BLESS THIS INSTRUMENT

Lord, we ask your blessing on

This instrument of praise

That all who hear it's, music

Are reminded of your ways.

That burdens can be lifted

If entrusted to your care

Swept away in glory waves

As it's sweet music fills the air!

At home with the Greenhill's

Marylou - Jan 16, 2013

Harold & Marylou  10/29/2012

10/29/2012

10/29/2012

10/29/2012

10/29/2012

10/29/2012

10/29/2012

10/29/2012

THE CLOCK AND WHO?

There is a clock hanging on the wall

It seems secure so as not to fall.

The numbered dial is filled with light

The pendulum swings left and right.

The hours are marked by a chime

And the Tics Tocs come right on time.

It's true purpose lost, all's not well

There are no hands, the time to tell!

There is a Christian, living the life

Standing for God, no matter the strife,

Setting an example, honest and true

Loving and serving as best he can do.

Faithful in attendance, tithes and prayer

seems to self and the world, doing his share,

His purpose as the clock's, is lost in life

If he's not at his best, winning souls to Christ.

THE SEARCH

I'm searching for a fullness

That yet I haven't found,

But God let me find a nugget

To know the vein is around.

He knew I wasn't giving up,

But felt me slack my pace,

Knew, that this would spur me on,

To diligently seek His Grace.

You see, He truly knows us all

And knows what's in our heart,

With prayer, He'll give me more,

Now that I have made a start.

His promise isn't just for me

That's why it's so grand!

He'll pick you up and lead you

If you'll just reach up your hand.

JESUS SAID

Jesus Said

"Love your enemies

Do good to them that hate you,

Bless them that curse you,

Pray for them that despitefully use you"

Could you? Would you?

Call someone up today

Knowing hard feelings exist.

Could you call them and say

"I'd like to say I'm sorry

And put the past behind.

I'd like to be your friend, again

I'm sure the fault was mine."

Or if you met a stranger,

Whose ways were oh, so crude;

Who cursed you needlessly,

Was vulgar and really rude-

Could you? would you?

Silently say a prayer,

Asking Jesus to bless him now

Because you really care?

Are you truly inspired by God's love

To repay bad deeds with good,

All because you want what's right

And not just because you should?

Could you? would you?

Let God completely, guide your way,

Then this wonderful way of life

Becomes your pattern for each day

                      Inspired by Luke 6:27-28

JOSHUA 23:14

Faith is the reading of good between the lines

--You know in all your hearts and in all your souls
that not one thing has failed of all the good
things which the Lord your God spoke.

                                          

    

 A PROBLEM OR A POSSIBILITY??

We all read between the lines at times

It's a mental activity that we all engage in,

when we live by faith we focus on the good.

A pessimist reads in the negativity of sin...

Two birds fly over the dessert together

the Vulture sees the rotting of a carcass,

the Hummingbird sees a fragrant flower.

Each saw what they looked for as they pass.

If you are a believer and received guidance

from our father who watches from above,

you read between the lines and know

the possibilities can be solved by His love.

If you are a pessimist and look for ills in all,

I'm sure you'll be finding problems galore.

It's how you read between the lines that tell

how seeds of failure or success grow more!!

                                         Marylou Greenhill

                                        August 24, 2009

LIVE HOLY

Keep yourself holy,

without and within,

Leaving no room

for unrighteous sin;

Not being an option

It's the way of God--

We must live it daily

as this path we trod

We're not our own,

By His blood we're bought;

It's up to us, now!

To live as we ought.

MY ANGEL

PRELUDE-MY ANGEL

     

   When I was seven years old - I had a Happening in my life..that has a lot of bearing on my thoughts along the lines of "Christian beliefs."

    As a child of seven I had not seen many trains - but the ones I had seen were the black, smokey, coal burners with the cowcatcher on front. So when I saw my first shiny diesel it was an experience of "de ja vous" for at the age of 7 - I had seen one coming out of a fluffy cloud -- in a blue sky-- and to me it was very real. For later on in life it was again brought to my remembrance by this:

                    

  MY ANGEL

I'd just put the little ones to bed,

lay down myself to rest.

We'd all said our prayers aloud,

I felt we were so blessed.

As I drifted into slumber,

I felt a stillness in the air,

A soft breeze and then the music--

I knew it was an angel there.

She told me to get up and dress,

to sit in a better light,

To get a paper and pen,

for there was something I must write.

The words began to form,

Tho I didn't understand,

I just held it tight

as she seemed to guide my hand

It all began when I was just a child

One warm day in early spring,

The sun was bright and blinding

So my eyes I closed,

My childish thoughts began to wander,

I guess I must have dozed.

I heard the whistle of a train above

I looked up into the skies,

There I saw a bright and shining train,

So bright it hurt my eyes.

The train pulled up and stopped

Just above the swing.

Then I heard the music

Such as only angels bring,

As I looked, I saw her,

A rare beauty beyond compare,

She drifted toward me on a breeze

I knew it was an angel there.

