As Close as a Prayer by Brenda Drake

In this tender collection, Brenda Drake walks us down a path of grief, hope, and redemption — where every step is traced with memory and every flower whispers with love. “Love Makes a Way” is a poetic journey toward healing, faith, and quiet grace.  Available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover

LOVE MAKES A WAY 

I have stayed awake all hours of the night trying to figure out how to get out of a predicament I was in.  I would start the new day just as lost on what to do as I started the night before.  I am so glad I have learned to bring the problems to God and to leave them to Him to bring the solutions.  I still may not have known what to do, but I did know the One that did.

As Close as a Prayer

The answer is right before your eyes.
It becomes clear to the wise.
Your answer is as close as a prayer;
State your need and leave them there.
What is it that troubles your heart within?
Lay them down and do not pick them up again.
Does anger poke you with its provoking prod?
When it does, turn again to God.
Does fear grip you in its terrible grasp?
Rebuke its hold and turn from it your back.
Know the answer is before your eyes;
And He your battles fight.
Run to the answer for the One wise,
He has the ability and He is your supply.
The answer is the One in heaven and who also lives within.
Do not hesitate to bring all inquiries to Him.

Acts 6:4
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Flower’s From a Hopeful Heart By Brenda Drake

A page from my Daily devotional inspirational and motivational Christian poetry book.
Collected Thoughts available on Amazon.

July 29

I love flowers.  I am not a gardener.  My love of flowers does not come from my efforts.  God is the gardener of our soul.  He is the beauty that flowers from within us.  Oh how sweet is the love of God.  He deserves all the praise and glory.

Flowers from a Hopeful Heart

Like the sweet aroma of a willing rose,
Are praises of a heart that God’s Word knows.
Hopeful hearts see the sun shine ahead on a rainy day.
Though cloudy on the outside they are warmed by inner rays.
Another flower that comes from the heart of hope,
Is the sure knowledge their God is in control.
The sweet assurance of His love and care,
Is another flower of hope to with another share.
Flowers from a hopeful heart walk at a steady pace,
Under the sure covering of God’s mercy and grace.
They walk in His anointing and of His nourishment partakes.
Lights in the dark world all the difference makes.
An encouraging word, the loving timely rebuke,
A helping hand in time of need; are all flowers delivered too.
There is sweet aroma in a life whose hope is in God above.
Flowers that bloom in the land as seeds planted in the garden of love.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Flower of Faith By Brenda Drake

This is today’s poem from Collected Thoughts By Brenda Drake on Amazon. Available in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover.

Flower of Faith

The first word of the salvation plan planted as a seed quickly grows into wonderful faith that flowers to receive the gift the Father had always planned.  What a great day, and what a wonderful gift bestowed upon us.  What a privilege and honor to know He not only saved us He desires to help us each day to accomplish all we were destined to do.  The only thing that will perhaps surpass the beauty of Salvation will be the day I am wrapped in the arms of Jesus on the other side.

Limited is the flesh; it is moved when eyes see
But the spirit-man by faith believes.
As you begin to understand,
You will receive as the Father plans.
You will receive with heart open wide,
When the flower of faith blooms inside.
Set your heart to good things expect.
Your God has not changed His plans for great benefit.
Do what you can do, always do your best.
Do not get out of sorts and stressed.
Remember God is your divine supply,
I assure you your water never runs dry.
So great is the river that flows to you and through your life.
Many will come and take a drink of Christ.
With heart ready and mind on God’s Word,
With face set in confidence new faith occurs.
Shout from the housetops the Good News.
And God’s favor floods over you.

Hebrew 11:5
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Collected Thoughts Count Down

Kindle Countdown DealAmazon.comWednesday, July 22, 2026, 8:00 AM PDTWednesday, July 29, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT

Only $.99 for one week on Amazon Kindle starting July 22 – July 29

Collected Thoughts is a 365-day journey of inspiration, reflection, and Scripture-filled poetry designed to help you draw closer to God each day.
In the midst of life’s noise, these gentle, faith-centered poems invite you to pause, listen, and focus on what truly matters—the presence and promises of God.

