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?

Won’t you take me back to a time before
When life was simple no one keeping score
When I was full of innocence and total trust
Before the dreams that I held turned to dust
I was filled with a sense of awe and wonder
I heard you in the soft wind and in the thunder
Over the years that faith has slowly faded
And life’s experiences have left me jaded
Won’t you take me back to when I was a child
Young and free, rambunctious and wild
I would leap off and with perfect faith I know
You would catch me and never let me go
You would set me right where I needed to be
I could safely be anything. With you, I could be me
I feel sometimes as though I’ve forgotten your voice
I’ve been distracted and concerned with the other noise
Help me relearn Lord like a child once again
To recognize the sound of your voice and then
To listen for you purposefully and with great care
In the stillness and silence I feel the breath of air
The spirit is moving and lifting and healing
The very word of God in truth revealing
Come upon me and illuminate the dark
I love your law for it helps me hit the mark
I know I can’t go back to where it all began
I know that it is all a part of your great plan
But if I could know again a little joy and laughter
It would help remind me why and what it is I’m after
Someday you will take me back and I’ll be home once more
To be with Him for all eternity: Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord

How Do You Pray?

Do you pray in silence do you pray with peace?
Do you pray when standing or on your hands and knees?
Do you pray with head bowed low or hands raised up?
Do you pray to satisfy your spiritual plate and cup?
Do you pray for the blessing of others or ask to be healed?
Do you pray to bring down the kingdom and find truth revealed?
Does it matter so much how we pray as that we do?
Does it matter what we pray or for who?
Do you pray with simplicity and words within reach?
Do you pray with eloquence and is it something you can teach?
Is there a better way to pray?
Do you pray from the depths of your heart with every fiber of your being?
Do you know just how much prayer can be freeing?
Prayer truly changes us on a level most profound
Soaring high with feet firmly on the ground
Prayer is more than just words
Prayer could be found in the songs of birds
Prayer is beyond sound into silent surrender
In prayer you never hear about return to sender
God will hear for he is here
Our tears of loss and our tears of joy
He feels our laughter and our pain
He knows our triumphs and our struggles
He has been down that road before
He loves us to the end beyond life beyond death
In eternity He waits for us to be with Him once more
He calls us to follow wherever he may go
He sends us out in the field to sow and reap great yield
We toil and labor and in time it is revealed
The reason for our presence on this Earth we call our home
And none of us should go through everything alone
In a greater plan we have an integral part to play
And sometimes we ask that when we pray
Prayer like conversation is a two way street
We give and take and in the middle we meet
It is more about relationship than it is about the act
It’s a promise of heart and soul more binding than a contract
When we pray, how do we pray?
Are we saying all the words but going through the motions?
Or struggle to find a word but have the greatest devotions?
To just be silent and present could be something strong
Maybe only tears when everything seems to be going wrong
Maybe there is more to prayer than it seems at first glance
Maybe it’s okay and maybe someone gives prayer a chance
Maybe someone’s life is changed by reading this simple prayer
Maybe someone reaches out and finds there is something there
Maybe all of this will make a difference maybe I’ll never know
But maybe just maybe you’ll see the love I pray to show

Lord, how good it is that we are here! How wonderful that we should have the chance to glimpse your power and majesty. Here we are at the summit on the mountain of God. Our souls soar free with the eagles so high above the earth. We are awestruck and fall to our knees so afraid and unworthy. Softly, you call us and bring us back to our feet. Whenever we see you up here, we can't help but be transformed by the encounter; by our mountaintop experience. How good it is that we are here Lord! We want to stay up here with you forever right now. You know that we can't, at least not right now. Soon enough, we have to come down from the heights. Sometimes you lead us to the depths to test us. Do we trust you? Will we turn to you? Do we find our anchor, hope, and strength in you? Sometimes you call us to go into the world and share with our neighbor what we have gained. We are called to show them love; show them your love and to testify to our transformation.

Lord, help us to remember that you are God of the Hills and Valleys, good times and bad, sickness and health. You are the Lord of Life. You are the Lord of our lives. We love you Lord. Help us please to remember that you are in control and that you have plans to prosper and help us. Help us remember how much you love us; both now and forever. How good it is that we are here Lord!

AMEN!

What would I do to see you smile again

What would I give to see you happy

For just a moment or two crawl out of that fox-den

I'm sorry life is rough and you feel really (******)



I wish it were me to take or share some hurt and pain

To be your sun, your rainbow, an umbrella in your rain

The wind to blow your clouds away

A paintbrush to color your world; banishing all the gray



I want to be your salt, I want to be your light

To chase away the dark of night and say that it'll be alright

But I can't do any of this and it hurts me to the core

To see you suffer and not be able to help more

Watch for the star shining in the east
Watch for the prowling of the beast
Watch for the light that neither falters nor dims
Listen for the sound of the angelic hymns

Watch for the coming of the one true king
Watch for the baby in the manger
May we bless him by the gifts we bring
May we see him in the face of the stranger

