Breath at Sunrise (Haiku Series #374)

Gratitude

Gentle morning rain

Freshening landscape’s spirit—

Reverent stillness

Harmony

Gentle morning breeze

Rejuvenation’s spirit—

Everlasting peace

 

Replenishment

 Gentle morning light

Infusing nature’s spirit—

Outlook’s warm design

Spirit Stirs Within

From Matthew 5:1-3:  “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  And He began to speak and taught them, saying:  ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'”

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Christ’s devotion to teaching sprouts

Spirit stirs within, reaching out

 

God’s people face darkness and mourn

Jesus rises, mercy reborn

 

Humbleness fills each grateful heart

Jesus delivers life’s fresh start

 

Righteousness quenches every thirst

Jesus fills hunger, love immersed

 

Forgiveness offers Living Bread

Jesus leaves Spirit in His stead

 

Purity in heart brings God near

Jesus offers breath of grace to steer

 

Peace sown in trusting hearts of man

Jesus offers hope from God’s own plan

 

Children of God shall overcome

Jesus blesses kingdom to come

 

Christ’s motivations never cease

Spirit’s fruits cherish joy-filled peace

 

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From Matthew 5:6:  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Dag Hammarskjold Quote

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For what has been, thanks!  For what shall be, yes!

From Proverbs 24:14:  “Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, you will find a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961) was a Swedish economist and diplomat.  He served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations (1953-1961).

Contagious Faith

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Reflections from French Archbishop, theologian, and writer, Francois Fenelon (1651-1715):  “Faith is letting down our nets into the transparent deeps at the Divine command, not knowing what we shall draw.”

 

A well-seasoned fisherman had been casting his nets throughout the night.  Unfortunately for him and his family, there would likely be no fresh fish by morning.

As he gathered his empty nets, a light beam shone across the waters on the left side of his boat.  He felt the Spirit’s quiet nudge, “Cast the net over here.”

The gentle man was suddenly filled with peace. Without hesitation, he cast his nets over the side of the boat.  As the light receded, he felt the boat being drawn deeper into the waters.

Elated with his good fortune, he began pulling in nets heavy with a monumental catch.  Indeed, there would be enough fish to feed his family for many days to come.

As he pulled in the final feet of net onboard, he was surrounded by a sea of fish.  Filled with gratitude, his eyes moved to witness the rising sun, and he paused to pray to God above.  His tone of thankfulness praised the Lord for His goodness.

 

From John 21:4-6:  “Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’  They answered him, ‘No.’  He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’  So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.”

 

Transforming Experiences (Elfchen Series #288)

Gratitude

Stepping

From shadows

Leaving enemy’s darkness

Christ rises for us

Trusting

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Encouragement

Strengthening

Faith’s heart

Building core values

Discipleship in Christ matures

Following

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Assurance

Sharing

Infinite love

Flowing with grace

Christ’s own daily delight

Interacting

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Henry Ward Beecher Quotes

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Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

Hope is sweet-minded and sweet-eyed.  It draws pictures; it weaves fancies; it fills the future with delight.

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.

Taste of Joy (Haiku Series #354)

Reconnecting

Morning rendezvous

Meeting best friends for coffee—

Grace fills every cup

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Defining

Daily morning breath

Coffee, you always do it—

Another cup please

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Energizing

Morning’s fresh muffin

Tasting sweeter with coffee—

Way over the top!

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Coming Together

From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Charles Swindoll:  “Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection . . . an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful.  The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.”

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National tradition

Year’s intentional pause

Coming together as one

With purposeful cause

 

Nation’s heart now gathers

Thanksgiving welcomes all

Putting aside differences

Mercy’s blessed call

 

Family’s homeward steps

Cherished goodness brightens

Strengthening tomorrow’s bonds

Grace shall enlighten

 

Love fills another home

Peace refreshes outlook

Praying with one single voice

Heaven’s warm chinook

 

Harmony writes new psalm

Tranquility’s fellowship

Sharing gratitude today

Praise from every lip

 

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From Revelation 7:12:  “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever!   Amen.”

Lasting Peace (Elfchen Series #274)

Eternal

Faith’s

Divine garden

Seeded without weeds

Nourished with Living Water

Maturity

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Everyday

Hope’s

Fertile soil

Cultivated with grace

Sunrise offers endless bounty

Harvest

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Benevolence

Joy’s

Fruitful journey

Sustained with love

Sown with trusted hands

Gratitude

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Joy’s Anticipation

From John 15:10-11:  “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

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Rejoicing with Father

Peace quiets every storm

Joy’s spirit transforms heart

Nurturing, always warm

 

Learning from Father’s Word

Faith nourished, always trust

Joy sails on eagle’s wings

Bringing light, always just

 

Receiving Father’s grace

Precious gift of each day

Joy cascades from His love

Rising sun, never gray

 

Walking in Father’s steps

Hope breathes with every stride

Joy’s anticipation

Filling outlook with pride

 

Kneeling at Father’s feet

Gratitude sweeps ashore

Joy flowing with gladness

Entering Heaven’s door

 

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From the words of American evangelist, Bill Bright:  “The joy of God is experienced as I love, trust, and obey God.”