Living from the Inside Out

by Cheryl Merrick

Tapping from deep within,

I feel a warmth, a peace,

a surety of what is right,

true, and real forever.

I sense a knowledge of

what is right for me

to do at that moment.

This is a strength

which can not come

from "to-do" lists,

or from other's opinions,

but comes from within me,

like a bell that rings true. 

It is my anchor to truth,

to the great "big picture",

to what was, is, and will be.

It is more than an emotional feeling.

It is more than reasoned logic.

It is a knowing

that comes from deep within

as I listen to the Spirit

and allow myself to live 

from the inside out.

 

Inauguration Reflections

by Cheryl Merrick

Like a refreshing breeze

over a parched land,

peace soothes my soul

and hope lights my way.

Words of faith, 

Acts of service, and

Inclusion of blacks and women,

assure me that our

needs will be addressed.

Feeling the warmth of relationships

between people of different races

and between different political parties,

all united in love and hope,

proclaim that Healing has begun.

My thoughts after the 2021 Inauguration of President Biden

A Time for Healing

by Cheryl Merrick

Now is a time for healing - for uniting

A time to remember our shared heritage

and to cherish and protect our differences

Now is a time to put aside political squabbles

and remember the democratic ideals

upon which our nation is founded

Now is the time to still our cries of injustice

and stand behind our new President

so that we can move forward with hope

Now is the time to pledge our best efforts

into making "The American Experiment"

a beacon of liberty in a dark world

Now is the time to prayerfully, and humbly,

remember, and live, so that we can truly be

one nation united under God 

Winter Night

by Cheryl Merrick

Moon- full disk of glowing light
high in the winter sky

Trees- dark silhouettes
trailing shadows behind them

Stars- distant points of light
punctuating the velvet expanse

As winter's intense stillness

enfolds the night in beauty

Thoughts on a full moon in December

Serenity

by Cheryl Merrick

Clearing away all 

the cluttering shoulds,

I can at last relax

and, finally being myself,

share who I am. 

The precious jewels of

truth, beauty, and love

sparkle in their simplicity 

filling my life with 

a sweet serenity. 

Sunlight

by Cheryl Merrick

Into the cold dark corners

where despair and fear cringe,

Sunlight floods

filling my soul with hope

and surrounding me

with the joyful warmth 

of His love. 

What Have I Chosen?

by Cheryl Merrick

Rushing through the day, 
I exclaim, 
"There is so much to do--
Meals to prepare,
Kids to take places,
Errands to run, and
House to clean!"

At the day's end,
I collapse into bed,
tired and discouraged,
waking only to face,
another day of the same.

Wearily, as I plead through prayer
for the strength to do all my tasks,
the words, "But one thing is needful:
and Mary hath chosen that good part",
come to my mind,
leaving me to consider,
"What part have I chosen?"

What is Fear?

by Cheryl Merrick

Fear is the robber of peace,
and the destroyer of hope.
It is doubt in yourself, others, and God,
     running wild and taking you with it.

Fear is a knot in your stomach,
a thumping in your heart,
and an invisible hand gripping your chest.

Fear is the preemptor of love.
As we focus on our own needs;
"What will I do if --
     he dies? if they do that? if the baby isn't perfect,
     if we lose our job, or our relationship?" ;
our concern turns inward where, like weeds,
fear crowds out our love for others.

A Writer's Life

by Cheryl Merrick

I thought I'd write in my spare time,
perhaps late at night
when everyone is in bed
and all my "work" is done.

So dutifully I pushed though the day,
doing all the little things which "must be done",
until I found myself too exhausted to write
when evening finally came.

Life Fulfilled

by Cheryl Merrick

Simple food

Simple home

Few things, much time

Few commitments, much love

Quiet and peace

Sunshine and beauty

My spirit nourished

A thought shared

A person inspired

My daily work done

I rest calm and still

My life Fulfilled

The Carousel

by Cheryl Merrick

The Carousel whirls around
ever faster and faster
to a mad hatter refrain of,
“You’re late! You’re Late!
There is so much to do!
Hurry! Hurry!
You’ll never get it all done!”

Endlessly spinning
Endless details
Up and down
Endless routine

Secure

by Cheryl Merrick

Chilled by the cool night air as we travel,
a lone car,
across the Nevada desert.

Surrounded by the comforting bulk
and lulled by the vibration
of our 1950 Pontiac,
we speed toward my grandparent’s home
in Pocatello, Idaho.

I awake, roused by the discomfort of sleeping
on hard, lumpy suitcases tucked in our foot space,
to see Dad driving and my mother and brother sleeping.

Peacefully secure,
I raise my five year old eyes heavenward,
and embraced by quietness,
gaze in wonder into a sky filled
with sparkling stars.

11/15/07

Quiet Life

by Cheryl Merrick

More and more, I am content
to be in the company
of my thoughts.

Feeling the serene stillness
of a quiescent forest,
I think, write, and study.

Occasionally venturing out
to share an idea, counsel, or teach,
then to return.

Peaceful Days

by Cheryl Merrick

Peaceful days begin
with mornings
spent in studying scriptures
and writing meditative poems

Moving between nurturing notes,
writing,
household tasks,
visiting,
family history,
and studying,
I gracefully glide
through my day.

Dancing to the music within,
My flowing steps lead,
over time,
to desired goals,
and peaceful days.

Painting a Day

by Cheryl Merrick

Applying a little paint
here and a little paint there,
my creation slowly takes shape

Against a soft blue sky
of quiet thoughts
I add the gentle rays
of sun filled days

Nurturing Enviroment

by Cheryl Merrick

Not out in the bustling highway
among gregarious crowds
Do my talents grow,
instead they blossom
in the still reflection
of a quiet pond.

My Own World

by Cheryl Merrick

In creating my own world
I find myself.
In this place
Where there is
Time to listen and inspire,
Time to study and ponder,
I find peace.
In this world of simplicity,
and principles
I find ideas.
Here as I nurture others
I find joy.

Just Being Me

by Cheryl Merrick

With a heart softened and prepared,
I lead by sharing my experiences
and encouraging others.

No longer dependant
on other people to
define who I am,
or give me a chance,
I simply share my talents.

Following the still quiet voice,
opportunities appear.
Finally, I am filled with joy in
Just Being Me.

Inner Balance

by Cheryl Merrick

Making sure I never become tired,
while maintaining circulation and strength,
I carefully move between activity and rest.

Preserving a fine balance
between necessary care and spiritual nurturing,
I swing between housekeep tasks and scripture study,
between serving others and replenishing my stores,
between creativity and implementation .

Finally, with confidence and assurance
I have learned to follow
My Inner Balance.

Impressing

by Cheryl Merrick

Who am I trying to impress
when I recklessly declare
“I can do it!”,
or proudly tout my accomplishes
at the end of the day.

Just wanting me to be happy,
My husband isn’t impressed.
In fact he is disappointed
to once again come home to
a wife who is tired, stressed, and grouchy
after a day of pushing herself.