Greeting 2023

Greeting 2023
Ephesians 6:12

This year was kinda bad.
We had a lot of problems.
We look ahead to this New Year
To see God continuing to solve them.

There was the plumbing deluge,
Then Mom became ill last Winter.
They laid Dad off at the factory,
And then the broken printer.

The truck needed a new battery.
It was done before its years.
The radiator leaked like a sieve,
And our rent was in arrears.

The electric bill soared so high,
And now it’s the water heater.
U.S. politics didn’t go our way,
And food too scarce for eaters.

We know it’s really not these things,
But how to them we react.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.
It’s those spiritual forces who us attack.

It doesn’t depend on how we feel
Or even what we do.
It’s whole-souled trust in God above
That always gets us through.

— Charles B. Mayes

Image: geralt – pixabay.com

Was 2022 a good year for you? Is every year a good year when we follow Jesus Christ? Is there such a thing as a bad day or are all days good in Jesus Christ?

When we follow Jesus, how can we have a bad year or day? We may have a day with many challenges. We may have a hard day, but with Him we can see the blessings of each day. This is not an easy thing. It is a very hard thing sometimes, but it is a necessary thing as we thank Him and see what He does for us yearly and daily.

And when I don’t trust enough,
Whatever “enough” is,
I ask Him to supply that trust
And He always gives.

[From “Running to the Cross” – 2014 – Charles B. Mayes]

I want to thank those who followed my website in 2022, and some for several years! Also I’m happy for each of you who stop by time to time. May God richly bless all of you in 2023!

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

If these poems minister to you, I’d encourage you to pass the word along talking with your friends; when you write an email; or when you’re on Facebook or other social media to include a mention of http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.”

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

Happy New Year!

To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com -” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 30, 2022 by farsails

10th Anniversary

10th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com
[ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com / WordsOnTheWay.com / HisPoems.com]

November 2011 – November 2021
“To Rally ‘Round – A Little Closer to Heaven”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 (Holy Bible – NIV)
_______________________________________________ Announcement:
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com now has a new connected website – HisPoems.com.
HisPoems.com is a way to get to ChristianPoetryPublishing.com more quickly. It also makes it easier for you to tell people about the site. But no matter what, we are still here to serve you at ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.
_______________________________________________

Anniversary 10 – Amen

By – Charles B. Mayes

IN 2008 SOME HARD CIRCUMSTANCES opened my eyes to my total dependence on God. From this emerged my ministry of writing Christian poetry readings seriously and frequently.

“I do enjoy the poems and they do always point to Jesus.” Anonymous

THROUGH THE YEARS as I’ve been on the website, I also distributed printed readings through individuals, churches, and the LifeWay Christian Store community center.

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

I WANT TO THANK all my email and WordPress followers, LinkedIn readers, and visitors to my website for your continued support.

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry.
As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

MY APPRECIATION also to Samuel Rondón Acevedo who has done an excellent job translating some of my poems into Spanish.

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

ALSO THANKS to my sisters, Nancy and Cherry, and Pastor P.T. Mammen for their encouragement from the beginning. I appreciate the excellent editing of my wife, Dolores. I thank my nephew, William, for helping greatly with the domain.

“I really enjoy your poetry. I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.” Travis B., Asbury, WV.

LORD WILLING, I want to continue to minister through these poetry readings.

“You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!” Steven C., Oregon.

God bless!

TOP 20 POST VISITS November 2011 – November 2021 in Order from Greatest to Least

1. Home Page / Archives
2. A New Year Resolution
3. God, Help Me This New Year
4. Changes
5. The Old Country Church
6. About the Author
7. Children Praise the Lord: A Thanksgiving Day Reading (with Actions)
8. Children Know the Resurrection: An Easter Sunday Reading
(with Actions)
9. New Book Ministers to Readers
10. Harvest Festival Time
11. I Don’t Have a Father
12. Running to the Tomb
13. New Year
14. Mother and George Washington
15. When I Right a Poem – Rabid to Write / When the Blessings Come
16. Holding Jesus / The Day Before Thanksgiving
17. The Last Thanksgiving
18. A Prayer for America
19. I Prayed for You Today / Christmas Memories / Children Know the Gift: A Christmas Day Reading (with Actions)
20. He’s Already Taken Care of It / Joy in the Morning

