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.

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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

When we are saved from the penalty of our sins we have received the wonderful gift of eternal life with Jesus and a sure, definite favor in our time left on the earth. Not that we will not have difficulty but the kind of favor that helps us through with His strength, joy, guidance, and love.

Cause Me Your Favor

Lord, give me enough time to accomplish all You want me to do;
And enough energy to live successfully for You.
Stretch my days so within the hours there is good profit shown.
I know my life is not my time to spend on self alone.
Let me cause profit to another’s life too,
So I will be a blessing that also honors You.
Jesus, as I carry the cross prepared for me to bear,
Help me to of Your presence be aware.
I know You are the One that carries the largest part;
You are even the strength deep within my heart.
Your joy bubbles up from within
It’s because of Your mercy I’m forgiven when I repent sin.
Your love and compassion floods my soul
And in me and through me overflows.
Pack into my day a great desire to pray,
Help to those in need through their day
Give me opportunity to tell others how much You care.
Allow my heart and deeds prove You are with them there.
Fill my mind with thoughts tender…let my heart be true.
Help me to purposely and whole-heartily serve only You.
As I walk on earth and I travel toward the goal my King,
Cause a gentle breeze of favor to caress, as my heart in answer sings.

I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

Psalms 119:58

I do not have a green thumb.  I have planted whole seed packets with little return.  With God all I need is a tiny seed of faith and He will do all the rest.

Mustard Seed Faith

Tiny little seeds so small
Grow to an impressive sight tall.
Mustard-seed-faith has the same effect,
It accomplishes more than you expect.
Where are the seeds found? What need you do?
Where do you plant them? When does increase come to you?
Mustard-seed faith begins its start,
When the truth is planted in your heart;
When you speak it clear;
It is planted in prayer for God to hear.
Answer comes at just the right time,
God is in control of it all, it is as He designs.
To receive; believe and speak; wait with confidence intact.
You will be astounded at God’s provisions you get back.
God’s Word is the seed planted in the good soil of an abundant life;
As you testify and speak in name of Christ,
He waters and for the seed cares.
You must trust and keep praising Him in your prayers.
Enjoy the time as your faith becomes what others too can see,
A good work, grown from your tiny little seed.

Matthew 17:20
He said to them, because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you

I hope all the mothers out there have a wonderful Mother’s Day! You are appreciated and with God’s help you hold an important jot and are of great value on the earth.

A  Good Mother’s Love

The gift to the mother is her daughter and her son,
The good mother helps them to a gift become.
The mother is honored with cards, flowers and such;
But the best appreciated gifts are respect and love.
God sent to mankind the gift of Christ;
Who is truth and the way to life.
When Jesus is in a mother strong,
Then the child learns what’s right and what’s wrong.
Her toil for her family never quite ends.
She at a later date becomes confidante and friend.
She’s the one you call at the start,
Of any worry or concern in your heart.
It’s her prayers you seek,
To hear in your behalf when in need.
The Father in heaven planned it that way,
He poured into a mother a gift that forever stays.
The one who loves you most of course is God above;
But He is surely glorified and recognized in a good mother’s love.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Proverbs 31:28