Sunday, March 23, 2014

Stuck!


I was recently interviewed, along with another poet, on an afternoon radio program.  It was an interesting experience that I would love to repeat someday, hopefully when I learn how to be less verbally “stuck.”   The closing question that the host posed to us was, “What do you do when you get writer’s block?”  I had to admit that I rarely encounter that problem, and in fact, the only time I could remember struggling with it, I wrote a poem about it!  It was a humorous note on which to end the interview, but as I’ve been reflecting on the entire experience I realize that I do much more often feel like I have “speaker’s block.” 

I’ve listened to the download of the interview several times and am struck by the absolute poise and the beautiful, rich speaking voice of Darice, the other interviewee.  But then, I have always been one who wants to do well, speak well, pray well, and present myself well.  And when in a situation like I was in this week, it is only natural to notice that, in my estimation, the other person seemed to do a much better job of it than I did. 

I did not completely or even partially ruin my part of this interview, although I did misquote a scripture and stumble a bit as I was trying to explain its significance in my life.  It is the nature of radio to move quickly, and my thought processes do not tend to do that well.  As soon as we answered one of the host’s questions he was ready to move on, while my mind was still mulling over what else I could say to expound on what he had already asked. 

I am a “muller.”  I suppose that is why I don’t feel like I regularly have to deal with writer’s block.  If I sit down to write something specific and nothing is ready to come out on paper, I move on to something different.  That is the benefit of having a variety of projects happening at the same time.  I realize that whatever has caused me to pause just needs a little bit more time floating around in my heart and mind before it is ready to be transformed into something tangible.

It’s not that easy to do that with the spoken word.  When you are in conversation with someone or before a group of people or are called on to answer a question posed to you, you don’t have the luxury of “word-smithing” your answer.  That is why it is important to have your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith (and perhaps our sentences if we let Him).  If He is ever present in our lives than He will be right there to help when we need to explain or defend or simply share what is on our hearts to share.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 
1 Peter 3:15   

The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things, and bring to your  remembrance all things that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  John 14:26-27

I thank the Lord for His gifts in my life, and for the desire to use them for His glory.  Here is the short poem I wrote years ago when I was struggling with writer’s block.  Jesus, please help us all to be able to give an accounting of the reason for our hope whenever we are asked, and may our words lead others to the foot of the cross.

Stuck

Dozens of thoughts going round in my head
Awaiting the moment when they will be said.
Blank piece of paper so glaringly white
Wants to be filled with whatever I write.
Ink from my pen wants to freely flow,
But try as I might, there is nothing to show.
How I long for the key that will help me unlock
This dreadful cage known as writers’ block.

© Liz Kimmel

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Fantastic Dads


There are not many commercials that I would say I love to watch.  But there are a few that are very clever, and some that are downright endearing.  My favorite is the Subaru commercial of the dad teaching his twin sons to drive a stick shift.  In the midst of their uncertainty and frustration, and yes, even their competition with each other, he remains a calm and steadying influence. 

This is thirty seconds of refreshing, authentic, heart-wrenching life.  This situation could go either way.  It could have the dad and sons fuming and yelling at each other, accusations flying between the front and back seats.  But thankfully the creators of this particular commercial chose to go against the flow.  So many dads in the media today are portrayed as brutish, lazy, irresponsible, or uncaring, to name a few.  To be honest, those are just my impressions of these characters based on my passing exposure to them in commercials – I would never choose to watch a show that had a character such as this in its lineup.  Not even if it was a cartoon. 

So I am delighted with the portrayal of THIS dad as patient, willing to offer clear instruction, and ready to give a word of encouragement.  His final words as the piece comes to a close – “You guys are doing a great job, seriously.” 

I thought about waiting to post this until Father’s Day, but that doesn’t come for three more months, and I felt that this was the time.  Dads – may the Lord bless you and teach YOU, so that you, in turn, can train up your children in the way they should go. (Proverbs 22:6)

Fantastic Dads

There are really special fathers
Occupying all parts of the earth.
They work very hard to protect their young,
Sometimes even before their birth.

The catfish dad swims all around
With his eggs held in his jaws.
He doesn’t eat for a month and a half –
An action that merits applause.

