Barb and I became quite active in the Lutheran Cursillo (short course in Christianity) movement in 1976 and because of our interest in serving the movement, Jesus Christ inspired me to compose a number of writings and illustrations to express, with the help of the Holy Spirit, how I felt about His presence in my life. Some writings explained some pictures and some pictures explained some writings. So, after 35 years I have been encouraged, again by the Holy Spirit, to share.

THE NEW WINE

As a result of two Bible study groups at our church I was challenged by a friend to illustrate the Sacrament of Communion. I used a lot of Christian symbols, inspired by the scriptures. However, when defining them I concluded there had to be an easier way. After contemplation and prayer, the Holy Spirit provided the words.

From the heavens above God’s hands with love in the form of a lamb and a man.

Both were nice and a sacrifice and a part of God’s great plan.

The Spirit is shown as a dove in flight returning to God’s domicile.

The blessing it gives—eternal He lives—on our face we can easily smile.

The blood of the lamb and a man did flow from a wound in the hands and the feet.

And the blood to wine from the grapes refine so the taste of his love is sweet.

The love of Christ will fill our cup and fill it to the brim.

The bread, the blood; our tears do flood our eyes to think of Him.

The cup contains until it’s full then spills its precious wine.

Our hearts, too, will when full then spill a love which is His, Divine.

Seven creation, twelve are the nations and twelve are disciples at quest.

Forty the days for Noah and Jesus, years for the wilderness test.

The bread of life is the body Christ to go with the wine, as spoken.

Twelve are the rocks, the foundational blocks, of the Church which has never been broken.

Come Holy Spirit, and descend on me and please let thy loving blessings be;

those which make me so unblind, accepting all—the bread, the wine.

cls 1981

MELANCHOLY WEEDS

During the summer of 1980 we were camping at Beeds Lake State Park in northern Iowa. While I was whittling on a piece of wood I met a young man who was an art teacher camping with his wife and children. We talked for some time before he returned to his camper. We both benefited from the conversation. He drew a black and white pencil sketch of a bunch of weeds growing along the shore of the lake. He framed it and gave it to me in appreciation for my views and listening. After I returned home I wrote some words and attached them to a copy of the drawing and sent it to him. We never were in contact again.

Twas the world’s loss until that day you did the road cross and come my way.

How did I, how do I know that the touch of little talk ‘tween us was really that much.

Your doldrums, my whittle, a time that was little; you saw as our needs—“Melancholy Weeds.”

Melancholy is sad, gloomy, depressed, and sober, and pensive, says Webster at best.

A weed, it is stated, is un cul ti va ted and also is un de sired.

But luckily ignore did the artist who more than balanced the beauty inspired.

Some leaves are standing, some bending or drooping amidst a flat water that mirrors their stooping.

In all of God’s glory they tell us a story in beauty and plainness; organized disarray.

The weed in profile expresses a mood by its texture and by its shape.

In silhouette still its character will leave your mind’s mouth agape.

Though maybe a fact that we are abstract; artists are sensitive to things which abound

in nature around as part of God’s fabulous zoo.

The week was revealing a gift most appealing and doubtless a rarity;

what did we two but subtly do?—exchange our sincerity.

So it did end, we each gained a friend and saw another life chapter.

You stated it plain we may meet again perhaps it be in the hereafter.

No greater the closing can a person repeat;

To see the hereafter will be really neat.

cls 1980

A CUP OF LOVE

Jesus’s love is manifested through the cup. We use the communion cup as a symbol for Him to contain the wine which represents His blood, shed for us. By drinking it we accept that sacrifice.

Jesus’ love embraces all of those who hurt; like a balm to heal the hurt and soothe the pain. By Jesus’ sacrifice God’s forgiving love has reached you and everyone. When we are embraced by others, Christ is in their heart and His love speaks out to us through them.

cls 1983

ALREADY TO HARVEST

During a sermon about going forth to make disciples I visualized Jesus Christ speaking to the multitudes with their hands uplifted to praise God. It reminded me of visiting a farm during oat harvest where I saw vast fields of oats standing erect, their seed heads looking like many fingers pointing skyward, having been nourished by the life giving sun, like in praise…”Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35

The grain as inspected each stalk is erected like hands in an upward raise.

Some are in need of God’s gracious lead; others His glory do praise.

