Simple, Functional, Grace-filled Living.
Did you know that there are many ways that God exemplifies his love. I believe that the sunsets are a perfect array of this demonstration. The poem below, focuses in on this great revelation.
Sunsets teach us about our Savior.
About his love and his behavior.
The subtle streaks of pink and blue.
Or bolder tones of golden hues.
The artist breaks through every dimension.
To give out love, get our attention.
When it comes to fear, there is no respect of persons. It gets a toehold, and pulls you in when you least expect it. With a combination of marinading ourselves in God’s love, prayer, and praise, fear will take a backseat. However, Satan isn’t going to want to let us go without a fight. He is always on the move. Therefore, we have to constantly stay armored up. For when fear is conquered in one area, he is sure to attack us in the next.
Fear
Fear.
Sneaks upon from nowhere.
Fear.
Latches on you if you dare.
Fear.
Masquerading as your friend.
Fear.
Only torments in the end.
But,
Just Remember to look above.
At,
Our Dear Father’s Perfect love.
Why?
In his love, there is no fear.
Yes,
Abba, Father, He is Near.
1 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18
Background on the Poem “Direction“
There are times in life when we don’t know which way to go. During these times, if we seek the Lord, then our mission, our purpose, and his will becomes clearer. Of course, it also means that we have to still do our part. Our part involves intentionality, setting goals, and aligning our will with his. We also need wisdom discerning in whom we should confide God’s great revelation.
I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me and how I will answer my reproof. Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. For the vision awaits an appointed time;
Habakkuk 2: 1-3
Direction
Listen- to every word that I say.
Vision-making it plain, don’t you sway.
Write it-on your heart and your mind.
Do it-all in wisdom and my time.
Show it-to your siblings, the believers.
Hold it-From the wicked, the deceivers.
This poem was written as a reflection of some of the different ways in which God speaks to us. We like to put God in a box. We often forget that God has an infinite way of relating to us, and allowing us to hear his voice. When Elijah was in the process of running away from Jezebel, God revealed Himself to him. Elijah had put God in the box of coming to him in a “great and mighty way”. Instead, he whispered to him in the still, small voice. God knows what we need, and when we need it. He is a God who meets us right where we’re at.
He Speaks
He Speaks! He Speaks!
But where will it be?
In a message, in a song, or the birds in a tree?
Will it be in the coolness of the wind blowing at night?
Will it be in the calmness of the crickets singing in flight?
Will it be in the morning when the rabbits talk to squirrels?
Or the munks tunneling through grass, and the robins dancing a twirl?
Will it be in the waves that are splashing at the beach?
Or the smiles of the saints as they’re waving “Hi” to me?
Will it be in the sun that is setting in the sky?
Or the swans overhead that are reaching by and by?
When he speaks, will I hear him, same voice as before?
Or will it be with great trumpet?
All of that, and Even more!
God bless,
Katina
Are you feeling alone? Do you long to be embraced? Do you know that being embraced by God is the best comfort that we can have? This poem deals with just that.
Embraced
Embraced by His Love.
Redeemed by His Blood.
Enthralled by His Spirit.
Sanctification-
No need to fear it.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Do you have family members that you have been estranged or separated from? Never underestimate the power of God to allow a reunion as God did with Joseph and his brothers. We can let God do the work as we pray for willing and open hearts. “Reunion” is the story of the reunion of Joseph and his brothers. God bless!
They left me for dead,
But sold me instead.
Endured being in chains,
As favor surely reigned.
Became second in command,
Till the wife wanted my hand.
In charge of the prison.
NO Release.
Just indecision.
Till the king had his dream.
God revealed all the means.
Gave God all the credit.
My life story took an edit.
Then my brothers showed up in hunger.
Couldn’t take it any longer.
Told all servants to leave the room.
As I cried out deep in gloom.
Hugged them deep and cried out long.
Filled our souls and showed up strong.
The reunion wasn’t expected.
But God’s grace had it protected.
