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poetry

“New Life”

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Hello April

Hello New Beginnings, Redemption, Springtime, Awakenings, Miracles of New Birth…

NISAN:

Month 1 | Nisan: Redemption with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.
Focus: Miracles, Redemption

Letter: Hei (ה)

Tribe: Judah

New Life; It’s all around us; found thriving in meadows; growing abundantly in fields; in manicured flower beds; cracks in sidewalks; crevices and on hillsides. We find life emerging in the most inhospitable places.

I love how the earth and creation celebrate The Seasons and the Feasts, the mo’edims, appointed times, the Lord’s commandments. We are commanded to remember and celebrate how The Lord brought the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom, into a land of milk and honey.

God never releases us or brings us out without a destination for better places and better things. Hebrews 11:6

“And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

He sees, He hears, are you ready?

New Life

Spring is Resurrection Time
A remembrance of when
Jesus took the reigns
And new life did begin

We no longer have to fear
Oh death where is your sting?
You have been defeated
By Jesus Christ our King

Defeat your time is over
Now for eternity’s sake
Because Jesus Christ won the battle;
Over death, the ground did quake

When the power of God
Conquered death, hell, and the grave
And we do love to share
This story of how we were saved

“We serve a Risen Savior
He’s in the world today
I know that He is living
whatever men say

I’ve seen His Hand of mercy
I feel His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.”

Never once forgotten
I’ve felt the touch divine
Don’t miss another opportunity
It’s “New Life” Resurrection Time

Anytime on any day
The time or yes any hour
But there is something special
About “New Life” Resurrection power

If you do not know Him
May I ask for you
To join me Sunday morning
and get a life that’s new

You will be changed forever
With a “New Life” too
And love to tell the story
Of what Jesus did for you

It is an old, old story
but one that has no end
As long as there is life
To you, His hand extends

Don’t miss the chance this spring
With newness in the air
Eternity is forever
In Christ we all can share

©️ Poem written by laurette laster 2018 March

John 11:25 WNT
I am the Resurrection and the Life,” said Jesus; “he who believes in me, even if he has died, he shall live;

Rev 1:18 KJV
I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hades and of death.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you “and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His face to shine upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me. laurette

poetry

The Awakening Tree

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The Awakening Tree

Peach Tree Blossoms. The peach tree is akin to the almond tree.

The Awakening Tree
Sends a message to me, Awake,
Asks, what do you see
Branches with blossoms, on an almond tree

Life emerges
From the secret place
Hope begins
With weathers warm embrace

Seasons change
Darkness dims
All my hope
Begins with Him

From the secret place
Truth comes forth
I’m reminded
Our Master Gardner, our True source

The awakening tree
Sends a message for me
The time is nigh
Asks, what do you see

©️March 10, 2025 laurette laster

“Yahweh spoke to me again: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” I replied: “I see an almond branch.” “You have seen the vision correctly,” Yahweh said. “Now know this: I constantly watch over My word to fulfill it.” Yahweh spoke these words to me a second time: “Now what do you see?” I replied, “I see a large boiling pot, tipped toward us from the north.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

“I see a branch of an almond tree,” Jeremiah replied. The Lord confirmed to Jeremiah he saw rightly…

The almond tree, known for being one of the first to bloom in spring, symbolizes watchfulness and readiness. In Hebrew, the word for almond tree is “shaqed,” which is a play on the word “shoqed,” meaning “watching” or “hastening.” This wordplay suggests that God is watching over His word to fulfill it, emphasizing the certainty and imminence of His promises and judgments. The almond tree’s early blooming serves as a metaphor for the promptness of God’s actions, reinforcing the theme of divine vigilance and the assurance that God’s word will come to pass.

I have a stirring and an awakening inside of me. How can such a tender shoot break through the tough branch? It begins as tender then matures.

God is watching over you and me, hastening to fulfill His word!

Awakening season is here! With evidence.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me. laurette

poetry

In The Wintertime by the Tree

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And now, the rest of the story…

“The Awakening Tree”

I pray the subtle seasonal signs cause hope to explode within your heart. The whisper of spring at the door. I pray we see our Divine Creator’s ultimate care, caution, call and comfort, in tHis timely crafted process we know as seasonal change, a Marvelously
Planned Response.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I pray we discern at a deeper level what Jesus Christ has done for us.
Listen, Creation continually rehearses His glory

Psalms 19 captioned as “A Poem of Praise by king David,” tells us creation speaks.

