Night Trip

Night Trip

 

Moonrise brought amazing light display on barely rippling water.

Clear night allowed the scene to shine deep into my heart.

Adventurous child inside imagined a night kayak trip as moon’s daughter.

Life brings opportunity when day begins with Spirit from its’ start.

 

A tandem kayak means two partners at least.

Have I a buddy that might consider this proposal?

Indeed, richly blest am I with friends, family, even beast.

Relationships abound each a blessing Creator puts at my disposal.

 

Full moon hid behind the air stagnation report.

Undaunted we pulled out the kayak for a tune up.

Seats reset, skirts stretched, paddles ready for sport.

Sister moon might not appear, would not our joy disrupt.

 

“Let’s do this” was our brotherly decision.

Vests, water bottles, lights on house, in hand.

Transport wheels efficiently supported our yellow vision.

Down the path we headed for rock, a touch of sand.

 

Tide lapped on the lowest ladder rung.

Entry practice paid off as we got in place.

Darkness settling as two hearts sung.

Interior smiles migrated to each face.

 

Phosphors stirred by the thousands at each water touch.

Bow wake a-shine in a vee of luminescent green.

Baby,(Hackney) Island ahead, chronograph set, wonder set to “Much”.

Slight breeze danced about us, Spirit kissed us clean.

 

Several quiet pauses allowed our hearts to soak in joy.

Our naturalists sat quiet, seals exploded in phosphor clouds.

Inter-specie communion of all genders, girl, boy,

Respectful sharing on an evening, blessing endows.

 

‘Ware the kisses of a moonrise night.

Word Made Flesh smiles upon these smooches.

Explore with your beloveds, use all your might.

One can never have too many Creator memory brooches.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

23.10.13

d. 8 - Symbol of Prophecy

Symbol of Prophecy

Isaiah 9.2-7

 

Isaiah knew Word Become Flesh as hope in the darkness.

Eyes fixed upon this marvel, he brought a word profound.

No aspect of life can avoid, deny this truth profess.

From the gentle touch of Creator love and joy resound.

 

Pause, my soul, lift up your gaze to receive new sight.

Wander not into gloom, walk with steady stride.

Absorb from within, Spirit’s grace, reject sin’s blight.

This moment has been ordained, our mission universe wide.

 

Sing out the wonder, make chords for this day.

Find lyrics from life’s activity that state true hope.

A people summoned to co-create along the way.

Our Dayspring makes verdant, the Accuser does grope.

 

Partner prophetess’, prophets proclaim your truth blessed.

Share the source of your light, your joy, your peace.

Pause not ‘til all ‘round know love’s benison expressed.

No circumstance, no dilemma, no barrier can truth cease.

 

Death will change our mortal stance, not conquer ever.

Our world disguises Providence’s underlying joy.

Be assured you are beloved, Scatterer can never sever.

Make fast compassion, kindness, mercy; these gifts employ.

 

Scripture brings a library of witness from all ages.

Study, meditate, debate, discuss, accept profound truth.

Make clear understandings built upon Wisdom’s sages.

Each statement a person, servants of the One do soothe.

 

This season of balmy resonance, brings out a verdant calm.

‘Midst cultural cacophony, alert lovers share a sustaining hug.

Enter into the daily expressions of wonder, bring intimate balm.

Our lives embrace the whole, beware partisan shrug.

 

The Rose exudes its stately fragrance, beauty like none other.

Gilead knows restoration full, hope beacons from the manger.

Distractor wishes to spread alarm, ‘tis momentary bother.

Be loved; be true; Word Made Flesh has eliminated danger.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

8 December 2013

d.7 - Jacob and his dream

Jacob and his dream

Genesis 27.41-28.22

 

Waking; dreaming; working; sleeping; life has rhythm.

Jacob, the younger twin; Esau, the older wanted their claim;

Isaac, Rebekah led faithfully their family as God’s chrism.

Their two vital twin sons differed greatly, anything but the same;

 

As marriageable age approached, the boys jockeyed for blessing.

Esau lived ever aware of his lost birthright to Jacob, the supplanter.

His plan: murder the younger man; Overheard, mother distressing.

Mother ‘Bekah’ warned Jacob, “Go to Laban, stay away from the ranter.”

 

Fearing his brother, obeying his parents, Jacob to Haran did travel.

As nightfall came, he made camp using a stone for a pillow.

Perhaps distance, time, new circumstances would Esau’s plan unravel.

