Wilderness visits
Color fills each rendezvous—
Whispers of changes
Every gentle breeze
Landscape’s choreography—
Spirit’s harmony
Day of cloud watching
Imagination’s sketches—
One more masterpiece
Photo by Simon Matzinger on Pexels.com
We have a clear path to choose
Anything else, we definitely lose
A godless enemy brings emptiness
He prowls and waits, eager to strike
His path only leads to unhappiness
Our lives feel like a bursting dike
We see the good life in front of us
But the light comes with false hopes
Glamour and riches without the fuss
Darkness clouds over life’s periscope
Gloomy doom brings promises, so empty
A champion bears our guilt and shame
There is a better way, filled with plenty
Life truly means more than just a game
The Light of Salvation chases away the dark
Christ bears our wounds at a bloody cross
The enemy slithers away, gone is his spark
Jesus’ Holy righteousness reaches across
Our loving Father sacrifices His only Son
His shed blood atones for our sinful ways
An empty tomb declares, Christ has won
Accept me and follow, He proudly says
We have a clear path to choose
Anything else, we definitely lose
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Originally published October, 2019.
From Proverbs 10:2: “Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”
Footsteps seeking shortcut
Tempted with distractions
Detours filled with wrong turns
Darkness shrouds each transaction
Father’s road forsaken
Evil offers his way
Man’s eagerness to shine
Misguided bypass each day
Pulled away from Father
North, then south . . . now alone
West, then east . . . deeply lost
Next destination . . . unknown
Spirit’s faithfulness breathes
Constant grace, always bright
Jesus walking ahead
Resurrection’s blessed light
Filled with hope’s renewal
Witness of Savior’s peace
Fruits of Spirit descend
Wondrous joy fills every piece
Pathway of righteousness
Obstacles cleared away
Father’s trusted wisdom
Faith’s choices follow His way
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. He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.”
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
