I choose understanding and forgiveness over resentments.
I choose to see myself through your eyes – chosen, loved, redeemed – over shame.
I choose to trust in the path laid out before me over self-will and attempted control.
Category: Poetry
Thought Life
Faint echos of discouragement
Claw at the surface
They want to break through
But I’m relying on You
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Thank You
Thank You for your tenderness
Your gentle wisdom in a whisper
Your direction at every crossroad
Your shelter when our feet are blistered.
Thank You for the rest You give
The hope You provide for tomorrow
The gift of joy in every day moments
The strength of Your embrace through life’s sorrows.
Calculating
I tried to put a number to it
Tried to hold it in my hand
Placed it under a microscope
So I could possibly understand
The measure of Your grace
But it was unmeasureable
The formula to apply grace
But it is undeservable
I tried to imagine eternity
But my mind would only go so far
Tried to see You with my eyes
But felt You in my heart.
Fears
I stare so intently at the things I fear, they become all I see.
I want to step back and widen the focus to all of the good around me.
Rest
Put one foot in front of the other
Until my light appears
Let my Spirit keep you quiet
My presence keep you still
Give Me your burdens
So I can carry you through
Rest your worried mind
Trust in my care for you
Expectations
What am I waiting for?
Someone to prove to me I’m worthy?
Someone to heal all of my problems
And make the world disappear?
Even if I found love
It now seems so trivial
So unnecessary and inconsequential
To what I’m doing here.
Relationships can be a blessing
But also what a load they bear
That is no longer the answer
There’s something more
That needs to happen here.
A change in heart
In perspective and motivation
A change in my view of the world
And a decrease of selfish expectation
Into Thin Air
I’m sorry for the things I spoke
When I should’ve been thinking
But instead I was drinking
I’m sorry for the arrows
I hurled in a hurry
Carelessly aiming
When my sight was too blurry
I’m sorry for apologies
That are needed everywhere
Thank you, oh faithful blog
For letting me clear the air
Realign
Realign my fractured thinking
Strengthen the muscles of self control
Inject healing to my areas of tension
Widen the gaps that have become narrow
Let movement occur with ease
As I rise from my surrendered knees
To walk upright in confidence
Empowered with all my tools of defense
Prepared to walk with a purpose in mind
To give hope our lives can be redefined.
“13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:13-20
Counselor
My one true Counselor
My all in all
My kind and loving guide
Defender and comforter
Father and Friend
Who never leaves my side
Oh the Valley
Oh the valley
Where all my weaknesses are attacked
My mind so quickly forgets your promises
To instead obsess over worries and lack
Oh the valley
Where surrender counts ten-fold
Where my mustard seed can move a mountain
When I press on in the truths You’ve told
Oh the valley
What a treacherous terrain
Visions of the mountaintop barely remain
But faith, I muster the strength to reclaim.
Focus
Worrying about the news
Relationship problems
Financial stress
Personal ambitions
Past or potential pain
Only distracts our minds
From where we should place our aim
This world is temporary
And so are all these things
Instead share His heart
His love and presence
Our only truly valuable gain
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25
Patience
I pleaded with You
Told You I was stuck and needed You
But each time, it took years for my rescue
Were You waiting on me?
Were You not listening?
Or were you preparing me, teaching me
My grace is sufficient for thee?
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee…”
2 Corinthians 12:8-9…
Heaven’s Timeline
Empty this vessel
Until it’s ready to be filled
By only your Spirit
And heaven’s will
My needs, my wants
Mean not a thing
When all my desires
Are born from my King
You keep watch
You’ve numbered my days
Fulfilling Your purpose
Through each promise displayed
Thankful
Thankful my seed of faith doesn’t die
No matter how hard the evil one tries
To discourage, defeat and cast doubt
The Lord empowers new fruit to sprout
Obstacles turn to opportunities
To further His heavenly plan
All outcomes remain surrendered
As we joyfully walk hand in hand
Reflection
I often don’t stop talking long enough to hear your reply.
I don’t sit still long enough to receive your direction.
I pace and worry and try to make things happen on my own.
I doubt and question and fail to see You sitting on the throne.
I confess my sins to the world but do I proclaim your glory?
