Month: July 2021

Children’s Book

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As Promised from a couple of weeks back, my new book All Creatures Most Small is now out. This is my first book that is exclusively children’s poetry and was appropriately illustrated by my young friend Emilia (9 years old). Watching both Emilia and my friend and graphic designer Robert Keller come onboard to illustrate and frame my poems was a huge blessing in my life. I am grateful to them for their enthusiasm and advice as well as the kind and encouraging words from both Emilia’s mom and grandmother.

Here is another little peek – Into what All Creatures Mostly Small is about

We were having a great time storytelling and singing around the campfire, late into the night at our church camp out for boys. The youngest of them felt like we were in the wilderness even though it was really just behind the house of one of our church members. When the time came for everybody to head for bed, it took a while to get the boys settled into their sleeping bags. While I lay there listening to the cicadas singing and the frogs chirping, a little voice whispered from the back of the tent, “We can’t sleep. It sounds scary!”

“Oh, don’t be afraid.” I told them. “That just sounds like God talking to me.” I answered back. “Oh!” The small voice whispered. Then just a few minutes later things got quiet and I could hear the gentle snoring of the boys telling me that yes, they had heard God speaking too. I am thankful for all the lessons both large and small that God has taught me with the voice of even His tiniest creatures. and I invite you in these poems to hear God talking to you too.

Here is the softcover edition which is available on Amazon today. This is also an e-book format for those who prefer tablets instead of physical books.

Than Any Dreams

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Today I recalled a song that I loved as a teen-ager by Joni Mitchell called, “Both Sides” There was something hauntingly beautiful about her lyrics (and her voice!) singing about the other side of clouds and dreams. But at the time that was another side that was unknown to me. I was so sure of right and wrong and completely rejected any kind of made up religion. Then life happened and my concepts, my hopes and my own dreams broke down, and got mired in a mud pit. That is where Jesus found me and I am so glad He did. This simple contemplative glance back shares a little of my journey and I pray it may be a blessing to you as well. 

Than Any Dreams Could Be

The future was so far away
And I had dreams and hopes so true
I hadn’t time for growing old
There was so much to do

Till aches and pains became my friends
That stumbled on my way
And loss and grief showed up to greet
My heart from day to day

Then weaknesses and failures came
To teach Christ’s way for me
And show His cross was precious more
Than any dreams could be!

Than Any Dreams Could Be -by Peter Caligiuri
copyright 2021 All Rights reserved

It occurred to me today that some of my younger generation readers have no idea of who Joni Mitchell is (I get it..my Mom liked The Tommy Dorsey Band but I never heard of him from anyone else!) So here is a link to her live performance of that song, though the audio recording is poor, it actually shows Joni in concert.

The Next Snap of the Ball

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For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus 2:11-12

Most of us agree that God’s grace is the key to becoming a Christian, but a lot of arguments have been made over just how that happens. Today’s verse begins by telling us that what we need is a grace that brings salvation. Just like the huddle before a football game, Paul is saying to Titus, “Huddle up! Focus on what I am about to say.”  Following that football analogy, Paul gives this young pastor a strategy to not only play, but also to win the game. He starts by saying that everyone knows about God’s grace, but that for this grace to be effective, it has to go beyond simply filling people’s ears. The kind of grace that brings salvation must accomplish two things. First, in the same way that players line up to play according to the coach’s game plan and not their own, we must begin by giving up our old way of life and accepting God’s new one. Next, this grace that brings salvation also prepares us to spring into action when ball is snapped. Paul summarizes our part in the play as “Living soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.” Does that mean we have to be perfect? Of course not. No one would be on the team if that were true! So when we mess up God’s game plan, it is just like the receiver dropping the ball or the running back fumbling. Stuff happens in this life and we mess up. But when the whistle blows, we don’t change our uniforms and line up on the other side of the ball. Instead, we just say “Sorry coach, It was my fault.” Then get back to the line of scrimmage because God’s game plan of grace is still in effect. Get ready for the next snap of the ball!

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