as the day passes - winter

 

as the day passes
arching overhead
I'm grateful for the privilege
of being here
and being fed
the fruits of feeling
at life's great fleeting
while bravery and fear
come to all abiding here;
none are unscathed
so let us choose to be bathed
in whatever is good
and what is right
for this will save us
from feeding the night,
and at the end
the message we'll send
is that of the Light
and how God is the only
present and gentle Might;
let us just be
and make ourselves free,
so as time will press on
we'll not be in sorrow
when the day is gone. 

FAITH - winter

 the clouds today,

an obscuring smoke

o'er the fiery sun;

though unseen

yet it is not undone;

presiding over day

returning without fail,

just knowing that it's there

brings all else to pale

as we feel its warmth

receiving, we,

give thanks whether

it's faith that we feel

or faith that we see.

As I come to the cradle - Christmas Eve

  

As I come to the cradle

I see relief

through death and heartache

and pain and grief;

I see a baby

as new as the day,

with comfort, forgiveness

as real as we could pray;

a stirring of the heart

and yet so soothing be

this manger

and it's promise

fulfilled from the Father

to me.

too long forgotten - fall

 too long forgotten

the kindness that came

onto the helpless

and those without name;

never to see them

again in this world

but given that moment

of kind deed or word;

these moments slip past us

so what do they mean?

Eternal compassion

for a second is seen

and seized by the giver

and those in much pain -

remembering that goodness

is not given in vain. 

too long forgotten - fall

too long forgotten

the kindness that came

unto the helpless

and those without name;

never to see them 

again in this world

but given that moment

of kind deed or word;

these moments slip past us

so what do they mean?

Eternal compassion

for a second is seen

and seized by the giver 

and those in much pain -

remembering that goodness

is not given in vain.

 

we will not despair - fall

 

On a sunless day there’s no turning of shadow

the sun having been obscured,

and so many have lost their direction

with no fixed light that is pure;

indeed we look,

but if in vain

on days of clouds

and days of rain

yet knowing that the sun is there

carries those of us

who will not despair

but know it travels east to west

is never changing,

beyond request,

so in waiting for Thee

in Praise we’ll be

no confusion

have we,

beyond blessed.

 

forgiveness - summer

everything you're doing

will find its place

in the history of beginnings

in time and space

so in your action

be deliberate

embrace

forgiveness

is a conscious thought

and brings the bearer

grace

I will not leave this earth disheartened - summer

I will not leave this earth disheartened

over broken dreams

or loss imparted

oh no, everything it deems important

shall but fall away

and He whose promises I lived

shall be the same forever

as they are today

Father's Day - to my recently departed Dad who is now with Jesus

to follow in the footsteps

of someone who cares

who even in trouble

would always be there,

who leaves a lasting memory

of integrity and truth

coming from an honest place

since the time of his youth;

to find in life some humor

and courage when needed most

while taking on all life's challenges

but never one to boast,

working hard

but yet know rest

is a model

of life at its best;

to say a soft "I love you"

and a "thank you"

comes to bear

that which we already knew

but oh so good to share,

following a faith so true

the Lord above

was real to you

through songs you sang

and scriptures you read

always mindful of God

in the life you led;

your leading by example

leaves a mark upon the heart

and footsteps such as Dad has left

means we'll never have to part.

Overture to Eternity - when I get to heaven - spring

When I get to heaven will I say -

This is the healing music I heard

while on earth

when my soul was so disturbed;

and this is the warmth

that came my way 

when no one knew what to do or to say;

it is all here and it's come to pass

that faith in You

held steadfast,

was Your coming to me

and an overture to eternity.

The feeling of being held

was Your Spirit that swelled

inside of one who now can see

all that You are

is exactly what You said you would be.

"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the son

and believes in him shall have eternal life,

and I will raise them up at the last day."

