Praying
For neighbors
Spreading Good News
Christ walks with us
Supporting
Praying
Holy Father
Hearing His wisdom
Spirit’s light ends darkness
Renewing
Praying
For adversaries
Sharing Christ’s love
Division begins to soften
Healing
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.
Entering
Narrow gate
Road appears hard
But, leads to new
Life
Walking
With Jesus
Truth’s unshakable hand
Faith defines our future
Life
Receiving
Lord’s grace
Steadfast in faith
Blessed gift of eternal
Life
From Hebrews 11:1-3: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”
Daily news fills with darkness
Wilderness, eternal home
Future forever empty
Trials continue to roam
Standing alone, Father speaks
Hearing His goodness in Word
Building life’s new foundation
Walking to His light’s watchword
Steps marching with assurance
Trust in Father grows each day
Hope strengthened in His mercy
Steadfast love charting faith’s way
Receiving this gift of faith
Praising Father’s divine lease
Fulfilling every promise
Inheriting grace-filled peace
From Psalm 33:20-22: “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and shield. Our heart is glad in Him because we trust in His holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”
The life of faith isn’t meant for tourists. It’s meant for pilgrims.
From Genesis 12:1-2: “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'”
Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.
Endurance is patience concentrated.
Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) was a Scottish historian and philosopher. His prolific writings earned him the title of “the undoubted head of English letters” in the 19th century.
As we progress along the path we should adopt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is uniquely ours.
Love is the natural flow or outgrowth of the wisdom of oneness.
We cross paths, sometimes even travel together for a bit–to learn from each other.
Drama doesn’t just walk into your life. Either you create it, invite it, or associate with it.
From Luke 9:59-60: “To another He said, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'”
Life’s journey calling thee
Expectations reach out
Chains of flesh holding tight
Darkness casting its doubt
Hundreds gather to hear
Christ willingly teaches
His actions empower
Endless spirit reaches
Christ commands, follow Me
Father’s Word sets life’s tone
Go, proclaim His kingdom
With God, never alone
Spirit’s transforming hand
Born again, faith renewed
Hope’s patience enduring
Evil’s choices subdued
Life’s labors, not in vain
Daily, Christ leading on
His steadfast support stands
Tomorrow’s lasting dawn
From 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
From Psalm 16:1-2: “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'”
Seeing foolishness
Walking darkest roads
Life’s journey of faith
Coming to crossroads
To whom shall we choose?
Evil’s empty book
Filled with deception
Flesh becomes his hook
Wilderness calls out
God’s refuge protects
Love filled with goodness
Earning our respect
Boundary lines set
Marching in God’s trust
Chosen path of life
Faith removes our lust
Always before us
God’s daily support
His right hand’s guidance
Grace never falls short
From Psalm 16:11: “You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Growing up, young lad’s treasured dreams
Playing on big league baseball team
Fun-filled adventure marks most days
Journey’s actions conquer life’s maze
Thoughts of family seem remote
Happy to fish from Dad’s new boat
Learning life’s lessons on God’s watch
Scripture’s heroes always topnotch
Far too soon, years advance along
Melodies of love, life’s new song
Marriage joins young man with his bride
Sons and daughters, soon at their side
God’s fatherly lessons made clear
Maturity quiets each fear
Fatherhood blesses this Dad’s soul
Making him feel alive and whole
Collecting lifetime of keepsakes
Children love his homemade milkshakes
Years move quickly, home’s empty nest
Dad’s wisdom guides each child’s quest
Creating humbleness of heart
Fatherhood ignites life’s jumpstart
Big Sky Buckeye 