By His Hand.......................

Lord I see your glory, it's shining all around, In every flake of snow that falls down upon the ground. Every one is different, no two are the same. All of Heaven and Nature will Praise His Holy name. With every flake of pure white snow and ice crystals like diamonds glow. Dew drops glistening after rain Running down the window pane In new born lambs in fields in Spring and song birds that make the tree tops ring. In sunshine glowing on the flowers His love we see as we pass the hours I see that every grain of sand Is shaped by His almighty hand By His Word this all came to be On the land and in the sea How can people fail to see what is so obvious to me.  ©Janice Schaub Dec 2014 I am sharing this with roses of Inspiration party

Beautiful Bunny............

Beautiful Bunny My beautiful bunny with brown velvet eyes, Now lays in my garden under Autumn skys. Such a wonderful life, so full and so fun, Now rests forever, her time here is done. The pleasure she gave us in her short life time Was unselfish and pure and enriching to mine. I am glad that I knew her and her sister too Baby and BoBo I loved both of you.  ©janice schaub

BoBo I thought I heard my BoBo tonight I heard a soft thump upon the floor I thought I would go and see her looking up at me But she was not there for me to see. She is gone her soul took flight To scamper across heavenly fields and moor. No longer a pet of mine you see She is free as she was meant to be. ©Janice Schaub

When I had my horse Lady out at Golden Valley, Bill decided to get a couple of rabbits to breed. He thought he would raise them for meat. Well when the babies came my friend Mary and I took two each. Mine named Baby and Bobo. He never did raise rabbits for food. We litter trained them and they lived in the house the first year. That is until they started chewing wires. At that time we had an entrance off the deck. We also had Walter Pigeon. The rabbits lived in the porch and had access to the deck. They have a great life. Maybe some day I will get rabbits again, for Tristen.

Buttons, One month later...................

Buttons, one month later.............
It has been a whole month today Since my friend went away. Twenty Eight days have come and gone Some days I thought I could not go on. Twenty eight days.....oh so empty days. I miss you in so many ways Every moment of every day. You were there in your special way: Mornings, noon  and every night Betwix between  I was in your sight. In the gardens among my flowers helping me throughout the hours. I miss you most when I am cooking You always sat there patiently looking. For a handout or a spill I wish that you were watching still. You loved your food up to the end and I loved to indulge my very best friend. I loved you snuggled up with me If only when we watched TV. Then at night when we went to bed Always there beside my head. Middle of night you'd want a drink. I'll take ice with that I think. Spoilt rotten I do know that. I didn't care if you were a brat. You'd love to go out for a ride Window seat on either side. Nodding off upon my arm As we went early to the barn. Loved to frolic in the hay What a way to begin the day. Then home to nap for most of the day Always beside me in your special way. How can I not miss you so my little poo? You were a part of all I do. Bright button eyes and button nose. Living up to your name Heaven knows. You drank your water from a glass, no bowl. You were the princess playing the role. So many ills for so tender a pup Happy and cute your never gave up. Bore it all with love and grace How can I not miss your  face. That grubby smile and doggy kiss I miss nothing quite as much as this. Warm pink tummy when you would wake and morning breath that could make our eyes water.....yet I would not trade it at all if that smell would never fade How can I go on my lovely one without you beside me when the day is done. A whole month now has gone.....and next a year Time will pass and you not so clear. Your memory will fade until such day as you become as others I loved the same way. Life and death neither are fair. But still I was ever so glad to share Those special times that we once had Its just that I can not be anything but sad. Now that you are gone and I am here Without you beside me always near Gone......but always in my heart until the day that I depart Then you  had better be waiting there to welcome me.
March 1 2005 ©Janice Schaub
When Buttons died, it was the hardest thing I had ever encountered to that point. I went into a depression and could not pull out of it. I have never cried like I did for her. She was so special. Maybe because from the very start she had ailments that needed my attention. It brought us close. I never want to experience that grief again. Dr Burke came to the house the day you had to go. I am not sure it was easier for you, but at least you didn't have to go to the office. Your were here in my arms and in your own home. 

Buttons...............