John 6:40

peaceful places - spring

I want to rest in a melody 

that I have never known

and drift upon its lifting wings

wherever they are blown

trusting it will carry me

to peaceful places yet unseen

where health and healing

like a flowing brook

mingle with birdsong

to form a prayer book

shall we look at love - faith in trying times

shall we look at love
from many points of view
the angles open up
in these trying times we're going through;
shall we turn our heads
from side to side to see
who really is around us
and what the need might be;
shall we look at love
to open up our eyes
turn our faces heavenward
to the Love beyond the skies;
shall we look at love
to find it all anew
may the trying times we're living in
find the love in me and you

Let today be a day of healing

when so much of it seems torn,

let nothing stand between us

no matter the burdens worn;

all the good we were sharing before

is still where we stand,

let the Comforter come near to us

and Lord, heal our land.

Let all the good that God has given

be an act among us all,

to love and to give mercy

wherever we find the call.

Keeping faith amid asking for grace

walking humbly hand in hand,

let the Comforter come near to us 

and Lord, heal our land.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8 

a good life - New Year living

there is nothing of money here

only the day is cloudy

or the day is clear,

there’s good found in the garden

for the weekly rain has come

we’ve worked our part and weeded

but God has sent the sun;

so stand I here

with people honest and true

because of their lives

I am knowing You;

a peace that passes

whatever lies outside,

since all of this was none of our making

there is no pride;

but to rest in peace

each night and each day,

things are as they are

it doesn’t matter if we have our way,

we just travel together

in prayer and in faith

while the Lord does the leading,

we will live in His grace.

Shepherd's Night - Christmas Eve

as the weakening light

gave way to night

the stars began to shine;

heavenly host would appear

brilliant and holy

to the humble and the lowly

revealing a sign

that salvation is near;

a moment - afraid

gives way to "in a manger laid"

no greater joy, no other Love Divine

the son of God is here!

Bethlehem Stable - Christmas

rest now, oh child of love,

it's time to sleep;

all the gifts

you've yet to give

will wait till morn'

in peace 

may you lay

as you become

of mortal ways

yet set aside;

this night abide,

with God and man

reside

the only hope 

of all mankind. 

So often alone and lost

reaching out and no one there

Dear Heavenly Father

that you for teaching me

the power of prayer. 

Not seeing yet believing

a power beyond my grasp 

this is what you give to me,

my present prayer

Your gift from the past.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 

eventide - fall

it's the sound of creatures

who've through the day been fed

happily singing their evening song

before retiring to bed;

it's the languid motions

that portray many hours awake

along with yellowing

liquid light together the dusk does make;

so less, the acts of dissension,

that contentment

tends to reign

ambition seems to seek its sleep

and all is well again. 

prayer for the persecuted- consolation prayer - fall

when God looks on those who suffer

may someone who serves Him be blest-

those who have lived in humility

and kept their faith throughout their test;

in desperate need of something good

they rest their eyes on Who they should

so the breezes of comfort in their spirit, consoled,

with all the goodness He possesses

and shares with believing souls;

the greatest rewards are yet to come

the day of dawning into the welcoming

of the Father and the Son.

what shall I take into my heart? - summer

what shall I take 

into my heart?

the deepest of places

shielded

set apart

fear is set around 

deflecting

so many wounding darts;

stay so soft

and unaware

of all the evil

desiring to reside just there

stay safely hidden

let no one see

so I may one day leave

 this earth

with life's true treasures

pure, and taken with me

Who returns life - summer

Oh Lord

I stand away

too awestruck

and amazed

to even be near

the power

in a person

that You are here

Who returns life

that has left

is something only You can save

surely every heartbeat

is in Your hand -

I can only stand away.

I am but one drip 

in the droplets of the sea

being part of what He's chosen

for each of us to be.

