Simply Story Poetry

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem just before we left Brisbane Queensland in the motorhome to travel across to Western Australia. We moved from a large home to a motorhome. Grace and Darren set off on their journey around Australia in their motorhome. It had been a challenge deciding what to take and what to leave behind. Grace felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She could only take a few changes of clothes and only the essentials for every other part of her life. She had accepted the challenge to live a minimalist life and live without all their material possessions, just like the monks had to do. Darren had built them a comfortable motorhome. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May love travel comfortably with you.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem while staying in the picturesque seaside town of Mandarah in Western Australia. This poem compares protective love to that of a small boat tied to a mooring. Early one evening, Darren parked their motorhome beside a small boat harbour to stay for the night. Grace walked down to the pier. The wind was getting stronger. Grace was feeling nervous about sleeping off the beaten track, as she often was. She was afraid someone would come along and bang on the side of their motorhome in the middle of the night or a branch would fall from the tree overhead. Throughout their travels, Darren continued to gently reassure her that they would be safe. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May love rock you to sleep.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Grace and Darren continue to grow in their love for each other. Darren is over the moon in love with her, but Grace steps carefully forward. She still doesn't trust herself enough to relax fully into the circle of love with him. She knows it will take time and there is no rush. She is like a fresh tender stem breaking through the soil, hardened by past hurt, into the sunshine and fresh air of love. Grace is patient, she understands that soon she will blossom into full-bloom love. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May love blossom into full bloom for you.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. As Grace falls in love again she hesitates, feeling a mixture of excitement and fear. She doesn't want to make the same mistake as she did in her first relationship. She wants to ensure that she chooses a partner that is more suited to her values and interests. Grace has learnt life lessons since her first relationship and now those lessons are put to the test. It sounds mechanical compared to the first time she fell in love which had her head spinning and her emotions running out of control. The time was right for her to decide to step over or step away. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May the steps of love be kind to you.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem on a postcard-perfect day while living in Broome Western Australia, on my journey around Australia in a motorhome. The love story of Grace, titled Wilted No More, continues. Grace and her husband, Darren, have travelled right across the top of Australia to the northwest coast. Both of them feel relaxed having left their troubles way back east in Queensland. They have travelled through small country towns, and desert land, climbed mountains to take in majestic views and walked through lush green valleys along the way. Now, for a few months, they are staying on the coast where the sun sets over the ocean.  Hundreds of tourists come each day, during the dry season, to Cable Beach at sunset to watch nature's breathtaking show. Some choose to sit inside a beachfront restaurant, and others sit on the back of a camel for a sunset ride along the ocean's edge. A select few sail out on a yacht sipping champagne and caviar. Some drive further up the beach in their four-wheel drives, while many others sit on the beach. Late in the afternoons, Grace and Darren would perch on their favourite 'rock,' along the foreshore away from the crowds, sipping cheap wine and snacking on crackers and cheese while they waited for nature's show to begin. They loved their new simplified uncomplicated life in which they were discovering so many unrushed, enjoyable experiences. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Happy Valentine's Day. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Grace had travelled a roller coaster journey of love through the decades of her life. From a teenager to now in her 50s, love and romance had come and gone in and out of her life. Now she chooses to reminisce about the many good times she had while being in love and not dwell on the bad times. Through all her experiences of love, Grace had known true love, and she still holds hope that she will once again find true love, just like her father did at the age of 75. Well, she doesn't want to wait that long! The young woman Grace was, entering her first marriage, now seems like a stranger to her. She has matured and mellowed, wised up, and forgiven both herself and her previous loves. The journey of love has many facets, like the making of a diamond - it is dug out of the dirt where it was found, then cleansed, cut and refined to finally sparkle in brilliance and shine forth happiness. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May the journey of love be kind to you. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote these love verses while writing the draft for the sequel to The Wilted Rose titled Wilted No More, which I have decided not to publish, instead I am sharing the poems and excerpts from the story that relate to the poem. The story begins with Grace, the main character falling in love with her future husband. These verses of love flowed up from my heart during this time of writing the story. I have compared love to different elements of nature and music. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Open your heart to love another. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I am continuing through February and Valentine's Day, with the theme of Love.  The experience of falling in love, whether it is young love or falling in love as a mature aged man or woman, there are many similarities. Although I wrote this poem as a mature-aged woman, who was falling in love again, publishing it today took me back to the days when I fell in love as a young woman. The curiosity and excitement of meeting someone, and then over time, getting to know that person intimately. Although at present I am single, I look forward to the day that I fall in love again. A decade after the death of my mother, my dad fell head over heels in love and at 75 years of age, married a beautiful woman, both physically and spiritually, 10 years younger than him!  They have enjoyed nearly two decades of loving and caring for each other. Life is too short to not embrace love in its fullness. It is never too late to fall in love again. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Melt into the mood of love with me this month. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Those early weeks and months of falling in love are so intense with love-soaked emotions and thoughts that drip into every area of our waking day. A constant drip that catches our attention, drawing us away from our work, our study, and our task at hand. Reminiscing past times that we spent together or dreaming of future times to be spent together. Even as the months roll on and the frequency of these thoughts and emotions slow down, love still longs to steal away and be alone together. Stolen moments quench love's thirst and keep the romance flowing. Story Excerpt from Wilted No More - Standing out on the balcony admiring their surroundings, he wrapped his arms around Grace and tenderly kissed her. They turned and looked out at the dark expanse of ocean that stretched out before them. ‘Well, I don’t think we could have had a better day,’ Grace commented. ‘I agree. It was perfect.’ They had travelled south to the small seaside village of Fingal Head in northern New South Wales, where they had booked a small cabin in a caravan park for one week. Situated right on the beach, the setting was tranquil and the view magnificent. There was nothing between them and the beach but the sand dunes. The beach was practically empty, and it was easy to imagine that they were on a deserted island. Their mobile phones were out of range, and technology was quiet for a change. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thanks for letting me steal a moment of your time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Simply Story Poetry launches into this new year with the theme of  LOVE. Ah, that's Amore. The story of Grace continues after she fell in love for the first time at 17 years of age. The last poem that I posted on 2nd December 2022 was about Grace 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' to move from Brisbane in Queensland, down south to Melbourne Victoria to live closer to her boyfriend Alex, leaving all her family dramas far behind her. Now, a year later, she was stepping out into the adult world to build her own life, make her own decisions and learn from her mistakes and benefit from her good decisions and adventures. The teenage love between Grace and Alex only lasted one year. Grace returned to Brisbane to live close to her family, but not in the family home. She moved into a small unit in a neighbouring suburb with her best friend from high school. Grace went on a blind date with Brian, a friend of a work colleague from her new place of work back in Brisbane. Brian rang her the next day to ask Grace out on their first official date. This date was old-fashioned and picture-perfect, like in a romantic movie. The guy and the girl are dressed in formal attire. He picks her up in a fancy car and drives her to a five-star restaurant where they eat seafood and drink champagne while chatting and looking out over the river lights of the city from their intimate table-for-two. Story Excerpt: You can read my poems and the excerpts from the story Wilted No More, which is the sequel story to the book The Wilted Rose, both written by Kate Kelsen at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Enjoy this series of poems of love. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. 'I am too busy doing what?' I spent most of my adult life helping others until I realized that I was spending too much of my time helping others. How can that be? Isn't helping others a good thing to do? Yes, it is, but not at the expense of being irresponsible and negligent of your own talents, responsibilities and goals in life. So, what was the real reason I was neglecting my own talent and goals? I had to face the fact that I was hiding behind my 'helping' to avoid facing my greatest fear - the fear of rejection and criticism of my poetry. So, I was brave like David and faced my Goliath. Now the fear has been replaced by a love for writing poetry. I have been posting poetry each week for two years now. I no longer hide behind the excuse of housework and doing things for others in their homes that they were quite capable of doing themselves and preferred me out of the way anyway! "Get a Life Beverley" was the message the winds of life were blowing my way. I still help my family and friends a lot, but now I am busy and have to check how I balance my time with my passion and joy of sharing my poetry. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for staying to listen today.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Happy New Year to my readers and listeners. Diaries and calendars are on sale now that the new year has burst out of the starting blocks and will soon gain speed. New Year's Resolutions are made this month. By the end of January, a percentage of people will have already broken their well-meaning intentions, a few won't even bother setting any goals for the year, and some will be slow out of the starting blocks and need another month or two before they get started. Others will have set their goals for the year and are competing in the race against time. I wrote this poem reflecting on how we humans run the race against time. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. I really appreciate you listening to my poem.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is about the events that followed the visit of the Wise Men, or Magi, to Joseph, Mary and the child King, Jesus. You can read the story in Matthew chapter 2 verses 13 to 23. The ruler of that region, King Herod, who was known to murder anyone he thought was a threat to his reign as king, was furious that the Magi did not report back to him with the whereabouts of Jesus. So, he orders all infants 2 years of age and younger to be killed in the vicinity of the city of Bethlehem. This story gives us a glimpse into the very early life of Jesus.   The lyrics of the song by Clay Aiken titled Mary, Did You Know, tell the story of the many loving and gracious miracles and wonders that Jesus would grow up to perform during his 3 years of ministry on this earth. I love a scene, in the Youtube video to this song, that I have linked in this poem on my website, showing a young Jesus watching his earthly father, Joseph work at his carpentry, the profession that Jesus would work in once He was old enough.  Listen to the Christmas Story Parts 1-7, which includes Christmas in the Garden of Eden, Part 1, Four Unusual Women, Part 2, 700BC Part 3, Mary Part 4, Mary and Elizabeth Part 5, Joseph Part 6, and The Saviour is Born Part 7, 14th Dec. Also Gifts Fit For a King, the three wise men, and Quick, Save The Saviour, the escape to Egypt. You can read my poems, listen to songs and videos that I link when they match the theme of the poem, see references to what I read and study to write the content of the poem at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com  and follow me on Instagram. May you and your family have a blessed time this Christmas. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. It is uncertain exactly when the Wise Men, or Magi, visited Jesus, but it certainly wasn't at the same time as when the shepherds visited him, at his birth in the animal stable, as is commonly represented in Christmas scenes and on Christmas Cards. Apparently, it was sometime between a few months and two years after his birth. The Magi followed a star that miraculously guided them to Jesus, the child King. They first presented themselves to King Herod of Judea, in Jerusalem to inform him of their purpose for visiting his kingdom, which was to visit and worship the King of the Jews.  Herod did not know about this 'king of the Jews' and he felt threatened by this news. King Herod called a meeting with the scholars of law and the Jewish religious leaders to inform him of what knowledge they had of this event. They informed the King that the event fulfilled a Jewish prophecy told over 800 years earlier. When the Magi arrived at the house where Joseph, Mary and Jesus the child now lived, they gave gifts commonly given to honour a king, to Jesus - Gold for family wealth and as a symbol of kingship on earth, Frankincense as a precious expensive perfume and a symbol of deity and Myrrh an oil used for anointing and balming, and a symbol of death.  Listen to the Christmas Story Parts 1-7, which includes Christmas in the Garden of Eden, Part 1, Four Unusual Women, Part 2, 700BC Part 3, Mary Part 4,  Mary and Elizabeth Part 5, Joseph Part 6, and The Saviour is Born Part 7. Also, Gifts Fit For a King, the three wise men, and Quick, Save The Saviour, the escape to Egypt. You can read the story behind each poem - what inspired me to write it, why I chose the feature image (which you cannot see well on a podcast image), references to what I read and studied to write the poem's content. I attach links to songs when I find a song that matches the poem's theme.  Read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com  and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. It's wonderful to enjoy Christmas day all together in one place. But even the best plans can be turned upside down, Christmas Day can present challenges in getting the family together or getting along with everyone who has been invited. We want the day to run smoothly on this special day of the year. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. That's family life - full of pleasant surprises and challenges.  Over the last few years, Christmas Day has proven messy for many families due to COVID. But we continue with our plans as best we can in the circumstances that we are in at the time. Cause that's what families do. Why not listen to my other poem about Family Christmas: Far Away For Christmas and my poems about gift-giving: A Hug is Priceless, The Best Gift to Give is You, and A Mirror Reflect What You Can Give. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for listening to my poem. I wish you a wonderful holiday season. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Many families and friends are separated at this special time of the year. We just have to enjoy Christmas Day the best way we can when our family cannot get together for Christmas Day.  I chose this Featured Image partly because of what is written on her coffee mug - 'Make today awesome.' To me, this image expresses the message of this poem which is both her longing to be elsewhere and not alone, yet also her acceptance of the situation she currently finds herself in and that she will enjoy the day as best she can.  You can browse through my poetry verses available on print-on-demand gift ideas in my shop at beverleyjoy.redbubble.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for listening to my poem. Why not listen to my other poems about gift-giving titled: 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Listen to the Christmas Story Parts 1-7, which includes Christmas in the Garden of Eden, Part 1, Four Unusual Women, Part 2, 700BC Part 3, Mary Part 4, Mary and Elizabeth Part 5, Joseph Part 6, and The Saviour is Born Part 7. Also, Gifts Fit For a King, the three wise men, and Quick, Save The Saviour, the escape to Egypt.  