Rhonda Bronte Brown is a National Board-Certified Teacher and retired teacher/counselor whose work has appeared in Better Than Starbucks, The Trouvaille Review, Meat for Tea, The Orchards Poetry Journal and The Best Haiku 2025 international anthology and several online journals. She holds both a BS and a Master’s degree and writes children’s literature and poetry exploring nature, SEL, and STEM.
Time for my morning stretch and run, now walk, oh, it’s too cold today.
Time for my morning quiet time, how about some music today, I forgot too…
Time, oh I have lots of time as an empty-nester- time to clean out those closets, the garage, procrastination…
How do I stretch my time, I used to get more done…My heart is just not in it anymore.
Yard work, now my shoulder is hurting again, should’ve kept up those PT exercises.
When we let things go for other things, sometimes we lose our flexibility, our stretchability. It is not lost, just needs our attention. Faith is the song that calms the restlessness inside of me. (From a song but I changed the words a bit.) Sometimes we get restless, the loss of time with our church family, not as much time with friends and family, the constant bombardment of news, both fake and real.
God is there and ready to stretch me (us) in new ways. It is time to stretch and yet, not forget or let go of God’s foundational Truth.
As I work to maintain my strength and daily walk, God continues to stretch me in new ways. I’ve been writing stories and poems, and every day I see His blessing, his walking beside me as I struggle. I am not a natural writer. I have to work at it. I read the word for today, and as usual, start with a blank slate.
There are things God wants to be said through me, so I stretch my reach into the world of words, meditate, contemplate, scratch out, rewrite, double-check for grammar, (always, hate putting a comma before and. It’s like saying and-and). Then I post.
For me, I need to keep my old faith muscles stretched and active. At the same time, stretch new ones.
Commitment comes in all shapes and sizes. Some promises are short-term, some last for a season, and some are life-long. Long before God established the church, He formed the family as the basic unit of society-big or small. Our society grows, values develop, and traditions are passed on from the family.
Author unknown
Commitment does mean everything is perfect. The work to keeping a relationship begins on your wedding day. It is the day you said, I do, to a life-long commitment. Marriage is filled with life and all the happiness and sadness in this world. It is working to keep it alive and going and protect and shield it from the negative impacts of this world.
Setting goals and achieving them definitely build confidence and self-esteem. I have a long list of achievements from learning to ride a back, writing, educational goals to making lifelong friends and instilling a love for God in my family.
But when your heart-felt attempts are rejected and your achievements scorned that’s when you plant your feet on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. The actions I take for the kingdom of God have eternal value, which is a life-long lesson.
I have set my own goals at times above God’s purposes. Of course, I didn’t always see the truth in the moment, just plowed ahead. Yet, God made me the way I am and knew I would need to plow.
God blesses our achievements to show us that we are wonderfully made. Therefore, the glory is His.
I had nothing to write about this morning, feeling down–amazing how God can comfort your heart with a simple thought once you meditate on it.
Entry for 1st Annual Kids Choice Kidlit Writing Contest 2022/ (Max -WC 200) Revised to full story.
All the Henderson children love to read except Rex.
Why Do Letters Move? Read ALoud-Never! by R Bronte Brown
The Eyes of a Dyslexic Child
Why Do Letters Move?
All the Henderson children loved to read except for one.
Rex Henderson hated to read aloud. Unlike his sister, his words slipped, tripped, and skipped over his tongue like jabbering gibberish. Susie loved to read aloud. Her words flowed in seamless syllables of streaming sounds.
Each time he compared himself to her, his heart sank deeper into despair. His sister could read, but he could not.
Rex wished he could slash words off all the pages. Then, there would be no more letters picking at his brain, and the pages would be as silent as a gentle rain.
Flustered, Rex snapped the book shut. “My brain hurts. My eyes won’t work. Why do letters move?” he sputtered. The letters giggle.
”Who’s that?” Rex demanded.
At that moment, a quirky character named Memes emerged from the pages, crawling out with an air of mischief. Memes stood atop the book, dressed like a sailor with a floppy bandanna tied around his head, baggy striped pants, and a cheerful checked shirt that seemed to dance as he moved.
“I’m here to be your first mate,” said Memes. “We letters can be a rowdy bunch, but we need a captain like you to guide us through this story.”
“Me, be captain of these letters? They're never still; they are always hopping about. They are a flip--flopping mess.”
“If you sound out their names, they’ll snap into place,” said Memes as he encouraged Rex to join in.
Together they continued, “… b, d, c, f, g—come on,” Memes cheered. “Speak up, h, i, j—.”
Rex called each consonant by name.
“These vowels are a troublesome bunch, never sounding the same,” Rex complained.
