Shine the light of Christ for all to see
Living in love and peace and charity
Spread the good news to every people and land
See the good and the work of human hands
What God can do with and through an open heart
Broken can be made whole ad changes can truly start
Though your heart may be as hard as stone
I pray you remember you are never alone
For we are all children with one Dad
We have a safe haven when things get scary or bad

We bleed the same, we breathe the same, we hurt the same, we hope the same
Some seem to try their hardest to tear this world apart
I try to show love, give love, live love, be love and bring the world together
Some choose to see what divides us
I choose to see what unites us
Some would see the world on fire
I would see our hearts on fire
Some would seek to change another
I would seek to understand my brother
Some might say all hope is lost
I might say we are lost and search for where hope is found
Some might feel only rage and hate
But I feel that peace and love will dominate
Some might believe that I'm a dreamer or a fool
But I believe that hope and dreams will never be uncool
Some might wonder and ask why should I care?
I wonder how they don't see it everywhere

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

United to Christ we adore
United to each other what are we waiting for
United in love together we stand
We can begin to heal our broken land
United we bring the kingdom come here
Together we may cast off hatred and fear
When we work together with our sisters and brothers
We can start to bring about a faith revival
We can begin to thrive and not focus only on survival
Uniting our hearts to Jesus we draw nearer
Drawing closer we reflect Jesus as a mirror
So much more unites us that which does divide
I want to make a change but I'll let you decide
If you want to join a revolution start a fire
Watch it burn brighter and hotter and higher
United we stand against the devil and his ways
United we stand for Christ and creation for all our days
United we are hope for a world that seems so lost
Standing up for what is right can come at a high cost
But you are worth it Lord and you thought we were as well
So much that, perfect, you died to save us from hell
United we come to pray and give glory
United we join ourselves as a part of His-story
United we lift our voices in worship and song
United we find a family a place where all can belong
We stand together in faith hope and love
In union with the perfect communion of the trinity above
With the Angels and Saints who praise your name
We your children strive to do the same
United as one body working to act as one
We care for Christ as we help everyone
From the greatest to the least from the powerful to the weak
From those who stand strong and tall to the ones down on their knees
We are all one people one children of one father
We live on one world as son and daughter
We do not stand alone or apart
When we are united not at hip but in heart

Amen

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

Lord right now I’m lost and confused
Hear my cries Lord I’m begging you
My life was going so well and you turned it upside down
And now I can’t tell which way is up and which is down
Lord I’m trying so hard to understand
How this all fits into your grand plan
I feel you calling me to be to be a husband or wife
I feel you calling me to married life
I know I ought to trust but right now my heart is as dust
To follow you I’ve tried and tried
But what you want I can’t decide
I’m hurting Lord can’t you feel my pain
And world is gray and my sky is all rain
Help me Lord I don’t know what to do or where to turn
What is it Lord that you want for me to learn
Part of me should feel happy but part of me feels dead
The days are painful reminders and most nights I cry in bed
Oh Lord my God why must you wound me so
Please hold me close and never let me go
There are moments when the pain is too much to bear
And when I pray I don’t seem to feel your presence there
I know you love me and you are by my side always
And, if you chose, could turn this protest into praise
But even if you don’t right now I know I’ll be alright
And from this darkness deep inside will come a brilliant light
I’ll be there eventually, but right now what I really need
Is your patience, your guidance, your love, and your lead

Because of you I am here today

And I should thank you everyday

No way have I deserved your love and mercy

Why? You didn’t have to die for me; I sin every day

You willingly chose death and humiliation so that I could be free

You stared death in its face

Nothing, not even death’s vice grip could hold you down

You paid the ultimate price to show me love

Still I ask why. You could have let justice be served

But the power of your love overcame that

I don’t know if anything could make me do what you did for me

To die for another out of love or even to save

I don’t know what it is like to die for one much less all

I can’t imagine what the pain of the sin for one life is

Compile everybody’s sins during their life. How?

How could you do it? How could you go on knowing everything you did?

Thank You. Because of you I am here today…



AMEN

There is something special about laughter
It makes me warm and fills me with glee
Then the tears that follow after
Are treasured by you and me
It’s more contagious than the common cold
It affects the very young and the quite old
It crosses over every border every barrier
It’s the sound that makes you think I wanna marry her
The pure joy of jumping in a puddle
And coming inside to warm up and cuddle
It wells up and surges forward and bursts out
Especially when it’s not supposed to
You can’t stop it because it came out of the blue
Share your joy with others give them hope and peace
That the good in us will always increase
This joy is radioactive it permeates the very air
You may not see it, but most can feel it there
Laughter makes the heart light
Like somehow, everything will be alright

You are the vine I am the branches
Connected to you the source of all life
You are the vine I am the branches
Connected to you I bear great fruit
You are the well source of living water
I am a cup for your blessings outpoured
You are my shelter strong tower in the storm
You are the rock my salvation
You are my solid ground and firm foundation
You are the source of life everlasting
You love a sacrifice of praise and prayer and fasting
Apart from you I am nothing I am empty
In you I live and breathe and have my being

If not for love and being there; what else?

