Drawn to the ocean drawn to the sea
Your love is a river that is flowing free
From the well of love you draw living water
In partaking, we become sons and daughters
You have drawn me from the depths of earth
Holding me in your hands from before birth
You opened your merciful loving heart
Broke me open so healing could start
Arms spread wide on that cross, on that hill
Show me you loved me, and you always will
Draw me closer than I've ever been before
Draw me deeper in love each time I adore
Draw me nearer to you every minute, every day
Your hand upon my shoulder whenever I pray
Take me beyond what I have ever done
That, in fullness of time, we may live as one
Lord, come to bless, make holy, and sanctify
The gifts and the graces you bestow on I
Help me shine your light to a world in need
Make holy every thought, word, and deed
Draw us together in faith, hope, and love
And join with the angels in Heaven above
To glorify your name in every place and time
Draw me to you that I might be ever thine

Lord, we all have our demons, but you can make us clean
In temptation help me open my heart and eyes to see
Your presence and the goodness that lies within
That you would fill our needs helping us not to sin
It is so hard for me to accept both good and bad
To embrace this light and dark with everything I have
The flesh is not bad but the picture is altered
And, as a result our perception has faltered
You came to call sinners to restore us by your glory
We are yours Lord: a special part of the story
You bind the wounded, heal the sick and lame
Eyes, ears and hearts are opened at the sound of your name
You are Lord over our life and our death
Keep us close to you and, when the time has come,
Bring us home to you when we take our final breath
To live forever in fullness and love singing praises to the son

I am empty bless and break me
Take me where I am needed most
You fulfill me and you will be
Holy Father, Son and Holy Ghost
You poured your life out over me
I pour myself out at your feet
Fling the doors now open wide
Let the light of love inside
Open the windows in this place
Fill the air with truth and grace
As the spirit feely dances
Know the joy of second chances
Feel the movement all around
Shoes are off on Holy Ground
I am empty my soul is open
And the word of God is spoken
Fill me a spirit of beautiful ardor
And courage if I die a martyr
I am burning for you, I am yearning
I am pining for your peaceful presence
Come, Lord, and fill me with your essence
I give it all to use me as you see fit
Let nothing be wasted, not even a little bit
Spirit, you found me. Now surround me
Help me follow wherever you go
The wind that blows eternal
Free as clouds and rivers flow
I am empty now no longer
And my life is now complete
For the Lord that lives within me
Conquered death: he can't be beat

Jesus, if I praised 10,000 years I could not praise you enough


If I knew every word; about you I could not say enough


If I could spend forever loving; it still would not be enough


Of your love for me; I am not worthy enough


And try I might I still sin so much. I’ll never be good enough


You tell me to go out and help change the world, and I don’t believe I’m enough



We praise you with happy hearts in word and deed and love

And that is praise enough


The songs we sing to you the Blessed King bring a smile to your face

And that is gift enough


To live our lives for you; to serve and do your will

That is love enough


You sent your son to die for me though I was unworthy

His death showing your grace was enough


Sinners we are and rotten; Jesus hung and bled and died

The price he paid in full was good enough


You believe in me. Made me with a special purpose and plan

And that is reason enough!



AMEN!

Lord, help me love you enough to be comfortable sitting in silence
Lord, help me trust you enough to know when it is time to let go
Lord, help me listen enough so that I recognize the sound of your voice
Lord, help me be strong enough to fight against temptation
Lord, help me be brave enough to stand up for those who cannot
Lord, help me be open enough to receive you fully into my life
Lord, help me be wise enough to make good choices and speak carefully
Lord, help me find you enough to fulfill the longings of my heart
Lord, help me find joy enough to feel so fully and wonderfully alive
Lord, help me forgive enough by remembering how you forgave
Lord, help me fall enough to be more in love with you each day
Lord, help me be enough to do your will and make you smile
Lord, would you be enough to sit with me for a while?

Amen

Enter In

Stand now before the heavenly gates
Made clean by the blood which expiates
Come now before the resplendent throne
Lift your voice in praise with trumpets blown
And here bowing down in adoration
Come one come all and enter in

Open my heart open my mind and soul
Help me to focus on the final goal
To be as one in spirit and in flesh
With Christ the Lord whom I so bless
That I may learn and grow and be taught
And reflect Him in action and thought

Come to love Him who loves so deeply
Know the one who knows you so completely
Lose yourself in the sea of total surrender
Find healing in the arms strong and tender

S e  e  s-t-a-bil-i-ty           becomes the center
                                  When
                                     HE

                   ——————————
The doors |                               | are open wide
                    |                               |
                    |                               |
                    |                               |

                               So just
                              
                               ENTER
                                   IN

And when you do:

STOP
for a moment
.
.
.
.

Inhale deeply and fully the subtle scent
Of change in you on the smallest scale
And in your bones know that love will not fail
Should the earth crumble and sun lose it’s fire
His burning love for you shall not expire

Dare to enter in more deeply today
Open yourself more freely

and be
        
              s  
                     w    
                              e      
                                        p      
                                                    t

                                                               away

Entrust yourself to Mary give your heart to her
Seek refuge in her peaceful presence
Take comfort in tender loving arms
Entrust your life to her as Christ once gave himself
Take her into your home and care for her
Just as she provides for her children
Entrust it all to Mary give her everything
Totus Tuus- Totally Yours
Trust that she will light the way, she won’t lead you wrong
Trust that in all things she is walking with you
Mother full of grace and love and faith
“Listen to Him and do whatever He tells you”
Open us to hear and listen to what he tells us
Grant us the courage and grace to respond
Guide and strengthen us as we strive to follow
His Will and the road that leads to Heaven
Entrust yourself to her as she leads us to our Lord
Surrender your will so the Divine will shine
And in that perfect Divine Will
You may find your peace and purpose
The Holy Longing you’ve been waiting for
Entrust yourself to Mary
Mary, I trust in You!