So, position to see with the holiest three the facing of outstretched hands.

Then, go harvest those whose urgency shows; to fit them in God’s loving plans.

cls 1981

SERVANT’S PRAYER

Through an introduction to the gifts of the Holy Spirit I became aware that my gift is Servant.

Praise and glory to God—the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!!

Dear God, I know that I am here to serve you in the growth of your Kingdom. I pray to you for the strength to serve my brothers and sisters, too, with compassion, sympathy, understanding and humility. Help me absorb their fatigue, pain, frustrations, confusion and bewilderment so that they can be totally free to be filled with your love and your blessings. Please, God, grant me conscience to confess my sins, courage to share the peace in an honest embrace, ability to intercede for others in thoughtful prayer, warmth to convey your love in the commission of Holy Communion, and reverent enthusiasm to worship and adore you through songs and praise.

cls 1980

ROCK OF HOREB

The instance of the spear piercing Jesus’s side while he hung on the cross was to me insignificant until I was reminded of an occasion in the old testament involving Moses. God instructed Moses to strike a large rock with his staff to get water to keep His people alive as they wandered in the wilderness. The water ran forth into the Jordan River in which Jesus was a composite rock of himself and the 12 disciples. This is the river in which He was baptized and when the Holy Spirit appeared as a Dove. That part of the rock which is Jesus has a stream of water pouring forth; the point where the spear penetrated His side. That water from Jesus turns into His blood and flows with the river water. As both flow into a chalice only the blood remains which we drink in remembrance of his sacrifice for our sins. The shape of a dove has appeared in the chalice to indicate that by accepting His blood we also inherit the Holy Spirit. It all started with the…Rock of Horeb.

Exodus 17:6 Behold I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb, and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people might drink…

Matt 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…John 1:33…upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending (Matt 3:16…like a dove…) and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Matt 3:11 I (John) indeed baptize you with water unto repentance…

Matt 16:18 …upon this rock I will build my church…I Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side and forthwith came there out blood and water. Matt 26:28 For this is my blood…which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

John 13:20 …He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me…

John 6:35…he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life…John 6:55 …and my blood is drink indeed…John 6:56 and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

John 7:37 …If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. I Cor 12:13 For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body…and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

cls 1981

ALPHA & OMEGA

God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us coming from Him. It was befitting to use the Greek letters in some form. It was significant to superimpose one over the other so that the Alpha letter could be extended to connect with the base of the Omega letter and appear to form a triangle—the Trinity. Since God manifests Himself in many ways the Dove was intertwined with the letters to indicate the relationship of God and His Holy Spirit.

The bird of peace is called a dove, pure in white and full of love which placed by God in each ones’ heart, begins with Alpha—at the start of all we see, we hear and do. Yet, through the trinity of time entwined the dove peers through. And, in the end is Omega that be so far from view of mortals we, and still—‘tis love. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Eph 2:18).

cls 1980

I’M JUST DYING TO MEET CHRIST!!

When we die a mortal death we think we are giving up life. When we die to Jesus Christ we are just beginning life. Death as we mortals know of it is a sad time of darkness, the unknown, where the non believer will stumble endlessly looking for eternal peace. Dying to Jesus Christ is the ultimate for the believer, who will spend eternity in His light following Him without stumbling because He is the Way and the Light. Therefore,

By God, Jesus was glorified in his death on the cross, as a sacrifice for our sins. I come to Jesus in praise that I might die. I give up the ways of the fleshly world—I commit to Christ, as the plant which must die so as to feed new life—so that He might live through me. As water helps the seed to life and the plant emerges, so the word of God brings me to life in Christ. I was baptized in water for repentance, dedication to God and to receive the Holy Spirit.

A seed must be in the light to grow. Jesus is my light. Those who go with satan abide not in Christ, but abide in darkness, and they walk in darkness not knowing where they go. Jesus’ blood shed on me a protective cloak of love, whereas the blood of Jesus shrouds those of satan’s realm in a mantle of total darkness where they cannot see and know not where they go; struggling to escape and attack me.

Through the death of my fleshly ways and my commitment to Christ I have been reborn to Christ. In my new infancy I have been baptized by Jesus’ blood and have received the power of the Holy Spirit which, through me, will manifest the loving gifts which Jesus Christ has for everyone.

