Emerging from the shell

Elbert

2010-09-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Elbert O Elbert
a mountain we did climb
seven men assaulted you
not in record time

What did you take from us
What did we find
What was the cost
We'll find out in time

They said it's a challenge
a Spiritual retreat
seven men seeking God
we all have sore feet

We came at you courageous
with determination and grit
for some the words linger
I could just quit

On the summit we celebrated
seven men now as one
each fought his own battle
a battle we all won

Elbert O Elbert
the tallest of all
seven men claiming victory
at the beginning of fall.

God and a Mountain

2010-09-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Seven men and a mountain
a Spiritual retreat
each on their own
a miraculous feat

driving all night
in a rickety van
waking up early
in a glorious land

towering above them
wind blown bare peaks
eating breakfast
at nine thousand feet

accommodations wonderful
a really great haus
settled in as strangers
after a brief roustabout

morning came early
we gathered our gear
running late for our date
let's get out of here

fifty miles thru the mountains
we rattled and shaked
arriving at the trail head
as the sun began to wake

with feet on the trail head
and gear on our backs
we started the challenge
there's no looking back

in the tall pines trees
we moved as a group
sticking together
a Spiritual soup

clearing the tree line
mountain taking its toll
a long rocky ridge
with a foreboding big knoll

that must be the summit
so what's the big deal
you said this adventure
would challenge our will

marching up the switch backs
to gain the rocky ridge
the foreboding big knob
got bigger than big

up and to the right
we assaulted that beast
each climbing fearlessly
nearing complete

we climbed and climbed
to the withering heights
the group stringing out
as each man began to fight

the mountain is winning
false summits more despair
it's looking more like
not all will get there

each man in a battle
a Spiritual test
to call on his Maker
O' what a mess

a whole lot of praying
obedience, dependence and trust
we filed to the summit
sat down and had lunch

we laughed we cried
filled the summit with cheer
quick take some pictures
we must get out of here

heading back down
the going is rough
each man in a battle
dependent on trust

all the way up
never thinking of down
the war half over
we must get back down

twilight coming on us
struggles abound
retreating down the mountain
to a whistling sound

the sound of a whistle
there's trouble, there's fear
if you pass out
you'll die up here

with help to stand upright
one inch at a time
the tree line grew closer
over a long long time

we regained our transport
much like at the top
one at a time
we fell in flop

back at the cabin
bruised beaten and sore
we fell in our beds
a big collective snore

morning did bring
solitude with the Man
as each gave Him thanks
while trying to understand

coming together
to share what He'd done
our noses all red
from the bright beating sun

God showed up on the mountain
to that there's no doubt
still feeling the effect
as I'm writing this out

the rest is just riding
shaking and rattling about
thoughts still lingering
and coming out of our mouths

The God of the Universe
showed us His stuff
with a mountain called Elbert
he ground us to dust.

In an act of great mercy
he sheltered us fine
putting together the piece
understanding in time

Seven men and a mountain
a Spiritual retreat
each on their own
a miraculous feat.

Richard. 2010

Discovering

2009-09-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

Two young lovers
intimate to be
out to discover
each other
and Thee

Set on an island
next to the sea
lost in the beauty
an Emerald in the sea

Towering rocks
formed from the deep
stair step to Heaven
right out of the sea

A path leading upwards
one step at a time
climbing and climbing
what discoveries they'll find

Two young lovers
one taking lead
trust has the other
the way it should be

caught in a picture
a moment in time
etched forever
in both of their minds

Two young lovers
intimate to be
out to discover
each other
and Thee.

Richard.

Heart felt words

2009-09-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

I look to You O' Lord
Follow Me is Your call.
I look to You O' Lord
To follow You I will fall

Touch me and give me strength
Renew me day by day
To You I look for everything
Lead me on Your way

Giver of Life
Lover of my soul
I can't wait for the consummation

I'm eager to go home
A place I've never seen
A place I've never known
Deep within me groans

A yearning to be with You
That's where I call Home
Until that day I look to You
I'll follow best I can
Depending on Your Grace for that
Always holding Your hand

What will consummation be like
How will that all play out
As long as it's with You my Lord
I don't have a single doubt

Glorious, Wonderful
Exciting to say the least
Words can't compare
The Glory there
At the Wedding Feast.

Richard

Mountains out of mole hills

2009-09-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Making mountains out of mole hills
That's what I've done
It all became clear
In the Colorado sun

Standing before me
A daunting task
The peak of Mt. Quandary
at the heart of the task

Looking for God
every step of the way
I continually kept asking
Why am I here today

What will You show me
am I here for them
the questions kep[t coming
all directed at Him

Higher and higher
I continued to climb
stopping to marvel
at His Grand design

being filled up
to take a few more steps
turning around again
to breath in His breath

Little by little
for much of the day
I slowly continually
made my way

The Summit was beautiful
The climb down was tough
all the time I kept asking
what's really up

Sleep was most welcomed
the pain set deep within
I woke to the question
I'd been asking of Him

What do You want to show me
Show me the way
I'm here and I'm listening
I've got all day

Later that afternoon
It all became clear
I'd been making mountains out of mole hill
for many many years

The mountain was daunting
a grueling task
but I'd made it up there
riding on His back

If He would take me to those heights
What do I have to fear
The mountains I'd made of mole hills
suddenly disappeared

I ride with more confidence than ever before
My strength been renewed in Him
I'm trusting Him more

Away from the mountain
I did take
a new sense of dependence
Thank You God for Your Grace
Mountains out of mole hills

Richard.

The Unseen Life

2009-05-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Christian life is lived by faith in the Lord, not by mastery of observable circumstances.

Are you focusing on the seen or the unseen?

A Redemptive March

2009-03-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

Dallas Willard The With God Life

Heart breaker

2009-02-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

Heart breaker heart breaker
what have you done
love taker love taker
go ahead and run

You left your love standing
in the front yard
heart broken crying
as you faded away

Heart breaker heart breaker
will you ever learn
what will it take
till your heart burns

Did His love change
in the mist of the trauma
does He still love you
with all of your drama

Heart breaker Heart breaker
what have you done
He gave His life
God's only Son

Nothing can get
between you and His love
it doesn't matter
whatever you've done

Richard.

Religion or Relationship

2009-02-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

religion offers heaven
freedom from pain disease
more money in your pocket
if you become like me

talk this way
dress like this
don't do nothing bad
if you do
you'll go to hell
and that would be just sad.

well that's just not working
that not what it says
that's not what I'm after
get that in your head

I'm looking for relationship
to know Him and be known
an all consuming love affair
not a shiny bigger home

a hand in hand
walk through life
and into the beyond
forever into Eternity
walking arm in arm.

Richard.

Psalm 139

2009-01-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

23. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

This is my prayer O' Lord. This is my hope, my rest, my joy.

Ideal Father

2008-12-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

pushing you on, speaking truth into your life

praying for you, Godly visions at night,

loving you, with God always insight

believing in you, seeing beyond your faults

to the greater things of God, stored deep within your heart..

being there for you, to catch you when you fall.

giving you the freedom, to share your deepest thoughts

exploring the answer with you, together seeking God

this is a parent's job, what could be better.

this is the challenge.

Who are you investing in, do you have five that you are casting visions of greatest in the service of God, believing in them, encouraging them, investing all you have in them.

What is your ideal father like, and how does that ideal compare with your ideal of God the Father? Are they the same? Does God the Father fall short of your ideal father?

Are you helping those you are fathering?

Richard.

Lead like Jesus

2008-12-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

Step 1. Engage your listeners and talk with them. Jesus was more than a talking head and you should be too.

Step 2. Tell stories. We refer to the stories Jesus told as parables. You can use these Bible stories or use stories from your own life or from materials you have studied. Your stories should reflect the patterns and relationships in life that we all understand.

Step 3. Use symbolism. Jesus used religious symbols like "the bread of life" that were familiar to his listeners. You can refer to symbols such as the cross of Christ or the Lord's Supper.

Step 4. Teach at an appropriate level. A lesson for fourth graders would be vastly different than one for a group of college-educated adults. Jesus tailored his message around what the listeners already understood.

Step 5. Build on what your listeners already believe. Jesus never attacked others for their beliefs. He used those beliefs as a basis to help them understand the truth he was teaching.

Step 6. Restate your message whenever necessary. Jesus was patient when he taught. He rephrased his teaching or used another story to make sure his lesson was being understood.

Step 7. Care about your students. To teach like Jesus you need to have a genuine love for your students. Jesus wanted his listeners to understand, to learn and to follow him.

What's the Gospel?

2008-12-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

The Gospel is the news that Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, died for our sins and rose again, eternally triumphant over all his enemies, so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe, but only everlasting joy.

That’s the gospel.

