Built On Rock: His House By the Sea

“And the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.” Matt. 7: 27

One day along the beach I took a walk.
Before me, there appeared a church. It seemed
to have a strong foundation. Built on rock,
its white brick surface in the sunlight gleamed.

I thought of One who stood upon a mount
once long ago beside a great sea where
his teachings poured like water from a fount
of wisdom for the poor in spirit there.

He said to build one’s house on rock, not sand,
and spoke of charity - the higher love.
Salvation for the meek, he promised, and 
the sweet and everlasting peace thereof.

Since Christ so often taught near Galilee.
I loved the sight of His house by the sea!

By Andrea Dietrich/ Sept. 25, 2011

For the Contest of Constance La France ~My Dear Heart ~
"The Church By The Ocean Poetry Contest"

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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Date: 9/15/2020 10:29:00 AM
EXCELLENT sonnet, Andrea! This is right up my alley, and a fave. Did I tell you I started a list of Bible stories and parables I hope to write sonnets about, thanks to your suggestion to do so? This parable is on my list. I'm sure I won't be able to surpass the quality of this one, but it sounds like a fun project.
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Date: 1/1/2013 9:48:00 AM
this is amazing, in that not only is there the message here, but it makes so much sense, in a building aspect..
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Date: 11/17/2011 4:49:00 PM
Well, I guess you would win, I'm late but need to say this is lovely - enjoyed muchly!
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Date: 10/5/2011 9:46:00 PM
Nice one, Andrea. congrats on your win! Kim
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Date: 10/5/2011 8:16:00 PM
This is truly lovely Andrea. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
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Date: 10/5/2011 5:26:00 PM
Congrats Andrea on an exciting win with this outstanding entry ..so intense and beautifully composed with imagery my friend..luv..
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Date: 10/5/2011 1:18:00 PM
Congratulations on a deserving win in the contest, Andrea. I pray that the words of wisdom will resound in all our hearts. Love, Annalise
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Date: 10/5/2011 10:36:00 AM
Oh Andrea. This is beautiful. I would have judged it higher. Well done and congratulations
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Date: 10/5/2011 8:31:00 AM
Great work in the contest. Congratulations on your win.
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Date: 10/5/2011 1:37:00 AM
I can so picture this Andrea. Loved it. Many congrats.
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Date: 10/4/2011 3:26:00 PM
Congrats on your win..Sara
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Date: 10/4/2011 1:48:00 PM
Congratulations on your win Andrea in "The Church By The Ocean" contest. Love, Carol
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Date: 10/1/2011 1:01:00 PM
Beautiful write taken from the scripture. Clever how you made it flow from one line to another. You are so good my friend. love phyl
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Date: 9/30/2011 12:19:00 AM
Yes we do need reminding, what it's all about , tales of truth and sensibility, that the lord has pointed out...
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Date: 9/29/2011 3:37:00 PM
Congrats to you sweetie! I really liked this one too :D ok I better get out of here!! O_o I am soo dead!
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Date: 9/29/2011 1:01:00 PM
Congratulations onn the win in the contest of P.D., Andrea
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Date: 9/29/2011 11:47:00 AM
Congrats Andrea on your grand win in PD's contest with fantastic poetry that touches so deeply my friend..enjoy with luv..for great words once again..
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Date: 9/29/2011 11:19:00 AM
ANDREA~~Congratulations on your posted poem of the week. God bless,..p.d.
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Date: 9/29/2011 10:13:00 AM
Congratulations on your win in P.D.'s "Your Best Poem this Week" contest Andrea. Love, Carol
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Date: 9/28/2011 4:27:00 PM
Maybe we will see that Sea sometime? Light & Love
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Date: 9/28/2011 2:20:00 PM
This has such a serene feel to it-- I really like this one, Andrea--- a very comforting and beautiful piece that used Constance's challenge so well-- incorporating that bible verse made this so much meaningful :) hugs to you! btw I will catch up on emails by tomorrow I hope...
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Date: 9/28/2011 10:12:00 AM
I like your inconclusive use of rhyme from one sentence to another. It feeds the soul to read such words. Our hearts now soar just like the birds. It is so calming to share God's grace. It makes the witches and gypsies easier to face.
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Date: 9/27/2011 11:39:00 AM
Colorful setting and beautifully written. Luck in the contest. Love, daver
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Date: 9/27/2011 5:44:00 AM
Andrea What a fascinating thought to see a church by the sea, and you describe it so well in your poem. I think I missed this contest, but let me see if I can catch on. I need to check if my brain still works! Thank you for following my work. Your nice comments are like rain watering my desire to write! Dalila
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Date: 9/26/2011 4:44:00 PM
I'm glad you were inspired to write this. I still have no idea what i'm going to write, if anything. so if you want to send some of that inspiration my way...i could use it! this is a great entry for the contest :)
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