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)
###

Posted on December 30, 2022 by farsails

No Christmas Without You

No Christmas Without You

Luke 2:6-7

There would be no Christmas without You
In spite of this time of the year –
No sights or sounds of the season,
Without You it would be drear.

No tree in the living room.
No presents in place.
No music from the MP3.
Only dreams we would chase.

Over 2,000 years ago
A baby in a manger.
You were born in Bethlehem
For all a life changer.

From a throne You came
To a humble barn,
Loved by Joseph and Mary
Holding You safely in arms.

One day You’re rejected,
Killed for the sins of humankind,
Rising from the dead, glorious,
Opening the hearts of the blind.

There would be no Christmas without You.
In spite of this time of the year –
No sights or sounds of the season,
Without You it would be drear.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: kassoum_kone- pixabay.com

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Holy Bible – Luke 2:6-7 – NIV)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________ 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.

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

“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.

Very Moving

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

Complimentary in Faith

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

_______________________________________

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.

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

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

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.

Thank you!

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)
###

Posted on December 21, 2021December 29, 2021 by farsails

An Unopened Christmas Card

An Unopened Christmas Card

Proverbs 17:17

An unopened Christmas card
From his beloved peer,
Address fading and tear tinted,
Sat on his mantel for three years.

He touched it
From time to time
In a slow gentle pensive way,
Tempted to open at Christmastime.

His intense heartache:
His as-long-as-he-could-remember buddy
Became ill and passed before Christmas.
So this procrastination he could not amend.

But THIS Christmas morning,
He was excited, wholly.
Heart racing with trembling hands,
He opened it slowly.

“I’m ready to go to Heaven.
You are the best friend
A person could ever have.”
That’s what he’d penned.

Inside a small inserted prayer.
He read it again. He read it again.
His pal had spent his life that way.
The meaning sinking in:

“Lord,
Help me remember that nothing
Is going to happen to me today
That you and I together can’t handle.
— Old preacher’s greeting to a new day”

Placing the Christmas card on the mantel
He was overcome with gladness.
Thinking: “What a wonderful friend!”
Gone was his grief. Gone was his sadness!

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: Satheeshsankaran – pixabay.com

“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble” [Holy Bible-Proverbs 17:17-MSG]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

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

Complimentary in Faith

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

_______________________________________

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

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

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)
###

Posted on December 21, 2021December 29, 2021 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

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)

###

Posted on November 15, 2021 by farsails

Catchya Later, God

Catchya Later, God

Hebrews 2:1

I’ll catchya later, God.
I got so much to do.
Helping with my family.
Things going on, new.

Gotta do the budget.
Gotta wash the clothes.
Put them in the dryer.
Trim the outside rose.

Take care of the mail.
File those important papers.
Drive the kids to school.
Make time for holiday capers.

Plan a birthday party.
Head for the bank.
Help my neighbor mow.
Feed fish in the tank.

I’ll catchya later, God.
Just carelessly
Slip sliding away
From daily victory.

— Charles B. Mayes

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1 (Holy Bible – NIV)

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

ALMOST BECOMING FRIENDS

“This poem [Reflecting] is wonderful!!! As I think back I can reflect on the Bible lessons some since childhood. The characters almost become friends to us, knowing about their lives. Thank you for bringing them to mind again.” Nancy R., Kansas, OK.

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.

_________________________________

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.

” . . . 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)

###

Posted on November 8, 2021November 9, 2021 by farsails

Faux Painting

Faux Painting

My niece moved here recently from Colorado. Before the family of five arrived, I spent many hours making plans involving them and fantasizing about all the things we’d be able to do together now that they’d be close by. Of course they were not consulted and had no idea of my grand plans.

I’ve made such plans for years for all of my family. My sister does the same, and we consult regularly about our wishful thinking. We realized that we learned this habit from our mom, who made plans for us and our families involving increasingly elaborate details–the older she became, the more time she had to let her imagination run wild. Now we are retired and have more time, especially in the long months of pandemic confinement, and guess what? We now do the same.

For the last few years we’ve referred to this consuming pastime as “painting”– using our well-worn paint brushes to create an ideal picture of what we want to happen and then place everyone in it. By the time we’ve completed a picture, it is no longer a sketch but a veritable masterpiece using every color on the palette. This is a clear example of the Murphy’s Law that says the job expands to the amount of time at hand! According to Proverbs 17:24, “A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.” The extent of these musings is not only foolish but also a sure set-up for disappointment.

I read a large scale study that showed participants spent on average 47% of their waking time daydreaming. It distracts our attention from the present and focuses on what we’d like to see in the future, a stream of consciousness that detaches us from real life and responsibilities. Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Though a little daydreaming can be a delightful escape, it sounds like I need to stop planning other peoples’ lives, recalibrate my thinking, and set my focus on the truth of God’s Word.

In Revelation 21 and 22, the apostle John paints a detailed picture of the dazzling beauty of the New Jerusalem where all believers will dwell with God for all eternity. Unlike my faux painting, this picture is God’s truth. The Bible provides clear instructions on how to get ready. I’m trying hard to put my paint brush away at least most of the time and think about that.

Graphic: weinstock – pixabay.com

I am so happy again to have our guest author for this post, Bonnie Barthel. I have known Bonnie for several years and she has a wonderful walk with our Lord despite many setbacks in life. She challenges us to not keep planning for others, but focus on the truth of God’s Word.

Happy Fall !