Buttons I just heard Bonnie calling you Calling you on home. But I don't want to let you go to leave me all alone. I know your life with me is done, too soon your time to go. Years are always way to short and I can't let you go. You are my special preciouse one So full of joy and love. I need for you to stay here more Before you go "above". The years all pass so quickly now Where is that frisky pup?. So old, infirm and full of pain But yet you don't give up. There's still a shadow left inside of that loving giving friend. That I just can not let you go It can not be the end. Please stay with me a few more years A few more months or days. I just can't bear to see you go I will miss your loving ways. I know I'm being selfish now So hard to let you go. I don't want you to be in pain Because I love you so. I know the Lord has a special place For little dogs like you. I will miss your funny face My lovely gentle poo. Maybe another pup will come Someone to fill the space, Beside me to love me as you have done But I will always see your face. Behind her frisky puppy play your memory will hold true. Along with those who went before But.....never one like you. January 2005 ©Janice Schaub Goodbye Buttons So Gentle soul ....too soon depart. I miss you so much.....it broke my heart. Sweet sweet kisses rein down on me We said goodbye and I set you free. Free from pain and earthy woe, But how I suffer to see you go. My tears now fall where you once lay, I know I miss you more each day. Where are you now my precious one? Somewhere nice?......In meadows run? Somewhere waiting just for me. Somewhere now forever free. All made over whole and new With Bonnie, Charlie and Poppett too. Thank you Buttons for 14years of unconditional love. February 1st 2005 ©Janice Schaub

Bonnie.................

Bonnie There's an empty space right there.... Right there where you should be. Yes...that spot there right beside my knee. Under foot and busy Bright eyes and eager smile, Pom Pom tail a waggin, a minute to the mile. Heart full of sadness Heart full of grief Suddenly life seems ever so brief. But this life was special... so full and complete.... and boy did she ever love something to eat. Love that was shared  loved beginning to end A final farewell to Bonnie my friend.  May 11 1998  © Janice Schaub Bonnie was our 2nd poodle. First we got a silver poodle named Bonnie Prince Charlie. Charlie was raised in the country. Somehow he got out when we moved to town and was hit by a car. Later we got another poodle and named her Bonnie in his honour. Bonnie lived to be about 13 I think and was a very special girl. When she was hungry she would throw her heart shaped bowl at us......... Bonnie was so beautiful we often called her Beaute She acted in such funny ways we always thought so cute.
Bonnie and Buttons.

Bonnie again.
Let her soul take flight on Angels wings To dwell among the stars Free of pain and earthly things That filled her last days down here. Take her Oh Lord till we meet once more When your great day will dawn And loved ones meet again once more upon the distant shore. ©Janice Schaub 2010

Poppett..............

Poppett

Poppett......poodle pal, constant companion of childhood days,

Followed me everywhere, through fields and byways.

Friend of mine on cold, cold nights

Cuddled snug in bed to ward of nightime frights

Long walks together on a sunny day, 

Looking for somewhere new to play.

She grew old as I grew up,

Life is all to short for a poodle pup.

I got married and moved away,

She was now too old to play.

My life was different, hers came to an end.

I will never forget my childhood friend.

Love lives forever and memories are true

Poppett was first and I will remember you.

©Janice Schaub.

Poppett, Petite Poppett. She was our first poodle. She was not the last. We had a wonderful friendship and we spent so much time together. She was bought at first for my mum I suppose but my mum didn't have the time that I did as a child. So it was natural that we became friends. I never noticed she was getting old. When she got tired she would ask to be picked up and I would carry her home. She was a small dog and we went for miles across the fields. She was really my first love when it came to having a pet. She slept in my bed. Dad would always take her out at night and then let her in with me. She would snuggle under the covers with me. The house was not heated so we would shiver together and hug the hot water bottle. She spoilt me for any other breed of dog. I have always loved poodles. I have four now. I won't ever forget any one of the ones who came before. 

Bethlehem......Glory.....two poems.

Was Jesus born on Christmas day

In Bethlehem so far away?

Three Wise men led by a star

Brought wonderous gifts from afar

In a stable they found the child

Laying there so meek and mild.

They fell and worshiped Him their king

While heavens angels in glory sing.

Imagine what that small town saw

So much wonder and such awe

Our God came down from heaven to earth

To show mankind what they were worth.

He came to save us all from sin

So we could reconcile with Him.

So the lowley creatures sleep

The ox, the ass and the sheep.

Around His crib among the straw

The shepherds and Kings sleep on the floor

Mary glows with inner joy

So lovingly tends her baby boy.

Angels from the realms on high

Appear above the evening sky

What wonders came upon that eve

God is seeking who will believe

Bend your knees, accept your King

His Spirit comes to dwell within.

