Monday Memories: Fear Not

From Matthew 14:22-24: “Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.”

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Life’s storms intensify

Overcoming with fear

Facing each hostile sea

Darkness, nothing seems clear

 

Spiritual squalls come

Turning world upside down

Battered by strongest gales

Fearing each wave’s knockdown

 

Christ’s love intercedes

Praying hands, clay’s potter

Mountains to heavens

Walking on calm water

 

Jesus never leaves us

Storms quietly subside

His blessed protection

Lasting, sovereign guide

 

Fear not, faith’s spark ablaze

Christ’s true light boldly seeds

Following Son of God

Hope ripens from His deeds

 

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From Matthew 14:25-27:  “And early in the morning He came walking toward them on the sea.  But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'”

Originally published December, 2020.

Willa Cather Quotes

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Life hurries past us . . . too strong to stop, too sweet to lose.

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.

Willa Cather (1873-1947) was a writer known for her stories of living on the Great Plains.

At Last Found

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Conflict’s consuming breath

Tomorrow’s sunrise waits

Evening’s beating rhythm

Will darkness be mankind’s fate?

 

Each hour fails to open

Anger’s agitation

Whispers breeding chaos

Peace scouting for its station

 

Searching for safe harbor

Bumpy shall be ship’s ride

Echoes’ explosive drift

Stormy waters’ rising tide

 

Calmness now surfaces

Persistence pays each debt

Voices now standing down

Courageous steps quell each threat

 

Tomorrow comes about

Darkness has run aground

Morning works together

Blessed spirit at last found

 

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Storm Coming

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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

 

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Love Comes Alongside

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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

 

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Golda Meir Quotes

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Old age is like a plane flying through a storm.  Once you’re aboard, there’s nothing you can do.

If only political leaders would allow themselves to feel, as well as to think, the world might be a happier place.

Golda Meir (1898-1978) was Prime Minister of Israel from 1969-1974.  She was and has remained Israel’s only female head of government.

Dolly Parton Quotes

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Storms make trees take deeper roots.

Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.

Dolly Parton (born 1946) is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter.  Her success in country music has enriched her life with opportunities to become a philanthropist, actress, and businesswoman.

Harm’s Way

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Early morning darkness

Sleep filled with quiet dreams

Sudden interruption!

Storm alert’s pulsing beam

 

Wide awake, checking phone

Tornado touching down

Only miles west of home

Shelter sought all around

 

Weather’s constant updates

Safety makes its quick choice

Moving to surest place

Heart fills with peaceful voice

 

Warning shrieks from siren

Calling all to be smart

Retreating from harm’s way

Bathroom, now rescue cart

 

Outside, wind-driven rain

Pounding with clear intent

Will storm alter its path?

Praying calmness be sent

 

Storm front now moving east

Heaven’s safety net cast

Thoughts with others in need

 “All Clear” arrives at last

 

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On Wednesday, February 28, a series of tornadoes touched down west of the Columbus, Ohio outerbelt.  At approximately 5:15 a.m. my wife and I were awakened by a storm alert on our phones.  Fortunately, the worst of the storm stayed south and north of our location, but others did not fare so well.   Here is a link to a photo update of the storm (courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch):  Storm Update.

Nicky Gumbel Quote

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Sometimes God calms the storm.  Sometimes He lets the storm rage and He calms you.

From Proverbs 10:24-25:  “What the wicked dread will come upon them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.  When the tempest passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are established forever.”

Nicky Gumbel (born 1955) is an English-born Anglican pastor and Christian author.

Inevitable Storms

From Isaiah 43:2:  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

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Life’s inevitable storms

Sweeping tides against mankind

Surging within, Father’s love

Mercy arrives, never blind

 

Darkness blocking out daylight

Masking goodness of mankind

Surging within, Father’s truth

Savior’s light fully aligned

 

Faith overwhelmed, strength waning

Subduing trust in mankind

Surging within, Father’s voice

Peace returns as he designed

 

Angry river waters flow

Raging in hearts of mankind

Surging within, Father’s grace

Heavenly spirit assigned

 

One more trial challenges

Flipping conscience of mankind

Surging within, Father’s Word

Life’s purpose better defined

 

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From John 16:33:  “I have said this to you so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you face persecution, but take courage:  I have conquered the world!”