly One)

Ps.147:3

He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.

Matt.5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

~Jesus

With Thy Holy Spirit, Lord

With the power of Thy Word

With the Armour of Thy sword

Comfort us, we pray

Through the fellowship of prayer

Through each others griefs we bear

Through dark valleys of despair

Comfort us today

Cheering sorrow with sweet peace

With the joy of hope's increase

Till all shadows of death cease

In Thy Presence where

No more death will enter in

No more consequence of sin

No more tears or pain. amen

In Thy Presence there

Let not sorrow paralyze

Faith from pressing to the Prize

To the home of no goodbyes

With Thee evermore

Guard the place where Longing smarts

Touch and heal our broken hearts

With comfort Thy love imparts

Till this life is o'er

Thank-you for those 'we still have'

Fellow-friends to help us brave

Life's sojourn-ey through the grave

To Thee, face to face

Thank-you for our hope in Thee

Throughout all eternity

Till love, without grief will be

Sorrow's resting place

Janet Martin

1 Cor.15:19

If only for this life we have hope in Christ,

we are of all people most to be pitied.

2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary,

but what is unseen is eternal.

Of Seeming and Certain

2026-05-12T09:25:06.025-04:00

First an update on the prayer requests HERE

Dad is being released from the hospital today!

and the family that moved to their new home

made it safely to their destination yesterday evening!

Thank-you for your prayers!

Yesterday our youngest grandson turned four!

A little over a month ago our granddaughter turned 7!

in Jan. our oldest grandson turned 9!! Wh-a-at?!

Our children/grandchildren cannot begin to grasp how much they are loved;

by God, their parents and grandparents!

Just as we, all God's children cannot grasp how much we are loved by Him!

As my utmost prayer for my children continues, that they would choose God;

to love, trust and obey Him, to treasure His Word and his people,

so too is my prayer for my grandchildren!

I pray that in the twists and turns of life's pathway,

in the fumbles and stumbles of learning,

in the crushing blows that fell pride

and in the disappointment of Things,

they discover over and over again,

just like (hopefully) us oldies, Rom.11:33

'the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!'

3 John 4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children (and grandchildren)

are walking in the truth.

We need not fear; God sends the test, our allegiance to try

His is the hand that tips the nest and teaches faith to fly

His seeming cruelty is love; He takes to give again

His purpose works in us to prove His faithfulness. Amen

We need not doubt the baffling blade that breaks desolate land

When disappointment's shares invade, behold, there is God's Hand

He ploughs to plant an Eden-clime in plots of pain and grief

To loosen grips on Things of Time that are, at best but brief

We need not dread the Hand that tries the ties of mortal whim

To see if perchance we may prize this old world more than Him

God's seeming cruelty is love; His higher thoughts and ways

If we believe, will prove enough to burst our hearts with praise

We need not know the holy why of Time-framed seeming loss

The cocoon veils a butterfly! before the crown, the cross!

Before the flower garden, oh, the breaking of the sod

The surrender of letting go, to know that He is God

To lean on Him in grateful prayer, to worship truthfully

*Praise rends the chains of dark despair and sets our spirits free

To trust in God, heart, soul and mind, when we don't understand

He tips the nest so that we find the cradle of His Hand

God's seeming cruelty is love; look at the cross and see

Beyond the 'seeming hour of defeat', the victory

Beyond the fallen tear, bowed head, when death the champion seems

Behold, where once the seed seemed dead, a glorious harvest gleams

Janet Martin

Oh, how painful God's ploughshares in our 'hard acres of the heart'!

Oh, how worth the harvest to let Him sow His seeds!

But oh, how lifelong is our learning to let go;

and how lifelong is our wonder/worship when we do!

To Mothers...(and Fathers and Sons and Daughters...)

2026-05-11T08:29:09.797-04:00

Written for my mom for Mother's Day/Days!

(she is modeling such kind, patient and loving care to our dad

as he suffers some health challenges. She is teaching

her aging family what marriage vows look like faithful to the end,

with humility and gentleness, by the grace of God)

Thank-you for your continued prayers.

I've shared this song many times over the years

because I love it and it often ministers to my soul!

