Can a child repay their parents
Countless diapers and food, Energy, time, and love, With allowance money accrued? They would not wish nor accept Such a laughable gesture. Save those pennies for another; They raise you with pleasure. As we would be forever in debt, So it is with our heavenly Father. He gave you life, talents, breath, Everything, including one another. He made everything, lacks nothing, And truly owns it all. What could we possibly give The One who created all? He made the elements and colors, The oceans, creatures, and hills. He gave us, if you or I dare to create, All of “our” materials, ideas, and skills. An artist recreates the landscapes They perceive with their eyes. Their sight and talent are gifts, The skies and trees likewise. A writer cannot fully express All that’s in their heart, But their God-given language and drive Impulses them to the art. Even this meager attempt, A prime display of ineptitude, Is done with love, Full of awe and gratitude. When a toddler fingerpaints A blob without form, but tries, Do their parents despise and judge the effort, Or hang it on the fridge with happy cries? Though there is nothing new Under this lovely sun, Sing to the Lord a new song For of you He only made one. The things You show me
I don’t always like, But You know what we need; Learn from the rod’s strike. I am full of Oh so many flaws… Instead of solutions, Damage they cause. Please continue To be patient As You were with Israel of ancient. Thank You for Your loving kindness As we aspire To Your likeness. Your wondrous mercy We don’t deserve; Yet You still use us, Imperfect as we serve. In Your infinite wisdom, Extending Your grace, Continue to grow us and Lead us in what we face. Your great plans no one And nothing can diminish; The work You started You will finish. When we are cut,
Our skin may scar. Though wounds heal, The reminder’s not far. We learn and maybe Grow thicker skin. As we move on we still Know where we’ve been. The battle continues With bruises and scrapes As the enemy attacks On new landscapes. Of what use are These battle marks If not to encourage And ignite sparks. They are not ugly When they display The glory of God And color from gray. Rather than hide them, We ought to show That light has made The past into shadow. When we are struck, That too we’ll wear. Another abrasion Less hard to bear. Always forgive, But never forget. Know God is with us Against every threat. We rejoice at the cry
Of a precious newborn, While elsewhere another Departs and we’re forlorn. Whether just or not, The rain falls on all. We don’t know why, But we trust Your call. The God who gives Also tests and takes. Not ours to keep, we only Borrow what He makes. There’s a time to dance, Also a time to weep… For now we work and love; As we sow, one day we’ll reap. Smell the fragrant rose When you get a chance; Its petals fall away and fade Without a second glance. Sin is often quick,
Easy, appealing… But the guilt after Will leave you reeling. We should not abuse The grace we’re given. Just because we think, “I am forgiven.” Death by cross Isn’t nice. We were bought With a price. Is what you want Worth the cost Of pain and blood That Jesus lost? Next time consider The cost Christ paid, And the great love With which we’re made. If I truly had, I wouldn’t have strayed, Yet I always return Eyes downcast, dismayed. In selfish moments So easy to forget, But then I remember You pardoned my debt. For friend of anyone, Few hold others above. Yet to lay down your life, There is no greater love. Don’t let us Self-distract And help us think Before we act. Nobody knows Your plans
Unless You first reveal The work You are doing Even when we can’t feel. Especially at a time When morale might be low, Amidst chaos You work, So let the wind blow. Though trouble may On sides be pressing, Thank You Father For this blessing. Playing the glad game,
To not go bananas… How do they do it, Those Pollyannas? It can be exhausting To fall on deaf ears. Wind blows seeds away, Not toil or tears. My mind sometimes asks, “Why do you bother?” Because God loves us, We love Him and each other. No gain without pain, No faith without hearing. Can’t give up planting, Though results we’re not seeing. Our struggle is Not in vain, For a rare soul Might salvation obtain. The trek is not easy, But our hope’s not gone. Lost sheep waiting, Got to carry on. I try, I do, And not for me, But more so For you. Pessimism is not helpful. We can be realistic, But build each other up! Let’s try to be optimistic. Every cloud has A silver lining. And after each rain, The sun’s always shining. Had the right idea, Pollyanna; A time to laugh or cry. But what time is it now? I know I’ve got to try. I’d rather know I tried, If given a choice. When one is saved, Not just angels rejoice. There’re only two roads:
