Heavenly Hope - summer

Try as we might

things will never be just right,

this world is fraught with trouble,

and in the flesh we groan,

no matter where we are in life

there will always be a hunger for home....

Amber Waves - Summer

An allegory of growing older.....

For so long the wheat stood
stiff and straight
each stem strong
bearing its own weight,
but as it aged it began to droop
dropping its head
as if to stoop
relaxing into amber waves,
bowing with dignity,
graceful and brave.

Rest - summer

how pleasant the emotions,
forgiveness and love,
descending with mercy
as we stand in awe of
God and His goodness,
through grace we receive,
so much that we fear to scarcely breathe,
that breath itself would dissipate
the enveloping mist upon which we escape
with pleasure and happiness,
ethereal bliss
which, for this moment,
palpably exists.

This Place - summer

I love the beauty of God in this place,

for He sits,

with me.

He does not allege there is any cost,

no notion of time seeming to be lost,

just allowed to be

and He's willing to stay

close to me.

What utter freedom

what absolute security,

love in all its purity

as I'm accepted

and embraced,

receiving the beauty

of God in this place.

My Mosquitoville - just for fun

Sing to the song - Marguritaville (remember these nights Elaine?)
Refrain:
Swatting away again in my Mosquitoville.
Listenin' for that thin, whiny call.
I know their game
and through which
screen hole they came -
how they lite,
on my ceiling and wall.

Verse:
It's not very pleasin'
scratchin' all season
these crazy bugs got me singin' the blues,
and I'm goin' loony,
to their buzzin' toony
it's a wonder I can think at all....

Assurance... - summer

My salvation is not in the sun,

the forests, meadows or mists;

No, my salvation is in the Lord

and all of this proves He exists!

Patiently, He's made me aware,

awakening me to know He is there

as high as the mountains

and deep as the sea,

so great does His love

hold humanity;

as sure as we live upon this land

so we are witness of His Almighty hand;

when I go to the hills

I can know it is He

who sits in the stillness next to me -

in my praise of nature

may I never ignore

the assurance of His presence,

this Creator, who is Lord.

Embers - summer

The embers of the fire

continue to fall,

the center glowing red,

orange,

then peripheral yellow.

It's heat is slowly going down,

going out,

glowing

as the gentle night

settles in -

the sunset is complete.

Broken Before the Lord - spring

Peter was strong, steadfast and brave:

whatever went wrong, he never ran away.

Nicknamed "the rock", by Jesus he stood,

day after day - he knew he always would.

Trusting his strength when times were tough

until the time came when his strength was not enough.

From the darkness they came with the torches of light,

carriers of fear cutting through the night.

Peter grew weak and left the Lord's side,

slipping away, hoping to hide -

hear him cry, hear him cry....

he opened his heart and out it poured,

he was broken before the Lord.

-

No sooner had tears left Peter's eyes

than Jesus was taken and crucified

but Peter came back 10 times as brave

when Jesus was risen and Jesus forgave -

this time Peter knew from where true strength came

every time a miracle was done in Jesus name....

Peter opened his heart, and out it poured,

he was broken before the Lord.

Afternoon Tea - spring

What a comfortable setting it was -

the white lace and teacups

on a table for two;

the world kept at bay -

no more room,

no more room...

*

We can chat and listen

and sip our brew,

laugh, or shed a tear or two;

sharing our lives, just me and you.

*

I will sorely miss our afternoon tea -

but more,

I'll miss your company.

Triangle Flag - Memorial Day

There's a triangle flag displayed on my wall;

dark blue with white stars

like when daylight is gone,

and you see past here - to beyond.

*

Many souls have served

beneath that flag

when it was unfurled in the field,

to later lie beneath it spread,

in rest, they all are healed.

A symbol only,

of unity,

that becomes more precious still,

with each new life that gives itself

of it's own free will.

*

There 's a triangle flag displayed on my wall;

dark blue with white stars

like when daylight is gone,

and you see past here - to beyond.

Morning Sun - spring

The morning sun is spilling over the landscape now;

it's cream and butter spreading its way over grass and ground;

up the tall buildings of the concrete world.

*

Absorbed by the hunger and thirst of the living -

setting its clocks by its warm announcement

that once again life is on the rise.

Mother's Memories - Mother's Day

A mother's memories

are made up of these;

of dandelion bouquets

and band-aid knees;

talking with her friends

and turning sixteen.

How could it have gone so fast?

How quickly the present becomes the past.

*

Kool-aid stands

and crayon on the wall;

marks on the doorway

to measure how tall;

then comes the prom

and be sure that you call -

How could it have gone so fast?

How quickly the present becomes the past.

*

Now I look you in the eye

and the feeling that comes over me

makes me want to cry;

that the little girl beside me

with her hand in mine

is now reaching it forward

to see what else she'll find.