Watch for the day that is drawing near
Watch and be wary so you can hear
Him when he comes in all his glory
To write the final chapter in creation’s story

Watch and wait with bright joyful eyes
Watch Christ and ever stay fixed on the prize
Watch and see the greatest gift the world got
Do we remember or acknowledge? I think we have not

I wish I could see what Jesus sees when he looks at you and me
I wish I understood the price he paid to set us all free
I wish I could turn our thinking upside down
And I wish I could make people smile more than frown

I wish a lot of things but what can I do to make an impact
To change or save a life and not be an act
The little things we do can turn the world
There is poetry in all nature and a flower unfurled

So let us watch for the coming of our precious savior’s birth
Reminding the world just how much we’re worth
That Christmas is so much more than just stuff
We have family friends and faith and that is quite enough

There is a change I simply cannot ignore

So great that I am shaken to the core

I will never be the same as long as I live

By Your death and ressurection, life eternal You give

In a world with so much sickness, death, and crime

Use me, let Your will be done throughout all time

A desire to serve in every way I can

Though I don't know, I know you have a plan

My hands be Yours Lord, my feet to serve

My heart, my mind, my soul, all of me you deserve

The love you give; far greater than the Grand Canyon

The Cross the bridge that spans the chasm

This change you call me to go and touch the world

To open up, to share your gifts and joy like a flowers unfurled

To live and serve and follow you, A Beautifull Change It's True

Lord may I be A Beautiful Change For YOU!

Lord let me be your hands

Your hands reaching out helping the lowly

Healing those who hurt and suffer lifting up the people


Lord let me be your arms

Your arms outstretched loving the entire world

A warm embrace, a shelter, a safe haven


Lord let me be your feet

Your feet carrying the good news to the corners of the Earth

The feet that walked the road to the hill where you died for me to live


Lord let me be your eyes

Your eyes that saw the measure of a man saw the good in all

The eyes that cried when Lazarus died the joy when the lost was found


Lord let me be your ears

Your ears that hear the pleas and listened with great care

The ears that hear the quiet breeze and the truth of God above


Lord let me be your mouth

Your mouth to speak what is right and true

The words make them yours and guide my tongue


Lord let me be your heart

Your heart overflowing with love and moved to compassion

The heart to minister as you will it remembering to recharge


Lord let me be your instrument

Your instrument to use

For peace, joy, hope and love I give myself to You!


Thank You and God Bless!

Full of mercy and compassion
Abundant grace and blessing
Justice and peace are never out of fashion
Focus on what we can do and stop stressing
Rest easy and be quiet as we go about living
The Lord rejoices in cheerful giving
Giving some of our time or money or skill
We use what we have been given for good will
The humble and the broken are graced
The lonely and oppressed are lifted
Those who mourn will have a taste
Of hope and joy and all will be gifted
We are to be light for a world that is blind
We are to be love in a world often unkind
We are to be warmth in a world now cold
We are to be courageous when so few are bold
We are to be strength to lift up the weak
We are to be gentle in a world that is not meek
We are to be pure in heart for a world that is broken
We are to be the truth that must be spoken
Be a blessing for others and a blessing for the Most High
Help others, do your best, and always try
Allowing God to bless what little we bring
We find that this can be a wonderful thing
Whatever you did for the least ones
Whatever you did for my daughters or sons
You did for me says the Lord God of Hosts
Help us be humble and honest lest we should boast
You gave us everything we could ever need
You are like good water to our seed
You gave us all we could want and ask
You will aid us in all of our tasks
Be with us Lord when we are burdened and  worn
Keep us safe through the night and wake us in the morn
Let your love go before us strengthen us while we pray
Let us bring your kingdom here this very day
There are so many who suffer in spirit and in physical pain
Give us the grace to bring them back and there, remain
Bring me to your heart and help me love with all I am
Take my hands and use them for your healing
Remind me why I do good with this wonderful feeling
To praise you with all that is in me
Bless and glorify so everyone can see
This is what I hope to do
And serve your people the best that I can
Let me not be prideful in me but rest in you
Continue to refine me in your perfect plan

The rulers of the earth take heed
Kings and leaders remember well
Respect the Lord and fear Him in kind
Tragedy and ruin happen when we stray from the way
When men conspire and plot and scheme
Bullets, broken glass and bodies lay
Families separated, a world in pain happy days a distant dream
There are those who serve money, popularity, fame, possessions
Other worldly things
But none can wholly satisfy no joy will they bring
As for me and my house we will serve the Lord
Try to live a life that resembles your love freely poured
Those who serve the Lord and fear Him are richly blessed indeed
And those who lose themselves in the Lord, find themselves more free
Happy are they who take refuge in the Lord and seek shelter in his arms

