beauty to believe in….

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I’ve been a little weary with swelter
so I picked a little bouquet  from my archives,
with hope that maybe sharing will helps stir our strength to singing.

I believe in seeds and sanctuary,
hot baths and cool breeze,
in seasons and stories
and music and farming
and angels and acorns
and options and dreams.

In starshine and moonglow
and coffee and compost
and Christmastime magic
and moms and dads
and the reckless mercy of a loving God.

I believe in pruning and dancing,
in vineyards and wine,
in fresh plenty grace
even when it feels like I’m sucking it
through a tiny thin straw
and in slowing down and losing the rush
(which seems to stretch the straw wide again)

I believe in real hope,
that it’s just about stronger than anything
and that false hope is strong,  too,
but without the power to really change things.
I believe in desert
and in beauty
…that it isn’t the same as pretty.

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I believe we’re born with our art inside us,
that we come alive as we let it out

and that resting is stronger than striving,
that clotheslines make life smell better
and that there is truth that is brighter than day.

I believe in twinkle lights and naps
and rainy day rhythm,
in loving wildlife and killing mosquitoes
and that praise springs in vivid color and motion
from every growing thing,
whirling and twirling with wild affection
for a creator who is indescribably good.

I believe in the smell of baby skin and puppy breath,
of fresh turned soil and pie in the oven,
that there is a peace that can override circumstances,
a love that never fails,
and that impossibles happen often
and without fanfare.

And in you,  dearheart,
that we’ll be okay
and thrive together
no matter whatever.

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“Most people don’t know there are angels
whose only job
is to make sure you don’t get too comfortable
and fall asleep and miss your life.”

-Brian Andreas

17 Comments

  1. Elephant's Child on July 22, 2013 at 5:05 pm

    What a gorgeous bouquet of images and words you have perfumed my morning with. I would add the magic of rainbows too…
    Thank you.

  2. Julia Bourque on July 22, 2013 at 8:14 pm

    Hi Jennifer, I love your litany of beliefs and I hope that you continue believing in all that is sweet and good in life. I love your bright happy bouquet.
    Sweet dreams.
    Hugs,
    JB

  3. Kathy on July 22, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    Beautiful bouquet! I was thinking about you this weekend. Hope you are well! Love, kath

  4. rachel awes on July 23, 2013 at 4:35 am

    great brian quote!
    i believe in angels!
    I believe in you!
    looove! xoxooo

  5. Bren on July 23, 2013 at 8:17 am

    love the bright blooms of both your words and your bouquets! It all makes me smile

  6. jeanie on July 23, 2013 at 8:27 am

    When are you going to publish a book, dear Jennifer? One with your poems and paintings and photographs, one that will inspire? Your bouquet is beautiful and so are your thoughtful words. Sending hugs!

  7. Barbara on July 24, 2013 at 12:55 am

    Your words always soothe me and freshen my faith. Thank you!

  8. Judy Hartman on July 24, 2013 at 7:56 am

    Reading this verse (and all of your verses) is like walking through a beautiful garden and coming upon surprise after surprise of rare flowers which fill my soul with their unique splendor.
    ” I believe we’re born with our art inside us, that we come alive as we let it out” – this, above all resonated with me and will inspire me every time every time I approach a new drawing or project. It is exactly how I feel about being an artist. Thank you, as always, for your inspiring words.

  9. Susan on July 24, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    I always love when I visit here and see once again how you have managed to come up with words & phrases that reach down so deep into my core but leave me with a big smile on my face. I’m so thrilled that you have this insane talent! and very pretty flowers.

  10. JBR on July 25, 2013 at 6:14 am

    Such beauty Jen. Heaven is gonna be just a bright as the colors in your photos. Blessings my dear.

  11. Lindsay on July 25, 2013 at 11:58 am

    I believe your poetry makes this world a better place,
    oh how I wish more people could read your blog,
    Taking a break from ordinary life while listening to these words and notice
    how beautiful the world actually is. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing,
    Lindsay

  12. Behind The Smile on July 26, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Hi Jennifer
    Thank you so much for dropping by my blog and leaving such encouraging and comforting comments. I am struggling at the moment with many painful things so my writing words have been silenced at the moment. I just wanted to thank you for you thoughts and say how much that has helped me. Hugs. Behind the smile.

  13. Donna on July 26, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    “I believe we’re born with our art inside us, that we come alive as we let it out”…..perfect description of how I felt once I began writing again….I may use that quote on my blog in a post if you say that is OK…

  14. Donna on July 26, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    “I believe we’re born with our art inside us, that we come alive as we let it out”…..perfect description of how I felt once I began writing again….I may use that quote on my blog in a post if you say that is OK…

  15. Cathy on July 28, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    It’s so enjoyable to read what you have written since it make us all glad we are alive to see and feel what life is all about. It makes us slow down for a moment and take it all in. The beauty in the pictures and in your written words. Thanks Jen for being you and sharing with us.

  16. Connie Smiley on July 31, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Your words, Jennifer, are lemonade on a sweltering day. So grateful that our indescribably good Creator gives rest to the weary. Go in peace.

  17. S. Etole on August 1, 2013 at 4:50 am

    The bounty of beauty in your words and photos is food for the soul.

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