Autumn Changes

 photo © Gary Strader

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,

vibrant shades abound

and cover the ground,

making us 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.

© Connie Arnold

See beautiful nature pictures through all seasons and 

read inspiring verses on my 

Glimpses of Grace 2012 calendar

Glimpses of Grace

 

 To catch a glimpse of God's grace

We need only to look around,

At any time or in any place

Evidence of God's grace may be found,

Just look at the world around you

And you will see this is true.

"...and from his fullness 

we have all received grace upon grace."

 

Life is much better when you laugh and play,

Take some time each day to pray,

Look for the good in everything,

Discover a joyful song to sing.

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord; 

break forth into joyous song and sing praises!"

The earth is filled with God's majesty,

This splendor crowns all of creation,

All that has been or that will be

Are touched with divine inspiration.

"Splendor and majesty are before him: 

strength and beauty are in his sanctuary."

These are a few samples from my new 2012 Glimpses of Grace calendar. All the photos are by Gary Strader and each month has one of them, one of my verses and a short scripture, all revealing glimpses of God's grace and beauty. Praying this will be a blessing for many, daily reminders of God's grace and love in their lives! Enjoy, feel free to share, and you can order for yourself or for gifts from my website, RPJ & Company or Amazon.

Abundant Comfort and Grace

It is my pleasure to announce to you that a new book of my inspirational poetry has just been completed and will be available in June from RPJ & Company. These poems share the comfort to be found through God's grace, verses that inspire and uplift, reassurance of God's love, encouragement and hope. Each poem is accompanied by stunning color photographs by Gary Strader, who has allowed me to share some of his photography here with my poems previously. These photos reveal glimpses of God's grace and the beauty of creation. The beauty of the book is also enhanced by the creative layout, design and cover by Kathleen Schubitz. Below is an excerpt from the book.

A Glimpse of God’s Grace

To catch a glimpse of God’s grace
We need only to look around,
At any time or in any place
Evidence of God’s grace may be found,
Just look at the world around you
And you will see this is true.

The rosy beauty of sunrise
At the start of a fresh new day
As sunlight reaches wakening eyes,
Chasing the darkness away,
Then we can slowly grow conscious of
God’s grace as a sign of His love.

The visible signs seen in nature
Like rainbows after the rain,
Help us to know we can be sure
That hope for each day we can gain.
God’s grace will appear in everything
And give us a new song to sing.

Check my website for news of Abundant Comfort and Grace becoming available, to read other poems and for a special offer on my first two books, Beautiful Moments of Joy & Peace and Abiding Hope & Love, on sale at a clearance price through June. Be sure to check out the other inspiring books and services available from RPJ and Company.

A Garden's Beauty

© Gary Strader, 2009

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

Be sure to visit my website to read more poems and for a chance to win a free book!