Christmas in Iraq - Poem with Christmas Photos by Kathryn E. Darden

Poem: The Bridegroom Cometh

Preparations by the Groom have been completed;
He joyfully awaits the day
that marks the remainder of eternity
when the Church shall be swept away.

He has created a wondrous place
where rows of mansions are perfectly aligned.
Angels will sing beautiful songs
announcing souls' arrival; including yours and mine.

Despite imperfections of His bride,
the Lord daily intercedes with heartfelt prayer.
The celestial wedding feast shall take place -
Have you received your invitation, to be present there?


Author Note:
From the book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

Poem: Human Behavior

It's hard to extol the merits of mankind
and to lavish excessive praise is insane;
recognize the gamut of vain emotion
and treatment of our brothers that's inhumane.

The natural nature of man is hardly good -
Proof is found in our vocabulary;
despite incredible accomplishments of this world,
poor relationships of man to extremes are still carried.

Our literature and news is littered
with ugly views of crime and hate.
For brief review of the damage perpetuated,
let's take time to reiterate.

There's slavery, incest, murder, torture,
greed, rape, hatred, genocide, racism,
bigotry, fear, starvation, thievery,
lasciviousness and terrorism.

Uncaring predators have always existed,
unable to overcome the evil within.
Such conditions show our need for a loving God,
to triumph over the presence and affects of sin.



Author Note:
From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

Christmas in Iraq - a Christmas Poem for Our Soldiers - Yahoo! Voices

Christmas in Iraq - a Christmas Poem for Our Soldier

Christmas in Iraq is a poem written for a soldier and his troop I sponsored in Iraq in 2005. It is my hope that this poem and others like it will be forwarded to our military men and women during the Christmas season so they will know they are not forgotten during the holidays.

Read the poem at Christmas in Iraq - a Christmas Poem for Our Soldiers - Yahoo! Voices

..... Christian Poet's Pen: Thanksgiving Poems!

..... Christian Poet's Pen: Thanksgiving Poems!

Let Thanks Resound!

Somehow in our busy days,
“Thanks” are left behind.
Lost amid the bright displays,
Thankfulness has pined.

Blessings more than we can count
Flow from heaven’s throne.
Daily gifts that ever mount,
Yet thanks, are seldom sown.

So this Thanksgiving, gathered there
As every head is bowed,
Let thanks and worship fill the air
With gratitude out loud!

Thank Him till the meal is cold,
For all that God provides.
Thank Him for the hand you hold;
For blessings that abide.

Worthy is our loving Lord.
Let thankful hearts be stirred.
May Christ be all the more adored,
And thankful hearts be heard.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalms 30: 11,12 NIV

By Tom Valles

Thanksgiving Poems!

It is time to post some Thanksgiving poems on the Christian Poets Pen blog. If you have a Thanksgiving poem, post it here or share the links to your Thanksgiving poetry.

Happy Thanksgiving 

to All our Christian Poets Pen Poets & Readers!

Yet A Little While

We cannot see the life ahead,

We only see what's lost,

We do not see the gains to be,

We simply feel the cost.

Feeling secure in what has been,

The changes cause us fear,

Not knowing what the future brings,

We cling to what's most dear.

Looking beyond the days ahead,

The temporary fades,

Our focus on our home above

Laid out in splendorous shades.

A future with no grief or pain,

Secure within God's realm,

And peace for all eternity

With Jesus at the helm.

A grand reunion yet awaits

For those who died in Him,

Separation in the past,

We sing the heav'nly hymns.

So yet a little while,

With destination sure,

Our hand held by the Master,

This day we can endure.

The Lord Is My...

The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want
His love can’t be weighed with a song or with font
When I’m stemming the tide but I’m still all at sea
I can trust that my Savior is carrying me

The Lord is my Strength when my chips are cast down
He raises a smile through an unbroken frown
When I’m under attack – feel like quitting the field
I can trust that my God is my strength and my shield

The Lord is my Light in this shadowy time
He washes me down and he scrubs off my grime
When I’m straining my eyes but can only see dark
I can trust that the Lord will provide a new spark

The Lord is my Rock and a beacon that burns
He provides a safe house when there’s nowhere to turn
When I’m looking for shelter, I don’t have to knock
I can trust that his throne room is always unlocked

The Lord is my Salvation, my only way home
He keeps calling me to him, wherever I roam
When the final day comes and all evil departs
I can trust there’s a place left for me in his heart

The Name

The magnificent life, is not found in the flesh,
Nor of power or might or sway.
The life that fulfills begins when we’re still
And builds upon Jesus’ name.