©Janice Schaub.......Nov 2014

Glory
Glory be to God on High Heaven and earth on Him rely. To bring the harvest safe within, All of nature comes to Him. Angels worship Him above, Mortals adore Him with their love. All glory from the heavenly host Praising Father Son and Holy Ghost. Praise Him all who dwell below, Upon whose gifts He does bestow.
©Janice Schaub Nov 2014

Cousins.....................

Cousins Muslim, Christian and the Jew One God we worship.......Cousins true. We may follow a different Lord? But the One true God is adored. The way is true, the path is love. We all seek guidence from above. Some have strayed from this clear path Al-Quaida is the way of wrath. The devil temps us all you see? All this hate fills him with glee. He rules this world till the good Lord come, Till our time on earth is done. For now, we must not let him win, with hope filled hearts we must begin. To live and love and work together, So that we can live forever, In this world and in the next, Then we'll have that devil vexed. Cousins all and cousins one we must win this fight begun. Fight the hatred with true love Make the world like Heaven above.  ©Janice Schaub 2005

October Day........October Sky..............

October Day. Blue blue skys on an October day I know the snow can't be far away. Snow to the North and to the West So far it's sunny and I feel blessed. I sit in the garden enjoying the sun, while leaves fall from the trees, Autumns begun. There won't be many more days like this So I close my eyes for the suns last kiss. ©Janice Kay Schaub 2012 October Sky Crystal clear and brightest blues against the trees in Autumn hues, Cooler mornings and weaker sun Tell us that the Fall's begun. Brilliant shades of red and gold Against that sky.....a joy to behold. ©JKS 2012

Raindrop Races..............

Raindrop races on window pane
Children waiting for sunny days again.
Noses pressed against the glass
"Who will win"? the children ask.
One drop races out ahead
just as mum says "Time for bed"
One more moment Joey said
"My raindrop just got way ahead".
Sister Sally on her way home
Is out there walking all alone.
Its raining hard and the wind does blow
Grandma says it will turn to snow.
The back door slams as Sally comes in
Joey's raindrop scores a win.

© Janice Kay Schaub ..... Sept 2014

Autumn Days, revised...............

Autumn leaves all Russet and gold  Winters breath blows in so cold.  Puffy clouds float in blue sky  Leaves of all colours pile up high.  sunny days are crisp and cool  replacing the heat beside the pool.  Walks in woodlands now become  A pleasure for most everyone.  Birds and beast all do prepare  for what comes very soon to their  woodland homes and places of rest.  The birds prepare their winters nest.  The black bear prepares her winters home  to sleep till Springtime can once more come.  Returns again and life renews  and the forests wear much different hews . life again will be fresh and young  springtimes here for everyone.  Not for awhile though first comes the Fall  Nature hears the distant call.  The birds begin to migrate soon  Drawn to leave before the icy moon.  Leaves of purple drift on down  to join their brothers on the ground. ©Janice K Schaub This is an older one you will see at the beginning of this blog, I just added a couple of lines to it.

Shadow Wolves..............

Shadow Wolves
The mist swirls through the forest and brings a primevil tug along my spine. Long ago wolves look out at me their spirits linger in the fog. Voices echo on the winds that move among the pine Shadows move and shimmer is that some ancient dog? Something from our long ago moves with stealth out in the mists Did I see a shadow and eyes with eerie glow? Stalking me from another time or is it my mind that twists I hurry home with coat pulled tight Up to my quivering chin. I feel the ancient need of flight I need to get within. I close the door and lean on it. I flip the switch that gives me light, I pull the drapes and then I sit No longer feeling that need of flight.  The window panes shudder with the strength of the fray I am so glad to be inside. I gather my fear and shake it away I do not need to hide. Tis just my imagination that keeps me in fear There is no ghostly dog I did not hear that distant clear sound of a howl in the fog.

©Janice Kay Schaub 2013 Sharing with Adorned from above

Mystic Horses......................

Mystic Horses
Mystic horses with rainbows run Her golden horn that shines in the sun. She hides from humans watchful eye, The very last refuse to die. They dwell in secret hidden glen Remnants of a time when, Eden was right here on earth. Eden now awaits  rebirth. Creatures with such beauty dwell In places mankind can not tell She hides her beauty from human sight She glides on stardust in the night. In secret glades among the trees She folds her wings and bends her knees. She sleeps on fragrant mossy bed The ferns will hide her sleepy head. When misty morning sun arise She once more takes off to the skys She drifts above the fluffy cloud Vapour surrounds her like a shroud. If you should catch her unaware You would have to stop and stare. You would have to believe it's a dream Creatures like her have never been seen Since that first perfect garden, from dust arose, That's gone forever, everyone knows. ........but that beautiful horse forever flys with magical mystery through the skys.
©Janice Kay Schaub  ......  May 2012
Sharing with Inspire Me Monday

Autumn Walks.......

