Words Words Words

WORDS WORDS WORDS

Sit for awhile

Tears may flow

And it’s okay

I feel your pain

I know it hurts

It hurts like

Lime and salt

On open wounds

It matters not

If sounds came

From them or not

They were written

To belittle you

with criticism

Unworthiness

And judgment

Words, words, words

They can lift a soul

Bring a spirit to fly

Place a skip in steps

Bring a song to a heart

Ignite a passion to soar

Or they can just leave

One to bleed profoundly

With no energy to move

With no pep to take steps

With no self-esteem to rise

Mean words, hurtful words

Destructive words are heavy

Like rocks sinking the spirit

Drowning a deflated soul

Robbing energy from a heart

Leaving the person without

Motivation to hold an inhale

As their soul sinks downward

Without a reason to try and

Release the sinking stones to

Grasp their worthiness to breath

To exist, to persist, to rise again

Above the daggers of insults

It takes more than courage to

Lift your head and take a breath

One must give grace to self

And say, yes I’m hurt

True, I’m bleeding

But I have a life

To keep living

For I know my

Self worth

Poem and photo by

Lidia Hu

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A Root Out Of The Ground

Many times I wonder, why things just stop me as I walk? Why do they move me to take a picture? Why, when it seems there’s no reason, no purpose, no clue, yet the sight hollers at my heart?

I’ve learned to take the picture anyway. The reason, the purpose, the meaning will come. And when one of these or all three flow to me, I will then ask the Lord to guide me to the picture to express what is bubbling within me.

At other times it’s the picture which jumps from the collection of photos and it moves me to write a phrase or two.

There’s something beyond my understanding that tugs at my spirit and connects me with the picture then words begin to flow from somewhere in my soul.

Even though I know this, I still wondered why the root of this tree stood out to me. It seemed like a toenail of giant beast. What’s so appealing about it? Why was I moved to take a picture? Who, if anyone, would find it pleasing to look at?

I ask God why did He lead me to take this picture? What’s the message that I need to hear? What do I need to write regarding this idea of an exposed root? Is there a verse to point me to a truth?

God never fails. He never fails to lead me to an answer. Never!

Isaiah 53:2

“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of the ground.”

What I read left me in awe. I knew whom the verse described. I knew who the words were about. It was my Lord. My Savior. I love how God answers.

So I read the rest of verse.

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

I was blown away by what I read. Because that’s how I felt regarding the picture of the root when I took it. I honestly didn’t find it attractive at all. I told the Lord. I see no reason or beauty or uniqueness that makes this root stand out. But I will obey. I quickly took the picture and walk away.

Something tickled my interest after I took several steps away from the root. I turned around and took the picture of the mossy roots which led to the tree. I did find the roots intriguing. I knew something interesting will come from that photo.

Wanting to understand where the Lord was leading me with this post, I went and read more of Isaiah 53.

Verse 3

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”

God in a manner of speaking, unearth his Son slowly to man’s heart. In time, he revealed his heart to those who needed compassion, answers, meaning and guidance. He sent his Son as a lowly person not as a high branch from a towering tree.

Jesus came to us with a humility of understanding rejection, sorrow, loneliness. People stumbled of who He really was, for they were expecting a king. Jesus began to build his roots in peoples hearts with the lowly and grew into other hearts

He became the tree of life pointing to the one and only true God, His Heavenly Father, our Heavenly Father.

Just like these exposed roots reveal their source, the giant evergreen tree, so did Jesus Christ reveal the source of whom sent Him.

Jesus came with a great message that brought physical, emotional and spiritual healing. And He still has that power today through His Holy Spirit.

Like an evergreen tree, Christ will forever be with us. Therefore, let’s not reject, despite or deny Him today. Together in heart, in worship, in sharing let’s esteem him every day of our life.

From an unattractive root on my walk, I am reminded that God never waist a thing. All things have a purpose. They’re there to point to a greater truth. Let’s be the source for others and point them to the truth of a forgiving Love.

