(A praise poem based upon “falling well” but NOT falling over.  A simple slip NOT on ice, but the wet puddle spots inside, oops… more embarrassing than anything. And I praise the saving stretch I got from the Lord – and the “watch what you boast” warning too! Just thank the Lord and keep moving.)

Stretch, don’t Kvetch

It wasn’t just the race,

  it was that I was setting the aggressive pace.

It wasn’t just about my need,

  but I was putting in my need for speed.

I doubt that I could last,

  if my future competes with my past.

I’m pretty sure my energy steps would run out of gas.

.

It’s not just a slow down, 

  but “I know better” now.

One slip and I could take a trip,

  worse yet my knee would dip.

But the catch, ah yes the catch, yes,

  The SAVE is what I will address. 

The Lord saved my life from becoming a mess.

.

So don’t ignore mini MIRACLES anymore.

Every time you DON’T crash onto the floor.

Every save, every brave.

Each time your health doesn’t cave.

Getting older means what?

That GOD helps keep you out of trouble’s rut.

Watch the ice or you will fall on your butt!

.

Exercise. Or dust can compromise. 

Stretch. And don’t kvetch!

Praise all the more! For strength in our core!

.

Accept help, before you yelp.

Skip the trial, of your denial. 

Weigh the consequences, not the nonsenses.

.

Then close the door, and purposefully prayerfully kneel your face to the floor. 

Be thankful to God even more.

.

Lord, I praise Your gifting. I praise all Your lifting. 

I will bend my ways and preserve my days.

Thank You for saving in all Your Ways.

Amen

.

Amen 

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James 1:1-20 – NKJV

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Profiting from Trials – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor – Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials – Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials – So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.