Mary Mother of God, Mary Most Holy
Take me into yourself and in doing so draw me closer to Christ
It is through you that we find we are led to a deeper understanding of Christ
The more we understand who Christ is the better we are able to know who and what we are
Mary, take me as your son and love me as my mother
Comfort me when I am and stay with me when I feel sad
Grant me the ability to treat you with the love, care and respect you deserve as the mother of Jesus and as my mother
Mary you are pure and blameless with no stain of sin or death
By your grace, grant me some share in fellowship with our Lord
I know your son well enough Mary, but I want to know you better
This prayer is very much like a letter
Today we celebrate simplicity, humility and love for creation
With St. Francis of Assisi
Remind us of the sanctity and beauty of life in all its stages and forms
Look with favor upon your church and upon this earth
See all the destruction we have brought upon ourselves
In our ignorance and arrogance of Jesus
Look with mercy and love upon your children longing to make a change
Bless and strengthen us to act with love, peace, and wisdom
As we go about our lives strengthen our devotion
To you and your son and the Holy Spirit
Guide us along the one true road
As we pray to the angels and saints
May we learn and grow in sanctity and holiness
One day we stand before our maker in all his perfect glory
Did we enjoy the life we had, did we use the gifts we were given, how did we love
What will be my answer and will I be counted among the shepherd's flock
Mary be my shelter in the storms of life
Mary be my way to be closer to your son
Mary be my love that shines forever
Mary be my peace and the grace for everyday
Mary be with me always in every little way

Ask and you shall receive
Imagine what you can achieve
When you love Him with all your being
Miracles can happen if you keep believing

For He is near to those who call upon His holy name
He is freedom and forgiveness in our sin and shame
We repeat the same mistakes and He loves us just the same

His love endures his hope secures
From His side grace and mercy flow
He took on flesh and was put to death
So that the world would finally know

How much he loved us to the end
We betrayed Him and he calls us friend
He looked beyond my faults to the hurt I hold inside
He held me and healed me and my heart was opened wide

The miracle of mercy the miracle of life
The miracle of peace in the middle of strife
The miracle of being loved for all time
The miracle of God choosing a heart like mine

The miracle of the change happening in me
The miracle of light when the blind can see
The miracle of wonder in the eyes of a child
The miracle of a baby so tender and mild

The miracle of a touch, a word or smile
That one sign a person was praying for
You could be the miracle someone was waiting for

Lord make me a miracle for you to use. Let my words and actions bless others and be a light to show them someone is there, someone who cares. So often we look for the big miracles and, while they do happen, we don’t see them all the time. Help us remember to look for and see all the little miracles in our day to day lives. Birth, the beauty of nature, the sun rising each day, making it through one more day, a helping hand you needed, but didn’t expect. Open our eyes Lord to truly see life around us through your eyes. Thank you for all the miracles you give us big and small and, by your will, allow us to be a channel for your miracles working in and through us. We ask this and all things with confidence to God our Father, in union with the Son and the Holy Spirit who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Make my heart beat for you and you alone. I want to spend every moment with you and when I’m not, I want to be thinking of you. Your love is greater than life itself. It’s a miracle that you could fall in love with a fool like me. You know all of my deepest secrets there is nothing I can hide from you my love. To feel you near me is to know peace and rest and when I’m scared, I feel safe when you hold me close to your chest. I’m not perfect and sometimes I fall, but know that I am sincere and earnest when I proclaim that I want to love respect and treat you like you really deserve. I want you to be the only one for me and I want for your happiness more than anything else. Help me to be all that you see in me and help me to see it too. I want to be your friend, your confidant, your other half. I want to be wholly yours. May our two hearts be joined so as to beat as one and share a bond so strong it cannot be undone? I want to wake up each morning with you next to my side and fall deeper in love with you each day. I want to keep learning about you all the time; I want to be able to be surprised years from now. I never want to be bored with loving you. I want to be so comfortable with each other for silence to not be awkward. I want to find a million different ways to show you how much I love you not just tell you I love you. I want to live selfless love and give myself up for you. I want to die to who I was and all of the obstacles that hold me back from giving me to you completely. I also know there is no such thing as perfect and there will be tough times, and I want to learn how to communicate well so that we can make it through together and come out stronger. I vow to stay by your side and help you in every way I can. All of this I want, and I am willing to do whatever it takes together to make this dream a reality forever. I love you.

Psalm 24 Alternate

Jesus you hold everything in your hands
All the earth, the sea, and every land
Take my soul and hold it close to your heart
Lord you know I desire a fresh start

And though I might sin in secret thinking I could hide
You are everywhere and to know you must have cried
I ask you for forgiveness, I beg for help and grace
But I go and set myself up to fall flat on my face

The song so aptly says it Lord I cannot think to add
Another word or phrase and it makes me glad:

We bow our hearts, we bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes from evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols

Give us clean hands give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another (X2)

Oh God let us be a generation that seeks
Seeks your face Oh God of Jacob (X2)

Lord, help me do what I know I must
To rid myself of the chains of worldly lusts
That I might be free to meet you on the mountain top
And allow me the strength to persevere and not to stop

You hold my life and all that I am
You are the Shepherd I am your little lamb
You are the poet I am the pen
You were, you are, you always have been

