Quiet Time Rhymes

January 17, 2024

What gifts do I have for the Master,
The kind that are not made of gold?
What gifts do I bring to the alter?
What gifts can I share from my soul?

What gifts am I sharing with others?
What gifts has the Lord given me?
Do I share them with sisters and brothers,
And share them with others I see?

Perhaps it’s my time I can offer.
Find something from God I can give.
Perhaps put my words in the coffer.
Perhaps it’s the life that I live.

I pray that the words and the deeds
I offer are meeting a need.

January 16, 2024

Although it’s bitter cold outside,
I pray my heart is warm inside.
I pray it’s never hard and cold,
Remaining soft as it grows old.

A tender heart, a soft refrain,
Leaves memories that long remain.
A gentle word will oft’ prevail
When harsher words at times will fail.

I pray I keep a softer tone,
A heart that never turns to stone,
Convey each day my love and care,
Through words I find to pen and share.

I pray your heart stays tender, warm,
When winter days bring cold and storm.

January 14, 2024

If my writing was eloquent, witty, profound,
But lacking in substance, how hollow the sound.
It’s the heart, and the soul, and the depth behind words
That makes them relatable, worthy, and heard.

I pray that I’m open to share what’s inside,
Searching my soul leaving nothing to hide.
I pray I find faith that I’m able to share,
A faith that is simple and plain without flair,

A trust in God’s love that sustains me each day,
A light through the darkness to show me the way,
A faith that grows stronger with each passing year.
This body will perish, my spirit, no fear.

My life here on earth will one day pass away,
But my spirit returns and with God I will stay.

January 11, 2024

I pray in the midst of the moments I live,
I take pauses to notice what others may need,
That I’m willing to listen and learn how to give,
Not silver and gold, but in words and in deeds.

I pray I can listen, discern with my heart,
Decipher the feelings not spoken with words.
It’s not about intellect, learning, or smarts
To be a good listener so others are heard.

I pray I sincerely and patiently hear
The heartfelt desires that others express,
The thoughts that they cherish, the things that are dear.
I just need to listen, there’s no need to press.

Lord keep my heart tender, not petrified stone,
By listening help others not feel so alone.

January 10, 2024

I pray that the words I find deep in my soul
Are meant to help others with no hint of pride.
For those who are hurting I pray they console.
I pray that God’s love can come in and abide.

I don’t know your condition, if happy or sad,
The peaks or the valleys that you’re going through,
Whether you’re smiling, or mellow, or mad.
Whatever your need, I lift this prayer for you.

May the Lord touch your heart, know His blessings today.
May your burdens be light as God carries the load.
May you see clearly as God lights the way,
No matter how long or how rough is your road.

I pray through it all you find joy in your heart,
And peace in your soul that will never depart.

January 7, 2024

Each day the sun rises, I start a new day,
Never knowing for sure all that’s coming my way.
I keep up my calendar, think I know best,
But know it’s for naught if my plans are not blessed.

I pray that my planning will always align
With the goal and the purpose, the Lord has in mind.
Lord help me to listen, discern what You say.
Help me to follow as You lead the way.

Lord You’re in control, may I write as You lead.
I pray I am faithful in planting a seed.
I pray that the words that I share as I pen
Will touch those who read them, perhaps a new friend.

A new day is dawning with morning’s first light,
I’m grateful You’ve blessed me with words that I write.

January 5, 2024

At the start of the year, I began something new.
Each week I’ll be sharing a poem or two
In a column with some of my thoughts jotted down
In the paper that’s read in my childhood hometown.

Cherokeean’s the paper, it’s older than me,
Weekly news of the county for others to see.
I’m excited for somewhere to share words of rhyme.
If others are touched it’s good use of my time.

The very first column was printed this week.
Sharing words in a column is not for the meek.
Some people who’ve known me my whole life will read.
I’ll just share from my heart, and I pray meet a need.

This adventure just started; I’ll give it my best.
A newspaper column I’d never have guessed.

January 5, 2024

It’s ordinary days in life,
Without appointments, hurry, strife,
That I have come to treasure most,
A day in neutral just to coast.

A time to read, reflect, and pray,
Jot down the thoughts that come my way,
A morning coffee in my hand,
Just plain and simple, nothing grand.

It’s during quiet times I’ve found
That simple words outweigh profound.
A gentle calm that’s deep inside
Is where my joy and peace reside.

A time alone, Lord fill my soul.
I rest in You. You make me whole.

January 4, 2024

Each day that I’m blessed with a few words of rhyme
To capture a thought that is metered and timed,
I’m always amazed that the words seem to flow.
They just seem to align as I’m penning each row.

I pray that the words bubble up from my heart.
A word or a phrase will emerge as I start,
Then others will follow until it is clear
I’m writing the heart words that I need to hear.

Once I have finished most days I will share.
Perhaps there are others in need unaware,
That others experience similar thoughts
Expressed by the words that I’ve captured and caught.

I pray that the words that I share meet a need.
I pray you are blessed as you ponder and read.

January 3, 2024

I leave another year behind.
I’ll cherish good times in my mind.
I’ll hold them tight in days ahead,
Cold winter nights I’ve come to dread.

Life comes with good and bad times too.
I much prefer the skies of blue,
But know the rain, the wind, the storm
Are all too often now the norm.

But through it all I’ll pen my rhymes,
Share words to get me through tough times.
Lord grant me peace throughout the night,
And help me share Your words of light.

I pray the words I pen each day
Help someone else along the way.