Christmas in the Garden of Eden - The Christmas Story Part 1. This poem is Part 1 of 7 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end. I wrote this Christmas script for a Christmas Service that we held at the local church, that I was attending at the time, in 2019. In between each poem, being recited by various children and adults, we all sang Christmas Carols, including the congregation, relevant to that part of the story. I wrote Part 1, after having studied Genesis chapter 3 verse 15 and learning that the Christmas Story begins in the Garden of Eden. Although God punished Adam, Eve and Satan, in Genesis chapter 3, with His prophecy 'I will cause hostility between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He (Jesus) will strike your head, and you (Satan) will strike His heel,' God gives them hope with the promise of His future Saviour of the world.  In my interpretation of the feature image, that I have chosen for this poem, I see God's hands holding the garden. The smoke and fire rising from the garden depict the destruction of paradise by Adam and Eve's disobedience to God. But there is a glimpse of a city on the opposite side of the fire, which depict God's promised new city and garden. The waterfall depicts the river of life that will run through the new garden. A lion depicts Jesus (Revelations 5:5) and the eagle with its wings spread wide soaring over the garden, reminds me of one of my favourite verses in the Bible. You can read my poem titled Eagle Wings based on Isaiah 40:31a "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles." You can read the story behind this poem - what inspired me to write it, why I chose the feature image (which you cannot see well on a podcast image), and references to what I read and studied to write the poem's content. I attach links to songs when I find a song that matches the poem's theme. You can read my poems at simplystorypoetry.com You can browse through my poetry verses available on print-on-demand gift ideas in my shop at beverleyjoy.redbubble.com.  You can browse through my poetry verses available on print-on-demand gift ideas in my shop at beverleyjoy.redbubble.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May you enjoy Christmas with someone you love and receive love in return. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. As we enter into this year's busy time of shopping for just the perfect gifts for our friends and family, remember, as well as giving physical gifts this Christmas, there are many gifts that we can give that are free to give and yet priceless in value. Time is one of those free but valuable gifts we can give. Ah yes, but the saying says 'Money is time.' But is money the only way we can receive 'payment' for how we spend our time? Do we always have to receive 'payment' for our time? Oh, the deep joy and satisfaction that I receive from giving time to my 92-year-old father, now living in a retirement home.  Why not listen to other poems about giving titled A Hug is Priceless, 20th November 2021, and A Gift to Our Family, 22nd June 2021 (which I wrote for my mother-in-law)? This Featured Image shows the person sharing time. We can waste time with people or we can give the gift of quality time, which requires skill. Quality time is only one of many skills and talents that we can share with others.  You can browse through my poetry verses available on print-on-demand gift ideas in my shop at beverleyjoy.redbubble.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May you enjoy this Christmas time with someone that you love and receive love in return. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. After Grace returned from her Easter weekend in Melbourne with Alex, she decided to take the bold step forward and left home to live in Melbourne on her 18th birthday. Moving far away from the family home and all its chaos to start fresh, as a young adult, pursuing love and happiness. Book Excerpt from The Wilted Rose by Kate Kelsen: Inside the aircraft, she followed the narrow aisle along to her seat. More and more people boarded, and as Grace watched the cabin fill up, in her mind’s eye she could still see her parents’ sad faces as she had so happily and boldly waved goodbye... She was being a selfish teenager, she knew, but she was only trying to survive. As the plane climbed higher into the sky, Grace smiled to herself. She was destined for a new city, a new future. The rest of her life awaited her at the other end of this flight. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Over the past few months, the postman had been busy delivering letters to and fro between Grace in Brisbane and Alex in Melbourne, two teenagers in love. When he called her, Grace run from her room to answer the phone that was attached to the lounge room wall. She had to strain to hear Alex and whisper back into the house phone in an attempt to keep her conversation private from her father and brothers sitting in the adjacent lounge room of their small family home.  Book Excerpt from The Wilted Rose by Kate Kelsen: That coming Easter weekend, instead of bathers and towels, she packed her bag with beanies, scarves, jumpers and jeans. On Thursday evening, Jack drove her to the airport...Grace breathed in deep the freedom she felt. Alex oozed confidence, made her laugh and was exciting to be with. He opened up a whole new world of fun and adventure to her.  You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com.  Enjoy. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This short poem is my final thoughts regarding the Beatitudes of Jesus, a series of poems I published a few months ago.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Grace was falling in love for the first time. Now seventeen years of age, back in the 1970s. Falling in love for the first time is such a unique experience. Nervous excitement and fear spun around in her mind and body. Feelings that have never been felt like this before in her young life. Thoughts, full of the excitement and fear of what ifs, leading up to her first date. Book Excerpt from The Wilted Rose by Kate Kelsen - Grace ignored her brothers’ teasing as they travelled back up along the East Coast toward home. She was head over heels in love, and she didn’t care what they thought of it. Gazing out the window, the breathtaking landscape passed by her eyes, but she didn’t take it in. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying every precious moment of the last week over and over in her mind. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This series of poems follows the love life of Grace, the daughter in the story of The Wilted Rose written by Kate Kelsen and based on the story of my life. Come with me over the next few months as we take a poetic journey of romantic love.  This poem picks up the story of Grace when she was 17 years of age and going on a holiday to a youth camp with her brothers at the end of her first year of full-time work.  It turned out that Grace was the last to discover that the spunky most popular guy at the youth camp was interested in her. "Why would he be interested in me?" she thought to herself. A few guys during her high school years had shown interest in her, but that was nothing out of the ordinary for the average high school girl.  Maybe it was because she had a rich golden tan and was visiting Victoria from the envied sunshine state of Queensland. There was no doubt that Grace was fit and healthy as she had lived an active high school life on the school athletic and sports teams and on weekends her dad would take her and her brothers, and cousins water skiing at Esk and Moogarah Dams. Now she felt self-conscious as the other girls at camp whispered as they looked at her. It was awkward enough being the new kid in town, but now this unsolicited attention. Beverley Joy. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com.  You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This is the first poem in a series following the love life of Grace, the daughter in the story of The Wilted Rose written by Kate Kelsen and based on the story of my life. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. The Wilted Rose book finishes with Grace leaving home at eighteen years of age.  Though the story of The Wilted Rose concludes, the story of Grace's pursuit of true love continues. Though her mother's life wilted in mental illness, Grace's adult life was just beginning. Full of hopes and dreams of love and happiness, just like her mother had decades earlier, Grace was determined to forge a brighter and healthy future for herself than her mother had lived and it starts with moving far away from the strict religion of her youth and her mother.  Buy a Wilted Rose for Christmas! (The Wilted Rose ebook) You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Come with me over the next few months as we take a poetic journey of romantic love. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. What is wisdom? Is it only found in religion? Is it a spiritual or a physical quality? Some wisdom that I have gained has come as an after-effect of experiencing challenges in life. Some wisdom has come from knowledge I have acquired through education, which has prevented me from making foolish decisions and choices. Common sense and good judgement are qualities of wisdom. For me wisdom is knowledge gained through education and good and bad experiences in life and then drawing on that knowledge that is stored in my mind down through my heart and out into loving actions toward myself and others. I believe that just having knowledge stored in your head is not wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge applied into intelligent sound actions. Wisdom must be perused continuously throughout life's journey as we can learn something new every day from everyone and every experience we encounter. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. This is the last of the Beatitudes taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It has been interesting studying The Beatitudes taught by Jesus. A pattern immerses throughout them which I have included after this short poem.   You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram.  Thank you for listening to my poem. I appreciate it. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on the seventh of The Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5 verse 9 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.' This Beatitude has a clear practical meaning - working toward peaceful living with ourselves, others and being at peace with God. Throughout history the cry for peace continues to echo across the world. Let us always pray for leaders who pursue wisdom and world peace. Let us all strive for wisdom and peace in our homes and radiate them out into our individual worlds. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. This was one of the first self-development books I had ever read, way back in 1994. I had left full time work, four years earlier, to be a full time mum. One day I went to a network marketing women’s breakfast and Bert Weir was the guest speaker. After hearing his explanation of how self-talk affects our behaviour, both for the good or the bad, I was so excited to get home and start reading it. This book was a life changer for me. I did the exercises he suggested in the book. I followed his method of recording, in a pocket-sized notebook, any negative self-talk and behaviour at the time of saying or doing them. During the day, I took time out to think up a positive statement and then write it underneath the negative statement that I had previously recorded that day in my notebook. I did this for one month, as recommended by Bert. Each time I went to say or do the negative talk or action, I stopped myself and replaced it with the new positive way. At the end of the first month of doing this exercise throughout every day, I had changed, for the better, many bad habits both in my self-talk and my general behaviour. I still use this method to this day. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. This poem tells the story of the unnamed woman's extravagant action in pouring a whole jar of expensive perfumed oil over Jesus' head dripping down to His feet found in Luke 7:36-50. Some commentaries say it was Mary Magdalene, some say, Mary, sister of Martha and Lazareth. I am leaving her nameless because the Bible does for a reason. The significance of what this woman does is the focus of the story. In Mark 14:1-11, this story of loving devotion to Jesus appears between two stories of hatred toward Jesus. This story tells of her love and devotion to Jesus and Jesus showing mercy and grace toward her. And again, Jesus stands up and protects a woman from the scoffs and criticism of the men. Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible -  A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, Her Touch of Simply Faith The women with the blood issue, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, Mary and Elizabeth, Mary, Four Unusual Women Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 I Am Ruth, A Daughter's Care Ruth, 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well. Thanks for listening. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. Sometimes when change presents itself, and we don't accept it. Fear can hold us back from accepting change in our lives. Many times we have no choice but to accept change whether that it is good or bad for us. Change can be uncomfortable and scary. It takes courage to accept change. It takes courage to change the changes that are forced upon us. Change can be exciting and intriguing, bring renewed energy and experiences into our lives. Change can cause upheaval in our comfortable lives. Change can be just the thing that we were looking for at the time. Either way change confronts us continuously. Whether we 'go with the flow' or adapt it to fit more comfortably into our lives, or whether we stand strong against it, we have to deal with change. We must make a decision on how to process change in our lives. We can accept change one day and then decide that we don't like the end result of change, so we adapt the change to better suit our way of life. Change can be seen when people make a 'sea change' or a 'tree change' to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. On the other side, some people, like I did, make a change toward the city life. I enjoyed the excitement and energy of life in the city. Walking along the city river toward the city centre as the sun rose over the horizon, breaking through the high rise buildings. Then walking back as the night lights lit up the river and buildings. Lots of people talking, briskly walking, running, chatting and bicycle riding. Then one day change came into my life and I moved away to a 'sea and tree' change to a country seaside town. Some people fight for change. They want change in policies. Sometimes the changes they want are good, sometimes they fight for bad changes, depending on how the changes they want are going to affect different groups within society. Change is processed in different ways by each person as is happiness. This has made me think back to my poem What is Happiness? We all want to be happy. A change accepted eagerly by one person may enhance their happiness. That same change may not be eagerly accepted by another person causing them to feel unhappy. I  don't want to miss out on new adventures in life, so I have learnt to embrace change. I was inspired to write this poem on the same gusty windy day as I wrote The Wind's Loud Song.  Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thanks so much for listening to my poem. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on the sixth of The Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5 verse 8 'Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.' This Beatitude has both a physical and spiritual meaning. On the day when Jesus taught these Beatitudes, He spoke of a future world where the pain and sorrow of this present world will no longer exist Revelation 21:4-5. But Jesus also spoke of an immediate quenching of spiritual hunger and thirst available through faith and trust in God Psalm 107:9. I love this Feature Image showing a broken heart full of gold shining rays of bright light out from the inside of the heart. I interpret this image as our human hearts which are not perfect or are broken from life's pain, but our hearts are full of God's rich love bursting out into our world, to our family and friends. Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst? Blessed are the Merciful? You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. When we are born, our book of life is empty. Over time our pages fill up with our life stories. Once the ink dries, we cannot erase what is written, but we can think and plan to some degree what we wish to write on future pages. I wrote this poem years ago, back when I first started writing poetry. I chose this Feature Image as it shows a compass to give direction in life, a camera to see and record life, photographs to review life and glasses to see life in clarity. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I am grateful that you took the time to listen to this poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on The Beatitudes in Matthew chapter five verse seven, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.' Mercy reminds me of the Japanese art of Kintsugi, meaning "golden joinery,' which treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to discard or throw away. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. When we seek mercy from God or a person we have wronged. We pay mercy forward by extending compassion or forgiveness to someone who does not deserve it. Mercy is also a desire to relieve the suffering of someone less fortunate than ourselves. To extend mercy is to act compassionately to those in distress or hurting, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm them. The word mercy means "price paid." Show mercy to those who have hurt you, to those who have offended you, toward those who are less fortunate than yourself. The Setting: The Romans did not consider mercy as a virtue. They honoured and respected courage, personal power, and totalitarianism. Mercy was considered a weakness of character.  Successful Romans would have felt ashamed to be called merciful. Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst? You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening to my poem. Beverley Joy

