A POEM FOR MOM

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday.

I am so glad that my mother is still alive, and this year I am more grateful for her presence in my life than ever before - still my mom, still my friend.

To honor her, and the blessed calling of motherhood, I am sharing a poem I wrote several years ago.

Hope you enjoy it!

A MOTHER

She carries you for nine months,

Then cares for you

Forever...

She watches out for you

when you are young,

Then watches over you

for a lifetime...

She holds you closely in her arms

for a while,

Then tightly in her heart

Always...

She is there through every change,

Then never changes 

herself...

She teaches you about life,

Then lets you leave home...

and live -

A mother is

every gift of God

wrapped up in one person -

Joy, Peace

Patience, Kindness, Goodness

Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control

And most of all...

Love.

Though I am no longer a child,

I will always be 

My mother's child

And that is comfort personified -

My mother is

A safe place to be

A soft place to fall

A refuge in every storm...

She calms the winds of life

And helps smooth

the paths

I have chosen to walk.

I have never questioned 

Her love

or her faithfulness,

My faith in her

has never faltered...

She is the sun

that rises every morning,

And the promise

of a new day.

She is

The keeper of secrets,

The spark

to my dreams,

The footsteps

that walk beside me -

She is the one

on the sidelines

who whispers quietly,

with hands

folded in prayer

and

tears in her eyes,

"Go...go...go,

I'm here."

She is 

The quiet heartbeat

that keeps time

with my own...

My mother is

My best friend,

The beacon

of my life...

My mother is home...

© Sharon Kirby

May 10, 2007

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!

What's a favorite memory or moment of yours with your mother?

Her children rise up
and call her
blessed. 

Thank you, Mom, for leading me to Jesus when I was young.

"Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.  And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, NLT)


And thank you, Mom, for always showing me how to follow Him.

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." (Proverbs 22:6, NLT)

**********

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you wonderful moms out there!!

**********

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, REFLECT LINKUP, US, COFFEE & JESUS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, ONE WORD COFFEE, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, GRACE AT HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, GROWING IN GRACE, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

AT THE RED SEA - A POEM

Ever feel like you're stuck?

Like you're in a season of life when nothing makes sense?

When hardships and struggles and fears threaten to overwhelm you?

And you just don't know what to do?

Yeah, me too.

Lately I've felt like I'm in a sort of *holding pattern* – trapped in an anxious and edgy state of mind, feeling all sorts of turbulent emotions, and seeing nowhere to turn and no way to escape.

So, as I was contemplating what to write about this week, I remembered a poem that I had written several years ago.

Ah, the search began.

I ventured down into the pile of unpacked boxes, cache of pack-rat treasures, storage room to look for my notebook full of poetry.

I'm happy to say that I located it right away – (you see, there is a method in my madness!)

I reread the poem, and realized that God once again used the words to speak to my heart, right now, right where I am.


You see, when I wrote the poem I was contemplating a decision.

And I just didn't know which way to turn – what to do, where to go – and I couldn't figure out when and how to do it, if I was even supposed to do it in the first place.

I thought of Moses and the Israelites, standing at the Red Sea.

Looking behind, all they could see was the quickly-approaching armies of Pharaoh.

Scary.

Looking ahead, all they could see was the impassable waters of the Red Sea.

Daunting.


Here's the scene in Scripture:

"The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh's army – all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops.  The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore…As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them.  They cried out to the LORD…" 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)


I can relate.

The sense of impending doom, the panic over the surrounding circumstances, the urgent cry to the Lord…

And the anxious waiting for Him to DO. SOMETHING. NOW.

Of course, we know how the story ends.

God did arrive, He did act, and He saved the Israelites – defeating the Egyptian forces in rather stunning fashion.

But there were *those* moments…

Moments on the shore, when doubts crept in and fear threatened to overtake the bravest of hearts.

Nervous moments of waiting.


I'm not facing a decision today, but I am facing life.

And lately, I have to admit, I've felt like Moses and the Israelites.

Trapped between a Pharaoh of fear and the daunting Red Sea of circumstances.

Waiting for God to show up and DO. SOMETHING. NOW.


So, I share this poem today, and hope that it brings encouragement to you.

For, no matter what we face, the Lord is indeed there with us.

Waiting to move…



AT THE RED SEA

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

I know You've led me
through troubles in the past,
But why, oh why
can't those victories last?

So here I am
hoping to rejoice,
For all I want
is to hear Your voice.

