Come Oh God, come and be with us
Be with us and hear us as we pray
Come Christ Holy Spirit, settle in our hearts
Burn, burn within us, melt the icy parts
Like fire in our veins, stream of living water
Fan the flame and let love burn hotter
Come Lord Jesus, born to save us all
Gather us in, your beloved children
Open the eyes of our hearts to your call
Come, oh come, for God is with us here
Come, oh come, for He is with us now
Emmanuel is His name
Prince of Peace, King of Glory

Come Oh Savior Light of the World
Come and make Your presence known
Prepare our hearts as we make ready
For the coming of your kingdom

Come Lord Jesus into our lives
Come and dwell in our hearts and our homes
Come Lord Jesus enter in
Come Lord Jesus Come

Blessed Jesus great King of Glory
How wonderful your Holy Name
Sing to Him the Lord Almighty
With upraised hands we now acclaim

Come Lord Jesus into our lives
Come and dwell in our hearts and our homes
Come Lord Jesus enter in
Come Lord Jesus Come

Prepare for the Lord a pathway
Make straight the valleys and hills
Prepare your hearts with fasting and prayer
As we ready the way of the Lord

Come Lord Jesus into our lives
Come and dwell in our hearts and our homes
Come Lord Jesus enter in
Come Lord Jesus Come

God is with us God be praised
He is Emmanuel Hallelujah
God is our help, and He is our strength
God is our life and salvation

Come Lord Jesus into our lives
Come and dwell in our hearts and our homes
Come Lord Jesus enter in
Come Lord Jesus Come

There is a day fast drawing near
A time of great jubilation
When Heaven shall come to Earth
Behold the light to the nations

Come Lord Jesus into our lives
Come and dwell in our hearts and our homes
Come Lord Jesus enter in
Come Lord Jesus Come

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

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

Come sit with me by the fire
Take in the glow and warmth
The lights are low and the night is young
Time for a chat, a look back
The mood is fine and all is divine
Sit back, relax, and ease your mind
Let's pause and now rewind the time
To replay the moments: highs and lows
Looking at some decisions you chose

Come sit with me for a little while
Come close and let me hold you child
The storm outside is full of fury and sound
But in here you are on safe solid ground

Come sit with me for a moment or two
In this space, it's just me and you
Let me tell you a story from many years ago
A tale of love and honor suffering and glory
But there is something else you must know
It is as yet unfinished even to this day
Still, it remains the Life, the Truth, the Way

It begins at the beginning the first husband and wife
Everything was perfect and they knew no strife
They walked freely with God in complete honesty
And all the world was blessed in perfect harmony

Jesus Lord, you sing your song over me
In your holy loving arms, you enfold me
In your presence, you surround me
And when I was lost, you found me
You breathed into me your very spirit
Call my name and I come to life when I hear it
Jesus, I come alive when I see you
I come alive when I feel you are near
I come alive when I am doing your will
I come alive today and I cannot be still
I was dead in my sin and your grace brought me back
You saved me when I was living under a heart attack
Now, my heart beats for you with love alone
And the light within is finally made known
When I think of you, when I talk about you
My face lights up like a Christmas Tree
I become electrified; I begin to come alive
Jesus, bring me back to life out of the grave I'm in
I come back to you; please cleanse me from my sin
I come to life when I worship and adore
It's a feeling that's too hard to ignore
For, if I leave it, it boils and bubbles
And I soon find myself with many troubles
But if I obey and try to stay the course
I feel I am protected by a supernatural force
I come alive in the one who gave me life
I can have life eternal because he paid the price
I'm alive because He lives in me
I'm alive because He set me free
I'm alive because He loved me
I Come to Life
I'm ALIVE!

Come with gladness and thanksgiving
Bring the joy of a life worth living
Warm the heart with love's great fire
The Spirit's breath to stoke and inspire
Come now with glad tidings to share
Let the song of your life fill the air
Take in the wonder that's all around you
In your very bones believe it is true

Though we suffer for a time
And not everything works out fine
Nothing compares to what is waiting
For those, with hope, anticipating

A time of peace and comfort

Not everything is healed
Nor all wounds erased
But His Glory will be revealed
And sadness will be replaced

And we shall know His comfort

Sometimes all we have is comfort
Sometimes a point we make peace
A strength in the shadow of the cross
To comfort one who knows of loss

In whom we find our comfort

Maybe a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on
Maybe a cheerful smile or a listening ear
Maybe just to know someone will be there
To know, beyond a doubt, someone does care

Maybe this is the greatest comfort

Jesus never said there would be no pain
No sorrow, no loss, no sadness
But he also said he would never leave us
And, one day, turn our mourning into gladness