To you Oh Lord, I lift up my head my heart I open to you
You are great and mighty the victor over sin and death
May the King of Glory enter in and find a place of purity and truth
Help me re-consecrate all of me to all of you through my final breath

And though I fail both then and now my desire remains the same:
To try to live and act and love in a way that exalts Jesus’ name
I also ask you help me quiet me to hear the whispers of my soul
To know the perfect peace and rest that being in You brings
To be more attentive and open to the extraordinary glimpses of You in ordinary things
This will be or rather is now my goal

I sit now within a circle of friends

Sharing their stories of beginnings and ends

Of laughter and love, tears of joy and tears of pain

The sun being out and bearing the rain

We are a family forged by blood sweat and tears

We have seen each other grow and learn over the years

The warm fuzzies and hugs are some of the best

Long days and short nights, 7 days with little rest

Exhausted and beat down, but elated too

There is so much I learn from all of you

The care, love, and compassion that each of you extend

The friendships to strengthen and bond, not break but bend

I pray our fears be all relieved

Everyday I am shown miracles most might not believe

The hard work, motivation and grit is truly an inspiration to me

I pray that tonight each and every one of you can see

You have made a difference in my life tonight

The future is yours, you are all such brilliant lights

Light the world on fire, you are a spark

The smallest ray can illuminate the dark

Today you can say, "I made a difference for one"

And rejoice! For the day of the Lord has just begun!



I love you and thank you! God bless you all, everyone!

Happy are those who dwell in the light of the Lord

And do not follow the wicked's ways

Woe to the sinner who lives in the darkness

They will be judged accordingly

Happy are those who take joy in God's love

They will flourish and grow all the days of their lives

He will keep the just safe from harm

But the wicked he will destroy

Silence

Stay here with me and find your rest
Find relief in the shadow of my loving embrace
I challenge you in the practice of silence and patience
The point is not to find words where there are none
The greatest friends are comfortable in the silence
In the space between moments
Are you comfortable in the silence yet?
Do you trust me enough that even in the silence I will speak
I just want you to be with me spend time with me
Find the deep inner peace in your life
Be content with me and what I give you
Be content just to be and nothing more
Trust me: I am more than enough
I am all you need and I love you
Lose yourself in the shadow of the cross
Rejoice for I come to seek and save the lost

God of All

God of all the universe
God of heaven and of earth
You who made the mountains and the sky
With your Holy breath you spoke Life
God of all, so powerful and mighty
You humbled yourself to be one like me
No words can reach nor all lessons teach
No poets sing nor instruments bring
Justice to your greatness and power
No heart can express nor mind dare to guess
The richness of your love and how much you bless
You Oh Lord are our everything our God and Father
We are so small and frail and yet you still bother
To call us chosen to make us know that we are dear
You give us the reason that we never need to fear
To call you savior is nothing less than right for you
To say brother or friend at times seems less than true
But you love us the same in our brokenness and shame
In our sin and our failings you love us still
You always have and you always will
Creator of the universe you are never very far
You are with us everywhere that where I am, there you are
You have set the way before us you know the path we take
You have been down that road this was no mistake
You are God of the great and small
You are God of all!

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!

Mary holds the lifeless body
As tears flow from her eyes
Does she also know that
Soon her son must rise?
Mary holds her baby's hand
So little and so frail
Does she also understand
That they would be pierced by a nail?
Mary holds her son close to her chest
When they find him teaching
Does she feel so blessed that
Even to death He is reaching?
Mary holds her son to wish him a good day
As he works with Joseph at his trade
Mary holds our hand as we walk the way
God says: see the work my hands have made!

Dream your dreams and live your life make every moment count

Go on now and be

The person you are. Forever loved by your father and me

Now is the time for our little one to leave the nest

Spread your wings and fly

We are always with you; your mother and I.

Wherever you may run, however far you may go

The light is on the door is open when you come home.

Choose your goals, go into the world

Be all you can and bloom like the flower unfurled

But when you are tired and weary and things get rough

When storm clouds cast darkness on your sky and sun turns to rain

If laughter turns to sadness and joy gives way to pain

Know that here at home you can have peace and rest

We always love you. Always have and always will and we are truly blessed

Every day we think of you, bow our heads abe pray at night

That you be blessed and safe and ever in the Lord's sight!

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

Stand in the rain,
Let the water wash over.
Stand in the joy and the pain,
Feel the drops upon your skin.

Stand in the darkening sky,
Feel the power and promise;
If you focus, if you really try,
You might hear the voice of God.

Stand in the sea
With the waves crashing wild.
Stand; for the one calling is He.
He is the Lamb so meek and mild.

Stand in the temple and sing,
Lift your heart to the One True King.
The waters of mercy, love’s healing touch;
A gift from the one who loves you so much.

Sometimes I’m drowning in a sea of regret,
The storm of sin is bearing down hard.
In these times I seem to quickly forget
That you gave me your calling card.

Sometimes I’m drowning in your love,
Caught up in the storm of your mercy.
You wash me as white as the new winter snow
Your rain helping me as I try to grow.

