Palindrome of Praise

The type of poetry below is called a mirrored palindrome.  It reads the same both forward and backward.  I wanted to write something to capture times I have experienced when the Spirit of God moves and just takes over the church service. (How I love those times!)  It’s not easy to put into words, but if you’ve ever experienced it, you’ll know what I mean.  So here is my first attempt at a palindrome.

We’re In Your Presence 

Hands uplifted

spirits repentant 

 grateful hearts of praise

worship in holiness

  unspoken anticipation

quiet, suddenly now

love of God,awesome 

saturating Presence

tears falling

basking in joy

 We are complete.

joy in basking

falling tears

Presence saturating

awesome, God of love

now suddenly quiet

anticipation unspoken

holiness in worship

praise of hearts, grateful

repentant spirits

uplifted hands.

 

Christmas Traditions

I’ve been thinking about the things we do every year that just seem to make Christmas, well, Christmas.  The following is a list of our Christmas traditions, and if you would like, please feel free to share some of your family’s traditions.  I pray all of you will have a most blessed holiday as you celebrate Jesus-the reason for the season.

Our Christmas Traditions

1. We read the Christmas story from the Bible(Matthew and Luke)every Christmas morning before we open our gifts.

2. We always have lasagna at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter.  It has been that way ever since I was a kid, and I think it’s just part of our Italian heritage.

3. We listen to Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s version of A Christmas Carol. It is the best version of A Christmas Carol that I have ever heard, and I never grow tired of it.  It’s especially good to hear on my brother-in-law Mike’s awesome stereo system. 

4. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters.  My sisters and I are married and my youngest brother is married.  We do a grab bag every year and draw one person to buy for, so we don’t go broke trying to buy a gift for everyone.  This year I had my brother John in the grab bag.  I haven’t found out yet who has me.

5.  Christmas Day afternoon and evening is spent at my sister Karen’s house.  I’m not sure how this started, but before we gather to open the gifts, I always yell out, “Oh for crying out loud, let’s open the gifts!”