Just to know
which way to go,
Just for Your presence
within me to grow.

I want my heart
to follow Your will,
But Lord, I cannot
make myself still.

You know all I want
is just to obey,
To do only and everything
that You say.

So I wait for You
to appear at this sea,
To make Yourself known
to come here and calm me.

Speak to me, Lord
show me the way,
Lead me, guide me
hear me as I pray.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

Wait just a moment
What do I hear?
A rumbling, a tumbling
I feel God coming near.

There's an unmistakable
quaking in my heart,
I think the Red Sea
is about to part!

So I stand on the shore
and wait for dry land,
I wait for the arrival
of God's powerful hand.

I wait and I wait
and I wait some more,
And yet I'm still standing
on this daunting seashore.

Oh Lord, I say
as I fall to my knees,
Why aren't You answering
any of my pleas?

Then, miracle of miracles
my face in the sand,
I finally feel
the stirring of God's hand.

Oh yes, there is something
that God wants to move,
it's my desire to control
that He seeks to reprove.

I am the sea
that He wants to part,
The immovable obstacle
is within my heart.

Oh God, I am yielded
once again to Your will,
For You are the only One
who makes my heart still.

So shake me and shape me
for I want to obey,
And rest in the promise
that You know the way.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Marveling, grateful
that of course You see me!


© Sharon Kirby
March 26, 2010 (revised October, 2015)



Move me, Lord...

When I'm stuck
between a rock and a hard place,
God will lead me.
His rod and His staff
will comfort me.
And I will find my way
home. 

REMEMBER THE STORY AGAIN...


"They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?...'

But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid.  Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.  The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.  The LORD himself will fight for you.  Just stay calm.'

Then the LORD said to Moses, '...Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea.  Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.  And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites.  My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.  When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!'

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp.  The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.  The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night....

Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind.  The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.  So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

Then the Egyptians – all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers –chased them into the middle of the sea.  But just before dawn the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion.  He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive.  'Let's get out of here – away from these Israelites!' the Egyptians shouted. 'The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!'

When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, 'Raise your hand over the sea again.  Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.'  So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place.  The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers – the entire army of Pharaoh.  Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.

But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides.  That is how the LORD rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day." 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)



"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. 

God is in the midst of her...she will not be moved;
God will help her when the morning dawns.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. 

'Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.'

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]."

(From Psalm 46, AMP)



"'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'" 
(Isaiah 43:1-3, NLT)

"'Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.'" 
(Isaiah 43:19, KJV)

"'Be strong and courageous...It is the LORD who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.'" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, ESV)

"'...[For] lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:20, AMP)




If you're between *Pharaoh and the sea,* are you letting God move you?




Linked with:

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, SHARING HIS BEAUTY

(I'll be linking up with other blog hops next week!)



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

I MISS YOU, DAD

This week I will mark the one-year anniversary of my father's passing.

What a year.

It's interesting to me how God works.  How sometimes He prepares your heart for something in such a tangible way.  Sometime during 2012, I had a strong sense that Dad's days were numbered.

In some ways, it wasn't a huge revelation.  Dad was completely bent over, so thin and feeble.  And his mind was rapidly receding into a faraway place.  He'd had a couple of mini-strokes in the previous years, and his diabetes was taking its toll.

But still...

He was DAD.

He'd always been a large figure in my life.  Literally, at 6'3" and around 230 lbs., he was a LARGE figure!  I can remember how some of my friends were intimidated by him.

One funny story?

My dad's mother and father loved to travel.  And they brought home gifts. One year, they gave my dad a black silk robe.

Flash forward to one night when a couple of guys thought it would be "great fun" to drive up our steep driveway, ring our doorbell, and peal out.  Well, they drove up our driveway, skidded into a planter, and tore up quite a few plants that You-Know-Who had planted (Dad!)

The car's tires got stuck in the mud – spinning out of control with no traction.

Suddenly, Mr. Martial Arts himself flung open the front door!

At the same time, the car found ground, and backed up at 1,000 mph, sped down the driveway, and drag-raced down the street and out of sight.

Dad stormed out the front door and waved his fist at the departing hooligans.

Dad asked, but I never 'fessed up to who they were.

A few days later, one of the guys, a good friend, told me how very, very scared they had been!  I think they thought that Dad had earned his black belt!!  


I digress.

But this is just one of many stories when Dad's literal physical presence was such a comfort to me, such a steady source of security.  And it serves to convey how very difficult it was to see this Ivy League college graduate (who exempted all his finals), successful small business owner, one-time elder in the church, all-around BIG guy deteriorate.