*

Subtle are the seasons

that we weather through;

the memories that we're making

will be forever true,

so as you grow from little girl

to the woman you'll become -

we'll keep the ties

throughout our lives

and stay forever young.

No Longer Alone - spring

Through the kindness of One

called Christ,

the pain and torment of this world

are taken away -

Christ has extracted all of

the poison left in us

from that venomous snake,

Jesus landscapes the desert of our souls

with the green of spring,

a clean, serene peace

that passes all understanding

kept within us by His Spirit

living with our own -

we shall never again

be alone.

Session - Spring

I just had another session

in my garden of possibilities,

taking care of problems,

plucking out all the weeds;

but what would my garden ever be

if all I did was remove and weed? -

a barren plot must cry for seed,

a need I must supply.

I'll sow with love and plant with care

and time will fertilize,

until the day when the weeds that are there

no longer have room to rise.

One Man, One God - Easter

One Man, One God,

is all it takes to save

the millions who have been at odds

with all the love He gave.

After death upon a cross

He came out of the grave;

One Man, One God,

it all it takes to save.

-

One Man, One God,

beyond our human ways,

came to set his feet upon

the earth that He had made,

and gathering up our wickedness

into His jar of clay,

One Man, One God,

carried them all away....

Mary - Easter

How could the people gathered 'round

in this crowded place

know the feeling of the full eyes

of God upon my face?

-

and all of the acceptance

from this giver of the sacred Grace,

-

pouring out His lavish Love,

allowing me to live and share -

-

I poured my tears upon His feet

and wiped them with my hair.

Luke 7:38, John 11:2

Need - spring

Inside we're still children,

needing to be loved,

it's something that we can't outgrow

or ever get too much of;

born with hunger into this world,

our hearts can be deceived,

love is life's true answer,

and God holds all we need.

Wake Up, O Spring - Easter

Wake up, O Spring!

and spread your arms wide,

your face upturned to steadily rise

toward the warmth of the sun

and the God who has given

life to all who in newness have risen.

*

Let all the shadows that fell before

be but a libation that passion has poured

upon all creation which is newly restored

to the glory,

the glory,

of the immortal Lord.

*

Wake up, O Spring,

your slumber is passed,

your day of revival is here -

at last!

Earthy Season - spring

Spring grows up from the ground,

an inch at a time I've found;

first the grass, then the pinfeather leaves

working their way from the braches of trees....

Fall begins at the top of the landscape

and winter falls from higher still,

but spring is such an earthy season,

I love it and I always will.

Trust - spring

How sad it is to not receive,

to sit alone and mournfully grieve,

would be as the flowers, in the spring,

refusing to open to what the sun brings,

craving the warmth of summers caress,

but so traumatized by winters distress -

afraid to reach out and feel the kind kiss

that is waiting there in sunrise mist,

waiting to fall upon life's ground,

look, it's calling from all around!

calling, "Trust this warming of the sun,

your time for living has just begun...."

It Will Be Alright...... Spring

It's to the sunset I've always been drawn,

(never as inspired by the dawn)

its rays slowly softening as it goes along

weaving its colors to dream upon -

*

It's into the sunset we'll all disappear,

leaving behind the worlds stark fears;

leading us onward in hope for what lies

beyond these ever darkening skies;

there'll be no disappointments, to meet God there,

He who holds the sun, takes us into His care.

*

One day it will be our time to leave,

but for now there can be rest here as we

turn out the glimmering, weak earthly light,

knowing everything

will be alright.

In Your World - spring

In Your world the love and kindness never end.

In Your world we have whatever good things

a creative mind can send.

In Your world we will have no reason to be afraid.

In Your world all our sacrifices have already been made.

Heaven's Kingdom shines for us,

Christ's flag of Truth has been unfurled,

Please hold us with Your might hand

until we're in Your world.

Yet I am always with You;

You hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with Your counsel,

and afterward You will take me into glory.

Psalm 73: 23,24

Tender Shoots - spring

Things that are tender are easily broken,

fragile and slender, seldom outspoken,

easy and gentle, warm and kind;

though fragile by nature,

they will not be confined.

Closing Gentle Leaves - spring

The sunset comes with its comforting glow,

closing gentle leaves like a book we've come to know

that we're glad to have experienced,

yet sorry to see it go -

Slipping slowly away like the sipping of tea

its passion apparent by its great entreaty;

for the sunset really doesn't fall,

instead it serves to give us call

to gather thoughts and loved ones near,

to stop the striving and just be here.

Take time for each subtle nuance it casts

and savor the moment, while it lasts.

If you have enjoyed my poems here, please also visit - www.faithfromtheheartpoetryart.blogspot.com

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.

Vestige - fall

The sun turns tree

into shadow -

*

an imprint planted

on a momentary plate;

an ever turning,

molten shape

that all too soon escapes....

