K A T E

L A B

p o e t & a r t i s t

Hi, I'm Kate.

I started writing poetry consistently about 6 years ago. I found myself encouraged by the poetry of others, even more so, lifted up by the poetry of Scripture in the laments and praises of David, Solomon, and Jeremiah. And I found that posting poetry helped me finish the process of writing and then hand the experience or emotion to God, all of which are life-giving to me.

I try through poetic prayer to capture the truth of our experiences in a sin-sick world and root them in the perspective of God's character and the hope of Jesus. It's a conversation with God over the things I'm learning in bible study or sermons, experiencing in a broken world and feeling in a broken body. It's often an application of Scripture or a recorded conversation with God. Sometimes it’s prayers and laments written for my friends and family.

I'm grateful for the many of you who have been refreshed and challenged by words I have written. I would love to publish a book of my poetry. If you are interested in a book, you can help me by subscribing to emails and following me on Instagram!

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“Who do you think you are?”
 I’ve wrestled with that question more than once, especially when it comes to creative work. Adding the word Poet to my business card took me three tries. At first, I thought humility was holding me back—but honestly, most of it was insecurity and fear. Fear of comparison. Fear of criticism. Fear of what you, the reader, might think of me.

But here’s the tension:
My creative work is not about me. The human success of it is no measure of my value.
And it doesn’t matter what you think of me.

If God gives the gifts and passions, they aren’t mine to hide. If the point is His glory, keeping creativity buried is pride. The most self-forgetful thing I can do is simply… try.

Tim Keller puts it beautifully: “The essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less.” (The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness) — I love this short book; please read it!

So these words, whether read by none, one, or one thousand, are laid before Him. A fragrant offering. God will do whatever He wants with my offering! He is not limited by algorithms or timing.

For The Holy Scribblers #holyscribblers
 Maybe you feel this tension too—the burden to create alongside the fear of how your work will be received. Take this as permission: you don’t need to write, paint, sing, or share for human approval. You’re free to create as an offering. Free to try. Free to lay it down before God, trusting Him with the outcomes. I hope you feel the same wonderful freedom!

My kids are growing up before my eyes. My son started first grade yesterday, and I feel a familiar grief. Motherhood makes me live in the tension of simultaneous joy, gratitude, and sorrow. And the reality is: there are things I will do well in motherhood, and things I will not. I’ll go even farther: my sin issues will hurt my children, and there is time I will never get back. So I want to confess, grieve, and learn, and ultimately give it to God — who can not only handle my sadness and regrets, but also use my mistakes for my good, my children’s good, and His glory.

I am feeling this in motherhood, but I think this experience is universal for any season that comes to an end. And honestly, I don’t think anyone who says they live life with no regrets is telling the truth. Seasons of youth, of work, of freedom, of health, of family, of ministry, and more — each carries its own ending. As we near the close of summer, maybe this poetic lament will encourage you too.

For The Holy Scribblers: I’m practicing sharing sorrow in this season as I send a son to first grade and a daughter to pre-K. I felt this more acutely last year when I sent E to kindergarten. Now the ache is less acute and more familiar — but the words I wrote then still move me from sorrow and despair toward hope and contentment.

Your turn: Would you write your own lament and praise for an ending season you feel right now? Honest complaint, petition, and the turn to hopeful praise — the pattern of the Psalms.

If you write one, tag me @kategoescreating — I’d love to read and share your words.

This lovely music was written by my sister, @sarahsparksmusic

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV) “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

On Tuesday, I shared this poem as an art carousel. But for those who love to listen instead and for anyone who prefers a poem spoken aloud —Here’s another beautiful version created in collaboration with my friends Tanner (@writtentospeak) who performed my words and Sarah (@sarahsparksmusic) who wrote the beautiful music to accompany it.

“When we see families that seem to have everything going for them, we want their life. But when we see someone being upheld and sustained in brokenness, we want their God.” — Vaneetha Risner @vaneetharisner

The “minor key melody” line comes from my favorite book on lament: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop @vroegopmark

This poem is my response to the way God has used the stories of others’ suffering to make Himself known to me — and my reminder to speak my own sorrows honestly. Scripture promises both the reality of pain and the comfort of God’s presence in the middle of it.

And to the Holy Scribblers responding to the prompt of the last post - I have loved to see what you’re writing! Planning to share later on. Thank you for trusting me with your words.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Galatians 6:2 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Poetry by @kategoescreating, spoken by @writtentospeak, scored by @sarahsparksmusic

I’m so grateful for friends and family who have trusted me with their sorrows. Much of my lament poetry was written for their pain — and I’ve found that learning to lament with them has prepared me for my own seasons of grief.

The church was designed for this: to bear one another’s burdens. But we can’t carry what hasn’t been spoken out loud.

So I’m sharing this again for The Holy Scribblers — a series for folks who identify as writers and creatives, or for those who just want to try, because writing and sharing sorrow is part of the work of Christian creativity.

