A Glimmer of Hope

A glimmer of hope slipped into the world,

arriving with love at our Savior’s birth,

a promise fulfilled that was long foretold,

with divine light piercing the darkness of earth.

That hope leapt into the hearts of shepherds

at the angel’s appearance with great news of joy.

It swelled with the praises to God in the highest

because of the coming of this holy baby boy.

The shepherds hurried to find the infant

lying in a manger filled with hay.

Hope overflowed with love and amazement

on seeing the precious gift from God where He lay.

This hope gleams on in us today,

flickering, growing, steady and bright,

bringing joy and peace that Jesus conveys

into lives receptive to God’s holy light.

© Connie Arnold, 2017

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.

Love and Light Came for All

Love and Light came at Christmastime,

a gift from God, divine and sublime,

offered freely to everyone,

the gift of God’s only beloved Son.

The light of a star shining radiantly

glittered with hope for humanity,

a glimpse of the peace that was meant to be

and of God’s power and majesty.

The world was trapped in the darkness of sin

until the Light of Christ entered in,

revealing God’s mercy, love and grace,

shining on people of every race.

The world was changed by this Love and Light

when Jesus was born on that special night.

Through the centuries, celebrating His birth,

joy is found in the miracle of God coming to earth.

 © 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

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

Christmas Star

The Christmas star pouring its light

on the world, glittering, clear and bright,

directed the way to God’s gift of love

by its brilliance shining down from above.

The radiance of that glowing star

beamed more brightly than the others by far,

but its glory could not begin to compare

to the light of love that shone everywhere.

That star’s light focused on a stable stall,

on a tiny infant, the Lord of all.

The light of hope that this Child would impart

flickers and glimmers in each beating heart.

The light of joy and love beams on,

spreading salvation to everyone

who open their hearts so the light may come in,

with faith that Jesus will cleanse every sin.

Like the star that sparkled that holy night,

God’s love continues to shed holy light

as the light of hope that came at Christ’s birth

is shared through the centuries across the earth.

© Connie Arnold, 2014

www.conniearnold.webs.com 

A Beacon of Hope

When out on a ship in the stormy sea,

filled with fear and anxiety,

seeking a refuge in the night,

a strong and steady guiding light

to reassure and relieve the fright,

a lighthouse offers security.

As the lighthouse stands on a distant shore,

giving hope where there was none before,

providing a light that is steady and true,

helping the ship come safely through,

a strong fortress to navigate to,

it's a beacon of hope as the waves crash and roar.

When overcome by life's stormy sea,

frightened and filled with uncertainty,

God is a refuge in the night,

a sure, dependable guiding light,

providing a love that is always bright,

a beacon of hope for you and me.

© Connie Arnold

Love and Light

 Love and light, together as one,

revealed to the world through God’s own Son,

came that first Christmas, long ago

beaming from heaven to the earth below.

Love burst forth onto the earth

as a brilliant star marked the spot of Christ’s birth.

The heavens were filled with a radiant light

as angels came to the shepherds that night.

The glory that streamed from heaven above

was a beacon of God’s marvelous love.

As love and light pierced the darkness of earth,

the world changed forever at Jesus’ birth.

The love and light that the Lord displayed

is shimmering still on all He has made.

When we open our hearts to let it in

the beauty of Christ will shine from within.

© Connie Arnold

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