You, Always

You, Always

9/22/13

Be still, my child

Listen, stop

Pause in this tender stillness. 

Let go of that grip

Release, give 

Surrender to my perfect plan. 

I am with you always

You, always

Take hold of my hand once more. 

Let me write your story

My story

And walk with me freely, forever. 

Common Thread

Common Thread
6/5/13

I look up to the sky,
waiting for words,
waiting for whispers of hope.
My heart is worn,
raging and weeping,
aged with worry and fear.
Yet I look around,
and pain I see;
we're all in a struggle of sorts.
Life's load is dense,
and tears are the common thread
weaving together our heavy hearts.
But onward we march,
and upward we look;
hand in hand we'll fight the fight.
Our stories aren't over,
there's much more to tell;
great joy awaits the victor.

Long is the Path

Long is the Path
5/11/13

Long is the path that I must take
that winds beyond the crystal lake,
where willows rest and sunshine stays,
and lilies sway and buds awake.

Weathered and true is this worn way
where toil and death at its feet lay.
Though painful is the journey's call,
wise is the one who strives to stay.

Beyond the path, suffering falls
and rich are the rewards to all,
and life lasts as the vine grows tall,
and life lasts as the vine grows tall.

Morning Mist

Morning Mist
5/11/13

The morning mist lies thick and full
and night lingers on leaves.
The dense air is crisp and cool
as fog ushers in mystery.

The old hickory is lost and hidden;
its branches barely breathe.
Clarity is clearly forbidden,
as the cloud covering slowly seethes.

Yet the sparrow sees what is veiled
and soars through the depths, dense and dark.
Time ticks, and mere mystery fails
to foster fear or make its mark.

When You Cried with Me

When You Cried with Me
5/6/13

I felt it in the wind today
and deep in my somber soul.
I felt it when the clouds collided and tore the sky apart.
I heard it when the thunder roared
and the livid lightning crashed.
I heard it when the searing sky matched my heavy heart.

I saw it when the once still sky
grew dim, dark, distressed.
I saw it when the sleeping streets flooded like my tears.
I touched it when the storms of heaven
came quickly crashing down.
I touched it when the earth was shaken, along with my faith and fears.

I listened to it when the whistling wind
wailed and howled all night.
I listened to it in the patters of pain on roofs across the city.
I knew it when the branches broke
and dreams were ripped away.
I knew it from your piercing pain and when you cried with me.

As Sure as the Sky is Blue

As Sure as the Sky is Blue
5/4/13

As sure as the sky is blue,
and the clouds travel by,
and the child wonders why,
as sure as the morning dew,

As certain as night is dim,
and tides return to shore,
and lovers lust for more,
as certain as death is grim,

As clear as the newborn's cry,
and the bond of a friend,
and the whisper of wind,
as clear as the desert dry,

As sure as the seed sprouts through,
and the rainbow reminds,
and we lose track of time,
is how sure that I love you.

Seed

Seed
5/4/13

Down in the garden where seeds are sown,
a life is waiting to sprout
upward toward heaven to shout,
"Here am I! From dust and dirt I've grown.
I've become this rare intricate bloom,
tender and tarried and true
with petals of every hue
ready and released to be consumed."
Water, sun, and soil prepare this seed
with thoughtful, faithful caress
to prepare it for life's test.
For soon time will declare, "The journey
has indeed commenced this very hour."
Oh seed, your life begins today.
You humbly debut and say,
"I'm here but not by my own power."

Home

Home
5/2/13

When my heart is heavy,
and my soul is dry,
and my feet can't take another step;
I venture back to the place I know,
the place my roots run deep.
Winding worn paths and fresh green pasture;
my spirit settles and sighs.
Open blue skies painted with puffs of white;
this is my song, my chorus.
Windows rolled down, the brushing breeze soothes
my oh so weary soul.
Embraced by grace and lavished with love,
I've found my way back home.

We're All a Little Broken Inside

We're All a Little Broken Inside
5/1/13

Weeping willows weep,
and rivers do run dry.
Mountains wear and crumble,
while forests fade by fire.
Emperors lose their grip as
the dynasty's dominion falls.
Mortals breathe their last
for their bodies can't bear it all.
Yet we're perfect in our imperfections;
it's in the scars that we unite.
Pride, age, fate, or sorrow;
we're all a little broken inside.

