Latest items:
Joe Breunig, 17 september 2015
Poem: Gateway of Hope
God can convert my valley of trouble
into an unstoppable gateway of Hope!
With gladness and joy, I still know
that He gives me strength to cope…
with the issues of the current day.
By the grace of God, I’ve been saved;
therefore, I’ve been set free from
the sin that draws me to the grave
and claims my interim, dust covering.
Quenching the dryness of my existence,
Christ’s grace allowed me to succumb
to the pressure of Faith’s insistence.
My heart was pierced with His Truth,
causing my spirit to gain its sight;
now I’m eternally grateful with joy,
having been brought His direct Light!
Author notes
Inspired by:
Hos 2:15; John 3:16-17; Jer 29:11-13
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 26 july 2012
In Remembrance of Grandma - Poem & Background
Now that people are becoming more aware of my poetic efforts, interests are being expressed regarding the background of my poetry - in addition, to my spiritual muse. In this installment, I share the background and poem "In Remembrance of Grandma".
I recognize that most of you reading this article will not know much about my maternal Grandmother, other than what you're able to glean from this page. However, there are universal lessons that need to be shared. This poem was originally written for her funeral.
For nearly forty years, I was blessed to have known my grandparents; blessed - because many people don't have the opportunity to know their family history personally from those who came before them. Within about one decade, mine were all gone - with my maternal grandmother being the last one to die. Of the four of them, I had spent the most time with her. My grandmother had moved to Portland, Maine; this came about as the result of two significant events in her life. First, her husband Al Massa died unexpectedly; second, her oldest daughter (and my mom) had gone through a divorce. So they decided to purchase a home jointly and move on with their lives. Also living with them was my aunt Tina, my mother's younger sister.
My grandmother was an intelligent woman; she was one of those people who completed the New York Times crossword puzzles - in ink and usually in under an hour. And she grew some of the most beautiful roses in her tiny backyard. It was wonderful to see the joy in her eyes when it came to her flowers. The problem was that she was heart-broken when Al passed away; for decades they would go dancing at night, just to hold one another more often. With him gone, she stopped living for herself. Less than a year from his retirement, her husband died on the picket line at work. Although I can only imagine her grief, it was difficult to see the affects of this tragedy slowly eat away at her soul. She rarely left her home, with the exception of going to Church, the grocery store or some of the neighbors' homes a few times during the month. She and Al were to go to Hawaii for a second honeymoon, but she could not bear to go there without him. In The Word, we are essentially reminded that "people without vision perish" (and yes, I know that there are variations of interpretation of this concept). Despite our ability to absorb pain, we must learn to move forward in life and not let the pain consume us.
For many years, she smoked cigarettes and was unwilling to give them up. She did so eventually; my mother moved out of their house, Tina got married; she and her husband lived with my grandma. Tina and husband Greg started their own family, raising three boys - thus giving her the incentive to quit. As most everyone knows, smoking increases one's risk of having cancer. My family were under the impression that she had managed to escape the misery of that disease. Less than two weeks from her death was when most of the family learned that she had contracted cancer and emphysema.
Although I understand and appreciate the need for privacy, it was selfish of my grandmother not to share the condition of her health. Her justification for not telling anyone, was that she had decided not to go through with the cancer treatment. By not telling us, she figured that no one would be given the opportunity to dissuade her from her decision. After all, it was her decision (and rightfully so). Before she died, Tina started quickly gathering information about cancer - to better learn about what to expect regarding the few remaining days of her mother's life. One cancer brochure shocked her; as a result of reading the material, she was now having to deal with guilt. This particular pamphlet laid out symptoms and patterns of human behavior of those suffering from this fatal disease - stuff that Tina had observed, but never realized the meaning of until it was too late. So in effect, my grandmother caused her family more pain by not sharing. In addition, not everyone who cared about her, had enough time to say good-bye (while she was alive).
Although I had time to compose this brief poem in her honor, I did not have enough time to process my grandmother's death fully (prior to the service). I was supposed to read the following poem and share a few words. To my surprise, I was choked up with immense grief, which kept me from delivering my eulogy; my wife kindly stepped in and presented the poem. One of my brothers was extremely upset for my inability to talk on behalf of my grandmother; so he spoke on my family's behalf. It's one of my few regrets in life; however, she was the only grandparent of mine that got to read my poetry manuscript. Less than two months before her death, she had taken time read my poetry and was pleasantly pleased with my efforts. During her appraisal of my work was the first time I learned that she wrote poetry - as of today, I've never gotten to read a line of poetry that she wrote. So it breaks my heart not to know what she composed, as well as not being able to share any more of my writing with her. And so here is my tribute for her...
