The Effigy 

                             An Original Illustrated Prayer Poem

 

The Effigy~ An Original Illustrated Prayer Poem

 

The Lord had given me this prayer poem several months ago as I was doing a bible study-devotional meditation on Genesis 3 ~the story about Cain and Abel, and studying more about our Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice to atone for our sins.

 

 I was also reading a novel where the town had come out in a mob to burn in effigy the figure of an unpopular political candidate during my Bible study; in the story the author meant for the character to be a Christ metaphor. The parallel struck me that Jesus Christ is God’s effigy.

 

I had hoped to publish my prayerpoem last March but became so ill with such a flare up of migraines and allergies that it was impossible to be online or do any of the digital art that I had previously so loved.

 

The Lord led me to pursue creating art in traditional formats again which has now proved very efficacious toward my healing.

He led me to illustrate “The Effigy” in a mixed media traditional Art format; it is a three dimensional painting, including cut paper, many complex layers, metallic markers, various kinds of inks, paints, colored pencils, I can’t remember all the added media! Oh yes! Glue! Mark laughs at all the glue I use.

 

I give thanks to our wonderful, awesome Creator for saving my soul to worship Him with the gifts He has invested in me to glorify Him, to proclaim His gospel, to tell of His greatness, to sing of His mercy, to tell of His reality, so many things our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does!

“I will shout to the Lord in triumph,” sang the psalmist joyfully.

 

“ By this I know that Thou favourest me,

Because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

 And as for me, Thou upholdest me in mine integrity,

And settest me before Thy  face for ever.“

Psalm 41:5, 11-12 KJV

 

But who is my enemy?

These migraines that ever come to pull me down  and say,

“you will never finish this or that for the Lord…”

 

They are like big Goliaths who knock me to the floor and send me to the lonely bedroom, imprisoning me in darkness, unable to see straight or think properly or do anything.

 

But Jesus comes eventually as I pray and seek His face continually in my exile, patiently waiting on Him, trusting by faith that He will deliver me out of the pit.

He will not leave me in that place of sickness  for I believe He will keep every promise forever.

Christ is a Holy Gentleman who never lies.

 ”in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;“ Titus 1:2 KJV

 

Sure enough, Jesus comes, He says, Rise up, Take up thy bed and walk!

 

The Lord Jesus Christ is no respecter of persons, His word assures us that God does not show favoritism. If the Lord can heal me, deliver me from oppression, debilitating migraines and allergies etc, He can do this for everyone who calls on His name for help.

 

 But we must be willing to trust Him and wait with patience.

 

Sometimes He does not come the instant we want Him to heal us for He might want us to rest which is something some of us may not like to do. We are often like little ones whose mama, when she puts her baby down to nap, they set up a fierce little tantrum and whine and cry to be let out to go back to play with their blocks or whatever toy they were amusing themselves with before naptime. But mama always knows that babies must rest or get ill and cranky. And so Jesus knows this is true with His own babies. But very often we dislike and resent this treatment, feel it is unfair as we look around us at all the other saints who are not being put to bed and are out playing as healthy as you please and we can get a bitter root. Our kind and good Shepherd comforts us and reminds us that whom the Lord loves He disciplines. And it is to make us holy. (*see Hebrews 12)

 

But God has not singled us out for this special tough love, we must not get upset…but rather the apostles tell us to praise Him for our trials for they produce patience. For all God’s children will have them!

”…for there is no respect of persons with God.“

Romans 2:11 KJV

 

Praise The Lord for His blessings rather!

Praise the Lord for all that He has done for us, and for the blessings He will always give. In Jesus’ name.

 

”Bless the LORD, O my soul:

 And all that is within me,

bless his holy name.

 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

Who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;

 Who crowneth thee

with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;

So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.“

Psalm 103:1-5 KJV

 

”Praise the Lord, because He is good!

His faithful love will last forever!

Everyone the Lord has saved

should repeat that word of thanks.

