September 25, 2011

  • Take a Picture of My Life

    Take a picture of my life. Focus the lens.  

    It’s bursting with beauty and violent winds.

    I’m caught in the meadow of fresh cultured dew.

    Swathed in blessing water – wrapped in security true.

    For He magnifies my walk and orchestrates my delight.

    The God of all the Universe makes my pathway bright.

    Flashes of power frame my quick strides.

    His mercy and kindness cover his elegant bride.

    So, center your camera on my joyful face.

    Capture my brilliant smile.It glows because of his grace.

    Sweet Photographer, I want you to see –

    The true interpretation behind this picture of me.

    Once faded – black, white, grey – and dimly lit,

    This subject was illuminated by the luster He emits.

    Colors became brilliant when I accepted his joy.

    Truth became apparent after rejecting the decoy.  

    You can take a photo of my life. It will be sure to stun.

    Outshining all the common clips, it’s ignited by the Sun.

    -Kimberly Willingham

    A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.  – Ansel Adams

    From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. – Psalm 50:2

September 17, 2011

  • Crackled Doors

    Crackled doors on creaking houses,

    Severe creases on pleated blouses.

    Scuffs of grease on fancy shoes,

    Clean, fresh skin wearing tattoos.

    Fallen. Upset. This world is aching.

    Smiles and laughs people are faking.

    Painted dreams line vessels of clay.

    Beautiful aspirations fade day by day.

    Pottery shatters. Water spills out.

    Thirst is birthed through harsh drought.

    God is needed in this desperate place.

    We yearn for his blessing – a solid embrace.

    My child, I am here – I’ve never left you in the pain.

    Can you see me Dear One? I’m reaching through the rain.

    I know it’s storming, and I know you’re afraid.

    Cling to me precious. Hold me in this waterfall cascade.

    Your shivers, I’ll replace in due time.

    I love you my chosen, please accept this climb.

    The day of despair – I did not choose it for you.

    You’re throbbing heart, I long to subdue.

    My promises can give you strength. My hand –give you direction.

    Please take hold of my forearm. You are my affection.

    You are my bride, my princess, the apple of my eye.

    You are a light in the darkness – a star in the sky.

    I’m here my beloved. Though it may be hard to believe –

    I will be your pillar always –I know your heart grieves.

    Cracked china plates mended with care.

    Lungs of dysfunction pumped with clean air.

    You make all things new, God.  Your embrace – all I need.

    I will look to you, Father – while wading in the weeds.

    For you shut the lions’ mouths and still the oceans –

    You set hearts on fire and place idle actions in motion.

    Faith. I need it. I hunger after this feeling.

    Father – I call to you. I need your authentic healing.

    -Kimberly Willingham

    Matthew 10:26-27

    So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

     

     

September 7, 2011

  • Victory Climb

    Up in a branch, I gasp and admire–

    My beautiful Lord, He rages like fire.

    From a distance, I feel his blessings upon my skin.

    He emits billowy smoke that I want to breathe in.

    Incense with a woodland scent, his mercies are forever new.

    I fall on my face daily and praise the sovereignty of you!

    You are King, God; Your power is like an electric shock.

    It drives me to compassion and plants my feet upon bedrock.

    Never faltering, You fix my stance on the promises of your Word.

    I will never wander – never stray away from the herd.

    For you are the good shepherd; Your rod of discipline gives me skill.

    I can brace my body for the climb – and ascend like a warhorse uphill.

    Buckled in your providence, I cry out for blessings tenfold.

    You prepared my muscles. I’m ready for this road.

    By: Kimberly Willingham

    1 Samuel 14:9-11

    If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands.” So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost.“Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.”

August 21, 2011

  • Strengthen your stakes.

    93704

    Encampment, I wait in a tent of raw leather.

    I cleanse my clothes daily and watch for the weather.

    Pillars of clouds line the vast skyline.

    Sturdy and strong, like a steeple, stands the pine.

    The smell of rain invades my senses so attuned.

    I’m overtaken by the aroma – in the cast of the moon.

