Beauty. I’m beautiful. The Lord counts me blessed.

I am his child enraptured in rest.

Deep dreams of infused passion, he gives me at night.

I am his daughter draped in his light.

Though plain on the outside, hair a dark brown,

He kisses my forehead. I’m a shining jewel in his crown.

He sees me as a beacon—a light to the world.

I am wrapped in his goodness, in his robe twirled.

Beauty to the outside is seen as diamond rings.

Beauty to the Prince of Peace is from a heart that sings.

Songs of pure joy and satisfaction, my soul leaps.

The King of All has my love. Through my veins it seeps.

My feet are lined with stardust in the presence of Him.

He fills my cup with gladness, overflowing at the brim.

I look in the mirror and see a splendor hovering.

It is my Supreme God. He is my exquisite covering!

Feet readied with his goodness, no longer lined in plaster.

Dancing on the rooftops, I feel closer to my Master.

Sweep over me. Take me away to entertain the stars.

I’m painted by the tomb, healed by your merciful scars.

A new course is before me, set at novel pace.

Face fixed to the heavens, I concentrate on your face.

-Kimberly Willingham

 

Psalm 45::1

The king is enthralled by your beauty;
       honor him, for he is your lord.

Impressions in soft ground,

You walk by my side and speak in quiet laughter.

Pleased. You look content as you stare in my eyes.

I am entranced at the face of the King.

He strides beside me and holds my hand.

Crown that sparkles in the illuminated water,

He counts the grains of sand we walk on and says-

You’re worth more to me than the numbered stars.

You’re worth more to me than the vast ocean’s bank.

The sun rises in his eyes. He makes the moon’s dust.

I long to kiss his sandals, for it’s his feet which carry us!

Toes no longer touch the sand; I see his legs tensing,

I am light. The load no longer hinders. I am in his hands.

He is rock solid. The hardest and sturdiest. One of a kind.

I, lost and alone, am being led by the kingdom’s leader.

Being held by the tree’s branches--safe in the mighty Cedar!

Cries of the hopeless being carried to refuge,

This ocean of redemption surrounds his footprints in the sand.

Revelation 21:10

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.

 

Dry. Is this what it feels like to be parched? My mouth, open, is awaiting an outpouring of precious, moist promises. God, you rain like waterfalls of fresh mountain water. You are refreshing. I want to be refreshed in the presence of you. To smell like the mountains, to be showered in the soft clean mist! I want to plunge in the Niagara Falls. Oh, envelop me Sweet Jesus in your consuming mercies, in your powerful protection!

 

I look to the water. A reflection lights my eyes. It is you. Are you just beyond this water barrier? I can see you through the downward pouring streams coming form the mountaintops! You are seated in authority. A scepter in hand, you look regal. Am I dressed for the occasion my Lord? I am simply an explorer, dressed in shorts, T-shirt, and bulky hiking boots! I am soiled from the earth, covered in dust and sweat. I see your hand, fingers covered in gold plated rings, motion to me.

 

Step through, my Child, you call out. Can I step through this water barrier? The streams thunder and my heart races… Do I step through? Adventure. This is an adventure following you Lord. Deep breath. The decision is made. I step through. The water stings my skin. I wince, prepared for the rough water to consume me. However, my eyes open and a kingdom beyond dreams is revealed.

 

I am in your presence-safe and empowered. You give me a charge-carry my presence with you. Entertain my mercies in your soul! Dance in my adventure and never second guess my mysterious and wonderful hand. I will not question dear God. Only declarative statements will overflow through my lips. You call me to claim all things are possible in you. You sealed this promise with crimson blood. Valiantly holding your banner, I call out to the troops, patient and ready, ALL Glory to the King!

 

 Ezekiel 1:22, 23 (The Message)

 

Over the heads of the living creatures was something like a dome, shimmering like a sky full of cut glass, vaulted over their heads. Under the dome one set of wings was extended toward the others, with another set of wings covering their bodies. When they moved I heard their wings—it was like the roar of a great waterfall, like the voice of The Strong God, like the noise of a battlefield. When they stopped, they folded their wings.

