Christmas ~ 2013

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more fleeting year,

Already it’s fading in our rear-view mirror;

Where the days went I cannot say,

They’ve flown by on wings of rapid decay.

It started out fresh, and clean, and new,

With promise, potential, and time in view;

Our hearts soared with hope as the year began,

Sure it would bring forth our very best plan.

But then ‘twixt the start and what we see now,

Came the gravel, the rough stuff, and the ornery plow.

It’s hard work, the details of birthing a dream,

Too often we falter and simply lose steam.

The “skin” that we live in is quick to relax,

To give up the fight, call off the attacks;

We yield when we ought to be standing our ground,

Doing it “our way” brings dreams crashing ‘round.

Then, December comes, year’s end is in sight,

And we, ever hoping, turn toward the Light;

Of that first Christmas morn, two millennia ago,

When Hope was born and its’ dawn brought the glow...

Of redemption... renewal... reviving His plan,

Life everlasting – His promise to man;

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you,

Peace... good will... and Salvation too.”

Our strength is too small, we need Him to survive,

For only in Him are we truly alive;

Yielded, submissive; that’s when we’re our best,

Trusting His Word, we can pass every test.

Willing obedience always touches His heart,

Freely giving ourselves, we make a fresh start;

Old things pass away, all things become new,

With Him in control, we can now follow through!

Marjorie J. Kinnee

December 2013

Wonder of Wonders!

Wonder of wonders, Amazing grace,

That JESUS in love would die in my place;

Marvelous mystery that ALL my past history -

Should become HIS story! To GOD be all Glory!

[See Ephesians 2:4-7.]

by mjk ~ April 11, 2011

Pastor/Shepherd

Pastor or shepherd, they're one and the same,

They take care of "sheep" and call them by name.

They feed the flock, lead them where they should go;

They guard them from danger, what e'er be the foe.

They know where the water runs cool and deep;

Where the grass is green, and the clover is sweet.

They lead, they don't drive - sheep follow by choice;

They only will listen to their shepherd's voice.

A shepherd keeps watch through dark, stormy nights;

When an enemy attacks, he stands up and fights.

Sheep tend to wander, and wander they will;

But shepherds seek the lost, o'er valley and hill.

Shepherds give from a heart overflowing,

And sheep are content because they are knowing...

They're safe in the care of a shepherd who's faithful;

Comfort like this makes the sheep truly grateful!

~ Marjorie Kinnee
June 20, 2010

Protecting the Harvest

An uneasy restlessness grips me.
Finding no simple solution, I begin to probe deeper,
Touching tender places, bruised and sore,
Seeking the core, the roots.
On my knees, I crouch low.
The hot sun scorches my back,
And I sweat in the heat.
It's hard work;
Work that I'd rather leave for a more convenient season,
When the sun's rays weren't so hot,
And the ground was softened by rain.
But the angle of the sun tells me
That I haven't much time.
So I poke and sift, pinching off insects,
And driving away the pesky birds and bunnies
That would harm my harvest.
My heart is cheered when I pause -
And realize that the Lord of the Harvest
Is also working close by.

~ MJKinnee

Searching the Scriptures...

Found this poem, enjoyed its meaning and want to pass it on...

Cling to the Bible, this jewel and treasure
brings life eternal and shows fallen man;

Surely its value no mortal can measure;

Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can.

(Author unknown)

Come!

Come - bring all your doubt and fear,

Come - He's calling you to hear,

Come - leave all your wasted years;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - says the Spirit,

Come - says the Bride,

Come - if you're thirsty -

You won't be denied;

Come - come today,

Come - don't delay,

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - Repent your sin and shame,

Come - Be Baptized in Jesus' Name,

Come - Be filled with Holy Ghost flame;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - Salvation's full and free,

Come - to life abundantly,

Come - to glorious liberty;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - to joy and righteousness,

Come - to peace and holiness,

Come - to life forever blessed,

Come to Jesus - Come!

by mjkinnee
Sept. 6, 2009

The Prodigal's Mother

Of the prodigal’s tale, we all are aware,
Stubborn, he wanted to manage his share;
So he took it and headed off into the sun,
Determined to have his share of fun.

We hear how he partied away all he had,
Rumors were flowing and all were bad;
The father kept watch as the months wore on,
Only love could rescue his wayward son.

We hear of his downfall, the ruins of sin,
We hear of the pigpen he found himself in;
We hear of the change that began in his heart,
How he thought of home and the servant’s part.

We hear of his journey and father’s delight
We hear sounds of joy as they ring in the night;
Brother’s envy and spite make our spirits groan,
But through it all – we’re glad he’s home.

But what of his mother? We never do hear,
Yet surely her presence was always near;
Her baby was lost – her precious son,
She must have wept and prayed, undone.

