love

Rescued

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Whether walking trembling on stormy seas, or asleep in the boat,
we reject a hopeless end in favor of endless hope.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 ESV

22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:22-25 ESV

© Joel Tipple
336

The Stones Will Cry Out

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Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”
Luke 19:39-40

No wonder my heart feels drawn to you, God.
All your creation speaks its love for you
and the devastation separation from you would cause
is
unmentionable.
We are your own.

So I run to you
in the morning.
Open your word
to see what you would say.
I would present myself, God,
as one approved.
This is my heart’s desire.

© Joel Tipple
316

To the Encouragers

To the encouragers, we celebrate you,
with your words
you change lives.
Salt of the earth, God’s messengers,
Discerning talents with your light.

How many of us would not try,
or try a little and then stop.
Spirits faint, not willing to step out,
for fear of falling.

Cajoling, gently nudging,
You’re the ones who say we can swim.
Somehow we’re able to borrow your courage
and begin
and begin again.

Whatever our best is, you see it before we do,
encouragers, heroes behind the scenes.
You don’t always get the credit,
but we know how much your love in action means.

If you get what you deserve,
you’ll be encouraged too.
Thank you, encouragers.
Thank you.

© Joel Tipple
311

Walking Around

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Lord, do you think it’s breaking?
Can you confirm the sound?
They say when you have children
it’s like your heart out there
walking around.

Walking around out there in the world,
a boy, a girl, or both.
Forever young though years may pass,
the cord feels like a rope.
Lord I know you’ve been there,
so I won’t waste words complaining
it isn’t fair.

Lord I know we can be
a little melodramatic,
and parents throughout the ages
have been correctly described as frantic.
But since you gave us each a heart,
perhaps share the reasons,
and as long as we’re going through it,
help us survive the seasons.

Walking around out there in the world,
an evolution of trust.
A joy and burden all wrapped up,
though we try not to fuss.
Mentioned in our prayers often,
if not more.
A wise parent focuses on the gratitude score.

© Joel Tipple
307

That

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When you see the biggest waterfall
you’ve ever seen, and its size and noise transports you to somewhere amazing…
That.
When you endure discomfort and put forth more effort than you thought you could,
and finish the race, because you said you would…
That.
When the young lady you respect and love says she loves you too
and wants to spend her life with you…
That.
That’s what it is to ask God to please use your gift to make a real impact for Him
and for Him to make that dream come true. It really is
that.

© Joel Tipple
305

Collateral Bewitch Spikenard

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Me and my collateral,
most of the definitions but behind.
She bewitched me with loving intentions,
and an aromatic spikenard fine.
I cannot see her faults,
nor
do I believe they exist.
And if I’m the victim of a blinding fog,
persist mist, persist.

© Joel Tipple
304

Well Cared For

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Judy sang about where I fly
in that famous song about Oz.
That I’m called the harbinger of happiness
causes me to pause.
But my friend here cares so well for me, I’ve no reason to roam.
As you can see by my carefree grin, there’s really no place like Gnome.

© Joel Tipple
298

My love, my bike.

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I’m not spokes to be in love
with my bicycle
It’s not natural
or the norm
In fact I see nothing about my bike that resembles the female form
So I suppose it’s a friend kind of love
that I feel about my Trek
even though you can’t say it’ll come rolling
when I call and beck
Still we’ve shared many miles
and weather
and time
and I’m sure many other things
that probably don’t rhyme
It’s a good relationship
that pays healthy dividends
Let’s all lift an electrolyte filled water bottle
in lieu of that champagne glass.

© Joel Tipple

Perfect

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I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14 ESV (English Standard Version)

Perfect in your imperfection,
drawn by an unseen hand,
such a body of work as you are
is a challenge to understand.
Are you accidental?
Cosmic dust from space?
Do you suppose all the bits of you
just self-arranged in place?
I believe you’re wonderful,
not an accident at all,
God’s placed unique purpose within
the vehicle that holds it all.
The spark of redemption
from the artist of the universe
will always renew and bring to life
God’s intention built in from the first.

© Joel Tipple

Memories

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i’ve got memories that live

outside my little mind

and when I’m old and feeble

the good ones will refuse to die

they’ll just go on blooming

like an old homestead’s roses would

and passers by will wonder

just how on earth they could

but when the soil’s reclaimed all else

their beauty in season will show

that’s how my memories of you will linger

as the petals come and go

© Joel Tipple