He alone creates mosaics

of tiny parts miraculously

forming a great panoramic

of who He is,

for all to see. 

take your pulse - summer

take our pulse

feel the life beneath

each one different

every one unique

God is in there

or we wouldn't be alive

with the blood that flows

He can thrive -

let us then 

find our identity

take your pulse today 

He'll supply what you need

messengers - summer

perhaps you came

maybe you sat

perhaps your words

were enough so that

a hurting heart

knew a little less pain

for even a moment

and overcame

the mortal, this flesh,

to the world beyond

where angels minister

and worldly cares gone

I pray this for you

and may ministry come

from mercies messengers

one by one

there's a craggy coast - summer

I was imagining a western coast of Europe in this one -

there's a craggy coast

on the other side of the sea

where peaceful sunsets

meet rising rocks

and splashing water upon the lea

as every day the sun unfurls

to wind its way

upon this part of the world

where the sounds of surf

God put into place

are never taken

from its embrace

whether tinted red

or hues of blue

it comes round same

it comes round true

tainted not by mans desires

so truth may be seen

in the sunsets fires

a plea - summer

tell me what will take me away

to that slice of heaven

beyond today

light as a dove

and soft as a feather

raise my eyes

be lifted up

to praise the God in heaven

who knows my thoughts 

and prayers from afar

just a slice of heaven please

to here 

from where you are?

sinking into summer - summer

I'm sinking into summer

like a cozy stuffed chair,

all warm and barefoot

surrounded by the soothing air.

Nothing here so pressing

that I have to jump and run,

so lazily I'm lounging

moving slowly as the sun.

Living in the outdoors

whose arms are open wide,

there's a different pace

in the place of grace

less confined than when inside.

Sinking into summer

like a warm cozy chair,

storing up for winter -

like a hibernating bear!

Mothers Day - candle in the window

that one thing 

she used to do

the candle in the window -

welcoming peace

was in view,

oh mother

from far away

I know your love

your candle calls to me today

with never a disappointment

of what is waiting there

only the light and love

that a mother can share

so that one thing

you used to do,

remembering the candle in the window,

peace is in view

dandelions of youth - spring

dandelions of youth

exert more truth

than all the planted flowers

that adults arrange;

to see children laughing

while picking these that are unbidden,

whose same flowers

be ridden

from landscapes to make way

for more purposeful heads

that incite the less gleeful

and just looked at instead;

so I choose the dandelion

and children set free

and hope to be happy in life

simply.

Eternity Reclaimed - spring

How far back can we remember???

There’s a cry for the children,

those that are here

and those that are now,

who we once were –

we can reach them somehow;

knowing we’ve all come

from our youth

learning good things and bad

the lies and the truth

the sweet days of innocence

sunshine and breeze

warmth while out playing

a feeling at ease

yet how deeply we felt

when evil had its way

but we’ve lived to come through it

to another day.

The Lord’s reaching out

He heals and He saves

it’s all there in Him

come what may.

Bless us Lord

in the darkest of night

sit with us and bring us

to the Glory of Your Light,

Your message received

that was proclaimed

Hallelujah for

the healing –

praise He

who overcame!

For eternity’s calling

we’re but in a time frame

our past, present, future

through Him

reclaimed!

empty grave - Easter morning

we can never go farther

than the empty grave

even with modern

or enlightened ways

His was the triumph

where once He lay

risen to never

see decay.

let's stop here 

and gather to praise

with worship

at the empty grave

Easter Poem Hold Me Fast - spring

help me to hang unto Christ,

He who hung upon the cross,

who gave up ever treasure of heaven

to be with us in our loss;

selfishness and society

would try to pry me

loose from Thee

but only Your enveloping arms

will hold me fast

and safe from harm

when life seems tenuous - spring

the sun has been out brightly

we see the goodness of God

oh keep us all in faithfulness

especially now

when times call for such tenderness

and none seems to be found -

who will bring us what we need

when we ourselves scarcely know

except that life seems tenuous

and it is to You we go...

becoming wise - spring

I can still walk

but it's getting harder to climb

being long on this planet

takes its toll over time;

maybe dimming eyes

and softening ears

means a lessening awareness

and perhaps a lesser fear

for we know we've made it thus far

and this not of our own

so from now on there's less struggle

and more trust to take us home

the promise of watching - spring

Just outside the window

there was a little knoll,

where in my senior year of college

I watched the spring grass grow.

