A Forest Memoir

A Forest Memoir

The forest west of Santa Rosa,
The calm white Russian River peeks through the greens,
In my car on the road through the forest
My children frolic like little birds in a stream.

Between the redwood trees
An Airstream with a dazzling metallic sheen.
The blind belief that manmade is an antonym for the natural
Overturned by the mysterious harmony scene.

A bonfire creates various contours in the darkness –
Barks of the trees, a silver lining,
Browned marshmallows before they become s’mores,
The eyes of my children shining.

A late night due to card games, maybe a dream.
Glimmering frost and clear sky make my eyes bright.
The waning moon at dawn, the sun beginning to rise,
My heart filled by the sparking hours of last night.

— Daisuke Sato

Graphic: sdnet01 – pixabay.com

(The word Airstream is permitted to be used for non-commercial purposes.)

I am glad to introduce my ESL student, Daisuke Sato, as my guest poet. He shares his thoughts about a recent trip he and his family took. He has done a wonderful job!

The lines below are particularly meaningful –

The blind belief that manmade is an antonym for the natural
Overturned by the mysterious harmony scene.

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You can also find http://ChristianPoetryPublishing.com from http://HisPoems.com and from http://WordsOnTheWay.com.

_______________________________________

Impressed

“I just read to my husband your ‘Old and New’ poem. I am so impressed by your beautiful poetry.” Debra L. – Gilroy, CA

_______________________________________

If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on February 23, 2023February 24, 2023 by farsails

The Old and New

The Old and New

2 Corinthians 5:17

The Old Year dwindles
As the sunset’s afterglow.
The New Year bursts forth
As the sunrise’s bright flow.

The Old Life vanishes
As a snuffed candle’s smoke.
The New Life in Christ appears
As a blazing candle uncloaked.

— Charles B. Mayes

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” [Holy Bible – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – ERV]

Happy New Year!

You can also find http://ChristianPoetryPublishing.com from http://HisPoems.com and from http://WordsOnTheWay.com.

_______________________________________

Impressed

“I just read to my husband your ‘Old and New’ poem. I am so impressed by your beautiful poetry.” Debra L. – Gilroy, CA

_______________________________________

If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on January 1, 2023 by farsails

Greeting 2023

Greeting 2023
Ephesians 6:12

This year was kinda bad.
We had a lot of problems.
We look ahead to this New Year
To see God continuing to solve them.

There was the plumbing deluge,
Then Mom became ill last Winter.
They laid Dad off at the factory,
And then the broken printer.

The truck needed a new battery.
It was done before its years.
The radiator leaked like a sieve,
And our rent was in arrears.

The electric bill soared so high,
And now it’s the water heater.
U.S. politics didn’t go our way,
And food too scarce for eaters.

We know it’s really not these things,
But how to them we react.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.
It’s those spiritual forces who us attack.

It doesn’t depend on how we feel
Or even what we do.
It’s whole-souled trust in God above
That always gets us through.

— Charles B. Mayes

Image: geralt – pixabay.com

Was 2022 a good year for you? Is every year a good year when we follow Jesus Christ? Is there such a thing as a bad day or are all days good in Jesus Christ?

When we follow Jesus, how can we have a bad year or day? We may have a day with many challenges. We may have a hard day, but with Him we can see the blessings of each day. This is not an easy thing. It is a very hard thing sometimes, but it is a necessary thing as we thank Him and see what He does for us yearly and daily.

And when I don’t trust enough,
Whatever “enough” is,
I ask Him to supply that trust
And He always gives.

[From “Running to the Cross” – 2014 – Charles B. Mayes]

I want to thank those who followed my website in 2022, and some for several years! Also I’m happy for each of you who stop by time to time. May God richly bless all of you in 2023!

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

If these poems minister to you, I’d encourage you to pass the word along talking with your friends; when you write an email; or when you’re on Facebook or other social media to include a mention of http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

Happy New Year!

To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com -” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 30, 2022 by farsails

Holding Jesus

Holding Jesus

Luke 2:22-40

The day after Christmas,
Still relishing joy and cheer,
Thinking of Simeon and Anna,
Who both met baby Jesus, dear.