The meaningful life, is not based on achievement,
Nor of wealth or status or fame.
The life of renown is seeking the crowns
Only found in Jesus’ name.

The memorable life, is not known for the years,
Nor of ribbons or trophies claimed.
The life that endures, that conquers and cures
Is secure in Jesus’ name.

The meritorious life, is not gauged by performance,
Nor of accolades, plaques or acclaim.
The life that “arrives,” that blossoms and thrives
Is derived in Jesus’ name.

The measureless life, is not weighed with possessions,
Nor of titles or degrees attained.
The life that has won, will hear from the Son:
“Well done” in Jesus’ name.

By Tom Valles

2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Poem: If I Were...

If I were...
truly illuminated, what would you see?
Could the brightness of Christ fully shine
and the persona of me disappear?

If I were...
gifted, in other unknown ways.
Would I be able to discover them
or would I choose to deny them anyway?

If I were...
blessed, beyond Earthly needs.
How much of myself would I be willing to share,
besides just money and possessions?

If I were...
eloquent, in my verbose speech.
Would I be able to teach anything
and would anyone want to listen?

If I were...
God, as Satan imagined.
Would I give people choice
and have them risk damnation?


Author Note:

From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

Poem: Human Warranty

Etched into the soul's fine print
should be the motto "Handle with Care";
but Man's nature to ignore instruction
is manifested in Life's disrepair.

To have God's Word in written form
could be viewed as a "Human Warranty",
where divine ground rules for all
has abundance in the best that Life can be.




Author Note:

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

What Brings You Joy?

What Brings You Joy? - A Poem

At a recent meeting, the speaker asked each of us to each answer the provocative and unexpected question: "What brings you joy?" Knowing the group was a fairly liberal mix, I found myself tongue-tied, afraid my heart-felt reply about God and faith might be perceived as just another "right-wing conservative Christian tea-bagger extremist." That IS the kind of response Christians often elicit on discussion boards and in the media these days, no matter how innocuous our statements. Here is what was going on in my head.

Read my poem at: What Brings You Joy? - Associated Content from Yahoo! 

More Christian poetry:

 

Patricia Alice Albrecht - Poet

I went to a poetry reading by Patricia Alice Albrecht last week at Nashville's Scarritt-Bennett University. Her poetry is very much influenced by her Catholic upbringing. It is quite spiritual although what I heard at her reading was not 100% overtly Christian. One of my favorites was "Do You Feel Me, God?"

If anyone remembers the old "Jem & The Holograms" TV cartoon, Patricia Alice Albrecht provided some of the voices for that show as well as quite a few others.

The 1st article is about her meeting tonight and the 2nd is about her poetry reading last week -- I should have posted it sooner, but it slipped my mind:

Jem & The Holograms' Pizzazz Patricia Alice Albrecht to speak at doll club

Patricia Alice Albrecht -- the Voice of Pizzazz 

 

Patricia Alice Albrecht, best-known as the voice of Pizzazz on the 1980s animated television program Jem & The Holograms, has just announced she will be the special guest speaker at the September 1...

 

Meet Jem & The Holograms' Pizzazz -- Patricia Alice Albrecht

Patricia Alice Albrecht -- the Voice of Pizzazz As mentioned in Jem & The Holograms: Hasbro doll line & TV series, the Jem line of dolls was launched by Hasbro in 1985 and became a popular animated television series during the...

 

Jesus! Wonderful Name!

Oh, wonderful name, how my heart thrills to hear it—
The name of my risen Redeemer and King!
It falls like the music of Heav’n on my spirit,
And fills me with rapture divine while I sing.

Refrain:

Jesus! wonderful name!
Sweeter than all the world to me;
Jesus! ever the same—
Now and thro’ all eternity.

When lost in my sin, ’twas the name of my Savior
That banished my fear and brought peace to my soul;
I’ll sing it in glory forever and ever
With joy while the years of eternity roll.

Refrain

I think of the cross where He suffered to save me,
And oh, how my heart thrills with glory divine
To know it is life everlasting He gave me,
When, sinless, He died for a soul such as mine.