Hi. I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. With Mother's Day only two days away, I am sharing this poem with you again. I wrote this poem in 2012 when my daughters were young adults. They had both left home and were living independently. I was travelling through Western Australia, thousands of kilometres away from them, in Brisbane, Queensland. I missed them very much. I sent this poem to them on Mother's Day. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for taking the time to read my poem. Happy Mother's Day 2022. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. With Mother's Day coming up this weekend, I am sharing this poem again with you. It compares the building of a house with the building of loving relationships with family and friends in our homes. I wrote this poem in 2014 for my young adult daughters.  You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for taking the time to read this poem. Happy Mother's Day. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem reflects my memory of time spent with my mother. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers who are listening. I wrote this poem, in 2019, after bringing my clothes in from drying outside in the sunshine on a hot sunny day while living in Yeppoon, Central Queensland. This poem reflects on a pleasant childhood memory that I remember through the smell of clothes that have been dried in the hot summer sun.  The Wilted Rose is a novel based on the good, the bad, the happy and the sad life of my mother and my childhood. Over the next month, I will be publishing poems, exerts from the book and references to songs that reflect the ambience of the moment. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you. You give me the gift of encouragement by listening to my poems. Beverley Joy. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on the Bible Story of a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law, Naomi and Ruth. Although great tragedy struck their family, Ruth proves herself a devoted daughter-in-law, wife and mother. Happy Mother's Day. Beverley Joy.  This poem is the traumatic yet romantic Bible story of Ruth, a despised poor immigrant in a hostile foreign land.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, Her Touch of Simply Faith, The women with the blood issue, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, Mary and Elizabeth, Mary, Four Unusual Women Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 I Am Ruth,  Feast or Famine, Ruth and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. As ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) Day approaches on the 25th April 2022, Australians and New Zealanders will remember those who fought in wars past and present. I have recorded the Anglican Church of Australia Prayer Book Prayer for our Defence and Police Forces. Let us pray for them and all armed forces that fight to defend peace in their country. Those men and women that selflessly serve their country at this troubled time of war in Ukraine and in other countries around the world. Also in Australia and around the pacific area, we pray for our Australian defence force serving to help victims recover from the war against nature, be it floods, fire or earthquakes. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your dedication to serving your country. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow on Instagram. Thank you for listening to this prayer. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This month I celebrate one year of posting two poems each week. So, I send a huge thank you to all my readers and listeners.  Your support is greatly appreciated and encourages me to keep going. Most of the poems I published in 2021, were poems that I had written over the past 10 years. When I started publishing for the new year in February 2022, I set myself a challenge to research, write and record three new poems each week, so that I could position myself one month of poems scheduled in advance. Thankfully, I achieved that goal by the end of March by working on new poems every day. This was to take the pressure off me to write, record and publish two new poems each week in my work area. There is a big difference between being free to scribble a poem in a journal sitting on a picturesque beach on a perfect sunny day in the cool summer breeze and having to write poetry in my work area under the pressure of a weekly deadline. These past two months I have not enjoyed this stressful process and is not how I write at my best. I can read the pressure between the lines of poems that I have forced out of my mind onto the paper. It feels like holding your breath underwater. I have managed to create some breathing space for myself to write my poems in more relaxed environments. I have notebooks full of research notes on topics of poems that I want to write, so 2022 is the year for those new poems to be written and published. Now, each weekend I go for a bicycle ride to the beach, not far from where I live, sit there looking out over the water and scribble out new poetry from my research notes. This month I have been away on a self-imposed weekend writers retreat followed by a visit with family who live on a country property bordering a seaside township. I spend three weekdays editing, recording and scheduling poems. I write articles for my website Simply Create 2 Share. I wish I had the time to write articles every week, but at present, I only manage to write two articles each month. It takes a lot more time for me to write a 1500 word article than to write a poem. Poetry flows freely out of my mind. But article writing is a new skill that I want to improve. Usually, a poem from the article, so the article writing is the seed that blossoms into fragrant poetry.  May the fragrance of my poetry send you ripples of joy and encouragement. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow on Instagram.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is Part 2 of the Easter Story. It is the story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb on that first Easter Sunday morning.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for encouraging me by listening to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem is Part one of two Easter poems. It tells the story of the few faithful women, including Mary Magdalene, who cooked, helped and supported Jesus as He travelled through townships and villages preaching and healing and teaching His disciples. They were faithful right to the end of His life. The poem is told through the eyes of these few faithful women - what they saw, heard and felt during the last few days of Jesus' life.  Listen to or read my other poems on Women in the Bible - The Passion of Mary Magdalene 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem to share at the men's prison Easter service as a Prison Chaplain. What a time in history to share it for the first time publically. Three years of the pandemic, devastating floods and fires throughout Australia and the world, the current war in Ukraine, unrest throughout the nations of our world, millions of homeless refugees, pollution beyond our capacity to correct. Just to name a few of the worldwide problems let alone local and family problems facing us. We pray "Lord, come quickly." Revelation 22:20. But God in His patience and love waits. For God to intervene will require Him to punish those who do not love Him. So He waits. 'The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.' 2 Peter 3:9 NLT 'For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16.  You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for taking a few minutes of your precious time to listen to this poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem while I was working as a Finance and Mortgage Broker's Assistant. I observed in the industry that not all Mortgage Brokers are the same. All the scenarios in this poem were real client situations. This poem is written about the few outstanding brokers who specialize in helping people in difficult financial situations, which many times has not been the fault of the client.   You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for taking the time to read this poem. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on the fourth of The Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5 verse 6 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.' This Beatitude has both a physical and spiritual meaning. Jesus lived on earth at a time when many of the Jews struggled, living in poverty, burdened by high taxes payable to the Roman Empire. Nothing much has changed physically in the world today! That day when Jesus taught these Beatitudes, He spoke of a future world where the pain and sorrow of this present world will no longer exist Revelation 21:4-5. But Jesus also spoke of an immediate quenching of spiritual hunger and thirst available through faith and trust in Him Psalm 107:9.  Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek?  You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for taking these few minutes to listen to my poem. 'Encourage each other with these words.' 1 Thessalonians 4:18 NLT