The gifts are wisdom, knowledge, healing, faith, miracles, prophesy, discerning, tongues and interpretation. The character of the gifts are the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

cls 1981

TODAY IS A GIFT

Yesterday is a memory, Today is here so make the best of it, Tomorrow is questionable.

Today’s a gift from God with love, a gift to share with others—

a laugh, a smile, a pat, a hug for sisters and for brothers.

Perhaps their hurts they don’t reveal through action or expression,

they may not in some comfort feel at ease to loose confession.

Or, they may have some problems they are wanting you to hear.

So, listen to their troubles and you both pray ‘way their fear.

When you cannot be with them (see them face to face)

just let them know you want to help them find God’s loving grace.

Call them on the telephone and from your heart you say

the words of comfort and support, and then together pray.

Write to them a note or letter in words they understand.

Just ask the Holy Spirit for the words that God has planned.

It isn’t always words alone which comfort or release;

Which calm the restless spirit of those who need God’s peace.

So, remind yourself to give today to someone who you know

a laugh, a smile, a pat, a hug—let Jesus through you show.

cls 1984

PRAISE THE LORD, FOR TEARS

We can be emotional about Jesus, as I was when I wrote,

The love of Christ came to me through song by others; brought forth tears of joy from my heart where the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwell. I sat receiving the sounds so meaningfully set forth by the words and the tunes; recalling memories of when my heart was filled with love by Jesus the Christ. The magnificence of the song with the gentleness of Jesus touched my heart; thereupon the tears of joy did rise to spill from my eyes, and reveal what my heart had to say—that God’s love had reached me through song and that for a few moments I had, once again, seen Jesus my Lord.

cls 1980

CHILDLIKE

As we grow up we are faced with decisions which must be handled in a mature way, often by trial and error. As we grow up in our spiritual life our decisions are more apt to be handled by the Word of God.

Childishness is a word that is used for immature conduct; behavior abused.

To be childlike is to be like a child; be curious, innocent, honest and mild.

Don’t rely mainly on man-imposed rules. But, study God’s word and avoid being fools.

To our childlike faith Jesus reveals there’s nothing of satan which really appeals

to confuse our minds or restrict our reaching out to love Jesus and enjoy His teaching.

At our rebirth we children must start—let’s learn from Lord Jesus and open our heart.

Let’s freshen our mind like a pool of clear water. Let’s soak up God’s grace like we are the blotter.

Let’s listen to Jesus and feed on His word; growing as Christians from all that we’ve heard.

As children of God let’s comfort each other; Holy Spirit abiding in sisters and brothers.

Dear family in Jesus, the more childlike are we the greater His love felt—eternally.

cls 1981

THANKSGIVING, OR THANKS–RECEIVING

To give is better than to receive, or is it?

Many of us believe the best part of living is holiday eating each year at Thanksgiving.

We eat and we fill until we may burst; “just one more helping?” (Sure, make us feel worse.)

Thanks is not for the food and the “things,” but for God’s love and grace and all that it brings.

Thank Jesus for giving himself for our sharing with those who do hunger for food, love and caring.

He is the real food on which to survive, the bread and the wine to keep us alive.

Alive in the spirit, alive in the word, alive in the body, where we can be heard.

Proclaim your thanks for all God has done. We owe all to Him, The most Holy One.

cls 1981

DEAR GOD, HELP ME TO STUDY

Study of the Bible can become a chore. But with prayer the Holy Spirit can lead us to the correct passages and application to our daily lives. What better reward for our focus?

I confess mortal tendency, to look at your word and still not see.

Help me Lord, help me to discern which of your words that I should learn.

Tell me the chapter the book and the verse so I can proceed thus avoiding the worst;

that on my own I cannot learn—without your help I’ll probably burn.

Help the word to jump from the Book, strike me in the mind and cause me to look.

The mind, my mind, which I gladly give you, my Lord, that I might live.

I give you my mind to gladly share the message of love which I know is there.

The word is yours (I boast no claim) and telling all should be my aim—

For all life’s needs are not remote; they’re all mentioned in the book you wrote.

cls 1981

BORN

What’s the difference in Baptism? Does the method matter as long as the reason is understood? Whether an infant is baptized or dedicated places the responsibility for nurturing that child on parents or others from birth until that child reaches an age of understanding and able to make a decision for Jesus.