And yet, as I look back, I think God was doing a merciful preparation in my heart.  I knew Dad was going…and soon.


A year ago, my dad took a terrible tumble out of bed.  

I was down visiting my parents, but somewhere else at the time.  And this day, my youngest son *just happened* to be working downstairs on a project in my dad's workshop.

I got a call from him.

"Mom, you'd better come here.  Papa fell out of bed and he's hurt really bad."

Well, yes.  He was.  Very bad.

I remember calling 911.  I remember the wailing sound of the ambulance in the distance.  I remember the unsettling and rather creepy feeling of knowing that it was coming for us.  I remember riding over to the hospital in the front seat of the ambulance.  I remember hearing Dad crying out in pain in the back.

I spent every day with him during his week in the hospital.

I went and saw him at the nursing/rehab place he was transferred to.

I got called late one night to come over.  My dad was thrashing and yelling and trying to get out of bed.  They thought that I might be able to console him.

I dashed over, settled him down, and rubbed his forehead and eyebrows until he went back to sleep.

Little did I know that these would be my last moments with him.


I was awakened at around 3:45 AM just a day and a half later, with these words:

"Is this Sharon, Mr. N's daughter?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, but he passed away."

The rest of the words are blurry.

I remember calling everyone in the family, waiting as everyone arrived at my parents' house.  Talking as we waited for my mother to wake up to break the news to her.  Her surprise at seeing all of us.  Me walking her back into her room to change out of her nightgown.

Watching her face begin to sense the truth.  

Hearing her words:

"Everyone's here.  That's nice.  Wait, did something happen to Dad?  Did he die?"

"Yes, Mom, he did.  It's going to be OK."

I held her.


These are just snippets from that time.  A time that came as a shock, but not a surprise.  You see, I feel that God had prepared me.  And when the moment finally arrived, I was upheld with a strength that could only have come from Him.

This week will mark the one-year anniversary of the day that my dad died. And yet, it really marks the day when he entered the presence of our Lord.

One year later, that makes all the difference!


I miss you, Dad, and I always will, until we meet again.


My poem for you, today.


I MISS YOU, DAD

Through life and death, I have seen it all
From the joy of celebration to the gray of death's pall,
And when the time came to say goodbye
There were moments when I wished that I could die.

For pain wounded sharp, with slashing blows
Bringing times when my hope was dashed so low,
Moments when the ache in my heart burned deep
Moments when the grief kept me from sleep.

But now a year later, I pause to recall
That your death wasn't death, not really at all,
For on that day when you left us behind
In truth our dear Lord was just being kind.

For He released you from the shell of decay
He brought you to Him on your homecoming day,
And though I will miss you every day that I live
I know there is a future that God has to give.

We will see each other once again I know
When in the Light of Heaven our faces glow,
And I will have joy, just as you do now
No more furrows will wrinkle my brow.

Freed by grace, enwrapped in love
One day I will join you in the sky above,
And then all my sorrow will fade and cease
For I will experience the depth of God's peace.

So until that day, Dad, I will hold you dear
And fight the battle against the power of fear,
For I know that there is something more to death
Than just the mere ending of earthly breath.

There is wonder when we reach Heaven's door
A beginning, a new start, and oh so much more,
For reality begins when we leave this land
Reality begins when God takes our hand.

Through life and death, I have seen it all
From the joy of celebration to the gray of death's pall,
But even though I've had to say goodbye
I know that truly, we will never die!


© Sharon Kirby
December 31, 2014

Do not grieve,
my dearest daughter.
We will meet
again! 

"My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion." (1 John 5:13, The Message)

"...in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead.  He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died...now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man...everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life." (1 Corinthians 15:20, 21, 22, NLT)

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, NLT)

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.  He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'  And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" (Revelation 21:3-5, ESV)


Here's the Truth that serves as the beginning and the end, the *bookends* of our HOPE:

"Jesus said, 'It is finished.'" (John 19:30, NIV)

"'It is done!  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.'" (Revelation 21:6)



How does the hope of Heaven bring peace to you today?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, UNFORCED RHYTHMS, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAY, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, UNITE, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, TELL HIS STORY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE AND CONVERSATION, SO MUCH AT HOME, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THRIVING THURSDAY, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, MISSIONAL WEEKEND, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, A GROUP LOOK, GRACE & TRUTH, STILL SATURDAY, SATURDAY SOIREE, WEEKEND BREW, RECOMMENDATION SATURDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HOMECOMING DAY - A Poem For My Dad

I originally wrote this poem when my grandfather died.  But, I really find it encouraging - so, I'm publishing it as I also think about my father's homecoming!


