The Spotlight Shifted!

They were shoved to the margins,viewed as insignificant,poor people scatteredin little bush villages,living off infertile land.But some had been waitingto hear the Good News,and when it arrivedtheir hearts opened wide,fertile, welcoming seed.“Now how can we sing praise to our new King?” Other peoples had songs,but this language had tonesthat required their own fit.Then it began,Continue reading “The Spotlight Shifted!”

I Belong to Yahweh!

I belong to Yahweh!I am his, and he is mine.He lives in me–astonishing, this truth I can’t absorb!I live in him, in whom I havemy being, my true home,my source of life and strength,all my giftings and my soul,the “who” I am, because of him.“I AM,” he said to Mosesand he says it now toContinue reading “I Belong to Yahweh!”

I Am That Heifer!

You’ve made me your heifer, pulling the plow,you’ve shaped me and trained me, showing me howto lean to the left when your strong hand presses,to walk straight ahead, cleaning up messesand tearing out weeds, preparing the wayfor planting the seed in that soil on the daywhen all is in readiness, soft dirt tilled,and we pressContinue reading “I Am That Heifer!”

It’s a Continual Sacrifice!

slow motion eastwardthe world whirlsturning constantlytowards its sun then welcomingthe dark embrace of nightand swirling all aroundsmokey mist risesincense in all colorscontrasting texturesbraiding togetherwith purpose in flightfirst day of the weekit intensifiesas praises are sungand the worship expressedin the Family of Godcovers the rotating earthone longitudegives way to anotherbut in each spacethere are hearts inContinue reading “It’s a Continual Sacrifice!”

I Am One Piece of It All

I am not the center of your plans,and yet you give me significance as one special piece of the enormous puzzle that is your kingdom:a breathing, sentient realitythat is growing into your New Creation, a wonder of wondersthat no evil can destroy.So I just keep on saying it,telling you that (paltry as it is)I giveContinue reading “I Am One Piece of It All”

Eyes Fixed on Him

Lord, teach me howto stay on alert,watching out for the trapsinsidiously camouflaged,waiting for meto take one false stepand cave in to fear,or greed, or false symbolsof who I am. Show mewhere my adversary has poisonedthe thorns beneath the roses;help me to recognize eviland avoid it completely,holding only to what is goodand promotes love.At the sameContinue reading “Eyes Fixed on Him”

The Red of Love

Love—deep red love— came struggling throughthe pressure of the birth canaland landed safe in loving handsthat washed away the bloodand held him close.They did not know, not yet,that Love’s own bloodwould someday spurtfrom lashes to his back,from nails plunged straightthrough his own hands,and through his feet—blood of Life and supreme Lovethat would bring hope toContinue reading “The Red of Love”

His Joy is My Strength!

When my happiness fades away,disappointment moves in to stay.But his joy makes me strong!It lifts me like a song!It’s not laughter-dependent,doesn’t need a comic moment—not transient like a smilethat might last for a short milethen gradually melt down, maybe change into a frownat the pain and deep distressin my world’s sloppy mess.My Master’s joy isContinue reading “His Joy is My Strength!”

Where is Peace?

The angels sang of peace.And yet I struggleto rememberwhat seemsso elementary:peace has its sourcein you, the Prince of Peace.Peace seems to be the theme song ofa mocking bird,just borrowedand played back,called out in blandirrelevance, mere words.Where is goodwillwhen wars devourthe planet? Evenin your Bodythe cruel manipulationof the truth scores wounds;ill will is out to banishContinue reading “Where is Peace?”

Breathe in hope!

Breathe in the wet earthBreathe in my mercyBreathe in wafts of breezeBreathe in my Spirit Breathe in red poinsettiasBreathe in my artistryBreathe in owls cooingBreathe my approbationBreathe in candles glimmeringBreathe in gifts of hopeBreathe in massive fir treesBreathe my complex weavingBreathe in shafts of sunriseBreathe in Light and TruthBreathe in ringing church bellsBreathe my loveContinue reading “Breathe in hope!”