Three challenges for you today: 1. Tag someone in the comments who has beautifully shared their story of suffering with you. 2. Share your burden in person (text, call, over coffee) today. Don’t suffer alone — you’re not meant to.
3. For the Scribblers! Practice writing out your suffering as a lament following the Psalms: honest complaint, petition, and the turn to hopeful praise and trust. If you write and share a written lament, would you share it with me? I’d love to see and share them! Tag me @kategoescreating

The “minor key melody” line comes from my favorite book on lament: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop. @vroegopmark

#lament #pain #poetry #prayer #holyscribblers

Every time I don’t get enough sleep or feel overwhelmed by the day’s tasks, I come back to this poetic prayer. And this morning, as I worked on my book manuscript, I felt both weak and overwhelmed. :)

(I’m also very excited — it’s a creative rollercoaster.)

But I have all I need to do this task — not because I’m strong, but because His daily grace is enough for the work He’s called me to. There is no lack of resource or power with God.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ESV)

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world…
so that no one may boast before him.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)

For us #HolyScribblers, this means: we don’t have to have it all together or write perfect words. We bring what we have — our widow’s coins, our loaves and fishes — and trust God to multiply them. Our work will be seen by exactly as many people as God intends. The algorithm isn’t outside of God’s will or control. And God has used imperfect people throughout history for His glory.

So what does it mean for you to bring your “widow’s coins” to God in your creativity — your limited time, energy, or talent? How might God use those “small” things to bring Him glory in your family, neighborhood, and church?

I love the confidence of my son, to stick 23 Dino coloring pages to the walls. So proud of his work.

And I am like my son, but older in years and fears, writing poetic prayers for God, asking, “is this good enough for the fridge?”

I am learning to believe the words I tell my son:
 “I love what you made for me.” —God

A poem for #holyscribblers #holyscribblers

… more thoughts on substack
If you’re inspired write and share poetry/creative work this month in response this Holy Scribblers series, would you tag me in it? I’d love to see and share it this month!

Introducing The Holy Scribblers — a series for folks who identify as writers and creatives, or for those who just want to try.

I called it Holy because I want my writing to point to Jesus and bring Him glory. I want it to be different and set apart from the rest of the scroll on social media. And I called it Scribblers because that’s how I’ve often felt in the process. Like all I have are scribbles to offer.

But I also have a God who delights in them. And so do you.

So I’m hoping that some or even most of you might resonate with that experience of not feeling good enough to offer something to a Holy God. And I’m hoping that we might find excitement and community in trying anyway, and seeing what a creative God does with what we have to offer.

So let’s start with the questions I have asked myself:

* What keeps you from writing out your prayers?
* What keeps you from sharing your work?
* What are you afraid of?
* How do you know if you’re good enough?

Your answers will shape this month’s stories and reels! I’ll respond to what I can. And I’ll be sharing my own fears, poetic prayers, and some prompts for folks who want to write.

And honestly, even if writing isn’t your thing — I still think these conversations will apply to any good thing you’re afraid to try. Any talent God’s given you that you’re tempted to bury in the sand.

Don’t bury it. Bring it with you this month.

Tag a fellow scribbler and comment below: What keeps you from writing? Or send me a DM if you’d rather share privately — I’m hoping to respond to some of your words!

#TheHolyScribblers #HolyScribbles

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26

…

It has been so fun to organize and write poetry this summer and anticipation of putting together poetic prayers for you all in book form. Thank you for your excitement and encouragement in this process.

I’ll be asking for all kinds of input as we go along, but for now, I’d love to know:

1. if there is any of my poems or poetic prayers that has been more significant to you - one you hope to find in the book - so I can make sure to include it in the manuscript!

And 2. What subject or Psalm or experience have I not written on yet that would be helpful to you? What topics would be helpful tools for you in prayer? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM.

You don’t know how much this is helpful to me. THANK YOU!

I’ve been hit by a wave
Of grief.
Building with the breeze
A storm I did not see
Coming.

I could not
Prepare, or make way
For the tidal wave
That comes down
& threatens to drown me.
Questions without answers
Like bees buzzing around me,

“How long?” I cry.
“Do you see me?”
“Lord, why?”

The spray of crashing chaos
adds to the water of my eyes.

It brings me to my
hands and knees,
I gasp to capture air to breath,

But here is not
the worst place to be.

Because next to me,
On the grief-soaked sand,
Stands the God-man
And his nail-pierced hands
hold a bottle that
Catch the tears that I’ve cried.
Not just today but my entire life.

He says, “Look at me, standing here
Though I have died.
This now and not yet kingdom
is only for a time.

These days and waves of darkness,
Cannot overcome the light.”

…

A Wave of Grief

How Long, O Lord?
The ink and blood From the last headline Has hardly dried Before more Have died.

Hearts stopped. Futures and dreams cut off. The screams, the sobs Of mothers and fathers, Of sisters and brothers... O God— Even us, The strangers, Weep for how wrong this is.