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The ebb and flow of life, the highs and lows of experiences, the coming and going of relationships, the constant fluctuation of society, the rise and fall of emotions, the continuous change in circumstance and nature. All of life on earth and the environment are in a state of continuous change. We can choose to flow with change or swim against the current of change. Not all change is good. Not all change is bad. Some changes that we have to accept, flow against our core values and beliefs. Some changes that we don't have to accept, we decide to accept, to add new experiences and adventure to our lives.  I wrote this poem after I went through my belongings to decide what I would take to my new address and what I would give away to the second-hand shop. Things that years earlier I could not part with, but now the strong emotions and memories embedded in those items have detached enough for me to allow my heart to let them go. Give them away to someone who will attach fresh emotions and memories to those items. I chose this Feature Image as it shows both the rollercoaster and the waves breaking on the shoreline. The background music flows with the rhythm of the waves gently rolling up the sandy beach and then receding back into itself over and over again. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Linkedin and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for listening to my poem that I hope you enjoyed. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. What does it mean to be meek? Does meek mean weak? Why are the meek blessed by God? What did Jesus mean by this Beatitude? This poem is based on the third Beatitude, verse five of The Beatitudes, Matthew Chapter 5:1-12. 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' In ancient Greek, meek was a popular word that meant strength under control. In the English language, meek has both a positive and a negative meaning. Its original meaning held a positive sense: gentle, patient restraint, someone who is able to remain calm and subdued even when being provoked. In modern English, it also has a negative meaning: overly submissive, deficient in spirit and courage, submissive. Meek is no longer a commonly used word but instead, the word humble is used, which means the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance, freedom from pride or arrogance. This Beatitude can be understood in both meanings, positive and negative. The Setting of The Beatitudes 63 BC was at the height of the Roman empire when Pompei The Great ruled. It marked the end of Jewish independence and land ownership. Now Rome ruled over them. Jews became slaves and servants to Romans. Caesar Augustus ruled during Jesus' childhood and was one of ancient Rome’s most successful leaders. He imposed heavy taxation on citizens throughout the Roman Empire. Herod The Great, known as the king of the Jews, ruled the Jews under Caesar. The great building campaigns of Herod were funded by the taxes paid by the citizens of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea; leaving the majority of people living in poverty. After decades of Roman rule, many Jewish village families fell increasingly into debt and were faced with the loss of their family inheritance of land.  The impoverishment of families led to the disintegration of village communities. These are precisely the deteriorating living conditions that Jesus mentions in the Gospels: impoverishment, hunger, and debt. The whole of the Roman Empire lived under military enforced 'peace.' The Jewish people had already lived subject to the Babylon, Assyria, Persia and Greeks Empires, and then finally Rome. They considered themselves as still living in exile in their own land waiting, hoping for a new exodus from God. That God would send a saviour to free His chosen people from the oppression of the Roman empire. Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst? You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. As the end of the day approached, I kicked myself again for denying myself the time and energy needed to work on my goal of poetry. I had to learn how to set boundaries on my time, take back my overextended and misplaced energy and invest it in my own goal. I needed to bring my goal upfront and centre in my daily life and stop ignoring and denying it. But, the thought of taking this action made me feel guilty and selfish. Isn't it a good thing to help others? This line of thinking was not easy for me to accept. I struggled to convince myself that it was not selfish, but healthy to set boundaries around my time and energy and live a balanced life that includes my creative goal. One of the first tasks I did was to re-read the classic book Boundaries by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend, When to say yes, How to say No to take control of your life. As I'm writing my poems, I often think of songs whose lyrics reflect the theme of the poem. So I include a link to the song purely for entertainment value. I am fascinated by how a photograph can tell a story in one still frame and how a song can tell a story that compliments a few words of a poem. You may also enjoy my articles that inspired this poem: Get Out of the Way of Your Creative Flow and Beware of Crazymakers at Simply Create 2 Share. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. You may also enjoy my articles that inspired this poem: Get Out of the Way of Your Creative Flow and Beware of Crazymakers at Simply Create 2 Share. Thank you for stopping by to listen to my poem.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of simply Story Poetry. Some stories of women in the Bible touch on sensitive women's health issues and this story is one of them. In these modern days, women in the developed world have access to many medical solutions and products to alleviate bleeding issues like menstrual periods, haemorrhages, fibroids and menopause to name a common few. But not so today in third world or wartorn countries and neither were they available back in the first century when Jesus was ministering on earth. This poem is based on the story of The Woman With The Bleeding Issue which is found in the Bible in Mark Chapter 5 verses 21-33. This story tells of the love and care Jesus has toward women. In these modern days, women in the developed world have access to many medical solutions and products to alleviate bleeding issues like menstrual periods, haemorrhages, fibroids and menopause to name a common few. But not so today in third world or wartorn countries and neither were they available back in the first century when Jesus was ministering on earth. She not only faced the physical effects but also Jewish religious beliefs around women's bleeding listed in Leviticus Chapter 15 verses 19-30.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. You have encouraged me by listening to this poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem after my first public performance following a storytelling course I had attended. I was very nervous. Not about performing but about remembering my lines. The course had ignited my confidence and I was determined to drop my shield of shyness and allow my bright personality to shine through my performance. I performed quite well. I received an applaud. At the end of all the performances, I mingled with the other students and the audience. A mature lady came up to me and out of her mouth poured negative criticism about my performance. I stepped back thinking "Who is she?" She had not introduced herself to me before launching into her judgemental assessment of me. It was obvious she did not approve of me as well as my performance. She disapproved of the bubbly personality that I brought to my speaking style. She deemed it 'inappropriate'. Well, that's just what I needed to hear after my first performance! I stood there stunned as she walked away. "I can't believe that just happened?" Well, it did and I learnt an empowering lesson from that experience. I was open to receiving constructive criticism from my course teachers about my speaking technique, but not against my personality, the core of who I was as a human being. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and at simplystorypoetry.com and my article Criticism - Enemy or Friend? that inspired this poem at simplycreate2share.com. Thank you for listening to this poem. This encourages me.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' Can tears of joy and tears of sadness flow from our eyes at the same time? The last thing we want to hear when we are deeply mourning is "Cheer up, it will be all right." Where is the happiness in mourning? Does Jesus only bless us when we are mourning? Who comforts the poor people of the world? This beatitude doesn't make sense. What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples and followers this? This poem is based on the second of The Beatitudes found in the Bible in Matthew chapter 5 verse 4. Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst? You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for stopping by to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I remember years ago, as I wrote in my journal, my hand tensed as the pen scratched out the angry words 'He drives me crazy' as I burst into song and wailed along with The Fine Young Cannibals' song "She drives me crazy." I have included two poems in this episode. The first poem titled I Can't Rescue You, I wrote while I was still married to a Crazymaker. The second poem The Stranger Within Her, I wrote soon after I left 10 years of marriage. But how do you set boundaries around a Crazymaker? "What is a Crazymaker?" "Who is a CrazyMaker?" Julia Cameron, the author of The Artist's Way describes them as people who: Expect special treatment. Discount you. Offhand. Spend your time and money. Blame you for everything that goes wrong. Create drama in their life and then expect you to fix it for them. Hate keeping to a schedule, except for their own. Hate order and fill your life with disorder. Fill your head with their thoughts so there is no room for your own. Deny that they are Crazymaker and the list goes on... I am now very careful to not get involved with this type of person. But if you are married to one, or working for one, or have a close family member or friend that is one, how do you pursue your personal goals with them in your life? I am not qualified to answer that question. I believe it takes a team around you of supportive people including a professional who can work with you to set personal boundaries. I went to talk to a psychologist with a plan of action in hand. I also built relationships with supportive people. At first, I had to be brutally honest with them and humbly explain my situation, which was embarrassing, but necessary. I also re-read the book Men Who Hate Women Who Love Them by Susan Forward. I also read Working With Monsters by Dr John Clarke How to identify and protect yourself from the workplace psychopath. It is not only women who have to live or work with a Crazymaker. I know men who are in the same predicament. All I can say is GET PROFESSIONAL HELP for yourself, so you can stop enabling the crazymaker and stop dancing to a Crazymaker’s tune and hopefully, the Crazymaker will accept help as well. Even if you have a tough emotional journey ahead of you to fulfil your goal, just as I did and many others, I hope that one day you will be able to look back over your unique journey in the same way we look back over any physical journey that we take. Some are flat and easy, some have hills to climb of which some are easy, some are challenging. We know the ones that we need an experienced guide to lead us all the way to the top of the mountain or advise us to abandon the journey. Remember, you are not alone. Take care of yourself.  You can listen to my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com Thank you for stopping by to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. 'Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Why would the poor in spirit be happy? What did Jesus mean by this? Does he mean poor financially, poor in health, poorly educated? And why is the kingdom of heaven theirs? This poem is based on the first of The Beatitudes in the Bible - Matthew chapter 5 verses 1-12. When I lived in the city centre, the poor people, physically and spiritually poor, I saw on the streets did not look happy. I see plenty of middle-class people travelling on the bus and train that also don't look happy. The happiest looking people that I see the most frequently are middle class or wealthy looking actors on TV and in social media advertisements! Buy this thing or do this and you will be happy! According to the 2021 World Happiness Report, the citizens of Finland ranked #1 in their perception of happiness. The factors that rank happiness were social support of family, health, life choices, absence of corruption in high places and generosity to name a few. Is this the happiness that Jesus is talking about? During the three years of Jesus' ministry, he healed thousands of people,  blind, lame, lepers, me, deaf, epileptic... He even raised people from the dead. The Bible records many people who were happy because Jesus healed them, a family member or a friend. How is this beatitude relevant in 2022? Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst? You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for staying to listen to my poem. I truly appreciate it. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. In response to the current flooding weather disaster that has hit my home city of Brisbane and South East Queensland and New South Wales this past week and the war in Ukraine, I have recorded prayers from The Anglican Church of Australia A Prayer Book for Australia. I have not been personally impacted by the flood, nor do I live close to the affected suburbs, but I have been listening continually throughout the day to news updates and praying for the people impacted by these traumatic events. I find myself speechless and saddened, often not knowing how to pray for these innocent people. This is when I go to my prayer book for guidance. I have recorded these prayers as well that you can download to your phone and listen to at any time of the day or night. I often wake up in the early hours of the morning and listen to a sermon or a Bible passage, but I have long wanted to have the Anglican prayers available on my phone. Some people shun scripted prayers arguing that we should be spontaneous in our prayers. I know many Christians who are fluent spontaneous pray-ers and I love to listen to them pray. I am not one of them. With all the Christian poems that I have written over the years and all the Bible studies that I have undertaken to write those poems, I still cannot recite one of them from memory. The words just don't come fluently forward from my memory bank. When I pray, in private or in public, I am stuck for words. If you asked me to recite a poem to you, I could not do it without a script. I often listen to my Christian poems as prayers and contemplation. So on behalf of all the Christians out there who face similar memory challenges as I do, I offer these recordings. Our Lord Jesus Christ is gracious and He knows the shortcomings and challenges we face in our efforts to worship and talk to Him. Jesus said that we will experience disasters from nature and war in Luke 21:9-11, 25-26 and that we are at peace in this world in John 16:33 Paul tells us to pray for our cities and the world in 1 Timothy Chapter 2 verses 1 to 5 and Jeremiah 29:7. You may also enjoy my poem Lord Hear Our Prayer which is based on the Lord's Prayer. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com Thank you for listening to my poem. It is greatly appreciated.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem introduces the Beatitudes, found in Matthew chapter 5 verses 1 to 12, one of the well-known passages of the Bible, yet one of the most misunderstood. The Beatitudes is like a multi-faceted diamond. When you pick it up and inspect it closely, it sparkles in its many brilliant facets, each one presenting a different perspective of a believer's life. The Beatitudes is part of Jesus' first sermon during His three years of ministry here on earth over 2,000 years ago. By this time, Jesus had called all his disciples. Now He began to teach them how to live a God honouring life or, in other words, to live a life like Christ, 'Christlike'. Jesus did not preach this sermon to the general public. Although the Jewish people had already faced much persecution under different foreign rules, Jesus knew the persecution of the Jewish people would continue until He returned again to reign over the earth as king, during the millennium. He also knew that His disciples, current and future believers, would face a new type of persecution in the near future because of their Christian faith. Also, this persecution of His believers would continue until His second coming. The Beatitudes, or blessings, sparkle with the grace and love of Jesus. The night before Jesus died on the cross, He prayed for all of His followers, current and future, which includes us, in John chapter 17 verses 13-21. When I read that passage, I picture myself standing nearby watching Jesus praying this prayer. Among all the wonderful acts of love Jesus did here on earth, He physically prayed for you and me and all believers. Jesus prayed that His joy is made full in us, to keep us safe from the evil one, to make us holy by the truth of God's Word. Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst? You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I do, I don't, I will, I won't, I can, I can't,  I should, I shouldn't and the tussle going on and on in my brain. Colour versus black and white. Thoughts bounced from one side of my brain to the other like a ping point ball. Each side smashing the thoughts back and forward like it is a competition. The challenge is to learn how to end the competition. Balance both sides of the brain so thoughts swish smoothly from side to side like water. Respecting both sides - logical and creative, as both complements each other. The colourful thoughts of the creative side blend with the black and white of the logical side to create individual artwork of our lives. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read the article Tools To Dig Up Your Creative Treasure at simplycreate2share.com that inspired this poem.  Thank you for stopping by to listen to my poem.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem to reflect a Christian perspective of time management based on the story of Martha and Mary found in the Bible, Luke 10:38-42. We read of the choices Martha and Mary made the day Jesus came to stay at their place as they were close friends. Although this was a regular occurrence, it is on this occasion that we read of the altercation between Martha and Jesus over how Mary should be spending her time. I have taken the liberty to modernize the story slightly, as it is such a relatable story to our current lifestyles. In the poem, I have also referred to the scene from the story of the woman who meets Jesus at the well. Unbeknown to the woman, Jesus deliberately sits and waits for her to come to Him, just as He wants us to come and sit, listen and talk with Him. As Jesus speaks with her, He touches her wounded heart with His mercy, love and grace. I often picture myself sitting with Jesus under the shade of a tree, protected from the scorching heat of the midday sun, leaving the cares of the world back in the busyness of city life, while we chat together about spiritual things.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. There is no right or wrong way to fill journal pages. Nothing is too silly, stupid or negative to be included. All the stuff that clutters up your mind. I was horrified at how many of my thoughts were about old past crap and negative thoughts. They are meant to be the act of moving your hand across the page and writing down whatever comes to mind. I like to use A5 size journals as they are not too small and not too large. For me, just the right sized page to scribble my thoughts on about the good, the bad and the ugly, as the saying goes. I often audio record thoughts, as it's quicker and easier to record them in the dark, in the middle of the night, which is when these thoughts usual chatter away in my head. My journal is different to my diary. In my diary, I keep a record of the progress of my goals. My journal is where I brain dump. This poem was inspired after reading the beginning of to book titled The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. You may also enjoy reading my article from which this poem evolved from Tools To Dig Up Your Creative Treasure on my blog Simple Create 2 Share. You can read or listen to my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and at simplystorypoetry.com

