Poetry

When We Always Praise

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I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 ESV

I love taking early morning walks as an extension of my quiet time with God. I especially enjoy watching and taking photos of all the different birds as they begin their days. Some stand by the pond fishing, while others peck at the ground searching for their breakfast. Though Florida is famous for its Flamingos, Cranes and Pelicans, our state bird is actually the Mocking bird. They are plentiful, boisterous and most of all, they love to sing.

Seeing one singing loudly in my neighbor’s tree yesterday, reminded me that whether my little bird friend understands it or not, his songs give glory to God. No matter what the weather he never quits! As I listened and I remembered that in my own, life others will be a whole lot more likely to listen to what I have to say, if I persistently give God praise. Here is my little poem today as a testament to my tiny feathered friend and to God who at all times is worthy of our praise! May you have a blessed and praise filled day!

When We Always Praise

He sits upon the highest branch

And gives His tune to God

Through wind and rain in heat and snow

He thinks it very odd

That anyone would only sing

On quiet sunny days

And miss all that God has in store

When we always give Him praise

When We Always Praise by Peter Caligiuri 10-9-20

Seasons of Song – Poetry

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For those who have followed this blog for a while you’ll remember that I sometimes post some of my original verses which have also been published in various periodicals and a few are original songs which appear in my Youtube channel. This year God put it on my heart compile a collection of those poems and songs. Today I am excited to announce after almost six months of rewriting, editing and organizing them around the theme of the four seasons of life, that Seasons of Song is now available in e-book format with the softcover coming out in a few days. Yay!! If you have enjoyed any of those light hearted springtime poems such as wondrous Nose; Ears and True Confessions of a Belly-Acher, you may also appreciate some of the more serious verses that appear in the fall and winter chapters.

If you wish to go directly to the page for Seasons of Song here is the link:

Though our calendar year begins with winter, God’s begins with Spring. He has planned for us each station of the years of our life. This collection begins with the fun and exciting Springtime melodies of childhood. Next the adventurous chorus of youth challenges us to grow as far and as fast as our strength can hold out. Only then can Summer give way to the harmonies of harvest purposely weaving together the threads of God’s grace. But just as no year is complete without a winter so the symphony of life cannot finish without winter. Just the thought of that fourth and final season can make us tremble. But Faith shouts “Don’t be afraid! These poems and songs remind us again of why our year has been lived and give courage to our voice for singing every one of our season’s songs till we meet in the presence of heaven’s song leader, our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Still Hate to Edit!

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Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 KJV

I love to write (usually) but oh how I hate to edit (Always!) Writing fulfills a basic longing to try communicating with others things that are precious to me. Editing on the other hand simply reminds me detail by painful detail how I have fallen short. Maybe when God created us He feels a bit the same way. Do you remember how back in the garden of Eden God said, “Let us make man in our own image.” and then He formed and breathed life into Adam? At the end of the day He stepped back and maybe even smiled and said, “It was good!”

But soon after God began writing the story of Adam’s life, Adam and Eve sinned. From that very moment God’s editing work began. How it must have pained the heart of God to see His perfect children darkened by selfishness, rebellion and pride. But thankfully God does not hate editing like I do. In fact the greatest expression of His love came on the day of His harshest edit yet. That happened on a hill called Calvary where on the cross Jesus erased all the crimes of my previous chapters and then wrote in His blood the new and amazing story of His grace! Oh how thankful I am that Jesus is not only the author of my faith; but He is also the finisher (editor). He rewrites the final chapter of every one of our lives when we put our faith in Him and then turns out a masterpiece that will never need editing again!

Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

The Lord is My Editor

The Lord is my editor – He checks every word

He calls me to follow ‘cause I’m seen not just heard

He leads me through valleys with shadows and strife

And comforts my fears with His promise of life

He makes me a banquet though my enemy knows

Then He fills up my cup till His grace overflows

When I look back behind me I see mercy and care

In His every correction He gave hope I could share

Then he left me a note,

“Why not stay at my home

When you come to my city

And your writing’s all done?”

The Lord is My Editor by Peter Caligiuri © 2020 All rights reserved