You Can't Outgrow the Gospel
You never, never, never outgrow your need for it. Don’t ever think of the gospel as, “That’s the way you get saved, and then you get strong by leaving it and doing something else.”

No! We are strengthened by God through the gospel every day, till the day we drop.

You never outgrow the need to preach to yourself the gospel.

How the Gospel Strengthens
Here’s an illustration, and I use it not because it’s any big deal to speak from my life, but because it’s what I walked through and where I most pointedly in the last year experienced the power of the gospel to make me strong. (Many of you are walking through things much heavier than prostate cancer—much heavier.)

Do you remember the verses that I shared with you back in February that were almighty for me? It was that moment right after the doctor says, “I think we need to do a biopsy,” when this stab of fear comes. It didn’t last long, mercifully.

And then came—what? 1Thessalonians 5:9-10. It’s just as pure gospel as you can get.

God has not destined you for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,who died for you so that whether you wake or sleep you will live with him.

Settled. Peace like a river.

The Gospel Is Perfect for Your Needs
That’s just gospel—perfectly timed, perfectly applied, perfectly suited to my need. That’s why the Bible is so thick—because there are so many different needs that you have. And there are suitable places where the gospel is unfolded for you, so that if you immerse yourself in the whole book, always with an eye for what Christ has wrought for you and purchased for you in this thick, glorious history of God’s interaction with people, he will give you what you need.

Therefore, everything in me says, and I hope to say until the day I die, “Now, to him who is able to strengthen me, according to Paul’s gospel, to him—to that God—be glory forever and ever.”

God came into history in Jesus Christ; he died in order to destroy the power of hell and death and Satan and sin; and he did it through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thanks John P.

FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 [CHRISTMAS VERSION]

2008-12-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals
and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return;
but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things, and
endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust;
but giving the gift of love will endure.

Author: Sharon Jaynes
Taken from Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas

Steve Harvey introducing Jesus

2008-12-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

loneliness

2008-11-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

loneliness consumes me
lying next to you in bed
no connection with you
marriage feels like died
images of oneness
enter in my head
sadness overcomes me
lying next to you in bed

Richard.

The Bible

2008-11-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

For me, the Bible has become fodder, manna from Heaven if you will. Daily food that puts my focus on Jesus. It's not a study of theology, or an exercise in memorization, it's a longing for the Spirit to speak, to illuminate treasures of truth, in a new light that's speaks to the struggles and triumphs of this journey he is guiding me on, as I am transformed into His likeness. I don't read because I have to, I read because I long too, I long to see the face of my Lord and Savior, not that He is contained in the pages of the book, but because they are His words of Love to me. From cover to cover every thought, every theme, every book points to the One, Triune God and His passion for His lost Love.

If there is a Standard in my life, it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Counselor and Comforter. The Bible is just one of the tools He uses as I am molded into a new creation.

Richard.

Money as Debt

2008-10-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Adulterer and a Savior

2008-10-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Writing in the dust was His response
the way He handled their demands
caught red handed she was
judgment was not in their plan

Let the sinless cast the stone
stoning death the law demands
one by one they left
while He was writing in the sand

Where are your accusers
where have they all gone.
no one left to accuse her
sin has sent them on

Neither did He accuse her
go and sin no more
This is what He told her
opening a strange new door

Writing with His finger
words wrote in the dust
what profound mean
written in the dust

Richard.

The Bread of Life

2008-10-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

in the physical, we look for content

the food, the drink, the life divine

we consume we survive

but are never full are never alive

we settle for crumbs

believe we're eat high

all the time missing

The Body, the Bread

The Blood, the Wine

We think of thing from a physical reality, we live a physical life, it's all we know. We have to eat to continue to live, we have to drink or we die, we have to breath oxygen or we die. This is our reality, but isn't there more than just this physical, this touch, feel, see, hear, smell world.

They brought food for Jesus to eat, at Jacob's well, but he stated he had other food. He stated that His food was to do the will of the Father. That's not food as we or they know it.

At another time, Jesus feeds a multitude with only a few loaves and a couple of fish. Later He confronts them, telling them don't work for food that disappears, but for food that's remains to eternal Life. Food which He gives. They ask, what does God require for this food. He replied that they need only believe that God sent Him. They ask for a sign like the manna from Heaven in Moses' time. He says, "I am the Bread from Heaven" There is food to eat that we know nothing about, even those of us who profess His Name. We see in part, there is a veil, this very physical reality, that blinds us from a whole other life. A life so much different than this one, this is only a glimpse, a fragment, just a whiff. Seek the Food that gives Eternal Life. That's where you'll be spending the majority of your time anyway. :)

Richard.

Zechariah 7: 9,10

2008-10-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.

Help me Lord, only by Your power and Your strength, through Your Holy Spirit do I stand a chance. Help me Lord.

Thank You, Jesus for entering the Temple of my Soul, the Holy of Holies, the new temple built for You. You are the only One who doesn't need a rope tied around Your ankle to enter the Holy of Holies. You are my Priest, my Brother, my Friend, my Love, my Savior, my Lord. In You I place all my trust and hope.

Richard.

What I See

2008-09-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Do you see what I see

as I look at myself

the pain

the loneliness

being put on a shelf

the desire,

the need

for physical touch

the wanting to be wanted

the meaningful stuff

the Spirit alive

guiding me along

the Joy

the Hope

the Love light on

the frustration I feel

the struggle inside

what do you see

when you look in my eye

that's what I see when I look at myself

am I deceived or just being myself

Richard.

God died in 68

2008-07-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

God die in 1968

the only god I knew

laying on the floor

lifeless

to be no more

A mountain of a man

protector

ruler of the land

in his arms

I was safe

in his presence

protection placed

O' what a happy face

God died in 68.

his passing brought chaos

life changed

all was lost

lack of his guidance

calamity came

life destroyed

never the same

God died in 1968

Miss you Grandpa!

Richard.

What it takes!

2008-07-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

It is those, who enter the door and plunge head first into the vastness that is the Holy God, without reservation or hesitation, consumed by Love and Grace. It is those who wade out into the Ocean that is God and let themselves be swept away by His mighty current, into the deep depths, unaware of depths, embracing God on every side, they see nothing else but Jesus, unaware of the vast distance back to shore, knowing only of the Holiness of God. It is those who abandon everything completely, to follow, never turning back, never looking back, focused on the Shepherd, only hearing His voice and responding with Joy, and Life. Those are the ones that draw people to the Cross, those are the warriors in sweet surrender to the King. The Light shining bright for all to see.

Richard.

God in the backyard

2008-06-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

encountered God in the back
a bird, a lawnmower, a hack
mowing the yard, clean up a mess
a young bird fallen from its nest
parent squawking, frantic tone
calling out, to its own
little birdie doesn't fly
sits there mouth opened wide
finished with the task at hand
now it's time the mowing began
cautiously mowing a place
to shew the little one safe
don't know when don't know how
little birdie could not be found
heard His voice speak to me
I've taken care of little bird tweet
that's my job it's what I do
thanks but I'm much better than you
O' yes I love you more than a bird
but your helping me is absurd
you've taken it upon yourself
to save the little bird and who else
I've asked you to follow me
to be a light for all to see
I've not equipped you to be Me
let the little birdies be.

Spirit

2008-06-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

Spirit breed
Spirit conceived
Spirit became like you and me
Spirit grew, became a man
Spirit walked into the land
Spirit talked authoritively
Spirit lead many by the sea
Spirit challenged the thought of the day
Spirit hated for claiming that way
Spirit betrayed and lead away
Spirit tried found not guilty
Spirit beaten without pity
Spirit nailed to a tree
Spirit died for you and me
Spirit rose from death's resting place
Spirit moved all over the place
Spirit came to live inside
Spirit came has helper and guide
Spirit here and in control
Spirit the only way to be whole
God is Spirit so the bible say
In Spirit and Truth I lay my head.

Richard.

Born again

2008-06-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

your dead soul resurrected
new life begins to beat
from total darkness brought forth
to Light Holy sweet

being born a second time
from within the womb of death
to Life forever after
painfully we pass

the moment of death to life
glorious it maybe
ever fleeting physical
to Spiritual you will be

Richard.

Believing heart

2008-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

A believing heart passionately prays
never giving up, persisting in the pain
beating on the door, knuckles bloody
desire for God to move, hope grows
anticipating nothing, expecting everything
panting, parched, desperate, sure, unrelenting

facing the unknown, hand in Hand
confident in what we can not see
boldly we knock for three loaves
not one, not two, but three.
waiting eagerly in humble embrace
the bushes rustle we look for a face

A believing heart knows, trusting all
accepting nothing less than all He is.
all He gave, all He gives, all He has
reaping where he did not sow
gathering where he did not reap
Grace so amazing, Grace so sweet.