In dark, night hours, while others slept,
A tear-stained vigil his mother kept;
She groaned and travailed more deep than at birth,
For the wayward one’s soul had yet greater worth.

She waited and hoped in the promise of God,
Reminding, abiding, her faith walked dry-shod;
Through oceans of tears, through doubts and fear,
Come what may - though it took many a year.

And then, when the promise finally did arrive,
Imagine the sparkle of joy in her eye;
Hustling, bustling in a glorious dither,
The servants all rushing hither and thither.

Mama, in high gear, was doing her best,
Preparing a fabulous celebration fest;
All her boy’s favorite cookies and cake,
Were piled high and waiting for more to bake.

But right in the midst of the joyful preparation,
Mama steals off for a quiet conversation –
With the One who had shared her burden and grief,
“He’s home now, Lord, Oh, what blessed relief!”

By Marjorie Kinnee

Note: I took the liberty of adding a possibility to this age-old story in honor of Mothers Day and in tribute to mothers of wayward children. They carry a special burden, full of sorrow, travail and pleading intercession. But they partner with the One whose heart is touched and is able to work, even in the darkest of situations. What He's done for others - He'll do for you! "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think...", be all the glory and honor and power and dominion. In Jesus' Name!

Sometimes...

Sometimes life is hectic,

Sometimes slow and sweet,

Sometimes joy surprises us -

Hidden 'round our feet.

But this we know assuredly,

In Jesus all is well;

He measures every day with love,

Secure in Him we dwell.

mjk - 4/20/09

God's in Control

God's in control - sure as sunrise this morning,
His mercies were fresh and new;
My heart hopes in Him - my Spirit is renewed,
His Word and promises are true.

Dark clouds may rise - trouble's winds may blow,
But my soul finds rest and sings;
For I'm safe in His Arms - I fear no alarm,
While I'm sheltering under His wings.

By mjk - 3/29/09

Things That Last

What would you give for something that lasts
A hundred years or more?
Does it measure in multiplied dollars and cents?
Or in bank accounts by the score?

What would you give for the trust of a child?
Can you buy it with trinkets rare?
How do you restore it once it is gone?
Can you carry it here and there?

What of the love of your husband, your friend?
As he goes through his day, when it’s through?
Is your home a haven of comfort and peace?
Can his heart safely trust in you?

What of the trust of the wife of your life?
Can she sail with a calm, serene mind?
Are you courageous and bold? or blustery and cold?
Do your children lag far behind?

And what of the souls you pass every day?
Their lives are so barren and bleak:
Lost, without God, they long for the Light
You enjoy every day of the week.

Moment by moment, day by day,
Life’s sand slips through the glass;
Weeks turn to months and months into years,
We learn that life comes – to pass.

Think of the things that you can pass on,
When your life here on earth is complete;
Their worth is counted – soul by soul,
And laid at the Master’s feet.

What will you invest in what you’ve been given?
That’s the reason behind this small rhyme;
Is it gaudy and cheap? Or crafted to keep?
Will your workmanship pass the test of time?

By Marjorie Kinnee

Christmas - 2008

The recipe for the year just spent,
Was bound together with kindly consent.
Holding measures of joy, and a measure of fear,
Spiced with laughter and a measure of tears.

There were pieces of chocolate – dark and bitter,
Mixed in with moments of sugary glitter.
Blended together, the bitter and sweet,
Make memory’s contribution complete.

Momentous moments in seconds of time,
Shared smiles and tears on an upward climb;
Each man’s outcome so clearly his own,
Yet each man’s progress is commonly known.

The future is out there
Its course has been staked.
But to us at this point,
It’s a cake not yet baked.

For the ingredient list of a human life,
Goes on and on through sorrow and strife;
Years of loss and years of gain,
Follow years of joy and years of pain.

We sum each year by a critical moment,
It’s crystallized, characterized, set up to foment;
"1998! – how well I remember,
That’s when my grandson was born in November!"

We toss in ingredients with scarcely a thought,
An unkind word, an opinion unsought;
And thus we assemble our life’s recipe,
Rarely taking account what the outcome will be.

Too soon, we give up and flee the fight,
When victory’s crown is almost in sight.
Too easy, we’re swayed by popular opinion,
And find ourselves caught in the enemy’s dominion.

But just ahead the oven’s fire
Will test the ingredients we acquire.
The proof’s in the final product, you see,
What we put in will last for eternity.

Christmas – 2008
Marjorie J. Kinnee

A Prayer For the Man of God

Oh Lord, I am a sheep of Thy fold,
Safely placed in a shepherd's care;
A man of God watches for my soul,
Driving vultures, fighting lion and bear.

