From Off The Mountain: A Collection of Inspirational Poems

By V. Gail Tobey

The poems and short stories contained in this book are a reflection and a re-telling of the grace, love, and communion bestowed by our great God on his children. There are prayers, love, and laughter recounted in these memories. Please enjoy and remember they have been written as a testimony to our glorious God and what he can do through a humble preacher's kid. May God bless you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646709045

Book preview

Introduction

Ever hear an echo from off a mountain? Over and over it resounds, from peak to peak, so that the triumph call is heard again and again.

Though Maine is lush, and beautiful, and reflects the grandeur of heaven itself in the oceans around it, the mountains are few and far between. But we have found our mountain.

God has brought us through the valley of despair and here we stand with the echoes of victory still in our hearts. The age old battle between Satan and God, Satan and the church, and Satan and man has been heavy. The simple short stories contained within these pages are written without prejudice or rancor, except to Satan.

They are written to that one with heavy burdens, the one still in the valley facing Satan, and to the church who seems to be in the clutches of a relentless evil…Listen to the echoes.

From off the mountain, you will hear and almost see the battles that God can take you through. These verses will help you through the next valley and while you’re heading up the mountain, listen for the echoes of those who have been there before.

I said the battle was heavy, but not yet won. So who knows, tomorrow I might be listening for your echo from off the mountain.

With my brother’s permission, I use one of his poems to introduce this book.—V. Gail Tobey

Down off the summits and into the valley

From the mountain to the green vale below.

I have conquered the staggering lofty heights

And it’s into the lowlands I go.

For it takes a mountain to catch a dream

And a valley to see it through.

It takes rugged climes to create faith

And the lowlands to make it come true.

For what good is the valley and the foothills below

Unless you have conquered those hills.

And what good is the day to day labor and toil

If you don’t have a dream to fulfill?

—Barry W. Dutton

My dream is to get this book into the hands of everyone who needs the encouragement that I found as God gave me the poems contained herein.

This first one relates events in the little church my father pastored for thirty years.

There is a little church with its footing on a ledge

Built just across the road from the mighty ocean’s edge.

It served its people well in this little seacoast town

And the spirit deep within it still wears the victor’s crown.

Our people now in glory spent many hours in prayer

And if your eyes are tearstained you can almost see them there.

I see Elton Pinkham with his thin form folded there

And Lubelle at the altar in an attitude of prayer.

I see Brocky, Less, and Flora and it seems they’re praying still.

I remember Marm and Charlie and their meetings on the hill.

There are others now in glory who had so little time

God saved them then he took them but he left his peace behind.

It wasn’t always roses in these early birthing days

But thorns protect the flowers from being plucked away.

Her baby days are over and she’s a growing church