Sometimes, when you're not here, Your traces are hard to make disappear. I feel you near, sitting in your chair, And your heart feels like my favorite snare.
Sometimes, I can almost hear your voice, Playfully sneering like a playful choice. Telling me contrary things that you believe right. I miss the days when you would let me hold you tight.
I remember the day you decided to trace The lines and nuances of my face. From the same eyes to the same heart, I knew our love would never part.
It's an amazing thing to be a father And to know that I have two lovely daughters. One an artist, and you, smarter than smart. Now that you've grown older, I value most your heart.
Watching as you take this world on And no longer believing in the tales of once upon. I see you dare as you stand to sincerely deliver And in a moment of pride, it makes me shiver.
I remember the day you decided to trace The lines and nuances of my face. From the same eyes to the same heart, I knew our love would never part.
Like a spy standing in the house of love, I watch your courage, even cursing the above. You are your own kind of warrior, and I'm proud. You have your own road, and to me that's allowed.
I see the wondrous things that you complete, And truly believe you'll never know defeat. I can only hope that you hear and realize, The true admiration that shines in my eyes.
I remember the day you decided to trace The lines and nuances of my face. From the same eyes to the same heart, I knew our love would never part.
(c) July 8, 2026 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
My weary soul holds onto the night, Wondering how to get things right. Some can have such calloused pretense, But I won't get lost in bitterness.
Every day is a day for gratitude, I wake up with the right attitude. Knowing that the savior has released me From the depths of Hell, Jesus gave me liberty.
Sometimes we feel a little lost, But we know Jesus and His paid cost. All of our transgressions require grace. We gather to sing praise in this holy place.
We walk humbly in this celebration, Knowing as we pray for this nation, To make our world a little more perfect, We look to God to teach and correct.
Lifting the Lord's name on high, A whispered amen is my reply. I hang my heart on His holy name, Faithful to us, however much we are lame.
(c) July 8, 2026 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
“A standing army is like a standing member. It’s an excellent assurance of domestic tranquility, but a dangerous temptation to foreign adventure.” – Elbridge Gerry
“Secrecy is the keystone to all tyranny. Not force, but secrecy and censorship. When any government or church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, “This you may not read, this you must not know,” the end result is tyranny and oppression, no matter how holy the motives. Mighty little force is needed to control a man who has been hoodwinked in this fashion; contrariwise, no amount of force can control a free man, whose mind is free. No, not the rack nor the atomic bomb, not anything. You can’t conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him.” – Robert A. Heinlein
We have accomplished 250 years of history, Moments in time so completely celebratory. We are the crowning achievement of living history. Exceptional, we are that something extraordinary.
That other nations openly strive to emulate, As we achieve more, and serve to stimulate The nations of the world to be more capable, And with God's help, liberty is more than a fable.
We have summoned the courage of giants to be who we are. We have looked into the future with each added star. It began with declaring independence on the 4th of July, And we recall this, not one single patriot has a dry eye.
We are a historic and heroic people, filled with purpose. Each of the best of us is honor bound in lives of service. We pledge allegiance to the flag symbolizing our country, For freedom that is our creed, and in our love of liberty.
In our cause of independence, we will never let America fall. Duty-bound, we will always answer Lady Liberty's virtuous call. Americans have fought, bled, and died for our Constitution, As we hold sacred the defense of our country's institutions.
We have summoned the courage of giants to be who we are. We have looked into the future with each added star. It began with declaring independence on the 4th of July, And we recall this, not one single patriot has a dry eye.
So many of us have fought, lending ourselves in every way. We have carried the burdens necessary for the victorious day. In all the war-torn countries, our majestic flag has flown, So that strength, righteousness, and hope would be known.
There is no challenge or goal that we cannot reach. There is no prayer or sermon that we cannot preach. We are born a free people who will have our free country. Our republic stands as strong and tall as our destiny.
We have summoned the courage of giants to be who we are. We have looked into the future with each added star. It began with declaring independence on the 4th of July, And we recall this, not one single patriot has a dry eye.
(c) July 6, 2026 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.” – William Faulkner
Life comes so hard that we learn this, The world calls for our earnest discernment. Sometimes we live in overconfidence. Our only answer is living in further obedience.
We are desperately in need of wisdom. However much we live in the kingdom. Life is best approached in prayer, And trusting that God is always there.
What we do in the moments we're not ready Is those things that serve to steady. Solomon had these moments despite his wealth. He learned early to serve more than himself.
Like children, we know not what we do, But if we listen to God, we grab our best clue. Discerning the difference between right and wrong, And determining where God wants us to belong.
Wisdom brings us to the right application Of all that comes with righteous appreciation. We must stay close in our sacred reverence. Let's give His ways our greatest deference.
Respect for the Lord leads to obedience. It's the element that makes the difference. Doing what God wills leads to doing right. All other considerations of fear are brought to light.
Pleasing God becomes our directive. We stand ready in our narrative Because we trust God in all we do And place our faith in Him as we do.
Foolishness only offers what is temporary. While wisdom's reliability stays contemporary. We must build with pillars for a house that will last. A lifelong plan is needed to move beyond our past.
Our wisdom blesses all who are around As the benefits of clear thinking surround All of us with the blessings of service. We begin to live out the Lord's purpose.
When we lack wisdom, we shake the Lord. He knows it's harder for us to move forward. The point of ministry is to provide service. This is our ever-living purpose.
We pray that God grant us wisdom, That we might build the path of the kingdom, Spreading the gospel of love in discerning ways And know righteousness in all our days.
(c) July 5, 2026 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
Heading out of Australia to escape this Aussie winter. First stop Japan, then UK/Ireland and if work doesn't call me back, onto Chicago. I will make it up as I go along
ALOHA PROMISES FOREVER 