2013-12-24

(X-mas [1] games) XXOO Naughts & crosses - hugs & kisses

Happy day as we
all celebrate thee
occurring on Earth
of a small babe (birth).
God's new, yet old, way
which starts small & weak,
has something to say
to pow-er's quite bleak
quite bleak way to see
life all around me;
yet there's one from who
life came -always true.
So I'll celebrate
with family, and mate,
such a very great
Love's win over hate!

[1] The "X" of X-mas, started as the Greek letter "Chi"(X), which in Greek is the first letter of the word Christ (Χριστος). Old handwritten manuscripts of the New Testament would sometimes put X as a shorthand for Χριστος.

2013-12-20

my "little" sister, Shell is Fifty-two!


Shell’s Fifty Two!  -  years old,  that is-
or should we instead say: “years young”?
Years are worth counting, for fact is
we’re not here forever, among..

..among all this turmoil and strife,
among all this wisdom, & sin,
among all this beauty & life,
among mis-(&)understanding.

She’s settling herself in broken-
-down worlds, fam'lies, bodies as well,
knowing this world is a token;
-beginning of heaven or hell!

Sometimes she needs that special grace
to love when the pain is too much.
Sometimes the smile on her bright face
covers aches which will not be brushed..

..brushed aside quickly, forgotten;
they must be acknowledged as such,
yet let the life that’s not rotten
lend strength, though may be as a crutch.

If this whole life is a womb-world
(it kind of makes sense that the child’s
reflexes are a flag unfurled
and show the way forward through wilds)
and one day we might be yet bourn
to a world where we must breathe air,
where goodness we long for was spawned,
I’d love to share youth with Shell there.

2013-12-19

A Christmas blessing!

May the Marshall clan
all this Christmas time,
celebrate Life and
savor HIS good wine!
The wine (of the One),
turned so, from water,
-as vineyards in sun
daily do, but shorter.

The One who made sex,
and woman and man,
whose great game connects,
and brings life again:

turn our watery lives
into your good wine
- as husbands & wives,
'n families to shine.

An occultation #,
(like that shiney) Star
Sign or confirmation:
The King is where we are!


#: An occultation: a covering (and then unveiling) of a planet by the moon, while the planet is seen within a star sign; or else possibly the "Star" might have been a conjunction(an apparent joining [close] together) of 2 or 3 planets (also within a particular star-sign) e.g.: http://www.star.ucl.ac.uk/~mmd/star.html  or http://www.observadores-cometas.com/Star_of_Bethlehem/English/Possible.htm  or  http://www.lcas-astronomy.org/articles/display.php?filename=the_christmas_star&category=miscellaneous

2013-12-04

A family plans to travel over the holidays, then return...

Bless you, Ellis's three
Father, Erinn, & Son
and may this fam-i-ly
be both three and be one.

Good health to your Erinn
and your baby inside
- the one that she's bearin'-
to be bourne well & 'live.


And Christmas to-gether
with others you're giv-en;
Lox-dura, where-ever,
then back to you're livin'.


The diff-i-cult-ies and
test-ings that come to you
remember to seize and
welcome as friends do, too.
 
Look-ing for-ward to hear
all the stor-ies from you
three, when we get back near
and to see that good too.

2013-12-03

We passed a course audit! So of course, don't hoard it!

Hallel-u-yah!
Thank you to the
workers who kissed
hard work, and "blist-
-ers" on hand/ear.
We're glad you're here!
God, please now use
this course for whose
name's been cursed/hate-
-ed, but made great
by you when raised,
whose name be praised!
Amen.



and a very little man was he [Paul = little]

Zacchaeus was a little man,
a very little man was he.
He climbed up to a sycamore tree
the Saviour for to see.
Then Jesus came into the town
and saw him up the tree;
he said “Zacchaeus, you come down;
I’m coming to your house for tea”



Zacchaeus quickly scrambled down,
from out of the sycamore tree
and said “Dear Lord I’ve been as bad,
as bad as bad can be,
I’m sorry now for all my sins;
I’ll give where I have robbed”.
Salvation comes and Zacchaeus wins
while he eats with Jesus’ mob.



Jesus, he is a priest/king man,
the greatest one is he,
he comes into Jerusalem,
God’s Temple for to see.
Some people had set up their shops
(it helped their lives, they thought),
but Jesus walks in, then he stops,
and kicks them out the door!



He says “God’s house is for to pray
for all God’s people there;
your robbing means you will not stay
because you did not care
for all the different kinds of folk,
thought only of your store.” ("more" / Lore / Law)
Wow! If God sees you as a joke,
you’ll be helped out the door!

