~Rookie Righter

2011-04-05T23:46:00.000-06:00

Hope calls out, it stills the soul,
To trust the Lord within.

Softly wispers cling to me,
Expectations to begin.

Amazing Love by Corrie Ten Boom

2010-10-13T21:49:00.001-06:00

I was first introduced to Corrie Ten Boom while reading, The Hiding Place to my children. Since then I’ve read more of her books and have enjoyed getting to know Corrie and her love for God.

After being released from the concentration camp, Corrie was used of God to wander throughout the world showing how believers can rise above their deepest darkness, even the horrors of a concentration camp.

One of Corrie’s common themes in her writings is that Jesus is Victor no matter how difficult the trial. Amazing Love, gives the reader hope for any adverse situation they may find themselves in.

When I read Corries stories, I was lifted and encouraged by her child-like faith, her humor, and her ability to shut out human voices as she sought to follow the voice of her Lord Jesus who’s Victor through prayer.

I read, Amazing Love in one sitting. I cried, I laughed and I praised God for all He did through Corrie. I didn’t want to put the book down because each story raised and lifted my spirit. I now want to read it again, one story per day like a devotional.

Corrie is one of my heroes of the faith. She’s endearing and you can’t help but wish you’d met her in person. One day, soon I will. I can’t wait!

2009-07-21T10:07:00.002-06:00

Hi folks. I have had some followers of my blog inquire about me since I haven't posted anything recently, so I thought I'd let everyone know that because summer's here, I took some time off from my writing, but hope to get back to it soon.

I've been gardening and busy with weeding the grass in our back yard. What a chore that has been, but well worth the aches, callouses and perspiration. At least most of the weeding I did when the temperatures were still in the 80's to low 90's. Now the weeding is minimal and I do the weeding in the early evening when it isn't so blistering hot.

The weeds had taken over the lawn and I was determined to launch a counter attack and win the battle without using chemical herbicides. I'll add a before and after picture. The grass is turning out to be a thick, plush elegant forest-green carpet. :-) Just lovely!

So many thanks to those who were asking about me, and I'll be getting back to writing soon.

Set Free

2009-04-03T11:24:00.003-06:00

I crawled along the dusty road to touch the bloodstained tree,
And hurled myself on towards the hill with hopes I’d be set free.

My bloody knees were cut and scraped, the ground became my fate;
Both palms were scratched and caked with dirt, I heaved and flung my weight.

I told myself to not loose heart, move on and reach your goal;
I wept and cried, endured the pain, I had to reach the knoll.

I’m almost there, I see His form, it’s just an inch or so;
There’s light, a beam about His head, arraying Spirit’s glow.

My eyes were locked upon His face, I heard the Savior speak;
His raspy words were hard to hear, His breathing was so weak.

The mass below heard what He said, forgive them Father, please,
They do not know the things they do; their sin I will appease.

And as He hung upon that cross, the Lamb, God’s only Son -
Afflicted, crushed, the Lord proclaimed, “It’s finished”, all is done.

The time was noon, and all turned black, the sky had lost its hue;
The rocks were split, the earth had quaked, the curtain tore in two.

The saints of old who were at rest, tombs opened, they were raised;
They marched into the city's square, and crowds looked on, amazed.

Then when the Lord rose from the earth, and sat upon His throne,
My heart rejoiced, I understood, His death was to atone.

My soul is filled with newfound faith, I'll serve Him with my all,
My legs aren’t healed, I can not walk, but I can always crawl.

He took my pain, I bear His cross, His love has set me free;
And soon I'll see my Lord because I touched that bloodstained tree.

The Joy of Illumination

2009-02-07T19:53:00.004-07:00

Heaven’s sparkles, bright by night

against a blackened canvas, immeasurable,

proclaiming praise to the Most High,

the I Am of all creation.

Panoramic display of timeless beauty,

the splendor of His glory

stretched from east and west, north and south.

