Howdy, friend! Welcome to Homegrown, I'm your host, R.P. Smith. Good Easter Sunday morning.
The Lord is risen. He is risen, indeed. A friend of mine went to be with the Lord this
past week. Pastor Scott will be greatly missed by his church family and the community of
Valentine. Pastor Scott and his wife, Carrie, were the first to invite me to a church to
share my poetry. Carrie had grown up with me, and had known me when I would not have been
on anyone's list as someone to speak in church. I really can't explain the faith that
Carrie and Pastor Scott showed by invite me to be a part of the fellowships they were
involved with over these many years. Other than the faith that she and Pastor Scott
lived out in their life, that prayers are answered, and that Jesus Christ has the power
to change people's lives. I've been blessed by the friendships and all of the communities
that Pastor Scott let me be a part of over the years. He believes the world could only
be changed one heart at a time, and I don't know of anyone that set a better example of
sharing the truth that could change people's hearts. This Easter Sunday morning I'd like
to share a poem that I hope is an encouragement to you. It was written at a time of uncertainty,
loss and conflict, as nearly every day on this side of heaven will be. I call this
peace, spring blessing. Thank you, Lord, for this morning, for the clear and cloudless
sky, that we can come before you and that we can question why. I thank you for your blessings,
and may I ask for more, when your blessing keeps us guessing, we know more blessings
are in store. Bless the seed that's in the ground and the grain that's in the bin. May
each one serve your purpose, as this new cycle does begin. Bless the carrying of my neighbors
and the love of my friends. Bless the flame and the candle that is burning at both ends.
Bless those who prepare for battle and those who turn to the other cheek. May each one
give you glory. Your wisdom may we seek. Bless the cattle on the hills and the grass
on which they graze. Bless us with understanding, as we wander through our days. Bless the
water underground and the rain that's yet to fall. Your moisture brings new life, and
your grateful tears, I call. Thank you for the blessing of your mercy, the blessing
of your grace. The blessing of the blood that fell from the one who took my place. The
blessing of your love for me and the truth where I find rest, the stone is moved, the
tomb is empty, Christ is risen, and I am blessed. I would like to invite any of my friends
in the corny area, or even those aways out of the corny area, to join me in my road warrior
poetry pal Jake Riley for an evening of cowboy poetry. This free, celebrate poetry presentation
will be in the Niagara room at the corny public library Thursday April 9th from 7 to 830.
Sure hope to see you in corny this Thursday at the corny public library. Thanks for riding
along on homegrown, hoping that the Lord blesses you real good today, that He is raining
on your place, and that our happy trails cross again soon. I'm Arpe Smith.
