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

  “Now unto the King…” 1 Tim. 1:17   Maker of water Who for me felt thirst, Maker of joy Who suffered sin’s worst, How can it be that You chose to come, High, holy God in Whom love finds its sum?   The gift of eternity surely will be Forever to see Triune God in glory, Forever to look in awe at His face, Forever with Jesus, Who my sin erased.   And until that dawn of unending bliss, O Lord, my request and petition is this: To worship You, Savior, in fellowship sweet; Deeply, wholly, and often for our eyes to meet.

  “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14   The Shepherd’s eyes look in kind love At all the sheep who are His own. The Shepherd’s shoulders – strong to bear Them safely all the way to Home. The Shepherd’s ears are quick to hear Each bleat and “baa” from lambs that fear. The Shepherd’s heart compassion feels; He shelters weak ones, holds them near. The Shepherd’s path – the wisest choice, For sheep can trust His gentle voice. The Shepherd’s presence, greatest gift; He’ll never leave or His Word shift. The Shepherd’s smile brings quiet joy; His love breathes peace within the soul. This Shepherd’s mine; I hope He’s yours, For only Jesus makes life whole.

“…Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.   Therefore comfort one another with these words.” – I Thess. 4:13-18   We loved each other - best friends, soul mates - It's hard you're gone, within heaven's gates. We thought we'd turn old and gray together, Living and loving on this side of forever. How could “together” fly by so fast?  How can it be all those dreams are past? And the man for whom my life was made, Instead of here, walks on streets gold paved. I look at your picture with eyes so true; You’re just as alive as when I saw you. Only ‘cause you were you is the loss so keen; I'm so glad to have known you, though I'm in the "between." My solace is this: you're with Jesus our Lord, And we'll meet again is His promised word. ___________ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEZnE2UjY6E&list=RDQEZn...

Please listen to this background music while reading the quotations / poem: https://youtu.be/69yfusFIMII?si=sYOMEUnQp7VWeQ-1 In God We Trust: America’s Declaration of Dependence   George Washington said: It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible. *  It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor. *   Ronald Reagan said: Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible. 1 If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.  2   Reagan further stated: It's been written that the most sublime figure in American history was George Washington on his knees in the snow at Valley Forge. He personified a people who knew that it was not enough to depend on their ow...

  “…behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” – Rev. 4:2   Twenty years past, this day, our “I do.” As man and wife, a family new. Thousands of days since come and gone, Each one a gift, notes in love’s song.   And this day for you, what a May 13 th – Seeing what no eye sees on earth beneath! I try to imagine from colors in Scripture A glimpse of the beauty, heaven’s overture.   Beneath the throne, beneath His feet, Paved sapphire of brilliant blue meets A sea of glass, and from it flows The river of life that God bestows. Such clarity no gemstone here On earth will ever rank a peer. When heaven’s saints fall down, cast crowns, They clatter on sapphire; worship all else drowns.                                           A bright rainbow around the throne With hue of emerald green has shone From Ezekiel’...

  “And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”  Rev. 21:5-6   Stronger than death, Jesus is Victor; Beyond life’s last breath He is the Deliverer. Heaven’s justified dwell With His light in their eyes; Of His triumph they tell   In unending reprise. Salvation’s Captain Entered our fray; At Calvary’s mountain His blood bought our way. Stand then e’er boldly By faith in your Lord;   Unchanging, He holds thee, And sure is His Word.

  “One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” -Ephesians 4:6   My God is my Father, and He’s over all – Eternally sovereign, the Ancient of Days. Naught overpowers Him, nor ever shall, Peerless and mighty, His deeds call forth praise.   My God is my Father, and He works through all – Providence unhindered by choices and chance.   His glory and purposes take the last curtain call, Ever working and winning behind casual glance.   My God is my Father, and He is in all – Through the Spirit indwelling those who’ve trusted the Son. That God’s very presence would fill ones so small… It’s the gift of the ages, with parallel none.   “Over, through, in” – power, providence, presence – A good staff to lean on when times turn hard. We can always trust Him when things don’t make sense;   All the way Home, His children He’ll guard.

  “…as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” – Deut. 33:25 The sun came up, the sun went down, And in between our lives were changed. The one I loved above all else Went to his God, life here exchanged.   I know God’s Word is sure and true, There is no doubt He’ll see us through; And yet it’s such a massive thing To think of life without Bill here.   For almost twenty years we lived Souls knit together through thick and thin, Best friends, same goals, pressing on together To know God more, and love each other.   And now…now…I stand a widow, Four sets of fatherless hands to hold. I miss you…wish this wasn’t real, That your kind eyes, strong arms I’d feel.   But it is real, and thus shall be Until I join eternity. And though you’re gone, I have His Book, Whose promises are never shook.   So by His grace we’ll carry on Until that great eternal dawn, When once again my love I’ll see And never, ever parted...

  God comforts (Greek parakaleo: calls near ) the downcast. 2 Corinthians 7:6   The compelling word, a clarion call, Given by the Master to us all; From Creation’s dawn to last amen, Old or young, women or men – “Come.”   It starts by coming to Him for salvation, But never ceases, this wondrous relation. However often you’ve come, come yet again! He never runs dry; mercy never runs thin – “Come.”   Come, all who are heavily laden and weary; Come, all who are needy, hungry, and thirsty. Come, all who are fearful, failing, and fainting; Come, all who are downcast, in seasons distressing –   “Come.”   He knew we would need Him for everything; He said that apart from Him we could do nothing. He turns not away those who fall at His feet And beg for His help; His presence is sweet – “Come.”   Come then, my soul, today and all days; Patience and kindness you’ll see in His gaze. The Paraclete, Shepherd,...