Every eye gazes at His loveliness,

majestic in holiness,

never ending, limitless, boundless.

Magnificent falling stars,

streaks of light

disappearing into the vast darkness of the unknown.

Brilliance radiates the creative power of Yahweh,

declaring His greatness.

His grace and mercy pours forth speech,

the still, soft voice,

silent, peaceful calm.

Spirit’s flight

soaring,

touching

Supernatural love

overflowing.
The joy of illumination,

a sanctuary for the lost soul.

Life – Eternal – Forever.

Just An Ordinary Child?

2008-12-24T17:42:00.004-07:00

Baby lies within the hay,
Looks like others some would say.

Just a child like one of us,
A common boy - what's the fuss?

Come look closer you will see,
Reasons for the joy and glee.

Shepherds watch their sheep by night,
Angel’s presence quite the sight,
Praising God Emmanuel,
Christ the Lord they did foretell.

Babe in cloths to be a sign,
Savior, Christ, the Lord divine,
Good news, great joy, to proclaim,
Kindness, mercy, feels no shame.

Peace on whom His favor rests,
All are called to be His guests.

Gone to Bethlehem to see,
Witness of divine decree.

Shout to Him who dwells on high,
God with us, come see, draw nigh.

Mary, Joseph, babe asleep,
Crowded ‘round a cow and sheep.

Shepherds joy, they spread the news,
Of the Savior to the Jews.

Thankful for things seen and heard,
Startled over what occurred.

Mary pondered all these things,
In her heart, her spirit sings.

Prophesied some many years,
In the night a star appears,
Leads the Magi to the spot,
Gifts for Him, the little tot.

Glory to our God and King,
Open palms to Him we bring.

Just a simple, common child?
I think not I said and smiled.

Advent by Keith Wallis

2008-12-16T15:26:00.017-07:00

Still some weeks off ‘til glory day,
child and manger, God and hay.
Angels, shepherds, gifts and kings
wait impatient in the wings.
And me and mine ? What of us ?
Do we engage in all this fuss,
or do we, as we ought to do
use this time to prepare for You.

If you enjoy this poem, please visit the website of Keith Wallis, a word sculpture. I've learned a lot from him.

http://wordsculptures-keith.blogspot.com/

Torn Curtain

2008-10-11T13:45:00.004-06:00

I watch from behind the torn curtain. Minutes pass. I hear the tick, tick, tick of the clock on the wall in front of me. The pitch-black room closes in on me.

I hear soft footsteps coming towards me. As I peer through the ripped material, my eye darts from right to left, scanning as much of the room as possible. I crouch lower in case Esh sees my eye. The footsteps stop.

I raise my body, eye level with the opening in the curtain. The air, heavy, sucks at my breath. My lungs narrow. I take in a short breath. My whole body shakes, my skin crawls. I rub my arms to smooth out the goose bumps.

Is it Esh? I can’t see. I hear soft footsteps, again. My heart races; beating against my ribs. My blood rushes, pulsates – pounding my eardrums. Will Esh find me? The tap of feet cease their contact with the floor. I hold my breath. I let it out slow, quiet. My forehead beads. I should run.

The drapes glide to the left in slow motion. I raise my eyes to the dark form towering me. Esh glares, his gaze stabs my heart. Oh no. It’s him. He's going to kill me.

Black-coal eyes afire with hate pierce my soul. I dash to the right of him, but his gloved hand grabs my arm and pulls me to his chest. He grabs my neck with his viselike claws. He squeezes pressing his fingers into my throat. I gasp. He jerks me to the left, then right; my head bobs, rolls and flops backward. I drop to the floor.

I lay there on the cold-planked floor. Seconds pass. I wait. I don't hear anything except heavy breathing.

Then, I hear applause. Esh grabs my arm. I’m under his spell, he pulls me towards him. I allow him to lift me from the floor. I have no choice.

More clapping. We bow in unison, raking in the applause, hearing, “bravo, encore". I scan the crowd, glance over at Esh, smile and bow again.