O God, How long? How long? How long?

You see and hear Every sorrow, Every heart that aches in this broken world— sin-stained,— Our pain overwhelms us.
But this world is not the end.
In the dark, we take heart,
Because you have overcome
The darkness.
 You are the truth and the light. And at the appointed time, Your judgment And Your healing Will come.
We’ve previewed the coming future
Through the death
And resurrection
Of your Son.

And Even now, You see. You hear. You move— In ways seen and unseen. You comfort. You console.
Lord, move Your Church To be Your hands and feet. Let us weep with those who weep. Let us respond in humility.

Lord, please.
On my knees. On our knees. 
Help us with the help Only You can give.
You have written us Into this page of history— For such a time and place As this.

This moment Is our divine Inheritance.

Until lament is no longer our song, Until we no longer ask, “How long?” Until You come again And right all wrongs—

Help us.

You are the God Who hears.
You are the God who sees.
You are the God who saves.
You are the God who keeps
His promises.

You are the God who made the earth
The God who catches my tears,
the god who records my sorrows,
You are the God who came here
To the world you created,
To save it.
We needed a way
And you made it.
Through the only spotless lamb
Who could pay the price,
Through the only priest
Who hands were clean
Through a sinless life,
Through the only offering
That could pass through space and time

You are the God.
You are the God.
You are the God.

And I am not.

…

“Two Truths to Comfort”
9.6.24

Music by my sister, Sarah Sparks, @sarahsparksmusic .

Psalm 34:17, 1 John 5:14, Genesis 16:13, Psalm 33:18, Isaiah 43:11, Luke 19:10, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Psalm 145:13, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 24:1, Psalm 56:8, Revelation 21:4, John 1:14, Matthew 1:21, 1 Peter 1:18-19, John 1:29, Hebrews 7:26, 1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 9:26, Isaiah 45:22, Romans 11:33-36.

“The Shape of the Mountains” - Kate Lab, @kategoescreating
Original Music by Sarah Sparks, @sarahsparksmusic

I cannot experience anything beautiful, especially in nature, without seeing God’s incredible creativity and talking loudly about it. My joy in it is doubled when I can share it out loud. And when I can attempt to capture an experience with poetic words, it helps me to “see and savor” them anew (referencing “Seeing Beauty and Saying Beautifully by @johnstephenpiper .)

This poem is published in The Way to Ourselves Spring 2024 Literary Journal, “Renaissance.” Fun fact: This poem contains one of my favorite lines I’ve ever written, “You contain and limit the elements in elegance.” @thewayback2ourselves

…

Merriam-Webster Dictionary
“glory in” - phrasal verb
: to feel or show great joy or pleasure because of (something)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4

…

Poem and Video - Kate Lab, @kategoescreating
Music by - Sam Rae, @samrae2001

God, Here I am again
Parched and weary
In a dry and dreary
Desert,
Wilderness walking.
The sun beats down
And critics mock me,
“There is no God.
What do you suffer for?”

With skin and eyes,
Cracked and dry,
I feel as if I
Should preserve
The water of my tears
And not waste any here
On this dry infertile ground.

My feet are tired,
The sole/ soul is worn,
I can’t go on.

I take the last step
I can take
Tears stream down my face.
And then I break.

And then my God says to me.
“I will find you in the desert.
I will keep you as the apple
Of my eye.
I will encircle you.
And care for you.
In the desert.”

Then shocked, I open my eyes
To find what looked dead
Is quite alive.
I thought these bones were dead and dry.
I see things I don’t expect to see
Colors- pinks, purples, blues and greens,
Something, even here, in this desert,
Is growing.

Including
me.

…

- “Honey from the Rock”
5.20.2022

“In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye”

Deut 32:10

Poem and Video - Kate Lab @kategoescreating
Music by - Sarah Sparks @sarahsparksmusic

Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 94:17-19
If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

John 10:28-30
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Lord,
I cannot fit you in a box.

If I find myself understanding
And worshipping something so small,
Please break the walls
And smash the idol inside.
I have no use for
a god of my own design.
Whatever can be contained
In a box in my brain,
Isn’t you.

Lord, I do not understand you.
Lord, You are too great.
You are worthy of my faith,
My lament and my praise
For all my days.

And every moment after.

…

“And”
3.19.22

DISCLAIMER: the pursuit of knowing God through scripture and study and theology is absolutely worth your time and energy. Just don’t wait for Him to be completely understandable before you trust him.

The Lord is my shepherd.
I have all that I need.

Because I have my Lord.
…

Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Matthew 28:20
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

…

100% content by:
Kate Lab, @kategoescreating - poetry & performance
Sarah Sparks, @sarahsparksmusic - music & recording

I hear you pray,
“O Lord, may
My whole life
be for your glory.”

But,
When you don’t
to disclose
Your sorrows,
You are withholding my story.

I am there in the highs and lows,
I am in the waves of grief.
If you hide from all your troubles,
How will they know
I bring relief?