Praise Him,

all who have been rescued from the enemy.“

Psalms 107:1-2 ERV

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for rescuing me from the enemy of sickness, despair, and hopelessness. Thank You for doing all Thy good works in and through me by Your Son who redeemed me through His spotless blood sacrifice on the cross. May Your name be glorified throughout the earth to spread Thy love, faith, and hope abroad and bring every soul who desires to know Thee close to Thy heart to know You and feel Thy love and reality and be made one with You through the blood of Christ as they invite Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior,  in Jesus’ holy name, amen. I love You, Lord!

 _____________________________________________

 

Unto The Least of These, Copyright © 2024, The Effigy, Illustrated Prayer Poem by Suzanne Davis Harden, Through the Indwelling Risen Lord Jesus Christ, Inspired by His Holy Spirit, To The Glory of God the Father, In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen. 

Copyright © 2024, by Suzanne Davis Harden, All Rights Reserved. 

In The Latter Days

The Prayer poem the Lord gave me today was inspired by a passage in James 1:27

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 KJV

The imagery in my prayer poem suggests the homeless, but the James 1:27 Bible verse includes all afflicted people, such as the suffering in our neighborhoods and churches, people in nursing homes, and hospitals as well. 

 Some churches have visitation programs where members regularly go and visit the suffering and minister Christ’s love and grace to them. This is a wonderful outreach. It is putting into practice the James 1:27 scripture. 

Some communities have a sizable homeless population. Many of these people are emotionally unstable. God gives some churches and ministers a special calling to help these people. 

If called to minister to the homeless, it is wisdom to do so with others within a church that has a special calling to minister to the homeless and prison populations as well.  

The Bible calls on each of us to love with discernment.

One way we can all lay down our lives in love is through the ministry of prayer.

Prayer is the greatest ministry we have in the Kingdom of God. For no ministry, or minister in the Kingdom of Christ can be started or maintained apart from the practice of prayer. 

In Ephesians we are admonished to “pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18 KJV

And  “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us. That is to lay our lives down for each other. 

Prayer is giving up our time, and our attention on our own agenda, not only to commune with the Lord, but also to focus on asking God to meet someone else’s needs according to His will to bless that person. 

We ask His blessing and favor and grace and goodness to fall upon those for whom we are praying. 

God deeply loves the souls we are praying for, keep that in mind, so we are to pray in love for them always. 

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

John 13:34-35 KJV

Unto The Least Of These, In The Latter Days, Illustrated Christian Prayer Poem, Copyright © 2022 by Suzanne Davis Harden, All Rights Reserved, Music Video-Original Instrumental: God Will Never Disown His Children, Copyright © (P) 2022 Suzanne Davis Harden, All Rights Reserved. Scripture  Quotations from the King James Bible (Public Domain)

Lord, So Many Suffer

 

“For which cause we faint not; 

but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 

while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal;

 but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Unto The Least Of These, September 2022 Christian Prayer Poem & Illustration by S.D.Harden, Through the Indwelling Risen Lord Jesus Christ, Inspired by His Holy Spirit, To the Glory of God The Father, In Jesus’ Name, Amen; Copyright © 2022 by Suzanne Davis Harden, All Rights Reserved.

Scripture Quotation from the King James Version Bible

A Badge Of Honor

A Badge of Honor

They bear the scars of Jesus,

They bear Christ’s holy scars,

They wear them on their bodies 

And in their suffering hearts.

They suffer for Christ’s glory,

They share His holy pain,

His scars their badge of honor

Though others call it shame...

In their humble weakness 

Christ displays His strength;

In them He rises yet alive

Through His almighty grace.

The sick and suffering, poor, oppressed

Bring glory to the Lord,

When they praise Him in their pain

Despite their vicious storms...

They bear the scars of Jesus,

They bear His holy scars,

They’ll become a crown of gold 

He’ll place upon their heart...

Someday He will look at them,

He’ll look at them and say,

“Well done my little one 

You honored Me each day,

With the life I gave to you

To worship Me and praise;

Now come live in Paradise 

And be with Me always,

In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Prayer Poem) All Glory To God, Copyright © 2020, Suzanne Davis Harden,  All Rights Reserved.  

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Scriptures for Meditation

“ “On my own body are scars that prove I belong to Christ Jesus...” ~ Galatians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭CEV‬‬

“God's Spirit makes us sure that we are His children.

 His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ 

we will be given what God has promised. 

