Quiet Time Rhymes

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.

January 1, 2024

I do my part, I work, I pray,
But know I’m not the one in charge
Of all the things that come my way,
Most moments small, but some loom large.

Sometimes events seem out of place.
I ask the Lord, “Is this Your plan?”
If up to me – rewind, erase.
Eventually I understand.

At times when going through a trial
It seems I’ve lost my way somehow.
The uphill climb will be worthwhile.
Lord give me strength I need for now.

My faith, dear Lord, is all I bring.
Your love provides the joy to sing.

December 31, 2023

Lord thank you for blessings I’ve known through the year,
Thank you for family and friends I hold dear.
I’m grateful for words I’ve been able to share
As a way to help others know Your love and care.

Thank you for others who help me to grow,
Provide words of wisdom that sparkle and glow,
Who lift and encourage on days when I’m down.
They’re building up treasure with jewels in their crown.

I’m grateful for places my words can be read,
For hearts that can listen and hear what is said.
I pray that the year brings new places to serve.
Lord help me stay active, not merely observe.

Lord help me to listen and hear what You say,
And follow Your footsteps as You lead the way.

December 30, 2023

As I look through the pages, the book of my life,
I can see all the blessings that God sent my way,
And also, those times that God helped me through strife.
I grateful dear Lord, help me cherish each day.

In life I’ve known good times, they outweigh the bad.
You’ve always been with me, You’re there in my heart.
I’ve cherished Your presence since I was a lad.
One day I’ll be with You, this body depart.

I’m grateful You’re with me, I follow, You lead,
Those times through the valleys and also the peaks.
You’re my light in the darkness, You know every need.
You give me the peace and the joy that I seek.

I pray as I share with the words that I write,
That others will see and be drawn to Your light.

December 24, 2023

It’s Sunday morning Christmas Eve
We celebrate a baby’s birth.
Eternal life if we believe
God sent His Son in love to earth.

A manger for a royal king,
A stable for the Son of God,
The shepherds heard the angels sing,
A humble birth where cattle trod.

Just as the prophets’ words foretold,
In Bethlehem, a star shown bright.
The story’s fresh and never old.
The angels sang that holy night.

For centuries year after year,
The story’s shared we love to hear.

December 24, 2023

It’s early morning Christmas Eve,
I lift a prayer for those who grieve.
I pray God’s everlasting love
Pours over them from up above.

As we remember Christmas Day,
God sent his gift of love our way.
We shed our tears, our cheeks are moist,
Yet lift our songs of praise, rejoice.

We miss the ones we loved who’ve passed,
But know they’re with the Lord at last.
God’s love and peace is all around,
Their joy is real and has no bounds.

I pray God’s love begins to heal
The hurt, the sadness some may feel.