Your trusting lament, in a minor key,
Is a sweet and fragrant offering,
A melody that points all who hear and see
To me, the Giver of all good things.

Sing, child. Sing.

….

“My Story”
1.26.23

I’m really grateful for my friends and family sharing their sorrows with me. For my friends and family bearing my sorrows. I’m grateful for people who do so publicly, laying their testimony out through books and speaking and social media. What a gift to see what God does through impossible situations. How He saves! Redeems! And comforts!

What a gift the church is when we bear each other’s burdens, when we let God use our sorrows and pain to grow us and the saints around us.

Two challenges in this:
1. Tag folks in the comments who are sharing their stories well.
2. Share your burdens with a sister or brother in Christ. Do it today. Don’t suffer alone. You’re not meant to.

The line “minor key melody” line is from my favorite book on lament called, “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament” by Mark Vroegop. @vroegopmark

#lament #pain #poetry #prayer

“Don’t fix what isn’t broken.” A poem on body image for our daughters and for us.

In this poem, I named features the world often labels as flaws: thin lips, a large shapely nose. I wrote it to help my daughter -who has inherited these features- to see them as functional, God-chosen gifts. And I wanted her to see my unfiltered face as I said the words, too.

A few disclaimers: This body is a gift—but it’s also affected by sin. When I ask, “What’s wrong with this body?” I mean in terms of physical appearance. I could list plenty of dysfunctional things in my body I’d love healed—like my constant congestion.

And I’m not anti-makeup or fashion. I love both! They feel like practical creativity—finding colors, styles, and expressions that suit the unique body, face, and personality God gave each of us. I’m not against wanting to look and feel our best.

I want to say this: Don’t fix features that aren’t broken.
 May this poem be an encouragement to celebrate the features God designed for you—even if the world says otherwise. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Here’s a final stanza—maybe for another poem someday:

Did He stutter as He spoke your form into existence? Did He twitch as He stitched you together in the womb? Do you think that a man with a knife can do better than the God who died for you, then rose from the tomb?

Until then,
In these ever-growing wrinkles of mine,
All this disfunction and decay will kindly remind
Me that on this earth, I am learning how to die.

& after my last breath,
These lungs will breath
eternal life.

…

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Proverbs 16:31
1 Corinthians 15:51-54
Romans 8:22-23
Psalm 139:14
Philippians 1:21

A poem for growing older.

This body is a gift, but it is not ultimate. We are not home. It is an honor to grow older. It is an honor to use this body to love and serve the people around me and to enjoy the sweet gifts of this broken but still beautiful world.

More on Substack - link in bio

Philippians 3:20-21, ESV
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

This poem is a response to my daughter’s joy in painting her nails bright pink with sparkles and my joy in seeing her. And her absolute confidence and security at 4 years old. I think painting nails a fine thing to do or not do. But as my daughter delights in painting her nails, and I do too, I will remind her that she is beautiful with and without her nails painted. And I will model the same thing. I will show her with my language and my posture every day where my confidence comes from.

God made me. I am beautiful. This nose that smells. These lips that sing God’s praises. These aging hands that write out prayers. This body that can dance, and run, and serve. They are good gifts from God, my Father.

My face and body (these parts God gave me) are good and beautiful.
And yours are too.

Don’t fix (or fixate) on what isn’t broken.

A Poetic Prayer for requests that are hard to pray for, and hope that is hard to hold onto.

I have a couple prayer requests that God has answered with “no” for many years. I am so grateful for a God who is just as good and kind when He says no as when He says yes. I’m also grateful for a God who wants to know my desires, who asks me to keep asking with hope, even when it feels scary. Who gives me parables and stories of the persistent widow and Hannah’s prayers as models for asking. I will not annoy Him with my prayers.

I have no doubts if my God is able, I have read too much scripture to deny the power of God. But sometimes it’s hard to ask because the hope and potential disappointment are too heavy to hold. But my God can hold it. He wants me to ask.

So I will call to mind His mighty deeds and miraculous works, I will pray in tears with hope and with confidence in the power of God. And whether the prayer is answered “yes” or “no”, still I will praise Him.

Romans 15:13 - Revelation 3:7 - Acts 1:7 - James 1:17 - Psalm 84:11 - Philippians 4:6-7 - Psalm 56:8 - Luke 18:1-8 - Daniel 6:22 - Genesis 21:1-2 - 1 Samuel 1:20 - Job 38:8-11 - John 11:43-44 - Isaiah 43:2 - Daniel 3:17 - Colossians 1:20 - 1 Peter 2:24 - Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Daniel 3:18

Music written by Sarah Sparks @sarahsparksmusic

If you’re comfortable sharing, what prayer request feels hard to pray this morning? I’ll try to pray for each by name. And I’d love to see folks commenting if you have prayed for one another here.

But my last challenge is to share that prayer request with someone at church too this morning, those sisters and brothers in Christ that God has placed in your life geographically to bear your burdens and share your joy.

