Beautiful Butterflies - summer

Barefoot girl out in the grass

has no idea how time should pass,

way beyond her hour to return from play said,

"The butterflies were too beautiful today".

*

Sitting in class as the teacher talked,

looking at the meadow, past the sidewalk,

when asked to answer, all she could say was

"The butterflies are so beautiful today".

*

Next she's walking down the aisle,

sees nothing but her intendeds smile,

she's giving a glow that made everyone say,

"How beautiful the bride is today".

*

Her husband came home to a mess again,

the house looks lide a big playpen,

she sighs as she answers in her gentle way,

"The baby was just too beautiful today".

*

Time flew by, how quickly it went,

her arms grow weak, her energies spent,

but this lady noticed, all along the way,

how beautiful the butterflies were -

each day.

Dreamy past - summer

The past is passing through me

just now;

feelings far and distant

seem closer somehow.

Dreamy is their presence

casting moonlight shadows,

faintly forming in their essence....

The past is passing through me

more distinctly as I age,

I'll enjoy these fanicful moments

while the future

turns another page....

Light and Shadow - summer

There's a place in each life

where light and shadow fall,

that gives credence to the very fact

that we are here at all;

there's the perfect One who made us;

and the evil one in our ear,

whispering all the myths and lies

that human beings hear;

while God is holding out His hand

to bring us back where we belong,

there Light will ever shine as day

and shadows be forever gone.

blink - summer

you were tiny,

oh, so small

that’s how it was

remembering it all….

blink

trying to catch you

giggling with glee

happy, happy moments

make it a memory….

blink

able to do things

on your own

how could it be?

almost grown….

blink

graduation party

at our home,

turning point in lifetimes

what lies ahead, unknown?....

blink

these days it’s all a jumble

of adults and children coming

dealing with it day by day

time itself seems to be running….

blink

my eyes are fastened on you

taking one last drink

before forever closing them -

it all happened

in a blink….

Psalm 17:7,8

Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes.
⁸ Keep me as the apple of your eye.... 

4 walls - summer

A world exists beyond 4 walls where

there's sunlight, sound and unfiltered air,

but days and money and lives are spent

creating an inside world of events;

controlling the lights from screen to screen

there's nothing natural to be seen

except for the people who ocassionally shift

from one to the other like a boat adrift.

You have to wonder on what meaning it's based

as life on the outside is sadly being replaced.

Here's where I like to enjoy the summer.......

Fire and Ice - summer

Anvil shaped and dark,

it delivered sparks

that flew to earth from the hammered peak

in white and yellow streaks.

Invisible fire radiates

from the forge among the spheres

and 'mid the tumult it creates

a paradox appears -

ice and water thrown to the ground

as if they were soothing tears

bouncing and cleansing as they drop down

a balm among the fears;

only a cloud in turmoil

could release both fire and ice,

like when men seek to quarrel -

everyone pays the price.

Permission - spring

I gave myself permission.

How is that? You may ask.

Someone suggested I see the nurse

so I wrote myself a pass.

*

I gave myself permission -

no one else could push me through,

others may have shown the way

but it was mine to do.

*

I gave myself permission -

only then could I be free;

I discovered after years in prison

that I was holding the key.

*

I gave myself permission -

to be loved by God and men;

now I realize evil's cruel lies

and I won't be fooled again.

Coat of Many Colors - spring

God needs people

who gasp in awe -

who grasp and claw

while looking for the presence,

the Holy essence

of Him, who is All.

They ask and believe

that they'll bask

in what's received

and their Father will give them

that coat of many colors

because He sees inside of them

what was missing in all the others.



Waited - spring

God tossed the sun beneath the earth

where it pretended to hide

but I waited up all night for it

'til it came back on the other side!



