reality in the spiritual realm library edition

7/27/2019 Reality in the Spiritual Realm Library Edition

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Reality In The Spiritual Realm Missionary JoAnn Schehr Fashina

REALITY IN THE SPIRITUALREALM

Selections o Inspirational poems

Missionary JoAnn Schehr Fashina

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Materials Used

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance

King James Holy Bile

Co!yright " #$%# y JoAnn Schehr Fashina&

All rights reserved& 'o !art o( this oo) may e re!roduced or transmitted in any

(orm or y any means* electronic or mechanical* including !hotoco!ying* recording*

or y any in(ormation storage and retrieval system* +ithout !ermission in +riting

(rom the co!yright o+ner&

,outh -hotos ta)en y Mother .yAnne Moultrie

All other !hotos +ere ta)en y JoAnn Fashina

/his oo) +as !rinted in the United States o( America&

"


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Contents

Prolo#ue $

0n the City

%n The Streets o Massachusetts A&e '

The Un(er#roun( Mall Atlanta !!

The$th Anni&ersary o ')!!)*! !"

You Are Not For#otten !+

The ,hallen#e o American E(ucation !-

Sunset in the ,ity !.

%ur Souls /elon# to 0o( !1

A Portrait o the A#e( !$

Po&erty !'2o3nto3n ,rossin# "!

The %ran#e Line "+

The Remains o the 0ar(en o E(en ".

'ature

The Tree o 2etermination in its Seasons4 "$

In 5inter "$

In Sprin# "6

In Summer "'

In Fall +*

5e 5ill Reap the Har&est +!

A Summer7s 2ay as Fall Approaches +"

Lie an( 2eath Stru##le ++

0o( 5ill Lea( Me +-

Fish %n a Hoo8 +.

5aitin# Alon# the Seashore +1

Touchin# the Sunli#ht +$

Lie 0oes %n +6

A Paintin# Li8e No %ther +'

Lie 9 2eath Are In 0o(7s ,ontrol -*

Sno+ 1 2ain

5intery Rain -+

+


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5inter Retreat --

The 5inter o "*!*:!! -.

2ancin# Sno3la8es -1

5al8in# Throu#h the Storm -$

A 5intry First 2ay o Sprin# -6

2ancin# ,lou(s -'

%ne 0o( %ne Earth .*

A Rain/o3 Appears .!

The ,alm ;eore the Storm ."

-oems 3ritten Aove the Clouds

%ut/urst ..

Layers o Atmosphere .1;e Prepare( For the Storms o Lie .$

In Fli#ht .6

Ta8e % .'

0o(


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Prayer @i#ilance 6*

The Family o Man8in( 6!

;e Than8ul 6"

0i&e 9 0ain 6+

Sel 6-

Lor( Sa&e %ur Unsa&e( Lo&e( %nes 6.

Epect the ;lessin#s o 0o( 61

You Ha&e the Same Spirit as the Shunammite 5oman 6$

A Poem to ;rother ,lau(e ,astleman 66

%ur Preparation For Eternal Praise 6'

The 5ar That 5ill En( All 5ars '*

In Earth as it is in Hea&en '!Let us Enter %ur Promise( Lan( '"

Let the 5omen o 0o( Unite '+

Unity a Tactic Inalli/le '-

See8 the Face o 0o( '1

Lie 5ith 0o( B Lie 5ith Lo&e '$

%ur ,alen(ar is not 0o(7s ,alen(ar '6

Hope Is a Reality !**

Jesus ,hrist 5ill Esta/lish His Rei#n on Earth !*!

The Fourth 5e((in# Anni&ersary o %luseyi an( JoAnn Fashina !*"

0o(C He is the Master Min( !*+

Are 5e Rea(y or the RaptureD !*-

2eacon ,rai# Ramsey !*.

Sister Melanie Ramsey !*1

Mother Perlalee Le3is !*$

Mother Ru/y Harris !*6

Mother ,atherine 2e3/erry7s '*th;irth(ay !*'

A Prayer or the Man o 0o( As he Preaches !!*

Your See( 5ill 2etermine Your ;lessin# !!!

0o( Ans3ers Prayer !!"

The Stan(ar( o Holiness !!+

5ho am ID !!-

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Ma8e Your ,allin# an( Election Sure !!.

2eath 0i&es Rise to Eternal Lie 5ith Jesus ,hrist !!1

The Truth Shall Al3ays Remain !!$

-oem Songs

Enrapture( ;eore the Rapture !!'

5e 5ere Ma(e to Praise The Lor( !"*

/hree Songs o( -raise and -rayer

I Fill Me 5ith Your 5or( %h Lor( !"!

II I Lit up My Han(s to You %h Lor( !""

III Alleluia Is the Hi#hest Praise !"+

The 2aystar 5ill Arise in %ur Hearts !"-

In 0ratitu(e to My Lor( !".YesC Lor( !"1

Lor( Increase %ur Faith !"$


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Ac)no+ledgements

I #i&e hi#hest honor an( praise to my Lor( an( Sa&ior Jesus ,hristC

To all the mem/ers o the /o(y o ,hristC

an( to my /elo&e( hus/an( 3ho has encoura#e( me to 3rite /y

#i&in# me constructi&e criticism>

$


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.edication

I (e(icate this /oo8 to my mother an( ather in the #ospelC

;ishop Henry Alean(er Moultrie II an(

Mother 2yAnne E> Moultrie

6


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-rologue

YesC lie can /e cruel an( &iolent>

This is a reality>

Ne&erthelessC lie can also /rin#C

Lo&eC oyC happinessC an( sorro3>

These are also a reality>

No one /oo8C

%ne mo&ieC%ne 3or8 o artC

,an e&er encompass all o reality>

They are only interpretations o the truth>

As 3e li&e our li&es rom (ay to (ayC

That is realityC

This encompasses e&ery eperience un(er the sunC

An( e&ery li&in# thin#>

Alto#etherC this is realityC

The mun(ane an( the ecitin#C

The curse an( the miracleC

The re3ar( an( punishmentC

The ensla&ement an( (eli&eranceC

The (eca(ent an( the ri#hteous

An( many thin#s in /et3een>

5hat is realD

5hat is trueD

5hat is lieD

A REALITY

'


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0n /he City

GThe eyes o the Lor( are in e&ery placeC /ehol(in# the e&il an( the #oo(Pro&er/s !.4+

@ie3 rom the Pru(ential ,enter Mall S8yli#ht 5in(o3s in ;oston

!*


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4n /he Streets o( Mass& Ave&5ritten 3hile 3atchin# pe(estrians on the streets o Massachusetts A&enue ;oston

1)!-)!*

%n the streets o Mass A&e>C there is al3ays traic>

At (ayli#ht or e&en ni#htC people 3al8 3al8 3al8 an( 3al8>Youn# 9 %l(C

Rich or PoorC

Homeless or SenselessC

Any 8in( o manC 3oman or chil(C

;lac8C 5hiteC HispanicC AsianC Mi((le Eastern or mie(C

I you 3ait lon# enou#h an( 3atchCA representati&e o e&ery nation un(er hea&enC

5ill pass throu#h or you to &ie3C

%n the streets o Mass A&e>

There is e&ery styleC

E&ery si?eC

E&ery moo(CSa(C aniousC 3orrie(C an#ryC hostileC sullenC #rie&e(C relae(C intoicate(C ecstaticC

mournulC o&ialC lo&in#C patient an( 8in(>

You 3ill see people shoutin#C tal8in#C 8issin#C runnin#C yellin#C 3hisperin#C (ri&in#C

/i8in#C s8ate/oar(in#C eatin#C i#htin#C ar#uin#C listenin#C sittin#C rea(in#C an( sin#in#>

You 3ill see people 3ith cell phonesC no phonesC tattoos an( hatsCNo shoesC classy shoes snea8ers an( 3rapsC

La/ topsC shoppin# /a#sC crutches an( canesC5heelchairsC /racesC the stron#C an( the lameC

2octorsC la3yerC athletes as 3ellC

2esi#ners an( Entrepreneurs rea(y to sellCMusician an( teachersC

Police an( PreachersC

Are on the streets o Mass A&e>

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Lon# hairC short hair 3ith la//y arms that sa#

No hairC #rey hair o&erloa(e( 3ith /a#s>Normal 3ei#htC o&er3ei#htC

Emaciate( an( #auntC

Attracti&e or u#lyC5ith (ierent nee(s an( 3ants>

People are e&ery3hereC

They ma8e the city 3hat it isAn( no t3o people are the sameC

,reate( /y the ,reator>

K0enesis !4"1:"6

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/he Underground Mall Atlanta5ritten 6)-)*6

,lothin# an( shoesC

Furniture an( oo(C

Just a/out anythin# you 3antCIs here to /e sol( an( use(>

Many Merchants are #athere( here>

They are the heart/eat o this city7s 3ealth>The ,olors o each store are /rilliant in&itin# the eyes an( lurin# a saleC

As the multitu(es are /uyin# /uyin# an( /uyin#>

Tropical /ir(s are sol( here too>

Ta8e a photo 3ith one>

Surroun( yoursel 3ith scenery o a tropical islan( an( /as8 in the photo#rapher7s li#hts>

5atch the lo&ers 3al8 arm in arm>

5atch mothers stroll their inantsC

An( 3atch teens 3al8 to an( ro lau#hin# an( tal8in# as they #o>All appears to /e /ustlin# as the aternoon mo&es into the ni#ht>

As the ni#ht a3a8esC the ni#htclu/s open an( a ne3 cro3( emer#es>0lamorous coc8tail (resses 9 etra&a#ant tue(osC

Sey an( allurin# 3omenC

Salacious an( han(some menC

Are loo8in# or a hi#h>They7ll (ance an( party>

Their re&elry 3ill /e#in ater sunsetC%nly to en( 3hen the sun arises>

There are many carnal thin#s oere( in this lie>

This 3orl( has its repro(uction o oy an( peaceCAs the lesh #ets 3hat it 3antsC yet is ne&er satisie(>

KPro&er/ "*4!C "$4"*C E?e8iel !14"6

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/he 5thAnniversary o( 67%%7$%5ritten ')!!)*6

I Than8 0o( or the 3arm resh airC an( the cool /ree?es>It is a /eautiul sunny (ay 3ith ,umulus clou(s scattere( across the sunny s8iesC

Peaceul 3ith trees s=uee?e( /et3een the hi#h rises>

0a?in# throu#h the 3in(o3C you can see the city yet can har(ly hear a noise close /y>

In the (istanceC cars an( /uses 3hi? /yC airplanes soar an( sirens roar>

They seem so ar a3ay that you can actually hear a pin (rop in ront o you>

All the stu(ents ha&e ust /een (ismisse(They ha&e ea#erly 3al8e( out the (oor>

The room is no3 silent enou#h to rest an( me(itateC

As my min( loo8s /ac8 to the terrorist attac8 o ')!!>

Those o us li&in# then 3ill ne&er or#et it>

It 3as an unsuspectin# (ay o 3arm air an( cool /ree?es such as it is to(ay>5e complacent ocuse( on only oursel&esC as (oom approach us>

Little (i( 3e 8no3 that the enemy 3oul( use our o3n tools to (estroy us>

Just as it 3as thenC 3e must ne&er or#et no3C

That the enemy 3aits or our complacency>

Li8e a roarin# lion rea(y to prey on the 3ea8est creatureC

%ur a(&ersary can use our o3n &ulnera/ilities to (estroy us>

Althou#h 3e must (o e&erythin# humanly possi/le to ne&er allo3 another attac8C

So many o us as8e(C G5hy (i( 0o( allo3 so many innocent people to (ieDYet no one is really sure o the ans3er>

NonethelessC it is true that 3hen calamity stri8esC

It is then 3e cry out to 0o( in moanin# an( tra&ail>5e put our complete trust in HimC

;ecause 3e see ho3 rail 3e really are>

In all our successes an( all our triumphsC

5e are still nothin# /ut (ust

K0enesis +4!'C I Peter .46:!!