Devout Simeon asked to see
The Messiah’s face
Before he died, then was answered –
Holding God’s salvation and grace.

Joseph and Mary marveled
At what he said.
Simeon blessed them,
But warned Mary of what’s ahead.

Aged Prophet Anna, a widow for many years,
Daily at the Temple fasting and praying,
So pleased to see Jesus,
Thanksgiving and redemption saying.

We can also hold Jesus.
Have we been wanting to start,
In expectation and hope,
To hold Him in our hearts?

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: http://www.LumoProject.

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ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011

CHOOSES TO LIVE IN THE BLESSING

“I loved your last poem, ‘Living in the Blessing: A Christmas Thanksgiving,‘ and I’m making a conscious choice to ‘live in the blessing’ of this Holy season.” Anonymous

VERY MOVING

“I just read Mistaken Identity. It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

SHARING AT SUNDAY SCHOOL

“I really enjoy your poetry. I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.” Travis B., Asbury, WV.
_______________________________________

To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

http://www.HisPoems.com / ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on December 26, 2022 by farsails

Christmas Is Finally Over

Christmas Is Finally Over!

Luke 2:20

Christmas is finally over!
Now you can go back to normal –
To “regularly scheduled programming.”
Away from this Yuletide formal.

No listening to Christmas songs
Ad nauseam that noisily swell,
At the grocery store,
Like “Come On Ring Those Bells.”

Your eyes won’t be hurt
As you try to drive at night
By those overdone gaudy
Christmas lights.

Don’t forget the political news
That captures the airwaves –
Left, Center, Right and Between,
All that socially saves.

On Facebook,
Comments about polite posts again,
Making snide mocking remarks,
No more good will toward men.

As you walk by today
No irritating high-pitched bell
Rung by the Red Kettle person
Raising Heaven.

Christmas is really over!
You don’t have to go back to normal.
You can continue praising God
Even after this Yuletide formal.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: RobinHiggins – pixabay.com

I hope that my satirical poem helps us remember to think about Christmas all year and to continue praising God!

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Holy Bible – Luke 2:20 – NIV)

Happy New Year!

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As If Watching A Movie

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry. As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, please fill out the Contact Form below. To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 26, 2022 by farsails

The Last Thanksgiving

The Last Thanksgiving

Remember the First Thanksgiving,
When the Pilgrims prayed,
To thank God,
Who was their daily stay?

They thanked Him,
With their Indian friends,
After that terrible winter,
For food and helping them.

He provided for them:
There was much to pay,
Even with great losses,
Each and every grueling day.

In the morning,
Did your knees bow
And thank God for another day
Of life in the now?

At noon did you remember
To return thanks for what God has given,
At this mid-day time,
The sun high in the heavens?

Your hands – did they clasp
When you sat down to eat,
Thanking the Lord above
For the vegetables and meat?

Did you give gratitude,
Like a vesper time,
In the cool of the evening,
For getting you through, just fine?

So the Last Thanksgiving
Is really up to you.
When was it?
When did you last give thanks, too?

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: GospelGifs.com – Copyrighted and Used with Permission

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Holy Bible – Ephesians 5:20 – NIV)

It seems that we always need reminders to the thankful. It should not be so, but it is.

I’m thankful for you who read my poems. I prayerfully hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

If you would like to use this poem on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission.” If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems.

If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

Thank you and again Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on November 27, 2022 by farsails

The Day Before Thanksgiving

The Day Before Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving –
It was crazy at the stores.
The people getting one last pie
Or some dressing, even more.

To bring all those groceries home
Was a big feat indeed.
To prepare for the feast tomorrow
Many hungry mouths to feed.

The Tom turkey readied
The special silver laid out.
The stress again on Mother
Was great without a doubt.

But what happened to thankfulness?
Do we remember what to do?
To bow our heads tomorrow
Our spirits to renew.

It’s a time of fellowship
With relatives and friends.
To tell what the Lord has giv’n.
Time and time again.

