For Michael

 

GOD'S RULE (NO. 2)

 

BUT GOD

 

GOD'S RULE

“You will freeze their bodies
But God will warm their hearts
You will numb their toes
But God will spark a fire in their souls
You will destroy their bodies
But God will make them whole
You will divide and conquer
But God will unite the world in peace
You will bring death and destruction
But God will bring new life and resurrection
You will rule for a moment
But God will rule forever”

2/11/2021 — ALJ

FRUSTRATION (HOPE IN 2021)

I am frustrated.
People claiming Hope outside of God.
People spending years hating others.

I am frustrated.
Individuals being awarded the idea Hope.
Only Jesus has that claim.

I am frustrated.
The shouting and the pointing from both sides.
It is deafening, distracting from the true Hope.

I am frustrated.
By the distance this creates between people.
By the distance this creates from God.
 
Yet I have hope.
I have hope that God is greater than our politics.
I have hope that He is in control.
I have hope that His love is greater than others’ hate.
 
HE is the rock,
The Foundation,
On which I will build my life.
HE is the hope,
The Salvation,
In which I am given new life.
 
I will turn to Him.
I will focus on Him.
Even when I am frustrated.
 
1/20/2021 – ALJ

Grandma B.

Where is Home?

Hanging out in Grandma’s kitchen

Watching her make pies

As she cooks all the food

Made with love

And served with joy

Where is Home?

Sitting in a church pew

Hearing her sing

Listening to the high notes

That perfectly ring

Praising Jesus, our King

Where is Home?

Gathering in the basement

Opening gifts by the tree

Sharing many laughs

Singing merry carols

Surrounded by love

Where is Home?

Quiet moments with her

Sitting and holding her hand

Taking laps around the garden

Not remembering much

Just being near

Where is Home?

Not here any more

But there’s a better place to be

Reunited with Grandpa

At home with Jesus

To live eternally free

ALJ – 6/24/2020

BREATHE

I can feel it now 

Creeping in 

Like a bad feeling 

An emptiness  

Tempting to swallow me whole 

Nothing good can happen 

As it starts to take hold 

Joy slipping away 

So much doubt 

And sadness 

Where did it come from? 

How did it slip in, 

To a day that was once whole?

Play the music 

Distract the mind 

Trying to think of anything 

To pass the time 

Until I can get out 

Until I can get away 

Make it stop 

Make it go away 

Take a deep breath 

And just breathe 

Breathe 

Breathe 

Breathe on repeat 

6/16/19 -- ALJ