Richard.

Why me?

2008-05-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

You're asking the wrong questions
what else can I say
You're asking the wrong questions
look at it this way

the ark was about to fall
the cart tipped in the mud
a hand reached out to stop it
death to the one who touched

You're asking the wrong questions
what else can I say
You're asking the wrong questions
look at it this way

their blood mixed with the sacrifice
a tower tumbled and fell
seeking an understanding
with what eyes do tell

You're asking the wrong questions
what else can I say
You're asking the wrong questions
look at it this way.

Richard.

East of Eden

2008-05-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

We live east of Eden
in a dry and barren place
wanting to re-enter
flaming swords await
angels guard the gate

dry, barren wasteland
full of pain and strife
not what was intended
who can make it right
we suffer in our plight

coming forth from Judah
born of David's son
the path back to Eden
the journey has begun
God sent His only Son

the journey back
has been laid out
it's plain for all to see
He gave at great loss
was nailed to a cross

rising east of Eden
brighter than the sun
coming on the clouds
the new world has begun
living east of Eden.

Richard.

The Ring

2008-04-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

I saw a ring laying there, and while picking it up, I noticed the inscription said: “True Love Waits”. Wow, I thought what a statement, it captured me, I felt the Spirit of God leading me by this simple yet profound statement.

At once my thoughts went to God and to Scripture that tells of this and what the meaning of that statement says to me. How the Father waited for the return of his son and the depths of a love that is expressed in that story. And personally of how my own parents waited, praying for decades for my salvations and to be used by God. At my Baptism, just a couple of months after Jesus became Lord and Master of my life. My dad, in the pool with me, helping baptize me, said, son this is 20 some years of prayers answered. That blew me away. Wow

True Love Waits, no matter what the trails or joys life brings. Even has a son stumbles through life, lost, with little hope. Parents wait praying, patiently, waiting, never turning away, never forcing their wants. What devotion, what love that spoke to me.

Working that statement further, I could see how this is expressed or not expressed in marriage. I think of my own marriage and how God has moved me from lusting after my wife, with a self-centered passion to please my own sexual desires, to a place where just having sex with her is no longer desirable, is no longer acceptable. Don’t get me wrong here. I long to express true love to her, love that is centered on her needs, not my desires. I have an ache deep down in my soul that’s driving me to pursue my wife. Treasuring her as God does. True Love Waits. Even in the bedroom.

Then taking this further into my life, working it into other areas. I think of the opportunities with my children, and how if I truly love them how I am to wait. And I can tell you that, that has offered some of the greatest challenges most of which have been before I knew Christ. But since Christ came into my life, I’ve had children come to the Lord and also walk away from the Lord. I’ve make some mistakes both coming and going. But, I’ve learned that True Love Waits.

This ring, this statement on the ring, was introduce to young people, to guide them as they struggled in a world where everything is driven by sex. To help them remember, to wait till marriage and true love before having sex. But this statement has now penetrated so deeply into soul. It talks to me about my relationship with God and His relationship with me. How He does wait, how I should wait. Keep this. Work it into the very fabric of your life. True Love Waits. True Love Waits.

Richard.

Fifty years

2008-04-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Fifty years been hanging around
ran over, raped, hid underground
stayed hidden all but a few
does fifty years seem long to you

Fifty years been walking this earth
fell on my face tasted the dirt
what's on the inside isn't what you see
there so much more to little old me

Fifty years been playing in the mud
wallowing in the filth, feces, blood
never experiencing His Grace and Love
yet, always protected by Him from above

Fifty years been hanging around
most of it lying shackled and bound
shame and contempt horrible sight
that's all changed by God's Love Light

Fifty years been breathing this air
resurrected to life, learning to share
past behind me where it should be
looking ahead to Great Company

Fifty years has gone by quick
won't change a thing letting it stick
Love came to town set up shop
thank you Lord Jesus that's all I got

Richard

Before

2008-04-16T15:51:00.001-07:00

I heard You calling
waiting to come in
there were idols erected
where You should have been

my soul is in a shamble
my body a wreck
my spirit held captive
O' what a mess.

Not knowing what I was doing
somehow struggling to the door
You came in resurrecting life
where death was only before.

clearing out the temple
of yesterdays no more
You rearrange my inner world
of right standing restored.

I needed rescue, rescued from myself
restored to what You intended
restored unto Yourself
Rivers of Life ever flowing

Richard.

Someday

2008-04-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Someday I'll walk this ground no more
freed from this body to rise and soar
into the arms of Jesus forevermore

leaving behind the pain and strife
death's bitter taste turned to delight
on that day when the lights go dim
I'll pass thru the door to be with Him

about that day I will not fuss
when ever it happens is good enough
for in my heart I have the hope
sealed forever by the Holy Ghost

into His Kingdom I will be
to reign with Him forever in eternity.
Come Lord Jesus or call me home
I just can't wait to see Your throne.

Richard.

Washed by the Water

2008-04-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

washed by the water
when the rain is falling
washed by the water
as the river swells
washed by the water
when storms are brewing
washed by the water
standing by the well.

washed by the water
held by your love
washed by the water
showered from above
washed by the water
seeking Your face
washed by the water
sweet saving Grace.

Richard.

My Hope

2008-03-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Where does your dependence lie
on money that you've piled high
on the insurance that they say to buy
on the doctors that reads your chart
do my words pierce your heart.

Is it for your comfort that you strive
to live in peace and never cry
to have enough to get you by
to pile up enough not to worry
do my words make you squirmy

Where does your hope rest
is it in two nail scarred hands
is it in a body pierced
is it found at the foot of a blood soak stake
Am I making my point, changing you fate.

Don't trust in yourself to make it right
your just in for one big fight
trust in the One who's been through it
who's got the scars and stripes to prove it
the Lord of Host, the King of Kings
the One called Jesus, my only King.

Richard.

Fix Me God

2008-03-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

I seek Your face, I call Your name

but nothing seems to ever change

like a giant vending machine

I insert my prayer

I pull the handle

there's nothing there.

Again and again I fall on my face.

I call Your name, I seek Your grace

You're suppose to serve me, isn't that right

I desperately need You to fix my life

I'm not happy

things aren't right

not in my sight.

Where have You gone

You won't answer me

I try and I try

I plead and I plead

isn't it really all about me

please help me

I'm in desperate need.

I seek Your face, I call Your name

but nothing seems to ever change

like a giant vending machine

I insert my prayer

I pull the handle

there's nothing there.

Richard.

Jesus our King

2008-03-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

Eternal embrace
cheek to cheek
face to face
the grip of Your hug
the purest of Love
always in Your sight
in Your arms
I delight

What joy is found
eternity bound
with You in front
leading onward
forever to reign
You as our King
leading us
in glorious abandon

Droves upon droves
moving forward we go
together singing harmony
Jesus our King
Jesus our King

Be coming one
with the Father and Son
forever we praise
and adorn You
Jesus our King
Jesus our King

Richard.

Praise Him

2008-03-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Holy is the Lord Almighty

Majestic is His Name

Holy is the Lord Almighty

Raise your voices

Praise His Name

Shout out to the Heaven

All who walk the earth

Lift up your voices

Sing praise to Him

in Him place all your worth

Holy is the Lord Almighty

Majestic is His Name

Holy is the Lord Almighty

Raise your voices

Praise His Name

Shout out to the Heaven

All who walk the earth

Lift up your voices

Sing praise to Him

in Him place all your worth

Richard.

Extravagant Lover

2008-03-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

You pursue me relentlessly
effortlessly You over take me
like quarry in Your eyes
with Love in very stride
I fall in to Your grip
irrationally I know
You'll never let me go
I'm Yours to have and hold
consume me

extravagantly you laid me bare
exposing the things I held so dear
for You they depart painfully
those idols of my heart
standing nevermore
I'm Yours completely
eagerly I take You in
standing where there once was others
my Lord, my Life
my extravagant Lover

Richard.

What is the Gospel

2008-03-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

God became man
moved into the hood
died on a stake
like He said He would
took His place
among the dead
behind a stone
they made His bed
three days passed
He rose to life
appearing to men
and women alike
taking His place
at His Father's side
He sent the Comforter
to live inside
to reveal His nature
to poke and pry
to help you see
what's hidden inside
the good news is
it happens today
to lost and weary sinners
who can't find their way

Thank You Jesus.

Richard.

Light of Love's calling

2008-03-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

out of sin He called you
from slavery you were saved
out of the darkness
you came crawling
into the Light of Love's calling

in the Light you discovered
discovered how wretched you've been
showing you the depths of your depravity
He leads you to the Cross again
into the Light of Love's calling

by a new name He calls you
your life it isn't the same
by this new name He calls you
as He leads you on your way
into the Light of Love's calling

everyday is a new day
showered by torrents of Grace
full of praise and adoration
I'm dancing all over the place
into the Light of Love's calling.

