I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.
For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary in the pockets of the hungry.
Mary Oliver (1935-2019) was a best-selling American poet, who received many honors for her work. Her love of nature can be found in much of her writing, and it resulted in honors from the National Book Award in 1992 and Pulitzer Prize in 1984.
To be in Christ is the source of the Christian life; to be like Christ is the sum of His excellence; to be with Christ is the fullness of His joy.
From 2 Corinthians 5:17: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!”
Charles Hodge (1797-1878) was an American theologian and Christian teacher.
From Proverbs 10:2: “Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”
Footsteps seeking shortcut
Tempted with distractions
Detours filled with wrong turns
Darkness shrouds each transaction
Father’s road forsaken
Evil offers his way
Man’s eagerness to shine
Misguided bypass each day
Pulled away from Father
North, then south . . . now alone
West, then east . . . deeply lost
Next destination . . . unknown
Spirit’s faithfulness breathes
Constant grace, always bright
Jesus walking ahead
Resurrection’s blessed light
Filled with hope’s renewal
Witness of Savior’s peace
Fruits of Spirit descend
Wondrous joy fills every piece
Pathway of righteousness
Obstacles cleared away
Father’s trusted wisdom
Faith’s choices follow His way
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.”
Experiencing
Father’s teachings
Moments of worship
Maturing with faithful steps
Hope
Praising
Heavenly Father
Rock of salvation
Inscribing faith’s enduring song
Joy
Witnessing
Father’s promises
Gentleness molding faith
Wayward sheep leaving wilderness
Peace
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.
I am grateful for being alive today. It is my joy and pleasure to live another wonderful day.
Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.
Louise Hay (1926-2017) was an American author and motivational speaker.
Morning’s cup of Joe
Universal love language—
Sunrise shares her joy
Cup of blessed bliss
Delicious meets liquid gold—
Freshly brewed comfort
Sharing cup with friends
Rendezvous pouring kindness—
Life’s simple moments
Every thought we think is creating our future.
My day begins and ends with gratitude and joy.
Louise Hay (1926-2017) was an American author and motivational speaker.
Speaking to others
Thoughtful grace shining outward—
Revealing kindness
Enthusiasm’s voice
Sunshine brightens one more life—
Spirits lifted up
Nurtured, fertile ground
Cultivation’s happiness—
Spreading seeds of joy
From Isaiah 9:2: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
Facing each new trial
Fearing defeat once more
Source of strength found in Christ
Witnessing His open door
Darkness shrinking away
Mercy’s light shining in
Source of hope found in Christ
Faith’s renewal now begins
Hearing His trusted Word
Walking truth’s righteous road
Source of hope found in Christ
Lessoning life’s heavy load
Bloodied cross flows with tears
Empty tomb sharing light
Source of joy found in Christ
Enemy’s lies taking flight
Accepting morning’s grace
Forgiving every sin
Source of love found in Christ
Believing what’s felt within
From Joel 3:16: “The Lord roars from Zion and utters His voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shake. But the Lord is a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.”
From Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
With every sunrise
Heart filling with grace
Overflowing love
From heavenly place
Freed of darkest clouds
Light removes blindness
Beginning at home
Power of kindness
Father’s chosen ones
Mercy stirs inside
Clothed with humbleness
Joyful, lasting ride
New life takes over
Love leads our labors
Voices singing psalms
Forgive each neighbor
Peace of Christ shall lead
“Golden Rule” thrives
Called as one Body
Compassion arrives
From Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Big Sky Buckeye 