A Nail in a Sure Place

A Nail in a Sure Place

by K.J. Hopper

A nail modestly glistens in the morning light,
it having been painstakingly anchored to the wall.

It will act as a security, to brace up my structure
assuring me protection from unseen dangers.

My hopes and dreams are stabilized by its steadiness
This is my support, a nail secured in a sure place.

How important for us to make sure that our structures will not be damaged by the winds that are blowing all about. Everything that can be shaken (from its foundation) is being or will be shaken. We need to check our mortal building to make sure that it can withstand what comes our way. Remember, we can be Secure in Him - that is, if that is our desire.

How's Your Day Going?

Worried? Scared? Confused? Upheavaled?


Did you know that we have the ability to change our moods?
It's called PRAYER.

Prayer can turn UGLINESS into BEAUTY.
Strange how life's situations take on a new look when we take time to talk to God about them.

Well, maybe not Beauty but how about
our circumstances turning CUTE?

One Among A Thousand

Just a thought for today - Most people start out following the crowd, but sooner or later become LOST in it.

Watch for one among a thousand faces,

with a separate identity and thereby conformity replaces.

Finding one daring to be different from the crowd,

with their true independence most definitely allowed.

For in every gathering there is one who stands out,

with quality of principles beyond any doubt.

In traveling life's road, may we consider a modest roadway,

for the highways grant you no individuality to display.

Lord, may I follow closely after you so that I don't become lost in the crowd.

How's Your Heart Beating?

True Love is a Heart that Beats for Others

"Love one another with a pure heart..." I Peter 1:22

Happy Number 67

Happy No. 67 Birthday to my husband Gene

* My hubby isn't one who likes having pictures taken so this one will have to do.

Have You Laughed Today?

Even in trying times, let LAUGHTER touch your day.

Let's Pray Together

Let's stop struggling with the overwhelming cares of life.

Our friends are always near to help us pray.

"Call on me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things,

which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 3:33

Decisions, Decisions

My husband’s birthday is quickly approaching, and my mind is taking flight as to just what cake would be appropriate. Should it have the looks, the taste, the pizzaz, or the ?? Well, I started looking around, and what great looks are out there. However, I think I’ll just hit the bakery to view their specialties - and make my decision then.

The upcoming event took me back to a poem I wrote a few years ago about a (you guess).

Such a small one upon the mound,
Prominently stationed on its portion of ground.
Its relatives, each notably positioned in place,
Stalwartly basking in their reserved space.

The moment’s intense, yet so much aglow,
A velvety mixture delivering pleasantries below.
Clothed in a white coat, trimmed with pink roses,
The celebration of a lifetime now strikingly poses.

With radiant smile, my friend prepares for the end,
Knowing that after the wish will come a strong wind.
For substance is not any match for what’s at stake,
Being Host to a confectionery extravaganza, soon with slices to taste.

Be A Mountain Mover

When will our mountains be removed? I really don't know. However, there is a Chinese proverb that says, "The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."

How true that is. It speaks volumes of how we must remove each obstacle a piece at a time in order to accomplish victory's results. Everyday, if we pick up a small pebble of hurt, discouragement, or whatever stockpiled in our heart and put it in God's wheelbarrow, He will carry it away. And in so doing, our mountains will soon become ant hills.

However, on occasion, an unseen Hand will remove a boulder or two without any assistance from me or you. He does care, and will move our mountains if we take the first step. It is our responsibility to take the first step; that is, if we want our hurts removed and not continue to dwell on them. The choice is ours.

"Remove hence to yonder place and it shall move…" Matt 17.20

Love Is Beautiful

Love Sees Only Beauty
"...let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us..." Ps 90:17

It is when we focus on life's beauty which surrounds us that everyday uglinesses seem to fade away. Today (and always) may we desire to "spread" His beauty as a witness for others.

His Sounds of Silence

Many times answers to prayers come in total silence. I love His Sounds of Silence.

The special sounds of silence come forth
penetrating the inner soul of man
Its quietness brings forth guidance
perhaps through ebony tides of disappointment
Or releasing tranquility founded upon discretion
making the way more simplified and secure.

Shh! Listen for the silenced sounds
for they portray the holiness of a cause
Allowing serenity to wrap itself without speaking
in perhaps the quiet presence of day's end.
Or by chance in the silence of a journey home
Whatever the unheard sound, He will lead you.