We will also share in the glory of Christ, 

because we have suffered with Him.

 I am sure what we are suffering now 

cannot compare with the glory 

that will be shown to us.” 

~ ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:16-18‬ ‭CEV‬‬

“For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, 

not only to believe and confidently trust in Him,

 but also to suffer for His sake, 

[and so you are] experiencing the same [kind of] conflict 

which you saw me endure, 

and which you hear to be mine now.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:29-30‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“...but Christ has said to me, 

“My grace is sufficient for you

 [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—

always available—regardless of the situation]; 

for [My] power is being perfected 

[and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” 

Therefore, I will all the more gladly 

boast in my weaknesses, 

so that the power of Christ 

[may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.

 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, 

with insults, with distresses, 

with persecutions, 

and with difficulties, 

for the sake of Christ; 

for when I am weak [in human strength], 

then I am strong 

[truly able, truly powerful,

 truly drawing from God’s strength].”

‭‭~2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Unto The Least Of These, All Glory to God, Copyright © 2020 by Suzanne Davis Harden, All rights reserved.
Original Prayer Poem, “Badge of Honor,” Original Scripture Paintings, May Christ be Honored, Copyright © 2020, by Suzanne Davis Harden, All rights reserved.Scripture quotations: CEV Bible (Contemporary English Version Bible) Second Edition) Copyright © 2006 American Bible Society, All rights reserved. /AMP (Amplified Bible) Copyright © 2015 by the Lockman Foundation, All rights reserved.

Their Voice Has Gone Out To All The Earth

All Glory To God Forever (Inspired by Psalm 19)



The heavens sing of Thy glory,

The skies reveal Thy work 

Every day they sing of Thee

In songs that have no words...


Every day and night they sing

They pour forth melodies
 
In a language without sound

Their love to Thee they bring.



Though their speech be silent

Their grammar be unknown
Their syntax may be foreign
Yet God will make them known...


Everywhere in all the earth

In every place they go 

God makes their language understood

Where their songs are sown.



They sing God’s holy truths

Every night and day

They glorify the Most High

They praise His holy name...



Before all of the Angels

And all the Universe

Their songs are triumphs of His grace

That display His works...



All glory to God forever 

They’re singing all the day...

All glory! Glory! Glory!

May Christ be ever praised!


All glory to Christ forever

Who saved the world from sin

May Christ be praised forevermore

By all who honor Him,

In Jesus’ holy name,

Amen.


(Prayer Song) All Glory To Christ, 
Copyright © 2019 by SD Harden All rights reserved.
 
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For Meditation

• “The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows His handiwork. Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge.

    • There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world...” Psalms 19:1-4 WEB 
 


• “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.


• "For the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse."         

• 
"Because, *knowing God, they didn’t glorify Him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.”~ Romans 1:18-21 WEB    


*Please note that Paul addresses these words to those who are Believers in God, to those who DO KNOW GOD. The word Paul used for *know is:

•    Strongs1097 γινώσκω [GINW/SKW] {ginṓskō} \ghin-oce'-ko\a prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely)(allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.

*Please re-read the above passages in Romans 1 -not as addressed to unbelievers, -but as to the believer who has suppressed the truth about God in Christ...
One needs to READ the Bible and not merely books ABOUT the Bible, i.e., --commentaries by people. 
Because we are ALL human and we all make mistakes.

One needs to read what our Lord Jesus and the Apostles taught~~not what so and so taught, or even what a denomination or school or theology or philosophy that professes to be Christianity taught or teaches ~because our destiny is at stake.

Jesus said, “But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” ~Matthew 23:8-12 WEB

If we argue that the pastor or a famous person is more educated and better able to teach us than Jesus Christ from His Word or the Holy Spirit through His word, then we do not truly believe Jesus’ words.

We become a follower of our pastor or famous teacher, author, philosopher, or school rather than Jesus Christ when we believe their words have more authority than the risen Lord and Savior whom we profess to love and serve.
However, that person we are following and putting our faith in cannot save us from our sins.

If we are a follower of a human and not actually following Christ, we confess by our lives that we do not actually believe the above words Christ spoke that He alone must be our MAIN TEACHER~ RABBI; nor will we ever comprehend or really believe in our hearts the following verses ( *See below) from the Word of God.

