Extending kindness
Receiving back so much more—
Makes this world go round
Another mountain
Accepting heartfelt wisdom—
Challenge overcome
Sharing life’s story
Seeing goodness in others—
Through each written page
No journey is complete that does not lead through some dark valleys. We can properly comfort others only with the comfort wherewith we ourselves have been comforted of God.
From Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Vance Havner (1901-1986) was an American pastor and Christian author. During his many years of service to the Lord, he preached throughout America.
Who of us has not longed for a word from God, searched for a glimpse of His power, or yearned for the reassurance of His presence, only to feel that He seems absent from the moment. Yet later, we realize how very present He was all along.
From Psalm 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.”
Stormy clouds now gather
Reins held with steady hand
Confident in leadership
Vision meets each demand
Horizon sets choices
Consistency calls out
Dynamic in leadership
Navigates faithful route
World hungers for balance
Tempered with compassion
Gentleness in leadership
Efforts filled with passion
Opportunity breathes
From time-tested flagship
Decisive in leadership
Never loses its grip
Journey’s expectations
Surpassed with every test
Resilient in leadership
Finishes one more quest
The best way to get to know any bunch of people is to go and listen to their music.
One day we’ll all find out that all of our songs was just little notes in a great big song.
Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) was an American folk singer and songwriter.
We live our lives under the careful, loving, gracious, albeit sovereign, hand of our God. And the movements of time and history tick off according to His reckoning, exactly as He ordained.
From Psalm 31:14-15: “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand.”
Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.
From Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff–they comfort me.”
Being careful with life’s missteps
Sinful disobedience waits
God’s Word touches our inner soul
Hell pleasing, never be our fate
Our truest, most faithful support
Shall always arrive from His love
God’s Word will endure forever
His Spirit reigns from high above
When life’s dark trials boil over
Creating quagmires of distress
God’s Word quells each predicament
His next move leads like playing chess
Our life’s journey travels by faith
Transformed by Christ’s merciful heart
God’s Word reaches out, filled with hope
Bringing a new day, let’s restart
From 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Originally published July, 2020.
Hope makes you see God’s guiding hand not only in the gentle and pleasant moments but also in the shadows of disappointment and darkness.
From Psalm 37:24-26: “Our steps are made firm by the Lord when He delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.”
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.
I feel so fortunate to have so much of nature’s treasures not far from my front door. Two metro parks are a short drive away, and their endless song always beckons me to return. The photos used with this poem were taken in central Ohio at various times of the year.
Nature will never sing the blues
Her beauty sends out blessed clues
Walking with her in tranquil woods
Sharing her soul, always feels good
Moments cherished, singing with joy
Her spirit brings much to enjoy
Spending endless hours in her care
Filling with melodies to share
Life’s journey follows nature’s tune
Her endless smile reaches the moon
Smelling the essence of tall pines
Tasting better than vineyard’s wines
Cycle of living never fades
Nature coyly playing charades
Changing seasons bring new décor
Hearing symphonies, voices soar
Autumn sets up winter’s game plan
Spring fading into summer’s tan
Composing its endless, ageless song
Hearing nature, singing along
Originally published June, 2020.
Tempting much too early
Overflowing thoughts stir
Life’s background music plays
Traveling to Big Sur
Remembering darkness
Transforming to moonlight
Memories play again
Rising from calmest night
Filling empty bucket
Pondering this new day
Distant dawn now teases
Opening mind to play
Feeling heartbeat’s rhythm
Leaving shadow’s twilight
Wisdom’s timeless travels
Scaling forgotten heights
Harmonizing sunrise
Glowing horizon beams
Sweet morning refreshment
Waking from blissful dream
Big Sky Buckeye 