Hi. I'm Beverley of Simply Story Poetry. As our lives gather momentum into a New Year, I have republished this Christian poem which is based on The Lord's Prayer, found in the Bible in Matthew Chapter 6 verses 9 to 13. This is my favourite poem and I believe, an important poem to keep front of mind. When I first wrote this poem back in 2014, I would recite it every day as a daily prayer. But as the year rolled on and I wrote many other poems, this one slipped back in importance. So now at the beginning of each year, I like to pick it up and place it back into my daily prayer life and I invite you to do the same. I memorised this passage as a child, as I am sure many of you also did, but I never really understood the full meaning of this brief prayer. This was the first poem that I wrote based on a Bible passage. I wrote it soon after renewing my Christian faith. I was inspired by hearing a sermon and doing further study on the passage. I love that this prayer was spoken by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ as was His prayer for us in John Chapter 17. How gracious of Him to give us such a clear and simple instruction with which to build our prayer life around. I look forward to the day when Jesus will lead us in prayer face to face. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. What if we don't like where God is leading us?  How do I process uncertainty around God's Will for my life? How do I proceed with God's Will? As we start a New Year, I decided to write this poem. In 2014, I read the book titled God's Will: Finding Guidance For Everyday Decisions by J.I.Packer and Carolyn Nystrom. This wonderful book answered my questions and satisfied my curiosity about knowing what God's Will is throughout my life. This poem follows last week's poem titled What is God's Will For You in 2022. Last year, we studied Genesis at church. I learnt a valuable lesson from the story of Jacob's struggle with God. I too have struggled with God, many times over His Will for my life. The lastest struggle was before Covid locked down the world in early 2020. I was happy and content living in Yeppoon, a tropical seaside township 800kms away from the Capital City of Brisbane, my home town, from which I had moved 12 months earlier. I had settled into a new church family, working and volunteering in the local community. I had a five-year plan to stay in Yeppoon. This I thought was God's Will. It was, but not for five years. I lost my job, my home and my car broke down within one month. Why God? This doesn't make sense? I was so happy in Yeppoon. Everything had been going so well. I returned to Brisbane to stay for a few weeks to reassess my situation. Two weeks later, Australia went into a Covid lockdown. I spent the lockdown at a friend's home, with only one suitcase of clothing. I grew desperate to return to Yeppoon, but couldn't due to travel restrictions. I had no success in securing accommodation back in Yeppoon, but eventually, I did in Brisbane. But I didn't want to live back in Brisbane. I missed my Yeppoon church community terribly. It took me a year, of struggle to accept this abrupt change in my life. Now I look back and see God's hand directing my affairs. It taught me a big lesson to trust, be patient and accepting of the process God may want to take me through as He unfolds His plan for my future, even though at the time nothing may seem to be going right. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. It's the summer holiday session in Australia when most church community activities stop from early December till the end of January when the students go back to school, college or university and the new year gets into full swing again. Like me, you probably make plans and set goals for the new year for family, work, leisure activities, health and our personal relationships.  Do you even set goals or do you live reactive to what happens to you at any given moment? There is certainly a place for spontaneity in our daily life, but without a plan, we will live our lives 'reactive and not proactive' in life. But do we set goals for our spiritual life? Which books of the Bible will I read/listen to this year? What passages will I study in-depth? What Christian books will I read? What volunteer work will I do? Do we write out a spiritual plan with the same enthusiasm as we write up our general life plan? Are we as serious about our spiritual plan as we are about our business, career plan? The Bible is a treasure chest of knowledge and, unlike other books, when we read and study it, we enrich our relationship with Jesus and God Himself. We spend personal time with God. Just as we spend personal time with our immediate family, spouse and close friends, how much time each day do we spend chatting and listening to God? Are we predominately proactive or reactive with our spiritual life? Many years ago I read the book titled God's Will: Finding Guidance For Everyday Decisions by J.I.Packer and Carolyn Nystrom. This wonderful book answered my questions and satisfied my curiosity about knowing what Gods Will is for my life. After I read a book, I type review notes on it. I decided this would be a good time of the year to write this poem from my book review notes. You can read my poems, relevant Bible verses and internet links for each poem, at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for listening to my poem.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem when my daughters had grown up and moved out of our family home and were living independently. I had always been there for them. I was a proud doting mum. I had continued to push my goals to the side. I don't regret a minute of my motherhood years. But the time had come when I had no more excuses. Even my girls were telling me to do more with my life than be a servant to everyone.  It felt strange to throw out my old 'motherhood' lifestyle, that I was so comfortable and safe in, to replace it with a lifestyle as a single mature aged woman. I was getting older, my youth was slipping away. I needed to smarten up and start working on achieving the goals that had sat dormant in my heart, but that now were stamping their feet to be let out.  I didn't know where to start or what to do first. I had never made plans that revolved around just me. I felt guilty and selfish. But I did realize that to achieve my writing goals, I needed to stop procrastinating by being 'busy' doing non-goal related tasks around the house, which I could always find plenty of them to do, and learn to focus my attention and time on goal-related tasks. That was easier said than done!  Then, one day, in 2014, I sat down at my tablet and spent three days straight typing my memoirs. It would be another six years before I gave my rough notes to an author to write them into a novel, which will be released later this year, 2022. It was during that six-year period that I wrote this and many poems, which I published on this website and my podcast last year and will self-publish into books this year.  You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The Story of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, has come full circle. It began in the Garden of Eden and will end in God's new garden. This Feature Image is the same one I used in The Christmas Story in the Garden of Eden Part 1. My interpretation of this image is that I see God's hands holding the garden. The smoke and fire rising from the garden depict the destruction of paradise by Adam and Eve's disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden. But there is a glimpse of a city on the opposite side of the fire, which depict God's promised new city and garden. The waterfall depicts the river of life that will run through God's new garden. A lion depicts Jesus (Revelations 5:5) and the eagle with its wings spread wide soaring over the garden, reminds me of one of my favourite verses in the Bible. You can read my poem titled Eagle Wings based on Isaiah 40:31a "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles." As Christians, we wait eagerly for God's new heaven and the new earth…He will dwell among His people. He will wipe away every tear…no more death, mourning, crying or pain… Those things will be passed away. He will make all things new… Revelation 21.  You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram Thank you for listening to this poem. May God's blessing be with you. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. I wrote this poem ten years before I started sharing my poetry with the world. It was while I was living a very simple lifestyle, travelling around Australia in a motorhome (I lived in a motorhome for four years). I had a supply of writing paper to compose poems on, my old guitar to strum while I quietly sang my favourite songs in the cool of the evening, and my camera with which to capture new places I had discovered, including many quiet, country and bush camping spots alongside creeks and rivers. When I started to share my poems with the world, I was self-conscious of my style of poetry. It seemed different to other poetry styles that I read. I felt the same way about my singing voice which was soft and gentle, not powerful and loud like so many female singers. But I was encouraged to find a few poets and singers that wrote and sang in a similar style to myself. I soon learnt to just relax and be me and simply share my style of poetry, and those who like it will connect with me and those who don't, won't connect with me and that's ok. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Welcome to my new series titled Simply Create To Share, which will consist of weekly articles where I will be sharing the journey of my creativity, which is writing poetry. This year I am venturing into non-fiction writing in which I will be covering topics like what books, songs and creative people motivated and directed my progress from being too shy and uneducated to share my poetry with anyone, to share them with the world whilst enjoying the journey. I'm not famous or wealthy with money, but I am wealthy with a passion for writing poetry, and that passion drove me to learn how to overcome my shyness and self-doubt to share my creativity and encourage others to do the same.  Last week I kick-started the year by encouraging you to take the time NOW to start doing your creative 'something'. Whether it be for the first time ever, or whether you plan to continue your creative 'something' during this new year. Whether it be writing, painting, craftwork, photography, or like myself - poetry, whatever is on your heart to create, as Paul McCartney sings about in his song, DO IT NOW! Two weeks ago I started my creativity, for the new year, by scribbling out a rough plan for the next 6 months, which is to have two novels published, that is based on my life story and written by Kate Kelsen. I will be publishing the many poems that relate to both stories during the first half of this year, 2022. Next week I will share with you how I put together my 'rough plan'. I use this method every January and whenever I start a new project. This week I want to share with you a book that I read that changed my attitude toward my creativity. In September 2019, my daughter suggested I read Big Magic Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love, which became a major motion movie (by the way it is one of my favourite movies). I didn’t like the title. It sounded mystical and new age, but I was attracted to the subtitle. My daughter insisted that I would like it. My main takeaway from the book was the author’s encouragement to start creating something and keep creating. Don't stop at one book, one poem, one painting. Continue to create for the pure love and joy of creating. Share your creation with the world, however small or large that might be, and then start another creation and repeat the process. The book inspired me to create the formula: Create - Share - Repeat: Create something new - write it, make it, form it Share your something - gift it, sell it, tell it Repeat - Improve it, keep doing it or start something new Elizabeth Gilbert encourages us to create because you love to create, share it because you love to share. If it develops into a paying profession, great if it doesn’t, great. Follow your creative curiosity. Let the gift you have been given bubble up and out from your heart. Dig deep and enjoy discovering new depths and areas to your gift. She advises us to appreciate the value of our own joy in the creative process.  I felt scared. I needed time to build up the courage to share my poetry with anyone let alone the world, which was my ultimate goal. I needed the courage to face rejection and criticism of my work.... To read the full article, go to Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I started writing poetry in 2011 while travelling around Australia in a motorhome. I wrote this poem while travelling through Western Australia, reflecting on my struggle to accept the gift I had of writing poetry. Back then, I thought it was an interesting but frivolous gift. What good could become of it? when I told people that I write poetry, they would look at me strangely. Why couldn't I have the gift of writing stories or painting? Despite how I felt about my gift, it kept pouring out of me. I didn't share my poetry with anyone outside of close family members. I was too shy and sensitive to potential criticism. At that time in my life, I was a mature aged woman, I had no higher education past high school, I had been a full-time mother for over a decade with limited work experience outside of motherhood. My two daughters were now adults living independently. I was at a turning point in my life. Who was I now without children at home? What was my profession? Who was I as a poet? Was poetry just a hobby for me or would it become something more than just a pastime? I had no idea. I had no plan for it because I knew nothing about what to do with my poetry other than letting it pour out of me onto paper. I had no idea back then how fulfilling sharing my poetry would become for me. You can read the story behind each poem - what inspired me to write it, why I chose the feature image (which you cannot see well on a podcast image), references to what I read and studied to write the poem's content. I attach links to songs when I find a song that matches the theme of the poem. You can read all this at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for reading my poem and for your support.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. It is summertime here in Australia, hot and humid in my hometime of Brisbane Queensland. I have been off the air for a month as I spent the week before Christmas Day packing up and moving to a new address, then I made a snap decision to travel north to Yeppoon in Central Queensland for two weeks of casual work and to catch up with close family members for whom I wrote the poem Far Away For Christmas. Today I am back sitting at my new computer desk ready for an exciting year of sharing my poetic writing. I hope you enjoyed listening to my poems throughout 2021 as much as I have enjoyed publishing them. Most of the poems I published in 2021, were poems that I had written over the past 10 years. I have published most of my Christian poems and all of my old general poems except for two collections, which I have been holding back for two special reasons! The reason I have held back the first collection of poems is that my mother's life story will be re-released soon, in 2022, in print and ebook. I will be sharing poems that I wrote about my mother's troubled life around work, health and love, and my difficult childhood as I share the story behind each poem and songs that I have found that reflect the theme of each poem. The novel is titled 'The Wilted Rose' written by Kate Kelsen, a young Australian author who is based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Kate has written several true story novels, over the past decade and they will be re-released during 2022. I am very excited to announce that the second collection of poems I will be sharing with you, during 2022, are the many poems I wrote about falling in and out of love and getting back up again. These poems will accompany my own adult life story around motherhood, marriage, divorce, travel etc.  It is titled "Wilted No More,' written by Kate Kelsen, and is in the final editing and cover design stage and will be available later in 2022. But first, to kick start 2022, I want to encourage those of you who are thinking about creating your 'something' - be it writing, poetry, painting or craftwork etc. to take that first step now, today. If you have already started creating your 'something' but are questioning whether you will continue with it this year, I want to encourage you to keep going. START TODAY. The first thing I do is write out a plan for the year or for a new project, which I will share in more detail at another time. But, for you today, I want you to do something. Take a few minutes to sit still and write down what you would like to create. Write as much detail as you can about the 'something' you want to create e.g. "I've always wanted to write and publish a book, a song, or a poem." "I've always wanted to make/create______" "I've always wanted to paint, draw, photograph." Don't wait any longer. I procrastinated for decades because of fear and self-doubt. Please don't wait any longer. START TODAY. As Paul McCartney sings - DO IT NOW!  I did not realize when I started this creative venture in April 2021, that it would be so creatively satisfying in so many different ways. Each Monday I will continue writing My Poetry Story as encouraging short articles, and share in more detail what steps I took toward fulfilling my creative goal, last year, 2021, being the first year of my poetry publishing journey. Every Wednesday I will continue to publish, both written and in audio, a Christian Faith poem and every Friday a General poem. So, connect with me and enjoy this year's creative and poetic journey.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Well, after waiting many 1000 years and prophecied in Genesis 3 verse 15, finally the Saviour of the world is born, the King of all kings is born without any human royal celebration. Yet, far off in the fields, an army of angels appears to a small group of common shepherds, to announce this royal birth. God works in mysterious ways! 'God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no human may boast before God.' 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NASB2020 Listen to the Christmas Story Parts 1-7, published on 15th December 2021, which includes Christmas in the Garden of Eden, Part 1, 2nd November, Four Unusual Women, Part 2, 9th November, 700BC Part 3, 16th November, Mary Part 4, 23rd November and Mary and Elizabeth Part 5, 30th November and Joseph Part 6, 7th December and The Saviour is Born Part 7, 14th Dec. Also Gifts Fit For a King, the three wise men, 11th Jan 2022 and Quick, Save The Saviour, the escape to Egypt 18th Jan. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com  and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening to my poetry. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Mary has told Joseph that she is pregnant. What would Joseph do now? Was Mary telling him the truth? While Joseph was trying to decide how to handle this serious challenge that had arisen between himself and Mary, God sent His angel to explain the situation to Joseph in a dream. You can read his story in Matthew Chapter 1 verses 18 to 25.  This poem is Part 6 of 8 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end. I have been publishing one of the Christmas poems each week leading up to Christmas week. Listen to the Christmas Story Parts 1-7, published on 15th December 2021, which includes Christmas in the Garden of Eden, Part 1, 2nd November, Four Unusual Women, Part 2, 9th November, 700BC Part 3, 16th November, Mary Part 4, 23rd November and Mary and Elizabeth Part 5, 30th November and Joseph Part 6, 7th December and The Saviour is Born Part 7, 14th Dec. Also Gifts Fit For a King, the three wise men, 11th Jan 2022 and Quick, Save The Saviour, the escape to Egypt 18th Jan. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com  and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. As we enter into this year's season of giving, I want to continue with the theme of giving. I originally published this poem earlier in the year titled You Are Rich, but I renamed it and I have added a verse to the end of the poem about some of the many free gifts that we can give away, which are of great value. Originally, this poem only reflected inwardly reminding us of the value to ourselves of the wealth of our body. But I also wanted it to end by reflecting out toward others. I believe, one of the most valuable free gifts we can give away is a listening ear. Another valuable gift to give in this busy rushed time of the year is quality time.  I wrote this poem in 2020. I wrote it after reminiscing over a children's book titled How to be Rich by Michael Twinn 1993 that I read often to my daughters when they were young children and realised how appropriate the message was for adults as well!  I chose this Featured Image as it looks like the image is being reflected in a mirror and yet the eyes are looking outward through the layers of mirrors. This image reflects the theme of this poem that flows from self-reflection to looking outward to find opportunities to share our 'wealth' with others. You may like to listen to my poems with similar themes titled The Rose of Time, 11th August and A Hug is Priceless, 20th November and The Best Gift is You, 25th November. Thank you for listening I truly appreciate it. Read the poem at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn and at www.simplystorypoetry.com