Powerful dreams coursed through Jacob, as water through a willow.

 

Heaven could be gotten at the top of a mighty ladder.

God’s angels travelled down, up, doing God’s bidding.

Suddenly, The One spoke out of heaven, quiet did shatter.

“Blessed are you, this land is yours, my protection fears ridding.”

 

Jacob responded to his vision, built an altar.

His pillow-stone anointed, ‘Bethel’ he named the place.

“I will claim God as mine if I’m sustained not to falter.”

“From the Lord’s providence a tenth back I will trace.

 

Dreams often bring new insight as a disciple does rest.

Solutions to knotty problems find resolution clear.

Expect providence, sustenance, mercy, grace among the best.

Spirit inhabits the faithful bringing love closer than near.

 

Isaac’s boys, the family drama, seem not surprising at all.

Faithfulness to God seems to permeate, though shenanigans occur.

Fear not yours and my shady dealings, respond to Spirit’s call.

Stay close to Word Made Flesh, His baptismal claim sure.

 

May this days’ journey bring ultimate success.

May your wisdom grow stronger as truth you claim.

May relationships find forgiveness more than duress.

May all ‘round see you through God’s Holy Name.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

7 December 2013



Authentically Me, Honestly Us

Authentically Me, Honestly Us

Psalm 119.105-106

 

Creator’s paradox for humanity: individual – corporate.

Spirit’s joyful job, encourage all humans to be true.

Word Made Flesh walks among us, teaching as Servant Prelate.

The One engages the whole, lifts up all, never to subjugate the few.

 

Enter the gathering, find your seat.

Open your soul to the fellowship found.

Express truth as known, emotions too, a treat.

Be assured, wisdom comes, the blithe, the profound.

 

Merton delights in the educated player.

“Come along then, what is it that you think?”

We’re not here to promote truths slayer.

‘Tis a gathering of mystics find safe water to drink;

 

Venture forth, bring out a passionate observation.

Pause from the demands; listen to a brother’s thought.

Together we explore the art of contemplation.

Alone we travel time’s path, by Word Made Flesh sought.

 

Note the example Jesus made.

Once sure, He gathered a loyal band.

A cross-section of life to whom His ministry laid.

For three years they trekked Israel’s sand.

 

Sometimes resting, often serving, women, men alike;

Walking in silence; boisterously dancing; a rich life indeed;

None were programmed, manipulated, coerced to dislike.

Each encouraged to develop their message, spiritual seed.

 

Look deeply within, voice the resonant truth aloud.

With full heart express Spirit’s insight clear.

Shy not from the disturbing, confront the crowd.

At times history turns on a margin quite sheer.

 

Motley gathering indeed, this set of folk.

No particular trait seems to dictate, demand.

Creator has fashioned a simple servant yolk.

Bring justice, mercy, goodness into the land.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

2 December 2013



d.6 – Isaac and the Ram

d.6 – Isaac and the Ram

Genesis 22.1 – 14

 

A small group of travelers on a mission of faith jarring,

Abraham, Isaac, two young men, a burdened ass,

Word Made Flesh their commander, companion, nothing barring;

Step by step into Moriah, the dusty path crossed loyalty’s morass.

 

A group of men never walk without lively talk occurring.

“Been here before? Look at that rock formation over there.”

“My son, you are God’s promised joy.” Said Abraham reassuring;

“Father, I see the fire, the knife, where’s the lamb most fair?”

 

Anguished, alert, following another of God’s demands,

Abraham claimed Spirit’s constant care, Creator’s blessing.

“Watch my son, don’t drop the wood, along the path’s sands.”

“Word Made Flesh will provide our need, waste not reassessing.”

 

Sacrifice requires detachment for it takes a life.

Process simple, direct, as stacking of the wood;

Abraham for nine decades had survived all strife.

He bound his promised heir as stout cords could.

 

Tears streaming, son curious but trusting, neck lay back.

Knife poised, Abraham ever awake, heard the angel’s voice.

“Faithful servant, stay your hand, you no obedience lack.

Look behind you, in that thicket and rejoice.”

 

Unbinding Isaac, Abraham took the cords to the ram.

Calming the anxious gift, they bound him tight.

Upon the wood they laid the regal male, symbol of “I Am”.

Word Made Flesh smiled as son, father saw grace’s light.

 

Can life as you know it bring drama such as this?

In this moment have you an offering to bring?

Bring up your eyes, unstop your ears, miss not Creator’s bliss.

