Are You Joyful Or Hurting This Mother’s Day?

I wrote this ten years ago. Always relevant.

Wishing all Mother’s a very blessed day.

Thanking the Lord for the gift of our Mothers.

For their love.

Nuturing.

Presence.

Presents.

Understanding.

Tolerance.

Discipline.

Advice.

Willingness to listen.

Perception.

Hopes and dreams for us.

Encouragement.

Comfort.

Trust.

And for those who are truly blessed … their prayers.

Their ‘just being Mum’ and being there.

And I could go on and on and on.

But I wish to lift prayers for those who …

Never knew their Mother.

Never felt loved by her.

Never felt they could tell her secrets.

Never felt safe in her presence.

Never felt her arms wrapped lovingly, protectively around them.

Never felt cherished.

Never felt secure.

Never felt trusted.

And not forgetting those who have lost their Mothers.

Or whose Mothers are very ill.

Or overseas.

Or out of touch.

And I could go on and on and on …

May the Lord wrap you in His arms and give you all the love, peace and joy that you so desperately need and continue to search for.

^‘ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

 How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.’  Psalm 139:14-18 KJV

May there be much joy and forgiveness this day and from this day forth.

Cry. Forgive. God loves you.

Children, there are Mothers desperately waiting for your call.

Mothers, there are daughters desperately waiting for your call.

Mothers, there are sons desperately waiting for your call.

‘For with God nothing shall be impossible.’  Luke 1:37 KJV

… I MISS YOU SO MUCH MUM …

LOSING MY DADDY

My precious Daddy doesn’t have long as I pen these words …

DAYBREAK

Chorus

Very soon I’ll see You

Face to face we’ll be

Your love will then embrace me

Your pure expression I’ll see

I’ll be able to touch You

Look into Your beautiful eyes

Then finally the longing will leave

From this heart that often cries

.

Oh! The sun is shining

It rose so perfectly

Grey clouds no longer lingering

As the storms of life depart

This daybreak has been waiting

For earth’s final breath to cease

And all creation stands and sings

As two eternal lives, they meet

.

Very soon I’ll see You

Face to face we’ll be

Your love will then embrace me

Your pure expression I’ll see

.

The palette, so sublime

Red, orange, golden rays

On such a glorious morning

The birds begin joyful tune

Petals, they stare lovingly

Toward the Giver of life

Before the hustle and bustle

I venture from darkness to light

.

I’ll be able to touch You

Look into Your beautiful eyes

Then finally the longing will leave

From this heart that often cries

.

One day we’ll meet again

No pain, no tears, no fear

Across the vast ocean of time

We’ll hold hands and see the King

That hollow within our hearts

Forever sealed with His word

Will be filled to overflowing

Brand new, in love, bound with His praise

.

Chorus

Very soon I’ll see You

Face to face we’ll be

Your love will then embrace me

Your pure expression I’ll see

I’ll be able to touch You

Look into Your beautiful eyes

Then finally the longing will leave

From this heart that often cries

.

SILENT WORDS

I have no more words to say

So, I just sit and hold your hand

Listen to your breathing

And hope you understand

.

How much I’ve always loved you

And as I feel your touch, so soft

Yet lifeless in response

Memory reels soon waft

.

And they’re just a gentle sense

I cannot grasp each emotion

Joy, tears, trials, blessings

Love through generation

.

And entwined within each grasp

Our tapestry hangs in life’s show

From babe till seated here

Each memory does flow

.

Each stitch illuminated

Separate; but so sweetly joined

Interlaced with God’s grace

Only just now revealed

.

And I know this connection

Will blossom for eternity

Once we walked changing paths

Now praise God, we are three

.

REMINISCING

Each breath, a gift from God

Inhales as time is gently fading

Exhales soft mist into creation

A forest cries out in jubilation

.

Longing eyes readjust

As clarity laps near my presence

The edge of youth, till old age frail lack

In the distance, silver essence turns black

.

And the forest young dance

And sing and frolic with bounding glee

Till life happens and energy dims

Echoes of beauty suppress aging limbs

.

