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

"Now upon the first day of the week..." Luke 24:1  One Sunday morning Back in the beginning God’s “Let there be light” Broke forth from the night. With a single command, Triune Majesty’s plan Of Creation began; All came from His hand.   One Sunday morning Despair seemed to be winning, But God’s Son arose, Defeating all foes. The most brilliant of skies Paled before that Sonrise, True Light that the Darkness Could not extinguish.   One Sunday morning A week – gift repeating Thousands of times. Like nickels and dimes, We spend and we use them. May our days ever praise Him: His Sundays to echo, Life and Light from Him show.

  "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 You’d have fought if you could to keep death at bay From loved ones it’s taken away. But powerless you stand; they’re called from your hand. Sorrow and loss – many forms it may take. The Fall brings an ache, relentless heartbreak. What could have been, had not we sinned… How can mourners be blessed? How can they be comforted?   The key is the word “comforted” Jesus used: Parakaleo means “to call near.” (Verb form of the Spirit’s name Comforter:* The promised “One Who comes alongside.”) He bore your griefs, and your tears He cried.** He calls you; bury your head on His shoulder, Lean in while His arms hold you closer. “I make all things new” is His whisper.***       *John 14 **Isaiah 53:4, John 11:33-35 ***Revelation 21:3-5

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3 A beggar crouching down in need, Downcast and desperate,* Who only can for mercy plead From Holy God so separate - This is the way He bids us come, And yet we leave upright; For only when we are undone Can we see Heaven’s light. **   Humility with no pretense Of what we have to offer Knows that at solely Christ’s expense The kingdom’s wealth is proffered. Shun not to own this poverty, To freely admit need; For one whose heart’s a bended knee, Blessedness has been decreed. *This word picture from the definition of the Greek word for poor ( ptochos ). **Luke 18:9-14

  “Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, And how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?” Job 26:14     My Father, Thank You for colors in this world You made! Vibrantly beautiful in majestic parade, They whisper of Your glories - unceasingly displayed. I think of You.   My soul lingers, Soaking in beauty from the work of Your fingers. Longing for the day when I see the Artist’s face, And walk and talk with the Giver of Grace. I think of You.   Red Cardinals - bright spots of red against the winter snow. Geraniums - cheery blossoms hanging in the window. Strawberries - mouthwatering juiciness You made easy to grow. I think of You.   Orange Fall leaves in their variegated hues and mixes. Sunsets and sunrises - daily color surprises. Goldfish and clownfish, whose antics delight us. I think of You.   Yellow Daffodils bring promise that winter will...

  A Tribute to Ophir James Ballard, Sr., by MaryBeth Hall   “For Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle...” – Psalm 18:39 “My God and Savior Jesus Christ brought me through.” – OJB               In a time when America needs heroes –                                                              Who sacrifice to fight truth’s foes,                                                  ...

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!