I was born of mother mortal, baptized at the water font.

Met my Christ in churchly portal; Holy Spirit did I want.

Water for remission of sin, Holy Spirit dwells within.

Christ baptized and Spirit release; my second birth internal peace.

Die to Christ, my fleshly ways; confess my sins; rebuke and bind satan in darkness. Step out in faith in concentrated gaze on Christ and be not distracted. Read the word, feel the word, listen to the word, walk in the word, Praise the Lord.

cls 1981

STUDY, IN MEMORY OF ————

Any study of the Bible is important, and more than once. As it says in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” It will be enlightening.

I pray to you to show me verse so as to save me from the worst (that being of the human mind to make improper note). Instead for our sake the words are yours not ours; you wrote, that we may see, hear and relate and glorify you—that in our fate we know it’s you that’s coming through, and not a figment of our mind influenced by satan or others of his kind.

You give us gifts; one to discern that ‘tis your word which we must learn—not of our own, but truly of you. We boast no claim or worldly fame for telling all that you are Lord (from day to day the two-edged sword).

I praise you Lord for eyes that see, and to bring the word that others be informed as I; yet not know whence we come and whence we go.

By your Grace we can but face the blocks of mind and toils of time; to free us up and let us run wild in your word so we might learn and to your love return.

From cover to cover, to and fro, it’s through the Bible we must go; tracking your word so that each visit in the book another point from you is heard.

That’s why your words will never die—preserved in hearts from times long past through years of drought

(a spiritual fast) to now the time of revival present when God’s love is shining through.

The death of One whose love you knew, and inspiration to those who close to Him did walk, touch, see, and love to hear Him talk; in tones of love of every day of everyone and every way that is your world, O Lord of ours; not of weeds, but full of flowers.

cls 1981

ACTS

This all about an act of sacrifice, for us. Jesus was born, lived and died for us. What can we do in return?

All really began with the star at His birth, the starlight for us to see.

Yet, He was the star ‘cause He is the light—for all, for you, and for me.

Jesus is teacher in thought, word and deed. Read the Good News, listen—take heed.

The Gospel speaks clear of why Christ was here, on earth where He travelled and taught.

He was to be heard, to be seen and to use as a standard for life, unfraught.

Parables He told—God’s message unfold—to many by whom He was s’rounded.

His word was not written to tell what He meant, so they stood there confused and confounded.

People were shaken by views that He shared; said views were thought to be His.

Holy Spirit confided the words were provided by God through His son to the throng.

The theme of His labor was: You love your neighbor, with love as you love yourself.

Forgive them and they will forgive in return; thusly to free up your heart.

Jesus went through the trial of the times; suffered what no human has.

He died on a tree, yet His dignity was in what His death did for us.

The sins of the world on a pitiful form were hung there for us to see.

God gave us His son, a sacrifice lamb, a symbol of cleansing for all.

We don’t have to cease as flesh and blood beings and suffer the nails and the thorns.

Merely give up our fleshly desires of the world; place Him above all and forever.

A loaf of bread is the body of Jesus—our unity and oneness with him.

Each piece that we eat should remind us that each one of us is a part of the whole.

Wine is a life-giving juice from the vine; the blood from the body of Jesus.

Each drop that we drink is His blood shed for all; to nourish His spirit in us.

When again He appeared here on this earth He was touched and was proven alive.

He very much lives and promises to give eternal existence with Him.

So, therefore, believe and have faith in the ACTS;

A dore God with praises

C onfess, too, your sins

T hank God for His grace

S upplication for all.

cls 1985

SHARE THE ‘ALIKES’

As children we usually attended a fellowship along with our parents. Our friends attended different fellowships. The styles of worship could range from similar to very different. This writing pertains to the difference that may occur within a congregation.

I’m not you and you’re not me; that in itself is clear to see.

You walk your walk, and I’ll walk mine; we’ll toe the mark and keep in line.

We’ll praise the Lord with adoration, bare our sins in full confession,

Sum our blessings with many thanks; pray for others and fill our tanks

with inspiration gleaned from others who are our sisters and our brothers.

It matters not the mechanical way we do our service or how we pray

those words of worship, glory, and praise; our eyes, and voices, and hands we raise

to thank our God for the sensation to know His Son is our salvation.