So, for now hold on to hope
And pray for peace and comfort

In you, Oh Lord, I take comfort
In you, Oh Lord, I find rest
In you, Oh Lord, I take refuge
As you hold me to your chest

When I am weary and tired
And the sky is cold and gray
When I'm feeling uninspired
Then I see to feel you say:

I am with you in the silence
I walk beside you in the wild
I know the pain and heartache
And the void of losing a child

I have come to make it known
You are loved and not alone
I have come to restore and heal
And, to this end, I act with zeal

Offer your cross for others' good
That your sorrow might bring relief
By virtue of that knotted wood
Amen, I tell you: I will give you peace

I'm coming home to a place that I once knew
I'm coming back to something that was true
I stopped running away when I got so tired
I turned around: it was all that love required
You were waiting for me with arms wide open
You paid it no heed how I had been broken
I never knew you could love me just as I am
I never realized how much I was like a lamb
I never thought you ever really cared
I never felt you near when I was scared
I ran away and slammed the door
I shut you out and wanted nothing more
I felt abandoned, betrayed, cold and alone
But the last thing I wanted was to come back home
You still want me: the world's biggest fool
You picked me, a tiny fish in a great big pool
You chose me from the very beginning
You look at me and can't stop grinning
I find myself standing at a crossroads
Left or right follow where the wind blows
Looking down dusty road and faded track
One step, two step: I'm on my way back
I'm headed back home again this day
How will it be and what will the people say
Lord, what I need is a brand-new start
For family is home and home is in the heart

The word Commit was on my heart tonight. Sunday's Gospel is about prudence and commitment. It sure is a pointed and timely reminder in my life right now as I struggle with God's vocation for my life. In many ways, the commitment is what scares me, I think. The seeming finality and quite real finality of it. There is no maybe, no half-way, no lukewarm. It is yes or no, all or nothing, hot or cold. Starting something is easy enough, but the test is seeing it through to completion and being prepared to do so.

I pray for me and for all of you that we may be strengthened in our commitments, that we may be committed and strengthened in our commitment to Christ, and I pray for peace and clarity of vision in all of life's decisions. God committed his very life for all of us, may we have the grace and courage to do the same for others. Amen

Concern yourselves not with others
Worry not about what they will do
I will concern myself with them
And you, for your part, follow me
You know nothing of my plans
My ways are higher than yours
Fix your gaze upon my light
And keep the goal in sight
Conduct yourselves in upright bearing
And, in robes of virtue gladly wearing,
I will mind my other children
They are mine to mold and guide
Do not be blinded to your own sin
How can you help someone else
When you can't first help yourself
I concern myself with you
I worry, but I so dearly love you
Stop comparing where you stand
I want your best and not your better than
Don't you know you are the one I love
Always and forever from Heaven above

Poem before Confession


Hello God, how are you?

I want to be made anew.

Because you died scorned and shamed,

I stand scot-free because you took the blame.

When they wrote “Amazing Grace” they had to be thinking about confessions

I really want to say that I have learned all my lessons,

But I really haven’t; I still do these bad things.

Still, because of You, my heart sings.

I am a sinner throughout all time

And I try to praise and thank you in this rhyme.

Though we may have been forgiven; our sins forgotten,

You are true and clean when I feel so rotten.

But that can change in the blink of an eye.

With one act being Your dying.

And as I prepare for confession I write this,

Soon enough, regret will turn into bliss.

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.

Speak to me Lord
Tell me what I need to hear
You have called my name out loud
Speak Lord, your servant is listening
You have the words of everlasting life
And I have confidence in Christ

When life has me tired and worn
When I find myself in the storm
When I am on the long, lonely road
Burdened by a heavy load of my own design
You are there walking too
And I have confidence in you

I have come through many trials
I have walked through the fire
While I'm walking in the light
I am safe from the shadows of the night
Because you are with me
And I have confidence in thee

In the sun and through the rain
I am new, I'm not the same
In the movement of the Spirit
I come with gladness to visit
My Lord with all love and affection
And this will be my true confession:
I have confidence in Him

I have confidence in my Jesus
Who frees us and who sees us
I have confidence in my savior
Sacrificial love is his very nature
I have confidence that he is at my side
And I know that he will provide

In faith I believe
And in faith I receive
The greatest gift of all
To love him
And to know him
And to answer to the call

For he speaks to mind and heart
He speaks and then I will start
He speaks and the soul draws near
He speaks and I have no fear
He speaks and says "Come Follow"
He speaks and I leave it all without sorrow

No matter what the future holds
I will pursue the highest goals
I fix my eyes toward the heavens
My help comes from the Lord
So, I will have confidence even through strife
I will have confidence in my Jesus Christ

Our Marian Consecration today intimately parallels the actions of Knights before their queen in years past. Knights would come before their queen, kneel, swear their fealty, and solemnly dedicate themselves to be in the queen’s service and do her will. In our consecration today we are essentially doing the exact same thing. Our Queen is Mary, we pledge our loyalty to her and her cause (which is her Son’s Will, for love and for souls), and solemnly dedicate ourselves to her service and being obedient to what she tells us.

