Journal

Author: Bill Haley

Stars in Spiral Song

“Stars in Spiral Song” Penetrate me with passion, pure and holy flame. Wild and free, galaxies spin cast forth, strewn like dice loaded and shot wide; a sweep and stars dance comets sing, take flight on sparkling wing to find wonders, and praise Your name....
An Alphabet for Thanksgiving

An Alphabet for Thanksgiving

  Atonement bought by the Son of God, the ransom paid in righteous blood; Brothers and sisters, the bonds we share of love and life though scattered everywhere; Creation sings its praises heav’n winging though no metal strikes it raises its ringing;...

It Spreads for Thee

It Spreads for Thee by Bill Haley Dark and warmly damp waits the wood While white mist hovers thick with scent. Solace and solitude kiss Give rise to strength and rebirth To dance again. Hidden ‘tween the trunks of trees Protected lies the slitted door, Veiled in the...

Orienting Towards Advent

Soon, well already actually, you’re going to get slammed with the commercialization that surrounds the Advent and Christmas season.   Very little in the holiday season is going to be calling you to engage the deep meaning of it, the Person, the Baby, the One Who Came,...

The Stones of Prayers and Dreams

The Stones of Prayers and Dreams by Bill Haley We walked through rain and dripping heather Conscious of the gift of the place, Aware that “together” was our greatest gift. So the weather could not dampen our joy On that Emerald Isle, The place of prayers and dreams....

I Shall Emerge Someday

I Shall Emerge Someday by Bill Haley I shall emerge someday a nugget of gold though covered with clay I shall emerge someday mud made to gold though covered with clay Rising from the pit gold though covered with clay I shall emerge someday Some will see clay, some...

Our Deepest Essence…a double entendre

Since the first centuries of the Christian church until now, across the Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant spectrum, noteworthy leaders have made the same assertion, and it is a bold one. In the 2nd century, St. Irenaeus said it: ‘Through his transcendent love, our...

Thrust

Thrust by Bill Haley Trust in God’s goodness, Faith in his power; These are the weapons To get through this hour. These the tools, These the bedrock Diving in an ocean of love A heaven of love Without words, without knowledge Naked intent Desire full bore Undone and...

Present, Speak Today

Present, Speak Today by Bill Haley Present, speak today It matters not the voice A kiss from the salt sea spray A pleasant wind’s embrace Long listening of a trusted friend Soft strong words said clear It matters not how you send But, you, speak So I can...

Eucharist *

Eucharist* by Bill Haley The new day breaks with golden hue and sunlight fills the room, with promise and peace and promises of peace, three coming inconsistently while they wrestle with a season’s gloom. But still they come, a warrior trinity to fight fiends and...

Skye

Skye by Bill Haley Skye crouched in the corner like a coiled spring, his little balled up body so small it was almost hidden despite no solid thing to cover or shield him. The walls on either side gave no inch though he tried to pinch more tightly in, not yet having...

Matthew 14

Matthew 14 by Bill Haley Your face is hidden by the water wall While howling wind drowns the echoes of the call “Come.” I came to follow, not to fall Yet sink I do! Why bid Then hide in the hour I most need You? “After seeing, do you not see? Is...

A Divine Love Song

A Divine Love Song by Bill Haley  In the dark of night, You are with me In the breaking dawn, You are with me In the violent story, You are with me In the brightest sun, I love You I see You in the trees I see You in the stream I feel You in the morning breeze And I...

Sleepers, Awake!

Sleepers, Awake! by Bill Haley Sometimes I don’t want to sleep, Because it’s all too wonderful. I sit and ponder nothing And everything at once. I hold my longings unlisted with an open heart And trust the Brooding One, who is here To hear And prod me when my eyelids...

Thanks to Carol Jackson!

I’ve lost count of how many years (OK, not really…19 years) that Carol Jackson has been a dear friend to me, a partner in ministry, and deep sister in the Lord.   We teamed up on so many projects at The Falls Church that I (honestly this time) actually have lost...

A Personal Word As Fall Comes Into View

Dear fellow-pilgrims, as is often with these letters, I like to finish by offering a deep treat at the end, so read all the way to the and find out what it is this time.   And as you know, from time to time I like to offer a more personal letter to let you know of...

Life and Heat

Lord, a holy man make me, set apart blown apart to be set free and dance deep and wild a tender fire wicking words into heat and light so some may see life truly lived quiet penetrating and...