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We are MFOL! . . . a tiny light in a dark world . . .
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Life is fragile, so handle with prayer . . . “And help us, this and every day, to live more nearly as we pray.” -John Keble (1792 - 1866) “Dear God, I would like to take a moment, not to ask for anything from you, but simply to say, thank you, for all I have.” -Author Unknown Lancaster Inn Prayer Give us Lord, a bit o’ sun, A bit o’ work and a bit o’ fun; Give us all in the struggle and sputter, Our daily bread and a bit o’ butter. Give us Lord, a chance to be Our goodly best, brave, wise, and free, Our goodly best for ourselves and others, Till all men learn to live as brothers. By Author Unknown: poem at an inn in Lancaster, England “He that loveth much prayeth much.” -Augustine of Hippo (also known as Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis (C.E. 354 - C.E. 430)) The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Your will be done On Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. By Jesus Christ: as quoted in “The Bible” (New King James Version), ‘Book of Matthew,’ chapter 6, verses 9 through 13 “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881 - 1955): Le Phénomène Humain (English: “The Phenomenon of Man”) (1955) “When you pray for anyone you tend to modify your personal attitude toward him.” -Norman Vincent Peale (1898 - 1993) Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read Norman Vincent Peale Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. More things are wrought by prayer Than this world dreams of. -Alfred Tennyson (also known as Lord Tennyson (1809 - 1892)): “The Passing of Arthur,” line 415 “Lord, make my words soft today, for tomorrow I may have to eat them.” -Dave Haigler Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Humor And Inspiration And Learning About Kindnesses And Good Deeds” Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. An Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. By Author Unknown “The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe.” -Augustus Toplady “We come together in the spirit of brothers and sisters, each charged with taking care of one another. God, give us what we need to serve each other to the best of our ability. Amen.” -Author Unknown He prayeth well, who loveth well Both man and bird and beast. He prayeth best, who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all. -Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 - 1834): “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (1798) “Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things.” -Samuel M. Shoemaker Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Humor And Inspiration And Learning About Changing And Adjusting” Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. “Dear God, please embrace those who are sick and hurting today and let them feel the warmth of your love. Amen.” -Author Unknown “I heard a man of prominence say the other day, ‘I have amended the language of my prayers. Instead of saying, ‘Bless the poor and the sick and the needy,’ I now say, ‘Father, show me how to help the poor and the sick and the needy, and give me resolution to do so.’’” -Gordon B. Hinckley (Gordon Bitner Hinckley (1910 - 2008)): speech at Bingham Young University (1978) Dear God, If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give up, keep me going. Lead me in light and love. Amen. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read Continuing And Progressing Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. “O, do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall not be a miracle, but you yourself shall be the miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself: At the richness of life which has come in you by the grace of God.” -Phillips Brooks (1835 - 1893): “Twenty Sermons” (1886), page 330 But maybe prayer is a road to rise, A mountain path leading toward the skies To assist the spirit who truly tries. But it isn’t a shibboleth, creed, nor code, It isn’t a pack-horse to carry your load, It isn’t a wagon, it’s only a road. And perhaps the reward of the spirit who tries Is not the goal, but the exercise! -Edmund Vance Cooke (1866 - 1932): “The Uncommon Commoner” (1913), ‘Prayer’ “Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the night.” -Thomas Fuller (1608 - 1661) “It is not the arithmetic of our prayers, how many there are; nor the rhetoric of our prayers, how eloquent they be; nor the geometry of our prayers, how long they may be; nor the music of our prayers, how sweet our voice may be; nor the logic of our prayers, how argumentative they may be; nor the methods of our prayers, how orderly they may be; or even the theology of our prayers, how good the doctrine - which God cares for. Fervency of spirit is that which availeth much.” -Author Unknown Lord, teach me all that I should know; In grace and wisdom may I grow; The more I learn to do thy will, The better may I love thee still. By Isaac Watts (1674 - 1748) “Can you neglect to pray while there is one who needs the help your prayer can bring?” -Author Unknown A Young Woman of Ayr There was a young woman of Ayr - Tried to sneak out of church during prayer, But the squeak of her shoes So enlivened the pews That she sat down again in despair. By Author Unknown “Guide us, teach us, and strengthen us, oh Lord, we beseech thee, until we become such as thou would’st have us be: pure, gentle, truthful, high-minded, courteous, generous, able, dutiful, and useful; for thy honor and glory.” -Charles Kingsley (1819 - 1875) Dear God, bless our school today, Be in all we do and say, Be in every song we sing, Every prayer to thee we bring. -Author Unknown “It is good for us to keep some account of our prayers, that we may not unsay them in our practice.” -Matthew Henry Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Humor And Inspiration And Learning About Goals And Planning” Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. ‘Amen’ means ‘so may it be.’ Heavenly Father, hear our prayer, Keep us in Thy loving care. Guard us through the livelong day In our work and in our play. Keep us pure and sweet and true In everything we say and do. Amen. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read Poetic Epigrams Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. “Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which Thou hast given us; for all the pains and insults which Thou hast borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may we know thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, and follow Thee more nearly.” -Richard of Chichester (1197 - 1253) The Proper Way To Pray “The proper way for a man to pray,” Said Deacon Lemuel Keys, “And the only proper attitude Is down upon his knees.” “No, I should say the way to pray,” Said Reverend Doctor Wise, “Is standing straight with outstretched arms And rapt and upturned eyes.” “Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Slow, “Such posture is too proud, A man should pray with eyes fast-closed And head completely bowed.” “It seems to me his hands should be Austerely clasped in front, With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,” Said Reverend Doctor Blunt. “Last year I fell in Hidgekin’s well Headfirst,” said Cyrus Brown, With both my heels a-stickin’ up And my head a-pointin’ down. “And I made a prayer right then and there, The best prayer I ever said, The prayingest prayer I ever prayed, A-standin’ on my head!” By Author Unknown “Prayer is so necessary, and the source of so many blessings, that he who has discovered the treasure cannot be prevented from having recourse to it, whenever he has an opportunity.” -François Fénelon (François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon (1651 - 1715)) A seventeenth-century nun, whose name has become lost to history, wrote this prayer: “Lord, thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.” Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Humor And Inspiration And Learning About Wisdom And Advice” Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. A Prayer Give me a sense of humor, Lord, The grace to see a joke; To get some happiness from life, And pass it on to folk. By Author Unknown “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” -”The Bible,” ‘Book of Matthew,’ chapter 21, verse 22 A Cornish Children’s Prayer From Ghoulies and Ghosties And Long-Leggity Beasties And things that go bump in the night Good Lord, deliver us. By Author Unknown: as found in Francis T. Nettleinghame: “Polperro Proverbs and Others” (1926), ‘The Cornish or West Country Litany’ Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read Horror Stories Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. The prayers that carry the most weight and are of rarest beauty are those in which we don’t demand, but just report for duty. -Author Unknown “From plague, pestilence, and famine, good Lord, deliver us.” -Author Unknown: as quoted in the “Book of Common Prayer” (1662) Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Humor And Inspiration And Learning About Adversities And Persevering” Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. A Child’s Prayer Make me, dear Lord, polite and kind To everyone, I pray. And may I ask you how you find Yourself, dear Lord, today? By John Banister Tabb Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Humor And Inspiration And Learning About Manners And Etiquette” Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. “A single grateful thought towards Heaven is the most perfect prayer.” -Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729 - 1781): “Minna von Barnhelm” (1767), II, vii God’s people fail a hundred times Before each day is done. But Grace, in whispers, lifts them up One hundred times and one. -William D. Blake “When it is hardest to pray, we ought to pray hardest.” -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read Efforts And Benefits Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” -attributed to Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865) after his death by a reporter named Noah Brooks in an article ‘Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln,’ published in “Harper’s” (31 July 1865) magazine, page 226 Jesus, Friend Of Little Children Jesus, Friend of little children, Be a friend to me; Take my hand, and ever keep me Close to Thee. Teach me how to grow in goodness, Daily as I grow; Thou hast been a child, and surely Thou dost know. Step by step O lead me onward, Upward into youth; Wiser, stronger, still becoming In Thy truth. Never leave me, nor forsake me; Ever be my friend; For I need Thee, from life’s dawning To its end. By Walter John Mathams: as quoted in “Psalms and Hymns for School and Home” (1882) “Who rises from prayer a better man, his prayer is answered.” -George Meredith (1828 - 1909): “The Ordeal of Richard Feverel” (1859), Chapter 12: ‘The Blossoming Season,’ page 75