Knights were often called to go and fight for queen and country. We are also called to stand and fight for there is a war that rages a great spiritual battle. We fight not with hatred and anger and bitterness and intolerance, but with love, truth, peace, hope, and joy. We do not fight to steal, **** and destroy, we fight to give, to save, and to defend.

When we bend our knees, we humble ourselves. It is an action that leaves us vulnerable and open. It opens doors, opportunities and a whole world of experiences beyond our wildest dreams.

St. Maximillian Kolbe was right in creating the Militia Immaculata. The order of the Knights of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We are like the knights of the past. It is also interesting to note that they specifically consecrated themselves before the Queen and that through the Queen they gave themselves in service to the King.

As Knights we are also called to be courageous and chivalrous. To be kind, gentle, and to honor and respect all especially the women, the children, and those in need. To be a knight was to live a life of service, charity, obedience imitating the life of Christ and his values and teachings. We are knights: go forth now under the Queen’s blessing and favor.

Today, I contemplate the cross and Christ upon it. I contemplate the blood, the sweat, the tears, and the unimaginable pain. If he hadn't, all suffering and sacrifice would be in vain. I want to be closer to Christ and to His Most Sacred Heart. I see the mark of the spear in His side that pierced his heart and from where the fountain of mercy and love poured. His death is on my soul and His blood is on my hands. I have probably broken every one of the commands. Still, He catches my eyes, and I understand? I have been forgiven. I am greatly adored. I am called to a more perfect union of Christ in me through prayer and daily actions. Let me not be led astray by the worldly attractions. I am not perfect, even far from it, in truth, but Christ within me fills me and completes me that His will would be done more perfectly. If, in your wisdom, we must suffer, then let our suffering glorify your Holy Name and may we unite our suffering with your own pain. We pray for the conversion of souls and repentance for the wicked, for such was what you suffered for.

Lord, as I contemplate the cross and you on it, help me unite myself more perfectly, more personally, and more intimately to you. Amen

When life is out of order and things just don't make sense
When I'm left out in the dark and the cold and I'm in suspense
Everywhere I turn I am closed in by walls on every side
There is nowhere I can run and nowhere I can hide
If life was a car, I'd be careening out of control
If life was a gamble, I'd have one foot in the hole
When my life is chaos and disorder
Of sanity and insanity, I'm hanging on the border
I would be lost if I didn't know who was in command
I would be lost if I didn't recognize the good that He had planned
So, Jesus, take the wheel and turn this car around
Take my feet and place them back on solid ground
I know I should trust you: this has happened before
But doubt creeps in and I hold back, afraid once more
I like feeling like I'm in control even though I'm not
It terrifies me that, for certain things, I have blind spots
I want to channel this love inside, but I go about it all wrong
It leaves me feeling emptier, it never satisfies for long
I won't find the answer where I've been looking until now
I'll only find the answer when I finally allow
You to take control over me entirely
To give you all I am and have and ask you to take over
To fill me with the joy, the passion, the pleasure
Help me live a life in purity and truth
Until the day you say here is the one I made for you
Jesus, command my thoughts, conform my will
Satisfy me daily so I can have my fill
Take me past my blindness so I can more clearly see
How perfect your plan and how great your love for me
When I give up my control and truly surrender
I am freed from the grip of that wily pretender
I call upon your grace and strength as I struggle day by day
To walk with you in faithfulness and let you lead the way

Christ’s body and blood
Broken and poured for all
How precious was the sacrifice
Of pain and death to give me life
Christ’s body and blood
Wine and wheat transformed by the spirit
Transforming my life from the inside out
Here we have come to partake of the Lamb
That was slain for the sin of man
Christ’s body and blood
Take me over in spirit and flesh
Christ’s body and blood
Satisfy this consuming hunger
Slake this unquenchable thirst
Christ’s body and blood
To be grateful to give thanks
Christ’s body and blood
Eucharist, communion
Christ’s body and blood
To live within my own flesh and blood
Christ’s body and blood
To share with all those I meet
Christ’s body and blood
To live on forever
Christ’s body and blood
Straight from the heart, a gift of pure love
Christ’s body and blood
Believe and receive the very source of life
Blood the essence and pulse of life
Body a temple and a way to live out
Christ’s body and blood
Such great mystery
Christ’s body and blood
Part of my history
Christ’s body and blood
The prime example of love’s transcendent nature
Love conquers all