Tribute to a mother I know - Mother's Day

There are many things you can do for a child -

like invite them into your home
to eat warm cookies off a baking sheet
and treat them like they're your own.
Though it's already very crowded
you can take them on trips in your family car
or put up with silly, countless sleepovers
'cause that's just who you are.
Making memories (along with your kids)
wasn't very hard
with so many happy, carefree hours
playing baseball in your yard.
And when they're grown you let them know
you still care about them
by asking how they're doing,
every now and then.
So all of this is a tribute
to finally let you know
how much you meant to one child's life
and that's why we love you so.

Thank you for checking- really like, like or doesn't speak to me.

I Grew Up With Gravel - spring

I grew up with gravel

the poor man's pavement

unsure footing

sometimes shifting

certainly uncertain

*

pretty soon the blacktop came

oil on the gravel

sort of the same

slicker and shinier

you could ride with ease

the bicycles, motorbikes

wherever you please

*

gradually graduating to pavement

with endless roads stretching ever on

not much chance of getting off it

the pace was furious, all sauntering gone,

progress often has its price

and for awhile it seems so nice

*

my aging eyes now often leave

the road I'm on to a road that recedes

and I find gravel beseeching once more

wanting to return

to what I knew before.....

In Your World - spring

In Your world, the love and kindness will never end.

In Your world, we will have whatever good things a creative mind can send.

*

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

In Your world, all sacrifices have already been made.

*

Heaven's Kingdom shines for us,

Christ's flag of Truth has been unfurled;

please hold us with Your mighty 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

I am not Afraid of Faith - spring

I am not afraid of faith,

to believe in things I cannot see;

in fact I find it far more frightening

to rely only on reality.

Like a child I have to trust

in things that exist ever larger than me;

I am not afraid of faith,

to believe in things I cannot see. 

Children, Butterflies and Bees - spring

When I looked outside this gorgeous day

I saw children, bees and butterflies play

out in spring's green and sunny rays

while here inside I'm bound to stay -

so many things I have to do,

this and that and the other too

'til soon enough all I have left

is "tension headache" and regret;

perhaps I'll find a lesson there

for me and others everywhere

I need to learn to be more free

like children,  butterflies and bees.

Spring Grass Grown(an allegory) - spring

Just outside the classroom

there was a little knoll,

where in my senior year of college

I watched the spring grass grow -

while I sat, the wind raced free,

fluttering the green grass

so expressively,

anticipating every promise

of what life had to hold -

sharing music's joy with children

like flowers to unfold.

I am not God

who plants life's seeds

but went out to nourish,

provide and weed,

and in the end

I could sometimes see

them flourish ever so naturally.

With every spring I cannot wait

until the sun and rain will send

the warm wind blowing wistfully

over the green land again

and think of the students,

that in the end,

fulfilled the ambitions ideals portend

and honor the feelings

I once did hold

with the promise of watching

the spring grass grow.

Psalm 76:3 - "for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance of your faithfulness".

Servant Seed - spring

To Ken and Linda Smyth,

Servant seed,

fall to the ground,

the unworthy servant

is not found to be proud;

it's the lowly of heart

who is lifted above

the wrongs of this world

on the wings of God's love.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up".

                                                                               James 4:10



Self-portrait - winter

I am horses and hills

feminine without frills

I am tennis shoes and jeans

I am rich beyond my meager means

I am relaxed yet slightly driven

I have faith that I'm forgiven

I am teacher, I am friend

I am ideas without end

I am mom and wife

for all of my life

I am two-and-

a-half dozen

cousins.

Edge of Spring - winter

In this bitter winter,

I am moved to seek

the hem of a garment

on a crowded street,

and simply by my contact I will surely know

that the Power that's within Him

might miraculously flow

to my cold, crying frame

as I desperately cling

to the Master's cloak,

and touch the edge of spring.

The Lord your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in His love He will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing. Zeph.3:17

What is Truth? - winter

If I did not have

my health,

my wealth,

my happiness, my home -

my famiy and friends

what then would be my end?

Nothing left?

No things for comfort -

could my eyes

and ears afford

to look upon my life

that has no worldly reward?

I would have to really ask -

in what, or whom my stay?

For all these things could

suddenly, so swiftly go away.