Each daily devotion pairs a heartfelt poem with a relevant Bible verse to bring peace, joy, and encouragement to your spirit. Whether read in quiet morning moments or before rest at night, Collected Thoughts reminds you that God’s Word is living, active, and ever near. A perfect companion for personal reflection or gift for someone needing comfort and hope, this devotional celebrates the beauty of walking with Jesus—day by day, thought by thought

A sample of one of the 365 daily readings.

Heaven’s Window

I wonder was the window of heaven closed up tight,
So they could not see the terrible sight?
Did the angels cry at the loss;
Of the precious Son of God hanging on the cross?
Did the flowers close their bloom on the day,
The Son of God was sacrificed and put on display?
Birds must have stopped singing; Heaven’s Song was stilled;
When He submitted willingly to do the Father’s will.
The rivers and streams surely did not desire to flow,
For the River of Life was poured out for every living soul.
I know the mountains protested in sad display,
For God’s Word says there was a mighty quake that day.
But, oh how my heart rejoices as I also can by faith see,
The angels, and the heavens cheering on golden streets,
When the tomb burst open and Jesus was alive and well.
Hope and peace, in the redeemed a victorious story now would tell.

Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Revelation 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death

Collected Thoughts By Brenda Drake

Kindle Countdown DealAmazon.comWednesday, July 22, 2026, 8:00 AM PDTWednesday, July 29, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT

Only $.99 for one week on Amazon Kindle starting July 22 – July 29

Collected Thoughts is a 365-day journey of inspiration, reflection, and Scripture-filled poetry designed to help you draw closer to God each day.
In the midst of life’s noise, these gentle, faith-centered poems invite you to pause, listen, and focus on what truly matters—the presence and promises of God.

Each daily devotion pairs a heartfelt poem with a relevant Bible verse to bring peace, joy, and encouragement to your spirit. Whether read in quiet morning moments or before rest at night, Collected Thoughts reminds you that God’s Word is living, active, and ever near. A perfect companion for personal reflection or gift for someone needing comfort and hope, this devotional celebrates the beauty of walking with Jesus—day by day, thought by thought

A sample of one of the 365 daily readings.

Heaven’s Window

I wonder was the window of heaven closed up tight,
So they could not see the terrible sight?
Did the angels cry at the loss;
Of the precious Son of God hanging on the cross?
Did the flowers close their bloom on the day,
The Son of God was sacrificed and put on display?
Birds must have stopped singing; Heaven’s Song was stilled;
When He submitted willingly to do the Father’s will.
The rivers and streams surely did not desire to flow,
For the River of Life was poured out for every living soul.
I know the mountains protested in sad display,
For God’s Word says there was a mighty quake that day.
But, oh how my heart rejoices as I also can by faith see,
The angels, and the heavens cheering on golden streets,
When the tomb burst open and Jesus was alive and well.
Hope and peace, in the redeemed a victorious story now would tell.

Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Revelation 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

More Than I Deserve By Brenda Drake

This is a sample poem from my Inspirational Christian poetry devotional Not Just Ordinary available of Amazon. $1:99 Kindle $5.99 Paperback $14:99 Hardcover

I know how far God has reached to draw me to Him.  I do not deserve such favor; I was ragged and poor in spirit and by His work in my behalf I am made rich.  I have all my seeking heart needs.  I am rich now in joy and peace.  He has poured His wisdom into me by opening the wisdom of His holy Word.  I will spend eternity thanking and praising Jesus for His great love that saved me from an eternal hell,

More Than I Deserve

You have treated me well, more than I deserve.
I am lifted up above my station in life by the Word.
My tattered clothes and dirty face
Was by righteous robes and God’s light replaced.
My hopeless future was opened wide,
A glorious a place of hope was bright inside.
The Son’s light causes the seed of faith to grow,
Into a harvest of redeemed souls.
My days are filled with promise of even better days to come.|
All I have and all I am are offered back to God’s Son.
Jesus You have given me more than money could ever buy.
You are and will be my eternal supply.
My requests are lifted on the wings of prayer,|
And they are multiplied with profit to with others share.
My hopes and dreams are wrapped up in only one name;
Jesus, my desire I forever will proclaim.
You have made me more than I deserve it is true.
As I continue on in life I will expect only the best from You.

