Waiting Restlessly (For the Warrior’s Return)

The darkness wakens you

You reach for a touch that isn’t there

The bittersweet sleep of a loved one left behind

Waiting restlessly in the temporary absence

For the warrior’s return

 

You wonder where he sleeps tonight

If his pillow gives him pleasant dreams

Amid the tension on the battle field

Will you ever find sleep

In the emptiness of your bed

 

Laughter saddens you

You turn for a face that isn’t there

The bittersweet day of a loved one left behind

Waiting anxiously in the temporary absence

For the warrior’s return

 

You ponder what transpires in his day

If he’ll find passing moments of joy

Amid the hostilities on the battlefield

Will you ever find peace

In the emptiness of your day

 

Restless and anxious

Will he return at all

Grateful and proud

He answered the call to serve

Strengthened and assured

You go on as he goes on

For a greater cause

 

In the temporary absence,

For your warrior’s return

In hope, you wait restlessly

 

 

MLH

November 14, 2009

No Small Sacrifice

It is no small sacrifice

Made by those who served

On land and sea and in the air

When peace was embraced

Or when war was unleashed

 

For the sake of freedom

They gave without question

Love of country was their medal of honor

Earned by their blood, sweat and tears

 

The eagle soars high

The flag catches the wind

Displaying her colors in glory

Because of no small sacrifice

Made by those who served

 

MLH

November 11, 2009

 

Thank you, to the Veterans of the United States Armed Forces,
and to those who are still serving. I salute you.

 

 

The Visiting Rain

Rain visits our world

Sometimes for a few moments

In a smattering of dampness

Other times it stays

For days on end

Sending the rivers

Into an angry overload of muddy water

We scream at the sky

The end the deluge

And offer our complaints

About the wet grayness

That has descended upon us

 

We sometimes forget

God is still God

And the rainbow is still His promise

That he clouds cannot hold back forever

The light, the warmth, the hope

Of the sun shining bright on a new day

 

We are in His hands

Hands that cover us in the storm

And keep us safe

When the rain falls

 

MLH

November 9, 2009

An Ocean of Love

Wide as the ocean

Stretches from shore to shore

Are Your arms reaching for me

Through the troubles of the day

Deep as its waters

Pressing against the ocean floor

And into the dark hidden crevices

Is the depth of Your love

Covering my sin

Beautiful as the setting sun

Flashing brilliant hues

Upon the dancing waves

Is Your Holy Spirit

Showering grace over me

 

Such a picture of splendor

Displayed for my eyes

Such a song of timeless wonder

To serenade my heart.

 

MLH

October 9, 2009

I Give

Hard days

Rough days

Falling down

In the mud

Feet stuck

In the miry clay

 Hopeless

Darkness

Can’t find

Your way out

Lost alone

And afraid

 

Be still

Quiet your heart

Listen for His voice

Draw near

To Him

He is calling you

 

I give you hope

I give you peace

I give you love

All you need

Believe in me

Trust in me

I have your life

In my hands

 

Speak my name

I will answer you

 

Running

Hiding

No where

Left to hide

So tired

You can’t go on

Thirsty

Hungry

For something

To sustain you

Nothing you find

Is enough

 

 Be still

Quiet your heart

Listen for His voice

Draw near

To Him

He is calling you

 

I give you bread

I give you water

I give you rest

For your soul

Believe in me

Trust in me

I have your life

In my hands

 

Speak my name

I will answer you

 

I give you grace

I give you mercy

I give you life

Everlasting

Believe in me

Trust in me

Give me your life

I’ll take care of you

 

MLH

October 3, 2009

I Am One Who Is Loved

I am one who is loved

One who was died for

One for whose blood was shed

 

I am one who is loved

By He who took nails in His hands and feet

On whose body received lashes

By whose stripes I am healed

 

I am one who is loved

By the King who showers mercy

And covers me with grace

Who opens the gates to His courts

And invites me to enter in

 

I am one who is loved

By the Shepherd who guards me

From the one devourer who seeks me

From the dark shadows

To catch me unaware

 

I am one who is loved

By He who created me

Who knew me before I was born

And poured His beauty into me

 

I am

One who is loved

By the One who loves

Who died giving His love

That I might live

 

 

MLH

February 9, 2009

Prayer For A Pastor

As the future beckons stormy weather

Demands for more

Than what your hands have to give

Take your time captive

Makes caring a chore

Instead of a pleasure

 

Your burdens, heavy and intense

At both ends the candle burns strong

Depleting the day’s hours

Feeding the weariness that devours

It silences hope’s song

Yet you continue in your obedience

 

I whisper a prayer your way

Wrapped in the warmth of love

From the breath of God’s grace

That your diligence in this race

Brings indescribable peace from above

And showers of blessings in your day

 

MLH

March 13, 2009

Heart Warming

Hearts hang in the balance

When loss of life

Usher in tears

 

Pain weighs heavy

When there are no more touches

To be felt

No more embraces to give

No more smiles to share

 

Though the saddened heart

Hangs precariously

Between denial, anger, and acceptance

The bonds of God’s love

Hold stronger

He will not let you fall

 

 

MLH

June 7, 2009

Storms

Difficult times

Accompany storms

The wind raises the waves

Spraying fear and doubt

Over the railing

While black clouds

Hurl relentless flashes of worry

From above your head

 

Remember

Even the storms

Bow at the command

Of God’s voice

And though the boat

May be tossed to and fro

You are safe

Inside His arms of love

 

 

MLH

June 8, 2009

Sweet Aroma

May the sweet aroma of peace

Drift into your troubled sleep

And sing to your aching heart

A lullaby of comfort’s tune

May the soothing fragrance of hope

Dance into your prayers

The assurance your eyes will see again

The rose in a garden more fair

Perfect in beauty

Flawless in elegance

A blossom of glory

To grace the hills of heaven

 

MLH

June 13, 2009