    Like a harp from heaven, a thunderous voice resounds.

    My body shivers and my fear is bound.

    Lengthen your cords! Strengthen your stakes!

    I’m the Redeemer. I’ll erase your mistakes.

    O Daughter of Zion – don’t you see – you’re no longer captive.

    I have given you freedom. A new life – adaptive.

    How beautiful when you cry to me for provision.

    I will always come to your rescue. I’ll be decisive in your indecision.

    I’ve set a path before you with trail markers on the way.

    Lovely child, dressed in lace, never stray!

    Focus your gaze on the lighthouse ever glowing.

    Fasten your feet to the wisdom of the All Knowing.

    Shake off that dust that burdens your walk.

    Trim off your hem – kick the road blocks.

    I do not desire despair for my chosen, my cherished.

    I long for the best – riches which will never perish.

    Sing in the darkness. Dance in your fear.

    Stabilize your heartbeat – for I am here.

    I’ll never leave you nor forsake you. This is a promise of old.

    May it line your skirt – and shine like gold.

    In the roar of the waterfalls, I am your guide.

    In the crackles of the fire, I’m by your side.

    Pleased with your life, dear heart, continue to pursue –

    The mercy of the throne room – a promise filled view.

    Kimberly Willingham

     “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”

    Isaiah 54: 2,3

July 23, 2011

  • Freedom Calls Me

    Freedom calls me to loosen my grip.

    It valiantly beckons me to open my lips

    Speak it tells me – speak from the heart.

    Yell out in power – that’s when the healing starts.

    Darkness encircles for only a fleeting flash.

    Ride out in wonder; you will soon trample their ash.

    Beautiful warrior, with a face soft as cotton,

    You are a prize – my cherished begotten.

    Gaze up at the sky for there you will see my face.

    Strap on peace and patience and walk in my grace.

    The storm clouds will come; they will blind the road ahead.

    Step out in sheer confidence. Make the light your bed.

    Clasp tightly the lantern filled with my oil.

    Condition the horses to race on rich soil.

    I’m readying you Princess, can’t you feel my preparation?

    I’m about to reveal my radiant creation.

    I’ve entrusted with you – honor. Bring me grandeur.

    Frolic in the fields and learn in the pasture.

    You need to be blameless – a pristine flame.

    Fluttering in the wind, sparkling my name.

    So buckle your sandals, walk on the dust.

    Wipe your feet in haste, scuff off the rust.

    I have called you to fight – obscurity to wrestle.

    The distance beckons you like a lighthouse calls a vessel.

    By: Kimberly Willingham

June 18, 2011

June 7, 2011

  • Wildflower

    Open like a wildflower, I gaze up at the sun.

    Flowing like a Dandelion, my petals come undone.

    I scatter in the wind. My seedlings soar unbound.

    Whipping like a whirlwind, to my ears – sweet sound.

    All the fibers you have given me are spreading like a fire.

    Breaching ground – planted by The Supplier.

    Lord, won’t you continue to feed me – to thrust on me your voice!

    I will be the sturdy oak – the daughter who will rejoice.

    I’m rooted to the solid rock – the core of heaven and earth.

    He has overseen my growth. He’s instigated my rebirth.

    Like a sister, robed in white, I clutch your cross and yield.

    Radiance beams upon my face. These beams I once concealed –

    These blessings are more than ravishing. They are costly riches.

    Why would you entrust such gems to a quilt still bound in stitches?

    Who you are amazes me. I’m awestruck at your wonder.

    My smile explodes when I hear your not-so-distant thunder.

    Rain on me, Sweet Storm Maker. Dance around me, beautiful Song Giver.

    Your psalms upon my lips, I utter in deliverance and shiver.

    Like hymns of old, in the Promised Land I roam.

    Truths swirl in antiquity – bound in leather tomes.

    Kimberly Willingham

    Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him. Worship God if you want to be the best; worship opens doors to ALL His goodness. Psalm 34:8-9
     (The Message)

May 8, 2011

  • The Stars Sing

    The stars sing in the blackest sky.