Keep your Eyes on Jesus - Louvin Brothers

When life's outlook could overwhelm

Love, and distract us from its Source

Remember who stands at Hope's helm;

The up-look keeps our bark on course

When duty's kind demands amass

Till the outlook our joy could dim

Think on the love none can surpass;

The up-look keeps our gaze on Him

When the outlook feels fraught with care

As tolls on hands and hearts increase

Remember He who hears our prayer

The up-look keeps our perfect peace

Janet Martin

Isa.26:3

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You

Matt.14:27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying,

Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

A Hymn/Psalm/Poem of Consolation and Two Prayer Requests

2026-05-09T09:26:52.297-04:00

Life; a thoroughfare of hurdles!

Where does our help come from?!!

Ps.121:1-2

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

Jer.17:5-8

This is what the Lord says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who draws strength from mere flesh

and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;

they will not see prosperity when it comes.

They will dwell in the parched places of the desert,

in a salt land where no one lives.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

Please, if you read this pray for my parents;

Dad in hospital with UTI and quite restless and confused.

Pray he may have a calmer day today!

And pray for my mother to be strengthened physically,

mentally and spiritually during this strain.

Please also pray for my friends packing up today,

to move to another province;

one of their children is sick today!

Please pray for speedy recovery and strength for everyone

as they pack everything that can possibly fit into a U-Haul.

Please pray as well, for safe travels tomorrow,

that God would go (tangibly) before them and

And part modern day Red Seas!

***

Below is one of the hymns we (dad, mom and me) sang last night

in dad's hospital room.

Singing calmed him when nothing else seemed to work.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Let faith in God my fortress be

Invisible security

No height or depth of wealth transcends

Goodness and mercy's dividends

No summit of success compares

To hope in He who hears our prayers

No confidence comforts the soul

Save in the faith that makes us whole

No satisfying substitute

Can nourish like the Spirit's fruit

No other ear can hear hearts plead

And minister to urgent need

No voice but his can part the sea

Of man's impossibility

No thoughts and ways can comprehend

The blessings He delights to send

No earthly joy can strengthen, save

The one who commands wind and wave

Whose whisper calms the storm-tossed heart

With peace only He can impart

Able to do exceedingly

More than we can fathom or see

No cross can crush nor shadow dim

As we believe and trust in Him

Janet Martin

For the family moving I am praying miracle over miracle

showered on them today and in the days ahead! 💓🙏

When in the Throes of Trouble's Woes

2026-05-08T08:38:52.637-04:00

First the snow startled me,

then it enchanted me...

before it melted in the kiss of the sun!

Life is like weather...

unpredictable and ever-changing!

Sometimes favourable and at other times not what we would choose!

Weather and circumstance are often beyond our control

but we are always in control of our response!

Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!

Today's devotion (shared below) is a timely reminder

that hope is not fixed on something superficial

but on Someone eternal and omnipotently able!

Rom.4:18 NIV

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed

and so became the father of many nations,

just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

As much as we recognize it is not in the good weather/times, but in trying circumstances

we prove the authenticity of Hope (esp. when it is against all hope)

as faith matures we realize we will not stand firm in trying times

if faith is not 'proven steadfast' in 'sunny' weather; weather in which

we may be tempted to lay our armour aside and let down our guard!!

***

When in harsh throes we face faith's foes with deliberate diligence

When we can see the enemy we wield faith's weapons of defense

When rivals rage then faith engages the whole armour of the Lord

His pow'r and might fits us to fight with shield of faith and Spirit's sword

To guard and gird us with God's Word; without which we are doomed to fail

For we know not, then, how we ought to pray in shadows of death's vale

But when the hour is like a bow'r of blossoms and the sun is warm

When breezes dance, then guarded stance is apt to grow lax in its form

And treasure worldly pleasure more than seeking the kingdom of God

When storms subside, beware of pride and feet that are not gospel-shod

For sin sets snares in hasty prayers and beds of roses, fit for kings

Where faith would not enter our thought if we could see and know all things

Trust in the Lord; His faithful Word, no matter what befalls, abides

When in the throes of trouble's woes, remember this; His love provides

All that we need; He does not lead us into battle, unequipped

His pow'r and might will help us fight when Self is of its tactics stripped

Yielding control by faith made whole as we relinquish all but He

Whose High Command will help us stand, no matter what the charge may be

Janet Martin

After we put on the armour detailed in

Eph.6, verse 18 sums up our Christian combat in this;

...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Summary of Todays

2026-05-07T14:28:38.916-04:00

Deut.31:18

And the LORD,

He is the One who goes before you.

He will be with you,

He will not leave you nor forsake you;

do not fear nor be dismayed.”

