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.
Tag: writing
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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 🌞🌻
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”.
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.
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.
Sunday Photo Reflection #26: Snippets of Nature
Celebrating the wonders of the natural world through snippets of God’s creation!
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shabbat Shalom: God’s Art to heART
👆Play👆to listen along as you read ART to heART is more than a homophone. It’s a life-changing salvific principle used in the recreative-poetic expression of God. The Greek word poiēma is used ONLY TWICE in the Bible and both times in reference to the creative power of God. First, when He created eARTh referred to …
Shabbat Shalom: You’re A Masterpiece—God’s Work of Art [with audio]
👆Play👆to listen along as you read God is a master artist, a genius creator. When He created eARTh, He built ART into every nook and cranny of it. And as beautiful and majestic and wonderful as the ART He created in eARTh was, at its completion God pronounced it as merely “good”. Genesis 1:10, 12 …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: You’re A Masterpiece—God’s Work of Art [with audio]
Shabbat Shalom: God Knows Your Name [with audio]
👆PLAY👆 and listen along while you read God is passionate about you because God is passionate about God. OK … hold on. Before you think I’m saying God is egotistic, because that He is not, let me expound. God knows who He is. In response to Moses’ question: “Who should I say you are?”, God …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: God Knows Your Name [with audio]
Shabbat Shalom: Sun/Son & Shadows
👆PLAY👆You may listen and read along Shadow is mentioned quite frequently in the Bible, and usually in the context of God's protective presence. Like: being covered with the shadow of God’s hand (Isaiah 51:16); resting in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1); being hidden in the shadow of God’s wings (Psalms 17:8); or walking …
Shabbat Shalom—Be Like A Tree© [with audio]
👆LISTEN👆as you read along As we’re winding down the season of long summer days and about to enter the season of transition, I’m thinking about trees and the transformation they’re preparing to undergo—the stripping, the letting go—and how simultaneously beautiful and haunting that is. And that got me thinking about the life lessons we can …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom—Be Like A Tree© [with audio]
Shabbat Shalom: Of Lives Lost & Longing
Before-word: for today’s Shabbat Shalom celebration, sharing a piece commissioned by my church as a tribute to our members who’ve passed on as part of our 50th anniversary celebration. I did not want a macabre presentation, but rather one filled with hopeful anticipation. Using the abecedarian poetry form, I chronicled our beginning; the joys of …
Shabbat Shalom: The Sacrifice©
Before-word: This epic poem is a parallelism of the Abrahamic and the Messianic sacrifice experiences. Abraham’s would-be sacrifice of Isaac was a foreshadow of the crucifixion of Christ. The sacrifice of Christ was a symbolism of high sabbaths (John 19:31) as the complete story of salvation—that is, the work of Christ beginning with His death …
Shabbat Shalom—Soul Cry: Hiraeth! [with audio]
Hiraeth: “A deep homesickness; an intense form of longing or nostalgia; an unaccountable homesickness for a place you have never visited”. 👆LISTEN👆WHILE YOU READ ALONG Hiraeth! Hiraeth! Something irretrievably lost, beckons Beckons my soul from deep Deep within, this unexplainable, unattainable longing Longing—intense yearning, reminiscing for a place A place I’ve never been but somehow …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom—Soul Cry: Hiraeth! [with audio]
Why I Write: The Power of the Written Word
Before-word: As I’m spending more time building this blog, I’ve been thinking a lot about writing—the art of writing and the power of the written word. I love to write. And chances are if you’re on this site, you’re a blogger which means you also love to write. Or, you’re here because you love to …
Shabbat Shalom: Sabbath, A Time-Tithe
Sabbath is a tithing of our time. Okay—having put that out there, let me explain: Sabbath and tithing are two biblical principles. Both appear paradoxical or self-contradictory on the surface. And, both are associated with blessings. Paradoxical and a blessing? How? Both are based on you giving up a portion of what you have a …
Shabbat Shalom: Rest in Stillness
I’m a big fan of David. The David of the Bible. Yes, that prolific spoken word artist who was also a master harpist, a warrior King and a murderous adulterer. So bloody were the hands of David from warding off assailants while he fled a jealous crazed king and from wars he waged to secure …
Shabbat Shalom: Why I am A Christian
I came across 12 Bloggerz! hosted by Rory. Rory you asked 12 great questions but one really jumped out at me. So, I’ll answer only that one because it aligned so strongly to something that is integral to who I am—my faith and being a Christian. This is the question: How would you feel if …
Another Blog Accomplishment—200 Posts!