Autumn Walks.
I see Autumn leaves all swirling down In shades of Olive,scarlet, amber and brown. I take deep breaths of cold crisp air And catch a stray leaf in tendrils of hair. I raise my face towards the sun It's weaker now that summer is done. My last eager walks in woodlands deep, Before all is done and put to sleep Under blankets of snow and freezing ice. Everything now is so precious and nice. The sky is so blue, so pristine and bright Soon it will be leaden and looking like night. I can't miss out on these heavenly days I need to soak up the last gentle rays.
©Janice Kay Schaub .... September 2014

Harvest.......

Painting by Camille Pissarro Harvest Rich fields of wheat bow down to the sun. Golden and ripe the harvest has begun. The drone of bees as they work, then drift on past. Soft and gentle breezes caress me as I dream in the grass. Clouds float on by and the heat seems to hum. Lazy hazy days with the hope of more to come. The poppies are brilliant in the corn fields, The Harvest mice gather whatever it yields. She builds her nest on stalks of wheat Always busy, her family's so sweet. They live there all summer and her family grows Along with rabbits, birds and the crows. They live among the fields of grain,  sheltered from the summer rain. See the moon with her golden glow Now is the time to reap not sow. Her moonlight illuminates the scene Of people gathered on the green. To get this harvest in the barns Help is needed on the farms. The sheaves all stacked now in neet rows Loose seeds will be gathered by the crows People soon will glean the fields, Taking every scrap that the land will yield. Seasons change and work is done As it always has in centuries gone. The harvest is in and we give God the praise For these wonderful blessings as we end harvest days. ©Janice Kay Schaub.... September 2014
I am sharing this on Inspire Me Monday

Blustery Days.............

Blustery days as Autumn starts Reviving again our sun baked hearts. Gone the dog days hot as steam, Brings in the cool all crisp and clean. Shakes off the leaves all dried out from heat making them crunchy under feet. Now the colours a brightness brings With milder sun and Autumn things. Apple Cider, crunchy pears Hayrides, pumpkins and farm fairs. Pleasant walks in fields and woods Taking home natures goods. Acorns, Beech nuts the squirrels treats Stored for winter as Fall retreats  Soon the long cold winters here With harsh conditions for the deer. Meanwhile we can still impart The joys of Autumn that's in our hearts. ©Janice K Schaub Sept 2012

A Chill is in the Air..............

A perfect chill is in the air. A perfect chill but don't despair. The sun still shines the sky is clear. Even though old Winter's near. Autumn's upon us, the flowers fade. Soon brilliant colours will be made. As frost upon the leaves will turn to glorious colours of gold and auburn. Scarlet hues on the Maples glow, Orange and yellow and lime all flow in wonderful medlies that change every day. The farm hands have already brought in the hay. They stock up for the time that nothing grows To feed their animals when it snows. So enjoy these beautiful Autumn days Watch the deer and rabbits graze. Bear fills her tummy and stores up fat There wont be a lot more time for that. She too feels the change in the air Squirrels are hiding their food with care. Today we enjoy these last precious days Quietly sitting in the suns warming rays Winter can wait, his turn will come For now we enjoy the last days of sun. ©Janice Kay Schaub August 2014

Depression hurts..............

I am not a fan of Robin Williams, he got on my nerves. He could never behave normal and that irritated me no end. Nevertheless, he was a genius and maybe that is why he could never "come down" from that comedic role. As a man he was generous and kind apparently and I admire that in anyone. I am sad that once again depression has taken someone way before their time. I am very sorry for his loss. (picture from Facebook, artist signed)
Sadness like a cancer grows How others feel no one knows. They dwell inside a darkened shell Hoping they can break the spell. Their faces always wear a grin. It's not a sign of what's within. Inside they just want to sleep Inside their pain is buried deep. Inside them lies a deep despair The time will come they cease to care. Depression is a deadly foe. A pain that only they can know. for Robin Williams 2014 Janice Kay Schaub.

Musing on a Summers Day................

