Like Flowers in the Spring

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

waiting until spring for their beauty to be found.

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

are filled with a promise that their beauty will remain.

Although they seem quite lifeless while their beauty cannot show,

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

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

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

Although we often suffer, God will lovingly fulfill

His promise to creation that He is faithful still.

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

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

© Connie Arnold

Excerpt of A Symphony of Seasons

 http://conniearnold.webs.com/

Autumn Changes

In autumn the leaves start changing 

to colors rich and bright,

and soon they all

will begin to fall,

creating an artistic sight.

The green that in summer was seen 

on the branches of every tree 

has now turned to gold

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

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

Changes come into each life

in what has happened before.

Though all things must end,

on God you can depend

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

Inspiration and Beauty

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

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

I wish for you a day filled with light,

And a day that is filled with love,

From the morning until night,

Blessed by God above.

May this day, filled with light

That shines sweetly on your face, 

Help you feel that all is right

Through God's mercy, love and grace.

© Connie Arnold

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

Beauty and Splendor

The beauty spread for you to see

Across the land, sky and sea

Are glimpses of God’s majesty

And creative power that caused all things to be.

Whenever you watch the clouds drift by

Or view the stars in a moonlit sky,

Remember the One who reigns on high,

Hears each prayer and mournful sigh.

As the darkness slowly turns to light

Reveling the wonders within your sight,

As the sunshine touches you, warm and bright,

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

In the splendor of creation when you look around,

In the music of life and each joyful sound,

In the rushing water, blue skies and the ground,

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

© Connie Arnold

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

Lessons of Life

Although we enjoy sunshine,

We know there must be rain,

And though we long for pleasure,

At times in life there’s pain.

The chaos of the world

May lead us to despair,

To wonder why bad things occur

And feel that life’s not fair.

We yearn to find more joy,

To never suffer sorrow,

But though today the clouds may come

There’s hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The lessons of each day,

If they are to be learned,

Can lead us to the joy and peace

For which our hearts have yearned.

When we in faith seek God,

Who has all things in control,

Healing and strength can flow to us,

Shining beauty into each soul.

© Connie Arnold

Beauty and Splendor

The beauty spread for you to see

Across the land, sky and sea

Are glimpses of God’s majesty

And creative power that caused all things to be.

Whenever you watch the clouds drift by

Or view the stars in a moonlit sky,

Remember the One who reigns on high,

Hears each prayer and mournful sigh.

As the darkness slowly turns to light

Reveling the wonders within your sight,

As the sunshine touches you, warm and bright,

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

In the splendor of creation when you look around,

In the music of life and each joyful sound,

In the rushing water, blue skies and the ground,

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

© Connie Arnold

 

Lessons of Life



Although you enjoy sunshine,

Know there also must be rain,

And though you long for pleasure,

At times in life there’s pain.

The chaos of the world

May lead you to despair,

To wonder why bad things occur

And feel that life’s not fair.

You long to find more joy,

To never suffer sorrow,

But though today the clouds may come

There’s hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The lessons of each day,

If they are to be learned,

Can lead you to the joy and peace

For which your heart has yearned.

When you in faith seek God,

Who has all things in control,

Healing and strength can flow to you,

Shining beauty into your soul.

 

© Connie Arnold

http://www.conniearnold.webs.com/

Inspiration for Your Day

Enjoy the beauty of nature,

the glory of creation;

see each new day as a gift,

a cause for celebration.

 

 

 You are a treasured part

of God’s creative power,

the same creative force that made

each mountain, tree and flower.

 

 

You need never walk in darkness

when you live in the light of God’s love.

He’ll light your way through night and day,

shining blessings on you from above.

 

 

These are a few of the short inspirational verses that I have been writing over the past few years. I have enough to do a devotional book with bits of inspiration and encouragement for each day of the year. What do you think of that idea? Any suggestions for a title? Your thoughts are much appreciated! Blessings to you, and have a beautiful day!

 

A Garden

Did you know April is National Poetry Month? In celebration of that and the joy and beauty of spring I wanted to share this poem with you. Happy Spring!



A garden filled with fragrant flowers,
Surrounded by tall, strong trees,
With leaves fluttering in a soft breeze
Can provide many pleasant hours;
The peaceful sense of beauty it brings
And joy flooding into each part
Satisfies a yearning in my heart,
As my spirit soars and sings.

Enjoying nature’s beauty and rest
With the light of God’s love on my face,
An awareness swells of a special grace,
Recalling the things in life that are best;
As a certainty fills me that all will be right
Since the One who caused all things to be
Created this beauty for you and for me,
And my soul overflows with pure delight!

© Connie Arnold

In Each Whisper

God is in each whisper and sigh,

In every land and the sun in the sky.

He's in each day and every night,

Offering mercy, grace and light.

The Lord is in each segment of time,

In dreariness, sorrow and moments sublime,

Bringing to life what He only can give,

Adding great joy to the life you live.

The King of Kings and Lord of all things

Loves and protects and great blessings brings,

Is present in every minute and hour,

Filled with great beauty, glory and power.

© Connie Arnold

Blessed Gift

Beauty and joy were quietly born

Early on that first Christmas morn

While a star shone, clear and bright.

Mercy, kindness, goodness and love

Came down to earth from heaven above,

In a tiny form, filled with light.

The light of that star, touching the earth,

Was a beacon of this miraculous birth

And the beauty that shone from within.

It hovered over this humble place,

Which was transformed by holy grace

For the One born to save us from sin.

A song of joy seemed to fill the air

As a multitude of angels suddenly was there,

Singing and praising God on high,

Proclaiming a love that will never cease,

The birth of the blessed Prince of Peace,

And their praises rang through the sky.

The peace and love this small infant brought

Was what the world so long had sought,

And hearts overflowed with joy.

We too now rejoice as we celebrate

And remember on this most special date

The gift of this blessed little baby boy.

© Connie Arnold