I am renewed as I stand in the rain
You are life for my soul like a desert oasis.
Strip me away until you are all that remain
In you, I take root and have my basis.

Stand in the rain; sing and dance.
Remember how we got a second chance?
After the flood that covered the earth
God sent a rainbow and a sign of rebirth.

Stand in the rain sense the peace.
Stand in the rain feel the life.
Stand in the rain know the joy.
Stand in the rain see the beauty.
Stand in the rain come alive.

Purify

Lord won’t you purify my heart and soul
Wash me clean transform this lump of coal
By the holy waters and the blood of the Lamb
In this flood I see at last who I really am
I am wonderful I am beautiful I am forever yours
I am precious I am loved by death my life restores
You have put me in a crucible a trial by fire
To purify and strengthen me to lift me ever higher
Right now all I feel is hurt and pain
But with your help my faith will yet remain
I know you’ll see me through this time and place
And on tougher days I gaze upon your face
I find the strength to get up and keep going
One day I’ll look back and see that I was growing
Refine me Lord and renew my beating heart
I know that you are creating a work of art
I am under construction and my Lord is far from done
He is building me in the sight of every one
Purify me Lord that I may be as holy as I ought
Redirect me when I forget the lessons I was taught
You are holy perfect blameless and true
Hear our prayer and make us more like you
In this mess Lord you see only beauty
Like a butterfly one day we will break free
Piece together my broken heart mend my broken wings
Cleanse me from within of sin and other things

Bowing low before your cross
I feel the hope I know the loss
Broken you healed a broken land
Kneeling you showed us how to stand
Cursed you broke the curse of sin and death
You gave your life to give us life with your last breath
You opened your arms to open our eyes
You were truth so we could spot true lies
You were the way when we had lost our way
You spoke life and taught us how to pray
Glory to God the Father and the Son
And the Spirit three in one

Amen

Lord you bless abundantly those who obey your command
For if we would listen and take heed you have given the promised land
So often you have preformed great signs and wonders in our age
Then we celebrate and proclaim your holy name and give you thanks and praise
How soon do we forget your glorious works Oh Lord
How fickle we are; how quick to fall into discord
Forgetting just how blessed we are, we worship those false earthly pleasures
Lured into traps by sin that sparkles as golden treasures
Money power greed jealousy and especially lust
Cause me grief, leaving me empty, treasure destroyed by ashes and rust
Stolen by thieves and vanishing like the winds throw the dust
Please remind me how much I need you always and go deeper into trust
We have separated ourselves from you and for it we pay the price
The consequences of our sin; repercussions of our vice
You have shown us the great error of our thoughts our actions and our speech
But please remind us that no matter how far we fall we are never out of reach

That there is forgiveness and there is grace
That there is love and a warm embrace
When we turn our hearts back to you
Are honest in our confession
And earnest in our desire to surround myself in what is pure and true

Noises and distractions abound
Calling out for our attention all clamoring
All the motion, all the lights, all the sound
Pulled apart in every direction, the hammering

Living in a society with life in constant chaos
Sensory overload and constantly connected to everything
In actuality totally disconnected to what really matters
Distant from people, apart from sadness and grief
Brain racing faster than a bullet train can’t get any sleep

Is there anyone as gone as I am today?
Losing the commotion of the world for a moment
It is then that we can begin to start finding ourselves
Finding who it is we really are and why we’re here
Connected with our joys, fears, hopes, sadness and dreams
So many wondrous things you can see when you cut yourself free

Breathe in deeply. Smell life, smell love, smell joy
Listen closely. Hear the symphony of life. Hear the song in your heart
Feel again. Feel warmth, peace, and light
Taste the spice of creativity and crave a zest for life
Touch the world. Reaching hearts and helping hands
Press pause or at least slow down

Lose yourself in the mystery the majesty of the moment
Discover yourself in the deep and the divine daily
See yourself in the stillness and the solitude of silence
Free yourself from fear from fame and fortune
Peaceful presence is yours in the power of perpetual prayer
Find yourself once more in Jesus Christ the Lord

If we were to somehow able to learn
The secret to happiness and peace
Perhaps we could then discern
Sometimes silence is sweet release

You are a special person in many, many ways
Loving and patient for all of your days
Your smile means everything (though you may never talk)
And your heart soars on the wind (though you may never walk)
You might not express yourself like I can
Or explain what you mean like I can
But I learn from you.
“Oh yes, I do”
I learn how to Love
Like the One From Above
I learn how to Care
Helping others and ourselves through the talents that we share
You are the feared, the looked down upon
But we are the ones who are the real cons
For everything is here for a reason
The world is so cruel and cold it’s like its freezin
We need to warm it up start a fire
No time to sleep, we can’t retire
Light it with love, compassion is our kindling
Keep it in our hearts till to all the world we bring
This revolution starts with two
It starts with me and it starts with you!