My God,
After sitting here
with You,
Pouring out my burdens
And saying aloud
My gratitude

Somehow
I am both lighter
And more full.
I release my pretense
Of control.

I hold up my empty hands,
Offer you
My time, mind,
Body, and soul.
Because I can go on.
When I thought
I could not.

Add this
To my list
Of reasons to trust you.

[ The Final Benediction ]

May the lengthening of my list
Help me to kiss
The wave that throws me
Against the Rock of Ages
And shorten the time wasted
Before I trust you again
In the next storm.

…

Conversation Over Coffee

3.26.22

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Charles Spurgeon

“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭69:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Encouragement for changing seasons.

I wrote this last year as my son “graduated” from Pre-K. I was - and continue to be- overwhelmed with the feeling of time slipping through my fingers. But I know I’m not alone. It’s turning from spring to summer, and soon it’s time for graduations and weddings. You’ll move to new cities and start new jobs. Our parents will get older, and so we will we. Time is slipping through our fingers. Maybe you’re feeling this ache too in a particular way? What change is coming for you?

I’m so encouraged by the eternality of God when I feel this way. He has always been and will always be. Every page of our lives is written and planned and purposed for our good and His glory. And this fleeting life is only the introduction to the Greatest Story.

“Now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle

Hebrews 13:8
James 1:17
Psalm 33:11
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Revelation 22:13

My God is so good
Even his “no”s are a kindness

He is powerful, and he
Sees through out time when
He withholds good things
From me, I’m no longer blinded
By mud cake apathy
before a feast
Laid out for me
in deep valleys.

My God is good
My God is kind.
The Shepherd King
I claim as mine!

And this promised Shepherd Presence
Is never more felt and real
Than when in my pain and grief
He makes me lay down in

Fields
Of green.
Even in the Valleys low.

The Lord is my Shepherd
And even when he says no,

He is good.

…
The Kindness of God

Daniel 3:17–18, Job 1:21, Romans 8:28, Psalm 84:11, Isaiah 46:9–10, 2 Peter 3:8, John 4:13–14, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 23:4-5, Psalm 100:5, John 10:11, Psalm 23:1, Matthew 28:20, Psalm 34:18, James 1:17, 2 Corinthians 12:8–9

“Christian, how did you enjoy comfort before? Was the creature anything to you but a conduit, a pipe, that conveyed God’s goodness to you? ‘The pipe is cut off,’ says God, ‘come to me, the fountain, and drink immediately.’ Though the beams are taken away, yet the sun remains the same in the firmament as ever it was.”
― Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

My soul and human flesh so limited.
I count two coins, five loaves, two fish.
I do the math and come up short -

O God, what can you do with this?

[ a n s w e r ]

He says,

“I AM not ruled by rules I made,
Or limits I created.
My world listens to me
And I choose to show my greatness
Through the people you would pick last.
Through the misfit and the outcast.
Fisherman to pharisee -
My sovereign hand will hold fast.

I prove my riches through the poor,
And my wonders through the lame,
Through the lepers, the sinners,
The “too old” and “too young”,
I will glorify my name.

I say your lack is not lack to me.
From nothing, I made everything.
I can multiply 2 and 5,
And make five thousand satisfied.

Give your fish and loaves to me.
Give me your widow’s coins
and see.
Out of glorious riches,
I supply all your needs.”

[ r e s p o n s e ]

“Lord, with one meal, you feed a multitude,
And you are the bread and living water too.
So to the Lamb, the great I AM.
I give you everything
I am and have.”

…
“Divine Math”
6.3.23 (rewrite)

Every time I don’t get enough sleep, or I’m overwhelmed but the day’s tasks, I am reminded of these truths from Scripture. I have all I need. There is no lack of resource or power. I have all that is good for me. I have all I need.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:8-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Today, I will remember:

One, the only thing that I deserve.
Two, that I am made
and created to serve.
Three, that though this earth
is cursed,
my God has ordained my work,
Four, every good thing I have
I have not
e a r n e d.

And five, God is the giver
of every good & perfect gift,
The work, the service, my kids,

All of this

Is from Him
and for Him.

When I offer and order it
before Him,

It is b e a u t i f u l .

…
“Thoughts on the gift of motherhood”

So grateful for the gift and work of motherhood. Hard and good and beautiful. Sharing some of my favorite poems on motherhood in stories.

I hope today is filled with joy for you, even as it is mixed with the grief and loss that is often magnified on this day.

A prayer for vision correction when the work feels small or unimportant.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

…

Today, Lord,
Give me eyes to see
Your good works laid out for me.
For my good and your glory.

Lord, please call to my mind
That this spill was laid out before time,
That the work of this day was by
Design.

Remind me, Lord,
That each delay
Is not outside your will or way,
But is, in fact, your good Plan A.

Turn my whining into praise.

Help me see, walk in, and do
the good works
That You
have called me to.

Amen.