With the music all around her,

She came and stood by me,

Told me not to be afraid,

But her again I'd never see.

She said she was my Guardian Angel,

And would be throughout my years,

She bent as if to touch my cheek

And then all disappeared.

I ran in and told my mother

Of the vision I had seen.

She just smiled and said,

"My child it must have been a dream."

But as time went on and I grew up

Her presence was often there,

Her words came as whispers on the breeze

Or with music in the air.

All through life I'd had this joy,

Of knowing she was near,

To encourage me to face

The things that I might fear,

It seems she wants this message left

To others who might feel all alone

To be brought to their remembrance

Long after this day is gone.

That each of us has an angel,

As mine who watches over me,

I'm sure you'll find you have one, too,

If you search your life and see!

Two Flags

In my mind's eye, I can see

Service bands and hear the beat

Of rolling drums, marking cadence

For rows of marching feet!

Out front proudly going forth

The bearers of the flag.

Heads erect, shoulders back

With never a moment's lag!

A oneness of the rhythm

Stars and stripes waving high

The joy of pride and freedom

Brings a tear to the eye.

For many years and many people

Have gone this truth to bring.

Wave on old glory - Let Freedom Ring!!!

There is another flag we pledge --

The Christian banner that you see.

Christian soldiers paved this way

So we may worship in liberty.

By the fervor of our worship

We can leave a path marked clear,

For those who follow after us

And find their church so dear.

For many years and many people

Have gone this truth to bring,

Let "This truth go marching on"

is what we pray and sing.

When both flags wave together

With hearts in one accord,

We can all move forward

For our country and our Lord!!

                          By Mary Lou Smith

                             August 28, 1991

BIRTH OF A DAY

In the stillness of the early morn

I watched the new day as it was born

As if on some pre-sent command

The sky gave birth across the land.

Tho darkness stretched from earth to earth

It lifted gently at this birth

And disappeared right out of sight

To make room for the new born light.

And I stood in wonder still,

This thought, my heart did thrill.

God makes for all - each day anew

To use or waste - it's up to you!

        Mary Lou Smith

        September, 1972

EVEN PETE KNOWS

  

 Some folks say there is no Jesus,

That our hopes are all in vain,

And when this life is over,

There's no heaven we can gain.

 

Would you say there is no Jesus

if a dear one's life was spared?

'Cause someone's prayer touched heaven

And Jesus heard and cared?

 

Could you say there is no Jesus

If it seemed all hope was gone?

Would you say 'twas only fate

You'd found to carry on?

 

Let them say there is no Jesus

But that, I never can believe.

For He is with me daily

As His blessings I recieve!

 

You don't have to be a "High Brow"

Or a moneyed "Ritzy Snob"

For even Pete knowa He is real

That knowledge you can't rob!



I HAVE A FRIEND

I have a friend

Who walks with me.

I have a friend

Who talks with me.

He proved it all

In that last mile,

Because of Him, my heart can smile.

I have a friend

Who makes me glad.

Removes the thing

That makes me sad.

In Him you'll find

There is no guile,

Because of Him, my heart can smile.

I have a friend

Who loves all of us.

He beckons us

With just a call.

He'll go with us

Throughout every trial.

Because of Him, we now can smile.

A TRIBUTE...SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Truly, teachers are

a rare special blend

of knowledge, understanding

and trust,

Working with patience

and a love for all-

finding joy in God's work a

must!

Children's dreams,

they're entrusted to keeping,

showing them God's 

great plan,

With stories of love and forgiveness,

even the little ones can understand.

Installing in them bits of wisdom,

they'll draw from in days to come,

Teaching them memory selections

and of the Bible that they are from,

Not discounting their true dedication

nor time they devote to prepare

Renewed by childish innocence them self,

they gain a lot as they share.

For in teaching, they become richer,

their calling is never in vain.

God has His own "teacher's reward" and

children remember their teachers' name!

FIRST LOVE

I've never been in love before,

So please be kind to me

If a friend is all I am

Please don't let me see.

Let me tell you of my love

And just how great you are.

If for only just a while

Be my shining star.

True, first love is like a dream

Dreams don't all come true,

So give me just a little time

To fall out of love with you.

                                                     

If you've ever watched the sky

You know that stars do fall,

And soon there is no trace

That one was ever there at all.

And in time there'll be no trace

That you were my first love,

It will be just a memory

Like that falling star above

True, first love is like a dream,

Dreams don't all come true,

So give me just a little time

To fall out of love with you.

TEARS ON THE ALTAR

Tears on the altar, oh what a sight!

Someone coming to God, making things right.

Tears on the altar from a heart so contrite

Satan beware, there's help for this fight!

Making the new start, changing the ways

Letting God lead the rest of the days!

Tears on the altar, Let our God know,

Repent of the past and now let it go.

The new guiding light is His precious glow,

Moving forward in Him, letting love flow!

Reading His word, planting deep in the heart

claiming this promise, doing our part!