All will be provided to meet each need, of this we sing.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

6 December 2013

Father Abraham

Father Abraham

Genesis 12.1-7; 13.2-18

 

Spirit called; Abram heard; a new situation proposed;

Relocation meant gathering possessions, people, critters,

West to Canaan, many new neighbors, he supposed.

Abram answered only to God, inheritance to fritters.

 

Nephew, Lot, pulled up stakes, decided to come along.

Much land, few settlers, their migration a sight to see;

Nightly gatherings ‘round the fire, many a travel song.

Dusty clouds billowed, a mighty horde, predators flee.

 

A domestic discussion involved water rights, land use.

Powerful Abram knew generosity would be best.

Lot chose the Jordan valley, water a plenty, needn’t be obtuse.

Abram balanced family, existing tribes, got his rest.

 

Constantly Spirit brought Creators’ message of abundance.

‘Look at the stars, the dust, the sand, more will be your seed.

Listen not to the fears of wife, family or others ‘twill not enhance.

As you faithfully travel Word Made Flesh will meet your need’.

 

How fares your family estate, your plenteous possessions?

Do the idols of security, status, retirement push their fears?

In the quiet of your heart, hear you Spirit’s concessions?

Doubt not your belovedness, grace never’s in arrears.

 

Go about this day travelling light, pausing for a while.

Set a special altar out to remind whom you serve.

We travel through this land of time, don’t much compile;

Every need will be met; wants leave aside; takes nerve.

 

Be mindful of the care that the One brings to all.

Bless much, curse little, serve Spirit each moment.

Enjoy the journey, morning light to evening call.

Our faith asks love, justice be our daily remnant.

 

Mothers, fathers stand firm in truth, joyful care.

Bring a message of accountability, service rendered free.

Courage, discipline, clear boundaries we must dare.

Historians will pen the accounts for generations to see.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

5 December 2013

Noah and the Flood

Noah and the Flood

Genesis 6.11-22; 8.6-12

 

Watery death sentence, a remnant raft to build;

Those close to Creator’s wrath scramble to obey.

Building storm clouds warn, get survival packs filled.

Afloat will escape come, all air breathers’ water will slay.

 

Tied to creation, our day faces global consequences real.

Rising seas, congested skies, empty food pantries abound.

Creator’s globe our fine craft, needs tending with honest zeal.

Neighbors bring care across each street, love resounds.

 

Scatterer’s fear binds up the easy gait.

Selfish egos prevent extended hands.

Nationalist cultures don’t help but wait.

Survival needs lead to marauding bands.

 

Spirit ever leads down the path of abundant love.

Wisdom comes from Creator’s attention to detail.

Word Become Flesh brings reviving grace from above.

Servants of The One reach in loving song to the wail.

 

Natural, logical consequences teach life’s lessons true.

Healthy politics serve individual, greater good.

A strong message comes for all not just a few,

Together we can live in peace, a choice not a ‘should’.

 

Friends, together we ride across our galactic sea.

Shall we keep our craft well, trim its’ ecological sails?

Eight billion travelers can benefit from grace free,

A vital conversation regarding survival, all it entails.

 

Noah released his peace dove, reconnoitering his trip.

Our satellites don’t see boundary lines but blue Mother Gaia.

Now’s the time to make loving arrangements not those that rip;

Gathered ‘round our life’s future in hope not false betrayal;

 

Soon arrives the Prince of Peace, manger snoozing.

Angels announce ‘cross the fields Creator’s, Spirits’ joy.

Every day folk make uplifting lives, Satan’s bonds loosing.

We await with active hands Word Become Flesh, a little boy.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

4 December 2013

Eve, Adam, Naked, Loved

Eve, Adam, Naked, Loved

Genesis 3.1-24

 

Earliest scene, clearly a dramatic life;

Adversary, center stage, smiling a toothy grin;

Slithers up to our lovely female, whispers strife;

Undermines promises; lifts egos; enters creation: sin;

 

Lush, inviting, flowering fruit tree at the center.

Benison of joy beheld at a distance or in its’ shade.

‘Til now Lord God functions solely as creation’s mentor.

Another force works out its effect, selfish motives obeyed.

 

Creator embraces all, includes: evil, good, life eternal.

Spirits’ counsel heeded includes the power of choice.

Word Become Flesh brings to earth the gospel supernal.

Overarching One wants relationship, created gets its voice.

 

Open eyed amazement, this pair looks about.