I am forever changed; no I’ll never be the same
Since the day that you first came
Came into my life

I am a better person now I realize this is true
And it’s all because I had the joy
The joy of knowing you

You taught me how to love, to play, and live
And what I wouldn’t give to spend one more day
Just one more day with you

I learned about true friends and that it’s okay to cry
You were always there for me and I’ll never know
I’ll never know a better friend than you

You made a place inside my heart; it was there that you would stay
The time has come and you have gone away
Leaving me with a hole in my heart that will not leave

My love for you will never die
Though the tears my dry in time
Time will never erase the love I have for you

I miss you dearly my beloved friend
You are with us to the end
You are at our very core
Now be at peace forever more

Lord, help me find the way
To speak what I need to say
To show by word and by deed
To live out loud what I believe
To those around me this day

Lord, lead me to the truth
The path that leads to you
Though I may stumble and fall
I rise again and answer the call
May my journey help others too

Lord, teach me to live my life
In a way pleasing to your sight
In all, let my love be shown
So that your name may be known
To those in darkness and in light

Every good thing, Lord, comes
Every good thing comes from you
Every day is showered in blessings
Every morning your graces are new
Every night you watch over us
Lord, keep us safe from harm
Every thing I have is from you
Every thing I am is who you are
Every beat of my heart beats for you
Without your love I fall apart
So when life is only clouds and rain
And all I can feel is sorrow and pain
Give me the eyes to see your rainbow
Give me hope and help me to grow
For, in the ultimate act of derision
Came a far more perfect vision
You took the cross designed for shame
And made a bridge out of the same
In death you destroyed sin and death
And in the span of the very next breath
You restored us to life and made all things new
For, every good thing Lord, comes from you

Everything but nothing has changed between us
Very different, but still the same: no more and no less
You are still you friend and I am still me
Sadly in a few short years our paths changed so drastically
Could it be I am sorry to speak, so instead I write words on paper?
Would I be embarrassed to stumble over words so I write them to be safer?
I truly wish I could express all my feelings to you
Should I write and then speak or stumble and act like a fool anew?
I have so many questions in my mind at the moment
Would it be foolish or really wise to try for a poetic enrollment?
So many questions to ask, so little time to ask them
So many it would go to mayhem or even pandemonium
So many raging, fighting thoughts in such a tiny space
Oh me Oh my! Could this spell disaster for the whole human race?
I have so many thoughts popping out of my ears, mouth, nose and eyes
You could take all my thoughts end to end and string them a mile in size
Do I go on pretending that nothing has happened or make some scene
Some days I wake up and feel like my whole life was just a dream
This changes everything, but nothing changes
It’s a difficult ride like traversing mountain ranges
There are highs and lows valleys and peaks
My head and my heart play hide and seek
I want to say something, but I know I can’t
I need to do something, but I’m stuck like a plant
Nothing, but everything is different now
If you only knew just how…

Everywhere

From the mountains to the valleys
From the skies so far above to the depths of the seas
From the poorest in the world to the rich in lofty seats
From the small town to the big city and every street
You are there, Lord you are everywhere

No matter where we are or what we do we cannot escape from you
Because You are there, Lord you are everywhere

The single mother with a baby and the one down on their knees
The outcast the unloved those who suffer from disease
The helpless and the broken burdened and betrayed
The forgotten or neglected happy just to greet another day
You are there, Lord the one who cares

No matter where we are or what we do we cannot run from you
Because You are there, Lord you are everywhere

For the widow and the orphan crying out for peace
For those who stand up asking violence to cease
For those who work to help and those who work to save
For the many whom, for their belief, their very lives they gave
You are there, Lord the one who loves

No matter where we are or what we do we cannot go from you
Because You are there, Lord you are everywhere

From our innermost thoughts to the deepest parts of us
When we love you and when we fuss
From what we are now to what someday we will be
When we tie ourselves with our choices and when we are set free
You are there, Lord the one who knows

No matter where we are or what we do we cannot hide from you
Because You are there, Lord you are everywhere


You are here in our midst as we gather as one
You are here with us when the hour has come

You are here when we come to you in prayer
Even when we do not feel you, still you are here

You are here at all times whether we want you or not
You never leave us even when we leave you and that means a lot

You are with us every minute and every hour
You are with us by our side when we are feeling satan’s power

You are with us always until the end of time and there forever after
You are with us in our tears, our sufferings, our joys, and our laughter


No matter where we are or what we do we cannot be away from you
Because You are there, Lord you are everywhere

When I take a moment now and I look back on my life
From the mountain top of joy to the valley of strife
From the biggest ways to the smallest shifts
In the crosses borne and the priceless gifts
I see it here I see it there; it’s the evidence of you

Sometimes I would wander and sometimes I would stray
Sometimes I would stumble or forget to pray
In every path I followed in every trail I tracked
Every choice I made, every road I travelled led back
Every way and every day; it’s the evidence of you

