Rice - A collection of encouragement

A HELEN STEINER RICE Product 2010 Helen Steiner Rice Foundation Fund, LLC, A wholly owned subsidiary of Cincinnati Museum Center. Print ISBN 978-1-60260-827-6 eBook Editions: Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-62836-122-3 Kindle and MobiPocket Edition (.prc) 978-1-62836-123-0 The poetry of Helen Steiner Rice is published under a licensing agreement with the Helen Steiner Rice Foundation Fund, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Printed in the United States of America. O h God, who made the summer and warmed the earth with beauty, Warm our hearts with gratitude and devotion to our duty. O h God, who made the summer and warmed the earth with beauty, Warm our hearts with gratitude and devotion to our duty.

For in this age of violence, rebellion, and defiance, Weve forgotten the true meaning of dependable reliance. We have lost our sense of duty and our sense of values, too, And what was once unsanctioned no longer is taboo. Our standards have been lowered, and we resist all discipline, And our vision has been narrowed and blinded to all sin. Oh, put the summer brightness in our closed, unseeing eyes, So in the careworn faces that we pass well recognize The heartbreak and the loneliness, the trouble and despair That a word of understanding would make easier to bear. Oh God, look down on our cold hearts and warm them with Your love, And grant us Your forgiveness which were so unworthy of.

I ts true we have never looked on His face, But His likeness shines forth from every place, For the hand of God is everywhere Along lifes busy thoroughfare, And His presence can be felt and seen Right in the midst of our daily routine.

Things we touch and see and feel Are what make God so very real.

G ods love is like an island in lifes ocean, vast and wide, A peaceful, quiet shelter from the restless, rising tide. Gods love is like a fortress, and we seek protection there When the waves of tribulation seem to drown us in despair. Gods love is like a sanctuary where our souls can find sweet rest From the struggle and the tension of lifes fast and futile quest. Gods love is like a tower rising far above the crowd, And Gods smile is like the sunshine breaking through the threatening cloud. W here there is love the heart is light, Where there is love the day is bright. W here there is love the heart is light, Where there is love the day is bright.

Where there is love there is a song To help when things are going wrong. Where there is love there is a smile To make all things seem more worthwhile. Where there is love theres a quiet peace, A tranquil place where turmoils cease. Love changes darkness into light And makes the heart take wingless flight. Oh, blessed are those who walk in love They also walk with God above.

H ave you ever been caught in a web you didnt weave, Involved in conditions that are hard to believe? Have you ever felt you must speak and explain and deny A story thats groundless or a small, whispered lie? Have you ever heard rumors you would like to refute Or some telltale gossip you would like to dispute? Well, dont be upset, for God knows the score, And with God as your judge you need worry no more. H ave you ever been caught in a web you didnt weave, Involved in conditions that are hard to believe? Have you ever felt you must speak and explain and deny A story thats groundless or a small, whispered lie? Have you ever heard rumors you would like to refute Or some telltale gossip you would like to dispute? Well, dont be upset, for God knows the score, And with God as your judge you need worry no more.

For men may misjudge you, but Gods verdict is fair, For He looks deep inside and is deeply aware Of every small detail in your pattern of living, And always Hes fair and lenient and forgiving, And knowing that God is your judge and your jury Frees you completely from mans falseness and fury. And secure in this knowledge, let your thoughts rise above Mans small, shallow judgments that are so empty of Gods goodness and greatness in judging men, And forget ugly rumors and be happy again.

T he farmer plows through the fields of green, And the blade of the plow is sharp and keen, But the seed must be sown to bring forth grain, For nothing is born without suffering and pain, And God never plows in the soul of man Without intention and purpose and plan. So whenever you feel the plows sharp blade, Let not your heart be sorely afraid, For like the farmer, God chooses a field From which He expects an excellent yield. So rejoice though your heart be broken in two God seeks to bring forth a rich harvest in you. W e are all Gods children and He loves us, every one.

He freely and completely forgives all that we have done, Asking only if were ready to follow where He leads, Content that in His wisdom He will answer all our needs.

S ometimes, when a light goes out of our lives, and we are left in darkness and we do not know which way to go, we must put our hand into the hand of God and ask Him to lead us; and if we let our lives become a prayer until we are strong enough to stand under the weight of our own thoughts again, somehow, even the most difficult hours are bearable.