Richard

He ran

2008-03-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

He ran to me, wretched sinner that I am
picked up me, held me in His hand
snatched me up and swung me around
"Quickly" He said, "Bring my best gown"

He ran to me, the God of Creation
picking me up, a huge celebration
holding me tight, fingers in my hair
putting His ring on my finger
right then and there.

He ran to me, my Father in Heaven
from very far off, he detected me
to Him I was crawling, down on my knees
I saw Him running, He's faster than fast
"Quickly"He said, "Kill that calf"

He ran to me.

Richard.

Dualality

2008-03-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Battle rages
knee deep in the struggle
all the time standing watching
no longer in the rubble.

feeling the blows
like never before
stammering, staggering
not falling to the floor.

responding in love
is the way it will be
it's getting easier
even I can see.

it's not numbing out
you still feel it
but it's not you now
your no longer in it.

it's Christ you see
your feeling His pain
He living inside
He doing His thing.

so learn to enjoy
take the free ride
follow the Spirit
wow, what a ride.

Richard.

Rambling of the heart

2008-03-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

seems to be taking a downhill slide
should bring a tear to my eye
things that you said
stuck in my head
feelings of love
now fading
dead

know what to do
not how to do it
don't think there's anything left
tried and tried
tired inside
everything coming
back dead

this is the way
the way it is now
path to be taken
not knowing
there's nothing to do
keep trusting in You
knowing You're taking me somewhere

to Your chest I turn
pressing hard against it
face buried deep
in Your bosom
Like an infant I cry
You're holding on tight
speaking words of comfort
to me
through the night

hold me like this
I might get sick
the battle is brutally waging
the world's just not right
what a terrible sight
the blood and the souls being battered

in You I rest
for you are the best
You're my conquering hero
the battle's been won
wonderfully done

Richard.

The Eye

2008-02-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

O' lamp of the body
how you do shine
the key to your treasure
in it I find.

Between to parables
there lies the key
one eye is healthy
the other diseased.

What do you look to
money and wealth
is the seeds of greediness
at the bottom of your well.

Can you find joy
when God shows His Grace
is your eye health
looking in the right place.

The key to your joy
is in what you marvel
the evidence is in the eye
does this seem garbled.

Is your eye health
a light shining bright
do you stand in awe and wonder
and marvel at the sight.

Is your eye diseased
full of darkness, and greed
envious that He could be
generous to me.

O' lamp of the body
how you do shine
the key to your treasure
in it I find.

Richard.

Too few harvest hands

2008-02-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

In silence running
slowly beneath the waves
life carried on not knowing
searching throughout the day.

souls close never knowing
so many too many the pain
biting deep it drives me
searching in the rain.

such tragedy and longing
setting in a car
longing for the Master
ever close yet so far

sure to spend eternity
a Christless life to be.
searching ever striving
a soul in desperate need.

In petition ever praying
lost souls lifted up
I cry out to the Master
send help there's not enough

Richard.

Awaiting

2008-02-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

We stand at Heaven's Gate
a new day breaking through
in awe and wonder we delight
at what the Lord will do.

A new day is upon us
to this we can attest
the Lord is coming for us
to take us to His Rest.

A last the new day's dawning
the coming Son of Man
we'll be with Him forever
on this I make my stand.

Glory to the Son of God
give worship, and give praise
the Alpha and Omega
we're in the last of days.

We stand at Heaven's Gate
a new day breaking through
in awe and wonder we delight
at what the Lord will do.

Richard

Tug of War

2008-02-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

Spirit at peace

Body at war

Soul in the middle

A grand Tug of war

Two doors opened

One on either side

Soul's in the middle

Must chose sides.

One gives life

One brings death

Soul's in the middle

In much need of rest

The war rages on

Each day that I wake

Spirit, Soul, & Body

There's never a break.

Victories are won

Claimed by both sides

Some bring me joy

Some make me cry.

Spirit at peace

Body at war

Soul in the middle

A grand Tug of war

Richard.

Who's Calvin?

2008-02-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

Someone called me a Calvinist,
To them I did reply.

What is a Calvinist,
Is that a hit in the eye?

Can you believe they said that.
A Calvinist indeed.

What is a Calvinist.
Tell me, if you Please.

Who is this guy, Calvin
What does he believe.

Someone please tell me,
In case I just might be.

It has to do with a flower.
That's all you need to know.

TULIP is the answer.
But, then where does it go.

Richard.

Monsters

2008-02-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

The monster is gone.

He's lying there dead.

but, that doesn't get him,

out of your head.

The damage he cause

the things that he did.

still haunt the halls,

down deep in your head.

He suffered, he squirmed,

a painful death indeed.

but, that's no justification.

for the acts of his deeds.

Now that he's gone,

What's there to do,

Suffer in silence,

like so many do.

Could it be,

the powers in me.

The power that's

found in forgiveness.

For, forgiveness you see,

isn't for the monster, the deeds.

it's for the ones that gives it.

The giving, you see, sets you free.

Richard.

Thorns & Limps

2008-01-31T05:59:00.000-08:00

What do you want, taken away,
What is it that He can do, for you today.
What thorn is stabbing your flesh,
What is it that gives you no rest.

Is it a thorn like Paul's, a Jacob type limp,
Has God mined, with you, the truth,
So as, you know what is meant.
Is it something that holding you powerless.

Have you asked Him to take it away.
Did He tell you, that it's here to stay.
Does this bother you, deep down inside.
Then look to Gethsemane, there you'll find.

He had a cup, only He could bear.
He ask that it be take, then and there.
Not by my will, but by Your's be done.
Guess what God told His only Son.

What do you want taken away.
What would make you happy, today.
Is it about His will, or your happiness.
Or, is what's troubling you, pure blessedness.

Count it a blessing, friends, for this is what it is.
A black velvet backdrop, created just for him.
He is like a diamond, shining bright as clear.
Against a black backdrop, O so very more clear.

Richard.

A break from the Poetry

2008-01-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

I've been musing in rhyme for a very long time, so I thought a change of pace would be nice. I have discovered that I'm very distrustful toward everyone, I don't like being in crowds of people, I do enjoy company, but I feel alone most of the time. Even those I think I trust, I am finding that I don't trust them, not really. All of which, leads me to ponder: How much do I trust God?

It's easy to mistrust men, we are all evil, when I say evil, I mean, we all have our own interest at heart, whether we will admit it or not, our motives can be found wanting. God on the other hand, is not evil. But, do I trust Him completely. I will tell you I do, but does my actions, speak the same language? I may never really know, I am very hard on myself, leftover stains of years of self-contempt have clouded my vision. It is extremely hard to quantify spiritual matters, we are to worship in Spirit, pray in Spirit, and walk in Spirit, that doesn't look anything like what people consider to be worship, praying, or walking. Jesus tells the women at the well, that the time has come for a change, the Father is looking for people to worship in the Spirit and the Truth. The ramifications of that statement for me is: religion and religious acts are throw completely out the window. Am I wrong. The text reads:

Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you people say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem."
Joh 4:21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
Joh 4:22 You people worship what you do not know. We worship what we know, because salvation is from the Jews.
Joh 4:23 But a time is coming — and now is here — when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such people to be his worshipers.
Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." NET

So to quantify my Spiritual walk in the terms of man's traditions seems a bit of a folly. Jesus does states that "they" will know you are His disciples by having love for one another. Do I love God and others?

I spent years in bondage to shame and self-contempt, trapped in a shell of self-protection, I wouldn't allow anyone to get inside. I was determined never to feel the pain of betrayal, abandonment, and abuse, of any kind, ever again. The sad thing about building a fortress is that, although, nothing can get in, nothing can get out either. Trapped inside this shell was a lonely and desperate place. Searching blindly for something I could not describe, lead to years of addictive behaviors. For me, it was sex, and drugs. To say, those years were pain free, would be the biggest lie very told. For me, love and intimacy equaled sex. If you loved me you wanted to have sex with me, if I loved you I want to have sex with you. (one of the byproduct of being sexually assaulted at 6 years of age) So, coming out of the shell, I had, and to some degree still have, a inability to love and or be loved. I am learning to love, slowly, God is teaching what it means to be loved and from that I am learning to love God and others. The song lyrics: "Love hurts" is so very true. It is becoming more apparent that the issue is trust. I still do not want to be hurt. Although, God is showing that, that pain, is not as bad as the pain of the years in the shell. He is also showing me that to love and be loved, I can't hide my heart behind any protective barriers, so pain is inevitable. Knowing that "man" is going to hurt me, intentionally or not, is a hard one to sallow. I can trust that man is going to hurt me, so I am inclined to protect myself. But, who am I now living for? Is it myself or am I living for God. If I am living for God then, do I trust Him to see me thru all the pain and strife in this world, counting it as blessing to suffer and be able to love? I would say that is that is the easiest and hardest thing to do. I know God would never hurt me, I know that God wants me to reach out to my fellow man and show His love.