Fluffy little clouds drift by  Summer ends and the seasons fly.  Cooler days are welcome now,  At least by me, but not all somehow.  I love the brisker days of Fall.  Golden wheat is growing tall.  Soon its time to cut the hay,  To save towards the Winters day.  Poppies grow in fields so red,  Reminds me of our valient dead.  Those who gave their lives in war,  Believed that we would fight no more.  But Kingdoms come and Kingdoms go,  It will be forever so. Like the seasons they rise and fall,  Till they hear the Almighty's call.  Tis then they fade in the mists of time.  Following in the grand design.  In my simple life I see,  Things so much greater than me.  He who sees the Sparrow fall,  Is in command of it all. God in His heaven we are blessed, so not to worry about the rest. JKS August 2014

Springtime.............

The wind blows the snow like cobwebs from my mind. I reach for a coat and go out to see what I can find. It's so good to be outside and feel the wind upon my skin. After oh so many months of being trapped here within. Some brave shoots are poking through looking for the sun. Snowdrops, pretty snowdrops a sure sign that Spring has finally begun.  ©Janice Schaub April 2014.

Is it April?........

Is it April?

The sky is grey

A Winters day?

No.......It's really April.

The sky is blue,

It's snowing too.

Yes it is.....it's April.

The sun comes out

But don't cast a clout

It really is only April.

©Janice Schaub

April Dream.........

April moves in like a dream So long we have waited it would seem. April brings a gentle breeze Helps the earth to unfreeze. Gentle rains wash away the snow So Spring flowers can start to grow. Flowers bud and blossoms burst April showers quench their thirst. Rainy days of April so they say Give way to abundant flowers in May. Gentle buds of fruit trees bloom Bursting forth from Winters gloom. Winds of March have briskly scoured  Made all things fresh for Springtime flowers.
 ©Janice Schaub 2014

Sick of bleedin snow........

It's hard to think of Spring, when we are waist deep in snow.

When in blue blazes is this stuff going to go.?

The Robins have come home, and wonder why they did.

Everything they like to eat is buried and is hid.

The bulbs are straining at the earth and can not make it shift.

That's because it's buried underneath a bloody six foot drift.

They say that it is Springtime according to the date.

But I am here to tell you that Spring is bloody late.

I am sick of dirty piles, of often soggy snow.

It's piled so high that it has nowhere else to go.

Oh to see a blade of lovely green grass,

I am sick to death of white and of slipping on my arse.

Excuse my poem for being rude it's due to cabin fever.

Old man Winter this year has been quite the dang deceiver.

The sun comes out and begins the melt

A promice of Spring that seems heartfelt.

Next time I look it's snowing and after that it's rain.

So next it's ice and freezing wind that freezes up the drain.

The roads are all flooded next time we get a thaw,

The snow comes back and settles half way up my door.

Will it end soon, I really do not know

but I am here to tell you I am sick of bleedin snow.

©Janice Schaub March 2014

Little Bells........

The first brave buds slip through the snow

little white flowers the first to grow.

Small they are but sturdy stocks,

little bells like fairy frocks.

Cold and brisk, but sunny day.

Birds in branches noisily play.

Snow is melting, time for Spring.

A sight to make the birds all sing.

Crocus show their pretty heads,

Pushing up in garden beds.

Soon the blossoms will appear,

Then its Springtime that is clear.

Birds are nesting, raising young.

Yes for sure the Spring is sprung.

Is it Spring yet?............

The end of March will soon be gone

and April enters with bird song.

First day of Spring, in the grip of Winter still

I'm looking out the window, the birds still feel the chill.

Huddled by the feeders, their feathers all are fluffed.

They stay in my grapevines until they are all stuffed.

It's time to build their nests, time to raise some young.

But they really can not do that until the Spring has come.

Come on old man Winter its time for you to go.

Wev'e had enough of Winter and sick to death of snow.

©Janice Schaub 2013

Frieda's Cat.............

Frieda's cat lays by the door

Slitted eye and folded paw.

Content in sunbeam.......the world goes by

Not really sleeping she is ever so sly.

Birds and squirrels go on their way

Beware other cats in her territory stray.

Squirrels gather nuts in May

They visit my feeders every day.

Agile climbers, acrobat

Runs up the tree to watch the cat.

Cat stretches out her deadly paw

and yawns real wide then sharpens claw.

She limbers up but lays back down,

turns her back and casts a frown.

Squirrel thinks he's safe for now

so goes back up to get more chow.

Cat can get her food at home

so the squirrels and birds are safe to roam.

At least today old cat don't care

so make the most, this time is rare.

