A flower dances under a sky of blue and white
Petals outstretched to take in the sun’s great light
A bloom so beautiful and pure that none can match
No words can contain nor brush that can catch
The radiance of this single solitary rose
Of how it came to be, no one truly knows
But here it stands tall and strong
Blessing all those who happen along
Is it just a hardy stubborn thing or is it something more?
Is it a message for someone and, if so, who is it for?
For myself it is a reminder of all that life can be
And a statement of all that we can achieve
We can overcome heartache and sorrow and pain
We can be an example and stand strong in the rain
With patience love and kindness we can cultivate the seed
And with grace and peace and quiet strength, be what people need
But like the rose we must open to the sun
And by our living lead others to the Holy One
He is our strength he has given us this gift
So let us now sing out and our faces lift
How Great is our God who alone can save
Whose death and resurrection brought vict’ry o’er the grave

Big or small thick or thin
No matter the place you live in
Black, white, brown, red
I know every hair on your head
I know you, I know your name
And when you hurt I feel your pain
Do not listen or pay heed when the world calls you freak
Because, in you, there is something special and unique
And because I love you as you are
If it seems you don't fit in, can't find a place where you belong
When the world says they're right and all you are is wrong
There are people of compassion who look beneath the skin
To find the light that burns inside, the beauty that's within
And remember I love you as you are
Sometimes the world can be cold and cruel
They might mock your belief and call you a fool
Being different can make people uncomfortable
They'll try to define you and give you a label
But you already have a label more important than the rest
You are called my child and it is you that I will bless
And I love you just as you are
Be yourself, be honest, be gentle and kind
And, throughout your life you will come to find:
You don't need to change who you are to make me love you
For I love you as you are
Always

I feel the kiss of Heaven press against my brow
And it’s gentle touch changes me somehow
Feel the love. Feel the power of that precious act
Be filled now with what it was you had lacked
Let it wash over you and may you be forever blessed
In the chaos and confusion we find peace and rest
Heaven has marked you and chosen you as it’s own
It is the greatest thing to be not only loved, but also known
Here, in this place, where Heaven and Earth meet
I sit here watching with a front-row seat
Take a moment to let the weight of the kiss sink in
Let the gravity of the situation bring a grin
The kiss of Heaven given just for you
Is a miracle that can make your wildest dreams come true
My prayer for you is that you be at peace friend
And that you know this divine love until the very end

I will take you in my arms and hold you while you rest. Who am I that I should be worthy to hold the savior of the world close to my chest. Singing so softly a simple lullaby, hush now my darling and close your little eyes. Enjoy this moment of love and of peace for now, just your mother I’ll be. My Lord and my love I’ll be by your side both day and night. You shatter the darkness you are my light.

Thank you for the epiphany Lord for the three wisemen who were seeking the truth followed the star that led them to your truth and changed their lives to listen to the truth. Who is my star? Who or what is the light that I follow that leads me to you Lord? Adoration can be a sort of epiphany a revealing of you as God and we can find insight and revelations through prayer and experience. Sometimes Lord I am the wisemen seeking the truth searching for you and other times I am the scribes and Pharisees who are comfortable and seek to destroy or stop the truth because it threatens the way of life I am accustomed to. Sometimes I travel in lands that are green and lush and still other times I am following the star across a barren desert. In these times, my spiritual life is dry and desolate. I am weary and begin to wander. Sometimes I get lost or turned around and need to ask for directions. I take solace in this long hard journey, because I believe that at the end of the journey I will find something so incredible and joyful and full of life. I will find you.

To lead by example to live out your love
To speak words of wisdom and live a life of grace
To show others the way to see Jesus’ face
Loved by the Father of Heaven and Earth
Wanted to be with you he became human by birth
I want to lead your children help me to follow you
Help my heart be a place where you can grow
Be born in me as I bear you within
Cleanse me wash me from my sin
Bring me to your heart, the heart of the father
A love that has no end it is unconditional, forever
We can’t earn it and don’t deserve it
But that’s what makes it a miracle
Show me how to love, and pray, and work
Help me to write and play and sing
In a way that gives you glory and brings a smile to you
Turn your face to me, look with favor upon your child
Thank you for loving me

Forgive me Lord, when I doubt you and don’t believe what you say. I don’t think I’m qualified to lead anyone. There are so many more people more qualified, more experienced and more wise. But like Jeremiah, you show me that you can use anyone and you don’t call the equipped, you equip the called. You are Emmanuel (God With Us). You are with us always even to the end of the age. Help us take comfort in that and grant us the strength and courage to stand up and lead your people trusting that you are in control and you have a reason. Something that we alone can do. Lead us Lord always and help us to lead your flock with wisdom and grace. Amen

Here we are again just me and you
Sitting here showered with a love so true
Let’s be personal it’s time we got real
Sometimes I gotta cry a little so I can heal
But you know me full and love me still
You are by my side now and you always will
You stir in my heart a new song
A melody you put on my lips
I know that here and now is where I belong
In the Eucharist where Heaven and Earth kiss
You and me we’re a miracle a thing so divine
That to me you would say “I love you and you are mine”
It’s so hard to imagine it any other way
I want you I need you a part of every day
In your presence troubles vanish and worries melt
In their stead deep joy and perfect peace are felt
This time it is personal it’s how it has to be
Because our relationship is between you and me