What do you think of when you think of God? Think about Hagar. When she was kicked out by Sarah, to fend for herself and her son, she called God, El Roi, The God who Sees. He saw her distress, and he provided for her and her son. Who is God to you? Ponder this as you read “El Roi”.
He is El-Roi
He Sees me
He Knows me
He Loves me
He Heals me
When the Impossibilities Present themselves
All Around
And Our Countenance
Is Visibly Down
He Sees the Hurt
He Sees the Pain
He Sees the Broken
He Hears the Rain
Removes the Fears
Collects the Tears
He Sees.
Community is important. The effects of having community is so important when you are going through. How do you respond with support when your friends have things that are going on in their lives? Or, do you respond at all? Is your responding more of staying away so that their situation doesn’t become contagious?
This poem “Community” reflects just that. It makes you contemplate responding in support to our dear friends, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ during their time of need.
Community
How do you become his hands and his feet,
When others are crying and grieving knee-deep.
Do you give them a call, a prayer, a word?
Or tell them “hold on” like they never have heard?
Do you bring them a meal, some flowers, a hug?
Or give them more burdens and trauma to lug?
Just hold fast to God’s unchanging hand.
When we’re bearing those burdens.
Give safe places to land.
When we get placed in the fire, it doesn’t feel good, but when God sees the shiny result, and he smiles, we know that the refinery was necessary.
Katina Horton
Refined Like Gold
It’s What We’re Told
We’re Put through the Fire
So Fruit Can Transpire.
The Pain is Intense.
The Trials are Immense.
Maturity is unfolding.
God’s work you’re Beholding.
Related posts:
In case you missed our last episode, “The Sin of Cynicism-Part 2”, you can find that episode here. Today’s episode, Episode 27, is entitled Simply Grace. I hope that you enjoy this special poetry reading.
Welcome to the Healing Our Brokenness Podcast Episode 27: Simply Grace. The intro and ending song that you hear on the podcast is entitled “Valley of Grace” and is song by Timothy Horton. Today is a special episode. Why is that? I will be ready poetry from a book that I published back in February entitled, “Simply Grace”. It is available on Amazon. Simply Grace is a compilation of simple, healthy recipes that are mostly non-meat, along with poetry that tackles tough issues that we face every day. However, these issues are seasoned with grace. I deal with truth, so that the truth brings healing. We are set free by true. I also deal with raw emotions.
The first poem, entitled “The Quench” deals with Approval Addiction/Perfectionism/People Pleasing:
Reading of the poem
The next poem, entitled “The Source of Self-Worth” dissects our need for self-worth, and not just the need, but the struggle to get it from things, rather than the main source.
Reading of the poem
The next poem, entitled” Coat of Favor” deals with the Life of Joseph, his trials, and his redemption.
Reading of the Poem
Have you ever taken matters into your own hands, instead of waiting on God? The next poem deals with just that. It is entitled, “Oh, The Pain of Waiting”.
Reading of the Poem
For those of us who have been through abuse, we must relearn what love is. That is what” Abide My Love, Dance with Me” is all about: God’s love poured out on me to reshape my thoughts on abuse. Secondly, it describes how I danced with my Heavenly Father during a period of trials and financial despair, and how God “showed me his back” as his showed Moses, so to speak, by allowing me to feel his presence for several hours.
Reading of the Poem
The last poem, “I am the Vine, And So Is It Time?” deals with a combination of things: the Crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross, John 15, and the Clematis vine that I attempted to tie to the trellis last spring as I was getting bit by mosquitos. The first time that I attempted this adventure, there were too many mosquitos out. The second and final time I was finally able to do it. However, just within the few days of break in between, the clematis vine had completely wrapped itself around one of the heucheras. It was a wonderful way to see the scriptures in action.
Reading of the Poem
Thank you for listening to Episode 27: Simply Grace, and if you are enjoying the Healing Our Brokenness Podcast, please recommend a friend, share on social media, and/or subscribe to hear us on Youtube, Itunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can also listen to us on the blog.
God bless!! Until Next time!