Teach me to feel another’s woe, To hide the fault I see; That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me. -Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744): “The Universal Prayer” (1738) “Be merciful to me, a fool.” -Edward Rowland Sill (1841 -1887): “The Fool’s Prayer” “Slow me down, Lord! Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amidst the confusion of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of singing streams that live in my memory. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations . . . of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and the tortoise, that I may know that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than measuring its speed. Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life’s enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.” -Author Unknown: as quoted in “A Dictionary of Quotations” (1989) Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Stress and Anxiety” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. “A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.” -Author Unknown Twenty-Third Psalm The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. By Author Unknown: “The Bible” (authorized King James Version (1611)), ‘A Psalm of David’ “My prayer is not the whimpering of a beggar nor a confession of love. Nor is it the petty reckoning of a small tradesman: Give me and I shall give you. My prayer is the report of a soldier to his general: This is what I did today, this is how I fought to save the entire battle in my own sector, these are the obstacles I encountered, this is how I plan to fight tomorrow.” -Nikos Kazantzakis (1883 - 1957) O Lord, bless our family Keep us safe from all harm and protect us from fear and evil. Teach us to treat others with dignity and respect. Help us to forgive when others may hurt us. And, if one of us does go astray, please take his hand and lead him safely back home. Amen. -Debbie Oyler Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read Homes And Families Gathered By David Hugh Beaumont. “The things, good Lord, that I pray for, give me thy grace to labour for. Amen.” -Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852): as quoted in Philip E. Hallett, editor: “English Prayers and Treatise on the Holy Eucharist” (1938), page 20 “Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.” -Author Unknown This is MFOL! . . . a kinder, gentler endeavor in a rough and tumble world . . . Just Do Your Best
Just do your best. It matters not how small, How little heard of; Just do your best - that’s all. Just do your best. God knows it all, And in his great plan You count as one. Just do your best Until the work is done. Though poor, despised, forsaken, Let not your faith be shaken. Just do your best; With God and one The mightiest things are done. Just do your best. Who cares if in The wild, hot rush For wealth and place You don’t excel? Don’t fret. Just do your best, And do it well. Just do your best. Reward will come To those Who stand the test. God does not forget. Press on, Be not disheartened by worry, Nor doubt, nor fear. Just do your best. By Ernest Lloyd Ernest Walter Lloyd was born on 22 February 1880 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He became an American pastor and elder in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He was an editor (1924 - 1949) of “Our Little Friend” and wrote articles that were published in “The Youth’s Instructor,” “Review and Herald,” “Signs of the Times,” “Church Officer’s Gazette,” “Ministry,” and “Our Times.” He wrote ten storybooks for boys and girls, as well as booklets for adults. He served in his church for 75 years. God Speak To Me
The man whispered, “God, speak to me.” And a meadowlark sang. But, the man did not hear. Then the man yelled, “God, speak to me.” Thunder rolled across the sky. But, the man did not listen. The man looked around and said, “God, let me see you.” And the stars shined brightly. But the man did not notice. And, the man shouted, “God, show me a miracle.” And, a life was born. But the man did not know. So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me God, and let me know you are here.” Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on. So remember, Don’t miss out on a blessing because it Isn’t packaged the way that you expect. Take notice of the blessings around you. By Author Unknown Walk With God
When folks say that I walk alone, With pity in their eyes, I ever stand and stare at them In wondering surprise, Because they are too blind to see That in each breathing clod, In sun and rain in grass and trees, I ever walk with God. By Edgar Daniel Kramer Edgar Daniel Kramer was born on 9 October 1887 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America. He became a poet, a short story writer, and a teacher. He is known for his books “A Tribute to Jesus” (1955) and “Your Christ and Mine” (1965). Edgar Daniel Kramer passed on at 78 years of age on 27 July 1966 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America. Be Ye Prepared
Some years ago a tourist was traveling along the shores of a lake in the countryside of a scenic foreign land. When he reached a stately palace, a friendly old gardener opened the gate and showed him the grounds, which the old man kept in perfect order. The tourist asked when the owner had last been there. “Twelve years ago.” “Does he ever write to you?” “No.” “From whom do you get your instructions?” “From his agent in the capitol city.” “Does he come?” “Never.” “Who, then, comes here?” “I am almost always alone; only once in a while a tourist comes.” “But you keep the garden in such fine condition, just as though you expected your master to come tomorrow.” The old gardener promptly replied: “Today, today!” By Author Unknown Cares
The little cares that fretted me, I lost them yesterday Among the fields above the sea, Among the winds at play; Among the lowing of the herds, The rustling of the trees, Among the singing of the birds, The humming of the bees. The foolish fears of what may happen, I cast them all away Among the clover-scented grass, Among the new-mown hay; Among the husking of the corn Where drowsy poppies nod, Where ill thoughts die and good are born Out in the fields with God. By Elizabeth Barrett Browning Elizabeth Barrett Browning was born on 6 March 1806 in Kelloe, Durham, England. A spinal injury received in a fall from a pony prevented her from attending school as a child. She was married to Robert Browning in 1846. She became a poet. Her poetry was widely popular in both Britain and the United States during her lifetime. Elizabeth Barrett Browning passed on at 55 years of age on 29 June 1861 in Florence, Kingdom of Italy. Reassurance From God’s Word
