America (Extended Version)

This is an extended version of the hymn “(America) My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” I love the original, but I felt it was lacking in verses. As a hymn, I know people often sing certain verses rather than the whole song, and they sometimes have different verses altogether in their hymnals. I wanted to addContinue reading “America (Extended Version)”

Family Found and Forged

America and the Philippines have had an interesting relationship, much like any two countries we analyze from a long-term perspective. However, there is more to be said about the special bond between our two nations, a bond which has given glory to God through bitter times and sweet. It is a bond that has beenContinue reading “Family Found and Forged”

First Snow Falls

The first snow falls are a magical time When all tranquility comes down The winds start to sing through silver chimes As the world dons it ivory gown A quiet peace fills all the air A sense of calm that stills all thoughts Cold washes the earth in a lucious white glare Meditation it beckonsContinue reading “First Snow Falls”

How Long, Oh Lord?

I have been working through my commentary on the book of Psalms. It is one of my favorite books of the Bible, and the one I have found to be the easiest to commentate on. After all, it is essentially a commentary of David’s on the events of his life. This poem is modeled afterContinue reading “How Long, Oh Lord?”

July 4th, 2023

Today is American Independence Day again. We celebrate this day each year in remembrance of the Declaration of Independence – the document dated July 4th, 1776. So long after the event, it is not uncommon for participants to contemplate what this time means to us today, and why it is important to remember. In soContinue reading “July 4th, 2023”

Blessed Is the Man of War

It’s been a while since I’ve done any creative or scholarly writing. I hadn’t felt any inspiration or compelling motivation for the past few months to write anything outside of work. However, I attended some live music a week ago, and that seemed to be all I needed to get my ideas flowing again. ThisContinue reading “Blessed Is the Man of War”

The Sweetness of the Unseen

Being so busy recently has reminded me of how fond I am of simple days where not much happens. Those times when life is predictable are often more rewarding than days filled with excitement. After all, excitement brings with it uncertainty, and thus, fear. But certainty gives a sense of peace. The significance of thatContinue reading “The Sweetness of the Unseen”

A Journey Just Beginning

I have finally made it to 100 posts on the Pensive Warrior, and it is a fitting time for the occasion. I wonder if it is just a coincidence this milestone was met with the new year just around the corner. I always seem to be finishing or starting something big just as the yearContinue reading “A Journey Just Beginning”

To Give Without Want: A Haiku Series

Christmas is many things to many people, with an origin story not many know. As I know it, Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus (Yeshua) the man whom the Angel of the Lord manifested for the eventual purpose of shedding His innocent blood on the earth for the atonement of sins.Continue reading “To Give Without Want: A Haiku Series”

The Happy Warrior: A Haiku Series

The story of Wojtek the Bear was such an inspiring and wholesome story that I felt it only fitting to add a poetry post on the topic. Seeing as Wojtek was a soldier, I felt it most fitting to write a haiku series. Since haiku was developed by the warrior samurai as a form ofContinue reading “The Happy Warrior: A Haiku Series”