HOMECOMING DAY

Now the night is over,
Day has just begun,
Ushered into Heaven,
I am with the Blessed One.

Many have come before me,
Others have paved the way,
The angels sing His glory,
It’s my homecoming day!

To a mansion promised,
Where tears are forever gone,
Where light and love united,
Live eternally on and on.

All the past forgotten,
As a fog that’s swallowed up,
Pain destroyed, death defied –
I now drink from the Master’s cup.

I am here because of Him,
His selfless gift of grace,
And now for eternity,
I will gaze upon His face.

Glory be His shining robes,
Honor be His crown –
My spirit sings, my soul redeemed,
In His presence I bow down.

Now the world has passed from view,
The victory’s been won –
He says, “Well done my faithful servant,
Welcome home, my precious one.”


c. Sharon Kirby
March 1, 2002


Dear Dad,

I don't think words would ever be adequate to express my feelings at your passing.  It's one of those truly bittersweet moments in life.  I will miss you a great deal, but I celebrate that you are with Jesus and I will see you again!

As we prepare for your graveside service, these would be sad days indeed if not for the sure promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It's a wonder to me that He came to earth to rescue us – poor, lost sinners that we are.  He gives us a love and a grace and a mercy that sometimes makes no sense to me.  We certainly don't deserve it.  But oh, how grateful I am for a Savior who saw that we needed saving!

Dad, I hope you know that I think of you often.  Please know that you are never far from my heart, that you will live there every day until I see you again.  You were a great father, and I love you very much.

I'm going to picture you in the arms of Jesus.  Or maybe just walking along together, talking about this and that.  I can see you standing up straight, with that wonderful mind of yours restored to perfect functioning.  I see your smile. And it's a sweet, sweet picture indeed.


My deepest love,
               Your daughter forever,
                    Sharon



"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.  And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself.  Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.  I am overwhelmed at the thought!"  (Job 19:25-27)

"Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord."  (2 Corinthians 5:8)

"'It is finished!  I am the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End…All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.'"  (Revelation 21:6-7)

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever."  (Revelation 21:4)


I'm giving that a BIG AMEN!!


*What do you look forward to the most on your Homecoming Day?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SPECIAL FRIDAY FEATURE - FOR DAD

I have sad news, friends.

My father had a very bad fall on Monday afternoon, and he is in the hospital.

I would really appreciate your prayers for him, and for my mother.  And for myself and my siblings, as new decisions - difficult decisions - are being made.

To honor my dad, I'm reposting a poem that I wrote for him for Father's Day several years ago.

He's still my daddy, and I'll always be his little girl.


BIG SHOES

When I was small
I used to walk around
in his big shoes,
clumping through the house,
Playing, yes
but also proud of my daddy.

Strong and sure
Always there
to protect me -

Now that I have grown
It seems
that I have spent my life
Trying to follow
in his footsteps...
They are big shoes
to fill.

But he left a path behind
A character road
Footprints
of intelligence,
integrity,
honesty,
and fairness.

In following him
I have learned to be
a leader,
I have learned to be
a better person.

Through the years
some things have changed,
most have not.
I am still proud of my daddy
Strong and sure
Always there
To protect me -

And though his steps
are slowing,
They are still
worth following
And I do -

For I will always be
a young girl
Walking around
in his big shoes...

© Sharon Kirby,
 June 15, 2007


Dad, know that I have always loved you, and I always will!


"Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:2-3, NLT)


*What is one special memory you have of your father growing up?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

LIGHT AND SHADOW - A Poem

LIGHT AND SHADOW

The light and shadows play today
One moment sunny, the next moment gray,
The wind does its work, sculpting the air
One moment gloomy, the next moment fair.

It's much like the way it is with my life
One moment calm, the next moment strife,
I'm never quite sure how the wind will blow
One moment high, the next moment low.

Sometimes I wish the wind would cease
And bring me some quiet, bring me some peace,
But it continues to blow and blow and blow
Taking me where?  I just never know.

There must be a way to control the air
So that every day dawns sunny and fair,
There must be a way to control my life
So there never exists a day with strife.

But I have never found a way
To control what happens in the course of a day,
I do not know how to harness the wind
Nor how to alter a world filled with sin.