I will continue to listen and obey to what moves me and stops me to take pictures. For I know a purpose from a Higher Power has a reason for its existence.

They’re there to point all of us to the source of our existence, the existence of God.

A Break-up

An Unfinished Story

Hello Busyness,

I just wanted to tell you that I do not appreciate how not so busy you’ve kept me these past few weeks. I hate to break it you, but this thing, you and I, isn’t working for me. I’m not getting anything done. You know the last chapter we wrote, chapter nine I think, or was it ten? Well, it’s been so long that I don’t recall. I showed up at different hours of the day and night to create, but you, you were nowhere in sight. You have not met up with me for months. That’s why I’ve stopped writing.

Someone took your place. Do you recall, Nothing, that strange fellow that looks like Rip Van Winkle? You know, the one who sits at the corner? Well, he brought me coffee and kept me company as I waited for you. It doesn’t feel good to be abandoned like this. I’m beginning to think it’s my fault. But I know better. Yet questions swim in my head. Why did you leave? Did I do something wrong? What did I not do? Where have you gone? Will you return?

Anyway, since you haven’t been present in my world, my unwanted lost friend, Procrastination, moved in. To be perfectly truthful and you can tell her if you like, I don’t care for her style, not at all. She comes in saying, “We’ll have so much fun now that your boyfriend hasn’t come around.” We played games, watched movies, looked up friends in social media. Rabbit Trail and Intrigued come over and hang out with us. When they show up, hours pass like minutes. 

It isn’t that I didn’t have fun but it’s not giving me anymore of that thrill it did in the beginning. I’ve been telling Procrastination that my guy friend, Fitness, who needs a project subject, invited me to help him out. I’ve been working on being punctual on a regular basis to this job, but even that is not long lasting. It just a bunch of bull-sweat. 

So therefore, I’m writing this note to tell you, that I’m leaving you for good. I’m going to be calling on my   friend, Reliance, who pushes me off cliffs. Which I seem to be on one right now. I need to jump off and fly. I need to arrive at my aunt’s, Accomplishment’s place to finish my story. Or I’m afraid, I’ll find myself going back and asking Procrastination for advice on how to join her new favorite miniseries, Tic-Tok. At least I’ll start something new.

For now, I’ll sip my coffee and keep Nothing company as we share this moment of nothingness.

Good-bye Busyness, it was sweet while it lasted. 

Your X-girlfriend, Unaccomplished 

Wisdom and Understanding

Wisdom, understanding, devotional, photography

WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James3:13

To be wise is to have understanding 
Understanding help us have a good life.

To be wise is to have a good life.
A good life encourages deeds to be done.

To be wise is to accomplish deeds with meekness.

Deeds done in meekness produce humbleness.

To be wise is to do all things with humility 
Humility focuses on others more than self.

Understanding, a good life, deeds done in meekness, and humility are developed when we spend time with the One who is the wisest of all, our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

Nature always reminds me that if I remain in Christ, I’m a mighty mountain, a pool of fresh water, a plant with beauty blooming, and a child of God. Which reminds me of doing good deeds for my Lord. 

As long as I practices the truths above, I reflect a hint of the grandness of our mighty God and the power of our Savior.

As I step away from such a grand scene, I’m also reminded of my earthly size. For I must remain humble with the confidence of what I know to be true in Christ. 

For it is not me, but Christ in me who is mighty like a mountain. 

•He is the refreshing water who quenches thirsty souls. 
•He is the one who rebuilds beauty out of ashes. 
•He is the one who gives confidence to the lowly.
•He renews hearts, minds, and souls.

Once Jesus touches the heart, the human spirit can clearly sense His spirit. Wherever anyone goes, wherever ever anyone find themselves, when ever anyone falls away from Him, His Spirit will be there. 

The Lord will always give his hand to the fallen not only to correct but to restore the one who calls his name. He rescues out of his love, his mercy, and his grace.

It is then we can live a good life, do good deeds, remain humble and be wise with a personal understanding.

Lord help us to be wise with understanding. In Jesus holy name I ask. Amen.