Sleeping in sunbeams ........dozing in the sun

She can't be bothered to get up and run.

The birds are happy for this reprieve

The squirrel sighs and is much relieved.

Everyone can sigh a sigh of relief

Even if its ever so brief.

While Frieda's cat lays by the door

With slitted eye and folded paw.

©Janice Kay Schaub 2011

A million diamonds...............

The trees are hung with crystal The spiders web is frozen in a moment of time all so magical and mystical. A million diamonds sparkle under my feet. Some days start like dreams. The mists will swirl and fade Ever moving and eery it seems. Other worldly and fey. Crisp footsteps on icy blades leaving ghostly footprints on grass. Sun comes up and the mist fades Another day begun. ©Janice Kay Schaub March 2014  

He Saved Me............

Have you ever been saved by His preciouse blood Have you ever been washed pure by the Lord? Accept Him, Receive Him, believe on His name, Then your salvations assured. I trust in the Lord to take care of me He can see things that I can not see. He loves me as no one in this world ever will. His angels guard and watch over me still. Their great wings cover every step that I take They'll never leave or forsake me for His names sake. Till the day comes that I must leave here I live my life free of all fear. This world is only a place I must be For a very short time, life is temporary. Our home is in heaven where ever that be, Our futures with God and it always will be. ©Janice K Schaub 2011

No! Not here.........

He was a personable man in middle years whose death brought many of us to tears. We may not have known him in a personal way, Yet often we would see him from day to day. Just doing his job, his duty so clear, Giving us safety and nothing to fear. We take so much for granted as we each live out our life, That other brave men will deal with the strife. It should never have happened, certainly not here. Not here in THIS town that we all hold so dear. We need to wake up and heed this clear call, Before it's too late and another should fall. Keep out all those people who peddle in hate Tell them  to leave before its too late. Help those who need more love and more care Don't turn your back, you know they are there. Let us remember our fallen friend and try to be careful of the message we send. Thank and respect the men of the law. Pray for them now like never before. Maybe then with God's guiding grace, We can keep our town a wonderful place. ©Janice Schaub 

Diversity........

If we were all of one race One colour and one creed This world will be a boring place, Boring, yes indeed.
Diversity can be a blessing If we keep an open mind We need it........and I am guessing It would work if we were kind.
Imagine if you would......a world that's free of hate People of all colours live with harmony and grace, We have to love each other before it gets too late. We need to be as one, within the human race.
All of us should all do our part......to stop the hate and strife And make the world around us just  a little less unkind Put aside our prejudice, and respect each human life. Maybe then we can help........change another person's mind.
If we show compassion and give aid to those in need No matter what their religion or the shade of their skin Put aside our own hard feelings, then I can only plead That we give love a chance and maybe we can win. 
Its not so hard to do if you think beyond your self everyone is the same beneath the outer skin They love and work and dream just like your own good self we need to win the heart, of that person who's within ©Janice Schaub
NOTE I am not happy with this one yet. I will be revising it as time goes on. I am putting it down for now and will work on it. I want to keep the idea but I don't like the way it rhymes it does not flow well. I need some better words.  

Simple Things..........

Find the Joy in simple things A lovely flower or a bird that sings. A sunny day or Winters breeze, A wind that howls among the trees. Moonbeams dance on the forest floor, Coyotes howl and Eagles soar. Simple things that mean so much A new babies breath or lovers touch. Things that make our life worthwhile, The funny things that make us smile.  These are the things that make life sweet These are the things that make life complete. ©Janice Schaub 2014

The Light of My Life..........

I really am not into religious art and so it was a job to find some pictures that I wanted to portray this poem. I wrote it a long time ago, but it still expresses how I feel and is how I get through my day. So I found a couple of pictures to share. The first one is what I feel about Jesus existence. I do not really think of Heaven as a place above the clouds but as another spiritual existence that I can not even conceive of. Oh I believe its real alright. If God knew us before the founding of the world as the Bible tells us, then maybe we came from "heaven" and will return once we complete this life. I do not pretend to know. It doesn't matter to me either. I know that its a good place and all sorrows are gone. I believe that my family who accept Christ will be there. I believe those who do not go somewhere else. Maybe they get sent back here, bummer!!! That is not something I dwell on. Jesus said to accept Him as a child trusts their parents, in innocence. I can do that. I know that He works in my life. I see it all the time. I am not a lovey dovey person or one who prays as much as I should. I find myself at a loss for words most of the time. I do know this, He loves me anyway, He knows who I am and what I am. I fully expect to be ashamed when I stand before God, unworthy and yet accepted because of what Jesus did for me. The ruler and maker of all things cares about me. I can not grasp that, or explain it. I can not understand a lot of things, but nothing......nothing will shake that faith. I claim Job as my mentor and inspiration. I look at how he suffered and can not ever understand how strong he was. I pray God never tests me that way. So this first picture for me is Jesus as ruler of the universe..............

