Monday Memories: Gratitude

This poem is a guest post from my then 11-year old granddaughter.  She wrote this poem for her Language Arts class, and she has given permission to post her untouched words just as she wrote them.  Enjoy the gratitude that she shares.

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This warm bed

that is really comfy and soft

that is only payed off

by my parents and their jobs

that is filled with

blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals

that is around me as I

dream off to sleep

 

I lay there at night

to recharge my body

I lay there to rest

my body

I lay there if I am sick

to help heal my body

I lay there to wake up

to get ready for the day

 

As we get ready to

dream off again

I lay there ready to fall

asleep

Soon I am fast asleep  ZZZZZZ

 

Living with Confidence

A very early poem of mine was entitled “Still 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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Calming Our Fears

From the words of Dr. Martin Luther King:  “Courage faces fear and thereby masters it.  Cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it.”

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Worry arrives with concerns never to come

Building upon past fears, stoking future ones

Life’s landscape fills with looming mountains

Instead of gentle molehills, fear gathers and stuns

 

Concerns about future challenges come forth

Transforming into worries, fueling more fear

Darkest clouds come together and gather

Who will grab the wheel and start to steer?

 

Waiting for our Lord, He renews our strength

Living by faith, His Word restores our soul

Rejoicing in hope, patient in suffering

Renewed by the Spirit, we feel more whole

 

God always walks with us, seek Him in prayer

Darkest valleys ahead, His love casts out fears

With compassion for our sufferings, hear His Word

Comforted by His rod and staff, God never veers

 

Asking of our Father, seeking His counsel

Bringing clearer witness, through His precise scope

His guidance renews our hearts, calming fears

His wisdom touches minds, filled with Gospel hope

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From Mark 5:35-36:  “While He was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’  But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.'”

Headlining the News

From recent editions of The Columbus Dispatch, here are some headlines pulled together into a poetry format.  We are blessed in the United States to experience the presence of a free press.  I am blessed to be able to read a local newspaper which does an effective job of being objective in its reporting.

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School funding equity reform continues to vex lawmakers

Economic downturns, budget cuts turn into deal breakers

 

Racism proclaimed as a public health plague

Insuring equitable policies, no longer vague

 

Spare bedrooms shouldn’t be a home for junk

Cleaning and decluttering this neglected funk

 

Underpaid, essential workers feeling pushed to the brink

Working under conditions, where danger doesn’t shrink

 

Books delve into joys, thrills, mysteries of living

Rediscovering one’s love to read, always giving

 

Peaceful protest awakens a small community

Exercising constitutional rights, walk for unity

 

Expectant women consider giving birth at home

Fearing pandemic at hospital, isolated and alone

 

Protest arrives in another small town

Rumors and hatred stir up all around

 

Cool investment of money can buy posh LA chateau

Dazzling, skyline residence requires hefty cash flow

 

Local man walking the state, one step at a time

His reflections leading to a quiet, new paradigm

 

Crippled postal service tackling financial woes

Pandemic cutting usage, usual revenue slows

 

Walking, marching together—freedom as one

Tired of hatred and discrimination—never fun

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A Father and So Much More

This is a very special guest post.  I received a wonderful Father’s Day message from my wife earlier today.  In her own right, Mrs. Big Sky Buckeye is a talented writer who has crafted her share of poetry and other writings.  The photos used are from the WordPress library.

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. . . FIRST

You are their son, and they are very proud

to point you out from amid the crowd.

Your life is founded on what God has done,

and you share the love of His only Son.

 

. . . AND

You are my husband, step dad and grandpa.

You love, and comfort, and help with awe.

Our life together is based on God’s grace,

and together show that in every case.

 

. . . BETTER

You are a father to three special girls.

They are second to none in the world.

You gave them guidance, love and care each day,

and you shared their interests along the way.

 

. . . BEST

You are a father, the teacher all need.

All can see God’s love in you, indeed.

As father, you are still one of God’s best.

With you in our family, we are so blessed.

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