© 2022 Lidia Hu

My Daughter’s Roses

Cees-photo-challenges-flower-of-the-day-fotd #photography Close-up flowers Cee’s Fun Photo Challenge ~ Beauty On The Ordinary

Individual petals

Soft like silk

One before the other

Carefully placed

Revealing detailed

Characteristics as

Colored petal tips

Bleed inwardly

Framing each

Developed rose

While their center

Glow with warmth

Like the high noon sun

On an late summer day

Their essences spread

An unspoken invitation

Come close and smell

What no one can ever see

Enjoy my fragrance and beauty

Before fall comes and I must sleep

© 2022 Lidia Hu

Teach Me God

“Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God;

may your good Spirit

lead me

on level ground.”

Psalms 143:10

Teach me God

For I never tire

Of hearing

Your voice

Your lessons

Your advice

Tell me

Once again

Remind me

To do your will

And to release

My fisted hands

You alone

Are my God

The rock

Of my life

Where I

Find refuge

I ask for

Your favor

Your goodness

Your protection

Over my life

And my spirit

Please allow

Your Holy Spirit

To lead me

On level ground

Where You’ve

Anointed Already

ss

TEACH ME GOD

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalms 143:10

Teach me God

For I never tire

Of hearing

Your voice

Your lessons

Your advice

Tell me

Once again

Remind me

To do your will

And to release

My fisted hands

You alone

Are my God

The rock

Of my life

Where I

Find refuge

I ask for

Your favor

Your goodness

Your protection

Over my life

And my spirit

Please allow

Your Holy Spirit

To lead me

On level ground

Where You’ve

© 2022 Lidia Hu

Under His Shadow

Misguiding Shadows

Shadows
Mislead
Unless
One is
Under
His shadow

His shadow
His people
Will grow
Will bloom
Will rejoice

Return to
His shadow
With words
Or repentance
His forgiveness 
Always abounds
– Lidia Hu
~ ~ ~
Hosea 14:7
“Those who live in his shadow
Will again raise grain,
And they will blossom like the vine.
His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.”

Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, please guide us back under your shadow, forgive all our sins and receive us graciously. 

Only you can save us from shadowing misguidance. Your compassion will reach us. Save us. 

Help us to grow in your precepts. Bloom your goodness in us. Then other can see the reason for our joy. 

I ask these things in Jesus everlasting name.

Further reading Hosea 14:1-8
Repentance to Bring Blessing
14 Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.
Your sins have been your downfall!
2 Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
“Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our lips.
3 Assyria cannot save us;
we will not mount warhorses.
We will never again say ‘Our gods’
to what our own hands have made,
for in you the fatherless find compassion.
4 “I will heal their waywardness
and love them freely,
for my anger has turned away from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
he will blossom like a lily.
Like a cedar of Lebanon
he will send down his roots;
6 his young shoots will grow.
His splendor will be like an olive tree,
his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.
7 People will dwell again in his shade;
they will flourish like the grain,
they will blossom like the vine—
Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?
I will answer him and care for him.
I am like a flourishing juniper;
your fruitfulness comes from me.”

Hungry for Pizza and a Relationship – Flash Fiction

IPhoto by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

Hungry for food and a relationship, I sat in my car holding a piece of wet paper with the words, come to dinner. I studied the note. Strange, there’s no name. I don’t recognize the handwriting. Could it be the new neighbor down the hall from me?

A tap on my window startled me. I looked up. A man bent over motion for me to roll the window down. My heart seemed to beat out of my chest. It’s him. I cracked the window opened.

“Did you get my note? “The new neighbor asked.

Entranced by his lite brown eyes, I lifted the yellow paper and nodded my head.

“I didn’t see you at my party and realized I had forgotten to put time and place. Will you join me? Or do you need to go somewhere?”

“Pizza. Have craving for pizza.” The words slipped from my mouth.

“From Antonio’s?”

“Yes.”

“I ordered some. Save your bucks and come.” His smiled.