Jesus is the light in my life

He carries me through my troubles and strife.

I lean on Him in times of stress

He always makes my burdens less.

I gave Him my heart and He saved my soul.

He forgave my sin, and made me whole.

He gives me hope. He makes me strong.

His Spirit dwells in me my whole life long.

My hope for tomorrow and eternity too

He is ever faithful and His love is true.

Without Him I am nothing, my life incomplete

With Him I am strong, even death I defeat.

The second picture is how Jesus makes me feel. Safe and loved as no human love could ever compare to. I don't normally like to see pictures of Jesus, it doesn't seem right to me somehow. Just a personal thing for me........but I love the feeling shown in this picture.

Lady Spider....................

Lady spider traps her prey

By spinning webs in a magical way

Unseen beauty snares secure

Those who fly by that beautiful lure

Hidden in the leaves she'll wait

Until her prey secures its fate

In an instant she will strike

Killing with one deadly bite

Wrapped in silken shroud they lay

waiting for her next meal day.

©Janice Schaub

Inner Beauty............

Man may judge by the outer shell

Beauty, strength and intelligence......well!

God will judge by what's inside

He sees the heart and discounts pride.

The spirit has no face you see

Our looks will change, and we soon will be.....

Old, infirm forgetful too

but the soul will be forever true

to itself and what it holds dear.

It shines like a beacon honest and clear.

One can not mask a sinful heart

by pretty faces that in time depart.

Beauty like a candle dims

God just sees the light within. 

©Janice Schaub 2013

March Winds...................

Blustery days of March begins Clearing out the old dead things. Old broken branches crash to the ground, making such a terrible sound. Gusts blast through to clean the land Swept by God's almighty hand.  The hedgerows need a clean out too To make a way for all things new. Soon the birds will start to nest, They will need a place to rest. Fields shall get a windy blast, So that Spring can come at last.
March winds bring the cleaning showers To make way for the pretty flowers God will send each thing we need Winds and rain will quicken seed The trees will soon begin to bloom Once the winds have made them room. Howling winds and storm filled ways  Give way soon to sun filled days.
©Janice Kay Schaub 2012

Sleep..............

I am so tired I could just drop. So I climb in bed and my eyes just pop. The Sandman came but did not stay I just lay to await the day. The hours they drag and the minutes creep How I wish that I could sleep. Now at last when sleep has come It's just in time to greet the sun. Feb 2012 ©Janice Kay Schaub

A Quiet Walk..........

I am still working on this poem. I started it a long time ago and have not quite worked it out. Writing it down like this helps me to see what it looks like.

A quiet walk on a well worn path Through  woodlands lush and green. Creatures bustle with their daily tasks The only life to be seen.
My footsteps fall on velvet moss bringing the scent of long dead trees Filling my lungs with the smell of decay as a falling leaf drifts on the breeze.
Life in the forest is renewed again With each new seed that falls Sustaining life of all who dwell and every beast that crawls.
A cycle of life as old as time I notice where ever I walk I love the silence of ancient woodlands with only the birds sweet talk.
A longing for silence is deep inside I relish this time of peace Beautiful air fragrant and rich It's my favourite way of release.  ©Janice Schaub 2014

Walter Pigeon................

Many years ago now we had a pigeon, we named him Walter. Yes, Walter Pigeon. 

One day coming home from work I saw this poor thing flapping across the road in front of me. Obviously hit by a car, he had a broken wing. I went home and got laura and went back to where I saw him last. Found him in the car park and chased him down. We caught him and took him home. I took him to the vet to try to get his wing fixed. He tried but his wing never did heal. I tried the wildlife rescue place, they would not take him. They said he was not considered wild, so all they would do was put him down. Well...........I could not do that. SO we took him home and set up a nice little place for him. At that time we had an entrance on the back of the house, like a closed in porch. We made a cage for him, it was all chicken wire and had a removable lid. Eventually we just left the lid off. On the back of the house was an enclosed deck. We would put him out there in the summer. He had a pan and a hose so he could bath, we tried letting him out in the garden so he could see other birds but it was a job to get him back inside. One day a hawk was sitting out there so Walter was not keen on that any more. As he got older he liked to stay in the house. Over the years we rescued a couple of rabbits who were his room mates for a time. They would all be on the deck together. Well Walter lived with us for 15 years. Can you believe that. I never knew they lived so long. SO when he died, we took him to the vet to have him put to sleep. He had an obstruction in his crop. We were sad when he died he had been a part of our life so long. He would sit on the stairs and look out the window sometimes. He didn't make a mess in the house although there is a heck of a lot of dander that comes from birds. Even my husband wiped a tear as he buried him where our rabbit was buried. 

