Inspirational Poetry of Connie Arnold

© Gary Strader, 2009

 In autumn the leaves start changing

to colors rich and bright,

and soon they all

will begin to fall,

creating an artistic sight.

The green that in summer was seen

on the branches of every tree

has now turned to gold

and reds quite bold;

this change is delightful to see.

The exquisite beauty of nature

when leaves begin to die,

vibrant shades abound

and cover the ground,

making us wonder why.

Why such a glorious tribute

to what is almost past?

Crackling leaves drying

in this season of dying;

their splendor cannot last.

Changes come into each life

in what has happened before.

Though all things must end,

on God you can depend

to bring beauty to life once more.

© Connie Arnold, 2009

Life is much better

When you laugh and play,

Take some time each day to pray,

Look for the good in everything,

Discover a joyful song to sing,

Appreciate the beauty all around,

Notice little wonders waiting to be found,

Use the talents which you possess,

Look for ways to spread happiness,

Show those around you that you care,

Give to others what you can share,

Search for truth, goodness and light,

Try to always do what is right,

Then when you have done your best,

You can enjoy a peaceful rest,

As God knows everything you do,

And lovingly showers blessings on you.

© Connie Arnold, 2009

"He is my Safe Harbor"  © Gary Strader, 2009

When the storms of life are overhead,

filling you with a sense of dread,

like ocean's waves that across you roll,

feeling like you have lost control,

hopelessness can overwhelm you

with uncertainty about what to do.

Remember the One wind and sea obey

can drive your doubt and fear away.

When facing problems in your life,

look beyond the pain and strife,

lift your eyes up from the storm

to find a place that's safe and warm,

set your mind on things above

to discover peace and love.

Remember that Jesus calmed the sea,

this peace He offers to you and me.

© Connie Arnold, 2009

 © Gary Strader, 2009

A garden filled with fragrant flowers,

Surrounded by tall, strong trees,

With leaves fluttering in a soft breeze

Can provide many pleasant hours;

The peaceful sense of beauty it brings

And joy flooding into each part

Satisfies a yearning in my heart,

As my spirit soars and sings.

Enjoying nature's beauty and rest

With the light of God's love on my face,

An awareness swells of a special grace,

Recalling the things in life that are best;

As a certainty fills me that all will be right

Since the One who caused all things to be

Created this beauty for you and for me,

And my soul overflows with pure delight!

© Connie Arnold, September 2009

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Each life is a work of art,

formed like a patchwork quilt

from squares of love, peace and joy,

anger, greed and guilt.

Our living of life, how we've handled it,

everything we have done,

all of the good as well as the bad

are pieced together as one.

The love we have shown and kind deeds to others

are sewn with a strong, sure stitch;

along with giving, helping and caring,

these colors are vibrant and rich.

But some of the squares seem ragged and torn,

full of holes and rather threadbare,

faded and worn, ragged and empty,

as if they were formed from the air.

These are the times we have suffered hardships,

sorrow, grief and pain,

times when we have been mistreated,

rejected and faced disdain.

When this patchwork quilt of life

is touched by God's loving light,

holes formed from trials and suffering

let love shine through pure and bright.

© Connie Arnold, 2009

Although we enjoy sunshine,

We know there must be rain,

And though we long for pleasure,

At times in life there's pain.

The chaos of the world

May lead us to despair,

To wonder why bad things occur

And feel that life's not fair.

We yearn to find more joy,

To never suffer sorrow,

But though today the clouds may come

There's hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The lessons of each day,

If they are to be learned,

Can lead us to the joy and peace

For which our hearts have yearned.

When we in faith seek God,

Who has all things in control,

Healing and strength can flow to us,

Shining beauty into each soul.

© Connie Arnold, August 2009

Life is good

When you look for the good,

Seeking the beauty and light,

Finding a way

To brighten the day,

Trying to do what is right.

The joy life can bring

Will make your heart sing

When life is pleasant and sweet,

But when problems arise,

Take you by surprise,

They may knock you off your feet.

Life is still good

If only you could

Look past the sorrow and pain,

Lifting your eyes

As you realize

How much there is to gain.

Through the cloud of tears

As your vision clears

There is beauty for you to find,

Like the sun on your face

Feel the touch of God's grace,

Let God's love fill your soul and mind.

© Connie Arnold, August 2009

©Gary Strader

The artistry of summer is graced by blooming flowers,

Their colors and aromas have intoxicating powers.

A warm breeze carries the perfume in the air

Of roses, honeysuckle and others here and there.

The morning glories open with the rising of the sun

And four-o'clocks indicate when day is almost done.

From the morning when flowers are wet with dew

Until the evening darkness, they provide a lovely view.

Hollyhocks, geraniums and hydrangeas too

Create a masterpiece of pink, red and blue,

While sunflowers, daisies and marigolds grow

With a bright golden touch to add to the show.

What delight flowers offer on a warm summer day,

As petunias, phlox and zinnias brighten up our way;

The colorful display of the Master gardener's art

Brings delight to the senses and gladdens the heart!

© Connie Arnold, 2009

(New excerpts are added, and don't forget to claim your August gift from me!)

A time for rest should be found each day

To be refreshed and restored,

To relax, reflect, meditate and pray,

To spend precious time with the Lord.

Taking a break from work for a while

To enjoy some moments of rest

Can help you face the day with a smile,

Ready to do your best.

Rest is good for the body and soul,

A time to relax and let go,

To understand God is in control

And a peaceful contentment to know.

© Connie Arnold, 2009

Remember to check out August Gift

Any day can be much brighter,

Any night seem not so long

When the heart is filled with music

And the living with a song.

 Any task seems not so dreary,

Any right must conquer wrong

When the melody of loving

Is the soul's resounding song.

Any heart can beat more gladly,

Any weakness be made strong

When the Lord provides the music

And the beauty of life's song.

© Connie Arnold, 2009