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Please take the time to read and enjoy my poetry! It is my ongoing project and I am looking forward to translating my poems into Turkish, Portuguese, and French. JFB
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6a5644626d7368416c346f~mv2_d_5472_3648_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_6a5644626d7368416c346f~mv2_d_5472_3648_s_4_2.webp)
![Open your eyes to hope](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6a5644626d7368416c346f~mv2_d_5472_3648_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_6a5644626d7368416c346f~mv2_d_5472_3648_s_4_2.webp)
hcdjfb
May 20, 20231 min read
Open your eyes to hope
Open your eyes to hope. Despair is no more than limited sight. Despair is blindness. When I felt despair, I was unable to see beyond the...
36 views1 comment
hcdjfb
May 14, 20231 min read
Justice and Mercy... and Grace. An Addendum
My friend, Jim Bishop, responded to me with a thought from my previous post that I didn't want to lose. He said: "Mercy is not getting...
7 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_670a22684cdc49c4a0f53c559e51d103~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_670a22684cdc49c4a0f53c559e51d103~mv2.webp)
![Justice and Mercy.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_670a22684cdc49c4a0f53c559e51d103~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_670a22684cdc49c4a0f53c559e51d103~mv2.webp)
hcdjfb
May 13, 20231 min read
Justice and Mercy.
Justice and Mercy. The Psalmist says that the Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in kindness. The Qu'ran tells us that...
27 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_77555750353357374b6259~mv2_d_3670_5496_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_77555750353357374b6259~mv2_d_3670_5496_s_4_2.webp)
![It's My Indian Summer: Sixty-Seven Trips Around the Sun.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_77555750353357374b6259~mv2_d_3670_5496_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_77555750353357374b6259~mv2_d_3670_5496_s_4_2.webp)
hcdjfb
May 6, 20232 min read
It's My Indian Summer: Sixty-Seven Trips Around the Sun.
Tomorrow, 7 May is my birthday. I turn 67, but the overwhelming emotion I feel is of gratitude for a happy and blessed life, full of...
25 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4774bc5b93414d52a6cfba7bc06d242b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_4774bc5b93414d52a6cfba7bc06d242b~mv2.webp)
![The Beauty in Scars](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4774bc5b93414d52a6cfba7bc06d242b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_4774bc5b93414d52a6cfba7bc06d242b~mv2.webp)
hcdjfb
May 5, 20231 min read
The Beauty in Scars
There are societies that purposely create scars. Because they find them beautiful. That sounds strange to us, As we would probably prefer...
15 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3618d0_a27f749deb3b4ca199b7bedaca97db30~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_169,h_169,fp_0.50_0.50,lg_1,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/3618d0_a27f749deb3b4ca199b7bedaca97db30~mv2.webp)
![Betrayed by the Cedar Waxwing](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3618d0_a27f749deb3b4ca199b7bedaca97db30~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_121,h_152,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/3618d0_a27f749deb3b4ca199b7bedaca97db30~mv2.webp)
hcdjfb
May 4, 20231 min read
Betrayed by the Cedar Waxwing
You love a bird and it turns out to be a complete phony. No wonder he wears a mask. I had, at least, I thought I had… A very special...
12 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_666d434f55416a3151486b~mv2_d_4543_3029_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_666d434f55416a3151486b~mv2_d_4543_3029_s_4_2.webp)
![Just ask the red-shouldered hawk--I am the alien invader.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_666d434f55416a3151486b~mv2_d_4543_3029_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_666d434f55416a3151486b~mv2_d_4543_3029_s_4_2.webp)
hcdjfb
May 1, 20231 min read
Just ask the red-shouldered hawk--I am the alien invader.
A cedar waxwing, a blue jay, a goldfinch, a white-winged dove, a red-shouldered hawk, A monarch butterfly, several squirrels, a rabbit...
29 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_546421aa3b214d14b6971c9ec720e2f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_546421aa3b214d14b6971c9ec720e2f5~mv2.webp)
![May Breezes.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_546421aa3b214d14b6971c9ec720e2f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_546421aa3b214d14b6971c9ec720e2f5~mv2.webp)
hcdjfb
Apr 24, 20231 min read
May Breezes.
A pleasant cool breeze hit my face Just as April is ending. Bearing the smell of some flowering bush But it wasn’t a lilac. It made me...
8 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_733248465345664f696c41~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_733248465345664f696c41~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.webp)
![Biz yıldız tozundan yapıldık. We are made of stardust.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_733248465345664f696c41~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_733248465345664f696c41~mv2_d_3456_4608_s_4_2.webp)
hcdjfb
Apr 10, 20231 min read
Biz yıldız tozundan yapıldık. We are made of stardust.