So, don’t tie me to doctrine or to law; I’m free in the Spirit which three thousand saw.

The Bible is the voice of God about Himself and Son;

He also mentions Holy Spirit—the third of three in one.

The Spirit is alive and so’s the Word, each day and everywhere.

The Word’s the past, the present, too; and the future we all get to share.

If God will not Himself us see nor Jesus’s returning schedule be,

The powers of God are manifest—through others, to us, by His Spirit; we’re blest.

We need to forget the origins past and join our ‘alikes’ in friendship to last;

Separate parts assembled to one body united in God’s Holy Son we’re cast.

cls 1984

WINTER MORNING

I was observing a frosty morning with vapors rising from chimneys as I drove to work.

Though God never rests it appears he slowly rises to light up the new day in the form of the rising red-orange sun to backlight the scene of vapors rising from businesses and homes on a windless morn, and be set adrift in anvil form. In morning light all still appears just black and white in contrast pure; in crispy cold early traffic stir.

As God did for man to see that He is first—the Deity.

As God sent His Son to show the way so God sends the sun to light each day.

How much better we see with a light—be it the day or be it the night.

God’s words spread before us to show us His might..

cls 1980s

WHY ME, WHY US?

A church congregation ranges from a non denominational fellowship to a traditional mainline denomination. The congregational leaders must decide whether they will follow the Holy Spirit or the secular influence. This creates confusion among its members and often results in division within and changes in leadership and membership.

The body of Christ throughout our great nation is made up of many fine congregations; liturgy formal, traditional setting. The structure is stiff and the people not letting the gifts of the Spirit manifest God. Yet, some of us feel the Spirit-filled prod.

The church has a weakness it should overcome—accepting renewal (it’s boggling to some).

Change is required in adjusting the old. ‘Don’t get emotional,’ we had been told.

Love is the basic principle taught. Emotionless Christ? Certainly not!!

Spiritual power is absent, missing or weak. No one is present with courage to speak. Just like the body with strengths that will vary, the tongue oft is tied and the message not carry. So in the body with much weakness around, God’s Spirit is present and speaks with great sound; to get us to think, follow and ask, encouraged to lead and not shrink from the task.

Christ looks at our weakness, takes care of our need. Let’s humble ourselves and on His love feed.

We are the ones to ask for His gift, not argue with life and create a rift, between self and God, our real and true friend. Take what he gives, His love has no end.

Seas have their shallows and rocks are no strangers. The losing of cargoes and crews are the dangers. Our lighthouse is built on a stable foundation above the high waters (strategic location) to warn ships away, preventing a wreck when water is calm or water’s erect.

Show Christ your faith and in Him believe. Step out of the boat ignoring the wrath of the sea tempest; to follow the path leading to Jesus and pray not to stall, ‘cause satan is present to make us to fall.

“And He said unto me ‘My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Cor 12:9 KJV cls 1981

HONOR THY WORD

This has to do with integrity whatever the occasion or location. It just makes good sense.

Think of the promises that you have made, the ones that you kept and the ones that you laid, aside for tomorrow (which never arrives), testing a trust and hope it survives.

Someone is waiting, you gave them your word, to call or to write but they never heard.

You didn’t get ‘round to following through, their faith and their trust is what you just blew.

Now think of the time when someone did say “let’s get together” and then in dismay you waited and waited, the phone didn’t ring. No reason for anger, maybe some ‘thing’. Delays and mistakes often occur, time passed you by, the promise a blur.

Our God is a God who promises much. He does what He says with great loving touch. He promised us Jesus and this He fulfilled. How many the times our hearts He has thrilled?

So honor yourself, show how you’ve been blest, in action and words display to the rest, that promise you made inferred or implied; slipped not your mind or otherwise died.

cls 1981

LOVE UNFINISHED

Sometimes you just cannot find the proper title and the content of the writing may never end, until it does.

Your love is deep as your heart within, your eyes speak delight at God’s first whim. For as the mind may ramble on and silver years are come and gone you hurt, you feel for others who low in life are stooping, but cannot show the troubles outward and just as well leave, shedding same from back to sleeve. Life is a mind in rhythm turned away from things and with passion burn for God and Jesus and Holy Ghost, the Holy three that love you most, but will not bring you to loathsome fear; instead will help you shed a tear.

