Oswald Chambers Quote

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God brings to a standard of life by His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that standard in others.

From Luke 10:20:  “Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher.  Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons.  Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.  I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.

Clutching Future’s Past

This poem embarks on an emotional journey, and I hope that my words have been respectful to all.  For some readers, these verses may bring back painful memories.  For others, a greater awareness of war’s images may come about.  

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Forceful, overnight tears

Halting rhythm to dreams

Shrouded in darkness

Dreading war’s extremes

 

Night’s stillness collapsing

Watching another scene

Filled with emotion

Fighting war . . . obscene!

 

Memories burst apart

Reliving fateful night

Cherished love taken

Losing precious knight

 

Distant battle breathes

Recalling sacrifice

Honored for courage

Paying supreme price

 

Sorrows of rain salute

Weeping nation holds fast

Gathered now as one

Clutching future’s past

 

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Releasing Mercy

From John 12:12-13:  “The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.  So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!'”

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Son of Man enters city

Making final human walk

Fulfilling Father’s design

Ignoring others who mock

 

Many celebrate Jesus

Thinking He shall be their king

Throwing off Roman rulers

Ignoring grace, set to spring

 

Enemy sees victory

Overlooking supreme God

Forgetting Christ’s destiny

Ignoring his evil fraud

 

Calvary’s lonely Cross weeps

Covering in Savior’s blood

Setting up love to conquer

Releasing mercy to flood

 

Resurrection breathes forever

Proclaiming lasting Good News

Building bridge to salvation

Raising faith’s redemptive view

 

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From Ephesians 1:7-9:  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us.  With all wisdom and insight He has made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He set forth in Christ.”

Life’s Green Light (Haiku Series #224)

Novel Song

Every precious day

With another step taken—

Rhythm’s magic leads

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Tenacity Steps In

Three strikes and you’re out

New inning, second chances—

Back in batter’s box

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Writer’s Freedom

Feeling reclusive

Feeds introvert’s humbleness—

Autographing prose

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Monday Memories: If I Was a . . .

This poem is inspired by a song which has been sung by many artists.  Bobby Darin and later Johnny Cash and June Carter recorded their versions of “If I Were a Carpenter.”   The song was written by Tim Hardin, and other artists have recorded and performed the song as well.  Here is Bobby Darin’s version:  “If I Were a Carpenter.”

woman writing on dry erase board

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If I was a teacher

Bringing energy, passion, and patience

Showcasing learning as school’s top feature

 

If I was a firefighter

Serving with unselfish duty and pride

Protecting all, making worries lighter

 

If I was an architect

Designing buildings for many uses

Looking ahead to challenging projects

 

If I was a farmer

Rising at dawn, working until sundown

Bringing a nation food, as God’s armor

 

If I was a nurse

Sharing with patient, compassionate care

Filling lives with hope, never for the worse

 

If I was a writer

Crafting words into stories and much more

Witnessing through eyes, open and brighter

 

If I was a musician

Creating good vibes through words and music

Entertaining songs’ perfect rendition

 

If I was a preacher

Instilling God’s Word within a church’s flock

Encouraged to be one of God’s teachers

 

If I was a soldier

Preserving peace and freedom in the world

Band of brothers, stand shoulder to shoulder

 

If I was a young tyke

Looking up to these inspiring adults

Growing up, each day feeling more alike

photo of toddler running on grass

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Originally published March, 2020.

Mercy Conquers

From Psalm 69:14:  “Rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.”

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Watching man’s plight

God takes human form

Breathing Scripture’s cues

Mercy conquers storm

 

Stumbling in faith

God sees lack of trust

Sending His own Son

Evil becomes dust

 

Breaking sin’s chains

Calvary’s blood flows

Kneeling in prayer

Light enters shadows

 

Walking through fire

Grace making descent

Pulsing with courage

God always present

 

Witnessing cross

Spirit opens eyes

Accepting Jesus

God, more than life-size

 

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From 1 Corinthians 6:11:  “And this is what some of you used to be.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”

Springtime Blues

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Ceaseless, overnight rain

Early morn’s swollen creek

Flowing outside its bank

Nature ready to tweak

 

Smaller tributaries

Never to be left out

Gathering their volume

Flood’s growing runabout

 

Cloud’s river of moisture

Lengthy, not finished yet

Forecasting gloomy skies

Weather’s headlines typeset

 

Sun planning its comeback

But not for day or two

Waiting with humble song

Nature croons springtime blues

 

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Affirming Gospel (Elfchen Series #146)

Deliverance

Crushing

Sin’s chains

Light defeats darkness

Resurrection breathes with life

Victory

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Justice

Unwavering

Character strengthened

Integrity’s daily march

Filled with God’s righteousness

Assurance

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Journey

Justifying

God’s Word

Teaching life lessons

Each application rings true

Authority

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No Longer

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Facing life’s challenges

Decisions needing to be made

Stepping with confidence

No longer feeling afraid

 

Listening to own heart

Negative thoughts fading away

Taking positive steps

No longer leading astray

 

Flexing new attitude

Tomorrow inviting fresh start

Letting yesterday go

No longer filling sad heart

 

Leaving darkness behind

Choices finding healthy outlets

Loving new direction

No longer bringing regrets

 

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Albert Schweitzer Quotes

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Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by another encounter with another human being.

Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a French-born theologian, writer, humanitarian, and philosopher.  He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of “Reverence for Life.”