My heart aches this morning
For what God has deemed
I don’t need.
A good desire in its in place.
But out of place
Idolatry.

And when He keeps it from me.
I look from gift to Giver
and see.

This is but one page
In an adventure.
And the last page I have read.
I will give up creature comforts
to delight in Creator instead.
My senses magnified by pain
No longer dulled in heart and head

I taste and see a God who gave
His son as payment in my stead.
I see your words of truth in scripture
And consume as daily bread.
When on this page good gifts withheld,
My heart hungers for
Who holds the pen.

This is His story.
My Mighty Fortress and Rock of Ages.
This pain is for His glory
So I learn to kiss the waves
That come
As long as I remain,
This anthem my refrain.
Whether by
My death or life,
To live is Christ
To die is gain.

“Morning Mercies and Daily Bread”
Kate Lab
6.7.2020

Music by Sarah Sparks, @sarahsparksmusic
Instrumental “Control Line” listen to her song on Spotify and Apple Music. It fits very well with this poem.

…

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” - Charles Spurgeon

* Revelation 21:4
* Hebrews 12:2
* Psalm 34:8
* John 3:16
* Matthew 4:4
* Matthew 6:11
* Philippians 1:21
* Psalm 18:2
* Psalm 62:7

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther
“Rock of Ages” by Augustus Toplady

I fall into the trap -
I think I have control.
Like the gifts that you have
given me
Are mine to to hold
On to

Lest they slip

And fall from my hand,
Like any epic mess of mine
Could thwart your sovereign plan.

Like you can’t use human failure,
Like you haven’t throughout time.
Like you aren’t the Author of a good story
Filled with sin and faults like mine.

So I’ll breathe deep
And let go of my white knuckled hold
Of your gifts.

Because I know

This.

You are
The Giver.

…

Proverbs 19:21, James 4:13–15, James 1:17, 1 Corinthians 4:7, Romans 8:28, Job 42:2, Genesis 50:20, Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 4:6–7, Matthew 6:25–34, Acts 17:25, Revelation 1:8

Music Credits:
Background Track: “The Racer” by Tristan Barton – Licensed via Canva Audio
Ending Song: “The Giver” by Sarah Sparks – Used with permission @sarahsparksmusic

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;     I have no good apart from you.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,     in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;     their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out     or take their names on my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;     you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;     indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;     in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me;     because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;     my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,     or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;     in your presence there is fullness of joy;     at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

God, you make a way.
I have read and I have seen
In your word
And in my life
The way you part the sea
And I walk through
On dry ground.
But other times
I’m found
And I am saved

By being swallowed

By a whale.

God, the ways you make
Don’t take the form
I think that they
Should take.
Sometimes through agonizing wait,
Sometimes your way is the thorn
That stays
In my side.

God, you make a way
By your grace in discipline.
By giving me real-world
Consequence of my sin,
Like my brother, David.
I need to hear the words,

“You are the man.”

God, you make a way.
Not just by bending prison bars
Or cure-alls
But by changing my heart
To bear the pain,
And the way you make
Is daily power and strength

and grace.

God, you make a way.
Through a boat and through a flood
From the first bite of the fruit
You have a way through blood. I
God, you make a way.
Often times a violent grace.
Many times, the way you save
Us is through pain.

And the greatest violence done
Is to your son.
Who called himself,
‘The Way.”

God, you made a way
Like you parted the sea of red,
And our dead hearts
Now beat again
Because your son
Defeated death.
The cross, the door
to life
And rest.

You made a way.

…
“In The Belly”

“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18

For the Days when Death still stings.

A few years ago, our family started the tradition of walking through our church cemetery after the Easter service. Every year we sing the old Easter Hymns and proclaim, “O Death, where is your sting?” But that first year, as I walked past the gravestone marking the infant son of dear friends, I found myself asking my husband, Joe —who is also my pastor—

“Why does it feel like death still stings?”

When I asked Joe, he reminded me of the difference between the first death (physical—something we experience both first and second-hand) and the second death (spiritual—something we never will, because of Jesus). He pointed me to a sermon by Rico Tice, “Do Our Bodies Have a Future?”, rooted in the hope of 1 Corinthians 15.

Several fresh graves mar the cemetery grass this spring—one of them another infant child of dear friends. Our family felt the sting in a new way after miscarrying a baby in February. And I’ve heard and seen from many of you that you are carrying terrible grief into a season that we are called to rejoice. We’ve lost parents. Friends. Spouses. Children. We’ve felt the sting in infertility, in broken relationships, and chronic illness.

This poem is my prayer and response for all the moments, days, and years when the effects of sin and death still sting. When faith feels more like a question than an answer. And when the victory still feels far off.

But the tomb is empty. And that ultimate hope means that we can hold joy and grief together. Because of Jesus, death does not get the final word.

I pray these words are a comfort to those walking through very real grief.