So each day I wonder what the wind will bring
Will I be crying, or will I sing,
Up and down I'm carried and blown
Twisted by forces completely unknown.

Oh, I am tired, and in much need of rest
I need a day when with peace I am blessed,
But where to turn, I cry out in pain
For after all, today it might rain.

Then a Voice so quiet, a Voice so still
A Voice that works outside my will,
Speaks to the wind a word of peace
And tells the storms, "No more, now cease."

The light and shadows will always play
One moment sunny, the next moment gray,
But the Voice does His work, sculpting the air
While always keeping me under His care.

Yes, that is the way it is with my life
One moment calm, the next moment strife,
But though I don't know how the wind will blow
The Light always leads me where I should go.

© Sharon Kirby
January 7, 2013

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 

"The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." (Psalm 19:8, NIV)

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." 
(Psalm 119:105, NLT)

"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." 
(Psalm 36:9, NIV)

"I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." 
(Isaiah 42:16, NIV)

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:5, NLT)

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." 

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"

(Isaiah 9:2 / Luke 2:9-11, NIV)

Glorious now behold Him arise,

King and God and Sacrifice.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

(Christmas Carol - We Three Kings)

How does the Light shine in your shadows?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS 


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

GOD IS SHAPING ME - A Poem

GOD IS SHAPING ME

God is shaping me
molding me
kneading me
pulling and tugging
at this old lump of clay –

I protest.

I don't like being
Stretched
and
Rearranged.

I find discomfort
in God's
powerful hands
as they work me over.

I spin
on His wheel
Dizzy
and
Disoriented –
He pushes a thumb
Here
and
There,
He pinches
and
Prods,
And sometimes
He starts
all over again.

I am
uncomfortable
with His work –

I like being
a lump of clay…

Why won't He,
Why can't He,
just leave me
Alone?


I don't like being
Passive
Submissive
to Him.

At least
He could let me
decide
Whether to be
A vase
or
A plate
or
A mug
or
A statue…

Couldn't He?

But the Lord knows
the shape
that I am to become –
He decides
the means for
the molding…
He keeps working
until
my resistance
Stills.

I surrender.

I allow
Him to do
the forming.

And slowly
And surely
My lumpy clay
begins
to take on
Character.

The Potter
leans over
and whispers
to me…

"You are My masterpiece."

© Sharon Kirby
January 8, 2013

The Potter spins the wheel, and I am molded to His will. 

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8, NIV) 

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)


Are you letting The Potter shape you?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HOMESICK

Yes, homesick.

Homesick for my old home – my old town, my old friends, my old church.

Homesick for my family.

It's been a rough couple of months.  Especially at the holidays.  Yes, I spent time with family and friends – but the time together made me even more acutely aware of the fact that I live away from them now.

There are activities that I know I would get to be part of if I was "still in town" – dinners, get-togethers, football games…

It's made me feel lonely and isolated – it's made me feel sad.

But it has also made me realize one very deep Truth…

I'm a foreigner.

You are too.

I suppose all of us in this country, unless we're Native Americans, are really just *imports*. Our ancestors came from another country. I'm one generation removed from my Scottish roots – (Aye, I'm just a wee lassie…call me McSharon). But, this isn't quite what I have in mind.

I'm talking about being foreigners on earth.

Because, you see, as believers we don't quite belong here.

Our home is somewhere else.

The Bible tells us that God has planted eternity in the human heart – and don't we just sense the truth of that? Doesn't your heart have a longing that you can't quite describe – and you can't quite fulfill – with anything or anyone or anywhere on this humble planet?

Don't you yearn for Heaven?

The blessed assurance is that we hope for a future that is promised – it's just waiting for us. Jesus told us that He went to prepare a place for us – and I believe it's the Truth!

And until that day, there will always be a part of us that doesn't belong here. There will always be a part of us that feels out-of-place. There will always be a part of us that lives like a sojourner in a foreign land…

But…(the glorious BUT!)…we have a future and a hope. We have a home just waiting for our return.

Listen to these wonderful words:

"'I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will resettle them…until there is no more room for them all. They will pass safely through the sea of distress, for the waves of the sea will be held back, and the waters of the Nile will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be crushed, and the rule of Egypt will end. By my power I will make my people strong, and by my authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" (Zechariah 10:10-12)


Though these verses originally spoke to another audience, I believe that we can apply them to our current situation. This pictured return from Egypt and Assyria can be a symbolic way of expressing the hope of our future return to our heavenly homeland, and to our eternity living in the presence of God.

