Swift to the Rescue

The moment you hear me—

My cry of distress—

You’re swift to the rescue,

Like a bird to her nest.

The very first whimper,

The smallest of cries

Instantly beckons You

Right to my side.

Your nature of love

And deepest compassion

Aroused to arise,

Protective in action.

I just barely begin

To voice my heart’s plea,

When all heaven is summoned

And no less, for the need.

-- Charity Lacroix

"Even before they call out to me, I will answer them. While they are still speaking, I will hear them."
(Isa 65:24 NIrV)

"Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words." (Dan 10:12 NASB)

"'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'" (Jer 33:3 NASB)

"Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." (Psa 103:13 NASB)

"The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.  (Psa 116:5 NIV)

"Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me."  (Psa 31:2 NIV)

""I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies. The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. "In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his canopy around him— the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence bolts of lightning blazed forth. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them." (2Sa 22:4-15 NIV)

"He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry." (Jon 2:2 NIV)

Attribution notice: Wherever noted, Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Wherever noted, other quotations taken from the NASB, copyright Lockman Foundation, used by permission.

Photo credit:

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages twelve through nineteen . The Why This Blog post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master. Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Jesus?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International . He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Garden of His Delight

Unlock the golden gate

And make Your way

Into the garden of my heart.

None but You 

Possess the key

That gains You sacred access.

I hear Your gentle steps

Upon the rustling brush—

The rush of foxes chased away,

So we may have undisturbed communion—

Fellowship that drips with the sweetness

Of the honey of Your wisdom

That You impart to me. 

We walk together

Hand in hand

Through glistening dew.

The Spirit’s Wind

Envelops us,

Delights You with 

The fragrance of the flowers

Growing just for Your enjoyment.

Budding love has yielded fruit,

The Fruit of Love--

Obedience.

Endless pleasure greets You

In this golden, peaceful haven.

Petal-laden pathways,

Branches bursting blossoms,

A footbridge spanning bubbling brooks

Sparkling streams to dip our toes in.

Angelic aids have laid

A meal of heaven’s finest foods.

Beloved, let me hear

The secrets of Your heart

And know You

As I’m fully known. 

-- Charity Lacroix

"You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain." (Son 4:12 NIV)

"I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. Eat, friends, and drink; drink your fill of love." (Son 5:1 NIV)

"Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits." (Son 4:16 NIV)

Attribution notice: Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission.

Image credit: The Bloom of Spring artwork on this post was created by my daughter, Charity Lacroix.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages thirteen through twenty-three. The Why This Blog post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master. Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Jesus?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International . He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

First Day in Heaven

 

The bliss I feel—

My heart explodes—

To see His face.

My feet have felt the streets,

I’ve seen Incarnate Grace. 

I run abandoned toward Him,

Cast myself before the One

Who gave His life

To take away my sin.

The longing has been satisfied.

All crying, sighing

No more, forgotten like a dream. 

The patriarchs and saints of old,

Mighty martyrs, humble souls,

Polycarp and Abraham,

Peter, Paul, Stephen, Huss—

The ones who went before,

Who overcame,

Rejoice I made it. 

They glow with light,

Are fresh with youth.

I’m led through realms celestial 

Where God and man

Abide as one. 

Your Hand has led me into

Beulah Land.

No longer does there span

A distance.

I am home

At last. 

The old is past;

The new has come. 

This vibrancy

Is pulsing through my veins.

Insane sensations!

I’ve never felt this alive,

Like I had wings!

The mansion fashioned just for me

Reflects the care of God,

The King who lavishes His riches

And adds the custom touch.

Jesus said He’ll come and visit

Anytime I want!

We’ll sit together, side by side

In perfumed gardens.

My joy could not be greater!

We’ll dine 

As I share all that’s on my mind.

In the halls of heaven’s library,

Giant books of truth and wisdom

Wait for all to freely learn.

I want to read them all!

The secrets of the Kingdom

Have been given.

Choruses of praise resound

Within the courtroom,

The center of the universe.

The holiness of God pervades my soul;

I’m stirred right to my core.

My heart resounds with the worship.

I fall before His throne

As angels, saints, and cherubim call

“Holy, holy, holy!”

The music here transcends all other;

It’s from another realm!

All yearning, hope, and holy burning,

Dream and desire

Culminates here

In union with Eternal Fire. 

-- Charity Lacroix

"However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"— the things God has prepared for those who love him—" (1Co 2:9 NIV)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

(Heb 12:1-3 NIV)

"But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." (Heb 12:22-24 NIV)

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Rev 22:1-5 NIV)

Attribution notice: Wherever noted, Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Wherever noted, other quotations taken from the NASB, copyright Lockman Foundation, used by permission.

Photo credit: Image may be subject to copyright, used per the Fair Use Act for commentary purposes only. No copyright infringement intended.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages twelve through nineteen . The Why This Blog post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master. Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Jesus?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International . He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Betrothed

I gladly accepted the day You proposed. 

I’m wearing Your ring so that everyone knows

I belong to Another, my soul is betrothed

To the Man of my dreams, the King of all kings. 

Your kisses are sweet and yet quietly sudden. 

I love all Your kisses, can’t get enough of them!

How long till Your royal procession is summoned?

O, to lay eyes on You may be too much to bear. 

Your Bride is awakened, donned in her gown,

Breathlessly awaiting a whisper, a sound. 

The Day is upon her to lift off the ground.

What joy could be greater than marriage to Christ?

The ultimate wish of all women’s hearts

Is to marry a prince and not once be apart,

To be cherished and loved for the person we are. 

The One I will marry is matchless by far!

-- Charity Lacroix

"For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin." (2Co 11:2 NASB)

"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2Co 1:21-22 NIV)

"If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:29 NIV)

"My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (Joh 14:2-3 NIV)

""Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." (Rev 19:7-8 NASB)

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless." (Eph 5:25-27 NASB)

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." (1Co 6:19-20 NASB)

Attribution notice: Wherever noted, Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Wherever noted, other quotations taken from the NASB, copyright Lockman Foundation, used by permission.

Photo credit: Image by Charity Lacroix is taken from my children's blog, A Brush with Life,

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages twelve through nineteen . The Why This Blog post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master. Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Jesus?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International . He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.