What is this thing called life

We watch as our loved ones sadly leave

Waiting for that surreal last breath

Mourning, rejoicing with those who are left

.

FAREWELL SONG

I see a white swan

Gracefully spreading its wings

Leaving the confines of earth

Heading heavenwards as it sings

.

The beauty of flight

Embracing the flow of love

All cares, sorrows left behind

It points north to Father above

.

As the pure feathers

Rise further through falling snow

Time stands still, and then salutes

Faces recognized fade below

.

And only this swan

Can know its impression left

Melodies now lost in time

Upon beating hearts left bereft

.

© 2023 Liana Wendy Howarth

THE CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG

O sweet Christmas love song
The most beautiful ever born
Your notes are sweeter than honey
With golden melody You adorn

You draw the lost hope out of darkness
You heal every broken heart
You seal each life with eternity
And mend all that’s torn apart

Can you feel new life, and faith birthing
Do you dream of being free
Can you hear the melodies echo
Have you found love’s remedy

Just listen to the Christmas love song
And let Christ’s joy be released
Break off the cold chains of hopelessness
Know that hopelessness has ceased

O This Christmas love song
This Christmas
Find yourself in Him
He was born
And your name was sung
Woven in angelic lullaby
Falling from heaven when His time was come

It’s the Christmas love song
The most beautiful ever sung
The notes are sweeter than honey
The chords bound before the world begun

© 2018 – present Liana Wendy Howarth

THIS STARRY NIGHT (Christmas Song Lyrics)

It has all been leading up to this
This beautiful night, this starry night
The story unfolds, salvation comes
Mankind’s sin, in love, to send to flight

This starry night, upon lonely hill
That hears a shepherd cry
The sheep find comfort
This starry night
Creation breaks forth
Hallelujah
Triumphant cry

Beautiful night, a new beginning
Love permeates the earth and darkness
We didn’t comprehend our great need
Till opened eyes saw we were heartless

This starry night, upon lonely hill
That hears a shepherd cry
The sheep find comfort
This starry night
Creation breaks forth
Hallelujah
Triumphant cry

In truth, love and joy, we have this hope
None other could have ever given
Immanuel, Christ with us, He came
So one day we could be forgiven

Come hear the little babe
Come see His wonderful Name
God came down
Pure love adorned
A babe fit for His future crown

This starry night, upon lonely hill
That hears a shepherd cry
The sheep find comfort
This starry night
Creation breaks forth
Hallelujah
Triumphant cry

© 2017 – present Liana Wendy Howarth

HIDE ME IN THE PASTURE OF YOUR LOVE (A Song for Those Who Have Lost Their Way)

Of all that the Lord has given me to place before you, this has to be one of my favourites. I pray that it will bless you sweetly and speak to the very depths of your heart. He is our Shepherd. We are the sheep of His pasture and He loves us more than we can ever know.

To those who don’t know Him, please don’t wait another day to receive His gift of salvation and eternal life. To those who are wandering, seeking fulfillment, peace and happiness along your own path, don’t wait another day to hearken unto His call. Come unto Him. Now. He’s calling your name. Cry out, audibly or silently from a broken heart and He will answer. There is nothing to be afraid of. Let go. Let God. Your life will never be the same.

HIDE ME IN THE PASTURE OF YOUR LOVE
I’m just a little lamb Lord
Who’s lost its lonesome way
I’m just a little lamb Lord
Went out in the world to play

Chorus
So I come before You now Lord
In the pasture of Your love
Hide me in Your arms Lord
Hide me in the pasture of Your love

My heart is beating fast Lord
There’s danger all around
I’m just a little lamb Lord
Bleating desperately to be found

Chorus
So I come before You now Lord
In the pasture of Your love
Hide me in Your arms Lord
Hide me in the pasture of Your love

Strayed once too often, now all alone
In fields, uncertain and oh! so cold
I’m just a little lamb Lord
Forgive me and bring me into Your fold