I rolled up the window. We both ran inside the building. I shook the rain off my raincoat before entering his apartment. The aroma of basil, cheese and tomatoes, my favorite pizza, made my stomach grumbled.

With an empty plate, I stood by the table waiting my turn. I looked for him. He hung my coat next to his. Hope entered my heart. I reached for a slice of pizza. Is this his favorite too?

Thin fingers took the piece, I had my eyes on.

 “By the way, I’m Mat and this is my girlfriend, Unzi.” He towered her small frame.

Deflated, I took a slice of pizza then said, “Unzi, you took the one, I had my eyes on.”

“We must have the same taste,” Unzi responded.

Gazing at Mat I said, “Apparently we do.”

Written for Roger Shipp’s Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Practitioner challenge 31st August. 299 words

What I’ve learned

What I’ve learned

How to declutter. Release your fisted hand, let go and walk away. Do it again and again even if it hurts. Otherwise, you will bring a replacement on your way-back home. Philippians 3:13-14

How to mend relationships. Talk less. Listen as if you were the one talking. Give advice only if they ask. Pray for them silently as you listen. Also pray for yourself not to bud in on God’s business, not until he gives you clarity on what to do or say. Galatians 6:2

How to improve self talk. This is an on going process. In the meantime repeat God’s truths over yourself. Don’t give the microphone to the voices of your insecurities, fears and doubts. Or they will shout lies over truths. Mark 11:22-24

How to get motivated. I don’t know. Maybe, you can help me. But, I think it has more to do with wanting to workout the change, the letting go, the listening and praying and improving self talk than motivation. Because, once the block has been removed, the desire to get things done will get done. What has been piled up in our home,  on our desk or in our heart will get cleared. Romans 12:2

How to keep believing in God. I look back as I step forward. Why? Because I’ve see where he has gotten me out of, provided for me, and raised me from. As I take steps forward, doubt, fear, insecurities, worry, anxiety, disbelief in the present moment diminish. I then will not loose my reliance on Whom it has been placed on. If I begin to feel my knees weakening, I call for his hand, my Lord’s hand, Jesus the keeper of my soul. He keeps me from returning and reliving hurt, pain, misery not all caused by self. His Holy Spirit reminds me of my new qualities and strengths. I then can walk the tight rope, up high with a balance of truths and confidence. Romans 8:28

Believe me, days still come with fog and darkness. I do find myself crawling on my belly. Yet, I don’t loose sight of my belief in God, His son and the Holy Spirit. I know, soon aid will come replenishing my soul and setting my feet on high ground. It will happen again and again and again as long as I keep calling him, Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Joshua 1:9

How I keep my eyes focus on what is yet to come. What is coming brings change. Change is a road, a path, an open door, an opportunity to move forward.  Returning to where once I had been has been for the purpose to celebrate the growth, forgive what still hinders, take back the good I left behind and be thankful for the lessons learned. Philippians 4:6-7

What have you learned?

Emboldened by The Lord

EMBOLDENED BY THE LORD

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.”
Psalm 138:1-3

Embolden – to give someone courage or confidence to behave a certain way

My sweet Lord
I’ll praise you
All day long
With all my heart
For all you’ve done
Before man
Or any god

My loving Lord
I’ll sing of
Your praises
From the depths
Of my soul
Before man
Or any god

My forever Lord
I’ll bow down
With all my being
Praising your name
Before your throne
Before man
Or any god

After I praise you
After I sing of you
After I bow down
I then will dance
Out of gratitude
And love
Before man
Or any God

Your unfailing love
Your faithfulness 
Your forgiveness 
Your healing
Your comfort
Your mercy
Your grace
Are forever

You are
Exalted
Dignified
Sanctified
You’ve 
Surpassed
Your fame

With all your
Glorious deity
You lower
Your heart
To me and
When I call
You always
Answer me

You my Lord
My loving Lord
You and 
No man
Or any god
You alone
Lavishly
Embolden
My heart

Lord, I will 
praise you 
With all 
My heart, 
My soul, 
My being, 
All the days 
I shall live