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

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."

Best Friends (A Haiku Poem)

Love us as we are;
Challenge us to be better
To praise our Maker.

Facing the Death of a Friend

Beth, the young mother of two teen-aged daughters, is facing death from an aggressive form of cancer. The best doctors that one could have at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center closed the incision on a large, fast-growing tumor, acknowledging with regret that nothing more could be done to promote healing in her body. The dear mother's greatest fear--that her daughters would be left without a mother--will likely be soon realized.

Beth's eternity is secure; the bliss of heaven awaits her with certainty. Even as we grieve, the foundation for our security is Jesus Christ. He promises us in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." As verse 6 declares, "So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear...'" God's promise in verse 8 is sure, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." We can be confident that Jesus never changes; His character, His works, and His words remain the same forever.

God loves us perfectly and consistently. As we face the death of a beloved mother, our heavenly Father will strengthen, guide, and uphold us. We hold fast to Jesus, our anchor, and cling to our loving and unchangeable Lord.

A Victorious Response to Hardship

May this Scripture reading and haiku poem influence your response to the difficulties you face in life. These principles sustain and encourage me when I face trial and hardship.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him...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. James 1:2-5, 12"

"Satan...said,'...Stretch out your hand and touch all that (Job) has, and he will curse you to your face.' And the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.' Job 1:9-12"

"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. 1 Corinthians 10:13"

God controls timing
And intensity of pain;
He will not allow

Pain to go beyond
The boundaries He has set.
God has a purpose

For our suffering;
Submit to Him and trust Him --
God plans good for us.

Trying challenges
Provide opportunities
To grow strong in faith.

The Lord demonstrates
His great sustaining power
When we endure pain.

Our difficulties
Are used by God to produce
Christ-like character.

We'll not be alone
When we face difficulty;
God will be with us.

The Holy Spirit
Enables us to survive
And conquer trials.

View ev'ry hardship
As a trial God allows
To achieve vict'ry.

In the Midst of Trial

The recent fires in our community,which consumed 18,964 acres and demolished 76 structures, including 60 homes, and the extended drought in our state have prompted my further reflection upon James 1:2-4,12, which I am sharing with you in a haiku poem.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing...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. James 1:2-4,12"

God is in control --
Even in difficulty,
We trust His wisdom.

God does not ordain
Pain, hardship, and challenges;
He will permit them

To draw us closer
To Him and grow us in faith;
He plans for our good.

In ev'ry trial
God plans a character gem
To be grown in us.

Focus on His love
And provisions when we walk
The path of trial.

Trust and hope in Him;
Live each day in God's presence.
The Holy Spirit

Will comfort in pain,
Encourage when challenged,
Strengthen in weakness.

Strength is not always
Dramatically displayed
With power or force;

Sometimes strength is shown
By determined endurance
In times of trial.

Rejoice in blessings
That accompany suff'ring,
Knowing good will come.

As we are transformed
Into the image of Christ,
We'll reflect His joy.