TOP 20 POST VISITS BY COUNTRY November 2012 – November 2021 in Order from Greatest to Least [2011 – Not Available]

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. China
5. Germany
6. France
7. India
8. Indonesia
9. Philippines
10. Hong Kong SAR China
11. Brazil / Netherlands
12. Russia
13. Venezuela / Australia
14 South Korea
15. Japan / Finland
16. Italy
17. Kenya / Nigeria
18. Bahamas / Barbados / Mexico / Singapore / United Emirates
19. Spain
20. South Africa

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, please fill out the Contact Form below. To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

POEMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

Graphic: Stuart Miles – freerangestock.com

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on November 15, 2021 by farsails

Riding in the Wheelbarrow

Riding in the Wheelbarrow

By – Charles B. Mayes

I am reminded of the preacher’s old illustration about an expert tightrope walker who was at Niagara Falls. The rope was already stretched between his side and other side. He said that he was going to cross the Falls on the tightrope pushing a wheelbarrow. The crowd was amazed at his statement.

Then he asked the group, “How many believe that I can walk across this tightrope pushing this wheelbarrow all the way to the other side?” Most of the people raised their hands.

Then he continued by asking, “Who will ride in the wheelbarrow with me pushing it to the other side?”

No one raised their hands. One version of the story has one person saying “I will ride in it.” Then the person did ride. Another version has the person riding in the wheelbarrow, losing faith, and then the tightrope walker carried him to the other side.

What about us? We have put our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to take us where He wants. We have not only thought about getting in the wheelbarrow of faith, but we are now riding in it.

During these hard times, do we keep trusting Him as we ride? It is not an easy ride. It is a treacherous ride. It is a ride where we don’t know our future.

But Who is taking the wheelbarrow across this harmful area? It is our Master. He not only keeps us on the swaying rope, but gently calms us all the way to the other side.

“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” [Holy Bible – Psalm 112:7 (NIV)]

If you would like to contact me, please fill out the Contact Form below. To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on April 23, 2020April 23, 2020 by farsails

Am I Still in the Game?

Am I Still in the Game?

Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 16:11

Am I still in the game?
It raced across my mind,
With my Coach
Am I still aligned?

When temptations come daily,
And sometimes I give in.
I didn’t plan to,
But I did it again.

But then I remember
Whose team I’m on.
The other side already defeated,
And mine victoriously won.

Through my Coach, Jesus,
This win I’ll keep.
I still am in the game.
The end line over I leap.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: Keithjj – pixabay.com

Are you still in the game? It’s not easy following Christ, but the rewards are bountiful.

I appreciate all of you who read my blog including my followers; those from LinkedIn; and those who stop by occasionally.

If you would like to use this poem on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com which can be connected to from outside this site.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on February 1, 2020 by farsails

Plan It / Planéalo

Plan It

I Kings 19:12

We plan it and we do it.
We think it works that way,
But sometimes
Our best planned plans just go astray.

Occasionally we see things coming,
But many times not.
There are so many life surprises.
They may leave us distraught.

But one thing’s always certain –
The Lord’s with us now and all the time.
He cares and keeps special watch on us
Just to make sure that we are fine.

So as we continue through our lives,
We must trust the Lord’s will
To gently guide us,
As we listen to His small voice still.

— Charles B. Mayes

One sure thing is that there will be uncertainly in our lives. This is when we need to continue to trust our Lord Jesus Christ. He was and is our Rescuer and Leader. As Leader, He not only goes before us, but also walks beside us.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com -” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

Planéalo

1 Reyes 19:12

Lo planeamos, y lo hacemos.
Creemos que de esa manera funciona,
pero a veces, en la ejecución,
nuestros mejores planes se desmoronan.