 

 

Matthew 16:16-20

 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ the Son of the living God."Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Gatekeeper

 

Mighty man, I have made you this way.

Fearless warrior, I fashioned your hands with clay.

Bestowed wisdom and honor, you crown me with joy.

I have chosen a winner—a respected envoy.

 

I place in your hands—Keys, numbered one, two.  

Known to many, but truly valued by few.  

Open the locked places. Stand guard at the gate.

Evaluate many. Cut off the late.

 

Only prompt, attentive can hold keys this esteemed.

Words, spoken in lavish, do not make one redeemed.

I want to sup and laugh with the stricken in heart.

Weeping births delight. True sadness the soul restarts.

 

You are my chosen. Brush off your sandals and enter.

Walk in my garden. The tree of life stands center.

Rest in it’s shade for you have life everlasting.

Gaze at the sunrise. Break from your fasting.

 

I tell you the truth, your soul resides in my hands.

Warmth and sincerity are painted throughout your land.

Sticks and stones never. Gold I give to you.

The best I can offer to a heart enraptured and true.

 

Leap in the life garden, with keys strapped around your neck.

Sunbathe in my glory on the river of life’s crystal deck.

Fervent and honest, you treated my name.

You have fanned many fires into blazing flames.

 

I will send up smoke signals—a banner of praise.

I delight in my beloved. On me, she fixates her gaze!

 

Kimberly Willingham

 

This is my sandcastle. It’s for sale.

I toiled away with hands absent of nails.

My sweat and my tears consumed this task.

My time was taken in one fatal grasp.

How could I be so blind! This castle is flimsy.

Hopes and dreams all based on a whimsy!

So I am placing this price tag in faith of a buyer,

But who’d place an offer on the dreams of a liar?

These castles are worthless, just made of crushed shells.

Vainly collected in shiny, bright pales.

Stacked on one another, creating a shallow base,

Substance lacking sandcastle, serving as my sturdy dream case.

It cannot protect me from the waves that lap and roar.

It cannot secure me. My castle has no door.

I sit beside this castle, waiting for a bargain seeker,

My change bucket, empty, my confidence grows weaker.

Am I destined to be poor on this bad investment?

My efforts can't be fruitless. Will anyone look, buy, rent?

My change bucket jingles. There is a payment in full.

Three nails at the bottom in a crimson pool.

My efforts have been purchased with a love that leaves me shocked.

The new owner, bulldozing my sandcastle, is rebuilding it on rock.

 

Kimberly Willingham

Isaiah 42:6-8

  "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
       I will take hold of your hand.
       I will keep you and will make you
       to be a covenant for the people
       and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
       to free captives from prison
       and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
"I am the LORD; that is my name!
       I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.

I am a bird in a glass caged house. Peering with watchful eyes, I see the lights and hear sounds but cannot touch outside my atmosphere. I am secure; but, I am alone. I am contained, unleashed; yet I am a prisoner in this safety state. People can look at me. They can tap on the glass and motion to me. But, all I can do is stare back. I want them to hear my voice. I sing melodies that cannot be heard. They echo round my little cage, but do not affect anyone’s ears but mine.

I have always longed to escape this state. Fear has held me back. When I feel the bravest, it creeps upon me like a looming cloud. I see people holding hands, exchanging conversation and long for what they have. Is safety in a glass caged house better than living life anew? Chances life might hurt me, always tie my hands. With one little peck this cage will break, and my wings will expand. I long to see my wingspan, but the “what if’s” leave me cotton mouthed. Bravery. It takes someone brave to break free. Am I, this little bird, strong and courageous enough to leave security?

Like a raindrop on my cage, I hear a voice so pleasant. Peck away little treasure. I want you to fly. May you chase the freedom that was purchased for you! You are brave. Break the glass cage. Step out into unknown refuge, unbridled terrain.

I peck. The sounds pierce my ears. The cage cracks. My heart pounds, doubt begins to creep. I choose bravery, I sing. The Divine has called me treasured. I want to taste the ocean and leap in valleys of pleasure.

