Beyond darkness Following light Vision focused Marking hope’s flight Peace shining through Sharing more dreams Outlook’s fabric Mending each seam Wisdom takes hold Growing tighter Daylight of grace Shining brighter Actions aligned Marching with trust Tomorrow breathes Feeling robust Insight matures Stumbling no more Day’s sky brightens Coming ashore
From the words of American missionary and Christian theologian, E. Stanley Jones: "Whatever we focus on determines what we become."
Landscape embraces warmth
Whispering from above
Fabric of spring descends
Sharing Creator’s love
Winter’s cold fades away
Transforming earth’s outlook
Tender grass comes alive
Following spring’s guidebook
Memories feeling young
Uncovering cherished prize
Charm awakens with peace
Filling morning’s blue skies
Today meets tomorrow
Nurturing every thirst
Breath of hope replenished
Witnessing rain’s cloudburst
Spring’s timely arrival
Beholding each snapshot
Precious life now reborn
Finding nature’s soft spot
Morning’s rising sun
Creating poetic verse—
Filled with light’s moments
Vacation planning
Thinking very, very big—
Dreaming of Paris
Daring bike rider
Showing off his racing skills—
Grandparents marvel
From Nehemiah 9:6: “And Ezra said, ‘You are the Lord, You alone; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. To all of them You give life, and the host of heaven worships You.'”
Viewing Calvary’s cross
Harboring Savior’s blood
Marking enemy’s loss
Springing forth, mercy’s bud
Filling lungs with praises
Singing to most high God
Tasting life He raises
Witnessing grace now thawed
Making each joyful sound
Worshipping with gladness
Sending each, Heaven bound
Breathing without sadness
Traveling oceans deep
Guiding from heavens’ stars
Leading all wayward sheep
Knowing Christ never far
Entering Shepherd’s gate
Giving thanks in God’s name
Feeling sin’s empty weight
Trusting redemption’s claim
From Psalm 100:1-2: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing.”
Heartfelt
Christian faith
Walking with Jesus
Embraced in mercy’s light
Enthusiasm
Peaceful
Heavenly tides
Offering of grace
Comforted through Savior’s love
Witness
Contagious
In spirit
Softening hardened heart
Christ in every breath
Faith
From Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.'”
Eternity’s light
Shall never dim
Remember Calvary
Tomb emptied of Him
Raking through ashes
Ember’s flame used
Faith in Gospel rises
Memories infused
Prayers of witness
God’s promised Word
Trust in faith’s nourishment
Every whisper heard
Joy’s breath coming back
Light full of grace
Spirit always present
Hope fills welcome place
Christ reigns forever
Shall come again
With Heaven’s ticket punched
Only He knows when
From Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley: “When we trust God to provide the stamina for the work He calls us to do, we are clothed in power.”
Walking these roads for so long
Sin short-circuits dusty steps
Trust’s gauge running on empty
Darkness knocking at doorstep
Facing life’s tall shortcomings
Empty promises sell short
Holy Spirit calling now
Time to seek Father’s support
Hearing faithful promises
His Spirit brings fortitude
Truly believe, seeking Him
Bread of Life, God’s daily food
Turning to Jesus Christ
Living water quenches thirst
Savior clothes with grace-filled love
His promises, always first
Strengthening life’s weaknesses
Holy promises bring light
Eyes open, hearts enlightened
New life trusts in Father’s might
From Luke 24:49: “And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Originally published February, 2021.
Excited for weekend
Highway’s invitation
Stopping in Laurelville
Morning’s breakfast station
Greeted by big blue sky
Hocking Hills calling out
Tasting landscape’s beauty
Daffodils set to sprout
Battered red pick-up truck
Pair of windows rolled down
Offering scent of spring
Backroads leading from town
Coffee Emporium
Partnered with sweetest treats
Gathering up goodness
Harmony’s faithful beat
Old Man’s Cave reigns ahead
Tranquility’s home base
Sharing nature’s spirit
Creator’s blessed place
My wife and I stop in at the Coffee Emporium once a week for fantastic coffee, warm and friendly hospitality, and delicious food. It is located between Logan and Old Man’s Cave. (Courtesy of Pinterest)
Landscape glistens white
Winter gift-wrapped for one day—
Melting tomorrow
Calendar page turns
Blistering heat dome moves in—
Spring’s ironic script
Thunderstorm descends
Torrential raindrops blossom—
Floodgates spring to close
From Exodus 20:2-3: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before Me.”
Each day’s beginning
Scheduling His Word
Moments with Father
Embracing what’s heard
Any given hour
Pausing for prayer
Spirit nurtures trust
Erasing despair
Daily worship time
Praising Lord above
Uplifted in faith
Witnessing His love
Blessed fellowship
Caring for others
Never too busy
Serving another
This day now ending
Resting in His grace
Heartbeat of Father
Transforming hope’s place
From Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”
Big Sky Buckeye 