My Offering - fall

There have been times

when my heart hasn't sang

though my vocal chords vibrate

and the sound of it rang

within the chapel, or church,

loud and clear;

though human ears heard it,

it wasn't sincere,

but a mere facsimile

of the true gift

that mortals like me

are permitted to lift

if the souls response

to God's goodness is real

it reveals itself

in what we feel -

so I hope that in worship

today when I sing,

my heart is included

in the offering.

Purpose Past Potential - fall

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O LORD, endures forever -

do not abandon the works of your hands."

Psalm 138:8

I have a purpose that's past potential,

it's invisible, but He knows what's there,

and I will not die until it is finished -

those things He wanted me to share......

*

He's placed intentioned thoughts inside me,

and orchestrated all around

the places, times and people

where He desires that I be found.

*

What a gorgeous piece of artwork -

human souls infused with Spirit,

responding to His words of Truth,

led upward to be near it -

*

Hearts held firm within His grasp,

faces raised up to the sky;

He is faithful to be with us,

while encouraging us on high.

*

If I keep within this Faith,

I will one day see His promise coming true,

and I'll rest easy, knowing that whatever I've done,

He intended for me to do.

Gentle Evening - fall

Come upon us, gentle evening,

you won't prey upon the old;

sit with us in languid feeling,

neither hot nor cold:

there's no movement to this moment

all is calm and still -

come upon us, gentle evening,

we'll be grateful if you will....

Armor of God - Fall

Belt of Truth - worthy of our Reverence
Breastplate of Righteousness - Worthy of our Worship
Helmet of Salvation - Worthy of our Love
Shoes of the gospel of Peace - Worthy of our Thankfulness
Shield of Faith - Worthy of our Trust
Sword of the Word - Worthy of our Praise

No Failure in Fall - fall

What can I learn from the falling leaves?

How can one stay so vibrant that visibly grieves?

to cast adrift the draining remains,

so that the host may maintain -

*

releasing the burdens that sometimes cling,

that would keep me from returning

with the spring;

back from the hardship

about to begin,

winter forthcoming

how it rides with the wind;

*

my time is not over,

but my trial may show

both with hope and with sadness -

that all of the leaves must go.