Poetry Impressed

Church

2011-08-25T14:02:00.004-04:00

I just heard someone say that people in America are not going to church. It was a statement made with an air of sadness. I have to agree that it is a thermometer of the faith of our "Christian" nation. Our thermometer does seem to measure a coldness toward church. Church attendance is important, but is going to church more important than being the church?

I grew up as a "good" Catholic. We went to church every Sunday and confessions every Saturday. I was schooled at the local Catholic school and it was expected that we make our church attendance a priority. I learned that my good attendance at church would be seen by God as a good life worthy of His grace. My problem was that going to church did not always translate into faith in God or a faith filled life outside of the church walls.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father for the churches' influence on my life. Though I am no longer in the Catholic church, without the stories of the Saints, I would never have desired to have faith or to see that I was a sinner who needed God to save me. My point here is not about what the church teaches. It is that I believe the scriptures, God's Word, emphasizes going out and BEING the church, more than it tells us to go to church.

Of course, I know that I cannot be the church without going to church. The church is the Body of Christ. The church is where I am encouraged by God's Word and the fellowship of other Christians. But, I must leave the church building to go out and truly be the church Jesus desires. What is given to me in the church needs to be taken to those outside of the church.

Lord God, Head of the Body of Christ and founder of Your church, I give You praise for the role of church in my life. I ask You to forgive me for allowing the church to be a shield from the world instead of a safe haven where I can be renewed and equipped to go into the world. Thank You for the balance You created between going to church and being the church. Teach me to be Your church in the world that needs You. Remind me that the church is not a place to hide but a place to heal.

Am I a Fool?

2011-08-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Am I a fool
To let you see
The twisted snake
Inside of me?

Am I a fool
To fling open
The door of my heart
So you could know me ?

Am I a fool
When I trust you
To see that God
Is the only hope for me?

Am I a fool
To look in the mirror
Face my fears and cry
For what I long to be?

Am I a fool
To trust His way
Changing me
Day by day?

There is no fool
Who trustingly
Lays his life down
In God’s hands.

I am no fool!

Carolynn J. Scully
©October 2006

An Audience with the King

2011-04-11T14:24:00.005-04:00

The invitation is given.
He wants to talk with me.
He calls me as a friend.
He’s the King of eternity!

I set aside a quiet time
In my most private place.
Where we sit and visit
I dwell on His glorious face.

The King invites me in each day
My heart bows down in praise
He bids me raise my eyes
To see His truth-filled loving gaze.

Our time draws to an end too soon
His fragrant grace remains.
I’m His humble servant.

Today His holy presence reigns.

By Carolynn J. Scully

6/21/1999

revised 3/8/2011

Through You

2011-04-06T09:12:00.002-04:00

I see myself

Through your words

And your silences,

So lift me up

With the music of the stars.

Set a spark and woo me with sweet whispers.

When you have no words

Drink me into your thoughts;

Share a loving toast to me

With your eyes.

I see myself

Through your touch

So, cover me

With the cleansing waterfall of passion or

Soft dew drops tempting my flesh.

When feelings are lost turn back to me.

Separation’s thirst can only be quenched by

My heart beating next to yours.

I see myself

Through you.

　 By Carolynn J. Scully

Where Does the Sky Begin?

2011-04-05T08:00:00.004-04:00

Where does the sky begin?
Does it kiss the earth
With soft breezes or
Simply sit with us
In a forever embrace?

Where does the sky begin?
Where can we meet the sky?
Does it meet our fingers
When we raise our
Hands up high or
Must we fly?

Where can we meet the sky?

By Carolynn J. Scully
© 9 January 2011

Promises

2010-09-15T10:18:00.003-04:00

Today, love is spoken in Promises to one another.
Two lovers Rejoice to lose
Self and form One flesh through
The working of a silent Miracle, a touch from God.
Pledges fervently Impressed upon the heart
And permanently Sealed in His presence
Transform this moment of Embroidered pageantry & tradition
Into the varied Seasons of lifelong love.

By Carolynn J. Scully

Vows

2010-09-15T10:00:00.002-04:00

37 years ago Patrick and I recited these vows to one another. Today we repeat these vows, knowing full well that we must rely on God to fulfill them!

Patrick's vows:
In these modern times of trouble, when love is just a word people say less and less, let my love for you and your love for me radiate for all to see and witness. And although our love may shine daily through mists of hard times, let it be trusted like a lighthouse in the storm - to steer us clear of the perils of destruction, lying sometimes hidden but ever present.

Carolynn, I promise you my love, strength, devotion....my entire being, until the last thought leaves my mind and the last breath leaves my flesh.

