Spiritual Eyes

By Maria Cook

This book of poetry is my life story woven into many colorful poems, depicting my struggles, testimony, and many inspirational situations I've encountered throughout my spiritual journey. I have also encompassed layers of scenarios I hope to motivate as my journey continues. As you experience the poetry in this book, I believe you will agree that the trials and challenges life throws your way through God can be captured and blossomed into fragrantly beautiful chapters for the next phase of your life.I am confident that in taking this journey with me, you will be uplifted, encouraged, inspired, reminded that through God, all things are possible and be left with a smile on your heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639039791

Book preview

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Spiritual Eyes

Maria Cook

ISBN 978-1-63903-978-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-528-9 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-63903-979-1 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Maria Cook

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

A special thank you to Julius Hubbard for his unique and creative artistry and for the care he placed in designing this book cover.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

Spiritually Enlightened

Spiritual Eyes

He'll See You Through

So What If They Talk About Us?

God Does Everything Perfectly

In That Place

Resilience

Unbroken

My Testimony

Surrender

Remember Who You Are in Christ

You're Still Standing

Chapter 2

Grateful for Grace

Grateful

Paid in Full

Taste and See That the Lord is Good

Today I Choose You

Every Season

That Greatness in the Clouds

The King

The True Vine

Chapter 3

Still Growing in Grace

Inner Voice

Re-born

By My Side

Broken Once Removed

How Could I Again Forget

Hear My Plea

I Need You Lord

Waiting

Chapter 4

Real Talk

Saved by Grace (A Gift from God)

Put Down the Stone

When We Realize

I Should Have Chosen Jesus

Scars

Take the Lead

Out On My Own

Don't Walk Away

You Are Worthy of Sunday Service

Abstinence

Abstinence the Struggle Within

I Am Not Broken by My Singleness

Realize

Meditations of Peace

A Masterpiece

Beautiful Girl

Daughter of a King

Hidden Treasures

A Conception of Beauty

Speak to the Youth

Get Off the Beat

Race

BALM—Let Us Heal Together

Outside Looking In

Chapter 5

Love Just Is

The Heartbeat of Love

Love

Home

The Truth about Love

Beautiful Love

Dear Good Guy

You Will Find Me

Chapter 6

Marriage Takes Courage

Marriage Takes Courage

Love Me Like Christ Loves the Church

Love Letter to My Boaz

Thank You for Loving Me

Words to My Husband

Love Just Is

Forever Love

Forever Love Abbreviated

Forever We Shall Always Be

Our Love

You Are Home

Dance Slow

Chapter 7

A Family That Prays Together

A Family That Prays Together

A Father's Love

The Makings of a Father

A Mother's Love

A Tribute to Women

Chapter 8

Food for Thought—Quotes for Life (A Collection of My Thoughts throughout the Years)

Food for thought—Quotes for Life

Chapter 9

Seven-Day Daily Devotional (Encouragement for Seven Days of the Week)

Seven-Day Daily Devotional

Chapter 10

Poem Challenge (Because I Believe There Is a Writer in All of Us)

Poem Challenge

I dedicate this book first and foremost to God, and secondly, to the loving memory of my beloved friend Damon Alexander; he was my greatest encourager of writing this book. I also dedicate this book to everyone that has prayed with me, prayed for me, encouraged me, stood by my side through thick and thin, or just showed me love. Thank you!

I would like to give a special acknowledgment and thank you to my beloved and unwavering friend Felica Felton. She has been constant with her support and encouragement of me completing this book. Also for her reaching out to Christian Faith Publishing on my behalf a few years ago in hopes that they would partner with me to have this book published.

Introduction

This book is my life story woven into many colorful poems, depicting my struggles, testimony, and many inspirational situations I've encountered throughout my spiritual journey. I have also encompassed layers of scenarios I hope to motivate as my life journey continues.

In composing this book, I wanted to be completely transparent. I wanted to share my story of obstacles and overcoming in hopes to encourage others who have been challenged with the same struggles that I've been confronted with. I was inspired to write this book for several reasons. First and foremost, I wrote this book to pay tribute to God and His perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ. I want to encourage your spirit while taking you on an exciting spiritual journey of the highs and lows of life.

I was also inspired to write this book because often times as human beings, people do not fully see, appreciate, or respect others if they are not of society's standards of beauty, intelligence, or affluence. People often overlook the beauty, love, intelligence, and wealth that reside within a person and focus on the outside, not looking through spiritual eyes to see the God in a person.

Thirdly, I was inspired to write this book to uplift family and marriage in a Christlike light. Lastly, I was inspired to write this book for a reason that really hit home for me, and that is to speak to the youth (and everyone) to let them know that it is okay and a good thing to be celibate, a virgin, to practice abstinence, or to be different despite the pressures of this world regarding premarital sex or anything that upholds their Christian values.

As you take this vibrant journey with me, I believe you will be inspired and encouraged. I believe there is something relatable in this book for everyone. I pray that as you read each poem, your spirit will be encouraged, and you will remember that with God all things are possible.

Chapter 1

Spiritually Enlightened

Spiritual Eyes

Though I did not get a college degree

I strive to be the best that I can be!

Though I have a college degree

No one without one is beneath me!

Yes, it is pouring with a torrential downpour

Yet, the sun is gleaming through my heart's door!

Though there is no money in my pockets

I am full of wealth!

Though I am filthy

I am glistening clean!

Though you see me alone,

I know I always have someone

On which I can lean!

Though I am plain,

I am beautiful!

Though I am beautiful,

In humbleness I am dutiful!

Though I am dark chocolate,

Chocolate, caramel, vanilla or cream,

I am the beauty in the dream!

Though I am obese, skinny or

Shaped like a Coca-Cola bottle

I am the perfect size!

Though you wish not to choose me,

I am my own prize!

I unwrapped the fullness of me

I wear no disguise.

Now I ask you to see yourself as I see you

And that is through

spiritual eyes!

He'll See You Through

Wipe the tears from your eyes,

You have no more lonely cries.

God will see you through,

He'll elevate your every doubt and

Devote triumph to your life with

A blaring shout!

Fear no more of obstacles in this life,

He'll see you through your strife and

Prepare you for a better life.

Know that there is freedom in His name,

He'll hold you up and