
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.

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.
Pine trees on high alert
Single squirrel standing guard—
“No Christmas trees here!”

Grooming trails with care
Mountain welcomes each skier—
Tranquility shared

Morning’s rising sun
Landscape welcomes warming light—
Night’s snowflakes glisten


The night is long, and dark, and strong, but the morning must come; and how what a sunrise will it be.
From Psalm 30:4-5: “Sing praises to the Lord, O you His faithful ones, and give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
John Angell James (1785-1859) was an English pastor and Christian writer.

Sunrise brightens this day
Framing with precious light
Adventure comes this way
Guiding morning’s delights
Clearest blue sky above
Releasing gentle voice
Blessed with Creator’s love
Calling self to rejoice
Stillness of ocean’s breeze
Finding life’s missing piece
Each hour dissolves unease
Unlocking time’s new lease
Peaceful waters spread out
Prevailing winds called forth
Navigation’s new route
Setting compass true north


Morning’s gifted sunrise
Destiny of new day
Creator’s journey
Balance in life’s ballet
Nature’s comforting hand
Nurturing, rhythmic pace
Creator’s presence
Everything in its place
Seasons change, one by one
Yet, harmony remains
Creator’s patience
Trust in heavenly reign
River’s endless spirit
Mountains standing above
Creator’s landscape
Treasured delights of love
Every generation
Unique in its domain
Creator’s splendor
Lifetime of sweetest grain
Gentle breeze turns life’s page
Tenderness breathes from heart
Creator’s passion
Setting sun now departs


Gentle morning clouds
Gather above lofty peaks
Valley awakens
From nightly mystique
Misty rain drops in
Moisture covers quiet fields
Valley’s sunrise climbs
Rainbow’s blessed shield
Lake’s tranquil waters
Every fisherman’s delight
Valley smiling back
Trout ready to bite
River’s pace slows down
Dam hidden at canyon’s gate
Valley sings with joy
Faith’s daily soul mate
Creator shares peace
Small town’s unflappable pace
Valley’s spirit leads
Witness morning’s grace


Sunset’s closing breath
Daytime’s curtain descends
Witness tranquility
Where peace shall never end
Sunset’s horizon
Evening darkness transcends
Witness each gentle breeze
Where beams of moonlight bend
Sunset forgotten
Night sky never pretends
Witness galaxy’s flight
Where creation intends
Sunset holds spirit
Until new day begins
Witness pre-dawn’s glimmer
Where morning will call in
Sunrise renews light
Daytime’s curtain ascends
Witness glorious grace
Where each breath welcomes friends


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

Enlightened vision
Moving beyond next summit—
Goals looking forward

Disappointment comes
Marooned in valley’s darkness—
Sunrise lifts spirit

Turning life’s next page
Heart opens another door–
Deepened excitement

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
