The Gift

Grace beyond measure is what You bestow
Inspiration and talent into each heart You sow
Forgiveness to all who let your Son in
Transforming each life through freedom from sin

Giving out that same grace we all then should do
Inspiring others with stories of You
Forgiving our neighbor to make a fresh start
Transformed by Your love pouring out of our hearts

Grace in our thoughts and grace on our lips
Inspiring disciples to go and equip
Forgiveness bestowed, forgiveness received
Transformed and restored, our lives point to Thee


Dianne Lombardo ©2010

The Midlife Housewife: Gratitude Challenge

The Midlife Housewife: Gratitude Challenge

I Sit

In the beauty of Your presence I sit. I wonder what is next for me Lord. The sky is so blue, the sun so gentle. My soul awakes to all that is You. Each changing leaf is a new piece of art. The cool crisp air refreshes me. Crickets sing the song of autumn while the falling leaves chime in. God you are so good. Your beauty is seen in Your handiwork. I know the winter approaches but in you there is warmth beyond the snow. For now, I will linger in the fall, enjoying the bountiful harvest of the season. Bounty surrounds me. Not in the seen but in the unseen. Your love overwhelms me, Your compassion so great. How can I share all that I see in You? How can I express Your great love? You Lord, are the author of this beauty. You are the savior of my soul, the comforter, the strength when I am weak. Your Word is life. You are as crisp and clear and this autumn sky. Your beauty is as ever changing as the leaves and yet the same. I cannot comprehend Your ways, so in the beauty of Your presence I sit.

Silence Pleas

Prayers whispered in silence ~ Behind locked doors of pain
No one ever seeing ~ The scars that still remain

Smiling on the outside ~ While torment floods my soul
Will someone dare to help me ~ The key to life you hold

I long to find the freedom ~ The key to help me cope
Why am I left to suffer ~ Where is this thing called hope

I cry out now to Jesus ~ Will someone heed His plea
I know He’s sending someone ~ He’s given them the key

With hope I will press onward ~ Looking for reprieve
Waiting in my silence ~ Knowing soon I will be free

Dianne Lombardo ©2008

Original Light

As the darkness dawns and stars emerge the moon it does appear
What is this light so bright and fare that seems to ride the air
It sometimes is a crescent and sometimes full and bright
But sometimes hides its face for days as clouds block out its light

Where does it’s light originate and how does it know to glow
It must gain strength from a greater source, that source I need to know
I watch as evening gathers and once again I see
The moon in all its glory as if to shine on me

I gaze and ask it gently, why does your light appear
It whispers back with gladness, “because the Son is near”
How do I get this beauty, this shining of the Son
You simply ask my darling, and walk with Him as one

Then as you get to know Him, His light will pave your way
And shine on you each moment through the night and through the day
When clouds come you may falter and wonder where He’s gone
But know that He is always there, His truth is shining on

Dianne Lombardo ©2009

Living With Grace

The critical spirit cannot survive in the house of grace. One must go. Grace bids criticism to find the good and it answers sharply back with guidance “just live a better life”. Criticism cries for justice yet true justice it does not know. Mercy peers in though the window longing to go in. Peace may not enter till the critical spirit leaves. How long will this battle continue? How long will peace be held at bay? Grace is life and yet is left to die. Grace is love yet through open lips the critic justifies its words are love. Grace is Jesus yet His heart is not the one portrayed. When do we drive this spirit from the house and let grace rule again within our hearts and homes? Dinner is set with the master, sinners on the list. Will we with grace embrace - or looking with pious grin find nourishment at the table of self righteousness? Oh that I would have a house of grace for all to enter in. A house of love where Jesus greets us at the door - bidding welcome to my home, please sit and eat – Holy Spirit has been waiting to point us to the sink, where Jesus will do the washing of our souls. For then can peace enter and fill each room - washing through with waves of joy and contentment. Why did we welcome criticism so long when peace was waiting so patiently? Go now and thrive! Walk in grace; speak in love as peace twirls and dances all around. Cruel judgment is welcome here no more.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
(Romans 5:1-6 NKJV)

For it is written: "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
(Romans 14:11-23 NKJV)

Silent Pleas

Prayers whispered in silence ~ Behind locked doors of pain
No one ever seeing ~ The scars that still remain

Smiling on the outside ~ While torment floods my soul
Will someone dare to help me ~ The key to life you hold

