Always Near Volume 1 - Susan M. Werner

Always Near

Volume 1

Susan M. Werner

ISBN 9781731348883

ASIN B07NH8RZDH

I picked up this volume because it was part of Father Mark Goring’s School of Reading, it is the third book that I have read that he has highlighted as his book of the month. I picked it up both because of Fr Mark’s recommendation and because I try and read a few poetry books each year. It is a good collection or prayerful and uplifting poems. The subtitle of this first volume is.

‘A journey in verse to discover the presence of God in our lives by seeing the ordinary as extraordinary.’

The description of the book is:

“A journey in verse to discover the presence of God in our lives by seeing the ordinary as extraordinary. Throughout the years I made a variety of cards for my family which always included a poem. With the popularity of Facebook I felt the need to offer a daily inspirational thought from well-known authors. One morning as I sat before my computer ready to type I heard the familiar “still small voice” telling me to use my gift. I instinctively understood I was to share my poetry and not to worry when and how the words would come. From that day forward, I have been inspired to write a poem. Many hundreds of rhyming verses later I continue to be amazed and grateful for what God has given me. My prayer is for all who read these verses be filled with love for the One who knows and loves us best of all...God, our Father.”

It is one of four volumes currently available. Father Mark mentioned that the author emailed him the poems and over time they grew on him. I can easily see that happening. The poems in this volume are:

The Beginning...

The Inspiration

Clouds...

Dew...

Dew... Explaned

Pieces...

Pieces Explained

A Bit Of Cleaning...

Absorbing Peace...

Adrift…

All About…

All Mine…

Always Blessed…

Angel Tears...

As I Am…

Attitude Of Gratitude...

Autumn Delights...

Baking Day...

Beauty Of Humility...

Being Held...

Beloved...

Beyond Measure...

Big Love...

Bonding...

Boundless Love...

Bursting With Joy...

Caught...

To Cherish...

Clarity...

Companion...

One Constant...

Courage...

Delight...

Divine Encounter...

Easy...

Endless Mercy

Everyday Gifts...

Evolution...

Faith Alone...

Father...

Finding Truth...

For All To Know...

Friends...

Future...

Gods Will...

The Great Equalizer...

Heal...

Heaven On Earth...

Here And Now...

His Treasure...

A Hopeful Dance...

Imagine...

Infinite Possibilities...

Just A Nudge...

Kisses...

Less Is More...

Lighter Load...

A Little Breeze...

Look Within...

Loving Correction...

A Memory...

New Life!

My Gift...

Nesting...

Nighttime Blessings...

Nourished...

Offering Praise...

One With Him...

Out Of Sight...

Pause...

Perfect Placement...

Perfection...

Prayer...

Promises...

Quiet Time

Real Image...

Receive...

Remember...

Resolutions...

Road Less Traveled...

Show Stopper...

Simple Things...

Sneak Peek...

Solitude...

Step Out...

Sweet Joy...

Tapestry...

The Tie That Binds...

Together...

True Knowing...

Unbound...

Unveiled...

Watching...

Your Comfort...

A few of my favourites from my first read through are:

ADRIFT …

My little boat had set a course,

It took direction from my hand,

At first the ride went smoothly,

Then I lost all sight of land.

I panicked and displaced my calm,

With an over anxious heart,

So certain was I of my strength,

I overlooked one essential part.

Every journey needs a guide,

Lord, you will always take the lead,

All I have to do is ask,

You become the compass that I need.

AS I AM …

Through Your Grace I've learned some things,

I've been too concerned with “me”,

I dwell on my unworthiness,

It clouds how I think and see.

Please help me, Lord, to step aside,

It was Your plan from the start,

To create me in Your image,

In Love flowing from Your heart.

You see me as Your perfect child,

Never less than who I am,

Please fan the fire of Faith in me,

So I may better understand.

My role in Your magnificent plan of Creation.

BURSTING WITH JOY ...

Dear Lord,

It's when I try to fix myself,

Something always goes amiss,

Now I pause in Love and Hope,

To receive Your soft, sweet kiss.

Slowly all my doubt dissolves,

I am infused with precious peace,

My heart is bursting with the Joy,

Your blessings never cease.

Every poem is accompanied by a photo or piece of art. I myself could do without them. I loved the pomes. The pictures did not add to the words for me. It is an excellent little volume of devotional poems, one I will read again. I will also likely pick up others in the set. I can easily recommend this book.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!  

Read as part of Father Mark Goring’s School or Reading for info click here.

For a list of all books that are part of Father Mark Goring's Saint Mark’s School of Reading click here.

Books by Susan Werner:

Always Near Volume 1

Always Near Volume 2

Always Near Volume 3

Always Near Volume 4

…