We can always help you; but you need to help yourself.

We are there in the good times and the bad;

Laughing when you’re happy, crying with you when you’re sad.

We love you for who you really are; seeing only the good,

We do that just like everyone should.

Seeing past the faults, to the beauty inside;

We bring out the best in you, we find it; it can’t hide.



Happy are those who don’t have much;

But who are rich in love and such.
  


Friends create the bond that gets you through life;

We will always see you through especially in strife.

Have no fear; for you are never alone

We are always there; even if we aren’t shown.

Real friends and relationships are life’s naturally occurring super-glue

They help to mend and strengthen, to bind wounds, and aid you.

The road we walk in life is full of barriers, obstacles, and more,

You may trip and fall at times; but much better is in store.

We will guide you, be your walking stick, and always help you up.

Do you hunger and thirst? We fill your plate or cup.

We are the Ultimate all-in-one Convenience Shop.

We’ve got all you need and want at no price; just ask after you stop.

Need a hand, a shoulder, or just a listening ear?

We have everything you could possibly want and need; just don’t ask for the beer!

To know Him is to love Him
To love Him is to follow Him
To follow Him is to imitate Him
To imitate Him is to be Him for others
In knowing Him we know and find ourselves
In loving Him we see others the way He sees us
In following Him we learn and grow in faith and holiness
In imitating Him we are more truly free
In being Him for others we bring another heart to know Him
And the cycle starts again

Jesus holds us each in his palm
For we are each unique and hand crafted
Beautifully, wonderfully, fearfully made from the start
He is making a masterpiece a priceless work of art
We are a tile in the mosaic of life
An important part of a bigger picture
We are beautiful because we are different
We are different because we are special
We are special because we are important
We are important because we are loved
When we look right now it is unfinished
It is scarred and cracked and rough
But when we look upon the finished piece
We see love and light and peace
Through the years I was beginning to take shape
A gradual transformation was going on in me
A lifelong journey toward who I'm supposed to be

There's something bigger, there's something more
There's something greater than there ever was before
A difference so subtle I almost paid it no mind
Hard to put my finger on and harder still to define
Life goes on and time inexorably passes
It seems the same, but now and then there are flashes;
Glimpses of what was, what is, and what could be
There, I observe, I am alive and well and free
What I would need to change to make this future a reality!
I could never get there on my own; the gap is just too wide
I need someone to build a bridge to cross the great divide.
There is one who has the tools to do the task
But I need to take initiative and ask.
I like what I see, but do I really want to do this?
All the comforts and control of the vices, I would miss.
How could I live without them around?
It would be uncomfortable not to have them weighing me down.
I think this now, but there I saw real joy and peace
And if this could happen, I'd love that sweet release.
I could sing with all my heart, I could dance with every part
I could cross the great sea with the wind filling my sails
And anchored steady and secure in the storms and the gales.
I could fill the sky with words of love, with thanks and praise unceasing
Writing poetry and prayers, across the world reaching
If this is what could be, what reason do I have to resist
Open my hand, put it in yours and walk with you instead of making a fist
Lead me to this future and help me follow you
Help me if I stumble and guide me straight and true!

Sunset

The sun slowly sinks to fall to the sea
Reminding us a little of how human life can be
Setting the world on fire with red and orange also purple and blue
Painting so beautifully the canvas of the sky
Some insects and animals wake up as the temperature starts to cool
The dwellers of the night are now the ones who rule
In the sunset there is both violence and peace
There is death and despair and hope
Signifying the end of one thing and the beginning of another
One of the most beautiful and romantic scenes the to be viewed
We have the pleasure of being able to experience it every day

Cry out to the Lord for He is good His mercy and love are without end
To the orphans and widows sinners and poor He is a friend
Cry out with joy cry out in pain for every birth and when someone dies
The Lord is merciful He harkens to our cries

Justice and peace shall flourish tears will be wiped away
Turn your face to the sky to the dawning of a new day
For God is great and God is good we are precious in His eyes
The Lord is merciful He harkens to our cries

Hear the pleas of the faithful in a nation that has become lost
Now we have so much power but it came at so great a cost
We look for Your truth in a world that is feeding us lies
The Lord is merciful He harkens to our cries

Some have glimpsed where this road will eventually lead
Sliding down the ***** of lust power jealousy and greed
We are crashing headlong speeding to our demise
The Lord is merciful He harkens to our cries

There is nothing we can do to fix this on our own
But all things are possible with you, we are not alone
Things look bleak but there is hope when we realize
The Lord is merciful He harkens to our cries

Send your Holy Fire change our hearts and heal our land
Instill in us a love for you and a desire to obey your command
Today we stand in Faith assured as in one voice we rise
The Lord is merciful He harkens to our cries!