It happened, not to long ago, I found myself hurting badly over something that happened, with someone I love. The hurt was staggering, I literally was unable to cope with daily tasks, for a week I was lost and staggering through life. Then God gave me a vision, a vision of my relationship with Him, and how it was more important than any other relationship or circumstance in this life. He brought me back to what's most important, Him. First things first, then all else is but nothing, for He will and does take care of the second things. Wow, I came away from that stronger than ever before in my life, stronger in my spirit, stronger in this new life, stronger in my conviction to keep my heart exposed and to welcome love, and let love flow, and less fearful of pain. I walked away from something that years ago would have been a death blow, feeling hurt, but not dead. I not only survived that, but God showed me I could withstand anything, trusting in Him to see me thru.

I am I loving and trusting more? I'm not going to worry about that, I going to trust that He is in control and is leading me in His ways.

Richard.

The New Day

2008-01-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

The breaking of a new dawn,
the coming of a new day.
hearts waiting impatiently
birth pains are here to stay.

We stand on the edge of eternity.
the new day unfolding before us.
for an imagination wild and free.
the possibilities are enormous.

Frightened, anxious, scared and excited.
only by faith is sanity provided.
there's no hiding or running away.
for all will see the dawn of the new day.

For some it's just a fantasy,
for others a dark reality.
For some a coming blessed event.
for others eternal confinement.

The earth is shaking, ready for a change.
the star and constellations, eager just the same.
the sun will burn out, the moon will fade away.
All will see the coming of the new day.

Richard.

The I's have it!

2008-01-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

I must have, if I am to fly.
I must have, or else I'll die.
I must have, to rise above.
I must have, if I'm to love.

I may have, it's Your will.
I may have, You died on a hill.
I may have, You want me to grow.
I may have, You told me so.

I will have, You gave Your life.
I will have, You made it my right.
I will have, I want You, too.
I will have, all because of You.

I shall have, You paved the way.
I shall have, more of You everyday.
I shall have, I will boldly say.
I shall have, You're here to stay.

Richard.

For the Critics

2008-01-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

Written off as apostate,

cause I don't believe like you do.

Won't be going' to heaven,

if it's left up to you.

The yoke you give is heavy laden.

That's not what's suppose to be.

The Bible says His is easy,

heavy laden burden free.

Written off as apostate

cause I don't believe like you do.

I will be going to Heaven,

cause, Thank God it's not up to you.

Richard.

Heart's desire

2008-01-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

To know You more, my heart does ache.
To hear Your voice, to see Your face.
This thirst I have, it can't be quench.
Not with folly or pretense.

There's only one thing, my heart desires.
To be in Your Arms, my heart on fire.
Theology for the heart, not the head.
In this, is were I'll make my bed.

To You alone I give my love,
for me there is no other.
To feel Your embrace, to kiss your face.
To lie down in Your resting place.

My heart, it thirst, it pants, it hungers.
With a pain that's so delightful.
The more I get, the more I want
You are my heart's desire.

Richard.

Be a Sheep

2007-12-24T05:33:00.000-08:00

What does it mean to be a sheep.
Why would our Lord use that reference.

What did He know, was He trying to show,
this is the way that He sees us.

It's funny you see, I firmly believe.
There's very little difference
between a sheep and me.

Richard.

I am a Sailboat

2007-12-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

I'm a sailboat, can't you see.
Designed very extravagantly.
Crafted to bring, just pleasure to One.
I'm a sailboat, let's have some fun.

My anchor's been raised.
I'm off, on my way.
Wherever it is,
You take me today.

I'm a sailboat can't you see.
Design with a purpose,
Crafted to be,
whatever it is,
He desires of me.
I'm a sailboat, made to run.
I'm a sailboat, let's have some fun.

My sail has been raised,
I'm ready to go.
In whichever direction,
Your Spirit wind blows.

I'm a sailboat, can't you see.
Design for rough water.
Crafted to be,
strong enough,
to weather bad seas.

I'm a sailboat, made to bring pleasure.
I'm a sailboat, no matter the weather.
I'm a sailboat, made to run.
I'm a sailboat, let's have some fun.

Your Hand's on my rudder,
I'm in Your control,
You're taking me,
where You want to go.

I'm Your sailboat, made by Your hands.
I'm Your sailboat, I'm glad I am.
I'm a sailboat, can't you see.
I'm a sailboat, its fun to be.

Richard.

Our Place

2007-12-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

The audacity of man,
to think that he can,
take the place,
of God the Creator.

When the Lord clearly states,
that it's He who owns this place,
and we were created
for His Good pleasure.

But, we travel along,
singing our song,
doing life in a way,
that is pleasing.

And, without a care,
we grab the best chair,
and bang our fist,
on the table.

Then we whine and we cry,
He's not treating us right,
He won't do that which we tell Him.

When all along,
it's us who's been wrong,
that's not why we where created.

O' yes, he came to serve us.
To show us the way,
to love God, and then love others.

But, we're not to be served,
why that's absurd,
it's not the way that He's
shown us.

So what will it take,
to put us back in our place,
and surrender all,
to our Maker.

To put our aprons on,
start singing His song,
and start helping out,
all our neighbors.

Richard.

Christmas meaning

2007-12-19T04:42:00.000-08:00

Gold for Your Kingship,
they brought from afar.
To let everyone know,
just who You really are.

Frankincense because of Your Divinity.
Truly God and Truly man.
You came on a rescue mission,
to save wretched man.

Myrrh because You were born to die.
That was the Father's will,
the one true living sacrifice,
the only way to pay the bill.

The debt we owed was just to great.
A bill we could never pay.
So, You came in a manger,
and was born in the hay.

Angels announces Your coming.
Wise men came from afar.
Shepherd witnessed Your infancy,
as You laid in Your mother's arms.

You were only here at short time,
thirty some odd years and then
You offered Yourself as the sacrifice,
to put an end to the grip of sin.

On a hill outside of town,
they nailed You to a cross,
They thought they were getting
rid of You, but that was just the start.

You came back three days later,
to complete what the Father begun.
And, now Your setting next to Him.
God's only Son.

This is the reason for the season.
In Jesus, all is fulfilled,
So have a Merry Christmas,
and to all Goodwill.

Richard.

Yearning

2007-12-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

From within the mystery begins,
a yearning in my soul.
a soul that's set in motion,
finding its way home,
spurred onward very seeking
that which is dearly yearned
never resting just repeating
the things so very fleeting.

Before I could speak,
or understand a thought.
longed for, ever seeking
stumbling in the dark.
driven by this yearning
hopelessly, hopelessly lost.

Then I saw a flicker
far in the distance there I saw
I saw a light there glowing,
growing very stronger,
as I crawled.

Crawling out from the darkness,
You set me on my feet,
showed me what I was yearning for,
helped me find Your peace.

The yearning is my calling
What I was created for
to worship and adore you.
from now till evermore.

For Your good pleasure
I was made to this I can attest.
To love and walk along with You
To enter in Your Rest.

Richard.

Emmanuel

2007-12-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

His present Risenness is where I ride.
Each day I wake to be His bride.
Emmanuel, God with us.
This is where I place my trust.

His present Risenness is where I hide.
Each day I wake to a new surprise.
Emmanuel, God with us.
This is where I place my trust.

His present Risenness is all I see.
He's all I want, He's all I need.
Emmanuel, God with us.
In You is where I place my trust

His present Risenness is real indeed.
Sitting at the Right Hand for you and me.
Emmanuel, God with us.
In You is where I place my trust.

You lived, You died, You rose again.
To bring me life that never ends.
Not just life that's yet to come.
But, life right now, with God's own Son.

Emmanuel, God with us.
Jesus is where I place my trust.

Richard.

A Hurt Love

2007-12-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

You entered deep inside me
farther than only a few

I let you enter deep inside
you know like lovers do

It went along just great it seemed.
uncomfortable but nice.

I was starting to enjoy it
feeling it was right.

And, so I took you to places
that had never seen the light

I really thought, we were growing close
You know, standing side by side.

But then something happened
Everything turned not nice.

It started to hurt, really hurt
allot like, way before.

Before you came, before the shell.
before the years of living hell.

And, I just can't go back there.

Richard.

Damaged

2007-12-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

Sadness and sorrow, my heart does so grieve, hurt so deep that I must take my leave.

The meanness you showed, and the viciousness of your blows, left a wound very deep, deep within my soul.