Carolynn's vows:

Everything changes -

In spring the tiny green buds are like our love is now, just beginning to grow.

The fullness of the green leaves in summer is like our love which will give a peaceful shade to those who witness our joy in loving one another.

Variety in our love is reflected in the many colors of autumn. The yellows and oranges are the joys and laughter we will share. The dark colors are the sad times we will endure.

As the leaves fall to the ground in the cold of winter, so we shall part from each other only at death. Our love, not dying, only making way for a new love and a new beginning.

Patrick, I promise to love you, trust in you, respect and understand you always until I die.

Mom

2010-08-09T12:06:00.000-04:00

You were once my home and now my life is an image of you.
I stand in your shadow,
Journey in your footsteps,
Carry on because of your courage.

Your hands are reflected in the mirror of mine:
The nervous habits I acquired,
The mindless strokes of my pen,
The way I stitch with needle and thread.

You paint eternal pictures of love and beauty in my life,
Delighting in art created and performed,
Rejoicing in friendships spanning generations,
Owning a heart big enough for love alone.

You record music into my soul that
Lets my spirit dance,
Frees my voice to sing,
Fills my days with joy.

You tell stories of thankfulness for
Freedoms enjoyed,
Blessings received,
People that cared.

You are a faithful teacher of life’s lessons:
In the building of a dream,
The living of life despite times of grief,
The believing by faith in things not seen.

You were once my home and now I know that home is
A place of learning to live,
A place of safety for my heart,
A place where God dwells.

Carolynn J. Scully © 2000

William Leff, My Friend

2010-07-30T15:38:00.001-04:00

Will (William Leff)

Friend of my heart
You may not be able to help me move my furniture or change a tire, but you move me to pray and to change my heart towards God.
You may not be able to enjoy a dinner with us, but we dine on the Bread of Life when you are near.
You may not be able to enthrall us with your stories, jokes or wisdom, but we are enthralled at the way your eyes dance in the presence of angels.
You may not be able to embrace us with strong arms, but your hands hold us tight while you lead us into your silent prayer.

Friend of my heart
Your eyes search beyond this world and reflect love.
You listen to a Holy Voice revealing truth and share in His compassion and hope.
You touch the heart of God for those who need Him.
Your eyes dance with joy over the glory of God revealed!

Friend of my heart
You have offered me opportunities to believe beyond what I see, to give more than I thought I could, to trust more in that which I do not understand, to love deeper, and to be loved, not for all I can do, but for just being with you.
I love you, friend of my heart.
　
Carolynn J. Scully
23 July 2010

The Voice

2010-06-02T14:40:00.002-04:00

The voice
Deep within
Compels the gifted
To move towards
That which waits
With no form,
No beauty,
No meaning.

"Be yourself!
Breathe life!
Imagine and
Create the vision.
It is the plan
And purpose
For which
You are born."

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2010

If They Had a Voice

2010-04-22T21:29:00.004-04:00

If they had a voice

Would they ask "Why?"

Would screams reach the sky?

If they had a voice

Would our hearts be stirred?

Would we have heard?

If we loaned them our voice

Would we defend their cause?

Would we be able to change the laws?

The unborn child has a voice

The Maker only hears

And quiets with His tears.

by Carolynn J. Scully
2010

Creation

2010-04-21T14:23:00.002-04:00

Dark
Light
God's Spirit moves in might.
Water
Land
Formed by God's own hand.
Plants
Trees
Blowing in the breeze.
Moon
Sun
Creation was not done.
Birds
Fish
Whatever He may wish.
Beasts
Man
All made to fit God's plan.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2008
rewritten 2010

Birthday

2010-04-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

In honor of my dear Hubby's birthday last Friday, I thought I would share my childrens' Birthday poem .

I wash my face,
brush my teeth.
I comb my hair
and smile.
Everything seems
just the same
As it has been
for awhile.
I don't look different
even though
I'm changed in one
big way.
Today I add
another year!
It is my
59th birthday!

( I change the number to fit the age)

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2008

Mirrors

2010-04-18T23:33:00.002-04:00

Mirrors reveal faces that
Reflect lifetimes of hopes and dreams
Fulfilled in the splendor of success, or
Shattered into pieces of unreality.

Mirrors reveal faces that
Display lifetimes of loves and hates
Melted into a single heart softened, or
Hardened by feelings held fast.

Mirrors reveal faces that
Hide lifetimes of deceits and secrets
Too heavy to carry and, one day to be
Revealed for judgement.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)1995

Knowing & Loving You

2010-04-17T13:55:00.006-04:00

I have known you

and loved you

All of your life,

For in knowing

And loving you today

I find that my love

Has transcended time

And knowledge.