Refrain

By Avis B. Christensen 1918


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Overcomer

Thy belt of truth my Lord, is firm around my waist.
Your breastplate Lord, of righteousness is also in its place.
My feet are readied Lord with the Gospel of Thy peace.
The shield of faith I take up too, all doubt I here release.
Thy helmet of salvation, I place upon my head.
The sword of the Spirit too: His Word almighty said.

While suited up for battle, I shall not forward trod
Until I first am prostrate here, to seek the will of God.
Earnestly I seek Thee Lord, to fight the fight today.
Humbly Lord, I call to Thee: “Be my strength always!”
Our fight is not in human strength, but spiritual the realm.
Our flesh in war shall not suffice, save Jesus at the Helm!

Be strong dear child in the Lord and in His mighty power!
Our Lord has given all we need, to conquer every hour.
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer.
Know the power of the Lord, who IS our demon slayer.
Be alert, be prayerful always, through every trial and test.
Be still and know, your Lord is God, In Him is our success!

By tsv

Ephesians 6: 10-13 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (NIV)

Mother's Day

I hardly know what to feel or how to act this Mother’s Day,
Because for the first time on this special day, I am motherless.
I can’t give Mama a gift or send a card, as I used to do.
Neither can I talk with her or give her a tender caress.

Our earthly time together ended on January 9, 2011,
The day she was called to her Heavenly Home.
Although I’m thankful she’s been set free from her sufferings,
I can’t help missing her and feeling sad and alone.

But I’m also grateful for the 63 years we had together.
I’m thankful we loved and cherished each other always.
I’m glad I hugged her often and honored her in life at every opportunity.
I promise to continue to pay tribute to her all the rest of my days.

Because Mother taught me so many, many things,
Hardly a day goes by that I do not think of something she said to me.
Although she’s dead and, thus, can no longer speak or act,
Her previous words and action still guide me tenderly.

The mother/child relationship—what a treasure!
No wonder its ending causes such sorrow.
But this thought consoles me as I grieve:
A reunion is coming—one glad tomorrow.

© May 8, 2011, by Johnnie Ann Burgess Gaskill, www.jgaskill.com.

Mother's Day

It is almost Mother's Day! It would be great to see some poetry honoring mothers!

A mother, mom, mum, momma or mama, is a woman who has conceived, given birth to, or raised a child in the role of a parent. (Wikipedia)

Easter Acrostic

"Easter Acrostic"

This is an Easter poem written in the acrostic form which I signed away the rights to (so I can't repost it here, but I can share the link!)

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday
(Elation)

Behind, in the hot distance,
in dust and haze,
a mystery-cloaked cloud approaches,
a playful meander
breaking the monotony of day.

The anticipation of something special
catches the pulse and breath of pilgrim souls
on the road to celebration.
Whispers grow to discussion,
opinion to argument,
theories fleet between mouths and ears.
A dignitary on his way to the feast….
A groom going to a wedding……
A prince comes…….
All forward trudging stops -
expectant voyeurs,
glad for the chance to rest,
turn their weary bodies
to view the distant disturbance.
Children look up, their enquiring glances
piercing parental armour,
breaching their ignorance:
answers hidden in that veiling distance.

No music escapes the approaching cloud,
no prelude clue to a wedding party,
nor mournful wails precede the dust,
no funeric suffering or life-engulfing loss.

Occasional gasps ripple the lookers-on,
sidelined and puzzled.
Prophetic words begin bubbling
through grey remembrances
in uncoordinated trickles.

Palm leaf fans keep the heat at bay
as, foot-weary, they stand and stare
into the distance, into the past.

Someone glimpses a colt
fading in and out
of the approaching cloud.
Another makes an association,
begins a mental journey through scrolls,
half forgotten temple arguments.
A donkey, a king, Jerusalem,
meeting, melting, intertwining.
History, legend, prophecy, melding:
a whirlpool of delight and fear.

Discussions become awed whispers.
Palm leaf fans drop – early Autumn
coming upon that dusty pathway.

Glimpses become sightings
unencumbered by the fatigue
that dogs other pilgrim marchers.
Half-heard phrases Chinese-whisper the roadside.
Noise becomes words, become shouted greetings:

“Praise to David’s Son”, psalmist’s words,
its speaker’s thoughts finding voice
in trembling recognition and surprise.

The party passes by,
and the sea of souls parts before its riding figure
taking their cues and echoing words

“Bless him who comes in the name of the Lord” ,
a clamour of “Hosanna”.