I long to find the freedom ~ The key to help me cope
Why am I left to suffer ~ Where is this thing called hope

I cry out now to Jesus ~ Will someone heed His plea
I know He’s sending someone ~ He’s given them the key

With hope I will press onward ~ Looking for reprieve
Waiting in my silence ~ Knowing soon I will be free

Dianne Lombardo ©2008

Perspective

We look around and wish for more ~ and yet we fail to see
The bounty of God’s blessings ~ He meets our every need

The things of life are failing ~ they fade and break and burn
Yet God’s eternal blessings ~ live on in hearth and home

The blessing of a child ~ the wonder of a friend
The ever present Spirit ~ who comforts to the end

It’s all about the people ~ In God’s economy
Love God and others fully ~ His love will set us free

So laugh more as a mother ~ reach out to be a friend
Love hubby more than ever ~ God’s grace each heart can mend

Take time to smell the roses ~ count your blessings one by one
Remember to say thank you ~ to your Savior, God’s own son.

Dianne Lombardo ©2009

Rising Up

Rising up to call her blessed ~ Is not enough it seems
For all that mother did for me ~ And all that mother means

I know I take for granted ~ My Mom on whom I call
For others only wonder ~ If their mother loved at all

Through all the difficulties ~ Through all the joy times too
My mother always loved me ~ Her dedication true

I was far from easy ~ Yet faithful she would be
To teaching, training, loving ~ And forgiving constantly

Myself as now a mother ~ I see things differently
I see the sacrifices made ~ And time spent on her knees

I didn’t often listen ~ But now I see things clear
So blessed I will call her ~ My mother oh so dear

Rising up to call her blessed ~ Is not enough it seems
For all that mother did for me ~ And all that mother means

Dianne Lombardo ©2008

Woman to Woman

Woman to woman - called to teach and to train
To treasure and cherish and call God by name
We learn through the years how to love - to lose
To encourage and lighten and pardon and muse

Willing then are we to pass this along
To encourage a young one or sing them a song
Will we paint them a picture with words or with ink
Will we offer a hand and challenge to think

Woman to woman can we come along side
Ease someone’s burden - give a smile with pride
The older we get the more we can give
Pass along all the wisdom you’ve gained as you’ve lived

By birth or by blessing we all have a life
To whom we can offer some Godly advice
To mentor, to challenge, to stand along side
To love and to nourish and always abide

So reach out today to someone you love
Pass on all the wisdom you’ve received from above
Someone is waiting for your love today
Woman to woman –give it away

One Life At A Time

My father’s life was short in years yet long in impact. Men today still boast of his stand for the Lord. He stood strong and straight, yet gentle and kind. A man of few words ~ speaking volumes. Today I see his image printed on my face and those of my children. Oh, that they may have known him here! Comfort is brought by the knowledge of the eternal. We will, once again, be face to face. They too, by choosing Jesus, can meet with his embrace!
I look back to his father, also a man of God. Love of the Lord, and of his family reflecting in his compassionate eyes. Teaching that God’s Word has all the answers. His gentle hands cultivating lives as well as plants.
I look now and see the impact of another man, another father ~this time the father of my children. God’s love pours from his heart. I hear its beat echoing my father and grandfather’s loving hearts, all beating in time with the Father of all. One man really can change the world ~ one life at time. Lives lived in sacrifice. Lives lived in love. Lives pointed to the One who makes the change ~one life at a time~ Jesus.
My father’s passion for the Lord gave me comfort. My grandfather’s passion for the Lord gave me hope. My husband’s passion for the Lord gives me strength. Oh, that each generation to come would know that passion! That they too ~one life at a time~ would win the world to Jesus!

“Cinderella’s Slipper”

Do you ever feel like Cinderella? Taken advantage of; overworked and under-appreciated? Tasked with the same dull duties day after day, wondering if there will ever be an easier life? Well there is good news! God has sent His Prince Charming. He came to die for us and make us His bride. Trust me – the shoe fits! Life may still not always be easy, but you will no longer be alone through the journey. You don’t even need a fairy god-mother – just the Holy Spirit. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 God tells us “He has everything beautiful in His time”. He HAS – past tense! You are beautiful in God’s eyes. Jesus wants to be you Prince Charming and rescue you from this world. He is preparing a wonderful place for you to live with Him for all eternity. His kingdom does not compare with any you have ever seen or imagined. Streets of gold with gates made of pearl!
Prince Charming is knocking at your door. Will you open the door and put on the glass slipper? Romans 10:9-13 tell us how: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in you heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the scripture says, “Anyone who trust in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
A relationship can only grow if it is cultivated. Prince Charming wants to spend time with you – will you spend time with Him? As you ask Him questions, listen for His answers. He’s written you a very special love letter – the Bible. Cherish each word. Enjoy His company – He enjoys yours!