I have loved you

Even as the seed

In your mothers' womb,

For in that seed you began.

All you are today

Began with that seed

and thus I have loved you

All of your life.

I have loved you

And known you

all of your life,

But you are

More precious

And more desirable now,

Because the years have

Seen you grow

In strength and

Humility, bending

With the wind

But not breaking.

I know you, yet

There is so much

more to know

I love you, yet

There is so much

more to love.

to Patrick

with all my love,

Carolynn (April 2001)

Family

2010-04-16T09:56:00.004-04:00

We run life's race together
And strive to win the prize.
We walk together hand in hand
No matter age or size.
We stand together side by side.
Our shield of faith we hold.
We sit together in company.
The joy never grows old.

Together we will walk in love
And face whatever's ahead.
Nothing will stop us from our goal,
Because Jesus is our daily bread.
We are a family growing strong.
We work in unity.
Father, Mother, Sister, Brother,
We are a family.

by Carolynn J. Scully

Another Favorite Poem

2010-04-15T09:49:00.005-04:00

I love the poem Trees, by Joyce Kilmer. This picture was taken last year when we visited Colorado and drove past my childhood home. The tree sitting out by the road was where I would go to sit and read for hours perched on a certain branch that was considered mine. You can see it on the far left of the picture.

I was amazed to see the tree still thriving after all these years. To be honest it looks the same in height. The branches look bigger but in all it is just as I remember.

I wanted to go up, but my 58 year old body would certainly protest so I simply enjoyed the memories.
Trees
by Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

The Sound of My Hiding Place

2010-04-14T12:06:00.003-04:00

You are my hiding place....you will surround me with songs of deliverance.

Silence. Quiet stillness sitting before You
I seek Your face. I long to hear Your voice.
Heartbeats. Are they mine or Yours?
I want our hearts to beat as one.
Breathing. Is it mine or Yours?
Breathe on me as I breathe in Your presence.
Words. Quiet whispers flow to my ears.
I strain to hear and grasp the essence of You, O God.

I am encompassed by Your presence
Just as the unborn child in the womb.
I am in peace; protected,nourished, comforted.
I know the sound of my hiding place.

by Carolynn J. Scully revised 2010

God is Worthy

2010-04-13T23:11:00.002-04:00

God is worthy: valuable; deserving of praise; having merit; deserving of...

"I chose you," He said, "And I give this gift to you."

And there He laid within my heart
A gift beyond compare.
A perfect gift, His gift of love
A gift so sweet and rare.

The pearl is priceless so very rich.
It's worthy beyond measure.
It cost His Son, His only son.
He is the worlds' great treasure.

by Carolynn J. Scully

Being

2010-04-12T08:46:00.003-04:00

Be~being
Live~living
Exist~existing
Abide~abiding
Breathe~breathing

Now.
I cannot be in the past.
I cannot be in the future.
I can only breathe the air of the present.

I AM gave me being,
Keeps me being,
Offers me eternal living.

My being is a creation of
The Most High Being.
His Spirit is my breath.
His Being is the likeness
For my being.
Without I AM, I am nothing.

I AM speaks existence.
I am His being.
I am His.
My feelings and beliefs
Grow from my being and
Spur me into action for Him.

by Carolynn J. Scully
revised 2010

Kiss My Hurt

2010-04-11T14:56:00.003-04:00

(Unless we become like little children....)

Kiss my hurt
And make it better.
Hold me close
And dry my tears.
I need you
Right now, not later,
To comfort me
And calm my fears.

Pray for me
And make it better.
Take me close
To Jesus the King.
I need Him
Right now, not later,
To heal my hurts
and help me sing.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2008

Touch

2010-04-10T20:16:00.002-04:00

Faith touches with the heart
hoping
trusting
freeing

Hope touches with open hands
reaching
welcoming
supporting

Love touches with the Word
healing
loving
encouraging

by Carolynn J. Scully

Sweets

2010-04-09T10:59:00.003-04:00

My flesh lusts after delicate sweets
Entrapping me into
The false sense of satisfaction
The lying cushion of comfort
The failing feeling of fullness
The empty reasoning of earthly rewards.

The enemy's candied house lures me with its sweet facade
Hiding the prison of addiction where my cravings are
Never satisfied,
My lonliness is never full
And there is no lasting reward.

Walk with me, Lord,
Hold my hand tightly as You lead me away
from the empty candied house.
Free me from the lure of the seductive sweetness
giving me pleasure that will not last.