If we we pay attention to the natural world around us, we can “hear” the message of our Creator through the beauty, complexity, and wonder of its seasons.

“The Awakening Tree”

In the Wintertime by the Tree

See you in March
And bring your pen,
We have so much to learn
My sweet, sweet friend.

Glad you’re back
What do you see?

The hope and the promise
YES! There is life in this tree.

The blooms, the fragrance
bursting with life
You could be right
About my plight

I’m beginning to believe
And I have hope,
I won’t give up
Not only no, but nope!

I’ll speak the promises
And believe His word,
And know He’ll answer,
Because He has heard.

Thanks for the lesson
And thanks for caring,
The tree taught me a lot
Truths I’ll be sharing.

With any who’ll listen
And come sit with me
“In the wintertime
by the tree.”

Poem written by laurette laster © 2018 January
Photos captured by laurette laster

Soon to see the blossoms be!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

“The season has changed,

the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone.

The rains have soaked the earth and left it bright with blossoming flowers.

The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived. I hear the cooing of doves in our land, filling the air with songs to awaken you and guide you forth.

Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you? The early signs of my purposes and plans are bursting forth.

The budding vines of new life are now blooming everywhere. The fragrance of their flowers whispers, “There is change in the air.” Arise, my love, my beautiful companion, and run with me to the higher place. For now is the time to arise and come away with me.”
‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Romans 5:3-5 NKJV
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The peach tree is akin to the almond tree. The almond tree is called the “Awakening Tree” in Israel.

“The Awakening Tree”
‭‭

The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you peace.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me. laurette

poetry

In Between

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Sorting through emotions, hating uncertainty, despising not knowing, praying for clarity to come, not quickly, but immediately, searching diligently for the next number so I can connect the dots, when I was reminded of a word the Lord spoke to me two years ago. Scrolling to find the word, I was amazed it was exactly at this season, the date is 2/18/23.

The Lord spoke to me, “you are in between.” Well. Here I am again. “In Between.” Well, this doesn’t look like what I imagined, again.

Valleys are where fruit buds and grows and where faith is nurtured and hope springs forth.

Valleys are connectors, the place between two destinations. We depart to arrive. Like connect the dots, you are here, looking for the next opportunity, step, number etc. desperately needing clarity because after all confusion is not of God. I’m not sure I’m where I should be…

But, I’m reminded without faith it is impossible to please God. So I trust and do not doubt. I remind myself He who began this good work will complete it.

I sense His strong touch. I am reminded I’m not a victim to circumstances, places, other’s deception or wrong beliefs. I’m on assignment.

I search for the purpose. This valley is stretching and strengthening me. I’m in route to my next destination.

So I bow my head and confess, I’m up for the battle, lead the way.

Happens “In Between”

Wonderful things happen
in between
Night turns into day
Fear vanishes and flees

Amazing sounds
In between
Laughter silences
The sobs, the screams

Wonderful sights
In between
Frustration gives way
To hopeful scenes

Amazing revelations
Had I only known
In between is where
Christ is shown

In between
Growing tenacity
Rooted and grounded
Christian audacity

© laurette laster 2/2023

God comforts and calls us back to Him.

Isaiah (42:9) (43:19 NKJV)

“Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.””
‭‭
Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

I pray you feel the comfort of the Comforter “in between.”

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me, laurette

poetry

Forever Is Not So Long

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Happy National Winnie The Pooh Day to all my friends. Thank you for being my friend, and if we’re not friends, it’s not too late!

“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.
Winnie the Pooh

Forever Is Not So Long

What can I have that I can also be
What can I give that comes back to me
Said to make life much sweeter-how can I know
That If I give it away it always grows

What can I find that can also be shared
What about this makes me care
What am I lacking that if I become
I am guaranteed it will add much more fun

I’ve heard it said but I cannot remember
I know it is strong yet delicate and tender
I’m thinking, I’m thinking, oh, it’s on the tip of my tongue
It can be old and aged or newly found or young

It grows and strengthens over time
Anyone can be this, or they can find
How can I remember all of the specifics
But not remember and name something so terrific

Then I’m reminded by watching Pooh and Piglet
It is friendship and love, given without limit
I’m grateful to know that if I give it away
It is given back and it comes to stay

So if you’re an old friend or one newly come along
In the words of Pooh and Piglet; we can be friends forever, forever not so long.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you, and cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Until next time, thanks for listening with me. laurette

Copyright © 2019 laurette laster all rights reserved

poetry

Glimpses of Ex-change

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More often than not, we sense change long before we see it.
Our reaction, or better yet, our response to change is crucial. I continue to be amazed how something dying mesmerizes me. I know this must be like a soul dying to self or selfish ambitions. Heavens glimpse of repentance…

We may glean a minute understanding of why heaven rejoices.

