Wednesday 31 December 2008

Happy New Year

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.

So heart be still!
What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife of things
Both high and low,
God hideth his intention."

"This poem was written in 1908 by Minnie Louise Haskins, an American lecturer at the London School of Economics, who wrote as a hobby. It was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth the late Queen Mother, who showed it to her husband King George VI. He included it in his famous Christmas message broadcast in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War. After the King's death the Queen Mother had it engraved on bronze plaques on the entrance to the King George VI Memorial Chapel,Windsor, where both are now interred. It was also read at the funeral service of the Queen Mother.

Wishing you a Happy New Year

11 comments:

Swerdnic said...

Happy new year to you! hope its a good one.
thanks for the poem. i'll be showing it to my mam.
Lx

Molly said...

Happy New Year Judith,
I like your picture and your poem. Both remind me of the home page of our church web site, ComeGrowInGrace.org. We have a Bob Marley quote about lighting up the darkness.

Firefighter said...

Great blog thanks for the comment. I really like it. It is nice to see someone who isn't affraid to admit their belief's in god.

Cherdecor said...

Judith, I LOVE this poem. It quiets our hearts about the coming year! Thank you!
Happy New Year1
Cheryl

Rhondi said...

Hi Judith
I have always liked that poem and have a copy of it framed in my home. I hope this coming year is one of great blessing for you and your family
Hugs, Rhondi

A Scattering said...

This entry exudes serenity, it's beautiful. Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Edith. This poem was beautiful. I have a bible verse for you which is one in which I say everyday to myself. I would like to thank you for asking me to pick a verse for you. It was an honor and a privilege to do so. Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I pray this verse strengthens, blesses, uplifts and encourages you throughout the new year. May God's grace, peace and mercy shine down upon you each and everyday my friend.

In His glorious name,

Valerie Lynn

I love you Judith! Happy New Year my friend!

Ali said...

Happy New Year Judy, Nigel, Karl and Karmen.

Keep blogging :-)

Buskitten said...

Happy New Year Judith and Family, and the Most Important, little Karmen!
Lovely words,
Love
Liz
x

Napaboaniya.Elaine Ling said...

Happy 2009 to you!! :)

Anonymous said...

The wonder of a new year beckons, and all our quiet hopes are born anew. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!