You are calling me into a new place.
You call me to dwell closer to You.
You are the Prince who desires to fulfill all my dreams.

Your promise, O my Prince,
Is to satisfy me with the sweetness of Your word;
To comfort me with Your presence;
To fill me with Your Spirit
And bring me to an eternity of rewards.

My heart grieves that I fail to follow Your lead in perfection.
Lust wrestles with the longings of my spirit,
And I find myself rushing toward the temporary,
Forgetting the truth.

But, You, O my Prince
Are always nearby,
Waiting,
Waiting with a chalice filled with all I need.
O Patient Prince
Entice me to the place of Your sweet presence
Until I never more will stray from Your side,
And the full reward of You:
My satisfaction and comfort.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2006

The Junk Box

2010-04-08T11:58:00.002-04:00

I normally post my own poems but I really like this poem by Edgar Guest. I hope you enjoy it too!

My father often used to say:
"My boy don't throw a thing away:
You'll find a use for it someday."

So in a box he stored up things,
Bent nails, old washers, pipes and rings,
And bolts and nuts and rusty springs.

Despite each blemish and each flaw.
Some use for everything he saw;
With things material, this was law.

And often when he'd work to do,
He searched the junk box through and through
And found old stuff as good as new.

And I have often thought since then,
That father did the same with men;
He knew he'd need their help again.

It seems to me he understood
That men, as well as iron and wood,
May broken be and still be good.

Despite the vices he'd display
He never threw a man away,
But kept him for another day.

A human junk box is this earth
And into it we're tossed at birth,
To wait the day we'll be of worth.

Though bent and twisted, weak of will,
And full of flaws and lacking skill,
Some service each can render still.

*I realize that God does not make junk....but we who have chosen to rebel against God's way have sinned and become bent and broken. We do still have use and we have hope to be made new and whole by the power of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ!

**This poem simply reminds me that though I may see others flaws and consider throwing them out of my life because of them, I can still find a place for them. They can be a part of building my life (broken and bent as it is) into something useful for God's Kingdom!

Oops!

2010-04-07T23:07:00.002-04:00

Oops!
I dropped it.
I made a mistake.
Oops!
I broke it.
I hope it was fake.
Oops!
I spilled it.
I'll get out the mop.
Oops!
I hit him.
I just couldn't stop.
Oops!
I blew it.
I'm sorry, forgive me.
Oops!
I'll be better
Tomorrow, you'll see.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c2008)

Generosity

2010-04-06T19:45:00.003-04:00

Generosity,
Reach into the deepest
Place within me and
Gift Your Spirit into me.

Fill me to the fullest
Satisfy my longings
Remove only that which takes
Space against You.

You have given all
You give all
You will continue to give all
Without hesitation.

Generosity, Touch me and make me like You!

Finger Pointers

2010-04-05T11:52:00.003-04:00

Eve ate the fruit.
Adam ate it too.
When God asked what they did,
Both pointedly said, "It's you!"

Adam pointed at Eve.
Eve pointed at the snake.
Adam pointed at God.
Now that was a BIG mistake!

Pointing fingers isn't right
When you are very wrong.
Before you point at others
Your own guilt must be gone.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2008

Power to Love

2010-04-04T17:59:00.004-04:00

Jesus, You are my Lord and my God.

You have exceedingly great power
Over all things:
Power to destroy the wicked,
Power to control the rebellious.

Power.

You have chosen the unfathomable
Way of love:
Love that conquers the wicked,
Love that frees' the rebellious.

Love.

You alone are holy, righteous, and pure.
You see all,
Yet see my sin no more.
You know all,
Yet know my rebellion no longer
Because of Your power to love.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)1996

Courage

2010-04-03T20:34:00.002-04:00

Look into the weary, pain-filled face of one
Who never gives place to the enemy,
And discover courage.

Look into the midst of a battle
Where God's grace manifests strength and hope
And sustains courage.

We admire and desire the courage
Witnessed in the daily walk of
One brave soul,
Yet despise the need for courage
When we ourselves are enveloped
In the place where courage is birthed in us.

Thus we look into a weary, pain-filled heart and
Treasure the smallest of victories
And we are encouraged.

by Carolynn J. Scully
(c)1998

Holiness

2010-04-02T10:11:00.003-04:00

Today I am posting two items. The first is a song (yet to be set to music), and a poem. Both have the same theme. I hope you find truth within the words and draw closer to our Savior because of reading them.

Holy

A song by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2002

Holy, holy, holy are You Lord!
Holy hands!
Holy heart!
Holy God!