Cls 1980

HERE COMES DA FAITH!!

The depth of our faith from birth may be continuous, concurrent, consecutive, spasmodic, parallel, coincidental, consistent, controversial, contrary, etc. as long as we have it. I believe my faith began at birth. Certainly when I was baptized into the Kingdom.

Way back when I was a baby child my faith through baptism was reconciled.

The following years I enjoyed God’s love; the gift of Grace came from above.

Then came the rite of confirmation, the formal, religious, education.

Through the teens and twenties I did grow in some of the ways of the Lord, I know.

During this time I began to care about others and myself; how to share.

As I grew I felt that life would not be complete without a wife.

Lo the passing years light and heavy weighed, we shared and searched and often prayed

By ourselves and with each other, but I was not a Christian brother.

Then life was thrown in quick reverse from good to bad and then to worse.

For all the while I was self-concerned; My God, My God, ‘twas you I spurned.

A point in life with timely arrival came my way—reintroduced the Bible.

Then, once again Grace from above, I saw our Jesus and all His love.

I know Christ is with me in all places, appearing to me through all things and faces.

And so today I live my life within a world amidst the strife

Where much is sunk in deep despair, but I’m on top with love and care.

For as I sinfully enter each day I wonder what’l happen along the way.

As I ponder which way to run, ‘tis by Thy Grace Thy Will be done.

Wherever God wills that I shall be ‘tis by His light that I shall see.

cls 1979

REVIVAL/RENEWAL

The latter part of the 1970s and early part of the 1980s saw great revival and renewal in the churches, especially those who were moving more towards the label, “contemporary”. The style of worship was more expressive to the point of emotional; could also be considered Pentacostal by some people. The Lutheran congregation I attended at the time was one of those which opened up to and practiced the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The word of GOD has lived for years, to many it is traditional,

and many lands and many hands may also find it liberal.

The main point is that God still lives and the word will never die.

Preserved in hearts the word restarts in Christians, you and I.

The word has come from time long past through many years of spiritual fast

to now when the world is tuned to survival. Open your mind and join the revival.

Revival means stirring up religious faith, by impassioned preaching;

to bring good news (the gospels) through apostolic teaching—

In a series of meetings, confession of sins, profession of faith, renewed life begins;

renewing the life of a church which is there—refresh and restore it with loving and care;

renewing us, also, to something alive—continuous growth, not just eight to five.

What is the life which we speak of here? Life in a body—that’s perfectly clear.

Christ and the church (comparison starts) both have their bodies, bodies have parts.

Parts are called members of church congregations; all over the world throughout all the nations.

All parts of the body by GOD are in place to work as a unit, experience His Grace.

A body needs food if ‘tis to sustain a pace which is busy with minimum pain;

Pain to remind us of weakness and sin. So, feed you the body and let the Lord in.

The right kind of diet helps body resist the negative forces that satan enlists

to tear at the body day after day, so thwart the threat, be humble and pray,

that the body is healthy and all members are active, and take on a glow that is mighty attractive.

Make others envy the glow and its story—be a lighthouse to all, and to GOD all the glory.

cls 1981

FAITH

Faith is what we all should have because without it we can have no direction. Hebrews 11:6—“Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” The motto of our Confirmation class was FAITH– Forsaking All I Take Him.

I know you not, your face is blank. But, yet, I have our God to thank;

for placing you on earth with me and give a chance your friend to be.

‘Tis a struggle to put the judgement of brothers in the hands of our Lord and not hands of others.

But, persons are placed where time’s a waste and love is certainly needed.So, trust in God (our heart we prod) to pour out the love unimpeded.

God know our sins, and deep within behind the scars we bear, our God is love, the peaceful dove,

That we can surely share.

Some people speak polluting the air; they profane the Lord but ignorance is theirs.

For to us the word, the Bible, is clear; Lord open their eyes, their mind, and their ears.

To those who are blind (their hearts cannot see) we pray they are touched by the fabulous three;

The Father, the Son, Holy Spirit provide them the true knowledge—for us Christ has died.

Sometimes it’s difficult for us to know the faith of others, but Christ did show;

That for hearts sincere he did endear us with the greatest of gifts.

His body and blood his life traded in for us to live—to free us from sin.