  “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts…” (Ecc. 3:11)     Frosty air that nips the cheek, Snow crowned beauty where 'ere I seek, Laughing children sled down the hill, Then moonlight shining; all is still.    These are gifts You give to me;   No grander painter could there be Than God the Grand Designer Who With majesty all this can do.     https://share.google/nrdWTPKXTIDNAyXDo   Valley's lilies' sweet perfume  From tiny cups of white that bloom, Hills turn green and seedlings grow;  Sun warms and wakens all below.   These are gifts You give to me; No grander painter could there be Than God the Grand Designer Who With majesty all this can do.                        Cool, clear water in creeks to play; Splashes, laughter - a summer day. Lightning bugs and katydids, Campouts, ...

  “…that the generation to come might know,…  that they may set their hope in God,…” (Psalm 78:1-8)   To the ones God will add to my family, Whom I won’t meet until eternity: Truths that burn deep in my soul – I pray their certainty you’ll know, So I write down words to reach through years, And pray the Bible’s God is yours.   Seek the LORD Whom Moses knew, The one true God Who created you. He beckons you to know Him more; All He is..…the I AM adore. Let everything on His Word lean – Life and death and all between.   I pray you’ll receive Him as Savior and Lord, Knowing Jesus as revealed in His Word. Walk with Him, talk with Him, all your life long; His continual Presence alone makes you strong. And if I could look you straight in the eye, I’d say that He’s worth it – give Him your all! The high, holy God with love your name calls.   I don’t know how the world will be When it’s your time to take the stage, But I know unchanging Trinity Has victory from ...

  “And the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said: ‘Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever! Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the LORD;…’” (Nehemiah 9:5-6)   It was a time of opportunity; It was a time of great challenge. It was his chance to impact history; He deemed God worth any exchange. *   *   * Returning exiles sought to restore Worship of Yahweh and His temple once more. But hurdles from hostility to complacency Would test their resolve, as the years would see. The Spirit stirred hearts of Levites and priests, And Kadmiel’s name shows up in those lists Of leader names in Nehemiah and Ezra. He urged the people to deeply express the Repentance and worship due unto their Lord. He signed his name to the covenant’s words. He managed temple workers, serve...

“…But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting  on those who fear Him, and His righteousness  to children’s children…” – Psalm 103:15-18   Seven Boleys around the table Of the Thanksgiving meal You provided, Playing the “Thankful Game” Mom invented – Grateful for You and each other.   Years pass, my family grows From Ballard to Boley to Hall; New bright-eyed children my heart knows And loves each one and all.   To You my heart looks in thanksgiving – The Giver of all that’s good, Whose kindness spans generations Through Jesus Who brought us salvation.   So, in response, O God, I ask That You would grow my thankfulness. For all You’ve been and done and are Let daily gratitude mark my heart.

  “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” - Phil.3:7   As we walk together, You and I, Your goal is my growth; Your plan is so high Above what I see or feel or have reached. You give grace for the journey whene'er I beseech  And ask for a peg to hang experiences on, To move forward in faith and know victory's song.   I'm writing this morning so as not to forget,  Since the need to "let go" is a repeating vignette. Philippians 3 has a lot of good stuff, Because knowing Christ surpasses "enough" Of whatever I'm feeling the loss of today - Even gardens or yard space for my kids to play.   You're still always worth it, and I'd walk away From everything, for the Master holds sway. I cannot unsee the love that You gave - High God Who left heaven, this sinner to save. In mercy You eagerly took hold of my soul; Your hands work through details to make my life whole.   Help me th...

Lord Jesus, It’s that time again…tomorrow is the first day of school. 2,340 days You’ve walked up to the front of the classroom with me to teach, and tomorrow will begin our next round of 180. First it was my 3 rd -5 th graders in Peru for a year, and then a dozen years with my own kids. We’ve wrestled with spelling words and long division, taught from the couch when I was on bedrest, and had Valentine’s Day learning games while my mom was listening from her hospice bed. We’ve had hundred day of school parties, music practice, winter reading contests, science projects,…and lots of book work. We’ve seen Your fingerprints in every subject, Your providence in every arena. It has been an amazing journey, a privilege like no other to spend this much time with my kids, having a front row seat in their academic development and spiritual discipleship. Thank You for being the Teacher Who has brought it all to be. Father, bless this school year with the blessings of Numbers 6:24-26! Lord Je...

  When they had crossed over, they came   to the land of Gennesaret.   And when the men of that place recognized Him [Jesus],  they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick,   and begged Him that they might only   touch the hem of His garment. And   as many as touched   it   were made perfectly well. (Matt. 14:34-36)   It didn’t matter the sickness they had; There wasn’t any disease too bad That couldn’t be cured by coming to Him, And touching only His garment’s hem.   Desperate faith made them dare to beseech The God Who’d put Himself in their reach. And all who touched were made perfectly whole – “Saved through”* the plagues of body and soul.   “Touch the hem!” their story compels, Joining the echo of all the true tales Of lives changed – the whisper of centuries – “Look up in faith to know Jesus!”   My soul, make this practice your reflex of faith: G...