Holiness encountered sin on the cross.
Through nails and thorns holiness paid the cost.
Freedom was poured out by holiness lost.

Holiest of hands held firm every sin.
Love pierced deep the holiest heart within.
Holiest life in His agony wins.

Holy God!
Holy heart!
Holy Hands!
Holy, holy, holy are You Lord!

Holiness (a poem)
by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2002

Holiness encountered my sin on the cross.
Eternal moments treasured His loss.
Precious holy hands possessed my every sin.
He did not turn away but nailed it deep within.

Holiness was poisoned by my sin and contempt.
The eternal Godhead, in pain and agony, wept.
The holy triune heart was torn for me in twain.
His holy love and mercy forever reigns.

Bound by Choice

2010-04-01T08:58:00.003-04:00

God watched in His glorious heaven,
But man failed to see from earths' side,
That Jesus was bound by His choices,
Not just by the ropes was He tied.

He bound Himself in obedience
To the Father in heaven above.
Shackled by chains of His making,
Jesus chose to be bound by love.

Man meant to harm Jesus, silence the truth,
But God turned it completely around.
It is good that He died in place of all men.
His bondage meant love was unbound!

by Carolynn J. Scully (c) 1995

The Price Paid

2010-03-31T10:02:00.004-04:00

Poem by Carolynn J. Scully (c)1999

Men saw an execution.
God saw a sacrifice.
Men saw a solution.
God saw that it paid a price.

Men cowered in the darkness.
God's heart was torn in pain.
Men ran in guilty fear.
God's judgement would reign.

Men jeered at the stench of death,
Ignored impassioned pleas.
God inhaled holy incense.
Forgiveness was set free.

Men must seek salvation
Through Christ, God's only Son.
For God so loved the world
That the victory was won.

Roses

2010-03-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

Roses grow on thorny stems, and still,
Roses are meant to give away.

There is no true intent
To prick, hurt,
Or bring to tears
With gifts of
Thorny roses.

Love only exchanges
Bouquets in friendship
Meant to bless
With the beauty of soft
Spicy sweet petals.

Yet, roses grow on thorny stems, and still,
Roses are meant to give away.

By Carolynn J. Scully
© 2002

Poem in Your Pocket

2010-03-08T15:52:00.002-05:00

I am getting ready for Poem in Your Pocket Day. This year it will be April 29. I am wanting to share some poetry with my Granddaughter's classes as well as pass out some of my favorite poems.

What will you do to celebrate?

Here is a poem for kids of all ages:

Something Good Inside of Me
by Carolynn J. Scully

When something bad happens to me
I want to find the good in me.
I want to say good things to others,
To do good things, love all brothers.
I want to think good thoughts and know
That Jesus Christ will help me grow.
He works to make the bad to be
Something good inside of me.

Winning Haiku

2009-12-22T18:03:00.001-05:00

Lacey white patchwork
Drawn soft over barren arms.
Nature’s coverlet.

Winter Haiku

2009-10-21T15:12:00.000-04:00

Icy tails in line
Crackle and break in the wind
Shivers of surprise.

If You Love Me

2009-10-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

If you love me
Come fight for me.
Win the battle for my heart.
Break down walls
To rescue me
From my shame and loneliness.
Speak to me with love.
Romance me with words
You’ve long since hidden in
The dark places of your heart.
Hold me in protective arms.
Quiet my fears of being alone.

If you love me
Let your heart, voice, and arms be open to me.
Let me be the witness of your love and
I will shout it out!
I will make it known!
I will surrender to you
With trust, hope, and unceasing love.

By Carolynn J. Scully © 2008

Winter #2

2009-09-02T08:27:00.000-04:00

Tiny icy clouds
In the air, on window panes
My breath creation

By Carolynn J. Scully
©2009

What Dream Lies Across This Sea

2009-08-30T21:06:00.003-04:00

What dream lies across this sea for me?
A magnetic muse song
Lures with hope and promise
Across the deep and unknown.
"Pursue me, find me, capture me!"
She woos in soulful tones.
Her insistent command intoxicates me
With courage and determination,
Demanding a response.

Where do I go in this vast ocean of roaring doubts
That swallow the irresistible melody
And threaten to devour the memory of why
I travail to pursue this elusive infatuation.
Failure to pursue, find and capture her
Would be grievous to self and our Creator
Whose plan it is for us to meet.
She is mine to discover and
Though many waves push me away
I forge ahead in my quest
Else she be silenced forever or
Sold to another toward a different end.

