Comforting
Morning’s gentle rain
Rinsing away dark outlook—
Sun rises with peace

Refreshing
Giant redwoods breathe
Quenching rains arrive onshore—
Coastline feeling peace

Fulfilling
Mountain waters run
Chasing ocean far away—
Rivers’ flowing peace

Morning’s gentle rain
Rinsing away dark outlook—
Sun rises with peace

Giant redwoods breathe
Quenching rains arrive onshore—
Coastline feeling peace

Mountain waters run
Chasing ocean far away—
Rivers’ flowing peace


Tomorrow crashing
Storm coming
Apathy’s reign building
Grave doubts becoming
Challenges brewing
Storm coming
Intensity building
Darkness incoming
Opinions clashing
Storm coming
Confusion keeps building
Future’s shortcomings
All nations trembling
Storm coming
World’s grim outlook building
Frightened and numbing
Trusted light glowing
Peace coming
Storm no longer building
Hope-filled homecoming


Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.
The greatest danger to our future is apathy.
Jane Goodall (born 1934) is an English-born primatologist and anthropologist. She is considered the world’s foremost expert on the family and social interactions of chimpanzees.

Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.
No one ever said life was fair. Just eventful.
Carol Burnett (born 1933) is an American actress, comedian, and author. She hosted her own television variety and comedy show from 1967 to 1978.

Autumn rains lasting for days
Covering the land with mist
Cleansing under cloudy haze
Rising pollen, now dismissed
Harvest pausing, farmers wait
Parking soybeans, left to take
Drying cornstalks, know their fate
Standing ready, combines brake
Creeks filling, slowly at first
Running water, sent ahead
Suspending reservoirs’ thirst
Pausing for now, winter’s dread
Nature’s perfect cycle breathes
Singing praises to the Lord
Watching as autumn unsheathes
Waking when spring comes aboard

Originally published October, 2020.

We are surrounded by modern, time-saving devices, but we never seem to have enough time.
I think that in modern America, we have far too many options for breakfast cereal and not enough options for President.
Barry Schwartz (born 1946) is an American psychologist who frequently writes about society’s relationships in terms of behavioral science.

We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.
You can’t base your life on other people’s expectations.
Stevie Wonder (born 1950) is an American singer and songwriter.

Even if I know that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.
From Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.”

Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic selves. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen.
Today expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday.
Sarah Ban Breathnach (born 1947) is an American author, philanthropist, and speaker.

In tomorrow’s shadows
Worry waits to jump out
Disappointment crashes in
Filling waves with doubt
Aspirations seem dashed
Sunrise seemingly locked
Yesterday not forgotten
Seeing future blocked
Breath of sorrow surrounds
Hope seen flowing away
Another storm standing tall
Searching through its gray
Dreams no longer brightened
Today’s voyage postponed
Been at this moment before
Feeling self disowned
Freedom shares patient heart
Journey no longer drowned
Faithful love comes alongside
Sailing homeward-bound