I didn’t always walk a straight line I didn’t always try
I found strength when I wanted to give up and die
And when I lost sight of the path a time or two
Somehow I still went the right way when I hadn’t a clue
It feels right this insight; it’s the evidence of you

Here the human heart of man tries to make its plan
But in His wisdom our steps are directed by His hand
We end up getting to where we are going
Even though at times we aren’t always knowing
So I find most all the time; it’s the evidence of you

I come before you open and exposed
While you sit peaceful and reposed
Like a newborn babe, I am weak
I am helpless, and blindly, I seek
To see your face and find your eyes
Tend, Oh Lord, to my mewling cries

In your light, my darkness is exposed
And all my sins are, at once, disclosed
You answer before I can think, much less speak
With a love so personal and so unique
Lord, you see through all the lies
You know me beneath the disguise

And there you are open and exposed
A symphony of victory being composed
Giving me hope when the future was bleak
Lifting up the humble, merciful, and meek
There is so much that I don't yet realize
Like the groanings of the spirit and the heart's sighs

I fall down: naked and in shame
But you clothe me and softly call my name
You embrace me and kiss me sweet
And, full of tears, our eyes now meet
I once was lost, but your love has found
Me and brought me back to holy ground
You wash away the guilty stains
Until no trace of sin remains
I am new: born again in your eyes
In my foolishness, you are wise
Let all creation break forth in joyful hymn
For He is found in me, and I am lost in Him

God has got his eye on me
In love with the Holy Trinity
I look at Him whom I adore
And still, He loves me more
There is a peace that passes understanding
Even when life is so demanding
There in his arms I can run and hide
Though I turn away He is at my side
His heart pursues me relentlessly
Yet, in love, He waits for me patiently
I am unworthy, yet he makes me so
And through His Grace in Holiness I will grow

"Faith is the realization of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen" - Hebrews 11:1

"Faith is a bluebird, we see from far. It's for real as sure as the first evening star. You can't touch it, or buy it, or wrap it up tight, but it's there just same, making things turn out right." - Rufus the Cat (Rescuers)

There will be trials in life: dark places and times
You'll go through deep valleys and hard climbs
Days when you can see no tangible end
Is danger or salvation around the next bend?
In these moments we must rely on faith alone
Faith in God in the very midst of the unknown
Wholly trusting that we will not be led to ruin
That God knows exactly what he's doin'
If the Spirit of God is leading us in this way
We ought to trust in the Lord and, in faith, obey
In hope, we believe that there will come a day
When the sun comes, and the clouds roll away
Conform my heart and my will to yours Lord
That our hearts may beat with one accord
Help me to live a life that is pleasing unto you
The one God: holy, and righteous, and true

The Lord is faithful kind and gentle
And, in our souls, he makes a temple
What he starts he will see to the end
And is always there if you need a friend
The Lord remains faithful and true
Even in our infidelity to You
So often I falter, so often I lose sight
Of Your Way Your Truth and Your Light
So, Lord, help me come back home once more
Bring this ship safely back to the shore
How great is your faithfulness that reaches
How amazing the grace that teaches
That shows me what it is to be cherished
That I received life when one life perished
The greatest sacrifice that love could make
You knew full well what price it would take
And yet, through it all, faithful you stayed
It could've been different, still you obeyed
Lord, help me be more faithful in my walk
And live what I believe and not just talk

I want to fall in love with you and then
Fall in love with you all over again
Rewind time to go back and relive
There is nothing that I wouldn’t give
To have the moment we first met
It’s a feeling I’ll never forget
You looked at me and saw right through
All my walls, disguises and masks
The smallest flaw in my suit of armor
Was more than big enough for you
You came and flooded and swept me off my feet
You settled in, put down roots,
My demise was now complete.
Now here I am and still you stay
You are there when I wake up each day
You stole my heart and gave me your own
So never again will I be all alone
Something you say or do and I’m falling in love
Everyday I raise my eyes to Heaven above
And I think: I want to fall in love with you and then
I want to fall in love with you all over again

Together with family we have a great time
No matter what we’re doing we’re always having fun
Smiles and laughs and joy abound
With such great people it’s hard not to be positive
At the end of the day we are tired and happy
We retire to bed with a roof o’er our head
And thank the Lord for the things we have
Whether at the pool, sitting together and chatting, or anything else
Time with people you cherish is time indeed well spent
Time alone and spent for yourself is also necessary

My God I am not worthy
That you should die so I go free
I once was blind, but now I see
And let it be done unto me
I cannot see what lies ahead
You could pick anyone else instead
Among all you picked me out
You broke through fear and doubt
So let it be done unto me
My Lord did not come in awe and wonder
The land didn't shake, the skies didn't thunder
You came to earth in humblest stead
Son of God with a manger for your bed
Lord, let it be done unto me
Where you send me, I will go
Led by the Spirit as it blows
In this uncertainty there's one thing I know
From my life's beginning to its close
Let your will be done unto me

You have called me to yourself
You have named me precious child
You have made me in your likeness
In your mercy, you reconciled
You have shown us the way to the father
Taught us to follow God's own son
And, as we live in your Holy Spirit,
We are given the power of three in one
So, I pray, unto me, let it be done