What is this dream that lies across the sea for me?
My purpose is in the pursuit.
To enjoy presence of my muse is only a rest
Till another song begins.
Life itself teems with the seeking and discovery
Of many dreams
Waiting to be taken into captivity
Only after traveling both the
Calm and turbulent waters.

Carolynn J. Scully (c)2009
　

I Will Know You in Heaven

2009-08-26T09:07:00.002-04:00

I will know you in heaven
Though you may not look the same.
Worldly cares will fade away.
A new body you will claim.
No tears, troubles, or worries
Will line your heavenly face.
No pain, disease, or weakness
Will enter that perfect place.

I will know you in heaven
Though you’ll be bathed in glory,
And I will see the character
That has built your life’s story.
Your strengths unique in measure
Will shine like jewels in the sun
Over robes of righteousness.
Christ’s good work in you’ll be done.

Carolynn J. Scully
©2001

Winter

2009-08-18T18:12:00.002-04:00

Earth slumbers undressed
In quiet cold, awaiting
Her resurrection.

By Carolynn J. Scully
©2009

Jonah

2009-08-17T00:13:00.002-04:00

Running,
Running,
Running
To the sea.
Far from where I ought to be!
The ship tosses in the gale
Till over I go to be swallowed by a whale!
Black,
Black,
Black
And, oh, the fishy smell!
Boy will this be a tale to tell!
Guess I’ll lay down and cry.
There is no use to try (running anymore).
Bump,
Bump,
Bump.
Oh my!
Now at last I’m dry.
But I still smell fishy,
And I look real icky.
The lesson’s been taught.
Disobey God?
Absolutely not!

By Carolynn J. Scully
©2007

Dying to Self ~ Living in God

2009-08-13T16:46:00.001-04:00

In foolish futility
I desperately grasp at
The waters of love
To keep as mine
All I treasure.
I labor to breathe in
The rhythm of the life I’ve made
As I want it
Drowning in my self knowing,
Falling deeper into the well of me.
I press my heart to
Beat in time with my song,
My self energizing efforts supplying
A flood of little purpose.
I turn cold to this world
Its beauty
Its love
Its truth
Its comforts
Its pain
Its empty promises and false meaning.

i let go
i die to self,
i surrender my self .
You, Father, are the giver of life.
You hold life secure in Your hands.
You are the cup that spills over
Withholding nothing.
You are everlasting love
Pulsing faithfully
With a true and powerful purpose
You are the breath of life abundant
Flowing in the rhythm of
cleansing and healing,
a refreshing fullness.
You are warm comfort,
Security, goodness and grace.
You wash away the chill of death
You are perfect peace.
　
　
By Carolynn J. Scully
22 February 2009

Freedom

2009-07-07T16:48:00.008-04:00

No matter what I do I cannot get this to post correctly.

Please note that * indicates the beginning of a stanza.

They should be separated by a break.

If anyone can help me figure this out please let me know.

Thanks. Carolynn

*Freedoms' Author

Independently enthroned,

Needs no advisor,

No follower.

He is free

To be,

To form

His likeness,

His freedom

Into every soul.

*Freedoms' Fighters,

United as one,

Seek Divine advice.

Following His plan

For freedom

To be,

They form

His government

Into an independent nation.

*Freedoms' Voice

Strikes the drum beat

Leading the march

To be,

To live

The life of liberty

for eternity

Formed by Freedoms' Author.

*Carolynn J. Scully

The Ring

2009-05-31T17:11:00.002-04:00

This poem was written by my son Joseph. I thought it worth posting and he gave me permission to do so. I hope you enjoy, even if it brings some tears.

Carolynn

The ring.

My promise, in words, was once made and then broken.
Maybe a ring is more than loves' token.
Yes, it is something much more incredible:
A symbol to see and feel the intangible!
It reminds the bearer of the giver's word,
And the giver of their promise conferred.

Love, like a ring, is not priceless;
Or else neither would any possess.
But love and a ring both cost quite a price,
If you've never lost either, please heed my advice.
Be glad that our love is measurable!
Otherwise, doubt makes it not pleasurable.

Can love exist without a ring?
Supposedly so.I
s a ring, to prove love, necessary?
I now say it is so.
Can one gauge the depth of ringless love?
Decidedly no!

So what if the ring is small?
It is surely better than none at all.
The weight or the size doesn't matter.
It's purpose is not to flatter.
A ring gives love validity.
Invalidated love shows timidity.
And true love is not timid or shy,
It is bold as a diamond! (quarter-carat or five.)

