Contentment

By Joy Marie Dunlap

I would rather have contentment

Than all the riches in the world

I see all the world's riches

Like a golden flag unfurled

They're supposed to make me happy

And to make others like me, too

But what really makes you happy

Is the kind little deeds you do

The Person I want to like me

Is God who is tender of heart

He is pleased when I try my hardest

To help out and do my part

If I will choose contentment,

I will cherish the things I have now

I can be happy the way things are

For God in His Word shows how

So I'd rather have contentment

Than fame or riches or health

For the ways of a tender, caring heart

Are the world's most precious wealth

Speaking Rightly

By Joy Marie Dunlap

Do not speak too often,

And do not speak too soon.

In order to live in harmony,

We must keep in tune

With when someone is ready

To hear us in our talk

And then we must speak kindly

We must not whine or mock.

Our faces should be cheerful,

To show others real respect.

Let your words be true

And choose them well

To have the right effect:

The effect of showing tender love,

Of encouraging and helping,

Of carrying out responsibility,

Not babbling or yelping.

Have the right purpose when you speak;

Speak for the good of others,

And don't speak when adults are talking,

Nor interrupt sisters or brothers.

Stand, face the person,

And look into their eyes.

To love others in the way you speak

Is good and true and wise.

Joy Marie Dunlap