Aspiring Poet, heartfelt thoughts.I Have Dystonia, bipolar, and an Avid Southern Gospel Music fan

  Scripture: Proverbs 22:28 "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." In the book of Proverbs, we find this profound command: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." This verse speaks of boundaries, both physical and spiritual, that were established by those who came before us—our ancestors in the faith. These landmarks were more than just property markers; they represented heritage, wisdom, and the timeless principles that have guided God's people through the ages. In ancient Israel, moving a landmark was not just an act of theft but a violation of trust and respect for the community. These markers were set by the fathers, those who laid down the foundations for future generations, ensuring that what was given to them was preserved and passed down in integrity. Spiritually, this verse calls us to honor the traditions and teachings that have been handed down through generations of faithful believers. It’s a reminder n...

  "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." —Luke 6:37 As Christians, we are called to live in love, extending grace and mercy to those around us. However, it's easy to fall into the trap of harshly judging others when we see their flaws and failures. We may forget that we too are imperfect, susceptible to the very sins we criticize in others. The Bible calls us to a different standard—one where love and compassion guide our judgments, not condemnation. Judgment Tempered by Love In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2. This passage is a reminder that the way we judge others is the same way we will be judged. If we judge harshly, without love or understanding, we set ourselves up for a similar judgment. Jesus'...

  The Unseen Battle: Living with Dystonia Dystonia is a relentless thief, stealing the peace and normalcy from those who suffer from it and those who love them. It’s no t just a physical ailment; it’s a heavy burden that affects the mind, spirit, and relationships. The pain it causes is multifaceted, extending far beyond the twisted muscles and spasms that mark its presence.  The Physical and Mental Toll Living with dystonia is like navigating a storm that never truly ends. The body becomes a battleground, muscles contorting and rebelling against the will, causing pain that can be as unpredictable as it is severe. But the physical pain is only one aspect of this cruel condition. Mentally, dystonia is exhausting. The constant discomfort and the knowledge that there is no cure can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Every day is a fight against not just the spasms but also the emotional turmoil that comes with the knowledge that there is no end in sight. The brain, str...

  In the world of Southern Gospel music, few names resonate as deeply as The Nelons. Their harmonies have uplifted countless hearts and souls, bringing joy and encouragement through their music. With the recent release of their final album, "Loving You," we are reminded of the beauty and power of their legacy. As I reflect on their last gift to us, I find myself crafting a haiku to capture the essence of their music and the impact it has had on my life. It goes like this: Final album glows, A testament of love— “Loving You,” a gift, A cherished hymn of praise, Encouragement bestowed. Their voices linger still, Echoes of joy and triumph, As they cross the veil. To sing face to face, With the King in radiant light— They will be missed here. Yet until that day dawns, When we gather once again, Their legacy endures, A melody of the heart. This haiku encapsulates not only the beauty of "Loving You" but also the profound emotional connection we sh...

 In the quiet room, Where shadows clung to every wall, I held my precious Hallie toes, As her breath began to still, And in that moment, time seemed to freeze, Leaving only the echo of a heartbeat, And the unbearable weight of loss in my arms. Her spirit, so gentle and pure, took flight, Beyond the pain, beyond the tears, Into the arms of Jesus, Where my hands could no longer reach. My heart shattered, each piece Falling like silent, unspoken prayers, As heaven welcomed her home, And I felt the aching void of her absence. But even in the depths of this grief, A light remains, faint yet steady— The nine days we were blessed to have with her, A fleeting gift, but a precious one. Though those days were far too few, They were filled with love, And for that, we are forever grateful. We are thankful too, that in her brief time, She never knew the harshness of this world, That she was spared from pain, And found her rest in the arms of her Maker, A peace we cling to in our sorrow. In the ...

In this brief sojourn, we know heartache well, A companion that walks in our shadowed wake, Pain’s relentless tide, a ceaseless swell, And in its depths, our fragile spirits quake. We stumble through valleys where light grows dim, Where every step feels heavier than the last, Dreams once bright fade at sorrow’s grim whim, And the echoes of joy become whispers of the past. We falter beneath the burdens we bear, Our hands tremble, our voices crack with grief, Mourning the moments lost to despair, Yearning for solace, however brief. Yet in this crucible of sorrow’s embrace, A song is born, rising from the ache, A melody of hope, a touch of grace, A testament to the strength we cannot forsake. For we are pilgrims on a sacred quest, Strangers wandering through a foreign land, With hearts that long for eternal rest, And eyes set on a city not made by hands. A peculiar people, marked by Heaven’s call, We carry joy like a hidden flame, In the darkest night, when shadows fall, It burns within, ...

  "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"   — *Philippians 2:14-15   The church is not just a building made of bricks and mortar; it is a living, breathing body of believers united in Christ. Yet, how often do we find ourselves murmuring about the physical aspects of our place of worship? The paint is fading, the seats are uncomfortable, the temperature is never quite right. We complain about the preacher’s style, his choice of words, or even his length of sermons. We find fault with the members, scrutinizing their actions, and questioning their motives. But what do these complaints say about the state of our own hearts? When our focus shifts from the spiritual nourishment that God offers through His Word to the superficial flaws we perceive in the church building or its people, we reveal a ...