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

Christmas Hope

Hear the jubilant tones 
of Christmas bells ringing

And the magnificent echoes 
of angel choirs singing,

See the beauty and splendor 
of a starlit sky gleaming,

Feel the joy and wonder 
in a peaceful night’s dreaming.

Envision in your mind 
a baby laid on a bed of hay,

The glory that beamed from heaven 
on a star’s bright shining ray,

The amazement of the shepherds 
at what the angels had to say,

The shepherds kneeling to worship 
the holy infant where He lay.

Reflect on the great significance 
of that life changing night,

Feel your heart being pierced 
by God’s love beaming pure and bright,

Find hope that the gift of Jesus 
brings salvation, peace and light,

And assurance of God’s mercy and grace
 making all things right.

© Connie Arnold, 2016

On God You Can Rely

Sunshine returns when the clouds roll away,

Spring comes once winter is through,

After the night comes the following day,

After showers a rainbow comes into view.

On the beauty of nature we can rely

As surely as God creates birds to fly.

Again joy returns following sorrow,

Healing can come after suffering pain,

At the day’s end we have hope for tomorrow,

And enjoy blooming flowers after the rain.

On God’s comfort and blessings we can rely

As surely as there is a sun in the sky.

Excerpt from Abundant Comfort and Grace
by Connie Arnold

Finding Peace

Moving closer to God

may bring peace into one’s life,

gravitating towards serenity,

away from the stress and strife.

The essence of peace is found

in knowing God is in control,

trusting that God will calm the storms,

bringing peace to a troubled soul.

No matter the situation

or how uncertain life may seem,

with God we experience hope and love

far greater than what we dream.

© Connie Arnold

Hope Grows

This is a poem I wrote for Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter as part of an attempt to share inspiration and hope for all of us living with lupus. I hope it will bless and encourage all, no matter what difficulties you may be facing!

Hope dwells in the heart

And flutters like butterfly wings,

Building strength of the spirit

To face the struggles life brings.

Hope glimmers and swells within

Even though the body grows weak,

And shines fiercely through the pain

As the comfort and healing we seek.

Hope bursts forth like flames,

Stronger than any disease,

And Victory is its name

For this hope will never cease!

© Connie Arnold

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

Spring's Resurrection

 

In spring the resurrection from winter’s cold tomb

Brings new life once again as flowers start to bloom.

All creation sings a joyous song of spring

As renewal of life brings fresh life to everything.

The earth’s crust is cracked by a hidden power,

And what emerges is a stem, leaf and flower.

The icy grave of winter where no life can be seen

Transforms into a vibrant, living carpet of green.

Fresh hope arrives with the springtime air

So our lives that once had seemed lifeless and bare,

Like the earth to which fresh life returns,

Can find the renewal for which the soul yearns.

Spring’s resurrection coincides with Easter too –

All life that has ended God is able to renew.

Christ conquered death, there’s no longer separation,

And we can join in singing the song of creation.

Excerpt from A Symphony of Seasons by Connie Arnold 

Wishing you a wonderful, blessed Easter and beautiful spring!

The Brightness of God's Grace

God’s grace is abundantly evident

In the dawning of each new day

As the sunrise brightens the morning sky,

Chasing the darkness away.

 As sunlight breaks through gathering clouds,

Streaming down rays from above,

The world is brightened as are our hearts

When touched by God’s grace and love.

 When storms of life darken your day

God offers a safe, protected place,

And like a rainbow after the rain

Shines the bright promise of hope and grace.

© Connie Arnold  2011

All photos © Gary Strader - please visit his site to see more of his beautiful photos. He provided the photos for Abundant Comfort and Grace, and for our soon to be released 2012 calendar, Glimpses of Grace, which has Gary's beautiful photos on each month along with my verses and scriptures. You can see these on my website. Please let me know if you'd like to pre-order a copy of the calendar for yourself or gift at 30% off through June.

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 Good Listener

When you are really listening, you use more than just your ear,
Your whole being is involved if you truly want to hear.
In relationships with others you should always do your part
To give them close attention and listen with your heart.

Fully understanding just exactly what is meant
Requires concentration to perceive the true intent.
Listen for emotion, being careful to take heed
Of underlying meaning, an inward sense of need.

When listening with love and taking special care,
You may ease another's worries with your willingness to share.
A friend who really listens is a wonderful gift,
To offer hope and comfort, give the spirits a lift.

© Connie Arnold