Monday, April 29, 2019

Still 2



I still cultivate the curiosity
that carried me through childhood.



Eyes still filled with
wonder and astonishment. 



Heart still filled with
gratitude for all creation.



Soul still filled with
creativity from the Holy Spirit.


© 2019 Richard Havenga



Photo Locations:

1. Prothonotary Warbler - Kalamazoo River - Michigan


2. Caterpillar of Monarch Butterfly ~ Luton Park - Rockford, Michigan

3. Bull Elk in the velvet ~ Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

4. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming






Thursday, April 25, 2019

Crown of Purity




How many years
of patient waiting,
of staying alive
in the dark water,
in the cold mud
at the 
bottom of the lake...



How many seasons
did it take to break
the smooth surface
of the lake?



To generate this 
explosion of white?



After enduring the burial...
we witness




this resurrection,
this crown of purity,
this celebration of life.
© 2019 Richard Havenga






You may also enjoy: "The Promise II" ~ July 2, 2014


Photo Locations:

1, 2, & 3. Pickerel Lake Park - Kent County, Michigan

4. & 5. Lilley Lake - Newaygo County, Michigan

6. Fleischman Park - NaplesFlorida







Monday, April 22, 2019

Thursday, April 18, 2019

The Hereford Frolic


old mama cows stare
spring returns to the pasture
the Hereford frolic

© 2019 Richard Havenga



Photo Location: Grattan Township - Kent County, Michigan


Monday, April 15, 2019

Reading the Clouds



Throughout the day,
he took time
to look up;



to read the clouds,
to sense the dome of blue
that surrounded him.



New creations
painted daily on the sky.
© 2019 Richard Havenga





Photo Locations:

1. Tin Cup, Colorado

2. Flathead Lake - Big Arm, Montana

3. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

4. SaddleBrookeArizona





Thursday, April 11, 2019

Benediction



I witness the benediction
of rain upon the land.
Holy water sprinkled
from giving clouds.



Spring wildflowers
bending with the breeze
resemble time passing by,
resemble blessings received.
© 2019 Richard Havenga




Photo Locations:

1. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

2. Townsend Park - Kent County - Michigan




Monday, April 8, 2019

The Open Door



Please open the door
of this poem
and enter
the natural world.

It waits for your
presence to offer you
presents that resonate
with life.

Feel the attraction

pulling your heart.
Trust the direction 
you are being led.



Feel the texture
inviting your touch.
Trust the direction
you are taking.

Feel the grace

infusing your soul.
Accept the blessings
you are given daily.



Feel the current
carrying your life.
Experience the journey
beyond the open door. 
© 2019 Richard Havenga







Photo Locations:

1. Truckton, Colorado

2. Petrified Forest National Park - Arizona

3. Elk River - Steamboat SpringsColorado









Saturday, April 6, 2019

Lichens



the texture and the
topography of lichens
color rocks and trees

© 2019 Richard Havenga






Photo Locations:
2. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan



Thursday, April 4, 2019

Seeds of Worship


The life inserted
into these trees
began as small seeds:



acorns, samaras,
nuts of all kinds;



created in spring or autumn,
taken down by gravity,
twirling on a breeze,
stashed by animals,
fruit from the trees,



recreated each spring,
seedlings become saplings,
as seasons shift,
as years pass,



within their
seeds of worship
these trees
plant perpetual praise
into fertile soil.
© 2019 Richard Havenga






Photo Locations:

1. The Havenga Farm - Grand Rapids Township - Kent County - Michigan

2. Wabasis Lake Park - Kent County - Michigan 

3. & 4. Findlay Cemetery - Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan

5. Boulder Creek Golf Club - Kent County - Michigan