In honor of the Fall Season (my favorite)!! I thought I'd share one of my favorite poems I've ever written. (2006) I wrote this early one morning while looking out the window, watching the beautiful fall waltz of leaves. This was also during the time we were considering joining full-time ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ-Athletes in Action. Do we go forward into the unknown? Or do we stay in the comfort of where we are? Maybe you're feeling a tug but aren't sure what the future holds. If so, I hope this blesses you!
LEAVING” THE TREE
by April Brooks
Have you ever seen a tree as she casts forth her leaves?
Is she proud? Is she hopeful? Or is it inside she grieves?
At times she rejoices, in the wind as she sways.
At others, like a statue. Breath held as they stray.
It’s time. Don’t you see?
With the change of the season.
For warmth’s cooled to briskness.
And doubt becomes reason.
Her children no longer are thick from her milk.
Though strong, they are wispy. Transparent as silk.
They shimmer and shine, reflecting light as they go
To accomplish a purpose, and this they do know.
Some flutter and dance. Some float and some twirl.
Some shoot like the stars, with the weight of the world.
Have you ever seen a leaf that held on when time to go?
Encased within ice and covered in snow?
It seems such a pity as they stand there like stone
Diseased and just wasted. Fruitless and alone.
These leaves that are cast are like you and like me.
Our Heavenly Father is just like the tree.
He protects and holds tight while we’re nourished and prepared.
Until time for assignment and our faith is to be dared.
We’re held in his bosom until the time is just right.
And when we’re released, our lives need take flight.
We’re not sent haphazardly-without direction or aim.
We’ve been cultured and girded-His promises to claim.
We must change or we too will show signs of disease.
In the harshness of this world, our lives too will freeze.
Instead, let us dance while reflecting the Son.
As we go on our way-His work to be done.
If ever we’re frightened-unsure where He leads
Just stop and look up.
For there is the tree!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Woman To Be
Here's another poem I wrote say around 5-6 years ago, while reflecting on the seemingly unattainable goal of being a Proverbs 31 woman. The answer is in BECOMING a Proverbs 31 woman. Inspired by Proverbs 31: 10-31. Enjoy and I hope it blesses you!
The Woman to Be
Who is this woman that I want to be?
For I do not know her; and she doesn't know me.
I know I can be like this woman I've seen
Through lives and through stories that seem like a dream.
They speak of her honor, her strength and her love.
They covet her touch that's as soft as a dove.
Her words have the power to heal as a balm.
The tenderest heart is secure in her palm.
Out of her mouth flow wisdom and praise.
Her Lord she will glorify all of her days.
Her lap is a place of comfort and rest.
Her husband and children know that she is blessed.
She walks like royalty-head high and upright.
The needs of her people are held in her sight.
The dealings of commerce she's knowledgeable of
All treasure to spend-she's worth far above.
Of her what I know has raised up desire
And deep in my heart burns an unquenchable fire.
The One who saved me dug deep down within
And planted a seed that would spread like the wind.
Though satan has tried to smother my flame,
And tell me my sins have tarnished my name.
The Spirit has spoken to lies meant to kill:
"Her sins are forgiven! So burn brighter still!"
My Maker has fashioned a plan for my life
At times filled with blessing; at times filled with strife.
Yet still I'm aware of the flame deep within.
So I adorn my path with ways that please Him.
I can be like this woman. God requests it you see.
For this Virtuous Woman-she lives within me.
The Woman to Be
Who is this woman that I want to be?
For I do not know her; and she doesn't know me.
I know I can be like this woman I've seen
Through lives and through stories that seem like a dream.
They speak of her honor, her strength and her love.
They covet her touch that's as soft as a dove.
Her words have the power to heal as a balm.
The tenderest heart is secure in her palm.
Out of her mouth flow wisdom and praise.
Her Lord she will glorify all of her days.
Her lap is a place of comfort and rest.
Her husband and children know that she is blessed.
She walks like royalty-head high and upright.
The needs of her people are held in her sight.
The dealings of commerce she's knowledgeable of
All treasure to spend-she's worth far above.
Of her what I know has raised up desire
And deep in my heart burns an unquenchable fire.
The One who saved me dug deep down within
And planted a seed that would spread like the wind.
Though satan has tried to smother my flame,
And tell me my sins have tarnished my name.
The Spirit has spoken to lies meant to kill:
"Her sins are forgiven! So burn brighter still!"
My Maker has fashioned a plan for my life
At times filled with blessing; at times filled with strife.
Yet still I'm aware of the flame deep within.
So I adorn my path with ways that please Him.
I can be like this woman. God requests it you see.
For this Virtuous Woman-she lives within me.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thought I'd share a poem I wrote my husband for Valentine's Day 2002. It's called "The dance of the butterflies" and it's a poem about a butterfly (me) and her thoughts and concerns about winter(singleness) as it approaches, until she meets another butterfly (my hubby) and they begin their dance. I hope you enjoy.
The Dance of the Butterflies
Decorated wings
Shades of blue, purple and green
No one has ever seen
The true beauty of this queen
Poised in pride
Arched tall and held strong
Yet inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
Summer has come
Bright sun and fresh air
Her glory is beaming
Splendor flows everywhere
From flower to flower
She floats and moves on
Yet inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
The wind turns chilly
Leaves fly from their trees
The clear, sweet skies darken
Sharp gray shades she sees
She dreams of spring rain
And prays that she's wrong
For inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
She must take precaution
The coming season is nigh,
But another strong figure
Embraces her eyes
Bold colors of yellow
Black borders: she's drawn!