En ocasiones vemos las cosas venir,
pero muchas veces no podemos prever:
la vida viene con tantas sorpresas
que nos pueden al fin ensombrecer.

Pero una cosa sí será siempre segura:
el Señor está con nosotros constantemente;
nos cuida manteniendo especial vigilia
para nuestro bienestar hacerlo permanente.

Así que mientras continuamos nuestras vidas,
confiemos en el Señor sobre nuestras almas
para que así nos vaya guiando amorosamente
mientras escuchamos su susurro bajo calma.

— Charles B. Mayes

Traducido por Samuel Rondón Acevedo.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – “Como ciertos poetas de entre ustedes han dicho: ‘Porque también somos linaje de él’.(Sagrada Biblia, Hechos 17:28)

Traducido por Samuel Rondón Acevedo.

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Posted on July 30, 2019 by farsails

Reflecting

Reflecting

Reflecting in your mind.
Reflecting back through time.
Turn the Bible pages,
You will see
Encouraging stories from history.

Baby Moses floating in the reeds.
Sister Miriam taking heed.
Pharaoh’s daughter,
A surprise –
Asking Moses’ own mother, who raised him wise.

David playing on his harp
Watching his sheep – day and dark.
Keeping the flock
From harm to start.
Beautiful songs from his heart.

The Zarephath widow wondering what she should do.
She and her son almost through.
Elijah made a promise.
It came true.
Enough flour and oil, more than made do.

Ruth and Boaz, what a pair.
Kindness to her with grain to spare.
Marrying Ruth.
Delight in the air.
Oh, the precious love they did share.

On Easter morning from the grave He rose.
Happy were the women, and the men He chose.
Glory to our God,
Singing, praising, shouting –
Joy in the highest, beyond all doubting.

The Gentiles were glad to hear the news
When Paul and Barnabas by God were used.
Light to the nations,
Salvation came
To the ends of the Earth in Jesus’ name.

Reflecting in your mind.
Reflecting back through time.
Turn the Bible pages,
You will see
Encouraging stories from history.

— Charles B. Mayes

There are many uplifting stories in the Bible. So, take time to reflect in your mind by reading and reviewing them. It will be a blessing to you!

If you would like to use this poem on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com

_____________________________________

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011

Sharing at Sunday School

“I really enjoy your poetry. I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.” Travis B., Asbury, WV.

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

_____________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on June 11, 2019 by farsails

Discovering the Mountain

photo_30881_20140308

Discovering the Mountain

You’re in the valley
And yes, you know it.
You’re living a life
That really shows it.

You sense a darkness
All around, below.
You feel it cutting
Into your soul.

Then someone guides you,
“Stop, Look Above.”
You discover the mountain
Of His great love.

You are so happy
Now that you see
The blessed mountain
Of Calvary.

You sing a new song
Of victory.
You’ll climb that mountain
That sets you free.

Now you’ll tell – one,
Two, three, or more
About that mountain,
To help them soar.

You’re on the mountain
And yes, you know it.
You’re living a life
That really shows it.

— Charles B. Mayes

[Graphic: Chance Agrella – freerangestock.com]

I live in a valley, but many times I am not really aware of it because I don’t think about looking up to see the mountains around me. When we are in the valley of life, we need to look at the Christ of Calvary – our only help. Then we need to tell others about the mountain so that they may be set free also.

I wanted to thank those who follow my website, and also those who drop by from time to time. May God richly bless all of you!

________________________________________

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011: “to rally ’round – a little closer to Heaven”

“I really enjoy your poetry. I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.“ Travis B., Asbury, WV.

“You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!” Steven C., San Jose, CA.

________________________________________

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com which can be connected to from outside this site.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on March 3, 2019 by farsails

Can Someone Claim You as a Dependent?

Can Someone Claim You as a Dependent?

Luke 10:40 – 42

Can Someone claim you as a dependent,
As you go along life’s way,
Not for Income Tax purposes,
Nor part of a year, but for every day?