Finding Peace

My heart is restless Lord I am searching
For joy when I should be looking for
Peace. I should be asking more of you and saying less of me. I know you have me here right now and it’s where I’m supposed to be. I don’t know how to try and I feel like I’m doing this only as a last resort. I want joy, but it’s peace that I need. I find peace when I am here in adoration and the grace that I receive. It’s hard to let go of trying to find joy, because I love joy and you have given me a joyful heart. Remind me not to love joy more than I ought to love you. Let Your Will be done Lord in and through me. Allow me to speak love and life into all I encounter and may the work be fulfilling. Perhaps I already have the answer in front of me even now. I am at peace when I am with you. If I am with you, I will know peace and there is so much good I can do as a priest. Poetry and prayers, mentoring, connecting with all people especially our young people, being a councilor and confidant and all these things give me joy. Maybe being a priest isn’t where I want to be, but maybe being a priest is where I need to be for me, for you, and for others. Please Lord, help me to discern ever more this big decision and I pray that wherever I go and whatever I do, I may find or be led to a place of peace. Help me find joy in all the things I have peace with and may i never lose the joy and the childlike faith and love that you have given me. Amen.

They take the first steps on their journey full of strength and vigor
Eager to change the world and excited to be a part of something bigger
The four set out with heads held high
They look back once and wave to all the people saying goodbye
What adventures will they have together
And what trials will they have to weather
What challenges will they face to help them discover
Not to rely on their own strength, but depend on each other
What must they go through to finally understand
What to do when things don't go quite like they had planned
Will our heroes learn who they are and the crucial role they play
What will they have to overcome and, against all odds, will they finally save the day?

Restore our hearts renew our minds
Turn our thoughts from evil things
Melt and shape us till we see
The reflection of truth and purity
Let our hearts burn with the flame of love
Setting fire to everything they touch
Until the whole world is burning
For healing water we are yearning
It will burn so bright the devil will be blind
For the source is of a special kind
It is from the Immaculate Heart of Mary herself
Gathering strength from the sweetest devotion
In words brought to action not just motion
Flame of Love burn through what is excess
Through pride and greed, lust and shame
Until you are all that still remains
Help me be faithful to the prayer
And committed to the cause
I am loved and you are there
In my faults and in my flaws
Flame of Love illuminate my life
That I may radiate and be a beacon
To point the way for others like me:
Lost and searching, found and free

Flower from Heaven, sweet smelling rose
Simple and lovely, it's beauty only grows
Red for the passion of Christ and of love
White for purity and the angels above
Yellow is light for the whole human race
Blue for the rays of redemptive grace
Surround me with the sweetest fragrance
Help me enter into this Heavenly dance
Fill up the air in this most holy room
So that my prayer is as sweet perfume
Bless and guide me oh Little Flower
And grant me serenity in my final hour
Help me to follow your beautiful Little Way
And, by your example, help me joyfully obey

Dancing in the breeze
Rainbow colors everywhere
Sweet to smell and give

Following star: God’s great light
Traveling far: Bethlehem night
Bearing gifts full of meaning
Little baby sweetly dreaming
On a journey far from home
Guided by the Spirit as they roam
So much unclear, so much unknown
Young girl and mother scared and alone
Come Lord Jesus from Heaven above
Make the space all aglow in perfect love
The path is long the road is hard
Angels sent in dreams to guard
The light of the world the hope of salvation
Watching with faith and finally joy and elation
Peace on earth let all creation ring
The coming of Him whom angels sing
Christ the King in helpless child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Not even death could keep us apart
Saved in the depths of your merciful heart

When the path ahead is dark, find the light inside:
Believe in yourself and let your heart be your guide.
Reach out through the darkness and take my hand,
I will bring you from stormy seas onto dry land.
Keep the faith, the flame of hope alive
And, though you don't know the way, you will arrive.
Listen to your heart beating in your chest
Have you ever wondered how much you are blessed?
Feel my heart beat just like yours
That, when you are close, it swoops and soars.
What is this feeling? It's painful, and it longs.
I long to find a home, a place my heart belongs.
It's a feeling so tender, so clear and real
Could it be love that I now feel?
You give me joy, you are my life
My life is yours. Will you be my wife?
I promise to live as your love deserves:
Walking together in straight roads and curves.
I promise to cherish and protect you every day
To communicate and listen, to comfort and pray.
You have my heart, you are my life. The choice is yours to make:
Will we join together in heart and hand and take the leap of faith?

Behold the bloodied anguished face
In whose eyes are love and endless grace
Who alone truly knows your pain and sorrow
And still clings to hope for a better tomorrow
Leave it all behind
In the hands of the divine
Let loving arms enfold you
As prayers uplift and hold you
Allow peace and rest to enter in
As the healing soon begins

Forever is the longest time that there is
That's how long it seems to take until you're a ****
We are friends forever and a day
That's how long this bond will stay
But you can pass the time so quick when you're having fun
That is no problem when you have number two and one
When I'm feeling blue you make my day so happy
You get me really nice when I'm feeling snappy
You're having fun and you got some time to spare
When you're enjoying life you have no place to care
Sitting back relaxing allowing the time to pass
As you walk barefoot you are tickled by the grass
Forever never comes 'cuz forever doesn't end
You can't change forever or make it bend
Have the power to make life enjoyable
Then at times being you can be annoyable
I see a smile start to creep along your face
Even if the prey was lost don't give up the chase
Make the choices to your life's great path
One is good and the other bad now you do the math
We can't make your choices but we can help you
We can't force you, but we can tell you what to do
I couldn't have a better friend if I lived a million years
Wrote a million poems or shed a million tears
Thank you for helping me to see
Because of you I am a whole new me

Forever Friend



No matter the miles that stretch out between us,

No matter how far down the road you may be,

Even though, at this time, we rightly fuss

No distance is too great I hope you'll soon see.

