Archive for the ‘Tanka poetry’ Category
When everything seems wrong
When life and all that we know
Spins out of control
And we look to those to lead
Us forward and yet we doubt.
We live with our fears
While the news brings death and tears
How is one to cope
For what may come tomorrow?
Are their answers? Is there hope?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joyce E. Mannhalter © July 2020
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4&5 NIV
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A fresh wind of God
Is sweeping across the earth
With hearts turned toward prayer
Beseeching a risen Christ
Seeking help to heal their land
______________
Joyce E. Mannhalter © April 2020
With much of the U.S. – and elsewhere s around the world – in an isolated lock down mode we find ourselves vulnerable in many ways. We’re staying home, with our family more, closeted in ways where we were so free to move around, get out and enjoy the things we took for granted. The need for isolation to protect us all from the spread of Covid-19 has given us a new norm in how we have needed to adjust, to be creative even in making memorable moments with our family and loved ones. That is some of the good we are seeing. We are also seeing a new spiritual hunger in the world. People want hope, healing and assurance that we will get through this. People are wanting to touch base with their roots. when family time and attending church services together was important to them.
There are videos, and clips of media shown and shared of the ways families and friends are reconnecting with the required social distancing, sharing creative ways, making new memories, via of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. People are connecting in new ways coming together with a common strength and unity. People are seen on their knees in prayer, attending church services online and contributing in ways to help provide for others in need. As we come into this Easter weekend to celebrate the resurrection of a risen Christ it need not be less a celebration because we cannot be together in a group or church setting, but more of one where we draw strength from one another even though apart physically. I believe this is a divine plan of God to allow us all a time of renewing our mind and hearts, a time that reminds us all that we are stronger as one, united in ways that enrich us all.
“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 NIV
I pray God’s richest blessings on you and yours this Easter season and holiday however you may spend it, whether by watching a church service online or time spent with family members at home.
JEM
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There’s lots of advice
for life as we know it now,
but we’ll get through it.
Stay positive, encouraged,
God is our source, and our joy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joyce E. Mannhalter (C) March 2020
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” II Corinthians 1:3 & 4, NIV New Testament Bible
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16 & 17, NIV New Testament Bible.
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When frustrations mount,
Your patience and faith tested,
You have no control;
All you know is to worry.
Give it to God, and let go!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joyce E. Mannhalter © March 2020
Have you ever felt like this? You don’t understand what or why things happen in your life, or in the world that leaves you frustrated and worrying. You wonder what good can come out of a situation that has gone awry and out of control. But, when we let go of our fears, our worries, our hold on what consumes our thoughts and takes up residence in our mind, body and soul, we can experience a kind of peace that brings instead joy, contentment and assurance that all will work out for our good and according to God’s plan and purpose. Putting all our cares on Him and trusting Him in all that goes on in our life and in the world frees us from the bondage that the enemy, Satan uses to deceive, manipulate and control what we give him access and license to. Letting go of the fears that cripple us from experiencing all that God has for us and what He can do in and through us means using ‘Spiritual Warfare’ (God’s word) against our enemy’s attacks. Two scriptures I love that can help us find that help and peace of mind in these situations are found here,
Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me: he delivered me from all my fears.”
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” NIV
JEM
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So happy to see
birds returning to my tree,
and squirrels too, at play.
Spring has come. I feel so blessed
to just be here, and be free.
~~~~~~~~~~
Joyce E. Mannhalter
In true Tanka form I welcome a new season, a new spring. The cold winter months might be gone for a season, but often there is another one or two big snowstorms that hit before really warm temperatures announce it summer.
It has been a long, dry season in my writing too, not because I did not want to post or write, but other things and obligations took precedence over that. During that period it was a time of self-reflection and I needed to prioritize what was most important at the time. It was a time of growth too, both spiritually and in learning how to become more self-sufficient as I am now single again. I am so grateful and thankful for the way God has revealed His plan and purpose in my life and shown me how much more I need to trust Him.
“Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7 KJV
A Happy Spring to all,
JEM
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This photo was taken from the boat’s stern while on a sunset cruise off the coast of Kaua’i Island, Hawaii while on a recent trip.
The sun goes down on
Kauai’s deep turquoise sea;
a peach colored sky
reflecting soft images
on the breaking water’s tide
________________
Joyce E. Johnson (2017)
Posted for The Daily Post https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/reflecting/
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Winter is coming.
He looked my way, his mouth full.
“Wait please! One moment.”
“Let me get my camera.”
A quick shot. Then time to flee.
_______________
Joyce E. Johnson (2016)
This is my post for today’s one word prompt for The Daily Post word prompt.
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There are nature trails
where leaves and trees turn a bright
gold, yellow, orange,
and farms and fields grow tall corn
and pumpkin vines on the ground
~~~
where kids run and play
in a corn maze and hay found,
on days, warm and dry.
It is what makes October
a special fun time.
__________
Joyce E. Johnson (2016)
Footnotes: The top picture is one taken of a walking trail in our town, Loveland, Co. The other pictures are ones taken recently of my husband and grandchildren at a pumpkin farm in Wyoming while visiting our daughter and family.
