Easter – 2023

Low in the grave Christ lay, Jesus my Savior,

waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior, 

vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave Christ arose;

with a mighty triumph o’er his foes; 

he arose a victor from the dark domain, 

and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

-Robert Lowry

My Morning Walk

Here’s what I saw on this morning’s walk…
Snow!
Lots and lots of snow!
And deer!
Lots and lots of deer!
Dressed in the morning snow
Melting away into a white trailside cathedral
And birds!
Lots and lots of birds!
… a flicker, hugging a tree trunk
… downy woodpeckers, flitting about
… chickadees, darting from snowy twig to snowy twig
… a pileated woodpecker, the avian prize
And tracks!
Lots and lots of tracks!
Dog-like, but not a dog’s
A coyote! A gray ghost, ahead, watching, then trotting away.
And me!
… alone on the snowy path, but not alone
If you know what I mean
This is my Father’s world… 
If you know what I mean…

Sometimes There are Clouds

Sometimes there are none.

Sunny days. No shade. Cold winter nights.

Sometimes they are quite ordinary.

Sheets of gray. Nondescript. Hiding what’s behind.

Sometimes they provide interesting backdrops.

To enhance the ordinary.

Sometimes they bring what we need.

To fill creeks. To quench thirst. To water the earth.

Sometimes they’re a gift.

… If we pay attention…

To dazzle. To delight. To make us smile.

Today’s unexpected delight… Today’s gift.

Born for You – Christmas 2022

Infant holy, infant lowly

For His bed a cattle stall

Oxen lowing, little knowing

Christ, the child is Lord of all.

Swiftly winging, angels singing

Bells are ringing, tidings bringing

Christ, the child is Lord of all!

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping

Vigil till the morning new

Saw the glory, heard the story

Tidings of a gospel true

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow

Praises voicing greet the morrow

Christ, the child was born for you!

Christ, the child was born for you!

Today’s Christmas Gift!

Text:  Edith M. G. Reed, 1921