Lightning Bolts & Butterflies
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
MELTDOWN Searing heat from projector light burns hole BUTTERFLY XVI Plunged to the foundation MOONGLOW Tender and lovely words
In celluloid frozen in its tracks.
Flickering, dazzling flame reduces
Molded column into puddle of wax.
All to the senses, especially that seen, tasted, and felt,
We’ve been forewarned that it’s all going to melt.
The things of this world will seem like so much trash
When it’s lit from above by Creator’s eternal match.
How vain to waste precious time and life working and yearning
For junk created by men’s hands that will end up burning,
When all will give account of everything said and done,
And there’s nowhere to hide and nowhere to run.
Like the refiner’s searing fire that purifies gold,
We’ll one day find out what bill of goods we’ve been sold.
Have we wasted our lives wallowing in wealth and pleasure?
Or did we invest wisely by laying up eternal treasures?
Be still and listen, and you will be able to hear it,
The voice that is calling you to sow to the Spirit.
It’s not too late to get our hearts and our spirits right,
If we start loving Creator and souls with all of our might.
Lust for power and riches will cause men to drown
In fiery ocean of final judgment and earthly meltdown.
This knowledge and wisdom should cause us to turn
Away from the world, realizing that’s it’s all going to burn.
at the bottom of my heart
Buzzards circle low around
Light of a single star yet to appear
Inaccessible caverns now disclosed
Illuminating search unfolds
What secrets will be discovered?
Ungathered shadows of the unnoticed
or liberty to the sleeping butterfly?
Fall from your lips
Like stars to the earth
I’ll use my heart basket
Gather them one by one
They will light my way
The memory of them
Is sweet perfume
The heavenly fragrance
Lingers in my mind
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Lightning Bolts and Butterflies
debi describes many of Michael’s poems as striking her as lightning bolts, which is in keeping with his straightforwardness and uncompromising character. Mike has always referred to debi as a colorful butterfly, because of the beauty she brings to the world through her personality and art. Lightning Bolts and Butterflies is indicative of the balance they have with one another. The book also conveys their continuing efforts to promote love and peace through the Prince of Peace.
About the Author
Michael and debi Maddox established Project Peace on Earth, a non-profit organization in 1992. They live and work full time at the organization’s headquarters, which is on 100 wooded acres in East Texas. Project Peace on Earth has a fivefold vision: 1) maintaining an environment conducive to prayer, meditation and creativity; 2) operating a teaching and counseling center; 3) providing support services for worldwide missionary endeavors; 4) creating positive alternatives for young people by hosting major events; and 5) utilizing the arts as a means to introduce a new generation to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. debi’s first book, a poetic, allegorical tale called Wordivore World, was published in 1994. She also illustrated the book, creating fanciful, imaginative creatures called "Wordivores," who live on and by the spoken word. The book conveys the power of our words to either heal or destroy, and how words reveal the contents of our hearts. She is currently authoring a book detailing the parallels between the Bible book of Jonah with the creative and artistic processes. Most of her recognition over her lifetime comes from her work as an oil painter. Known as a series artist, she is currently in her studio completing the ninth painting in a series called "The Dreaming." Michael has authored a book entitled Peace Freak, an autobiographical account of his and debi’s search for peace during the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. The book relates both their adventures and misadventures, while exploring various paths to true inner peace, finally culminating in their encounter with the Prince of Peace in 1972. He is currently writing the follow-up book, which is called Peace Freak In Deed. Mike is also regarded as an astute Bible teacher and speaker. He keeps a busy speaking schedule which includes: churches; schools; civic organizations; and television and radio interviews. Project Peace on Earth has been featured in numerous publications, including Christian Family Magazine, and on television news programs. The Maddox’s 30-minute television special, "Simply...by Faith," has been broadcast across the country. Their scenic farm headquarters has also been the site for major art and music festivals. Primarily, however, the grounds are used by those who desire a quiet, peaceful place where they can hear for themselves the still, small voice of God. For further information on Michael and debi Maddox or Project Peace on Earth, please write to P.O. Box 404, Kaufman, TX 75142. Or, check out their website at