Holiday poems | Reflections

Archive for the ‘Holiday poems’ Tag

Because of Freedom I Come

In freedom, I come

with my heart lifted in song

I sing

for unto Him, who sits on the throne I come

without shame, into His presence and bring

myself, an offering I give

that He may bless

all that I have, all that I am,

all that I ask of Him, and confess.

Let it be unto Him and none other

I lift up my voice

in praise, in worship, rejoice,

and may my freedom, like the flags held high

be forever, and lifted up towards the sky.

________________

I’ve always considered myself patriotic. A flag hung where a slight breeze could send it waving a humble salute up to the sky. Parades and picnics, hamburgers and hot dogs, sweet corn, ice cream and watermelon always seemed the standard, typical fare I enjoyed in celebrating a holiday that pays tribute to the freedoms we share in this great country. All of the day’s events and festivities climaxed and culminated in the final grand display of fireworks and sky show after the sun went down and the sky lit up with color and boom.

But, it is the privilege of walking into a church to worship that I count as perhaps the greatest and most important of freedoms we have in the U.S. as we near the July 4th holiday on Tuesday. More and more now we are seeing less and less of those freedoms we hold dear as the threat becomes greater all the time with those who want to destroy our rights and freedoms as a believer, a Christian, an American, a Patriot, or one who chooses not to worship any. This is not meant to be a political statement of any kind, or to proclaim which side I stand with, but instead to just proclaim my right as a Christian believer to exercise my freedom to worship and serve my God where I choose. However and wherever you celebrate the July 4th this year as an American or even a new immigrant into this country I wish you a happy July 4th. JEJ

Posted July 2, 2017 by Joyce in Faith, Holiday poems, Inspirational Poems, My Photos, My Writings, Photography, Poems, poetry

Tagged with Holiday poems, July 4th, photography, photos, Poems, Poetry

Shawn, the Leprechaun

There once was a tiny leprechaun

who lived in the hills of Ireland upon

fields of flowers and grass so green

he wandered about, but couldn’t be seen,

the little man known only as Shawn.

~~~~~~

Then one day he came to town

sprinkling his lucky gold dust all around.

Like a bit of magic, he spread his cheer

to everyone everywhere, far and near,

then quietly left without a sound.

_____________

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone who wants or needs a little cheer. 🙂

Posted March 17, 2017 by Joyce in Holiday poems, My Writings, Poems, poetry, Short Fiction

Tagged with Flash Fiction, Holiday poems, Limerick poems, Poems, Poetry, St. Patrick's Day

Blessings; too numerous to count

A recent photo of Estes Park, Co., along the Big Thompson River, (Nov. 2015) photo credit; Joyce E. Johnson

I don’t count the years,

but, the memories I do.

I won’t dwell on times of sadness

that come with pain and tears,

but on the happy,

too numerous to count

that bring me joy and gladness,

for those that crippled me with fear

are all but gone; now in the past,

and for this day, I hope

that for the blessings which are many

I savor all, forgetting none

and though my life, not yet passed

anticipates the new, I’ll remember any,

and be thankful for them all

however great or few.

_____________

Joyce E. Johnson (2015)

As we near the Thanksgiving Day holiday in the U.S. (Nov. 26) I think upon the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, and know there are many who are afraid, live in fear of things that have happened, or things that still could, like more attacks where they live. Or maybe there are fears of another kind that grips one, and holds their mind hostage to those fears, so they cannot enjoy their lives now, or find things to be thankful for. I am so thankful to have the assurance that God has all under control, and holds all my tomorrows in the palm of His hand. It is that one thing I count as my greatest blessing in this country. Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it this year.

JEJ