Chorus
So I come before You now Lord
In the pasture of Your love
Hide me in Your arms Lord
Hide me in the pasture of Your love

I see You now Lord, Your arms are open wide
And tenderly You lift me
This little lamb’s now by Your side
I’m just a little lamb Lord
A little lamb, now with a peaceful heart
I’m just a little lamb Lord
Now safe knowing we’ll never be apart

Chorus
Oh! I stand before You now Lord
In the pasture of Your love
You’ve hidden me in Your arms Lord
I’m hidden in the pasture of Your love

© 2013 – present Liana Wendy Howarth

I Wait and Wait … and Wait

I wait.

For an answer.

To prayer.

The path before me divides.

Which path to take?

I have lifted the need in prayer.

I could go forward.

But I will sit.

And wait.

And trust.

A door will be opened.

In His time.

In His time only.

Just trust.

So I wait.

But Lord ….

I need the answer now.

I don’t have the time to wait.

Something has to be done now!

But still I sit.

And wait.

And wait.

Then one day  ….

A different solution arrives.

It’s easier.

It answers my problem.

And I didn’t have to do a thing.

Just trust.

And wait.

And not take the problem out of His hands.

It’s done!

All I did was wait.

And watch.

And believe.

And wait.

An answer always comes.

And it’s always the best for me.

Because He loves me.

And I love Him.

********

From “Fragrance from the Spring”

WAITING

“Wait on the Lord

Again I say wait.

In Christ, we find patience

To wait on the Lord

 

Onward Christian soldier

Nearer to Him we be

 

Tell the brokenhearted

He died for you and me

Ever faithful, everlasting

 

Lord, in Your radiance we live

On Your promises we believe

Render to each a measure of faith

Dearly beloved, a treasure to Thee”

 

It’s Raining His Tears

It’s raining
I hear His small, still voice
I’m crying for my nations
I’m crying, it’s My choice

I’m crying, you won’t listen
I’m crying, you’ve left My side
I’m crying, no one seems to care
Look, My arms are open wide

These tears are shed for many
The lost, the sick, those in pain
The rain, it is getting heavier
Don’t let My love, My love, wane

The rainbow has been hidden
These tears, I cry for you
I’m crying to cleanse all who are dying
I’m crying, let Me wash you anew

The falling drops, they lessen
But My tears will continue to fall
Fall until you grasp these words
Don’t hide your heart behind fear’s wall

Let these tears, let them take away
All that is holding you back
May they bring fresh love, peace and sweet joy
And in Me, fulfill all you lack

© 2017 Liana Wendy Howarth

YOU MEAN MORE TO ME THAN MOTHER’S DAY (A Song for Anyone with a Sweet Mother’s Heart)

O the sweetness of those words
You mean more to me than Mother’s Day
Touches deep, releases joy
Something only a dearest child could say

Chorus
Sometimes distance has its way
Sometimes others have their say
But still, my love survives in May
‘Cause you mean more to me than Mother’s Day
Yes, you mean more to me than Mother’s Day

Brings with them, sweet butterflies
Of fleeting memories from yesteryear
Interspersed with cherished love
Can sense their closeness, even if not near

Chorus
Sometimes distance has its way
Sometimes others have their say
But still, my love survives in May
‘Cause you mean more to me than Mother’s Day
Yes, you mean more to me than Mother’s Day

Brings a bouquet of sweet intent
And hugs that reach to eternity
Thankfulness for heaven’s gift
Preciousness with a face that’s so pretty

O may I feel your arms surround me
May I feel your breath upon me
May I feel your love towards me
Sweet child, sweet child, of mine

Chorus
Sometimes distance has its way
Sometimes others have their say
But still, my love survives in May
‘Cause you mean more to me than Mother’s Day
Yes, you mean more to me than Mother’s Day

