A Hand Along the Journey: Poems for the King from One Pilgrim to Another

Psalm 127:5 - "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD..." In fancy dresses she circles and twirls, Our three year old Filly with beautiful curls. A princess who loves purple and puzzles, Coloring books, cuties, ladybugs, snuggles.   She can play by herself, having dollhouse adventures. When I’m cooking or planting, eager services she renders. She’s just learned to swing, pumping legs “out, under.” Her faith is growing as about God she ponders.   Like her little stuffed birds, she sings Jesus’ praise, Making up songs as she goes through her days. Intelligent, intense, imaginative, endearing – What joy to all of our lives she does bring!   Felicity Marie Eliora Hall, We’ve yet to see how He’ll guide you and call. Always remember that “My God Is Light,” And His smile will keep your own heart bright.

  Psalm 127:5 - "Behold, children are a heritage from the  Lord …”   Kittens, flowers, ladybugs, sparkles, hearts, Baking for Daddy Father’s Day cherry tarts, Pink fancy dresses – these things make her smile, Bethany Hope Kiersten, our princess with style.   I dare not leave out Baby Heartlie, her doll; Deep is a mama’s love, though she’s small. And something else God has put in her soul Is the gift of singing, with a voice beautiful.   A bright kindergartener, she’s eager to learn, Discovering new things at every turn. Words in other languages she’s curious to know, And it’s great to watch her walk with God grow.   May God’s gift of hope always be hers, As she was His gift to us in our tears. We’ll always love you, our sweet Bethany, Through this life and all of eternity!

Psalm 127:5 - "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD..."  Peter Joseph Sterling Hall: An eight year old who’s bouncy as a ball. He’s on the move from day to night, With creative adventures always in sight.   He’s a builder at heart, loving legos and wood. At stunts on the trampoline he’s also good. Lizards, computers, planes, running and more - This kid’s got talent and interests galore.   He has a gift for patiently teaching Someone how to do a new thing. And, speaking of gifts, he’s a giver for sure. He also really loves God; his heart is pure.   His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, And all he will do remains to be seen! Once a tiny nuzzle bundle, you're growing up strong. You make us happy to with you belong!

 Psalm 127:5 - "Behold, children are a heritage from the  Lord …” I know a boy who hums and sings, A cheerful smile to each day brings, A dependable lad who’s twelve years old, And his heart is kind and good as gold. Steam trains, with all their pistons and parts, Have captured his wonder from boyhood’s start. Hot air balloons, Jenga bridges and towers, And countless books that his mind devours. The Creator’s science he loves exploring, With his faith anchored in Scripture’s mooring. And who knows where these interests may lead, For it’s this kind of boy that a lost world needs. William John Christopher Hall, Growing up so fast, handsome, and tall. Giving strong hugs and doing your best; You’re a fine young man, we proudly attest!

Today marks a “first” for me. It’s the first time I’ve lived through as many Father’s Days without my dad alive on earth as I did with him here. I’m the last of his children to reach that marker in the steady passage of time. When he died in 2000, I was just entering adulthood. A lot has changed. We are all used to life without his physical presence, but he still is part of our lives, and always will be. My husband encouraged me today to take some time to reflect once again about my dad. So many good words have been written/spoken about him by so many, that sometimes for a moment it seems easier to stay busy than to stop and think and feel his loss poignantly again. What could I write today that hasn’t been written before? And, yet, I cannot not stop and think. “The memory of the just is blessed.” (Prov. 10:7) And so I remember…       He treated people with courtesy and respect. If we were already seated at church and someone, especially an older person, stopp...

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy…’” (Rev. 5:9) Hush! If you listen, you may hear Strains of music without peer. Heaven’s musicians in grand crescendo Bring praise to the God Whose name I know. My soul hears what my ears one day will; Though faint, it’s enough to make my heart thrill With joy, that one day I’ll play with them there, Worshiping holy Trinity beyond compare. As thunder rolling, timpani vibrate In praise of Majesty Who did all create. Trumpets the royal fanfare proclaim, Honoring the King: worthy is His name! Woodwinds in minor key highlight redemption’s cost, When the I AM left His throne to die for the lost. Then harps’ flowing arpeggios, as a brook rippling over rocks, Lift our souls and hands as we joy – out of the tomb He walks! From selah’s contemplation to triple forte’s jubilation, Who He is and all His acts will fill our adoration! From guitars to violins, stringed instruments weave the story Of all o...