2013-11-30

Odds: two to one;

There is a little ditty thing
that comments on our here-life,
helps us in culturing
goodness to be rife,
to help us sing!
 
It’s not of my in-tu-it-ing,
in some ways it is “counter-”,
yet I have seen it bring
living love down ta
earth, & give wing
 
to sure-impossible giving,
to highest aspirations,
to new kinds of living
(and deprivations -
with their sieving!)
 
And yet it is but a picture
a faint mirror of the real
life that has no stricture
(not just what we feel).
So it tricks ya..
 
..when you focus on its surface,
forgetting it’s a window,
n’ it can’t do the same service -
to let the light flow,
not un-nerve us.
 
Our choice as husbands & as wives:
live for a bigger body
(home for some bigger lives),
or else; those shody
small selves, small dives!
 
The little ditty goes like this:
Life’s story brings a point where
a bloke should bail from his
Dad & Mum, to care
for wife - NEW LIFE.”


Dimensions: one to two!
 

2013-11-18

A sister of Jesus goes where he sees us.

God, please give your grace
to Val, so to trace
your thoughts where she is;
meeting on some buiz.
Amen

2013-11-14

An unfinished thanx

God we thank you -
The Great Goodly Glad-
for all that you do
(though sometimes we're sad).
With what wise wings
you let life fly by;
each gifted like kings
to choose what we'll try,
and then from you,
your nature is gi'en
that in all we do
we might show off hea'en.
...

2013-11-12

A belly empties out, a mate misses out...

Bill, sorry to hear that
you're feeling bad,
and missing out on Matt
and Bec so glad!

2013-11-09

A-wedding (of more than) A-genda

Matt & Bec (and maybe others?)
coming round to a new life;
losing "self", as fathers/mothers
learning love, instead of strife;

and it's right that now new pleasures
come to help them as they give
of themselves in further measures
learning love's new Way to live,

and new understandings will come
to you both as you play well
your parts, though your feelings be numb,
you'll learn Love, & it will tell!

2013-10-26

A brave brother, head s for bed

Fine. Sleep well
dear brother.
Shine and tell
don't smother
News of El'
(no other)
who in hell
would rather
be heral(d)
for Father!
God, we shall
go farther,
if you will
be "Harbour".
Amen.

2013-10-17

Dear sister Robyn, Acting, not just sobbin'

Go well, with God.
Lord act through Robyn
to bring your nod
of love, to lob in
from where she's trod,
gifting (not robbin'),
from your treasure wad!
Amen.

2013-09-26

Judith Curtis; her body battled cancer, she is now with her Lord

A dear sister has left,
some of us feel bereft.
Those who knew her the best
will feel most the unrest

As a star come to birth
provides us some pure light
her life's light on this earth
will keep gracing our night

as we remember her:
her frown, giggle, & smile,
well, "grace" is the word
that comes back all the while!

2013-09-23

Trusting God in life & death (& a commentary on the last story in Mark ch4, from the Christian "New Testament")

My lady & I enjoyed reading this book aloud recently. Here is a small quote we've thought of a few times since:

One night we were caught in a terrible storm and had to stand out to sea in the pitch dark. He was not them fourteen. ‘Can you let a boy like that steer?’ I said to the captain, ‘Yes, a boy like that’s just the right kind,’ he answered. ‘Malcolm’ll steer as straight as a porpoise because there's no fear of the sea in him.’ When the boy was relieved, he crept over to where I sat. ‘You’re not afraid, Malcolm? I asked, ‘Afraid?’ he rejoined with some surprise, ‘I wouldn’t want to hear the Lord say, “O you of little faith!” ‘But,’ I persisted, ‘God may mean to drown you.’ ‘And why not?’ he returned. ‘If you were to tell me I might be drowned without His meaning it, then I should be frightened enough.’



2013-09-21

Help them (&me), to faithfully...

God give your grace
to those who lead,
who seek your face,
at Canowindra,
To carefully trace
"the times", to read,
and then embrace
your ways, not flounder!
Amen.

2013-09-18

MEETING TO PLAN

Thanks..
we'll still be in Canberra,
so I won't make it there.
Please God help who can bear a
part in planning or help share
to make a celebration
of good in your "nation".

2013-09-17

Katrina’s that and a bit more!

Katrina’s one year older 
than half a century,
and could serve us “cold shoulder”,
but no sire, sir-ee!

Often it’s true she gets those-
sore back, shoulders, or neck;
but “hide behind”? or “lets goes!”?
get stroppy? - Not this chick!

But back to age & innings,
she’s done it once again:
another year of winnings
with study, soccer, friends;

a year of speaking truly,
and learning gentleness,
of opening up - this girly;
and seeing how to bless.

