Religion should lead to a deeper spiritual experience.
Author: Dee Min
Poet. Blogger. Speaker. Author of “Moments: A Poetic Autobiography”. Unapologetically a lover of God, a lover of love and all things nature. Hardcore logophile with an epigrammatic style. Creative soul. Artsy to the core.
Time Won©
Hello Everyone! I didn’t get to post at all this week—first time since I started the blog over a year ago. I had a lot to say but not a lot of time to spare to say it, so bringing back this piece to quickly say: “Time Won” AGAIN! Happy Friday!!! What a week! What …
Shabbat Shalom: Rest Is Power [with audio]
Sabbath reminds me in a tangible way that God is creator. And, allows me the freedom in focusing primarily on God and all He does for me.
Flower of the Day Challenge #31: Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac 1st Blooms
Bloomerang dark purple lilac—beautiful and fragrant 2022 ©DeeMin All rights reserved Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. Like what you see? Read more here👈 Subscribe to the blog here👈 “Like” and comment👇I love hearing from you.In creative solidarity, Dee
Midweek Boost & A Senryu: Change With Purpose©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump
Power In Quiet Strength© — A Tribute To My Mom for Mother’s Day [a Quatrain |with audio]
Honoring the strength and power of a mother. The power and strength of mothers, grandmothers, other-mothers and motherhood have been historically overlooked. I honor and celebrate my mother and mothers everywhere.
Flower of the Day Challenge #31: Field of Tulips
When spring blooms show up in unusual spaces like a busy NYC thoroughfare… Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Shabbat Shalom: The Tale of Two Daughters Where 12 & 12 Collide [with audio]
It’s a tale in parallelism of two daughters: the dying 12 year-old daughter, beloved of her father and a woman rejected, including by her own father, losing her life source each day for 12 years. For as long as the little girl has been alive, this woman has been slowly dying.
Flower of the Day Challenge #30: Azalea’s First Bloom in ‘22
… the gorgeousness of blooming azalea shrubs is about to grace my garden as it springs back to life … accompanied by the resilient Bugle Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow …
Continue reading Flower of the Day Challenge #30: Azalea’s First Bloom in ‘22
Reckless Love©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump reflecting on how ridiculously crazy God is about us—we are LOVED recklessly.
Oops! Heart Did It Again©
Love isn’t forced, if s/he’s wrong for you, s/he can’t love you the right way.
Sunday Photo Reflection #27: The Bouquet
The joy flowers bring!
Shabbat Shalom In 7 [with audio]
The moment I came to the realization that I will never be able to fully understand or describe God, and thankfully so because if I could then He would cease to be God, this poem was born as a tribute to God for who and what He is—the “I Am”.
BIRTHmonth: Day 30 Concluding Affirmation—I Affirm Today to Self-Love
Before-word: To celebrate my birthMONTH I declared an affirmation for each day. At the end of the month I conclude with the affirmation to self-love, because you must first love yourself in order to love anyone else. This emanates from the ultimate love—the love of and for God. This was the April I affirm to …
Continue reading BIRTHmonth: Day 30 Concluding Affirmation—I Affirm Today to Self-Love
Flower of the Day Challenge #29: Spring Bloom & Blue Sky
Spring is taking a little longer to manifest herself fully which is perfectly ok as we’re having a longer time to enjoy her blooms.
REFUGEE© published by Spillwords!
For millions of people, home is nowhere. Forced to leave their countries in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. This is a tribute to their resilience.
BirthMONTH—Day 29: I Affirm Today to Appreciate Closed Doors
What the Most High intends to bless you with, you will receive because not only does He shut doors, He opens doors too! Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 28: I Affirm Today to Live in Gratitude
I choose to live in gratitude. I pause to notice and appreciate the things that often get taken for granted like a place I call home, food and water, family and friends, a job.
BirthMONTH—Day 27: I Affirm Today to Expand
Today I just wanna thank the Most High for each gift He’s blessed me with. Happy birthMONTH to me!!
BirthMONTH—Day 26: I Affirm Today to Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care—caring for your mind, body and spirit—is not a luxury nor is it selfish. Self-care is a necessity. Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 25: I Affirm Today to Exercise the Power of Choice
When based on my hopes and not my fears, my choices will create room for me. Room for exploration, growth, learning and overall self-development. Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 24: I Affirm Today, I Am Enough
I WON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER: I am enough. I have enough of what I need to be the exceptional me. I am enough—just as I am! Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 23: I Affirm Today to Let Go
I can’t receive the now when I hold on to the old. Surrender to let God work. Happy birthMONTH to me.
