Hold me in your heart of hearts
Wrap me in your sweet embrace
To the place that I regard
My hideaway, my secret place
Won't you hold me
Hold me close to your chest
Sweet peace enfold me
While I lay down to rest
Take me further than before
Draw me deeper into you
There is nothing I want more
Than to be wrapped up in you

I know you are here with me
In this time and in this place
In this moment, in this space
Be with me now as I seek you always
Be with me always as we speak now
Tender heart so full of pure love
I sing praise to Him who is above

Uniting our prayers with Heaven's Holy Queen
Who, as a mother, understands most keen
Our joys and sorrows and fears beside
And walks with us a spiritual guide
Just as Jesus came to us through his mother
So, through her, we come to Him

Arms outstretched
Hands open
Palms up
Ready to receive

Hands cupped
To hold
Then together pointing up
Directing thoughts to Heaven

Finally, cradling hands open
To accept and take in
And there they rest
Brought tenderly to the heart

It is in our comfort that we forget to pray
It is in our affluence that we are led astray
We need for nothing and we want for naught
And we forget that He is God, and we are not
In the world today I see grace under fire
People killed left and right, a situation dire
A war has come to our homes and streets
And, in the news, all I hear are tales of defeats
But, as a grain of wheat must fall and die
To produce much fruit for you and I
So too does faith flourish in the face of death
The lips profess and the hearts confess
And the heart that hopes in Heaven's halls
And its reunion with the one who calls
Them home at last

It is hard to maintain grace under fire
To remain calm when life most certainly is not
Bless me with courage and take me higher
To retain calm and cool when things get hot

God said to Noah "Hey, listen up bud!
Gonna rain real soon now, it's gonna flood
The people are sinning, tearing it apart
And to see it man, really breaks my heart.
It's gonna be huge, it's gonna get wet
I tell you now, you ain't seen nothin' yet!
But you and yours are gonna be just fine
You've been good, a real friend of mine
Listen up good now and listen up well
Here's just how you'll be safe from the swell
You'll build a boat yea big and yea wide
'Cause two of every animal's gotta fit inside
You'll be in there forty days and as many nights
And when it's safe again, the bird alights
Never again will I cause a flood so great
Never again will the earth suffer this fate
So, this is my promise, a sign in the sky
A rainbow to remember the covenant by"

What is more precious, more fleeting than time? So much of the world and our lives revolve around it. We have a set amount of it and all too quickly it is gone. What do we do with the time that we have? How do we spend it and what do we spend it on? Many of us try to do too much or do too little and regret our spending. We wish we spent more time with our families, our children, our friends: on the things that truly matter. This is all well and good, but how much of our time do we invest in our relationship with God, our time in prayer, worship and fellowship? How important is it and how important is it to us? Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in doing things that we forget to just be. We forget to stop, pause, or even slow down. We are always racing somewhere and we miss the beauty and the blessings that are all around. Let us take a little bit of our ever-precious time and spend it with God, the one who gives us this gift in the first place. Did God ever feel lonely and want someone to talk to him? Is there someone in our lives that we haven’t talked to or spent time with, in a while? Giving someone part of your time is one of the greatest and most meaningful gifts you can give someone. You give them the gift of your presence and it lets them know how special and loved they are because it’s not something that most of us give away freely.

Challenge: take some time today or in the next couple days to visit, call or send a message to someone you haven’t spent time with, in a while. Talk to them or, better yet, listen.

Challenge II: Spend some quality time with Jesus sometime during your day (everyday). Find a time that works and stick with it.

Challenge II Cont: Make it a point to go to Adoration at least once this week. If you’re feeling really bold, go to Adoration once each week during Lent and beyond. Experience and reflect on how it affects your day and your week when you do go

To our heroes of yesterday and today
To our comrades in arms come what may
To veterans in the wars of flesh and spirit
To men and women who won't fear it
To all who have made it through hell
And who got up again after they fell
To those who jump down into the hole
For a friend or a stranger fallen in
They're there in rain or snow, in thick or thin
Been down in this hole a time before
They understand, but what's more
Because they've been in the same place
They can help you see the sun's bright rays
You are never forgotten, never alone
You are remembered, loved and known
We give thanks and pray for your blessing
As upon our lives and souls you are impressing
The virtues of love, honor and charity
Peace, patience, and, in chaos, clarity
Thank you for the sacrifice of service
For living love in its highest purpose
Willing to lay down one's life for another
Treating all people as sister and brother

Wisdom is a gift from God perhaps it is the Holy Spirit. It leads us down the correct path and guides our steps if we would listen to wisdom and prudence. Reflection of this passage to me parallels somewhat, in the Catholic Tradition, Mary's prayer and life.