***

How could we bear life's constant care

Without faith's comfort true

Because God keeps His promises

And cares for me and you

***

Not in what lies Behind

or Before us,

but Between these two;

Today, always and only,

as long as we live!

***

Futile to weep at yester's grave

Or borrow morrow's strife

Today is always all we have

To make the most of life

Today?

Food prep... among others tasks!

(so I'm not food prepping when I could be gardening)

Today's temp; a brisk 7C, feels like 4!

Perfect cook and bake weather while sipping tea!

Today's brew a first for me; lovage tea!

As with all fresh herbs...consume regularly/happily

but not in CRAZY amounts!

I enjoyed it with a bread stick and a piece of cheese for a five-star lunch!

Food prep comforteth my garden soul!

Gardeners are needing to be patient while spring

takes its time to warm up!

So, in the meantime we will warm up with

last year's garden-fare...

...spruced up with fresh chives, oregano and lovage!

And, believe or not, I have gathered this year's first harvest; lovage!

(while its still tender and not yet quite as potent/bitter as more mature leaves)

Soon it will grow VERY tall, with whimsical yellow flowers!

I'm happy to share if you would like to sample some!

Drop by!

All the best to whatever is filling your today!

Behind, the joys and griefs we've borne

Past's world to which none can return

A track-record of highs and lows

No prayer or rue can interpose

To resurrect the rose it lent

Of laughter's bloom, of gloom's lament

Of growing older day by day

Learning to shoulder gold and gray

Where none is spared the sacred thrall

Where seeds of spring bear fruits of fall

Before, the gaping, great Unknown

A void through which no dove has flown

To return with a sprig of green

To grant a glimpse of Worlds Unseen

No rooms reserved to guarantee

The tenure of our tenancy

No docket to detail what waits

Where morning flings afar/ajar its gates

Yet hope is trustworthy and true;

What God has promised He will do

Between what lies behind-before

Lifetimes unfold; as moments pour

Through steadfast mercies that bestow

The holy ground of Here and Now;

A joy and sorrow-sanctioned lease

Of health and sickness, war and peace

Of daily opportunity

To bow the head and bend the knee

To thank God who has promised to

Be with us in all we pass through

No matter what was or will be

Time and change will roll like a sea

That bears upon its ebb and flow

All that we hold but to let go

No matter what succumbs to change

God is forevermore, the Same

He holds the cup that pours the vim

That ushers all life back to Him

Where every Here and Now becomes

Life's collection of Today-sums

Janet Martin

Death is the destiny of everyone;

the living should take this to heart.

Ecclesiastes 7:2

Dessert anyone?

Strawberry-rhubarb Crisp

or Apple-Cranberry Crisp!

Harbinger to the Feast

2026-05-05T09:58:33.320-04:00

Ps.139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties;

And see if there is any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.

Since 2019 our church family has suffered many

sudden losses and very deep grief and comfort,.

The above verses have become my heart's cry

as I call on the name of God,

as we learn to wait on the Lord

without answers to His thoughts and ways...

as we truly, humbly learn the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane;

Luke 22:42

yet not my will, but yours be done.”

But in our suffering God has never failed!

Ps.68:19

Blessed be the Lord,

Who daily loads us with benefits,

The God of our salvation! Selah

Matt.6:26

Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Luke 21:28

Now when these things begin to happen,

look up and lift up your heads,

because your redemption draws near.”

Lift up your head;

Do not despair

The fruit beyond the famine waits

God grants the bread

Of answered prayer

To we who hold out hallowed plates

Until the hour

is fulfilled

And Christ alone is our plea

Until His power

Has instilled

Worship’s unmarred humility

And dashed to naught

Want’s willful pride

That hinders the blessing withheld

Until each thought

Is self-denied

And every erring appeal felled...

Hark! Catch the hum

Of rumbling trains

Heaped with the fruit of yielded will

No lin’gring crumb

Of Self remains

To stay the feast God joys to spill

Janet Martin

Proverbs 17:3
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold,

but the LORD is the tester of hearts.

Confession ... A Prayer

2026-05-02T09:30:49.183-04:00

Sometimes in human-natured hasty expectation of God

I overlook/ forget about the scale that would find me wanting,

but for the saving grace of Christ through his shed blood!

My Want grows impatient, rather than filled with humble joy

established and enriched through faithful fellowship with God,

whose timing and purpose does not fail.