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,ou Are 'ot ForgottenPoem inspire( /y the Melrose @ietnam @eteran Memorial Monument (esi#ne( /y John

Pi8e> This poem is (e(icate( to the @eterans o the Unite( States o America-)")!!

A relection o the settin# /lue sun #leams upon the pon(CAs one mournul s3an stretches her 3in#s then #li(es alon# the 3ater /e(>

The 3ater ripples an( epan(s as the icy 3in( pushes it on a col( sprin# (ay

An( the American la# lutters in the 3in( /esi(e the &eteran la#

Prisoners o 5ar Missin# in Action>

In the center /et3een the t3o la#s stan(s a memorial monumentC

In honor o those missin# in action in the @ietnam 5ar>GYou are not or#otten> states the monument

an( the la# P%5:MIA>

To(ay 3e mourn the (eath o so many o our youn# sol(iersC

,ut o in the prime o their li&es>

They sacriice( their li&es in KIra=C an( in KA#hanistan>You are not or#ottenC

Althou#h your lo&e( ones 3ill ne&er a#ain hear your lau#hter nor touch your s8in>

You are not or#ottenC

Althou#h your inant chil(ren 3ill ne&er 8no3 3ho you really 3ere>You are not or#ottenC

Althou#h your spouses may ha&e marrie( a#ain>

The impact o your lie 3ill ne&er /e erase( rom your lo&e( onesCNor rom the nation you (ie( or>

You are not or#ottenC;y those comra(es 3ho ou#ht alon#si(e you an( sur&i&e( the trauma o 3ar>

They 3ill ne&er or#et your last 3or(sC

Your last smileC

Your last an#uish an( pain>They un(erstan( the lie you ha&e lost an( the comra(eship that 3ill ne&er /e re#aine(>

They en(ure eelin# the emptiness that the loss o lie only /rin#s

An( ust as the s3an 3ho has seen her mate an( all her (uc8lin#s (ieC

They continue 3ith their hea(s hel( hi#h an( li&e>They li&e so that you 3ill not ha&e (ie( in &ain>

KIra= an( A#hanistan can /e replace( 3ith any other current American 3ar

3hen recite(>

KScriptural ,omplement Psalms "$

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/he Challenges o( American Education

-)!")*$

I 3ill sit an( 3atch the copier pop the pa#es out>Its rhythm is as the rhythm o a trottin# horse>

These papers 3ill help prepare the lesson or the (ay>Ho3e&erC I must prepare my class or the real 3orl(C

An( ho3 challen#in# that has /een>

The social ills o this 3orl( are carrie( o&er into the classroom>

The intercity schools are o&er3helme( 3ith4

0an# @iolenceC 2isrespectC

;ro8en homes 9 ResentmentC

Teen pre#nancy 9 A/useCLac8 o sel :(iscipline 3ith No ecuse>

Hostilities that are pent in eplo(e outC%n to the e(ucator>

Someho3C it is /elie&e( 3e are to /lame or the ineecti&eness% our e(ucational system

;ut i you ta8e a lon# loo8 into the root o our cultureCYou 3ill in( 3e ha&e &ery little to (o 3ith it>

5e ma8e mista8es as e&eryone (oesC

;ut 3hat 3oul( this 3orl( /e li8e iNo one (are( to teach anymoreD

As this society /ashes teacher7s 8no3le(#eC s8ills an( epertiseC5e are =uestionin# their &ali(ity until their ser&ices cannot /e use( or appreciate(C

An( so it is that e3 o our youn# teachers 3ish to (e(icate their 3hole li&es to e(ucation

anymore>

8II Timothy> +4!:.

!1


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Sunset in the City

1)!$)'!

I see strea8s o pin8 an( /a/y /lue as the sunsets>

The colors /ecome (eeper an( (eeperCRicher an( richer>

There is a hush o city soun(s all mer#in# as one>Nature an( the city su/sist to#ether

as the s8y #ro3s pin8er an( pin8erC

PurpleC then /lueC Li#ht /lue to ni#ht /lue>

The ni#ht is no3 to the let o meAn( the pin8 sunset is still to the ri#ht o me>

I smell the ra#rance o my o3n perumeC

Mie( 3ith resh air rom the recent past rainsCAn( mie( 3ith the smell o #reen #rass>

The 3eather to3er lic8ers its re( li#htMiin# 3ith the s8yline7s pin8 /ac8#roun(C

As the sun7s #leamin# colors a(e into the ni#ht>

As the (ampene( s8y /ecomes cool an( chille(C

An( the color o the s8y /ecomes (ar8ene( an( stillC

The ur/an li#hts /ecome /ri#hter an( more cars come an( #o>The to3n is ille( 3ith the

soun(s o rushin# 3heelsC

An( rum/lin# motors>>>

In a matter o minutesC the sun has set>

Yet one can still see the #lo3 o the #reen #rass spec8le( 3ith #ol(en 3ee(s>

0o( creates each sunset so 3on(rously>

5hile man7s simulation o peace is all aroun(C

%ne 3ishes yet not (ares to sleep un(er the city s8y>

8Psalms !'4!:1

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All Souls elong to 9od

$)!.)!*

It is a hot summer7s (ay an( as a li#ht 3in( rustles throu#h the lea&esC

I rela on a /ench un(er the sha(e o a honey locust tree>I can see the heat 3a&es (o3n the roa(>

They are risin# li8e clear 3ater ripplin# alon# a ri&er/an8>

.

An occasional s=uirrel searches throu#h the #rassC

5hile cre3mem/ers paint eachC cur/ 3hite an( clean the si(e3al8s spotlessly>The /ir(s sin# upon the tops o the trees>

They are chirpin# an( ma8in# melo(ies un(erstoo( only /et3een them>

Men continue their /usiness maintainin# the #roun(sCAs a (o&e #li(es throu#h the air circlin# a/o&e the rootops>

I 3ish I coul( ly eactly li8e that /ir(C0li(in# on the current o the 3in(>

The only thin# 3e seem to ha&e in common is

5e are /orn stru##le to li&e as lon# as 3e canCThen lea&e this 3orl(>

5ho 8no3s 3here the soul o a (o&e #oes 3hen it (iesD

Ne&erthelessC accor(in# to the 3or( o 0o(CE&ery human soul #oes /ac8 to the 0o( that ma(e us>

KAll souls are mine, saith the Lord.

8E?e8iel> !64!:-

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A -ortrait o( the Aged

')".)!*

It is an autumn aternoon as I sit on the same /ench un(er the honey locust tree>

The sun #leams in har&est #lo3 as the lea&es ha&e turne( #ol(en yello3>The allen lea&es rush as the 3in( li#htly pushes them

From one en( o the par8in# lot to the other>

Spora(icallyC tenants rom an el(erly housin# proect

0o into their units or come out o them>

An %l( man slo3ly an( careully retires into his (3ellin# place>He hol(s the secrets o his past an( yearns to share them>

Isolate(C he eels or#otten>

An ol( 3oman 3al8s out o her apartment ten(erly lea( /y her (au#hter as they 3al8 arm

in arm across the street>5hen the ol( 3oman 3as youn#C

She atten(e( careully to her (au#hters /a/y steps until she learne( to 3al8>No3 the (au#hter attenti&ely 3atches e&ery step the ol( 3oman

Ta8esC in or(er to /race her all>

Their lielon# /on( has stren#thene( them>

Returnin# homeC one #ran(mother 3ith her ei#ht:year:ol( #ran( son on a s8ate/oar( an(

her t3o:year:ol( #ran(sonC 3al8 across the leay lot>Su((enlyC the t3o:year:ol( stops an( stares at the #roun(>

He no lon#er 3ants to come insi(e>

Fascinate(C he #ra/s a /unch o lea&es an( rapi(ly tries to eplain the 3on(er o themCMa8in# no &er/al sense at all>

GTime to come in honeyC says 0ran(ma>

;ut the to((ler continues his (eli#hte( ne3 (i&ersion in capturin# autumn lea&es>She continually tries to coa her #ran(chil( to come in(oors 3ith her>

G%h NanaC I 3ant to play 3ith the lea&es> says the to((lers as his ol(er /rother #li(es/ac8 an( orth alon# the 3al83ay ri(in# his s8ate/oar(>

G;ut 3hat a/out our lemona(eD 0ran(ma as8s>

GLemona(eD as8s the to((ler inally loo8in# up into her eyes>GYesC 3e can come /ac8 out later /ut no3 let7s #o ma8e our lemona(e>

Ea#er to help her ma8e the (rin8C the to((ler (rops the lea&es to ollo3 her 3hile his

ol(er /rother ta8es one more #li(e /ac8 an( orth then the three o them pass me /y 3ithsmiles on their aces>

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The #ran(mother #lances at me 3ith her smile> I smile /ac8 an( as our eyes metC I sa3

the prou( contente( loo8 o a #ran(mother 3ho (early lo&es her #ran(chil(ren>

In that one #a?eC I reali?e( the ol(er #eneration must pass on e&erythin# they can to the

youn#er #enerationC to /rin# ulillment to their o3n li&es an( to those aroun( them>

Ho3 3e came to /eC

Is a part o 3hat 3e ha&e /ecome>

The El(erly hol( this secret>The 3is(om o yester(ay can /uil( the 3is(om o to(ay>

Past 3is(om (isre#ar(e( (estroys pro#ress>

5e shoul( al3ays consi(er the 3is(om o the a#e(>

Too many o us pass them o as (ea( /eore they ha&e (ie(>Yet 0o( can use in(i&i(uals no matter ho3 ol( they are>

Moreo&erC i they ha&e instille( in others 3hat 0o( has #i&en themC5hat they ha&e tau#htC 3ill li&e on lon# ater they are #one>

As the a#e( continue to sur&i&e they mol( the utureC

Passin# on a le#acy that may ne&er en(>

KPro&er/s !4!:'C 6C !14+!C

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21/146


-overty

!*)"*)!!

