Where I Am From

This was published at Glasswing Ezine some time ago, but I was feeling this weekend like I wanted to be reminded of Where I Am From and Whose I Am.

Where I Am From

I am from newspaper women
and farmer's wives
spines of steel;
wisdom beyond imagining
no dreams of fame and fortune.
Just ordinary lives.


I am from hard work and ancient wounds
never forgotten nor spoken of
nor exposed to light of day;
survival of the fittest;
overcoming struggle.
Manifesting deep love.


I am from the ocean and the sand;
eternal horizon expanding;
waves crash and roar;
undertow pulls and releases shells and
skeletons from the deep.
A million grains of understanding.


I am from ancient earth mothers;
sisters of magic and mystery
creators of hope and beauty,
vessels of future dreams
dutifully bearing children.
Changing the course of history.


I am from spirit and flesh and bone;
made to wonder "why?"
seeking ever after truth,
needing only the next question
asking always for the answer.
Looking ever to God in the sky.


I am from the earth and sky;
thriving where nothing should grow
dirt and clouds, sun and rain;
blooming where I'm planted
desiring only air and water.
Sometimes reaping more than I sow.


I am from woman and man;
destiny, desire and chance
created in an image and likeness;
struggling to be different
resigned to be who I am.
Rising above my circumstance.


I am from saints and angels,
wings of gossamer and gold
seen from the corner of my eye,
whispers and quiet breezes
in my head and on my skin.
Heavenly secrets in dreams unfold.


I am from the eternal source of life;
created for a purpose and a reason
perfectly and divinely designed;
journeying toward heaven
offering up my future and my past.
Each twist and turn in time and season.

© Mary Moss – April 5, 2008


Where are you from?

Blessings on your journey

My All and All

I tend to focus on and ruminate over a word or phrase that comes to mind. A particular term that continues to "visit me" is striving. I had a pretty good idea of the definition, but being a wordsmith and lover of words, I decided to look it up. Here's what I found at dictionary.com:

1.	to exert oneself vigorously; try hard.

2.	to make strenuous efforts toward any goal.

3.	to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict; compete.

4.	to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance.

5.	to rival; vie.

Ah, yes . . . this is exactly what I thought! It is also exactly what I have been doing lately! I've also noticed lately that many others in my life have had a week or a month, or a year or even a lifetime of striving. And what are we striving for?

I asked myself that question the other day. "What, Mary, is it that is causing you so much struggle? What are you laboring for?" I know Jesus offers us an easy burden and a light yoke. Why is it, then, that I don't lay down MY burdens and take on His?

It is exhausting, this striving. It wears us out and beats us down. It doesn't matter what good or joy there is in our lives. Striving is always in the background, like white noise, if we don't give it over to the One who has already borne our burdens and won us a victory over this world.

Striving is spinning our wheels, believing we are in control, we are in charge, we are the masters of our own destinies. Hard work is a noble thing! Don't get me wrong! I believe in hard work! I believe in 'fighting the good fight' and doing what needs to be done to advance God's kingdom on earth. That's not striving though! Striving leaves out God, because there's isn't any room, or any energy to include one more component of the struggle. Striving is like there's too much friction; going against the grain; swimming against the tide.

Hard work sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Striving can't even see a pin dot of light anywhere on the horizon. Okay, I think I've belabored my point. Over the last several days, this poem has come to me. It is a prayer, really, offering over my striving to the One who lifts us on eagle's wings. I pray the words minister to you as well.

Lord of my striving

Lord of my ease

Lord of my journeying

Lord of my rest

Lord of my labor

Lord of my respite

Lord of my past

Lord of my days

Lord of my future

Lord of my hours

Lord of my burden

Lord of my comfort

Lord of my yoke

Lord of my freedom

Lord of my striving

Lord of my ease

Keeper of my heart

Champion of my fears

You are

My all in all.

© Mary Moss-September 2009

Blessings on your journey

Seven Techniques You Must Know To Get Editors To Notice Your Poetry

The Writer's Relief Staff has published Seven Techniques You Must Know To Get Editors To Notice Your Poetry

1-Skip the rhyme.
2-Keep it short.
3-Submit three to five poems per submission.
4-Avoid clichés.
5-Steer clear of one-word title
6-Use eye-catching titles.
7-Develop a strong bio

These are the bullets - but the entire post is well worth reading if you really want to get your poetry noticed. Stop by Writer's Relief today to read the full article.


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Blessings on your journey.

2009 Writer's Digest Conference: The Business of Getting Published

Registration is now open for the 2009 Writer's Digest Conference: The Business of Getting Published.

See below for important rate information and then click the register button to get started! The registration rate includes conference sessions, Poetry Slam and a one-on-one critique of your work

(Please Note: The only way to register for this event is online.)

2009 Registration Prices
Regular Registration: $395

For registration and details click HERE.

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Vanity of Vanities

I was inspired to write this during the sermon at church this morning. The pastor was speaking about grace and how difficult it is for us to comprehend how wonderful God's grace is. The music was especially powerful as well. An altogether grace-filled morning!

Vanity of Vanities

In our striving to understand and
explain we labor in vain.

No deed can earn
No words express
No voice resound
No thought contain

The effort made
The sin forgiven
The hope renewed
The history changed
The night less dark
The day more bright
The hours more precious
The life well lived
The broken bread and wine consumed.

Vanity of vanities that we should even try. Yet labor we each and every day to capture full the grandeur and completeness of the Love of God expressed once for all time by Jesus on the Cross.

© Mary Moss – June, 2009


“ Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “ Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NKJV).

Praising God Through Poetry

Yesterday was a remarkable day! Five of us rode up toward Orange, VA for a Christian Writer's conference. We so enjoyed each other's company and really enjoyed meeting so many spirit-filled, intelligent and inspiring Christians!

Two of us were presenters and the other three had the joy of attending various other workshops. We were also blessed with both a children's choir and a men's choir, testimonies, prayer and praise throughout the day. Not to mention a delicious meal after the conference!

Laurie at Supernatural Living lead a session entitled, "From Your Ideas toward God's Goals" that focused on spiritual principles and practical steps to advance your writing for the Lord.

My session was entitled, "Praising God Through Poetry." I focused on ways poets and aspiring poets might share their gift in new and creative ways along with some practical tips and a few words of encouragement.

The other three women enjoyed various sessions that they felt blessed them and spoke to them right where they are. That is so like God!

I also received confirmation of some things I have been praying about in terms of my ministry and its direction and focus. At Crayon Chronicles I've written a three part series, "God's Ready, Set, Go!" This morning I'm moving from "set" to Go!" Much more prayer is needed, but I believe I'm on track with God's plans.

We were exhausted by the time we left for home, but all agreed we were filled to the brim with God's love and blessings! A blessed day all around.