Forty Plus Miles

 Precious And Few Precious and few are the moments, of tasks done, life cherished, action and reaction embraced, met with engagement in this flurry of speed; the day-to-day of living. Precious and few is time, our days, when we are striving to live, be in the moments of great worth, do all we can to fulfill responsibilities; the understatement of the year it seems, and still it is being said, here, in these moments known to me, precious and few, ones I will not take for granted. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

        I discovered a section of submissions through a poetry group at one point that offered a paying opportunity to share thoughts on different news events (through a constructive lens) in poems. Below are two I recently wrote, submitted, and were rejected (obviously). Poetry (and other forms of expression as well) can help us process the world around us, something I believe is a God-given blessing.          The first is about a man who was kidnapped in the 1950s and was safely found recently. And the other is about a girl who went missing after sleepwalking in the woods (unknown to her family) and was later found safe. These challenges were brutally difficult to write (since I have a hard time watching the news, and normally choose not to). I'm grateful for the opportunity regardless; it's been an immense help.  Home Again What must it have felt like? Where had you been? All these years and I can't imagine, imagine what you've been t...

Note About The Piece Below: One night when scrambling through the kitchen trying to come up with something to make to eat, I was at a loss. I had to use whatever we had (which wasn't much). This concept (or approach) applies to other areas of life many times also...including writing. Here I used the idea of different "ingredients" to write something truly "hybrid" where the first half reads in paragraph form, and the second reads the same way as a recipe or list of cooking instructions might, left justified (only with writing "ingredients" and not food). When you feel you have nothing, that is when God shows you otherwise, blessing with more than enough. This piece is proof of that.                                     I'll Cook        Wandering around a kitchen. Scrambling to make some meal somehow. Put this in then that, adding pressure's heat in the process. One small pinch o...

Note About The Piece Below: These words came to me in a real life picture as our son and I played when he was much younger; showing how inspiration, encouragement and creativity can be given in even something as simple as blocks. Arrival Of Blocks Arrival of blocks, arrival of imagination, little lives bringing new worlds, creating wonder and awe. Every moment known for what it is: those of great worth, inspiration to build better times, invent new ways of truly living. Hearts and minds are stirred, awakened from sleep in the mundane, heeding the call to establish best, at the arrival of creativity now obvious. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

The early hours of waking, light piercing dark in a new day, beginnings of possibilities unfolding, adventure and life calling out to the listening, summons I cannot ignore. Different for all: what is and what will be, still life is found rising, however that may be, to whatever is yet to transpire. The early hours of change, of a direction known different, to good or bad remains to be seen, remains within all creation, a difficult choice while vice calls powerfully. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

Pushing upward, little by little breaking through, small then tall we are found growing, ever reaching above and around to live. This beautiful struggle remains, learning to be in the journey, embracing identity and worth in it all, stretching beyond us to thrive, branching outward to fulfill meaning and completion. Toward Light we go, drinking fully when water falls, quenching our thirsty souls along the way, remaining consistent in perseverance through all seasons, blooming in entirety to be faithful, branching completely to inspire all to live. Some will see, others will not, this tree of our lives, ever maturing, present for all to encourage, to be branching out, to be living fully. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

In the crucible of broken we are born again, remade we are from the fractured once left in, stronger in the reforging of our tattered and torn spirits, rising once more from the ash and pits we've found ourselves in. Here, we are; in spite of the limitations present, refusing to let even these define us, all while acknowledging their reality. Here, we are; in the now, living and breathing, determined to not quit, and in it all we are alive again, alive and whole as we carry on toward hope, in a resolute mind. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

Note About The Piece Below: The growth mentioned here is personal growth within as we show kindness through grace toward others, toward ourselves (for this is grace also); a grace that doesn't support or condone any kind of wrong, but forgives IN SPITE OF IT. Growth grows giving grace. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support!

 Note About The Piece Below: One day at a person's house I was doing work at, I met an old dog. I didn't realize how old right away....until I watched a little. He genuinely frightened me at first (because of his size), then I saw how he really was. I kept wondering what he thought with each action....and the words below came to me. At first I thought this was fiction (since the dog may not have thought this), but the very last line of my response to him made me think otherwise. So.... I'll call this hybrid I guess.          "Slow and steady.", he thought, walking along through another day of endless possibilities. He looked about, the bright and beautiful waking of life called out to him, and he answered with exploration.             Time shown upon his face, seen in the gray hairs clearly visible to all he met, those that hid his most priceless trait: kindness. Greeting each slowly and with the same expression upon meeting th...