Po&erty is all too amiliar to too many aces

unemploye( 2a(Closin# all he ha(C

3elare Mom an( sin#le parent tryin# to stay in schoolC

ne&er ha&in# enou#h tonot (epen( on

someone or somethin# else to ti(e them throu#h the loo( o po&erty>

%ne learns to ma8e (o 3ith 3hat little one hasan( (isco&ers that 0o( is al3ays there e&en 3hen your (o3n to your last

2ime>

Ener#y AssistanceC unemployment oiceC 3elare (epartmentCshelters or the homelessC

oo( /an8s an( oo( stamps or the hun#ryCsittin# at these placesC

3aitin# to /e ser&e( an( only seein# sa( aces nee(y an( (esperateC5hyD

You are only treate( as i you are 3orthlessC

Yet you are not>You are a hi((en treasureC

stru##lin# to /e (isclose(C

i#htin# a#ainst the sti#ma o your statusCyour class you 3ere /orn intoC

the race you 3ere /orn 3ithC

the #en(er that you areCthe /o you are inC

as you stru##le

in the mist o

it all or your sel:esteem>

Is po&erty a (emon or a state o min(D

%r is it /othD5hen the min( is /lin(C

to the presence o 0o(C

3ith lo3 sel:esteem an( no hope it seems

as i there is no 3ay out>Yet 0o( o3ns e&erythin# an( sees your nee(>

You lose (esire

to #o a little hi#heronly /ecause you (ou/t>

Fi#ht rom 3ithin your o3n thou#hts /in(in# you>

Fi#ht rom 3ithout the /eha&ior oppressin# you>2on7t accept the ne#ati&e situations o inlationC

(iscriminationC economicsC politicsC

o/lessness an( ineecti&eness>

"!


22/146


2on7t let the (e&il stile you

0o( is /i##er than you or it

An( i you ust relect a /itCAll creation is HisC

So o course you are His>

;eha&e as a chil( o the


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Bostons .o+nto+n Crossing

1)"*)!!

All I can see is a sea o people o all racesC a#es an( proportions>0roups o people 3ithin these people as currents o 3ater 3al8 alon# the /ric8 roa(>

They 3al8 up an( (o3n Summer St>

An( up an( throu#h 5ashin#ton St>There are no cars on the roa( to 3atch out or hereC ust people loo8in# or sales>

There are many si#hts an( smells to entertain the senses>Macy7s StoreC ;ath an( ;o(yC an( the ,orner Mall 3ith its stores an( oo( court

Are ust a e3 o the many /usinesses here>

%ut(oor &en(ors are al3ays on the corner>

Lemona(e anyoneD;ottle( so(a or 3aterD

Ice Tea or uiceDSausa#es or hot(o#sD

Fresh ruit or &e##iesD

An( (on7t or#et to /uy cell phone accessories>

Some people are ust han#in# aroun( 3atchin# other people #o /y>

Some are on their cell phones tal8in# an( 3al8in# yet not really hea(e( any3here>Police in their motor cycles stan( #uar( outsi(e 2o3nto3n ,rossin# %ran#e lineC

5hile some sit aroun( the #reen la3n ta/les place( or shoppers to eat or rela

Pi#eons s3itly (escen( an( ascen( up into the hi#h:rises>They s3oop (o3nC pec8in# or scrapes o oo( one momentC

Then s3itly (o(#e a3ay rom the cro3(s o people in the net moment>

A #roup o 3hite teena#ers rom a summer camp are not campin# /ut enoyin# the cityC

They are all hu((le aroun( a /lac8 rapper 3ho is (emonstratin# his ,2>

Many o them /uy his ,2 until the #roup lea(er ma8es a si#nal an( they all shout inunity

LET7S 0%

;oun(in# 3ith ener#y they lea&e as one>

The sea o people continue>

Fathers 3al8 their /a/ies in strollers>

Pet o3ners 3al8 their (o#s>,yclists ri(e their /i8es>

Shoppers are carryin# /a#s 3hich a(&ertise 3here they ha&e ust shoppe(>

2P5 shoes anyoneD

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2on7t or#et to #et 3hat you nee( not ust 3hat you 3antC

An( (on7t or#et not to o&erspen( your /u(#et>That is i you 8eep to a /u(#et>

,re(it car(s anyoneD

G%nly "' interest i you ma8e late payment it says in small print>

Lie is more than the thin#s 3e possess>

It is more than storin# up o possessions or earthly treasures>It is more than (esi#ner ashions an( epensi&e clothes>

5hen 3e are /orn 3e come into the 3orl( 3ith nothin#C

An( 3e 3ill #o out o this 3orl( 3ith nothin#>That is nothin# in the material realm>

%nly the soul li&es on in hea&en or in hell>

KC Jo/ !4"!C Pro&er/s !.4!!C !14!1C Isaiah ..4!:+C I Timothy 141:!*C He/re3s '4"6

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/he 4range :ine

5ritten 3hile ri(in# on the M;TA o ;oston

1)"*)!!

5hen people #et on the oran#e line trainC they may /e comin# rom 3or8 or schoolC

;ut some are ri(in# the T or a place to lay their hea( an( sleep>An ol( man 3ith a cane smelly an( un8empt clenches a &o(8a /ottle>

He moans an( #roans in inter&als an( spea8s in unintelli#i/le 3or(sC

As the youn# man sittin# net to him is totally en#rosse( in playin# a cell phone #ame>

The train chu#s on>

You can &a#uely here the chatter an( lau#hter% t3o rien(s ecite( a/out the con&ersation they are ha&in#>

Yet their 3or(s cannot /e (istin#uishe( /y others or the roarin# o the train (ro3ns themout>

As 3e ma8e a stopC

An M;TA personnel 3al8s throu#h our car as i loo8in# or a trou/le ma8er>

He 3al8s throu#h each car an( #lances at each youn# man he sees>Passen#ers loo8 3ith =uestiona/le eyesC as i to sayC 3ho are you loo8in# orD

The train is (elaye( until he inishes searchin# each carC

An( the repetitious announcement is ma(eC I you see somethin#C say somethin#>I suppose you ne&er can /e too careul in these perilous times 3e li&e in>

This is lie in the city to(ay>

Some shut the 3orl( out>

They are in the 3orl( yet 8no3 nothin# ecept 3hat is important to them>

A youn# man listens to his iPo( hummin# an( tal8in# out lou( to the rhythmC

As lou( as he can tappin# to the /eat that is s3eetCSo much s3eeter than the real lie aroun( him>

A youn# 3oman has in her han( a romance no&elC

5hich she rea(s totally immerse( in its contentsC5hile the ol( man across rom her is still ma8in# those lou( unintelli#i/le noises>

As each o us sit in our o3n little 3orl( 3ithin the 3orl(C

5e tra&el in the same (irectionC5hile the train rattlesC roc8sC an( chu#s #entlyC

Ma8in# the tire( 3eary soul to sleep rom a lon# har( (ay>

Each in(i&i(ual is li&in# their o3n lieCYet usin# the same resource o pu/lic transportation>

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26/146


Each o us is a part o the rhythms o the city>

It is the rhythm o mo&ementC

% soun(sC% stepsC 9 /reathesC

% lau#hterC 9 tearsC

% /uil(in# up 9 tearin# (o3n% each lie as it is li&e(>

The rhythm o the city is a rhythm 3ithin the 3orl(>

It orchestrates a melo(y that only man coul( create>

8Pro&er/s .4"!C !14+":++C "*4!C "+4"':+.

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/he 2emains o( the 9arden o( Eden

").)!!

The sunset pours out its li#htC

Silently an( spee(ily alon# the city s8yline>

The rush hour &ehicles 3i? /yCAs i hea(e( into the sun settin# s8y>

I 3ant so much to stop an( ta8e inThe /eauty o its colors>

YetC I ha&e a (ea(lineC 3hich must /e complete(C

;eore the sun #oes (o3n>

ThereoreC I sacriice( not 3atchin# the 0o( #i&en sunCThat no3 ra(iantly #leams in all its #lory>

I only ta8e a =uic8 #limpse an( yearn or silent me(itationCAn( the calmness o a simple lie>

That I mi#ht #et a3ay rom the hectic rhythms o the cityC

To enoy the 3on(ers o nature>

Encase( 3ithin the stressul 3oes o this 3orl(CNature sometimes /ecomes in&isi/leC

E&en thou#h it spea8s in silence /y its presenceC

Insistin# to li&e amon#st us>

E&en thou#h 3eC man8in( comort oursel&es 3ith shelter an( con&enienceC

An( e&en thou#h 3e may 3or8 or stri&e to 3or8C

5e continually yearn or the material thin#s 3e 3antCAn( cannot escape our o3n entrapmentsC

5ithout the po3er o 0o(>

5e or#et a/out the 0o( #i&en /lessin#s aroun( us>

An( 3hile the /eauty o nature is all aroun(C

2isplayin# its #ran(eurC

It7s a remin(er to us that there once 3as a 0ar(en o E(enCE&en thou#h our man:ma(e i(eals try to hi(e this reality>

K0enesis> "46:!.C Jo/ !-4!:"C Ecclesiastes .4!+:!$C I John "4!.:!$

"$


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'ature

GLor( ho3 maniol( are thy 3or8s In 3is(om hast thou ma(e them all

The earth is ull o thy riches>

Psalms !*-4"-

,herry tree /lossoms

"6


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/he /ree o( .etermination in its Seasons

Tree o 2etermination Poems 3ere inspire( /y o/ser&ation o an %l( Tree locate( on %l(

,olle#e 0roun(s 2ela3are Uni&ersity

")!$)'$

0n 3inter

Here 3e are in 3inter %l( tree>I sit here #a?in# at you>

5hite crusts o sno3 clin# to the tops o your upper /ranchesC

Hi#hli#htin# the &ein li8e patterns protru(in# rom each o them>

%n the #roun( /elo3C the sno3 has alrea(y /een cleare( a3ayC

Yet you stan( icy tall as a sleepin# /eauty =uietly slum/erin#>The (elicacy o your ten(er /ranchesC

Spar8le 3ith ice a#ainst a clear /lue s8y on a crisp 3inter7s (ay>Your trun8 supports you 3ith the stren#th o a silent mountain>

You 8no3 nothin# o the col( sno3C rain or hailCNor o the soli( col( #roun( as har( as steel co&erin# your rootsC

For your (eep sleep has tran=uili?e( you>

Maestic an( A3esome our stories hi#hC

You li&e an( lourish rom one #eneration to the net>

As lon# as you are spare( rom Man7s (estructi&enessCYou 3ill outli&e us all>

KJo/ !-4$:!"