My friend said that we are made of stardust. Physics says this is true, as all the elements in our bodies came from stars and may have...
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![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_47306f51543458355f4c49~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_47306f51543458355f4c49~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.webp)
![Spring's New Life! Watch the buds!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_47306f51543458355f4c49~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_47306f51543458355f4c49~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.webp)
hcdjfb
Apr 8, 20231 min read
Spring's New Life! Watch the buds!
Good morning and please stop your other busy activities and enjoy the pleasure of spring, and the festivals of joy. I cannot be sad when...
24 views0 comments
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![The Path is Long and Lonely. Where does it go?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_2ade03f5595c4c4ea4e0db90faa0b6fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_2ade03f5595c4c4ea4e0db90faa0b6fa~mv2.webp)
hcdjfb
Apr 1, 20231 min read
The Path is Long and Lonely. Where does it go?
Lately I have had several young friends talk to me about their path and I heard a calling to be there. This is dedicated to them. Young...
40 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5964417169556b556f5741~mv2_d_3098_3872_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_5964417169556b556f5741~mv2_d_3098_3872_s_4_2.webp)
![Each Human Soul is God's Flower](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5964417169556b556f5741~mv2_d_3098_3872_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_5964417169556b556f5741~mv2_d_3098_3872_s_4_2.webp)
hcdjfb
Mar 31, 20231 min read
Each Human Soul is God's Flower
I write this and think of flowers in my life. Each human soul is God’s flower. Now, not every flower looks the same, Smells the same, or...
15 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_9e0e39b67a9b4bbb86b42ca3def0d1fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_9e0e39b67a9b4bbb86b42ca3def0d1fc~mv2.webp)
![Listening is a gift for two and nine more things I have learned.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_9e0e39b67a9b4bbb86b42ca3def0d1fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_9e0e39b67a9b4bbb86b42ca3def0d1fc~mv2.webp)
hcdjfb
Mar 23, 20233 min read
Listening is a gift for two and nine more things I have learned.
Getting old is actually fun sometimes, because you "get" things that you may not have quite grasped earlier in your life. I posted 10...
364 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_76652d523750436a4a446b~mv2_d_2592_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_76652d523750436a4a446b~mv2_d_2592_4608_s_4_2.webp)
![Spring Rain](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_76652d523750436a4a446b~mv2_d_2592_4608_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_76652d523750436a4a446b~mv2_d_2592_4608_s_4_2.webp)
hcdjfb
Mar 21, 20231 min read
Spring Rain
The sky is a spring rain sky, a particular shade of whitish gray, and a light rain is falling. Gentle and steady, making only the...
14 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5263482d3234446c505845~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_5263482d3234446c505845~mv2.webp)
![Gratitude: A Meditation on a Milestone](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5263482d3234446c505845~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_5263482d3234446c505845~mv2.webp)
JF Bierlein
Mar 15, 20232 min read
Gratitude: A Meditation on a Milestone
March 19 is a special day for me—a second birthday. For on March 19, 2012, I broke my spine after a fall, lost the use of my legs, and...
44 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_70436a775f79674b437630~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_70436a775f79674b437630~mv2.webp)
![A Lesson From My Orange Tree](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_70436a775f79674b437630~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_70436a775f79674b437630~mv2.webp)
JF Bierlein
Mar 13, 20231 min read
A Lesson From My Orange Tree
A Lesson from My Orange Tree There an orange tree in my yard that has been there for many years. Most years it produces more fruit that...
34 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_b0d148ca70bf4426b02033966b09fe11~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_b0d148ca70bf4426b02033966b09fe11~mv2.webp)
![Ten Important Things I have Learned: Love is Stronger than Death and Nine Others.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_b0d148ca70bf4426b02033966b09fe11~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_b0d148ca70bf4426b02033966b09fe11~mv2.webp)
hcdjfb
Mar 11, 20233 min read
Ten Important Things I have Learned: Love is Stronger than Death and Nine Others.
I am about to turn 67 and I have actually had people ask me what important things I have learned. This carries the presumption that...
65 views0 comments
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_7722049138334891828c083fe5edea45~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/nsplsh_7722049138334891828c083fe5edea45~mv2.webp)
![Thinking of my Dad and the Trisagion: Love is Stronger than Death.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_7722049138334891828c083fe5edea45~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_7722049138334891828c083fe5edea45~mv2.webp)
JF Bierlein
Mar 10, 20231 min read
Thinking of my Dad and the Trisagion: Love is Stronger than Death.
My family was Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Pentecostal, and Orthodox (sort of). We would never miss Jesus on a technicality. When my...
43 views2 comments
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