As I cradle you in my arms and hold you to my chest
As I gaze upon your tender face, I know that I am blest
Oh Little Child, Oh Precious Babe
For on this night one is born who will save
My soul rejoices, but my heart is heavy
As I sense the coming anguish already
But you cradle my chin and lift my face
And I am wrapped in Heaven's Embrace
You look into my eyes and all I feel is peace
And in that moment, time itself would cease
For God himself has looked at me with love
And to have that alone is more than enough

Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That overcomes and transcends all things
Even death itself
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That brings me to my knees yet lifts me up
Even when I fall
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That gives me hope and joy and peace
Even in the dark
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That pursues me and seeks me out
Wherever I may go
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That heals the ***** and the lame
Even raises the dead
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That I can’t earn and don’t deserve
You give it anyway
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That finds us waiting here
Even at this hour
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That changes and arrests me
Even as it frees
Jesus thank you for this crazy love
That you would pour your very blood
To save a wretch like me
Jesus thank you for this daily bread
That satisfies and keeps me fed
Along the journey
Jesus thank you for this place of rest
And in all your goodness you richly blessed
Your precious child
Jesus thank you for the God you are
That you are always close and never far
Even in your greatness
Jesus thank you for this crazy love today
Help me show this crazy love to all I pray
Especially those in need

Amen

I truly believe that of all the wonderful gifts God has bestowed upon us (and there are many!) the greatest is the ability to create. Not just things, but life itself. The very act of creating/creation is to bring to life. It is Love (invisible and immaterial) made manifest (physical expression) in a very real way. The question to ask is: do my words and thoughts and actions speak life? Or do they destroy? Do they bring myself and others up? Or do they bring them down? Jesus is the Word Made Flesh, the Living Word and Bread of Life. For me, what sticks out to me that I am creating in my life is writing. Creating poetry and prayers that are inspired by the creator and shared with many by words of hope, comfort, peace, love, joy, etc. In my case, what I am creating very much reflects what I believe. When I eventually leave this earth; God willing many years from now, I want my legacy to be that I created or tried to create a little better and a little brighter world and future for our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all of our youth. I want to be remembered by how I lived and how I loved. What are you creating, what do you want to create, and what will be your legacy?

My God my God do you hear me crying out?
I am in this pit of darkness and sin
My hands and feet are bound
From my lips there comes no sound
This guilt and shame it crushes me
Do you hear me? Do my pleas reach your ears
For I am mourning and weeping in this valley of tears
Save me Lord in your endless mercy
Let me drink deep, for I am thirsty

My Lord my Lord do you hear me crying out?
Do you still hear me even when I doubt?
I know your love for me is more than I deserve
But it is my desire to take this opportunity to serve
You have freed me of my chains washed me white as snow
Help me take these moments and begin to grow
Do you hear me Lord crying out in thanksgiving
For I am once more back among the living

My Jesus my Jesus do you hear me crying out?
Do you hear the praise and wonder as I come to shout?
How can we keep from crying out
To share what God has done
How can we keep from crying out
And not wanting to tell everyone
How can we keep silent
When we know just what it cost
How can we keep silent
When we find the one that was lost
How can we keep still
When we have the legs to dance
How can we keep still
When we have this great romance
How can we hold back
When we have been given everything
How can we hold back
When the very rocks cry out and sing
How can we not feel another way
When we take the time to sit and pray

Daily bread you keep us fed
Manna from on high greater than I
I will surely perish for the food I so cherish
Grain so small yet so full of potential
The body of Christ is most essential
He gives up himself both body and soul
He is the only one who fills my heart’s hole
We consume him to be consumed
In this life we are being groomed
To be with Him in love without end
To praise and live forever all the people said amen
You are the food for the nations
Your words formed all creations
Your word sustains us it’s all we need
Your truth is like water to seed
Your love lifts us up back on our feet
Your love fills us and makes us complete
Your mercy is such that it brings me to my knees
Your glory is higher than the mountains, deeper than the seas
Your Spirit is flowing pouring down like rain
Your blood Lord washes away my guilty stain
Your wisdom surpasses the greatest of men
You are, you were, you always have been
Your light touches all darkness is as day
You walked before us to show us the way
Your plans are perfect your ways are good
But we stray, turn away, don’t do as we should
Still you love us take us back into the fold
You seek us out and shelter us from the cold
How amazing God that through it all
You still welcome us to the great feast hall

Jesus you are the one who gives me the ability to breathe
Jesus I call to you daily; you are the one I need
You never fail to look after me, taking care everyday
You never fail to prove me wrong in each and every way
Yet I doubt almost constantly your great power
Help me to turn to you every day and in my last hour
Grant me the peace and serenity only you can give
Help me to do your will every moment that I live