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30/146


0n S!ring

.)!!)'$

Tiny /u(s a3a8en rom their 3inter sleep to #ro3CAs they #ather sunli#ht or ener#y7s lie lo3>

Each /u( is a li#ht pastel #reenC sot an( (elicateC

Yet /earin# enou#h stren#th to /rea8 orth an( en(ure>They 3ill /ecome (ar8 #reen an( &i/rant>

Your ol( 3ea8 /ranches ha&e allen a3ay rom the storms in your lieCAn( stron# ne3 /ranches are ma8in# their 3ay ull o lie an( potential to /ear ruit>

You are sym/olic o all o usC

Tree o 2etermination>You are ol(er than I amC an( t3o more #enerations put to#ether>

You are an eample or each o usC

For 3e nee( rene3al in our li&es>5e must she( o the ol( (ea( 3aysC

An( replace the /ro8en useless parts o our li&es into somethin# that 3ill #ro3 ruit>

5e can #ain 3is(om rom youC%h Tree o 2etermination>

KIsaiah 1!4!!

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0n Summer >6)!1)*"

Prune(C clippe(C an( streamline(C

Your &ery aca(e has chan#e(>

Lie constantly chan#es an( so (oes this treeC

E&en thou#h it is anchore( in the same spotYear ater year an( season ater season>

It has /ecomeCA lan(mar8 reachin# into a ne3 centuryC

A ne3 millennium>

5ilte( /y (rou#ht 3ith lea&es yello3in# /eore the allC

You persist to li&e>The #rass /eneath you is scorche(C

An( your ten(er ne3 /ranches are /are>

Your stron#est lea&es are still (eiantly #reenCAs the sun continues to assault you>

You are the one tree stan(in# all /y itselCApart rom the othersC

5ith no assistance o sha(e rom other treesC

%r roots to /e share(>

You are the one 3ho appears to ne&er #i&e up

Your ?eal to sur&i&e>

You are my museC

Uni=ue rom any otherC

Hu#e an( to3erin# in natural stren#thC5ith constant protru(in# /ranches reachin# to3ar(s hea&en>

You sho3 orth a lo&e or lie

An( a re/ellion or (eathThis is the tree

That inspires meC

To continue to stay stron#>

KPsalms !4!:+

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0n Fall

$)!+)!*

As your stron# /ranches clim/ to3ar(s hea&enC

An( your lea&es ha&e reache( ull maturityCThey /e#in to sho3 si#ns o allin# o>

Your olia#e /ecomes an array o in(escri/a/le colors>

From yello3 to pin8ish oran#e then #ol(en /ro3nC0o( has a(orne( you 3ith the /eauty o autumn lea&es>

Each lea 3ill 3ilt as it alls to the #roun(C

Yet in its (yin# /eautyC it is only preparin# you or the rou#hest season o the year>A time o less sunli#ht an( ree?in# temperaturesC 3ill soon /e here>

It is time or the preparation o a lon# restC

From your /usy summer o rapi( #ro3thC ne3 nestin# s=uirrels an( /ir(sCAn( the assault o (rou#hts an( storms>

In each seasonC 0o( has (ecorate( you 3ith charm an( /eauty in your maestic stance>0o( has create( you perectlyC

To unction as you are meant to /e>I appreciate your /eauty %h Tree o 2etermination

An( I ac8no3le(#e that e&ery tree is a #it rom 0o( to humanity>

KPsalms '14!!:!+C !*-4!1:!$C E?e8iel -$4!"

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3e 3ill 2ea! the Harvest

Inspire( /y the Son# o Solomon "4!!:!"

.)1)!!

For,lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the fowersappearOn the earth; the time o the singing o birds is come, and the voice othe turtles heard in our land.!"ong o "olomon #$%%&%#'

The ;eauty o sprin# is all aroun(>

There are /u((in# lo3ersC

Sin#in# /ir(sC

An( people 3al8in# in the 3arm sunny air>

The rains ha&e /rou#ht ne3 #ro3th all aroun(C Rene3alC

An( Re&i&al o lie>

There is no more 2EEP HYPERNATI%N No more SEE

The cool ri&ers are 3elcome(>

The /u((in# tree lea&es ope>>

The a3a8enin# earth #ets rea(y to pro(uce a ne3 har&estC

So that LIFE may reap its ;%UNTIES>

Than8 0%2 or the (o3npour o sprin# rain that 8eeps o&erlo3in# rom the clou(sC

For in (oin# soC the /est /lessin#s 3ill all>

In the SPIRITUAL REALMC

THE H%LY 0H%ST also FALLSCJust as the LATTER RAIN 3hich poursC

So 3e mi#ht reap a SPIRITUAL HAR@EST>

The SPIRIT %F 0%2 /rin#s orth ruit

% lo&eC oyC an( peace>

Li8e a ruit tree it /ears or usC lon#suerin#C #entleness an( #oo(nessC FaithC mee8ness an( temperance too>

Let us (ili#ently so3 or the /est har&est to /e in our li&esC

The natural ruits o the earthAn( the spiritual FRUIT %F 0%2>

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KJoel "4!6:+"C 0alatians .4"":"1C

A Summer .ay as Fall A!!roaches

')!)*6

Loo8 up at the clear /lue crystal s8iesC

From south to northCFrom east to 3estC

From one en( o the hea&ens to the otherC

As ar as the eye can seeCThe /lue atmosphere is peaceul an( /ri#ht>

The sun shines /rilliantlyCThe June /u# /u??esC

Sen(in# its matin# call>The (inin# nee(le sur&eys in li#htC

Loo8in# or mos=uitoes>The /ee searches or nectarC

From lo3er to lo3er>

The #rass is a purer #reenCFrom the summer rains>

The /lossoms paint the lan(scape 3ith rain/o3s o color>

For a short spellC

There is no more rain>

0o( has #i&en us rest rom all the stormsCAn( all creatures small an( #reatC

Are enoyin# the eel o the 3arm sunli#htC

An( the li#ht airy /ree?e on this (ay o lie>

The rain is or#ottenAn( the thou#ht o 3inter (oes not eist at all>

5hile the en( o summer approaches>

It 3ill /e all soonC

5inter /eore you 8no3 itC

Sprin# /eore the summerC

An( summer once a#ainCAs the cycle o seasonsC

Perpetuate upon the earth>

K 0enesis !4+*C 64""C

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:i(e and .eath Struggle

5ritten $)!)*+

The Mornin# 2o&e sin#sC

As one yello3 (ao(il stan(s tallCIn the mi(st o 3ee(s>

It is a sa( moanin# son# that the (o&e (oes sin#>0ra(ually other /ir(s chime in

Ro/insC sparro3s an( a /lac8 cappe( chic8a(ee cryC

As cars ?ip /y alon# the main roa(>

All the rhythms o lie /ecome oneCAs a spotte(C house cat careully an( silentlyC

Approaches throu#h a si(e street stal8in# 3ith each step it ta8es>

Lie 3ith all its unepecte( (an#ers is a constant stru##le /et3een lie an( (eath>

From the smallest li&in# cell to comple human /ein#sC%ur instincti&e #oal is to li&e or as lon# as 3e possi/ly can>

To stop i#htin# is to #i&e up on lie>

5e must hol( on to lie not (eathC

In the thin#s 3e say an( the lie 3e li&e>

There is not only a natural lieCThat (isappears as the (e3>;ut an eternal lie 3hich ne&er (ies>

That is the lie 3e shoul( /e preparin# orC

5hile 3e are (o3n here stru##lin# to sur&i&e on earth>It is no3 in this lie that (etermines our eternity>

KI Timothy 14!"C Pro&er/s !64"!C He/re3s '4"$

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36/146


9od 3ill :ead Me!!)!.)*!

;illo3y clou(s loat a/o&e the ri&er on a misty ha?y (ay>In the mi((le o it all a roc8 sli#htly protru(in# stan(s outC

5aitin# or a /ir( to perch itsel upon it>

I #a?e an( as ar as I can seeC no one is presentCNot e&en a /ir(>

I ima#ine a /eautiul sunsetAn( 3ait to see itC

The sunset that is>Ho3e&erC not on this (ay 3ill I see one>

The ha?y clou(s say no>

To(ay I am li8e the roc8 in the mi((le o this ri&er>

5aitin# or somethin# to happenC5aitin# to ser&eC

Not a/le to #o or3ar( until the ri#ht circumstances come to me>

Ne&erthelessC I 3ill 3aitC an( I 3ill stan(C

An( I 3ill me(itate an( see8 the Lor(>

He 3ill lea( me in the (irection He pleasesCAs I stan( still an( 3ait>

8Isaiah -*4+!C Lamentations +4-*:-!C Micah $4$C Romans !"41:6C 0alatians .4.

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37/146


A Fish on a Hoo)5ritten 1)"')*.

