I just recently started writing poetry again after one of my
friends asked me for my most recent poems… I realized that I had not written
very many since I got married. So, in
the last couple months I wrote two. Instead of keeping them to myself... I decided to share them with everyone. I am contemplating even starting a new blog and adding my older poems to it..!
The River
Kristin
Mazdzer
2/20/16
We all
have a choice to make
Will we
live on the shore
Or jump into
the deep waters
It all
depends on what you want to live for
The choice
is ours alone
But God
has paved the way
Only in
the river will we have eternal life
So what
will you choose today?
Some
people choose to live on the shore
Close
enough to hear the truth
But never
letting it impact their life
They
follow the ways of the worldly youth
They are
so lost and without hope
Seeking
ways to find some peace
From a
lost and dying world
Of the
pain they want release
Some
people venture ankle deep
Saved by grace
but not growing
They are
excited for a moment
But
quickly it gets old and boring
They
splash around getting wet
Thinking
salvation alone is enough
Their
faith is so very weak
And
crumbles to pieces when things get tough
Some
people make it knee deep
Feeling
God at work every once in awhile
Quickly
the return closer to the shore
For they
don’t want to change their lifestyle
They don’t
want to lose control
Though
they’ve experienced the other side
The joy
from following the ways of God
But they
prefer the security the shore provides
Few people
make it waist deep
Daily
living in God’s presence
Willing to
make some sacrifices
And
choosing to turn away from sins
Yet still
in control of their lives
Choosing
the path their feet take
Constantly
growing in their walk
But not
giving up everything for God’s sake
Very few
experience the deep waters
Giving up
complete control
Letting
God guide you wherever He wants
Not just
trusting Him to save your soul
A life
filled with joy and adventure
For riding
the river is a wild ride
Trusting
God every step of the way
Knowing
He’s always by your side
Fighting
the current will wear you out
Yet to the
branches we hold on tight
We are so
scared of the unknown
It’s so
hard to trust without sight
But once
you’ve experienced the deep waters
You’ll
want others to do the same
Encouraging
others to take another step
Constantly
praising God’s Holy Name
We weren’t
created to do it alone
Together
we can go a little deeper
So lock
arms with those around you
And jump
into the river
Written after our
time at Camas Meadows where Pastor Chris Larson gave a message using the
analogy of the river. This analogy was
impactful in touching a lot of hearts and we discussed it quite a bit in our
cabin group. It makes me wonder where I
am in the river… I know that I have experienced the deep waters… but I don’t
think I am there right now. I want to
get back to trusting God completely with my whole life and enjoying the ride He
will take me on.
River view on the drive home from Camas...
A Heart of
Gratitude
Kristin Mazdzer
3/23/16
Why is it so easy to complain
And focus on my problems
When God has blessed me with so much
And to ignore that is a sin
I don’t just want to make a list
Of all my many blessings
I want to have a heart of gratitude
That impels me to always sing
Knowing God has poured upon me
Blessings beyond belief
He daily meets my every need
And from my trials give relief
I cannot deny the trials exist
Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the pain
But when I turn my focus back to God
His peace alone can keep me sane
The Spiritual blessings I cannot count
Forgiveness, grace, redemption, love
Fruits of the Spirit, all good things
Come from my Father above
He has blessed me with so many people
Who have touched my life throughout the years
Family and friends who have always been there
Sharing the joy or wiping my tears
How often do I take the time
To thank the people who are in my life
Open my eyes so I can see
How gratitude can make me a better wife
May I be grateful for the big and small
Focused on the blessings I’ve received
So my example to others will be a light
That helps someone know God and in Him believe
Continue to give me a heart of gratitude
Not just making a list but a change of heart
Where I can focus on my many blessings
For I know this path is just the start
Lord, may you be glorified in my life
May I shout my praise to you aloud
Humble me and help me see
How to declare you glory to the crowd.
I wrote this
poem as part of doing the study Choosing Gratitude by Nancey Leigh DeMoss. My eyes were opened to how often I focused on
my trials instead of choosing to be grateful for the many blessings God pours
out on my every day. I know that I still
have a long ways to go to have a heart of gratitude but that is where I would
like to be.
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