If any teacher or leader suppresses these important teachings or tries to explain or twist  them so that they do not mean just what the reader absolutely understands that they mean, then those leaders deny Christ and suppress the truth about God.

Meditate on the following bible verses…they reinforce Jesus’ teachings that we must abide in HIM, allow His Holy Spirit to privately teach us as we maintain a consistent prayer life with Him, worship Him, and personally study His Word with Him that we might come to know our Lord and Savior personally and glorify Him as we were created to.

All we have is idolatry if we reverse His paradigm of worshiping Jesus first and foremost.
If we make anything but Jesus our Head, we will have only an idol.

The first commandment is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

If we stop loving JESUS as our Head, we will wander off into error and we will, before we know it, change the truth of God into a lie and be self deceived yet still call ourselves a Christian.
Meditate:

    •    Jesus said, “He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me."

    •    "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

    •    "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you."

    •    "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.” ~ John 14:24-26,16:7,13-14 KJV  

    •    Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

    •    For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

    •    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 


    •    Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

    •    They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

    •    But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

    •    Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

    •    Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 



    •    Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

    •    And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life. 

    •    These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

    •    But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.

    •    And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 


    •    If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.”~ 1 John 2:15-29 - KJV     

Unto The Least Of These, Copyright © 2019 by SD Harden, All rights reserved, All Glory to God, Prayer Poem, All Glory To God, Copyright © 2019 by SD Harden, All rights reserved, All Glory to Christ,Scripture Collage Painting, Copyright © 2019 by SD Harden, All rights reserved, All Glory to God, Scripture Quotations taken from the King James Version Bible, and World English Bible WEB) (Public Domain)






Jesus Bears Your Burdens

JESUS BEARS YOUR BURDENS © 2016 SD Harden All Rights Reserved.

Jesus bears your burdens

Though you see Him not,

He bears you up within His grace

In the arms of God.

In the arms of God

He bears you up with grace,

Restores you with His love 

Though you can't see His face.

Jesus bears your burdens

Just as He bore your sin

When you cast them at His feet

And trust your heart to Him.

Jesus knows your need

For your soul He cares;

And burdens far too hard for you

He's strong enough to bear.

Come boldly to His Altar

And lay your burdens there,

Jesus trades them for His peace

That casts away your cares.

Give the Lord your burdens, 

Do not be afraid,

He's the everlasting God,

You'll not be put to shame.

Jesus bears your burdens,

His word is ever true,

His everlasting arms are there

Forever holding you.

Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. 

He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Prayer

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your only Son Jesus Christ died on the cross to bear our sins for us. 

Thank You that He also is our Heavenly High Priest who prays for us at Thy right hand without ceasing. 

Thy word says that we can come boldly to Thy throne of grace to find grace and mercy in our time of need. 

At Thy Altar we will receive all the grace and mercy we need for our Lord Jesus will be there ready to take on our burdens and cares and give us the peace that passes all understanding to replace our worries. 

I pray You will give peace and hope to all who are praying this prayer with me, that each soul will lay their burden at Jesus feet and be given Thy wonderful grace to replace it and a deep assurance in their heart that all will be well for You are in control and are working all things together for good to those who trust in You and love You. 

In Jesus name we pray. Thank You Lord, amen. 

"Jesus Bears Your Burden" © 2016 SD Harden All Rights Reserved. Unto The Least of These © 2016 SD Harden All Rights Reserved. Scripture Pictures SD Harden Creations/ Scripture Quotations King James Version Bible/ New International Version Bible

Lord, I Pray For Love

Lord, I Pray For Love

Lord, I pray You'll give me love

The kind You have for me,

The love that led You to the cross

To suffer agony,

The love that led You, Lord, to die

To save my soul for Thee.

The love that is not peevish,

Envious or proud,

Resentful, rude, or boastful,

That struts itself about

Like the haughty peacock;

Arrogant and vain,

A love that is not selfish,

Demanding its own way.

Lord, I pray You'll give me love

That's patient, kind, and pure,

That won't dishonor others,

Lord, give me love like Yours. 