When it comes to a forever friend.


In such short a time that I've been given

I've learned a few things

About laughing and loving and about livin',

God fearing women and the joy a smile brings;

These I have learned from a forever friend.


To share in the laughter, share in joy and in pain

To share in the tears and the moments so tender

To be rays of warm sun in the cold gray rain

These are the things forever friends engender.

These I have done and always will for my forever friend.


When the road gets too long and your world turns blue,

If your heart grows heavy and you feel weighted down,

Remember a bond far stronger than glue:

Close your eyes, count to ten, and turn around,

And there, close beside, is the forever friend.


For it is there, in the heart, that you can find

A part of them in you so close at hand.

Something there is; a connection of the strongest kind,

No distance, nor time, nor any other thing that cannot be spanned

By the love shared between forever friends.


And like Tigger so acutely does say:

Not good bye or farewell but TTFN

Its "Ta Ta For Now" until I see you again

You are never so far that you can't brighten my day

It makes me so proud that you are my forever friend!

Still my restless soul and gently wrap me in your perfect peace. Many times I cannot see the way; it is dark and I cannot feel you near me. I begin to feel frightened and alone, I stumble and doubt. In all times, Lord, remind me that you are always near to me or send someone into my life to give me hope and light. Grant me the strength and the grace during the storms to overcome or ride them out with the hope that, before long, I shall once again be in the light of your presence. Forgive me when I doubt you Lord even knowing that you have always provided before and that I have nothing to fear. When I am tired and worn, weak and afraid help me to find comfort and rest in the shelter of your arms. Grant the grace and the strength to be a warrior of peace in a world that seems anything but. Let me sow love where there is hatred and peace where there is war. Help me to make even one person's life a little better and a little more peaceful before I pass from this world. Grant me the courage to stand up and speak out against wrongs and to show peace, love, justice, fairness, and equality by first living them myself.

Today, the church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph, Jesus' foster father and the spouse of the Blessed ****** Mary. Precious little is known or mentioned about Joseph in the Bible. He was a carpenter, and he was a good man: righteous and honorable. He doesn't say a single word, has a few angelic visits in his sleep with instructions and promptly obeys, and dies quietly sometime between finding Jesus in the temple and when Jesus begins his public ministry. There are a number of times throughout the Bible where God speaks to people in or through dreams.

For The Dreamers

For all the dreamers and the ones who dare to dream
For all the times reality is more than what it seems
For all who listen patiently for the call to something more
Those who take the chance and walk through the open door
To find a piece of paradise where dreams become realized
A Heaven where our lives and selves are idealized
To those who want a better world and find a lasting peace
To those who quest for answers and those, for truth, that seek
For all the ones that doubted said "No. It can't be won!"
For the ones who still believed there was work yet to be done
For all who triumphed. The overcomers and the unsung heroes
For all the refugees who are more than ones and zeroes
From the Martin Luther Kings to the kid on the streets
The homeless and the hungry with no shoes on their feets
They too, have dreams, they have futures and a hope
The one who sings the one who paints so they can cope
Could be just the inspiration that someone so desperately needs
To dream, to grow, to rise up and do great deeds

Sometimes we wake up with a vision
An image or thought clear as day
Something inspired and amazing
Finding answers and solutions to things that previously vexed
The clarity when pieces fall into context
If you hear his quiet voice while you sleep
Answer: "Your servant is listening. Lord, please speak"
Trust that he will lead you and you will not go astray
Have faith in the Lord, take heart, listen and obey

We are called out for the mission
To give of love without condition
Some are called to the foreign land
But all are to be his feet and hands
Where words fall silent, love speaks
To find a home is what the heart seeks
Our own homes can be the mission field
Our towns and communities to be healed
Preach with conviction, with peace, not rage
The voice of a prophet and wisdom of a sage
They will see your joy and how it is portrayed
In the face of persecution, you stand unafraid
If they question, they are open
If they are open turn them not away
Pray for them and with them
I will break their hearts of stone
Until they beat for me alone
Each of us has a mission should we accept it
Something to reach out right where we are
At work, in town, or riding in your car
Each gifted uniquely for a special role
And what a gift to uplift another human soul
To care for the widows and orphans
The forgotten and the oppressed
The stranger and the refugees
To work and know the work is blessed
Each of us is on a mission to do the work of God
Just don't expect the whole world to applaud
Sow the seeds of faith and hope
The seeds of charity and love
The wisdom of God was spoken
Like an echo from above

For what can I give the Lord
Who has given me everything?
How can I ever make a return for
The blessings He bestows on me?
The day you paid my debt in full
Unworthy and ungracious as I was,
Beneath pride, and nature, sinful,
You pierced me with undying love.

You breathed and I came alive.
And when you died to give me life,
You breathed out once again.
Let every breath I take praise you
Let my spirit sing, my lips speak truth,
Everything I do, I do it for you.
My work, my play, my rise, my sleep
In joy, in fear, when I laugh, when I weep
When I follow and when I lead
When I tend to someone's need
In little ways and in big ways
On good days and truly awful days.
When I live with Jesus on my mind
I see that, through it all, He is kind.
So, at the end of it all, at His feet, I will fall
And I will say to Jesus my Lord and Kind
I have given you my all in everything

For what can I give the Lord
Who has given me everything?
How can I ever make a return for
The blessings He bestows on me?
The day you paid my debt in full
Unworthy and ungracious as I was,
Beneath pride and nature sinful,
You pierced me with undying love.