To help us more to live like he for now and what’s called eternity.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Our faith is there in the light and the dark and there in the in between.

No shape defined us to remind; like see, touch, taste, or smell.

The Word imparts ‘tis in our hearts where FAITH does truly dwell.

Hebrews 11:6—Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

cls 1980

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

My son was enrolled at Grand View University taking an art class working with black ink on white paper when he dropped a blob of ink on the paper. He didn’t throw the paper away. Instead he created an attractive piece of work. It appears to be a wild man with outstretched arms. To me it had a Biblical context which prompted me to label it.

Is it the black or is it the white? Is it at day or is it at night?

Is it at dusk or is it at dawn? Is a rain comin’ or has a rain gone?

Is there a wind or merely a breeze, moving the clouds, caressing the trees?

What time of the year—winter through fall? What does it matter, really, at all?

Is it the blobs or is it the squiggles? Is it the lines with all of the wiggles?

Is there a mountain or is there a plain? Are face lines from worry or are they from pain?

Is it the gesture, expression, attire; noticing the hair that sticks out like wire?

What about the eyes with iris enlarged; can they see inside you to see who’s in charge?

Does one hand show strength, the other show power? Can lips in their silence whisper the hour?

What do you see? What’s your impression? Does it show passion, love or aggression?

Just what is it here that touches you most? The Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost?

cls 1981

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

In 1982 I wrote this for our 25^th

Though starting as two we became one, unto each other a new life begun.

Our lives have ranged from the tranquil to harried for the 25 years that we have been married.

We’ve experienced the ups and experienced the downs, tried to have grins more than the frowns.

We’ve had many moments from sad to serene, but most of the time we’ve had the between.

Groceries, housekeeping, working and play, chauffeuring, illnesses; bills we must pay.

Children were borne, two boys and a girl; they are most precious, more than a pearl.

Our interests have varied in human relations, but we’ve trusted each other in all situations.

A marriage takes work maintaining and caring; takes lots of attention with both partners sharing.

Both play roles, who does what and when, relating to family, relating to friend.

In marriage the love must grow from the start. Love’s not in the head, but deep in the heart.

God is first place with me and my spouse; we both pray each day for His love on our house.

The future is His and us He will guide, by Jesus, our Savior, for our sins He died.

cls 1982

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS

When Christmas season arrives many songs of the season are sung, including the familiar carols. This is good, but something is missing. The main purpose of the season is celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, why not?

Happy birthday, my Jesus; let us all greet His birth.

Why and what He is to us gives that day proper worth.

To many, however, He’s history, a has been in a book.

Some use their mind and not their heart; don’t even care to look.

He was and is a gift to us, because He was and is.

We should use the present tense, because He lives and lives.

He lives right now in each of us, but how He’s shared does vary.

Himself He gave, the greatest gift, a remembrance that we carry.

He also gave us other gifts by which we know He’s here.

The Holy Spirit brings them forth and makes them very clear.

There’s wisdom, knowledge, discernment, faith, healing, miracles, and prophesy, too.

We have speaking in tongues with interpretation released unto me and to you.

Character of those gifts of the Spirit are traits that we feel and we see

in people we know and for them we pray to welcome His gifts and be free.

Gentleness, goodness, patience and peace, meekness, temperance, faith, love and joy.

These are the ways the gifts manifest His blessings that we can employ.

Make happy the Lord, now, give Him a gift; of ourselves and without any strings.

Let’s loosen what binds and reach out our hearts and share all the blessings He brings.

Use all of the joys and blessings He gives—eternity, faith, hope and love.

Doing for Him, just give of yourself and bring down His Smile from above.

Let’s humble ourselves, be open to serve our Lord and His world and each place;

Sharing the gift—most precious of gifts—that Jesus has brought us: God’s grace.

cls 1984

BLOOM WHERE PLANTED – An Analogy of Life

A seed is placed in the soil which surrounds and protects it where a natural source of vitamins and minerals feed the plant. (The human environment, good and bad.)

Germination is the point of beginning, the process for the seed’s transformation into the eventual plant. (Conditions which exist to bring birth.)

The root emerges from the seed to take nourishment from the soil and become the anchor for the plant. The plant stem emerges towards the surface of the soil where it will engage the life giving light and air. (Our ancestral heritage and exposure to the bad and good of the world.)