Oh Lord my God! Thank you for this day, thank you for all your blessings and graces that are new for me each and every morning! Help me find peace and rest of mind, body and spirit. Refresh my dry and weary soul. You are my stronghold and my refuge, my strength and blessed assurance during hard times. Enfold me in your arms of love. Bless my family and friends Lord. Be my center. Be the center. Send your Holy Spirit to descend and rest within me. Move me and work in and through me for your greater glory. Let me be your hands and feet reaching out into the world. Never let me go Lord and in your mercy, help me always know you are near especially when I cannot see or feel your presence in my life. Help me to empty myself so that you can come and fill me. May I be less so that you can be more. I ask you to give me what I need today: to give me this daily bread of patience, peace, love, forgiveness, healing. You know my needs Lord: I trust that you will provide. I know you hear my prayers. Thank you, Lord, and always may your will be done. May your will be done in me. Amen.

It's never safe, and it's rarely very easy
It's a wild ride and it can make me queasy
Even though your heart might break
It's never more than you can take
It's quite a risk and you might lose a lot
And still, you gotta give it all you got
It's dangerous, that much is true
It's dangerous, and it's coming for you
Some call you crazy, others "out of touch"
To some it is crazy, it's all a bit much
He turned love totally upside down
He came to serve, not the other way 'round
His love was radical and reckless and free
To show a crazy world how it really ought to be
He was passionate, but tender and mild
And he looked with the eyes of a child
He went to the outskirts and healed the sick
The infirm in the flesh or in the spirit
The very light of the world died
For the sake of the life of the world
He challenged our thinking, had a wild streak
But you'd be amazed if you heard him speak
So, even in the risk and the danger
There is something even stranger
None of it matters, none of it could
Because he isn't safe, but he is good

My faith is in the Lord where my help comes from
When darkness surrounds me and the enemy is closing in
I cry out to the Lord and I know he will answer
He protects me from danger and wraps me in his tender love
Trust in the Lord and his Goodness
Do not tremble do not fear my Soul
For He who brought you here will see you still whole
Your God is the Lion and the Lamb
Prince of peace, He is the great “I Am”
You are my rock, my refuge, my strong tower
Come Oh Lord and show us your mighty power
You make the strong weak and the brave cower
The enemy like lions are hungry and they roar
But you shut the mouths of lions you are the one true Lord
They are made as kittens so gently do they purr
The change from one so wild and fierce a miracle to be sure
You Oh Lord have delivered me to safety from the Lion’s Den
Praise and Glory and Honor to you until the world’s end

CAUTION: CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMMAGERY AND SOME LANGUAGE

DARKNESS


Darkness finds you and it binds you

Pins you firmly down upon the ground

Black is calling and you’re falling

Your cries are hopeless and you are ropeless

Sorrow beckons and hurts like weapons

You try to run, they laugh for fun

Misery takes you and it breaks you

Your life is in shambles, you’re full of brambles

Despair will come and make you no one

Beaten and ******, ripped up and muddy

Nowhere to go, you scream and you know

You’re stuck in a ditch, life’s a *****

In all your bleakness, hate knows your weakness

Come, give in, darkness will win

Rage soon rears its face, you will put others in their place

Darkness will pray and all this will stay

Until your death, your very last breath

They love you like mothers, they caress you like lovers

They are silently killing, your blood they are spilling

No place to hide, should you have died?

You are slowly dying and you still aren’t crying

Just know how much you are loved here on earth and above.

Dawn is breaking o'er the earth
This is a season of great rebirth
All of life sings to glorify creation
Every rock tree and creature, every nation
Come! Awake from your great slumber
Open your eyes to a new kind of wonder
Lift your head and rise from your bed
Give thanks to the Son who keeps us fed
A new page a new chapter a new story to tell
It is an end, yes, but a beginning as well
Morning has come a new day is here
Its loving rays driving off the fog of fear
Those in darkness have seen a great light
The faith of the blind restores their sight
Look! See how the Lord, with a smile, beams
Blesses us and gives to us sweet dreams?
I sing for joy and sometimes, for joy, I weep
When I recall the promise that you keep
How you poured your love into my soul
And made a diamond from this lump of coal
And I remember Lord, in my brokenness
In my pain and shame and great distress
You love me still, wearing no disguises
And even on the days of gray
The sun still rises!

Dawn is breaking o'er the earth
This is a season of great rebirth
All of life sings to glorify creation
Every rock, tree, and creature, every nation
Come! Awake from your great slumber
Open your eyes to a new kind of wonder
Lift your head and rise from your bed
Give thanks to the Son who keeps us fed
A new page, a new chapter, a new story to tell
It is an end, yes, but a beginning as well
Morning has come; a new day is here
Its loving rays driving off the fog of fear
Those in darkness have seen a great light
The faith of the blind restores their sight
Look! See how the Lord, with a smile, beams?
Blesses us and gives to us sweet dreams?
I sing for joy and sometimes, for joy, I weep
When I recall the promise that you keep
How you poured your love into my soul
And made a diamond from this lump of coal
And I remember, Lord, in my brokenness
In my pain and shame and great distress
You love me still, wearing no disguises
And even on the days of gray
Dawn is breaking and the sun still rises!