You breathed and I came alive.
And when you died to give me life,
You breathed out once again.
Let every breath I take, praise you
Let my spirit sing, my lips speak truth,
Everything I do, I do it for you.
My work, my play, my rise, my sleep
In joy, in fear, when I laugh, when I weep
When I follow and when I lead
When I tend to someone's need
In little ways and in big ways
On good days and truly awful days.
When I live with Jesus on my mind
I see that, through it all, He is kind.
So, at the end of it all at His feet I will fall
And I will say to Jesus my Lord and King
I have given you my all in everything

For your love, we can do nothing to propitiate
By your love, our sins, you died to expiate

Foundation Meditation


When building a new house, the first thing that happens once the plot of land is surveyed and excavated is the planning and lying down of the foundation. The foundation is the base and has to support the weight of the house. It needs to be strong and able to serve its purpose for a long time while taking abuse from the weight of the house and conditions below ground. The foundation could be the difference between a house that is safe and strong for many years and a house that is dangerous to the people living inside.

The foundation of a house is hidden underground. Although it is not noticed or seen, it is an essential part of the house that we appreciate so much. Without a solid or stable foundation to support and anchor it, the house would not be as strong or secure. A building cannot stand (well) without a (firm) foundation. The Bible tells us that: “We are temples of the Lord.” Some of us may remember a song we heard as young children during Vacation Bible School or on sing-along cassettes about two men and their houses which illustrates the necessity for a firm foundation. One built his house among large rocks high on a cliff, while the other built his house on the sand. The house on the sand was destroyed and swept away when the wind and waves got strong, but the house on the rocks could not be reached by the waves and the wind could not move it from its secure place among the rocks.

When we meet people along the road of our lives, we have the chance to share Jesus with them whether through words or deeds or faith. Sharing Jesus may include but is not limited to: giving a lecture, having a discussion, or preaching. No. Sharing Jesus could be a hug, a smile, opening a door, helping someone in any way either big or small, listening, giving your time, or saying a prayer for someone or something. There are so many ways to share Jesus! Every time we do something to share God with everyone we meet, we are building a foundation and potentially creating (or helping to create) another temple of the Lord. Like the foundations used in houses, that while underground and unseen are essential to even begin to build and later to support and secure so the structure stays strong and firm, so too are the times we share Jesus with others we meet in our lives. The thing we did may have built or helped to build a foundation in Christ and they too may do likewise. Just because we may not see the impact we had, or perhaps there is no impact at all, does not mean we have failed. In these times we pray: “God, grant me the courage to accept the things I cannot change, the serenity to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

God has his reasons for what happens even though we may not like, or know, or understand why. For this, and all things in life, pray. Pray. Pray. Never stop praying. Don’t be afraid to ask. Ask often. It is said: “Seek and you will find, ask and you shall receive, knock and the door shall be opened. For anyone who seeks will find, anyone who asks shall receive, and anyone who knocks the door shall be opened.” Listen. Make sure to listen. He will speak, but he will not interrupt. He is patient and will wait for you to stop. Pray for wisdom, guidance, courage, strength, faith, hope, love. Ask Him to open our hearts and see with His eyes. Help us to love like you. Help us to be humble and remind us always; it is not about us, it’s about you. Anything we may have done or accomplished was not us, but you in us. And always Lord: Your Will Be Done. Not our will or what we want, but yours!

You mean more to me than words can express,
Your eyes and your smile light up my world.
Your laughter makes my heart young and free,
Nothing will do to show how much you mean to me!
I'd give up the world to be a part of yours,
I'd stop the world to melt with you.

You complete me, my other self:
What I lack, you can provide.
You fill me up; you make me whole inside.
You understand what I think and how I feel.
I feel more comfortable and at ease when you are close,
We compliment and balance each other.
I treat you with love and care and great respect
For, as you are a part of me, what I do to you I also do to myself.
You are an answer to prayer, a blessing divine:
For when I was created, I swear God must have had you in mind!

Beauty so tender, a sight to behold

So delicate so sweet more precious than gold

Bringing joy to all around it

And still the short life is sad I admit

Treated right and cared for

It blooms and flourishes; a truly great reward

But like the Rose a treasure; one be warned

Handle with respect and care for every Rose has it's thorn

A symbol of joy, and a symbol of rebirth

Some of Spring's first early arrivals a source of great mirth

Reminding me of our human lives, not so different really

How similar they are it all sounds so silly

But under proper circumstances we can bloom and flourish too

And we can bring harm or joy to others; the choice is up to you

Life is short and is a precious treasure

True beauty and worth are something only God can measure

Treat all life with care and respect

For each one is sacred and hand select

You are everything we ever need
You are the living water to seed
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
Give us these spiritual gifts
As, with our voices, your praises we lift
You are greater and stronger
Your sin controls you no longer
In the light of your amazing grace
Come Lord Jesus, invade my space
Drive out the darkness and fear
I come crawling; will you meet me here?
Receive the greatness and the power
Of this glorious and holy hour
Shout to God be honor and glory
The world needs to hear your story
Free us and heal us from our sin and shame
All is possible when we call on your Holy Name

Jesus calls out to us: "Come to Me"
And, filled with faith, we walk upon the sea
With our eyes upon the master, we rise above
And we walk to him with hearts full of love

But then we look down and see just where we are
We falter and start to sink after we came so far
We reach out for Jesus to save us again
We lost our focus and what happened then?

