God's Lavish Love

God loves lavishly, soaking creation With rain, and with sunshine; With joys and with sorrows. The Spiritual life--a journey complete-- Entering into joy, We'll join our Lord in love! Lord, in your presence is fullness of joy; It's Your free gift of love, Your Presence, forever!

Forsaken

Forsaken Why did You forsake Him? Why did You turn away? What must one do To gain Your attention, O God of the Universe? How could You watch? He, Your beloved Son, In agony, hanging by a nail, And crying out to You, O God of Compassion. You could have removed All His pain, all suffering. But then, a “performance” Would never suffice O God of Forgiveness. You cleansed me of sin By this holy sacrificing Of the “Heart of Your heart” And Spirit of life, O God of my Love. Why did I forsake You? Why did I turn away? Whatever must You do To gain my attention, O God of the Cross?

What Was It Like? What was it like To be one of the crowd Following Jesus -- A “Groupie”; Hearing the words, “Repent! Be forgiven!” And “Blessed be those Who believe.” What was it like On the outskirts of town When Jesus rode past On that colt? Shouting, “Hosanna!” And “Blessed art Thou!” Throwing our garments Before Him. Then, days later, Being one of the crowd, Shouting with others, “Crucify!” Scourged and beaten, Jesus carried that cross; Hung, bled, and died there. Forgiving.

Growing

Growing Lord, help me. Help me thrust my roots Ever more deeply into You. Help me grow in joy, In peace, In contentment. When I am anchored in You, I find Your rest. My life is not “mine,” It is Yours! At this very point of obedience, If find I’m growing Ever more deeply into You. Lord, help me. Help me grow even closer -- All the way to my very last heartbeat. Then, Lord, hold me in Your loving arms, And take me home!

Mona's Tree

This is a favorite spot of mine at the Green Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Mom often drove there and walked the grounds. Whenever I visited, we'd go, sometimes walking through the "zoo" area, other times just wandering trails or visiting the Education Center. When my sister Mona moved to Green Bay, she and Mom often enjoyed walking there together. So, when  Mona died (in 1999), Mom and I took moneys received and purchased a tree to be planted on the grounds. If you are ever at the Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, look for the Whirlagig pond. Walk down the path to the pond, and there it is on your left. (Another time, I'll add the trees my brother and I purchased to be planted in the same general area in memory of Mom and Dad.)

Always There

Always There


In my childhood joy
In the classroom and with playground fun,
Mom and dad taught me
I could rest or play
Knowing You were there.

In my teenage angst
From my junior through my college days
Though I turned my back
And ignored You, Lord,
You were always there.

During parenthood
Through diapers, high school, and college days
I could teach him love
I could trust, because
I knew You were there.

Now in my old age
In my elderly expectancy
You abundantly
Bless me every day.
You are always here!

Dichotomy

Dichotomy


Nourished through roots
Deeply imbedded in the Word
Allows branches to flourish,
Reaching towards the Light.
Living in obedience to Christ
Means freedom in life
As never before.

Life-overflowing.