New Year's Resolutions

"Finally, brethren, what ever things are true,

Whatever things are honest,

Whatever things are just,

Whatever things are pure,

Whatever things are lovely,

Whatever things are of good report:

If there be virtue, and if there be any praise,

Think on these things."

Paul speaks to us through the ages

With his guide to New Year's resolutions.

In 2015,

Let us search for truth,

Focus on being honest, not only with others,

But with ourselves.

Support justice

For the least of these brothers of mine.

Strive to not be harsh or cruel

To those around us

And affirm the hopes and dreams of others.

Let us

Focus on the beauty within,

Fill our minds with hope,

Shun that which diminishes others,

Praise those who do right.

May we turn to God in prayer 

When our world grows dark

And

Remember

That we are not alone.

Alone in a New Decade

A new year has come
And a new decade.
I am alone.
I fight depression.
My mind knows that
The Comforter is with me.
My heart wishes that
I could feel God's presence.
My soul cries out in despair.
We know that even
Mother Teresa
Missed God.
Why do those that believe
Lose the sense of that
All encompassing love?
Perhaps because we are human,
Perhaps we cannot hold that love too long.
What is the answer?
Jesus, too, lost that sense of love
On the cross.
"My God, my God,
Why hast thou forsaken me?"
He cried.
God's answer was the Resurrection.
Let me remember this life
Is not the end.

Photo by jamsjoys

Lend

"For as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them.

For if ye love them who love you, what thanks have ye?
For sinners also love those who love them.
And if ye do good to them that love you, what thanks have ye?
For sinners also do even the same.
And if ye lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks have ye?
For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;
And your reward shall be great,
And you shall be children of the Highest;
For he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."




Why if you need money are you unworthy of help?
Since I have been needy,
I have found this to be true.
I tithed for many years without expectation of return,
Just as well for there has been none.
I know God's answer is that He will be with us,
Not that He will reward us.
Yet I need so little,
But even that is begrudged me.
I need to feel God's lovingkindness,
But it is absent from my life,
All I taste is my own tears.
Those who profess to be Christians do not lend;
They only admonish.
I will turn my attention to those outside the fold,
So that they do not feel alone.
God, be near.

Photo by Wonderlane

Renewal

"This is the day which the Lord hath made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it."





Life moves on;
The wish for oblivion fades.
Life is bearable,
But still sad.
Each day must be faced alone.
Friends do not comprehend
That hope is fragile,
Too easily crushed.
The crisis gone,
Their lives engulf them.
I am alone.
God's presence is lost,
But his promise of renewal
Is still with me.
Each day
I recite this Psalm
And face the dawn.

Photo by austrini

Embrace the Trinity

Why do we not see the suffering of others?
Why are we blind to the burdens others carry?
Too much is put on being the individual.
Too much is put on making it on your own.
Too much is put on self-sufficiency.
If we are one with God,
We are not alone.
If we have the Comforter with us,
We see the plight of others.
If we know the Son,
We know that death holds no fear.
Embrace the Trinity.

Photo by double.reed

Seek Me

Last night I gazed into the sky
And beheld the miracle of the light:
From the moon,
From the planets,
From the stars.
I marvel at the vastness of space.
Where in this infinite emptiness do I find You?
I remember Your promise.
To be with us always.
I will keep that in my heart,
And not feel so alone,
So insignificant.
When I gaze into the heavens
I will remember that throughout history
God sought us.
Seek me.