We are called to be the spirit of Nazareth. We are like a city on a hill: defending, protecting our families an communities as well as being and shining the light of Christ for all to see. As Christ is the vine and we are its branches which bear great fruit when rooted firmly in Christ, so too are we called to stand strong and secure in Christ's teachings so that those around us; our wives and children can grow and flourish. The spirit of Nazareth is a call to action. We were made to be courageous, to take a stand, to lead, to love, to light and guide. We are here to follow Christ who came before us and strive to set a good example for those who will one day do the same. We are men and we are the Spirit of Nazareth! AMEN

I'm sorry for living like Jekyll and Hyde
One life at church and another outside
I'm sorry for not loving and trusting you like I should
I'm sorry for the times when I've caused pain and not good
I'm sorry for when I choose wrong over right
I'm sorry when I choose darkness over light
I'm sorry Lord for the things I've done
I'm sorry Lord that I hurt your son

Someday soon we’ll lift our gaze
Someday soon we’ll sing the Lord’s praise
We’ll be welcomed through heaven’s gates
Everything there is all first rates
No more crying no more pain no more fear
Always sun and no more rain; always clear
Ever happy no more sad or anger no’s
Precious love is here in perfect beauty like a rose
All the bad things that exist are in your mind
You’ll only see nice things of every kind
Take shelter in God’s all-encompassing wings
Rest in ease safe from the evil shadow’s things
You are only one, but you have made a great change
That which is unknown is no longer strange
Do you fear God and also love him
Don’t try to fake for he is never asleep or dim
With God by our side we can never go wrong
Because of Jesus, I am writing this song
I truly hope my words reach out to you out there
That this paper travels across land, sea, and air
My goal right now is to teach about the Lord
So in the song of life you have the right chord
We are here to make a difference and to learn
With the right help, there is much we can turn
Happy are those who do not have much
But are rich in love and such

When you smile, my heart skips a beat
When you sing, I move my feet
Your bright bubbly personality is a breath of fresh air
It always makes me better knowing you are there
You brighten my day and make me smile
You possess a beauty that is always in style
You shine like the sun and the stars at night
You are a constant source of warmth and light
You are my friend, this much is true
You are my friend and that's why I love you

I fall on my knees and pray

At the start and end of each day

"Here I am. Are you there Lord?"

You hear my cry and pleading Lord.

I come slowly; crawling to your throne

Broken, ashamed, lost and alone

You stand before me in all of Your glory

Before I can speak You know all my story

You reach down and lift up my face

Dry a tear from my eyes; wash me with mercy and grace

You bid me to rise, then smile and open Your arms

You hold me and love me and all of me warms

You know I am sorry, I know You forgave

With Your help I can behave.

All this time You knew and were waiting

To welcome me back; loving not hating

And then a thought crept into my heart:

You were with me right from the start!

Lord, sometimes I get discouraged and I start to question why
Especially when things don’t work out no matter how hard I try.
When the words won’t come and the thoughts don’t flow,
When minutes feel like hours and time moves painfully slow
When I am challenged, you use these moments to teach.
I know you are here even though you feel out of reach.
Lord, I trust that my being with you is good enough:
You take my awkward feeble attempt and edges rough
You make it something beautiful and polish it to shine.
Even in our brokenness, you are still divine.
Lord, help me when I feel that what I give is not enough
You love me when life is good and when times are tough.
My worth isn’t measured by what I can or cannot do,
My worth is measured by who I am to you:
Cherished, and beloved until the end of days.
Often you work in mysterious ways
But I trust you Lord, even though I don’t always see
At least not right away, the lessons you are teaching me.
So, in the challenges Lord, I thank you; I bless your Holy Name
And I pray that every day, you help me do the same.

Amen

I come before you now and I lay down at your feet
I come before you now with the weight of this day
I come before you now in Humble praise and joyful Adoration
I come before you now to show honor and thanksgiving

I praise you for your goodness and for another day of living
I praise you for your love and mercy brand new every sunrise
I praise you for your grace and peace that stills my restless soul
I praise you for the gifts you give and blessings from my life's role

I sit at your feet and listen to all you have to say
You walk by my side and give me the spirit to illuminate my way
I sit at the table and take in the great feast and try to go out and to share with the least

I lay down my burdens my stresses my troubles and tears
You raise me up with strength and peace give me rest and quiet my fears
I lay my heart before you bruised, broken and unclean
You lift my eyes towards Heaven and to yourself bruised and broken so I could be redeemed

I fight surrender even though surrendering is the only way to win the fight
I don't let go of the chains that bind me
When you don't let me go and I cling to the one who sets me free
I don't trust you enough to completely be open
But you can be trusted completely, trust me, I know

With all of my faults I try to run away and hide
But you love me the same and run to me to bring me by your side
How great this love that I don't deserve
It's painfully obvious how much you love us if we stop to observe!

What a powerful thing it is
Both killing and destroying, renewing, refreshing
Always changing always growing
Never pausing once

To slow down...