We have all been prodigal
We have all been dead in our sin
We have all denied the Father
And wanted our own life to begin

We have chased things that leave us empty
We have consumed things that do not satisfy
We have searched for love in all the wrong places
We hit rock bottom, ready to break down and cry

We are in the land of loss and suffering
We brought this upon ourselves
Wandering in the barren lands
Chained up in our own personal hells

Eventually we come to our senses
We see the price that our actions cost
We come crawling back to our home
But we are back; we are no longer lost

We are filled with sorrow and remorse
But the past is in the past; right now, we celebrate
"Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet
The finest wine put in his cup and meat upon his plate"

Today, all of Heaven rejoices with a grand feast
Light and life arise like the morning sun in the east
There is now much laughter and music and dance
The colors are more vivid, and my senses enhanced

We will come from suffering to celebration
We will come to a more perfect relation
We will know the true joy of Easter morn
Because, from out of suffering, we have been borne

Lord, thank you for your saving grace and for calling us to yourself. We are called to rise above the trials and storms of life, and we can when we keep our eyes fixed on you. But we lose focus Lord, we doubt, and we are pulled under. Save us Lord and give us the courage to step out on the water and go where you call us. We also pray that you would see us through the suffering to celebrate with you again. Help us be mindful of our sins and soften our hearts to be remorseful and repentant so we may rise with you in your resurrection. Amen.

We will close with these words:
"There's no one more thankful to sit at the table than the one who best remembers hunger's pain. And no heart loves greater than the one that is able to recall the time when all it knew was shame". --Steven Curtis Chapman "Remember Your Chains"

You look at me with eyes of love
There is no condemnation or reproach
You see me from your throne above
At your feet I humbly approach

You hear my cries of longing
Cries of passion and of sorrow
You hear me when I sing
And you wake me in the 'morrow

You feel my pain and heartache
As if they were your own
And when I feel it's more than I can take
This too, you have known

You reach out to me from the wooden cross
And as you finally breathe your last
I feel a sense of overwhelming loss
And, equally, mercy and grace so vast

My heart beats because of you
My heart beats for love of you
As long as my heart beats I'll live for you
Help me Lord to give it back to you

Amen

Gathered at table we pray and join hands
Giving thanks for another year of blessing
It took a while but I think I’m beginning to understand
That we share our bounty with needs far more pressing
We join as one family children one and all
To partake of the feast laid before
Lifting our voices, hear us as we call
Let us be in awe of what you have in store
Bread from Heaven, living sacrifice
Broken and shared for all mankind
Pleasing you is my soul’s delight
Year after year you continue to remind
Us the reason for our joy, and where our hope lies
That if we would only seek your face
And keep our sight fixed on the prize
We would be with you in the holy place
We give thanks with happy hearts for your goodness flows
We turn to you with much rejoicing
We offer up our gifts and joys and our struggles and woes
We lift them all up with our petitions voicing
Hear our pleas and bless the child
Grant strength, peace and gentle spirit
May the desires of our mind and heart be reconciled
May wisdom be upon all who hear it
Protect and guard and bless and keep
Throughout their life and every waking hour
Watch over them when they rise and go to sleep
Look with favor on this baby a precious little flower
If they should wander bring them back
If they should stumble guide their feet
Bless them, that in you, they will never lack
That in your abundance they would be replete
Once again we give you thanks and praise
Oh Lord, giver of all good things
Help us cherish and make the most of all our days
Let love abound as kindness sings

Turn it on, turn it up, let's start tonight
Spirit grow, let it flow, we are light
So let us shine and let us stand
We representin' Son of God and Son of Man
How you gonna shine for the world to see
Are you gonna let that light go free?
We are radiating, illuminating
We love in a world so used to hating
We were made to spread love like fire
Testify and by your life you'll inspire
A turnaround a turning back
Of hearts astray once again on track
So the question is this, the question remains
How can I shine in my own special way
Add a little color to a world painted gray
How can my light, however flawed,
Reflect the most perfect light of God?
Take you little light and offer it up
As a sacrifice of love and praise
He will bless the gift and multiply
Do what you can and let God amaze
At every occasion, choose, to use the gifts you're given
They were made to be shared not meant to be hidden

Turn it on, turn it up, let's start tonight
Spirit grow, let it flow, we are the light
So let us shine and let us stand
We representin' Son of God and Son of Man
How you gonna shine for the world to see
Are you gonna let that light go free?
We are radiating illuminating
We love in a world used to hating
We were made to spread love like fire
Testify and, by your life, you'll inspire
A turnaround a turning back
Of hearts astray again on track
So, the question is this: the question remains
How can I shine in my own special way
And add a little color to a world painted gray?
How can my light, however flawed
Reflect the most perfect light of God?
Take your little light and offer it up
As a sacrifice of love and praise
He will bless the gift and multiply
Do what you can and let God amaze
On every occasion use the gifts you're given,
They were made to be shared not hidden

Do not try to be what you are not,
Rather, be yourself and who you are.
You are special and you have great value,
But you are searching for a place to belong,
Struggling to find a family; a place to call home.
Your family are the people whom you care for
And who also care for you.
Though people may exploit the love and care that is shared
Your family is your greatest asset and strength.
The bonds of love are stronger even than the bonds of blood.
They know you, so for goodness' sake don't be fake, but get real.
Let their love steady you to keep you on an even keel.
Let them be the compass for you to find your way back,
And their light be the stars at night to keep you on track.