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Dry leaves blow, like crisp
bits of fine paper, scattered
in all directions.
The sun fades slowly into
dusk and cool, dark autumn nights.
________________
Joyce E. Johnson (2016)
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Sometimes there are things
that need to be pushed aside;
I know they can wait
for more urgent things today,
and my focused energy.
~~~
What is important
is setting priorities,
precedence of things,
getting all in right order,
a balance that works for me.
__________
Joyce E. Johnson 2016
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The sun wants to shine,
trees impatient to turn green
wait their time; snowflakes
fall unhurried to the ground,
and declare, “This day is mine.”
____________________
Joyce E. Johnson © 2016
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Every fourth year
there’s given another day
to do whatever,
or mark it a special way.
I’ll make a new memory,
and add it to all
my list that grows through the years.
Today too, I count
like each thankful breath I take,
and none taken for granted.
__________________
Joyce E. Johnson © 2016
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Lord, may I reflect
a heart of love, full of grace,
and my words a balm
to comfort a hurting soul,
like a refuge and safe place.
____________
There are times when we are at a loss for words to say, or to help someone when they are overcome with grief and sadness. As the world has watched, and Paris has witnessed the death and destruction from this last weekend’s events we can only stand in quiet, mourning with them in their loss.
We can pray for those surviving these attacks, those who witnessed the carnage and death of friends or family that they will be comforted in their grief, that they will receive the needed support and help as they struggle to make sense of such chaos and confusion. I think to myself, What more can I say or do, but pray for those affected, in Paris or wherever it happens, here or abroad. God can give us a word for one when it is needed; a word or message of hope, encouragement, comfort if we reflect His image of love, trust and kindness in us. But, ultimately above all it is our prayers that count most, because prayer is what changes everything. It can change a heart, a life, a people, a nation, a world and its outcome.
_________________
Joyce E. Johnson (2015)
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Three Vietnam War veterans we met a few years ago at a Vietnam war memorial service in Fort Collins, Co.
The traveling Vietnam War memorial wall with over 53,000 names listed of all the soldiers who died in that war between 1965-1975
Sometimes we forget,
take for granted what you did;
your service and time
while defending our freedoms
to keep us safe and secure.
~~~~
Thank you to all our veterans
Have a blessed Veterans Day
_______________
Joyce E. Johnson © 2015
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This photo was taken while on a walking trail at River’s Edge, Loveland, Colorado. The interesting thing about this photo is that when it was taken it was already growing dark, just past sunset. My husband took this photo and used the flash so we thought it interesting it could get this much light, so there was maybe more distortion than if taken in brighter light. Photo credit: TW Johnson
I watch the changing
of the trees dressed in golden
coats of leaves, and wish
it not a season passing,
but unending, reigning crown.
________________
Joyce E. Johnson © 2015
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Autumn in the Colorado Rockies – mountain ridge along the Cache La Poudre River, northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado
The days seem shorter;
I want the sun to linger,
but autumn beckons
like a host at nature’s door,
and I welcome it today.
_________________
Joyce E. Johnson © 2015
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This rock cropping is a part of the large boulders we have on our mountain property in Roosevelt National Forest, northwest of Fort Collins, Co. where the Aspen trees can grow and survive through any season or weather in the Rockies. Their leaves turn a bright yellow during the peak of autumn. When we see the first of the leaves turning we know it will be an early fall season, and the temperatures begin dropping. I took this photo on Sept. 6, and wrote the poem for this photo.
From out of the rocks
grow tiny Aspen seedlings;
green and yellow leaves
claiming a place all their own
declaring it now autumn
_________________
Joyce E. Johnson © 2015
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Summer shies away
while autumn draws nigh and cool
I bid sad farewell
To the season’s warm sweet smells
Of late August blooms, and sigh
___________________
Joyce E. Johnson © 2015
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She embraces each day
ready, whatever may come
watching over all
entrusted into her care
She blesses all she touches
~~~~
With her hands she makes
designer clothes; she creates
and feeds her children
that which grows from her garden.
She manages her household
~~~~
She makes decisions
with the carefulness and thought
of one who is wise
governing business ventures
with prayer, confidence and grace
_______________
Footnotes: This poem is my perspective of the woman portrayed in Proverbs, Chapter 31, Old Testament bible. She is a mother, a wife, a business woman, and a governess who is blessed because all that she does she does with God’s help, with the wisdom gained throughout her life. I chose to use this passage of scripture in Proverbs as an inspiration for these three verses of Tanka poetry to honor a Proverbs 31 woman and mother on Mother’s Day. My own mother was a woman and mother who exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman with these characteristics, and though she is now deceased I hope that I can be one of such character. To all mothers out there, I wish you a happy Mother’s Day.
Joyce E. Johnson © 2015
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May the words I speak
and the words I write inspire,
produce and kindle
love and kindness, thought or deed
as if written by God’s hand
_________________
Joyce E. Johnson (2015)
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