Reformation

by Cheryl Merrick

I. Accepting reality
Doomed to endlessly repeat my actions, 
like in the movie, Groundhog Day, 
until I "get it right,"
I reluctantly acknowledge that 
I must accept reality.

What must I accept?

His Power

by Cheryl Merrick

When my life becomes
like a hopelessly confused
computer program,

I turn to the master programer
and beg His help,
then wait
as He patiently reprograms,
undoing my many errors.

I humbly thank Him
for His power
which frees me
from the consequences
of my mistakes,
and allows me to continue
to progress in my life.

12/2/07

Bridge Burning

by Cheryl Merrick

I stand on the edge
     looking back,
     but there is no return.
The chasm is deep and wide.
There is no going back
     to my old life.

My bridge is burned.
I set it on fire myself,
     knowing I needed to cross
     and never return.

On Track

by Cheryl Merrick

Though trying to reach our goals,
we veer slightly off track.

Finally, lost, we ask for help
and are gently led back
to the path of
peace and happiness

12/26/2013

Protection and Guidance

by Cheryl Merrick

Hope growing again like new shoots
 on a withered branch;
I returned to church and the temple.
Soon engulfed in a chemical fog,
I lost the ability to think and move.
Smothered by depression and confusion,
I struggled to maintain my identity.

Finally, watered by tears,
hope began to sprout again.
Was I, like the current bush,
being pruned so that I would bear good fruit?
Slowly the sun returned,
allowing me to feel the warmth
of the Master Gardner’s great love
in protecting and wisely guiding
a most fragile plant.

January Has Arrived!

by Cheryl Merrick

Days short - but getting longer
Temperatures cold - but getting warmer

Frivolous holiday trappings
are carefully, but firmly, put back in their boxes.
Gone are the brightly tinkling lights
and the spicy smell of goodies baking.

Instead of basking in the warm glow
of celebration indulgence,
we squint in the glaring spotlight
of reality.

Questions

by Cheryl Merrick

Will I go back to my old ways,
merely responding,
losing my balance once again,
my priority centered life
fading into a dim memory?

Or will I lovingly lead and help him to
soften his critical replies,
relating to people with support and love?

Will I grow tired of the relentless
focus on accomplishing details,
and, once more falling into depression,
sit withdrawn in my corner,
allowing him to manage our lives?

Will I have the strength to hold
to my convictions,
or will I try to simply
take the course of least resistance,
attempting to minimize friction
by being like him?

Will I be myself,
or becoming caught up in his world,
spend my time
trying to avoid correction
by being meticulously neat?

Will I be open and laugh, dance,
and write poems,
or will I be tense and ill,
ever striving to please?

Will we allow our relationship to grow,
experiencing warmth and joy together
by seeking the Lord’s help
 to change our weaknesses into strengths?

Happy New Year

by Cheryl Merrick


Longing to forgive past hurts
Determined to live by correct principles
Anxious to improve relationships– 
with the Lord, family and friends
Eager to learn new things
Resolved to take better care of myself
Excited to write
Engaged in serving others
Striving for balance
I hope for a Happy New Year

1/1/2014