Do I trust in your forgiveness enough to proclaim your salvation story?
His Kingdom
Set your life aside
Do not love only those who love you back
For sinners do the same
Do not complain about service
Do everything in my name.
Give your worries to me
There is much work to do
My kingdom is coming
I am making all things new
“If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.” Matthew 5:46
Beloved
You don’t have to carry
The weight of who you’ve been
You don’t have to carry
The weight of who you are
When you place your identity in me
I will use every part of you
Every gift, every scar
You don’t have to weigh your worth
Your worth is mirrored in Me
You are priceless, purposed, redeemed
Live in my joy, rest in my safety
Walk in my Spirit
We have much further to go
I am yours, you are Mine
My beloved, blessed, betrothed.
“I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy;” Hosea 2:19
Do’s and Dont’s
Don’t look for others’ sin
Look for the Savior
Don’t worry about the clothes you’re in
Trust only God’s favor
Don’t contemplate the days ahead
Surrender today’s trials and behavior
Rebuilt
You hollowed the core
Then filled it anew
Fuel from your fire
To steer all I do
Old ways suit me not
Your power at play
My life lay surrendered
Your glory on display
Edify
Edify by Your Spirit
Until the rivers of conviction
Knock us down
But You don’t place us there
To drown, but to be found
You reveal what’s in the heart
But not to condemn
It’s an invitation to repent
If we choose to let You in
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26
Life in the Spirit
Words are just words
Until Your Spirit breathes life into them
Actions run circles
Until You give them aim
Happiness and fear can both be
self-seeking (One in the same)
Value is found in surrender
Seeds start to grow when planted by faith
Circumstances fade as You become clearer
Sinners hear Your call
When spoken in love, not shame
Designed
Uniquely created
in this body and mind
With perceptions
Instilled by design
Experiences lived
Provide visions to share
The faith that carries
the burdens I bear.
To My Boys
The Christmas songs can be annoying
The planning and prepping
Event attending
May feel unending
But my biggest gift is making these memories with you
Each Christmas marks a year in time
In which you’ve grown taller
You’re tastes and gift requests differ
Your voices deepen
Your independence increases
And One day not far away
You’ll be beside your own tree
And I’ll treasure the gift these moments
Have given to me
Proverbs
If you look to be fully and completely understood by another, you will find dissappointment.
God and God alone is the only one to provide us with full understanding.
That is the beauty of having a relationship with Him. You are fully known, fully understood and fully loved.
If you place your dependence and security on a person, place or thing, you will find uncertainty and fear. For the world is flawed and broken. But He has overcome the world, so we are safe to depend on Him.
Do not match an eye for an eye but walk uprightly looking to His Holy Spirit for your direction, not to others motives.
Do not judge others’ hearts. For just as He is working in yours, we do not know the wonders He is doing in the hearts of others as well.
Holy Ground
Death, where is your sting?
We serve a God
Who endured your suffering
Fear, you have no power
For our God walks ahead
And holds each tomorrow
Worry, cease
Anxious thoughts, turn to peace
Self-will, look around
For this land you walk is Holy ground
So we will not fear
Our God is here
We will not tremble, nor shake
His purposes are at stake
And He never fails.
Revelations
The earth proclaims your glory
The stars set stage for your plan
For the lost to be found, the blind to see
Deaf ears come to understand
May addictions be lifted
Confusion become clear
Earnest searching find answers
Distant hearts sense You near
His Hands
Walk tall, walk secure
The hand that upholds you
Does not falter
Share his words, speak peace
The hand that guides you
Never sleeps
Take Aim
Live to be satisfied
Or live to be sanctified
Serve self or serve me
Not every day is comfortable
In discomfort, rely on my peace
Detours
I sat in the back of the church praying my life would change.
My heart had so many needs, tears always stained my face
Twenty years later I visited the church again
My whole life was different, all thanks to Him
His timing was not what I expected with detours of hard lessons to learn
But I wouldn’t ask Him to do anything different since I saw his face at every turn.