I wrote this poem for Walter. 

Walter Pigeon Walter Pigeon died today  Shed a tear with me. He lived with us for 15 years Now he's flying free No bars confine his spirit now No more broken wing. His body's healed, his spirit too. He's where the angels sing. Goodbye old friend My sometime love Goodbye old pigeon My little grey dove.  October 2nd 2000  ©JKS

A new day...............

A watery sun in a sullen sky

grey mists swirl and drift on by.

Small birds huddle against the cold

As old man Winter increases his hold.

Soon Jack Frost will paint window panes

Hoare frost glitters on trees in the lanes.

Long Winter evenings so frosty and bright

With stars that glisten in the still of the night.

Clear crystal skies and crisp cold air

Where trees sit like skeletons all sad and bare.

Sleep now till the sun regains his powers

Sleep on till Spring brings us back the flowers.

Church bells peel out to bring in the dawn,

Brilliant sunrise heralds the morn.

Sure as the day is followed by night

All will awaken all fresh and bright.

A new year begins as the old fades away

Springtime will come in like a brilliant new day.

Snow............

Snow, pure white.....magical, transforming the earth. As yet unblemished by our touch. Like angels wings...... it tries to do its part to make the ground more hallowed and renew it. Each year it tries again to cleanse us and to remake this place we have sullied. Each year it is defeated .......but every year it tries once more to cover us with it's pureness. It lets us see what pure can be. Crisp and beautiful.......... a magical place twinkling with  crystal beauty. Changing shape and contours, covering death and decay, making all things new.  ©Janice Kay Schaub........2011

Winter Sky.............

Winter sky so blue today

A few crisp leaves in treetops play

Left over from the days of Fall.

Should not have lingered there at all.

No normal winter this time around

barely enough to cover the ground.

The north wind came and brought more snow

covering bulbs that sought to grow.

The sky turned grey and the winds they blow

Covering up the ground with snow.

Winters back with an icy blast

I just can't wait till Winters past. 

©Janice Schaub 2012

Old Blue.......

This is an old poem I wrote for a friend. They had two German Shepherd dogs, Beau and Blue. Beautiful dogs.  I wrote this after Blue had died, the second of the two.


He heard old Beau a calling him
On summer breezes strong.
Come home my good old brother
come home and don't be long.

I miss you Blue, I need you here
to play with me and run,
In all these great new places
your time down there is done.

I want to Beau, I surely do
but they need me here right now.
Two young pups to train and guide
and time just won't allow.

His brothers voice came yet again
on Spring time breezes pure.
He saw his face in blue blue skies
and now he was more sure.

But what if they are all too sad
when I give up my post?.
How can I leave them in such pain
when they need me now the most?.

The heart will heal dear brother Blue,
New friends will come their way.
There are other dogs who need their love
and they deserve their day.

Ok Old Beau I will follow you
In heavenly fields we'll roam.
We'll frolic and play in our special way
at last in our heavenly home.

Don't be sad that I am gone, I am with my brother true.
we are young and strong and full of fun
doing things we love to do. We run and play
and chase all day, in meadows full of sun.

When time has past and so at last, you also come on home.
We'll be right there a waiting you, just like we always do.
with waggin tails and sloppy smiles.......
Old Beau and brother Blue. ©Janice Schaub 2008 (approx) Linking up and sharing with Cottage Style Party

Little Boys...............

Little boys in puddles jumping

Through the fields and woods go thumping.

Noise and chaos follow them,

Kicking up stones and chasing the hen.

Through the yard and to the hay

climb the stack and jump and play.

Little boys so wild and tough

we find their play is sometimes rough.

They soon grow up with bigger toys

Even then they still make noise.

Trade toy cars for motor bike

Not for them a quiet hike.

Small boy, big boy much the same 

Not sure if they are ever tame.

©Janice Schaub 2011