I Will Provide

When you're lost and alone and all on your own
I will provide
When it looks like too much and you feel out of touch
I will provide
When it's cold and dark and you've missed the mark
I will provide
When you're blind and can't see just reach out to me
I will provide
If the walls close in and you're stretched too thin
I will provide
If the words won't come and you can't find the sun
I will provide

I need someone to lean on and to trust
I need someone who will love me no matter what
I need someone who will find the hidden beauty
Someone who helps out of love and not simply duty
I need someone to defend me when I am under attack
Someone who is in my corner and who always has my back
I need someone to see the real me and still not leave
I need someone who will also give back not only receive
I need someone who is gentle and yet strong
I need someone at my side as we walk along
I need someone who will listen to me when I need a friend
Someone who is faithful and true to the very end
I need someone who will treat me the way that I deserve
I need someone who is willing to surrender and serve
I need someone I can turn to in any situation
Someone who will share in both sadness and elation
I need someone who understands what makes me what I am
I need someone who will be with me to hold me and take my hand
I need someone can tell when something isn’t right
Someone who will watch over me both by day and by night
I need someone who will tell me that things will be okay
I need someone who isn’t afraid to kneel down and pray
Someone to forgive me and help me forgive myself
Someone who makes me feel like there is no one else
I need someone who knows I am special and unique
I need someone who will be my light when life is bleak
I need someone to care to act with loving kindness
Who will open my eyes to see and remove my blindness
I need someone so rare there might be only one
And I pray it’s not too late before the search is done

Would I know You if You sat across from me on the bus?

Would I know You if I bumped into you on the street?

Would I see Your face in that of a ragged homeless man?

Would I recognize You in the teen mother taking shelter from the rain?

Could I know You in the condemned prisoner’s eyes?

Could I see You when helping someone who dropped their groceries?

Or letting someone go before me in line?

Would someone see You if I did those things?

Would Your light shine through for others to see?

The reason the world does not know You

Is because it does not know love and You are love!

Would I know you in Your many forms?

Would I take action and help You?

If I was that way would someone take the time to care?

Would I be welcoming and would they be understanding?

Lord help me to truly understand and respond appropriately to the needs of others

And may all hearts be open and welcoming as we come closer

To each other and to You.


AMEN!

Spring is finally here: winter has come and passed.
Days are getting longer, it's getting warmer at last.
Sunshine melts the snow to quench the thirsty ground,
And on Easter morning, many eggs are found.
Red and yellow roses, daisies and daffodils too;
The smile that appears whenever I think of you.
All creation comes alive with a natural symphony
That pours forth from every rock and stream and tree.
Music fills the air as the rainbow dances across the sky,
This beauty I cannot express no matter how hard I try.

Tonight I wait with joyful expectation
And join my voice with all creation
Now is the time to prepare and be bold
That we may not be left out in the cold
Prepare our hearts and minds for your coming soon
In our hearts let us make you room
A child was born on a cold dark winter night
To take us out of our darkness and into the light
A little baby so helpless and small
Would one day be the savior of us all
I wait with hope and joy so pure
And pray that this glow would have some allure
I wait for the star that guides me to your birth
And I pray you look with favor on this earth
We have turned from you; your truth, life and ways
We have let sin and death into our days
Help us do what is right and just
Give us the strength to do what we must
By the prayers of your people Lord
Come to our aid and let your mercy be out poured
Give us your great love for our fellow man
Let love take over our streets and land
Grant us peace of heart and mind
And that the good we seek, we may find
Fill us up as we empty ourselves for the King
And with the Heavenly Host now let us acclaim
The one was and is and will forever reign

I love you Lord I must confess
That so sinning still you bless
The grace you freely give
Your death so I could live
I don't deserve such love and care
But even when I push you away, still you are there
I want to love you like I say I do
Like I know I do
But in my humanity i struggle against the truth
I love the light but the dark is comforting or at least more familiar
Even the night is as bright as the day
There is nothing that you can't see
You also see deep into my heart and you know what lies there
There is a burning fire hot and alive with love for you and all of your creation
I would love to be set ablaze so I could start a fire the whole world over
Even now with darkness in and around my heart you have given me a joy, a love, and a faith that burns bright and hot and steady and touches other people and I am so grateful
Continue to be with me Lord this day and every hour of every day for the rest of my life
Never let me go Lord
Hold me to you and wrap me in your embrace
Let your will be done in me that I could be like a lighthouse for someone who is lost in the darkness
Keep your promise always Lord
Thank you for keeping your promises!
Amen.