            It was quick, it was clever, this cat and mouse chase that was ongoing. Up then down as obstacles were little else than hurdles, these two unusual participants both refusing to lose. One grip achieved of a victor then only air was known and the chase continued.             He saw her, refused to live another day without her and the whole tense ordeal was underway. He wouldn't let her go this time, not now, not today, and he'd die trying to reach her.             On and on rounding corners until he nearly passed out from the struggle to catch her and all at once he stopped. He began to let go, surrender this unhealthy pursuit with each breath caught and resolve chosen. Then it happened: she came back, she came to him and embraced him.....Joy. Every pursuit was a lie. Every attempt and false notion was exposed and in that welcome and ne...

            I wish I could say I have good memories of every moment of my life, but I don't. It's not that I have NO good memories in my life (because I do), but the painful ones often seem to dominate my thinking for some reason. Arguments I wanted to win back with various people. Gatherings of family and friends that didn't go well. Moments where I simply wanted a more constructive environment, and it wasn't there.               Still, among these darker memories there have been good ones surfacing. The people that helped me. The times of fun and joy. Even the unity known at times appear. I see this as God healing those painful times in my life; and for that I'm grateful.                Memories can be a funny thing sometimes, even a crippling thing, but even here I'm encouraged that Jesus can redeem these parts of us. Thank You Jesus for Your healing! Sidenote: If any of the ...

              I look to the heights above, seeing you flying fearlessly. I look to your focused gaze and I am amazed winged warrior of the skies! I hear you tell of your many adventures had and sights seen. We talk, though I tend to be the one listening as you speak, s peak with your endless flight; flight calls to us from the ground. Fly high feathered marvel of all creation, f or you’re telling me how to soar and I’m listening! Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support!   

           As another busy and dreary Monday workday came and went I was reflecting on the journey taken through the place I've worked at (and for) for several years. I went over the difficulties in my mind, considering the EXTREMELY tough ones I've had to face over my time working for the place I work for now.....and this VERY surprising thought came to me (I'd like to think it was Jesus speaking to me, though I'm not sure): "You've overcome those things. Look at how far you've come. You've been protected, and not destroyed." .              I said "I'd like to think it was Jesus" because of the words "You've been protected, and not destroyed." . I don't always do good with what I call "healthy thinking" (where you don't forget what's wrong or not good, but you don't FOCUS on it, focusing on what's good and constructive instead), but this is another welcome and faith-building moment I believ...

 Note About The Piece: the "faith" mentioned here is for a good still possible. Thought I'd clarify that.  From failure flows freedom; freedom from faith following fruitfulness flowing freely. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support!

Practice. Persistence. Perfection. Pushing past pressure, pursuing purpose penned plainly past pushback, persistently. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support!

        Nothing, then something, and surprise was the reaction of all. This large mountain before this unlikely little warrior who was determined to break through her way to better. Nothing, then something, and amazement grew from surprise as it quickly turned into pride for this amazing feat of this little fighter.              Just a little bit, and then a little more as the mountain started to move, and their faith in the impossible began to grow. Just a little bit more, and then the small thing became ridiculously large and growing quickly as it was achieved. The eyes watched this little two-year-old push this tiny swing through the impossible and into greater heights as she started to swing. Watching this, the adults nearby (her parents especially) started to believe that greater things could happen if they chose to push through their seeming setbacks, all the while leaving them to wonder what more ...

            I had missed it before, the layout of this little place in this often overlooked area. History and progress begin speaking as I pass by the old architecture, the new architecture, and this surprising blend of the two in such a place as this. Looking. Wondering. Listening to what is clearly speaking to me now that didn’t before in the old town with a long history.          Quiet, yet occasionally active. Life still carried on in this tiny town of such history and age. Time failed to stop it’s mysterious influence as it would not remain silent; for it still had much to say. Here in the old there was life both young and aged with great impact that was being empowered. “What was it that changed it all?”, I kept wondering. “Why did the once quiet town now seem to spring to life, even awaken from some long slumber that went on for far too long?”, I further questioned. I looked around in passing and contin...

             I'd step out of the house and make my way toward one of our personal vehicles, reflecting on what I had to do recently with an urgent task that came up. As I looked over the results, my heart sank for a moment or two, looking over it and thinking that nothing was done at all with what I had to do (using what I had to the best of my ability). Then as I got closer to the vehicle and looked again I saw that though it was not a perfect result, there was SOMETHING being done; I began to see clearer. I just wanted to try and do the best I could, in hopes that the best I could ( IN AND THROUGH JESUS; my "five loaves and two fish" if you will) would be enough....would be more than enough.            It was tempting to look at it (what I did the night before in a task I had to take care of on our property) to feel like I didn't do anything; though this simply was not true. It's hard to share th...

