Monday Memories: Power of Words

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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

 

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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.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

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It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

From Philippians 2:3-4:  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher.  He was a leading voice in America’s transcendentalist movement in the 19th century.

Chip Ingram Quote

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The cross is the greatest example of humility and devotion in the universe.  Jesus put your needs ahead of His own.  He considered you more valuable than Himself.

From Philippians 2:3-5:  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.   Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”

Ralph Browne (Chip) Ingram (born 1954) is an American pastor and Christian teacher.

Focused on Christ

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From Philippians 2:3-4:  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.”

Encouragement in Christ

Sharing love-filled grace

Witnessing humility

Heart’s very special place

 

Of one mind with Jesus

Sharing selfless love

Caring first, for others’ needs

Led by Spirit above

 

Every breath mirrors Christ

Sharing mercy’s joy

Walking with unselfish thoughts

Honest actions deploy

 

Each step follows Jesus

Sharing Spirit’s light

Taking obedient path

Humbleness guides faith’s sight

 

Always focused on Christ

Sharing fresh outlook

Living within dignity

Tomorrow’s quiet brook

 

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From Philippians 2:14-15:  “Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world.”

Monday Memories: Living with Confidence

A very early poem of mine was entitledStill 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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Originally published July, 2020.

Leo Buscaglia Quote

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Life is God’s gift to you.  The way you live your life is your gift to God.  Make it a fantastic one.

Leo Buscaglia (1924-1998) was an American author and motivational speaker.  

Humility’s Witness (Elfchen Series #204)

Rebirth

Enlightened

Accepting Jesus

One, true Messiah

Through Him, new life

Beholding

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Manifest

Empowered

Denying oneself

Ready to serve

Heart overflows with grace

Believing

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Resolute

Undaunted

Emptying thyself

Filled with faithfulness

Carrying Christ’s own cross

Following

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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.

Dignity Intact (Haiku Series #274)

Resolute

Solid character

Bracing against every storm—

Always standing tall

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Sincere

Genuine remarks

Appreciating others—

Integrity speaks

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Resilient

Fame’s fleeting limelight

Humility covers heart—

Enduring respect

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Monica Baldwin Quote

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What makes humility so desirable in the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God.

From 1 Peter 5:5-6:  “And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time.”

Monica Baldwin (1893-1975) was a British writer.  

Franklin Pierce Quotes

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But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man’s wisdom.

It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.

Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) was the 14th President of the United States.  He was a resident of the state of New Hampshire.