Tag: black and white

light and storm

The current state of affairs in our wee little town. Happy Christmas everyone!

cloudy christmas days

here’s to
cloudy christmas days
and windy songs
weaving through
the barren trees
can’t sing along
with the howling melodies
i’d rather stay
and be in this
cloudy christmas day

here’s to
cloudy christmas days
you see there’s loss
and grief
a friend in need
the clouds
are all around him now
nothing makes much sense
anyhow
except this
cloudy christmas day

here’s to
cloudy christmas days
when the dark tree
seems to be
the proper choice
i need to give voice
to loss
to mystery
and the agony
that stings a bit more
you never know
what’s in store
on a cloudy
christmas day

so i’ll just feel
this cloudy christmas day
the tears say
it’s ok
i know Eternal Love
has come
and Peace
and Light
i am trusting
through my tears
in the Way
the Truth
the Life
on this
cloudy christmas day

mckinley morning

This is a collection of way too many images from a beautiful sunrise this morning. Taken at McKinley Woods, a local Illinois state park. Thanks for stopping by.

what do i see

what do i see
when i see me
let's see
i suppose i see
what i want to see
and at times i see
what i long to be
at times
i'm such a selfie

self is proud
and can be
so loud
i can push away
by the words i say
those i say i love
why am i that way
if my attitude
or my words hurt you
please forgive me
i hope you can see
a way
to forgive me

i suppose i need
to see through eyes
that are not mine
but belong to the One
who makes me whole
and sees all that makes
me
me

and when i'm known
by the One who knows
all that's inside
i can decide
that i won't hide
anymore

Lord help me see
my wife
and kids
the family
my friends
my neighbor too
and say no to self
and live to serve
Lord help me let go
of me
and be free
to love
to give
to be alive
to others
and die
to
me
and
be
free

a prayer

dear Lord
when i am restless
let the tranquility
of your Spirit
the comfort of your word
the light of your love
be my peace
and still my stirring
when i am anxious
let the power
of your grace
the assurance of your sovereignty
the goodness of your will
warm the frozen fear
i feel inside
release the heart shackles
and settle my thoughts
in the river of your presence
when i am triggered
angry
let your mercy
help me remember
how much is broken in me
let your justice
be the end of my longing
let my heart be open
to you and this world
send me
as your loving healing presence
as i receive your love
and your healing
when i am lost
bring me home
when i am so sad
that light seems a memory
and hope a forgotten song
reorient my mind
reset my spirit
help me see
that the suffering is but a moment
that all i long for
awaits in your house
no more tears
no need of light
or sun
no darkness

thank you
my dear Lord
thank you

guatemala: until we meet again

My last, but not the last post from my trip to Guatemala this past summer. Not the last because I will return, but the last in this particular series. Thanks for stopping by.

guatemala part 5b

In this post you can read about this stunning location. I have a deep love and appreciation for the wonderful people we partnered with in Guatemala, and and equal love for this beautiful country. Thanks for stopping by.

guatemala part 3a – volcano hike

Guatemala is a beautiful country that has at least 37 volcanoes! On one of rest days we had the opportunity to hike Pacaya. The path itself was easy to follow, but it was a challenging, steep climb. The locals followed us for quite some time hoping to get a passenger for their horses. More Pacaya pics in the next post. Thanks for stopping by.

letting go

at this ripe young age
can it be three score
as i turn each page
i know less not more
and the more of less i know
it seems
it’s about letting go

i let go of the boy
i used to be
though he still
seems to want his own way
so still letting go
of my selfish ways
that boy won’t go away
that’s okay
i’m learning
letting go

i let go of just me
“i do” means now “we”
can it be two score
and there is so much more
of letting go
that i need to know
for “we”

letting go of
seeking me in her
letting go
of smashing mirrors
with my pride
letting go
of thinking
it’s better to hide
letting go
of staying inside
my head
letting go
of keeping my heart
to myself
i guess
the long slow road
of letting go of self

letting go
of expectations
of
well
everything
and
everyone
letting go
of just taking
letting go
of just faking
that we’re all okay

i pray i practice well
all the lettings go’s
that wait for me
‘cause someday soon
the last let go
will come into my room
and i want peace
and i want to know
that all those other letting go’s
will help me see
what waits for me
is an eternal embrace
it really is amazing grace
He never has
and never will
let go
of me

guatemala part 1

Each late Spring, early Summer I say to myself: “Yay! Summer is coming. Looking forward to slowing down a bit.” Well, still looking forward to slowing down a bit! It has been just as busy as any other summer, but a wonderful summer as well. One of the ingredients that have made this summer wonderful is an unexpected missions trip to Guatemala.

So, this is the first in an as yet unknown number of posts on my Guatemala experiences. I am not a traveler, so I tip my lens cap to those travel bloggers out there. (For a fantastic travel blog check out https://julesvernex2.com)

These images were taken on the grounds of the home we stayed in. Our home was in San Lucas Sacatepequez, a beautiful town located about 7,000 ft above sea level. Stay tuned for the next episode featuring the reason for our trip to Guatemala. Thanks for stopping by.