
Bright eyes calling you
Awake awake
See the beauty around you
Flash of scarlet shines
Look up look up
A smiling face beam brightly
Heads lifted to sun
Hear now hear now
Sharing caring with bright eyes
–

Bright eyes calling you
Awake awake
See the beauty around you
Flash of scarlet shines
Look up look up
A smiling face beam brightly
Heads lifted to sun
Hear now hear now
Sharing caring with bright eyes

Sword – Mighty weapon to defend from harm
… Or lethal rod to destroy and cut
Log – Strong support to build and shelter
… Or battering ram to pummel and rend
Pen – Words of encouragement and knowledge
… Or scathing ridicule and lies
Hammer – To join, unify, and bind
… Or offer violence to break and tear
Brush – Smooth and untangle woeful thoughts
… Or jerk and beat and cause only pain
Paint – Beauty flowing from careful application
… Or sprays of anger and frustration
For help or harm
… We have that choice
Think first, ponder greatly
Seek wisdom and grace
Before wielding
that powerful tongue!

Summer’s bright splash of color
Swaying in greeting to wind’s light touch
Quiet conductors with raised wands
Now trills the songbirds’ joy
In harmony with busy buzzing
Neighbor greeting neighbor and
Workers moving in steady contentment
They lead an attentive orchestra
Turning to hear their voices and
Lifting faces to welcome soft touch
So, we move to quiet beat
Giving thanks for day’s harmony
For splashes of color and gentle touches
Work well done and songs well sung

Looking out upon such vistas
Endless vault of sky above
Sunshine’s glow and feathery clouds
Or stormy and heavy laden with rain
Night’s darkness broken by heaven’s shine
The earth spreads ever before us
Rolling hills and shaded byways
Surging seas and sandy beaches
And the packed mass of humanity
Rushing past upon busy highways
Light’s beacon beckons life
Sometimes elusive and sometimes bold
Calls us and draws us to security
To calm and quiet our anxious thoughts
Come closer breathe deeply
God’s arms to enfold us.
He weeps. He laughs.
He comforts. He strengthens.
We look upon eternal vistas
And give Him thanks and praise.

Building growing forming joining
Connections produce the larger whole
Dot-to-dot, white country fences,
Friends and neighbors, family
Look around you everywhere
All with places or parts to play
Birds sitting upon a line,
Small child clinging to your hand
Business office, work and play
Emails filling texts exchanging
But best of all formed and strong
Speaking caring come together
Making connections
To last and treasure

What do we, in our dreaming and seeking,
Look for, hope for … pursue each day?
Of wealth, of means, of care, of need
Upon what do me make our stand?
Beyond our doubt
May God set us steadfast
Give faith to walk firmly
Keep our feet on His way!
Make steady our steps
To accomplish for good
Are we ready? …
Prepare and establish!
*Psalm 90:17 NIV

Day in day out
We have ups and downs
When times are dark
And hearts are torn
Shattered deeply…
Where do we turn?!
Lean on God’s strength
Embrace His light
A starry night
… To wrap us ‘round
Gentle touch
… Or presence near
A listening ear
… Someone to hear
A sunny smile
… Upon a child’s face
Warm sun’s touch
… Or cool shade’s shelter
Quiet solitude
… And a place to shout!
Now draw us closer
As we come
Seeking comfort

“What’s up?” I say in greeting you,
In comfortable companionship.
Just hanging out and sharing life
Now there’s no rush with you and me.
“Oh, nothing much,” …but some days are long,
Going here… Doing this and that.
Just for now, let’s take a breather.
“So, what is up with you?”
With friends who care, we can be ourselves
And share our time and space.
To hear each other and really listen,
Offering support and being a presence.
“What’s up?” we say in recognition,
Doing this thing called life together.

We wake each day,
With choices before us.
How will we live?
What impact to make?
Teaching the young
To do what’s right.
Being an encourager
And firm support.
A guiding hand
In times of need.
No, not perfect…
From God comes strength.
Live by example,
Abundant love, and grace.

In life’s small pauses
Clarity rises
As a photo in one’s mind
Minutes slow
Moments to be treasured
Pulled out
In quiet contemplation
Of times past
I rock in peaceful silence
Breath slows
Drawing in evenings coolness
Settled calm
Rest now and be comforted
Wrapped in stillness
Receive joy’s presence
Gift of minutes