Darkness of morning
Massive thunderstorm gathers—
Waiting light of peace
Nighttime without joy
Storm’s anger now exhausted—
Brilliant sunrise
Today’s windy breath
Questions about tomorrow—
Navigating hope
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
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.”
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.
From Psalm 105:1-2: “O give thanks to the Lord; call on His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonderful works.”
Eyes of eagerness
Scanning earthly realm
Witnessed from Heaven’s light
Finding Christ at faith’s helm
Every miracle
Generating hope
Touched by Bethlehem’s light
Grasping Messiah’s rope
Blessed with wonderful
Singing hymns of praise
Confirmed through divine light
Teaching from faith ablaze
Truth fills worship’s tone
Tasting daily bread
Nourished from Savior’s light
Redeeming through blood shed
Eternity’s peace
Overflowing grace
Summoned to trusted light
Bringing joy to each face
From Psalm 105:5-6: “Remember the wonderful works He has done, His miracles and the judgments He has uttered, O offspring of His servant Abraham, children of Jacob, His chosen ones.”
Depending
Upon Father
Guiding light embraced
Faith’s trusted path rebuilt
Hope
Rescued
By Father
Hearing morning’s cry
Forgiveness removes heavy burdens
Peace
Accepting
Father’s grace
Nourishing daily strength
Filled with infinite love
Joy
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.
Another uplifting story
Kindness writing every word
Sharing humble hearts at peace
Celebrating all that’s heard
Local heroes stepping forward
Kindness speaking from each heart
Making each small difference
Shaping city’s fresh restart
Joy mixed throughout every voice
Kindness enhances life’s strengths
Offering each breath of grace
Bringing hope within arm’s length
Love deepens each interaction
Kindness blesses day’s outreach
Encouraging tomorrow
Softening with words that teach
Dressing in layers
Furnace running at top speed—
Now, who loves winter?
Kitchen’s window view
Yard’s relentless, frozen scene—
Calendar says “Spring”
Welcomed arrival
Spring bursting with treasured breath—
Red robin flies in
Envision every hillside
Covered in tranquility’s green
Beauty forever remains
Painting another scene
One road leads to paradise
Illuminated, trusted hope
Freedom’s quiet voice remains
Focusing journey’s scope
Darkness often threatens peace
Conquered by heart’s determined beat
Positive outlook remains
Walking each lighted street
Sunrise offers sweetest taste
Brightened with kindness, full of grace
Expression of joy remains
Sharing love to embrace
With Jesus living in our hearts, we can experience heaven on the way to heaven.
From Romans 14:17: “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
David Jeremiah (born 1941) is an American pastor and Christian author.
There is no greater joy in the Christian life than to trust Him and need no explanation.
From Jeremiah 17:7: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.”
Jack Hyles (1926-2001) was an American pastor, who led his congregation at First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana from 1959 until his death. He was well-known for creating a bus ministry to bring people to worship at First Baptist Church.
The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.
Big Sky Buckeye 