Ten Thousand Feet Above©—Tribute To Earth For Earth Day
Today, April 22, 2022, is Earth Day, a time set aside to celebrate the Earth, learn about the environment, and promote conservation.
BirthMONTH—Day 22: I Affirm Today to Thrive Not Survive [Senryu]
Today I affirm to live fully, thriving not just surviving
BirthMONTH—Day 21: I Affirm Today to Level Up
Happy birthMONTH to me!
BirthMONTH—Day 20: I Affirm Today to Release
I affirm to release myself from what is done for it cannot be undone.
Life Exhaling©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump LIVING between inhales and exhales.
BirthMONTH—Day 19: I Affirm Today to Love the Way My Heart Knows How to Love
I will not make excuses for the way my heart loves I will love ❤️ honestly I will love ❤️ naturally I will love ❤️ completely I will love the way my heart knows how to love Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 19: I Affirm Today to Love the Way My Heart Knows How to Love
in homage nubian Queen©
nubian Queen… the season of homage to you is upon us, the earth rotates for an annual to honour you without fail, the blessings are counted the praises raised, a season of anniversary gone past and a new one ahead.
BirthMONTH—Day 18: I Affirm Today God My Most High
BirthMONTH affirmation: Letting God be my Most High.
Flower of the Day Challenge #28: Easter Lily
…received her on my birthday …she bloomed right on cue! Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
BirthMONTH—Day 17: I Affirm Today NOT to Betray Myself
Until I begin being faithful to myself and embracing me in my totality, I will not attract the right people in my life or live my life from the core of my authentic self or fulfill my purpose.
Saturday Was Silent, Sunday Is Here: The Master Key© [with audio]
Friday there was sorrow. Saturday was silent. But Sunday is coming and indeed it is here—RESURRECTION morning. Blessed Easter.
BirthMONTH—Day 16: I Affirm Today Not to Compromise at My Heart’s Expense
I’m a healthier happier me when I speak and live what’s in my heart boldly and fiercely with kindness.
Breaking News: Jesus of Nazareth Has Been Crucified!
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ we now come to call “Good Friday”. How can this day be a “good” day? Because God was in it!
BirthMONTH—Day 15: I Affirm Today to Live IN Purpose (Haiku)
Why do I celebrate my birthday or do something meaningful to mark the day? It’s for one reason only: my birthday is a reminder of the moment in time that God designated as “mine”.
Flower of the Day Challenge #27: Tulip
…she’s pretty by nature! Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Today’s my BIRTHDAY—I Affirm Today to Stand in My Truth
It takes courage to be your unique authentic self, to be resolute in who you are at the core, to “do you” when everything else and everyone else around you screams at you to fit in a mold/in the status quo/in what is expected.
Mid-Week Boost & Haiku: RENEWAL. RESTART. REBIRTH.
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump with a commitment to leave dead things buried and strive to bloom instead.
BirthMONTH—Day 13: I Affirm Today to Trust My Journey
Life is a journey, and we each have our unique way to move through it. But, no matter how different our journeys will be, we all will end life in the same way. Different journeys, similar destination. The state you’ll be in when you arrive at the destination is based on the choices you make …
Continue reading BirthMONTH—Day 13: I Affirm Today to Trust My Journey
BirthMONTH—Day 12: I Affirm Today NOT to Base My Happiness on Externals
Basing your happiness on anyone besides yourself is giving people way too much power over your life. Period!
Life All In© published on Spillwords
My poem “Life All In” is published on Spillwords.com. Head on over there and show me/my art some love.
BirthMONTH—Day 11: I Affirm Today to Wear My Scars Like Beauty Marks
We all have scars. Whether visible—from physical wounds, or invisible—from soul wounds. Scars are the evidence and reminder of a wounding or a traumatic experience.
Flower of the Day Challenge #26: Hyacinths
Elegant and fragrant hyacinths.
Shabbat Shalom: The Last Week to Easter© [with audio]
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Easter reminds us Jesus conquered death so we can have life and have it MORE ABUNDANTLY!!
Sticks and Stones and … A Slap?!
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump with honey words!
Shabbat Shalom: If Jesus Lived on Earth Today©
What if Jesus—in His physical form—stopped by to visit me today? What would I do? Invite Him in? What would I say? “Come on in. Take a seat. May I get you something to drink?” Or maybe I’d be too astounded to utter even one word. Maybe I’d just sit at his feet and wait for Him to speak.
Mid-Week Boost: Persevere!
