Haiku

Psalm 23 Haiku

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

The psalmist beautifully depicts the life of sheep, and I can relate. I am a sheep going through a dark valley, with Satan working overtime, but I’m not alone. Two very close prayer warriors/friends reminded me of that truth recently.

Sheep in a valley.
A wolf’s hungry eyes craving.
Smack! The Shepherd’s staff.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
[Psalm 23:1‭-‬6 ESV]

Good News Haiku

/ The Pastor

R.C Sproul has said, “The gospel is only good news when we understand the bad news.”
What does this mean? Great question, I am so glad you asked. Here’s another Haiku for you.

Newborn baby bird
To the ground fast – plummeting.
Hopeless? No! Jesus.

Who, in your sphere of influence, needs to hear the Good News? Make sure you explain the “bad news” first and then — Give them Jesus.

Various Haikus

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The following are four Haikus (Haiku styled at least) that I have been working on. They are all very different and may not follow the ancient, traditional rules. I included a short intro to each one, but hopefully not too much lest I rob your imagination. Call these contemporary Haikus if you like. Whatever the case, from my heart to you.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in NW Washington is a favorite memory of my family:
It’s festival time
A landscape once colorless –
Bursts into rainbows.

I posted this faith-filled Haiku the other day but this one has been updated:
Once captive in sin.
Jesus was crucified – dead…
LIFE!!! Now I’m redeemed.

My kids love going to the park. Me? I love taking them and just sitting there watching and listening. I try not to occupy myself too much, lest I miss out:
Children. Laughter. Joy.
A playground of adventures.
Look! A pirate ship!

I recently suffered an injury that tested me but showed me something of myself and my God:
Into dark darkness –
Painful cries received by none.
HE embraces me.

Christian Haiku

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

Many of you know that I like dabbling in poetry. It has been an enriching spiritual discipline for my heart as it forces me to think carefully about my faith, scripture, God, Jesus, my salvation, etc. Recently, I have become fascinated with Haiku. This is Japanese poetry which has a particular format: Three lines with syllables 5-7-5, and generally focuses on the natural world. I have been doing some reading recently and thus I have been trying my hand at it. Below is my first attempt at what I am calling “Christian Haiku”. I know that this may not be in the spirit of the Haiku, but I pray that this new fascination drives me deeper into my faith with God through Jesus Christ. So here you go…

Once dead in my sins –
Jesus was crucified – dead
Life! Now I’m redeemed!

To God be the glory.