Based on headlines, we might conclude this world belongs to chaos, harm, and despair. We do live in uncertain, though not unprecedented, times; uncertainty is a hallmark of human existence. But these words echo from another uncertain age: “This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft soContinueContinue reading “This Is My Father’s World”
Tag Archives: God
Psalm 97
Last night, there was a lightning storm, plus some nearby wildfires, so it is fitting I chose “Psalm 97” as today’s poem. This poem poetically re-processes the original psalm, which presents God as Justice and King. ”Psalm 97” is part of my new collection, Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, which I released lastContinueContinue reading “Psalm 97”
Shock
One day, I had a serious thought. But for some reason, I processed this serious thought using playful variations of familiar phrases. Somehow, out of that mess, today’s poem was born. I’ve written poetry and music for about 35 years. But at the end of the day, the creative process is a mystery to me.ContinueContinue reading “Shock”
The Wound
“The Wound” is a poetic retrospective of coming to know God from my third book, Shadow and Memory. It will also be in an upcoming book, Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. Voiceless Choirs is a collection of new and previously published poems that center on Christian spirituality. Right now, I am working withContinueContinue reading “The Wound”
Godd O’ballD
Today’s poem goes way back to my first book, The Wind and the Shadows, which I self-published in 2020. It is a whimsically serious theological reflection. (If that confused you, wait until you read the poem 😆). Spirituality is not ultimately about a belief system (though that is part of it). God is a person;ContinueContinue reading “Godd O’ballD”
The Snowflake and the Butter Dish
Today’s post is a little late. I’ve been sick and living with brain fog and low energy. Our wintry weather made me think of a poem in my new book, The Anonymity of Waiting. It’s called, “The Snowflake and the Butter Dish.” Many of my poems grow out of mundane moments. Life is intrinsically metaphoric.ContinueContinue reading “The Snowflake and the Butter Dish”
Useless
This week, I started working on a new luc bat poem. Luc bat is a Vietnamese form of poetry I learned about a few years ago. Since I’ve got luc bat on the brain, I decided to post a luc bat poem from my second book, Event Horizon, entitled “Useless.” UselessI’m glad some people careforContinueContinue reading “Useless”
Dyed in Faith
The semi-sabbatical I took in April is over. I was loath to see it end, but it was the time of rest and prayer I needed. As a result, I decided to reduce my schedule going forward so I can continue to give more space to God and my family. Years ago, I wrote aContinueContinue reading “Dyed in Faith”
At the Old Mission
My in-laws used to live in North Dakota. On our way to visit a couple times, we stopped at Old Mission State Park in Cataldo, Idaho. The mission (which was founded by Jesuits in the early 1850s) sits atop a beautiful, grassy hill. As a Christian, it is a testament to the sacrifices God’s peopleContinueContinue reading “At the Old Mission”
A Tongue
Spiritual experience can be hard to put into words because it’s often beyond words. This is probably why the Bible is full of visions, parables, dreams, and poetry. Imagery, metaphor, and symbolism are sometimes the best ways to express the inexpressible. Paradox can also be useful in understanding and communicating things of the spirit. ChristContinueContinue reading “A Tongue”
A Wandering Minstrel 