May and June FMF 2025

God's encircling hand. 
'But this may well be a deficiency, and a serious one, a wall that keeps' our heart from God and living in plan B. I can do it myself plan and relegate God to the back burner with excuses like God helps those who help themselves.
Great insight into how I live most of the time. And when we (I) recognized our(my) failures, the lamenting flows; and yet, God will bottle all our (my) tears and wrap His protective hand around us (me). He encircles us (me) with His love and protection.

Andrew, I think I can hear Sylvia growl at me too!
Circle Back Wayward Child 
Raise up a child in the ways they should go and when he is old he will not depart from it..
Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.
God's love circles around like a protective hedge. 

[The "hedge of protection" can be understood as a spiritual barrier against evil influences, a boundary of God's blessings, or a means of discipline and correction.
Psalm 121:5:
"The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand."
Psalm 23, Psalms 18:2, Psalms 34:19, Psalm 140:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, and Psalm 139:5 also speak to themes of protection, deliverance, and God's presence in times of trouble.]
Circle of Life: Seasonal Rhythms

Autumn falls silent under the evening snow
Sheltered seeds don winter's coat below
Spring buds pop their heads, winter snaps not yet
March winds howl for spring's warmth
Worm Moon signals the nightcrawlers to rise
Daylight and darkness reach duality
Equilux achieved, permafrost relents
Sleepy pods shed winter's dark cloak
Pollinizers emit an earthy scent
Spring pollinators take flight
Sunrays titillate Terra's loam
The impetus for life circles again
June 13, Panic

Death and Dementia

Fear and darkness abide side-by-side,
hiding the old crone of despair.

Cohorts of hatred entrench themselves
against the light.

Incoherent thoughts rattle the brain,
searing the heart.

Stirred agitation summons dementia.

Death grins from the abyss,
as the human soul withers.

Yet, darkness recoils at the Light.


The old crone flees, abandoning despair.
Defeated, Death returns to the abyss.


Light enters, dispelling darkness.

Love’s glow lights the way,
sparking hope.


Life, light, and love
embrace the soul.


June 5, Honoring Life: 
elegant folds
beautiful and simplistic
cradling life

short version

simplistic purpose
elegant folds
a cradle
Pictures by R Bronte Brown
Seasonal Rhythms

Autumn falls silent under the evening snow
Sheltered seeds don winter's coat below
Spring buds pop their heads, winter snaps not yet
March winds howl for spring's warmth
Worm Moon signals the nightcrawlers to rise
Daylight and darkness reach duality
Equilux achieved, permafrost relents
Sleepy pods shed winter's dark cloak
Pollinizers emit an earthy scent
Spring pollinators take flight
Sunrays titillate Terra's loam
Touching life's impetus
Extra May 16, Here is a little something extra from Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simmons
1. Rest is productive. When we don’t set the work aside, or stop making bricks, then we live as slaves rather than freed children in Christ. WE are designed to need a Savior. Hebrews 4:9-11
2. Being a doer is putting into action our heart posture. Our productivity and perseverance relies on true rest. We are fruitful for His glory because He is fruitful in us. The Book of James
3. I want God’s promises to be true for me, too. Do I deserve what I’m entitled to- based on His Word? Does unhappiness stem from the error of believing we deserve better, and that God is holding out on us. DISCONTENTMENT is a weed that grows through the cracks of disbelief. If God cared, He right the wrongs against me. Even Job had all his wealth restored and children. YES, but it wasn’t the same family or friends afterwards. God chooses what is best to restore. Luke 15:25-32
4. So much of Jesus’ ministry was done at the table: The wedding feast was the beginning; He fed the five thousand; the Lord’s supper at the end. When we get to heaven we will sit with friends, we will sit with Jesus around a banquet table. John 15:15 P. 166
5. Our esteem mirrors how we view God. Ways to improve our image of the Father: memorize scripture, stop condemning yourself, choose a high view of God ( His lovingkindness is everlasting), rehearse your identity. Ephesians 3:20
6. We trust Him to save us from spiritual bankruptcy but forget that He saves us to soul abundance. John 10:10
7. God does what he pleases to bring Himself glory (this is letting us know who HE is) while He shows His steadfast love. Ps 115:1-8
8. Your mission field is the kitchen table. It is where communication flows freely. Deut 6: 4-9
9. We can be greatly shaken, it is one of life hindrances, so take it to heart. Practice makes progress, not perfection. James Ch 1
10. God works through daily practice. You can’t see it today, wait, the Holy Spirit will surprise you. Hebrew 12:1-2

Take away: It is a journey with stop-outs along the way. When it is time, God will gently call you back in. You are not forgotten or forsaken. Strive to know the Lord, learn to love the menial task, let go of perfection, and rest in the Lord.