I live my life and I love it
If you think about your strikes you can’t hit
Time isn’t nice to those who waste their whole life
And when it passes on it cuts like a knife
Life is so short with so many things to do
But it helps to pass the time when I’m with you
People grow older and things go on
I feel lifted up when I see the rising sun at dawn
Friends make life much brighter
Don’t give up hope, you’re a strong fighter
Take a moment to reflect on the past
Life has gone by as it seems much too fast
If you don’t feel right don’t give up my friend
We are always with you until the bitter end
You are here to change lives and save some as well
When your gift is calling, soft and clear as a bell
Reach out and change someone’s life today
It will be so worth it in each and every way
Even though you don’t get money for doing something good
You get a good feeling from doing what you should
My friends have changed me so much I wouldn’t be myself
Personally, I put my pride on a shelf
I am very thankful for the friends I got
Don’t mean to order you, but this is a lot
Just expressing my feelings in this letter
I hope reading this makes your day better
I wish the best of life and all to come
I hope that some of you know where I’m coming from
I owe it all to my friends, all those people out there
I want things to be more right and fair
I wouldn’t have made it to where I am now
To try to keep growing and improving: this will be my vow

Lord, I’m longing to be in the light of your glory
I’m yearning to kneel at the foot of your throne
I hunger and thirst for your presence oh Lord
My soul longs for you, my spirit thirsts for you Oh Lord My God
How I wish I could spend just one day with you
To walk hand in hand down the heavenly streets
Just the two of us how beautiful and wonderful it would be
There is no greater feeling than the feeling I get when we are in sync
I can almost hear the trumpets blaring and joy fills the air
The feeling I get when you and I dance
Nothing compares Lord. Nothing comes close.
You are an oasis when I’m lost in the desert place,
You are a ray of light on a cloudy day.
Yours is the love of a father for his child
Yours are the hands that are rough and calloused with work yet soft, strong and gentle
Yours are the eyes that have taken in so much joy, so much suffering and everything in between
And still they are full of love, full of life and. They are kind eyes
Yours are the feet traveling many miles to find the lost again
Yours are the arms stretching out to hold the world close to you
Yours the heart with room enough for all and endless love
Yours is the way: the journey we take, the path we walk, the direction we try to follow
Yours is the truth: this is what we seek. We want to know truth, to know you. The truth that sets men free
Yours is the life: trying to imitate how you lived, loved. And the eternal life of a soul that rests in God.
You are peace when this world is at war
You are love when there seems nothing but hate
You are life for my soul like the air that I breathe
You are strength when I am at my weakest
You are good when my life is anything but
You are hope in times of great despair
You are light to drive away the darkness
You are true in the midst of many lies
You are perfect in my perfect imperfections
You are my God and I Am YOURS!

When I look into your eyes I see a smile
When I see your smile I see thankfulness and love
You said you can tell when I’m around because of an aura
That may be true, but it’s not because of me. It’s someone else.
On my part I don’t feel an aura, but a calm and clean
Our relationship is only a slight bond formed of struggles
When you say “I love you” it’s not me, it that you’re in love with God
The only way you could tell me your life was because of God
I have needed a friend and you needed someone to care and listen
The way you can thank me is by loving and thanking Him
I don’t know how to dance, but I wonder if He does?
Your heart was open and you saw Jesus as me for help
Maybe I was Joseph to you help you carry the cross
I don’t know what will become, I am ready to be God for you

Let my words fall like drops of rain upon the thirsty ground
Let the joy in my heart be felt for miles around
Let the song from my mouth be as sweet as wild honey
Let me give treasure more valuable than money
Let my praise fill the sky as beautiful as the morning birds
Let me paint a beautiful picture from the gift of my words
Let my prayers rise up like the sweetest perfume
Let my light pierce the night and the darkest gloom

I look up at the million brilliant lights dancing in the heavens far above,
I see the moon and its soft and gentle glow and somehow I know.
I remember and believe the times we had together:
It was a love that we thought would last forever.

I smell the sweet flowers in the air; picture the wind rushing through your hair.
The days were long and we would run and laugh and play
We were young and we were free we were perfect, you and me,
And we thought that life would always be this way.

But the years went by and the days grew cold
You moved on and stories unfold
Some days I wonder what it was we had and why it’s gone away
I wonder what happened to us and if it was but an elaborate dream

I shake my head I just know that it was real;
There is just no mistaking what it is I feel.
Are there nights when you look out and feel the same?
I will cherish always both the joy and the pain.

Sometimes I still catch myself asking what might have been.
Then again what might have been is irrelevant:
I would not be who I am today were it not for you
I love you and our time together and I pray that you did too.