"Reflecting on these things and considering them in my heart" (v. 17) At the birth of Jesus in Luke 2: 19-20 "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart".

"Now, I was a well-favored child, and I came by a noble nature; or rather, being noble, I attained an unblemished body". (v. 19-20) By grace and the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived and Mary, herself, was immaculate (free from sin). When the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear a son, and she is troubled, he says "do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1: 30-31) it is the gift of God the Holy Spirit without which this would have been impossible.

Mary "sought the Lord and prayed with all her heart" (v. 21) what we know to be the Magnificat in the Catholic Tradition. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day, all generations will call me blessed for the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name..." (Luke 1: 46-49)

Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your wisdom, prudence, and your love. We give you thanks and praise, for you have blessed us and we are "Highly Favored". Help us to be truly wise and may we always be mindful and appreciative of the gift that you have given each of us. You were and you are the spotless lamb, the unblemished sacrifice to atone for our sins and unite us to yourself once more. By your grace, Oh Lord, help us to grow in holiness that we would be ever more in communion with you and with each other. Amen.

Jesus is bigger: he's bigger than my foes
He's bigger than my fears; than anything I suppose
Jesus is faster: he's faster than any thought
He's faster than the devil; he simply can't be caught
Jesus is stronger: he's stronger than I am weak
He's strong enough to create when he simply speaks
Jesus is more lovely: he's more lovely than the spring
He's more lovely by far; than any other living thing
Jesus is greater: he's greater than I can fathom
He's greater than sin's separating chasm
Jesus is brighter: he's brighter than the sun
And his gift and graces will not be outdone

No power on earth is greater
Than the heart of the truest believer
If you truly believe it
That you have received it
It will be yours indeed
True: there may be times
When what we want
Is not what we need
"If I have someone who believes in me, I can move mountains" (Diana Ross)
"There can be miracles when you believe" (Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey)
If we believe that God is all powerful
Then why do we doubt that he can take away our cancer?
If we subscribe to the belief that He rose from the dead,
How can we doubt that He isn't truly in the Eucharist?
"For those who believe/have Faith, no explanation is necessary
For those who don't believe/don't have Faith, no explanation will suffice" (Thomas Aquinas)
Belief in someone or something can grant strength
We can do the impossible, we can change the world
We can turn this nation around if, together, we believe
There is wisdom in a child's innocence
In a world so full of potential
Anything can happen where we can just be
The dreamers the believers and me
If you believe it, you can dream it
If you can dream it, you can do it
Deep down inside, you know it's true
The Heart of the Truest Believer lies in YOU

Come one come all into the presence
Come and enter with sacred reverence
Come young and old, rich and poor
This is the day of Christ our Lord
Stand before the altar: the holy of holies
All of creation is filled with his glories
Place your feet on this most holy ground
The place where our joy and peace are found
Come one and all to gather at table
Joined by the cloud of saints and angels
Find the courage to enter in the song
Come to find just where you belong

We are one body for none can do all
But each of us is capable of doing some.
When we obey and heed the call,
Together we can bring His Kingdom come!

Just to be with you, just to be with you
Just to be with you would make all my dreams come true
I make my home with you closer to your heart
Because I wanna be right where you are
I'll live every moment with love and devotion
I'll pour out my soul bursting with emotion
Just to be with you, just to be with you
Just to be with you would make all my dreams come true
I could spend eternity just sitting at your feet
The smile on your face makes my joy complete
My days are filled with longing
My nights are filled with dreams
I am searching for a belonging
But it's not as easy as it seems
Just to be with you, just to be with you
Just to be with you would make all my dreams come true
No tongue could confess, nor song express
The greatness you possess
No heavenly choir could e're inspire
And better stoke a holy desire
Than to see your face and know such grace
Such a kindness feels out of place
Just to be with you, just to be with you
Just to be with you would make all my dreams come true
To spend one day in paradise
Would be worth all the heartache and pain
If not a day, just an hour'd be nice
Or even one second, I wouldn't complain
Just to be with you, just to be with you
Just to be with you would make all my dreams come true