Lord, make me to be a living channel
An instrument of your comfort and peace
You speak to me and my soul comes alive
You are the living word, your words are life-giving
Blood and water poured from your sacred heart
Bathing the world in your mercy and grace
In the waters of baptism by the blood of the lamb
It is because of this that, today, I am who I am
Your river runs through me in deep currents of grace
When you said "Peace be with you" was it the look on my face?
I was unbelieving for the pain was too much to bear
It wasn't that I didn't want to believe or that I didn't care
My Lord and my God! Have mercy on me: a sinner
I am not worthy to be in your presence my God and King
I feel the movements of the spirit
In the deepest currents of my being
Open my eyes to see and my heart to believe
You opened yourself and were broken for me
Break open my heart and help me to receive
This flood of mercy and grace freely shed
To give me new life when I had been dead
In my weakness, in my doubt and my shame
You take my hand and gently call my name
"Peace be with you. It is I. I am real.
Do not me unbelieving, but come and feel
The hands that were pierced for love of you
Let my mercy and grace, Child, cover you".
Lead me Lord from fear into peace, despair into hope
From tears into laughter, from mourning into dancing,
From doubt to belief, from death into life
Guide me Lord from out of darkness into Your light
Jesus, I believe, help me trust in You!

I want to know You a little more,
Love you a little deeper than before.

I want to see your face
Shining in every place.

Lord you have my heart and you have my soul,
Now I'm askin' you to take all control.

Where would I be, what would I do,
Who would I be if I didn't have you?

Nailed to a tree you bore my sin in death;
You loved me right through Your very last breath

You hold me and love me and call me your child,
You cleanse me, forgive me when I am defiled.

Once again I stand before you, amazed.
By the depths of your heart, Your mercy and grace.
Lord be Praised!

In the soft and silent stillness
Of the soul the Spirit speaks
Of conviction and of comfort
And a heart that wholly seeks
The higher truths of Heaven
And the deepest truths of man
That form faith's firm foundation
And discern God's greater plan
The soul that finds repose and rest
To dwell so close to God's own heart
Indeed, that soul is richly blessed
My Lord, my God, how great though art!

Desperate and broken, you came to me in my time of great need
Dry and dead, you were like water to seed
You hung and bled and died to set the captives free
But being good is one thing I know I'll never be.

In union with the angels who sing your praise
My head I will bow and my hands I will raise
Covered by mercy and love, forgiveness and grace
I stand in wonder and awe, completely amazed

The path to Heaven is very narrow and uphill
May it be done to me according to Your Will.
The depths of your heart so much greater still
The universe could not hope to fill

Your love for us is greater far
Than the sands on the earth and every star.
Artist composer and author you are
Loving us still: all covered with scar

As tears fill my eyes I weep bitterly
How could one as perfect as you love a mess like me
Only a wonderful, and beautiful mess you see

Before you I come: humble and broken
You know everything before one word has been spoken

Beneath lust greed and pride
You go deep down inside
Down through the muck, you make the beautiful come alive

"Brighter than any diamond or the sun you shine
Because, my precious treasure, I love you and you are MINE!

The sky is bright and all seems right
And God is smiling on his child today! :)

Devil just can't get a hold of me
'Cause God's life and death has set me free
Devil just can't keep me down
'Cause not even death could keep Jesus in the ground
Devil won't take my eyes
'Cause Jesus has power over the prince of lies
Devil don't own my heart
'Cause God made me his right from the start
Devil can't bind my hands
'Cause God has my life under his commands
Devil won't hold my feet
'Cause Jesus stood strong when taking heat
Devil won't steal my soul
'Cause Jesus is he who fills the hole
Devil can't steal my strength
'Cause Jesus is my rock, refuge, and with him I'll go great lengths
Devil don't bind my chest
'Cause when I'm at my weakest, God's at his best
Devil just can't hold me back
'Cause God will protect me from attack
Devil can't control my *****
'Cause God satisfies  fully when, to his, our hearts we join

Blazing hot with the Holy Spirit
The devil runs for fear of it
To God I give my entire being
His power sends the devil fleeing
When Jesus is present on my mind
I can leave the devil far behind
In Christ's eternal perfect love
Devil says: "Aye, there's the rub"
In faith and trust I hold to hope
Feet are firm against the devil's steep *****
In God I take great joy and delight
That the devil can't hope to steal my light
Jesus is my source of peace
Devil won't win but he doesn't cease
To God I sing hymns of praise
To fend off the devil's cold embrace
To serve the Lord is a great honor
My life was saved by a blood donor
To God be power and wonder and glory
Spoiler: The devil loses at the end of the story!
Jesus is the lover of my soul
Devil just don't have any control

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!