Sun and Rain (Both Sides Now)


You’ve seen the sun and felt the rain

You’ve been through joy, you’ve been in pain

You’ve been on both sides now

And you’ve made it through life somehow

You may feel at times like you want to just disappear

But you are loved so have no fear

You’ve got to remember you’re not alone

You have the power to make hearts out of stone

We’re all there for you no matter what

We want to help you; no if, and, or but

The road we walk is full of cracks and breaks

Step carefully for there are many traps and snakes

But if we give ourselves to the Lord, He can fill the holes

He is the only one who can give you peace for your soul

If we are really His; He will provide for us

And when He gives us answers we sometimes fuss

Do you feel safer when we are around?

Whenever you are in trouble, we are always found

We are there for you now and for always

We are beside you, walking in the hallways

When we’re close at hand we hope you feel stronger

With our faith in you, you can hold on a bit longer

A family is a place you can run to

A family will love you no matter what you do

They are the people who pick you up when you are down

They will put a smile on your face in place of that frown

When you need them a family is always there

They will pull you through when things are less than fair

So when you’re down in the dumps just yell…

They’ll come runnin’ like children to the dinner bell

In Praise

In gratitude and thanksgiving we give you praise
Wisdom and blessings on the one who prays
We honor you the Most High God
We dance and sing you give you laud
We celebrate what we have received
Your life your very presence in us we believed
In the Eucharist our thanksgiving
Font of life and hope for the living
Your justice and mercy we extol
And in your loving arms you will console
Those who mourn and the pushed aside
Their cries are heard and their pleas are not denied
Your Love is boundless and Your grace abounds
As I get closer my heart now pounds
It beats so strong with life and vigor
You are radioactive and my heart gets even bigger
I love to love and i try to love like you
And your Love is the strongest glue
In gratitude for all the blessings and gifts
I come back to you with a song on my lips
There is a fire in my heart that will not die or dim
Because it was put there by none other than Him
Take Lord, all that we have to give
Multiply it and show us how to truly live
To serve not only our neighbor but even our foes
Treating all with care and respect for we are like the rose
Beautiful and sweet but be warned
If not handled right we may feel the thorns
We thank you God for the earth and all you have made
And still you know every hair on our head and every grass blade
And for your creation: a masterpiece and work of art
That we should love you with all our mind and soul and heart

Is the world a little better now than when I first came in?
What will people say about me when I leave this place behind?
Will they say I was cool or funny or had a keen mind?

How will the people I know remember me when I'm gone?
How long will they mourn? Will they keep my memory strong?

I want to leave a lasting mark; what will be my legacy?
Did I live my life with love and care?
Did I make peace where there was war,
Cultivate love and forgiveness where there is hate?

When people looked at me, could they see Your face?
Someone radically transformed by Your love, compassion, mercy, and grace.

Was I a voice for the mute,
A light shining brightly for you?
Was I hope for the hopeless, love for the loveless,
A light that the lost find their way?

When this life is over and it's time at long last to come home,
When You stand before me in all of Your glory
What will I hear you say?

I don’t know how we clicked
I don’t know why we are this way
I don’t know why you confided in me
I don’t know if I’m dating right? Its friends until it’s special
I need some help, tell me what to do
I don’t know why God used us
I don’t know how things will work out
Would having a play date be a good idea?
I get daily suggestions and accusations from little Tom
I don’t know how to express my thanks to you and to God
I don’t show my feelings well at all
But it seems to me that opposites really do attract
I don’t know if any of my poems are more meaningful than
“Hope When None”.
You keep me aware that the most simple things are sometimes the best
Showing emotion, laughing, and jogging add years to your life
The simplicity, innocence, and heartfelt gratitude touch me
There are so many things I don’t know in life
So many things I never will
For now I have to “trust” God knows what he is doing with me
‘Cuz I sure as heck don’t!
I begin to doubt whether I loved you for the trouble you were going through
I’m sure there are many hundreds or thousands of verses in the bible saying not to doubt God
I need to accept that I’m not with you just because
That might just be for him to know and me to have faith
Please pray and I will too for good judgement and insight
I would appreciate it if you could help me open my ears and heart to God

A splash of red against the wall of white
He stands: still and stark in the silent snow.
The sun strikes the new fallen snow
And light dances from a million crystals and more.
Sensing no danger, he calls for his mate.
With a voice strong and clear and sweet he sings for her
To feast on winter berries and sunflower seeds,
Keeping eye and ear out as his bride feeds.
Together forever these two they shall be:
When they mate, they mate for life you see.
Here he stands upon the fence, ever faithful ever true:
Dressed in ruby regalia, he looks at me and you.