Lord, give me love that sees the good

And does not look for faults

That won't accuse or criticize

But loves and judges not.

A love that sees that God is He

Who's always in control,

That You arrange the destiny

You've planned for every soul.

A love that walks with You each day

Believing from their maze

Of storms and trials You will weave

A royal robe of grace.

Lord, help me know that even though

I call You Lord of Life,

If I do not have Thy love

I walk not in Thy light.

And even though I do great things

And preach in Jesus name

If I have not got Thy love,

I've done it all in vain.

Lord, I pray You'll give me love,

The kind You have for me,

Let me love the way You love

And give my life to Thee.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Lord, I Pray For Love © 2016 SD Harden All Rights Reserved

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You allowed Your only begotten Son Jesus Christ to be born as a man, so that He could become a living sacrifice to atone for our sins by suffering shame, humiliation, and death on a Roman cross. We can hardly fathom such a love that would die to save the souls of people who did not love You back. But Thy word says that while we were still in sin (rebellion against God) Christ died for us. 

Lord, thank You for what You did for us, for through Your suffering You offer us eternal life with You forever when we receive You into our hearts. You love us as if we were Your only child to love and You promise You will never leave or forsake us.

Dear Lord Jesus, may each person reading this prayer not let thy suffering and dying for their soul have been in vain, but let them receive You into their heart as their Lord & Savior. For Thy word promises that "All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Thank You, Lord. We love You,

In Jesus' name, amen.

Lord, I Pray For Love, © 2016 Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved. Love Scripture Collage by SD Harden made with *Pic Collage & *Avery Photo Editor; Crucifixion scripture picture via google: Unto The Least of These © 2016 All Rights Reserved. 

Prayer For Wisdom

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

~Proverbs 9:10 

PRAYER

Dear Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, please help us to develop a solid trust in You and make us intelligent and discerning in knowing You personally, our eyes focused and clear, so that we can know and understand your will for us and how You want us to accomplish it. Give us courage and faithful perseverance to follow through on all that You ask us to do for You. May You fill our hearts with more love for You each day and draw us ever closer to Your holy heart, in Jesus' mighty name we ask, amen.


Unto The Least Of These: Prayer For Wisdom © 2015 Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved. Scripture Verse King James Bible

Interview With Christian Poet Liana Wendy Howarth

Liana Wendy Howarth

"Upon a tabletop in heavenly realm Your Savior lays gifts,

waits to welcome you home

And each bears a name amidst love, forgiveness

a name, a name that belongs to you only...

Priceless

a pearl...a pearl...of your very, very own... "

~Liana Wendy Howarth

Interview With Christian Poet 

Liana Wendy Howarth

Liana Wendy Howarth is an extremely gifted contemporary songwriter and poet. The author of two books of poetry, she writes for both children as well as adults.

For her song "When Hurt Can Hurt No More," The Song of the Year songwriting contest awarded Liana the "Suggested Artist" placement in their song contest.

Song of the Year receives entries from all over the world and only the top songwriters receive a Suggested Artist placement in the songwriting competition.

Liana maintains a popular poetry blog called Poetry Cottage which she updates almost daily with a brand new poem at poetrycottage.wordpress.com.

I was thrilled when Liana agreed to be interviewed on my blog, sharing her life and writing process in her own words.

 

Liana as a young child

 Where are you from?

Liana: I was born in Exeter, Devon, England and have been living in Australia since 1970.

How long have you been writing poetry?

Liana:  I have been writing for 16 years.

 What influenced your writing?

Liana: The love of children's picture books to begin with, which led to inspirational writing over the years.

 

Liana at age 25

 Who were your favorite authors to read as a child that shape your writing today?

Liana: I cannot really place any particular author. I don't remember books playing a big role in my life when I was younger.

  How many books have you written?

Liana: I've written two.

Liana's First Book of Poetry

 What is your first book?

Liana: My e-book, Fragrance from the Spring.

  What prompted you to become a writer & to publish your writing?

Liana: To be honest, I cannot remember how it all started. It just happened. I now know that it was and is of the Lord and I give Him all the glory. I always dreamed of being the author of a hardcover and this is now a reality.

How do you publish your books?

Liana: At present, through WestBow Press, a Christian self-publishing company in the US.