A ish that is on a hoo8CHelplessly stru##les to /e reeC

As the isherman in the /oat

Smiles at this puny ishC he has cau#ht>Lau#hin#C he thro3s the ish /ac8 into the pon(>

GThis is too small to 8eepC he says>An( no3C ree as the 3in(>

K0enesis !4"1:"6

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38/146


3aiting Along the Seashore1)-)!*

Than8 you Lor( or the /eautiul clou(sC;eautiul s8y an( /eautiul sea

The air 3ith a /ree?eC

The san(s alon# the shoreCThe sunli#ht so 3armin#C

The rothy 3a&es ormin#C

For the sea#ulls that #li(e throu#h the airSo close o&erhea(C I can loo8 up into their eyes an( stare:

For the time to me(itateCA time to 3atch an( 3ait:

For you>

K" Timothy -46

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/ouching the Sunlight

5ritten ")!6)6$

I than8 0o( or the sun that shines /ri#htly throu#h my 3in(o3C

Relectin# the (ust particles loatin# in the air o my room>Li#ht is seepin# throu#h the sha(o3s o the treesC

5armin# me>

Ouietness an( Stillness spea8 out as I pon(er>

The s8y is oh so &i/rant /lue

An( as I close my eyesC I see re(5ith rain/o3 particles o moisture

For the sun /eams in my ace>

As I #ently touch my eyeli(sC

As the sunli#ht penetrates throu#h themC

I see patterns o my in#erprintsCRelectin# 3ithin my eyes>

In the li#ht the Lor( has create(CI am a3estruc8 at the properties o the li#ht he has ma(eC

An( eel the 3armth o His Lo&e>

0rant unto me Your ountain o lie my 0o(CAn( stren#then me 3ith Your po3er>

KPsalms +14$:'C !*-4!:"C Ecclesiastes !!4$

+'


40/146


:i(e 9oes 4n

2e(icate( to my Frien( Sister Pamela Fer#uson

6)!*)!*

I than8 0o( or a home 3here I can sit an( relaC enoy =uiet an( natureC

As the /ir(s chirp an( the /ree?e 3hispers throu#h the trees>I am #la( I can enoy 3arm summer (aysC

5hile sippin# &anilla ice tea 3ith lemon uiceC

Just shootin7 the /ree?eCAn( eelin# the 3arm sunli#ht penetrate my aceC

As the #raceul #li(in# o &arious /ir(s ly o&erhea(>

A e3 houses (o3n I can hear the chatter an( lau#hter o chil(renC

Splashin# in their /ac8yar( pool>To(ay on this mil( summer7s (ay the 3armth is ust ri#htC

Not too hot an( not too coolC5ith not e&en a clou( in the s8y>

An occasional plane lies /y ?oomin# aster than a /ulletC

As it spar8les in the sunli#ht>A nei#h/or /e#ins mo3in# the la3n an( the smell o resh cut #rass ills the airC

As the local /us (ri&es /y>

A s=uirrel stares at me rapi(ly 3a&in# its tail>

I stare /ac8 at itC an( it ree?es>

I loo8 a3ay then loo8 a#ain an( it7s mo&in# to3ar(s me>I stan( up an( ta8e t3o steps to3ar(s it to see ho3 ar it 3ill #oC

An( as it still careully mo&es or3ar(C

I chan#e my min( an( mo&e a3ay>

It (eci(es to (o the same>

As simpleC as it is to sit (o3n on your o3n /ac8 porch enoyin# the 3eatherC

So many comple thin#s are happenin# on so many le&els>E&en the insects ha&e their o3n stories to tell>

The 3orl( is still teamin# 3ith lie>

In a matter o minutesC

I ha&e seen a #ray ayC t3o /lue aysC a car(inalC sea#ulls an( sparro3sAn( e&en some /ir(s I am una/le to i(entiy>

Yes (espite the (esperate situation o the 3orl(C

Nature returns e&ery sprin#>Moreo&erC 0o( still pro&i(es 3ays or us to sur&i&e>

E&en in the ace o (eathC

Lie #oes on>

K0enesis 64""C Ecclesiastes "4!6C Psalms $64!:$C !*"4!":!'

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41/146


A -ainting :i)e 'o 4ther

+)!")!!

The rain has stoppe(C

Yet the clou(s are still ie( across the hori?onCAs the sunli#ht #leams /ehin( them>

The clou(s as a canopy in layers are a(orne( in shimmerin# colors>

The top layer is in sil&er #ray>Then the net layer is a strea8 o oran#ey 3hite>

At the lo3er le&elC

A stream o #rayish /lue intermin#les 3ith aint patches o pin8ish oran#e>The cotton:li8e puy clou(s #i&e the s8y a teture all its o3n>

Par8e( in a supermar8et par8in# lotC

I sit in my car mar&elin# at the splen(i( ma#niicence o it all>People hurrie(ly pass me /y to #et into their cars an( (ri&e oC

;ut some ta8e a moment to loo8 at me in curiosityC

As i to sayC G5hy is she loo8in# up at the s8yD

;ut I must pause an( 3atch the sho3C

As the sunset #leams an( #lo3s>It 3ill ne&er shine eactly li8e this a#ain>

0o( you are the master artist an( the master architect>

KPsalms -$4!:'

-!


42/146


:i(e and .eath are in 9ods Control

.)"1)!!

I almost steppe( on the carcass o a (ea( sparro3>

Sprin#time /eauty ha( a3a8ene( an( as I eamine(

The /eautiul /u((in# trees an( lo3ers>I (i( not epect to see a (ea( /ir(>

It 3as youn# smallC rail an( /loo(yC recently (ea(>

I 3on(ere( ho3 it (ie(D

5as it attac8e( /y a cat that ma(e sport o itD

;ut 3as too 3ell e( to (e&our itD5as it hit 3ith a /at an( smashe(D

Then I compare( it to all the li&in# sparro3sCPlumpC stron# an( =uic8C

An( I as8e( mysel 3as it too 3ea8 or uno/ser&antTo a&oi( the (an#ers o (eathD

In this ne3 season o another sprin#CSome 3ill thri&e an( some 3ill (ie>

5hat is it that (etermines ho3 3e 3ill areD

Ho3 (oes 0o( (eci(e 3ho is ta8en an( 3ho sur&i&esDShoul( 3e e&en /e as8in# 3hyD

2oes 0o( 3ant us to 8no3 the ans3ersD%r shoul( I say (o 3e reuse to accept the ans3ers

% lie an( (eathC

Hea&en an( Hell>

2o 3e reuse to ac8no3le(#e that 0o( o3ns usCAn( the entire hea&ens an( earthD

5e (o not /elon# to oursel&es>5e (o not /rin# oursel&es into the 3orl(C

An( ultimately 3e (o not ta8e oursel&es out o itC

5ithout 0o(7s permissi&e 3ill allo3in# us to (o so>

For us humansC lie is still a mystery an( (eath is too>

It is unol(e( to us only a little at a timeC

The lon#er 3e li&e>Yet lie an( (eath surroun( us each (ay

An( reach out to /erien( us in many 3ays>

-"


43/146


Lie em/races us as our hearts pump /loo( an( our lun#s /reathe>2eath conronts us as 3e i#ht a#ainst it

An( 3atch others succum/ to its #rip>

5e are remin(e( o them (ay /y (ayCAn( 3e are remin(e( o the aterlie in Hea&en an( Hell>

5e are remin(e( o Hell in 3ar 9 sic8nessC

,rime 9 ,orruptionC

In Torture 9 Inustice>Hell is mention in the ;i/le ity:our times>

It is the inal spiritual (eathCAn( the enemy o all man8in(>

5e are remin(e( o Hea&en in peace 9 in oyC

In lo&e 9 in ri#hteousnessC

In reli#ious eperiences 9 in miracles incomprehensi/le to the human min(>Hea&en is mention in the ;i/le more than i&e hun(re( times>

5e /erien( Lie 3hen 3e ma8e the /est o itCIn 3hate&er state 3e in( oursel&es>

As 3e /uil( our li&es an( orm /on(s in relationshipsC

5e #ain a lo&e or lie>

5e /erien( 2eath 3hen 3e no lon#er ear Him>

5hen 3e share that /lesse( hope /eyon( the #ra&eC

5e can loo8 or3ar( to eternal lie5hen 3e #ain acceptance o the loss o a lo&e one

;y /ein# a/le to /elie&e they are no lon#er suerin#C

5e #ain an appreciation or the natural (eath>

An( inally 3hen 3e can totally trust 0o(

An( place oursel&es in his han(s

5e ha&e peace in 8no3in#CLie an( 2eath are in 0o(7s control

KPsalms -'4!-:!.C 1"4!!C I ,orinthians !.4"*:"6C Ju(e "-:".

-+


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Sno+ 1 2ain

0o( thun(ereth mar&elously 3ith his &oice #reat thin#s (oeth heC 3hich 3e cannotcomprehen(> For he saith to the sno3C ;e thou on earth li8e3ise to the small rainC an( to

the #reat rain o his stren#th>

Jo/ +$4.:1

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3inter 2ain

!")!)!*

The 3in( ho3ls on this early 3inters (ay>It is col( (amp an( (ar8>

I am chille( to the /one>The tree lea&es ha&e all allen an( the lo3ers ha&e all (ie(>

The rain /e#ins 3ith a miture o 3ater an( hail>%l( Man 5inter is lettin# us 8no3 he is inally here>

He must comeC

Just as the (eath o each o us must also comeCIn the 3inter o our li&es>

KPsalms $-4!":!$

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46/146


3inter 2etreat5ritten approimately !''$

I am rollin# in the sno3CStrollin# in the sno3C

5atchin# the 3hiteC

Feelin# the cool 3in(C,risp an( clearC

Listenin# to the silenceC

Feelin# the peace romC5ithin an( 3ithoutC

Enoyin# the restAn( the stillness>

KJo/ +64""C "'

-1


47/146


/he 3inter o( #$%$;%%

").)!!

Sno3 can /e a /lessin# or a curse>

In this 3interC the sno3 ra#e( onC relentlessC 3et an( hea&y>Rootops collapse( crushin# the structures o homesC schools an( /usinessesC

An( some lost their li&elihoo(s only /ecause o it>

,ars an( truc8s colli(e( causin# inury an( (eath>Schools ha( so many sno3 (aysC

A(ministrators #rapple( as to 3hen those (ays shoul( /e ma(e up>

Each city /e#an to run out o money an( space to put the sno3CAs each (ay the sno3 accumulate(>

Most o us 3ere ust plain sic8 an( tire( o sho&elin# oursel&es out o the sno3>5e loo8e( at the sno3 3ith (is(ain>

YetC there are those 3ho #ain a /lessin# /y it all>S8iers 3ere ecstatic>

They #li(e( throu#h the icy sno3 as i lyin# throu#h the air as ree as the ea#le>

S8i resorts an( sno3 remo&al cre3s rac8e( up in (ou#hCAn( e&en your nei#h/orhoo( sho&eler ma(e etra cash>

5ith school closin#sC many youth ha( the time o their li&esC

Ha&in# sno3/all i#htsC rolic8in# in the sno3CMa8in# sno3men an( sno3 an#els>

The artist ma(e ice sculpturesC

5hile the photo#rapher an( poet capture( the /eauty o it allCAs the sno3 #listene( in the sun>

The earth also 3elcome( the sno3 an( cra(le( it into its /osomC

As it prepare( itsel or ne3 #ro3th in the sprin#>

It7s ama?in# ho3 so much o a pro/lem can still /rin# so much #ain>

KJo/ +$4.:!+C Psalms !-$4!!:!6

-$


48/146


.ancing Sno+(la)es

")!")*1 I

The sno3la8es are3hirlin#C

t3irlin#C

Floatin# upthen

loatin#

(o3nC2roppin#C

sli(in#Csprea(in# all aroun(>

The lar#e la8es s8i( /eore they inally restC

5hile the small ones seem to nestle to in( the place that7s /est>

Each sno3la8e is as no other on earthCAs uni=ue as an in(i&i(ual7s in#erprintC

An( as stunnin# as the inest #emstone e&er seen>

II

S3irlin#C 0li(in#C

2ancin#C

Sno3

Fallin#C 5hirlin#C

0li(in#C

Lo3Sno3la8es so airy li#htC

So spar8lin# /ri#htC

They are soter than the sheerest sil8CYet more crystal than the inest (iamon(>

Each la8e alls (o3n ne3 icy col( an( reshC

Fulillin# its purposeC;y a((in# to the current 3inter storm>

-6


49/146


KIsaiah ..4!*:!!