She worked hard with the grounds here,
she’s given what she had;
making coffee/drinks appear
and weeding, cleaning fads!

Not just fads, but whole seasons,
sometimes it too has been
painting, moving.. for reasons
of folks needs that were seen.

There’s soccer, & keeping fit,
all to be rid of “flum”,
riding bikes to town a bit
and that walk with that mun!

She’d like to walk each morning
but  ’s not always the case,
then one day without warning
she’s up & on the chase!

She’s not taken to swimmin’ -
(once Autumn/Winter came),
but Wednesday nights - those women;
and some lunches with Kaye;

time with Allie once a week;
English, Tuesday arvo;
writing stories, plays to tweak;
- it’s the Vibe, it’s “Marbo”.

We have to be careful what 
we do ’cause stories/plays
will broadcast life a whole lot
- with our names all the same!

Helps our sons & also daugh-
-ters move about, & wed,
conduct operations for
board-games, U-knees, ’nough said.

Supporting her ol’ hubby
it must be said somewhere
she saves him looking “grubby”
and helps where she can spare

the time (and times when she can’t),
He thinks he’d like to shout!
She helps him get papers marked
He’s glad that she’s not out(!)

and her innings ’s not over,
and neither is her bat,
she’s like a pig in clover
(except that she’s not fat)!

2013-09-14

They plan so can affirm good form

we'll still be in Canberra,
so I won't make it to there.
Please God help who can bear a
part in planning or help share
to make a celebration
of good in your great "nation".

2013-09-13

All fare in love..

God, please make your dove
bold & wise to play
well this game in Love
learning in your way
Amen&women!

2013-09-10

Daughter in hospital with Mother waiting.

God, Millicent's yours,
and so's Katrina.
Please keep them because
you've always been a

safe place of refuge
for all who trust you.
With these small, & huge
prob's, that's what we'll do!

2013-09-01

So, much to do (?!)

Peter has study
& too, work to do;
& then a lady
to study and woo.

He's the luckiest;
not left without goals.
Some would call it blest,
in body & soul.

There'd be problems with-
-out this good gifting
you see. Soon our kith,
he will be sifting

through all these good goals;
and sorting out some,
to be left as holes,
so others get done!

Some need help of friends,
while others , -"No way!",
some are kinds of blends,
but all need the same

sim-ple trust in who
gave all this to Pete;
& gives wisdom too
(would not that be sweet)!

Look to your Maker,
as your Father/Friend.
He's your thirst's slaker
again & again.

2013-08-28

Get ready, go; to the garden show.

Thanks Chris for Breakfast
& coffee this morn'.
You are truly blest,
- though you look warn:


A lady to love,
and children "to boot".
Green thumbs, with a "glove"
of young sprouts, & roots;


- and gardening too,
as well as the fam.
I thank God for you,
& yours, you're the Man -


son of, who they say
has grown all that's good,
and noticed most days[1];
oh, that I too would!


Amen.

[1] "And Elohim saw that it was good" (not on day 2, but 7 times in a week)

2013-08-21

we need to wait and see.... what good things love will do.... so actively we seek... to see the face of you! (Matt5:8)

...EEG of her brain
and Doctor said she is
doing great...hearing's fine.
Pray for Ruth about
her hearing, Doctor said
we need to wait and see.
Her ears are completely
alright but she might have
same problem like the eyes.
Henry...


God, thank you for the news
that I think we've heard,
with blurring of our views,
yet this little bird,


this lovely little Ruth,
whose eyes don't seem to work,
is no less in your truth
and love, that doesn't shirk.


We pray for her each ear
and eye to work as you
(who made ears to hear
and eyes to see) would do


if this little girl Ruth
(though she's very small)
were to see your truth
and graciously walk tall.


Please heal, & create, still
all that will make Ruthie
shine with your Glorious Will,
that all this earth might see


the glory of the LORD,
our conqueror of kings,
who as your Truth & Word,
binds broken living things;


not ever as cynic,
but with splint, to heal.
May your grace flow quick
that life and love be real!


Amen.

2013-08-20

Summing up Deuteronomy! The Song of Moses (PART A)

[short URL: goo.gl/Ze7cMn ]

Low Earth and high Sky
hear these words of mine,
and listen closely
to what comes from me.

My teaching will fall
like large drops of rain
& water it all,
as dew comes again,

my words like showers
that fall on young plants
strengthened from hours
of gentle romance.

I will praise his name,
Yahweh is the same.
All his people will
tell his greatness still!

Yahweh’s (not so still)
ninja to protect,
all his methods will
be just and perfect!

