Cards

As you step out upon the path that God has called you to,
I’m comforted to know that God Himself will go with you.
And often, as I kneel in prayer, I’ll lift you to the Lord
And claim for you the grace and strength He’s promised in His Word.

The future is as bright as God’s promises, it’s true—
I’m sure that God has many blessings held in store for you!
But since this world is not a friend to those who walk in Light,
The joy of serving God will not be yours without a fight.

The road ahead may lead to places distant and unknown;
Perhaps there’ll be a narrow bridge that must be crossed alone.
And on the way, no doubt, you’ll pass through deserts hot and dry,
And days so full of darkness that your hope will seem to die.

But God, Who out of darkness first commanded forth the light,
Has lit His fire within your heart; for you have had a sight
Of glory in the face of Christ, through day and night the same—
And all the darkness in the world cannot put out this flame!

So when the difficulties come and threaten with defeat,
Just keep your eyes turned up to God, not toward your stumbling feet,
And when your strength begins to die, your courage to depart,
The breath of God will blow rekindling fire into your heart.

May the light of God’s Word warm your heart and brighten your path!

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:6

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

For Thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Dear Lord, one precious baby there with You belongs to me—
A perfect, tiny wonder whom I long so much to see.
So recently within my life my baby took a part;
And yet, my baby holds so large a place within my heart.

Today that place is empty—just a memory is there
Of sweet anticipation of a life I’d hoped to share.
‘Twas You Who took my baby home to be with You above;
Please may my empty, broken heart find comfort in Your love.

Remind me, in my loss, the child I love feels only gain—
For You saw fit to spare my child from sorrow, fear, and pain.
No tragedy will ever fall upon this little life,
No lonely moments, no distress from unkind words or strife.

Nor shall my baby ever feel the struggle from within,
For in my baby’s heart today there’s not a trace of sin.
Oh, loving Lord, Who chose to spare my child from all of this,
When heavy is my heart, just let me glimpse my baby’s bliss.

And may I joy in knowing that my baby is with You--
For living in your presence is what I, too, long to do!
So from this day, may this my new anticipation be:
One day I’ll see my baby who went home ahead of me!

May the comfort of God turn your sorrow to hope!

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. –I Corinthians 15:19-20

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. –I Thessalonians 4:13-14

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. –I Corinthians 15:54

As the sun sets here, it rises somewhere else.
So the end of time on earth is the beginning of eternity in Heaven.

Beside the casket of the one we love we stand today,
While loving memories fill our thoughts and prompt our hearts to say,
“No words could tell our heartache as you drew your final breath;
Our heads are bowed in loneliness and sorrow by your death.
Yet comfort grows as we recall that death has lost its sting,
For death has carried you to Christ, redemption’s song to sing!
And oh, the joy your heart must hold! What must that moment be,
When wondering eyes are lifted up, the Saviour’s face to see!
How glorious to feel the loving touch of His embrace,
To kneel at His majestic throne and thank Him for His grace!
These thoughts, like sunbeams through the clouds, our hearts with joy renew,
For though we sorrow for ourselves . . . we can’t be sad for you!”

May your personal loss be lessened by thoughts of your loved one’s gain.

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Philippians 1:23

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:8

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? I Corinthians 15:54-55

Today I have received such dreadful news; my mind between despair and fear is tossed.
With nothing but uncertainty ahead, I feel so helpless, so completely lost.
The earth beneath my feet is giving way; the portals of my life are crumbling fast.
My hopes, my dreams, my goals are growing dim, and all I love is slipping from my grasp.
What purpose can I find in life today, when all tomorrow’s hopes and dreams are gone?
How will I face the dawning of each morn? Where will I find the strength to carry on?

As if in answer, deep within my heart, a gentle, reassuring voice I hear:
“Have you forgotten, tender child of Mine, that I have promised always to be near?
The things of earth cannot your spirit feed, nor can earth’s surest blessings be secure.
The things you think you’ve lost were never yours, for only things eternal can be sure.
The superficial ground beneath your feet has never been the ground on which you stand.
Today your feet will feel the Solid Rock and know the strength of My upholding hand.

“Today your troubled heart will feel the peace that passes understanding here below;
Today the joy that fills your emptiness will be a joy untouched by earthly woe.
Today the comfort deep within your soul will spring from My unfailing love alone;
Today your strength will grow from simple trust in what My mighty, all-wise hand has done.
Today you’ll learn a secret known to those who’ve faced the loss of every earthly thing—
For in this day, you’ll find I’m all you need; and from this day, a sweeter song you’ll sing.”

May your emptiness be filled with the fullness of God

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. --Psalm 61:1-2

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness . . . . He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. --Psalm 112:1b, 4a, 7

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
--Psalm 25:10

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me: He shall set me up upon a rock. . . . therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. --Psalm 27:4-5, 6b, 13-14

. . . the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee. --Deuteronomy 23:5

The body that we live in sometimes needs some special care,
So we consult a surgeon who can handle the repair.
His voice is calm and gentle, and we’re filled with hope anew,
As he explains to us what modern medicine can do.

