Bible history is filled with people who began the race with great success but failed at the end because they disregarded God’s rules.
From Proverbs 13:13: “Those who despise a word bring destruction on themselves, but those who respect a command will be rewarded.”
The writing of this poem is inspired from the works of American poet, Walt Whitman (1819-1892).
Escaping life’s hectic pace
Finding nature’s retreat
Breathing her refreshing air
Freedom’s open love seat
Waking to blessed sunrise
Living off nature’s land
Sowing seeds, fertile harvest
Freedom’s new motherland
Pursuing nature’s rhythm
Feeling never alone
Answering only to God
Freedom’s sturdy jawbone
Sleeping under nightly stars
Filling mind, mellow dreams
Sharing nature’s melodies
Freedom’s harmony beams
Experiencing new joy
Tasting nature’s flavor
Discovering Father’s gift
Freedom’s grace-filled favor
Happiness, not in another place but this place . . . not for another hour, but this hour.
I dream in my dreams all the dreams of the other dreamers. And I become the other dreamers.
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was one of America’s most influential poets. His writing prowess was not only evident in his poems, but also in his work as a journalist and essayist.
Life’s thorny issues
Tainting our experience—
Tasting bitterness
Sitting down to write
Rediscovering lost art—
Letter to dear friend
Sooner or later
Actions bringing correction—
Life’s daily cadence
Keep conscience clear, then never fear.
Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a Founding Father of the United States. He served his nation as a prominent statesman and effective diplomat.
This poem is inspired by a favorite hymn of many, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
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Living weak in character
Laying at the Cross, past torts
Jesus, always our friend
Hearing our troubling reports
Stepping humbly to our Lord
Dumping these tribulations
Jesus, always through His love
Building our life’s foundation
Facing polarizing darkness
Bearing pain, feeling alone
Jesus waits, always trusting
Welcoming us to His own
Taking us, lifting us up
Rescuing us from sin’s shame
Jesus, always rebuilds faith
Saving through His Father’s name
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From 1 Peter 1:21: “Through Him you have come to trust in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.”
Jesus promised peace for those who trust in Him, and He delivers on His promises.
From John 16:12-13: “But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.”
From Psalm 25:5: “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.”
Living in God’s Kingdom
Providing all things
Sharing His steadfast peace
Grace forever springs
Healing our tattered souls
Witnessing our plight
Stirring up lasting faith
Eternity’s light
Filling hearts with mercy
Kindling each sunrise
Soaring on eagle’s wings
Glory in God’s eyes
Casting darkness aside
Saving every heart
Loving each child of God
New life now restarts
Blessing with His goodness
Hearing our sad cries
Raising us up in Christ
Salvation’s franchise
From Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Sin bad. Jesus good. Details inside.
From 1 John 1:9: “ If we confess our sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Being retired, my days are usually filled with plenty of leisure time. But even the best laid-out plans can suffer from a surprise.
Arriving in the afternoon mail is a registered letter from the local school district. Hmm, I wonder what they want with me.
In examining the letter, my usual fun-loving outlook fades while reading each sentence. My school transcript shows that I didn’t complete Kindergarten.
My goodness! I’m 66 years old and a grandfather. What gives here?
I’ve been instructed to show up on the first day of school at Central Heights Elementary School (my alma mater).
The following Monday, I am in the classroom . . . not exactly eager to be here. I look around the room at the tiny tables and even smaller chairs. How am I going to be able to sit in these?
Suddenly, I spy a much bigger chair in front of a colorful rug on the floor. I sit down while the rest of the class comes rumbling in from the playground. Their voices raise the roof with all of their morning energy. I guess that they’ve been fed with extra sugar, oh my!
The teacher, Mrs. Meissner, makes her dramatic entrance. A piercing whistle quiets down the class. I am already feeling a migraine headache approaching.
Mrs. Meissner walks over and motions me to sit in a much smaller chair. Are you kidding?
Later in the morning, she directs the class to sit on the colorful rug. Everyone sits “Indian” style with both legs crossed. I am somehow able to sit in this yoga position, but I can feel my muscles already cramping up.
As she sits in the adult-sized chair, she reads a story to the class about what Kindergarten will be like. As she reads, she inserts each student’s name into the plot. I keep listening for my name, but the story ends without a single mention of yours truly.
As the day continues, we (the students and I) practice how to walk in straight lines to the restroom and the cafeteria. We also are reminded to keep our hands to ourselves and to speak with soft voices.
The school bell rings at dismissal time. The youngsters eagerly and safely board their busses for their ride home.
I stand at the curb and wait for my granddaughter to pick me up. My car is being serviced at the garage as it needs a 100,000 mile checkup.
After just one day of Kindergarten, I feel like my body needs an immediate check. Rubbing my aching lower back, I am thinking of scheduling a chiropractic exam as soon as possible.
I finally reach home, and there is another registered letter waiting for me. Tearing the envelope open, I find that the school board has ruled on my appeal. I am no longer required to attend Kindergarten. Hooray, no more back to school for me!
Inside the envelope is an application for employment with the school district. They are looking for additional staff since there is shortage of Kindergarten teachers for this school year.
Big Sky Buckeye 