It's not the first time, it's happened before and here I am without a door.

You knew I was defenseless, I'd welcomed you in. You were even there, when my old hiding place caved in.

And, now you wonder, what's wrong with him, as I'm lying there bleeding hurting from within.

It's OK, don't be alarmed, when the blood finally stops flowing, I'll just be gone.

Then you can wonder, what's up with him. I couldn't have done something that brought injury to him.

He must have been messed up, it must have been just him. I didn't mean to hit him on the chin.

Sadness and sorrow, my heart does grieve so, I can no longer stand the pain from your blows.

Richard.

Management to Mystery

2007-11-20T04:55:00.000-08:00

I know not what's to come,
or exactly how it's to be played.
The details, should I ponder them,
with energies all my days.

Will we be taken away, or
will You return to stay.
Will this all pass away then
something new put in its place.

Do I need to manage,
to understand what's next.
To know its meaning,
so I can take my rest.

Or, is there something different,
something silly that seems bizarre.
Something that make no sense,
no sense of it at all.

Here's an ideal, something off the wall,
simple childlike trust in You
In You to manage it all.

Now it's a mystery, a mystery to me.
What's next Papa, I will shout,
with enthusiasm and an eagerness,
simple no doubt.

No worries about what's coming.
Not a care in the world.
Cause, I can see only my Savior,
the rest is a just blur.

So from management to mystery.
This is the way I'll move.

Richard.

To my Mom.

2007-11-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

What could a son say to his mother,
who bore him, raised him, and tried her best.

What could a son say to his mother,
who was always there and would never turn away.

What could a son say to his mother,
who waited patiently as he tried so desperately to find his way.

What could a son say, what could a son say.
I love you, I'll miss you, until we meet again.

When in Christ Jesus we are reunited with all our family and friends.
I love you mom, I always have, nothing can take that away.

What could a son say, what could a son say.
I love you, I love you, I know you're in a much better place.

Have fun with Grandma and Grandpa.
Don't argue with Peter at the gate.

What could a son say, what could a son say.
I Love you, I love you, you've always been Great.

Richard.

Standing Fast

2007-11-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

I stand fast in Your loyal love,
even as my flesh tries to deceive me,
I turn my thoughts to You and You alone.

What can harm me, really harm my position.
Not this temporal life in this evil flesh,
if I fall into temptation, and succumb to your best.

Grace is greater, Love is greater, You are greater.
I rest in You, as the world whizzes by,
as the evil one throws a tempting prize.

It's not in them my heart longs after,
it's not in them my panting waits,
its not in them where my eternity awaits.

O' no, fallen world you have not won.
the battle has been fought, the Son has won.
It's You O' Lord where I rest, it's You my Lord
where I stand fast.

Richard.

What will it be like.

2007-10-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

What will it be like on the day that You come.
Will I be sitting, twiddling my thumbs.

Will the Heavens open up with a loud clamp of thunder.
Will I stand there in awe, speechless full of wonder.

Will I see You from where ever I am,
even if I have my head in the sand.

O' what a Glorious day that will be,
the whole earth bowing down on their knees.
All eyes looking up, and seeing You return,
all tongues in harmony, "It's the King, He's returned"

What will it be like on the day that You come.
Will I be sitting, twiddling my thumbs.

Will I be at work, proclaiming Your Name.
Will I be one that's given a new name.

Will I have continued to striving for the finish,
of this great race, to help You save the many.

O' what a Glorious day that will be,
the whole earth bowing down on their knees.
All eyes looking up, and seeing You return,
all tongues in harmony, "It's the King, He's returned"

Come Lord Jesus.

Richard.

Wedding Day

2007-10-29T12:07:00.001-07:00

Once a young couple, dreamed of their "I do" day.

That day has come. That day is here.

Thru the pain of prepariton, the tears of bringing it all together.

A community has stood up, and gathered around.

A community calls out, a welcoming embrace.

Offering love, understanding, mercy, and Grace.

Welcoming you in, cheering you on.

Offering hope for the future, a chance to grow strong.

When you remember this day, of all that's happened.

When it brings the tears of joy, the laughter of sweet memories.

You'll speak of the day, of the new beginning, of the Glory revealed.

That day has come. That day is here.

Why not Me?

2007-10-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Why not me? For who am I?

That I'd be immune from getting sand in my eye.

That pain, and sorrow, grief and regret,

loss and betrayal I would never have meet.

Am I so special that it shouldn't hurt.

That I would never fall down, landing face first in the dirt.

That I am exempt from the hurt on this place called earth.

It is a fallen world, you know, it's not paradise.

There are lots of mean people here,

They bring damage to one's life.

There's lots of confusion, there's hatred and strife.

It's not a safe place here, not safe at all.

It's not a safe place here, not since the fall.

So, why not me? Am I someone special?

That I could exist here, and never meet the devil.

That I could live in peace and great harmony.

And, not get wounded, not even my knee?

That something bad wouldn't happen to me?

So why then do I cry out so loudly: "Lord why? Why me?"

You sent Your Son, He hung on a tree.

They beat Him, they mocked Him, they kicked Him around.

And, I'm here thinking, I'm better somehow.

That somehow I'm better than the one You Crowned.

That I shouldn't suffer, no pain and no strife.

When they whipped You so bad it almost took you life.

But, that didn't stop them, they didn't even balk.

They marched you out of town, to hang on a cross.

If they could do that to You, the King of Glory.

Then I have to ask: "Why not this little boy?"

Richard.

Motive.

2007-10-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Is it just enough to know You?
To know how much You care.
Or do I want to be like You,
to save my ass from hell.

If there weren't any promises.
Nothing else waiting out there.
Would I just want to know you.
Or just save my ass from hell.

Is my desire to be intimate.
To know You and be known.
Does it come from curiosity.
Or am I serving my own throne.

I ask these questions honestly.
From a deep, deep need to know.
Do I just want You for who You are.
Or am I serving my own throne.

Is it just enough to know You?
To know how much You care.
Or do I want to be like You,
to save my ass from hell.

If there weren't any promises.
Nothing else waiting out there.
Would I just want to know you.
Or just save my ass from hell.

Richard.

Longing for touch

2007-10-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

The longing for touch is driving me insane.
To be held, to be cuddled, will never be the same.
All is tainted now, since what happened in the past.
All that suspicion lying at the bottom, clouding all of that.

It's not sex that I'm after, it's all that I know.
That's all they were after, so many years ago.
I'm longing for something that I've never had.
A loving embrace, a cuddle, a hug, to sit on your lap.

Many are trying, trying to give me just that.
But, like I said before, I remember that past.
It's that past that haunts me, and is holding me back.

Each time someone touches, an alarm does sound.
I know what you want, the word has gotten around.
Your after my body, it's not me that you want.
I fall helpless before you, I don't know how to stop.

It's not you I'm afraid of, not anymore.
The you has changed faces so much, it's not you anymore.
It's my lack of ability to slam shut the door.

I don't know how to stop you, if you ever get started.
I already know what you really wanted.
So, take it, use it, then throw it back.
It's been used so many times before its nothing but trash.

It just the place I'm living, it no big deal.
I'll just stay in this loneliness, suspicious, with fear.
I'll just sit here remembering all those times before.
When I was just nothing, just everybodies whore.

Richard.

My world

2007-10-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

As I sit writhing in pain.

Body twisted and damaged.

Years of abuse have taken their toll.

Damaged goods, just worn out.

So here I simply shout out.

Crying doesn't comfort.

Praying for death, but it doesn't come.

The worst of the pain is yet to come.

This is the physical world.

The one that I know.

Can't sleep, it hurts so.

Can't sit for long, walking's a joke.

Here let me light up another smoke.

This is the world that I know so dear.

Pain, Pain, Year after year.

Richard.

Lucas

2007-10-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

Lucas is our first grandchild. He's doing Great!

He's a cutie, I mean handsome young man.

Grandson Lucas

2007-10-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

Eyes on AIDS

2007-10-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was privileged to be a part of the first annual "Eyes on AIDS" benefit 5k run/walk for the Lubabalo Project which supports the orphans affect/infected with AIDS in the Transkei region of South Africa. This is a local effort in response to God's calling and leading.

I was blown away at the response of the community. We had around 100 pre-registration, and I was expected (silly me) a 100 or so runners/walkers to pass by. What happen was phenomenal, 200 plus came storming passed. All to benefit the orphans of the Transkei region. There were other activities, a pancake breakfast, face painting, kid run, moon-walk. All of which were attended beyond any expectation of mine.

All I can say is WOW! I Love to Watch God work!!!!!!!!!!

The following video was part of the programming for the Sunday Service which followed the run/walk the next day. Watch the entire Service at www.meaningfulchurch.com. 10-07-07.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtT5S4y1vOg

Thanks,

Richard.