© 2014 – present Liana Wendy Howarth

*** *** *** *** ***

AND NOW A PRAYER FOR ANYONE WITH A SWEET MOTHER’S HEART

Dearest Heavenly Father
I come before You to lift every Mother unto You
And even though Mother’s Day is a wordly affair
And every day should be Mother’s Day in a child’s heart
You are love
You know our need for love
So I lift all Mothers unto You
All who have never been Mothers
Yet have a Mothering heart
All who are with child at this very moment
But are on the verge of terminating that life
All who are with child at this very moment
But are fearful of losing that life
Due to complications, accidents, medications
All who have lost a child
All who have lost children
Whether miscarried
Stillborn
As an infant
A toddler
Child
Young teen
Teenager
Young adult
An adult
… to silence
All who have a Mothering heart
And through silent tears
Are unable to have children
But Lord
But with God
Nothing is impossible
All who are awaiting the news
Of a missing child
Desperate for news
Hoping, praying
That they will be returned
Safely into their nuturing arms
All who are unable to spend
Mother’s Day together
Due to distance
Sickness
Disagreements
Anger
Hurt
Pride
And any other Mother who due
To no fault of their own
Is just unable to share
This precious day
As is every day
Together
All Mothers who have lost their Mothers
As a child
And never knew them
As an adult
The grief is the same
Anyone who has lost their Mother
Those whose heart is breaking
Because their Mother is so sick
Fear worrying how they will cope without them
O Lord
O Lord
Please also bless those spending
Today together
May they be aware of the gift they have
May Your love abound
May Your love abound
Shed Your love abroad
May it enter deep within all hearts
Unto You Lord
Unto You Lord
Precious Lord
In Jesus Name I pray
Amen

© 2014 – current Liana Wendy Howarth

JUST REST IN WHAT I’VE BROUGHT YOU THROUGH (SONG LYRICS)

Lord, I’m feeling overwhelmed
So many thoughts confound me
Deliver me as You said You would
Please forgive my unbelief, and me

Chorus
Just rest in what I’ve brought you through
Oh! Child, just rest, you’re free
The burdens I’ve delivered you from
I’ve exchanged, and given you Me

Lord, I still feel the battle
The fire grows hotter each day
So how can I stand much more of this
When I’m empty, nothing left to pray

Chorus
Just rest in what I’ve brought you through
Oh! Child, just rest, you’re free
The burdens I’ve delivered you from
I’ve exchanged and given you Me

Then suddenly I see light
Illuminating my words
It’s not what I am feeling oh no!
They’re lies on wings of wandering birds

I see all that You’ve given
And the depths You’ve drawn me from
At last I understand what You mean
I must rest in our Father’s Kingdom

Many storms have passed me by
You’ve sheltered me completely
I’m sorry Lord, I tend to forget
About them, when a new one I see

Lord, may Your love embrace me
Help me forever let go
Help me rest in all You’ve brought me through
Cradled in peace, I’ll go forth and sow

I’ve struggled to win the fight
Projecting calamity
Living in what might, just might happen
Instead of joying in liberty

Chorus
I’m resting in what You’ve brought me through
As Your child, I rest, I’m free
Burdens now gone, I’m delivered
Believed , received, and in You, I see me

© 2018 Liana Wendy Howarth

He Lives, We Die

The stone which hid, is rolled away
Jesus has risen; we are watching, swaying, and cry
Help us comprehend, dear Lord
He lives, the price, beyond our means was paid

He lives, hallelujah, we live
And because He lives, so must we die
Die to self, it’s our turn now
But all glory, He has blessed us to live in Christ

Surrender all your right to self
Grind emotions, thoughts and plans prepared
Let your Saviour’s power prevail in you
A new creation, tears and repentance succeed

Standing in the power of His mighty, precious Son
Escape the hold of earthly things
And acquaintances that beckon forth
Listen for that soft, small voice in turmoil that unfolds

Jesus calls us, gently leads us
We have no right or hold on the old life
And just as a flower bursts forth with sweet newness
In pain and anguish, we are pushed out of hardness

Thank you for a life refreshed
Thank you for a life eternal
Thank you that You died, without surrender
We sing praises to our ever-loving Father

© 2012 – present Liana Wendy Howarth