You say, “It’s impossible.” God says: “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27) You say, “I’m too tired.” God says: “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-20) You say, “Nobody really loves me.” God says: “I love you.” (John 3:16 - John 13:34) You say, “I can’t go on.” God says: “My grace is sufficient.” (II Corinthians 12:9 - Psalms 91:15) You say, “I can’t figure things out.” God says: “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say, “I can’t do it.” God says: “You can do all things.” (Philippians 4:13) You say, “It’s not worth it.” God says: “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28) You say, “I can’t forgive myself.” God says: “I forgive you.” (I John 1:9 - Romans 8:1) You say, “I can’t manage.” God says: “I will supply all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19) You say, “I’m afraid.” God says: “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” (II Timothy 1:7) You say, “I’m always worried and frustrated.” God says: “Cast all your cares on Me.” (I Peter 5:7) You say, “I don’t have enough faith.” God says: “I’ve given everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) You say, “I’m not smart enough.” God says: “I give you wisdom.” (I Corinthians 1:30) You say, “I feel all alone.” God says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) This is MFOL! . . . where you can acquire wisdom to take with you wherever you may roam and throughout all of life . . . Let us bow our heads and say grace . . . Lord, we thank you for the blessings of this day and the bounty before us . . . Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Prayers and Spiritual Affirmations” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Thank You God Thank You God for The world so sweet, Thank You God for The food we eat, Thank You God for The birds that sing, Thank You God for Everything. Amen. by Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Poetry” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Johnny Appleseed Grace Oh, the Lord’s been good to me And so I thank the Lord For giving me the things I need The Sun and the rain and the apple seed. The Lord’s been good to me. Hallelujah, amen. by Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of this article, or click or tap on these words to visit the Arbor Day Page. Lord, we thank You For the food before us The family beside us The love between us And Your presence among us. Amen. -Author Unknown Lord, You give us good things to eat Like spuds and carrots, peas and meat. May all the things we say and do Show our love and thanks to You. Amen. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of this article, or click or tap on these words to visit the Foods Page. Humorous or rhyming mealtime graces may not be suitable for all occasions; however, we have been endowed by our Creator with an ability to be joyful and playful, and there may well be a time for them as there is a time and place for everything in God’s Creation. For food and health And happy days, Please receive Our gratitude and praise. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Gratitude and Thankfulness” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. “Us and this, God bless.” -Author Unknown: Quaker grace Knock, knock. Who’s there? Lettuce. Lettuce, who? Lettuce be thankful for our food. Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Knock-Knock Jokes” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Grace God is great, God is good, Let us thank Him For our food. Amen. by Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Minimalism and Extravagance” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Lord, thank You for this food. It’s yet another reminder, Of this truth from “Lamentations”: That You are good to those whose hope is in You, To those who seek You. Amen. -Author Unknown Thank You, Lord, For the richness of this food, In color, taste, and texture, And that it tastes all the sweeter, For this blessing: That we can enjoy it with those we love. Amen. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Love” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Grace with Hands God bless us (touch hands on head). God bless the food (place hands around plate). Amen (fold hands). by Author Unknown Table Grace for Christmastime In the midst of our decorating, shopping, and baking, Christmas whispers, “Immanuel.” In the midst of our parties and merry-making, Christmas whispers, “Immanuel.” Help us pause, Lord, while this food partaking, To rejoice in the promise, “Immanuel.” by Author Unknown (For this prayer, whisper the first two occurrences of ‘Immanuel,’ but say the last one loudly and joyfully. Explain that ‘Immanuel’ means ‘God is with us.’) Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of this article, or click or tap on these words to visit the Christmas Page. “Benedictus, Benedicat.” [original Latin] “May the Blessed One, Bless.” [translation to English] -Author Unknown The treasures of this life Are love, hope, and family. God, thank you for all three. Amen. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Numbers and Counting” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Many prayers end with the word ‘amen’ meaning ‘so may it be.’ Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Daffynitions and Definitions” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Lord, we thank You for this food. As we receive all You give, Help us to trust You more: To trust in Your generosity, For You are eager to bless us, To trust in Your love, For You will never reject us, To trust in Your strength, For You want to work through us. Amen. -Author Unknown For food in a world where many walk in hunger; For faith in a world where many walk in fear; For friends in a world where many walk alone; We give you thanks, O Lord. Amen. -Author Unknown: from the Huron Hunger Fund, Anglican Church of Canada Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Life and Living” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Dear God, Please bless us sinners As we prepare to eat our dinners, In Jesus name we pray, Amen. -Author Unknown A Hare’s Prayer