It’s more than turkey
Or the big game that’s really great.
It’s thanking God for Jesus
Who, for us, opens Heaven’s gate.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: GospelGifs.com – Copyrighted and Used with Permission.

There is something about thankfulness that can change our bad attitude completely. Expressing our appreciation to God reflects back giving us wonderful peace.

_______________________________________

Impressed

“I just read to my husband your ‘Old and New’ poem. I am so impressed by your beautiful poetry.” Debra L. – Gilroy, CA

_______________________________________

I appreciate those who have stopped by this site and my followers. May God bless you!

If these poems minister to you, I’d encourage you to pass the word along to your friends; when you write an email; or when you’re on Facebook or other social media to include a mention of http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on November 10, 2022November 11, 2022 by farsails

The Old and New

The Old and New

2 Corinthians 5:17

The Old Year dwindles
As the sunset’s afterglow.
The New Year bursts forth
As the sunrise’s bright flow.

The Old Life vanishes
As a snuffed candle’s smoke.
The New Life in Christ appears
As a blazing candle uncloaked.

— Charles B. Mayes

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” [Holy Bible – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV]

Happy New Year!

You can also find ChristianPoetryPublishing.com from HisPoems.com and from WordsOnTheWay.com.

_______________________________________

Impressed

“I just read to my husband your ‘Old and New’ poem. I am so impressed by your beautiful poetry.” Debra L. – Gilroy, CA

_______________________________________

If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

###

Posted on January 1, 2022January 4, 2022 by farsails

Christmas Is Finally Over!

Christmas Is Finally Over!

Luke 2:20

Christmas is finally over!
Now you can go back to normal –
To “regular scheduled programming.”
Away from this Yuletide formal.

No listening to Christmas songs
Ad nauseam that noisily swell,
At the grocery store,
Like “Come On Ring Those Bells.”

Your eyes won’t be hurt
As you try to drive at night
By those overdone gaudy
Christmas lights.

Don’t forget the political news
That captures the airwaves –
Left, Center, Right and Between,
All that socially saves.

On Facebook,
Comments about polite posts again,
Making snide mocking remarks,
No more good will toward men.

As you walk by today
No irritating high-pitched bell
Rung by the Red Kettle person
Raising Heaven.

Christmas is really over!
You don’t have to go back to normal.
You can continue praising God
Even after this Yuletide formal.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: RobinHiggins – pixabay.com

I hope that my satirical poem helps us remember to think about Christmas all year and to continue praising God!

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Holy Bible – Luke 2:20 – NIV)

Happy New Year!

_______________________________________ Announcement:
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com now has a new connected website – HisPoems.com.
HisPoems.com is a way to get to ChristianPoetryPublishing.com more quickly. It also makes it easier for you to tell people about the site. But no matter what, we are still here to serve you at ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 29, 2021 by farsails

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

I Thessalonians 5:18

Christmas is here again.
Can we make it through?
A lot of things to think of.
A lot of things to do.

As we are some older
And the children moved away.
Should we travel there
Or could they come to stay?

Presents to buy.
Presents to wrap.
The tree to put up.
Need to take a nap.

Cookies in the pantry.
Turkey in the frig.
Pies in the freezer.
Ready for this gig.

Our kids arrive
And grandchildren, too.
Then the drudgery
Turns into debut.

The oldest one, Sara,
Is asked to read the Story
About when Jesus came
And left His glory.

Hands held.
It’s time for the blessing.
Thanking God.
We are not distressing!

Christmas is here again.
Can we make it through?
A lot of things to think of.
A lot of things to do.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: dandelion_tea – pixabay.com

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Holy Bible – I Thessalonians 5:18 – NIV)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 23, 2021December 29, 2021 by farsails

christianpoetrypublishing

to rally 'round – a little closer to Heaven

christianpoetrypublishing

Category: Thanksgiving

A Forest Memoir

The Old and New

Greeting 2023

Holding Jesus

The Last Thanksgiving

The Day Before Thanksgiving

The Old and New

Can We Make It Through Christmas?