Upon finding His lost sheep, Jesus said, “”rejoice with Me.“

“I tell you there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.””


What a beautiful site. Soon our trees will be glistening gold.

Glimpses of Ex-Change

Delicate and elusive
Difficult to understand
Disguised in purpose
Expert plan

Subtle and new
Glimpses of change
Meticulous care
The Great exchange

©️ laurette laster 2024

Like seasons on earth, and the work of the trees, we also continue dying to self as part of the process of sanctification. As such, repentance and dying to self is both a one-time event and a lifelong process.

“So with God’s enablement we will move on to deeper truths.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬
I’m excited about what next season holds. Deep and profound truths await us.

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me, laurette

poetry

September/ Elul 13

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Teshuavah. An invitation not an obligation. A special “intimate friendship.”

Many years ago the Lord introduced me to the Old Testament teachings and truths of Teshuvah. Actually this is Dual Testament, both then and now teachings. Timeless truths from God, that never dim.

This truth and deep understanding caused me to dig deep, or as I learned, “set my plow for deep.”

Elul Thirteen

September/Elul
The thirteenth Day
The work we began
Now well under way

This plowing and turning
Definitely hard work
Working steady
I cant quit, mustn’t shirk

Set the plow for deep
New to me
He said it’s for moisture retention
Something new to see

I’d never worked the fields
It is where we spend our days
I’ve come to love the work
Has set my heart ablaze

The work though hard and grueling
A day with Him is worth it all
This is a labor of love
Precious Teshuvah- beginning of the fall

©️ laurette laster
Teshuvah Teachings 2024

Irish Proverb:
You’ll Never Plow a Field by Turning it Over in Your Mind.

Plowing is working the soil. Turning under the old, breaking up hard ground in preparation for new crops ensuring better water retention and bringing forth better harvests.

The purpose of deep plowing is to modify the soil water retention characteristics over the long term.

When Jesus taught His disciples He walked them through grain fields, around villages, and through market places, sailed them through rough seas and into regions of demoniacs and to the gates of hell in Caesarea Philippi .

Jesus used agricultural or common occurrences to speak about spiritual truths, always using didactic teachings. He still does. I love when the Lord uses agricultural occurrences while helping to broaden or expand our comprehension.

We’ve work to do. Kingdom work, hard work, we are commanded to be fruitful.

Oh sweet season of Teshuvah. Our personal invitation to come away with our Beloved, and leave behind worthless and trivial distractions.

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭16‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

The Passion Translates says “My intimate friends.”
Both the Greek Aramaic word used for “intimate friends” is actually “those cared for from the womb.”
We are more than friends to Him, we are born again from His wounded side.

Don’t you agree it is time to break open our fallow ground?

“Yahweh says: “As a plow breaks open untilled ground, break open your hard hearts. Do not sow good seed among thorns.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Teshuvah blessings,
laurette

poetry

Dappled Shade in Summer’s Breeze

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Preparing to bid farewell to August, I have a longing in my heart.
One week from the Hebrew month of Elul and the beginning of Teshuvah. The season of repentance and introspection.

My heart longs, does yours? Familiar draw, I cannot imagine all the Lord has for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

10) These things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.

Like hunger that cannot be satisfied, thirst the world cannot quench; an expectation and desire with no words; a promise in the making; faith that knows waits patiently.

A settled calm like dappled shade, in summer breeze.

My husband (master electrician) working with live power in an attic. the shadow cast tells the entire story!

Dappled Shade

Dappled shade
Summer’s breeze
Simple reminder
Falling leaves

Fall is close
Soul recognition
Simple sights
Seasonal condition

Dappled shade
Visitation ahead
Awake oh sleeper
Do not be misled

Come away with Me
Tender welcome call
Why oh why do I sense it
Nearing into Fall

©️ laurette laster August 28, 2024

We wait expectantly for rain.

Israel believed that as surely as seasonal rains revived the earth, God’s favor would return and restore her. I beleive this promise is for Israel and America also.

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”
‭‭Hosea‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon and be gracious to you. The Lord cause His countenance to rise upon you and give you Shalom.

Until next time, thanks for listening with me.

Blessings, laurette