There is a key to sanctity
Something we all can do
It's nothing extraordinary
All it takes is simply you
It is in doing good and being kind
The best you can where you are
It is the simplest things I find
That you can do both near and far
It is ordinary people living ordinary lives
Doing ordinary things with a love so great
That, from a most joyful spirit, drives
Such sweet love and rebukes all hate.
Sanctity is but ordinary greatness
It seems too easy, too simple: surely, I jest
But sometimes it happens I must confess
That the simplest answer is really the best

Lord, help me to do good in my life at all times, in all ways, and in the places where I find myself. Help me to serve and live well in a simple and ordinary way and bless me so that all I do may be done with great love and in a way that gives glory to you. Amen

You love me with the greatest devotion
And, as I wonder, I'm struck by the notion
I can run, but I can't hide
You won't ever leave my side
I can push you and I can fight
But I won't ever leave your sight
So, Lord, won't you carry me
Hold me in your arms, enfold me in your peace
Hold me close and don't let me go
Oh Lord, come carry me
I saw you walk beside me
When the sun shone in the sky
But I couldn't find you in the pain
So, I shook my fist and asked "Why?!"
In these lowest times I still made it through
So, it seems to me, I didn't need you
Looking back, I realize I was very wrong
You were there carrying me all along
It's your love that lifts me up
It's your peace that fills my cup
It's your truth that gives me wings
It's your joy that makes my heart sing
Grant me courage, grant me strength
And I can go to any length
In your arms I'll always know
That I'll be safe from any foe
You raise me up to more than I can be
Oh Lord My God, come and carry me

The years pass and the seasons change
And sometimes I wonder am I still the same?
I look around and see others moving by
And I feel like standing water: still and dry
Am I in a desert of my own designs
Or are you leading me to the divine?
Lord, I feel like I should be waiting for you
Or am I just afraid of what you're calling me to?
My heart and my mind are at odds again
Locked in a battle of faith and of reason
Lord Holy Spirit come now and descend
Put these two warriors to rest and easin'
Lord, take my fear, and in your mercy, grant me peace
You love me perfectly
And perfect love drives out all fear
Break through this stubbornness
And help me to draw ever near
Near to your heart and into your arms
A refuge of safety, a place that warms
Through all of these questions, fears, and doubts
There is one thing that I'm quite sure about:
I have your life within me
And it changes everything
Though sometimes I can't see
Just what difference it will bring
Change me Lord from the outside in
That I may be transfigured: made holy and pure
Making beauty from wretchedness is a miracle to be sure
You lift me from the ashes and breathe life into my bones
My spirit cries out to you with sweet and wordless groans
I am not, today, as I was once, before,
I have grown and matured and what's more
I am a work in progress, I am still being made
And so, my fears of stagnancy are allayed

But for today I am grace enough
Bringing you peace and purest love
The weight of worry weighs heavy
You're scared that you're not ready
But for today I am strength enough
For, as sure as the sun rises above
I'm holding on so don't you fear
In every laugh and through every tear
But for today I am light enough
If the spirit is weak and the fight too tough
If on the mountain ***** you lose hope
I will lift you up and carry you
But for today I am good enough
Today let me be all that you need
I love you, and I give you my peace
By my name, chaos and striving cease
But for Today

Whatever is holy whatever is pure
Whatever is just whatever is right
What good you do you can be sure
Is pure and blameless in His sight
Let peace and mercy and hope endure
In a world full of misplaced love
We can rest easy our souls secure
For we rest in the heart of God above
We are sick and looking for a cure
Options exhausted we begin to doubt
Some miracle drug to help reassure
That, in the end, things will all work out
I've heard of some great treasure
And the claim it makes is pretty bold
Still, its promise holds a strange allure
And many swear by it I have been told
This Jesus fellow, they say, He can save
How He loves us beyond all measure
Some even claim he rose from the grave
And from our right living He takes pleasure
Whatever is pure and holy
Whatever is good and true
And goodness in us is only
God's work in me and you