Very few insects care for their young,
But the water bug dad is one.
He keeps the eggs clean and dry on his back
‘Til the time of hatching is done.

The great horned owl must feed himself
And his mate so she isn’t stressed.
And when the eggs hatch, he feeds them too,
For they’ll freeze if they leave the nest.

The red fox dad loves to play with his pups
And teach them how to thrive.
He’ll bury some food for them to find
And show them the skills to survive.

There are human dads all around the earth
Who love and take care of their own.
They make every effort to train up their kids
Until they’re completely grown.

The ultimate dad who outshines the rest
Is our awesome and loving Lord.
He gave His all that His children would see
How His mercy and grace is outpoured.

© Liz Kimmel

Monday, March 10, 2014

You Were Meant to Mentor

We are in the midst of a new sermon series at church called Growing Maturity.  Actually the theme of this whole year is centered around growing in maturity. Pastor Ben, our youth pastor, was preaching yesterday about Spiritual Maturity.  One of his points, and there were many good ones, was that someone who is mature desires not only personal growth, but multiplication.  We've talked about that concept at church for a long time now, but the thought really captured me this time.

God doesn't desire that we clone ourselves - duplicates whose function and performance are identical to ours.  He doesn't need hundreds of Liz's running around trying to coordinate and organize and facilitate.  At face value that may seem like a good thing, but trust me - it's NOT. What he wants us to do is to mentor others so that they have the skills to listen and to walk in the path that the Lord has ordained for them.  He wants us to multiply.  That reminds me of a poem . . .

You Were Meant to Mentor!

A choice is before you – but you can’t decide.
A godly adult can be your guide.
If you make a wrong move, some may criticize.
What you need instead is one who’ll advise.
As we grow, there are ways we need to adjust.
Try to find someone you know you can trust.
In our lives there are those who simply pretend,
But others will prove to be lifelong friends.
When you’re trying to learn to make Jesus your center,
It helps to find someone to be your mentor.
In the Bible you’ll find there are mentors galore.
In their lives we see truths that we shouldn’t ignore.

Jesus called His disciples to follow His lead.
And He sent them out with the skills to succeed.
When Saul met the Lord many doubted his word.
But Barnabas defended him to all who heard.
Paul gave to Timothy much that he’d need –
Instruction, encouragement, and a desire to lead.
Naomi advised her dear daughter Ruth;
Samuel tried to direct Saul to truth.
Elijah was tutor in the ways of the Lord
To Elisha, who followed with one accord.
Priscilla taught others how to preach
So they could extend the kingdom’s reach.

So how do you serve as a mentor to others?
You treat them as if you’re their sister or brother.
You give them respect and you help them to learn.
You point them toward things that will help them discern.
You listen and love and laugh at their jokes.
That’s one way to share their heavy yokes.
Have fun with each other, believe in them,
You’ll soon discover they’re truly a gem.
Study together, be sure to pray.
There really isn’t a better way.
As you point their heart toward their loving Lord
A great satisfaction will be your reward.


© Liz Kimmel

Saturday, March 8, 2014

My Father's Eyes

I've been writing poetry since the 70's.  In all that time, and of  all of those words that have managed to make their way from my mind and heart out onto paper, the poem that is perhaps my "signature" poem is My Father's Eyes.  It is my husband's favorite poem.  It is a poem that I wrote around the time of one of my birthdays.  Usually a pretty upbeat time of life, but for me, more often a very pensive and introspective time.  This is why . . .

My mother died on the operating table when I was born.  I was her fifth pregnancy, and she had suffered some kind of abdominal injury years earlier that had weakened  the lining of her uterus.  I don't know that they were aware of the implications of further pregnancies on that kind of injury. I don't know a lot of things about what exactly happened medically during that time.  I only know that a mom and dad went to the hospital to have a baby that day, and the dad ended up coming home alone.  It was completely unexpected.  It was devastating.  My dad was undone, and grieved deeply.  

This poem is a snapshot of my life.  I must testify to the truth of God's faithfulness and goodness in holding me close through every part of it.  When I was lonely.  When I felt responsible.  When I felt unloved.  And, yes, when finally accepting the fact that I AM LOVED.  May you experience that same awareness of His care in your life.



My Father’s Eyes

A lifetime ago the birth of a babe
Should have been a joyous affair.
Instead came the news of a mother’s death
And a father’s eyes filled with despair.

