Poems

How to be Happy (A Poem for Girls)

C.T. Pringle

How shall we make life joyous?
"Not by the mirth unblest
Of the giddy dance, or the song profane,
By the wild, unguarded jest.
By the love of all things good and fair,
Sunshine and books and flowers;
By the smile of God upon guileless joys,
Let us gladden our youthful hours."

How shall we make home happy?
"Not by pert look or tone,
Or the roving feet that haunt the street
While the mother toils alone.
By the tired father's ready chair,
Bright hearth, and neat-spread board;
By a willing hand, and a smiling lip,
And a heart with kindness stored."

How shall we look the fairest?
"Not by the vain display
Of flaunting fashions and foolish airs,
That turn wise hearts away.
But the light of truth in a quiet eye,
And a modest maiden grace,
With the rosy smile of sweet content,
Make fair the homeliest face."

How shall we give God glory?
"By doing what good we can
Unto all and each, within our reach,
Bird, beast, or child, or man;
By keeping still from the snares of ill
Which lure on every side;
Sheltered and safe, 'neath the prayer of faith,
Lord Jesus, be our Guide!"

Untitled

Alice King

What's the true test of living?
A life that's spent in giving.
What's death without awaking?
A life that's spent in taking.
When the sunbeams cheer thy way,
Do they ask thee to repay?
When the bright flowers paint the sward,
Do they do it for reward?
When the bird sings clear and long,
Does he want thanks for his song?
Give talent, thought, and voice,
To bid God's world rejoice.
Give work, and love, and will;
Give golden time and skill;
Pour freely out thy whole,
Thyself, thy very soul,
To bless thy fellow men,
Nor ask for aught again;
And, as thou giv'st, thy store
Shall grow not less but more.

Worthwhile Living

Author Unknown

Worthwhile living is not in being happy,
But making others happy.
Not getting,
But giving.
Not in being fortunate,
But in being brave and cheery in misfortune.
Not in knowing,
But in doing.
Not in winning,
But in losing with a smile.
Not in living a long time,
But in living to some purpose.
Not in receiving honors,
But in deserving them.
Not in enjoying yourself,
But in sympathizing with others.
Not in pleasing man,
But in pleasing God.

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