Birthdays

Birthdays come and go each year. Some are good, some are great, and some are disappointing. Most of the time for me, my outlook helps make that determination. Am I grateful for even the smile of someone who cares or am I looking for validation that I am “okay” or “loved”. I have noticed over the years in many aspects of my life that my unrealistic expectation often sets me up for disappointment. I have a dear friend who one year set out to bless her friends on her own birthday. She found great joy that year as she gave of herself, as did those of us whom she blessed. I hope this year to follow suit and find ways to give back to those who have impacted my life over this past year. It will take me more than just a day to accomplish it but for now let me begin with a short message: To my friends, I say thank you. You enrich my life and bring joy to me often. To my family, I say, wow! You have made me proud and have shown me what it is to love unconditionally. To my Mom, I say forgive me for all I’ve put you through over the years! Thank you for bringing me into this world and loving me through it all! To my Jesus, I say praise You, for Your love has rescued me. You have poured out your blessing upon me in ways I could have never imagined. You have given me each day as I gift and my desire this year is to give each one back to you for Your glory. Thank you all for making my life richer, fuller and restored. I pray that in some small way I am able to be a blessing to each of you throughout this coming year. May this day of my birth once again be a time of new beginnings and fresh starts!



Praise, of David. I will lift You up, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You; and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised; and there is no searching out His greatness. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty, and of Your wonderful works. And men shall speak of the might of Your awesome works; and I will declare Your greatness. They shall pour forth the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness. Jehovah is gracious and full of pity; slow to anger, and of great mercy. Jehovah is good to all; and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O Jehovah; and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your rule endures throughout all generations. Jehovah upholds all who fall, and raises up all those bowed down. The eyes of all wait on You; and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Jehovah is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works. Jehovah is near all those who call on Him, all those who call on Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them. Jehovah watches over all those who love Him; but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of Jehovah; and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.
(Psa 145:1-21)

By His grace!

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and
grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
-2 Timothy 1:9

Fear Drops

Fear drops fall but do I let them reign?
Worry rises but I will dam the flood
Do I let emotion win or do I fight with will?
My raft is faith, with leaks of fear

I choose to rise above the rushing tide
Determination plugging every crack
Strength will lead, Faith will win
My God my raft, my umbrella

The Mirror

In the image of God, I was created to be
Yet that is not what, in the mirror, I see
I see the young girl who was teased and made fun
I see the teen feeling awkward and dumb

I hear the lies saying I’m not enough
Those others are better and have the right stuff
I wonder who loves me and who just pretends
I struggle with wondering when it will end

If I buy the right handbag or maybe that dress
Then with all the stuff, I’ll feel like the rest
This can’t be the way it was meant to be
Does anyone else long to be free

I look at God‘s Word and I see a new view
A woman who’s loved and restored and made new
How do I release all the lies of the past
And walk in the freedom and can freedom last


God sent His own Son, to take pain away
To show me the truth and teach me His way
He molded and shaped me with His special care
And loves who I am from my toes to my hair

His grace is sufficient, if just I would cling
He wraps me in righteousness for He is my King
The old He makes new, giving beauty for ashes
His Image revealed as I live out His fashion

He starts with my heart and then overflows
To envelope me fully in His royal clothes
His princess forever is who I will be
Gone are the lies I am finally free

The mirror reminds me at times of my past
So to Jesus I run for style that lasts


Dianne Lombardo ©2009

I AM

“I AM” He said with confidence – “How could you understand
Having no beginning – Forever I will stand”

I stood and watched with wonder – As He then went on to show
How he formed the mighty mountains – And covered them with snow

At His command the sea was born – And all the living things
I AM, you see is God in three – The Spirit , Savior, King

His wonder never ceases – His love it has no end
He came to be our Savior – And wants to be our friend

He’s big enough to do it all – Yet close enough to care
About our every issue – And the numbers of our hair

I AM, is always present – and forever more will be
I AM, wants to redeem us – I AM, loves you and me


Dianne Lombardo © 2009