Over the years I longed for a look
From those eyes that would let me know
That I was enough to replace his loss,
But the sadness continued to grow.

I knew with my mind that his love was real –
But only because he MUST.
His grief was too heavy – his burden to bear;
His eyes never filled with trust.

My birthday was always a lonesome day –
A reminder of what he had lost.
And it seemed that his eyes reflected
How great and unfair the cost.

Year upon year had taken its toll
And his mind was no longer strong.
He couldn’t express his words or thoughts
And everything came out wrong.

Then came the day at the nursing home
When I stopped by to see my dad.
He saw me approach and his eyes lit with joy
And I knew that his heart was glad.

The look I had longed for was shining so bright
From the eyes of the one I held dear.
Soon the haze settled in and the look was gone
But my heart held the memory near.

For years I had waited, for years I had feared,
Not knowing that I was adored;
That the look of delight was there all along
In the eyes of my Father and Lord.

My dad, from the pain buried deep in his soul
Couldn’t share what was there in his heart.
But the look, had I noticed, from God’s tender gaze,
Was there from the very start.

© Liz Kimmel

Friday, March 7, 2014

A Purpose and a Plan

Welcome to my new blog!  I had a blog several years ago but wasn't very faithful to contribute to it, and no one really even knew that I had it.  Truth be told - I wasn't really sure what the purpose of a blog was back then!  Now I follow several GREAT blogs, and am not sure that I can live up the the standards that they have set.  But here we are, on the verge of the precipice known as "Beginning to Write a Blog."  

Most of what you will find in this space will be poetry or prose.  That is the genre that is most familiar to me.  I am presently working on a news article for a contest through the Minnesota Christian Writers' Guild, of which I am a current member.  News articles are not my forte.  But it is always good to stretch the comfort zone.  

So here is my purpose - I am going to try to stretch.  One of the recent presenters at the MCWG told us that her goal (she is an artist in addition to being a writer) is to draw something every day, no matter how small. I don't think I can commit to that.  But I will try to post something several times (or a LEAST one time) a week.  That will keep me writing and keep me accountable.  

My plan for this space is that it will be a welcoming space - where you feel encouraged and blessed, and perhaps even challenged.  I intend to share with you things that I have discovered as I've studied the scripture or listened to a teaching, or just spent time with the Lord in my quiet time. 

I write Christian poetry, but I also write educational poetry - so sometime in the near future you might see something that will challenge you grammatically.  We all need a little brushing up on our English skills, right?!


To close my first post I would like to share my most recent poem, written just last weekend and released in our church bi-monthly publication.  It was written to coincide with the overall theme of this month's publication - Apostello (which is the Greek word for Sent).  


Here Am I, Send Me

To be called, to be chosen, and sent implies
There is One who is doing the sending . . .
One whose purposes may likely reflect
His love for His people unending;
One uniquely able to accomplish all
The good that His heart is intending,
But chooses, instead, to recruit our gifts
That He is so beautifully blending.

Samuel was sent as a very small child
To be raised in the House of the Lord.
As parents today consider this act
It strikes a resounding chord.
We’re never too young and never too old
To be called to come on board
And join our lives with the plans of God
To see His love through us outpoured.

David was sent as a teenage boy
To face down a giant dare.
But God had equipped him to overcome
By defeating the lion and bear.
We may feel anxious at things that appear
As if they would try to ensnare.
But know that no matter the calling you have,
God’s always as close as a prayer.

Caleb and Joshua went with a group
That was told to spy out the land.
They were the only two brave enough 
To say “We should make our stand!”
Sometimes we are sent to walk alone
And not give in to demand.
But know that you always – wherever you go –
Can walk with the Lord, hand-in-hand.

Mary was sent on a journey
That made others question her word.
Her neighbors and friends may have doubted;
She was certain of what she had heard.
At times when God leads us it may appear
To the world to be quite absurd.
If you’re confident in His direction
Don’t let your heart be deterred.

Ananias was sent by God
To meet Saul on his darkest of days.
He set aside his fears and went
To teach him about God’s ways.
We may be sent to places where
The darkness far outweighs
Our life familiar – never fear –
His light in you will blaze!

© Liz Kimmel