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

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!

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

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

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?

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

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/