An Anniversary Moment

'Twas dark as weary traveler descended down the path...
The path that once held visions of light now a murky, foggy bath.

Forsaken and abandoned... forgotten, abused, forlorn...
Pushed and lectured, preached and prodded, not heard... just merely scorned.

By past rejected and present worked ... requiring more than could
This weary traveler drags a foot to unknown rest for soul.

O Lord our God, You see through fog; would you oasis make?
With lack of resource yet needs galore, i trudge for Jesus' sake.

Discouraged with my progress, saddened by my loss,
Frustrated with the prodding, distraught by heavy cross.

But here along this journey, though i have but only you,
Tis more than all sufficient, for me your plan to do.

Bring sustaining comfort to complete another day
So different from my ideal visions and others' for my way.

Though shame around me rages from without and from within...
Give me the graceful confidence to walk in Jesus' win.

In this quiet moment, grant me peace to calm the storm
I cling to you, my Savior... no mirage... but real in form!

Veterans Day 2009

The Yellow Ribbon by JR for S, J, H and their dear families that stand by their sides

Though no one in my home be found in military shroud,
A yellow ribbon did adorn my tree on my front ground.

And, wind and weather did abuse this display I'd made.
Time took its toll as dirt and grime grew steadily in its shade.

The months flew past for me but yet my ribbon showed great wear.
My months well-sheltered did not show the scars my ribbon did bear.

The day arrived, the soldier returned and the ribbon brought inside.
Now what to do with this battered display? Its weathering was its pride.

O, soldier, you are here now ... weary in unknown ways.
You bear a toil and with great cost, our safety you have paid.

Thank you for fighting bravely ... enduring untold weights.
Your sacrificial labor is honored more than we can state.

--
Thank you!! With much love and thankfulness, JR