The early morning quiet was shattered by the pounding of hail on the roof, and I knew my sleep was finished. So I turned on the light and checked outside: sure enough, there were the little white balls, bouncing in the pouring rain.
Even though fatigue still had the better of me, I put on my robe and slippers, and poured the coffee as I waited for first light. Expecting to see nothing but grey after such a fierce storm, I was surprised by the glimmers of brightness that only a cloudless parting could reveal.
"The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy."
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy."
And into this heart that was weary and sad, hope glimmered alongside the rays of the dawn.
Life Wins
Earth breathes life anew
A wonder to watch and spy
Because death can't win
--BettieGilbert
Awaken the Dawn
When the dawn awakes
We spy a glimpse, catch Heaven's
Touch of wonder new
--BettieGilbert
As this Holy Week moves us closer
As this Holy Week moves us closer
to Resurrection Morning,
I pray that you
will have a taste
of glimmering hope.
Jesus overcame the grave
and death has lost
its sting!
Because He lives
there is wonder
for each one,
if only we will let Him
awaken our hearts.
This week's #Haiku #Poetry Prompts were the words "Wonder&Spy" as part of the challenge
offered by Ronovan Hester over at his site
Visit there to find a community of poets!
I am linking today with:
Meg Weyerbacher, #TeaAndWordTuesday
Jennifer Dukes Lee, #TellHisStory
I am linking today with:
Meg Weyerbacher, #TeaAndWordTuesday
Jennifer Dukes Lee, #TellHisStory
This: so much Amen-
ReplyDeleteLife Wins
Earth breathes life anew
A wonder to watch and spy
Because death can't win
God has already overcome! What sweet reassurance that gives us. I love how He opens us to the tiniest of moments to be encouraged and strengthened in Him. Thank you so much for these words, Bettie. Such a blessing once again. Hope- steadfast assurance in God's goodness: what a precious gift this is.
Dear Anna,
DeleteOh, yes, our God has overcome! I like that definition of Hope you gave: "steadfast assurance in God's goodness." And He finds such sweet ways to keep that Hope alive in us, doesn't He? Those tiny moments are all around us! Love and Hugs to you this Holy Week!
I'm so glad God gave you a glimpse of God's wonder, Bettie. I love the haikus, but your photos, too, speak of His breath of life. I especially love the sunrise. I hope you didn't have hail damage. I pray you have a wonder-filled Easter! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDear Trudy,
DeleteThank you for seeing God's wonder in the photos! That is how He spoke to me also, as I looked around at His creation. How precious He is to give us those glimpses of His presence. Thank you, the hail seemed to only have torn a few small leaves, nothing major. I pray for a Blessed Easter for you also my friend! Hugs & Love!
Thank you so much for this very uplifting post and for the reminder that Jesus indeed conquered death and the grave to bring us new life. Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the Highest.
ReplyDeleteDear Karen,
DeleteI am grateful that you found encouragement here! It's always good to hear from you! Jesus truly is our HOSANNA-King, so filled with the Glory of our God! May you be blessed this week, as you rejoice and worship our Lord!
Oh this is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Karilee! Isn't the creativity of our God incredible? He reigns!
Delete"Because He lives
ReplyDeletethere is wonder
for each one,
if only we will let Him
awaken our hearts."
Oh, how true this is, dear Bettie. Your haiku are so lovely and hope-filled! Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
Many blessings to you, dear sister/poet/friend. Love and hugs! xoxo
Dear Gayl,
DeleteThank you sweet friend! I am so glad that God opened the windows of my heart to share in His beautiful wonders that He created. We have so much to be grateful for during this Easter week! Many blessings and hugs to you also dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
I love the sound of hail with the rain. Sunday one of the verses our Bible Study teacher used was Rev 11:19 The temple of God opened in heaven revealing the ark, and there was lightening and voices and thundering's, earthquake and great HAIL. God is on His throne and we have a great tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteDear Hazel,
DeleteThank you for sharing that amazing Scripture! What a majestic and awesome Savior we have. We DO have a great tomorrow because He is on His throne! May you have a Blessed Resurrection Week, Dear Sister!
What wonderful thoughts as we enter Holy Week. Yes indeed, the bright blue skies after the dark storm is something to look forwards to. Just like life really.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you always.
Thank you for your great thoughts, that those storms, whether in life or practics, carry the hope of the bright blue sky within them! May you be blessed this week also!
DeleteGlimmering, Living HOPE. He Lives.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Our lives are changed forever because of HIS life!
Delete(I had started typing out a comment, but it seems to have disappeared....ha). I was just saying how thrilling it is to read your words here, Bettie. I truly sense the awe you are sharing of how great our God is!
ReplyDeleteDear Lisa,
DeleteThank you for persevering with your comment! :-) Isn't our God amazing? The wonder and greatness that He shares with us is more than we could ever contain! Blessings to you this Easter!
Dear Bettie, I am enthralled by your haiku poetry and poetic outpouring in the accompanying photos! They all speak of new life, resurrection Hope and God's breathed out splendour causing us to sense awe and wonder. Maybe these words most of all:
ReplyDelete"Life Wins
Earth breathes life anew
A wonder to watch and spy
Because death can't win."
Thank you for seeing light and glory in the midst of pounding of rain and hailstones. It shows how God's wonder is just waiting to be found by receptive eyes, hearts and minds. May God's wonder envelop you in a Holy hug as you meditate on His amazing love and grace this Easter weekend. Blessings and love to you! xoxo
Dear Joy,
DeleteI am so thankful that you felt a stirring of wonder here--it means so much to me, Dear Friend! He is so gracious to let us see and feel His "breathed out splendor" isn't He? Even in our weariness, there is a Holy hug that He brings to us when we meditate on Him--maybe even more so because of our weariness! For He tells us that He is moved with compassion when He looks upon our weakness. Oh may we let Him give us more of His Grace! Blessings and love to you also, as you celebrate Easter with your dear husband! xoxo
Hello Bettie! Lovely post and loved the poems. :D
ReplyDeleteHello Vashti!
DeleteIt's always lovely to see you here! I'm glad you enjoyed the poems! Hope you are having a beautiful weekend! :)
I love this Bettie. It made me think of the light after the storms of life, when we think, "It doesn't seem possible to see light going through such dark right now." Thanks for sharing this! Beautiful poetry as always!
ReplyDeleteDear Meg,
DeleteYes, isn't the light such a surprise after that heaviness of a dark storm? I am so thankful that Jesus finds so many ways to show us His truths in the creation around us. I pray that you and your family will have a Blessed Easter my friend!