Grandpa shares wisdom
Now, enjoy life’s tomorrow’s—
Grandson’s eager ear
Overnight’s deep snow
Children’s appetite for fun—
Now, nowhere in sight
Dad making breakfast
Eggs now scrambled left, then right—
Last night’s football game
We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading. Knowing the contents of a few works of literature is a trivial achievement. Being inclined to go on reading is a great achievement.
Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.
B. F. (Burrhus Frederic) Skinner (1904-1990) was an American psychologist, behaviorist, and social philosopher. He served as a professor at Harvard University from 1958-1974, and was a well-received writer.
From Psalm 85:8-9: “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His faithful, to those who turn to Him in their hearts. Surely His salvation is at hand for those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.”
Uncertain darkness
Surrounds me this day
Humbly take a knee
Bowing now to pray
Prayers calling God
Remain unhurried
Unanswered questions
Never be worried
Christ’s teachings feed thee
With the bread of life
This eternal gift
Blessings without strife
Lord of life and love
He feeds and frees all
Through His Holy Word
Never builds a wall
Allow me to pause
God prods thee along
Hearing His questions
Answers make me strong
God everlasting
Faith remains with thee
Through life’s harsh chaos
Calming stormy seas
From Romans 10:10-13: “ For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in Him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on Him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'”
Originally published September, 2020.
From Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”
Waiting hope, in darkness
World absent of peace
When will joy truly arrive?
Faith’s brokenness must cease
Trusting God without fear
His comfort coming
Joy draws salvation’s water
Messiah forthcoming
Leading to Bethlehem
Hope shall be restored
Peace overflowing with joy
Heaven’s angels onboard
Praising with humble hearts
God’s gentleness seeks
Joy’s rejoicing voices sing
Shepherd’s emotions speak
Proclaiming hope’s presence
Repentance brings peace
Faith’s witness fills lungs with joy
Love opens heaven’s lease
From Isaiah 12:5-6: “Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
An Advent hymn accompanies this poem, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” This traditional English carol was first discovered in an anonymous manuscript in the 1650s.
Witnessed
Discipleship’s faith
Always take courage
Christ offers His peace
Love
Trusted
Father above
Rising above darkness
Christ’s light delivers peace
Hope
Seasoned
Spirit descends
Righteousness fills journey
Guided by Christ’s peace
Joy
Gentle morning rain
Afternoon transition
Cold front moving in
Winter’s new edition
Season’s first snowflake
Forecast’s memo on track
Innocent at first
More join in, welcome back
Chorus of voices
Barren landscape, now white
Autumn forgotten
Nature’s fresh acolyte
Darkness shines at night
Moonlight’s bright reflection
Each snowflake twinkles
With timely perfection
Peace shrouds silent realm
Time wanting to stand still
Another postcard
Sketches winter’s playbill
From Psalm 118:1: “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!”
Giving thanks, praising Father
His enduring, steadfast love
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Embracing grace from above
Kneeling in daily prayer
Father listens with patience
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Transforming our impatience
Taking refuge with Father
His righteousness leads forthwith
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Overcoming evil’s myth
Surrounding witness of light
Father blazes road ahead
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Nourishing with daily bread
Grasping wisdom of Father
Skies no longer full of gray
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Directing our best, His way
From Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Early morning’s grace
Picturing new day ahead—
Confidence rising
Positive thinking
Today’s refreshing goodness—
Go now, pass it on
Darkness all around
Dancing with each twinkling star—
Tomorrow brightens
From Romans 6:1-2: “What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?”
All have been baptized into Christ
God’s offer of Grace shall abound
Christ suffering death on the Cross
Accepting His way, God’s Word found
Living with God through our Savior
United with Jesus by His death
Walking in goodness of new life
Accepting His way, lasting breath
Escaping life of sin and death
Obedient to God’s commands
Following our righteous Father
Accepting His way, where we stand
Knowing God through His Holy Word
Rescued, no longer slaves to sin
Total devotion to Jesus
Accepting His way, love within
From Romans 6:12-14: “Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
Originally published August, 2020.
From Isaiah 9:6: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
World’s hopeful emotions
Searching for inner peace
In midst of life’s struggles
When will this darkness cease?
Peace waits for Messiah
Unlocking hopeful light
Goodwill comes upon man
Bethlehem’s star beams bright
Hope fills faithful journey
Waiting for Father’s Son
Shall be called Prince of Peace
Darkness cannot outrun
Through precious, promised child
Blessing all with His peace
Emmanuel comes near
Hope renewed through faith’s lease
Father’s steadfast vision
Sending peace upon earth
Man called to trust His plan
Wilderness finds hope’s berth
This poem’s hymn selection comes from “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Finding inspiration from Luke 2:14, American pastor, Edmund H. Sears, wrote these beloved lyrics in 1849.
Big Sky Buckeye 