Muse of the Abused

2007-10-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

In one act of violence, my spirit was trapped.
The enemy thought he won, but he kept coming back.

Time after time, the offense was repeated.
Each time, I simply retreated.

Farther and farther into the shell.
Farther and farther into a living hell.

The tables turned, it was my shame that haunted.
Ashamed of what happened, of what you'd think.

I didn't want anyone to see my real face.
So in into the shell, the more I huddled.

Inside the shell, I did struggle.
Never peeking out, always hiding.

Until one day I felt Your prodding.
Every so gentle You came calling.

With Your patience and kindness.
You knew what I needed.

And, little by little You showed me the way.
Out into a life, I where I don't know the way.

So here I stand knowing, knowing just one thing.
That You are my Savior and You know the way.

The Way Everlasting, the only way home.
The Way You are taking me, taking me home.

Richard.

Inspired

2007-10-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

Inspired, because of Your Love for me.
Inspired, because You came to me.
Inspired, by Your Mercy and Grace.
Inspired, I can face another day.
Inspired, by the beauty You set forth.
Inspired, by Your Strength and Support.
Inspired, as You lead me on.
Inspired, by the brightness of dawn.
Inspired, cause You hung on a tree.
Inspired, to love You, cause You first loved me.
Inspired, I'll continue to muse.
Inspired, I give all credit to You.
Inspired, to continue on.
Inspired, someone make this a song.

Richard.

The Meaning of LIfe!

2007-10-01T04:42:00.000-07:00

Are you confused? Haven't made sense of your existence, yet? Can't explain the futility of life? You're born, you live, you work, you die. You come into this world with nothing and you leave with nothing. Very few men are remembered for very long. And to top it all off, you're only here for a very brief period of time. Not even a speck on the timeline of forever. So what's the deal? Why?

After months of thinking about these questions, it has become quite clear to me.

I/we were created for His good pleasure, plain and simple. It's not about us. He created us to be in relationship with Him. Our purpose in this life is to serve in praise and worship the Creator of all, the Ancient of Days, the Lord of Earth and Heaven.

I'm not claiming to understand what that means exactly. I know I fail miserably. I also know that with a willing, humble heart, I will lean solely and heavily on Him to lead me to my created purpose.

Richard.

Little Arrows

2007-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

To my two youngest girl.
Who are every so sweet.

We dance and sing and play around.
We have such fun, long past sundown.

Your laughter, your joy, your very tender heart.
Give me reasons to smile, reasons to live.

My last two arrow, fly straight, hit the mark.
In the arms of my Savior, if I ever depart.

You see, you were never really mine.
You were on loan, for just a short time.

And, Oh what a privilege, an honor for sure.
That my Father, my Lord would bestow.

I enjoy our time, even when its been rough.
And, always remember, I love you soooo much.

Now remember, don't cry, cause it won't be to long.
I'll be back before you know it, to sing you a song.

You can bet it'll be silly and You'll really laugh.
Goodbye till tomorrow, your dear old dad.

Another Sunset

2007-09-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

Saw another sunset,My eyes open wide

Saw another sunset, His Glory Inside.

Saw another sunset, fell down on my knees

Saw another sunset, It's so plain to me.

It's free, He gives his love away.

It's free, For all the world ya see.

It's free, He gives His love away.

It's free, for you and me.

Saw another sunset, My eyes open wide

Saw another sunset, His Glory Inside.

Saw another sunset, fell down on my knees

Saw another sunset It's so plain to me.

The Desert

2007-09-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lead me to the desert, Lord.
Til there's nothing left of me.

Til all that I hold dear has departed.
Let it be as long as I need.

Keep me on my knees, Lord.
That's where I want to be.

Keep in the desert, Lord.
Til it's just You and me.

Clear out all the old junk.
Til I realized that I was made for you.

Then when the time is right.
And, I finally realize.

Lead me to Your banquet.
Somewhere on the other side.

Lead me to the desert, Lord.
Til there's nothing left of me

Sadness' Source

2007-08-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

From deep within the hurt begins.
It's source is in my soul.

It's name is sadness, not regret.
It takes a different road.

It doesn't come from selfishness.
It's no kin of contempt.

It doesn't make me angry.
I feel no need to vent.

I knew the words would hurt me.
I've heard them times before.

But, this time I was standing.
Purposely standing outside the door.

I saw the arrow coming.
I knew what it was coming for.

I didn't raise my armour.
Like so many times before.

I let the arrow hit it's mark,
It's mark it did find true.

It's the source of deep sadness.
Sadness over me and you.

The Wake

2007-08-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

In those time, when He's leading the way
The wake that goes fourth is full of Mercy and Grace.

It gives life, it brings Hope.
It's Great to be around.

It's painful most times.
But, then what in this world isn't

The other times this can't be said.
For the wake that follows in leaves many dead.

It's in those times that He's not leadin.
When I've took control, for whatever reason.

Those times are fewer, fewer than before.
They seem to diminish as He shows me more.

More of how much I need Him.
Need Him every second of the day.

To make the wake that goes forth.
Full on Mercy and Grace.

Richard.

Life

2007-08-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

beatin, battered, and bruise
hurt, sad, and confused

battle weary, stressed out
full of frustration, only one way out.

comfort gone, chaos abounds
can hardly wait til the truimph sounds.

doesn't seem fair, doesn't seem right
that death would be such a welcomed sight

death's sting is gone, no longer a bitter taste
O' why, O' why, do I long to leave this place.

beatin, battered, and bruise
hurt, sad, and confused

battle weary, stressed out
full of frustration, only one way out.

Bluebird

2007-07-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

This poem seemed appropriate to link to this site. I think it speaks to the struggle inside of all of us:

http://www.markscandrette.com/2007/07/18/bukowski-haunted-by-the-divine/

Eric
www.erichaynes.wordpress.com

A New Way

2007-06-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

The sadness is gone, the self-piety has left.

Although everthing has changed and nothing's the same.

There's still the memories, the disabilities, the intense pain.

The New Way's a stuggle, very hard indeed.

The battle lines have shifted, no longer really inside of me.

I have something Greater now, something few understand.

I've let go of my old grip, it's no longer in my hand.

You can't do that, they scream and they shout.

That's not the way you move a'bout.

Other things are of greater importance.

Your priority are all out of whack.

Get back in line, you're making us look like hacks.

It's this away and like that, you're doing it all wrong, quick come back.

Sorry, I said, I can't do that. I've been given a New Way to live, I'm on a different track.

Come follow me, let Him show you the Way.

He'll never forsake you, or leave you, or let you stray.

Come let's have a party and do it a New Way.

Inside

2007-06-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

she slept last night in a different way
her parts were covered, she had no intention of play
funny how you can't hide the truth
the tongue says what you want to hear
It's a liar, full of half truths
the body tells another tale
it reacts a diffeent way.

going out with a friend, I might be late
oh you're being silly, it isn't a date

she slept last night in a different way
her parts were covered, she had no intention of play
funny how you can't hide the truth
the tongue says what you want to hear
It's a liar, full of half truths
the body tells another tale
it reacts a diffeent way.

Richard.

Planks & Specks

2007-04-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

It's easier to see the speck in your neighbor's eye, than the plank in your own. Jesus tells us to first remove the plank from your eye then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your neighbor's eye.

Wanting desperately to grow our relationship, sincerely wanting the best for both, ignorantly trying to orchestrate those needed changes my self, I set out on a quest to fix our marriage for both our benefit. It's easy to see what my wife needs to do for me to respond as I should. And, when I'm leading this crusade, it even easier to run on self-centered motives. I'm glad I'm not in charge anymore (not that I ever was), it's less painful.

It is amazing to watch the Lord move in both our lives. He has convinced me that I couldn't fix my own life, so I not capable to fix anyone else. I said this because I've longed to explore our marriage relationship, know my wife deeper and be known by her deeper. I see great benefit in working thru some of the couple oriented book on the market today. I have attempted, once, to lead us into one of those books, that attempt failed miserable. Then something strange happened at our couples group. My wife suggested we, as a group, work thru a book called "Love and Respect". I'm excited. I know there is this giant plank in my eye called "failure to love your wife as you should plank", and I don't have a clue how to love her like Christ loves the church. She deserves that love, and needs that love, and I want to help provide my part, the part Jesus calls me to. This should be fun, painful, but fun.

All I can say is: "What a ride". Thanks, Lord.

Richard.

Signifigance of a day

2007-04-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

What is it about a birthday? Why is it important that people remember? These are the some of the questions that have haunted me this day, my birthday.

It's late afternoon, my wife as yet to acknowledge my birthday. I have six kids, only one of them has called, and she wasn't sure it was my birthday. The two littlest one are excused, they won't know because nobody told them.