Tiny Tree

Tiny Tree
4/23/13

Tiny tree,
so thin and slender,
you're but one among millions.
Yet your trunk is strong,
deeply rooted,
never to be shaken.
When storms arrive
and threaten to destroy,
your foundation is firm, unwavering.
Although you sink
in the shadows of others
barely visible,
your leaves are life,
your fruit is fresh,
your colors so captivating.
Tiny tree,
so thin and slender,
you're but one in a million.

Before the Town Awakes

Before the Town Awakes
4/23/13

All is still, no stirring yet;
the moon is taking a bow.
The night owl hoots while the rooster prepares
to announce a brand new hour.
Birds awaken and chatter with cheer;
a new day has begun.
Night is over; silence is met
by the voice of the rising sun.
Darkness fades and floats away
carrying yesterday's mistakes.
Light comes forth birthing forgiveness and hope,
all before the town awakes.

Perfect Day

Perfect Day
4/21/13

It was the perfect day today,
but not because it was sunny
or because we had no plans
and rested and did nothing.

We did laundry, ate leftovers;
nothing luxurious did occur.
But in my mind, it was perfect,
and my aching heart was stirred.

We laughed, we dreamed,
we may have even cried.
It was so perfect, my soul once more
began to feel alive.

We didn't win the war;
there's still so much pain to go through,
but today was a perfect day
because I spent the day with you.

Waiting on My Sunrise

Waiting on My Sunrise
4/18/13

It's dark and cruel, black and grim;
the night, it never dies.
Days and weeks and months go by
without a trace of light.

Familiar shadows lurk and creep;
they know me well by now.
I'm desperate to see a tint of green
at this eternal midnight hour.

Yet there is a promise I hold fast to;
it breathes peace and life.
Deep in this pit, hope flickers faintly
while I'm waiting on my sunrise.

And when it enters my midnight sky
painting every shade and hue,
Redemption, grace, freedom, and joy
will declare all things new.

Twinkling Star

Twinkling Star
4/16/13

Twinkling star
miles away
you're but a tiny speck.
Yet through the distant, deep expanse
your light, though dim, breaks through
into this evening sky,
a sparkle in the shadows.
Your subtle shine
sparks hope, an ounce,
that darkness can live no longer.

Maze of Sorrow

Maze of Sorrow
4/14/13

Blackness surrounds me; I reach out to find
the way in which to travel.
I spot a flame, a flicker of hope
and carefully proceed to follow.
A glimpse of light; my heart leaps forward
in hopes of finding freedom.
But the flame has vanished; I turned a corner
in a maze of deep, dark sorrow.

Even Though It's Sunny Out

Even Though It's Sunny Out 
4/13/13

The sun is bright and shining
on this perfect, playful day.
Yet on my face and in my heart,
a smile is miles away.

The clouds are gone, the breeze is fresh;
branches burst with blooms.
But my soul is aching and tired of replaying
the living nightmare that consumes.

So even though it's sunny out,
and new life is breaking through,
It's overcast in my heart and soul;
sadness is raining true.

To Sevier and Back

To Sevier and Back
4/13/13

There is a path I often take
when I need to escape.
It takes me to a place of peace,
a refuge for the weary.
At this place I reaquaint myself
with Creator and creation.
And remember that my sorrows are
temporary and fleeting.
This path is worn, traveled by many
seeking safety from life's attacks.
So follow me, and we'll go
to Sevier and back.

It's Not Fair

It's Not Fair
4/11/13

It's not fair the cheater wins
not fair the greedy gain
or that the widow cries herself to sleep.
It's not fair the careless laugh
while the careful worry sick
or that the orphan knows not of his father.
It's not fair the wicked prosper
not fair that evil spreads
or that the baby has no chance of breath.

It's not fair that I can hope
not fair that I can dream
or that His love reaches down for me.
It's not fair my life is spared
not fair I have a future
or that His grace has paid my debt.
It's not fair I am forgiven
not fair I am washed clean
or that the pain He endured set the captive free.

The Music of the Night

The Music of the Night
4/10/13

Do you hear it?
Listen now
our faithful friend returns.
Stillness sinks in,
noise is drowned out
by the music of the night.

Its melody is silence

Its harmony is peace

Its rhythm is quiet

Its chorus is release

Turn your ear
lend your heart
to this still, soft serenade.
It's time to rest
and sing along
to the music of the night.

How Long?

How Long?
4/8/13

How long will it take
for this pain to ease?
How long to breathe again?
How long must I dwell
in this deep darkness?
How long to feel again?
"Time will heal," the saying goes,
the numbness soon will fade.
And scars will form
and heal and mend,
yet the memory will remain.

