As I was praying this morning, I thought I’d read the Psalms again. I read from various English translations.
I thought I would simply post a verse or two here from many Psalms.
And I’ll add a picture.
For this series, I will quote from the King James Version. My goal is to offer some moments of rest, beauty, and hope.
My next post will begin with Psalm 1. You are welcome to reblog our posts.
Image: wpclipart
This is a selection of poems from Quiet Christmas Poetry, which is both a site and a large print chapbook. A few of the poems were previously published, as noted here and in the book.
sudden cold —
Christmas cactus
already blooming
Time Of Singing
December, 1997
holiness
and humility
Christmas
cold country night
two deer in the front yard
graze in starlight
lighting the
Christmas candle
tiny flame
transforms
the night
Hermitage (2005)
The Writers’ Bistro (2007)
third year since
Jesus called Mom home
Christmas bouquet
of baby’s breath
and evergreens
Time Of Singing
Winter 2006/2007
snowflakes
floating in the air
separate
together
artists
across places
and time
He giveth snow
like wool:
he scattereth the hoarfrost
like ashes.
Psalm 147: 16 (KJV)
new year
on the horizon
simple lines
of barns and trees
in the fog
placing the new calendar
on the wall
all the new spaces
without words
God’s time
The book is 32 pages. The last two pages are NOTES – pages for the readers. Someone may wish to write a poem or reflection. Perhaps someone in a nursing home may think, “I can write too.”
The book was printed by GT Graphics in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Our book can be ordered from the books page at Time Of Singing, A Journal Of Christian Poetry. All proceeds benefit this print poetry journal, edited by Lora Homan Zill.
You are welcome to reprint my poems with proper credit. Ideas include bulletin boards in classrooms, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes – places where a short poem may be an encouragement to someone or help with a poetry lesson. Thank you.
September
on the horizon
all the goals
I can still
try to reach
books on the shelf
supported by each other
kindness of friends
R est
E ducate
A dmire
D ream
I nspire
N ew
G oals
READING
reading
150 poems
the Psalms
For thou art my hope, O Lord God:
thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 71: 5 (KJV)
Butterflies and Flowers Mosaic is courtesy of Reusable Art.
Ellen Grace Olinger
But we have this treasure
in earthen vessels,
that the excellency
of the power
may be of God,
and not of us.
2 Corinthians 4: 7 (KJV)
Daisies
August 17, 2019
Photo by Ellen Grace Olinger
Coleus
August 15, 2019
Photo by Karl
Mandevilla
August 15, 2019
Photo by Karl
We learned about National Doctors’ Day from Aurora Health Care Foundation, which we support. I am grateful for my nurse practitioner and doctors. For everyone who helps me – the entire staffs where I receive kind and excellent care.
When I was in the hospital last summer, I experienced grace and peace. I said thank you to all who helped me. I thought, “Where did I learn how to do this?” And I thought of my overnights in a Milwaukee hospital with my mother, and her care in general. She taught me. And my heart was full, because I pray the Psalms. I was not able to read then, for a time. Some of the authors I read a lot are Jan Karon, Luci Shaw, Barbara Crooker, many memoirs over time. Our blogs. Poetry journals.
So good to do our work as we can, read, view art – our gifts and their expressions vary. Everyone has a gift.
And when I cannot write, I review my blog archives. I’ve started a few lists of poems for large print chapbooks. These will be gifts for my caregivers and fellow patients. Anyone who needs a simple book in a time of need – or simply a busy day.
I am on a new journey, with Karl’s faithful help too. Better now. Work to do. Appointments on the calendar, and grateful for care. I can no longer be a caregiver, in terms of the physical work. Follow-up care is very important.
My parents passed away years ago – Dad in March 1983, and Mom in January 2004. It is a profound Mystery that I continue to feel their unconditional love. Love is eternal. My parents modeled what I call Big Picture Faith. We shall meet again. And I hope for a very long life, as they would wish for me, and I work towards this goal every day. I call this, Daily Dedication and Small Steps.
I am just beginning as an artist. With great-gratitude.
Emotionally and spiritually, I continue with the Psalms and Nature – the theme of this blog. I am watching Spring! And still need my winter coat by Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. That’s OK.
But he knoweth the way that I take:
when he hath tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.
Job 23: 10 (KJV)
Wait on the Lord:
be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27: 14 (KJV)
Image: wpclipart
Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems From Psalms And Nature 