THE SECRET OF JOY

How vain man searches for a way

Through earthly toys that soon decay

And thinks these things bring happiness

Yet find, it leads to emptiness.

In every life a God-shaped void

Is built within the heart of man

So he can know down deep inside

Redeeming grace that will abide.

But joy is not made up of things

That bid one soar on eagle wings

The answer found is knowing Him

And helping free those bound by sin.

The fruit of joy one can express

Is helping widows in distress

Or helping orphans find a home

Where they no longer need to roam.

So as you seek help from above

Let Jesus fill you with His love

Then through the service you impart

Real joy will overflow your heart.

--B. Pent

LIVE YOUR PRAYERS

I KNELT TO PRAY WHEN DAY WAS DONE
AND PRAYED, "O LORD, BLESS EVERYONE
LIFT FROM EACH SADDENED HEART THE PAIN
AND LET THE SICK BE WELL AGAIN."

AND THEN I WOKE ANOTHER DAY
AND CARELESSLY WENT ON MY WAY
THE WHOLE DAY LONG I DID NOT TRY
TO WIPE A TEAR FROM ANY EYE.

I DID NOT TRY TO SHARE THE LOAD
OF ANY BROTHER ON THE ROAD
I DID NOT EVEN GO TO SEE
THE SICK MAN JUST NEXT DOOR TO ME.

YET ONCE AGAIN WHEN DAY WAS DONE
I PRAYED, "O LORD, BLESS EVERYONE"
BUT AS I PRAYED, INTO MY EAR
THERE CAME A VOICE THAT WHISPERED CLEAR,

"PAUSE NOW, MY CHILD, BEFORE YOU PRAY
WHOM HAVE YOU TRIED TO BLESS TODAY?
GOD'S SWEETEST BLESSINGS ALWAYS GO
BY HANDS THAT SERVE ME HERE BELOW."

AND THEN I HID MY FACE AND CRIED,
"FORGIVE ME, GOD, I HAVE NOT TRIED
BUT LET ME LIVE ANOTHER DAY
AND I WILL LIVE THE WAY I PRAY."
--AUTHOR UNKNOWN