Be Inspired

Richard "Dick" C. Mattock

• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN: 9781098083731
• eBook ISBN: 9781098083748
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: Religious Poetry
• Index: Literature

Looking Back on Life

Looking back on life…I'd do things differently each day,

Learn to listen better and be more patient along the way.

I'd begin to waste more time,

On little things and the sublime.

Looking back on life…I'd see more clearly,

The importance of humor; face life more cheerily.

Another thing I'd do is measure,

People I meet, as "gift" and "treasure."

Looking back on life…I'd make time to laugh and joke,

Lighten up, let my guard down whenever I spoke.

Aim to be less rigid, set a better example,

Be less quarrelsome and prideful, a lot more discreet.

Looking back on life…I'd see nature anew,

The stars, sun and moon; the sky's beautiful blue.

I'd like time to serve God, worship and pray,

Knowing it's God that makes life better each day.

Looking back on life…I'd more often hug a friend,

Seek forgiveness, do whatever I could, to allow friendships to mend.

I'd more thoughtfully cherish the years,

The joys, sacrifices, sorrow, and tears.

Looking back on life…I'd have to admit,

The importance of keeping physically fit.

Seek to help and encourage others more,

Receive God's blessings more than before.

Looking back on life…Really would clearly show,

How "changing" and "flexibility" allowed me to grow.

And as I sought to bid fond farewell,

Life seemed short, yet I'd lived it well!

I'm thankful, too, that I always remained "teachable."

Richard "Dick" C. Mattock

Seasons of Grace (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8)

Our birth was the beginning of God’s miraculous grace, born through the love of our parents.

During our early childhood, the friends we made and the beginning of learning were grace-filled times.

The teachers we had and the way they impacted our lives were moments of grace.

As we entered high school, the teachers and students that influenced us were graceful times.

God’s grace continues to help us as we pursue our careers.

The failures and successes throughout our lifetime are also attributable to God’s life among us.

Our likes and dislikes, gifts, skills and talents are derived by God’s influences in our lives.

We were given freedom of choice, which again came about through God’s loving grace.

In the decisions we make, we are free to choose right from wrong because God loves us.

The act of forgiveness or unforgiveness allows both free choice and consequences as God’s influence prevails.

We learn through our mistakes and through the process because it is God’s way of forming us.

Overcoming addictions, jealousy, anger, and other sins occurs when humility and prayer bring about God’s correction.

Discipline is necessary to our growth. Prayerfully seeking to follow “the narrow path” comes from God’s wisdom and guidance.

We can only eliminate the “bad habits” in our life by asking for God’s knowledge, understanding, and by daily pondering God’s word.

God’s Holy Spirit will influence our life only as we are sincere, determined, and are yielded to God’s divine influence.

Lesson Learned Amid Life’s Storms

Just as Jesus suffered physical

And emotional pain,

God’s people experience difficulties

Time and time again.

Often we fail to realize or discern

Our struggles stimulate us to become strong,

While through the world’s eyes

Everything seemingly is going wrong.

Amidst our setbacks and waiting

Given apt opportunities to pray,

Unmasking a fresh, creative zeal

For listening to God every day.

Then amid all struggles and adversity

In every facet of life,

God empowers us to withstand disappointments

Providing lightning-like grace to endure pain and strife.

For all willing and eager to learn from God

During the storms of life…desiring to seek His grace,

Their lives yield renewed purpose and meaning

Gently, firmly rekindled by God’s fond embrace.

Try on Humor for Size

We face many situations throughout each day,

Everyone confronting them in their own different way…

Striking a balance between serious and sad,

Learning to confront the ...

Table of contents

• Integrity
• Character
• Legacy
• Excuses
• Emotions
• Endurance
• Success
• Complaining
• Worrying
• Desires (of the Heart)
• Encourage One Another
• Crossroads (Our Heart’s Desire)
• The Bridge of Adversity
• Remain in Me
• Lights to the World
• God’s Treasury—in Earthen Vessels
• Taste and See
• Painting Christ’s Portrait
• Fragrance
• Doubting
• Tithing
• Moldable
• Spiritual Maturity
• Builders
• Earnest Prayer
• Studying and Maturing
• Salvation
• Burnout
• Compass
• Jesus, Our Anchor in Life
• Truth
• Servant
• Your Personalities I See
• Talents
• Grumbling
• Happiness vs. Joy
• Materialism
• Teachable
• Tongue
• Brokenness
• A Believer’s Wardrobe
• Seasons of Grace (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8)
• Lesson Learned Amid Life’s Storms
• Try on Humor for Size
• Looking Back on Life