Air, so sweet infiltrates my case. I can now feel the sunshine I have been looking out forever. Step one—I take it. Unshielded by glass, I walk. My wings begin to flutter. Feathers, no longer chained. The sky is welcoming me. Is this what freedom feels like? Fear diluted, sweet confidence is gained.

Home... My heart cries. Home. Nothing sweeter. Nothing more precious.

Home is where my heart is. Home is where my love lies. Home is where this seeker’s soul dwells.

  I am lost without my homeland. I am lost without my love. Sinking in motionless water, I am in need of the one I adore.

Wisdom. I ask, Wisdom I seek. I am your daughter weary, lonely, lost, meek. I am in need of a true King. One to worship and lavish with oil.

Savior. I call. You answer so clearly. Yet, I am reluctant. My ears close in fright. But, you call out to me. You instruct me. You’re right.

Home. It calls in a comforting tone. Do I strap up my sandals and prepare to walk home? Is my purpose there Lord? Have you called me to familiar land? Do I take your outstretched hand?

Radiant daughter, you call me. How can I resist such honor? You have always crowned me in blessing, even when my life stumbles.

Fearless lion, the dancer in the wind, I call to you so weak. You make my life begin.

Help. I need help in the desert. I need help in this storm. I am not alone. I feel you near me. Hand upon my shoulder, court me God above. May my eyes always burn so brightly! You are the one I love. You are home, when home is far.

You are light when darkness creeps. You are warmth when coldness consumes. You are a mighty explorer. Pure gold, in this cave you exhume!!!

 

You are my light Dear God. You are the glow on my face and the strength in my heart. My body is wrapped, no, enveloped in your sunshine.

I want to drink in your presence. I want to bask in your shekinah glory. You led the Israelites by night by a flaming cloud. Lead me God in the same manner.

May I distinguish your glow and chase after the gold that you possess at the never-ending promised filled rainbow! I am drenched in colors. No longer faded, but washed in true royalty—shades of purple and blood red.

Jehovah Jirah—you provide me with security. I am covered by the stardust from your robe. You pour water over me, and I no longer feel parched. You touch my tongue with bread, and my stomach never yearns.

Is this your plan, sweet Jesus, that I live on your light alone? I am mesmerized by your beauty. I am content staring at your glory. You reign on high. I want to sit at your feet. Like Mary, in full captivation, I want to soak in your wisdom. Let your instruction fill my head with righteous and pure thoughts!

You are the lamb that was brought to the slaughter. You sacrificed untainted blood for your sons and daughters.  I owe you my life; so, I will parade and live in grace and dignity. You have imparted to me your valor and victory.

Knight on the white horse, I gallop behind you. I will learn from you the Trail Blazer! With hands on the horse’s reigns, I slap the harness with power. For you are always with me in battle or in peace. 

 

 

 

Waves on a Lighthouse

 

Wash over me like waves on a lighthouse.

Break me and cleanse me with that water douse.

You, Abba Father, are the sign I look to.

You, saving counselor, are the green safety hue.

I see your image in the rocky cleft mountain.

I am hidden there God, drinking from your fountain.

Like rain on my tongue, you refresh me with glory.

I live, Humble King, to exalt you and your story.

What sweetness divine woven in my skin!

I will praise with my mouth-- the Savior of men!

On a cliff I will extol you. I will shout your name.

In an ocean of depth, I will proclaim your everlasting fame.

Kindness I see and feel at the foot of your throne.

In the courts of the king, I dance for you alone.

Sweep over me dear prince of peace.

Let me feel you over me!

May your mercy and grace be all that I see.

Empty me of all despair and ruin.

Drained and purged a follower of men.

I want the light of your goodness to flow in!

Clarity and vision, I want from your hands.

I want instruction to rinse over me like sand.

Such wisdom in the creases of your face,

I gain an assurance on the road to the race.

With gasps of air, I continue towards the call.

For Jesus is my passion, He’s my all in all.

 

-Kimberly Willingham

 

"Save me, O' God; for the waters are come into my soul."

Psalm 69:1