The Seed that Grows

You make us your heifer, pulling the plow, you shape us and train us, showing us how to lean to the left when your strong hand presses, to walk straight ahead, cleaning up messes and tearing out weeds, preparing the way for planting the seed in that soil on the day when all is inContinue reading “The Seed that Grows”

Remembering: “Smothered in the Night”

The long car twisted through tall grass In the shy darkness following sunset. Suddenly it was before us—the village, Mud huts huddled close like frightened sheep. Our headlights swept across them and then fell On a pile of children tumbling from the night To swarm around the car as we stepped out.A skinny girl lookedContinue reading “Remembering: “Smothered in the Night””

Africa in my Veins

Its heat beats deep in my veins thrumming tumbling drumbeats off-beat softer scuffling of my feet beside dark feet in the community of rhythms that thump the earth and thrust our souls into one warm hum Its winds blow gently through my hair flowing even now in wisps of ash, flower powder, dust –night airContinue reading “Africa in my Veins”

While You are Here

Endure! Stay strong, not relying on muscle strength because it won’t last. Like the grass, like flowers, you will fade away and dissolve. You will go back to the dust. It is on God you mustalways focus! Glue your truston his goodness, his wisdom!He has known you sincehe formed you in the womb.He knows yourContinue reading “While You are Here”

It’s Not Over Yet!

Everything vibrant is going to seed: burgundy tufts on the yellowing grass, slender filaments lined with beans drooping down between withering leaves, millet high on the dusty stalks, papaya clusters, lemons, limes — all reminders that it is time to pass on the treasure of living life, to breed a crop of who we are:Continue reading “It’s Not Over Yet!”

Because of You I Run with Joy

Sleep may slip out of reach, but I will rest in you. Age may take its toll, but I am renewed by you. I may hobble along the path, but you will keep me upright. I may wrestle with fear in the dark, but you are the light in my heart. The world’s disasters mayContinue reading “Because of You I Run with Joy”

Eyes on You

When even the sunrise is muted by gray, the air polluted and blackened by carbon, there is one place where I can play, breathing in air that is free from dirt, a place where my heart-hurts fade away— here beside you, finding a way to gradually lay each major worry, each broken hope on theContinue reading “Eyes on You”

Desperate to Center

Thoughts slip left and right, up and down, circling center but not resting there. I long to be centered, focused, listening. When swirling slows I sense You here, present. That is the heart position that centers thoughts on You, the Unseen One who matters most. I rest, absorbing peacefrom the Prince of Peace,the object ofContinue reading “Desperate to Center”

That One Thing

When I heard him say, “Seek my face,” my heart skipped a beat like a goat leaping high to land on a ledge then jump to the top of a high crag, flat, and shaded by pines to find him there, his face lit up by the rising sun. I wanted to ask him toContinue reading “That One Thing”

When He Restores My Soul

When He, the Shepherd of my life, restores my weary soul, He shines his brilliant, healing light into each shadowed corner space, and He cleans out each creeping rot and sneaky vapor of distress, depression or deceit. And then His lovingkindness flows His living water through each vein, with salt of truth and his sweetContinue reading “When He Restores My Soul”