Forgive me Lord, when I want the answer to my prayer

rather than You!

Any relationship we have is only as healthy as the time we put into it!

This is esp. true in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Ps.103:13-14

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He knows our frame;

He is mindful that we are dust.

Ps.130:3-4

If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities,

then who, O Lord, could stand?

But with You there is forgiveness,

so that You may be feared.

Sweet Hour of Prayer with Lyrics by Alan Jackson

Forgive me, Lord, when I complain and do not worship as I ought

Forgetful of salvation’s gain through my atonement Thy death wrought

Forgive me when I fault Thy grace; Thou does not force obedience

Nor does Thy perfect love erase the intercourse of consequence

Forgive me when I shake thought’s fist rather than in repentance, bow

Before Thee, who cradles the mist of mortal days in mercy’s vow

Forgive me when I nurse my pride, wounded by Want, sadly misplaced

Enough, Thy love that doth abide and hath my debt of guilt erased

Forgive my proneness to delight, not in faith’s knowledge, but in sight

Thy armour fits me for the fight; forgive me when I shirk its might

Choosing to be the naked prey of the Tempter; easily stirred

By cunning craft that leads astray the heart, unguarded by Thy Word

Forgive me, when indulgence, rude, seizes Thy gifts most greedily

Without a thought of gratitude, or awe that thou remem’brest me

That every good and perfect gift comes from Thy goodness-mercy-love

Thy salvation bridges hope’s rift that else would impassable, prove

Forgive me when I fail to tell Thee of my delight in Thy law

And love that seals the gates of hell; this ought to kindle endless awe

Forgive me when I rush ahead of the purpose Thou hast in store

Lord, help me wait on Thee instead and learn to trust Thee more and more

Thy grace is sufficient for me; no need transcends Thy able will

When doubt deters humility, and bids me haste, help me be still

And know that Thou art God alone and what Thou hast said thou wilt do

Forgive me then, when I bemoan the fires faith must journey through

When I am weak then Thou art strong; forgive me Lord, when I neglect

To sing, seeking a sweeter song than hymns Self does not interject

I love Thee, Lord, for Thou dost know that I am dust and doth forgive

My sins and will ever bestow forgiveness as long as I live

Thy love is unwavering, Lord; Thy sacred holiness is too

This is no frivolous reward that waits for faith that remains true

Forgive me Lord, when, with face pressed against Time's darksome glass between

I fail to simply, sweetly rest in Evidence of things unseen

Janet Martin

Amos Raber - I Just Steal Away and Pray (Official Music Video)

Happy May!

2026-05-01T08:23:45.487-04:00

Today's poem is inspired in part by the first day of May,

and then, because of May's awesome debut I was drawn to Psalm 19!

The first and last verses of this beloved Psalm are very familiar!

And tucked between the beginning and end

we have verses of profound worship;

awed recognition of God's holiness and righteousness

evoking contrition and humbler desire for obedient submission/service!

(Psalm 19 included below)

The sun is drawn from ether deeps

Its glory rends night’s veil. amen...

The sun is drawn from ether deeps

Its glory rends night’s veil. amen

Thank God, His watchful kindness keeps

Perfect vigil beyond our ken

He loves this human race, sin-cursed

Oft blinded by desirous schemes

That often do not seek Him first

In hidden worlds of hopes and dreams

With precision that God ordained

No astral orbit spins awry

All celestial circuits maintained

Beyond the reach of you and I

And always, without fail the chill

That slows the splendor of bud-birth

Will, given time enough, fulfill

Our joy for flower-dappled earth

How very foolish to despair

And fret when wishes disobey

Thank God, He rules the school of air

And always, always brings us May

Janet Martin

Psalm 19

1The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament[a] shows [b]His handiwork.

2Day unto day utters speech,

And night unto night reveals knowledge.

3There is no speech nor language

Where their voice is not heard.

4Their [c]line has gone out through all the earth,

And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a [d]tabernacle for the sun,

5Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

6Its rising is from one end of heaven,

And its circuit to the other end;

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7The law of the Lord is perfect, [e]converting the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

8The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10More to be desired are they than gold,

Yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the [f]honeycomb.

11Moreover by them Your servant is warned,

And in keeping them there is great reward.

12Who can understand his errors?

Cleanse me from secret faults.

13Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;

Let them not have dominion over me.

Then I shall be blameless,

And I shall be innocent of [g]great transgression.

14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, my [h]strength and my Redeemer.