Reliable
There You are
My sturdy ground
When all the winds around me blow
You’re the anchor for my soul
Through smiles I feel Your joy
Through tears, I feel Your peace
Roads ahead although unknown
Are unseen only to me
Your hand remains steady
Whether green grass or rocky stone
Whatever griefs I may bear
I will not bear alone
Selfless
Give me eyes to see your will
When I’m searching for my own
Discipline to quiet my emotions
When their source remains unknown
Give me love to share
When my mind is scared
Peace to embrace
When I feel out of place
Discernment to live by your Spirit
Instead of my own or others’ merit
Dichotomy of Life
The tides wash over me
But I don’t drown
I walk through darkness
Yet I’m found
Your love pours down
I battle with demons
Yet You lend strength
My feet tread this world
But my spirit in grace
I see your face
Beautiful, wonderful
Glimpses of your heart
Too great to fathom
But this vision You impart
I’m not scared of the dark
Teacher
Always after a mountaintop
Comes a Valley
Faith is tested through doubt
Convictions shaken to strengthen
The lessons You teach us about
4.18.24
Intelligent Design
Creation speaks louder
When distractions lead to doubt
For the mountains proclaim His glory
And our hearts, for Him, cry out
The sea and sky
They testify
To the vastness of His hands
The moon and stars
They whisper
Of the unfathomable “I Am”
Attributes
Growth is a mindset
Pliable yet strong
Love is an action
Not tallying others’ wrongs
Faith is personal
Developed in experience
Wisdom is key
In knowing the difference
My Hiding Place
I’m driven into your arms
Where I’m known and embraced
I’m driven to your heart
Where my tenderness is safe
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalms 32:7-10
Daily Living
We don’t need riches, fame or fun
We don’t need to create our own purpose
When You have already established one
It’s in the day to day living
We get to experience You
To share love and compassion with others
Until our time here is through
Write
Writing is my Red Sea
The waters part when I step in
Faith and obedience
Prompting my pen
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9
Break the Walls
I built my walls on fear
To protect me from the cold
To keep visitors at a distance
Feeling safer on my own
The Lord asked me to step out
To leave my dilapidated home
To led it fade from my vision
And trust in Him alone
One Word
Just one word
Whispered to me
My pride is silenced
The road turns to peace
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
Over Thinkers
I think I’m going to stop overthinking
But let me think about that for awhile
😊
Freedom
One drink led to twenty
Twenty led to years
No longer fun, my nightmare had won
And left me trembling in fear
A cunning ruler
Giving no mercy or peace
Yet I continued to serve it
Praying it’s rule would cease
Crouched in the dark, He led me out
He paved an escape route for me
No longer a slave, my freedom was won
Now I trust wherever He leads
If, Then
If ignorant, make me wise
If hurried, give me pause
If blind, open my eyes
If selfish, state your cause
If the day calls for silence, mute me
If it is time for bold words, help me speak
If my heart trembles, bring stillness
If my faith weakens, lead me to belief
Heavenly Commander
Faithful I will be
To follow where He leads
For I know his yoke is light
His provisions are my only need
When this life brings trouble
When the arrows fly
I will not cower in fear
For He remains by my side
A devoted soldier I’ll be
Whether I win or bleed
Surrendering to His battle plan
Guaranteeing His victory!
“The Lord your God is in your midst – a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over
you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord’s Army
Though arrows pierce
And more battles lay ahead
I know the road traveled
Is where Your omniscience has led
Helpers
Thank you for all the others
Who have walked this path before
Who found their way out
Then came back to rescue more
Salvation
Not in riches, not in debt
Not in busyness nor days of rest
Not in blessings nor past regret
Not in my future, not places I knew
Not in revelations nor trials I went through
No – my worth, my life, my salvation is found in You
Go and Tell
Now rescue the others
Tell them what I’ve done
How healing came by my hand
And this victory I’ve won.
“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39
Not Afraid
If You lead me to dark places
You’ll give me power to shine your light
If life gets difficult and the weight is heavy
You’ll carry it with me
Through every sorrow and plight
Your will on earth is not hindered
By the will of any man
You preordained, saw beyond time
And worked it into your plan
So I am not afraid
You go before me
You light my stepping stones
I am not afraid
You are my confidence
To do Your will
No matter where I go
Christian Poetry, Thoughts & Analogies 