Each excited voice adding adrenalin
and volume,
accelerating the expectation,
the puzzlement, the wonder.

A prince rides into Jerusalem,
a groom comes for his bride;
this excited festival crescendos
in a swell that storms the gates of heaven
and will shatter the doors of hell.


NB this is one of the poems in the 'journey through Easter' section of my book 'in moments like these'
Read more: http://wordsculptures-keith.blogspot.com/

Sestina: The Son, the Cross and Glory

God the Father sent His Son, through whom we are forgiven.
Yet man, preferring darkness chose
To shun the light and hence from heaven driven.
Oh the crimson price from Him that flowed
To purchase man’s redemption and be risen
That we with Him, victorious arose.

The life of Christ is vain, had He not arose.
The Father’s chief ambition: that we be forgiven!
The glory of the Cross is: He has risen!
Sin’s penalty is broken when men chose
To come and in repentance kneel where mercy flowed.
His invitation ever hails where nails were driven.

Oh His love for sinners; those for whom He’s driven.
Christ, the Lamb of God who from His throne arose
To come and to redeem us, what grace from heaven flowed.
Jesus is the “gift” for the forgiven.
Our faith is predicated on the life He chose:
To reject Him, one is lost; to receive Him, one has risen.

It is at the Cross, where new life has risen.
Condemnation, guilt and strife away are driven.
If in defiance, one rejected Him and chose
To turn and walk from Jesus who arose,
Then there is not a way to be forgiven.
The well of living water’s where all pardon flowed.

The glory of the Cross; where mercy flowed!
The story never wanes on heavens risen.
These understand the gift of the forgiven.
For love of Him, to his feet they’re driven.
These rose anew because this One arose.
It is all through faith in Christ, that saints had chose.

Call upon the Lord, you will see that when you chose
To ask Him for forgiveness, sin’s hold away had flowed.
Easter’s glory is not death; it is when the Son arose.
It’s in salvation, new creations, destined to be risen!
While we battle with our sin, Christians all the more are driven
To magnify our Lord, and to relish in “forgiven.”

Rejoice all you who chose the One who’s risen.
Where in flowed the life and out death’s driven.
The Son arose, that you may be forgiven.

By TSV

Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Poem: Evening Sky

Gazing into a starry night,
I see a deep indigo sky
with perfect placement of twinkling light.
Stars reveal the expanse of time
from before the birth of humanity;
their existence came from dynamic energy
which was created by spoken word
that no man has ever heard.
Solitary spirit of awesome might
painted this heavenly canvas
with a flick of His hand and uttered thought.
Divine creation shared with you and me -
It's part of our heritage and His eternal legacy.




----------------------------
From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

Poem: Avoiding Hell?

Have you sealed your fate
with the rejection of Him?
Accept Christ now
before your life wears thin.

For in permanent separation
there's no God or peace -
Only continual torment and anguish
without any comfort or release.

Alone in the dark
as fallen angels without light,
you too will become a demon creature
lacking hope of spiritual sight.

Forget about Purgatory,
but make a decision today -
avoiding Hell can be done,
for Christ is the Life, Truth and Way.


------------------------------
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

Forgiveness is the Key

To be forgiven, you must forgive.
Christ shows us, this is how we must live.
There will be bumps on the road of life,
when relationships are filled with strife.

Maybe someone has offended you.
They may not even have a clue.
Do you become bitter and hold a grudge
or the intentions of their heart judge?

Forgiveness in relationships the key
to restore peace which sets you free.
Free from a bitter and weary heart,
grace to another soul to impart.

Christ is our example to follow.
In self-pity don't ever wallow.
Pass on the precious gift of grace
as forgiveness and love you embrace.


Judy Wood

Easter & Spring Poetry

Easter is coming up! I hope some of you have some Easter and Spring poetry to share!

Poems for St. Patrick's Day

I meant to type these out and share them earlier, but time got away from me this week. Here are the links to my St. Patrick's Day poems:

Saint Patrick's Day Poetry

Saint Patrick's Shamrock - a Haiku for St. Patrick's Day
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7851398/saint_patricks_shamrock_a_haiku_for.html?cat=42

Ireland Acrostic: An Acrostic Poem About the Emerald Isle
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1516041/ireland_acrostic_an_acrostic_poem_about.html?cat=42

St. Patrick Acrostic - a Poem for Saint Patrick's Day
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1516109/st_patrick_acrostic_a_poem_for_saint.html?cat=42

Saint Patrick the Shepherd - a Children's Poem
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1516009/saint_patrick_the_shepherd_a_poem.html?cat=42

Poem: Waiting on You

When floating in the sea of despair,
never give up hope, for the Lord is already there.
For in the time of your darkest hour,
you can tap into His Dunamis power.
Addressing Earth's challenges requires a key -
As a child of His, you must yourself see.
To assure that your earnest prayers are heard,
you need to hide in your heart His Holy Word.
For out of your mouth, His Word you should speak,
which demonstrates that Him you truly seek.
For God's desire is to help you through,
but He is still... waiting on you.