In Remembrance of Grandma
A manicured garden
of colored, cultured roses
now goes untended.
For Marguerite has been freed
of all mortal constraint;
left behind
is a silver trowel
and dancing shoes,
as her spirit flies
to the Hawaiian shore
for pirouetting barefoot
on the seashell sand.
Goodbye Grandma Massa; I miss you already.
(18 June 2006)
Joe Breunig, 5 february 2014
Poem: Costly Signal
Regarding the absolute authority of God,
it’s crazy, silly and futile to rebel;
know that everyone will ultimately bow,
before His throne or the gates of Hell.
Foolishness of God exceeds Mankind’s wisdom;
hidden are the keys of His profound mystery.
We are inspired with awe without intimidation,
knowing that He was crucified upon that Tree.
Acknowledge His deeds, since He loved us first;
worship Him now; His precepts we’re to observe.
Bask unashamedly in the Presence of His Spirit;
know that we have been chosen to ultimately serve.
The sacred megastructure of God’s Kingdom
is a divine threshold of evolving complexity,
that presses us to aspire towards greatness,
though we may be unable to perceive or see…
the plans and purpose He has envisioned for us.
Know without doubt that His plans are intentional!
He sustains His ongoing power through humility;
it’s time we worship Him; discern His… costly signal.
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
2 Tim 3:16; 2 Cor 2:14; Matt 27:27-54; Eph 1:20-23;
1 John 2:5, 4:13; Jer 29:11; 1 John 4:7-21; Rom 12:1-2
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2014, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 9 july 2015
Poem: Shadows of Shame
Shadows of shame, exist in darkness,
but are not concealed from my God.
Ungodly behaviors can never be hidden,
from Him, Who is omnipotent, omniscient
and omnipresent; Truth can’t be overridden.
Shadows of shame, are easily dispersed
by Jehovah’s piercing Light of Truth;
when looking to Him for assistance,
one’s face will become radiant with joy
from acting with loyalty and persistence.
Shadows of shame, contradict God’s desire
for us to operate with spiritual transparency.
Begin a new work in us today and everyday;
Consume the darkness of sin within us now,
since You O Lord, are the Light, Truth and Way!
Author Notes
Inspired by:
Psa 34; John 14:6
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 2 november 2011
Poem: For Upon My Head, Nothing Gold Can Stay
Standing at the threshold
of Death's ultimate door,
my last gasp escapes me...
As I've never experienced before.
Into the Heavenly realm
I ascend in wonderment,
now housed in an incorruptible body
and thankful that from sin I did repent.
Standing in God's throne room
freed of all Earthly flesh,
my spiritual essence is energized
and feeling fully refreshed.
Now gathered unto my Savior,
unencumbered reality is more than it seems;
for to be in His Presence
is my accomplished dream.
Having been given my kingly reward,
in these times of everlasting days,
willfully I set my crown at His feet.
For upon my head, nothing gold can stay.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 26 september 2013
Poem: Spiritual Secret (Broken Vessel)
With the inherent power of divine words,
I can wield spiritual swords of strength.
Although His presence can reside within me,
I must recognize His plan and truly see…
how I must conduct myself on a daily basis.
Moving forward with Faith in Christ Jesus,
I’m able to conquer all earthly circumstances
and rejoice in victory with my Lord of the Dance.
Overcoming fleshly struggles and fiery trials,
is but one aspect of the frail, human condition.
Utilizing my talents on behalf of the Kingdom’s focus,
I truly can fully recognize and fulfill my purpose.
The desire of God is to draw people unto Himself.
While remaining a yielded, humble and broken vessel,
the sacred essence of Christ in me adequately shines,
to reach hurting individuals… with His Light Divine.
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
John 8:12, 12:32, 15:4-7; 1 John 1:5; Jer 31:13; Eccl 3:4;
Phil 3:8, 4:13; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 2:20; Rom 8:9-10, 37
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2013, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 30 july 2016
Poem: This Broken Road
I had been sadly blinded
by my sinful misery,
listening to Life pass by;
Would I, be able to see
the Love that You had bestowed?
I’m stuck on this broken road;
restore my vision today,
as my purpose has been slowed.
I was like Bartimaeus,
waiting for Christ to find me;
unto Him, I cried and called;
He lovingly met my plea.