Tears on the altar, cleansing they are

Yes, He'll wash away sin's dirty scar

Throughout the battles, 'tis peace

in life's war

On mountains, in valleys, He's never far!

His promise is true, and He loves us still, yet

Keep Fresh Tears on the altar, lest we forget!!

PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE

Praise, praise, praise

That's what Jesus wants from me,

To come into His presence,

This is the way, you see.

I think of all the wonder

in the way that He has made,

All our sins and debts forgiven

by the blood that He has paid

Praise, praise, praise

What a little price to pay.

For that storehouse of treasure

From which we use each day.

Be sure we are in earnest,

For He will surely know,

As He knows our every step,

When through this life we go.

A PRAYER FOR SERVICE

 

Oh God that I may be

good and true

and do as you would

have me do;

To none, a stumbling block,

would I be

but live that others may

see you through me.

 

With an open mind,

may I see others' needs

and respond with Christian

fellowship and deeds.

That my life reflects the joys

of a Christian way,

to set a good example by things

I do and say.

 

If I begin to falter,

rekindle in me the flame,

remembering all is possible;

when asked in Jesus' name!

Lord, give me the grace,

that I will always stay

active in Thy service,

each and every day.

                               Amen

FOREWORD

 As a child, I was raised in a church where much music was not allowed. I attended church because it was a house rule I had to obey.

In my adolescent years I was afraid to talk in front of a crowd. After I was saved, I had a desire to testify, but was too afraid to speak, so I wrote. Eventually, the "crutch" of writing rather than speaking was done away with. I began to express my innermost feelings as I totally yielded to the possession of the Holy Ghost over 30 years ago.

All the poems in this religious section are based upon Christian experiences in my life:

"Tears On The Altar" was written after seeing my nephew, Nathan Smith, at age 10 or 11, come to the altar and receive prayer. His tears fell from his eyes down onto the altar. He apologized to the pastor for dropping tears on the altar.

The Pastor responded, "Son, don't ever be sorry for tears on the altar." The Pastor then told me to write about it.

"The Search" was written when I was seeking a closer and more powerful walk with God and while I was seeking to be filled with the Holy Ghost.

"My Return" was written when I returned to God's will after being raised in church but living out my own will. One day I decided to "return" to the complete will of God.

                                                  "My writing is as diversified as my lifestyle

Mary Lou Smith Greenhill

HONEYMOON IN HEAVEN

I dreamed I climbed a moonbeam

High up in the sky,

and when I reached the Pearly Gate

I asked Saint Peter why,

Why had he been so cruel to me

And snatched my bride away.

Why did he have to send for her

On our wedding day?

And then he said "Now listen, son,

Your case is truly rare'

There's a reason you were left

It was in answer to a prayer."

Tears were streaming down my face

"Till I could hardly see,

As he told me of the prayer

My bride had said for me.

We hadn't known a storm was coming

When we'd set our wedding date,

All our plans had long been made

So we decided not to wait.

From the Church House we were leaving

On our faces was a smile,

We had no way to know, you see,

It was for so short a while.

We'd just left a friend's house,

She'd changed from her wedding gown,

As we pulled out onto the highway

We saw destruction all around.

The tornado made an awful roar

As across our path it waved,

Her dying breath was "God spare him,

You know he's not been saved."

So by her faith and through her prayer

That moment I was spared,

It must not have been in vain,

There's time now to get prepared.

She was buried in her wedding gown

With my name and ring, you see,

And if in Heaven I can join her,

We'll honeymoon eternally.

For I miss my darling so,

I know now I must be ready

The next time I'm called to go.

I fell down on my knees and prayed

"Dear Lord, come into my life,"

To help me live in readiness,

"Till I can join my loving wife."

BOOK COVER - HOPE?! “There Is Hope In Hopelessness”

HOPE?! “There Is Hope In Hopelessness”

Mary Lou Smith Greenhill was born in October, 1927, at Camden, Arkansas to Mary Hale and John Chester Moore.
She receiver her schooling at Fairview (near Camden) and moved to Pine Bluff to become a Southwestern Bell Telephone operator. It was a time of war and lots of moves and jobs were part of that life, but early Christian roots weaved their way through her life, though never taking hold until she ended up back in Pine Bluff with a broken family, but lots of friends. Her diversity afforded her varied job opportunities.
She met Grover Smith and after their marriage they came to the Lord together. With the Lord in control, their lives took a new meaning and they served the Lord together until Grover’s death. It was then her works began to surface. They had always been a steady factor of comfort to her, but she chose this opportunity to share them with others, hoping they might encourage, strengthen or shed some amount of encouragement in the lives of others who choose to read this (book) blog. Sometime things looked bleak early on, but hope was never lost.

Note:

Marylou & Harold 10/12/12

Mary Lou now lives in Dewitt, Arkansas with her husband (Harold Greenhill) whom she married October, 2001. I will be adding her poems from her book to this blog, as I can.
Brenda Casteel