“Yes, they do flow here and there. But consonants like the bossy --r tell vowels how to behave like 'er' in ferret, 'or' in fork, ‘ir' in bird, 'ur' in turn or 'ar' in a pirate’s ‘Aargh.’ With practice, you’ll learn their names,” Memes smiled.
Memes handed Rex a script. “Read it aloud,” said Memes.
“Me!”
“You’re their captain,” Memes reminded Rex
“Laugh, and I’ll toss you off this page,” Rex warned with a half-hearted attempt to muster some bravery.
As Captain Rex began to read aloud, something remarkable happened—the letters snapped into their rightful places on the page. With each sound, they formed a steady rhythm, building a bridge from confusion to clarity.
“Why did the letters move?” he wondered aloud.
Not today, he thought..
Why Do Letters Move? The Eyes of a Dyslexic Child
All the Henderson children loved to read except for one.
Rex Henderson hated to read aloud. Unlike his sister, his words slipped and tripped over his tongue. They sounded like jabbering gibberish. Susie loved to read aloud. Her words flowed in seamless syllables of streaming sounds.
Each time he compared himself to her, his heart sank deeper into despair. His sister could read, but he could not.
Rex wished he could slash words off all the pages. Then, there would be no more letters picking at his brain, and the pages would be as silent as a gentle rain.
Flustered, Rex snapped the book shut. “My brain hurts. My eyes won’t work. Why do letters move?” he sputtered. The letters giggled. Before Rex could slam the book shut, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Out popped a tiny figure.
”Who’s that?” Rex demanded.
At that moment, a quirky character named Memes emerged from the pages, crawling out with an air of mischief. Memes stood atop the book, dressed like a sailor with a floppy bandanna tied around his head, baggy striped pants, and a cheerful checked shirt that seemed to dance as he moved.
“I’m here to be your first mate,” said Memes. “We letters can be a rowdy bunch, but we need a captain like you to guide us through this story.”
“Me, be captain of these letters? They're never still; they are always hopping about. They are a flip--flopping mess.”
“If you sound out their names, they’ll snap into place,” said Memes as he encouraged Rex to join in.
Together they continued, “… b, d, c, f, g—come on,” Memes cheered. “Speak up, h, i, j—.”
Rex called each consonant by name.
“These vowels are a troublesome bunch, never sounding the same,” Rex complained.
“Yes, they do flow here and there. But consonants like the bossy --r tell vowels how to behave like 'er' in ferret, 'or' in fork, ‘ir' in bird, 'ur' in turn or 'ar' in a pirate’s ‘Aargh.’ With practice, you’ll learn their names,” Memes smiled.
Memes handed Rex a script. “Read it aloud,” said Memes.
“Me!”
“You’re their captain,” Memes reminded, tipping his floppy hat.
“Laugh, and I’ll toss you off this page,” Rex warned with a half-hearted attempt to muster some bravery.
As Captain Rex began to read aloud, something remarkable happened—the letters snapped into their rightful places on the page. With each sound, they formed a steady rhythm, building a bridge from confusion to clarity.
“Why did the letters move?” he wondered aloud.
Not today, he thought WC 408
His words slipped – tripped – skipped- over his tongue like jabbering gibberish.
Her words slid in seamless syllables of streaming sounds. #HaikuSaturday, #haiku (excerpt from 'Eyes of a Dyslexic' short story submission by RLBrown
The Eyes of a Dyslexic Child
My brain hurts. My eyes won’t work. I can’t read anymore. Why do letters move? Be still, so I can read you. The letters whisper, don’t give up.
Jumbled Words. Letters flip and flop. Then they jump and hop. Why do letters move? Be still, so I can see you. The letters whisper, say my name.
Grumbled Sounds, And mumbled tones, Never sound the same. WHY do letters move? Be still, so I can hear you. The letters whisper, blend the sounds.
Teacher, Teacher! The letters are moving! Oh, no, that’s in your head. Why do letters move? Be still, YOU! The letters whisper, concentrate.
Taking Test Orally, I’m best. Squiggly scribbly letters Why do letters move? Be still, so I can write you. The letters whisper, yes, you can.
Read aloud! Nervous mistakes, Makes my insides quake. Why do letters move? Be still, don't laugh. The letters shout, keep going.
Every day, my teacher says, “You’re reading better today!” “Why did letters move?” Not anymore!
I can remember switching letters and numbers all my life. I even wrote a poem, Why do Letters Move? I am working on a short story about a child, Rex, who hates to read out loud.
Trials come, no matter what trail you take. Each road has its own set of troubles. Some trials pierce the heart, leaving you desolate and some trials are faced with the determination of the fiercest warrior.
Hiking in AR
Trials produce endurance which brings about the perfection of your faith. James 1:2-3 and Romans 5: 1-11. Romans 5 is the full progress of being justified by faith-peace with God-our introduction-hope-perseverance-reliance on God through the Holy Spirit-saved from wrath- we are reconciled.
