God’s specialty is bringing renewal to our strength, not reminders of our weakness. Take it by faith.
From Proverbs 3:1-2: “My child, do not forget My teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments, for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you.”
Experiencing
Father’s teachings
Moments of worship
Maturing with faithful steps
Hope
Praising
Heavenly Father
Rock of salvation
Inscribing faith’s enduring song
Joy
Witnessing
Father’s promises
Gentleness molding faith
Wayward sheep leaving wilderness
Peace
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
Peering into endless darkness
Fearing night’s disquieting steps
Hiding in wilderness shadows
Hearing distant tap at doorstep
Searching horizon, now silent
Missing gracious slice of moonlight
Looking into starless abyss
Galloping toward hidden knight
Catching glimpse of advancing dawn
Feeling comfortable with fate
Focusing on ember of light
Opening journey’s final gate
Reaching intended rendezvous
Bring peace to life’s blessed love
Sharing from adventure’s story
Finding early sunrise above
From Psalm 143:1: “Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplications in Your faithfulness; answer me in Your righteousness.”
Enemy pursues
More darkness unfolds
Crushing every breath
Yet, Spirit remains bold
God’s light perseveres
Faith’s answers unfold
Sharing steadfast love
Deliverance foretold
Mercy shares His truth
Righteousness unfolds
Seeking out God’s will
His comforting hands mold
Heart’s new attitude
Brighter times unfold
Clutching God’s wisdom
Promises to behold
Safe in His refuge
Faithfulness unfolds
Hearing each prayer
Spirit’s blessings uphold
Dark times abating
Life’s new day unfolds
Waiting no longer
God’s connection takes hold
From Psalm 143:9-10: Save me, O Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to You for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good spirit lead me on a level path.”
Clouds migrate away
Sunrise circulates her warmth—
Morning’s chill escapes
Dancing tree branches
Harmony’s rhythmic movements—
Breath of turbulence
Overcast all day
Gray canvas waits with patience—
Sunset paints with light
The inspiration for this poem comes from a photograph published on Jan’s blog in her “Wordless Wednesday” post. Check out her site for some wonderful poetry, inspiration, photography, and so much more. There is probably a hint (yes, definitely) of the rustic and tranquil life experienced in the small communities of western Montana.
Photo by Wiriyah Ruechaipanit on Pexels.com
Picturesque, isolated hamlet
Resting below mountainous shadows
Nestled along lake’s calming fingers
Life’s narrative writing tranquil prose
Sunrise crawls over the mountaintop
Cruising silently in their small boat
Early to rise anglers find their spot
Baiting hooks for trout with rainbow coats
Soon village shops begin to open
Curious shoppers fill crowded streets
Welcoming Farmers’ Market today
Locals selling homegrown goods and treats
Later, stillness returns to the town
Sunny, summer day comes to an end
Sun setting behind lake’s dozing shore
Waiting for tomorrow’s best friends
Photo by Maximilian Münzl on Pexels.com
Originally published May, 2020.
Holy Commandments
Father’s blueprint guides
Filling every life
Steps called to abide
Heavenly lessons
Righteous hand sustains
Filling hungry mind
Father’s Word remains
Insight grows daily
Father’s grace-filled love
Filling wayward heart
Honor Him above
Crooked path made straight
Father’s faithful seeds
Filling with wisdom
Every tender reed
Shattered hope rebuilt
Father’s vision soars
Filling with His peace
Faith desiring more
Experiencing
Father’s love
Tender mercies given
Washing away each transgression
Forgiveness
Trusting
Father’s promises
Righteousness nourishes faith
Eternity’s wealth of knowledge
Wisdom
Witnessing
Father’s presence
Never feeling forsaken
Grace creates clean heart
Renewal
Wisdom always teaching
Every day, words matter
Sharing encouragement
Negative now scatters
Gentleness in spirit
Words of inspiration
Sending intended grace
Fragrance of carnations
Pleasant conversation
Cooler than grill’s briquettes
Reflecting heart’s sweetness
Love guiding words’ mindset
Strangers greeted as friends
Careful with choice of words
Sharing joy with others
Kindness stirred, always heard
Words echo character
Softness cradles each thought
Thinking before saying
Always, as mother taught
From Psalm 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.”
Walking through trials
Shepherd’s voice of peace
Trusting to follow
Grasping faith’s newfound lease
Seeking to believe
Wonders offer signs
Trusting to follow
Rising faith shall align
Affirming Lord’s Word
Each day follows night
Trusting to follow
Watching darkness take flight
Feeling love come forth
Savior’s light proclaims
Trusting to follow
Witnessing heaven’s flame
Overcoming death
Christ shall never rest
Trusting to follow
Tasting grace, faith digests
Filling hope with joy
Resurrection thrives
Trusting to follow
Knowing Shepherd’s alive
From John 11:14-16: “I am the good shepherd. I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
Big Sky Buckeye 