Blessed

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

Who desire to be emptied of self-importance,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn,

Who grieve all things that impede spiritual growth,

For they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

Who are unwaveringly loyal and unconditionally submitted to Christ,

For they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

Whose supreme desire is to be obedient to God and know Him better,

For they will be filled.

Blessed  are the merciful,

Who forgive and give love when there is no reason to,

For they shall be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Who have unmixed loyalty to God in their thoughts and emotions,

For they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

Who strive to bridge gaps and heal breaches among men and with God,

For they will be called the sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

Who are mistreated for the things they believe or the life that they live,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Brody Manning: Sunshine At Night

I wrote this poem in honor of Brody Manning, who went home to be with the Lord on June 15,2012 at the tender age of 17 months old. 


Brody Manning:
Sunshine at Night

Brody's Sparkling Blue Eyes,
His Captivating Smile,
God gave us Sunshine at night.

Brody's Trusting Embrace,
His wholehearted laughter.
God gave us sunshine at night. 

Brody's Quick scampering feet,
His inquisitive spirit.
God gave us sunshine at night. 

Sunshine at night,
Beaming bright in the dark,
Precious Brody Manning,
God's gift of light.

Mother Wound

Mother Wound
The mother wound strikes deep
Deep to the heart and soul
Deep to crush the spirit. 

The mother wound Internally bleeds
Bleeds insecurity and despair,
Bleeds worthlessness and fear

The mother wound leaves scars
Scars that understand the pain of others
Scars that bring passion to love well

The mother wound is not God's plan,
Plan for a hope and a future,
Plan to treasure and hold precious.

The mother wound needs time, 
Time to heal through love from others
Time to forgive when others fall short. 

Worship: Let My Words Be Few

A Perspective on Worship:
Let My Words Be Few

I will worship in the truth;
You are God; I am not,
You're on the throne; I am on earth,
You're the Creator, I am the created.
Or let my words be few.

I will worship with a worthy response;
I stand in awe,
Dance undignified, 
Raise my hands and voice,
Or let my words be few.

I will worship with an unwavering heart;
I give my time and energy to your word,
Seek to walk in your ways,
Love You with all my heart.
Or let my words be few. 

God

God's face...

I see anger, impatience and annoyance.

He says, "That is not Me;

I am loving, patient and full of compassion."

God's voice...

I hear criticism, condemnation and rage.

He says, "That is not Me;

I speak forgiveness, encouragement and abundant grace."

God's touch...

I feel afraid, ashamed, rejected

He says, "That is not Me;

My touch brings peace, comfort and complete acceptance."

God's face, voice and touch,

They are like no other.

I see Him, hear Him and feel Him;

And I am whole.

Jesus is Faithful

Others may lie to you,

Breaking trust and security.

But He tells you the truth;

Jesus is Faithful.

Others may make empty promises,

Choking your expectation and hope.

But He does that which He said;

Jesus is Faithful.

Others may ignore your needs,

Bringing worthlessness and neglect.

But He comes to your aid;

Jesus is Faithful.

Others may cut you with their words,

Wounding your heart and soul.

But He lifts you up;

Jesus is Faithful.

Others may take your possessions,

Invading the places you thought safe.

But He gives you heavenly treasures;

Jesus is Faithful.

Someone may even steal your innocence,

Bringing confusion and shame.

But He restores all things;

Jesus is Faithful.

Papa

Trust me.

I keep every promise I make,

And I am never late.

I am your Papa.

Confide in me.

I understand your pain,

And I will heal you.

I am your Papa.

Ask of me.

I will show you the way through your struggles,

And lead you on straight paths.

I am your Papa.

Stay with me.

I am with you always,

And will never leave you.

I am your Papa.

Receive from me.

I own the whole world,

And I meet all your needs.

I am your Papa.

Lean on me.

I am your strength in weakness,

And I have defeated your enemy.

I am your Papa.

Trust, Confide, Ask,

Stay, Receive and Lean,

And I will deliver.

I am your Papa.