poetry | Heartstone Journey

Will You Walk The Ancient Paths?

I have been walking the road of life for almost 50 years, pressing into God and seeking council from wiser men of character who have traveled the ancient paths that Jeremiah talks about.

“Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it. And you will find rest for your souls.” -Jeremiah 6:16

Through good times, hardship and the fathering mentors God has placed in my path; I have discovered a treasure trove of counsel and insight I offer to share with other men who are courageously choosing to become wholehearted courageous men of God!

How Poetry Can Reveal The Masculine Heart

One of the foundational pillars of Heartstone Journey is: Helping men discover their authentic manhood in Jesus Christ

If you Google ‘masculinity’ you will be presented with numerous definitions of what true manhood is. Yes, getting to the core of what manhood is includes the personification of courage, bravery and sacrifice…but many have bought into the narrative that these terms exclude the creative side of men.

To level set things…here is how authentic manhood is defined here on Heartstone Journey.

Why “Real Men” Are Romantics At Heart

The big assumption on this topic is that romance is something exclusive to women, which doesn’t make much sense to me. When I think of a grand romantic gesture like a candle-light dinner at a nice restaurant or a surprise getaway, there’s usually a guy involved. Right? Ok think of it this way…in order for a woman to get whisked away for a weekend, someone has to be doing the whisking. Right?

Chick flicks, candle-light dinners and long walks on the beach may not be the first things that come to mind for a guy on the topic of romance, but many woman might be surprised how romantic a good man can be. Of course we like to hold our breath and puff out our chests to look strong, but despite our tough guy exteriors, women might be surprised to know that most men desire romance with the right woman — just not always the kind of romance women might have in mind.

Men like adventure and want to go out and do things together. Spending quality time and playing (get your mind out of the gutter) with their woman makes a guy feel close and loving and intimate; it offers an escape from the ordinary, a time to focus on each other — all things that women want from romance too. Right?

The Four Stones

This is one of a handful of poems that you will find in Heartstone. Hope you enjoy.

The Four Stones

Here on my knees I cry out to You, my Lord.
Tear-stained, wounded by the choices I have made
Seeking the world’s view of success, coveting the award.
Got what I wanted; the dream shatters; it begins to fade.

Self-righteousness and pride, thinking I had all the answers.
Never giving in. Always my way; never able to compromise.
Convinced I could work things out…coming to my end, I admit I was wrong!
Needing a completing love, desiring to be whole, Lord, help me to rise!

Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. —1 John 2:15 (MSG)

This bitter darkness surrounds me, feeling so alone.
Reaching out for Him, faced with this choice now,
Again I cry out to Him, asking Him, How?

It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye!

Here is a poem I wrote about my kids during my divorce…

I see it every day and I say it’s only living
Like life is only pain, believe me; my heart was given.
Anguish, heartbreak and a hurt I can’t erase
A light, a warmth I wish will shine upon your face.

Will You Walk The Ancient Paths?

How Poetry Can Reveal The Masculine Heart

Why “Real Men” Are Romantics At Heart

The Four Stones

The Four Stones

It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye!

Favorite Quotes

Cool Scripture

Never Out Of The Fight!

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