*

we're all lives in form,

absorbing the rays,

casting our existence

upon earth's clay;

we are God's drafts

upon the dust,

outlining in vestige

the part that is "us".

Silent and Still....... - fall

Silence and stillness
are not the same,
it depends on the places
from where they came;
silence may be
chosen or forced,
but eventually runs
outside of its course,
while stillness digs
a well so deep
that all it may hold
will safely keep.
Few find these waters
of earthly denial
that stand the fire
of external trial,
but those who find it
are satisfied
to not rely on
applause or pride -
they make this prayer
their creed instead,
as we watch the world turn itself
on its head,
to follow what the Living Water
has said,
"but give us this day
our daily bread."

Sonshine - summer

There's a house that I know

through a yellow haze,

it's reflecting the Sonshine's golden rays,

where a garden grows

full of butterflies

and the breeze is warm

under cloudless skies...

there my soul can find peace

resting underneath

the eaves that will never know lifes' grief,

where the days never wane

and my heart knows no pain,

my mind never fears

and there'll be no tears -

close to heavens' mercy seat.

Why write? - summer

A thousand people could play it,

so a million people could hear,

but only one human could write it-

that's what's crafted my career.

Heavenly Hope - summer

Try as we might,

things will never be just right,

this world is fraught with trouble

and in the flesh we groan,

no matter where we are in life

there will always be a hunger for home.

origins - fall

cravings in the night

thoughts unguarded

soaring to the surface

from the origin of emotion

seeking light

impossible to drown

bubbles that won't burst

don't even try

pushing them down.

Magnanimous Heart - summer

Those who possess magnanimous hearts

make you think you're the one who is great.

You seek out their attention

for the feelings they create.

You're rewarded with each encounter

that makes you want to see them yet more;

Yes, they behave as though

you are the center,

but on reflection,

they are the core.

Collective Conscience - winter

It's but a small inconvenience to lie

just once in a great while;

to make it seem so believable

(with a sly little smile).

It may all appear so simple,

but my mentors taught me well;

for when I lay in bed at night,

my collective conscience rebels.

States of Mind - summer

Some people live a liquid life,

fluid and flowing through different places;

some people exist in a gaseous form

eminating from various spaces;

some are in a solid state,

firm and with a stable base;

-

Most everyone I've ever known

fits into one of these three;

what I have to wonder is,

which would they assign to me?

Capture - summer

The poets sense the sunrise,

though it is not yet seen,

they live within an obscure world

trying to grasp what it may mean.

-

God desires to capture them,

much as they capture with their art,

to bring understanding to their lives

and to write upon their heart.

Amber Waves - summer

For so long

the wheat stood stiff and straight,

each stem strong

bearing its' own weight,

but as it aged it began to droop

dropping its head as if to stoop

relaxing into amber waves,

bowing with dignity

graceful and brave.

Plates - fall

All my plates

spin 'round and 'round,

I can't bear to see one

come crashing down.

All of them are honorable tasks

but keeping them turning

is beyond what you can ask.

I value all these visions

and what they may become,

believing I can nurture them

one by one -

managing my missions,

(may they be of the Divine)

constantly in motion

with the turning of my mind.

-

to Beth

Being - summer

Hand on her chin,

elbow on the windowsill,

she listens to the world outside

of cardinals and whippoorwills

enjoying just the moment,

the world can wait for work and worry,

this sweet season lasts but for a time

so she wonders -

what's the hurry?

Virtually - summer

The setting sun

through the leaves

threw itself upon my white chair

-

this flickering flame

from a gas giant

millions of miles away

dances with the warmth

of a hearth

here on earth

so much closer

to my own soul -

and I am allowed to touch.

Dreams... -winter

Once again awake at the mercy of a dream,

not as things are,

but how they seem.

Parcels and pieces of puzzles arrayed,

scattered on backdrops of emotions' parade -

sleep deeply

and don't be afraid,

as God grows nearer

His truths are ever clearer,

while the forgery fades...

Pardon's Passing - spring

The clicking of the clock at the hearts resting speed,

life slowly passing as it plants its rhythmic seed.

The turning, shiny, silver second hand,

glinting like the wielded sword in Garden of Eden land,

guarding access

to the eternal Tree of Life -

we are buried beneath its constancy,

straining for rays of light.

*

You look for me here,

lost in this land,

alone, as You've given

the choice to be

hopeful of the help that is still within reach -

Come to me...

*

Rescue is not strong enough a term

for being pulled from the wreckage

with mercy as I emerge:

extend Your tender hand,

I'm weak, but I'll grasp

and be lifted by Grace

in this so precious act,

to rise yet above Eden

(it's so hard to believe)

that coming to You

can really relieve

all the guilt and shame,

through pardon it is passing -

things will never be the same,

I'll be free,

everlasting.