Would I curse the God who gave them

who will give no more, no less

than His providing blessedness?

Or would the core have really been

that which cannot fade,

the God, the Savior

and all eternal He has made?

If I pray these worldly ways

to all remain as mine,

then being with Him is not truly

what I seek to find.

Disappointed I will be

when, through death He calls on me.

So may I bow

and consider now

eternal space

from my poor place

and bless the bright eternal light

that bids to save this wretched life,

and find Him only to be true

no matter what we say or do.

Cleansing in the Cold - winter

Thank you for the cold that cleanses -

thank you for the bold redemption

clothed in humble flesh as a lamb

who was willing -

not forced upon the alter of sacrifice,

but let himself be led by the chill of our sins -

walking into our winter

and washing us white as snow.

Snow Moon - winter

The moon holds February in its wake,

the snow capturing the white, sanctioned light

and dispersing it throughout the acquiescent night.

So it steadfast stands

like one who is second in command;

one who guides nocturnal ways

as the the still, chill air and icy satin sheen

comprise the properties propelling it on -

converging with the dawn.

The Cardinal - winter

God bless the cardinal out in my tree

There would be no music if not for thee.

The winter is long and other birds flee,

God bless the cardinal's sweet melody.

Letter from Afar - winter

My dear friend,
I write to you with comfort on my mind,
so you may feel our God is near
when friends are hard to find.
His Word descended straight from heaven,
lives within our hearts and souls,
with Him we have sweet communion,
consolation once unknown.
His example we have followed
sharing life as it occurs
yet some reflections lay unspoken
deeper than a mortals words,
so if writings from afar
should one day cease,
I pray this message touched your heart,
to bring you love and peace.

"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart". Deut. 30:14

Urban Dragon - winter

The steel shadows

of the buildings awoke

to a cold, cold morning -

firing dragons breath of smoke

that drifted higher

than even they can fly,

lifting into the open sky

from their jaws of steel -

a silent, urban cry.

Written while driving into Fort Wayne this morning for NAfME conference.

Room for Snow - winter

It snowed today.

It drew a veil

between all without

and all within;

a lacy dome

that only light could penetrate.

Cozily sheltered,

bordered by white,

blissfully bounded

on every hand,

content within

its velvety span.

Removing reminders

that may remain

of something outside

this sequestered domain.

Tuck me into your blanket of fleece;

softly fall, small

downy peace.

solace to the snow - winter

softly,

the night settles on the snow

gently tending,

quietly descending,

comprehending, oh,

how fragile

is this that lies below;

gradually

hushed feelings fall -

without a touch,

yet shaping all

with comforts calm

it warmly clothes

this cold acquaintance

no solace has known.

God's Invitation - New Year

You will find your breath

in the air of Salvation,

You will find your strength

in the warmth of the Son,

you will eat and drink at God's invitation

and the banquet has just begun!

*

The Kingdom of God says "come".

Creator, yet a stranger - Christmas

Upon the earth

today there appears

a miracle of birth

never known to us, here -

coming in from the fields

the shepherds all kneel

at the foot of a manger,

lies the Creator,

and yet to us a stranger.

*

He made all the world

but it knew Him not,

sin separated us

and over time - we forgot

this Child in the manger,

the Creator,

yet to us a stranger.

*

A lesser God would have let us go,

steeped in our sins down here below,

but not this God we'll learn to know,

who lies in a manger,

our Creator,

yet a stranger.

*

If there's hope for one

there's hope for us all,

this baby Jesus

born in the straw,

will save mankind

and we'll bow in awe

to the Creator,

who lies in a manger,

yet to us, a stranger.

*

Oh such love in this lonely place,

oh such love in such a little face!

born anew is salvation by Grace;

what could seem stranger,

than the Creator lying

in a manger?

Always to Know... - winter

Here on earth,

before our eyes,

loneliness, pain and misery lie,

but  to lift up our souls

to You Lord, above,

is to give up our lives

to only Love;

so that at any moment I may know

simply peace and hope

where I may go;

there's never a time

or never a place

where I'll again be

without love 

or grace.

