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Some say that courage is
“Not being afraid” – It’s something you’re born with, Not something that’s made. But I know the truth About Courage’s birth – You develop and learn it As Life proves your worth.
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When I was growing up,
Sunday was God's holy day. Don't work, don't shop, don't drink; Only worship, rest, and pray. Now-a-days that's different -- Sunday's filled with "come and go": Soccer games, outlet malls, The latest movie show. Maybe I am pining For archaic times and ways, But I think there was some good In a day of rest and praise. 'Cause when we stop and pause And we catch our breath and rest, We hear God's plan for us And remember how we're blessed. From . . . And a Poem, Too. Matthew 7:17-20
The tree was watered, It felt the sun, Its roots grew strong-- A life begun. When fruit appeared, The tree stood tall, A sign of health To one and all. But then the storms Of life unfurled-- First drought, then rain, Then winds that swirled. For a season No fruit was seen, Withered and brown, Not healthy green. But underground Were roots held fast By care and love From seasons past. And once again The sun came down To shine upon The fertile ground. New fruit was seen, Brighter and sweet, Having survived Seeming defeat. King Xerxes loved Queen Vashti,
But she defied the King’s command; Her banishment made the way For saving Jews across the land. King Xerxes sought another To wear the Persian crown, Throughout the land were chosen Young girls of all renown. Esther was a Hebrew Who lived with Mordecai, Chosen by the royal court, She caught King Xerxes’ eye. But Haman was an Agagite And had a grudge with all the Jews, He made a plan for Xerxes That would cause the Jews to lose. Though Esther was the Persian Queen, Her lineage wasn’t known, Even Xerxes who so loved his queen Was oblivious on his throne. When Mordecai refused to bow, Haman set his plan in place. Xerxes signed the order To end the Jewish race. Mordecai warned Esther Of the plan that would unfold, Through Hathach he told Esther, “You must be brave; you must be bold.” “Perhaps you were made queen For such a time as this. If you ignore the role you play, You’ll surely be remiss.” So Esther turned to God In fasting and in prayer And asked of Mordecai That the Jews, as well, prepare. Then Esther went to Xerxes, And through clever words and deeds, She turned the course in play To preserve the Chosen’s seed. Now Haman is no more, But God’s people grow in love, Thanks to Mordecai and Esther And providence from above. My New Year’s resolution
Was to read the Bible through, Both old and new testaments – Maps, concordance, too. Day one went really well – The story of creation, Followed by the ark, All in my fave translation. In those first few weeks I read of Moses and the law, The Ten Commandment tablets And the blessings Israel saw. But, along about day thirty, Leviticus came in view, All those rules and sacrifices And offering guidance, too. Instead of easy stories, I was faced with rules of old, And my New Year’s reading challenge Started growing pretty cold. So, here I am, once again, Stalled before Book Five, So maybe when the next year comes, I’ll jump in and take the dive. But, here will be my plan From day one of that new year: Start with Revelation And work backward from the rear. And maybe I might see By looking at the end The value of Leviticus And the message that it sends. Luke 1:24-2:20
Gabriel came to Mary And gave her surprising news, “You will bear a son. He’ll be called the King of Jews.” “The baby will be holy; He’ll be called the Son of God. With Him all things possible.” She responded with a nod. Joseph went with Mary To the town of his descendants To be there for the census To count each one’s attendance. The census numbers quickly changed When Mary’s baby came, She wrapped the babe in strips of cloth, Jesus was his name. That same night shepherds heard An angel from above: “The Savior’s here! Go and see The one who brings God’s love.” The shepherds hurried to the side Of God’s own baby boy, They told everyone they saw That this child would bring great joy. When the bottom finally drops
(And you know it surely will), The hymns we learned as youth Will get us past that hill. “Because He Lives,” “Amazing Grace,” “Just as I Am” to name a few, Can bring us back to God For a life that is renewed. So, sing those hymns of old, Let their message ring out true, And when you face defeat, Their words will help you through. I believe in God the father,
Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ our Lord, Brought forth in virgin birth. Suffered under Pilate, Crucified upon a hill, Descended into Hades, Then risen to fulfill. Ascended into heaven To sit at God’s right hand To judge the quick and dead Arisen from this land. I believe in the Holy Ghost And in the universal church, The communion of the saints With whom we grow and search. The forgiveness of our sins, The resurrection of the dead, The everlasting life; I believe what God has said. Faith is the confidence
That what we hope for will come true, Giving us assurances Of things we cannot view. Because of their faith The people in days of old Earned a reputation For trusting what’s foretold. By faith we understand That by a word from God alone The universe was formed Out of things that were unknown. Abel had that faith, And his offering pleased the Lord, And his example is just one Showing faith’s reward. Enoch had that faith; As a result he didn’t die; Because he pleased the Lord, He was taken up on high. Noah had that faith And chose to build an ark; He believed what God had warned And told his family to embark. Abraham had faith When God called him from his home. He obeyed and went at once; For God he chose to roam. Both Isaac and then Jacob Had faith like Abraham, Looking forward to a city Ruled by God’s only Lamb. Sarah had that faith And conceived a little boy, And from his very seed, The world encountered joy. All these people died Believing in God’s word; They didn’t see the end, But had faith in what they heard. By faith an only son Was brought for sacrifice; Abraham believed God could bring him back to life. By faith that son named Isaac Gave blessings for his sons, And Jacob passed that on To Joseph’s little ones. By faith God’s servant Joseph Believed the Israelites Would leave the land of Egypt, And indeed they all took flight. By faith the baby Moses Was hidden for three months And grew to be a prince Who saved his people more than once. By faith the Red Sea parted And God’s people saw dry ground; When Egyptians tried to follow, Every one of them was drowned. By faith the Israel nation Marched for seven days, And the walls of Jericho Fell beneath their praise. By faith the harlot, Rahab, Gave shelter to God’s spies, And she alone was saved When her city heard Death’s cries. By faith so many others Whose stories could be told Earned a reputation For being brave and bold. Yet none of them received The promise that they knew-- A promise we embrace Thanks to a faithful few. John 1
John the Baptist came before To tell about the Light – Not to be the Light himself, But a witness to what’s right. John the Baptist was a voice – A shout to clear the way, To baptize man with water And prepare for Jesus’ Day. And soon the Lamb of God Called to man, “Come see. I’ll baptize with the Spirit All who follow me.” |
AuthorKathy Mansfield enjoys life in Kentucky with her husband, Rick. Read poems from her books on this site. Archives
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