Giving brings a smile to the heart
It lifts the spirit and puts a light in the eyes
To change the world, we must be the ones to start
An anonymous gift is quite a pleasant surprise

More precious than gold is the gift of our time
There are many ways to give help and give hope
Priceless gifts that don't cost a dime
In the world today we climb a steep *****

Why do we give? What makes it great?
We give to make a difference and put a smile on someone's face
We express love and set aside hate
It's always better to be kind in any case

Sometimes I feel that when I am giving,
Only then am I truly living

Lord there is beauty in the Ultimate Sacrifice
You my God paid our salvation’s price
And though I don’t deserve it you died
Because of your sacrifice the SMT has cried
Let us all be witnesses to you Oh God
Many take you for granted and I also nod
As I think about it, I see how blind I’ve been
My eyes are still veiled and I think when?
Lord let me be at peace like a hand on my shoulder
I’ve been bold, but not enough; I want to be bolder
If the tears don’t come, let it be my heart and soul
There is an emptiness in my heart and you alone can fill that hole
I know you’re out there so send me a sign
May it be the grace of a hand or the might of a line
I have given and given, but I don’t seem to receive
Lord, you’ve shown me miracles, now let me believe
Lord thank you for my gift of words and love
Cleanse and renew me from the rain up above
Come Holy Spirit, come work through me today
You gave your life, I give my all away
While I have breath I will not complain
I ask not just tonight, but forever this feeling remain
My hand is feverishly writing for the first time in a while
I take this as a sign from the Holy Spirit’s personal file
The time is near for things to come, the feeling is good
You spoke to me Lord and since then I understood
The angels praise you above while we praise below
As I look upon the Bread of Life, the Holy Host
I can’t come to think of what….

I know. I was there. I am here.
You are never alone. Turn to me and I will be your comfort and your peace. One day I will dry your eyes and the joy will never cease. I know you feel pain right now so deep and so profound. Caught in the undertow of sorrow and feeling like you’ve drowned. I know. I was there. I am here. I have never let you go. You have never left my sight. Trust in me and everything will turn out all right. I know it seems like the end right now but you don’t know the plot. Please believe me when I say that, the end, it is not. I was there nailed on the cross and I felt all: the pain the sadness the loss. I took it all so you that you could understand and place your hand in my hand. I have danced. I have laughed and I have wept. I understand how it feels to lose someone you love. But I also know they look down from above. No more hurt and no more hunger no more older no more younger. No more sickness no more death. Only joy and praise with every single breath. I know sometimes you wonder about the meaning of it all. And sometimes you question whom and when I call. I know it seems impossible now, but you must remember and move on. Remember that nothing is impossible with me. I know. I was there. I am here. On the days when it gets too hard, lean on me and I will help you up. I will give you the strength you need as you eat this bread and drink this cup. I know. I was there. I am here. Let this be a gentle reminder not to take life for granted but to live each moment out. Live each day as if today was your last day; make every second count. I know. I was there. I am here but do not live in fear. I am with you now and always even through the end of the age. The world and it’s things are fleeting and will eventually pass away, but the word of the Lord is eternal and His love is here to stay. I know. I was there. I am here. I love you. Be at peace.

The water roils and thunder rumbles
Growls low and long across the miles
The waves stir and the wind wakes
In the storm upon the sea

The boat is tossed upon raging waters
At the mercy of the ocean
Slave to every maddening motion
In the storm upon the sea

As the earth unleashes fury
Driving rain and flashing fire
A prayer sent up; sound swallowed by the wind
In the storm upon the sea

The plea is heard as the wind whispers
The clouds roll off to show a sea of diamonds
Moonlight reflects off shining waters
In the night upon the sea

Lord you reveal yourself to me in a way so profound
That if only I would seek you, there you would be found
For I opened the doors and there you were waiting
My steps falter and my words are now hesitating
I opened the windows and, on my heart, you alight
You were singing so happily like a bird that’s in flight
Once you were there you began to build a nest
And for now and always it is where you now rest
Lord I have found you in the hearts of the poor
And seen you dwell in those I thought were the least
I have known you when I doubt if anything is real
I have felt that when I’m hurting you helped me to heal
This is the revealing of the soul’s great lament
The moving of the spirit by which we are sent
The yearning to be united to our Lord once again
The working and waiting that we have until then
You know my inmost being Lord you know my every thought
Nothing is secret; all my efforts to hide are for naught
So Lord help me open myself to your holy and perfect will
To accept you and in my empty spots, won’t you fill
In your love and by your power, make me complete
Won’t you melt and refine me and turn up the heat
By the power of your passion, your burning love and desire
Burn me and brand me with your Holy Living Fire
Little by little you restore and reveal and I am being remade
Some things are sharpened and some places seem to fade
One day when this life is finally over
And I go walking through the golden field
Questions will be answered, eyes will be opened
And that which once was hidden, in truth, shall be revealed

