Thursday, November 10, 2011
Approaching a Poem
As a writing instructor, I introduce my students to a variety of writing styles, including poetry. Poetry's true life is in the human mouth, mind, and soul. Todd Davis, author of three volumes of poetry, including The Least of These (Michigan State University Press, 2010), wrote: "(A poem) should be read aloud so the words vibrate in the mouth and in the chest. Our ears and tongues need to be involved. If you are unsure what a poem 'means,' don't worry. Read it again for the simple pleasure of reading it. If some meaning begins to take shape, wonderful. But a good poem will continue to evolve in its meaning and in its being over the course of your lifetime."
A Veteran's Day Memory
The following art association poem is written by one of my sixth grade students at Salem Lutheran School in Tomball, Texas, Nicole Grant:
Painting, “The American Way,” by Norman Rockwell
Poem, “Veteran’s Day Memory,” by Nicole Grant
When I feed my daughter, I feel passion.
As she opens her mouth, I smile;
She smiles back and says,
“Why are you smiling, Daddy?”
I say, “I’m going to miss that pretty little smile upon your face.”
As I leave to go into the battle field, I remember her smile.
It brings an idea to my mind:
“When I see her smile, I will fight for her and for my country.”
As I am walking away, I turn back and look at her.
I see her sitting right where I left her.
I see tear drops coming from her eyes.
She tells me to be safe,
And that she will be right where I left her
When I come back from the battle field.
So I say, “I love you,” and walk away.
Happy Veterans’ Day
November 11, 2011
Painting, “The American Way,” by Norman Rockwell
Poem, “Veteran’s Day Memory,” by Nicole Grant
When I feed my daughter, I feel passion.
As she opens her mouth, I smile;
She smiles back and says,
“Why are you smiling, Daddy?”
I say, “I’m going to miss that pretty little smile upon your face.”
As I leave to go into the battle field, I remember her smile.
It brings an idea to my mind:
“When I see her smile, I will fight for her and for my country.”
As I am walking away, I turn back and look at her.
I see her sitting right where I left her.
I see tear drops coming from her eyes.
She tells me to be safe,
And that she will be right where I left her
When I come back from the battle field.
So I say, “I love you,” and walk away.
Happy Veterans’ Day
November 11, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Victory Over Temptation
Devotion, as a Haiku poem:
We must be alert
To approach of temptation
Where vulnerable.
Sinful enticements
Invite us to move outside
God's Will for our life.
Temptation beckons
Us to carry God-given
Desires beyond
God-given limits.
Know vulnerabilities;
Prepare a defense.
Take precautions to
Find the escape route promised
By God when tempted.
Correct course quickly;
Don't become estranged from God,
Overwhelmed with shame.
Commit to obey
God, study Scripture, and pray;
Retrain your focus.
Meditate daily
On God's Word; He will strengthen
Your heart and your mind.
With God's power, you'll
Douse Satan's flaming arrows
And claim victory.
Bible Readings:
1 Corinthians 10:12,13 - "Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed, lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
James 1:12-16 - "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers."
We must be alert
To approach of temptation
Where vulnerable.
Sinful enticements
Invite us to move outside
God's Will for our life.
Temptation beckons
Us to carry God-given
Desires beyond
God-given limits.
Know vulnerabilities;
Prepare a defense.
Take precautions to
Find the escape route promised
By God when tempted.
Correct course quickly;
Don't become estranged from God,
Overwhelmed with shame.
Commit to obey
God, study Scripture, and pray;
Retrain your focus.
Meditate daily
On God's Word; He will strengthen
Your heart and your mind.
With God's power, you'll
Douse Satan's flaming arrows
And claim victory.
Bible Readings:
1 Corinthians 10:12,13 - "Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed, lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
James 1:12-16 - "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers."
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