It's been a long day; I'm stressed and worn
A little frayed around the edges but not quite torn
Someone makes a comment, I hear some bad news too
And my world, perpetually sunny, sees a touch of blue

It's not the end of the world, it's not really a big deal,
It doesn't usually bother me, but that's not what I feel
This will not stay for long, this feeling soon will pass
To dissolve and to disperse on the wind like gas

The light will give these clouds a chase
The negative feelings are soon replaced
Peace, love, and joy will once more embrace
And a smile sweeps widely across my face

As I remember
My great Defender

He is stronger and bigger than my problems big and small
I recline at table in the great feast hall
I come running and He holds me close to His chest
Sometimes I cry and stay there a while I confess

The sun is beautiful and it hardly ever rains,
But peace and healing are found after the pain
And this I also know:
A little rain makes the flowers grow

So here I stand in the sun once again
I give thanks to God and then say: AMEN!

Love one another clothed now in Christ
Morning draws near to cast out the night
Things done in secret no longer can hide
Thorns in his brow and spear in his side
Love beyond measure, peace like a flood
Washed white as snow by his precious blood

Love your neighbor as yourself showing kindness to all
Work together in unity lest we may fall
Wrap yourself with truth and justice put on peace and grace
With wisdom and understanding we might know and see his face
The Word is our sword and faith is our shield
On our knees we steel ourselves on the holy battlefield

Clothed now in Christ we look to the sky
And together, with one voice, we cry
Lord, banish the darkness and show us the way
The sun is rising bringing forth a new day
The war is over Jesus has won
But here once again the battle’s just begun

Whatever you do, do it in the name of love
Whatever you do, do it in the name of peace
Why doesn't the war and violence and anger cease?
We build walls, we build bombs, we prepare for war and bloodshed
We isolate ourselves from others
We elevate ourselves and push others down
Forcing thoughts, beliefs, and ideas aggressively, I wonder why it doesn't work

Maybe there's another, better way to get people to listen
Maybe it has to start with me
I don't agree with everyone about everything; that's fine
But do I even try to UNDERSTAND?

Whatever I do, I do it in the name of love
Whatever I do, I do it in the name of peace
Whatever I do, I do to help the lowest and the least
Wherever I go, I tear down walls and build up bridges
Wherever I go, I try to pull others up and help the lost get found

I try to look beyond our differences to what makes us the same
A string that links us one to another
Though many hearts we are all one family
Our similarity makes us united
Our differences are part of what makes us great

Whatever we do, we do it in the name of love
Whatever we do, we do it in the name of peace

What if I were president? What party, what values would I hold?
If I were president would I be humble, honest, and bold?
When I talk about greater justice for immigrants, I'm a Democrat.
When I speak out against abortion, I'm a Republican.
When I talk about racism and racial inequality, I'm a Democrat.
When I mention small, localized government, I'm a Republican.
When I support the common good and solidarity, I'm a Democrat
When I say the family should be strengthened, I'm a Republican.
When I speak up against the death penalty, I'm a Democrat.
When I refuse to fund contraception, I'm a Republican.
So, where does this leave me? You have to pick right?
Well in some ways I'm both, and in some ways neither.
You see, if I pick Democrat I'm going against my Republican values
And the same is true of my Democrat values if i decide Republican.

If I were the president I'd work for peace, love, truth, understanding
I would work to build bridges between the peoples and the nations
Walls and fences do not, the best neighbors, make.
I won't convince you with anything I say, but if I do my best to live and
To reflect love, to give hope, to find joy maybe you'll want it too
To lift up the lowly, help others help themselves, to forgive and to love
That's some of what I hope to do.

In truth, I'm a member of an institution that teaches that freedom is when a person no longer acts under the influence of someone else. An institution that encourages free will and free thought. An institution that doesn't fit inside a man-made box.

This is being true to myself, this is who I am.

I'm Catholic

In the arms of the angels you will be safe and warm
In the arms of the angels there is shelter from the storm
In the arms of the angels you will fly far away from here
In the arms of the angels there will be nothing to fear
In the arms of the angels you will dance across the stars
And find a place of healing and rest and no more nasty scars

Help me Lord to see your face
When I am in the desert place

I am safe and warm
I find shelter from the storm

I know I'm alive and free
Because you are with me

So in life or death I know
There is a place I can go:

Down on my knees
There is a longing, a strength and peace

Your love is the anchor to which I hold
When the sea of life is stormy and the wind blows rough and cold

You are my fortress, and my rock, my refuge, my strong tower
You are with me always, now and in my final hour

You are a lighthouse beacon to light my way and guide me home
It reaches me wherever I hide, wherever I roam

(Jesus) You Are


You are a light in the darkness and hope in despair

You are a friend when it seems no one else cares

You lift me up when I am down, you are strong when I am weak

When I am scared and alone it is you that I seek

It is you that I run to or sometimes just crawl

When it's too much to bear and I can't carry it all

You take it away or give me grace and strength to endure

Nothing will happen today that you and I can't handle together I am assured

I trust you Lord, but I often doubt

Sometimes I wish you wouldn't whisper, you'd shout

My faith, like young legs, are eager but unsteady

You tell me to take a leap of faith and fly, but I'm not sure I'm ready

You are the wind beneath my wings

You lift me up so I can soar

In you I experience what true joy and peace brings

I live like the mountains grounded yet reaching

Like the mighty trees who drop roots to drink deep of life giving springs

Help me thirst mightily for your teachings and the water of life

You are my healer when I'm injured, a sword to help me fight

You go before me as a shield you're angels guard me through the night

Sometimes I can't understand the wisdom of your plan

I am small and I am only one and I don't know that I can

The future is uncertain and I don't know what's in store

But Jesus be my shepherd and I'll want for nothing more

AMEN

I pray for the world that we would be instruments of love and peace. That we would cultivate forgiveness and equality and strive to understand each other better so that we would be made more tolerant and less angry and afraid.

I pray for the nations of the world and their leaders that they have respect for you and for the many they lead. May they lead with wisdom, understanding, compassion and justice. I pray also that they lead with integrity and honesty.

I pray for our cities, towns, and communities that we would be good stewards of the gifts we have each been given to reach out and help those around us. Help us be generous and honest. Help us be leaders and role models for our children, grandchildren and all the youth who will one day do the same.

I pray for our families and friends, and for those who are hurting. I pray that you would be with them and heal them or give them the strength and courage necessary. Keep our families and friends close to you and may you be at the center of their relationships so that peace, love, and joy would prosper and their lives would flourish.

I pray for those who serve us and by whose service keep us safe and well. I pray for their safety Lord. Send your angels to guard and protect them and help us support and thank them however we can. Let their hands and feet and all they do be extensions of you. Bless them Lord, bless the little ones, the least ones and the last ones.

I pray for us Lord. Help us remain faithful and fixed on you. Don't give up on us: for we are broken, but we are also so strong. Be with us Lord and help us to live by your example and let us be a light for all to see.

Bless us all Lord that we may care for each other and in doing so, care also for you.


Amen