The Gospel According to a Hummingbird

A Lesson in Trust

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

Welcome to When’s Day

When’s Day is the day we’ve been waiting for

When’s the day when I can be
a source of joy to all I see,
when I can lift those burdened down
by heartaches and despair?

When can I show another love
reminding them I’m thinking of
those times when they were there for me,
when friends were few and far?

So when’s the day I just decide
to jettison my fear and pride
and risk rejection for the chance
to love like Jesus did?

Well, how about today?
After all, today is “When’s Day!”

Grace and Faith: A Parable of Two Sisters

A Poetic Reflection on the Protestant Reformation

Two spinster sisters lived alone
when times were lean and tough.
Grace was kind and Faith believed
somehow they’d have enough.

Grace gave to others without thought.
Her nature was this pure.
While Faith, the younger, struggled some.
Her hopes weren’t always sure.

Without her sister’s knowledge, Grace
would work behind the scenes.
She scrimped and saved (when Faith would sleep)
to bring about the means
to shed the rags of “getting by”
and dress like royalty.
Grace loved her sister and could see
one day she would be free.

One day she’d flee from poverty.
One day Faith would take hold
of all she hoped and dreamed about:
A mansion gilded gold.

One day arrived. Grace died and left
her twin what she’d saved.
‘Twas in the bank and was not based
on how Faith had behaved.

Yes, (Grace, through death) expressed her care
for one she loved so much.
The proof was Faith’s inheritance.
An unexpected crutch.

But what Grace had made possible
could not be earned through doing.
All had been done that one could do.
No need for stress or stewing.

The gift of Grace was in the bank
all ready to be claimed.
No strings attached or fine-print clause.
It bore her sister’s name.

The only thing the bank required
was that Faith show her face
and then endorse the waiting check
made possible by Grace.

For no one else could claim this prize
as Grace had clearly shown.
For only one could make withdraws.
Just Faith and Faith alone.

And Grace has done the same for us.
A life savings in our name.
And though we don’t deserve what’s ours,
it’s ours alone to claim.

No need to prove we’ve earned it, though.
That’s one thing Grace insists.
Eternal life comes through Christ’s death
not our demanding fists.

It’s humbling, to say the least,
to take what someone’s given.
But that’s God’s plan.
Our pride must die for us to be forgiven.

And when (with faith) at Heaven’s bank
we claim what’s guaranteed,
guess what’s compounded? Gratitude!
A thankful heart, indeed!

Yes, thankfulness is interest earned
on funds that grow and grow.
But there is also something else
I think that you should know.

St. Paul says in our text today,
we’re not saved by doing good.
But here’s the catch… Once we are saved,
we can do the good we should.

We’re saved in order to achieve
what we alone can’t do.
By grace (through faith) we activate
God’s plans for me and you.

The Man and His Music

Celebrating the Legacy of Ralph Carmichael

Black horned-rimmed glasses, long white hair.
I’d recognize him anywhere.

A heart for God and young folk, too.
He touched my life but never knew.

For Pete’s sake! Ralph gave our faith wings.
His upbeat praise songs helped us sing.

A restless one? I think he was
‘cause Ralph was bored with hymn-drum blahs.

This gifted bulb was soon root-bound
and could not flourish underground.

Ralph’s blades and shoots broke through the sod.
This rebel was a gift from God.

His plant grew up. Became a tree.
The rest they say is history.

From first violin to Big Band king,
Ralph Carmichael was everything.

He’s everything to me and you
because he saw we needed new.

I sing his praises though he’s gone.
Because of Ralph, the song goes on!

The man and his music both brought us deep joy.
Ralph Carmichael gave grace a voice.
Composing, arranging, conducting and such,
Ralph wired our hearts to rejoice.

With Mar at his side, this musician of note
continued to show us the score.
The soundtrack for living that flowed from his pen
was embellished with grace notes galore.

I’m just one of those grateful for what Ralph has wrought.
There are millions who counted him friend.
A friend who inspired our childlike faith
through his music again and again.


There is a thoughtful article on Ralph Carmichael’s life and work, including a few videos. Use this link to Christianity Today:
Composer Who Fought for Freedom of Christian Music

A Poetic Portrait of a Patriot

Celebrating the life of a remarkable leader

Colin’s cancer left him weak,
but in the end COVID would speak
to claim a General strong yet meek
who knew few enemies.

This inner-circle centrist’s voice
provided options when a choice
was hard to choose above the noise
of disagreeing friends.

Our nation is a better place
because this man of measured grace
gave common sense a needed face.
Peace to his memory!