In the deepest depths of darkness,
In the searing searching of the soul
In this cavern we are now aware
That we are naked and made bare
The air is still, it's as silent as a tomb
Our lives are reflected in this room
In the darkness, we must find our peace
Through the silence, the Lord, speaks
The soul, it knows, such darkness
But in the darkness, there also, is light
Under pressure, darkness and cold
Forms a beauteous sight to behold
For, deep within the soul's mine
Are diamonds that sparkle and shine
The soul of man is a mighty mystery
With great potential and storied history
To self-reflect, to dive inward to reach out
To be so fragile, and yet, so stout
To long and feel, to love and create
To sing and dance and associate

Not all that is dark is evil
Or leads to deadly sleep
Some is soft and gentle
A place to hide and be safe
Not all that glitters and gleams
Is always exactly as it seems
So, keep your wits about you
That you may follow what is true

This is the most good, this is the better part
To sit and listen with mind and soul and heart
Sit at the feet of Jesus, let your troubles melt away
To be so close and hang on every word they say
There is a time for serving, for preparing fresh bread
But it is the words of Christ, by which our souls are fed
Sometimes what is hardest is what we most need
I worry, I fret, often times I think too much
And, consequently, I think I'm losing touch
With the whole point of this exercise
Getting distracted, I lose sight of the prize
Often, God speaks so others may be filled
Sometimes, my presence, is what he has willed

I struggle to sit still where thoughts run wild
Lord, please come and hold your precious child
My heart is restless Lord, help me rest in you
And help me live my days in spirit and in truth

Amen

What must I do to enter the Kingdom of God?
What must I do to obtain eternal life?
Love God with all your mind, heart, soul and strength
Live your life for others in a Holy Sacrifice
Do not stop at the letter of the law
But follow it to its heart.
To love your neighbor as yourself
You must first know how to love yourself.
God only desires our happiness,
He takes great delight in his children.
The times when we are most happy on earth
Are when we are not in shame and sin.
He came that we might have life and have it to the fullest,
All we need to be forever happy is to not sin.
Sounds simple, but the reality is far from it.
Jesus died a perfect blameless sacrifice
To atone for our evil and pay the price
By the blood he shed to cover our sin
We have the chance to be with him.
How much he wants us with him to share his joy!

Lord, help us to wholeheartedly believe
In the mercy and grace which we receive.
You have blessed us with the faith,
Let us manifest this by acts of love and hope and charity.
Bless us, Lord, that we may serve you and others
By the power of your Holy Name.
You were humble and servant and we imitate the same.
Help us show compassion and mercy to all those in need
For, who is our neighbor, but all whom we meet!

Who am I, but one?
Who am I from anyone?
I am small and weak
I can't do everything
So, tell me: why should I try?
One can't change the world
And I am only one.

Who am I, but one?
Not just one, but some one.
I can walk and speak
And I can do something
So, tell me: why not try?
I can change someone's life
And I am some one.

Who am I, but one?
I am someone
Who can do something
For someone else.
I can't do everything for everyone
But I can do something for someone
So, I will not refuse to do
What I can do for one
And what I wish to do for all.

Who am I, but one?
I am one,
But I am not the only one.
We can do great things
When we work together:
When we are one.

The joy of their lives is linked, not to the worldly scope or scale of the mission, but to the belief that they are UNIQUELY SUITED to that role and the CONVICTION that they have been called to it. Does your life make sense to you? Are you AT PEACE with who you are, where you are, and what you are doing? The actual mission is an external expression of an internal reality.

What is your mission in life? What are you uniquely suited for? What gives you passion and enthusiasm? We must be willing to look beyond ourselves. Mission is the meeting between self and service. Driven by the needs of others and our need to serve. It is the point where our talents and passion collide with the needs of others and the world. It is not about "me". Mission may change overtime. Will it make me the best version of myself and how? What is the next right thing? What can I do right now? Here?

"First, do what is necessary, then do what is possible, and before long, you will find yourself doing the impossible."- St. Francis of Assisi

Receptive Silence

To not know what we should be doing in our lives and not doing, it is a greater tragedy and causes the human spirit to atrophy. Usually deterred by fear of uncertainty. Overcome by courage, fortitude, and perseverance. Mystery of mission is revealed little by little.

We are afraid because we don't know HOW things are going to work out, but things ARE going to work out" How do I respond to problems, challenges and trials in my life? Internal peace and calm.

I lift my eyes to the heavens where does my help come from?
I lift my hands to the sky, ready to bring the kingdom come
I lift my voice in song, singing praises to the Holy One
I lift my life in honor to the Christ: God's only begotten son