-----------------------------------
From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

Poem: As a Joint Heir with Thee

What a blessing it would be
as a joint heir with thee,
sharing the Father's affection
for the numerous days of eternity!

What a honor you've bestowed upon me
as a joint heir with thee,
being adopted by the universal King
and connected to the divine, family tree.

What a grand responsibility
as a joint heir with thee,
proclaiming your name and love
to the World's expanse of humanity.


-----------------------------
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

Love and Mother

Who first gave to us the gift
Of how to love each other?
Was it not from infancy,
We gleaned it from our mother?

Who first gave the loving touch
Of tenderness and care?
Was it not the daily gift
Of mother being there?

Who first kissed us on the cheek,
Who studied every trait?
Who would work and toil for us
And who would always “wait.”

Who would stop to listen,
And who took time to pray?
Who demonstrated faithful love,
Day by day by day?

From birth until the grave
We forever gain so much,
By pouring out our mother’s love,
Like she poured into us.

Genesis 3: 20 “Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.” NIV

For Glory's Sake

I look always to Jesus,
When in my strength I fail.
He is my eternal refuge;
In Him, I will prevail.
Even weakness and mistakes
He can use for glory’s sake.

I look always to Jesus,
When strongholds seem to win.
He is my forever victor,
In Him, I’ll conquer sin.
Even frailty and mistakes
He transforms for glory’s sake.

I look always to Jesus,
When my heart is hurt and weak.
He is my trusted intercessor
In Him, new mercies speak.
Even wounds and grave mistakes
He will heal for glory’s sake.

I look always to Jesus,
When my grief is far too deep.
He is my comfort and caress
In Him, I too can weep.
Even sorrow and mistakes
He will soothe for glory’s sake.

I look always to Jesus,
When my hope begins to wane.
He is my sovereign Lord and comfort
In Him, He makes it plain:
Even failures and mistakes
He allows for glory’s sake.

By TSV
1 John 3:2-4 “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”

Heart To Heart

I knew the warmth of Your embrace,

You called me by my name,

I've felt the presence of Your touch,

I'll never be the same.

Nestled securely in Your arms,

Your heart beats close to mine,

To hold me safely next to You,

Your promise, Your design.

My name engraved upon Your palm,

Your pledge forevermore,

You picked me, chosen for Your own,

And heaven is in store.

A wedding feast You have prepared

And there Your bride will dine,

When all the saints are gathered there,

Still your eyes seek out mine.

But sin created distance

As if You had withdrawn,

And prayer requires purity,

Our fellowship now gone.

No longer beating heart to heart

A wedge my sin creates,

But, thankfully, conviction comes

Releasing sin's dead weight.

Confession births forgiveness,

Your grace now beckons me,

'Cause love was nailed on Calvary

To set my spirit free.

In spite of all that I have done

My guilt You have assuaged,

But scars still linger on my heart

Knowing the war I waged.

"If we (freely) admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness--everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought and action." I John 1:9 (Amplified Bible)

"Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace--the throne of God's unmerited favor (to us sinners); that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need--appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it." Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified Bible)

Heaven Has...

No locks or keys
No desperate pleas.
No crime or hate
No iron gates.
No ills or pills
No falls or spills.
No courts or jails
No mourning wails.
No shots or casts
No terror blasts.
No lies or schemes
No broken dreams.
No filth or dirt
No careless hurts.
No fear or dread
No lack of bread.
No debt no pain
No flooding rain.
No cheats or crooks
No filthy books.
No cons or “switches”
No false wishes.
No germs or plagues
No broken legs.
No morgues or malls
No hospitals.
No tears or sorrows
No “maybe tomorrows.”
No departing or goodbyes
No more red or crying eyes.
No missing any thing on earth
No way to fathom heaven’s worth.

Tsv

1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him-