So to say I'm hurt isn't a far stretch. Many thoughts of rejection run thru my heart. Even though I've never been more sure of my relationship with Christ, it's still painful, especially when your wife forgets or chooses not to remember.

The Days of Noah

2007-04-20T07:28:00.002-07:00

As we, our local church, reaches out to South Africa. My heart is stirred to it's depths for the people, especially the children, who's innocent bears the brunt of the many outcomes of their condition. Not only do they face poverty, hunger, disease, but they endure the ravages of sexual abuse. It's reported that a 500,000 children each year are brutalize sexual in South Africa, many requiring surgery, multiple surgeries to repair the physical damage, not to mention the emotional damage that will haunt them the rest of their lives, if their attackers don't kill them in the act or to cover their crimes up. Click on the following link and read the article, read the despair in the young mother's life as she can see no hope, she knows what's happening to her two year old child, but there's nothing she can do. To her death only waits if she leaves. Read of the brutality inflected on this baby, the pain endured and the pain still to be endured. http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=304811&area=/insight/insight__national/

If you've read my blog, you understand why this is so impactful to me. To say I feel connected to these kids would be an understatement. This ever growing undercurrent in my soul is erupting. At this point I can do no more than use my story to bring awareness to theirs and in all things Glorify God.

Wedding

2007-04-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

The wedding is just three days away. Wow, what an awesome privilege to be the father of the bride and perform the wedding, too. What an even Greater privilege to have a personal relationship with Christ. A relationship that He began and that He is in control of.

I am overwhelmed with joy and awestruck at the community God has placed us in. They have surrounded us with heart and soul and are pouring out love in immeasurable quantities. I am humbled by their actions and blown away at their eagerness to serve, when we aren't even sure of what we need or have.

I am so thankful. So blessed. So grateful.

Richard.

Been a awhile

2007-04-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time, since I written. With that said, lets catch up. The New Year came in rather quietly. January seemed quiet on the outside, but internally and spiritually things didn't seem quite right. A period of waiting or dryness seemed to leave me with more questions than answers. February rolled in and thoughts moved to my mom, my wife, and the news. First, my mom's birthday rolled on by with the continual questions of why I don't feel pain or feel very little about her passing. More of my focus was on my wife, Valentine's day, our tenth anniversary, and how God is working wonders in our relationship, but I still don't know whether I just don't feel the lost because of the nature of our relationship, or if I'm just refusing to feel the pain.

My wife and I are experiencing God's blessings in our relationship. Because of His Great love, we are moving into an intimacy that I or we have never known before. Our anniversary was a sealing of a new covenant between us and God and in the days since as well as the month before we have experience wonderful moment after wonderful moment. We still have a long way to go, but we have the Greatest of Leaders and our combined thoughts are centering on Him. I am filled with excitement even in the mist of all the crap life in this fallen world continues to throw at us.

Which brings us to the news. One of our daughters is and has been engaged to be married. The wedding is one and a half weeks away. Near the end of February, she confesses to being pregnant. They had promised to wait, she had only a few months left of 18 years of virginity. Needless to say, we were quite saddened for them. They already had a rough road ahead, and this can only make matters tougher. We know God is in control and everything is for His Glory. It's still sad that they have to endure the pain of facing God with their mistake. I am hopeful and am assured that God is in control. This would bring us just about to the present.

With the wedding less than to week away, I find myself awe struck as God leads us into His future.

Richard.

Christmas to me

2006-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

He came to us a long time ago.

Almost silently, tho His coming was foretold.

A Savior is born, A Savior is born.

His Name, Emmanuel.

God became flesh, moved into the hood.

He came fully knowing, but few understood.

A Savior is born, A Savior is born.

His Name, Jesus Christ.

He came for one reason, one reason alone.

To free us from bondage, and bring us home.

A Savior is born, A Savior is born.

His Name, Righteous and True.

He laid down His life, was nailed to a tree.

The only perfect scarfice that would save you and me.

A Savior is born, A Savior is born.

His Name, the Lamb of God.

Three days later, just has He foretold.

He rose from the dead, so we would know.

A Savior is born, A Savior is born.

His Name, Lord of Lords.

This Christmas day, as you frolic with family and friends.

Remember and give thanks, this story doesn't end.

He's coming back again!

Richard.

What a sight.

2006-12-11T07:08:00.000-08:00

What a sight we must be from Your vantage.

Darting about, not sure what to do, afraid and confused.

What a sight we must be. as You look down upon us.

Some full of themselves, yet without a clue.

Some frighten and cowering, not knowing what to do.

I must confess at times I'd be laughing, if I were looking down.

Yet, I'm not sure that's what You do.

For there's an immense sense of sadness in this from just what I see.

What a sight we must be, as we stagger and fall.

What a sight we must be, to a Lover who calls.

What a sight we must be, through eyes filled with tear.

What a sight we must be, as we struggle down here.

What a sight we must be, what pain we must cause.

To the One, who's waiting for us to answer His Call.

What a sight we must be, what pain we must cause.

To the One, who's is waiting for us to answer His Call.

Richard.

This world

2006-11-29T17:32:00.000-08:00

Those less fortunate struggle to survive.

It doesn't matter where you lie.

From one end of the planet to the other.

If you don't have money, you don't matter.

This world is upside down, no one cares.

It's not about who you are.

It's about what you wear.

Designer clothes and fast cars.

Lots of money makes who you are.

Don't get sick, contract some disease.

You'll die for sure, unless you have the green.

Something seems wrong, it's not the way it should be.

Where's the compassion, the mercy, for you and me.

He came as a poor infant.

He died on a tree.

It won't be long now, He's coming for thee.

He's setting things right, as they should be.

The first will be last and the last shall be free.

The beginning of the fall of Materialism

2006-11-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

For as long as we have been together, "black Friday" as meant joy and excitement for one, pain and contempt for the other. You guess which one is which.

This "black Friday" however is different. How you may ask. The alarm didn't go off at 4 am as has been the norm, but it did not come without pain.

I watch and mourned as my wife struggled with the onset of this shopping season. You see we have no money. None that can be spent at least not to the extravagance it has been in the past and after completing a study in how God wants us to steward the finance He has blessed us with, we couldn't, with a clear conscience, simply charge the impending exchange of gifts either. As, she cried and struggle with her desire to shop, I could do nothing but hold her and try to enter into the pain she was and is feeling.

Is this the beginning of the fall of materialism in our lives? I don't know, but it is both a sad and joyous time. It is different from years past, we desperately want to honor God more than we want to honor Macy's, Walmart, or Target. That's certainly different.

I am both thankful and awe struck at how God can move in the hearts of men and women. There is definitely Hope for the future found in Him.

Richard.

Confession and Prayer

2006-11-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

How strange, yet how wonderful this life You have brought me into. In the middle of confusion and disarray there is a peace, a contentment that I can not fully explain. I feel confident and so sure of You as life spins out of control. I am so very grateful that You are in control and have afforded me the faith to rest in Your arms as this fallen world crumble around me. By Your hand and Your design this faith comes alive, while I can see no chance of life maintaining it's present coarse.

I have been struggling to resurrect a dead marriage, to lead my wife and family by Your example, only to discovery that I can't. I have been relying on my own strength and my own will to re-direct this life You have brought me into. I couldn't revive my own life, I don't know why I would think that I could revive my family life. I was dead, had no life in me, had never lived at all, yet You have taken this rotting corpse and breathed new life into it. I should know better.

I'm turning to you. I'm way in over my head. Every day I should realize more than the day before my need for You, my Savior. Take this broken, dead marriage and make it what You you will, by Your Will. I've trusted you, I'm trusting you. You are the only One.

Teach me to pray, to follow Your lead, to rest in Your arms, to do Your Will. Lord, I'm weak, and wounded, and defiled my sin. You are my only hope. Thank You for all You have given me so far, if there is no more I am already the luckiest man that every walk this earth.

Why do I Believe in Jesus?

2006-10-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Why do I Believe in Jesus?

I believe in Jesus, because He makes me believe.

He came to me in such a way that there is no question in my mind.

He for reason I can't explain, can not perceive, do not understands, sees something in me of value.

Somehow, I've known Him and He's known me, long before this time and place.

I didn't have to ask, "Who are you?". I knew don't ask me how, I just knew.

No one has been talked about more than He. Before He came and 2000 plus years since, everyone is talking about Him.

To say I believe doesn't quite explain how it is. It's more of a knowledge, something that is unshakable. Without question.

Better than gold, better than fame, better than everything is He who gave His life for me.

There is no other, can never be. He is pure Love and He's showering me.

Thank You Lover, thank You Friend.

Why do I Believe? Because of He.