Awakening

In honor of the end of National Poetry Month (April) and today, "Poem in your Pocket" Day, (www.poets.org) which suggests that you "select a poem that you love and carry it with you to share with co-workers, family and friends on April 30, 2009," I offer one for your pocket and sharing! Happy Poetry Month, Day, Life!

AWAKENING

Day awakening
Full moon’s glow reflects the promise of the day
The promise of the light, a promise in each ray
That stretch and yawn across the fields,
Across the dawn, a touch that yields
God’s kisses sparkling on the bay.

Life awakening
The blush on the cheek of the dawning sky
The brush of wings and a breathing sigh
As life blood flows and air expands
Into the soul, and from God’s hands
New birth is blessed and lifted high.

Love awakening
The heart beats a rhythm that reveals its desire
First a flutter then a rush, lift the spirits higher
Bright with goodness, burning deep
Warmth of friendship, flame to keep
The old flicker is now blazing, this God’s fire.

There is Beauty

It is all too easy, if we listen to newscasts and read the newspaper, to focus on and see only the pain and suffering, the disasters and destruction, the hurt, disease and death in the world. But take a moment, take a deep breath...okay, take another one...and look out your window at the sky, at a tree, a flower or a bird. Take a moment to really see the beauty that is near you. I know I get caught up in the busy-ness of life, thoughts racing through my head, preoccupation with solving a problem or dwelling on some issue. I can drive (or bicycle) through the most beautiful countryside, but miss it because my mind is distracted elsewhere. Sometimes, the beauty that is near me, is a friend. It may be a smile, a wink, a hug, or a kind word spoken...just for me. That is beautiful. As Georgia O'Keeffe wrote, "Nobody sees a flower, really - it is so small - we haven't time, and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time." Take a moment. Take a deep breath. See the beauty that is near you. And then read on...

There is Beauty

There is beauty in the distance, up a rise, atop that hill.
I can see it if I focus, if I listen, if I’m still.
It is calling out a message, on the wind it calls to me.
But I’m distracted and confused, so much noise, I cannot see.

There is beauty across that meadow, with shades of green and gold, some brown.
There is a story in the shadows but they do not stay around.
The clouds a cover, blocking sun’s light, a quick glimpse and then it’s gone.
Illumination, inspiration, I will wait…light comes at dawn.

There is beauty right in front of me, blades of grass, wild flowers, bold trees.
They are not frightened, nor heartbroken by winds of change or forceful breeze.
They cut through it, wildly dancing, yet stand firm and hold their ground.
Life’s breath surrounds them and it fills them, makes them strong and free and sound.

There is beauty all around me, I can sense it on my skin.
With the lightness of a butterfly, it flutters, beckons, soul to win.
It touches me, but out of reach and it cannot be caught.
I can follow where it leads me with my heart, and step, and thought.

There is beauty in my heart, deep inside it dwells and glows.
I may not think I hear God speaking, but through nature His truth shows.
My anxious striving, frantic doing, won’t cease the longing, fill the void.
I must let go of all that holds me, seek but His glory and His joy.

Tools of the Trade

For every vocation, whether it be in business, the arts or even sports, having the correct/quality tools of the trade are important. No doubt knowledge, through proper education and training, is a critical component in utilizing the tools effectively. One may have knowledge and skill (good tools in themselves), but in order to produce an end product, other tools may be needed. In business, interpersonal skill may be the key component. In a sport, quality equipment can make the difference. In the arts, creativity may require the right environment for the "juices" to flow, but also for the tools (hand tools and machines) to be quality and in good working order. If the tools of the trade are rusty or of poor quality, they can affect the mental attitude toward the task. As Stephen Covey says, it is important to continually "sharpen the saw" to maintain effectiveness.

The tools in Rex's workshop are myriad, varied and mind-boggling. He knows how to use each of them to achieve extraordinary results. He combines his knowledge and expertise with painstaking maintenance and skilled execution to produce those results. Come visit his shop sometime!

Artistry

This morning, a strong thunderstorm blew through the Texas Hill Country challenging me on my drive to work! Heavy rain, strong winds and hail were included in the drama. I love the power in a thunderstorm. The phrase "the calm before the storm" is true before and after a storm. Right now, the winds are calm and the air is still. This is such a good reminder to the drama of life. Yes, the storms come and they are challenging when I am in the midst, but the calm returns and I can breathe deeply and easily once again. So, along the way, through the storms of life, I revel in the artistry of the drama in each day....

ARTISTRY

In the theater of this life,
there is no finer seat in the house
than my porch swing.

From here I watch the trees dance,
the deer run and jump,
the clouds paint beauty across the blue canvas.

The storm’s drama thunders,
keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The light and shadows on the living painting before me,
continue to transform the image
with highlights changing by the moment.

The symphony of birds’ songs are
underscored by the whistle of the wind
and the buzz of the bees,
the vibrations of the cicadas.

This drama touches my heart,
this orchestra moves my spirit,
this artistry humbles my soul.

Publicity

Publicity for a small business can be a very good thing and it can be exciting to see your name in print! Publicity, however, may not always net as much business as one would hope. The type of publicity, in what publications, how widely the publication is distributed, whether there are photographs or not, and the accuracy of the information included can all contribute to the outcome. Rex and/or his furniture have appeared in several publications, two more recent and notable, http://www.texashighways.com/ January 2004 issue and Metropolitan Home magazine, March 2003 issue, are shown here. I particularly like the one with Rex holding his rocking chair over his head! Take a look!

Anointed

...and Easter arrives...in our hearts and in our lives...

Anointed

The Water
It is deep, I dive in, I feel it smooth across my skin.
It is cleansing, I am washed, as my pores drink it in.
It is cool, it refreshes, it awakens, I feel alive.
I am baptized by the Spirit, scrubbed and new I am revived.