Grant him wisdom and strength to lead the flock.
May his heart beat in tune with Yours,
As he prays and preaches, guides and teaches,
Doing endless ministerial chores.

May his enemies be scattered.
Reward unseen faithfulness and gallantry.
As he watches - watch over him.
Guard his family and his ministry.

For we, who are sheep, are unaware,
Of all that our shepherd goes through,
In keeping, and guarding, and feeding the flock,
Until all come home safely to You.

As he gives - Dear Lord, fill his measure again,
Grant him patience and mercy and grace,
Keep Your hand on this man who carries out Your plan,
May his heart sense the smile on Your face.

~ MJKinnee

Praise the Lord!

Amen!

Hallelujah!

All Power, Glory and Majesty belong to You, O God!
You alone are worthy – Your grace is shed abroad;
You’re good, O Lord, and great – and greatly to be praised.
While gazing on Your mighty works so wondrous, I’m amazed!

I watch the eagle soar, hear the wind and the sparrow sing,
I hold the hand of a tiny child; breathe in the air of spring.
I watch in awe as a sinner, bound, repents and is baptized,
In Jesus’ Name, he finds new life as Your Spirit moves inside.

He speaks and acts and thinks in ways he never thought before,
He walks and talks – a whole new life – with pleasures evermore.
But best of all this change is not to here and now confined,
Oh No! this joy’s eternal – Your Life and his – entwined!

While gazing on Your mighty works so wondrous, I'm amazed!
You're good, O Lord, and great - and greatly to be praised.
You alone are worthy - Your grace is shed abroad:
All Power, Glory and Majesty belong to You, O God!


Hallelujah!

Amen!

Praise the Lord!

~ by mjkinnee


Note:

Composed this today in response to a devotional exhortation,

entitled, "Praise the Lord!", written yesterday, June 18, 2008,

by Rev. Rufus Parker, UPCI Missionary to Okinawa.

According to the Pattern


By faith, Noah, being warned of God,

saved his family;

He moved with fear, prepared the ark,

"For see that you build it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

The priests of old served before the Lord,

as shadows of the heavenly;

Their tabernacle plan was ordained of God,

"For see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come,

A Holy Wind blew mightily;

As Peter preached the Word, anointed by God,

"See that you preach it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

From age to age, through ebb and flow,

From sea to shining sea;

When e'er a heart opens to make Him a home,

"O see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern!"

~ mjkinnee ~

For Adam & Eve & Their Posterity...
(A Limerick by mjk)

"Ignorance is bliss" is what they say,
And when there's no knowledge, it's true;
But the instant you learn,
You have to discern,
Right or wrong's now the choice for you.

Protecting the Harvest

An uneasy restlessness grips me

Finding no simple solutions, I begin to probe deeper,

Touching tender places, bruised and sore,

Seeking the core, the roots.

On my knees, I crouch low,

The hot sun scorches my back,

And I sweat in the heat.

It's hard work;

Work I'd rather leave for a more convenient season,

When the sun's rays weren't so hot,

And the soil was softened by rain.

But the angle of the sun tells me

I haven't much time.

So I poke and sift, pinching off insects;

Driving away the pesky birds and bunnies

That would harm my harvest.

My heart is cheered when I pause...

And realize that The Lord of the Harvest

Is working close by.

~ By Marjorie Kinnee

Commitment

I've counted the cost.
It's worth it all.
The price I'm going to pay.
I've made up my mind,
To reach my goal,
And to hear my Master say;
"Well done! My good and faithful child,
Your race is finally run.
Come! Enter in! My joy is yours,
And it's only just begun!"

And when I look back,
At commitments I've made,
In the light of eternity's shore;
There'll be no regrets - just a gladsome heart,
And the wish I'd committed more...

And the wish I'd committed more.

- MJKinnee

Christmas ~ 2007

Something about Thanksgiving Day
Starts the holiday season in a proper way,
Caring and sharing time with a friend;
As family and loved ones gather again.

Our hearts reminisce, we sigh and we smile,
Then wander down memory lane for a while.
We’re setting the tone and picking up the pace,
We’re dreaming of joy shining from each face.

Yet the plans we make soon take over our life,
We frown when they turn into trouble and strife.
Our intentions are good, we start off fine;
How quickly we find we’re off track down the line,

And consumed with our lists, the tinsel and glitter,
Our distracted hearts grow weary and bitter.
But the season was born, not to celebrate self,
Or withdraw from the world and sit on a shelf.

It was born in a heart that was so full of love,
It thought nothing of bankrupting heaven above,
Of reaching and giving the best of the best;
It gave without measure, it did not grow stressed.

When rejected, mistreated and scornfully used,
This love looked beyond and was never confused.
For love like this is the noblest kind;
Bringing healing for heart, soul, body and mind.