God is great, God is good, For a hare Green means food, And all the Earth Is a dinner plate. by David Hugh Beaumont (born 1966) Father, please bless this food For our everlasting good. Amen. -Author Unknown Bread is a lovely thing to eat; God bless the bakery and the wheat. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Baked Goods” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Bless this food for our use And us to thy service. Amen. -Author Unknown There once was a cock and a hen, Who gave lunch to a goose in a pen. “Good Lord,” said the goose, “For good food and those who prepare it, For good friends with whom to share it, We thank you Lord. Amen.” -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Birds” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Father, thank you for meat and bread. May all the world be clothed and fed. -Author Unknown Heavenly Father bless us And keep us all alive There’s ten of us to dinner And not enough for five -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Poverty and Prosperity” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Colors of the Rainbow Red and yellow and pink and green, Purple and orange and blue, For food that is all the colors Of the rainbow, Oh, Lord, we thank You! Amen. by Author Unknown: can be sung to the same tune as that of “Sing a Rainbow” Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Rainbows” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. “On a gloomy, rainy morning, it came little eight-year-old Tommy’s turn to say the blessing at breakfast. ‘We thank Thee for this beautiful day,’ he prayed. His mother asked him why he said that when the day was anything but beautiful. ‘Mother,’ said he, with rare wisdom, ‘never judge a day by its weather.’” -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Weather and Climates” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Thank you Lord, And please know That we are truly grateful For every cup and every plate full. -Author Unknown We thank the Lord for happy hearts For rain and sunny weather We thank the Lord for this our food And that we are together -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Happiness” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Lord, Please make us able To eat all the food on the table I think we can do it If we all stick to it. Amen. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Goals and Planning” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Evening Grace We thank you Lord at our evening meal, For the blessings, friendships, and love we feel. Oh, guide our minds and our hearts we pray, Let us all make tomorrow a joyful day. by Author Unknown: can be sung to the same tune as that of, “What Child is This” God is great, God is good. Let us thank God For our food. By his grace We are fed. Thank you God For daily bread. -Author Unknown God of goodness, please bless our food, And please keep us in a pleasant mood. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Emotions and Feelings” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Our hands we fold; Our heads we bow; For food and drink, We thank thee now. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Poetic Epigrams” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. God our Father, Lord and Savior, Thank you for Your love and favor Bless this food we pray And all who share it With us today. -Author Unknown Many mealtime graces are short in length, because if hungry people are at a table with the promise of food, and they do not get food soon, they might start chewing on their fingernails, the napkins, the tablecloth, each other, or anything else that is within reach! Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Mealtimes and Eating” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Thank you God For milk and bread And other things so good Thank you God For those who help To grow and cook our food. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Employment and Work” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power And the glory and the victory and the majesty, For all that is in the Heavens and in the Earth is Yours. We thank You and praise Your name, For all this abundance comes from Your hand. Help us keep joy and gratitude in our hearts And direct our hearts toward You. Amen. -Author Unknown: prayer based on “The Bible,” ‘First Chronicles,’ chapter 29 God, We thank you For the food we eat, For your protection, From cold and heat, For health and strength, For love and laughter, And finally, God, For life ever after. Amen. -David Hugh Beaumont (born 1966) Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Beaumont’s Quotations” by David Hugh Beaumont. Thank You for the Special Things Dear God, We thank you for our food, For life and joy and play, We thank you for the special things You give to us this day. by Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Today and the Present” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. Singing Grace Lord, we thank You, Lord, we thank You, For our food, For our food, And our many blessings, And our many blessings. Amen. Amen. by Author Unknown: can be sung to the same tune as that of “Frere Jacques,” also known as, “Are You Sleeping, Brother John?” Thank You God Thank You God for feet that run And hop and jump and have such fun. Thank You God for hands that clap, Wiggle, wave, and pet a cat. Thank You God for making me, And mom and dad and friends I see. We love You, praise You, and shout out Your name. Our God is forever and ever the same! by Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Anatomy and Physiology” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. We love our bread, We love our butter, But most of all, We love each other, Thank You Lord For our food. Amen. -Author Unknown Continue scrolling down this website page to read the rest of the article, or click or tap on these words to read “Fun and Learning about Homes and Families” gathered by David Hugh Beaumont. We are MFOL! . . . your cheerful ways and pleasant smiles make it all worthwhile . . . Have Faith
