poetry on the Bible

One assignment the seniors completed in the Kingdom Living class I teach was an essay reflecting on what they believe about the Bible. Two, Nikita and Shannon turned in poetry, I share it as a celebration of their writing gift, affirmation of God's Word and praise for their faithfulness.

a reason to believe
by Nikita Zook

speak to me
he speaks to me
through pages typed and spaced
a hope for all eternity

word of God
breathe in the word of God
read of what you should live for
and stay close to his heart

believe in the word
it's perfect but it's real
some things won't make sense
but it's what we need for our souls

take your time
reach for God with your eyes
the words could be the answer
he'll speak from each page

Living in Color
by Shannon Neuenschwander

black words on white pages
answers seem grey
red jumps out - a dimension!
spoken by Hope and Love

letters fly off the paper
floating upward, singing out
bringing peace, joy
in the hopelessness
lighting a candle in the darkness

learn to see the world in color
rather than endlessly searching
for black or white

teach us to trust
as we learn to live

A father's question

What a blessing to watch our little girl receive her diploma from Malone University's Dr. Streit! Obviously a moment mom and dad were well-pleased.

As I settled back into my seat I realized (again) she is grown up (growing up is the word I would prefer to use). Where had all the years gone?

It seemed just a few days earlier we had moved her into Woolman dorm! :-/

In a month she commits, in love and faithfulness, to a lifelong journey with Adam! :-;

These days I seek an answer to a question many other fathers no doubt have asked: why?

William Young in The Shack expressed my sentiments of the morning or, better, these days: "This is one of those rare and precious moments, thought Mack, that catches you by surprise and almost takes your breath away ... He shifted Missy's weight to a more comfortable position for her, now that she was totally out, and pulled back the hair from her face to look at her. The grime and sweat of the day had done nothing but strangely enhance her innocence and beauty. Why do they have to grow up? he mused and kissed her on the forehead." (pg 38)

As I continue preparing for June 12 and beyond I will joyfully wonder why my little girl ...

And, I will fearfully wonder, does God ask this question about his children ...