When times are good I have someone to share my joy
When times are tough they carry me
When times are dark they give me hope and light
In the storms they give me comfort and peace
When times are dry they sustain me and give me strength
When I am lost they seek me out to find me again
When I come back they are waiting there to meet me
When times are callous and cold they are kind and warm
When times are too much they take me to a quiet place
When times are tired they give me peace and rest
When times I am sad they are present but give me space
In times of celebration they sing and dance with me
In times of need they have provided
Often times of their presence I am aware
Even when I can’t always see them there
When trouble surrounds me they will see me safely through
For strength from adversity they watched me as I grew
When the time has come at last
To look back on my colored past
I will see that in good and bad and through it all
They are the reason I still can stand tall
There was never a time when I was all alone
I was held by the one who calls me his own

Love one another as I have loved you
I came to the world to speak the truth
Sinners all and fallen; death should be the reward
Your eternal life: proof that Jesus Christ is Lord
Justice demands retribution mercy pays the cost
Love has come to be a light for the ones who are lost
Justice doesn’t solve the problem, doesn’t make it right
It can’t heal the hurt and it’s often done in spite
Mercy forgives and mercy loves, it stops hate in its tracks
It is disarming as a weapon and confuses potential attacks
Forgive them for they know not what they do
Forgive us our sins and help us return to you
You opened your arms to take us in one and all
Quietly you knock and softly do you call
What will be our answer as we quest for peace
Beyond Justice to Mercy can the violence cease
Our vision is clouded in the heat of the moment
Help us Lord to reconcile to seek atonement
Beyond Hurt to Healing beyond Sadness to Joy
Beyond Death to New Life to create not destroy
When we try to understand we build a bridge to span
The river raging fast and wide and cross it if we can
Beyond Justice to Mercy in the Sacred Heart Of Jesus
It is with eyes of love and compassion that He sees us
In all our sin and death, still he found us worthy to save
We should cherish the undeserved gift He gave
And strive in gratitude to do the same
To forgive and to love in Jesus’ name
Beyond Justice to Mercy is the key takeaway
And we can improve if we work together and pray

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You.

My Lord and My God I cry "Please save me!"

Many are my foes and even now they rise up and laugh

"His God will not come. He will not save this man!"

But Lord I know that, like a shield, You protect me

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You.

I cried to You Oh Lord My God "Please help me!"

You heard my cry and from Your thone You answered

When I slept, You kept watch and allowed me to rise each morning

I trust in You Oh God, though my enemies gather thousands strong

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You.

"Come Lord!" I pray, "Save me!"

I know you will silence their mouths and tongues

In You Oh Lord there is found safety

For You love and bless Your people

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You!

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

Here in this place is our God above all
All gathered together, the mighty, the small
We place it all on your alter before you
Lord, have mercy on us, make us many out of few
Please give us holiness and so much more
Thank you for everything sweet Jesus it is you we adore
Sweet Redeemer you are my King make me forever yours
Lord I give you my heart my mind and my soul
I am weak and I need your strength come fill this hole
Let me shout to the ends of the earth your love
Let me sing your name forever in the heavens so far above
Be with me wherever I go and in whatever tomorrow may hold
By your grace and power grant me strength to be courageous and bold
But not by my will but by your my oh my God and King
We put up our gifts you gave us and this we bring
We pray for healing for all but you answer in your way and time
Open us up to recognize your love and your signs

Walking through the snow
In a winter wonderland we go
Near to our hearts are family and friends
Treetops look so pure and white
Even in the dark our hearts are light
Rudolph and Frosty we watch on T.V.
Time to slow down for time goes so fast
I really wish that I could make the moment last
Memories of joy and laughter: good times in the year
Evening sky is crystal clear

Even in the deepest darkness His light can penetrate
There is no place we can run or hide that He won't find us
Even the darkness is light to Him
The night is as bright as the day
The light of love can dispel all our darkness and fear
It can chase away the dark clouds
Or hold us close until they pass
Even in the shadows there must be light
We appreciate the darkness because of the light
And appreciate light because we have darkness
We find ourselves whole when we embrace
The goodness and badness in ourselves
When we accept our divinity and humanity
It is in the shadow of the cross
That we find His saving light

May we be a light in the darkness
Shining bright for all humanity
Let us be a beacon of hope to show the way
Let us radiate the love and peace of Christ
In a world that seems wrapped in despair and hate
And when we feel the touch
Of darkness in our lives
Lord, send someone to lift us out of darkness
And bring us back into light
Amen.