I made it to 200 posts y’all!!!! Yippeee 🎉🥳🎊 Glad I reached this milestone on this beautiful post on the joy of gardening. I really wish to use the moment of this accomplishment to thank YOU! Yes, YOU! The YOU who take the time to stop in on this space The YOU who choose to …
Shabbat Shalom: God Started It, Science Confirms It
Before I understood the true meaning and the blessings of the Sabbath, it was more like an arduous religious ritual observance. And as an adolescent, I recall at the end of just about every Sabbath I came down with a terrible migraine headache. Research on the anthropology and psychology of religion have confirmed the psychological …
Continue reading Shabbat Shalom: God Started It, Science Confirms It
Shabbat Shalom: Grace
In addition to—the tranquility of Sabbath peace; the blessings of Sabbath worship; the refreshing of Sabbath rest; those Selah moments of pause like mini-Sabbaths that can be taken throughout the week; and the joy of Sabbath reflection—is the affirmation of GRACE. We know that God established Sabbath as a day of rest at the end …
Shabbat Shalom: Reflection
In addition to—the tranquility of Sabbath peace; the blessings of Sabbath worship; the refreshing of Sabbath rest; and those Selah moments of pause like mini-Sabbaths that can be taken throughout the week—is the joy of Sabbath reflection. Sabbath is a time of reflection. Many people tend to think of Sabbath as merely a command given …
Shabbat Shalom: Fellowship
I previously wrote about attributes that Sabbath affords us—the tranquility of Sabbath peace; the blessings of Sabbath worship; the refreshing of Sabbath rest; and those Selah moments of pause that we can take throughout the days that are like mini-Sabbaths. This post is about another facet of Sabbath, fellowship. One of the things I miss …
Shabbat Shalom: Worship
God started it! Sabbath is for rest and it’s also for worship. Standing on the bank of the river transfixed, in awe of all creation bustling around me. Watching the sun go down, but not before it colored the clouds an autumn orange and the river a golden glimmering tint. Hearing the geese honking, hissing …
Shabbat Shalom: Selah! [with audio]
👆LISTEN👆as you read along Selah! This may be the most mysterious word in the Bible. It appears at the end of verses primarily in the books of Psalms and Habakkuk. There’s no one definition but all may be summed up to be interpreted as: “stop and listen”, or “pause and consider”, or “contemplate, reflect and …
Shabbat Shalom: Peace
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” St John 14:27 (Holy Bible) I took this photo last night as the sun was setting, ushering in another Sabbath. And …
Finding Hope in A Broken World
Before-word: This piece was written in response to the following questions I've been asking myself in the wake of protests to social injustice across the globe: How many times can a people be stretched before their elasticity is extended beyond its capacity to bounce back and they snap instead? What do you do when as …
Words’ Power!
Before-word: This short essay is thanks to my reaction to a nature show on NatGeo. There I was immersed in the wonders of life in the deepest part of the ocean and I thought: “wow...all of this was spoken into existence”! [clearly, I’m a creationist]. Then I got to thinking about the power of the …
Unmasked© (a poem)
Before-word: I wrote this piece long before masking became part of global health guidelines. Today we mask-up to protect our immune systems from an unseen predator—the novel corona virus. So for that reason, follow the golden rule of masking: mask-up for others as you’d have them mask-up for you. However, when I wrote this piece …
Poems & More: createdbyDEEsign 