Oh Lord My God, that I would disappear
That I could hide inside your heart
And be content to rest in your presence.
That I could be still and silent
That I could melt in the heat of your love.
You are hidden in the bread and wine
Yet present all the same
And still, you revealed your heart
To those who humbly came.
May I imitate your life
As I try to reflect this love
And share your heart with others.
Increase Lord until we are
Of one mind, one heart, one soul
Until the two parts fade away
And the day I am finally whole.
Let me lay my head upon your breast
Where your heart speaks to me
And where I find perfect peace and rest.
Lord, that where you are, I may also be.

Oh Lord my God, that I would disappear
That I could hide inside your heart
And be content to rest in your presence.
That I could be still and silent
That I could melt in the heat of your love.
You are hidden in the bread and wine,
Yet present all the same
And still, you reveal your heart
To those who humbly came.
May I imitate your life
As I try to reflect this love
And share your heart with others.
Increase Lord, until we are
Of one mind, one heart, one soul.
Until the two parts fade away
And the day I am finally whole.
Let me lay my head upon your breast
Where your heart speaks to me
And where I find perfect peace and rest.
Lord, that where you are, there I may also be.

Be still, my soul, and open
For, in the silence, words are spoken
Soft and sometimes a whisper still
If we listen we just might hear God's will.

The spirit is a funny thing: a gentle quiet breeze
And powerful enough to bring me to my knees.
So when the spirit is moving, knocking at my heart
I am called to respond and to do my part.

It prompts, and it nudges, it calls me out when I've done wrong
And no matter where I go it always comes along.
It guides me, and teaches how to live love and act,
And it helps me to know what is lie and what is fact.

There are so many voices, my attention they all seek
I try to hear the spirit but it seems so small and weak.
How do I tell that it's the spirit that I should obey?
How can I be sure that it's not mine, but God's will and way?

Help me Lord to be open that in doing so I might find
A heart that beats for You alone, that I may respond in kind!

How often do I want to give you my whole self
And yet, many times I find things to pull me away
Oh that I would choose the best good
There are so many things to take my attention
Some small and insignificant and others more severe
Even in the one place I can focus and be with you
I am bombarded with distractions and noise
The call of earthly things, sins, and even other good things
Leave me wanting more
But you satisfy the hungry heart
You quench my thirsty soul
You are an oasis in my desert
And you breath life into my dry bones
I wish I could hear and feel you when I get distracted
But you love me so much that you wait patiently
You want my choice to be completely free
When we are in sync and our hearts beat as one
I laugh with the birds and with the wind I run
I sing sweet sweet songs with the flowers in the air
I am one with nature with creation everywhere
I am united to Christ as I am with my brother
With love and compassion the whole world is covered
Seeking a path to the father above
I am a precious child of the one who loves
The ties that bind us are greater by far
Than the threads that threaten to tear us apart
Willing to work to understand my fellow man
To think and ask not judge and react
The things that separate us are distractions on the road
Let us keep moving not be stopped or slowed
There will be days when things aren’t great
And days when the road is everything but straight
There will be times when no progress was made
And times when your spirit seems to fade
But keep holding on to the one who is holding
You in his strong gentle arms loving enfolding
We know in our hearts that things will work out
We believe and have faith and we don’t need to doubt
The distractions won’t go but they are easier to leave
When we come to a place down on our knees
It takes practice and patience and still it’s not easy
There is truth there even if it’s simple and cheesy
Time has passed and here we are once again
I finish the prayer and then say Amenn

Into the endless waters I dive down deep
In this ocean of mercy, His face, I seek
Over mountain and valley, plain and hill
I have travelled and will travel further still
To finally find what I've searched for so long
And I will continue until I can't go on
I am lost in the sea of God's great grace
I am awash with the love that covers me
I am found in the arms of His embrace
And was lost, but now I'm found and free
To understand the mystery completely
Is to fill a small hole with the entire sea
Still, I swim on, all caught up in the flood
Still, I am covered by His most precious blood
Still, I keep walking, I keep pressing ahead
Strengthened in the life by which I am fed

Tonight I find myself so grateful that things work out this way
Tonight I reflect upon the real power of those who pray
I was so convinced that things were looking quite grim
My trust in God on the other hand was looking a little thin
But God is with us and God does provide
Even when we're in the middle of a very wild ride
Divine Intervention led me to the place where I was
And God will use such things as only God does
And I truly believe in Divine Intercession: the power of prayer
Thank you for taking the time to show how much you care
But God has proved to me one more time
Who is in control. It will all work out just fine.