40 days of praying and fasting,
40 days for life everlasting
40 days to stand up and say
We are here and here we will stay
It’s a time to answer a calling
Down to our knees we are falling
40 days of peaceful presence
Standing here is solemn vigil
40 days for hope and healing
40 days in faith revealing
The greatness of our God and King
When to his mother our prayers we bring
Open our eyes to see you moving
Open our hearts to what you’re using
40 days to change ourselves
Even as we pray for their change
40 days to discover the value of a soul
40 days to realize how we play a role
40 days for Life 40 days to wander
40 days to invest not squander
40 days to make your love known
40 ways to say you’re never alone

Mary Most Holy ****** pure and chaste
Breath of Heaven help us make haste
Let your Spirit dwell within us and walk beside
Help us glory in the cross of our Christ crucified
By your grace and faith we have been given Christ the Child
Who calms the storms or our souls when life gets wild
Help us live by your example show us the way to your son
How amazing that praising 10000 years we've just begun
Bless us all and take us unto you
Pray for us and guide us straight and true
Let your light shine in our hearts and our lives
Help us to be good parents and take care of our wives
Queen of all the Universe your name in praise we lift
For the love you have for your children, and for the greatest gift
Lead us to your son our Lord and point the way to him
Lead us today and lead us home when our eyes grow dim
Grant some share of that grace you possess
Help me find some peace and rest

Amen

The black clouds above blot out the light
The air becomes heavy and it fills me with fright
Shut tight my eyes and cover my ears
Hide under covers fighting my fears
Off in the distance is the sounding of Thunder
And then in one moment the sky split asunder
Dancing lightning setting fire to the sky
And from my mouth escapes a small cry
I am so small and so weak a helpless little child
Hold me close to you while the night rages wild

If you keep your face turned to the sun
Deal with some blisters, but you’re number one
Look up at the sky and see how it’s blue
That feeling of calm has you born anew
In a tornado you have deadly strong winds
God is like that: destroying our sins
After a storm the air smells so pure
If only to bottle one and find cancer’s cure
Rain makes the plants and flowers grow
And in the spring it’s an awe-full show
Then there is snow to cover the ground white
Get a chill in the air everything’s alright
On a cloudy day it’s dull and gray
Dampens the spirit and sends happy away
When the sand picks up in desert dunes
Feel like flying in the air like helium balloons
When the fog lifts up, a veil is gone
After the sunset you know there must be dawn
When a mist covers the sleepy city streets
Like lying in bed under soft cool sheets
When polluted air enters your lungs
It’s like climbing a ladder with unstable rungs
Sometimes you have a pipe that will leak
But any way out the evil will seek
Never let your guard down; always be prepared
A problem had is a problem shared

Mary Most Holy, ****** pure and chaste
Breath of Heaven help us make haste
Let your spirit dwell within us, and walk beside
Help us glory in the cross of our Christ Crucified
By your grace and faith we have been given Christ the Child
Who calms storms or our souls when life gets wild
Help us to live by your example, show us the way to your son
** amazing that praising 10,000 years we've just begun
Bless us all and take us unto you
Pray for us and guide us straight and true
Let your light shine in our hearts and in our lives
Help us to be good parents and men take care of our wives
Queen of all the Universe your name in praise we lift
For the love you have for your children and for the greatest gift
Lead us to your son our Lord and point the way to Him
Lead us today and lead us home when our eyes grow dim
Grant some share of that grace you possess
And help me find some peace and rest.

Amen

We are the hope of a new generation,
We are the bridge connecting the nations.
We are the life in a time of great need,
We are the farmers to plant and nurture the seed.

We are a light for those stuck in darkness,
We are the ones who will lead the way.
We are the warriors who stand up and fight!
We are the ones who kneel down and pray.

We are the people in faith united,
We are the ones whom you have guided.
We are the message of love and peace
In a world muddied by hate and by war.

We are the spark that will see this world ablaze!
We wish to walk with you in your ways.
We are the youth: finding ourselves and growing in faith,
We are the ones who can make this a better place.

We are the children of Jesus The Lord,
We will boldly take up our shield and our sword!
We are the ones who will forever change the earth,
Hand crafted with love before our birth.

We are the promise of a new faith revival,
We are the change and it starts with us!

Now is the time! Together we stand,
Heart to heart and hand in hand!
We are the future: right here and now,
We are the revolution: lets show everyone how!

When Jesus is performing miracles
He often says “Have faith” “Your faith has saved you”
Do we believe that this is really true?
Do we believe that Jesus has the power
To cure our every ill?
Even if we aren’t healed, do we trust Him still?
Have faith that God is close
Have faith that He is listening
Have faith and be persistent
Pray always without relent
Have faith, my child do not fear
In time, all will be made clear
If we have true faith, mountains can be moved
Waters can part, God’s presence is proved
Not all will move mountains or turn sea into dry land,
But all will see the power of taking Jesus’ hand.
Have faith that where you are
Is where you’re supposed to be
Have faith and shine like a star
Bearing light for all to see