    Violent winds whistle, as men standby.

    The heavens reveal the wonders of you.

    The rain enraptures your mercy so true.

    I can hear it, Jesus. Hands lifted in esteem.

    You bring the blessings. You calm the raging streams.

    They trickle with tranquility and ripple in your grace.

    Hope that’s what you promise—a resting place.

    Now, I see the sanction. It’s written in the clouds.

    Now, I see the privilege you’ve avowed.

    Beauty amazing, in words, flowing with resolve.

    I drink from your cup—the universe revolves.

    It circles around, the firmament showering new existence.

    I’m coated in this novelty. I’m covered in insistence.

    Pressure. I feel your pressure upon me. It’s strong.

    The time is short—you remind me of the heavenly throng.  

    Sing, my child. Sing with drive. Reach for the stars.

    Expand your wings, dear heart. Think of my scars.

    My death has set you free. My resurrection saved your soul.

    Honor me with true vision. Render life-control.

    Give me your passion. Cry out in adherence.

    And, I’ll replace lackluster with perseverance.

    -Kimberly Willingham

    James 1:3-5

    Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

     

April 2, 2011

  • Heart on Fire

    You’re beauty has enraptured my senses.

    You’ve opened my eyes to a joyful life.

    You’ve enabled my heart to pump freely.

    I look to the sky and feel the presence of you.

    Your physical form I envision touching mine.

    The heavenly skin reviving my passion,

    You have made me new like the morning rain.

    May my words draw attention to your grace, Savior!

    May my actions point to your radiant wonders!

    Beautiful man, may my love touch others in haste!

    You bless this life of mine with treasure, rare and exquisite.

    Thank you, Sweet Father. You are my life. You are my prize.

    You are the goal that I race for each morning.

    You have set my heart on fire.

    -Kimberly Willingham

    Psalm 39: 3

    My heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned;  then I spoke with my tongue…

March 20, 2011

  • Trading Paper Crowns for Dresses Made of Silk

    Folded paper crown, you adorn my head.

    Pleated nice and neat, you top my curls of red.

    Pretty paper crown, you look kind and sweet.

    Stamped by small words, wrapped in a newspaper sheet.

     You extend so high and fit snugly on the exterior.

    But, pretty paper crown, God’s whispered something superior.

    You love the paper, Child. I hear my Father say.

    Don’t mistake true jewels for rubble and yellow hay.

    From the Royal Meadows, that’s your name dear one.

    Frolic in the authentic. Wild horses you’ll outrun.  

    Hand over the pearls of plastic. Trade in your paper crown.

    Set down your scepter of wood. Remove the cotton gown.

    I called you into royalty. I prayed you know this from conception.

    In your darkest times, my light has saved you from deception.

    Exquisite beauty, your heart shines through pupils black like space.

    Mystery lines your lips, you have spoken—now act in grace.

    Daughter, lift your head. Look around you. Your feet invigorate the grass.

    I have given you my power, presented you slippers of glass.

    I will now top your head with a crest of solid gold.

    When you gaze into the mirror—matchless beauty you’ll behold.

    Instead of a scepter, you’ll clutch a sword of resilient steel.

    Words no longer frame your head. You eat them as meal.

    This is a privilege, but along with privilege comes a charge.  

    You are not fragile, Princess. You’re kingdom’s been enlarged.

    You are the defender, not a maid in waiting.

    Action is your sister. Transparency starts translating.

    It’s a heavy burden; but, one I’m positive you can carry.

    Splendor, innocence and courage you’ll remarry.

    My fearless nature will forever flicker in the candles you ignite.

    I will breathe to life all the words you write.

    Exchange carnal desires—the clothing that disguises you as normal.

    You weren’t made for aprons. You were designed to dress in formals.

    Skillful child, pray and believe. Trust in grace resolute.  

    Drink my majestic water. Bloom—because I am the Root.

    -Kimberly Willingham

     

    Jeremiah 17:7-8

    “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”