3al)ing /hrough the Storm

!")"!)*6

A /arren (esert o ice an( sno3 /lo3s in the city>

This artic storm /lan8ets e&erythin#C;rin#in# (o3n tree lim/s an( electrical po3er lines>

Pieces o ice hail (art in my aceCAn( the sno3 (rits #li(e an( s3irlC

As the 3in( /lo3s in s=ualls o sno3>

5al8in# a#ainst the 3in(C I can har(ly seeC

Ne&erthelessC I 8no3 to reach home I cannot stop no3>The Lor( 3ill ta8e me thru this natural stormC

As he ta8es me throu#h my spiritual storms as 3ell>

He has 8ept my eet rom allin#>

He 3ill ma8e me stron# throu#h suerin#>He has hi( me rom the ace o (an#er>

He 3ill (eli&er me rom the storms>

E&ery storm

5hether the storm is natural or spiritualC

2urin# the 3orst o stormsCTo lose my trust in 0o( is more (an#erous than to press on in aith>

To #i&e up in the mists o the storm is to yiel( to its en#ulin# (estruction>

My #oal must /e home sae in the arms o ,hristHi(in# in the 3or( o 0o(C

Pressin# to3ar( that hea&enly home>

KPsalms !*$4"!:+!C Isaiah ".4-C Nahum !4+:$

-'


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A 3intry First .ay o( S!ring

5ritten +)"!)*"

The sno3 relects the moonli#ht in the ni#ht>

The /ri#htC 3hite sno3 in the ni#ht is #limmer li#ht>Ice pearls spar8le>

The hail li#htly tapes my 3in(o3paneCAs it min#les 3ith the sno3 /elo3C

An( ohC the ni#ht =uietly storms onC in sno3 an( hailC

Lulle( /y a 3in( 3ith a continuous sot hushshshsh>

KJo/ +$41C Palmas !-646

.*


51/146


.ancing Clouds

$)!.)!*

The rhythmic patterns o clou(s ho&er a/o&e the ri&erC

As this o&al arran#ement o clou(s touch an( loc8 to#ether>Their mo&ements ha&e a rhythm all its o3nC

An( as i (ancin# in a circle aroun( the earthC

They prepare or the net summer rainstorm>

5ithin secon(sC the li#htin# /e#ins lashin#

An( the thun(er /oomsCAs the rain (renches the city>

It cleans the streetsCAn( cools the air>

Yet su((enlyC the rain en(s as =uic8ly as it starte(C

An( the summer sunshine returns>

Kechariah !*4!

.!


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4ne Earth 4ne 9od

$)!-)!*

The rain eels so cool an( soothin# on a 3arm summer7s (ay>

Fine (rops are ust enou#h to reresh you 3ithout #ettin# soa8e(>E&en the /ir(s seem to enoy the (ri??le( air>

0ray s8ies can /e a 3elcome especially ater a (rou#ht>The #ar(en crops thri&eC the house plants on the porch lourishC

An( the #rass in the yar( /ecomes a (eep #reen>

Some personal plans may /e oile(C

Yet 3ithout the rainC 3e coul( not eat>It7s har( or a city (3eller to connect

That rain really (oes ena/le us to ha&e oo( to eat>Ho3 oten (o 3e really consi(er 3here our oo( e&en comes romD

2o 3e really consi(er the connection /et3een nature an( oursel&esD

Ne&erthelessC 3e all are a part o one earthCAn( create( /y one 0o(>

KLe&iticus "14+:-C 2euteronomy !!4!-C "64!"

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53/146


A 2aino+ A!!ears

6)!+)*'

It is (ri??lin# 3hile the sun is shinin# /ri#htly

An( as the heat rises a rain/o3 appears>

The /o3 stretches across the hori?on in pin8 /lue purple an( #ol( a#ainst the clou(s>

0o( promise( ne&er to (estroy the 3hole 3orl( a#ain 3ith a loo(CAn( seale( that promise 3ith the rain/o3>

It is a remin(er o the mercy an( u(#ment o 0o(>

The rain(rops are still allin# yet the rain/o3 is still here>

The rain(rops are still allin# yet the sun still appears>The rain(rops are still allin# an( cleanin# the air>

The moisture is rereshin# 3ith a li#ht 3in( here an( there>

The rain/o3 #lo3s an( smiles on us>

The rain/o3 #ro3s rom one en( o the hori?on to the other>Then the rain/o3 a(es until it is seen no more>

;ut another rain/o3 3ill come a#ain

For the Lor( 0o(7s mercy has no en(>

K0enesis '4':!$C !,hronicles !14+-C ",hronicles $4+C Psalms !!6

.+


54/146


/he Calm Be(ore the Storm

5ritten 3hile &acationin# in Palm ,oast FL$)!!)*.

A #entle /ree?e approaches out o an a=ua /lue s8y>The pelicans soar circlin# an( circlin#C returnin# to their co&e>

The seashore hums as the planes /u?? /y

In an( out the ti(e ri(esCSlo3lyC slo3ly e(#in# into the e&enin# inlan( shore>

The /each is a countless multitu(e o #rains o /ro3nish pin8 san(C5ith a &ariety o tiny colorul shells>

Further inlan( a/o&e the shoreCAre 3ilte( #rasses an( palm trees surroun(e( /y pric8ly pear cactus>

The san(pipers peepC peepC an( peepC

As I sit an( me(itate on the peaceul shores o %rmon( ;each>

The al/atross #li(es throu#h the s8iesCAs the surers #li(e throu#h the 3a&es>

,hil(ren play the san( man #ame as ol( men rest>

Su((enly the sunny s8ies no3 ha&e turne( partially #reyCYet amilies still eat an( rolic un(er the partial sunny s8iesC

Rereshin# themsel&es or a momentC

Happy to escape this stressul 3orl(>

Rapi(ly the scenery chan#es as the s8y turns to an ominous (ar8 /lue #rey

An( the 3in( /e#ins to /lo3 3ith tur/ulence>

There is a mil( chill in the air>An( the /ir(s ha&e su((enly (isappeare(>

Not e&en a plane can /e seen or hear(>

Then the 3in( stops an( the s8y /ecomes silent an( still or 3hat seeme( to /e athousan( secon(sC

5hile 3e 3ho are /elo3 8no3 it7s time to #o>

E&eryone rushes to lea&e to a&oi( 3hat 3e 8ne3 3as comin#C

The (aily ne3s cast ha( pre(icte( hurricane 2ennis;ut no one 3ishe( to hee( that 3arnin#C

5hen the sun /eame( so /ri#htly>

In a lash the thun(er /ooms an( li#htnin# hits the 3a&esC

;eore the rain has e&en /e#un to all>

It is a /lessin#No one 3as in the 3ater /y then>

I pray or saety an( (ri&e o

As ar a3ay rom the coast line as I can #et>

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55/146


I mana#e to #et to my (estination /eore the storm reaches ull orceCAn( in retrospect I am ama?e( that I #ot /ac8 saely that (ay>

All I 8no3 is that 0o( 3as 3ith me e&ery moment alon# the 3ay>

His mercy en(ures ore&er

K Jo/ +64".:+.C Psalms 1!4!:-C !**4.C !*$4"':+*

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56/146


-oems 3ritten Aove /he CloudsGThe hea&ens (eclare the #lory o 0o( an( the irmament she3eth his han(i3or8>

Psalms !'4!

.1


57/146


4uturst

$)"')*6

PuyC cotton li8eC mushroom shapesC

,hal8 li8e an( 3atery 3hite animal shapesCStreamline(C misty an( lat li8e clou(sC

Are mo&in# an( tra&elin# /eore us no3>

I see the clou(s /elo3 usC an( a pastel /lue s8y a/o&e us>

I see a /lin(in# relection o the sun /ouncin# o a clou(>

It7s /loc8in# the sunli#ht to earth an( sen(in# it /ac8 to the sun>

In all it7s a3esome /eautyCThe clou(s spea8 o orchestrationC po3erC

An( the 3arnin# o an on comin# storm>

G5e are sorry 3e 3ill not /e a/le to a&oi( the air poc8ets>

All passen#ers please put on your seat/elts>5e 3ill /e lan(in# shortlyC sai( the ste3ar(ess>

As the clou(s multiplyC our plane can no lon#er a&oi( them>It pushes throu#h e&ery air poc8et o each clou(C

An( eels li8e a eep ri(e on a /umpy 3il(erness trailC

As my stomach seems to (rop>

2espite the tur/ulenceC

0o(7s han(s o saety /rin#s us (o3n to a smooth lan(in#C

An( as soon as 3e touch (o3nCSu((enlyC the storm clou(s #et hea&ier an( hea&ier>

The &apors are coolin#C cooler an( coolerC

Until they are too col( to hol(CAs the clou(s /rea8 orth into torrents o rain>

The army o clou(s has struc8 a#ainC

5ith thun(er an( li#htnin# that li#hts up the s8y>Each clou( has no3 ulille( its (estiny>

Each clou( create( /y 0o(

From the (ays o the #reat loo( to this present timeC,ontinue to 3or8 the miracle o rain>

,lou(s create( as a means o u(#ment upon the 3hole earthC

Are no3 also a means or lie itselCReplenishin# the earth>

.$


58/146


KJo/ +14"1:++C He/re3s 14$

:ayers o( Atmos!here5ritten !).)!* 3hile on a li#ht

;lan8ete( clou(s are co&erin# the o&al earth>Its hue is a pin8ish /ro3nC

As the sun /e#ins to set>

There is nothin# li8e /ein# a/o&e the clou(sC

Surroun(e( /y this su/stance o #aseous humi(ity>

0o( is a#ain preparin# each clou( to ulill its (estiny>

Moistures7 clou(s prepare the rain (rop /y (ropCPrepares the sno3 crystal /y crystalC

;illions o (rops an( /illions o crystalsFloat a/o&e the earth>

Until the #ra&ity o earth inally pulls them (o3n3ar(C

To oin as one on earth7s terrain>

KJo/ +14"$C +$41C Psalms !+.4$C !-$46

.6


59/146


Be -re!ared For the Storms o( :i(e

$)!")*.