He greeted me where I was,
shunned by the neighborhood crowd;
transfixed, I stood before Him,
with my spirit, humbly bowed.
With gentleness He then spoke:
“Son, what’s your heart’s desire?”
When I quickly answered Him,
my spirit caught Faith’s fire!
Surprised, I rose to my feet,
as my sight was now restored;
astonished, with thanksgiving,
I embraced and praised… my Lord!
Today, I’m walking by Faith
even when I can’t see it;
traveling this broken road,
prepared Your great will for me.
Teach me Lord, Your Holy Writ
and to live with renewed Faith!
Knowing that Your Grace has flowed;
please lift me up, from my knees!
Author notes
Inspired by:
Mark 10:46-52
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2016, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 9 december 2016
Poem: A Clearer View
Without the experienced sadness
of our soul, we would seldom
appreciate the fullness of joy;
when overcoming Life’s bedlam
and its numerous complexities,
our ability to possess vision
and real, practical solutions
come as our personal decisions
to willingly trust in The Lord,
are divinely realized. One day,
a clearer view or perspective
will be spiritually conveyed
to us, under the abundant grace
of God, as we seek… His face.
Author notes
Inspired by:
1 Chr 16:11; Psa 105:4 and
Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by
our tears once in a while so that we can
see life with a clearer view again.
-Jinky Morrison
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2016, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 19 may 2017
Poem: Spiritual Abstractions
People are funny creatures, who seem
unsure about the poetry, that I compose;
their lack of understanding implies that
my poems are nothing, but a series of…
spiritual abstractions. Unable to gleam
the enduring Truth of Yahweh, with eyes
of Faith, they ignorantly dismiss claims
of what God has done in Love… for them!
Without Christians demonstrating how to
live properly, their spirits won’t rise
up and see the need for a relationship
with Christ; if we’re not enjoying some
personal victories ourselves, then our
effectiveness is… obviously diminished.
We should be content, bound in fellowship
with Christ and energetically living out
our Faith! Moral regulations don’t draw
people to God; however, His joy within
us does; let our Faith be strong, vibrant
and visible, whereby people shed doubts…
of Who, God is and why He’s worthy of praise.
Author notes
Inspired by:
Eze 12:2
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2017, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 20 december 2012
Poem: The Manger Is Still Empty
Long ago, a Savior was born
and hidden within a humble birth;
covered with the cloak of humanity,
His presence impacted this earth.
Although we remember His birthday,
know that Christ is no longer a child;
He stopped being an infant, who was…
helpless, quiet, tender and mild.
He grew in strength and wisdom;
He demonstrated His holy authority;
He lived as He divinely taught;
He set the example, for you and me.
He gave of Himself completely
and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
He embodied God’s covenant of love;
His actions were timely and precise.
After suffering the shame of crucifixion,
He was briefly buried in a rock-hewn tomb;
three days later, He triumphantly exited
with a glorified body from Resurrection’s womb.
Today He lives and sovereignly rules;
so people of faith, it’s time to agree
that we must continue to live Godly lives,
seeing that… the manger is still empty!
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
Matt 1:18-2:15, 27:46-54; Acts 2:22-24; Heb 7:25;
1 John 2:1-2; Rom 8:34
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.
Latest comments:
25 april 2024
violetta
Piękne:)
25 april 2024
jeśli tylko
sympatyczny :)
25 april 2024
sam53
przychodzi czas i trzeba zdecydować...
24 april 2024
nadszedł ten czas..
24 april 2024
Weronika
Sekwencja ram obrazów z dzieciństwa.
24 april 2024
Fajnie się czyta, superowe pisanie.
24 april 2024
Adam Pietras (Barry Kant)
Dzięki! : )
24 april 2024
Czy ja wiem? Tu chodzi o to że fajna jest przyroda
24 april 2024
Eva T.
"Życie w arcydziele"? Pisownia irytuje.
24 april 2024
Fajna próbka. Czyta sie dobrze. Pozdrawiam :)
24 april 2024
Spacer z bocianem ;)
22 april 2024
Martwa ale z wyjątkiem strzelistych bluźnierstw.
25 april 2024
Satish Verma
24 april 2024
Satish Verma
23 april 2024
Adam Pietras (Barry Kant)
22 april 2024
Satish Verma
21 april 2024
sam53
21 april 2024
wiesiek
21 april 2024
Satish Verma
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Satish Verma
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Satish Verma
18 april 2024
Satish Verma