approval washes over me and I
put down my needless empty leaden pack
a taxing budless bale of useless weight
a fraud I sometimes carry on my back
it’s barren branches break beneath my feet
as swiftly I advance to higher field
and I am light and quick, and gladness fueled
as favor and the altitude reveals
a crystal view atop a holy hill
the landscape stretched for me to clearly know
that every hair upon my head is dear
and counted by my Lord who loves me so

Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  Matthew 10:31

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Hebrews 12:1

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

image: “like the dream, but it’s real” by Susie Anderson

beneath the boughs
of apple trees
the blooms fall gently there
while cocoa shells
and lilac branch
sweetly steep the air

bleeding hearts
spill thru the shade
on sidewalk, sunlit speckled
the sight and scents
renew the mind
with blade and leaf and petal

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:2

Image: watercolor by Diane Moser

a clear and shiny plastic cup
sits upon my countertop
full of dirt and secret seed
I cannot say what bloom will be
and also worms reside in jars
with lid holes poked like pin size stars
on tables meant for mug and book
that now embrace an earthy look
muddy shoes and upturned pails
line the porch in aimless trails
and fingerprints on windows smudge
some snot, some blood, a spot of fudge
outside again has just begun
its not yet June’s first summer’s sun
already grass has stained each knee
a spring green stamp as entry fee
to prime exploring and fertile play
and sweet free hours to spend our way

As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. Luke 21:30

This is what the Lord God showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit. Amos 8:1

image: watercolor by Louise van Terheijden

in the cool of the day
the task is complete
and study can soak
and labor retreat
in the cool of the day
a clip slows to stroll
and hurry is calmed
and parts become whole
in the cool of the day
reflection is met
as sun speckles path
and souls are reset
in the cool of the day
an ease can descend
as pain’s put aside
and wounds at last mend
in the cool of the day
the garden delights
in the shade and low rays
and the finishing light
for tomorrow will bid
it’s own effort and weave
yet too the cool hours
will come to relieve

Genesis 3:8a, Song of Solomon 2:17a

image: Late Afternoon by Marlene Lowden

partner my love
with me, on this vine
tied with ribbons
of light
I will grow with you
what will bear
and steady you
when we’re pruned
sometimes in the dark
and when the new crop yields
in the morning
our ribbons will hold
and hammock such harvest
the very horizon will bend

John 15:5

image: Vineyard in the Sun by Banja Luka

I will walk
the walls and fences
once and five more times
and seven times again
and shout
unseeing, but walking still
expectant of tumbling stone
and victory
and when the walls are ruins
the fences mangled mesh
I will share your win
for my part
the city, your gift to me
and then inside again
abide
and walk I will
by your command
and for my brothers
each evening
and every morning

You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.  Deuteronomy 5:33

image: Medieval Walled City, painting by Micko-Vic