The plane lies /et3een the 3hitish /lue clou(s a/o&e

An( the /ri#ht 3hite clou(s /elo3>As 3e lyC my eyes #a?e upon the roun( an( o&al s8y3ays>

As ar as my eyes can seeC clou(s are /illo3in# e&ery3here>

As the li#ht continuesC

I pon(er a/out #oin# home an( 3hat challen#es I may ace>

I pon(er ho3 much more 3ic8e( can this 3orl( /ecomeDYet people are 8in( an( rien(lyC

As much as they can /e &iolent an( (an#erous>

I than8 0o( or His protectionFor I 8no3 I 3oul(n7t /e ali&e to(ayC

I it ha( not /een or His #race an( mercy>

As I loo8 (o3n out o the 3in(o3C

I see patches o #rass /elo3 in (ierent sha(es o #reenC

An( cotton /all li8e clou(s a/o&e the #rassCHi#h in the s8y>

Li8e a multitu(e o troopsC

The clou(s line up into ma8in# one eectCIn re#imente( ro3s>

A3esomely rea(y to attac8C

Silently 3aitin# or the time to stri8e>

Just as preparation is /ein# ma(e or the ormation o e&ery stormC

5e shoul( prepare an( epect the storms to come into our li&es>

Storms (estroy e&erythin# that is 3ea8 an( #i&es opportunity or rene3al>Storms stren#then that 3hich is alrea(y stron# to /ecome stron#er>

It re&eals the inner stren#th o aith an( en(uranceC

An( re&eals the (ou/ts an( ears 3hich must /e o&ercome>

Prepare your lie or the storms>

;e stron# in the Lor( an( trust in Him>

KPro&er/s +4.:1C Ephesians 14!*:!!

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0n Flight

$)"')*6

Up a/o&e the clou(s so hi#hC

Soarin#C soarin# throu#h the s8y>

All I see are clou(s /elo3>

All I see is /lue a/o&e>

Up a/o&e the clou(s so hi#hCSoarin#C soarin# throu#h the s8y>

5in# tip points in altitu(e>

Nose hel( hi#h in attitu(eC

Up a/o&e the clou(s so hi#hCSoarin#C soarin# throu#h the s8y>

Humon#ous earth as roun( as can /eCMaestic in its #loryC

,ome see>

Up a/o&e the clou(s so hi#hC

Soarin#C soarin#C throu#h the s8y>

KIsaiah -*4"!:""

1*


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/a)e 4((

$)"')*6

Sunli#ht /rea8s throu#h the clou(s>

The rays penetrate (o3n3ar(C 3armin# the earth>

;elo3C ci&ili?ation is all aroun(C

Loo8in# li8e miniature toy structures>

In a lashC 3e mo&e rom city to cityC

State to state ettin# throu#h the air>

America is ree in li/erty%ne lan(C

%ne #o&ernmentC

Yet 3e ha&e so many peopleC

So many ori#insC

So many (estinations>

America is ree in li/erty

5e ha&e ree(om to chooseCAn( the ree(om not to choose>

5e ha&e the ree(om to /elie&eCAn( the ree(om not to /elie&e>

5e are /oun( to the materialC

Yet ree in the immaterial>

IN 0%2C 5E TRUST

82euteronomy +*4!':"*C Joshua "-4!.C Jo/ +-4-C Psalms !4"-:+!C ".4!":!-

1!


62/146


9od Kno+s 0t All

6)"+)!!

5e are hi#h up in altitu(eC

Hi#her than the clou(s>

You can see the ocean7s patterns o 3a&y currentsCThe /oats that lea&e a trail o rosty 3ater /ehin( themC

The oceanC &ast an( o&alC

The shorelines a##e(CThe clou(s strai#ht a/o&e the lan(C

The san(y e(#esC

The city /uil(in#s #leamin# rom the relection o the sunCAn( the hills #reen an( roun(>

You can see that earth is a place o many acetsC% shoresC o seasC o san(C o (irty lan(C

% peopleC o citiesC o pollutionC o roa(sC o /usinessesCAn( all this 0o( sees 3ithin a #lanceC

An(

As He has create( the hea&ens an( earthC

He 8no3s man has create( the citiesC nations

An( con(ition o the 3orl( 3e are in no3>He sees the con(ition o the inner core o each an( e&ery soul>

A/o&e the clou(s you can7t o/ser&e e&en a spec8 in comparison to 3hat 0o( sees>%ur min(s are too inite to a/sor/ 3hat lie is really all a/out>

As 3e #li(e /et3een the clou(sC

A/o&e the 3atersC 3e 3ho are a/oar( the plane thin8 a/out our o3n li&es>

5e thin8 a/out the places 3e7&e /eenAn( the plans 3e ha&e>

5e thin8 o the people 3e 3ill meet as the plane (escen(s>

Yet 3hile 3e introspect a/out oursel&esC

0o( is nearer than 3e reali?e>

Hel( in the palms o 0o(7s han(s 3e 3ill lan(>

The aircrat pulle( /y #ra&ityC an( controlle( /y the pilotCIs 8ept sae /y the pro&i(ence o 0o(>

5e 3ill (escen( only /y the Mercy o 0o( to 3al8 on lan( once more>

KJo/ +$4!1C Psalms ++4!+:!.C !+'4":-C !-$4!.C Pro&er/s !.4+C !John +4!':"*

1"


63/146


4n /he 2un+ay o( :i(e

6)"+)!!

%n the run3ay o lieC

Lie spee(s upC

;eore it ta8es o an( ne&er stays the same>

Insi(e the planeC a /a/y screams as (oes the inant 3ithin us>

She screams rustrate( rom the ina/ility to escape her pain>

%utsi(e there are colors o li#ht /lue an( (ar8er /lue s8iesC

o 3hite clou(sC #reen #rass an( #reener #rass /elo3Co re((ish /ro3n an( /ro3nish /lac8 earthC

An( you can see #rey an( sil&er spar8les o li#ht o metallic structuresCAs the sun shines its yello3 /eams o li#htC

Until the mo&in# clou(s /loc8 the sunTo (isperse a li#ht o #rey>

Insi(e 3e sleepC eat an( rea(C

5riteC tal8C sit an( thin8>5e 3atch the s8ies as our plane ?ooms /y the streets an( roa(sC

Su/ur/an nei#h/orhoo(sC citiesC an( la8esC mountains an( states>

The ocean sprea(s rom current to current an( the hills stan( /yC

As our li&es spee( on until 3e are no moreC

An( lie /ecomes eternity>%nce 3e reach eternityC then (eath can no lon#er threaten usC

Promptin# us to spee( an( ?oom /eore it catches us>

5hile 0o( sees e&erythin# an( ta8es His time or he nee(s no time>It is us 3ho must use time>

0o( has no /e#innin# an( no en(

An( only thin8s o time 3ithin the seasons o His (i&ine purpose>

He has al3ays eiste(

In Timelessness

IninitenessHoliness

Eternity

Mo&in# in &elocities un8no3n to usCAn( yetC stan(in# still in 3ays incomprehensi/le to us>

0o( controls the uni&erse

I pon(er ho3 all this can /eDI7m not sure /ut I may 8no3 one (ay>

5hen I reach the celestial shores o my Lor(C

I 3ill as8 Him>

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64/146


KEo(us !.4!!C Psalms !-$4.C Ecclesiastes +4!!C 641C Isaiah -*4"!:"6C -14':!*C .$4!.C,olossians !4!":!'C Re&elations "!4+:$"

Air!orts

6)"+)!!

In 3ith the passen#ersC

%ut 3ith the passen#ersC

In 3ith the /a##a#eC%ut 3ith the /a##a#eC

Up into the airC

2o3n to the #roun(CFlyin# up a/o&eC

5aitin# (o3n /elo3C

oomin# to the east coastCoomin# to the 3est coast

Tra&elin# to the NorthC

Mi#ratin# to the SouthC;ustlin# an( mo&in#

Al3ays on the #oC

2elays an( chan#esCAre ust too slo3>

Sleepin# or (inin#C

Rainin# or shinin#>,ancellation li#htsC%ccurrin# (ay an( ni#ht>

All aroun( the 3orl(CTra&elin# throu#h the s8iesC

Air traic controlC

Securities unol(CPassen#ers are chec8e(C

For potential threats>

Maintenance o planesCFor saety an( #ain>

Eports an( importsC

Shipments to transport>Airports 3ith airiel(s

Are sprea(

AcrossThe #lo/e>

1-


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KPro&er/s "!4.C ""4"'

All Evidence -oints Bac) to 9od-)"+)!!

Hi#h in the s8yCThe sil&ery #ol( 3in#s o the $+$ 3ith /lue tipsC #leams in the sun>

;elo3 the clou(s a/ate to unol( the Appalachian Mountains>

Its spectacular ri(#esC cur&es an( pea8s protru(e out o the earthCAn( the &alleys are min#le in a ma?e aroun( them>

The &alleysC re((ish /ro3n an( #reenC s3irl out /et3een the mountains7 /ases>These Alps 3ith its sha(o3s an( pea8s appear u??y an( #reen rom a/o&e>

They are (i&i(e( /y #reenC /ro3n an( /lue la8esCAn( the man:ma(e roa(s 3hich are car&e( out stretch across the terrain>

Up a/o&eC the #ray s8ies push into the /lue irmament

As the s8y /ecomes e&en #rayer>

Spec8le( cotton li8e clou(s cast their sha(o3s upon the mountsC5hile the mountains stan( upon their pe(estals stron# an( unyiel(in#C

%nly /ein# mol(e( throu#h thousan(s o years /y 0o(7s han(s>

This is earth ma#niicent 3ith mountains soil an( san(>

This is s8y maestic in atmosphere so #ran(>The 3in( sen(s the air in currents e&ery3here>

The rain /rin#s the 3ater or the ri&ers an( the plains>

There is comple or(er in the uni&erse 3ith earth>

Nature itsel cries out an( spea8s o an intelli#ent (esi#n>The 3orl( an( all thin#s create( re&eal a hi#her po3er>

%nly a ool 3oul( say there is no 0o(>

KPsalms !-4!C !-6

1.


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/he S)y is 'ot the :imit

-)"+)!!