The Blood
It is life, it is pumped, it is coursing through my veins.
It is cleansing to my heart and it washes all my stains.
It is warm, it purifies, it is given out of love.
I am sanctified by its shedding and am raised with Him above.

The Bread
It is strength, it is substance, it is the body giv’n for me.
It brings fullness and a wholeness more than the eye can see.
It is unleavened, yet is raised, it is broken, it is shared.
I take it in my mouth, yet my soul is what is spared.

The Oil
It is from a vessel poured, it is a seal upon my head.
It is rubbed as an ointment, from it new light is shed.
I am set apart as holy, consecrated and appointed.
I am dedicated, devoted, by His love I am anointed.

Love, Resurrected

Good Friday. A day of reflection and remembrance. A day of repentance and hope for renewal. A day when we see death, observe love in action and wait for the promise of resurrection. Like the darkness of night, when all the lights have gone out, we believe that the Son will rise and a new day will dawn in each of our hearts.

Love, Resurrected

Oh God, my God, why have I forsaken you?
I’ve rejected you, ignored you, tried to hide from your view,
Hardened heart, selfishness, willfulness, and separation,
Distraction, avoidance, yet I seek reparation.

You loved me, I spurned you, I took a different path
Love persisted and waited, though I deserved your wrath.
Tortured and twisted, you were nailed to a cross,
Sacrifice and pain, life-blood poured, oh the loss.

Lamb of God, loving Shepherd, looked for me, called my name.
Though I wandered, lost and weary, full of sorrow, full of shame.
You still love me? But, I left you, an unrepentant, prideful soul
Yes you love me, never left me, filled the void and made me whole.

Such a love, I can’t explain it, but I thankfully embrace
I turn away from all that kept me from your mercy, from your grace.
I reach out for you, now this longing, as I know you fill my heart
With your truth and your goodness, peace and presence now impart.

The nails pierced flesh and held your body, limp and sagging on a tree
The temple torn and ripped asunder, but your spirit was set free.
No longer mortal, skin and bones, there is no vessel to contain
The abundance of your love and mercy, no human reason can explain.

Love so amazing, so divine, height and breadth and running deep,
I was lost and yet you found me; I needed you, my soul to keep.
Your life you gave, for me, for all; restored, renewed, perfected,
I am reborn, new life is mine, because of your love, resurrected.

Pray In Me

There are certain dates in the year that hold significance for each of us. Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, celebrations of "firsts," or dates of significant losses. This date holds a particular, poignant significance for me. The experiences that trigger the importance of certain dates usually have to do with the people in our lives who are close, meaningful or have impacted our lives in some way. Our hearts are moved, our souls are touched, strong emotions well up inside. Sometimes of great joy, sometimes great sorrow. Remembrances of the people and the experiences that have changed us, molded us, in some way, deeply. God moves within, touches our very soul and speaks...

PRAY IN ME

The afternoon sighed…its warm breath across my face.
Day-worn heat released, giving way to the fresh inhalation of evening breezes.
The sigh, too deep for words, caught me in its arms between heartbeats.
I heard its whisper of truth and its promise of newness.
I was at once embraced and yet airborne with the power and grace of eagle’s wings.
Life’s prayer consumed me with a sweetness – like sugar dissolving on my tongue.
The intimate indwelling of this divinely passionate presence, tearfully
Softened the callused and weather-beaten landscape of my soul.
In the midst of living, came the illumination of the darkness.
Penetrating, healing, transforming…the loving pulse of the unceasing prayer within.
Ah yes, Lord, pray in me.

More Artistry in Wood

Enjoy some additional photos of Rex's artistry in wood! Below is a Chest of Drawers made of Walnut. Notice the beautiful grain pattern of the drawer fronts. These photos show Rex's attention to detail on the back of the chest of drawers and the dove tail joinery on the drawers themselves.

And...a lovely cherry bench...I think I may ask Rex to build another one of these for me, so I can keep it! :)

Home to Me

I received an e-mail from the James Avery Jewelry ( www.jamesavery.com ) website the other day with an announcement of a writing contest on the topic of "Stories of a Mother's Love" in honor of Mother's Day next month. At the urging of a co-worker, I submitted a poem to the contest that I wrote for my Mother's 80th birthday. I am so blessed by my Mom and love to reflect back on all the years of her love and sacrifice for me, for my sisters and for my Dad. I am a very lucky girl. So, although Mother's Day is over a month away, take some time today to reflect upon and appreciate your own mother. You wouldn't be here without her!

(And, if you like this poem and want to "vote" for it in the contest, you can go to the website address above. There are MANY wonderful submissions that you may want to read - or even submit your own. Should you want to vote for mine, you will find it about eleven pages from the last...there were 32 pages last I looked...and growing...and was submitted on April 2. The title is "Home to Me.") I love you Mom!

Home to Me

I run into your arms
As fast as my little legs can take me.
You hug me tight
I hug you tight
I smell your hair, your skin
They are home to me.

You have a look you give
Sometimes out of nowhere
For no reason I can see.
But you smile, your eyes twinkle
And tear and look at me with
Pride and affection.
Your hand reaches out, squeezes mine.
I return the look, the squeeze
For you are home to me.

Your words are powerful
They stand the test of time.
They reverberate and echo
In the chambers of my mind.
Words of correction, of encouragement
Sometimes reprimand, but always love.
I listen and eventually hear
For your voice is home to me.

My mother’s hug, her smell, her touch, her words, her love
will always be home to me.

Artistry in Wood

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Below are some photos of some of Rex's furniture. I think you will agree that they speak volumes about the quality, beauty and attention to detail of Rex's work. Enjoy!