Month: May 2014

it’s not for me

my gift is not for me
not for that empty spot on my trophy shelf
not to keep me company
when i’m lonely

it’s not for holding so tight it’s crushed and ugly
or for hiding in a closet where it gets musty and moldy

it’s for fitting together with all the rest
as though part of a body Lego
forming as one to function
as our God surely knows best

it doesn’t puff out its chest or compare itself
showing the bitter side of pride
it doesn’t waste much time in the mirror
asking its reflection why

the better part of each day it spends
in deepest gratitude
looking forward to each turn of the road
as it winds and wends

© Joel Tipple
#24/14

Wake Up And Breathe

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My friend, like a lot of people
you are searching
and searching’s not a bad place to be

to the light
point me to the light

but neon signs of false gods
masquerade as reality
their garish promises mislead
and leave you empty

to the light
point me to the light

truth strikes a chord when you find it
just like God designed it
you thought your heart was locked securely
but Jesus has the key

wake up and breathe
wake up and breathe
you were made to be one with the Father
where he leads, you can learn to follow
wake up and breathe
wake up and breathe

trade in those superficial dreams you thought were so fantastic
back before you had eyes to see
throw away your calendar
full of yesterdays
wake up and breathe

instead of marching in place
move
instead of waiting for someone
move
instead of trying in vain to reinvent yourself
let Jesus reveal who you were always meant to be

wake up and breathe
wake up and breathe
you were made to be one with the Father
where he leads, you can learn to follow
wake up and breathe
wake up and breathe

This is the most important decision you will ever make.
Are you ready?
Okay…
now breathe.

© Joel Tipple
#23/14

The Center

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Lord, help me be in the center of your will,
like a note in sympathy with your heavenly symphony.
When needless tempests are whipped up
by my stubborn mind,
place your hand upon my shoulder…
make me still.

Make my heart soft but strong
to help the hurting without breaking.
Help me point the way to your door
and lift up those
who are tired of trying.

The road to your center is a rough and rocky climb.
Those who say it’s easy likely haven’t tried.
I cried out to you Lord, when the load
got too heavy.
Sometimes giving up is tempting,
but the life we’ve been given is worth the fight.

Holding onto Jesus,
take another step.
Holding onto Jesus,
take another breath.
Looking forward to heaven,
but before I leave
I want help those I meet
live abundantly.

Abundantly,
what’s your definition?
Abundantly,
it isn’t all cake.
Abundantly,
learn to live in the moments you’re given,
not just for heaven’s sake.
Abundantly,
life lived in the rear view mirror
won’t take you much past yesterday.
God treats His children well
and you have a story to tell.
About overcoming.
About victory.

Choose life in the center,
not just on the outside looking in.
Abundant life is waiting on the other side
of the door in front of you.
Turn away from distractions
that would rob you of what God intends.
Life everlasting begins now,
not just in the future tense.

© Joel Tipple
#22/14