How long will it take
for this pain to ease?
How long to live again?
How long must I wait
to be fearless, unafraid?
How long to dance again?
Time's constant care heals and mends,
the numbness drifts away.
Yet the fading pain
lingers and lasts,
and the memory will remain.

You See Me

You See Me

4/6/13

When I'm down in the valley

And darkness dominates

When I'm lost in the forest

With no sign of escape

You see me. 

When I'm drowning in the sea

And can't come up for air 

When I'm blazing in the fire

Left in miserable despair

You see me. 

When the pain is so thick

And the sorrow too deep

When the locks hold captive 

What I long to release 

You see me. 

When I look up in wonder

And cry out in grief

When your gentle signs and wonders

Remind me I believe

You see me. 

Spring, Why Must You Be Shy?

Spring, Why Must You Be Shy?
4/4/13

Spring, why must you be shy
to show your face again?
This rain is dim, dreary, dull
it's sinking too deeply in.

Grey, ash, stone, and slate,
oh, Spring, where are your blues?
My soul longs, yearns for such
please come and paint your hues.

Our soil is tilled, rocks dug out
the weeds are ripped and pruned.
We're beat and worn and longing for
the blooms and fruit of June.

While we wait, we'll sit and watch
the hands of time go by.
We'll barely notice your subtle arrival
a sunrise sneaking into the sky.

How Many Tears Have We All Inside?

How Many Tears Have We All Inside?
4/2/13

How many tears
have we all inside?
It seems an endless supply.
For I shed one, then twenty-nine
today, ten-thousand I cried.
When your heart is broken
and your wounds are torn open
and you're left empty and afraid.
Your tears will fill
and faithfully flow
without words expressing
the sadness of your soul.

Do You Feel that Breeze Blowing Forth?

Do You Feel that Breeze Blowing Forth?
3/31/13 Easter Sunday

Do you feel
that breeze blowing forth?
Be still and listen closely.
There's life breathing
once again,
death has been defeated.
So long silence
So long darkness
Where have you now to dwell?
He lives again
forever conquering
death, evil, pain, Hell.
Do you feel
that breeze blowing forth?
Reach up and feel its embrace.
There's life breathing
once again
salvation has come by grace.

You're Not Welcome

You're Not Welcome
3/30/13

Worry, you're not welcome
you steal my happiness.
Like a thief
you plot and plan
holding me hostage and afraid.
My hope is diminishing
into death's trap.
Worry, you brought me here.

Gratitude and remembrance
Will slowly snuff you out,
and life will thrive once more.
Knock again
to find no answer.
Peace will win; it must.
Worry, you're not welcome
you steal my happiness.

Won't I Take Care of You?

Won't I Take Care of You?
3/29/13

Look at the bird
it's singing there
not worrying
not begging
just living.
And doesn't the grass come back to grow?
Gaze upon the wildflowers
dancing colors long and slender
not one of them fretting
not one of them concerned
just thriving year after year.
And doesn't the sun rise again?
Sweet child of mine
Why do you fear?
Why do you wonder in anguish?
Rest in my presence
Sigh in my comfort
And won't I take care of you?

Day Meets Night

Day Meets Night
3/24/13

The bell has rung
The time has come
For day and night to meet.

Birds fly home
Stars reappear
It's time to rest your weary soul.

Sun goes down once more
And crickets calmly declare
Twilight has finally come.

That old familiar stillness drifts in
Settling upon the heavy laden.
The town deeply sighs once more.

Silence is welcome
Rest embraced
Fears lie down
Peace echoes
When day meets night.

So Long, Sunshine

So Long, Sunshine
3/24/13

So long, Sunshine
I hope to see you soon.
So long, Sunshine
I will wait for you.
Please, dear Sunshine
Return quickly and stay
I need you, Sunshine
Hurry back to play.

Coming Home

Coming Home
3/24/13

Don't leave me now, we've just begun
there's so much still to learn.
Your presence is needed, craved, invited.
In you I find healing.
Rest.

Together with you my worries fade
into the shadows of the night.
My mind is free, open, confident.
Doubts have no dwelling.
Trust.

Yet when I return, I worry that
your voice will become faint.
Can I keep this gift we've got
even in the rainy weather?
Believe.

Breathing deeply, I remember
your promise is true and lasting.
I cannot rely on my own power
but you, my strong Redeemer.
Surrender.

So when life gets loud
and other voices vie for my affection,
I'll remember this time of renewal and peace
and grasp tightly to your hand.
Faith.

Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea
3/22/13

Deep blue sea, mysterious, undiscovered
No one knows of your life
Teeming with creation, color
Unscathed by expectation.

Freely you flourish each day and night
true to yourself, never settling.
Greed, anger, shame, and fear are foreigners, uninvited.

Deep blue sea, so raw, so rare, so effortless
Your natural beauty a gentle song.
Constant, selfless, constrained, strong
Your loyal depths are grace eternal.

I See You, Cloud

I See You, Cloud
3/22/13

I see you, wispy cloud
floating freely across the sky.
You're light, carefree, alive.
All is well, and time moves quickly.

Now the sky darkens,
unexpected storms arrive.
You're dark, burdened, carrying a heavy load.
Time inches by through this perilous season.

Your rain has run dry
and a rainbow promises relief.
Yet scars linger in your gray hues.
You begin to move again, and time follows your lead.

I see you cloud, large and full
dancing into dusk.
Colliding with the sun, your time-healed wounds
create a masterpiece of purples, oranges, blues
and time stands in your stillness.

Sunshine

Sunshine
3/19/13

Sunshine, sweet Sunshine
So warm, so constant, so bright.
You're good for my soul.

I breathe easy now
Your rays are healing; they mend.
My skin soaks you up.

Your golden light shines
Darkness has nowhere to go.
Only truth is seen.

Sunshine, please stay now
My soul is thirsty for you.
I sigh with relief.

Sunshine, sweet Sunshine
So warm, so constant, so bright.
You're good for my soul.

Weathered Grain of Sand

Weathered Grain of Sand
3/18/13

Do you ever look upon a grain of weathered sand
and think to ask just how it came to be?
Perhaps it started out a boulder in the desert
or maybe a shell deep in a stormy sea.
Could it have once been at the peak of a mountain
or down in the blackest abyss?
A wandering pebble down the Mississippi
a stone lightly skipped o'er Lake Isis?

Whatever the journey of this weathered grain of sand
it's clear it was a crushing fight.
Years of toil, storms, wind, and rain
have produced this perfect grain refined.
Soft to the touch, this warm powdered sugar
is smooth, soothing, new.
Time has passed, and life's been hard
but this weathered grain of sand stands true.

The Best Day of the Year

The Best Day of the Year
3/17/13

Grab your frisbee, ball, and glove
and pack a cooler, too!
Hurry, c'mon, it's starting now
the best day of the year.
Dust off your cap, throw on some shorts
the sun is out to play.
We've waited all winter long for this
the best day of the year.
Old man Sevier welcomes warmly
his lawns glisten green with life.
Puppies and children race to join in
the best day of the year.
Watch out for speedy scooters and meandering passersby
finish that popsicle, it's melting.
Throw some burgers on, have the family over and enjoy
the best day of the year.
Slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the warm rays
Catch up on lost time.
It's the first day of Spring, and we all agree,
it's the best day of the year.

Midnight Train

Midnight Train

3/16/13

The midnight train comes howling through

the silence of the night.

Just miles away sleeps the town,

not a soul disturbed.

Yet there is an ear who hears the cry

it's the Watchman, ever-present.

Not a whisper, thought goes unanswered

and the train glides ever onward.

Barren Tree of Winter

Barren Tree of Winter
3/10/13

Oh barren tree of winter
your branches hang in fear
They're bare, scarred, wounded
desperate for the Sun.
Upward you look for a sign
of Spring's faithful return.
But months of despair, darkness, dread
leave you weary and alone.
Questions unanswered, cries returned void
Will this winter ever cease?

Look barren tree of winter
at the light coming upon.
Just a touch of the Sun's gentle kiss
is water rushing through your soul.
Are you here to stay
and mend my brokenness?
My branches look upward
while hope flows faintly within.
Far too long have I stood in solitude
Can I trust you again?

Feel barren tree of winter
new life takes root once more.
Sun's rays prove loyal
with his warm, familiar embrace.
Hope and trust bloom on branches
their aroma sweet and still.
Though clouds and rainstorms appear
fear of winter's return does not invade.
Yet fruit springs freely forward
to reveal the measure of grace.

Sing barren tree of winter
your branches outstretched in praise.
They're full, mended, healed
after months with the faithful Sun.
Backward you look as you recall
Winter's ruthless fight.
You recall the despair, darkness, dread
with tears of gratitude and life.
You're stronger now, rooted deeper than before.
Will this song ever cease?
Oh barren tree of winter.