The Steeple of St. Patrick's

The congregation of devoted Christians 

filled this historic church.

They sang with exuberant voices,

exalting His name with praise.

Their passionate faith was unmistakeable

by any visitors who sat in the pews.

The majestic steeple of St. Patrick's

transported our praise and our prayers

through the blue vault of the sky

toward their heavenly destination.

© 2025 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: St. Patrick's Catholic Church ~ Parnell, Michigan

You may also enjoy:

"The Bells of St. Patrick's" - May 14, 2015

"The Steps of St. Patrick's" - November 6, 2017

"The Windows of St. Patrick's" - September 17, 2018

 

The Cross

"The cross is a reminder of the greatest sacrifice love has ever made."

"The cross of Christ is more than the wood His body was nailed to 2,000 years ago. It's more than a symbol, on churches or jewelry, of what Jesus did for us. The cross we carry must be a consciousness of the debt we owe God and the willingness to live -- or die-- for Him."

~ Ann-Margret Hovsepian 

from: In Touch Ministries March 25, 2016 by Charles Stanley

Photo Locations:

1. Art Prize - Art Prize 2014 - Grand Rapids, Michigan 

2. Our Lady of Light Catholic Community - Estero, Florida

Shadows of Time

Time,
once measured in living years,
now engraved in granite.

The Christian symbol
set in stone
yesterday, today, tomorrow.

Under the steeple's 
golden cross,
families kneel in prayer.

Loved ones remembered,
from temporal lives,
before and after today.

Like shadows on the snow.

©  2014  Richard Havaenga

Photo Location:

St. Patrick Church  (St. Patrick) - Parnell,  Michigan  (Michigan)  

Photo Haiku - Arizona

gentle slopes grow steep

horses graze in yellowed grass

hope for rain from clouds

spined circular pads

purple-red fruits bulge from rim

Prickly Pear Cactus

industrious bird

drilled the holes,  filled them with nuts

Acorn Woodpecker

strong Christian symbol

this cross is formed of granite

solid as my faith

columns of sharp spines

ridges, furrows, and shadows

Saguaro close-up

a fork in the road

the decision won't take long

take the least traveled

Arizona Photo Locations:

1. Huachuca Mountains (Huachuca Mountains)
2. Molino Canyon (Molino Canyon)
3. Ramsey Canyon (Ramsey Canyon)
4. Sabino Canyon (Sabino Canyon)
5. Saguaro National Park (Saguaro Nat. Park) - East
6. Ash Canyon (Ash Canyon)