Gary a. Burlingame

God is a bridge builder. He is connecting people. We should expect that He will give us bridges to cross. If we truly believe that God is sovereign, then we should expect Him to connect us to the people He is calling us to love. And in creating those connections, God uses us as we are and where we are; even in our frailty and weakness. Sometimes we stand up as a leader, an example of courage and strength. Other times we connect with people who are hurting and in pain, or who feel lost. Sometimes it happens when our children score the winning goal in a soccer game. Sometimes it happens when we are afraid, as in an emergency room, or when we are deep in grief at a funeral home. God weaves all of this together-the bridge building; our mental, emotional, and spiritual condition; our circumstances-to place us in the right place at the right time to love our neighbors.

A unique and handy manual, covering all NINE human senses in seven chapters, for Christian speakers and writers. Exercises and a speaker's checklist equip speakers to engage their audiences in a richer experience. Writing examples and a writer's guide help writers bring more life to the characters and scenes of their stories. Bible references encourage a deeper appreciation of being created by God for a sensory existence. Example from the book: Imagine going to church on a Saturday or Sunday morning. You park your car beneath a willow's shade and walk toward a stone church that proclaims that God is the rock of your life. In front, evergreen trees of various sizes and textures proclaim that Jesus is the way to eternal life. Down a path of lilies of all kinds and colors, you are reminded that your Lord cares for you more than the lilies of the field. An open door welcomes you inside where a deacon anoints your feet with spikenard, an anointing oil, because Jesus became a servant for you. Deeper inside, beneath a stone arch, another deacon sprays your outer garments with a mist of myrrh, aloes and cassia: the scent of the prophets and the priests, of which Christ is chief among them. Fragrant sandalwood, cedar, and acacia crafted pews, flooring, and altar catch the light of the morning sun streaming through an ornate stained glass window. The choir, accompanied by flute and harp, fill the sanctuary with David's Psalms, which touch on every emotion known to mankind. Out the north side windows you see a grove of apple trees and recall that you are among the people of God, the bride of Christ. Out the south-side windows you see a grove of fig trees and recall the beauty of creation, and yet Jesus died on a tree to redeem His creation. The offering plate, its cedar bottom scented with aloes, passes through your hands as you return your tithe with gladness of heart.

Sometimes things related to faith can be hard to discuss with your friends. This booklet is designed to be given as a gift, to help you open the door to discussing spiritual matters with friends who are open to such a conversation.

Sometimes things related to faith can be hard to discuss with your family. This booklet is designed to be given as a gift, to help you open the door to discussing spiritual matters with family members who are open to such a conversation.

Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard wrote, "A poet is an unhappy being whose heart is torn by secret sufferings, but whose lips are so strangely formed that when the sighs and the cries escape them, they sound like beautiful music...." Gary A. Burlingame is one such being, with this difference-once unhappy, due to the loss of a son, his broken heart now sings, because he kept walking by faith. His readers are the beneficiaries of the work of the One who binds up the brokenhearted, "...bestowing on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor" (Isaiah 61:1-3). Gary describes this metamorphosis, "In the days of my youth the songs of my heart were self-focused. My poetry had no clear voice or purpose (outside of wooing my wife). Over time the Lord brought me through some heart-changing experiences. He allowed my heart to break so that He could mold my heart into something new. Out of this regenerated state, my poetry grew-expressing what other people could not express -crying out for them. My prayer is that my poetry would give broken hearts an outlet of release. My Broken Heart Sings is a compilation of poems that speak of pain and joy, love and loss, suffering and new birth." - Dr. David B. Biebel Endorsement: "Gary Burlingame's poetry has been on display in my waiting room for many years. His poems have touched the lives of many patients and their families. His poems stir the emotions while being practical, insightful, spiritual, and deeply truthful. I am glad to have his poetry in book form to refer to my patients and friends for support when they find themselves in pain and fall into deep struggles in their own lives." - Dr. David Trumbore - Director of physical therapy at Delaware Valley Orthopedic Associates, Philadelphia and president of Effective Fitness Solutions, LLC Bensalem, PA

This unique book of Christian poetry is actually two in one. The first collection of poems, "A Day in the Life," explores a working parent's daily journey of faith. The reader is carried from morning to bedtime, from "In the Details," to "I Forgot to Pray," back to "Home Base," and finally to "Eternal Love Divine." The second collection of poems, "Come Running," is wonder, joy, and faith wrapped up in words that encourage and inspire the mind and the heart. Praise for "My Faith, My Poetry": I carry your book in my work bag and I have a great time picking out "my favorites." By the time I read it again I'll have more "favorites." They are all very good and on target. Aside from the actual poetry writing (inspired), your layout and cover are so pleasing to the eye. A beautiful presentation - Christian author, Philadelphia I love your book of poetry. It's real. I appreciated so much the poems which resonated with my own experience. And I could see that even your most romantic poems offer a spiritual dimension pointing towards Agape love. - Retired pastor and author, New Jersey