It’s the example and pattern – the way we should be,
The model that everyone wishes to see.
It’s love that is selfless, honest and true,
It’s love that spares nothing, makes everything new.

This love’s not the kind that makes hearts pitter-pat,
Oh no! This love’s much deeper than that.
It reaches down to the lowest hell,
It draws and it woos, it continues to swell…

Changing, transforming, creating anew,
Bringing beauty out of a life that’s askew.
Keeping no record of wrongs that were done,
Rejoicing in all of the good that’s begun.

It plans no ill, no evil, no sorrow.
It concerns itself with a better tomorrow.
Such love’s worth the cost, it’s far beyond price.
To gain it, sell all – don’t even think twice.

This year is waning, the days fly so fast –
Too soon it will be a part of the past.
And what have we done with the time we were given?
Have we lightened a load? or just eked out a livin’?

Can a friend or a child look at you and say…?
“Thank you so much, you made my day!”
Can a stranger walk tall, feel thankful and proud,
As your kindness stands out from the madding crowd?

Little deeds done in the course of each day,
Become rays of light when clouds are gray.
They’re like flowers that bloom in the light of the sun,
Spreading joy and cheer to everyone;

Or pebbles that lie at the bottom of a brook,
Calling out to the traveler, “Come, take a look!”
Like the smiling face of a trusting child;
It beckons and blesses, it’s tender and mild.

It’s the sum, the total when the day is through –
That says, “what kind of man or woman are you?”
A giver? A taker? A person who cares?
Do you think of the load someone else has to bear?

Can neighbors look at you, see a kindly mien?
Do you face life’s struggles with a peace serene?
For the heart at peace with God and man –
Is a heart that every gulf can span

“Peace on earth – good will to men”
Iis not just a mantra or a wistful yen
It’s a plan and a purpose – all encompassing, good,
One that needs to be fully understood.

It begins with a heart that’s full of Thanksgiving;
That seeks for a higher standard of living.
It’s fulfilled when we join with the heavenly choir
In making God’s will our heart’s chief desire.

- MJKinnee

Contributors

Have you ever noticed that nothing is done
by itself or all alone?
The teacher imparts from the depths of the heart
the knowledge of meter and tone;
The musician works long hours and hard
on the notes of another man's song,
The songwriter also has learned at the knee,
it's a line unbroken and long;
And parents who prompt, urging "Practice!" (with love,)
add their part to the swelling refrain...
While the Master Musician gives freely to each -
time, tune, talent and brain!

By Marjorie J. Kinnee

My Trust in God

My trust in God does not depend on who will trust with me;
My trust in God will not be fixed by polls or parity.
I do not need the bolsters of supporting evidence;
Tides of popular opinion will not lure me toward the fence.

A strongly worded motto cannot be my creed;
My trust in God is founded on the Rock that meets my need.
My heart is fixed, my mind is stayed, I’ve vowed, O Lord, to You;
That You’ll find faith within this earth, whene’er You come to view.

My trust is placed in You alone, Your Word, my guide, my friend;
My heart, my all, belongs to You through eternity, without end.

My trust in God is based upon words more sure than mine;
For I have learned that I’m a branch, but Jesus is the Vine!
While I remain attached to Him and yielded to His will;
He prunes and dresses, nurturing in me – fruit that’s pleasing still.

And so I’m trusting You, O Lord, and know You’re in control;
What others say, be it yea or nay, You’re the Captain of my soul.

© mjk - 1/31/03


About "My Trust in God " . . .

Inspiration comes in odd ways at times... A friend sent me a forward about "In God We Trust" being taken off the wall of a post office in Texas for being a religious statement. The forward was espousing writing out "In God We Trust" on the back of all of our correspondance. That set me to thinking. Sometimes we think our voice carries more weight if it is supported by a majority - or at least a very vocal minority. It is the assumption that many voices carry more weight than one. Biblically speaking, I think a holy contradiction arises...

While yes, there is a Scripture that says, "in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14) and there are times when venturing outside of collective wisdom and experience is utter folly. But there is also the oft repeated lesson that one individual, who stands up for right makes a difference in the eternal outcome, both for themselves and for others who are watching and perhaps inspired (or provoked,) to do likewise. Consider the Bible stories of Deborah, Esther, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Three Hebrew Children, Gideon, Abraham, and Moses. Many Scriptures exhort us to "be not conformed," to remember that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world," and we're taught we should not allow the things others say to dissuade or persuade us to leave our calling...

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

My conclusion is: I must stand and be counted for myself... not just to be a part of a crowd or to prove that I am somehow validated because I am siding with the majority, but because me and Jesus (when I am standing on His Word and His authority,) are a majority - no matter what the crowd says - or doesn't say.


And therein was my inspiration for the poem...