Endeavor - summer

As you are permitted to push ahead,

give yourself permission to fail,

not in the light

that you'll give up the fight

but in trying,

you couldn't prevail.

Such is the way of the heroes

that give everything their all,

so much is accomplished

by way of endeavor,

that it matters not if they fall.

Simpler Times - summer

On Monday Mornings we would rise,

To amber meadows, azure skies,

And hear the still, small voice inside

So silent is the dawn.

*

With work no farther than our door,

Asking little, receiving more,

Not knowing whether rich or poor -

Content with what we have.

*

We'd live God's time - by sun and moon,

All else is later, now, or soon.

No ticking clocks say "nine" or "noon" -

No measured time of day.

*

By evening, filtered golden rays

O f sunlight slant through radiant haze

While house lights twinkle as twilight fades-

God grant us simpler times.

*

To my parents, and grandparents who practiced this poem.

Hamlet - spring

Let me always head for the hamlet

where spritely spring awaits with green,

bringing its consoling smile

and humming merrily;

tending to the winter wounds

that harsh conditions bring,

making welcome weary souls

embraced in the home of the King.

Fluttering Flowers - summer

Fluttering flowers -

butterflies.

Lavender petals

that rise.

Enticing

to gather

a bright bouquet,

until all of the petals

dance away.

Southern Serenade - summer

I miss the southern serenade,

of cicadas where

the overnight heat

is like dark chocolate;

dense,

intense,

wrapping warm arms

around you;

holding you close....

Wings - winter

If you take away their habitat

the birds will have to leave,

in no position to protest,

their lot is to receive;

something familiar has been removed,

but birds are given wings

that transport them and all they are

to new grounds,

still to sing.

My Reach - spring

Teach me to trust beyond my reach;

my arms are short,

my eyes are weak;

Your vision, Lord, goes on and on,

Your ways are sure and strong.

If there's one thing I would ask to do,

teach me Lord to reach

for you.

Large and Small - spring

The earth You created is so powerful

and yet the grass bends to the slightest breeze,

God, You are for everyone,

and yet You're God to me.

Please be kind and tender,

for I will break at Your slightest touch,

living in awe and wonder

that You have sent so much.

Watch over the whole entire earth,

Holy One who sees -

and don't forget to watch over

just little ol' me.

Brilliance.... - spring

God who brings
the brilliant skies
come to brighten up our lives;

though bitterness
be on our tongue
let us taste the work
You have begun.

Pimples and Poems - humor

Poems are like pimples,

you feel them rise,

they come to a head

right before your eyes,

you stuff them down

but they're vividly exposed

so accept their eruption

and consider them composed!

Triangle Flag - 4th of July

There's a triangle flag displayed on my wall;

dark blue with white stars

like when daylight is gone,

and you see past here - to beyond.

Many souls have served

beneath that flag

when it was unfurled in the field,

to later lie beneath it spread,

in rest they all are healed.

A symbol only,

of unity

that becomes more precious still

with each new life that gives itself

of its own free will.

There's a triangle flag displayed on my wall;

dark blue with white stars

like when daylight is gone,

and you see past here - to beyond.

English Garden - summer

To visit an English Garden

may be just a matter of mind,

perhaps not known as authentic

but experienced in kind.

The breeze borne sun is just the same;

like shadows move upon the grass,

though physically a world away

their shape upon the mind is cast.

Attitudes and feelings shift,

with birds and scents the soul unwinds;

to visit an English Garden

may be just a matter of mind......

(To Elaine in England)

Cathedrals..... - summer

The natural warmth welcomes me
and I give way -
the green of the forest becons me
and makes me sway
to the call that mixes man
and emotions
drawing him to have his devotions
in the cathedrals of open sky
and the chapels of the woods.

Reflect: What is the natural
summer world offering you this
holiday weekend?

Mentor - spring - faith

Gently held by caring hands,

whose support is sound and sure,

whose love comes forth from kindness' spring -

safe and pure.

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you

some spiritual gift to make you strong -

that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged

by each other's faith"

Romans 1:11-12

Rise

Be sure, whenever God's tide comes in,

all of His boats will rise,

those who kept safe His sacred ways

and those who led bolder lives.

Even number of days won't matter,

whether many were served or few,

for He examines the depths of the heart,

while we only see what men do.

Fishermen all, won't you climb in

and follow Him to the skies,

be sure, whenever God's tide comes in

all of His boats will rise.

"Come, follow me, " Jesus said,"and I will

make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17

Seasons

If winter weren't so withdrawn,

then summer wouldn't sing.

If fall didn't shed its molting feathers,

then spring couldn't spread its wings.

We live in a world of perennial extreme,

trials followed by God and His grace,

the crucible mending through emerging mercy -

each season having its place.

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made"
Psalm 145:13