Hummingbird in leafless tree,
I know you aren’t aware of me
or of the fact that I can see
how delicate you are.
So why should I think it absurd
that to the Lord, I’m like a bird?
God sees my actions, hears each word
and knows my anxious thoughts.
Remind me, Jesus, (like You said)
that just as birds are daily fed,
I need not fret but trust instead
that You will care for me.
* Matthew 6:25-34
The black and white truth from God’s Word
Through Jesus we have been set free from the bondage of sin! As I’ve contemplated the amazing grace of our loving God (as illustrated in Holy Scripture), the following words come to mind…
LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, commitment, security, forgiveness, mercy, acceptance, compassion, friendship, justice, listening ear, tenderness, freedom, welcome, praise, companionship, transparency, hope, intimacy, presence, courage, protection, respite, help, respect, honesty, time, attention, access, loyalty, trust, a place to belong, assurance, provision, protection, identity, advocacy, refuge, redemption, purity, oneness, validation and LIFE.
A Super Bowl at Peyton’s Place
Eli’s coming to Peyton’s place
with Giant dreams and boyish face.
He hopes his brother’s Hoosier home
will prove the place to be.
Archie plans to be their too.
The Manning men do what they do.
They “man” their way to victory
all in the family.
But Brady and Coach Belichick
have other plans I do suspect.
They’re Patriots (like Paul Revere)
who never do say die!
Like David (back in Bible days),
they understand the Giants’ ways.
Goliath-dreams don’t scare them none.
Their aim is to destroy.
Come Sunday we will know who won.
And either way, it’s so much fun.
The chance to cheer for whom you want
(and watch commercials too).
* The title is of this week’s poem is a play on the old Three Dog Night song “Eli’s Coming!”
Speech lessons from the California fires
The Santa Ana winds down south
(much like the tongue inside your mouth)
can’t be ignored. There’s much at stake.
Don’t minimize the risk.
Just ask someone who lost his home
if he respects the power shone
by gale force breezes from the east
that stole his pride and joy.
And like the Santa Ana winds,
your words have power to offend.
Through gossip, lies and talking trash,
you spread a deadly fire.
Amazingly, your tiny tongue
can render reputations dung.
The things you say can undermine
what took years to construct.
Best think before you start to speak
so you won’t cause a sewer leak.
The breeze emitted by your tongue
has power to destroy.
* based on The Epistle of James 3:3-5
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
God’s rules of the road a la Rome
Since St. Chris has been demoted,
drive more cautious and concerned.
There are ten brand new commandments.
that the Pope wants us to learn.
Do not worship what you’re driving,
but take care of what you own.
Don’t use cars to leverage power.
Don’t drive talking on the phone.
Treat pedestrians as greater.
They deserve the right of way.
And be sure your eyes are open
if you feel inclined to pray.
Do not kill. Refrain from speeding.
Back seats aren’t for making out.
Do not drive if you’ve been drinking.
This new list leaves little doubt.
Holy smoke! Replace your muffler.
Holy cow! This is no bull.
Oh, for Heaven’s sake, be prudent.
Keep the rules. Don’t be a fool.
Ten commandments. Not suggestions.
Each designed with us in mind,
so we won’t be road-rage victims
or be driving blitzed and blind.
My Rhymes and Reasons 