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. What would Joseph think of her? What would her family and community say? This is the story of Mary's visit to stay with her cousin Elizabeth after telling Joseph she was pregnant. This poem looks at Mary's reaction to receiving this wonderful yet life-changing news from God's angel. How could Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph, explain why she was pregnant out of wedlock. That would be scandalous enough, but also Joseph was not the father. Her visit to Elizabeth would be an encouragement to Mar,y as God's Spirit had worked a miracle in Elizabeth's body as well, who was beyond childbearing years and yet was now three months pregnant with the last and most important prophet of God, John the Baptist. This poem is Part 5 of 8 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening to my poem. I appreciate it. Beverley Joy

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem, which I wrote in 2019, zooms in on the momentous, yet private moment in history when Mary was visited by God's angel and told of her imminent pregnancy of Jesus, the son of God. Her story is found in Luke Chapter 1 verses 26-38. Finally, the prophecy was to be fulfilled many thousands of years after God told the serpent in Genesis 3 verse 15, that through Eve's genealogy would be born a saviour who would conquer Satan. God's people had been waiting about 700 years for the prophecy of the birth of the Saviour named Immanuel, to be fulfilled. Why not listen to Parts 1-3 of this story poetry titled: Christmas in the Garden of Eden - The Christmas Story Part 1, 2nd November, Four Unusual Women - The Christmas Story Part 2, 9th November and 700BC - The Christmas Story Part 3, 16th November. When I found this Featured Image of a young woman looking down and touching her stomach, I imagined that the young Mary would have done this, following the visit from God's angel telling her she would soon be pregnant with the Saviour. She must have experienced a flood of emotions. Part 5 of this series looks at Mary's reaction to receiving this wonderful yet life-changing news from God's angel. This poem is Part 4 of 8 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end. I will be publishing one of the Christmas poems each week leading up to Christmas week.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for encouraging and supporting me by listening to my poetry. Enjoy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. As we soon will be entering into the Christmas time of giving, I have re-recorded this poem which was one of the first poems I published on my new podcast back in April 2021. I recorded it at the beginning of the Covid 19 lockdown in my home town of Australia when hugs were not permitted. It was sad to publish it at that time, as I feared that the world would fall out of the habit of giving hugs. But now that life is getting back to normal, well in Australia at least, I wanted to record it again fresh. It is good to see that we have not lost the desire to give hugs to each other. I hope and pray that this will be the case in the countries that are facing another winter of Covid breakouts because hugs that are given by someone who loves and cares for us, are priceless and important for our health both physically and emotionally.  Thank you to my regular listeners who have supported me, from my humble beginning. I hope you enjoy this poem. You may also like my poem titled 'Friendship' and 'A True Friend in Time of Need.' You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and at simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote the last verse in 2018 for my brother and his wife's 35 wedding anniversary. They live in the beautiful seaside town of Yeppoon, where the sun is scorching hot in the Queensland summer. It was while I was walking along the beach that I was inspired by the theme of this poem. I added two verses to explain the inspiration of the poem. These are the family members that I wrote about in my poem titled 'Distant Family and Friends. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for listening to my poem. Enjoy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on the prophecy found in Isaiah chapter 9 verses 1-7 which is dated about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. This prophecy was made by the 8th century BC Israelite prophet, Isaiah. In this passage, Isaiah prophesied the future birth of the Saviour of the world. The name Isaiah means 'God Is Salvation.' The book of Isaiah bears his name. He was a prophet during the reign of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah between 759-697 BC. He also warned the kings of pending doom unless they ruled as faithful kings to God. Isaiah was married with two sons. The Book of Isaiah is quoted many times in the New Testament following the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, confirming the fulfilment of these events. I chose this Featured Image of binoculars looking toward the future (horizon). Can you see the cross that I inserted in the sunset? The writing on the binoculars reads 'turn to clear vision'. I thought, how appropriate! We turn toward Jesus, God's Son, and put our faith in what He has done for us, for Jesus is the light of the world, warming our hearts with hope.  Throughout the last 2000+ years of history, Christians have had a clear vision of hope for the future, thanks to the privilege of having God's Word the Bible to read and understand. Many people still do not have the privilege of having the Bible in their mother tongue language. Let us pray that with today's technology, that this goal can soon be achieved. This poem is Part 3 of 8 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end. I will be publishing one of the  Christmas poems each week leading up to Christmas week. I wrote this Christmas script for a Christmas Service that we held at the local church, that I was attending at the time, in 2019. In between each poem, being recited by a small group of children and adults, we sang Christmas songs as a singing group, and the whole congregation sang Christmas Carols relevant to that part of the story. You can see the Featured Image and read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on the prophecy found in Isaiah chapter 9 verses 1-7 which is dated about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. This prophecy was made by the 8th century BC Israelite prophet, Isaiah. In this passage, Isaiah prophesied the future birth of the Saviour of the world. The name Isaiah means 'God Is Salvation.' The book of Isaiah bears his name. He was a prophet during the reign of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah between 759-697 BC. He also warned the kings of pending doom unless they ruled as faithful kings to God. Isaiah was married with two sons. The Book of Isaiah is quoted many times in the New Testament following the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, confirming the fulfilment of these events. I chose this Featured Image of binoculars looking toward the future (horizon). Can you see the cross that I inserted in the sunset? The writing on the binoculars reads 'turn to clear vision'. I thought, how appropriate! We turn toward Jesus, God's Son, and put our faith in what He has done for us, for Jesus is the light of the world, warming our hearts with hope.  Throughout the last 2000+ years of history, Christians have had a clear vision of hope for the future, thanks to the privilege of having God's Word the Bible to read and understand. Many people still do not have the privilege of having the Bible in their mother tongue language. Let us pray that with today's technology, that this goal can soon be achieved. This poem is Part 3 of 8 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end. I will be publishing one of the  Christmas poems each week leading up to Christmas week. Why not listen to the other parts of this poetry series: Christmas in the Garden of Eden - The Christmas Story Part 1, 2nd November, Four Unusual Women - The Christmas Story Part 2, 9th November and Mary - The Christmas Story Part 4, 23rd November. I wrote this Christmas script for a Christmas Service that we held at the local church, that I was attending at the time, in 2019. In between each poem, being recited by a small group of children and adults, we sang Christmas songs as a singing group, and the whole congregation sang Christmas Carols relevant to that part of the story. Thank you for listening. I hope you are enjoying the history of the Christmas story. You can see the Featured Images and read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website www.simplystorypoetry.com

