Hope Lost, Hope Found

Hope Lost, Hope Found
©2016 Susan Noyes Anderson

The heavy desert heat

assaulted her,

shut down her cool,

absorbed her essence,

stole from her the

right to breathe.

It beat her down,

ran out her sweat,

forged salty rivers of regret,

offered no respite

cool or sweet;

mercy the forfeit.

Faith melted,

trickled into sand,

sank deeper than

her sun-seared hand.

Evaporated.

Left thirst unsated.

Her plight, in purple
mountains framed,

subdued then claimed

the fight within.

Broken she bowed,
her end avowed.

The day was lost;
the angels cried.
Her spirit, vanquished
from inside,
yielded to pain.
But then...the rain.

Hope born again.

∞§∞

Hope warms my heart,
especially in the most trying circumstances.
It comes most often, I believe, in God's tender mercies...
like cooling rain…
and living water.

"For the Lamb…shall lead them unto living fountains of waters;
and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Revelation 7:17

"…And the same shall be in [them] a well of living water,
springing up unto everlasting life."
D&C 63:23

for more warm hearts, click below

Love Is Patient; Love Is Kind

Feeling a little out of sorts last week, I wrote this poem to myself.

(I think it worked!)

Love Is Patient; Love Is Kind

©2016 Susan Noyes Anderson

When wells of love in me run dry,

and I no longer see

the cup of living water

kindness offers up to me;

When anger veils my tender view,

and shadows dim my soul;

When I feel cheated of my due,

and giving takes its toll;

When those around me seem to merit

naught but martyred sighs,

the answer is to look upon them

with our Savior's eyes.

My vision, through a darkened glass,

is blurred by shades of pride.

His charity, if I but ask,

will light me up inside.

Compassion is a gift of grace,

born in humility.

May I seek Christ in every face

and find His love in me.

for more warm hearts, click below

Birthday Blessings

for more warm hearts, click below

Jenny Matlock's Warm Heart Wednesday is here again, and these two little rascals are always good for inspiring that warm and fuzzy feeling in Grandma's heart. They are a year old today, and what immeasurable joy they have brought to our lives!

I hope you'll agree that these munchkins are just about as cute as they come!
(In the event you don't agree, feel free to fake it.)

;)

Thine Arm Is Ample

For more warm hearts, click below.

I am really enjoying Jenny Matlock's new Warm Heart Wednesday meme. Last week I shared the poem I wrote for my mom when she and my stepfather were having a rough time with their health. Today, I am sharing the words I wrote for him. The poor guy has been having some atrial fibrillation ablation complications, along with an autoimmune anemia that has been pretty resistant to treatment. Thankfully, he is improving at last, but I was happy to find this image to warm his heart and mine, reminding us that the Lord really is there for His children when we need Him most.

Thine Arm Is Ample

©2016 Susan Noyes Anderson

When I am weakened by the pain,

the sorrow every life must bear,

I reach out for thy steadfast hand

and feel a sacred presence there.

Thine arm is ample for the load;

my burden does not weigh thee down.

Thy loving kindness lifts me up

and carries me through rocky ground.

My strength is ever in thee, Lord,

and I shall offer up my part:

a humble mind, a seeking soul,

a constant and believing heart.

∞§∞

"And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours. And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of the earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."  D&C 78:18

Encircled in Thine Arms

I wrote this poem for my mom as an early Christmas gift, because her husband and she had been going through an especially difficult time. Happily, things are much better for them now, which warms my heart and prompts me to choose this offering for Warm Heart Wednesday.

I feel grateful when I can put together the right words and bring a measure of peace to the people I love. This is a gift I treasure, one that brings me joy because it allows me to give of myself in a unique way. The image below (Christ holding an elderly woman) was especially meaningful to me, as it made me think of my own dear mom and His ability and willingness to bring comfort and hope to her heart. 

I do love the notion of being encircled in our Savior's loving arms. There is simply no better place for healing, and I'm sure my mom agrees. After all, she's the one who taught me! =)

image from LDS Church

Encircled in Thine Arms

©2015 Susan Noyes Anderson

O Savior, thou art good to me.

Encircled in thine arms, I find

the salve for every weeping wound,

the balm to ease my troubled mind.

Thou lovest me through every trial

with grace sufficient for my needs.

Thou hast the power to heal the soul,

to soothe the aching heart that pleads.

Stay with me, Lord; embrace my woes.

I would not wander far from thee.

Thou art the Master of my soul,

my Shepherd for eternity.

∞§∞

"Therefore, treasure up these words in thy heart. 

Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God,

and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love" (D&C 6:20).

for more warm hearts, click below.

Keeping Christmas

Keeping Christmas

©2015 Susan Noyes Anderson

When every guest has taken leave,

and gifts are all unwrapped and gone,

I take a little time to grieve

before good memories linger on.

I find a special place to store

the footsteps coming up the path,

the bells a-jingle at the door,

the eager eyes, the boisterous laugh.

I call back moments by the fire,

each face that I hold dear aglow,

remember words that still inspire,

spoken today and long ago.

When family gathers all round,

the love lives on in every heart.

Therein is Christmas always found,

preserved in every sacred part.

Hope your Christmas was warm and wonderful!

=)

for more warm hearts, click here