If I had done things right, I would have kissed her on the nose;
Then knelt and with a ring, used the following to propose:

If I am away at work or at war,
If we're sick or we're healthy, we're rich or we're poor,
If we have a big fight and I storm out the door,
If your memory fades and you feel insecure...
Then look at your hand, the hand I adore.
See and believe, don't doubt anymore.
For there hangs the ring that can only be yours.
It's proof of my love, my love that endures.

-Joe Scully

His Faithfulness

2009-05-29T09:52:00.001-04:00

His faithfulness

Reaches to the heavens of

The entire universe and

Holds the fiery stars

In place.

Though my eye fail to see

Past the brilliance of the sun,

His faithfulness

Maintains the stars as they

Await shadows that unveil the

Truth in whom

I can put my trust.

His faithfulness

Knit me together in

My mothers' womb and

Holds my frail life

In place.

Though my eye fail to see

My inner workings,

His faithfulness

Breathes breath into me and

My very life reveals the

Truth in whom

I can put my trust.

His faithfulness

Speaks a promise through

His Word and

Holds my eternity

In place.

Though my eye fail to see

The future,

His faithfulness

Is trustworthy and

Someday I will see the

Truth in whom

I have put my trust.

Imaginations

2009-05-19T19:25:00.000-04:00

Imaginations

The menagerie of animals,
We can see up in the sky,
Are only limited by the things
We see in our minds’ eye.
A cat, a dog, a bird on wing.
It really could be any old thing!
Wild or tame, caged or free
A magnificent zoo as ever could be.
The fascination doesn’t stop there
For you could see a lamp or chair.
Any thing can be found, you see,
In the clouds above the trees.
Grandpa snoring on his bed
A little child who’s bowed her head
A girl with long flowing hair
Two lovers kissing in the air
Cloudy sculptures fill the sky
While my imaginations fly.

By Carolynn J. Scully
© 2009

Living Sacrifice

2009-05-12T13:21:00.000-04:00

This poem was written for Journey Christian Church volunteer appreciation month. christian volunteers hear Gods' call and answer using the gifts, talents, and love the God gave them. Christian work in God breathed, God inspired, and God fueled! Christians simply offer their bodies as a living sacrifice in thanksgiving for what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross.

Living Sacrifice

You surrender your heart
As His dwelling place
He calls you by name and
You answer, "Yes, Lord."

You incline your ear
Listen and hear His voice
As a trusted servant
You answer, "Yes, Lord."

You open your eyes
No longer blinded to those He loves
Awakened to His work among them and
You answer, "Yes, Lord."

You reach out your hands
Not afraid to touch, work, and give
Never weary of doing good
You answer, "Yes, Lord."

You hurry your feet
Following in His steps
To bring Good News and
You answer, Yes, Lord."

Your life: a living sacrifice,
A gift of service
For His pleasure,
Your answer, "Yes, Lord."

I Will Remember

2009-05-06T13:38:00.000-04:00

I will remember
You, O Lord my God
You are the King of the universe
The creator of the fruit of the vine
Who brings forth bread from the earth.

I will remember
The night You were betrayed, betrayed.
You took bread and gave thanks.
You broke it and said, "Take, eat."

It was Your body that was broken,
Broken for me
Yes, for me!
I will remember

I will remember
That You were wounded
For my transgressions,
My sins
You were bruised
For my iniquities,
My unrighteousness
Your suffering brought me peace.
Blessed peace.
I will remember

I will remember
That You took the cup of wine
Gave thanks
And said "Drink of our new covenant."

I will remember
The new covenant given to me
Through Your shed blood
Your blood poured out
For forgiveness of my sins.
I will remember.

I will remember
Your crown of thorns
Your pierced hands and feet
The wound at Your side
Touching Your heart
For me, ME, a sinner.
I will remember

I will remember
That The Father loved me so much
That He sent You
His one and only Son,
Only Son
That if I believe
I will not perish
I will have everlasting life!

I leave my burdened heart at the foot of the cross
I remember and believe.
Because of You, Jesus,
I am forgiven.

by Carolynn J. Scully (c)2004

Pocket Diamante

2009-04-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

Another quick little poem to put in your pocket!

Pocket Diamante

poem

filled pocket

must be

shared.

by Carolynn J. Scully (2009)

Smile!

Something Good

2009-04-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

Happy Poem in Your Pocket Day! Here is a little poem to enjoy!

Something Good Inside of Me

When something bad happens to me
I want to find the good in me.
I want to say good things to others,
To do good things, love all brothers.
I want to think good thoughts and know
That Jesus Christ will help me grow.
He works to make the bad to be
Something good inside of me.