“When He wipes away every tear, our faces glisten more brilliantly than if we never would have cried.” (@davidcmathis)

Music by @sarahsparksmusic
Poetry & Video @kategoescreating

1 Corinthians 15:35–38, 42 (ESV)

He is risen! What a wondrous truth and hope.

Have a joy-filled Easter, and make sure to listen to Sarah’s “Risen, PT. 2” EP today on Spotify or Apple Music!

…

Music by @sarahsparksmusic
Poetry & Video @kategoescreating

…

Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Hebrews 7:26–27 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 9:11–14 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

…

Isaiah 9:6–7, John 2:19–21, John 12:24, Matthew 5:17, Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:6–7, Luke 24:27, Romans 1:4, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:4, Romans 6:9–10, Romans 8:3–4, 1 Corinthians 15:21–22, 1 Corinthians 15:55–57, Ephesians 1:7, Philippians 2:6–8, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 7:26–27, Hebrews 9:11–14, Acts 2:24, Revelation 1:18, Revelation 3:21.

…

He is risen!

A Poem for Saturday

Luke 17:20–21 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Matthew 13:31–32 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Hebrews 2:8–9 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

1 Corinthians 15:25–26 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

He was taken, he was tortured, crucified, and nailed to wood.
But the story doesn’t end here, and that’s why it is good.

…

So much of my writing and poetry is about perspective. You will see consistent themes using the language of story—that though we are on dark pages in the middle of our stories, the Author is very good, and the ending of the story is incredible. But it’s hard to have this perspective on dark pages of pain, because darkness seems to drive away light, and pain has a way of freezing time.

I think Good Friday is a great tool and practice of pausing in the middle of a familiar story—on the darkest day in history. It forces us to feel the terrible pain and injustice of the cross and prepares us for the joy of the resurrection. Good Friday feels the tension of terrible pain while holding on to promised hope. Even though this day remembers the terrible agony and death of our Savior, we declare it “good.”

Because it is not the end of the story.

Many of us come to Easter this year in the middle of dark, dark pages—well acquainted with the effects of sin and death in this broken world. We have buried children. We have received the fatal diagnosis. We have felt the pain of broken relationships. We have suffered in mental illness.

And yet. We hold on to hope (Hebrews 10:23.)

“He is the king
Who set aside his glory
He is the author
who entered the story.”
-Incarnate

We still weep for the pain of this broken world - like Jesus did. We are encouraged to lament! In fact, each of our tears is caught in a bottle (Psalm 56:8.) But we do not grieve as those who do not have hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.)

Good Friday reminds us that even here, there is a hope and promise that changes everything. Even our suffering. It reminds us that Jesus stepped into the middle of the story to redeem it.

If death on the cross isn’t the end of His story—then this dark page isn’t the end of yours or mine.

Hold on. Sunday is coming.

Hold on. Heaven is coming.

…

Make sure to listen to Sarah’s Risen, Part. 2 EP on Spotify and Apple Music today. @sarahsparksmusic

You are the manna from Heaven.
The daily bread of life.
You are the meal I eat.
Through you, my God provides.

You are both the hyssop branch
And the spotless lamb.
The Priest and the Offering
And the great I AM.

You said,
“This is my body
Broken for you
This is my blood
Poured out for you.”

And in a new way, I am full.
Your body broken makes mine whole.
In the valley of the shadow of death,
My cup overflows.
For I have tasted the sweetness of your sacrifice.
My dry bones have awakened to this food and drink of life.

-

This poem is featured in a FREE download for all email subscribers! DM with your preferred email address to receive the link. Includes a FREE Kid’s companion study!

This year’s Risen Artwork is available on the Etsy store. Link in the bio.

Jesus, The Word made flesh,
You said, “Let there be light.”
And there was.
Your words create and change reality.
Your words make dead men walk.

“The Word”
-

Poem and Video - Kate Lab, @kategoescreating
Music by - Sam Rae, @samrae2001

-

This poem is featured in a FREE download for all email subscribers! DM with your preferred email address to receive the link. Includes a FREE Kid’s companion study!

This year’s Risen Artwork is available on the Etsy store. Link in the bio.

-

John 1:1 | John 1:14 | Genesis 1:3 | Hebrews 11:3 | Isaiah 55:11 | John 11:43-44 | Luke 7:14-15 | Matthew 28:18 | Job 42:2 | Mark 1:27 | Luke 4:36 | Matthew 8:8 | Mark 1:41-42 | Mark 1:25-26 | Mark 4:39 | Matthew 4:19 | John 1:43 | Matthew 9:9 | John 21:19 | Numbers 23:19 | John 17:17 | Romans 1:20 | Philippians 2:10-11 | John 14:6 | John 10:9 | John 8:12 | 2 Corinthians 1:20 | Hebrews 10:23 | Matthew 16:24 | John 12:26 | John 21:22

Cement my heart to know
[ Even with my dying breath ]
Though every day I’m dying,
This does not lead to death.

…

Isaiah 25:8
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.”