  “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God…” I John 4:7   Giving a blanket’s a heart-warming gesture, Bringing sweet cozy comfort year after year. The colors and threads woven together Illustrate memories that we’ll always treasure. A blanket’s a hug from the person who gave it; When they’re far away, as if with you they sit. Forever you’re grateful that God did permit Their lives with yours to divinely be knit. From babies to seniors, blankets mean care. Sometimes when we get them, words just aren’t there To say all the feelings we wish we could share, But we pray that the giver is of them aware. Crocheted or quilted, woven or plush, Handmade or bought - what matters much Is each time we touch it, we’re feeling love’s touch; And that is a gift our hearts always clutch. To Uncle Mark, Aunt Cindy, and Ben: thank you!

This Mothers' Day, I want to honor two mothers who have made such a difference in my life: my mom and Bill's mom. The first poem below I wrote in 2016, when Mother's Day was on May 8, for my Mama, Frances Mary Ballard Boley Benge. The second one is a poem whose author I don't know. I first saw in on the wall of an elderly couple's home whom I sat with once while in college. It was such a beautiful poem that I hurriedly copied it down on notebook paper while at their house. Always the hopeless romantic, I prayed I'd know it's beauty experientially one day. God answered that prayer in Bill's mom, Janet Marie Dillon Hall. These virtuous ladies are priceless! Having been a pastor's wife for a dozen years, I can say without a doubt that there is an immeasurable difference in the lives of children who have and do not have godly mothers and fathers. It is the weightiest ministry a person can have for the kingdom of God. May we do it well for His glory, as t...

  “I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NKJV) This quiet morning, Lord, I come, To You my Shepherd kind, And pray that one I know and love Will in You solace find. She is a hurting sheep, dear Lord, Who needs Your healing touch. The hireling has, true to Your Word, Neglected her so much. Bind her wounds, and give her hope That life can better be. She’s holding on to her last rope; Let her Your smile see. This sheep I know has loved You long And listened for Your voice; So sing to her compassion’s song - Her burdened heart will then rejoice. Protect her from the foes You list: Wolf, hireling, and thief. From one who does in wrong persist, I beg You, bring to her relief.   You know her, and Your eyes see all; It is You Who has said That never even a sparrow falls, Without Your seeing where it’s laid. By Your strong arm deliver her; Hold her close today. Let ...

  “Oh, that we might know the  Lord !     Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3 (NLT)   Is there hope of freedom From this night of sin? Is there cause to seek Him Whom I’ve disobeyed again? Will He refuse to answer; Does mercy have an end? And, oh, it really matters If I can’t call Him Friend. Then He answered me from the pages of His Book, “Come, sit by Me, And take a closer look. I’m the SonRise, Bringing light to darkest sky. In My wings there is healing When you’re before Me kneeling.” I walked on through His Word, And saw this theme repeat. The faithfulness of our kind Lord Each morning finds new feet To run into my heart so dim, With peace and grace as gifts. I will press on to know Him, God Who forgives all rifts. Then He answered me from the pages of His Book, “Come, sit...

“When He [the Holy Spirit] comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.” John 16:8 (HCSB) R ealizing His magnificence: E nshrined images must come down, V erity in hearts restored, I niquity truly abhorred. V ast His holiness beyond our reach: A lmighty God's mercies beseech, L ive for Him Who died for us each. & R ebellion finally bends its knee, E ntangled with only one choice to be free. G race cuts sin's cords because of His nails; E mmanuel's love and victory prevails. N o one could make the changes He can; E vil must flee at His mighty hand. R ighteousness, judgment - these are the facts; A ll will one day bow before His great acts. T his is my prayer for the country I love: I   pray for her people to seek God above. O nly in doing so can peace be found; N eglecting Him surely will bring us down.

John 8:31-32 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Continue in His Word, and know the gift truth brings: Freedom from sin’s oppression that lifts the heart to sing. This was Jesus’ challenge to religious leaders then, And it rings true today and always for all men. Many seek to twist the truth to fit it to their means – A flimsy cloak for bullying, but God will intervene. Cowards, liars, connivers, all will stand before His bar To give account for why they took His truth and flung it far. A mighty sword in velvet sheathed is God’s great Word to man, And even a child can wield it well when held by His great hand. Then fear not challenges, my soul, or threats that man can make. If you continue in His Word, no one your freedom takes. *This phrase was the signature statement of Dr. Charles Murphy, a ...

This poem was written in October 2015, on the eve of my first cataract surgery. In light of ongoing national events, it's truth bears repeating. "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." Proverbs 31:25 "She smiles at the future." Her heart is unafraid, for she is trusting in the LORD; On Him her mind is stayed. At what may be she does not stare; On Jesus is her gaze. And so tomorrow does not scare She who knows Ancient of Days. Dear Father, give this peace to me, For worries now loom large. Yet grace is my reality: You're Lord; I'm in Your charge. I trust You with the great unknown Of all that lies ahead. I lay my cares before Your throne, For by Your hand I'm led.