People hurt you, God will heal you. People humiliate you, God will magnify you. People judge you, God will justify you. People hate you, God will love you. by Author Unknown: based on a quotation of Nicky Gumbel Original quotation: “People may hurt you but God will heal you. People may humiliate you but God will honor you. People may judge you but God will justify you.” -Nicky Gumbel (Nicholas Glyn Paul Gumbel (born 1955)) Nicholas Glyn Paul ‘Nicky’ Gumbel was born on 28 April 1955 in London, England. He was married to Pippa Gumbel in 1978. He became a barrister, a writer, and a Christian priest in the Church of England. Web page http://www.bible-reflections.net/contributors/nicky-gumbel/290/. Keep a Bright Face
Keep a bright face, darling, Though the task is hard, Life holds up before you Many a bright-faced card. Though the clouds have gathered And darkened all the way, Rainbows o’er you arching Tinge the skies of gray. You have said what sunshine Leaked in with the rain Only brought new sorrow, Brought but grief and pain. Keep a bright face, darling, Set your scales anew, Weigh again the sunshine And the raindrops, too. And you’ll find your measure Hitherto was wrong, Keep a bright face, darling, And on your lips a song. Heaven decrees our burdens, And our faith God tries; But a broken spirit He cannot despise. Keep a bright face, darling - Even while I write, In the fields of midnight Blossom stars of light. Though the morning cometh With a streak of gray, ’Tis a hint of sunshine And a perfect day. Journey slow and patient With a purpose strong. Keep a bright face, darling, On your lips a song. by Kate Slaughter McKinney Kate Slaughter ‘Katydid’ McKinney, who used Katydid as an author pseudonym, was born on 6 February 1859 in London, Kentucky, United States of America. She became a writer and a poet. In 1931, she was elected Poet Laureate of the state of Alabama. Kate Slaughter ‘Katydid’ McKinney passed on at about 80 years of age in 1939. God Will Count Your Honest Try
If in life’s great, onward battle You have done your best and lost, If amid the din and rattle You regarded not the cost, If you met your foeman bravely, If you dared to do or die, God will credit you, most surely, For your fearless, honest try. Have you sometimes felt discouraged, Felt that life had lost its charm, And that every effort failed you, Bringing to you only harm? Look within and ask this question: “Have I done my level best?” If you answer, without guessing, “Yes,” then God will do the rest. Has this neighbor won more glory? That one more of earthly store? Though your hair is thin and hoary, Are you poorer than before? Have you helped, with hands quite willing? Have you heard the orphan’s cry? Given part of your last shilling? God will count your honest try. by William Henry Dawson William Henry Dawson, also known as W. H. Dawson, was born in 1853. He became a poet. He is the author of the book, “Sunshine of Hope, and Other Poems” (1910). William Henry Dawson passed on at about 75 years of age in 1928. Points on Living
Try to live for one week without grumbling. Be severe with yourself, but gentle with other folks. The men who master situations master themselves first. Better let favors seek you than spend time seeking for them. Penitence is the morning star to a brighter and better day. Faith is the leading characteristic of men of honor and heroism. The highest type of chivalry is that which serves the commonplace need. A hope for the future that is not based on right effort in the present is a ‘false hope.’ He who appreciates the help of others most will get the most good out of others. An understanding heart is superior to an understanding mind, and a religion without emotion is a cold, cheerless affair. Where there is darkness be a light; where there is a desert be a fountain; where there is need be a giver; where there is trouble be a peacemaker; such are the children of God. by Author Unknown Golfer’s Prayer
For all the times I have swung a club. For the many friends and the game I love. For the patience I have found in sand or rough. For the excitement of making shots thought tough. For success is not measured by holes in one, But by the times that are shared when you are having fun. Lord would you grant me one last request, To play you a round of the game I love best. by Author Unknown Folks Like You
Wouldn’t the world be nice to live in, Cheery through and through, If everyone were just as kind as Folks like you. ’Course we can’t get all we aim for Every day, it’s true, But there’s one thing never fails us, Folks like you. Mighty sure when I embark for Shores beyond our view, I shall find that Heaven is only Folks like you. by Author Unknown: as published by P. F. Volland Company (1 January 1916) Virtues That Wash