To STOP,


And take inventory of all that is around it
The beauty, the mystery, and with it, cold harsh reality
War, poverty, sickness, death
Love, Peace, Joy, Happiness

How incredible it is indeed
To be so capable of so much

Yet still cannot fathom
How Little it truly does know

Sitting in the dark waiting for the light
Tears flowing down you’ve been up all night
Remembering the way you felt all those years ago
Desperate to hold on never letting go
The pain and sadness come flooding back
It paralyses you like a bad heart-attack

The sun was a little brighter and colors were more vivid
Wishing to go back to the life you once liv-ed
The innocence is gone but not all hope is lost
Dream, believe, love and don’t count the cost
They say the first step is the hardest, though I think
It’s easier to walk with someone if you start to sink

A companion for the journey someone to hold you close
Tell you it is okay and be a supporting dose
You will never be all alone you never were before
You will never find happiness and peace if you try to keep score
Let my light go before you and may you find a friend so true
A Guardian Angel to be there always for you

When skies are grey and hope seems far away
See a smile that turns up a sunny day
When heart is heavy and frozen in fear
Love will drive it out let love live here
There is so much more to life than what you see right now
Keep moving forward, we’ll make it through somehow

The sun is on the rise a new day is starting
Joy and hope appear as the clouds are slowly parting
Today is the first day of the rest of your life a new beginning
So dare to take a step out and you’re already winning
I can see clearly now a light in you brighter even than the sun
Take heart my dear for great are things to come!

Can you hear my heart's cry across the sea of stars?
Can you still hear it though I'm miles from where you are?
Do you share the tears of loss and pain,
And still believe that sun will follow after rain?
Watch the moon-light dance and shine
Whatever comes, I am yours and you are mine
I'm trying to live what is pure and right
To show compassion to all and walk in the light
And still my path is riddled with lies and hurt and shame
The way is dark; filled with anger, deceit, and blame
I collapse and beat the ground
I scream, but hear no sound


Can you hear my heart's cry across the sea of stars?
Can you still hear it though I'm miles from where you are?
Can you hear me? Are you listening? Do you even care?
I beg you: show me something! Let me know you're still there!


The words somehow reached God's ears
Moved with compassion he sent an angel to dry my tears.
"Come now, be not afraid" the angel said and helped me to stand
"Dark is the way, the path; unclear, and you do not understand
But do not give up, do not lose hope: the most priceless of all treasure
All the silver and gold and riches could not begin to measure
The treasure you are. What great things God has in store for you!
Plans to prosper and bless and keep you every single day,
And when things are bad or good, call him up and pray.
Any day, time, or weather; he is always fee to talk,
Every step, every breath, every heartbeat; he is beside you as you walk.
Put your worries, problems, and fears at the base of the cross
Give Him control and watch him turn gain from what once was loss.
Trust and rely on the Lord when life is dark and scary,
And you will see that in His loving arms, you he will carry.


He loves you more than anything you could ever know;
You are a beacon of light and hope for many. Shine like the sun and may His love overflow!

When I am down, you make my darkness light
You melt my frozen heart with your burning fire
You greet me when I wake like the morning sun
When I am lost at sea you are my Northern Star
Guiding me home again, waiting like a candle
Brighter than any diamond you shine

You blind me and astound me how bright you shine
I gaze upon your beauty as you radiate light
You glow as though you are a soft candle
I am consumed by your wild fire
Your hair is like the sun and your eyes sparkle like a star
You warm my bones with your life-giving sun

I thrive in the constancy of the sun
With you at my side I can go through rain or shine
Ever constant ever true my ever fix-ed star
You bathe me in your soft warm light
I am cleansed in your purifying fire
You honor my memory with a memorial candle

Nothing lasts forever: a sacrificial candle
One day death will come even for the sun
The evening sky ablaze with celestial fire
The sun sets and the moon comes out to shine
There is balance: good and evil, darkness and light
I know all of you like I know every star

In your arms, we dance across the sea of stars
The millions of twinkling lights couldn't hold a candle
Shadows run away at the brilliance of your light
Against you, my dear, your light dims the sun
My love for you will always shine
You will burn strong and steady, an eternal fire

Here we sit side by side at the fire
A canopy of sky and a blanket of stars
Even in this darkness, still you shine
Bound together in the light of a single candle
Staying up just to greet the morning sun
To see a new day born to pure and glorious light

Be merciful even as your Heavenly Father is merciful
Thy kingdom come thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
The Father who loves us died for us and paid the debt we could not pay. May we strive to be merciful, loving, forgiving for the small things. Let us be like Jesus to others. God is LOVE. The reason the world does not know God is because it does not know LOVE. And what is Love? Love is patient, love is kind, slow to anger, protects, trusts, hopes, believes, perseveres. Love never fails. Forgiveness is a great weapon. It disarms, diffuses, stuns, kills hate, squashes vengeance. It heals and sets free, but surprisingly it most often frees us. If someone can forgive you for something and move forward, never think for a second that God can’t forgive you and hasn’t already. God is so much better and so much more merciful and loving by far! The challenge is you need to learn to forgive yourself. God, help us to be merciful, forgiving, loving and kind to all, especially those who probably don’t deserve it. In these moments Lord, remind us gently that we didn’t deserve your mercy, forgiveness, love and kindness, but you gave it anyway and we aught to do likewise. Amen

Poem after Confession


Lord, in order to save us, sinners through and through,

You, who had no sin, were killed out of a love so true

Giving up Your life and taking on all our sin,

Brought up again, You make new life begin.