Carolynn J. Scully
(c) 2007

Whispered Promises

2009-04-27T09:22:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite poems. Writing it and even reading it now, reminds me that Jesus' sacrifice is available to all men at all times. God is marvelous in His love.

Whispered Promises
(Genesis 3:21)

I hear Him in the garden. I often walk with Him.
I dare not go as I am, clothed only in my sin.
He calls to me and I know, He mourns from deep within.

His light defeats the darkness befriending my great shame.
He questions my nakedness through tears of love and pain.
I cannot look up at Him but foolishly explain.

Now a lamb stands before Him submitting to His will.
Its life will buy my freedom. Creation becomes still.
The lamb upon Gods’ shoulders is carried up the hill.

Kneeling down upon the earth He formed with His own hands,
God embraces innocence, whispers His promised plan.
He groans in offered sacrifice upon the holy land.

Blood spills forth to cover me, a sinner against God.
It stains the pure holy earth where together we had trod.
All creation shudders. I am overcome with sobs.

This is death on my account, lifelessness on display.
Innocence covers my nakedness, "No, Lord! Please don’t!" I pray.
"This judgement and death are mine! Why must it be this way?"

Then He whispers a promise, holds me in love’s embrace.
Sends me outside the garden and turns away His face.
My sin has caused this parting but He promises His grace.

"I will come," He tells me. "Wait for the righteous seed.
I will be the Holy Lamb. I am the victory!
I will bring you safely home. In Me you can believe."

By Carolynn J. Scully
©1997

Sun Queen

2009-04-23T19:24:00.000-04:00

Here in Florida the weather is starting to heat up! It is in the 80s pretty steadily now and it will be creeping upwards into the 90s soon. Here is a poem I wrote about the sun and the different way it affects me. Hope you are having a nice spring!

Sun Queen

I like it best
when the sun does not blaze across the sky
crowding out the deepness of the blue and
beating down on the helpless earth
like a tyrant commanding attention and invading the universe;
or when its heat weighs heavy on my shoulders,
stifles my breath,
closes my eyes and
pushes me to lie down and sleep;
But when the sky is wide and free and
I feel as if I could rise up and fly,
soaring and playing in the air;
or when the sun reigns with mercy,
allowing the sky to compliment her beauty and
permit the white puffy clouds to dance in her presence and
a soft cool breeze is allowed to brush the earth
with blessing as it sings a soft melody
to refresh and uplift the heart,
I like it best.

Carolynn J Scully
© 2009

Poem in Your Pocket

2009-04-21T08:40:00.000-04:00

In honor of National Poetry Month I offer you a poem to put in your pocket. I hope you enjoy reading it and sharing it with others as you go about your day!

I Could

I could write a book
Or sing a happy song.
I could paint a picture
Or laugh the whole day long.

I could climb a tree
Or run a long long race.
I could dance a while
Or simply walk in place.

I Humbly Bow to Thee

2009-04-16T12:24:00.000-04:00

I Humbly Bow to Thee

by Carolynn J. Scully

I may see myself as creative;

But Your created world I see,

And I must humbly bow to Thee.

I may see myself as able;

But Your power is awesome to me,

And I must humbly bow to Thee.

I may see myself as righteous;

But it is Your holiness in me,

And I must humbly bow to Thee.

I may see myself as merciful,

But I knowYour grace and see

That I must humbly bow to Thee.

I may see myself as loving;

But You gave Your Son to die for me,

And so I humbly bow to Thee

I may see myself as forgiving;

But Your cross and shed blood I see,

And I must humbly bow to Thee

I may see myself as steadfast;

But You're ever so faithful to me,

And I must humbly bow to thee

I humbly bow to Thee.

Reunion

2009-04-15T16:25:00.000-04:00

This poem is my latest. I have written it for the 40th class reunion of the 1969 Class of Pueblo County High School. Go Hornets!

Reunion

The years have lain
like a barren plain between us.
Though our singular lives
have walked through wonderful changes
and sometimes frightening challenges,
we have not kept company
with friends long ago invited
into our dreams,
loves,
heartaches, and
triumphs.
Yet, in that desert
our memories, like tumbleweeds,
have rolled through our minds,
beckoning us with curious wonderings
of who we became,
what we have done,
where we have traveled.
In those brief recollections
we remembered the
beginning of our journeys
and have looked forward
to this celebratory return.
Today is our long awaited future.
Today our present becomes our new commencement:
a time to enjoy past remembrances
and embrace the memories of this reunion
for future exchanges.
Today we return to the place
we hold in each others’ lives.

by
Carolynn J. Scully
© 2009