John 10:9
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”

John 11:4
“But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”

John 11:1–6, 17–44

Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:26
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

1 Corinthians 15:54–55
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

2 Corinthians 4:16
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

…

Music by @sarahsparksmusic
Poetry & Video @kategoescreating

-

This poem is featured in a FREE download for all email subscribers. DM with your preferred email address to receive the link. Includes a FREE Kid’s companion study!

This year’s Risen Artwork is available on the Etsy store. Link in the bio.

- PALM SUNDAY -

“Look at the King! He is our King!
He will save Israel, Blessed is He.”
”This is our promised deliverer!” I think.
I know not what I ask for nor what I need.

But my belly is full and I like what I see.

It strikes me he rides on so humble a steed -
Palm branches tread by a donkey’s feet.
But I’m here for his power, his miraculous ways.
When I’m full and healthy, he gets all my praise.

While he’s riding high I will too ride the waves.

I call “Hosanna!” and yet I’m afraid
Of what these hands will call for in just a few days.
This triumphal entry has a note that sounds wrong,
What if this battle cry is a funeral song?

Is this a battle cry or a funeral song?

-

Music by @sarahsparksmusic
Poetry & Video @kategoescreating

-

This poem is featured in a FREE download for all email subscribers! DM with your preferred email address to receive the link. Includes a FREE Kid’s companion study!

This year’s Risen Artwork is available on the Etsy store. Link in the bio. & make sure to listen to Sarah’s “Risen, PT. 2” EP this week on Spotify or Apple Music!

#palmsunday #holyweek #hosanna #easter

As I listen through the Bible this year with some of my church family, I have been struck again by how often God’s command, “Do not fear,” is immediately followed by the promise of His presence. This poem takes many of those references and puts them together in a prayer. Enjoy my son’s voice at the end. :)

He and I are both learning how to be brave. Maybe you are too!
…

Isaiah 41:10 - Joshua 1:9 - Deuteronomy 31:6 - Deuteronomy 31:8 - Isaiah 43:1-2 - Psalm 23:4 - Haggai 2:4-5 - Matthew 28:20 - John 14:27 - John 16:33 - Hebrews 13:5-6 - Acts 18:9-10

This poetic prayer was written while driving home after time with my family six years ago. As my sister, @sarahsparksmusic, heads to the airport with her husband this morning, I find I need this prayer again. Our family had a sweet time with my mom and dad and siblings and their families at the Outer Banks last week. So much fun and laughter together. But as we all head back home to different places across the country, I feel the great ache again of missing them and wishing we lived closer. As I grieve living so far from family, I am reminded that none of us are really “home.” That this broken earth isn’t a place we will ever be comfortable. And that although time is limited here, we are traveling to a place with no limitations on time. The ache I feel is really an ache for Jesus and heaven. And it’s a good ache.

If you’re comfortable sharing, how do you relate to this poem? What’s the ache that drives you to Jesus and the hope of heaven?
…

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” - Charles Spurgeon

* Revelation 21:4
* Hebrews 12:2
* Psalm 34:8
* John 3:16
* Matthew 4:4
* Matthew 6:11
* Philippians 1:21
* Psalm 18:2
* Psalm 62:7

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther
“Rock of Ages” by Augustus Toplady

…

Music by Sarah Sparks, @sarahsparksmusic
Instrumental “Control Line”

A Poetic Prayer for Gloomy Hearts in Gloomy Weather

…

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” —Psalm 73:26

“For I, the Lord, do not change.” —Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” —James 1:17

#prayer #poem #hope #liturgy #seasonalaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #sad

A liturgy for Lent

Poem and Video - Kate Lab, @kategoescreating
Music by - Sam Rae, @samrae2001

You all know I love the church calendar. I love the change of seasons and reasons to anticipate and celebrate. Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent. I love how the season of Lent anticipates Easter. It’s certainly not a requirement or commanded in scripture, but it’s a tradition that has been helpful to me in moving my eyes from myself and the distractions of this world, to Jesus. And I want my motivation to be explicitly clear - not guilt or shame, but love for my wonderful Savior. I wrote this poetic prayer as a liturgy to begin this season, and Sam Rae composed this beautiful companion music!

Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”

…

Lord,
In this season,
Take my eyes
From me to you.
And then may you
illuminate
My whole life
Through your light and truth.

To see the beauty of your glory,
& in comparison, my sin,
And then see redemption in my story
Because you have entered in.

To worship what should be worshipped!
To give what I must give.
Not to merit grace or earn affection
But because it is the only way for me to live

For I have been FORGIVEN!
Saved, by grace through faith.
And then adopted in the family!
Let me introduce myself by name

I am a child of God.
Coheir with Christ.
I will sell all my possessions
For this pearl of great price.

Lord, in the season,
Move my eyes from me to you.
Crush my idols, send the fire
That shows me who is who.

But my motivation is not guilt,
Manipulation, or shame.
Because of love, you carried the cross for me,
Out of love, I will do the same.

…

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