As the plane ta8es oC 3e rise into the 3hite clou(s>

From the 3in(o3C I can see the 3in# o the aircratC5hich appears an( (isappears into the clou(sC

Lea&in# a &ie3 o only 3hite or inter&als o secon(s at a time>

Finally 3e reach a le&el a/o&e the clou(s>

In the (istance one can see another planeC

Trailin# in a (irection parallel to us>5e /oth scale a/o&e the clou(s alon# the /lue stratosphere>

Unepecte(lyC the 3in( /e#ins to /lo3 an( the tur/ulence #ently roc8s the planeC

As the aircrat (rops /ac8 into the clou(s>5ith su((en stron# poc8ets intermittently sha8in# the planeC

The airplane pushes a#ainst the 3in(>

I no3 in( it har( to 3rite 3ith all the u((erin#;ut 3ith a /rea8throu#hC the plane /e#ins to rise e&en hi#her into smooth an( le&ele(

s8ies>

5e can see the clou(s /elo3 us no3>

The upper clou(s are misty an( the lo3er clou(s are in re#imente( ro3s puy an( /ri#ht>

The /lue s8y a/o&e us spar8les in the sun in a #lorious circumerence aroun( the earthC0i&in# a hint o the hea&ens 3ay a/o&e the s8iesC

An( a prelu(e o 0o(7s a/o(e /eyon( s8ies>

KI Thessalonians -4!+:!6

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,outhGLet no man (espise thy youth /ut /e thou an eample o the /elie&ersC in 3or(C in

con&ersationC in charityC in spiritC in aithC in purity>! Timothy -4!"

Septem/er "*!! Youth ;onan?a at the Mission ,hurch o %ur Lor( Jesus ,hrist o the Apostolic Faith

In Somer&ille MA

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/he 2hythm o( the Carousel

5ritten 1)"')*.

I hear lau#hter an( screams o #leeC

As 8i(s scamperin# un(er my eetCAre s3itly in(in# their seats>

I scram/le or a place to sitCAn( /eore a lash o li#ht can a(eC

The merry:#o:roun( is 3hirlin#C

3hirlin#C 3hirlin#>

2ustyC

(ustyCslo3ly turnin# in circles>

Slo3ly spee(in# upC

5hi??in# to the chime o the /eat>

KMatthe3 !64+

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At the -layground

5ritten Septem/erC !.C "**.

I sit an( 3atch the chil(ren s3in#>

Mothers are s3in#in# their to((lers>

GMammy Loo8 at me

GPee8 a ;oo I see youC

Heah 5hat cha (oin#D MotherSays lo&in#lyC teasin#ly as her

,herishe( one #i##les>

GMammy Loo8 at me

Little one #li(e /ac8 an( orthC

;ac8 an( orthCS3ay throu#h the air>

Little one eel the 3arm stream o airC0ently stro8in# o&er your aceC

%n a late summer7s (ay>

It7s still hot 3arm an( toastyC

An( still the simplest 3ay

For a mother an( chil( to ha&e un>

Their lo&e 3ill al3ays /e remem/ere(C

Throu#h the lau#hsC they share to#ether>

KPsalms !"$4+:.

1'


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Fleeting Childhood

5ritten 3hile 3atchin# my (au#hter @ashti Massa=uoi play on $)$)6"

The hours o leetin# chil(hoo( are sprea( 3ith 3istul lau#hterC

An( innocent /lissThey are the hours 3hen time seems ore&erC

An( rien(ship is happiness to#ether

5ith those 3ho can smile an( lau#h 3ith you>Lo&e is lo&in#C

An( oy comes rom the simple act o 8no3in# you are lo&e(>Hol( on to your chil(hoo( my little oneC

For althou#h time to you seems en(less no3CYou 3ill loo8 /ac8 an( remem/er this sta#e in your lie

As only to /e a leetin# moment in time>

KEcclesiastes !!4!*

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,outh on Fire (or the :ord

Inspire( /y a Youth Ministry Ser&ice /et3een Fello3ship Mission ,hurch o ;oston MA9 Mission ,hurch o %ur Lor( Jesus ,hrist o the Apostolic Faith in Somer&ille MA

5ritten -)!6)!*

I lo&e to see youn# people praise the Lor(C

5hen they are on ire or Jesus>

It ta8es my min( /ac8 to the time I irst oun( the Lor(>Youth 3ho are trustin# 0o( as ne3 /orn /a/esC

Are /e#innin# lie7s eperiences 3ith ,hrist>

Than8 0o(C they (ey the notionC

That ser&in# 0o( is only or those

5ho are too ol( to li&e it up an( are rea(y to (ie>

Than8 0o(C they (ey the notionCThat the youn# cannot possi/ly lee youthul lusts>

It is the Holy 0host po3er in them that (eies the (emon o (eceptionC

An( shines as a li&in# li#ht to a (yin# 3orl(>

Youth are the present an( a /ri(#e to the uture>

They are the present stren#thenin# the church

An( remin(in# us all ust ho3 ehilaratin# praisin# 0o( can truly /e>5ith thisC the hearts an( souls o the /o(y o ,hrist re&itali?e>

Preser&in# the ol( an( usherin# in the ne3CThey /la?e a ireC 3hich is sprea(in# more ?ealC

5orshipin# the Lor( 3ith spiritual appeal>

A/oun(in# in ener#yCAstoun(in# in aithC

They are committe( to 0o( to run this race>

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Youth are our /ri(#e to the uture>

They ha&e their 3hole li&es to li&e>

Throu#h the &alleys an( the mountainsCThere 3ill /e lie7s lessons to ulill>

They ha&e callin#s an( talentsC #its not yet re&eale(>

Sa&e( as a youthC 0o( is their shiel(>

As our youth remain an( mature

The (octrine o Holiness 3ill only en(ureCI 3e ee( them the 3or(C

An( 3ater them 3ith lo&e>I 3e allo3 them to lourishC

2iscipline( an( nourishe(>

Youth are our /ri(#e to the uture or as lion7s pa3sCThey are leapin# or3ar( /eyon( the present>

K Pro&er/s "+4"":".C Ecclesiastes !"4!:$

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A -rayer 2e

They are the remnant o the people o 0o(C5ho 3ill possess the Promise( Lan(>

Youth must /e in the 3orl( yet not o the 3orl(C

To sur&i&e as chil(ren o 0o(Ne&erthelessC e&en thou#h the 3orl( constantly chan#es its la3s an( epectationsC

0o( ne&er chan#es his 3or(>

The challen#e or youth is4Ho3 to it into the 3orl( yet still lo&e 0o(

2espite it allD

2istractions an( traps as a loo(

;eset youn# an( ol(>

YetC or the youn# it has /ecome e&en har(erCAs 3e approach the en( o time>

0ro3in# up in the 3il(erness o this 3orl(

Ta8es the earnestC er&ent prayers o all saintsC

For the souls o the youn#>

KE?ra '46C Romans !!4.:1C James .4!1C !John "4!.:!$

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/o Shavaysha Moni


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KJo/ "+4!*C Isaiah 1-46C echariah !+4'

A!!roaching the Age o( Accountaility

To my (ear #ran((au#hter LeFaith 2auphine Massa=uoi at a#e !!

+)$)!!

You are &ery o/ser&ant an( a/sor/ the thin#s you see>

You are approachin# the a#e o accounta/ility>You are an intelli#ent lo3er /loomin# into pre:a(ulthoo(>

You are hun#ry or 8no3le(#e an( truth an( seem much ol(er than you are>

Remem/er al3ays to trust in 0o( an( search yoursel /y stu(yin# the 3or( o 0o(>,han#in# the 3orl( /e#ins 3ith chan#in# oursel&es>

Remem/er to put 0o( irst others secon( an( yoursel last>It is in sel:sacriice that 0o( steps in on our /ehal 3ith miracles to unol(>

Remem/er that lo&e co&ers a multitu(e o sinsCThe sins o othersC an( our o3n sins as 3ell>

Remem/er that ,hrist (ie( or us>He 3ill ne&er lea&e you nor orsa8e you>

Remem/er me in your prayers an( the ,hristian lie I stri&e orC

An( I 3ill remem/er you or I lo&e you an( (esire that you mi#ht ha&e a ruitul spirituallie>

I ha&e praye( or you that the Lor( ha&e His 3ay in your lieAn( that Satan (ecei&es you not>

I ha&e praye( that the Holy 0host in all His po3er (3ell in you as he (i( 3ith the saints

o %l(C

So that you can /e amon#st the rapture( saints o 0o(CAn( I /elie&e in the unans3ere( prayers o 0o( that these miracles 3ill unol( in your

lie>

KNum/ers !.4-*C Psalms $$4!!C !*+4!$:!'C !*.4!:.C I ,orinthians !!4"C Re&elation +4+

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My Kindergarten /eacher Mrs& 2oinson

-)!')!!

I still remem/er my Ro/inson>

She really (i( a lot to help me>

She helpe( to mol( my uture>

The /e#innin#s o our E(ucation oten times (etermine the outcome o all our e(ucation>

She instille( in me coni(enceC,onlict mana#ement s8illsC

An( a lo&e or learnin#>

It 3as a P%STI@E EQPERIEN,E or meC%nly /ecause she MA2E SURE IT 5AS>

I 3as the only /lac8 stu(ent in her classAn( in the 3hole school o PS!'* in ;roo8lyn NY in the late .*s>

It coul( ha&e /een one o the 3orst eperiences o my lie>

%n the irst (ay o school my classmates teame( to#ether

An( (eci(e( to /an( me rom playin# in the ma8e /elie&e 8itchen areaC

;ecause they sai(C GNo /lac8s shoul( >/e allo3e( in this play area>

At that moment my 3orl( o un an( play came crashin# (o3n /eore me>

I crie( so har( 3ith 3ales an( so/s /ecause o it>

The teacher #ently pulle( me asi(e to in( out 3hat 3as 3ron#>

GThey sai( I coul( not play house 3ith them /ecause I am /lac8>

I replie( /et3een so/s>

GThey 3hat She #aspe(C her ace turnin# a (ar8 pin8 to re(>

In a controlle( ra#eC she marche( me /ac8 to the playhouse area>I ne&er coul( remem/er the eact 3or(s she use( to spea8 to them>

All I remem/er is /y the time she inishe(

They 3oul(nt (are reuse to play 3ith me>

As 3e /e#an to playC they (isco&ere( that I 3as a lot o un to play 3ithC

So much soC they or#ot they ha( /an(e( me rom the playhouse>5e all /ecame rien(s rom that (ay onC

An( my memories o


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An( a (eiciency in true hatre(>

An( I than8 0o( or teachers li8e Mrs> Ro/insonC5ho carry enou#h inluence to era(icate racism 3hen re&eale( to them>

KPro&er/s ""41

2eality in the S!iritual 2ealm

GFor 3e 3restle not a#ainst lesh an( /loo(C /ut a#ainst principalitiesC

a#ainst po3ers a#ainst the rulers o the (ar8ness o this 3orl(C

a#ainst spiritual 3ic8e(ness in hi#h places>Ephesians 14!"

Interior o Apostolic Fello3ship ,hurch ;loomiel( ,T

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/he :ight -ierces /hrough the .ar)ness

+)!")!!

As the sunli#ht slo3ly pierces throu#h the clou(sC

The #ray s8ies (isappear an( present a sunny (ay>The (ay has /e#un 3

reality in the spiritual realm library edition

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