7 responses to “May and June FMF 2025”

  1. dawnfanshawe Avatar

    And Number 1 – I am loved, accepted, secure, safe, forgiven, saved by grace! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  2. ELIZABETH AINSWORTH Avatar

    Thank you for these extra pieces of wisdom! I love the one about the kitchen table. I have written about the delight Scriptures this week, how God delighting in us seems a bit extra. FMF Neighbour 11

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Andrea Walford Avatar

    Thank you for sharing such a powerful poem.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. sikhgleanings Avatar

    I’m waiting for the coming dawn

    that seems never to arrive.

    I tell the sun, come on, come ON,

    I need your light that I might thrive

    in the facing of a day

    in which pain is a burning lance

    in my side, but if I stay

    on my feet, I have a chance

    to be something a litte more

    than I ever might have been.

    Perhaps I’m not a conqueror,

    but every step is still a win

    against a foe whose only care

    is to amplify despair.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. brontebrown2 Avatar

      Beautiful poem, heart-wrenching in the truth of it.

      Like

  5. sikhgleanings Avatar

    Sylvia appreciates the callout!

    ***

    They say that God doth really care

    for drunkards, kids, and each dumb beast,

    and I know for I’ve been there

    as all three; I guess at least

    my wasted days were not a waste

    for when I fell ’twas in His arms

    and resting there I got a taste

    of living free from Earthly harms,

    but then I’d get a little restive,

    “Put me down, I wanna PLAY!”,

    and thinking that sin might be festive,

    I chose to go and head that way,

    not knowing what I would soon lack,

    God knowing that I would be back.

    Like

    1. brontebrown2 Avatar

      What can I say
      I took care of the elderly, widow and the poor.
      Yet, I feel the sting of earthly rejection
      judged by their hatred of my Lord.
      It is lonely down here
      knowing that heaven is so close.
      I’m tired of struggling
      and rest for a slower pace.
      But my race is not done,
      so I keep on the run
      till I am called to a better place.

      Like

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Easter’s Story By Bronte Brown 2 April 2025

The Troubadour’s Song: Renewal of Hope

The Troubadour's Song: Renewal of Hope

As Judas, in his willful rejection, walked daily beside Jesus, a contrasting hope was about to be born.

Judas’ callous heart longed for an earthly king, which led to betrayal with a sealed traitorous kiss.

Blind ignorance prevailed. The Pharisees denied their Messiah, and Jerusalem cried out, unable to see.

A despairing loss, overcome by fear, caused hope to flee. Peter denied Him.

Overwhelming grief filled John. He cannot contain his tears as his Messiah died.

Dementia cried out. Darkness enveloped the cross as death’s grip shook the earth.

We, too, walk daily beside the true Messiah, unmoved by the truth and unable to see the light of hope.

Heartbreaking loneliness, man’s despair descended to hell’s depths, impending sense of loss.
YET, 

The morning light hummed with renewed hope. The eternal, wrapped in clay, set Terra free. The Troubadour sang, illuminating the darkness with the song of salvation.

His message rings true: a gift of grace freely given honors choice. The church’s song is the gospel story of God’s eternal plan.

When the harvest is complete, marking the end of the church age, Israel will again have a hand in redeeming man.

The Christmas Story: The Arrival of the Troubadour
The Arrival of the Troubadour

Anticipation filled the air. To the Father’s delight, Emmanuel was born as a beacon in a world shrouded in darkness. The Eastern Star shone brightly through the night, illuminating the path to future hopes. 

The Word sang a melody for my heart, a beautiful and poignant tune that resonates within the soul. For those with ears to hear, it was soft and gentle. Like the tiny beats of a hummingbird’s wings, a whispered message arrived.

Gabriel announced the arrival of the King; Jesus dwelt among us. The prophecies of old were fulfilled, awakening a sanguine hope for mankind’s redemption. 

The longing for heaven’s echo of the Troubadour’s aria in a songless world. The dawning light of a new beginning quenches our thirst, bringing renewed hope in man’s redemption story.

Beginning of a New Year

The dawning light
of a new beginning
slates our thirst.

Arousing
a sanguine hope
for the coming year.

A salubrious optimism
laced with intent,
tempered.

