Archives

From the Cottage-by-the-Sea, #18

Jun21

In God’s silence
I hold my breath.
Waiting…
Praying…
Fearing…
Wondering…
Is He angry?
Will He punish me?
What will He do?

In God’s silence
Other voices overwhelm me.
Taunting…
Shaking…
Driving…
Haunting…
You’re not enough.
You never will be.
He’s taking it all.

In God’s silence
Is He somehow speaking?
Can I hear?
Do I dare?
Does He still care?
Is this rare?
Or does everyone feel
That God waits
To devour them?

In God’s silence
I cower and wait.
           dfav 6/21/17

—Donna

From the Cottage-by-the-Sea, #17

May31

Yesterday Lord, the place was crowded.
People everywhere promising so much,
With expectations and dreams so bright,
It all seemed so possible in the bright light.
This morning Lord, the crowd has thinned.
Some have left afraid of the possible pain,
For the route to success is no longer in sight,
The support they all promised took flight.
It’s you and me in this ongoing struggle,
Yesterday, today and tomorrow I know,
Regardless Lord of what I can see,
You are always right beside me.
Can’t base my walk with You, Lord,
On other people’s interpretations,
May this life with You be between You and I,
Help me live by Your will until the sweet by and by.
        dfav 5/30/17

—Donna

Stuck at Home on Sunday

May30

Sunday morning to the church building I couldn’t go,
It hurts every time though it’s the life I know,
Could give into the sorrow or break out in praise,
Jesus understands the decision and emotions it raises.
Sometimes I read and study His Word for a bit,
Ask Him to speak to me, in my heart sit.
Occasionally I sing, give a concert of one to The One,
Always thanking Him for​ the gift of His Son.
I sure miss going to church and worshipping there,
The strength of fellowship, understanding and care.
But God knows the reasons I’m stuck at home,
There’s no need for me to groan and moan.
He’ll accept my praise and worship anytime, anywhere,
He will be faithful and show me He cares.
          dfav 5/29/17

—Donna

From the Cottage-by-the-Sea, #16

May24

The rain is coming down outside,
While the winds blow to and fro.
Inside this house inside this heart,
My heart struggles with what it knows.
Of God’s​ greatness there’s no debate,
His love for man is well known.
Then though I know those two facts,
What weeds of doubt have grown?
When life is good and safety is felt,
It’s easy to cling to His path.
But harder when the path is troubled
And your soul longs for a cooling bath.
Rain down Your understanding, Lord!
Flood me with Your merciful insight.
Wash away my human inconsistency,
Leave behind only Your pure perfect light.
        dfav 5/24/17

—Donna

Remembering​ Those Gone

May17

Thoughts gather about the ones
Whose lives once intertwined with mine.
Who invested prayers and time
To try and help me my life to shine.
The loved ones I hold so dear,
Whose paths have gone to another time.
Who are at peace and now have no tears.

To not miss us, those who’ve been left behind
It must just be the notion we’re coming soon,
As if we’re only next door or in the next room?
We’ll be there before the clock strikes noon?
Perhaps that is what death truly is,
A passing from the earthly to Heaven’s room?
Still I think of them and grief makes me sad.

Oh, the Homecoming we will surely have
When at last we’re all gathered home.
To be in the presence of our Holy Father,
And know from Him we’ll never more roam.
All together we will love God more,
And so love one another in our Heavenly home.
I can remember those gone and smile.

                 dfav 5/16/17

—Donna

From the Cottage-by-the-Sea, #14, 4/28/17

Apr28

The very air is stale,
As if no fresh air has blown for weeks.
The memory of abundance is pale
Amongst the weight of needs.

It’s not that I’ve forgotten,
What walking close to You is like,
The sweetest mountain tops have been
Lasting monuments in my heartscape.

Only the assurance of Your presence
Feels further away each single day.
I refuse to put up some pretense,
When truth is I’m really hurting.

I will not forsake the journey,
I will not neglect to feel You out,
Though You may hide from me,
I will continue to repent and seek.

Draw me closer to You, Sweet Master,
Make clean my muddied heart,
Hear my prayer, reunite us faster,
Work Your way in me again today.
         -dfav 4/27/17

—Donna

From the Cottage-by-the-Sea, #11, 4/17/17

Apr17

This is a sanctuary,
A place of solitude and prayer.
A place I can carry myself too
Where You ease my frets and cares.
It is these things You know
Because You are here and there
Here within me and about me,
A sanctuary.
          dfav 4/17/17

—Donna

God is Surely Stronger

Apr10

You’re hurting and you’re tired.
You’re seeking answers.
You’re asking God above,
The one you’ve always tried to trust,
But this battle?
It’s really just too much.

His relief hasn’t yet arrived.
His answers unspoken.
Isn’t God in Your heart?
Doesn’t He understand your need,
Why doesn’t He act?
Why aren’t His angels set to intercede?

I’ve no idea how to help you.
I’ve questions of my own.
God is greater than we know.
We have to hang on a little longer,
His answers are on​ the way,
The pain is great but God is surely stronger.
           dfav 4/9/17

—Donna

Questions in the Storm

Mar29


Temptation came to test me,
Oh, the arguments​ sounded strong.
With promises to end all our suffering,
Much wealth would come along.
Oh, it painted such a picture,
Of peace, health and song.
We could have life’s very best
Huge success for just a song.
The storms of life surrounded us,
We were battling on all sides.
Temptation said “Aren’t you children of The King?
Then where has He gone to hide?”
Then an image flashes in my heart,
Of two gentle and nail-scarred hands.
And how Jesus’ arms carried me,
Across the desolate and stinging sands.
In my ear I hear again His heartbeat,
Echoing steady beneath my ear.
Oh, get behind me Satan!
That’s my Father that I hear!
This storm of life we’re dealing with?
Sure, it’s pounding and it’s strong.
But, the God who redeemed my soul?
Will never lead me to do wrong.
My arm shoots up, hand out held,
Though the storm rages on,
Get behind me, Satan, in Jesus’ name,
God will see you gone.
—dfav 3/26/17

—Donna

God Has It

Mar26


This road block before you?
God has it.
Travel on.
This mountain looming to be climbed?
God has it.
Climb on.
This heartache within you?
God has it.
Love on
This healing you’re in need of?
God has it.
Pray on.
This God you’re trusting still?
He’s the I Am
Trust on.
                3/26/17 dfav

—Donna