Discernment’s price: innocence forever gone;

Self-aware new statuses: shame, guilt, pain shout.

Too soon the garden rejected, no more its lovely song.

 

Immediate the blame-game expresses its tawdry truth.

‘Who me? Not I Lord! ‘Twas the Devil made me do it.’

Each actor receives an outcome, ultimate forsooth.

The Honest One holds accountable creation, never to rue it.

 

Scatterer must ever know isolation, ignominy, not fitting in.

Woman consumed by cares, womb pain births, daily chores.

Man toils to provide, can’t escape a life that includes sin.

Creation risen from its’ dusty inception, returns to origins’ cores.

 

Amazingly Creator, Spirit, WMF coalesce in loving care.

Brokenness, separation, banishment all present, not in power;

Light and shadow; Joy and pain; Peace and wrath; laid bare.

Tree of Life intermingled with Good and Evil, a single bower.

 

Wrap your simple garment about you.

Fear not the demands this day will bring.

Cling to eternal hope beloved child, be true.

From the first day love and grace we sing.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

3 December 2013

The Birth of LIfe

The Birth of Life

Genesis 1.24-28

 

Creator, by definition creates all.

Embraces nothing, Creator extends love.

Creator chose co-creation to include the fall.

Creator alongside Word Made Flesh, Spirit dove.

 

Reflect this moment upon all that is.

Numbers continue to mount, the limit: infinity.

Our faith reach extends to Creator, the Whiz.

Knowledge of God’s ways will pass beyond eternity.

 

Curiously there exists some order, some logic.

Honest science includes mystery, unknown areas.

Life itself can be embraced if one is strategic.

Inclusive means reaching around not making barriers.

 

Each person, a solar system complete,

Creator’s sun surrounded by complexity;

Family systems each a constellation replete,

Double star creating new nebulae of perplexity;

 

Scriptural witness captures celestial beginnings.

Creator touches every aspect, makes all life.

Dynamism at the heart of the opening innings,

Joy, wrath, peacefulness, pain, loveliness, strife;

 

Ecology links all creation, consequential, profound.

Each element affects its neighbor, has its place.

Freely journeying humanity walks upon holy ground.

We, Co-creators, can skew the plan but not erase.

 

Pronounced ‘Good’, created-ness ever central focus;

Culture constantly spins the meanings, usually selfish.

Servants of the One make loving justice the locus.

Word Become Flesh transformed all, at Spirit’s wish.

 

May our presence be a blessing for all to see.

May our society bring support, love, care.

May thankful bodies, spirits, hearts make justice free.

May life’s adventure be everything we might dare.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

2 December 2013



The Jesse Tree

Advent 2013

The Jesse Tree

1 Samuel 16.1-13

 

Bare branch, stark statement of Fall

Reminder of past growth, remnant true,

Our new year begins with the prophet’s call.

Culture gathers its’ gifts, we answer, the few.

 

Young David, seventh of seven sons, a symbol.

Each baptized one set aside, ministry to do.

Daily chores continue, Spirit dances as a lamb does gimbal.

This season daily calls for faithful witness, love, justice shew.

 

Shrug on the Advent garment, simplicity, quiet expectation.

Pause to reflect on blessings rich, relationships a many.

Morn through nightfall, list’ to Word Made Flesh’s contemplation.

Out of humble beginnings, Creator fashions with hands most canny.

 

Each believer supported by faith community diverse,

Begins the trek to the manger, ‘midst cacophony ‘mazing;

Clear spirit, body, mind, heart, schedule from busy-ness perverse.

Focus upon the coming gift, find strength, distraction razing.

 

‘Tis helpful to set a Jesse branch out for all to see.

Each day a new ornament of faith on a limb tie;

With angelic touch, create a home for love’s clear plea;

This evolving aide will the Scatterer defy.

 

As Samuel asked Jesse to parade his sons,

Spirit strengthens our resolve to walk simply this path.

Note the moments that come with response not just funds;

Fill the day with kindness, compassion, joy, resist reactive wrath.

 

Child of Creator’s joy, you have been selected ‘mongst all.

No else can share your hearts’ touch, your soul’s delight.

Each beloved needs acknowledgment, love’s wondrous call.

Make this season a time of calm, Word Made Flesh the highlight.

 

Express the song Spirit calls out from deep within.

Sing with abandon, sigh with expectant hope full.

Our universe has been redeemed, ‘tis not bound by sin.

Gently press down the path, God’s blessings to mull.

 

The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.

1 December 2013