The Beauty of a Sunday

A Prose Poem

The problem with getting older, is that you’ve heard every sermon, or you think you have.

I didn’t learn faith in a church, the woods taught me, when I was young, showed me there was something greater. I saw the church filled with people, but their hearts were not still.

Later, the wooden benches were hard, difficult sermons, long sermons, with harsh words. Railing against the Pope, or President Obama. I was confused, and my heart grew sick.

Healing for me came, in the stained glass, the space. Certainly in the peace, and in the beauty of faith. Now the sermons are shorter, and the words are decorated with love. His presence. What can we give to others?

All of this reminding me of the creation, the woods, the rivers, the mountains, and the beauty of life.

My heart is full now, and contented.

And in the late afternoon, Sundays were made, for napping.

Writing and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

Peace and blessings to everyone.

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

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Living in the Final Chapter

In the end of every chapter,

in the walk of every graveyard,

there are always answers,

for the living.

The ghosts said,

“you do not belong here”,

so I took my candle,

and walked,

into the light.

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

Peace and blessings to everyone.

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

First Friday – Psalm 91

Psalm 91: 1-4

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.’

Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare,

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

 

These verses are some of my favorites. The whole Psalm is filled with strength giving words. One thing to remember about the Psalms, is that they were actually songs, and had music with them. I would love to hear the music of the Psalms, that once played!

Clearly the Psalmist is encouraging us to have the Almighty, the Creator, as our shelter. It is a choice, and has always been a choice. When we do choose to trust, He helps and strengthens us. I love the poetry of being covered with His feathers! By the way, a fowler is one who catches birds, and the connotation about the fowler is very negative, so the Psalmist can illustrate the Creator protecting us.

So what about people that have no faith? Is God only concerned about people that believe in Him? No of course not. Although these verses are meant to strengthen and encourage, those that believe in Him, He cares about each one of us!

Think of it this way: Every time I wake up, that is God blessing me, and protecting me. Whenever I cross a street, or drive my car, and don’t get killed, that is God blessing me and protecting me. These illustrations do not depend on my faith. We all live every day. So what about when bad things do happen?

We’ve all seen innocent people suffer. There are times when it just does not make sense. But I want to trust in Him even during the terrible times, even when I do not understand. That’s where faith comes in. I may not ever understand, but these verses are meant to encourage us that there is an All Powerful, the One Who is Almighty, and that it is good to be in His care. When we are in His shelter, we can find rest. I know this is true, from personal experiences in my own life.

Note: The best book I have seen about suffering, is by C.S. Lewis, called the “Problem of Pain”.

Commentary and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

Bible quote from the New International Version

Peace and blessings to everyone.

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

Calling

Seeking the highest rocks,

the deepest rivers, the trees,

answers without words,

oneness of spirit,

flowing.

But the curse of the seeker,

is loneliness,

wanting a heart called Lakota,

tied in with the heartbeat,

seeing cathedrals,

clouds for walking on.

Living in the valley he learns,

painful lessons,

and joy, with love,

always looking though,

to the west.

to the loneliness,

of the mountains.

 

 

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

Peace and blessings to everyone.

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

Ghosts of the First People

The ghosts whisper softly,

in the deep fog,

hoping for an end,

to the war against nature,

the war against color,

“all men are created…”,

they whisper to each other,

listening for signs,

of life.

Will the Creator be honored?

will there be a dawn of wholeness,

and peace?

hopeful,

they long to wake up,

their brothers and sisters,

and to see the restoration,

of all things.

But before the dawn, a storm,

cleansing,

from the poison,

of bad hearts.

And the ghosts still whisper,

in the deep fog.

 

 

 

Peace to everyone.

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

In the Valley

Shadows of giants, used to dwell here,

in the valley,

holding back the light,

ready, with long spears,

daggers,

dipped, with poison,

rejoicing in the gray, lurking.

But I told them,

this is my valley,

not yours, get out,

my soul will prosper.

I do not live in the mountains,

but the mountains live in me,

and I will be strengthened,

by the One,

who created me.

 

 

 

 

Peace to everyone.

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

The Waterfall

Where is my waterfall?

my soul made of sand,

searches,

with cactus bleeding.

Is there no relief?

no refreshing for me?

are You hiding,

behind the veil?

Your light is barely seen,

in the early morning, summer fog.

Do You hear me when I call out?

Then He said,

My son,

You have always had a waterfall,

you just didn’t believe it,

stretch out your hands,

and be refreshed.

Be at peace now.

Peace to everyone.

Poetry and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

“If you love nature, you will love people.”