In “Numbered Days and Years,” Lauren Madsen beautifully speaks on the power of God’s miracles despite suffering. There’s no refining without fire and no rainbow without the storm.

Henrietta DuCap’s “Stones Cry Out” beautifully depicts change and metamorphosis. The heart is still made out of marble. One moment has become forever.

These words are a sweet reminder of rebirth while holding onto life. “Daughter’s First Spring,” by Rosa Gilbert, paints beauty and innocence, soaking in the tender moments.

In “When Rainbows Disappear,” Stephanie Nygaard beautifully provides hope and comfort in the winter months as we await spring rainbows.

In his poem “Glass All Around Her,” Matthew Nash writes an anthem for women to never silence their voices as worthy daughters of God.

In “Weedy Eschatology,” Mark Stucky shows how we are more like weeds than roses—and how its resilience, not circumstance, that matters most.

In “Vineyard Vision,” Hayley Rawnsley reminds us that what we call a desert place may just be a vineyard in God’s eyes. Then we journey to the first mundane signs of spring and how they mean spring nonetheless in “Sacred Spring.” And finally, “Fresh Coat” gives the picture of an abandoned canvas being repainted by the Master Artist Himself.

A.M. Everett reminds us of God’s unyielding faithfulness in her beautiful poem, “The Rock.”

God does his best work in the darkness. Anokina Shahbaz shares words of triumph and transformation after emptiness and despair in “The Necessary Darkness.”

In his thought-provoking poem “Tonight,” Justin Lacour recognizes God’s love through all things. A flower will bloom, even in the outer darkness.

In her thought-provoking poem, “A Conversation with Death,” Donna Bucher leads us on a journey from death to life through the power of Christ.

In her heartfelt words, Adine Pietersen bares her soul. “A Letter from God” is a love poem to humanity. God will take care of us, now and forever, with supernatural protection.

In “Embers of Eden,” Sheila Dougal laments how often our faces turn away from the beauty all around us in search of meaning (never to be found) on our screens.

In her poem “Pieces of Me,” Mary Kurnik reminds us that sometimes our pieces must undergo transformations in order to fit together in a renewed version of ourselves.

In “Quiescent,” Ashley Sposato watches God pull her from the darkness of a womb into true life.

In this must-be-read-aloud poem, Jodie Gerling takes us on a journey from death to life in “Spring Will Come Again.”

In “Still,” Ginny Rodgers acknowledges the life that exists even in the winter. In “Always,” she reminds us that there is always an end to each season, even the hard ones.

Our Summer “Storytellers” Poetry Contest WINNER, Deidre Braley, writes about the nature of true faith and love in her award-winning poem, “Do Not Preach.” In “Tomato on the Vine,” Deidre explores the beautiful grit of nature. In both poems, you will find the gentle and certain voice of a storyteller.

Our Summer “Storytellers” Poetry Contest RUNNER-UP, Kelly Meagher, writes about the resilience of children and deeper faith metaphors through an evocative memory from her own childhood.

Our “Storytellers” Poetry Contest Runner-Up, Katie Ellen Bowers, writes about faith, struggle, and doubt in her searching poetry. In her award-winning poem, “It Just Is,” Katie writes intimately about her own faith journey through the lens of the universe and time.