           From the little life I hear the sounds, the actions bring life with every time of play known. Feeling upside down in the day where plans fell apart and the moments arise; life calls regardless. Swimming through the oceans of unplanned as emotions and untamed minutes try to define me. One adventure is had and I hear the sound effects giving life to the lifeless. One gripping of grace holds me in the busy and chaotic. I hear the sounds in my soul of hope, remembering good while letting go of control. Sound effects call mercy, sound off restoration again.  Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

           In valleys low I'm walking, tired, yet I'm walking. Down roads that reach I'm taking steps, one, two, three at a time; roads that reach beyond sight it seems. Under gray skies I'm looking forward, not up, just forward. I search the horizons ahead, look to the path I'm travelling, ever repeating words before me, "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. ". (Psalm 126:5-6) Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

  Note About This Piece Below: one day at work I needed to process what I encountered in a day ('cause it can often be a lot). I also wanted to create a word picture poetically. It turned into a Non-Fiction Poetic hybrid (hence the description above). This was my attempt at that.                         Faces, Places (A Non-Fiction Poetic Hybrid) Faces, places, different atmospheres and spaces. Tales, gales, risings and fails.  Quiet, find it, here and there; here and there and everywhere. People, real, seeing a peace darkness would steal. Faces, places, lives changing in different atmospheres and spaces. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support!

          The qualified. The cool and collected. The highly skilled that are ready for anything; I am not these. I am the others, the ones that are a mess, aren't all that skilled, cool and collected, and definitely not ready for anything. It's not that I have no skill, can't handle ANYTHING, and can't do anything. It's just I'm not the ones who are.             As a big snow storm passed through our region earlier this year, I am reminded of this (painfully), and it is here I MUST rely on Jesus.               For any others who face this, remember this one thing (even if you may not be in these categories): to rely on Jesus MAKES US MORE THAN QUALIFIED; I must remember this too. You are in good company here.  Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please f...

           An organized chaos...sorta. many faces in many spaces called rows gathering for business. This strange sorta swap meet trapped within the reds and blues seeking to be proud and failing. The faded colors somehow still drawing in the masses.         It's busy, suffocatingly busy in this strange unfolding of this unlikely place. Mashed methodically between culture and aged businesses it exists. Some moments there is a thriving, and other times silence rolls past as a tumbleweed through an abandoned place in the old west might; today it is bursting at the seams though.          Here, among the masses stories unfold. Backgrounds of all kinds come claiming life and an experience. Here, the young and the old, men and women both blend and yet strikingly stand out. Here, on this Memorial day of living and business I find an unexpected grace with this gathering, one that speaks ...

       "They will never know.", she thought to herself, still she remained, laying on a small mat nearby. She had her recreation for the day and she was tired. She missed him. It may have seemed at times like she didn't, but not everything is as it seems.         Clouds linger over another day, and gray lit the atmosphere. It felt lonely to say the least, still, this sorrow was more than dreary weather. He cared for her, took her in when no one would, and even showed a mutual respect that most wouldn't. "They will never know how much I care for him.", she thought again to herself, waiting on her pet bed near the door for him; for a few moments from now and her person would return, return to the cat. Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also...

            l'd often try and forget it, even laugh at the sad slogan on the welcome sign as I'd enter this poor little town; then I'd hear church bells sometimes. Some years I'd remember bits and pieces of songs that were played then, other years I wasn't sure of what old hymns were being played from the old church that carried throughout this little town. I could never ask anyone then, for no one was there to ask... until this year.              Entering the old town I (sadly) didn't think much of before I'd hear the songs play once more to my delight; and soon my surprise. Seeing some residents this time just down the street from where I was I'd call out, seeking to get their attention, and with that answers. the songs for all would take on new meaning. I'd question what church played them, and they'd tell me of the old church that played these songs and how often. "Every hour, all day.",...

    Below are three DIFFERENT sections of notes in my phone of writing words that came to me. The first starts with "Heard" , an encounter I had and did my best to finish (sorta). The other two are incompleted . I will note which are which, but decided to show these to encourage someone to not be afraid to show themselves "warts and all" as the old saying goes (revealing your shortcomings or flaws, for any who are unfamiliar with the saying). It's okay to be human and not have it all together sometimes, and sometimes showing this can be a blessing to others when they feel alone in their failures and shortcomings. You.aren't.alone. This is the first "completed" poem (this is my silly side showing. Not trying to express any disrespect here with this) Heard  Heard a truck "fart" today, As he stepped on the gas in a really loud way. It may have smelled, It's hard to say;  I only heard from inside today. It was large, it was loud, I wonder...

          I'm just gonna take a moment to say, "Thank you!!!!" to everyone who reads this blog or shares it (no pressure if you don't do either). Thank you for showing up! Thank you for believing in me! Thank you for the support!            More than anything though, it's my hope and prayer that these writings meet someone somewhere in their life, somehow (however that is to look for them). Thank you for being such an astounding community, and for your consideration of these writings! Just wanted to show my appreciation to someone today; and if these words have been some kind of blessing to you somehow, made an impact in a constructive way, feel free to share this blog with someone else who could also be blessed somehow. Thank you again, thank you!