Psalms 30:12
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

I am blessed much more than I ever deserved.  Thank You for such favor, I will give praise forever for all the blessings poured into my life.

You Are a Gift By Brenda Drake

Sample Poem from my Christian Inspirational and Motivational devotional Poetry book River of Life in Verse. available on Amazon $2;99 Kindle $11.99 Paperback $25.99 Hardcover

Jesus is our heavenly Father’s gift to us.  Jesus in us becomes the Gift we give to others.  They in turn become a gift offered up to the Father.  Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving.  Let us continue sharing Him till heaven’s rooms are filled.

You are a Gift

From the hand comes assistance, from the heart concern.
From the eyes comes a light of love that burns.
From the mouth praise and worship, and words that uplift;
For the life of the servant of God is a gift.
A gift worth more than they can ever know,
For they were bought by Love that bestows.
Man is a gift to man if he contains within God’s Son;
For because of his contents, he a gift becomes.
Do not withhold kindness, always share your smile,
Always give of yourself in self-denial
Always do the good work, never put the good thought aside,
For by actions, you prove to the dying world Jesus lives inside.
Your willing heart and hands does great service for the King.
Your kind words and singled-eye will a great harvest bring.
Reach out and touch someone in Jesus’ name,
For, by your faithful service you a gift became.
An endowment valued both by saved souls and God above.
A lovely gift filled with God’s own sweet love.

John 20:21
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Waves of Comfort By Brenda Drake

This is a page of my first book Waves of Comfort. Available for $1.99 Kindle and $22.95 Paperback on Amazon.

Waves of Comfort

When your heart is hurting, Come
Enjoy the Holy presence of God’s Son
The sweet loving touch of the Holy Comforter
Will heal and fix all your inner hurts
When the world has walked heavily upon you and has left you for dead
Come and allow the Comforter to show you how to forgive
When your mind is confused and you do not know the way to go
Come and allow the Word to guide – so you in the Spirit can flow
I’ll fill your heart with gladness and your mind with truth and power
So you can face any situation in the world’s last hour
Waves of comfort flow to you and through you to lift and to edify
Waves of God’s goodness is your eternal supply
Beauty for ashes, mourning is by joy replaced
All is provided by God’s provision of grace
Waves of God’s mercy flood the land
Flooding the hearts and minds of those that seek to understand
Great abundant floods of love
Come from the Lord above
Whatever you need, whatever you desire that’s good and fine
Will be provided in God’s time
Come and allow the Sweet Spirit to touch
You in your deepest need with His waves of love

II Thessalonians 2:15-17
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Love Makes a Way Book -Oh Wayward Heart by Brenda Drake

Version 1.0.0

A page out of my Christian Poetry Book Love Makes a Way Available on Amazon for $2.99 Kindle $8.99 Paperback $16.99 Hardcover.

Love Makes a Way is a poetic devotional that explores instances of God’s unwavering presence, guidance, and love. Each poem and biblical passage showcases how God provides solutions to problems and is constantly available for support. Love Makes a Way celebrates and particularly emphasizes His sacrifice for our salvation and His profound love demonstrated through Jesus’s death and resurrection that offers hope of eternal life with Him.  

We are not always obedient nor are we always diligent to study God’s Word.  We are rarely consistently faithful or humble. We have wayward hearts. God is always lovingly calling us to repent and trust in His provision and to depend on His help in every situation.

Oh Wayward Heart

Oh wayward heart why do you stray?
Why is it you from your Lord’s love turn away?
Why is it you do not hunger and thirst for more,
Of the nourishment, provided by your Lord?
You are much too comfortable in the circumstance you dwell,
Come and allow your God to lead you for He knows you well.
When trial or temptation gets you down,
Allow your God to lift you to higher ground.
Oh weary heart when you are weak
Will you find enough faith to God’s Word speak?
Can you admit your lack and ask for assistance?
Why oh proud heart do you show resistance?
Do you not know God only desires for your good?
That is why He died in your place on the piece of wood.
If, oh hearing heart, you can but see,
Joy will flow out from thee.
The peace of Jesus will sooth and mend
So you will not be wayward again.

James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.