Yet inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
He flies to her side
They dance and they glide
Together they streak through
The gray autumn skies
She softens and melts
Her fortress is gone
For inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
His company she's found
A serene resting place
Protection from cares
She's drunk in his grace
A duo through seasons
Endless is their song
She doesn't even notice
The winter has gone
The Dance of the Butterflies
Decorated wings
Shades of blue, purple and green
No one has ever seen
The true beauty of this queen
Poised in pride
Arched tall and held strong
Yet inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
Summer has come
Bright sun and fresh air
Her glory is beaming
Splendor flows everywhere
From flower to flower
She floats and moves on
Yet inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
The wind turns chilly
Leaves fly from their trees
The clear, sweet skies darken
Sharp gray shades she sees
She dreams of spring rain
And prays that she's wrong
For inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
She must take precaution
The coming season is nigh,
But another strong figure
Embraces her eyes
Bold colors of yellow
Black borders: she's drawn!
Yet inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
He flies to her side
They dance and they glide
Together they streak through
The gray autumn skies
She softens and melts
Her fortress is gone
For inside she's hoping
Winter won't be too long
His company she's found
A serene resting place
Protection from cares
She's drunk in his grace
A duo through seasons
Endless is their song
She doesn't even notice
The winter has gone
Sunday, August 9, 2009
On the battlefield
After spending a tremendously awesome summer in Fort Collins, Co, I am now back to reality. However, I feel out of sorts. I'm confused as I try to figure out why I feel wierd when this is HOME! I don't even fully understand what it is that I'm trying to figure out. I just know it's not the same. I know I'M not the same. I'm trying to be patient as the Lord unravels the whole picture and sets my feet clearly on where I'm to follow Him next. After church service today, I was talking to one of the leaders of our church as he was asking me how our time was in Colorado. After talking a bit, he put it so clearly for me. He said, "It's like when you're in training camp, and after training camp, you go off to the battlefield. You may see a few of your buddies here and there, but it's not like it was in the training camp." You see, this summer, I got a tiny glimpse of how Christian community should be. Not that everyone is perfect, (Lord KNOWS!) but there was something peaceful..something settling being around 5000 like minded people that just want to bring glory to our Heavenly Father and seek Him before all else. Where wherever you turn, you'll run into someone who will do their best to give you Godly advice, who will sharpen you and even reprove you if need be. Where you can openly love one another and share deep hurts to bring healing without worrying if it's "safe". You know it is. Where you can serve and be served, where you can pour out, but be amazingly astonished as the more you pour out, the more the Lord replinishes you until overflowing..like the widow's jar of oil that never ran out. Where you can in the smallest way experience how the "church" was intended to be. Where you see what it's like to truly be a neighbor.
So here I am...back HOME. Away from all that, knowing that it will be quite some time before I'm back in that environment. But now in an environment that's not so "safe". Where I have to be careful of wolves in sheep's clothing. Discerning for "false teachers". Set apart to be IN the world,..but not OF the world. Looked to for pouring out, but seldomly recieving. My fellow sojourners have slimmed down to anorexic proportions. Though for the few, I am eternally grateful. Where I don't see smiling faces daily or hear true heart felt "How are you's?" No wonder my heart aches.
Though my companionship has changed, the good thing is that my audience has remained the same. My audience of ONE. My purpose is still the same. To bring Him glory. I'm reminded of the song "I have deciced to follow Jesus". The part that states "though none go with me..still I will follow. No turning back. No turning back." After a summer of tremendous personal growth, it would be horrible and wasteful to turn back now. The things my eyes have been opened to are so profound and life changing. I don't want to be the same person I was before I left. I want to be better utilized, more sincere, more aware, more kind, caring, loving, wise, giving,....more like Jesus.
What does that look like? I'm still trying to figure that out. Trusting that the Lord will reveal it all in his time..like a beautiful tapestry. On one side, you see the beautiful picture. So intricately created by a master artist; put together with a harmonious blend of color and design. On the reverse side, you see a jigsaw puzzle of threads. Stumbling over themselves on their way to their destination in a confused state of disarray. That's what life seems like a lot of times. I see one side; God sees another. I see the battlefield..He sees the victory.
So onward I march..no turning back..no turning back.
So here I am...back HOME. Away from all that, knowing that it will be quite some time before I'm back in that environment. But now in an environment that's not so "safe". Where I have to be careful of wolves in sheep's clothing. Discerning for "false teachers". Set apart to be IN the world,..but not OF the world. Looked to for pouring out, but seldomly recieving. My fellow sojourners have slimmed down to anorexic proportions. Though for the few, I am eternally grateful. Where I don't see smiling faces daily or hear true heart felt "How are you's?" No wonder my heart aches.
Though my companionship has changed, the good thing is that my audience has remained the same. My audience of ONE. My purpose is still the same. To bring Him glory. I'm reminded of the song "I have deciced to follow Jesus". The part that states "though none go with me..still I will follow. No turning back. No turning back." After a summer of tremendous personal growth, it would be horrible and wasteful to turn back now. The things my eyes have been opened to are so profound and life changing. I don't want to be the same person I was before I left. I want to be better utilized, more sincere, more aware, more kind, caring, loving, wise, giving,....more like Jesus.
What does that look like? I'm still trying to figure that out. Trusting that the Lord will reveal it all in his time..like a beautiful tapestry. On one side, you see the beautiful picture. So intricately created by a master artist; put together with a harmonious blend of color and design. On the reverse side, you see a jigsaw puzzle of threads. Stumbling over themselves on their way to their destination in a confused state of disarray. That's what life seems like a lot of times. I see one side; God sees another. I see the battlefield..He sees the victory.
So onward I march..no turning back..no turning back.
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