[Excerpt: In today’s world one’s voice can get caught up in many types of whirlwinds, instead of the stillness of God’s spirit. I am guilty of being politically stirred, seething over general and personal attacks over my Christian beliefs, and taking offense at the vitriol of people who have a great disdain for the gospel. Jesus did say they hated him first. ] This type of trial is of my own making.
But some trials I face along my path are not of my own making and are beyond me. Facing trials is not the same as temptation, and do we do face consequences because of our choices. Some hurts go deep and your faith is greatly shaken. Faith hope and love work together to heal the heart. I don’t have answers just a bit of hope.
It is time to be what you have been becoming and step into the fullness of your possibilities. We all go through becoming as God prepares us for things He intends to accomplish through us. We grow and mature in our relationship with the Lord.
We are to step into our possibilities, looking at the Father and not at ourselves. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm around him, he sank. He sank again at the cock’s crow. He looked at the threatening crowd around him.
Peter stepped into all his possibilities when he committed to loving Jesus and to keeping his sheep. To love sheep and tend them is to keep your eyes on them- the lost sheep of this world. Don’t worry or focus on the dangers lurking, the storms will come, the threats will come but Peter was prepared, his resolve and commitment to Jesus were firm.
When the time comes, you will be able to slay a bear, a predator, with the sword of God’s word. He will take care of the rest. In Ps 139, you are enclosed all around and secure in His hands. God has prepared you for such a time as this-for you to step into all your possibilities. Claim your readiness.
Ecc 9:1, 17 For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.
Ecc. 4, 10, If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses. If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. (Know God’s word, sharpen your wit by it).
Last two verses of Ecclesiastes: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment (Light), everything which is hidden whether it is good or evil.
Determine in your heart which way you will go. Be not distracted by loud voices that name call, bully and try to deceive. The church’s purpose is the salvation of the lost, it is an eternal matter.
To remain faithful in following after Jesus will require determination and intentionality. It will not happen by accident or casually. (Joanne Viola)
Determine to be faithful no matter the situation you are in. (Daniel/Spacious Living)
Do not mourn the loss of day not spent with God, enjoy each day as you spend with Him. (Andrew)
Don't get hung up in priorties, planning, preparing, missing what is important. (Best laid plans).
In Chapter one of Zechariah, the Jews are returning from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. God reminds them of the importance of repentance by saying don’t be like the previous generation that ignored the prophets when they could have stopped the temple from being destroyed. Learn from your fathers, learn from what your fathers did wrong.
Charles L Feinberg wrote in his book, God Remembers, A Study of Zechariah: “The fulfillments of the threatenings were so patent that Israel had to admit after consideration that God’s Word was true, even though it was to their discomfiture. Proof that the fathers recognized the Lord’s hand and their judgment.”
Times are so disruptive today that the importance of knowing the season we are in is imperative. If we must repent, repent. If we don’t understand the signs of our time, study God’s Word. Measure truth by His Word. Don’t be deceived by lying spirits. God’s Word is living and active.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” … If we are lacking in knowledge of God’s Word, we will struggle to fight against the enemy.
Ecc 9:1, 17 For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.
Ecc. 4, 10, If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses. If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. (Know God’s word, sharpen your wit by it).
Last two verses of Ecclesiastes: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment (Light), everything which is hidden whether it is good or evil.
Echoes of joy ring
The songless world yearns to hear.
The troubadour’s song.
A single voice sings,
illuminating darkness
with love, warmth and peace.
a redeeming event.
Christmas morning rings
a single voice announces,
the Messiah's here.
The Troubadour sings
illuminating darkness,
dispelling fear.
The morning light hums,
hope shines-
the reframe repeats.
WIP
The Jews waited for their Messiah to come. Some believed, and some did not. Some could see the beauty of his arrival and used scriptures to attest and authenticate. We are waiting today for his return. Some believe He is coming, and some do not.
We see the convergence of scriptures- Israel exists today. Words from the prophets of old come to life with current events. Mysteries once hidden are revealed. Scriptures are used to authenticate and test God’s promises. Sadly, only for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.
The rapture ends the church age and ushers in the next set of events-foretold. Some will believe, and some will not. But they have the scriptures to test and authenticate Truth.
Just like the first sliver of light on the horizon brings the bird’s morning song, so Jesus sings for the world to hear. His song shatters the mournful tones of despair and dispels the cloak of darkness.
Echoes of joy ring
The songless world yearns to hear.
The troubadour’s song.
The morning light sings.
Hope shines through hate and despair.
The reframe repeats.
His coming was announced
His return for the church anticipated
The Second coming foretold. Some will accept Him and some will not.
brontebrown2 