And now
abideth
faith,
hope,
charity,
these three;
but the greatest
of these
is charity.
The title of this post is from 1 Corinthians 13: 8. The above verse is quoted from 1 Corinthians 13:13. King James Version of the Holy Bible, which is in the Public Domain. I rearranged the words in this presentation.
Reprinted from a post in December 2009, when we began this site.
Poinsettia, 2015
Photo by Karl, 2014
today I realized
my parents were born
over one hundred
years ago
I picture them younger
Mom in the yard
hanging clothes
on the line
Dad in his workshop
working on a crossword
puzzle
today I realized my parents were born
over one hundred years ago
most of all
I remember them older
when they must have known
at a deep soul level
their days on earth were fewer
each left a legacy
of unconditional love
which continues
in my heart to this day
And I remember this verse: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Job 23: 10 (KJV)
for my parents
Ellen Grace Olinger
strawberries
on tiny vase
from a thrift store
God’s special gift
for me today
The little vase with strawberries is one of my treasures from Bethesda Thrift Store in Sheboygan.
Ellen Grace Olinger
streets I used to travel
to go to Mom’s house
empty stores here and there
with signs of recovery
peaceful memories
(2012)
holiday lights
in Port Washington
memories
of driving back north
from my mother’s home
all those Sundays
years ago
(2014)
sitting at my blog
grateful for friends
first snowflakes
gently fall
and rest on the roof
(2012 – still grateful)
years
generations
stories
told
in many
ways
how love
may change
yet endures
(2014)
Christmas carnations
in the vase
that used to hold
fresh flowers for Mom
blessings
each in turn
return
to bless us
(2015)
mild December day
pheasants in the fields
apples still on some trees
poems to write
many books yet to read
(2011)
Ellen Grace Olinger
Images: wpclipart
shapes of snow
along the evergreen
branches
they stay there
on this morning
of little wind
sun on the birch tree
outside my window
and trees further away
so many seasons
and life chapters
in this little room
illness and new health
caregiving and griefs
healing and then
new challenges
the stability
of praying the Psalms
taking good care
receiving good care
creating new posts
my archives a journal
of growth and hope
beauty and trust
His ways beyond mine
and unconditional love
grateful to grow older
heart full of peace and
gratitude
Blessings, Ellen
driving across
a new bridge
on an old road
the miracles of
everyday life
(November 2012)
the years
that were so hard
and yet
they gave me
my stories
*
cold
Lake Michigan winds
a tiny bird
seeks shelter
by the kitchen window
*
grey beautiful sky
evergreen trees
and short days
soon to be decorated
with holiday lights
(November 2013)
Ellen Grace Olinger
Images: wpclipart
how the
trumpet vines
grew on the wall
of my mother’s home
glorious
like her faith
her unconditional love
when God said
“It’s time…”
This poem was published
in Bell’s Letters 135, February 2011.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 