Compassion is not a virtue–it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have–it’s something we choose to practice.
What we know matters but who we are matters more.
Brene Brown (born 1965) is an American researcher and author. Much of her work has studied courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.
Words used every day
Little or much to say
Used in positive ways
Conveying life’s essays
Mindful, powerful voices
Daily, humble choices
Impacting other lives
Celebrate with high fives
Disciplined purpose speaks
Positivity seeks
Sharing tender kindness
Truthful, without blindness
Careful to help and heal
Offering a square deal
Words paying it forward
True and straightforward
Thoughtful expressions said
Weaving with tender thread
Replace evil with good
Words plain and understood
Honest lyrics in song
Carried through all day long
Life unfolds from our text
Watchful where words go next
This poem was written several days before January 6, 2021. Its intention was to praise and encourage the positive power of words. The events taking place in Washington, DC on January 6 showed the negative power of words. How will our future words speak?
Originally published January, 2021.
Honesty’s
Blessed illumination
Trusting in God
Light synchronized through Him
Choices
Actions
Requiring God
Life’s daily calculations
Putting Him always first
Focused
Viewing
Earthly landscape
From God’s perspective
Nourished with heavenly grace
Patience
Choices are the hinges of destiny.
For all your ways, prepare. And meet them ever alike: when you are the anvil, bear; when you are the hammer, strike.
Edwin Markham (1852-1940) was an American poet. One of his most read poems was “The Man with the Hoe,” which shed light on the exploitation of poor laborers.
Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Do you have a future?
Are you living free?
Perhaps you haven’t seen the time
you had to make a choice.
Will you choose to follow them,
or listen to another voice?
Make a vow unto yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.
Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Can you see the future,
where you’re living free?
Perhaps you know that He loves you.
He gave His life for all.
Will you listen to the world,
or listen to our Savior’s call?
Make a vow to yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.
Today’s poem is selected from Colleen Peterson’s recently published book. Her book is dedicated to themes of Family and Christian life.
My wife accumulated countless thoughts and writings over the years while her two daughters were in their childhood. Eventually, these treasured bits and pieces formed the foundation of her book.
Here are some of Colleen’s thoughts about the book:
Bits ‘N’ Pieces Of My heart contains stories, devotions and poetry for the adults, activities to do with your children, and fun little songs. The devotions and poetry will strongly open up your faith walk to more of God’s light. Doing the fun activities and singing little songs with your children will bring smiles to everyone’s heart.
More information is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several other platforms.
God instructs us in what we choose, that is, He guides our common sense, and we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually saying–“Now Lord, what is Thy will?”
From Psalm 25:14: “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes his covenant known to them.”
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.
Born into this world
Gifted with abilities—
Using for goodness
Watching out for self
Keeping hungry wolves away—
Nourished in spirit
Many roads ahead
Opportunity’s pathway—
Making wise choices
We basically have two choices to make in dealing with the mysteries of God. We can wrestle with Him or we can rest in Him.
From Mark 9:23-24: “Jesus said to him, ‘If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!'”
Calvin Miller (1936-2012) was an American pastor and Christian author.
Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.
The greatest danger to our future is apathy.
Jane Goodall (born 1934) is an English-born primatologist and anthropologist. She is considered the world’s foremost expert on the family and social interactions of chimpanzees.
Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions.
Peace is a conscious choice.
John Denver (1943-1997) was an American singer and songwriter. Born in New Mexico, he would call Aspen, Colorado his home from 1971 until his death. The Colorado State Legislature adopted his “Rocky Mountain High” as one of its two state songs.
Big Sky Buckeye 