In the days before fast-color dyes had been developed, women made dyes from herbs, berries, and roots. Only a few dyes made in this manner were fast-color, and they were eagerly sought after since the others faded. When a child was born in a minister’s family in Puritan New England, the father wrote the baby’s name in the old family Bible, and beside it this wish: “May the Lord endue her with virtues that wash.” In language comparing virtues to fast-color dyes, the minister was expressing the hope that his daughter would possess such stable virtues that they would not fade in the repeated launderings of life, but that they would remain to the end as pure and wholesome as they were at the beginning. Too often our characters are so weak that our much-vaunted virtues and lauded goodnesses grow dimmer and dimmer as they are laundered in the suds of temptation in the washtub of life. In his progress away from barbarism, man has sometimes unwisely divorced himself from virtue and goodness, when what each of us needs is a generous supply of virtues that wash - convictions that will not be shaken, principles that stand firm. Possessing virtues that wash, we are ready for the world. by Leo Bennett: as published in Monta H. Crane and Selma Shepherd Downey, compilers: “Sunshine and Shadows” (1973), ‘Book I - From Dawn to Afterglow, Eventide,’ page 97 A Prayer for Every Day
Make me too brave to lie or be unkind. Make me too understanding, too, to mind The little hurts companions give, and friends, The careless hurts that no one quite intends. Make me too thoughtful to hurt others so. Help me to know The inmost hearts of those for whom I care, Their secret wishes, all the loads they bear, That I may add my courage to their own. May I make lonely folks feel less alone, And happy ones a little happier yet. May I forget What ought to be forgotten; and recall Unfailing, all That ought to be recalled, each kindly thing, Forgetting what might sting. To all upon my way, Day after day, Let me be joy, be hope! Let my life sing! by Mary Carolyn Davies Mary Carolyn Davies was born in about January 1888 in Sprague, Washington, United States of America. She became a poet, a playwright, and a novelist. Mary Carolyn Davies passed on at 86 years of age on 19 May 1974 in Manhattan, New York, United States of America and rests in Vancouver, Washington, United States of America. Grace
Give me the grace to care without neglecting my needs, The humility to assist without rescuing, The kindness to be clear without being cold, The mercy to be angry without rejecting, The prudence to disclose without disrespecting my privacy, The humor to admit human failings without experiencing shame, The compassion to give freely without giving myself away. by Juanita Ryan Policeman’s Prayer
When I start my tour of duty God, Wherever crime may be, as I walk the darkened streets alone, Let me be close to thee. Please give me understanding with both the young and old. Let me listen with attention until their story’s told. Let me never make a judgment in a rash or callous way, but let me hold my patience let each man have his say. Lord if some dark and dreary night, I must give my life, Lord, with your everlasting love protect my children and my wife. by Author Unknown The Old Fisherman
Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to outpatients at the clinic. One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. “Why, he’s hardly taller than my eight-year-old,” I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face-lopsided from swelling, red and raw. Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, “Good evening. I’ve come to see if you’ve a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there’s no bus ’til morning.” He told me he’d been hunting for a room since noon but with no success, no one seemed to have a room. “I guess it’s my face . . . I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments . . .” For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: “I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.” I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us. “No thank you. I have plenty.” And he held up a brown paper bag. When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn’t take long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn’t tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was preface with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going. At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children’s room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, “Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won’t put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair.” He paused a moment and then added, “Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don’t seem to mind.” I told him he was welcome to come again. And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they’d be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4:00 a.m. and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us. In the years he came to stay overnight with us there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these, and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious. When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning. “Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!” Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illness’ would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God. Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse, As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, “If this were my plant, I’d put it in the loveliest container I had!” My friend changed my mind. “I ran short of pots,” she explained, “and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn’t mind starting out in this old pail. It’s just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden.” She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven. “Here’s an especially beautiful one,” God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. “He won’t mind starting in this small body.” All this happened long ago - and now, in God’s garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand. by Mary Bartels The Giveaway