The power of words—they can tear down or build up. The proceedings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearing to the Supreme Court attests to this.
Flower of the Day Challenge #24: Yellow Hibiscus Haiku
Nature’s golden hues in yellow hibiscus. Sun on a stem 🌞🌻
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name?! The Summary
Click👆to listen to audio of this post Shabbat Shalom! Welcome to the summary post of the “What in God’s Name?!” series we wrapped up last week. On this journey to the heart of God through exploring His names, we saw the backstory revealing each name as almost always one of “hide and go seek”. Only …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name?! The Summary
Mid-Week Boost: Pray For Peace (1 month in)
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump. In the lyrics of Vince Gill, “let there be peace on earth and let it bring with me”.
POETS UNITE: World Poetry Day 2022
“Held every year on 21 March, World Poetry Day celebrates one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity. Practiced throughout history – in every culture and on every continent – poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values.”From: https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldpoetryday
Lost Between Forever & Always©
Love Meandering through the malaise of what could have been Dodging word-wars hurled in fiery exchanges Delicate foreskin of its fortitude penetrated Breaking down its defenses Love Wandering brokenly Unsure and afraid Not finding its way Lost somewhere between forever and always 2021 ©createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. Thank you for reading! First time to the …
POETRY©: A tribute to World Poetry Day & International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Long before the written text, poetry existed. It was the reciting to memorize genealogy, laws and culture. It was the verbal incantation of hymns, love songs and chants. It was the conveyor of prayers, stories, historical accounts, and instructions for everyday living.
Sunday Photo Reflection #26: Snippets of Nature
Celebrating the wonders of the natural world through snippets of God’s creation!
Shabbat Shalom: What in God’s Name?! Jehovah Shammah (God Is There/Here) [with audio]
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Shammah—the God who is there/the God who is here.
Love Lost©
You are the love that didn’t last The muse that won’t inspire The poem that won’t be authored 💕 You are the lyrics lips won’t sing The chords fingers won’t play The beat hearts won’t take 💕 You are the cause and cure The horrors of screams The sensations of dreams 💕 You are the …
Spring Breakthrough©
When Mother Nature is on her own timetable and ushers in spring blooms early.
Mid-Week Boost: Self-Talk
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump with positive self talk.
Smoke & Water© [a Haiku]
Autumn smoky-orange Escapes across water’s glass Reflection, cascades Written in response to Ronovon’s Weekly Haiku Prompt inspired by the image above. 2022 ©DeeMin All rights reserved Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! Feel free to “like” or drop a comment, I love hearing from you. You may start here👈 and …
Spring’s Dawning© [a Haiku]
I’ve long admired the beauty of flowers that bloom in early spring. I moved from admiration to action and planted tulips and hyacinths for the very first time!! And now the first signs of life have emerged from beneath the cold earth. In my excitement an Haiku was born.
Shabbat Shalom: Who Writes Your Story?
As long as we are alive, God’s still writing our stories.
Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I A Woman? Tribute to Women’s History Month
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down, all alone together women ought to be able to turn it rightside up again—Sojourner Truth
Eye Quadrille©
The dance of life!
Celebrating Women & Girls Everywhere: International Women’s Day
On this International Woman’s Day: Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, just and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. 2022 ©DeeMin All rights reserved Thank you for journeying along. …
Continue reading Celebrating Women & Girls Everywhere: International Women’s Day
Sunday Photo Reflection #25: Fruit Art
Photograph it or eat it?! Ate it!! 2022 ©DeeMin All rights reserved Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! Feel free to “like” or drop a comment, I love hearing from you. You may start here👈 and for more subscribe to the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Refugee©
Right now the world is in solidarity with Ukraine as it fights for freedom, and rightly so. While there is aggression from without there’s aggression within. Again we see that racism and discrimination know no boundaries and that hurt people hurt people. In addition to the trauma of war, Black people are being detained at borders and animals/pets given safe passage while they are being pushed off trains. As we pray for Ukraine we pray for ALL people—regardless of race or nationality, to have equal access to cross borders to safety.
Sunday Photo Reflection #24: Tall Palms & Sunlight
Palms taller than high-rise building … … Sun gloriously bright! 2022 ©DeeMin All rights reserved Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! Feel free to “like” or drop a comment, I love hearing from you. You may start here👈 and for more subscribe to the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Flower of the Day Challenge #23: Happy Hibiscus
Ran across this happy flower on one of my walks — she was the only bloom. Sharing for your viewing pleasure. Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative …
Continue reading Flower of the Day Challenge #23: Happy Hibiscus
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Raah (Shepherd)
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Raah—the God who is our Shepherd.