With the passage of time the seed grows as a seedling (From infant to toddler).

Negative influences are weak genes, insects, disease, bad weather conditions, critters, etc. which exist to interfere with or stop the growth process (Bad living environment, no love).

Positive influences are healthy genes and the absence of the negatives, enabling the plant to reach maturity (Good living environment, much love).

The first leaves are called seed leaves (Youth). They catch the light and air as part of the process to form the plant (Life’s education). The plant grows and matures producing flower buds ( A promise of many opportunities). The buds open and reveal beautiful blossoms (Our inner self revealed to others). As the season passes the plant reaches full maturity and the blossoms develop to form the seeds for the next generation of the plant (Our contribution to the future). Seeds drop to the ground, or are scattered by wildlife, or are blown by the wind (Our mobility can take us to the ends of the earth).

The plant begins to age, retaining its youthful beauty and vigor, even after the blossoms have ceased, and the seeds have dropped (With age comes wisdom and the experiences which reveal what we’ve accomplished–our usefulness really never ceases).

The plant completes the cycle having fulfilled its purpose for existing. It is to die and leave its seed to become the next generation. Its remains will contribute to help feed the new seed, to grow and provide beauty and joy to the beholder. (Death is a part of life, the only guarantee in life. The important part of death is the residual of the life which preceded. The ingredients of that life are its legacy)

BLOOM WHERE PLANTED!!!

cls 2009

LOVE = Lots Of Variable Emotions

Do you see it?

Hear it?

Taste it?

Sense it?

Smell it?

Experience it?

Doubt it?

Question it?

Believe it?

Want it?

Have it?

Fear it?

How is Love defined?
Love is divine.
It makes you feel good
It makes you feel fine.

The Love we have here

Can make your thoughts whirl.

We’re speaking of Love

Tween a boy and a girl.

Among the unmarried

Make the concession

Be true to yourself

Agree to abstention.

For those who are married

Please serve just the one

To whom you are mated,

Make your lives fun.

God will be with you

Through thick and through thin.

Avoid all the pitfalls

That lead both to sin.

Love is not for married ones only.

Without it inside we can be lonely.

Love can make bright a dark, gloomy day.

Sometimes it costs, sometimes it pays.

Sometimes it’s pain, sometimes it’s glee.

Best of all darlin’ it’s for you and for me.

cls 2009

COMMENTS

Tradition is fine, but be not blind to all that is made for you. What must I do. Total belief in God as the supreme and supernatural being—God loves me, His grace forgives me—that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was sacrificed for me; died for my sins to guarantee me eternal life, and love. Following evil ways guarantees eternal damnation. So I say

Read the Word, Believe the Word, Walk in the Word, Follow the Word.

God is my supernatural Father.

I acknowledge that I am a sinner and confess that I am a sinner and need the love and Grace of God

to forgive me my sins.

I need the love of Jesus and I know He loves me without question because I believe He died for me.

Jesus is my savior, my salvation.

I am here and whatever I am to be wherever it takes me I am turned over to my Lord to do His will.

I need not fear, but have Faith. When I turn me over to the Lord, I can then go on to Christ—

ministering to others. I prefer exploring positive career directions of other people with them.

I can say whatever is required, quote scripture, read scripture, confess sins.

I can think I have an internal feeling and I’m aware that I will feel internal peace and comfort.

My mind and heart must be clear, loose and light—no clutter, no tightness; like the freshness after a cleansing rain; like stepping off of a cliff, but not falling, just floating weightless in space.

And, I have to want it.

As I was once born, I am delivered again in the power of the Holy Spirit, to manifest the gifts of God as was done through His Son, our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ; because Jesus lives in us and through us—the gifts of the Spirit are made available to us if we give ourselves, totally, to God.

I walk in the Word, I talk in the Word, the sound of the sound unheard.

Because it is tongues not scriptural verse the way to the gift in the mind unrehearsed.

‘Tis Jesus who gives in His blood we live; step out of the boat, on His word you float.

The same blood washes free from sin; also totally bind satan into darkness; whereas Jesus is our light to which we look, satan cannot see in his effort to escape and is the loser. We come to the cross to die in Christ that we might live to witness the plant that must die so as to feed others which come. The mantle of darkness under which satan is obscured is the blood of Christ.