When the path before you is hard to see
And the air is so thick that you cannot breathe
In the chasm of silence, soft words are spoken
And the embers of life are reawakened

The Spirit that slumbers so deep within
Is released and in final victory over death and sin
Like the sun rises on the wings of dawn
Like the wind in the trees fills you with song
Like the water: freely and gently flowing
Like the flame of a candle: so warmly glowing
Like the mountains reaches to heights untold
Like the oceans: mystery and treasure we hold
Like the lighthouse shines a bright beacon
Like the wand'ring star: we follow to find what we are seekin'
Like the rainbow: a promise of faith, hope, and love
Like the trees: stretching toward the Son up above
We are bearers of the Spirit's great Holy Light
Commissioned to go forth and banish the night
To all the ends of the earth we are sent
To share the good news with loving intent

Gracious God I come to thee
Meditate on mystery
To fully know and understand
Impossible for mortal man
Still, we may by grace, attain
Deeper wisdom of the same
You call me to deep water
Where narrow faith is broader
Draw me nearer than before
As I worship and adore
Shine your light upon my soul
Always learning is my goal
Whisper words of love and peace
To thy devotion increase

Peace be in your life peace be in your soul
Peace when God is making diamonds out of coal
Peace be in your heart and peace be in your mind
To stop and take stock then peace is what I find

Be content with what I have and who I am
Be content to need The Good Shepherd as a lamb
Be content with God and the good he has in store
Be content with God and want for nothing more

Take heart now for I am here even in the darkest day
Take heart now for I am a single breath away
Take heart now for I conquered death and came to save
Take heart now for it was you that my life I gave

Have faith: trust beyond your sight and believe
Have faith: that in the Eucharist you more fully receive
Have faith: and lean on me when you're not strong
Have faith: and lift your voice to join in the song

Be still and know that I am God: one who cares
Be still and know that I listen and answer prayers
Be still and know that loving you gives me such delight
Be still and know that, in the end, it will be alright

Don't be afraid, but be brave,
Have courage and take a leap of faith.
Step out on the edge beyond the known,
Dare to move outside of your comfort zone.
You can't be disappointed if you don't try
You also won't find that you were meant to fly.
Take a chance on loving and you will see
Take a chance on living all there is to be.
I give you my peace, my peace, I give to you
Look into my eyes and you will see it is true.
Don't be afraid but be brave.

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

Why, Oh Little Ones, do you stop and stare
What you are seeking is no longer there
You walked beside him for three years
The very Word of Life was in your ears
He died and rose and appeared once more
To prepare you for what is yet in store
He laid His holy hands upon you
To confer a spirit of authority and truth
With his power you have been sent out
Trust in His plan and do not be in doubt
Do not stand there frozen and dumb
Time is short and there is much work to be done
Go you now out into the mission field
And gather for the master a bountiful yield

Don't you know that you are loved?
You are loved more than life itself.
Don't you know how much you are worth?
You are worth more than the treasure on earth.
Don't you know your past does not define you?
And, when you are free, nothing can confine you.
Don't you know how beautiful you are?
More brilliant than the sun and every star.
Don't you know that there is hope
And a place of peace beyond all scope?
Don't you know you are wanted and cherished?
That what was before is gone and perished?
Don't you know there is a real belonging?
New life, like the morning sun, is dawning.
Don't you know you are more than fear, than doubt?
There is a light inside you that won't be put out.
Don't you know what lies just over this hill?
And in the climb your lungs he will fill
Your strength and spirit will be renewed,
And you will find a most pleasant mood.
Joyful tears flow as mountain springs
To take in the splendor of such things!
The soul: it longs and even faints
For the brush of love by which He paints.
Don't you know you do not need to hide
From that which waits just on the other side?
Don't you know life is a chance worth taking?
That you are a masterpiece in the making?
Don't you know you're not in this alone?
That we know the ache, that we also groan?
Don't you know it doesn't matter what you've done before?
Don't you know your life is all this and so much more?

Everyday I'm told to live in a way that gives you glory
Everyday I'm called to walk and tell the world your story
But I just don't know if i can really do this
So I just won't go, afraid that I'll miss
They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step of faith
It'll take a miracle because the first step is the hardest to take
And I just can't see where it is you're taking me
So I'll stay right here out of comfort and fear
They say you can walk on water if you just believe
Or move mountains with faith the size of a mustard seed
But I just don't think I'm strong enough
For the wind is strong and the waves are rough
I try to follow you and walk in your truth and light
Yet I try to avoid doing wrong and strive to do what is right
But I fall so readily and start to sink in shifting sands
So I cry out. Place my feet upon the rock, help me to dry land