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Who was I to believe? How was I going to solve this dilemma? I loved both of them dearly. I wrote this poem, in 2011, at a time when I had two family members telling me two different stories of the same event, both sides vowing they were telling the truth. I had to be the judge and jury and decide who was telling me the truth. I couldn't believe that one of them was lying to me.  The first three verses of this poem, reflect the confronting conversation between myself and the family member that I suspected of lying. Sometimes the guilty person is too proud to admit the truth and they insist on telling 'white' lies and thus fail to mend close relationships. This was, unfortunately, the devastating result of my experience which prompted me to write this poem.  Verse four flashes to a medieval battle scene, then back to the living room of a modern family. I chose to take the high road and write about hope. After arguing and accusing, both sides stop fighting and realise that they must work at mending the damaged trust and help both sides to overcome and move forward, otherwise the price will be too high and the wounds too deep and painful.  I have previously published two poems about forgiveness - Choose to Forgive (published 16th September 2021) and Forgiveness (published 9th June 2021). Also, in my poem Puzzling Pieces of Life (published 6th July 2021). I chose this featured image for two reasons: First, I have written several poems about the puzzles of life, and second because this image reflects the confusion I was experiencing at the time of writing this poem. I have included a link to a song by Barbra Streisand 'Don't Lie to Me' at the end of the poem on www.simplystorypoetry/tellthetruthtoeachother.com You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website. Thank you for staying and listening.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This is the story behind the poem titled Four Unusual Women - The Christmas Story Part 2. This Christian poem is Part 2 of my Christmas Story. It is based on Matthew Chapter 1 verses 3-6 in which four women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. It is a brief overview of these women who had troubled or scandalous life stories. It seems unusual for God to have chosen them to be included in the ancestry of the future Saviour of the world. The second last verse of this poem refers to 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 'but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.' I was so pleased to find this image of a woman with a veiled face as this poem's Featured Image. I didn't want a photograph of a particular middle eastern woman. I searched for an image that would represent all four women in the poem. I love the artist's choice of colours which gives the image a modern appeal, which I feel connects these ancient women with modern women, as both groups of women have experienced similar troubles or scandals in their lives. I love the sheer soft effect of the veil across her face. Her eyes are not weary or sad, brash or harsh, instead, they reflect composed victory, which is how each women's story ends. Image link at the end of the poem on my website Simply Story Poetry. This poem is Part 2 of 8 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end. I will be publishing one of the Christmas poems each week leading up to Christmas week. I wrote this Christmas script for a Christmas Service that we held at the local church, that I was attending at the time, in 2019. In between each poem, being recited by a small group of children and adults, we sang Christmas songs as a singing group, and the whole congregation sang Christmas Carols relevant to that part of the story. I will continue to write poems about women in the Bible during 2022. Thank you so much for staying and listening. You can read all my poems, find references and links on my website or via Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem is Part 2 of the Christmas Story, 2019. It is based on Matthew Chapter 1 verses 3-6 in which four women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. These women had troubled or scandalous life stories. It seems unusual for God to have chosen them to be included in the ancestry of the future Saviour of the world. If you are not familiar with the stories of these women, please take the time to read their stories in the Bible: Tamar - Genesis 38, Rahab - Joshua 2, Ruth, Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11-12:25.     The second last verse of this poem refers to 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 'but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.'   The poems in this series: The Christmas Story in the Garden of Eden - Part 1, 2nd November 2021, Four Unusual Women - The Christmas Story Part 2, 700BC - The Christmas Story Part 3, 16th Nov, Mary - The Christmas Story Part 4, 23rd Nov, Mary and Elizabeth Part 5,  This poem is Part 2 of 8 parts to the poetic script that follows the Christmas Story from the very beginning to end. I will be publishing one of the  Christmas poems each week leading up to Christmas week.  I wrote this Christmas script for a Christmas Service that we held at the local church, that I was attending at the time, in 2019.  I searched for an image that would represent all four women in the poem. I love the artist's choice of colours which gives the image a modern appeal, which I feel connects these ancient women with modern women, as both groups of women have experienced similar troubles or scandals in their lives. I love the sheer soft effect of the veil across her face. Her eyes are not weary or sad, brash or harsh, instead, they reflect composed victory, which is how each women's story ends. Image link at the end of the poem on my website.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021.  Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. I wrote this poem while recalling memories of times spent with my brother and his wife and family who live 800kms north of my home town of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They come down to visit family and friends a few times a year. Every year I wish I had the money and time to go up and visit them. Finally, in 2019, I went up to live in their town for a year. Back in 2011, I went on a travelling/working holiday, with my then-husband, driving across the top of Australia to Broome Western Australia, 6000km away from my home town. I missed my daughters and family so much, physically and emotionally they felt so far away. I couldn't just jump in the car and drive down the road to visit them. It was a five-hour flight from Perth to Brisbane across the width of Australia to visit them. After travelling for three years around Australia and Tasmania in our motorhome, I wanted to and needed to, settle back to live within a two hours drive of my daughters, my ageing dad and my family. Even though I don't live in their pockets, I find it comforting to know they are only a short drive or plane flight away. I couldn't imagine permanently living in a different country to them, yet many people have to do just that.  My interpretation of the featured image, that I chose for this poem, which you can see at www.simplystorypoetry/distantfamilyandfriends.com is that the eyes are looking through the distance, looking slightly tired, patiently waiting, looking forward to the arrival, hoping the journey will be a safe one. The scenery is desolate and lonely and seems to go on forever. Time is ticking away, stopping for no one, not the traveller nor the loved one at the other end of the journey. Life ticks away as we wait to travel. The clouds shield the sun's heat, showing mercy to the traveller. Will the clouds shower the traveller with refreshing light rain to cool the journey, or with a thunderstorm hindering and delaying the arrival? Either way, tears of joy will flow from the eyes at the journey's end? Thank you for listening. You can read my other poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Back in 2014, my young adult daughter gave me a birthday card with a picture of a Queen on the front cover with the caption 'You Totally Rule'. I was surprised that she chose that picture, as I did not see myself as a 'Queen' but she did, in a nice way! I had previously read about Archetypes and receiving this card prompted me to write this poem. I want to take a moment to briefly explain Archetypes to help you understand the context of this poem. Archetypes are symbols used in literature, art and mythology and refer to the recurrence of characters or ideas sharing similar traits throughout history. For example, a Queen is a female ruler of a country or province, or a queen is the most powerful chess piece in a game of Chess, or a queen is a woman who possesses a status of importance or success e.g. 'queen of the pops.'  Another example of an Archetype is a Thief. When we see a picture of a figure in black hooded clothes with a mask and a torch tiptoeing away, we identify that image as a Thief; or we may call someone a Thief in an emotional sense because he/she "stole my heart" (positive) or "stole my reputation or an opportunity" (negative). Some other Archetypes include a Clown, Don Juan, Father, King. The general theory is that Archetypes have a character identity, that spans throughout history and crosses cultures, and they also have a behaviour characteristic that is commonly associated with them. For example, a Teacher is found at a school or college; or we may say to someone "You're not my teacher" if they are always lecturing us and telling us what to do! A Rescuer is a Surf Life Saver and someone who rescues people from physical danger; or someone who rescues people or their partner emotionally). This poem shares my thoughts as I lightly pondered over some Archetypes that I have recognized throughout my life. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian devotional poem is inspired by the Bible story, in John chapter 9, of the blind man who was healed by Jesus. When the man returned from following Jesus' instructions to wash, the people who saw him asked him in amazement about his healing. They took him to the Jewish temple to show him to the authorities, who kept questioning him about how and who healed him.  I have published another poem that includes John 9 verses 1-3 titled 'God Knows Firsthand Your Pain' from verse 9+ (April 23, 2021). I wrote this poem following the death of my nephew as a young adult by suicide. In John 9 verses 1-3 the disciples ask Jesus "Whose sin caused this man's blindness?" I follow these conversational verses with gracious and encouraging words from Jesus based on a few favourite Bible verses. This new poem focuses on our spiritual blindness before being spiritually healed by Jesus, and how our colleagues, friends and family recognize and question the change in our behaviour and our outlook on life. I wrote this poem while I was a Prison Chaplain and shared it in a prison chapel service as the message was centered on this Bible story. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I was inspired to write this poem after visiting the Daly River, in the Northern Territory, Australia in my motorhome. My visit was at the tail end of the wet season, and a cyclone that had recently flooded through the north of Australia in early 2011. Many homes and businesses, in my home town of Brisbane, Queensland, were severely damaged by the flood. Once the flood subsided, volunteers came in the thousands to help the families and businesses clean up their properties, covered in thick mud. Soon after Brisbane flooded, Christchurch was hit by a earthquake and Japan hit by the tsunami. Watching thousands of strangers in Brisbane and all around the world, showing love and care for their fellow man was truly heartwarming. Love wins out at the end of the day! After hiking up a nearby mountain, the view was spectacular, how the mighty river wound its way, like a snake, through the landscape. Though I have included a person swimming across the river in the text of this poem, swimming in the Daly River, with the resident crocodiles, it is not recommended during the wet season!  Thank you for listening. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and the website. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This comforting poem, which I wrote in 2014, was one of the first of my Christian poems based on Psalm 91 verses 1-4. I wrote it after hearing a sermon on Psalm 91, at the church I was attending regularly at the time. I also wrote another poem, soon after, titled God Protects From Attacks based on Psalm 91 verses 5-13, which I published on July 20, 2021. I love how the feature image I chose shows the chicks total hidden under the mother hens feathers. It took me some time to choose the backing tune for this poem, as I wanted it to reflect the movement of chickens, and eventually, I found this staccato plucking style tune. I hope you enjoy my poem and thank you for listening. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2012, after visiting the beautiful botanical gardens in Darwin in the Northern Territory Australia, while travelling in my motorhome. In this poem, I compare the tiny intricately designed flowers with those of us who have beautiful qualities to offer the world, but largely go unnoticed, due to our quiet natures. I realised that I didn't have to try to be big and powerful, that it was ok being me. Those of us who are delicate flowers share our beauty with those who stop along the path of life and notice us. Thank you for stopping by today. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and on the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this devotional Christian poem in 2017 after studying Exodus and Deuteronomy. The setting of the poem is when Moses and the Israelites were wandering around the desert for 40 years. It also includes a reference to when Elijah had travelled 40 days and nights to God's mountain in 1 Kings 19. I also mention the simile 'it was a two-by-four moment,' which means that it came as a surprise or a shock, an 'aha' moment. It is a common term used in Australia. As this is a devotional poem, it speaks of the main personal lesson that I received from this Bible study. God challenged my negative attitude toward my circumstances at the time. It was time for me to wipe my tears, get up and walk forward in my life. I was craving attention and support from my family and friends. I realized I needed to turn my attention to God and trust and lean on Him more deeply, and to believe that He alone was able to completely fill my voids.  Although family and friends can help us in times of trouble, there comes a time when we need to stand back up on our own two feet and walk on with God, trusting and believing He will sustain us into the future. God may one day call on us to be strong for our family and friends, so we need to first strengthen our own walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem back in 2010 while sitting in my motorhome at Sherwood, Brisbane, Queensland. I was parked beside a paddock with a large tree a short distance away. A wild storm came, and went, and left me wondering about how the storms in nature compare to the storms in our life. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem is the fourth and final part of the poem about the Bible story of Adam and Eve. I wrote this whole poem in 2017. God had a plan of salvation, glory and peace born out of His love for His creation, which He revealed to them before they left the garden. I have listed the references, that I studied to write this poem, at the end of the poem on the website. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2012, after I visited the Perth Museum in Western Australia. They had the most beautiful display of butterflies. As you walked through the display, spotlights came on to highlight the brilliant colours of the butterflies wings. You can read my poems and daily verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem, which I wrote in 2017, is part three of the story of Adam and Eve, Genesis 3 verses 8 to 13. While Adam and Eve hide from God, they wait anxiously, for they know that when God comes walking in the garden, they will have to explain to God what they have done. You can read my poems and daily verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem compares a cluttered room to a cluttered mind. When I wrote this poem, in 2010, my life was messy and my mind was filled with messy thoughts. It was time to get both areas of my life in order to regain my equilibrium. I had to sit down and think things through and make decisions as to what behaviour needed to stay, be fixed or be thrown out. Then I needed to go about tidying and cleaning up my thoughts. You can read my poems and daily verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin and the website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem is based on Genesis 3 verse 7, being part two of the Bible story of Adam and Eve. Part one was my podcast titled 'Sweet Temptation' based on Genesis 3 verses 1-6. Following the decision that Adam and Eve made to disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit, they scramble to cope with their new knowledge of good and evil. They also wait to face the consequences of their decision when God next visit the garden to walk and talk with them. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem at a time when I felt stuck in life. Challenges from my troubled upbringing where proving difficult to get unstuck from the mud of my past. I was reaping the results of ignorant bad decisions that I had made over the years. It is easy to say the word 'forgive.' But it was gaining the knowledge of the 'why' and 'how' of forgiveness that was equiping me to finially move out of, and on from my quagmire of my past life experiences. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem, which I wrote in 2017, is based on Eve in Genesis 3:1-6. As I wrote this poem about Eve, it kept growing, so I divided it into four parts. This poem, part one, focuses on the process of temptation - How temptation transitions from what is seen through Eve's eyes, what is felt with her emotions, to finally what she thinks with her mind to make her decision. I found the study of this Bible passage a fascinating look into the process of temptation in general which hasn't changed even to this day, being physical (sight), emotional (feelings) and then (mind) our thoughts whether they be for or against going forward with the chosen action. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem, which I wrote in 2016, is based on the Bible verse 2 Corinthians12:9 'And (the Lord) said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.' You can read my poems, verses and quotes at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter and website. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. It was a beautiful Queensland sunny spring day by the seaside, in 2019, when I wrote this poem for my brother who celebrated (or was it commiserated haha) his big six zero birthday. Family, friends and pets laughed, sang and barked their way through the party. Happy birthday to all of my readers who turn 60 this year, and congratulations on reaching this milestone in your life. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. My dad is now 91 years of age and has been in aged care for three years. I started writing this poem in 2018 when dad went into live in an aged care home, and finished it for this Father's Day 2021. Over the past few years, I have watched him fight to hold on to his independence and full facilties up until the moment he had to let go of each one like, driving a car, going fishing, riding his motorcycle, his hobby of wood turning, fixing shoes and glueing up broken things around the house. These last two years, of the troubled world of Covid, has disturbed him and caused him many lonely days in aged care lockdowns, not able to be with his second wife, whom he met and married when he was 87 years of age after my mother died. It's been painful for me to watch dad grow old from having once been such an independent, healthy and active person. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem while travelling through Meander Valley at the foot of Cradle Mountain in northern Tasmania, Australia.  It was that moment of awe, splendour and majesty that a mountain top view offers. Looking out across other mountains and valleys toward the far distant horizon. We then descended to the valley below which was also awesome, splendid and majestic in it's own secret way. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter and website. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem was inspired, after I read for the second time, the book titled 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway' by Susan Jeffers. I had read this inspiring book years earlier. But as the years rolled on and new life experiences tumbled in on me, I needed to take a fresh look at a brick wall of a fear which was blocking my path forward in life. Although I had overcome smaller fears, there was this root fear who's strength resisted my attempts to remove it from the garden of my heart - the incredible power of the fear of rejection. I made the decision to stop running away from fear and somehow learn to make it my friend. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2019, during a time when I was suffering from acute lack of sleep, whilst working full time and studying. My daughter encouraged me to read 'The Effortless Sleep Method' by Sasha Stephens which I found very helpful. I also talked to my doctor, changed my diet to reduce stomach acid and increased me fitness level which all helped to reduce my sleeping problem. This poem speaks of the loss of sleep as to the loss of a lover. I love it when I find images by talented photographers to match the theme of my poems. For this poem I found several beautiful photographs which I have included in the daily posts of verses from this poem. Each week, I post individual verses from the most recently published poem. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem is based on the Bible Story of the Woman and the Two Coins in Luke 21:1-4. This was another poem I wrote while a Prison Chaplain at the Women's Correctional Centre in 2017. I wanted to tell this story to encourage the women in prison, that the Chaplains were a representation of God's love for them. I have included other Bible verses that relate to charity and giving - Luke 20:45-47, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 25, Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 82:3-4, 2 Corinthians 8:12-15, Exodus 16:18. I include a list of reference books, at the end of this poem, that I study on the subject prior to writing this poem. Most of my poems evolve from books that I have read or Bible passages that I have studied.  Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I did not have a tick tock clock for many many years, until 2019 when I bought a quaint secondhand old fashioned wall clock. I have grown to love the constant rhythmic sound. I find it calming and grounding. When my mind starts racing ahead of itself, I hear the tick tock in the background and the familiar tone pulls me back to reality, to real time. A year later, my step-mum gave me a beautiful tick tock clock. So, now I have one in my office and one in my lounge room. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem, in 2016, while I was a Prison Chaplain to encourage the female prisoners to 'Learn about God's love and forgiveness for them and find rest and peace in Jesus.'  It is based on Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” I learnt these verses at a young age, but I never understood the meaning of them. How wonderful it was to learn the context of these verses. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, pinterest, twitter and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2018. It reflects on a good memory of that year when, as a group of friends, we dined at the same restuaurant, at the same table every Firday night. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2013, after I had been robbed of several thousand dollars worth of possessions. It was the few treasured possessions amongst the items stolen, that were of no value to the theif but of great value to me, that hurt the most. It took many months before I could move on from the anger and pain of loss that raged inside of me. This poem was the last of three poems that I wrote over this incident to help me process the emotions of loss and the invasion of privacy that theft causes. I was determined to take back from the thief my peace of mind and my hope in love and kindness. This poem is based on the Bible verse of The Golden Rule, found in Matthew Chapter 7 verse 12, 'Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.' You can read my poetry at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this Christian poem after returning from a short mission trip to Bangladesh where I played a small role in the first year of a Bible translation project. I also taught the students some oldie but goodies Christian choruses like ‘This is the day that the Lord has made’. We had lots of laughs as we helped each other learn the songs in each other's language. During the morning sun service it was heavenly singing the same hymns together; they in their language and we in English. Now, years later, the students have translates several books of the Bible into each of their mother tongues. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2014, just after my marriage broke down and I moved back to my home town, as a single woman. The poem reflects on those awkward times in life when those of us with quiet personalities find it difficult emotionally to break into established groups within a community, to try to make new friends, when your heart is broken and you don't feel strong and bold. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this Christian poem in 2014, which is based on Psalm 91 verses 5 to 13. It seems that King David wrote this psalm in reflection on his own experience of physical attacks on himself over 3,000 years ago, when he was an Israeli shepherd and his time living in hiding from King Saul's attempts to kill him. Read the story in 1 Samuel chapters 19-24. My poem describes the effects of these different types of physical attacks, and compares them to spiritual or emotional attacks that many of us have experiences in our dealings with people, illness or accidents. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem last week, just for fun after I had been writing the story of my journey to share my poetry online. My journey has been anything BUT funny since I started 15 months ago. It's been hard work and a steep learning curve. But, the language and jargon of this internet world always makes me laugh as I play around with the words. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Linkedin and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. It's winter at the moment here in Australia, so I thought I'd share this winter poem. I wrote this poem in 2011 after I stepped out from my Motorhome that winter's day to take a photo of the vast paddock of grass swaying in the wild wind at Oxley Creek Common, Rocklea, Brisbane, Queensland. You can TWITTER to my poems and verses as well as read them with PINTEREST on Facebook and my website. Why don't blow me some 'like' bubbles on my new REDBUBBLE shop where you can now browse or buy my poems and verses.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this Christian poem in 2018 when I was a prison chaplain. I was inspired by the Youtube video 'What Christians Believe in 90 seconds. I expanded and simplified this theme so that the prisoners could understand this gospel message. Each month I resited a different poem during the prison chapel service for the prisoners. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and website, and buy them at beverleyjoy.redbubble.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this Christian poem in 2014 after reading Timothy Keller's book 'Counterfeit Gods'. I memorized The Ten Commandments as a child in Sunday School. As an adult, I could say along with the Rich Young Ruler, in Matthew 19:20 "I have kept these rules since my youth." But, from my study of this passage, I gained insight into how these rules of God relate to modern day life in the 21st century. This poem explores the 'not-so-obvious' and often invisible, false gods that we may not realise we now worship. you can read my poems, verses, and study references at Simply Story poetry Facebook and www.simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Podcast is a few individual verses looking at life from a puzzling point of view, that I have grouped together. Each week I post individual verses, from each week's poem that I publish, on Simply Story Poetry Facebook, Pinterest and website. I like to share my poetry in several different formats so that people can connect and experience poetry in a way that suits them.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem that I wrote in 2017, is based on the Bible story of The Adulterous Woman found in John Chapter 8 verses 1-11 and Leviticus Chapter 20. It is a poem from my Women of the Bible Series. You can read my poems and daily verses on Facebook, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem after reading the book titled 'Two Minute Moves' by Lizzy Williamson. I found this book on an early morning walk during Australia's complete Covid 19 lockdown. What a great idea to get up from the computer and exercise for two minutes and repeat it throughout the day. I bought copies of the book as gifts for my friends to encourage each other to exercise each day. Even though we may live apart, we can take two minutes to think of each other while we do our two minutes of exercise. You can read my poetry at Simply Story Poetry Facebook and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this Christian poem in 2014 after writing my poem "Christ Lives in Me.' I was riddled with guilt and shame over my old life and struggling to believe Isaiah 43:25 and Psalm 103:12. Over time, with much prayer and study of God's Word, I was able to believe, without a doubt, that God has indeed, forgiven and separated me from my sin as far as the east is from the west. You can read my poems on Facebook and www.simplystorypoetry.com