As Silver Refined

2008-10-06T19:10:00.010-06:00

As Silver, Refined

God’s ways are so mysterious,
His wonders to perform.

He walks the water’s surface sure,
His presence calms the storm.

If darkened clouds assail the soul,
There’s naught for you to dread.

His Word comforts to see you through,
His presence crowns your head.

He’s near to those who fear His name,
To offer gifts of grace.

He gives us courage, guiding light,
For trials that we face.

When rolling waves come crashing in,
Transcending ocean’s shore.

Release your doubt don't fear the storm,
That crouches at your door.

Quick grasp His arm with all your strength,
You’re in His tender care.

Accept His grace that’s yours today,
Each burden He will bear.

Jesus, precious Savior, Friend,
You give us peace of mind.

We'll make it through this life unscathed,
As silver that’s refined.

Voices of Love

2008-09-28T20:56:00.008-06:00

Voices of Love

Angels wings spread,
scream to glorious I Am.
Sing above the expanse and below,
"Hallelujahs to the King"
saying holy is the Lamb,
worship worthy Trinity.
Voices of love
whisper precious promises
there is one God -
Rainbow’s clear display,
presents continuous color,
reaching through the firmament.
Salvation says, "Come!
I'll return in midair -
enter eternities presence,
safely home."

He Found Us

2008-08-17T12:24:00.006-06:00

Annie had a habit of dawdling and chided herself. She got separated from her friends and wasn’t sure how to get back to them. They were vacationing and exploring the marble quarry and ghost town in Marble Colorado.

Annie opened her floral purple tote to see if they had enough food for later. Her eyes found an apple, a banana and a sandwich, a few peanuts and a full Dasani water bottle. It wasn’t much for a meal, but it would have to do.

A bird shrieked from within the scraggly branches of an ancient aspen. Annie scanned the condition of the sky. The sun had veiled itself behind dark, gloomy clouds overhead.

Concerned that she and Billy may get wet, Annie was determined to reach the abandoned miner’s cabin near the quarry.

Lightening split the air and the thunder rumbled. Annie's heart pounded in her ears. Billy tagged behind her so she stopped until he caught up. “Billy hold my hand okay? It looks like it’s going to rain so we need to find cover.”

The pines that lined the path swayed two and fro. Billy pulled away and ran ahead, laughing. “This is fun Annie. We’re on a ‘venture.”

A fallen tree blocked their path so Annie hurdled the toppled trunk that Billy had already scrambled over. The wind whipped and blistered her cheeks. Annie stooped to tie her shoe that kept coming undone. Yeah a great ‘venture.

“Billy, wait up for me. See that hut up ahead? Let’s race to see who gets their first before we get drenched.”

“Okay, but I’ll beat you.” Billy yelled.

Annie reached the porch just before the clouds poured water like an open faucet. Annie touched the door of the grisly looking cabin and it creaked open.

Annie scanned the room. A mouse scurried across the floor with Billy right behind on all fours. Spider-webs draped the sparse furniture, walls and ceiling. Branches began to screech across the windowpane, which caused her to shudder.

Billy rose from the floor and sat in one of the rickety wooden chairs. “Are you scared, Annie? It’s getting dark outside.”

Annie was frightened, but she didn’t want Billy to know. “Come here Billy. We’ll be all right. Someone will come looking for us. If we have to stay her all night at least there’s a candle and some matches. There’s an old bed over there in the corner if we get tired. Let’s pray that someone will find us soon, okay?”

Four-year-old Billy got down on his knees and felt for Annie’s hand. Annie knelt also and was about to pray, but before she could begin she heard, “Dear Lord Jesus, we’re scared. We’re lost. Please come find us. In Jesus’ name, ah…”

There was a knock at the door. Billy hurried to answer it. He opened the door and an elderly man with long hair and a beard stood before Billy on the step. "Annie, it's Jesus. He found us."