New Years Resolutions

Photo by eschipul

"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 through the ages

With his guide to New Year's resolutions.

In 2012,

I will search for truth,

Focus on being honest not only to others

But to myself.
I will support justice
For the least of these brothers of mine.
I will strive to not be harsh or rough
With those around me
And affirm their hopes and dreams.
I will
Focus on the beauty within,
Fill my mind with hope,
Shun that which diminishes others,
Strive to see the good in all.
This election year
I want to see
God's image in everyone.

Renewal

Photo from norwichnuts

You who experienced death and resurrection,

Who dwells in heaven's love,

Praise to the you, the three in one,

Creator, Word and Love.

Let the flowers of heaven

Fill our hearts with lovingkindness

As the flowers of spring

Remind us that the season of renewal

Has begun.

In the soft breeze of spring

Let us discern your love.

In the thunderstorms

Let us sense you power.

In the still nights of renewal

Let us know your will.

With this Earth and Sun

You nurture us.

Forgive our failure to sow your lovingkindness

As we forgive those who sow despair.

Keep us out of the mud of selfishness.

Deliver us from the quagmires of the soul.

For yours is the springtime,

And the glory of life everlasting.

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

Green

Around me my world has changed to green
As plants and trees put on new growth.
Green is the color of renewal,
Green is the color of restoration.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul."
Whatever our failures,
Whatever our sins,
We need only turn to God
To receive forgiveness.
Forgiven,
We can strive anew
To become
What God intended.
Forgiven,
We can begin again.

Photo by gurdonark