Do others see your dependence
On our God of love
For everything needed –
Your very life given from above?

What about food and clothes
And even transportation,
Family and job,
Not to mention salvation?

Think that you provide it all
Just because you bought it,
From housing to entertainment?
Look at your life and audit.

Knowing from where all things come,
Do you trust as a dependent
In our Lord Jesus Christ
Who is transcendent?

Can Someone claim you as a dependent,
As you go along life’s way,
Not for Income Tax purposes,
But for eternal treasures laid away?

— Charles B. Mayes

I prayerfully hope that God can claim you as a dependent. We can only get through life by depending on Him. How can anyone live without Him? “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” [Holy Bible – John 6:68b – 69]

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Posted on March 3, 2019 by farsails

Lord, Help Me

Lord, Help Me

James 1:22

Lord, help me pay attention to You –
Not just say I pay attention.
Not only reading the Bible,
But studying and comprehension.

Lord, help me trust You –
Not just say I trust.
Not only following You,
But making faith a must.

Lord, help me obey You –
Not just say I obey.
Not only keeping close,
But on Your pathway stay.

— Charles B. Mayes

[Image: Pexels – pixabay.com]

Listening, Trusting, and Obeying God – not just Saying, but Doing!
^“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22 [Holy Bible – NIV]

________________________________________

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011

LIKES “IT’S THAT TIME!”

“I like this one! Well, I like all of your poems, but I really like this one!” Cindy C., Roseville, CA

________________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on December 3, 2018 by farsails

7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com

7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com
[ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com]
November 2011 – November 2018
“To Rally ‘Round – A Little Closer to Heaven”

“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” (Holy Bible, Psalm 12:6).

Anniversary 7 – Serving Heaven
By – Charles B. Mayes

IN 2008 SOME HARD CIRCUMSTANCES opened my eyes to my total dependence on God. From this emerged my ministry of writing Christian poetry readings seriously and frequently.

“I do enjoy the poems and they do always point to Jesus.” Anonymous

THROUGH THE YEARS as I’ve been on the website, I also distributed printed readings through churches and the LifeWay Christian Store community center.

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

I WANT TO THANK all my email and WordPress followers, LinkedIn readers, and visitors to my website for your continued support.

LORD WILLING, I want to continue to minister through these poetry readings.

“You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!” Steven C., San Jose, CA.

TOP 20 POST VISITS 2011 – October 2018

1. Home Page / Archives
2. A New Year Resolution
3. God, Help Me This New Year
4. Changes
5. The Old Country Church
6. About the Author
7. Children Praise the Lord: A Thanksgiving Day Reading (with Actions)
8. Children Know the Resurrection: An Easter Sunday Reading
(with Actions)
9. New Book Ministers to Readers
10. Harvest Festival Time
11. I Don’t Have a Father
12. New Year / Mother and George Washington
13. Running to the Tomb
14. When I Write a Poem – Rabid to Write
15. When the Blessings Come
16. The Day Before Thanksgiving
17. The Last Thanksgiving
18. A Prayer for America
19. Children Know the Gift: A Christmas Day Reading
(with Actions) / I Prayed for You Today
20. Christmas Memories / He’s Already Taken Care of It

TOP 12 POST VISITS BY COUNTRY 2012 – October 2018
[2011 – Not Available]

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Indonesia
5. India
6. Philippines
7. Germany
8. Netherlands
9. Australia
10. Hong Kong – SAR China
11. South Korea
12. Japan

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on November 7, 2018 by farsails

christianpoetrypublishing

to rally 'round – a little closer to Heaven

christianpoetrypublishing

Category: Elijah

Greeting 2023

10th Anniversary

Riding in the Wheelbarrow

Am I Still in the Game?

Plan It / Planéalo

Reflecting

Sharing at Sunday School

Very Moving

Discovering the Mountain

Can Someone Claim You as a Dependent?

Lord, Help Me

7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com