Your God: faithful, true,
does what’s right & fair!
Unfaithful are you,
unworthy ’v ’is care.

Full of sin, deceipt,
grown as a nation
’z this  the way to treat
Yahweh’s salvation?

You act with less sense,
fools who do not know
which side of the fence
you’re from, or to go.

Your great creator,
-        made you a nation,
is no berater,
has a Father’s elation.

Think back on the past
from ages ago;
grandfathers you ask
’ll tell you, so you’ll know:

The Most High Assigned
the  nations their lands,
folk’s “lots” were defined,
“protectors” took stands;

but Jacob’s small flock
he chose for himself,
to be it’s high rock
and to be their wealth.

He found them wand’ring
out in the desert,
’bout to be squand’ring
life where it’s desolate.

Then he protected
and cared from them too,
daily inspected,
as such one would do.

Just as an eagle
that teaches it’s young
to fly so regal-
-ly catches each one





on it’s spreading wings;
’n before that hovers
with food, & proddings.
He led this novice.

No foreign god-sies
were helper to him,
no borrowed wad-sies
of debt did he bring.

He let them rule
& they ate and found,
rock honey (so cool)
and olives abound-

-ed, milk was plenty
and mutton & beef,
choicest wine, then he
gave best barley/wheat.

God’s people grew rich,
but rebellious too;
grew fat with an itch
to be stuffed with food.

They abandoned God
their own creator
and then gave the nod
to Johnies-come-later.

Their mighty Saviour
they rejected straight;
followed the flavour
of their evil mates,

ignored the family,
and rules of the house,
’nwith Father  angry,
said he was “a louse”.

Made Husband  jealous
by whoring around;
her web was zealous:
more new men were found.

Strangers that knew not
her background & life;
empty hot-shots,
would not make her “wife”.

When Yahweh saw this
he was overcome
and rejected his
own daughters & sons.

“I’ve no longer got
help for them,” he said;
“and I will see what
then happens to them,

those stubborn unfaith-
-ful people. With their
made-gods who are fake
my jealousy flares.

So I will now use
a made-nation (fake),
to light up their fuse,
to them jealous make.

My anger will flare
& burn the earth,
reach Sheol, & where
  mountains come to birth!

2013-08-18

miss ta walker?

The good that Jesus Christ called “God”
through hell & high water,
is walking, and has always trod
with his people, they’re his daughter.

It’s like there are two kinds of folk
who live throughout the Earth
-  and I don’t mean the “sheila” / “bloke”
dichotomy, for what it’s worth –

I mean the kind who’re “open up
to what they were made for:
it doesn’t matter: tiny bub,
or a hundred in the shade, for

they’re like God’s kids, his child-er-en,
his own daughter or son,
whether new-born, or two, or ten,
he loves them (and he’ll discipline)

-not in that harsh, embittered way-
but still enough to learn
the worth of all they do or say;
they learn respect, and they won’t “turn-

-on ya”, and then just be diff’rent,
they get God’s character!
They’re “open up” to love and when’t
causes pain, they still barrack ta

see it win. They have confidence
and know the mys-stur-y
of love that is it’s one defence,
won’t throw it out for just what’s seen!

These folk come in shapes and sizes,
cultures - all seem diff’rent,
but the thing that each one prizes:
what eternity’s culture’s meant!

It means that all power and glory are
by God owned, and on loan,
instead of “We are the STAR”,
they want God’s light of love more shown!

The others have already died,
some grieving has been done;
but plans of God are now being tried
to raise them up, each one.

Mean-while God’s still brooding, weaving, 
walking throughout his world.
“Looks” have often been deceiving,
half (his grieving) has not been told!

Jesus told us his secret plan:
to hide within the weak,
the smallest, slowest, of human-
-ity’s face, is from where he’d peak.

We’re used to looking up to ’mpress
not down to beneath us;
so he who’s real, to real-ly bless
uses this ruse to bequeath us

his blessed image growing up
within our hearts & minds
and beings, that by showing up
will rule his world in ways divine.

I want to give more airplay to
the stories of these ones
who let God look on this world through
the eyes of his daughters and sons.

I want to walk just as he walks
I want to see as he,
to listen as he does (and talks),
let his story be told in me!

And to this goal I know I’ll slow
-ly keep on moving too;
a walker only, but I’ll go
on day-by-day walking with you.

Not only with self-discipline,
but with your true coaching,
one day, I’ll be the kind of man
that can handle man’s reproaching,

or human praise, and not become
sep-ar-a-ted from you,
and your care, in that christened ONE,
who walked the dusty streets then too.

Please now again, as long ago,
come walking in some skin
and bones, and let me see, please show
your world to me from eyes within.

.