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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Don't write about the song) (04/16/15)
In the restful sleep of winter a hushed snow begins to fall,
tucking everything in a clean white sparkling blanket.
The morning cheers mean sledding fun instead of school.
The next time you pass a barren, slumbering cornfield
snuggled beneath God’s provisional quilt, breathe in
its peacefulness. Take pause and savor each hushed moment.
A simple blessing that stills the world’s clamor.

Spring’s rebirth awakens the earth from its wintry sleep.
Flowers exploding in heavenly brilliance. A variety of scents
float on gentle breezes, their perfumes become our pleasure.
Busy birds delight us with cheery notes and soothing coos.
A deer visits your backyard. A playful chipmunk scurries
across a rock wall. Butterfly beauty. If you understand
the gift of these moments--answer with a smile.

Playful summers fill yards with boys and baseballs,
tree-climbers, giggling kids splashing through sprinklers,
starry night camp-outs and sprouting gardens.
The laughter of innocence is recognized as imaginations
soar in an age of youth you remember from long ago.
A grandchild’s hug makes you wonder how is it
that your daughter is now wearing shoes you once filled.
The blessing of time becomes a reality and
you cherish each precious, fleeting moment.

Leaves dressed in shades of reds, oranges and golden hues
wave farewell as their grip loosens from tired branches.
School reopens and moms hand sack lunches to kids
as they hurry to the bus stops in excited chatter.
Ripened fruits. Fresh-from-the-oven bounty--apple pies, peach cobblers.
Corn and beans are gathered from blessed fields by grateful farmers.
Canning jars line pantry shelves, a welcome treat in weeks to come.
Autumn chills are chased away with a cozy fire crackling inside.
Pumpkin carving, apple cider, and board-games at the kitchen table
are all enjoyed together when chores are done and Autumn lingers.


As the shadows of my days lengthen across my aging years, I am wiser to what blessings really are. Whether it’s seasons of life or those on the calendar, God’s blessings abound. Answered prayers, God’s mending of bodies, minds and souls, restored friendships, first loves, first kisses, first newborns, the strength we receive in our weakest moments, the peace that punctuates the end of a struggle, and most of all--the joy of knowing that God is with us always. His love is never ending. Today, look for the blessings that await you. Tonight, count them.
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This article has been read 671 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Linda Goergen
04/25/15
So beautifully said! Loved this!
C D Swanson 
04/27/15
Amen!

God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/01/15
Wow this is lovely. I got tears in my eyes especially because I'm moving into the next season of my life as my daughter makes me a Grandma any day now. I still can see her as an infant in my eyes. Your poem reminded me that while it might be sad to say goodbye to one season, the next is just as full of blessings - - just different ones. Congratulations on ranking 11 overall.