Hi. I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem says thank you to the family and friends who selflessly help families who are suffering from loss or hardship. The three flowers I mention in the poem, all bloom in harsh environments. I chose this photo as it reflects the pricelessness of a physical gift to adequately say thank you to these beautiful people. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook and at simplystorypoetry.com

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is about everyday love between family, friends, and work colleagues, no matter what the age difference. You can read my poems and verses on Facebook and at www.simplystorypoetry.com

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this Christian devotional poem today in response to conversations I had this week with some dear sisters in Christ. This poem is written in a general dialogue style between God and us, his precious children. The time frame of this poem covers decades of my own life of being strongly challenged (disciplined) by God to trust Him with my unsaved family members. You can read my poems and verses on Facebook or at www.simplystorypoetry.com

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian devotional poem takes a look at the verse Isaiah 40:31a. It explored the word 'wait'. 'Once we have prayed for help or guidance on something, how do we wait on God?' How does waiting strengthen us? Then, how do we soar on wings like eagles? You can read my poetry and verses on Facebook or at www.simplystorypoetry. Thank you for listening. 

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2013 and is based ONLY around a disagreement and argument within a family or friendship in which loved ones are angry and hurt by actions and words from both sides and where it is possible to mend relationships. This poem is NOT about abusive, destructive relationships which, from my own experience, require professional and/or deep spiritual guidance. In these seriously abusive relationships, forgiveness is a necessary, complex, and challenging process, and an important step to equip us to move on from the experience. In some of these circumstances, for our own safety and health, we cannot mend the relationship but instead, we need to walk away from the relationship. You can read my poems, verses, and relative videos on Facebook or at www.simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2011 while travelling 6,000kms in a motorhome from Brisbane, Queensland across the top of Australia, to Broome in Western Australia. Just sitting back one day, watching people and reflecting on the meaning of happiness. You can read my poems on Facebook or at www.simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian devotional poem zooms in on a day in the life of Ruth from the Bible. The setting for this poem is when Ruth has returned to Naomi's hometown, and she has stepped out into her new community looking for work and food, as she and Naomi are in a destitute state of poverty.  The poem follows the events of the book of Ruth, chapter two. I wrote this poem in 2019 after having written my poem titled 'Famine or Feast' a few years earlier, which I published here last week, based on the Bible story of Ruth and Naomi. You can read or listen to my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook or at simplystorypoetry.com.

Hi. I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem, I wrote in 2019, compares our spiritual walk through life as a child of God, to a physical walk of a child and a father. You can read this poem at Simply Story Poetry at Facebook page and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this Christian poem in the first few months after coming back to my Christian faith. The first sermon that I heard, in the first church service that I attended in 30 years, was titled 'Christ lives in you.' I was so nervous about falling back into my old way of life. I studied the Bible verses and prayed this poem daily for several weeks until I had a confident understanding of this part of my faith. Galatians 2:19-21, 1 John 4:20-21, Hebrews 13:5. Read my poems on Simply Story Poetry Facebook page and website.

Hi I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem is based on Psalm 23. I wrote it in 2014. Years earlier I was working on a large wheat and sheep property northeast of Perth, Western Australia. I went out into a paddock with the farmer’s daughter to round up the sheep and transfer them to a different paddock. I drove the ute while she rode the motorbike to round them up to the gate of the paddock. One of the sheep ran away from the pack and got caught deep in a thick bush. She held the sheep's hind legs and I held the front legs. On the count of three, we lifted him up and out from among the low lying branches of the bush. There was no way the sheep could have freed itself. It would probably have been attacked by wild dogs overnight.

Hi. I'm Beverley of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is about the value of a hug that gives comfort and support. Give COVID safe hugs.

Hi. I'm Beverley of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem is the first from my Women of the Bible series. It is based on The Story of the Woman at the Well, John Chapter 4. It is the first in 'The Women of the Bible' series.  I wrote it in 2017, while I was a Prison Chaplain in the Women's Prison. I would recite a poem for the women during the chapel services. Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, 15th April 2022, The Passion of Mary Magdalene -  Easter Story Part 2, 16th April 2022, Her Touch of Simply Faith 15th April, The women with the blood issue, 28th March, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, 22nd Feb, Mary and Elizabeth, 30th Nov 2021, Mary, 23rd Nov, Four Unusual Women 9th Nov 2021, Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, 15th Sept, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, 17th August, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 1st July, I Am Ruth, 3rd June and Feast or Famine, Ruth 27th May, and 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well, 27th April 2021. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy.

Hi, I'm Beverley of Simply Story Poetry. After catching up with some close old friends that I had not seen for some time, I wrote this poem in 2013. No matter the span of time between get-togethers, true friends fall into conversation like it was yesterday that we were together. Be my friend on Facebook and Instagram. Enjoy.

Hi. I'm Beverley of Simply Story Poetry. This Christian poem tells of several sad and painful situations Jesus experiences while he was here on earth and His words that comfort us today. I wrote this poem following the death of my nephew as a young adult by suicide. I witnessed the agonizing pain and unanswered questions that my brother, his wife and their family had to process over the following years. The overwhelming guilt and shame that follows a suicide are horrific, on top of the grief of the loss itself. Although I knew this poem was inadequate to comfort them, I needed to research and write about God and Jesus' pain. The hole that is left in their hearts and lives is tragic. I released this poem for Anzac Day 2021, to also remember those who gave their lives in war to secure Australia's freedom and peace. Lest we forget. This poem includes reference to John 9 verses 1-3 when the disciples ask Jesus "Whose sin caused this man's blindness?" In the poem, I follow these conversational verses with gracious and encouraging words from Jesus based on a few favourite Bible verses. You can read my poems and verses at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the website.

Hi. I'm Beverley of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem in 2014. I know my story resonates with many women who have journeyed through difficult relationships. Journey with me at Simpl Story Poetry Facebook and website.

Hi. I'm Beverley. This poem will dispel your curiosity about what types of poems you'll find at Simply Story Poetry. Feed your curiosity on Facebook and Instagram. I write poems about nature, life, friendship, love, and my Christian faith.

Hi. I'm Beverley. This humorous poem talks about my journey to learn all the social media elements so I can share my poems. Journey over to Facebook and Instagram to continue your journey with Simply Story Poetry.

Hi. I'm Beverley. This is a short light, easy poem inviting you to come for a walk with me through the different elements of a garden symbolizing the different varieties of my poetry. Thank you for listening. Walk over to Simply Story Poetry on Facebook and website.

Hi, I'm Beverley. This is a verse about how doing a jigsaw puzzle parallels with doing 'life'. I took this photo of a friend's garden in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia. Follow Simply Story Poetry on Facebook and Instagram for more puzzling pieces coming soon. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://simplystorypoetry.com/2016/11/18/simply-puzzling/