~Winter Statement

  

WINTER STATEMENT

I was listening this morning to one of my favorite composers, and glancing out the window at the same time…it almost took my breath away… I walked outside

To see the branches, covered with ice…this astounding sight …I could still hear the crescendo of music at the same time

I was overwhelmed with the sight and the sound …I was speechless at my reality of being able to see and to hear and to feel this fleeting moment so dear and intense.…I was stunned and stilled at this miracle of winter life and human existence all in one breath.  I was filled with the wonder of God’s creations and wanted Him to know that my heart overflowed with love for Him

Ice-covered branches
Drenched in frost
 Dripping in daybreak
 Float against backdrops
 Of Tschaikovsky’s Waltz

I marvel at your Winter Statement, Lord

At Your Winter Statement
 Of Sight and of Sound 

And of the Great I Am!
             This morning, in humble gratitude             
              I Praise You! 

                                      Carol Castagna

                                               C. Ann Turiano Castagna

                                         © October, 2012

       

REST IN HIS LOVE a poem about life

                                                            REST IN HIS LOVE

The hastening prance of the dancing wind is crisp and full and free
And the presence of God is 'round about encircling, embracing me

My baby's hand, so heather-new   - out-stretched to touch my face
 With laughing eyes, my new-born child is centered in God's embrace

And the breeze on the morn of a golden day
Yields a luster beyond compare
And I'm hugged by my Lord through the sights and the sounds
And the touch of the earth so fair
              
By the giggles and starry-eyed glances of kids
And by warmth and respect of my loves
For my life is held firm in God's solid embrace

There I'll stay

resting safe
in His love  -  nestled close
  resting safe
in His love 

Carol Ann (Turiano) Castagna

  © October, 2012
Psalm 17: 15            As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness.  I shall be  satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

 

~Night in Spring

NIGHT IN SPRING

I'm here Lord with You this starry night
Listening to the ocean roar
Watching white waves emerge, mammoth
Then quiet....
Flowing, as it were, toward the sand, to sleep

I'm surrounded by Your greatness, Lord
This vast sea before me
The moon wanting only to remain in this moment
The wind caressing me gently...
In awe, I stand before you
Creator of heaven and earth

                                        C. Ann T. Castagna

                                                                  Carol Ann (Turiano) Castagna

                                                                                                                        © October, 2012

   

GOD OF POWER

GOD OF POWER

 

Jill had a reaction from an inoculation…she had encephalitis.  Physicians gave me no hope.  They said:  I’m sorry, Mrs. G., we can do nothing for your daughter.  Jill remembers my kneeling by her bedside in prayer.  The days, weeks and months following the devastating news were grueling and agonizing.  I could only watch her decline, knowing I could do nothing to help.  I can still remember the ache in my heart:  I thought I could no longer bear it.  It affected my breathing.  I forgot how to remain still.  I forgot how to stop crying...The only way I could explain it is that I felt as though I were being turned inside out and there was no way of getting back to where I was supposed to be:  that is how painful this reality was. Only the Lord could still my restless spirit.  I spent much time on my knees:  I prayed that the Lord in His mercy would touch her, heal her and make her whole…and that if He chose not to heal her, He would help me deal with all our tomorrows and that He would walk with me and give me the strength to cope with whatever tomorrow would bring.  In His mercy, the Lord healed my daughter.  After many long and uncertain months passed, Jill fully regained her health and strength. There are no answers as to the when and why of God's healing.  The Lord was gracious and answered my prayers. Jill is without residual effects and I am forever grateful for the Lord’s healing power.  I praise Him for healing my daughter, for keeping me in His strength and might during that mournful time and for lifting me up in His mighty strength.  Truly, He is worthy of our praise!

Romans 8: 4

…the spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.