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)

###

Posted on September 22, 2021 by farsails

Pullin’ and Prayin’

Pullin’ and Prayin’

Psalm 107:17-22

I’m pullin’ and prayin’
For you to come through.
Your health failed again,
But your job you must go to.

You’re gaunt and frail.
You were once muscular strong.
Now your face is drawn.
Your vigor all gone.

But God will answer.
I’m sure of this now.
His healing energy.
His healing power.

You’re looking better
As time goes on.
Strength returning –
A phenomenon

Laughter returns
Like the good old days.
Still pullin’ and prayin’
That this all will stay.

— Charles B. Mayes

When you have a relative that has been very ill, and you want them so badly to get well, and you pray for them, and God answers — it is so wonderful! You then continue to pray that they will stay in good health.

____________________________________________________

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011

SPEAKS VOLUMES

“Windows to the Soul is really good and speaks volumes about what a lot of people are thinking.” Nancy R., Kansas, OK.

SHARING AT SUNDAY SCHOOL

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

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

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)

###

Posted on July 2, 2020 by farsails

Children Dream About Heaven: An Ascension Day Reading

Children Dream About Heaven: An Ascension Day Reading

I dream I’m here.
I walk over the greenest grass,
And see the bluest sky.
It’s heaven. The streets like golden glass.

And with me and you –
A big smile on every face.
There’s no Sun or Moon
Because God lights up this place.

With lofty slides, swift swings, and bouncy trampolines,
The playground is triple fun
Where the playing keeps on –
I am never done.

Then I get to sit on Jesus’ lap.
He laughs with me.
(The Savior with the scarred hands and feet.)
Then I jump up and run. I feel so happy and free.

I could dream for along time.
Heaven’s there forever –
An eternity.
I would want to leave, never.

— Charles B. Mayes

Ascension Day is celebrated, in some churches, 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection honoring when He ascended to Heaven. We know that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and will come again! [See John 14:1-4 and Acts 1:9-11 – Holy Bible.]

Children Dream About Heaven: An Ascension Day Reading is written to be used as a Choral Reading, but could also be a Readers’ Theater by dividing up the verses among the children and having them read different parts. It is meant for children in the Elementary grades.

I hope that you will enjoy having your children perform this or read the poem itself!

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

Happy Ascension Day!

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

###

Posted on May 21, 2020 by farsails

There Is A Bridge (Hay un puente)

There Is A Bridge

Suspended over unfathomed depths,
There is a bridge, not very wide,
But people decide to traverse it daily,
Eyes drawn to the other side.

Some won’t travel this lean span,
But choose a different wider way,
“Plenty of room and safety
To get me across,” they say.

While others know that
This is the only way to go,
Across this stained wood,
Safely from the abyss below.

Of wood and nails,
This bridge was cheaply made,
But with toil and love
A big price once was paid.

You see this Bridge spans
The gap between mankind and God,
And has supported people
Who, one way, from past to now, have trod.

Salvation comes by the Bridge,
Laid down by Christ before,
As He gave His life on the Cross,
So many could cross o’er.

— Charles B. Mayes

The Bridge between mankind and God is the Cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 – NIV – Holy Bible)

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

Hay un puente

Suspendido sobre un vacío vasto
Hay un puente, no muy ancho.
Pero la gente decide a diario cruzarlo
Con la mirada puesta en el otro lado.

Algunos no cruzarán este trecho delgado,
Sino que elegirán un camino más amplio.
“Bastante seguro y mucho más espacio
Para cruzar sin riesgos”, dirán confiados.

Mientras tanto, otros estarán enterados
De que este es el camino para ir asegurados;
Afianzados sobre este material desgastado
Para no caer hacia el abismo de abajo.

De maderas y clavos
Este puente fue fabricado,
Pero con amor y trabajo
Un gran precio fue pagado.

Ves que este puente, celestial, bienaventurado,
La brecha entre Dios y la humanidad ha acortado,
Y desde siglos a gente ha sostenido y aguantado
Permitiendo que el camino fuese atravesado.

La salvación viene del Puente
Establecido por Cristo en antaño
Dando su vida en la cruz del calvario
Para que muchos pudieran ser salvos.

— 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.

###

Posted on April 12, 2020 by farsails

For It’s A Beautiful Day

For It’s A Beautiful Day

Months of storms do dissipate
The clouds do separate.

The sun will shine
and snow will melt
as the fields turn green
to the birth of Spring.

Flowers will blossom
and bees awake
to now get busy
for harvest sake.

Birds will arrive
to sing their song
to celebrate Spring
that has been gone.

Wildlife abundant
will come to graze
in acceptance
of each new day.

All that has been concealed
this past Winter
has been reborn
with this Spring –

RESURRECTION !

— Floyd Wolfe

Graphic: DaveRanck – pixabay.com

Floyd Wolfe, our guest author today, presents a reading about the new birth in Creation as a reminder of Jesus Christ’s bodily resurrection. Jesus was dead and became alive again. God’s creation in Spring is new life!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Holy Bible – I Peter 1:3 (NIV).

Happy Easter!

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

###

Posted on April 11, 2020 by farsails

christianpoetrypublishing

to rally 'round – a little closer to Heaven

christianpoetrypublishing

Category: death

Greeting 2023

No Christmas Without You

An Unopened Christmas Card

10th Anniversary

Catchya Later, God

Faux Painting

Pullin’ and Prayin’

Children Dream About Heaven: An Ascension Day Reading

There Is A Bridge (Hay un puente)

For It’s A Beautiful Day