Do not let your hearts be troubled
My Children, do not fear.
Rather, have hope and take heart
I will never leave you orphans
Nor will I ever abandon you.
Where there is love, there is life
Where there is life, there is hope
I am love, I offer you eternal life
In me are found your peace and joy and hope
Continue to pray and pray with confidence
I am moved by your cries
As a mother for her newborn baby
And even if a mother forgot her child
I, the Lord Your God, will never forget you.
I created you, made you, carved you
In the palm of my hand
I hold you in my arms, close to my chest
In the shadow of the cross there is peace and rest
Give me your weakness I give you my strength
Give me your sorrow I give you comfort and peace
Give me your darkness I give you my light
Give me your fear I’ll help you be brave
Give me your sadness I’ll help you find joy
Give me your chains I’ll help you get free
Give me your blindness I’ll help you to see
Give me your silence I’ll help you to hear
Give me your heart and I’ll open it wide
Give me your mind I’ll lift it up to Heaven
Give me your soul I’ll show you it’s value
Give me yourself I’ll give you all you need
Take Lord and Receive
All that I have and all that I am
All of it finds its source in you
You give and take away
And by your Grace I still remain
Take my life and take my will
Take it all and then instill
Just your grace and just your love
And that, My God will be enough

Gift of Life

Mary, mother of Jesus the Christ my Lord and savior
Great is your name indeed and blessed are you among women
Blessed and holy is the fruit of your womb Jesus
You were pure and blameless giving birth to the one who gave us his life so we could have life with Him forever
Breathe your sweet breath upon my soul and fill me with your virtues
Care for me and love me and pray for me Oh Holy Mother of God.
In my weakness help me fly to you and cry to you
Help me reach for you always and hold my hand. Be with me as I try to follow your son.
Bathe me in you soft light and help me to be ever open to Jesus and his will in my life
Thank you for helping me love Jesus better,  know him deeper and follow him closer
Your "Yes" has allowed me to be where I am today and do what I am able to do
I plead for your intersession and help as I struggle to be pure and chaste
I yearn to be free of these shackles but it has given me a humility and requires me to stay closer to Jesus
Everything I think about right now is life in some way when I think about you tonight.
The gift of life and what a gift and how great is truly is.
Mary I give honor and praise to your most holy name. It is an honor to come to you today
You have many titles and honors, but I believe the greatest honor and title of all is that of "Mother"
It fills me with a warmth and peace, a gentleness and love
It is a great embrace it is a the sweetest song I know
They say that behind every great man is an even more amazing mother
They would be right in this case.
Your husband Joseph is not to be forgotten either
A holy righteous and honest man was he and I'm sure he taught Jesus a great many things
I can imagine that every decision big or small was made in love, with prayer, together
That is how we should be doing things, but sometimes it seems that we have forgotten how
I pray for the world and its peoples that there would be peace and love across the nations
I pray for our families and relationships that they would reflect the loving and holy nature of your Most Holy Family
I pray for our heath especially our spiritual health
I pray for those who have said yes and for those who haven't yet that they would be open to walk where he leads
I pray for us sinners that our hearts would be changed and we could live a life of purity and grace
I pray for your protection and help in all things but especially for mothers and for those in difficult situations
I pray that I would bring joy and peace to your heart and do the things that make you smile
I thank you for the opportunity to stay here with you and your son for a while.

Amen

The gifts we bring an offering
To place upon the table
You gave us these treasures
See what we have done
Take Lord and Receive
The work of our hands
The fruit of the lands
Break them bless them and multiply
Let all we do Lord glorify
We are your people called by your name
You showed us love and call us to do the same
We come together to pray and to dine
A place for all people to come and recline
Jesus gave thanks broke the bread
Then he blessed it and said:
This is my body the bread that sustains
Then with the wine a similar refrain
This is my blood I pour out my heart
The depth of my love from the very start
I find myself so amazed
How inadequate is all praise
When I catch but a glimpse of your face
I am drowned in a sea of amazing grace
How it is that you would choose someone like me
Like Peter I can only wonder what it is you see
But you are purposeful and though I may not see the end
I will trust and follow where you lead I will go where you send
You are the way you are the life you are the truth
I have seen the light of youth help me lead them home to you

Let everything I do give glory to you
Oh Lord my God
Known by many names, still you stay the same
You are more than we can imagine
Greater than our hearts can fathom
Farther than the east is from the west
Hold us close against your chest
Knew us perfectly even before we were formed
You still our fears in the wild raging storms
Crafted with such purpose love and care
To your beauty there is nothing we can compare
You are holy and righteous and worthy of praise
And how I am blessed let me count the ways
I remember vividly the day that you found me
Woke me from my sleep opened my eyes to see
For a second I saw a glimpse of your glory revealed
And in that moment I knew that you were real
Now it seems that something had been planted
An idea a desire spiritually enchanted
Now, years later, it has sprouted and taken root
And, one day perhaps, it may bear great fruit
It all comes back to there the day my life began
You took me on this walkabout so I could understand
A picture is starting to form but it’s hard to make out
It’s clouded and shrouded in mystery and I start to doubt
But I know you walk before me Mother Mary walks beside
Trusting completely in my spiritual guide
So, in faith, I’ll follow you:
Live in spirit and in truth