“The risk . . .,” he says, “but chances are . . .,” (intending to console)—
And suddenly the truth is clear: that he cannot control
The outcome of the surgery, in spite of all his skill!
So when the consultation’s done, our hearts are anxious still.

Then friends and loved ones send us words of comfort and of cheer,
And we take time to think about the ones we hold so dear.
But, though our hearts are thankful, and we feel extremely blessed,
Kind words from those we love still give our anxious hearts no rest.

And then, above their voices, comes the Great Physician’s own,
Inviting us to bring our anxious hearts before His throne:
“No voice but Mine can e’er suffice your worries to appease,
And nothing but My power and love can put your heart at ease!

“For it is I alone, Who, by the counsel of My will,
Can work all things together, My good pleasure to fulfill.
Are you afraid to trust Me with your very life and breath?
Remember that My pleasure was to love you unto death!

“Could any ill befall you that My wisdom has not planned?
Is any sickness past the healing power of My hand?
For any reason less than good, would I your pain prolong?
Could there be any trial in which My grace can’t make you strong?

"Then trust and rest! Your fears will fade, and you will surely see
That perfect peace belongs to those whose mind is stayed on Me!
You’ll leave My throne prepared to face the things you’re fearful of,
Secure within My all-wise power, and safe within My love!"

May your heart and mind be filled with God’s perfect peace.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. --Isaiah 26:3

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saveth them out of their distresses. He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! --Psalm 107:19-21

In whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will . . .. --Ephesians 1:11

Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7

When an unexpected accident or illness comes our way,
We’re conscious of God's providence, and gratefully we say,
"How I thank You for protection! You have proved your faithful care--
It's a token of Your goodness, that my feeble life You'd spare."

Then we're told that we must sit awhile and let the body heal,
And our grateful hearts are clouded by frustration that we feel.
"There’s so much work to do for You," we piously complain.
"This doesn't fit my schedule, Lord! This time is spent in vain!

"I don't see why You're letting me be set aside this way . . . "
But the Master interrupts us, and we hear Him gently say,
"Every trial has a limit that I've set by My own hand,
And the time required for healing, just as surely I have planned.

"If I truly am the Master, then I have the right to say
That the work belongs to others and that you should rest today!
You have been a faithful servant, but I'm drawing you apart
So that I can sit beside you and speak softly to your heart.

"There are things I want to say that you won't hear unless you're still;
There's a strength that comes from resting that you'll need to do My will.
So instead of feeling badly that you must inactive be . . .
Just enjoy this gift of quietness and spend some time with Me!"

May the joy of fellowship with God make your recovery swift and sweet!

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Your friendship affords a wonderful view . . .
For day by day I see Christ in you!

When blessings lift me up, you share.
When trials bend me low, you care.
When my talents lie untapped, you perceive.
When my goals are still a dream, you believe.
When my stubborn heart retreats, you seek.
When my failures need rebuke, you speak.
When hardness dulls my heart, you plead.
When I have lost my way, you lead.
When troubles overcome me, you hear.
When sadness overwhelms me, you cheer.
When heavy is my load, you pray.
When others turn away, you stay.

Thank you for the priceless gift of your friendship!

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Proverbs 27:9, 6

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

A birthday is a day for celebration!
'Twas on this day God's very special plan
Was turned into a tiny new creation--
Then, with a breath from God, your life began.

A birthday should be spent in calm reflection
On rivers crossed and battles fought and won;
We feel again the sweetness of the triumph,
Remembering His grace when day is done.

A birthday is for sweet anticipation;
For though we do not know what lies ahead,
We feel no fear at trusting our tomorrows
To Him Who to this day has safely led.

A birthday should renew our dedication
Of body, heart, and soul, of mind and will;
For a birthday is an annual reminder
That He Who made us walks beside us still.

May you have a blessed birthday!

I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee. Psalm 139:14-18.

Isn’t it a wonder . . .

If I could choose to live a life of sweetest peace and rest . . .
If I could be where all is good, where good by all is blessed . . .
If I could from all sickness, sin, and sorrow be made free . . .
If I would jump at such a chance, it would no wonder be!

But if the King of heav’n and earth should from His throne depart
For no reward except to rule and reign within my heart . . .
And if the Judge of all the world should step into my place
And die condemned beneath my sin that He might show me grace . . .

And if the great Creator should as creature live and die,
To earn for my poor mortal soul eternal life on high . . .
Now this would be a wonder! Yet it’s true--how can it be?--
For Jesus Christ was born a babe and lived and died for me!

May you be filled with wonder during this Christmas season!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. --John 1:1-4, 14

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. --Luke 2:10-11

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. --Romans 6:23

See in the manger a little life, peace of the earth, born to scorn and strife;
Judge, yet to Him will the curse apply; giver of life, born to die.

On this, Your birthday, O Saviour sweet, we bring no myrrh to anoint Your feet;
Our lives, instead, are the gifts we give; dying with You, we shall live!

May the beauty of life in Christ fill your heart during this blessed season!

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Galatians 2:20

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. Romans 6:6-8