I pray I won't end up a grouchy old lady,
Recounting each ache and each pain
In intricate detail to all who will listen,
While hoping some pity to gain.
I pray I'll stay kind, and be helpful to others,
While striving to put their needs first,
And that I will share the sweet story of Jesus,
With all who now hunger and thirst.
I pray that as years take their measure upon me,
And I grow more feeble each day,
I won't be a burden to family and loved ones,
But will bless those who happen my way.
I pray I'll not lose my keen sense of adventure,
The wonder each dawning will bring.
But that I'll find something in each day to treasure,
A joy that can make my heart sing.
I pray I'll stay focused on things pure and lovely,
Instead of the dark side of life.
And that I'll be filled with the fruit of the Spirit,
The answer to heartache and strife.
I pray that my world will be just a bit better
Because of the life that I live.
Then I'll be content when God calls me to Glory,
To know I gave all I could give.
Betty Jo Mings
© Copyright is owned by Betty Jo Mings
WHAT'S THAT IN YOUR HAND?
When Moses had fears for the journey,
God asked him, "What's that in your hand?"
"It's only a rod," said Moses;
but God had a miracle planned,
And marvelous things were accomplished
with that plain and simple rod.
It became an awesome weapon
when fully surrendered to God.
When David faced mighty Goliath,
God asked, "What's that in your hand?"
"It's only a sling," said David;
but God showed him how he could stand
And face unafraid on the hillside
that Philistine nine feet tall.
And soon the giant Goliath
lay dead from a pebble so small.
To Bunyan in Bedford Prison.
God asked, "What's that in your hand?"
"It's only a pen," John answered.
But led by the Spirit's command
He penned the book "Pilgrim's Progress";
a blessing surviving the years.
So a pen to the Lord consecrated
has helped conquer doubtings and fears.
And still God is asking the question of us,
"What's that in your hand?"
It might be a small gift He's given;
it doesn't have to be grand,
But if it is used for His glory,
His multiple blessings we'll know.
And as we surrender to Jesus,
His love and His peace He'll bestow.
Betty Jo Mings
© Copyright is owned by Betty Jo Mings
IT'S UP TO YOU
It's not what happens to you
that can make your life or break it.
The thing that really matters
is the way you choose to take it.
You can have a "pity party"
and say life's not worth the living,
Or find some place that needs the love
and help you could be giving.
You can crawl into a shell,
and reach a state of deep depression,
Or count the many blessings
you still have in your possession.
You can say that life's not fair,
and that you simply cannot bear it,
Or seek what's good in life,
and find a way that you can share it.
No, it's not what happens
that decides the winning or the losing.
It's how you take it --
and you'll find it's strictly your own choosing