I laid my troubles, sins and pains at Your feet

Vulnerable and helpless You bade me to take, do, drink, and eat.

And I am empty, hungry; I pine for Your touch;

Help me surrender; I need you so much.

Afraid of what I’ll find if I let it all go,

You give me the peace. Ask, and I’ll follow.

Feed me, give me drink. May I be transformed tonight.

And now that I’ve come, and now that it’s done, I start to see the light.

I start to see Your Light.

Circular Baseball
With family 'round
Spring and school starting
Playing soccer
Baseball Diamond
Play Ball!

Your love is deeper than the oceans
Your grace reaches through the valley below
So much more than just a savior, more than just a friend
So much more than just a power that I can't comprehend
You are truth, you are grace, you are joy I can't contain
You are love, you are life, and I'll never be the same
All the stars shining down on a clear night sky
You came to save a wretch like me I can't imagine why
So much more than just a light you came into my life and now I glow
You made a home inside my heart and softened every hardened part and I start to grow
I once was lost adrift at sea the wind and waves grew wild
Afraid I prayed and through the storm you heard and you found me
For years I was blind I could not see your face
But with open eyes I see the depth and power of your amazing grace
You aren't just a man who was born who lived and died
Son of God and son of man you were crucified
You weren't just a prophet a teacher or a king
You are the author of life and creator of everything
So much more than simple stories the parables you shared
Your death to show us just how much you really cared
You aren't just a healer a doer of good deeds
You tended to our spiritual needs
You are so much more than surface going right to my core
Satisfy this longing this hunger! It's you I'm yearning for

When I finally turned around... there you were right behind me with arms flung open wide; welcoming me back with an outpouring of love. You weren't angry or hateful, rather you were joyful and loving. It was then that time stopped.

All this time I'd been so bad, and slammed the door in your face. I had left you. Even so, you never once left me. You were there: just waiting for me to simply turn around. You stood there with your arms open and I threw myself into your loving arms with reckless abandon.

All of a sudden, the floodgates opened and I trembled; sobbing wildly. You held me close and didn't say a word. I could feel tears on my face now: your tears and mine mixed. They were tears of sadness and shame and pain for what had been done and they were tears of joy at my return, for knowing love, grace, forgiveness, mercy.

There was peace there too. Overwhelming and beautiful. It felt like a huge weight vanished from my hands, feet, shoulders, and soul.

Triumphant joyful celebration music rang out loud and pure; and with that.... we DANCED!

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.

I can almost taste sweet spring upon my tongue
Light rays upon my face, I see the sun
Life everywhere I see all that He has done
Winter has been here long and will soon be gone
The birds and bees, the flowers and trees
All sing their own sweet song
Singing in full abandon as if it had been this way all along
Earth’s voice herself was never quite so strong

Hail Mary; most holy Queen of Heaven
Overshadowed by love's pure expression
Crowned with glory like the shining sun
Great mother of Jesus; the Most High one
Clothed in robes made from a sea of stars
You held the hands that bore the scars
Queen of the angels and of the saints
What stellar beauty Our Lady paints

Beyond

Look beyond the surface to see the deeper beauty
Look beyond the act to find a sense of duty
Look beyond the words to see the message they contain
Look beyond the fear and see that I still remain
Look beyond the weakness to see the strength within
Look beyond the death to see where life begins
Look beyond the sound to feel the timeless melody
Look beyond the healing to know the one true remedy
Look beyond the noise to the inmost quiet prayer
Look beyond your helping to find out why you care
Look beyond what you see with your eyes
Look with your mind and soul and heart
Look outside and see the morning sun rise
Look and see what was there from the start
Look beyond blind hate and rage to see the time for love
Look beyond yourself and fix your eyes on things above
Look beyond the cross to see the bridge it made
Look beyond the suffering to see the cost was paid
Look beyond the body and blood to the redeeming sacrifice
Look beyond the anger and do something nice
Look beyond your own little world to find a bigger place
Look beyond apology to see forgiveness and grace

Lord in your goodness hear and answer me
My enemies surround me they plot my demise
With wicked words they seek to trap me
Day and night they scheme with evil in their hearts
I fear for my life my safety Oh Lord my God
Lord in your goodness hear and answer me

They lie in the shadows watching and waiting
Waiting for a moment of weakness to pounce
But you my God are my protector in trouble
You are my shield and my strength
Lord in your goodness hear and answer me

I cry out to you come save me from these wolves
Hear my pleas Oh Lord and save me in my distress
Deliver me from my foes and by your right hand guard me
I trust in you God come swiftly to my aid
Lord in your goodness hear and answer me