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Fleeing Empty Philosophies: A Christian Perspective

Oct 4- two Oct13-flee

October 25/ Weight
Momentary light affliction produces a weight in glory.
God's plan for my life is the posture of my heart: Micah 6:8, "Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly." Truth: My prayers have not been answered with my daughter but with my ex-son-in-law. I'm still prayer for her. Restoration of relationships has not happened, but centering my identity on God will make me a different person who reflects Jesus. Our troubles in this life are real with consequences that are long lasting. My heart still hurts, and so does God's heart when a child strays. I trust God with her.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18

October 18: Undecided 

Undecided on your value or salvation or your purpose in life. It is about the journey and learning to walk and trust Jesus.
Growing in Christ is an ongoing process of defeats, failures, and successes. My past achievements helped me see that I can move forward, even when I don't want to or know how to advance. As we grow into our identity and mature, we gradually become more Christ-like as we learn to walk in the Spirit's power.

In writing my testimony, I've learned that God's plan for my life is about the posture of my heart. Philippines 4:6, rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks. Micah 6:8 - do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. I hold on to the truth that being more Christ-like is a process and that current sin would not invalidate my profession of faith or my walk with the Lord. As a teenager, I would rededicate my life if I felt burdened or unworthy. Confession is necessary, not rededication for God's favor. God's favor is not earned. The Lord is pleased with me on account of His great name.

Whether God answers my prayers, I must find my identity in Him. (Queen Esther).

Excerpt from my ministry letter to my support team while serving overseas (1981):
Consider for a moment a person who has died and committed a grave sin, a hideous crime. My reaction would be to say this person ought to be punished. But how do you punish a dead man?

Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. Where is justice to be found? Sin carries with it the penalty of death. God gives us an answer. In Romans 6:11 it says to consider yourself dead to sin but alive to God. This has helped me to understand the depth of my forgiveness. No punishment can be rendered to a dead man in Christ. God has chosen to direct his wrath on His Son, Jesus. There is none left for me. Christ's death on the cross is enough to pay the full price for my sin. Romans 8:1, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
God longs to be gracious to me and waits on high to have compassion on me (Isaiah 30:18-21.)

The Lord is pleased with me on account of His great name. I first came to trust that I was valued by God which led to my salvation experience. I am totally approved of, accepted and love by Him on account of His great name.
October 13 -Flee 
Things to flee from: empty philosophies that ensnare the mind or ideas that trap or boastfulness that leaves you blind to reality, or seeking to serve self.
The world tells you it is okay to be or do things that Jesus never said.
Jesus never said to follow your own heart. The heart is wicked and deceptive.
Jesus never said to be true to yourself. He said to be His disciple, ''deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.'

Jesus never told people to believe in themselves. He said, "Believe in me, for I am the way, the truth, and the light."

Jesus never said to live with your Truth. He said, 'I am the Truth, and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.' Live His Truth.

The world says as long as you are happy, that is all that matters. Jesus said, "What profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul."

How to flee:
How do we (I) hold every thought captive to reflect God's glory and walk confidently in our (my) new identity as a new creature in Christ?
2 Corinthians 10:5: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Oct 4 - two/ The Wise and Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

The wise man built his house up the rock, and when tough times came, he stood fast. The man who trusts in the Lord will be like a tree planted by the waters that extends its roots by a stream. It will not fear when the heat comes, but its leaves will be green.

The foolish man, in contrast, built his house upon the empty philosophies of this world. He sought power and praise, indulged in cheap entertainment, selfies, and clicks, doing whatever he wanted. But when trials and troubles came, disappointments and loss, his world crashed, a stark contrast to the wise man's secure foundation.

All the religious and political systems cannot fill the heart. Man is designed to know God, and that is a journey of utmost importance that every person must take. The choice to know God or to reject Him is a significant one that shapes our lives.
Women teach women. Men and women have different roles in the church. God expects men to take the leadership role in the church, which means pastors are men. 

But does that mean women are excluded from teaching, or a ministry. May it never be! Mary sat at Jesus' feet to learn. Women are not excluded from ministry, as missionaries (Lottie Moon), Sunday School teachers, authors and more. The Bible in both the Old and New Testaments shows the importance of women in the scriptures and their role in sharing the gospels (Deborah stepped in a time of war, when the general would not). Understanding what God expects of men and what both will be held accountable for goes beyond this one concept of who is the preacher.

Scripture verifies scripture and teaches a more profound principle that tells us something about God Himself. God never explained to Job why he allowed Satan to test him. He revealed Himself to Job. Job could only shut his mouth and marvel. God doesn't explain why men are the head of the church and the family but-

God ordained it upon Adam, not Eve.

I have learned, Know God and Know Truth. Take it to Psalms 23 and rest in the Him.

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