While I sat, the wind raced free

fluttering the green grass so expressively,

anticipating every promise

of what life had to hold -

sharing music's joy with children

like flowers to unfold.

I am not God who plants life's seeds

but went out to nourish, provide and weed,

and in the end I could sometimes see

them flourish ever so naturally.

With every spring I cannot wait

until the sun and rain will send

the warm wind blowing wistfully

over the land again;

and think of the students,

that in the end,

fulfilled the ambitions ideals portend

and honor the feelings

I once did hold

with the promise of watching

the spring grass grow. 

mercies are rising - winter

the birds are back

but the snow's still intact

I open my window

to hear them sing

but the air of winter

is not of spring

so frozen still

but somehow they know

that mercies are rising

though the earth is cold. 

fragrance of faith - winter

how many beautiful,

lovely things

under the snow doth lie

waiting for the sun to sing

its gentle lullaby

to soothe the land

and bring forth dreams

of sounds unheard

and seed unseen

for we know they are there

and patiently wait

while trusting God

for our fragrance of faith

path to heaven - winter

my path to heaven began –

light through a window

my eyes are raised

my heart is drawn

there is more than me –

there has to be…

answers stream

comfort beams

for all the children

belong to God

He has come to redeem.

Jesus called the children to him and said,

 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Luke 18:16

circumstance comes to dance - winter

You've given me voice

how can I not rejoice?

Circumstance

comes to dance

through the pen

so praise

may rise again

from either thought 

or situation

Your desire

be my dictation. 

Amen

where I've stood - winter

where I've stood

and where I stand

footprints left upon the sand

where with the tide be swept away

and never known a later day

but where I land is solid ground

the light of Jesus all around

and in the end no feet

can leave

no greater mark

than the Eternal

to Whom I cleave

sweep over me sweet Jesus - winter

begin sweet Jesus

to sweep over me

like the changing of the seasons

like the waves upon the sea

move through my emotions

You will bring

the newness of Your saving grace

the freshness of a spring

come to us 

though we be still

and carry us

into Your will

taken away

with loving care

swept up in Your Spirit

my deliverance

there 

We'll never be out of His care - winter

In the season of changes

we may feel neither here nor there,

looking for meaning as life rearranges

in ways that we hadn't prepared.

This is when faith is a constant companion

and the Lord keeps our souls aware

that He's always leading us by the hand

and we'll never be out of His care. 

perhaps pretending - winter

perhaps pretending

is a way of understanding

how the sun shines

on the firs

as if a Norwegian winter;

how the moons reflecting

on our river

is the same as on the Seine

and to savor lavender fields

of Provence

while strolling here among

the meadows in spring;

how the birds swirl

in the sky

as if in

England,

their songs  to sing;

perhaps pretending,

while bereft of being there,

is to find an understanding

that to simply be aware

is perhaps the same

as being somewhere…

in silence be (reverence)- winter

here we sit in silence be

in reverence

of Love from Thee

and know we have not

ever earned

what you have given

nor could return

the grace or goodness

given we

in reverence

sit

in silence be 

isolation's revelation - winter

One day I rose

ascending

upon a mountain

covered with clouds,

there I sat

suspending

above the clamor

and voices loud;

what need have I

descending?

does sun await

and troubles ending?

or new found faith

as doubt abates

and trust in God

transcending...

the well of hope - winter

How deeply 

her self doubting,

that words could not tell

but somehow

He knew her -

this woman at the well.

His manner, 

so disarming,

she could look at

herself

through the eyes of the

Savior -

this woman at the well.

We'll all find we're thirsty,

for mankind fell,

we'll find springs of living water

with Christ at the well.

Speak freely then

my sister

for Messiah indwells

the Spirit and the truth -

we're all drawn

to be with Jesus-

the well.