Sunrays and Lily Smiles, Liana's newest book of Poetry

 What is your newest book?

Liana: Sunrays and Lily Smiles which comes in e-book, softcover and hardcover formats.

 What inspires you most?

Liana: The gift of life. The beauty of nature. The sweet melodies of a songbird. A child's laughter. A purring kitten. Tears. Most of all, the love of God.

 Where do you get your inspiration from?

Liana: Often during prayer time I will be given the first line, particularly for my song lyrics and the verses just flow from there. I can look at a rose. The depth of its splendor deserves to be shared with those who cannot witness its glory.

 Your book Sunrays and Lily Smiles is a treasury of poems for children and adults. Would you ever consider writing a book of poems just for children?

Liana: Most definitely. Before the inspirational writing commenced I tried to publish a book just for children; but the timing wasn't right. Currently, I have a series for young children for which I am presently seeking a publisher.

What are in the contents of Sunrays and Lily Smiles?

Liana: Within the covers you'll find most of my work from way back in the beginning up until the end of last year. Inspirational and children's poetry, song lyrics, greeting card insert suggestion and words of encouragement plus a children's short story. It contains all of my first book plus much, much more.

 How did you choose that name?

Liana: The name is a combination of the following :-

Sun (my love for Jesus, (God's Son), rays (my father Raymond), and Lily (in memory of my beautiful mother Lilian and ly (Lee) short for my name), Smiles (in memory of my precious brother Miles). My childhood family.

 What are your hobbies?

Liana: My hobbies have been put on hold for a few years due to ill health; but I love to read, and sewing, patchwork, baking and playing piano have all had a special place in my life. Line dancing currently has my attention. I just need the energy to do it :-). Most of all I love the freedom of writing, being able to pour one's emotions out like a beautiful healing fragrance.

What do you do to market your books?

Liana: As far as promotion goes I have shared on Twitter, Facebook and my blog www.poetrycottage.wordpress.com and on my website www.poetrycottage.com.

Do you find it difficult to market your books as an independent author?

Liana: I must admit I do find it difficult re marketing as the expense is quite high for the packages that are available. Money never was the object for publication. I just wanted to share what I had been given.

 What advice would you give to aspiring authors and poets who want to publish their work and who have been motivated and inspired by your example of someone who has written and published two books of original poetry and maintains an inspirational blog that encourages people all over the world?

Liana: Be honest with yourself. Share from the depths of your heart to the level that you are comfortable with. 

If something you publish eg online has you worried, then maybe it's not meant to be shared or it's just not the right time. Try not to be discouraged. 

There are days where the sun shines vibrantly on one's work and others where the dark clouds are all too threatening. 

Don't compare yourself with others. You are unique and gifted with your very own style. 

Finally never give up. I was turned down by many when originally trying to publish a book of children's poetry. 

Everything is for a reason and all in God's time.

How might people contact you who are interested in getting in touch with you?

Liana: Anyone wanting to contact me can do so through my email poetrycottage@gmail.com.

 Thank you so much, Liana, for sharing your inspiration with us! Your life and your work are a beautiful blessing on this earth.

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing us through Your precious daughter Liana and her beautiful gift of poetry. May You continue to bless and inspire her to write beautiful poems and songs that bless and encourage others for the glory and honor of the name of Thy Son Jesus Christ, in His name we pray, amen.

There's A Hidden Name In Every Thorn
© Liana Wendy Howarth All Rights Reserved.

"Every time we hurt someone

Every time we turn away

Every time we distance ourselves

Causes more anguish...

We have an urgent need to pray

Every cruel, silent thought

And each little unseen smirk

Each little share in 'innocent' gossip

Causes pain in the everlasting Father's work

And we are all at some time guilty

And we have all caused others to mourn

So look very closely at the rose that presents

For there's a hidden name in every thorn."

~Liana Wendy Howarth 

Unto The Least of These: An Interview with Christian Poet Liana Wendy Howarth © 2015 Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved. Poems quoted from Sunrays and Lily Smiles © 2014 Liana Wendy Howarth All Rights Reserved. Photos © 2015 Liana Wendy Howarth All Rights Reserved.