What Moves Me Most - fall

What moves me most

is that I'm not just forgiven,

but cared for -

forgiveness lightens my load,

being cared for brightens my soul;

it moves my emotions to know

that Your caring and kindness

can be all my own. 

birthdate '56 - fall

Let's all think
like when we were young,
it's not about how
we may look now
but how our song is sung.
Don't sit still,
get up and dance
the world is still ours
don't leave life to chance!
If we're still here
we've things yet to do
wake each morning
to see it through -
let's all think
like when we were young,
it's not about how
we may look now
but how our song is sung.

Countenance - Thanksgiving

Dedicated to friends and family who I'm so very thankful for -

Someone who cares for your countenance

is someone that you should call friend

for people will pass you every day

but seldom if ever attend to

emotional shadows, always shifting,

and there are very few,

who tune into others and comprehend

that one has passed over you.

Winds of this World - fall

The winds of this world

rush past my face

as the clouds of earth

pass over my head.

I've stood this ground

until I'm weary

watching youth take flight

as the years have fled.

-

Where is all the wonder

that once flowed from my soul?

Where is all the wonder,

can I capture it again

as I grow old?

As I grow old.

-

Sit me in the winsome seat

that casts my eyes

up to the sky

and let me not be dwelling

on dampened dreams

wherein they lie.

Where I stand I cannot move

but above me

I still find

an ever changing landscape

where imagination thrives.

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 trials may show

both with hope and with sadness -

that all of of the leaves must go.

In the Woods - fall

Find me a soft spot
on the earth,
a place where only kindness falls
and no one ever gets hurt.
Like the leaves in autumn,
kindness cushions cold ground;
wafting down,
like God's love settling,
in solace
all around...

Life's Music - fall

every moment of life
is music -
exists in some emotion
sings with some manner of voice
senses each pulse of time
revealing truth in the telling
-
every moment of life
is music -
feel life's sound;
how is it moving in you
right now?

Too Small - fall

seemingly nonsensical
all throughout my life,
decisions I alone have made
based on fight or flight;
ends not knotted,
seams that were frayed,
no one ever seeing the garment
that together they made,
examining pieces far too small,
like taking one verse from a Bible full of scripture,
trying to make sense of it all,
while ignoring the Bigger Picture.

Mention Me

Mention me

once in awhile

with a laugh

and with a smile.

Always taking with you

some of what we've shared

and through life's times, connecting,

as once we did, back there. 

dedicated to Amy McVay-Abbott

Nothing Lost - fall

The colors spilling, spinning 'round
upon the pallet spread,
orange, green,
yellow, brown,
the earth tones bled;
exchanging life as it was before
now together,
flowing,
onto forests canvas floor
like ebbing embers
glowing -
mingling in - the soothing sounds
of shifting leaf and cricket song
singing that it's not the end,
what you were goes on,
for as the leaves come molting down
they mold together into ground
from which more life will ever spring
a beautiful cycle,
unending.

Healing - summer

Pour out rays of sunshine

when the skies are gray,

pour on Your forgiveness

for my foolish ways,

let me pour out my soul

into Your warm embrace

and let me drink forever

from Your fountain of Grace.

Water, water

chasing after me

There is no escaping

such a persistant sea

I tried to make a life

on the desert sand

but the thirst for You, my Lord,

was more than I could stand.

Pour out rays of sunshine

when the skies are gray,

pour on Your forgiveness

for my foolish ways,

let me pour out my soul

into Your warm embrace

and let me drink forever

from Your fountain of Grace.

Who but You? - summer

Who but You,

O God,

would send a beautiful sunset

where no one sits?

Who but You,

O God,

has created creatures

that no one knows exists?

Who but you,

O God,

could put into motion

a swirling ocean

teeming with life,

unseen by eyes

other than Yours,

purely for Your delight.

Who but You,

O God,

who was

and i

and is to come.

Who but You,

O God,

could do what

You alone

have done.

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...."