The narrow few find, And the wide one To leave behind. Look in my eyes, What do you see? Do I shine the light of Christ, Or is it overshadowed by me? Am I living too much In the world When we’re not Of the world? Don’t help my unbelief, I already do. Help me to obey And be one of the few. It’s not too late to turn to God
When things are looking grim. Or is it like the days of Noah When they all laughed at him? Don’t you hear God calling? He’s been calling you for years. Why does it take disaster To bring to Him your ears? Living their own lives, Till the flood swept them away… They were given warning, But did not obey. Is it that hard to believe Or to listen to His Word? Investigate your questions Before deciding God’s absurd. Save yourself now From future heartache. To get your attention, What will it take? Ten plagues like the pharaoh Who hardened his heart? They wouldn’t have happened If he’d listened from the start. Learn from Nineveh Who repented and was spared. Seek forgiveness, pray for mercy, Don’t be caught unprepared. The time I got to spend with you,
Whether great or small, May not feel like enough, But we sure had a ball. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t hesitate or stall. It’s better to have loved and lost Than never have loved at all. The lost need You,
And so do Your sheep. I want to do Your will, Not be found asleep. To bare my heart and soul, So much I could have shared. Open and vulnerable, If I weren’t so scared. Better to be uncomfortable For a moment, Than to live in regret Or eternal torment. How many did I help Lead to You? Don’t ask me yet, Help me too. Paul had known much
And he had known scarcity. Be with us in abundance And during adversity. A sparrow is fed By Your loving hand. Our castle’s not built Upon the sand. You know what we need, Our hope is in You. Your will be accomplished As You see things through. Persecution, hunger, pain…
Other countries suffer daily. We’ve been blessed, So endure bravely. This is but a taste Of what could come, But remember it’s not Our true kingdom. We serve one God Who tells us to love. Don’t forget even now, Keep your mind aimed above. To your life will anxiety Add one hour? Ask the Holy Spirit Our hearts to empower. Let us proclaim the truth, Boldly as we should. Don’t cease in opportunity To do our neighbor good. If our ship sinks, At least let them say, “Who was that God they served? I’d like to know Him today.” We’re not guaranteed
A life free of pain. Jesus suffered much, But didn’t die in vain. Ask, “What can I do for you?” Not what can be done for me. The cross already accomplished Our greatest gift; we’re free. If its own evil Is sufficient for a day, Add some blessings to it For the scale to outweigh. Don’t worry about tomorrow And what you’ll wear or eat. Seek His kingdom first today And your needs God will meet. I pray that my words
Are well received; That they are clear, And not misperceived. Not meant to offend, But to encourage. Though truth may prick some, Like the rich man discourage. If there is contradiction In what I say, Discard my human error; The Bible shows the way. It all seems for naught
When it keeps raining. I focus on a speck, But You keep on painting. You know all the colors That have to be mixed. It’s a slow process, Yet we want it all fixed. You whisper, “Just wait,” But our vision is small. Shift our focus to You, Who knows and sees all. When I don’t understand, Help me to see, Or to stand still And let it be. All is truly Yours, So do You truly take? Thank You for all You give And continue to make. When I ask why, I will still trust. It may hurt, But do as You must. How many mistakes
Are we allowed? I’ve made so many Of which I’m not proud. You don’t count them When we repent, Humble ourselves, And finally relent. You give us understanding To know what is wrong. We may make excuses, But to You we belong. I am sorry, Yet again. Forgive me, Now and then. You transform souls, God of the unexpected; Lead the imperfect, As children corrected. Help us do right And follow You. Give us the chance To become new. Lord, grant us patience
To let Your hand work. You know Your plan And lay the groundwork. Not our way but Yours, Let it be done. Expand our tunnel vision To Your better one. We cannot see ahead And often lose sight Of what is important And of what’s right. Help us consider More pressing needs In Your kingdom Of growing seeds. We only know about What we can see, But You work all things For the good of each tree. We are but a leaf That alone will fall, But together we stand In Christ our all. Wanted to walk on water,
