Confidence Through Courage

From Ephesians 6:10-12:  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power; put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for our struggle is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

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Evil waits in shadows

Always ready to pounce

Bending each tender rose

Courage fills every ounce

 

Darkness plays upon fears

Adversary arrives

Filling each heart with tears

Courage always survives

 

God’s armor shall protect

Against wicked’s arrows

Standing tall and erect

Courage never narrows

 

Bold light shines from above

God harbors faith’s stronghold

Sending grace, filled with love

Confidence grows and holds

 

Oh, God of Salvation

High upon solid rock

Blessing life’s narration

Confidence grasps bedrock

 

Shouts of joy, praising God

Hope now breathes, without fear

Walking on mercy’s sod

Confidence always near

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From Psalm 27:1-2:  “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—they shall stumble and fall.”

John Newton Quote

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Here is the humble confidence of faith–that what God begins shall not miscarry and those whom He leads shall not be lost.

From Mark 10:43-45:  “But it is not so among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.  For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.”

John Newton (1725-1807) was an English pastor who also was a writer of several hymns, including the beloved “Amazing Grace.”  His early life is filled with contrasts, when compared to his later life.  He served as a ship’s captain during the slave trade, but later renounced his work after his conversion to Christianity.  He became an outspoken opponent of the slave trade later in his life.

Hallowed Connections (Elfchen Series #128)

Thankfulness

Praising

Heavenly Father

Quenching our thirst

Thoughts filled with gratitude

Thanksgiving

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Devotion

Feeling

Every blessing

Receiving God’s Word

With songs of praise

Worship

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Confidence

 Trusting

Christ filling

Love’s grateful hearts

With His lasting hope

Grace

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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.

Ingrid Bergman Quotes

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Be yourself.  The world worships the original.

Happiness is good health and a bad memory.

Ingrid Bergman (1915-1982) was a Swedish-born actress who starred in a variety of European and American productions.  Over a five-decade career, her acting earned her countless awards, including three Academy Awards.

Life’s Odyssey (Haiku Series #159)

Better Tomorrow’s

Life crushed and shattered

Love’s undelivered intent—

Youthful innocence

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Starting Over

Where walked once before

Narrative regains traction—

Now making new tracks

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Learning’s Bridges

Confidence growing

Moments shared with life’s mentors—

Lessons never end

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Jack Nicklaus Quotes

Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one’s level of aspiration and expectation.

Confidence is believing in your own ability, knowing what you have to do to win.  My confidence was developed through preparation.

Ohio native Jack Nicklaus (born 1940) is considered by many to be the greatest American professional golfer.  Born in Columbus and later attending The Ohio State University, his accomplishments are too numerous to count.

Positive Attitude (Elfchen Series #74)

Optimistic

Pessimism

Gloomy predictions

Tossing them out

Believing in brighter tomorrow

Confidence

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Enticing

Temptation

Refrigerator’s pleasures

Sweet, salty, fat

Waiting to sabotage body

Goodbye

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Undaunted

Life

Daily philosophy

Follow these words

“Just do it”—yes!

Fearless

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Positive Affirmations

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Sharing affirmation

Bringing life tender smiles

Instilling confidence

Overcoming trials

 

Echoing words of praise

Focusing on kindness

Speaking positive words

Removing fear’s blindness

 

Spreading more peace and joy

Helping each other out

Expressing happiness

Casting away life’s doubts

 

Watching out for darkness

Lighting up someone’s day

Affirming yet again

Sweetening life’s sorbet

 

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In writing this poem, my creative juices challenged my poetic pen to quickly craft meaningful prose filled with positivity.  Today, may your thoughts and actions toward others share plenty of positive affirmation.

Living with Confidence

A very early poem of mine was entitled “Still a Desperate Man” which was inspired by Eric Church’s top country music hit of “Desperate Man.”  If you missed the earlier poem, follow the link.  I want to thank Jim Borden of Borden’s Blather for encouraging me to write this sequel.  I encourage you to check out Jim’s blog with its wonderful and inspiring variety of posts.

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Waking up each morning, right on time

My alarm clock allows this day to climb

Feeling happiness—this life now rhymes

 

Driving to work in a brand new set of wheels

With low monthly payments, my wallet squeals

Feeling joy—kicking up these dancing heels

 

Returning from work, this day’s in the books

Satisfied with how that hefty, new raise looks

Feeling elation—inviting a new life’s chinook

 

Opening up the fridge, filled with favorite delights

Dinner tonight, taking taste buds to new heights

Feeling serenity—life marches in bright lights

 

Opening the mail one quiet afternoon

My love’s note makes this heart swoon

Feeling peace—love takes us to the moon

 

Looking forward to seeing her this weekend

Her love will always be a blessed godsend

Feeling humility—life no longer at loose ends

 

This incredible life now follows a new game plan

Sailing calm waters aboard life’s catamaran

No longer will I ever feel like a desperate man

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