Saint Brigid was A problem child. Although a lass Demure and mild, And one who strove To please her dad, Saint Brigid drove The family mad. For here’s the fault in Brigid lay: She would give everything away. To any soul Whose luck was out She’d give her bowl Of stirabout; She’d give her shawl, Divide her purse With one or all. And what was worse, When she ran out of things to give She’d borrow from a relative. Her father’s gold, Her grandsire’s dinner, She’d hand to cold And hungry sinner; Give wine, give meat, No matter whose; Take from her feet The very shoes, And when her shoes had gone to others, Fetch forth her sister’s and her mother’s. She could not quit. She had to share; Gave bit by bit The silverware, The barnyard geese, The parlor rug, Her little Niece’s christening mug, Even her bed to those in want, And then the mattress of her aunt. An easy touch For poor and lowly, She gave so much And grew so holy That when she died Of years and fame, The countryside Put on her name, And still the Isles of Erin fidget With generous girls named Bride or Brigid. Well, one must love her. Nonetheless, In thinking of her Givingness, There’s no denial She must have been A sort of trial Unto her kin. The moral, too, seems rather quaint. Who had the patience of a saint, From evidence presented here? Saint Brigid? Or her near and dear? by Phyllis McGinley: “The Love Letters of Phyllis McGinley” (1954) Note: The subject of the poem is Bridget of Kildare (C.E. 450 - C.E. 523), a Christian lass doing the Lord’s work among the Druids in Ireland. Phyllis McGinley was born on 21 March 1905 in Ontario, Oregon, United States of America. She became writer of children’s books and a poet. Her works include “Glass Houses” (1946), “A Short Walk from the Station (1951), and “The Love Letters of Phyllis McGinley” (1954). Phyllis McGinley passed on at 72 years of age on 22 February 1978 in New York City, New York, United States of America. Prayer
Prayer is the dew of faith, Its raindrop, night and day, That guards its vital power from death When cherished hopes decay, And keeps it mid this changeful scene, A bright, perennial evergreen. Good works, of faith the fruit, Should ripen year by year, Of health and soundness at the root And evidence sincere. Dear Savior, grant thy blessing free And make our faith no barren tree. by Lydia H. Sigourney Lydia Howard Huntley Sigourney was born on 1 September 1791 in Norwich, Connecticut, United States of America. She ran a school for girls and young ladies, and wrote 59 books of poetry and prose and more than 2,000 articles for periodicals. Lydia Howard Huntley Sigourney passed on at 73 years of age on 10 June 1865 in Hartford, Connecticut, United States of America. Policeman’s Prayer
Lord, I ask for courage, courage to face and conquer my own fears, courage to take me where others will not go. I ask for strength, strength of body to protect others, strength of spirit to lead others. I ask for dedication, dedication to my job to do it well, dedication to my community to keep it safe. Give me, Lord, concern, concern for all those who entrust me, and compassion for those who need me, and please, Lord, through it all, be at my side. by Author Unknown When I Read the Bible Through
I supposed I knew my Bible Reading piecemeal, hit and miss, Now a bit of John or Matthew, Now a snatch of Genesis, Certain chapters of Isaiah Certain Psalms (the twenty-third!); Twelfth of Romans, First of Proverbs - Yes, I thought I knew the Word! But I found that thorough reading Was a different thing to do, And the way was unfamiliar When I read the Bible through. Oh, the massive, mighty volume! Oh, the treasures manifold! Oh, the beauty of the wisdom And the grace it proved to hold! As the story of the Hebrews Swept in majesty along, As it leaped in waves prophetic, As it burst to sacred song, As it gleamed with Christly omens, The Old Testament was new, Strong with cumulative power, When I read the Bible through. Ah! Imperial Jeremiah, With his keen, coruscant mind; And the blunt old Nehemiah, And Ezekiel refined! Newly came the Minor Prophets Each with his distinctive robe, Newly came the Song idyllic, And the tragedy of Job; Deuteronomy, the regal, To a towering mountain grew, With its comrade peaks around it, When I read the Bible through. What a radiant procession As the pages rise and fall, James the sturdy, John the tender O the myriad-minded Paul! Vast apocalyptic glories Wheel and thunder, flash and flame, While the church triumphant raises One incomparable Name. Ah, the story of the Saviour Never glows supremely true Till you read it whole and swiftly, Till you read the Bible through. You who like to play at Bible, Dip and dabble, here and there, Just before you kneel, aweary, And yawn thro’ a hurried prayer; You who treat the Crown of Writings As you treat no other book - Just a paragraph disjointed, Just a crude, impatient look - Try a worthier procedure, Try a broad and steady view; You will kneel in very rapture When you read the Bible through! by Amos R. Wells Amos Russel Wells was born on 23 December 1862 in Glens Falls, Warren County, New York, United States of America. He became a college professor, an editor, a poet, and a writer. Amos Russel Wells passed on at 70 years of age on 6 March 1933 in Newton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States of America. Prayer
I know not by what methods rare, But this I know, God answers prayer. I know that He has given His Word, Which tells me prayer is always heard And will be answered, soon or late. And so I pray and calmly wait. I know not if the blessing sought Will come in just the way I thought; But leave my prayers with Him alone, Whose will is wiser than my own, Assured that He will grant my quest, Or send some answer far more blest. by Eliza M. Hickok: as published in James Gilchrist Lawson, editor: “Best Loved Religious Poems” (1933), page 160 Eliza M. Hickok was a minister in the Universalist Unitarian Church, a poet, a hymnist, and the author of the book, “Star Gleams” (1 January 1882). |
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