Shh! Listen for His silence for therein you will hear what He has to say.

Dear to My Heart

Being Valentine’s Day, it is perfect timing to introduce (or reacquaint you with) the ones that are dearest to my heart - my family.

My son Mark (passing in 1993)
My son Cameron, wife Barbara, and granddaughters Zoe (passing in 1996), Madison & Cassidy live in the SF Bay area
My daughter Kellee lives in the SF Bay area
My daughter Alisha & grandson Preston live in Oregon
My husband Gene lives with me on the Central California Coast

Perfection’s Brief Visit

Few are chosen to know perfection
for it lasts just a brief moment,
blessing those elected to handle its care
Perfection comes to bring joy and happiness,
filling the heart with wondrous elegance.

Perfection leaves an infinite impression
joining the young and the old,
the weak and the strong, the rich and the poor.
In its path is the confidence of heaven,
of God, of a special place beyond here and now.

I have seen perfection face to face

and have been touched by its tenderness,
I have heard its cry and its laughter.
Perfection came to visit me one day,
Its flawless beauty forever enchanting my soul.

Zoe Claire Hopper

September 10, 1995
February 13, 1996

Zoe, you came on gossamer wings, propelling your way into our hearts - and gave us a reason to smile, to laugh, and to hold court with gladness once again. I love you, my precious angel, Nana

Just A Little Faith

An Ant, I Ain't

Watch out! The Ants are coming! (Just found some!) With the weather changing, these little creatures will be evading our cabinets, countertops - and basically our homes. Oh, how they love to march inside, taking ownership of our space. I dread their appearance because it means getting out the aerosol can and giving them a Raid bath. Oophs, to those that are ecology-minded, I am so sorry but this is the one time I must use the “no-no” can and take charge.

Well, perhaps I should look at them in a different light. These little ones have never come close to extinction (been on Earth for more than 100 million years). All I can say is that whatever they’ve got going for them is successful. Could their longevity be due to their highly organized colonies (i.e., nests)? Each colony may consist of millions of “workers” or “soldiers” who work their entire life for the female “queen”. The workers devotion to the queen is unparalleled – toiling endlessly in unity to accomplish a common cause.

Makes one think, doesn't it? If we as humans had but a percentage of the ants’ devotion, resilience, and intensity - what could we accomplish? Looking closely at this little tiny touch of God’s creation gave me inspiration to write the following poem.

The ant is a lesson, working until day’s end,
in its relentless mission, not willing to bend.
Placing trust in a carefully planned scheme,
determination becoming its triumphant theme.

The ant never contemplates defeat as it toils,
or that its harvest may become the enemy’s spoils.
So be mindful that in the ant’s countless pursuits,
devotion and perseverance are agreeable recruits.

Well…An Ant, I Ain’t - but a devoted, steadfast Soldier for the King, I truly want to be.

His Tasting Room

While in San Francisco this week, my husband and I decided to visit Napa Valley. The roads along the way were dotted with a host of wineries - their tasting rooms beckoning the traveler to enter in and partake of their special blends. It was then that I began to think of my own journey, its roads passing by many a trial, many a burden, many a hardship - but then, there it was, God's own tasting room beckoning me to enter in and partake of His special blessings. Yes, in my little adventure for the day, He reminded me that in life's various valleys, He has a room prepared for me to partake of His goodness and mercies. All I must do, is enter into His presence.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good"
Isa 5.1

Nothing Is Impossible

EVERY MIRACLE

BEGINS WITH AN IMPOSSIBILITY

Step out and ask the Lord for a miracle. Remember nothing is too hard for Him to do. In fact, He welcomes requests that seem impossible.

Love Conquers All

"Love bears...believes...hopes...endures all things"

Cor. 13:7

An Even Balance

An Even Balance

by K.J. Hopper

Upon the assessor’s shelf, a scale is showcased
Its holdings having been painstakingly gathered
Contents soon to be weighed to bare their value.
Will it be an even balance, or emerge as a child’s game,
with both trays teetering in a see-saw motion?

The gauge of my integrity reasons this assessment
A measurement to sort the authentic from the forged.
A weight of even balance will contain no counterfeit
However, will an inner part of me have something to expose?

Will I be found wanting, or will I be found a true weight?

.
My heart cries out to be spiritually balanced, but should I not be - Lord, please remove every thing that is imitation and fraudulent.

Put On A Happy Face