New Month Blessings
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Now more than ever, with the enormity of the crisis, let’s find hope in the blessings of a new month.
Shabbat Shalom: Prayer For Peace & Ukraine
Click👆to listen to audio of this post In light of what is taking place in Ukraine and its heart-rending and life-altering impact, I’ll pause the “What In God’s Name” series today to instead offer a prayer for peace. However, before the prayer I’d like to go back to a giant statue that was put up …
Creative Self-Expression [A Senryu]
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump. Let your creativity set you free.
Ode to Da Curls In My Hair©: A Tribute to Black History [with audio]
Hair means something different to each of us. Black hair has a uniquely meaningful history as a symbol of survival, resistance and celebration and as such is an important part of Black history.
I’m A Little Teapot
When was the last time your kindergarten-self came out to play? How ‘bout today!?
Sunday Photo Reflection #23: Sunset, Nature’s Golden Glow
Sunset and moonrise—my favorite time of day. It reminds me that at what appears to be the end of one thing is the beginning of another.
Thelonious Monk: A Black History Musical Tribute to Jazz©
A tribute to Thelonious Monk, Bebop creator with founding jazz fathers Charlie (Bird) Parker and John Birks (Dizzy) Gillespi—a musical recipe in Black history.
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Nissi (Banner)
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Nissi—the God who is our Banner.
My History Is…© [with audio]
Honoring black history—the triumphs and struggles, the innovations and the artistic, cultural, social and political achievements.
Life All In©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump living with no regrets.
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Tsidkenu (Righteousness)
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Tsidkenu—the God who is our Righteousness.
Spark of Madness©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump healthy not only in body but mind.
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Jireh (Provider) Part II
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Jireh, the God who sees you and provides in the now and the future including your salvation.
Life Lessons in One-Liners©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump with snappy reminders of lessons from life.
Flower of the Day Challenge #22: of Orchids & Snow
So we’re under a nor’easter with heavy snowfall. It’s cold but what a warmth in my heart this orchid is generating. She’s the first bloom of the season. From the dairy of a HappyOrchidMom Thanks to Cee for hosting the Flower of the Day prompt. Thank you for journeying along. First time to the site? …
Continue reading Flower of the Day Challenge #22: of Orchids & Snow
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah-Jireh (Provider) Part I with audio
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Jireh, the God who sees you and provides in the now and the future.
Final Breath©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump living like this could be “last breath”—love your life!
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Rapha (Healing) with audio
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Jehovah Rapha is the God who is present to heal in times of extremity and to redeem as the Word made flesh.
Dear Younger Me
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump by working towards healing a part of our inner-selves.
MLK Day 2022: The Dream Lives© [a Senryu]
In memoriam to Dr Martin Luther King Jnr. His dream lives on in every act aimed at justice, tolerance and peace.
MLK Day 2022: “I, Too” by Langston Hughes
In memoriam to Dr King. A piece that is a hopeful expression to the aspirations of the oppressed while decrying racism and injustice.
Finding Broken Hearts©
Inspired by a documentary on Whitney Houston’s life and death and out birthed this piece—a response to her #1-chart-topping question in song: “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?” I miss her. What a beautiful contributor to our world she was.
Sunday Photo Reflection #22: Winter’s Beauty
As soon as the snow stopped falling I headed out to my fav park before others could disrupt the fallen-white-art of nature or wind could shake the fluffy flakes off tree branches and just basked in the beauty of fresh-fallen snow.
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name—Jehovah Shalom (Peace) with audio
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). While we are climbing our way out of this current global storm, Jehovah Shalom is able to give us calm and strength because PEACE is who He is!
I Am Her©
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump with a reminder of who you are!
Shabbat Shalom: What In God’s Name?! Jehovah [with audio]
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). His name, Jehovah, denotes the God who reveals Himself unceasingly.
Midweek Boost: Do It Now
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge. Let’s get over the hump.
Letting Go (a Senryu)
Holding on from fear. When you know that it’s over, Let go of the fear. 2022 ©createdbyDEEsignAll rights reserved Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee
Shabbat Shalom: New Year—New Thing [with audio]
PLAY👆to listen as you read along Some times it feels unreal, but we’ve actually been hunkered down for almost two years. Can you believe it?! Just about every aspect of our lives have been constrained and in some instances crippled by an infectious agent that is so small it requires a microscope to visualize it. …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: New Year—New Thing [with audio]
Poems & More: createdbyDEEsign 