The minute a person whose word means a great deal dares to take the open-hearted and courageous way, many others will follow.
We are all here to have a kind of living of our own and to be recognized for what we are.
Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was an American contralto whose deep, rich voice presented a variety of music from opera to spirituals. She performed in many venues in both Europe and the United States for nearly 40 years.
If the Lord be with us, we have no cause to fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer–His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.
From Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
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.
Stepping
From shadows
Leaving enemy’s darkness
Christ rises for us
Trusting
Strengthening
Faith’s heart
Building core values
Discipleship in Christ matures
Following
Sharing
Infinite love
Flowing with grace
Christ’s own daily delight
Interacting
A blade of grass is the journeywork of the stars.
The poet judges not as judge judges but as the sun falling around a helpless thing.
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.
Quelling emotions
Welcome each blossoming change—
Sunrise sets table
Friend’s steady guidance
Tomorrow’s journey brightens—
Today’s welcome steps
Encouragement’s light
Harvest of welcome choices—
Resilience well-knit
From 2 Timothy 1:3-4: “I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.”
Witnessing God’s desires each day
Growing in faith, kneeling to pray
Coming to our Savior in faith
Sharing blessings of the Good News
Telling others about Jesus
Understanding the Gospel’s views
Calling on the name of the Lord
Believing in His divine Grace
Saving us through body and blood
Walking with Christ, our special place
Studying Biblical teachings
Guiding others, led by God’s love
Drawing ever closer to Christ
Coveting His peace, from above
Abiding in Christ, the true vine
Encouraging our daily walk
Building stamina and our faith
Lighting our path, around the clock
Living under God’s righteousness
Trusting our Father day and night
Submitting to sacred commands
Transforming lives through faith’s daylight
Breathing with Savior’s peace and joy
Running to Jesus, faith’s convoy
From Philippians 4:19: “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Originally published December, 2020.
Stormy clouds gather
Today’s outlook dims
Covered now in darkness
Patience ready to swim
Challenges remain
Compassion checks in
Peace about to arrive
Patience blending within
Course change encouraged
Navigation set
Calm breath’s steady compass
Patience erases threat
Progress comes about
Horizon lightens
Ember of thankful grace
Patience’s fabric brightens
New day beginning
Each hour flying by
Tomorrow just ahead
Patience fills endless sky
From Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Always going before us
Seeing every tomorrow
Faith’s steadfast anchor
Courage, buoyed by Spirit’s shadow
Every moment in prayer
Feeling His daily kinship
Peace shared from Father
Grace sails, with encouragement’s ship
Journey’s turbulent moments
Shrinking in Calvary’s light
Christ wins each battle
Enemy’s darkness, taking flight
Imperfect oceans of faith
Sailing upon trusted rock
Redemption in Christ
Mercy’s strength, brings to Heaven’s dock
From 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Keep alert; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
The road to the head lies through the heart.
Father
Calls us
For His use
Facing life’s daily grind
Faithfulness
Father
Helps us
Hearts set afire
Lighting way through darkness
Trustworthiness
Father
Teaches us
Lessons in forgiveness
Sending out His disciples
Worthiness
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.
Big Sky Buckeye 