But I felt myself sinking. You asked, “Where is your faith?” Hidden by dark thinking. Anxiety, worry, stress… Why do I fear? It’s not as much when I know You are near. I had nowhere to turn But to the God who knows And works out all things For the one that follows. I had a hard time trusting, And I asked You why. It’s not always easy, But You didn’t pass me by. Through infinite miles, Walking with me, Through the trials, You haven’t let me go. When you want to quit, Though fear may resurface, As life’s storms hit, Know that God steers the ship. So much goodness,
There IS a God! Love, mercy kindness, I’m standing awed. How do You attend Even to the details? Working all for good When our plan fails. At a forked road When we don’t know The final destination Or which way to go… You DO know. We deserve nothing, Yet You give us all; In You I’ll keep trusting. I fail You daily,
Cause more pain, Unintentional Sorrow and disdain. My own and Yours, Perhaps in others Who I’ve disappointed; I’m sorry brothers. Why do You love me? I’ll never understand. Like a ship lost at sea, In You I’ve found land. I could’ve been wrecked, Or left barely alive. Years of wandering, Only to then arrive… Tossed by waves no more, God is my Rock and shelter. Why He hasn’t spit me out yet, A mystery I am grateful for. Please be patient with us; Others are learning too. Forgive all our mistakes As we try to follow You. Rays of sunshine,
Brilliant hope! You have returned, Cast off the rope! The sun always returns After a moonlit night. Darkness is not eternal, Engulfed by light. It may not be easy, But we can fight. It can be hard, But use all your might. Only God can fix What is broken. But I give thanks For this small token. My friend,
What can I say But I love you Today? I think of you, Wish you well, Pray for you, What more to tell? I despair with you When you cry. Tragedies happen, We don’t know why. I rejoice with you When you laugh. Or would like to, Forgive me when I can’t. We believe different things, But I still care. Wish I could do or say more… Sorry I’m not always there. I don’t always know What to say or do. Is it better if I stay away Than share an opposing view? How can I answer If you ask me what’s new? Even if it offends, I can only share what’s true. I’m sorry if it makes you mad, I can understand. I hope you can try… It’s not castles in the sand. I found true love, Not a fairytale. Wish you could see, He that won’t fail. Go out into the world
And preach the good news. Not easy to do With muddy shoes. We may appear pure, But tracking dirt thus Shows sin stains our souls, Only One can cleanse us. The world thinks or expects A bride dressed in white. The church aspires and desires, But images fall from great height. Why is it a surprise When we stumble? Who can point a clean finger? We must be humble. War between Spirit and flesh Is the dilemma of life. Losing a battle, No greater strife. The devil seeks whom To devour. Don’t sink in defeat, Look at the hour! He wants us to crumble, Shrink away, hide in shame… But now’s the time to rise up, Grace and power in Jesus’ name! Not by our own strength Do we dare fight. Sometimes we must walk By faith and not sight. Realize we’re imperfect, Till the foretold new creation. This won’t last forever, Endure till our final destination. Hang onto Jesus In life’s ups and downs. Those that strive in the race, Only they receive crowns. Effects of the fall, Humans full of flaws. There is none good, We’ve all broken His laws. Shatter the perfection myth, Let go of the façade. It’s not about us, Do all for the glory of God. Life throws obstacles,
There is power in One. God can give or take, It’s the world or the Son. I choose Life, He is the Way. Shelter and Rock, Come what may. My heart sings praises, You give all we need. Don’t need raises, Bread and Word feed. Things built on sand Are washed away. Heart’s treasures stand, Turning night into day. When the winds blow, I might fear a moment. Instinct to flight and go, But heart, don’t lament. The Calmer of Waves Already knows. He’s with us and saves, He never goes. Rescuer, from troubles and woes. Have patience and trust, Through highs and lows, Persevere, endure, do all you must. While we don’t always Understand His higher ways, Take His hand. Retrospect can often reveal The plans God had. Not to harm or conceal, Good grows from bad. What happens after fire? Does the grass not grow? Think the situation’s dire? Nowhere to turn or go? Melancholy and dreary? Come to Jesus, All you who are weary. Find true rest in Him. He never promised us A rose garden. Every rose has its thorn, But He does lighten burdens. |
AuthorDon't expect Shakespeare, just someone sharing their thoughts and heart. Archives
September 2020
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