We believers will be gathered and returned from many countries around the world. We will be emancipated from slavery to sin, freed from captivity – we will return to Heaven triumphant!

Here's what I think God is saying to us:

"I will bring you back from Earth and gather you from all the countries of the world. I will resettle you in heavenly mansions…until there is no more room for you all! You will pass safely through the sea of death, for the wages of sin will be held back, and the power of the enemy will dry up. The pride of Satan will be crushed, and the rule of his authority will end. By my power I will make my people strong, and by my authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the LORD, have spoken!"

WOW!

I like the sound of that, don't you?!

So, in many ways, this old world just isn't "home" is it?

A poem I wrote on that thought:


HOMESICK

We are strangers on a lonely planet
Sinful sojourners who don't belong,
Caught between the cross and glory
Our longings for home are deep and strong.

Ransomed from death by perfect Blood
Given the chance to be re-born,
And yet we live in a sinful world
Waiting for Heaven, our hearts are torn.

We are soldiers in an occupied land
Ruled by a prince with evil intent,
Striving to win against his deadly ways
We struggle along, crippled and bent.

Now torn in two, we're not comfortable here
Yet we hear the faint strains from above,
So we live by our faith and we patiently wait
To return to God's Presence and Love.

Yes, we are pilgrims on a lonely journey
Finding ourselves barely able to cope,
But never lose sight of the prize, of the goal
And the Savior who lives – the source of our hope.

© Sharon Kirby
September 21, 2002


Yes I am lonely.

Homesick for my old home – my old town, my old friends, my old church.

Homesick for my family.

However, I hold on to this one overriding HOPE…

I will have eternity to spend with my family and friends.

We will have ALL THE TIME we want in Heaven.  Whatever time apart we mourn now, will forever be wiped out in the glorious Home we will all share.

And we will never again have to say good-bye.

So, fellow sojourners, live like you don't belong here. Yearn for eternity. Walk the earth, but keep your eyes on Heaven. Remember with confidence the hope we have for the future.

One day we will return to our homeland – and we will be led in triumph by the LORD God Himself!

Saying Good-bye 

Hello Mountain Home! 

What is the one thing you're most looking forward to in Heaven?



Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY

Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY

Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY

Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Bonnie at  FAITH BARISTA
Pamela at A SHELTERING TREE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

TOUCH MY HANDS - A Poem

A poem - written from the perspective of the disciple Thomas:


TOUCH MY HANDS

Life seems so hard, so empty now
So often I feel lost,
Even though I'm one who followed you
And watched you pay the cost.

But then you died and left us
To find our way alone,
All your promises vanished
In a tomb, behind a stone.

I am also angry
Though rumors now abound,
They say that you have risen
But I know you're not around.

I guess I could be persuaded
If proof I could behold,
But should I put my faith alone
In words that I've been told?

We eleven sit together
And they are full of hope,
But I am battling emotions
So strong I can barely cope.

The doors are locked, I checked myself
Yet suddenly he is here,
A man who looks like Jesus
Who asks me to draw near.

I say, "It's me, it's Thomas
With questions, and full of doubt,
Are you who they say you are,
How will I ever find out?"

He speaks to me with patience
"Thomas, put your finger here,
Touch My hands, touch My side
Their message should be clear."

I am trembling as I draw close
I touch the wounds and know,
Indeed this is my Savior
I can feel His Spirit flow.

"Don't be faithless anymore,
Now that you perceive,
And bless those who without this sight
Still faithfully believe."

Oh Lord, we're so like Thomas
With questions, and full of doubt,
And yet we strive to keep our faith
While always seeking You out.

Because even today You speak to us
You listen to our demands,
And soothe away our questions
By saying, "Touch My hands."


- Sharon Kirby
© September 21, 2002



A doubting disciple named Thomas would not believe the Savior had risen until he could physically touch His hands. 

"I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side." 

Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, and this time Thomas was there. Jesus told Thomas to touch His wounds, and finished by saying, "Don't be faithless any longer. BELIEVE!"

Needless to say, Thomas did just that!

And then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."

You know what?! That's you and me He's talking about!! WE are the ones He calls blessed, because we believe with the eyes of faith. Because of the Holy Spirit, who is present with us at all times, God can be as real to us as His Son was to Thomas.

(read the story of Thomas in John 20:24-29)

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (Hebrews 11:1)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"